Sunday, December 1, 2019
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Chico DeBarge arrested for possession of Meth
Soul singer, Chico DeBarge, a member of the hot R&B family DeBarge, was arrested in California on drug possession charges.
The singer was arrested for drug possession in Burbank, CA. He was seen attempting to break into his own SUV with a wire in a Walmart parking lot when police arrived, TMZ reported.
It was reported that he left his keys inside his SUV, causing him to want to break-in. Since the police were unaware of the vehicle belonged to Chico, they searched him and allegedly found methamphetamine in his pockets, the amount is still unknown.
— Roshon Fegan describes how he transformed for starring role in ‘The Bobby DeBarge Story’
The police also said, when searching his vehicle, they found drug paraphernalia as well, resulting in his arrest.
Although the formal charges against DeBarge are still pending from the Burbank City Police, the singer was booked and released from jail, according to TMZ.
But this isn’t the singer’s first hiccup with the law, back in 2007 he was arrested in California for drug possession resulting in him going to rehab, Daily News reported.
— El DeBarge squanders ‘Second Chance’ with latest drug relapse
Four years prior, he was stabbed by Philadelphia mobster John Casasanto after fighting with one of Casasanto’s affiliates in a nightclub.
Chico is most known for his 80’s hit “Talk to Me” that gained the 21st spot in the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song and his first album debuted when the singer was only 20-years-old.
Chico however is not the only DeBarge family member that has been in trouble with the law for use of drugs. His brother Bobby DeBarge was sentenced to five years in jail in 1988 for drug trafficking, according to the Michigan Chronicle.
The lead singer of DeBarge, El DeBarge also had a problem with drugs. In 2001, he was arrested for cocaine possession and was put on probation, he then received probation again in 2006 for the same charge. But in 2008, he was arrested for possession of crack and sentenced to two years in state prison.
We wish the best for the DeBarge family and Chico with substance abuse.
The post Chico DeBarge arrested for possession of Meth appeared first on theGrio.
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Chicago suburb, Evanston gets approved for 2020 Reparations plan
An Evanston, Illinois Aldermen is making sure that African-Americans receive some type of reparations from the legal sale of recreational marijuana. Aldermen Robin Rue Simmons, of the 5th ward, proposed a plan to direct all sales tax revenue collected from recreational marijuana purchases into an account that will allow for reparations locally, and this week, it was approved.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the program’s goal is to help Evanston’s Black population stay in the city and will also offer job training and other benefits.
“We can implement funding to directly invest in Black Evanston,” said Ald. Robin Rue Simmons.
— Illinois city plans reparations fund for Black residents using cannabis revenue
In Illinois, where the state Legislature easily approved the sale of recreational marijuana this past spring, some communities have been hesitant to allow businesses in their own backyards, particularly in the suburbs, as reported in USA Today. While Chicago plans to allow cannabis sales, some suburban local precincts have decided to opt-out.
The suburb of Evanston and its’ leaders are using this local reparations program as an opportunity to tackle the ongoing outcomes of institutional slavery and discrimination against Blacks.
Alderman Simmons also saw this as an opportunity to correct the wrongs done against Black residents of Evanston that may have been incarcerated due to the “war on drugs” and spent time behind bars for smoking marijuana which is now recreationally legal in Illinois, the Chicago Tribune reported.
The tax on marijuana will “be invested in the community it unfairly policed and damaged,” Simmons said.
— New push for racial equality for Black entrepreneurs in the marijuana trade
A local committee of residents will now examine how the money should be allocated and best practices of supporting the Black community through housing, education, and economic incentives.
According to the City of Evanston staff reports the fund will have a cap of $10 million, with the city projecting to make $500,000 to $750,000 annually in marijuana sales tax.
“I support the approval of the ordinance for the city of Evanston to commit all of the anticipated tax revenue from the recreational marijuana businesses, to support work aimed at intentionally repairing harms done to the Black community from policies and practices in so many different areas,” said Oliver Ruff, a retired teacher and Evanston resident.
Simmons’ proposal was the aftermath of a decrease in Evanston’s black population, from 22.5% of the population in 2000 to 16.9% in 2017, according to U.S. Census data.
The post Chicago suburb, Evanston gets approved for 2020 Reparations plan appeared first on theGrio.
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Kamala Harris’ aide resigns in letter outlining a troubled campaign
Sen. Kamala Harris’ presidential race to the White House may be in jeopardy. A resignation letter from one of Harris’ former campaign staffers describes her campaign as slightly chaotic for workers, lacking direction, and “no real plan to win” with the Iowa caucus just around the corner in 2020.
The resignation letter obtained by the New York Times, was from former state operations manager Kelly Mehlenbacher. In addition to writing the letter, Mehlenbacher’s letter and claims were also verified by more than 50 current and former campaign staffers and allies of the campaign, according to Independent.
— Kamala Harris proposes doubling mental health treatment beds
The letter, dated Nov. 11, specifies how the campaign at many times used flawed strategies like targeting the wrong candidates in debates, giving focus to the wrong states, and even the wrong type of candidates.
“While I still believe Senator Harris is the strongest candidate. I have never seen an organisation treat its staff so poorly … I no longer have confidence in our campaign or its leadership. The treatment of our staff over the last two weeks was the final straw,” Mehlenbacher said.
She also expressed how disappointed she was in making staffers move the campaign headquarters from Washington DC to Baltimore, Maryland, “only to lay them off without notice”. She described the situation as “unacceptable”. Then stating there was “no plan for the campaign” and the decision was made without thoughtful consideration of the personal consequences to them or the consequences that their absence would have on the remaining staff.”
“Neither the campaign manager or the chair” addressed the staff “to explain, apologize or reassure” the staffers that still remained on board, according to Independent.
— Sen. Kamala Harris introduces bill that extends kids’ school day to 6pm
Harris hasn’t only received kickback from former staffers and allies but also from the polls for her lack of a clear health care plan, and for not rolling out a clear criminal justice plan, in addition to answering questions about her past as a prosecutor.
“Because we have refused to confront our mistakes, foster an environment of critical thinking, and honest feedback, or trust the expertise of talented staff, we find ourselves making the same unforced errors over and over”, the letter reads.
— Kamala Harris campaign cuts headquarters staff, moves some to Iowa
According to the Independent, this division is due to decisions made by leadership. Harris’ sister, Maya Harris, directs her campaign, making it hard for constructive criticism and feedback of the candidate to happen.
Harris’ campaign has also taken a dive financially from $12 million in the beginning of 2019 dropping down to $11 million by the close of the year.
The post Kamala Harris’ aide resigns in letter outlining a troubled campaign appeared first on theGrio.
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Billy Dee Williams breaking gender binary walls down in Hollywood
Actor Billy Dee Williams lives life by his own standards and believes everyone should “Be yourself.” Not only is this his mantra, but the 82 -year-old actor is breaking down gender-conforming walls as well. Williams recently vocalized to Esquire during an interview, that he uses both he/him and she/her pronouns when referring to himself, according to Out.
“I say ‘himself’ and ‘herself,’ because I also see myself as feminine as well as masculine,” he said. “I’m a very soft person. I’m not afraid to show that side of myself,” reveals Williams. “I never tried to be anything except myself. I think of myself as a relatively colorful character who doesn’t take himself or herself too seriously.”
— Lupita Nyong’o, John Boyega, and Billy Dee Williams shine at Star Wars Celebration
Williams’ career spans over the last half a century with his most notable roles perhaps being Louis McKay in 1972’s Lady Sings the Blues or Lando Calrissian in the 1980’s Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
When Esquire told Williams that his predecessor, Donald Glover, who portrayed Lando in 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story, also embraces his gender fluidity and sexuality, he was visibly excited.
“Really? That kid is brilliant — just look at those videos,” he said, referencing Glover’s song “This Is America”.
Williams’ role as Lando broke racial barriers in 1980 by having a Black character in a genre of film that was and still is primarily white. Even though this is a great accomplishment, Williams says he’s proudest of his role as Gale Sayers in 1971, Emmy nominated TV movie Brian’s Song, according to Esquire.
“It was a love story, really. Between two guys. Without sex. It ended up being a kind of breakthrough in terms of racial division,” he said.
These roles and more are what makes Billy Dee Williams, Hollywood royalty. He recalls actors like Chris Rock and Jamie Foxx both paying homage to him and the path he set for other African American actors.
“The Rock calls me the OG,” Williams said. “What I presented on that screen people didn’t expect to see. And I deliberately presented something that nobody had experienced before: a romantic brown-skinned boy.”
Williams will be back on the big screen Dec. 20, reprising his role as Lando in the upcoming The Rise of Skywalker, the final movie of the Skywalker saga.
The post Billy Dee Williams breaking gender binary walls down in Hollywood appeared first on theGrio.
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10 Things You Should Never Do at Your Office Holiday Party
It’s that time of year–companies are pulling out all the stops to show appreciation for a year of hard work with a banging holiday party.
The office holiday party is one of the few chances you will get to let your hair down, enjoy cocktails, and unwind with your co-workers on the company’s dime. So you, of course, want to take full advantage.
What you don’t want to do, however, is to have your holiday party become a holiday bummer, because you neglected to avoid these helpful party faux pas:
1. Drinking Too Much
This is rule number one for a reason. Please, please, please, if you happen to fall short with every item on this list, let this be the one that you hold nearest and dearest. The quickest, easiest way to unravel that stellar reputation you’ve been building and nurturing all year is by ending it as that drunk, unruly, belligerent, overly friendly, sloppy, uncensored, messy, embarrassing co-worker at the party. Everyone is judging you–actively. Keep it together.
2. Oversharing
This can correspond with the drinking. You don’t have to be fully intoxicated to start talking too much. Don’t say anything you wouldn’t say during the regular workday. Let this be your guide. If you have to give second thought to questions or comments before they leave your mouth, default to “No.” Say nothing at all and walk away. You’ll be glad you did.
3. Being Cliquish
You have your work faves, and that’s totally fair and expected. However, now is not the time to show the rest of the company what close besties you are. Mingle–get to know workers in other departments. Smile, dance, and chat with those that rarely cross your paths. This is the perfect time to work on your relationship building. The more alliances you have at work, the better your work situation. Use this as a time to build your team.
4. Disappearing
Though office functions may not be your thing, you should not sneak out “unnoticed” to find something else to do. Your bosses and your co-workers notice your absence, and they likely aren’t feeling it. The point of holiday parties is to bond outside of the norm. When you’d rather not, you don’t seem like a team player. Suck it up and make believe this party is the highlight of your work year. Be merry and stick it out.
5. Hoarding Food
After your third run to the buffet table, they are starting to notice. Get the amount of food you need on round one on two and don’t stake out the feeding area. You’re not that hungry, you’re not the needy, and you know how to behave when you’re faced with “free.” Try to keep it cute.
6. Dressing Inappropriately
Despite the suggested party attire, keep in mind you’re with co-workers and not your girls at the club. Spruce up a bit, sure. Now is the time to break up the monotony of your work uniforms, but be sure you’re professional and covered up.
7. Being Anti-Social
Parties can be awkward, even when they’re with people you see every day. Try, if you can, to engage those around you. Don’t use the merriment and activities as an excuse to retreat. If you can’t find anyone to chat with, post up by the DJ or the bar–someone always eventually shows up there.
8. Working
It’s a party. Chill. You don’t look like an overachiever; you more closely resemble a disengaged wallflower. Get up and enjoy.
9. Complaining
If you neglected to donate a single cent to the party planning, you don’t have a right to utter a single complaint. Yes, there will always be things you wish were different, but now is not the time to voice them. No one wants to hang out with “Gloomy Gus” during party time. Challenge yourself to say something that’s right about the festivities, every time you find something wrong.
10. Anything That You Don’t Want to Be Discussed the Next Day?
Steer far clear of.
Follow these guidelines, and above all–enjoy! It’s the holidays for goodness sake.
Editors’ Note: This article was originally published on December 20, 2016.
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Former NBC Exec. Paula Madison Blasts Comcast for Not Supporting Byron Allen and Minority-Owned TV Networks
Former NBCUniversal executive, journalist, and businesswoman Paula Madison blasted Comcast, which owns NBCUniversal, in an open letter in light of the Byron Allen vs. Comcast Supreme Court case. Madison said she felt the need to speak out about Comcast’s dealings with ‘The Africa Channel’, a network that she owns which has been distributed by Comcast since 2005.
“The Africa Channel’s (“TAC”) relationship with Comcast has been cordial and at times even jovial but our economic relationship cannot be described as a good one. Yes, Comcast is distributing TAC (in business since 2005 and my family’s investment business is the largest shareholder) to about 4 million subscribers but it has not meaningfully expanded our subscriber base beyond about 2 million Comcast subscribers,” said Madison, a former executive vice president and chief diversity officer at NBCUniversal, in a press release.
“Although Comcast has not shut out TAC, Comcast has not been a good business partner. With an unkept — yet repeated — promise by Comcast of 4 million additional subscribers it’s inaccurate to include TAC in any grouping of black-owned independent networks which would typify the Comcast business relationship as good or in any way proactive.”
She goes on to say, “Launching these Black entrepreneurs’ new cable networks without meaningful distribution and real economic inclusion, in my opinion, would result in a business model fraught with frustration and near futility. As the NBCU team leader who worked on and negotiated the MOU with the African American civil rights leaders, separately I had raised with Comcast that without a guaranteed subscriber count giving the Black entrepreneurs significant revenue and profit, the launch of these channels would not help them achieve success in business. Indeed, as an owner of The Africa Channel, I recused myself from any Comcast-TAC discussions but I also knew from experience that without the key components of a guaranteed number of subscribers and revenue, running a profitable cable network would be very problematic. I shared these concerns with Comcast—that the African American networks would be positioned to fail—and Comcast made it clear that it was only committed to launching these networks, and not giving them the necessary distribution and economic support to succeed. Period.”
“I also spoke with National Association of Black Journalists (“NABJ”) President Dorothy Tucker expressing my great concern that the Civil Rights Act of 1866 would be gutted by Comcast and U.S. Attorney General Barr and so I encouraged NABJ, of which I am a lifetime member, to speak out and indeed NABJ has done so. After watching Comcast’s actions regarding the statute, I am now convinced that I have to speak up. Again, this is the reason I am writing this statement.
Section 1981(a) of the 1866 law states, “… [C]itizens… of every race… without regard to any previous condition of slavery… shall have the same right… to make and enforce contracts… as is enjoyed by white citizens…”
“I believe Byron Allen’s $20 billion lawsuit must be allowed to proceed to trial so we can hear all of the details and the truth.”
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