It’s almost impossible to shut down a megacity. And even if you do, people (and their germs) would find a way out.
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Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Yo Gotti Speaks out Against the Inhumane Treatment in Mississippi Prisons
Activists, celebrities, and everyday folks have been speaking out on social media about the five inmates recently killed in prisons across the state of Mississippi.
Rapper Yo Gotti is among the voices speaking out against the injustice. Yo Gotti is teaming up with Jay-Z to file a lawsuit against the Mississippi Department of Corrections Committee and has even written to the former Governor of Mississippi, Phil Bryant regarding the gravity of the situation.
In an exclusive sit-down with theGrio, Yo Gotti discusses his position on the recent incidents in Mississippi and his plans to make an impact.
“These facilities are supposed to be for rehabilitation. Those people are supposed to come home, better, not die while they’re in jail. So, you know, I just think we have to do what we can do from the outside that can help the people, ” Yo Gotti tells theGrio.
The Tennessee native shares that one of the reasons he was inspired to speak out is the fact that Mississippi is close to home for him. “If you cross over one street in Memphis, you technically in Mississippi,” he tells TheGrio. Yo Gotti also details his initial reaction when he saw the graphic images and heard the tragic stories of the inmates in the prisons. The “Rake it Up” rapper states that jail is more complex than just a consequence of punishment, because there are people wrongfully in jail, awaiting trial, and people who can’t afford to make bond.
“All of them are in the same facility, so how you distinguish who’s who? And even if you’re a criminal, you still don’t deserve to live like that,” he tells theGrio
Yo Gotti emphasizes that regardless if you are an artist or someone who clocks into a 9 to 5 everyday, if something is important to you, touches you, or bothers you, then you should speak up and take action.
“If I feel like it’s something to speak about or it’s an issue to me. I speak about it,” Yo Gotti tells theGrio
Yo Gotti’s message to inmates is that “we just hope that they can be as strong as they could be. And that we will try to help them from the outside as much as we can, you know, to just hold on.”
Check out the full interview above.
The post Yo Gotti Speaks out Against the Inhumane Treatment in Mississippi Prisons appeared first on TheGrio.
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State of the Culture’s Eboni K. Williams: Remy Ma and I ‘Co-Exist’
Longtime public defender and former Fox News pundit Eboni K. Williams is no stranger to facing off with fiery personalities. But she has her work cut out for her when it comes to debating the hot topics with her State of the Culture co-host Remy Ma.
In a September clip that has since gone viral, the duo faced off over rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine’s courtroom confessions and things got ugly.
“Can I get off of this couch while she’s giving people advice and tips on how to f—king snitch?” a visibly annoyed Remy deadpanned at the camera while shading Williams for her legal advice.
So how are things between Williams and Remy today?
“We have created space to co-exist,” Williams, 36, tells theGrio.
No shade?
READ MORE: Remy Ma on the Cardi B and Nicki Beef
“Like, we’re good, really. There are moments of real contention and I don’t want to minimize that. But again, I think that’s an opportunity for growth.”
Williams, who spent much of her career as a criminal defense attorney, hints that there will likely be more conflicts with Remy as they each bring their unique perspectives on pop culture, politics, and social justice to the table.
“The Queen Remy Ma comes from a background, [as] an expert in hip-hop, an expert in culture, an expert in motherhood, an expert, not because she’s perfect, right. But because she’s experienced in that. She’s been a wife for upwards of 10 years,” Williams said. “So, Remy brings a unique experience of vantage point. I proudly bring a unique experience and vantage point–my expertise in law, my expertise in media and journalism. You put that together, and what it creates is a beautiful dynamic for young girls and women of all ages to look at and be able to appreciate.
“It’s not about agreeing all the time. I always say agreement to me is actually grossly overrated. I don’t think our moments of growth come from just being in lockstep alignment on every issue, on every point. It’s all good. We have a beautiful and growing relationship.”
READ MORE: Rihanna’s reps deny asking Shaggy to audition for her upcoming album
Plus, the Pretty Powerful author adds that she’s determined not to fall into a tired narrative of catfights with Remy, 39, her only female co-host.
“Women, are, historically, a marginalized group of folk. We’ve been sold a lie that says only one or maybe two of us at a time can succeed in a space. And that’s a false narrative. To be simply put, the truth is we actually thrive as women. We thrive as black people. We thrive as any marginalized group in this country…the truth is, is that as women and especially as Black women, we are each other’s protection.”
Check out the full video about for more on Eboni K Williams !
The post State of the Culture’s Eboni K. Williams: Remy Ma and I ‘Co-Exist’ appeared first on TheGrio.
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Texas school forces Black teen to choose between wearing locs or attending graduation
A Texas teenager is being faced with the difficult decision to either cut off the locs he’s been growing since he was in the seventh grade or be banned from his own high school graduation ceremony.
According to a local NBC affiliate, Deandre Arnold, who lives in the Houston suburb of Mont Belvieu, previously had an agreement with the Barbers Hill independent school district that allowed for his hair to be treated as an exemption to their dress code policy because of its spiritual and cultural significance.
Over the last 10 years the agreement has been upheld with no issue, but unbeknownst to the Arnold family, an amendment was recently made. As a result, upon his return from Christmas break, the 18-year-old was unexpectedly placed on in-school suspension at Barbers Hill High School because his hair was too long. He was also informed he couldn’t walk during graduation until his dreadlocks were cut short enough to meet the district’s revised policy.
This week during the Barbers Hill Independent School District board meeting there is a clear divide about if the actions against the teen are warranted or even reasonable.
READ MORE: California set to become first state to ban discriminating against natural hair
READ MORE: Family of Aaron Hernandez’s victim reportedly being harassed in wake of Netflix doc
“You are in violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act as it pertains to religious beliefs,” Gary Monroe, who is with United Urban Alumni Association, informed board members while explaining his opposition to the dress code.
“Let’s stop with the dress code. This not about dress code, this is about policing Black boys,” opined one of the many activists who took the podium during Monday evening’s gathering.
“I won’t stand for anybody bullying my child. He has rights. All he wants to do is graduate,” said David Arnold, who believes the way the school board is treating his son should be considered a form of bullying.
Despite the outcry from the community, the board still opted not to place the topic on the upcoming agendas for further discussion.
The post Texas school forces Black teen to choose between wearing locs or attending graduation appeared first on TheGrio.
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Rutgers University Names Jonathan Holloway as Its First Black President
Jonathan Holloway has been named the new president of Rutgers University, making him the first African American to hold the position.
Holloway will start in his new position on July 1 after being approved by the Rutgers Board of Governors. He will be succeeding Robert Barchi who has been at the helm at Rutgers University since September 2012. The hiring of Holloway makes him the 21st president of New Jersey’s flagship university.
The 52-year-old, who was voted in unanimously by the Rutgers Board of Governors, is currently provost at Northwestern University. “I was drawn to the opportunity at Rutgers University because of its amazing history, its foundation of excellence in teaching and its ambition to continue conducting life-changing research that improves our communities, our country and our world,” Holloway said in a statement.
“Bob Barchi’s extraordinary leadership has helped place Rutgers among the preeminent public universities in the world,” he added. “I cannot wait to help write the next chapter in the history of this magnificent institution.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy was excited about the hire.
Thrilled that @RutgersU is set to name Jonathan Holloway, Provost of @NorthwesternU, as its President. During our conversations, Dr. Holloway clearly showed he had the vision & experience to put the needs of students first & lead Rutgers to the next level.https://t.co/qCou52kBZV
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) January 19, 2020
“Jonathan Holloway is an extraordinarily distinguished scholar with an outstanding record as an academic administrator at Northwestern and Yale. He is thoughtful, visionary, inclusive and decisive. He leads with remarkable integrity, and is just the right person to build upon Rutgers’ long tradition as an academic and research powerhouse,” said Rutgers Board of Governors Chair Mark Angelson who also chaired the presidential search committee.
“Selecting our university president is perhaps the Board of Governors’ most important responsibility. We are confident that we have chosen the best person to lead Rutgers into the future,” he said.
The Board of Governors also appointed Holloway as a University Professor and Distinguished Professor. He serves on the boards of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Illinois Humanities, the National Humanities Alliance, the Society for United States Intellectual History and the Organization of American Historians. Holloway is an elected member of the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Society of American Historians.
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Officer who shot video of Delonte West is now suspended from police force
A Maryland police officer believed to have shot one of the viral videos that showed former NBA player Delonte West sitting on a curb handcuffed and shirtless, has been suspended from the Prince George’s County Police force.
After a police investigation into the video, Prince Georges Police Chief Hank Stawinski said it was determined that an officer, whom he didn’t name, shot it and posted it to social media. Stawinski said he was “troubled” by the incident, according to CBS News.
READ MORE: NBA reportedly offers help after disturbing video of Delonte West goes viral
“It’s irresponsible for that (video) taken by a Prince George’s County police officer to be in the public’s hands,” Stawinski said at a press conference.
Police responded to a call about a fight near the MGM National Harbor casino and when officers arrived, they saw a man bleeding from the face and “made the decision to handcuff” West, according to Stawinski. West and the other man knew each other and police determined they had been arguing before it turned violent. Both men refused medical treatment, police said.
“They both refused to press charges against each other and refused to cooperate with detectives. No weapons were recovered,” police said, according to CBS News.
In the video, West is being questioned by police about the altercation and went off on an indecipherable rant, telling police he was approached by someone wielding a gun as he walked down the street. But when police pushed him for more detail about the incident, he becomes belligerent and is heard saying “I don’t give a f–k” twice before continuing his rant.
The viral video caught the attention of West’s former college coach, Phil Martelli, who coached West and Jameer Nelson for several years at Saint Joseph’s before West left for the NBA. Martelli took to Twitter to post a compassionate note about watching West spiral, reported ESPN.
“Over the past several hours I have talked with many who are willing to help – please read and embrace Jameer’s wisdom – we are reaching out to our basketball network to get the professional help Delonte needs. This is so very painful,” Martelli tweeted.
Over the past several hours I have talked with many who are willing to help – please read and embrace Jameer’s wisdom – we are reaching out to our basketball network to get the professional help Delonte needs. This is so very painful. https://t.co/8IAuTdzCc9
— Phil Martelli (@PhilMartelli) January 21, 2020
READ MORE: Black men must overcome mental health stigmas
West, 36, played eight seasons in the NBA, including several seasons with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also played for the Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics and Dallas Mavericks.
The post Officer who shot video of Delonte West is now suspended from police force appeared first on TheGrio.
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Multimillionaire Entrepreneur Shares The Keys to Effective Leadership
Ushering in a new decade can be eye-opening for many who commit to wiping the slate clean, dusting off dormant goals, repositioning themselves from missed opportunities, or initiating endeavors to ignite a fresh phase of the future. However, one thing that has echoed throughout the corridors of history and will never change is the necessity and demand for effective leadership.
David Imonitie is a self-proclaimed multimillionaire, success trainer, coach, investor, and serial entrepreneur who was reared in an atmosphere of leadership that was exemplified by his parents. Both were pastors and entrepreneurs, while his father is a professional tennis player in Africa. The fruit of their labor has produced a global influencer in the areas of enterprise and leadership today.
After repeat business failures, Imonitie shifted how he viewed money by applying proven principles, earning his first million in his early 20s, and has since earned over eight-figures. Through his leadership, he’s been a catalyst in building large organizations and developing leaders, teams, and organizations to generate hundreds of millions in revenue. He’s also passionate about teaching biblical principles and sharing messages of faith and finance through the I Believe Foundation.
According to Imonitie, leadership is based on two primary premises: influence and vision. Leaders possess the ability to influence others by communicating a clear vision. The inspiration, enthusiasm, and action they exude compel others to want to follow. Influential leaders have the ability to cast a vision large enough where others can see themselves as part of it. Everyone was born with the gift of leadership and has the capacity to lead in some form or another; however, everyone won’t take the time to develop their leadership potential and sharpen their leadership skills.
Imonitie shares key essentials to increase leadership effectiveness.
Examine Your Motives.
Ensure that you have a love (heart) for the people that you serve. After all, who are you leading if you’re not leading people, and moreover, who are you leading without loving people? Leadership motivated by love is critical because it reveals the heart of a leader. It’s going to show up in your language, disposition, service quality, and customer service. Before people purchase your product, service, program, or participate in your cause, they want to know that you genuinely care about them.
Be Clear On Decisions.
Clarity and vision are the keys to 2020 and beyond. You must be clear about what you want. When a leader is indecisive, they don’t know where they’re going and therefore can’t expect anyone else to follow. No one can follow a parked car. Being decisive becomes easier when they are in alignment with your goals. Your goals are in alignment with your vision. Once you decide, make sure that decision surrounds and supports your goals.
Commit To Continual Growth.
Leadership development requires people to commit to finding and staying in the right environment, aligning with the right people, receiving the right information, and learning from the right experiences to acquire the skills and discipline needed to be effective. The real question is, “who do I need to become?” Look for opportunities to grow by researching and studying the habits of effective leaders such as the books they read, the audio they listen to, and associations they have.
Learn To Fail Forward.
Give yourself permission to be an example of success and failure. Why? Because all great leaders fall. It demonstrates how you handle challenges and adversity. In success, you can be an example of discipline, and in failure, you can be an example of resiliency. As a leader, I draw inspiration from the realities of success and failure and am always inspired by the resiliency of the human spirit.
Make It About Mentorship.
Mentorship matters because it’s an investment of time. Mentors oftentimes choose their protégés. Having your best interest at heart, they put you on a path of navigation to reach your destination. For those who are serious about creating accountability, reducing their learning curve, avoiding costly mistakes, and following a proven blueprint for success, mentorship is a priceless commodity that changes the trajectory of destinies. The strategies, insight, and wisdom mentors provide position their protégés to take quantum leaps. Most importantly, you are afforded the gift of access, however, that access is defined in the relationship.
Win By Producing Results.
It’s not only a new decade, but it’s a new day. In a world of constant demand for social proof and search for solutions, people will not pay attention to leaders who are unable to produce results. Therefore, the discipline of being action-oriented is so crucial for leaders. Devising a strategy, setting goals, making necessary adjustments, and executing only on tasks that drive results.
Winning is the name of the game. Period.
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How to Maximize the Value of Your Business to Attract Investors and Buyers
If you own a business and would like to attract investors or buyers, increasing its value should be your No. 1 priority. There are many tactics such as cutting costs that you can implement to drive you toward your goal. According to a 2017 Sageworks study, businesses with less than $5 million in annual revenue experienced about 7.8% annual sales growth. However, if you are in tech or a healthcare-based industry, 20% growth may be common, according to a 2017 Kauffman Foundation report.
It’s important to benchmark where you are. Proactively searching for new opportunities will set you apart from the competition. Here are three ways to maximize the value of your business.
1. Optimize Your Cash Flow
Staying on top of your cash flow is crucial. If you haven’t done so already, I’d suggest incorporating a cloud-based accounting platform to streamline your financial management. As you expand, you will need access to your financials, including your profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, on-demand.
Instead of bringing the accounting in house, you might consider outsourcing those functions to a third party. Bringing on a fractional CFO and a remote bookkeeping team will help you stay on track while controlling costs. Growing your revenue while increasing your margins will help you get to where you want to be. This is incredibly important if you want to get an equity infusion or sell the business as a part of your succession plan.
2. Purchase Assets
There are cases to be made for leasing assets. However, if you would like to maximize the value of your business owning assets is the way to go. If you finance the asset, it ends up on your balance sheet and you can deduct the interest on the loan.
Be sure to consult with your tax adviser. It is also important to utilize lines of credit and supplier financing. Have a conversation with your bank and several suppliers. By negotiating terms in advance, you’ll be in a stronger position when you need to access those funds. This is a great way to leverage your cash to invest in additional business assets.
3. Develop new revenue
It pays to tighten up your service experience. After all, it’s less expensive to service an existing customer than it is to acquire a new customer.
In addition, a single customer should not contribute more than 20% of your revenue. If so, you are at risk of a serious cash-flow problem should that customer decide to look elsewhere. Consider tapping into your network of suppliers to ask for referrals. Your supplier should be familiar with the products or services that you offer. Educate them on who your ideal customer is. This is a long-term strategy that can lead to significant revenue.
You should also look at partnering with businesses in different industries who also sell to your customers. These alliances can yield attractive results. Make sure you have an agreement in place to define the nature of the partnership. Be sure to consult with a business attorney. There is a multitude of ways to grow your business. Find out which ones work for you and put your resources behind them.
With a little creativity, your growth will exceed your industry’s benchmarks. Consider working with a business adviser who can help you design and implement a growth strategy. With the right team in place, you will have a higher probability of maximizing the value of your business.
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