Amy Cooper made headlines in May after a viral video showed her needlessly calling 911 and falsely claiming a Black man was threatening her life at Central Park in New York City.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is now pushing for a bill to make false emergency calls a hate crime.
According to The New York Post, the bill Cuomo wants state lawmakers to pass was first introduced by assembly Assistant Speaker Felix Ortiz in 2018.
Cuomo spoke of the bill on his June 5 press conference.
“We’ve seen 911 calls which are race-based, false calls,” Cuomo stated. “A false 911 call based on race should be classified as a hate crime in the state of New York.”
Amy Cooper and dog (Image courtesy of Twitter)
The Democratic governor plans to add the piece of legislation to al ist of law enforcement reform he is advocating for. According to Ortiz, violators could face up to one to five years in prison based on current hate crime statutes.
The reform package includes banning chokeholds in New York law enforcement, increasing transparency of disciplinary action taken against officers and allowing the state attorney general to serve as an independent prosecutor for cases that involve deaths of unarmed civilians by law enforcement.
“The bottom line is: we should be using better judgment. Racism gets created, and I think that by making false reporting because of gender or region is completely unacceptable and intolerable,” Cuomo said.
Amy Cooper was videotaped by Christian Cooper, a Black New York birdwatcher, when she refused to use a leash as required while walking her dog in Central Park.
Franklin Templeton, a global investment firm, fired Amy Cooper after the racist incident spread quickly across social media and in the news media.
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Two days before George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis, another unarmed Black man lost his life at the hands of law enforcement in New Jersey.
As reported by NJ.com, Maurice Gordon was shot dead by a state trooper during a routine traffic stop in Burlington County, New Jersey, and his family is still seeking answers.
According to the family’s lawyer, William O. Wagstaff III, the incident happened after the trooper stopped Gordon, 28, for speeding on the Garden State Parkway. When Gordon’s car wouldn’t restart, a tow truck was called and the trooper waited with Gordon.
The trooper’s name has yet to be released. Gordon was a native of Jamaica and lived in Poughkeepsie, New York.
“Mr. Gordon did not want to remain in his vehicle so he was invited by the trooper to sit in the back of the trooper’s vehicle,” Wagstaff stated. “Once in the back of the trooper’s vehicle he was made to sit there for more than 30 minutes without any information being provided, not being issued a ticket, and there was no indication he was under arrest.”
Wagstaff then stated that an altercation happened when Gordon attempted to vacate the trooper’s car and that’s when he was shot. The lawyer says he has only been allowed to see a portion of the available police video footage thus far.
Maurice Gordon
State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal is still investigating the case. Video can be released “typically within 20 days” after the initial investigation is “substantially complete,” according to an attorney general spokesman.
“I need to be able to interview witnesses based on what they saw, not what they saw in a video and then are repeating in a witness interview,” Grewal said about his reasoning to withhold details about the incident at this time.
Gordon’s family heard the news in London. His brother and mother flew to Poughkeepsie, New York and are staying there in a hotel in order to find answers.
Gordon was a chemistry student and delivered orders for UberEats, his mother told the news outlet.
“As a family we deserve answers for my brother,” Yanique Gordon, 27, said. “He was innocent. He didn’t do drugs. He didn’t hang out with the wrong crowd… He did not come all the way from Jamaica to die at the hands of someone else.”
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A college football coach has been suspended after a years-old text message that included a racial slur was uncovered.
Morgan Scalley, defensive coordinator of the University of Utah football team, was put on leave Friday following the discovery of a 2013 text message in which he used a racial slur. The announcement was made by Mark Harlan, the university’s athletic director.
ESPN reports that a formal, external investigation will look into Scalley and his text message. Harlan stated that Scalley admitted sending the text that included a “derogatory and painful word.”
“The use of any form of racist language is not only antithetical to our policies and our values, but it is an affront to all of us, especially our African-American community members,” Harlan wrote in a tweet announcing the move. “While the review of this matter is being conducted, I have placed Morgan on suspension effective immediately.”
Utah issued a statement that included Scalley’s apology, saying that he made a “terrible mistake” by sending the text with the slur.
“This language is offensive and hurtful to not only the African-American community, but to all,” Scalley said. “Immediately after sending it, I apologized to the recipient and his family. I am also heartbroken over the potential breach of trust with my fellow coaches, and with the young men in our program, both past and present.”
While the actual slur hasn’t been disclosed, a former Utah cornerback Ryan Lacy tweeted that Scalley called him an “N-word” in 2008 and got a “half-ass apology” from Scalley when he confronted him in 2013.
“He is a great coach, but needs to be a better Man. Truth hurts,” Lacy wrote.
I, too, was called a racial slur (N-word) by this man in 2008, confronted him my senior year 2013. Held onto it 5 years and Got a half ass apology, more on terms of an excuse. He is a great coach, but needs to be a better Man. Truth hurts. God bless
Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham stated he is “shocked” and that this is “inconsistent” with Scalley’s character. However, he supports Scalley’s suspension and investigation.
Ryan Lacy, #26 of the Utah Utes, celebrates his interception with Jason Whittingham #37 during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 10, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
“I take very seriously the hurt, pain and anger felt by African-Americans, and the power of words to inflict or deepen that pain,” Whittingham said.
Scalley, who was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2016, has been with the football program for 12 years. In 2019, The Utes had the second-best total defense in college football.
Scalley played for Utah in the early 2000s. He was recognized as an All-American safety for the school and conference co-defensive player of the year in 2004.
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When it comes to activism, everyone has different roles to play. Since the police killing of George Floyd, people have been finding their place in the fight and more companies, brands, and celebrities are getting in on the #blacklivesmatter movement by the day.
Whether they are using their platforms to speak out against racism, highlighting injustice through their art, donating money, supplies, food, or legal resources, or marching alongside the rest of us, celebrities have been showing up and showing out in the fight for justice.
Michael Jordan
(Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
On Friday, the NBA legend announced that he and his Jordan Brand will be donating $100 million to organizations dedicated to racial equality over the next 10 years. “The Jordan Brand is us, the Black community. We represent a proud family that has overcome family obstacles, fought against discrimination in communities worldwide and that works every day to erase the stain of racism and the damage of injustice,” said the statement.
“Black lives matter. This isn’t a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country’s institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people.”
Beyonce
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Queen Bey has been using her enormous platform to speak out about the death of George Floyd and encouraged tons of people to sign a petition demanding the police be charged with murder.
“We need justice for George Floyd. We all witnessed his murder in broad daylight. We’re broken and disgusted,” Beyoncé said in an IG video directed at people across the world. “We cannot normalize this pain.” She has also encouraged people to protest peacefully and has honored George Floyd on her website.
Jay-Z
(Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP)
Sean Carter has been working hard behind the scenes to help where he can. The business mogul sent his own private jet to the legal team representing Arbery to ensure their attendance at a Georgia court hearing. According to social media posts uploaded by S. Lee Merritt of Philadelphia’s Merritt Law Firm, Hov let him and his associate fly private to the southern town.
He also took out full-page ads in several prominent publications to honor George Floyd with a letter that quoted MLK and was signed by the parents of Botham Jean, DJ Henry and Antwon Rose II, as well as Van Jones, Charlamagne tha God, Angela Rye, an attorney for the Floyd family, and several activists from organizations like The Innocence Project and Until Freedom.
Colin Kaepernick
(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
The former NFL star is starting to get some of the respect he deserves for insisting on protesting police brutality and launched the #TakeaKnee movement despite major backlash and losing his spot in the league. He has been voicing his support for protestors.
“When civility leads to death, revolting is the only logical reaction,” Kaepernick posted on social media. “The cries for peace will rain down, and when they do, they will land on deaf ears, because your violence has brought this resistance. We have the right to fight back! Rest in Power George Floyd.”
He also launched a legal defense initiative for protesters in Minneapolis funded by his Know Your Rights Camp.
Ice Cube
(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Following the death of George Floyd, Ice Cube canceled his scheduled appearance on Good Morning America even though his latest flick The High Note, was due out the next day. “I apologize to everyone expecting to see me on Good Morning America today,” he tweeted, “but after the events in Minnesota with George Floyd I’m in no mood to tell America, good morning.”
When some fans slammed his decision, he made his stance crystal clear. “I’m done talking,” he tweeted. “These people know right from wrong and they obviously don’t care. So what we talking about?”
Halsey
Instagram
The mixed-race pop singer has been marching in the streets of L.A. and documenting her experiences while protesting. “A true patriot is someone who will rebel against the government if it becomes necessary, to protect the greater good of their fellow citizens. We are patriots,” she tweeted. “If you are not, you are a coward. THIS is what democracy looks like.”
Halsey has been vocal about the privilege her fair complexion has afforded her and she pitched in to provide first-aid to injured protesters in Los Angeles.
“I don’t know how to articulate the horrors of today. NG + officers firing rounds into kneeling crowds. We don’t have enough medics on the ground on our side,” she posted. “I was treating injuries I am not qualified to. So much blood spilled. If you have med training pls go + standby outskirts.”
Kendrick Sampson
(Photo by Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images)
The Insecure star has been on the front lines of the Los Angeles protests from the start and helped organize last weekend’s protest in the Fairfax District.
“We honored those who have been murdered by police. The many that had been murdered by police — George Floyd brought us there that day, but we also had Tony McDade, and Kenneth Ross Jr., Breonna Taylor. …We poured out libations and we did so many beautiful things. We had an amazing song by Amber Riley, she’s sang ‘Freedom’ by Beyoncé—you know, my H-town people,” he told theGrio.
The actor was shot seven times with rubber bullets and continues to speak out against injustice and police brutality.
“You don’t know what’s going to happen. You have adrenaline going, fight or flight, and fortunately, I was blessed enough to make sure that I was fighting. You know, I don’t condemn anybody who does anything different necessarily,” he added. “I want to be very clear that I don’t condemn anybody else’s type of protest, that the only reason I continue to say that it was peaceful is to highlight the brutality of these cops. But I don’t necessarily advocate that it should have been peaceful with the violence that they were shown.”
Lena Waithe
(Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images for EIF & XQ)
Waithe is doing her part to support the movement by providing ongoing support to everyday folks who are out fighting for justice. The Emmy winner took to social media to announce she would be donating $25,000 directly to Black protestors who dropped their CashApp or Venmo information in her comments section. “We see you, we stand with you, we are you,” she said before adding that this will be just the first of many donations given to a community battling the dual realities of police brutality and a global health crisis.
Keke Palmer
(Photo: (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images/Twitter)
The 26-year-old star has been protesting alongside her community and made a passionate plea to members of the National Guard to march with her. “You have to pay attention to what’s going on. We have a president that’s trying to incite a race war, and when the borders are closed. We can’t leave. You have people in here that need your help,” she implored. “This is when you and y’all can stand together with the community, with society, to stop the governmental oppression. Period. We need you.”
John Boyega
(Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)
The Star Wars star from across the pond has been raising his voice for Black lives in a big way. He has been sharing his unfiltered take on racism with fans across social media and delivered moving speeches at protests in London. “I need you to understand how painful it is to be reminded every day that your race means nothing,” Boyega shouted to a crowd during a protest at Hyde Park in London. “And that isn’t the case anymore. That is never the case anymore. … We are a physical representation of our support for George Floyd.”
The actor says he doesn’t care if his activism costs him future roles. “Black lives have always mattered,” he yelled. “We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded.”
Drake
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Drizzy has been speaking up about racial injustice on social media and even wrote a touching poem to honor George Floyd. He also donated $100,000 to the National Bail Out Fund after being challenged by Mustafa the Poet.
The Weeknd
(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
The superstar who usually flies under the radar donated $500,000 to support George Floyd protest efforts. “Keep supporting our brothers and sisters out there risking everything to push for actual change for our black lives,” he posted along with receipts showing he actually donated the funds.
He also called out the major music labels and urged them to donate as well. “No one profits off of black music more than the labels and streaming services. I gave yesterday and I urge you to go big.”
Spike Lee
(Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney)
The Academy Award-winning filmmaker who is readying another exquisite offering Da 5 Bloods for release next week is using his art to speak volumes about the state of the world right now. He dropped a short film titled 3 Brothers and it illuminates the connection between his George Floyd, Eric Garner, and his fictional character from Do The Right Thing; Radio Raheem. All three of these men were killed by white police officers and the project is a staunch reminder that this is not new.
Steph & Ayesha Curry
(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
The gorgeous couple walked hand in hand at protests in Oakland and were joined by some fellow Warriors including Klay Thompson.
“Today was a movement in Oakland! Thank you @juanonjuan10 for the leadership. Everybody play your role and be consistent with it. This is a real moment of change. Keep each other accountable. “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains!” #justiceforgeorgefloyd #breonnataylor#blm,” Curry posted on IG.
Kanye West
(Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
It took several days for Kanye West to join in on the fight, but he seems committed to using his platform to affect change. He pledged to start a college fund for George Floyd’s young daughter and donated $2 million to the families and legal defense funds of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. He and his wife, Kim Kardashian West, have also offered to pay for legal fees in the Breonnna Taylor case.
Yeezy also took to the streets in his hometown of Chicago to march with protestors last week.
As the world continues to speak out against the systemic racism plaguing our country and mourning the tragic death of George Floyd, tons of celebrities are speaking out.
It has been interesting to watch what the white A-listers of the world are doing to address the issues we’re facing and realize who’s willing to step up to be an effectual ally in the fight for equality and who isn’t willing to risk offending their fans.
Here, we’ve gathered a few of the most outspoken and impactful moves from white Hollywood’s power players who are pulling up and speaking out for #BlackLivesMatter when it counts.
Reese Witherspoon
. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
The Little Fires Everywhere star did a lot to illuminate the intricacies of white privilege in the Hulu series she executive produced and starred in alongside Kerry Washington. Now, she’s doing her part to educate the masses on ways they can actually help curb their contributions to racism. She took to social media to let the world in on how she was handling the necessary discussions in her own home.
“Last night at dinner, my 7-year-old asked why all the grown ups were so upset. We spoke to him about what happened to George Floyd…Being a white mother trying to explain racism and bigotry to her white son, who did not understand why anyone would treat another human being that way, was heartbreaking,” she posted.
“But not nearly as heartbreaking as being a victim of one of these senseless, violent, unconscionable crimes,” she continued. “Not nearly as heartbreaking as being one of the families who have experienced loss and harassment and discrimination daily. Not nearly as heartbreaking as being a mother who lives in fear of what will happen to her children in this world.”
After the killing of Floyd rocked the world, the 2012 actor took action by protesting in his neighborhood, despite allegedly aggressive police officers. Cusack alleged that officers came at him with batons and shared some video of his experience on social media.
“Cops didn’t like me filming the burning car so they came at me with batons,” he wrote on a Twitter post.
Cops didn’t like me filming the burning car so they came at me with batons. Hitting my bike.
Ahhm here’s the audio pic.twitter.com/tfaOoVCw5v”
As a Canadian actor known for his funny bone, Seth Rogan has made it clear that racism is no laughing matter. He has been vocal in his support for #BlackLivesMatter and doesn’t mince words when his followers take issue with his stance.
The Pineapple Expressco-writer took to Instagram to post a picture with a yellow background and lettering alternating between Black and yellow exclaiming to his 8.3 million followers that Black Lives Matter.
“If this is a remotely controversial statement to you, feel free to unfollow me,” he wrote in the caption.
Rogen then proceeded to respond directly to users commenting that “all lives matter.”
“F— off. You don’t deserve my movies anymore. Stop watching my s—,” he told one user criticizing the protests. Rogen showed just how versatile the f-word is, telling one commenter, “shut the f— up,” another “f— off,” and a third person “eat s— and f— you.”
Rogen has also been donating to the Minnesota Freedom Fund to help bail out protestors.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 26: Billie Eilish attends the 2020 Grammy after party hosted by Universal Music Group on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, (Photo by Sarah Morris/Getty Images)
The “Bad Guy” singer has been dominating the music charts all year, thanks to her fans, but that hasn’t stopped her from checking several of her Instagram followers for their ignorance regarding #BlackLivesMatter and why it’s so ridiculous to respond with #AllLivesMatter.
“If I hear one more white person say ‘aLL liVeS maTtEr’ one more f**king time, I’m gonna lose my f**king mind,” Eilish wrote in a May 30 post. “Will you shut the f**k up? No one is saying your life is not hard. No one is saying literally anything at all about you. All you mfs do is find a way to make everything about yourself. This is not about you.
“Stop making everything about you. You are not in need. You are not in danger,” she wrote.
“Does white privilege affect Hispanic people? Native Americans? Asian people? Yes for f**king sure it does…But right now right in this moment… we have to address hundreds of years of oppression of Black people,” she continued.
“The slogan of #BlackLivesMatter does not mean other lives don’t. It’s calling attention to the fact that society clearly thinks Black lives don’t f**king matter!!!!!! And they f**king do!!!!!!”
“It means Black. lives. f**king. matter,” Eilish wrote, adding “#justiceforgeorgefloyd.”
This Hollywood power couple decided to take a look at their own choices, examine their past actions and encourage others to do the same. They also acknowledged that they can’t imagine what discrimination feels like, but showed their support by donating $200,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
Harry Styles visits SiriusXM Studios on March 2, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
The former One Direction heartthrob has over 27.9 million Instagram followers and he’s using his platform to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Sharing the same Black Lives Matter graphic that Rogen posted, Harry Styles took a different approach to getting the word out writing the following message in his caption:
“I do things every day without fear, because I am privileged, and I am privileged every day because I am white. Being not racist is not enough, we must be anti racist,” he said.
He also wrote about the importance of mobilizing for social change and said that he would donate to help bail protesters out of jail.
“Look inwards, educate yourself and others. LISTEN, READ, SHARE, DONATE and VOTE.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. BLACK LIVES MATTER,” he posted.
The hustle is a very important part of a successful entrepreneur‘s profile. Having to understand the business aspects as well as putting in the work to make things happen is typical for most successful business people. Serial entrepreneur Terron Tidwell learned to utilize those skills when he started a limo and taxi transportation company that he ran for 12 years before selling his business. He then used his profits to start an independent music label and in the midst of file sharing privacy affecting the industry in a negative way, Tidwell was provided an opportunity to enter the world of Wall Street.
His many years of travel as a stockbroker has led to his current partnership with HudsonPoint Capital, where he provides personable full-rounded financial management to his list of clients. Black Enterprise was able to catch up with Tidwell to discuss what led to his entrepreneurial ways and how he is able to be successful in the finance game.
You have a successful background in wealth management and work exclusively with athletes, business owners, entertainers, and executives. What motivated you to pursue this type of career and how do you balance dealing with the type of clientele who have amassed the type of wealth they have?
I’ve always had a penchant for being good with money. At the age of 13, I had a consistent cash-flow from my grass-cutting and snow removing clients. It came second nature to save and watch my money multiply. Those same principles of helping people with their problems, while earning a living, aligned perfectly with the financial industry. As far as dealing with clients, I try to find their comfort zone. Some clients are meticulous and want to know every little detail, while others just prefer the big picture. So, I work to serve them in that manner.
As a serial entrepreneur, how did you manage to not only start your businesses, how were you able to maintain, grow, and then transition into the world of finance? How were you able to take the lessons you learned to help assist you in the way you handle business now?
Prior to coming to Wall Street, I was a small business owner who had success and failures with multiple businesses. Not only did I work my tail off to raise capital, but I also hired people who knew more about the business than I did. That alone helped me avoid a lot of headaches. Learning personable skills, time management, and being tenacious are all transferable traits needed in this industry. After selling one of my business, I looked for ways to re-invent myself. I reached out to a contact in the finance business, who took me under the wing and the rest is history.
When obtaining clients, what is your approach and what do you look for when accepting them to do business with?
I look to see if there’s a vibe to build a relationship upon because it’s like a marriage. Everyone is not a fit for me and I’m not the right fit for everyone. Also, working with those who have similar needs not only provides a rinse and repeat cycle but helps me hone those skills necessary to address those problems.
What are some of the services you provide to your clients and what do you think is the key to making and keeping them happy?
One of the keys to keeping clients happy is being available and getting back to them in a timely manner. Also, showing that you care about them beyond their money. We provide them with financial planning, wealth management, investment banking, and risk solutions.
What suggestions would you give anyone who may want a future as a financial advisor and/or wants to enhance their chances of becoming a successful entrepreneur?
I would say to find out quickly if this business is for you. See if you have the stomach for rejection and prepare to work beyond your typical 9 to 5 job hours. Find a mentor who cares about your success or align with those who are where you’re looking to go.
Developers are working on track-and-trace systems to keep infection levels low. The apps aren't here yet, but here's what they do—and how you can enable them.
