The electric automaker shuns lasers for its self-driving features. But a patent application foresees using the technology to clean windshields and cameras.
from Wired https://ift.tt/2sDQlHn
via
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Monday, December 2, 2019
Assault charges against Remy Ma have been dropped
Remy Ma is off the hook in her assault case after a judge dropped all charges against her on Monday.
The Love & Hip Hop star was facing serious legal trouble after being arrested and charged for an alleged altercation between her and Brittney Taylor that occurred in April.
According to reports, the judge threw out all four charges against Remy Ma because there was insufficient evidence against her.
Did Remy Ma really just compare sexual assault victims to prostitutes?
Remy Ma faces four more criminal charges in assault case involving LHHNY co-star
Back in May, the “All the Way Up” rapper was hit with four charges by prosecutors which includes two counts of assault in the third degree, one count of aggravated harassment in the second degree, and one count of harassment in the second degree.
At the time, Taylor’s attorney, Sanford Rubenstein told TMZ that this is not “reality TV” and his client is a “victim.”
“This arrest demonstrates how serious this matter is, it is real life and not reality TV entertainment,” Taylor’s attorney, Sanford Rubenstein, said in a statement, according to Billboard. “The victim Brittney Taylor has confidence in our system of justice and will continue to fully cooperate with the authorities.”
The post Assault charges against Remy Ma have been dropped appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2LjyTP4
via
SNEAK PEEK: Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx shine in new ‘Just Mercy’ trailer
Warner Bros. just dropped a new trailer for Just Mercy starring Jamie Foxx, Michael B. Jordan, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as they tell the real-life story of Bryan Stevenson and Walter McMillan.
In this incredible film, Michael B. Jordan portrays Stevenson, the real-life hero who has been fighting to exonerate the wrongfully incarcerated through the Equal Justice Initiative he founded in 1995. Since then, he has saved more than 125 men from the death penalty. In 2014, he wrote Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, which is the basis of the film produced by Jordan’s Outlier Productions.
Jamie Foxx tears up while discussing his father at ‘Just Mercy’ screening at AFI Fest
Peep the official synopsis:
A powerful and thought-provoking true story, Just Mercy follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) and his history-making battle for justice. After graduating from Harvard, Bryan had his pick of lucrative jobs. Instead, he heads to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned or who were not afforded proper representation, with the support of local advocate Eva Ansley (Brie Larson). One of his first, and most incendiary, cases is that of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), who, in 1987, was sentenced to die for the notorious murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite a preponderance of evidence proving his innocence and the fact that the only testimony against him came from a criminal with a motive to lie. In the years that follow, Bryan becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of legal and political maneuverings and overt and unabashed racism as he fights for Walter, and others like him, with the odds—and the system—stacked against them.
Check out the latest trailer:
Just Mercy hits select theaters on Christmas Day and opens wide on January 10.
The post SNEAK PEEK: Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx shine in new ‘Just Mercy’ trailer appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/35YABNo
via
Quad Webb slams Heavenly for saying she slept with Common: “I am so very disappointed”
This week’s episode of Married To Medicine was full of shocking moments, but the most surprising revelation came when Dr. Heavenly Kimes insisted that Quad Webb has slept with Common.
Quad made it clear that Heavenly’s comments aren’t true in a statement to BET.
“Rumors get started when a person wants to think more about the ratings and less about loyalty and friendship. I don’t know why she [Dr. Heavenly] would jeopardize our friendship for entertainment purposes, everything is not a joke,” she said.
“I don’t know Common, I don’t have his phone number, and we have never shared the same space. I met him once during an interview with Sister’s Circle. This was a very professional setting, and I take my career very seriously. I do not use it as a dating ground.”
She also noted that Common already has a girlfriend.
“I am so very disappointed in Heavenly, and I don’t think she realizes the repercussions of making such false statements. Common is in a flourishing relationship and he may marry Angela one day. He does not need a terrible rumor like this to ruin their Black Love. I respect Common and Angela Rye as two very intelligent and beautiful people that are doing amazing things for our people. What Heavenly did was an attack on my professional reputation as a talk show host. My professional life is completely independent of my personal life,” she continued.
“Her actions are not the actions of a true friend. What is most hurtful is that we were close for the last 2-3 years and what she did was very lowbrow and inconsiderate. Once again, a Black woman trying to tear down Black women.”
The post Quad Webb slams Heavenly for saying she slept with Common: “I am so very disappointed” appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2Pac2GR
via
Akon opens up about building his own solar powered city in Senegal
Last week Akon opened up about what may perhaps been his greatest feat thus far: building his own city in the West African country of Senegal.
During an appearance at Nick Cannon‘s radio show on Los Angeles’ Power 106, the “Locked Up” singer said the new city is expected to be up and running sometime over the next decade.
READ MORE: Dwyane Wade checks Internet haters for talking about his son
Last year, the entertainer announced that he referred to the area as “Crypto City” because he wants its citizens to use the cryptocurrency he created called AKoin. But now he’s revealed that it will officially be called “Akon City.”
Previously, he has also talked about his Lighting Africa Initiative, which seeks to bring electricity to people on the African continent by use of solar power.
“It’s all renewable, the Akon-tainment solar city. It’s all renewable,” he explained to Cannon. “[It’s] A real physical place, it’s going to have a real airport. It’s a 10-year building block so we’re doing it in stages. We started construction in March and stage two is going to be 2025.”
READ MORE: West Philadelphia man scales 19-story building to save mom from fire
The host, who was understandably blown away by the massive plans, pointed out that building a whole city isn’t something he’s even heard of billionaires doing, to which Akon responded, “I always felt like if you have to label yourself a billionaire, I don’t even think billionaires label themselves billionaires. Because you have no idea [how much you’re worth].”
“When I hear stuff like that, it makes me sad in such a way because when I travel I see so many things that happen,” he added. “So many people that need … Things to be resolved. And if you can have a billion dollars sitting in the bank, while you have all these people suffering, it’s crazy to me. It’s like a waste of a billion dollars.”
Check out the full interview below.
The post Akon opens up about building his own solar powered city in Senegal appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2DEULjK
via
Hundreds attend Atlantic City funeral for 10-year-old Micah Tennant
At least 800 people filled Atlantic City’s New Shiloh Baptist Church to capacity on Saturday to pay final tribute to 10-year-old Micah Tennant.
The boy, affectionately known as “DJ Dew,” was killed on Nov. 20 while attending a high school football game in Pleasantville. He was laid to rest by his family, friends, elected officials, police and a community of mourners followed by a reception at the Atlantic City Convention Center, according to CBS.
READ MORE: Teen who says he accidentally killed teen girl in Russian roulette game, remains in jail
Some came out dressed in suits and ties while others wore football jerseys. Outside of the church, police officers stood near a sign that read “Michael S. Tennant Homecoming,” according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Steve Stephen told CBS that he came out because he had to support the family. “I need to support this family. I need to support this community. Absolutely I’m here. My love goes out to the family and to all the friends and to the loved ones for the little boy.”
That sentiment was echoed by many of the mourners who may not have personally known Micah but was drawn to his story following the tragedy.
“We all suffer with the death of this young man,” Bishop James Washington, New Shiloh Baptist Church’s senior pastor told The Philadelphia Inquirer after the service. “We have to begin young, teaching the value of life.”
READ MORE: Chicago man denied bail in killing of student who admitted ignoring his catcalls
On Nov. 15, Micah, who was a fifth-grade student, was shot in the neck at the Pleasantville-Camden high school football game when a fight started between several men. Two other people were injured. Police charged Alvin Wyatt, 31, with murder and two counts of attempted murder. Wyatt is one of six men charged in the incident, although the only facing a murder charge. One of the men charged was also injured in the shooting.
At his funeral, Micah was remembered as intelligent and spirited and a lover of music.
Micah loved to deejay, following in the footsteps of his uncle, and had been given the nickname “DJ Dew” when he hit the turntables to mix up some music during family events, including his own birthday parties, his family wrote in his obituary.
READ MORE: Florida reggae DJ set free after fatally shooting his girlfriend’s rapist
Micah also loved his family and playing football. He will be remembered for his “bright smile and huge personality that made it easy for anyone to fall in love with him,” the family added in his obituary, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. “He was an extraordinary kid who will be greatly missed.”
The post Hundreds attend Atlantic City funeral for 10-year-old Micah Tennant appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2Y6LkTq
via
The Opportunity Cost of Trump’s Impeachment
The elite and wealthiest aren’t dissuaded by price tags when faced with decisions to buy necessities but the working-class choices are certainly impacted by sticker shock. Evaluating alternatives and trade-offs is how many Americans survive and stretch weekly budgets because money is hard to come by and time is an elusive commodity.
If money is needed to buy one thing, the question for working families never changes: what do I have to give up? According to the study of economics, this question is best summarized by the concept called opportunity cost. This cost represents a benefit that you miss when you choose one option over another.
We can apply this economic principle to politics as well. For example, the inquiry and related hearings to impeach President Trump have a monetary cost but it’s minuscule compared to the alternative actions that Congress could focus on to benefit working-class Americans. Let’s do a simple analysis of a few alternatives Congress could get done to help rural and urban America.
US – Mexico – Canada Trade Deal
The USMCA was negotiated by the White House administration in conjunction with government officials in Canada and Mexico. The objective was to enhance trilateral trade relations and replace the existing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to make trade terms fair and equitable for each country.
The anticipated outcomes are to abate tariffs, remove harmful non-tariff trade barriers, boost trade, improve wages and employment conditions for Mexican workers, and create American jobs.
The United States International Trade Commission report estimated that USMCA would create ~176,000 U.S. jobs, while increasing American exports to spur a rise in real gross domestic product by 0.35% or $68 billion, annually.
Augmenting exports would bolster salaries and wages in the U.S. for the average worker at a time when unemployment rates are at historic lows across every demographic to include blacks.
Under the proposed USMCA, union workers benefit too. For example, USMCA requires up to 45% of auto parts to be manufactured by U.S. workers earning at least $16 per hour. The job security measures support and encourage car manufacturing supply chains to produce in America, which protects the automobile industry.
Bipartisan Prescription Drug Price Reform
The proposed bipartisan Senate legislative bill provides financial relief to patients in need of costly prescription drugs while also reducing the Medicare cost burden on taxpayers. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that ~$100 billion will be saved over 10 years, and Part D premiums will be reduced by $6 billion.
Additionally, the legislative package establishes sorely needed patient protections by limiting costs to a $3,100 out-of-pocket cap for individuals and abolishing unlimited patient cost-sharing for certain beneficiaries. The current reality for many Americans is that an illness or unforeseeable catastrophic event could exhaust life savings or even bankrupt households.
In all, the new act and complementary measures seek to restructure the prescription drug market by making the market more transparent and competitive, leading to lower prices for high-cost drugs.
Infrastructure Bill
Earlier this year, President Trump, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer agreed on a $1+ trillion infrastructure bill but they are at an impasse on how to pay for the unprecedented spending package.
The fiscal issues of how to pay for infrastructure spending is not the only holdup. First, the two-year Russian collusion investigation delayed talks. Despite the investigation yielding no results, the new obstacle is the current impeachment inquiry.
According to a research report by Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, the infrastructure bill would create 11 million skilled labor jobs in various industries to include construction, infrastructure, telecommunications, and transportation.
A potential new job opportunity is good news for existing skilled laborers in the urban community. But it is also a great chance for gainful employment for formerly incarcerated men and women—a demographic that is often marginalized as they seek viable ways to reenter society. Especially, those gradually coming home as their sentences are commuted under the First Step Act.
While Congress and the White House flirt with the possibility of reaching an infrastructure deal, people are waiting for an apprenticeship break or experienced workers seeking gainful employment on long-term projects.
According to Dave Bauer, president of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association expressed that every $1 invested in transportation construction and maintenance generates between $2.00 and $2.20 in economic activity across all sectors of the economy.
Regardless of your political views, partisan politics often block or halt legislation that benefits the working-class. To sustain the current economic gains the black community has experienced under the current administration must be compounded with greater opportunities and an infrastructure bill that can help pave the way.
This is an opinion piece that does not necessarily reflect the views of BLACK ENTERPRISE.
from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2LcpwR0
via
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Helping machines perceive some laws of physics
Humans have an early understanding of the laws of physical reality. Infants, for instance, hold expectations for how objects should move and interact with each other, and will show surprise when they do something unexpected, such as disappearing in a sleight-of-hand magic trick.
Now MIT researchers have designed a model that demonstrates an understanding of some basic “intuitive physics” about how objects should behave. The model could be used to help build smarter artificial intelligence and, in turn, provide information to help scientists understand infant cognition.
The model, called ADEPT, observes objects moving around a scene and makes predictions about how the objects should behave, based on their underlying physics. While tracking the objects, the model outputs a signal at each video frame that correlates to a level of “surprise” — the bigger the signal, the greater the surprise. If an object ever dramatically mismatches the model’s predictions — by, say, vanishing or teleporting across a scene — its surprise levels will spike.
In response to videos showing objects moving in physically plausible and implausible ways, the model registered levels of surprise that matched levels reported by humans who had watched the same videos.
“By the time infants are 3 months old, they have some notion that objects don’t wink in and out of existence, and can’t move through each other or teleport,” says first author Kevin A. Smith, a research scientist in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (BCS) and a member of the Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines (CBMM). “We wanted to capture and formalize that knowledge to build infant cognition into artificial-intelligence agents. We’re now getting near human-like in the way models can pick apart basic implausible or plausible scenes.”
Joining Smith on the paper are co-first authors Lingjie Mei, an undergraduate in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and BCS research scientist Shunyu Yao; Jiajun Wu PhD ’19; CBMM investigator Elizabeth Spelke; Joshua B. Tenenbaum, a professor of computational cognitive science, and researcher in CBMM, BCS, and the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL); and CBMM investigator Tomer D. Ullman PhD ’15.
Mismatched realities
ADEPT relies on two modules: an “inverse graphics” module that captures object representations from raw images, and a “physics engine” that predicts the objects’ future representations from a distribution of possibilities.
Inverse graphics basically extracts information of objects — such as shape, pose, and velocity — from pixel inputs. This module captures frames of video as images and uses inverse graphics to extract this information from objects in the scene. But it doesn’t get bogged down in the details. ADEPT requires only some approximate geometry of each shape to function. In part, this helps the model generalize predictions to new objects, not just those it’s trained on.
“It doesn’t matter if an object is rectangle or circle, or if it’s a truck or a duck. ADEPT just sees there’s an object with some position, moving in a certain way, to make predictions,” Smith says. “Similarly, young infants also don’t seem to care much about some properties like shape when making physical predictions.”
These coarse object descriptions are fed into a physics engine — software that simulates behavior of physical systems, such as rigid or fluidic bodies, and is commonly used for films, video games, and computer graphics. The researchers’ physics engine “pushes the objects forward in time,” Ullman says. This creates a range of predictions, or a “belief distribution,” for what will happen to those objects in the next frame.
Next, the model observes the actual next frame. Once again, it captures the object representations, which it then aligns to one of the predicted object representations from its belief distribution. If the object obeyed the laws of physics, there won’t be much mismatch between the two representations. On the other hand, if the object did something implausible — say, it vanished from behind a wall — there will be a major mismatch.
ADEPT then resamples from its belief distribution and notes a very low probability that the object had simply vanished. If there’s a low enough probability, the model registers great “surprise” as a signal spike. Basically, surprise is inversely proportional to the probability of an event occurring. If the probability is very low, the signal spike is very high.
“If an object goes behind a wall, your physics engine maintains a belief that the object is still behind the wall. If the wall goes down, and nothing is there, there’s a mismatch,” Ullman says. “Then, the model says, ‘There’s an object in my prediction, but I see nothing. The only explanation is that it disappeared, so that’s surprising.’”
Violation of expectations
In development psychology, researchers run “violation of expectations” tests in which infants are shown pairs of videos. One video shows a plausible event, with objects adhering to their expected notions of how the world works. The other video is the same in every way, except objects behave in a way that violates expectations in some way. Researchers will often use these tests to measure how long the infant looks at a scene after an implausible action has occurred. The longer they stare, researchers hypothesize, the more they may be surprised or interested in what just happened.
For their experiments, the researchers created several scenarios based on classical developmental research to examine the model’s core object knowledge. They employed 60 adults to watch 64 videos of known physically plausible and physically implausible scenarios. Objects, for instance, will move behind a wall and, when the wall drops, they’ll still be there or they’ll be gone. The participants rated their surprise at various moments on an increasing scale of 0 to 100. Then, the researchers showed the same videos to the model. Specifically, the scenarios examined the model’s ability to capture notions of permanence (objects do not appear or disappear for no reason), continuity (objects move along connected trajectories), and solidity (objects cannot move through one another).
ADEPT matched humans particularly well on videos where objects moved behind walls and disappeared when the wall was removed. Interestingly, the model also matched surprise levels on videos that humans weren’t surprised by but maybe should have been. For example, in a video where an object moving at a certain speed disappears behind a wall and immediately comes out the other side, the object might have sped up dramatically when it went behind the wall or it might have teleported to the other side. In general, humans and ADEPT were both less certain about whether that event was or wasn’t surprising. The researchers also found traditional neural networks that learn physics from observations — but don’t explicitly represent objects — are far less accurate at differentiating surprising from unsurprising scenes, and their picks for surprising scenes don’t often align with humans.
Next, the researchers plan to delve further into how infants observe and learn about the world, with aims of incorporating any new findings into their model. Studies, for example, show that infants up until a certain age actually aren’t very surprised when objects completely change in some ways — such as if a truck disappears behind a wall, but reemerges as a duck.
“We want to see what else needs to be built in to understand the world more like infants, and formalize what we know about psychology to build better AI agents,” Smith says.
from MIT News https://ift.tt/2YaOV30
via
T.I. prompts New York lawmakers to introduce bills to ban virginity testing
After Hip Hop artist Clifford “T.I.” Joseph Harris received a great deal of backlash after an interview revealed that he often requests that his daughter’s gynecologist “check her hymen” to secure her virginity; New York lawmakers have introduced two new bills preventing this type of testing in the future, according to CBS News.
Filed in the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly, the two bills seek to ban “licensed medical practitioners from performing or supervising virginity examinations and subjects any medical practitioner who does perform or supervise such performance to professional misconduct penalties as well as possible criminal charges.”
The bill would not outlaw all medical hymen examinations but specifically, “the performance of hymen examinations on women as a means to ascertain whether a woman is a virgin.”
The bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, states, “these examinations are not only a violation of women’s and girls’ human rights, but in cases of rape can cause additional pain and mimic the original act of sexual violence, leading to re-experience, re-traumatization and re-victimization.”
“The term ‘virginity’ is not a medical or scientific term,” the bill also stated. “Rather, the concept of ‘virginity’ is a social, cultural and religious construct – one that reflects gender discrimination against women and girls. The United Nations, along with the World Health Organization, U.N. Women and U.N. Human Rights, called for a global ban on the practice.”
— T.I. and Tiny discuss prison in part 2 of Red Table Talk
T.I.’s philosophy about a hymen being intact expressing a women’s virginity has no validity according to a 2018 report from WHO.”‘Virginity testing’ has no scientific or clinical basis. There is no examination that can prove a girl or woman has had sex – and the appearance of girl’s or woman’s hymen cannot prove whether they have had sexual intercourse, or are sexually active or not.”
The original “Virginity testing” comment was made while T.I. was a guest on the “Ladies Like Us” podcast. When speaking of how he handles sex talk with his oldest daughter. The entrepreneur and media mogul rapper said,”we have yearly trips to the gynecologist to check her hymen.”
“Yes, I go with her,” he also added.
—New York state legislator’s bill seeks to outlaw hymen exams
NY Assemblywoman Solages, told the New York Post his comments were “horrifying”.
“It’s misogynistic, it’s appalling,” Solages said. “If a celebrity can impose his power to ensure his 18-year-old daughter gets checked, imagine what can be done in households across New York state?”
The post T.I. prompts New York lawmakers to introduce bills to ban virginity testing appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2OCFJBg
via
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.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/33EoTX1
via
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.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2R68gRj
via
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.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/34EAoip
via
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.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/37V3HPS
via
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.
from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2P6Hjds
via
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.”
from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/34NUk2x
via
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Media mogul, Bob Johnson offers advice to the Democrats
Media mogul and Co-Founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), Robert Johnson gave an exclusive interview to CNBC this week and didn’t hold his words in discussing the presidential election and his predictions of the outcome.
“I think the president has always been in a position where it’s his to lose based on his bringing a sort of disruptive force into what would be called political norms,” says Johnson, who founded RLJ Companies business network, told CNBC’s Hadley Gamble.
Johnson further explains in the sit-down interview that Trump “brings his style” to the way he handles governmental issues. “That’s something that the president’s supporters like and the reason why they voted for him and will do so again next year,” added Johnson.
Believing that Trump has the enact ability to “dominate the news cycle” is what allows him to hold an advantage over the Democrats that plan to run against him. Often moving in a reactionary form, Democrats are often agitated over something that the president says or tweets, often taking them off their game. In addition, Johnson believes that “none of the Democratic presidential candidates appear to be “enough in the center” where most voters are, particularly African-American voters.”
— AMC Networks to acquire majority control of Robert Johnson’s streaming company for $60 million
You might recall, in September, Johnson went on another CNBC show expressing support for Donald Trump, saying “There used to be an old saying, that ‘When White America catches a cold, African-Americans get pneumonia,’” he explained in the interview. “It’s going the opposite way now. White unemployment is going down, [and] African-American unemployment is going down. That’s a plus-plus that you can’t argue with.”
“I give the president credit for doing positive things; when I see a president doing positive things, particularly for African Americans,” added Johnson.
Even with the recorded previous praise for Donald Trump; Johnson continues to describe himself as a longtime Democrat who has always been a man that speaks his mind no matter the outcome.
The post Media mogul, Bob Johnson offers advice to the Democrats appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2La5AOF
via
Snoop Dogg has a new album and it’s a snooze fest
West Coast Hip Hop legend, Snoop Dogg, is releasing a baby-friendly, lullaby album, called Rockabye Baby!
News of Snoop’s latest project was confirmed by Rockabye Baby! Music; the company well known for making infant-friendly renditions of some of your favorite rappers’ songs. They have covered music for the likes of everyone from Eminem and Drake, to rapper Kanye West. Snoop Dogg is the latest to join the line-up. The company confirmed the release of the project on their official Instagram:
READ MORE: Snoop Dogg declares himself ‘Sexiest Man Alive,’ shares hilarious mock cover
The new project, titled, Lullaby Renditions of Snoop Dogg, will include instrumentals of Snoop’s classic hits, including “Gin and Juice,” “Sensual Seduction,” “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” and many more. The 12 track project is slated to be released next week, December 6th, however, a vinyl version is said to have already been released on November 29, in honor of “Record Store Day.”
Snoop Dogg is no stranger to babies and is always showing his love and admiration for his grandchildren on his Instagram page. Recently, Snoop’s wife Shante revealed that the couple had lost a grandchild, “Kai Love,” just 10 days after their son’s girlfriend gave birth.
Over the course of the years, the 48-year-old Hip Hop icon and grandfather has shown his versatility in music, including the release of a Gospel album back in 2018. Before Kanye released a Christian-inspired album, Snoop’s Gospel efforts, Bible of Love, scored the artist his first number one on the gospel charts.
READ MORE: Snoop Dogg releases first video from his gospel album ‘Bible of Love’
The tracklist for Lullaby Renditions Of Snoop Dogg, below:
1. Gin and Juice
2. What’s My Name?
3. Beautiful
4. Drop It Like It’s Hot
5. Lay Low
6. Sensual Seduction
7. Young, Wild & Free
8. Snoop’s Upside Ya Head
9. California Roll
10. Trust Me
11. Slow Down
12. Doggy Dogg World
The post Snoop Dogg has a new album and it’s a snooze fest appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2srNOjq
via
Kid Rock continues to bash Oprah during his recent performance
Kid Rock is receiving backlash after his derogatory remarks and sexually explicit insults towards Oprah Winfrey, and other women in entertainment.
During a performance at “Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse,” in Nashville earlier this week, the rocker could be seen and heard on camera, telling the likes of Winfrey, Joy Behar, and Kathie Lee Gifford to “suck d*** sideways.”
“I’m like, Oprah Winfrey or Joy Behar, they can suck d— sideways,” the star said in the video, which was obtained by TMZ. Rock even proceeded to repeatedly motion his hands and make a gesture, as if he were emulating someone’s head toward his crotch.
READ MORE: Black bartender alleges she was fired from Kid Rock’s restaurant for sporting an afro
The 48-year-old artist is seen on video continuing his rant saying, “F** Oprah Winfrey and fuck Kathie Lee Gifford.” Someone in the audience, possibly the person recording the incident, can be heard saying, “He’s blackout drunk,” in the background.
Later into his rant, Kid Rock addresses those who he claims may try to accuse him of being “a racist” later.
“‘Well, I’m pretty sure Kid Rock’s a racist,” he said, “I’m, like, ‘Fine. F– off,’ sideways.”
He continued, “I’m not the bad guy in this equation. I’m the f–in’ guy you want, like, hey, he’s pretty cool.”
Last night (Nov. 29), Rock tweeted the reason behind his personal disdain for the billionare mogul and powerhouse:
My people tried to get me to do The Oprah Winfrey show years ago and her people wanted me to write down 5 reasons why I loved her and her show…🏳️🌈 I said fuck that and her. End of story.
— Kid Rock (@KidRock) November 29, 2019
Rock’s rant occurred just days shy of the one-year anniversary of him doing a live morning show with “Fox & Friends” in which he referred to Joy Behar as the b-word, during a discussion with host Steve Doocy. “Screw that Joy Behar bi###,” Rock said.
READ MORE: Kid Rock says he loves Black people in open letter
This isn’t Kid Rock’s first time being flagged for being out of line for women, and more specifically, women of color.
Back in 2015, during Rock’s controversial interview with Rolling Stone magazine, he expressed his disinterest in Beyonce’s fandom, and undermined her star-power:
“Beyoncé, to me, doesn’t have a f***ing ‘Purple Rain,’ but she’s the biggest thing on earth,” Rock told the magazine. “How can you be that big without at least one ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ or ‘Old Time Rock & Roll’?”
His then went on to criticize Mrs. Carter’s popularity, as it pertains to beauty. “People are like, ‘Beyoncé’s hot. Got a nice f***ing ass.’ I’m like ‘Cool, I like skinny white chicks with big tits.’ Doesn’t really f***ing do much for me.”
The post Kid Rock continues to bash Oprah during his recent performance appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2P5eyhA
via
Twitter bans Republican candidate Danielle Stella after targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar
After tweeting a series of seemingly crude and threatening tweets targeted at Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn), Republican candidate Danielle Stella has been banned from Twitter.
Stella, a vocal supporter for Trump who is looking to unseat Rep. Omar in the following election year, took to the official Twitter of her now deactivated campaign page (@2020MNCongress) to say the following:
“If it is proven @IlhanMN passed sensitive info to Iran, she should be tried for #treason and hanged,” Stella wrote Tuesday of Omar.
Stella reportedly followed up with an “a crude depiction of a stick figure hanging from gallows,” according to The Washington Times.
READ MORE: Rep. Ilhan Omar uses Africa visit to troll Trump on Twitter
Stella’s remarks stem from her beliefs that Omar has shared sensitive intelligence with the Iranian government, The Washington Times reports.
Following her ban, Stella told the Times in her own personal statement that Twitter’s ban to her account proves that the social media platform sides with “terrorists.”
Twitter simply stated that Stella violated “Twitter Rules.”
“The account was permanently suspended for repeated violations of the Twitter Rules,” the company said.
READ MORE: Woman makes salacious claim against Ilhan Omar in divorce filing
On Friday (Nov. 29), Rep Omar reacted to the suspension in a post on Twitter, stating that “violent rhetoric” leads to “violent threats.”
“This is the natural result of a political environment where anti-Muslim dog whistles and dehumanization are normalized by an entire political party and its media outlets. Violent rhetoric inevitably leads to violent threats, and ultimately, violent acts.”
This is the natural result of a political environment where anti-Muslim dogwhistles and dehumanization are normalized by an entire political party and its media outlets.
Violent rhetoric inevitably leads to violent threats, and ultimately, violent acts. https://t.co/tn6SRFYGmp
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 29, 2019
A spokesperson for Omar recently told the Jerusalem Post: “Since the day she was elected, Saudi Arabian trolls and mouthpieces have targeted Omar with misinformation and conspiracy theories.”
Rep. Omar is the first Somali-American member of Congress and is one of two of the first Muslim women ever elected along with Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.
The post Twitter bans Republican candidate Danielle Stella after targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/35PikCa
via
Gabrielle Union responses with grace and humility after ‘America’s Got Talent’ exit
After much speculation surrounding her exit from America’s Got Talent, actress Gabrielle Union has taken to Twitter to express she is “humbled and thankful.”
“So many tears, so much gratitude. THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone… you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever,” the former AGT host said in one of two new tweets since news of her departure from America’s Got Talent went viral.
So many tears, so much gratitude. THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone… you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever ❤
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) November 28, 2019
READ MORE: Gabrielle Union shows she’s above ‘America’s Got Talent’ drama in precious family photo
Although the 47-year-old actress has yet to address the details surrounding her departure, an exclusive story from Variety reports that Union, a new hire for the 14th season of the show, went to producers to report a racially insensitive joke made by former NBC late-night host, Jay Leno, during a taping where Leno starred as a guest judge on America’s Got Talent.
According to the media outlet, Leno joked about host Simon Cowell‘s painting of Cowell’s dogs, commenting that the pets appeared to be something that one would find “on the menu at a Korean restaurant,” four witnesses present for the taping told Variety.
The line was ultimately cut from the episode when it eventually aired on August 6, Variety reports.
READ MORE: Dwyane Wade backs Gabrielle Union after she exits ‘America’s Got Talent’ over reported racial issues
Multiple insiders familiar with the incident said that Union urged producers to report it to human resources, however, several insiders also told Variety that the report was never filed.
Since news of Union’s exit from America’s Got Talent went public last week, fans speculated racism as the root of Union’s departure, with the conversation being that Union was the personal victim. Some even speculated that Union was fired for her many, culturally-inspired hairstyles as seen on the show.
Prior to her most recent tweet, Union’s husband, Dwayne Wade, went public with his support for his wife, following her leave from the show.
So when i got the news that my wife was being fired—my first question was obviously why!? Iam still waiting on a good answer to that question. But if anyone knows @itsgabrielleu or have heard of her you know she’s an advocate for our community and culture.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2019
The post Gabrielle Union responses with grace and humility after ‘America’s Got Talent’ exit appeared first on theGrio.
from theGrio https://ift.tt/2L6KgJO
via
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)