Snoop Dogg Unveils First Sparkling Wine, Augmented Reality Experience With 19 Crimes
by wendymedina

September 18, 2022

Snoop Dogg Unveils First Sparkling Wine, Augmented Reality Experience With 19 Crimes

Pop it like it’s hot!

The hip-hop legend continues to make big moves in worlds that transcend music. Snoop Dogg launched his newest addition to the 19 Crimes brand on Thursday, Snoop Cali Gold, with a brand new experience that’s changing the game.

Each bottle of the sparkling wine comes equipped with a very own QR code that allows users to experience a Snoop concert through immersive online Augmented Reality. After scanning the code with a mobile device on the gold-foiled edition, D-o-double-g comes to life. Fans will have a chance to witness an intimate show of the iconic Who Am I (What’s My Name)? from the classic 1993 album Doggystyle to go along with the bottle poppin.

 “We wanted something cool with that O.G. party vibe and I’m hyped to add Snoop Cali Gold to my 19 Crimes collection,” said the West Coast icon, per a press release. “This sparkling wine has a fun, fresh feel to it that people will enjoy. Let’s get it poppin with Snoop Cali Gold!” 

(Image: 19 Crimes)

The wine exudes floral and citrus notes, notably lemon and green apple, along with nutty undertones that conclude with a crisp finish.

John Wardley, global vice president of the 19 Crimes franchise additionally shared his delight in the announcement, “We couldn’t be more ecstatic for Snoop Cali Gold. This is an especially celebratory launch, arriving on the heels of an incredibly successful year for 19 Crimes. It has been a pleasure to work with Snoop on this new wine and welcome the first Sparkling to his existing Cali lineup.”

(Image: 19 Crimes)

Snoop Cali Gold follows the immense success of his red blend Snoop Cali Red and his rosé offering Cali Rose.

The very first sparkling wine in 19 Crime’s roster, Snoop Cali Gold is now available online and at retailers at $17.99 a bottle.

Zaya Wade Stuns Instagram in New Post Featuring Flowing Long Hair
by wendymedina

September 18, 2022

Zaya Wade Stuns Instagram in New Post Featuring Flowing Long Hair

Zaya Wade left no crumbs in her new look debut!

The 15-year-old budding fashion icon posted to Instagram yesterday, stunning the internet in glowing portraits with flowing long hair.

The daughter of former NBA baller Dwyane Wade revealed the new look seemingly in partnership with luxury jewelry Tiffany & Co., captioning the post: “dreams become reality @tiffanyandco #tiffanylock.” Her hair, styled in a high half-ponytail, stole the spotlight despite being dressed in a sleek black top to highlight the gold accent bracelet with a price tag of $6,800.

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A post shared by Zaya Wade (@zayawade)

She was met with overwhelming love and adoration in her comment section, catching the attention of stars like Lil Nas X, Candace Parker, Jeremy Pope, Tabitha Brown, and Skai Jackson, among others.

This new look is unlike many others the teen has worn, and opposite of her signature sponged afro.

Earlier this month, the LGBTQ+ advocate came to slay in long ombre locs and a business chic ensemble, promising a “Wade World Tour. summer 2023,” read her caption.

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A post shared by Zaya Wade (@zayawade)

Zaya’s Instagram is stacked with high end fashion looks and photoshoots, already modeling for brands like Gucci and Fendi.

Last month, Dwyane filed a petition with the Los Angeles Superior Court that would allow his daughter to no longer go by her dead name and change it to Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade, reports the Today.

During a 2020 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the star baller shared with the audience that Zaya knew about her decision to transition since before her teenage years.

“Our [then] 12-year-old came home… and said, ‘Hey, I want to talk to you guys. I think going forward I’m ready to live my truth and I want to be referenced as she and her and I would love for you guys to call me Zaya,’” he revealed.

Custom Air Jordan 6s Dedicated to Howard University Following Jordan Partnership
by wendymedina

September 18, 2022

Custom Air Jordan 6s Dedicated to Howard University Following Jordan Partnership

Howard University just got blessed with their own custom Jordan kicks after an announcement last month that locked in the famed HBCU with the worldwide brand in a 20-year partnership.

As previously reported, the collaboration falls in line with the commitment from NBA legend Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand’s $100M commitment to the Black Community that aims to help promote the work of various organizations fighting to create systemic change.

The Air Jordan 6 “Howard University” Player Exclusives flaunt the school’s red, white, and navy colors as well as Howard’s emblem stitched on the heel. The tongue features Howard’s HU logo with metallic gold lace locks and a red Jumpman seal. 

The new school drip is reported to only be available for students, and friends and family of the university. They will not be made available to the public.

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A post shared by Nice Kicks (@nicekicks)

“We have always been proud of our legacy at Howard University, but we are audacious enough to believe our future could be brighter than our past,” said Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, Howard University president. “Partnering with Jordan Brand is another signal of our ambitions as a university to become an even brighter beacon for Black excellence. We are thrilled to work on that vision of greatness together.”

The 20-year alliance with Nike’s Jordan Brand aims to develop academic and athletic opportunities that will help elevate the best in the Black community.

“Howard University and Jordan Brand share a legacy of excellence and deep commitment to the Black community. As a HBCU graduate,” shared Craig Williams, Jordan Brand president, “I understand the educational impact an institution like Howard University has. We are proud to partner with Howard University and see the growth in Black talent on the field and well beyond it,” read his written statement.

by wendymedina

September 11, 2022

$27K Seized From R. Kelly’s Jail Commissary, Judge Rules Restitution for Victims

On Friday, a judge ruled that R. Kelly’s jail commissary account of $27,828 to be garnished and held for the victims of his sex trafficking conviction after having lost his request to recover the money.

The disgraced singer has been left with a mere $500 in jail funds after $900 will go towards a court fine and the rest towards the victims, wrote U.S. District Judge Ann M. Donnelly in a ruling, reports Rolling Stone. Despite Kelly’s lawyers fighting the ruling, Donnelly rejected the bid “because he owes substantial fines.”

The 55-year-old is currently being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago, after being convicted on eight counts of sex trafficking and racketeering on Sept. 27, 2021. He was sentenced to 30 years by Donnelly on June 29, 2022, along with the $140,000 of fines he has yet to pay. The judge issued Kelly a $100,000 fine for the conviction and a $40,000 in penalties for human trafficking.

Although the restitution amount has not been set, prosecutors have been seeking the freezing of his account since last month. 

The judge ruled in favor of the victims, noting the bid was “appropriate” and that they had a rightful claim “‘to full and timely restitution.’”

Donnelly wrote, “The defendant’s remaining claims — that the [Bureau of Prisons] unlawfully ‘encumbered Mr. Kelly’s funds’ and that the BOP and the government should be sanctioned — have no merit.”

According to Insider, Kelly is due in court on Sept. 28 for a restitution hearing that will determine the amount paid out to his victims.

The former singer is also awaiting trial for federal pornography charges and sexual abuse of minors at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago. He has pleaded not guilty.

In 2008, Kelly was acquitted of 14 child pornography charges in Illinois. 

Chick-fil-A Responds to Outrage Over Tweet About Chicken Nuggets That Seemingly Targets Black Man’s Race
by wendymedina

September 11, 2022

Chick-fil-A Responds to Outrage Over Tweet About Chicken Nuggets That Seemingly Targets Black Man’s Race

Chick-fil-A landed themselves in hot water on Friday, after replying to a customer asking for spicy chicken nuggets. 

The popular fast-food chain sparked backlash on Twitter after their response apparently referred to the Black community in a way that many thought targeted the Black race.  

A Twitter user wrote to the company’s account, “grilled spicy deluxe but still noooo spicy nuggets…………@ChickfilA…..”

To which Chick-fil-A’s official Twitter replied: “Your community will be the first to know if spicy items are added to the permanent menu, Don!”

Many were taken aback by the response, accusing the chain of calling out the original poster’s race, who was Black. The term “your community” had many questioning whether it was a subtle racist remark, and asked for clarification.

On the other hand, other Twitter users dug up past tweets from the fast food restaurant, claiming they frequently use the words “your community” in response to inquiries.

“All jokes aside, they reply like this frequently,” explained the Twitter user who vouched for the company.

The reply quickly went viral, as users debated whether the person behind Chick-fil-A’s account did in fact intend to be derogatory. 

“What do you mean by “your community”???????” asked one user.

https://twitter.com/Theolivepit04/status/1568467534621327362?s=20&t=kEnfmJ3TIJ69rZvre-WFeQ

“explain yourself – QUICKLY,” wrote another user.

https://twitter.com/tenilleclarke1/status/1568412588228100097?s=20&t=Yr4wGDhhbZdeyrQpFFwxrQ

“oh we going to popeyes tonight,” joked a third commenter.

Another user came to Chick-fil-A’s rescue: “Community as in area. See their previous tweets from at least a week ago,” they posted, with a screen recording of other instances where the company used the term “community.”

 

According to the Today Show, Chick-fil-A responded to the backlash and offered an explanation: “The response was a poor choice of words but was not intended in any way to be insensitive or disrespectful,” said a spokesperson. “We often use the term ‘community’ in a broader sense to talk about places where we operate restaurants and serve the surrounding community.”

by wendymedina

September 11, 2022

Aretha Franklin Was Heavily Surveilled by FBI, According to Declassified Files

New unsealed files by the FBI reveal that the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin was heavily monitored during the course of her career, according to a 270-page document shared by the agency.

CNN reports that the 18-time Grammy Award-winner was extensively surveilled due to her activism during the civil rights movement and close connection to Martin Luther King, Jr. and Angela Davis, whom they notoriously monitored. Franklin died of pancreatic cancer in her home in Detroit, Michigan, in 2018 at 76 years old.

On Wednesday, journalist and founder of Courage News Jenn Dize, secured the document after a lengthy wait for a Freedom of Information Act request she submitted in 2018 and shared her findings on Twitter. 

“Years ago, I FOIA’d @fbi files on Aretha Franklin. Today, I received the files,” the reporter began the thread. “While incomplete, they show repeated and disgusting suspicion of the famed Black singer, her work, and activists around her.” 

https://twitter.com/jennelizabethj/status/1567631841229946880?s=20&t=g9lE4QIHVPnBej9MYDlb0w

The declassified files also consisted of information compiled across numerous states, death threats, and copyright infringement lawsuits. The government agency speculated that the soul icon was a Communist and part of a “Black extremist group,” the Black Liberation Army, planning coups in South America. Much of the files on the Respect singer stemmed specifically from the late ’60s and early ’70s.

A file from 1973 revealed that there was no evidence of a connection with the BLA. 

“There were frequent attempts to connect Aretha Franklin & other notable Black figures to anything they deemed nefarious,” wrote Dize. “This FBI doc follows up on claim that she was connected to the Black Liberation Army/any “radical” movement. The finding was that there was no evidence.”

https://twitter.com/jennelizabethj/status/1567681785798209537?s=20&t=g9lE4QIHVPnBej9MYDlb0w

Following decades of tracking Franklin, the agency found that the singer did not actually pose a threat to national security.

According to a letter to then-acting Director William Ruckelshaus from a New York FBI agent: “In view of the fact there is no evidence of involvement by Miss Franklin in BLA activities and in view of her fame as a singer, it is felt that it would not be in the interests of the Bureau to attempt to interview her.”

 

Finance Influencer the ‘Budgetnista’ Aims To Teach Viewers Financial Literacy in New Netflix Doc
by wendymedina

September 11, 2022

Finance Influencer the ‘Budgetnista’ Aims To Teach Viewers Financial Literacy in New Netflix Doc

Tiffany Aliche, personal finance social media influencer also known as “the Bugdetnista,” has landed a Netflix documentary deal to teach viewers more about their money.

Get Smart With Money released last Tuesday on Netflix, described as a throught-provoking “Queer Eye for economics.” While the money savvy personality has amassed over half a million followers on Instagram, she will now get to help others on a much larger scale after this new release.

Whether one is struggling with bills on an everyday basis or questions about retirement, Get Smart With Money promises viewers of all financial backgrounds to know they’re all covered.

Netflix’s synopsis reads in part, “From a bartender living paycheck to paycheck to a family wondering if they can retire early, these stories carry plenty of practical take-home advice for everyone, as well as lessons on how to live a richer life beyond your bank account.”

Aliche shared her excitement on Instagram, revealing that the documentary “follows 4 people on their financial journey with the help of a financial coach.” 

She writes, “And you KNOW ya gurl is a coach. Call me Phil Jackson.”

In a separate post, the finance guru also urges viewers to take note of the lessons being taught in the film. She says that to build wealth for one’s families and future generations depends on financial education.

On Friday she posted a small snippet of the doc, eager to share the tips and tricks behind your bank account. 

“It’s proving to be such a great conversation starter amongst families…amongst friends… accountability partners…” read her caption, “and even with parents talking money with their children.”

According to recent financial literacy statistics by the Milken Institute, just 57% of adults in the United States are financially literate.

Studies reveal that education in finance would be an immense advantage in lower-income communities, as savings, lowering debt, and assets are projected to significantly increase.

“The Bugdetnista” hopes to make finance education more mainstream, starting with Get Smart With Money, so she could reach more people get more bang for their buck.

Black Pastor Files Racial Profiling Lawsuit Against Alabama Police After Arrested While Watering Flowers
by wendymedina

September 11, 2022

Black Pastor Files Racial Profiling Lawsuit Against Alabama Police After Arrested While Watering Flowers

On Friday, Black pastor Michael Jennings filed a federal racial profiling lawsuit against three Alabama police officers and the city, after he was taken into custody while watering a neighbor’s lawn. 

NBC News reports that the longtime pastor at Vision of Abundant Life Church in Sylacauga, Alabama, was arrested in May after police responded to a 911 call of a suspicious person, made by a white neighbor. He was charged with obstructing government operations for not providing identification; the charge was later dropped.

As previously reported, officers are seen approaching Jennings through body cam footage as he waters his neighbor’s flowers with a hose. They then ask him about the parked car in the driveway, if he lived at the home, and for identification. The pastor refuses to provide ID, stating multiple times that he did nothing wrong as he continues to water the plants. He had permission and was doing his neighbors a favor. 

The next frame shows Jennings handcuffed and led to the police cruiser as the officers talk amongst each other, pointing to the pastor’s refusal to provide identification as the issue.

During a news conference on Saturday, Jennings claimed the officer “already figured I was guilty by the way he questioned me and the way he talked to me.”

He continued, “One thing I want to make crystal clear, I’m not anti-police. We need the police. Without the police, we’ll have full chaos. But there’s bad police, there’s good police. But what they did that day, they did with impunity, figuring there would be no action taken against them. I felt dehumanized.”

The white woman who called 911 then tried to tell police she actually did know Jennings after he was in handcuffs. The lawsuit said that even though his wife arrived attempting to show his identification, the pastor was still taken in. 

Childersburg police “refused to release Pastor Jennings from their custody and took him to the Childersburg City Jail and then he was booked and transported to the Talladega County Jail,” read the filing.

With the lawsuit, Jennings hopes something shifts in the way police go about racially profiling people.

“I’m not here for revenge,” the pastor said. “I’m here for accountability and for justice.”

by wendymedina

September 11, 2022

California Principal Charged With Child Abuse After Video Surfaces of Him Aggressively Shoving 11-Year-Old Autistic Student

Former principal at Wolters Elementary School in Fresno, California, Brian Vollhardt, has been charged with a single child abuse and endangerment count following the resurfacing of a video where he violently shoves down an autistic student, reports the Fresno Bee. 

Following the incident, which took place on June 7, Vollhardt left the elementary school during the investigation to escape retaliation, and had since been serving as vice principal at Tranquillity High School in a neighboring school district, according to EdSource. Tranquillity staff say they were not aware of the incident. 

It wasn’t until the video was released on Thursday and the collective shock from the community that spurred public pressure for Vollhardt to be arrested and charged. He is due at court later in the month.

As depicted in the video, the assault took place in the school’s cafeteria, where the 11-year-old autistic student is seen talking to Vollhardt and two other adult staff. Described as “an upset student” by district Superintendent Bob Nelson, the child points at the ex-principal before the man aggressively shoves him to the ground at full force. One school employee is then seen helping the student as Vollhardt continues to yell and point at him.  

Per Nelson, the child “is physically OK and has been provided with the necessary social-emotional supports since the incident.” 

 

The 11-year-old’s legal guardian Ann Frank told ABC 30 that Vollhardt called her up that same day to tell her the boy had assaulted him. Frank recalls that her son explained to her that it was actually the principal who pushed him to the ground. 

“You cannot put force to these kids like that,” said Frank. “My son is autistic. Any parents seeing this video, they know what I’m feeling right now. My son was pushed with force by this principal who was supposed to protect him.”

The mother continued, claiming it was over three months before anything was done or any footage was released that corroborated her son’s story.

During the Thursday Fresno Unified news conference, Police Chief Paco Balderrama stated that he had no knowledge of the video until reporters requested an update on the investigation. 

According to another complaint, Vollhart had allegedly just assaulted another student 11 days prior. The former principal reportedly blocked a child from leaving class and when he did not receive the appropriate response, shoved him to the ground and pinned him down with his knee for two and four minutes. Per officials, the case is still being investigated. 

Teacher’s Aide Allegedly Chokes 5-Year-Old Student After Not Allowed To Use the Bathroom
by wendymedina

September 10, 2022

Teacher’s Aide Allegedly Chokes 5-Year-Old Student After Not Allowed To Use the Bathroom

A mother in Texas alleges that her 5-year-old son was returned from school with bruising on his neck due to the teacher’s aide choking the child after he was told he was not allowed to go to the bathroom. 

Kindergarten student Cameron Sonnier was allegedly assaulted at Beatrice Mayes Institute in Houston, after he ran to the restroom despite being told he could not go, reports FOX 26. The teacher’s aide, whose name was not released, reportedly followed the child to the restroom where she choked him. 

On Sept. 2, Cameron’s mother Denise Sonnier received a call from the school nurse informing her that Cameron’s neck was bruised and the broken skin had the impression of a nail print. 

“She said Cameron had a scratch on his neck, and she was going to clean it up because the skin had been broken; it was like a nail print, like a rounding of a nail,” Denise said.

“He said he didn’t want to pee himself, and he ran out the classroom to use the restroom, and that’s how she ended up coming in the restroom and choked him,” the child’s mother explained.

Cameron additionally shared that the woman also grabbed him by the ear the day before after he came home complaining about pain on his ear.

“He actually had sores and scratches behind his ear,” she said.

Denise urged parents to pay closer attention to their children for signs of abuse, as children are often scared to speak out against an adult.

“I feel like that teacher should be put in jail, she assaulted him,” said the concerned mother.

“He had been coming home saying, that teacher, that teacher,” she recalled.

Denise says she has pulled Cameron and his twin sister out of Beatrice Mayes Institute and has filed a police report against the teacher’s aide.

Upon reaching out to the district about their employee’s actions, Superintendent ​​Christopher Mayes sent the outlet a statement that read:

“Because this is a student matter, I am bound by law not to reveal any confidential information about the student or the specific details at this time. However, I can share that I am meeting with the student’s parents tomorrow morning. I will also meet with the school employee, who is on paid administrative leave until this matter is resolved. I will be seeking to confirm that our student discipline and school safety policies were implemented correctly. Subsequently, I will appropriate any action necessary for the well-being of the child and of the School.”