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Frank Lucas, Druglord Portrayed in ‘American Gangster,’ Dies
Daily BriefsEntertainment

Frank Lucas, Druglord Portrayed in ‘American Gangster,’ Dies

Associated Press - JENNIFER PELTZJune 3, 2019

NEW YORK (AP) — Frank Lucas, the former Harlem drug kingpin whose life and lore inspired the 2007 movie “American Gangster,” has died, a relative said Friday. Lucas, who was 88, died Thursday in New Jersey, nephew Aldwan Lassiter said. Lucas had been in declining health, according to his former lawyer. Raised in North Carolina, Lucas climbed the ranks of crime in Harlem in the 1960s and ’70s, becoming a major drug dealer known for supplying huge amounts of particularly potent heroin. He said it netted him millions, and authorities seized over $500,000 in cash when they raided his house

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings Reintroduces Resolution Commemorating Jubilee Day, Honoring the Accomplishments of the Fisk Jubilee Singers
Daily BriefsPolitical

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings Reintroduces Resolution Commemorating Jubilee Day, Honoring the Accomplishments of the Fisk Jubilee Singers

April 10, 2019

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) recently reintroduced a resolution Supporting the Goals and Ideals of Jubilee Day, honoring the accomplishments of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers and those who carry the tradition forward today. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Fisk University celebrates Jubilee Day annually on October 6th. Joining Hastings as original cosponsors include: Representatives Jim Cooper (D-TN), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Lucy McBath (D-GA) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH). (Please find attached a copy of the resolution):  “As an alumnus of Fisk University, I am proud to reintroduce this resolution to honor the contributions of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers,

Statement by Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson on the Passing of Nipsey Hussle
Crenshaw & AroundDaily BriefsFamilyLocalNews (Family)Political

Statement by Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson on the Passing of Nipsey Hussle

Sentinel News WireApril 1, 2019

“Ermias Asghedom, more commonly known as the hip-hop artist Nipsey Hussle, inspired so many people and loved the community he came from. I join South L.A. and his fans around the world in mourning his sudden and tragic passing.  We should take comfort that his legacy will live on through his children, his music, his community, all those he positively impacted, including his vision and work on Destination Crenshaw. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones and I send them my deepest condolences.” -Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson

UPDATE: California AG Won’t Charge Officers Who Killed Stephon Clark
Daily Briefs

UPDATE: California AG Won’t Charge Officers Who Killed Stephon Clark

March 5, 2019

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California’s attorney general said Tuesday that he won’t charge two Sacramento police officers who fatally shot an unarmed black man last year, a killing that set off intense protests. Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s conclusion to a nearly yearlong investigation follows a Sacramento district attorney finding last weekend that the officers broke no laws when they shot 22-year-old Stephon Clark. Officers Terrance Mercadal and Jared Robinet said they mistakenly thought Clark was approaching them with a gun after he ran from them into his grandparents’ backyard as police investigated vandalism. Investigators found only a cellphone. Becerra acknowledged that

Black Activists Protest an Alabama Civil Rights Museum for Rescinding an Award for Political Activist Angela Davis
Daily BriefsNews

Black Activists Protest an Alabama Civil Rights Museum for Rescinding an Award for Political Activist Angela Davis

Associated Press - JAY REEVESJanuary 8, 2019

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Black activists on Monday called for leadership changes and protests at an Alabama civil rights museum after it rescinded an award for political activist Angela Davis, a move the mayor said followed complaints from the Jewish community. Speaking outside the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, located in the same downtown area where civil rights violence once shocked the nation, organizers told a news conference that Davis, a Birmingham native, was wronged by the decision to rescind the honor. Davis, a longtime activist who has supported Palestinian rights and criticized Israeli policy, is on a par with civil

WATCH: Kevin Hart Celebrates Having the #1 Movie in the Nation
Daily BriefsNews (Entertainment)

WATCH: Kevin Hart Celebrates Having the #1 Movie in the Nation

Niele AndersonOctober 1, 2018

Night School earned top billing this weekend at the box office taking in  $28 million in ticket sales, according to estimates Sunday. For the first time in more than two years, a straight-up comedy is No. 1 at the box office. The film stars Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish.   This weekend the Top 10 movies are: 1. “Night School,” $28 million ($5.5 million international). 2. “Smallfoot,” $23 million ($14 million international). 3. “The House With a Clock in Its Walls,” $12.5 million ($9.4 million international). 4. “A Simple Favor,” $6.6 million ($7.1 million international). 5. “The Nun,” $5.4 million

Serena Williams Goes Consciously Topless for Breast Cancer Awareness
Daily BriefsSports

Serena Williams Goes Consciously Topless for Breast Cancer Awareness

Associated PressOctober 1, 2018

  NEW YORK (AP) — Tennis great Serena Williams goes topless and sings “I Touch Myself” in a video to promote breast cancer awareness month. With her hands covering her breasts, Williams writes in the Instagram post that the video took her out of her “comfort zone.” But she said she wanted to do it because early detection saves so many lives. The video is part of the I Touch Myself Project, which is dedicated to Divinyls singer Chrissy Amphlett. The 53-year-old Australian died after a long battle with breast cancer in 2013. Williams said Amphlett “gave us her hit

Funeral Arrangements Confirmed for Beloved Aretha Franklin
Daily BriefsExclusiveNationalNews (Entertainment)Uncategorized

Funeral Arrangements Confirmed for Beloved Aretha Franklin

Sentinel WireAugust 20, 2018

  According to Detroits local 4 News, here are the dates and plans: For two days — Aug. 28 and 29 — Franklin’s body will lie in repose at Charles H. Wright Museum for African American History. The viewing will be open to the public. The funeral will be held at Greater Grace Temple and will only be for close family and friends. Organizers are working on a musical tribute with major recording artists. The venue is still being decided. The Swanson Funeral Home who has been entrusted with final arrangements for the ‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin has the following posted

Congressman Ellison Denies Domestic Abuse Allegations
Daily BriefsNationalPolitical

Congressman Ellison Denies Domestic Abuse Allegations

Associated PressAugust 13, 2018

Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison / AP Photo MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison on Sunday denied an allegation from an ex-girlfriend that he had once dragged her off a bed while screaming obscenities at her — an allegation that came just days before a Tuesday primary in which the congressman is among several Democrats running for state attorney general. The allegation first surfaced Saturday night from Karen Monahan after her son alleged in a Facebook post that he had seen hundreds of angry text messages from Ellison, some threatening his mother. He also wrote he had viewed a video