A bakery in San Francisco, known for its delightful street food, is making headlines. But not for its scrumptious pastries or mouth-watering cakes. The bakery, Reem’s California, has stirred up a storm with its unique policy: a refusal to serve police officers.
The Tweet that Sparked Controversy
A tweet from the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SPOA) spokesperson relayed the surprising incident. An officer in uniform was denied service at Reem’s. The tweet blasted out the bakery’s policy, “NO COPS ALLOWED.”
“NO COPS ALLOWED. That’s the confirmed policy of the bakery chain Reem’s. One of our officers was denied service last weekend because he was in uniform. Reem’s confirms that they will not serve anyone armed and in uniform. Presumably, this includes members of the U.S. Military.”
Reem’s California: The Stand for Social and Racial Justice
Reem’s is not just any ordinary bakery. It’s a local Arab company deeply committed to uplifting social and racial justice. In a statement to the San Francisco Gate, a spokesperson from Reem’s elucidated the company’s stand.
“This includes fostering an environment of safety for our staff and customers,” it continued. “In a time of increased gun violence — particularly impacting people of color, youth, and queer people — we believe that maintaining a strict policy of prohibiting guns in our restaurant keeps us safer.”
The policy, as per the company’s perspective, is a tool to protect its community from the escalating gun violence.
The Impact of Gun Violence
The San Francisco based company added that many in their community have been direct or indirect victims of gun violence. Whether it’s the streets of San Francisco or Oakland or the broader repercussions of war and political extremism, the impact is palpable.
The victims are often marginalized people – the black and brown population, the poor, and the vulnerable. At Reem’s, the aim is to create a safe and welcoming space. A place where the community can savor delicious Arab food and work together to strengthen their bonds.
A Call to the Community
Reem’s invites its community to join them in fostering a culture of care and resilience. It’s a call to step up, to stand together, and to build a community free from fear of violence or harassment.
SPOA Response
The SPOA, on the other hand, has requested Reem’s and any other business with similar policies to display their stance openly. This way, the officers would know where not to spend their money, on or off duty.
The Deeper Implications
This incident throws light on the broader issues of social justice and racial justice that persist in our society. It’s a reflection of the deep-seated prejudices, fears, and divisions that continue to plague us.
But above all, it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that every individual, every business, and every institution has a role to play in shaping a just and equitable society.
Final Thoughts
In the heart of San Francisco, a bakery is making a stand. It’s not about pastries or cakes, but about social and racial justice. It’s about creating an environment of safety and acceptance. It’s about standing up against gun violence. It’s about fostering a culture of care and resilience.
Perhaps it’s time we all take a moment to reflect on what we can do to contribute to this change. Because, in the end, every action counts.
It was just a short time ago that Doe Boy took the world by storm with the release of his new project, BEEZY, a 16-track collection featuring Lil Yachty, Babyface Ray, Don Toliver, Future, EST Gee, Lola Brooke, DaBaby, and more. Earlier this week (June 20), the Cleveland star released the video for the single “RHUDE BOY,” which serves as the lead track off the upcoming project. Doe Boy’s self-described hard-hitting subject matter finds the perfect environment for the BWheezy-produced cut’s setting as it borrows inspiration not only from Shyne’s ‘Bad Boyz’, but also Grace Jones’ ‘Nightclubbing’, that, in turn, creates a syncopated environment ideal for the hard-hitting beat.
A clip accompanying the video has been directed by Fast Life Productions and takes the viewer on a journey to South Jamaica, Queens. In that country, Doe Boy spends time enjoying street food and tequila with his crew at a variety of locations while enjoying street food and tequila from DeLeón Tequila.
A few years ago, the Freebandz general was interviewed for a series of studio sessions, and in his response, he described his ideal setting for creating music. “If there is liquor present, it’s a party. He stated that all he needed was that. “Also, I enjoy being by myself a lot. It is my preference that I be alone with my engineer, myself, and maybe one other person at a time. It means that I do not have to worry about how anyone will react to what I have to say, and that I can concentrate on what I want to say instead. That’s when I will be singing songs that are deep and tapping into what I’m feeling.”
In an all-encompassing dialogue with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, SZA, the fearless songbird, unraveled her journey towards fame, her battle with its challenges, and the unexpected catalyst that kick-started her music career – her ex-fiancé.
From Co-dependence to Independence SZA’s music journey began in an unusual fashion. The spark ignited in her was not initially born out of passion, but a need to assert herself. Her ex-fiancé, almost a decade older than her, was the dominant figure in their relationship. He was the one who took care of her basic needs – food, clothing, and shelter.
“My starting point in music can be traced back to my ex-fiancé, who was the provider of my sustenance. He was older than me by about eight years.”
Her feelings of inadequacy were exacerbated when she compared herself to his previous partners – successful women who were lawyers, businesswomen, and artists. As a college dropout, still working as a bartender in a strip club, she felt she lacked value. This feeling initiated her journey into the world of music.
The SOS Call
As the most nominated artist at the 2024 Grammys, with nine nods and a career total of 24, SZA is no stranger to the limelight. However, the artist recently came to a startling realization – the life of fame is far from normal.
“Recently, I’ve come to understand that this entire charade, this fame, is anything but typical.”
Amidst the whirlwind of expectations and the constant intrusion into her personal space, she found herself struggling to cope. This relentless pressure often made her lash out, and she admitted to feeling “on edge and not a kind person.”
Anxiety, Panic Attacks and the Price of Fame
One of the most startling repercussions of her fame has been the onset of panic attacks. SZA confessed to experiencing anxiety over how she is perceived. Her fear of judgment became so intense that she found herself having panic attacks in the most unexpected situations.
“I started experiencing panic attacks like never before. I remember being at a photoshoot for Wall Street Journal, tears streaming down my face, because I was terrified about how I would be perceived.”
Reflections on Fame and Self-Perception
The 34-year-old singer is currently grappling with questions about her identity, public perception, and the meaning of her fame. She often wonders if she can disappear without having to answer to anyone.
“I find myself concerned about what does all of this fame actually mean, how do people view me, what do they expect from me, can I just disappear and not talk to anybody?”
These poignant revelations from the singer’s life paint a vivid picture of her journey from self-doubt to self-assertion, and the ongoing battle with fame and self-perception. Despite the challenges, SZA continues to make waves in the music industry, proving her point and standing tall as an inspiration for many.
In the wake of the recent release of a new single from Fabolous, titled “Say Less,” which features French Montana and other New Yorkers, Fabolous has dropped a new single. With production from STREETRUNNER and Tarik Azzouz, you can hear the artists boast about their wealthy lifestyle:
In addition to the song, there is also a matching video from StreetHeat. During the clip, viewers will be taken to Manhattan’s Sei Less, an Asian fusion restaurant named “in honor of the Asian community” as the description states. Throughout the film, Fabolous and French can be seen hanging out with gorgeous women, enjoying fine food, taking massages, and riding around New York City.
As well as “Say Less,” Fabolous also unveiled a new track titled “1 Thing Freestyle,” featuring more witty, rewind-worthy verses that he’s become known for:
Featuring Fabolous enjoying a night out in the city with his girlfriend, the video for “1 Thing Freestyle” was directed by Abeni Nazeer. This date is not revealed until the very end, when it turns out to be with Amerie.
On September 17, 1967, in the crime-ridden and drug-infested ghettoes of the Bronx and Harlem, a gift from God was delivered: Malik Yoba. No silver spoon, white picket fence, house on the hills, or any type of relief during his early years of childhood—the streets of NYC in the 60s and 70s were vicious, and only the strong survived. By the age of fifteen, he had cheated death when a bullet was lodged in his neck. The bullet was removed, and Malik Yoba’s journey was just getting started.
Labeled as a “misunderstood child” during his early years, he possessed unusual compassion for inner-city youths and categorized many as the victims of widely held racial and social misperceptions. Malik Yoba engulfed himself in volunteering, mentoring, and inspiring the lives of the future leaders of tomorrow. Most people are totally unaware that Malik Yoba taught inner-city youths in the areas of acting and music.
Before he launched his illustrious career in Hollywood, the seeds of his success were already being planted within the youths of NYC.
In 1991, Malik Yoba auditioned for the blockbuster comedy movie Cool Runnings. Yoba’s role as a feisty and hot-tempered member of the Jamaican bobsled team was significant and necessary for the chemistry of the film. Movie critics were not convinced and panned the movie as merely average. However, audiences disagreed, and Cool Runnings soared in theaters, exceeding 68 million dollars. Malik’s flight of success took off and never came back down.
Soon, he landed the coveted role of J.C. Williams on the runaway FOX TV series “New York Undercover.” Playing alongside Michael de Lorenzo (as Eddie Torres), the show enabled viewers to see Harlem, crime, NYPD, rap music, and the entire City of New York from a whole different perspective. New York Undercover is one of the most successful TV shows in FOX TV history. The most important factor is its impact on pop and hip-hop culture. Celebrities worldwide craved to be a part of the show.
Everyone from Tyra Banks to Taye Diggs appeared on the show, and fame followed everyone. The show was the perfect balance between real-life issues and Hollywood drama. Viewers connected emotionally with each character, and public reaction was overwhelming. The essence of J.C. Williams was the talk of every local barbershop, beauty salon, and family BBQ everywhere. Malik Yoba and Michael de Lorenzo were the best duos in Hollywood since Earvin “Magic” Johnson and James Worthy. FOX and Malik Yoba were the new sensation on television, and the rose was growing through the concrete jungle. New York Undercover lasted four seasons and wrapped in late June 1998.
At around the same time, Yoba returned to activism with full force, helming a series of interactive lectures for troubled urban youth called “Why Are You on This Planet?” The program combined exercises in reading, writing, art, music, and visualization to teach children self-empowerment and the wisdom of solid decision-making. “Why Are You on This Planet?” qualified as an instant, triumphant success and continued seemingly without end; in the meantime, Yoba perpetuated his dramatic efforts as well, with contributions to innumerable motion pictures. In addition, he gave a pair of small, impressive performances in two very different 1997 indie dramas—first as Detective Carson in James Mangold’s all-star New Jersey policier Cop Land (1997), then as a studio engineer in George Tillman Jr.’s ensemble comedy-drama Soul Food, alongside Vivica A. Fox and Vanessa L. Williams.
From 2011 to 2012, Yoba appeared as former FBI Special Agent Bill Harken on “Alphas,” a science fiction drama series about a team of people with special abilities who belong to a secret department attached to the DOD. In 2013, Yoba joined the cast of “Revolution” as Jim Hudson, a former captain of the Monroe Republic. In 2015, Malik Yoba made history alongside FOX once more as he was cast as Vernon Turner, Lucious Lyon’s business partner and chairman of Empire Entertainment in “Empire.”
Yoba’s role is dynamic, challenging, inspiring, dark, and vintage Hollywood showmanship. Being the unsung hero of the Lucious Lyon Empire is a very intricate role and the perfect balance between obedience and power. When you watch Malik Yoba on the screen, you can hear, see, and feel his journey in every scene. Malik brings you directly into the moment, and he always leaves his audience wanting more. When you think of the impact of Malik Yoba not just in Hollywood but on the inner-city youths of NYC, the reflection of his power shines brightest.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
RECENT COMMENTS