by Jonathan P-Wright | Sep 8, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
In a shocking incident that gripped the nation, Jermelle English Jr, a Black man from Wisconsin, faced a wrongful arrest at a local Applebee’s. An unfortunate case of mistaken identity led to this brutal episode, sparking widespread outrage across social media platforms.
The Incident Unfolds
The incident unfolded in July, when law enforcement officers from Kenosha, Wisconsin, barged into an Applebee’s, targeting English Jr. They mistook him for a suspect involved in a hit-and-run accident. A video capturing the scene went viral, showcasing English Jr. pinned to the ground, with his 1-year-old baby nearby, as the officers began hitting him repeatedly1.
Misidentification and Charges
English Jr. and the woman accompanying him, Shanya Boyd, were taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting police. Boyd faced an additional charge for marijuana possession. The actual culprits, whom the police were pursuing, were later discovered hiding in the Applebee’s restroom2.
Aftermath and Social Media Uproar
The aftermath of this incident was equally tumultuous. Jennifer Harris, the on-duty manager at Applebee’s at the time, recounted the chaotic scene to CBS 58. She expressed her concern for the baby and English Jr., while also noting that pepper spray was used during the scuffle3.
“It was a lot, I was worried for the baby first off, the baby and the gentleman, that was my first concern,” she said.
Harris also mentioned an employee who tried to intervene, urging the police to stop their assault. However, the cops responded by threatening to arrest him too4.
“One employee was trying to get the cops to stop punching him, he was like, ‘Hey, hey, stop, he’s on the ground, stop,’ and they pushed him, pushed my employee, and said, ‘One more word out of you and you’re arrested.'”
Manager’s Dismissal
In a shocking turn of events, Harris was fired by the restaurant chain after videos of the incident surfaced on social media. The management accused her of tarnishing the Applebee’s brand name.
“They told me they can’t trust me and that I didn’t just ruin this Applebee’s name, I ruined all the Applebee’s in Wisconsin’s name by letting these videos get out,” she stated. “I’m not the one who recorded the videos nor let them out on the internet, so I don’t understand. My employees are trying to get the right story out, so how did we ruin the name of Applebee’s?”
The Power of Social Media and Celebrity Influence
The incident, fueled by social media traction, caught the attention of influential figures, including music mogul JAY-Z. Known for his contributions towards social justice, JAY-Z reportedly helped English Jr. secure a strong legal defense5.
Conclusion
The incident at the Wisconsin Applebee’s serves as a stark reminder of the persistent racial disparities in our society. It underscores the power of social media to highlight social injustices and mobilize support. The episode has spurred a renewed call for police reform and accountability, and the fight for justice continues.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Sep 8, 2023 | Business News, Latest |
The United States, a global economic titan, seems to be treading water in the vast ocean of cryptocurrency regulations. Despite the tumultuous year for the crypto industry, marked by scam incidents, company collapses, and layoffs, it’s far from its end. However, the narrative that the US government could potentially obliterate the crypto industry persists, fueled by the media and public opinion. This narrative is not only misleading but also detrimental to the progress of blockchain technology in the country.
The Misconception: Crypto’s Apocalypse
The crypto industry’s recent turmoil has been largely attributed to its own failures. Major industry players had initially pledged self-regulation, but the actions of a handful of bad actors over the past year have extinguished any possibility of such a system. The remaining legitimate crypto companies, despite their resilience and continued operation, are often viewed with skepticism and doubt, likened to the living dead of the digital asset sector.
The Reality: Crypto’s Potential
Contrary to these bleak portrayals, the crypto industry is not dead nor dying. It’s merely undergoing a metamorphosis, navigating through the growing pains associated with any revolutionary technology. The potential of blockchain technology is vast, and it’s beginning to permeate various aspects of the global financial system.
Crypto is more than just a new form of currency; it’s a foundational layer for future global commerce, banking, communication, and individual ownership. This is reflected in its widespread adoption, with hundreds of millions of people worldwide using crypto for various purposes and believing in its potential.
The Regulatory Challenge: SEC’s Approach
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been heavily criticized for its aggressive approach to crypto regulations. The SEC’s actions, heavily influenced by public opinion rather than a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology, have been seen as overreaching and heavy-handed, stifling innovation rather than fostering it.
Despite the high stakes, with crypto becoming increasingly integrated into the global financial system, the SEC’s approach remains largely unchanged. This regulatory approach not only undermines the potential of blockchain technology but also puts the US at a disadvantage globally.
The Global Perspective: Crypto Regulations Elsewhere
Other economic powerhouses, such as the EU, UK, Japan, Singapore, UAE, and even China, have introduced or are in the process of introducing comprehensive regulatory frameworks for crypto. The absence of the US from this list is conspicuous, highlighting the country’s lag in addressing this frontier technology at a federal level.
As a result, the crypto industry is rapidly shifting offshore. According to a recent report by Electric Capital, the US’s share of the world’s open source blockchain developers dropped from 42% in 2018 to 29% in 2022.
The Implications: Economic and Technological Consequences
The lack of a fully regulated financial market for crypto in the US contradicts the global economic interdependence observed in other major economies. The risk of losing crypto to other world powers is severe. Imagine if tech giants like Google or Twitter had been founded in a country like China. The internet, as we know it today, would look drastically different.
The Solution: A Path Forward
Despite the slow progress at the federal level, there are promising signs that a clear regulatory framework is on the horizon. A recent draft bill provides a pathway for digital assets that start as securities to eventually be regulated as commodities.
The proposed framework would allow tokens offered as part of an investment contract to remain under the SEC’s purview, while those qualifying as commodities would fall under the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). There are also ongoing discussions about the classification of an asset as a commodity if it belongs to a decentralized blockchain network.
The Recommendations: Shaping the Future of Crypto
As the US navigates its way towards a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto, several key considerations come to the fore.
The US government should actively invest in blockchain R&D. The country has a track record of incubating world-changing technology, and this should be no different.
Policymakers should familiarize themselves with the technology. Understanding the fundamentals of the technology they’re regulating is crucial. Other governments, including the European Commission, are already doing this.
The US government should establish a sandbox to experiment with compliant and mutually beneficial ways to engage with the private sector and the technology itself.
Conclusion: The Inevitability of Crypto’s Survival
Predicting the demise of crypto is a misguided narrative. The US, with its history of embracing and regulating frontier technologies, will undoubtedly adapt to the rise of crypto. The industry will only strengthen as meaningful regulations replace the current strong-arm enforcements. The future of crypto in the US is not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when.’
by Pharron Fields | Sep 7, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
As we inch towards the twilight of the summer season and prepare to embrace the crisp ambiance of fall, it is impossible to ignore the mellifluous voices that have serenaded us throughout the season. Mercury may still be in retrograde, but the musical cosmos is in perfect alignment, offering us an array of harmonious compositions that perfectly complement the changing seasons. As the sun sets on Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, we find solace in the new creations by some of R&B’s most talented artists, helping us transition smoothly into the new season.
Among the myriad of voices, one stands out – Jorja Smith. Her long-awaited sophomore album’s title track has been shared, and it’s as emotion-inducing as Ama Lou and Xenia Manasseh’s debut albums. While we patiently wait for Chase Shakur’s debut LP, he ensures his fans are well-fed with the deluxe edition of his EP. Keke Wyatt is making a stealthy re-entry into music with the lead single from her first album in six years. Additionally, male crooners like Eric Roberson, Lendryx, Landon Thomas, and Beharie are guiding us down a soothing path that’s deeply essential.
Jorja Smith – “Falling or Flying”
Jorja Smith, who welcomed the summer with her singles, “Little Things” and “GO GO GO,” has now unveiled the title track from her highly-anticipated sophomore album, “Falling Or Flying.” During a conversation with Zane Lowe from Apple Music, Smith confessed that this track is currently one of her favorites, depending on her mood.
Smith elaborated, “This song always takes me on a journey, so right now it’s one of my favorites. Maybe because it’s coming out. But it’s funny though because that song started out completely different with me and the producers. It’s the first song we actually ever started together but it didn’t have the chorus before, and we moved everything over and did all sorts to it, and then we got this chorus. But the song has nothing to do with the album title. It’s just called that.”
The music video for “Falling or Flying” also marks Smith’s directorial debut. She had always dreamed of shooting a video in space, and this song gave her the perfect opportunity to fulfill that dream. She candidly mentioned that she wanted to journey into space with someone she loved and cherished, but they didn’t reciprocate her enthusiasm.
Smith’s new album is set to release on September 29, and music enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the release.
Ama Lou – “I Came Home Late”
Ama Lou’s debut album, “I Came Home Late,” is a testament to her profound songwriting skills. With an assortment of 15 tracks, including previously released singles “Silence” and “Caught Me Running,” the album paints a vivid picture of Lou’s artistic range.
Lou began songwriting at a tender age and released her debut single, “TBC,” in 2016, which caught the attention of Drake and heavily influenced his 2018 album, “Scorpion.” She has since dropped three EPs, providing fans with a taste of her depth before unveiling “I Came Home Late.”
Chase Shakur – “It’s not you, it’s me… it’s love”
Chase Shakur continues to tantalize his fans, who are eagerly waiting for his debut album, with the release of his deluxe EP, “It’s not you, it’s me… it’s love.” The EP follows the highs and lows of a tumultuous relationship, providing an insight into the male perspective of an emotionally-charged romance. The captivating follow-up includes three new tracks: “nite,” “exit 65,” and “you’re so lovely.”
Shakur has clarified on his Instagram that “this is NOT the album,” and is looking forward to performing these tracks live on his “It’s Still Love Tour.”
K. Michelle – “Blame Yourself”
K. Michelle is gearing up for the release of her final R&B album, “I’m The Problem,” and has shared the LP’s fourth single, “Blame Yourself.” The introspective track urges women to take some accountability and introspect whether they are the problem in their relationships.
The Memphis native sings, “You’re playing the victim all because he made you look stupid/ ‘Fore you put the blame on everybody else/ Point to the mirror and blame yourself.” Her honest and heartfelt lyrics echo the album’s premise.
Back in May, K. Michelle candidly expressed on Instagram, “I am the problem. Took me so long to solve ’em.” In a recent interview with The Shade Room, she added, “I’m gon’ be the problem regardless. The industry gonna label you. It doesn’t matter. I could try to change; I could be better, [but] no matter what I do, I’m a problem because I still stand for what I stand for and I am how I am. It just is what it is.”
LAYA – “Bet That”
LAYA’s long-awaited new EP, “BET THAT,” is finally here. The seven-track project is a confident flex, proving that LAYA is in charge of her world and isn’t budging one bit on that matter. The unapologetic anthem, “F’d Up,” set the tone for the EP, and the Staten Island, N.Y. native continued that momentum with “I Ain’t Playin’,” title track, “Bet That,” and the manic yet soulful “Psycho Bitch.”
The EP succeeds her debut EP, “Um, Hello.” If you’ve been missing out on this rising star, consider this an alert to wake up.
Raiche – “Big Daddy”
Raiche’s new single, “Big Daddy,” is a breath of fresh air as she addresses an alternative perspective from records like Usher’s “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home).” Her soothing, distinct tone captivates listeners as she sings, “You just stepped in/ What you bout to prove/ Big daddy, come take real good care of me/ Say that’s what you can be […] You know what your baby needs/ Just come through.”
The singer, with her soulful roots and alternative pop flair, recently performed at 2023’s Atlanta Funk Fest. Since her debut single in 2018, she has amassed over 20 million international streams and has been featured in Netflix’s Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker and on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Beharie – “We Never Knew”
Beharie is a dream we never knew we needed. Our introduction to the Norwegian crooner is his latest single, “We Never Knew.” The idyllic production is a somber reflection on a forever love that’s now non-existent.
The singer explains, “In the heat of it all. When you lose yourself in it. How things made sense, and how the bad things were ignored. But little did we know that we would end up being strangers.”
The record stems from his in-depth exploration of varying identities as heard on his upcoming debut album, “Are You There, Boy?,” set to arrive on October 20. Of the album, he explains in a statement, “This album has given me the opportunity to delve into various aspects of my own identity, and in the process, I have explored the complexity inherent in my personality and expression.”
Eric Roberson – “I Apologize”
Eric Roberson is honoring the indie R&B movement with a series of new monthly releases. “I Apologize” is the second single of the series, inspired by what the crooner considers to be his “creative gumbo.”
Co-written and produced by Jairus Mozee, Brett “B Dubb” Baker, Rodney Jones, and Roberson, the latter explains in a statement, “The song is inspired by the creative gumbo that feeds my music. The theatrical musicality of Stevie Wonder, heartfelt word play of urban contemporary gospel group Commissioned, and the unapologetic low-end approach of A Tribe Called Quest.”
Marzz – “In The Morning”
Marzz is back! Two years after the release of their debut EP, Love Letterz, and its subsequent deluxe installment, the singer’s impassioned new single, “In The Morning,” hypnotizes us once more.
“This song represents a feeling of waiting until the morning, getting excited of the unknown,” they explained in a statement. “It’s the wishful understanding of everything within a relationship. Sometimes we need understanding about falling in love when we’re not sure.” Ultimately, Marzz hopes their music encourages listeners to “create their own narratives” but in a magical way.
Landon Thomas – “Anything”
Landon Thomas may be new to us, but R&B is embedded in his DNA. With the lead single, “Anything,” from his forthcoming album, “R U STILL MAD AT ME,” the Pittsburgh, Pa. native is making his mark as a trailblazer with his infectious melodies and unique spin on contemporary R&B.
As he sings “Do you mind/ If I slide on you/ Spend time with you tonight/ Do you mind if I chill with you/ Make it real for you,” we’re drawn into the heartwarming embrace of his sultry tone.
“Anything” irresistibly sets the tone for the LP centered about intricate feelings, relationships, and ultimately, self-discovery.
“R U STILL MAD AT ME” arrives on Sunday, September 3.
Xenia Manasseh – “Love/Hate, PT. 1”
Xenia Manasseh’s debut album, “Love/Hate, Pt. 1,” is an emotional rollercoaster focused on love’s unpredictability. The 11-track LP is for delicate yet powerful women as the Kenyan-born, Los Angeles-based singer fuses her heritage with a sorrowful, intensely honest masterpiece.
After earning songwriting credits on Teyana Taylor’s The Album and singing background vocals for Taylor, Big Sean, and Burna Boy, fans love Xenia’s universal lyricism and earnest personal reflections.
“All the songs are special to me because they all came from me, they’re all my feelings on a page or in a song and the creation of all songs is sentimental to me,” she shared in a statement of the album. “But I will single out GI’s intro that is with my grandfather, Edgar Manasseh, GI is his nickname. That was done this year and was extremely sentimental and emotional because he has influenced so much of my musical journey. I can think of days when I was growing up he would teach me how to play things on the piano and his music collection is incredible.”
The endearing Swahili song was paired with a Luka Tututu composition. The LP wraps up just as strong as it began with the emotive yet hopeful “Love/Hate.”
She explained, “‘Love/Hate’ is also one of the tracks I felt that was the song that encompassed all the feelings that are spoken about in the album–the good, the bad, and in-between. I try to remember that balance as a lifeline. I’m also a Libra which is the sign of the scale, so I try to see the world through that lens and I felt like it’s not just representative of the album but also of me. I feel like everything in the album falls under those two words. It’s like a pendulum swing–you’re in and you’re out.”
Most of all, she hopes listeners take away the understanding of love’s karmic journey while also learning that it’s just the beginning. “This is just part 1 of the album; there’s a part 2 and in all of it, just know that love always comes around and it’s how you approach it the second time that matters.”
Keke Wyatt – “Water Into Wine”
The first offering from Keke Wyatt’s new album–her first in six years–has arrived. “Water Into Wine” showcases the mother of 11’s soulful roots as she gets honest with her lover about some expectations and realities.
“I really feel good about signing with Shanachie!” the singer said of her new team in a statement. “I’m excited and finally ready. I feel like this time we will create magic together and make HISTORY!”
Shanachie General Manager, Randall Grass, chimed in, “At a time when great singers are in short supply, Keke Wyatt continually displays what real singing is all about. Her range, power and intensely felt vocals connect with her audiences on the deepest level. We loved working with her before and are very excited to work with her now to make an epic new album.”
The reality TV star assures fans that her new LP will spotlight “good ole sanging” and will be an honest look into her life as she gears up to bare it all.
Lendryx – “Forces”
Lendryx is channeling two R&B legends with his new single, “Forces.”
Produced by Dionso, OSEI, and Jproof, the slow jam oozes romantic gratification as the crooner also inquires about the tug ‘o war battle of not wanting to fall in love, but also realizing that may be out of his control.
“I don’t wanna be in love/ But you’re so tempting/ When you leave the room, it feels so empty/ I’m trying be tough/ I’m fighting forces,” he sings.
Lendryx feels the ballad is his most “dynamic vocal performance yet” and admits that he challenged himself by using Tyrese’s “Signs Of Love Makin'” and Brandy’s range as the foundational elements of his vocal execution. It follows his previous single from April, “Just My Turn.”
Shae Universe – “Passenger Princess”
Shae Universe is riding the wave of her recent single, “Passenger Princess,” with the premiere of its visual. The song’s video, starring Kojey Radical, hints at the enthralling story being told as the title card reads, “Ever wish you could go back in time?”
Viewers see Shae seated in the backseat during a late-night drive as she reflects on some lingering feelings and bittersweet memories. The song, itself, was birthed by those emotions.
“He’d sent me roses all the way from LA and I still wasn’t over everything we’d been through when I received them, so I put all my mixed emotions into this song,” the UK-bred songbird stated of the record.
“I think ‘Passenger Princess’ is a very special song because not only is the title current and relatable, but the song’s deeper message of not always knowing exactly how to navigate situations is part of being a human with feelings. A part that sometimes frustrates us but hopefully, through this song, people feel seen and confident enough to accept this grey area of life.”
by Pharron Fields | Sep 5, 2023 | Business News, Latest, Tech News |
Image Credit: Photo by Per Lööv on Unsplash
Teamshares: A Novel Approach to Business
First on our list is an intriguing venture by Teamshares. This startup has been attracting a substantial amount of capital and has embarked on an ambitious mission of acquiring numerous small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). However, this is merely the tip of the iceberg. Teamshares also plans to offer its employees the opportunity to earn stock through prolonged service, while simultaneously providing centralized fintech services to all its subsidiary companies. This novel business model has ignited much discussion in the startup community.
MoonPay: Stepping into the Venture Game
Next, we turn our attention to MoonPay, a crypto payment infrastructure company that is venturing into the world of investments. MoonPay is setting its sights particularly on crypto, gaming, and fintech. The confluence of these three sectors invariably leads to crypto games. We are keenly observing MoonPay’s investment decisions, as new funds that are crypto-themed or crypto-adjacent are becoming increasingly scarce. Therefore, MoonPay’s entry into the market is indeed exciting news.
Rent Butter and Kiki: Revitalizing Renting
With the zero interest rate era drawing to a close and the experimental phase of building new iBuying and mortgage service startups partially concluded, renting is back in vogue. Consequently, startups that focus on rentals are also gaining traction. Two such startups are Rent Butter and Kiki, both of which are making waves in the rental market.
The Elusive Tech IPOs
The long-awaited tech IPOs have been more elusive than anticipated. Using data from Crunchbase, we have noted the extended wait for authentic tech IPOs. The good news, however, is that they are gradually making a comeback.
Lean Startup Ideology Meets AI
Lastly, we explore what happens when the lean startup ideology infiltrates the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As it turns out, this combination leads to an abundance of experiments.
And with that, our roundup of this week’s most significant startup and tech news concludes. Please note that due to an American holiday, our next episode of Equity will be broadcasted on Tuesday instead of Monday. Until then, keep innovating and stay tuned!
by Jonathan P-Wright | Sep 5, 2023 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
As a seasoned veteran in the music industry, Kelly Rowland has been a witness to the rise of many stars. However, one young talent that has caught her attention recently is none other than Blue Ivy, the daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Praising her commendable work ethic, Rowland is all admiration for the 11-year-old’s dedication and discipline.
“I’m very proud,” Rowland shared. “She works very freaking hard, period. But how could she not, you know? She sees her mother in action and she sees her father in action and how they apply everything, hard work to everything that they do.”
Blue Ivy: A New Star on the Horizon
Blue Ivy, at a tender age of 11, has been showcasing her talent alongside her mother, Beyoncé, on her Renaissance World Tour. The young prodigy has been turning heads with her performance, proving that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
The Role of Parenting in Shaping Talent
In a recent interview with E! News, Kelly Rowland credited Beyoncé and Jay-Z for instilling discipline in their young daughter. The power couple’s influence and guidance have been instrumental in shaping Blue Ivy’s talent and work ethic.
Blue Ivy’s Debut Performance
Blue made her first appearance on the Renaissance World Tour back in May, sharing the stage with her mother and a fleet of dancers. The young star held her own among the professional dancers, impressing all with her smooth and confident moves.
The Grandmother’s Pride
Following Blue’s performance, her grandmother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, took to Instagram to express her pride and admiration.
“I am truly amazed by the courage that this brave, talented, beautiful 11-year old exhibited last night!” Lawson wrote “There were almost 70,000 people in that audience. She danced with professional dancers, grown folks, she did complicated choreography and moves that they rehearsed for months! She rehearsed and learned this in a little over a week. She was so smooth with it!”
Wrapping Up
The music industry has always been a place where talent and hard work go hand in hand. Blue Ivy is one such talent who, under the guidance and influence of her superstar parents, is making a mark at a very young age. As Kelly Rowland puts it, Blue Ivy’s work ethic is a testament to her parents’ emphasis on discipline and dedication. It’s a clear indication that we can expect great things from this young star in the future.
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