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Big Sean Builds Recording Studio at His Old High School

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big sean cass tech recording studio

Detroit rapper Big Sean (nee Sean Anderson) is giving back in a big way.  On Monday, he visited his alma mater, Cass Technical High School to reveal a brand new recording studio.

The 784 sq. ft. space is part of the high school’s music program and is available to budding musicians at the school.  Big Sean, Adidas Originals and the Sean Anderson Foundation teamed up to donate the music studio.

Big Sean, 27, posted a heartfelt message to Instagram, recalling his days as an aspiring hip-hop artist at the school. “I can’t believe I used to rap at the lunch tables, slang my CD’s in the hallways, and fast foward less than 10 years later I’m opening up my own recording studio at my old High School Cass Tech for the students! This brings me tears of Joy!”

 


Suspected Baby Mama Slaps Dwight Howard With Paternity Suit

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A secret baby mama has filed a paternity suit against Dwight Howard, according to court documents obtained by TheJasmineBrand.com.

Tiffany Render wants a Florida court to find that Howard is the father of her 5-year-old daughter, and slapped the 28 year old with a paternity suit on May 12th.

There was speculation that Render was one of the eight mothers of Howard’s eight children back in 2010, when it was reported that she gave birth to a daughter named Layla. However, Render never sought to have Howard deemed the legal father of the child, and she never discussed publicly having a child with him — until now.

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Apparently, Howard and Render had worked out a custody agreement and settled on child support outside of court around the time the girl was born. But Howard, judging from the filing of the paternity suit, reneged on their agreement, allegedly.

If Howard is established as the legal father of Render’s child, the mother will likely seek a legally binding child support agreement.

She lives in Orlando County, which is near where Howard once owned a massive home.

Raven Symoné Officially Joins The View

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Raven Symone, The View

As of Wednesday, Raven-Symoné has officially become the newest co-host on “The View.” She replaces Rosie O’Donnell, who left four months ago to focus on her personal life.

The former That’s So Raven star is thrilled to be reunited with her Disney family, saying in a statement, “The Disney Company has made another one of my dreams come true! Being a part of ‘The View’ family will be a wonderful growing experience for me. The cast and crew are warm and welcoming and has made the transition into daytime talk easier. I have a lot to learn within this new arena, but being the apprentice of these spectacular women will only make me a better person and talk show host. I want to thank ABC, ABC News and The Disney Company for believing in me and my potential! Let’s have some fun!”

The 29 year old actress joins the ABC morning show alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Nicolle Wallace and Rosie Perez.  She’s been guest hosting over the last few months, and perhaps the controversy she’s generated made her even more attractive to show producers. Back in March she attracted the ire of Beyonce fans for bestowing the title of original Queen B on Lil’ Kim. She also made waves for seeming to defend fired Univision host Rodner Figueroa’s comments comparing Michelle Obama to an ape, and for her explanation as to why she refuses to identify as African-American.

Colby C.

Image: Getty/Disney ABC Television Group

Man Sued ‘Pool-Party Cop’ For Racial Profiling, Excessive Force In ’08

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Clashing with Black pool partygoers, slamming 15-year-old Dajerria Becton‘s head to the ground, and drawing his gun on two other Black teens wasn’t the first time David Eric Casebolt was accused of racial profiling and using excessive force.

The McKinney, Texas “pool-party cop,” who was identified by his middle and last names in initial reports of his racist behavior while responding to a 911 call about a pool party on June 5th, was initially placed on leave, but he has since resigned.

In 2008, Albert Earl Brown Jr. sued Casebolt for racially-profiling him and using excessive force during an April 2007 arrest. Brown described how he was sitting in his car with white female passengers, according to court documents. Brown said Casebolt made a comment about his clothes and the white women, while approaching Brown’s car. Brown said Casebolt asked to search his car after allegedly seeing cannabis seeds. Brown says Casebolt pulled down his pants to perform a body search, while another officer slammed his face into the hood of his car.

Casebolt maintained that he did find cannabis seeds in Brown’s car, when responding to the complaint. Brown was convicted of a drug charge stemming from the arrest, but filed a civil rights lawsuit against Casebolt and the other officers involved in his arrest. Brown says Casebolt booked him on a trumped up charge, in order to cover up his and the other officers’ deplorable behavior during the stop and arrest.

The lawsuit was dismissed because Brown was incarcerated and couldn’t collect the evidence to prove his case. Brown also said, according to court documents, that he didn’t understand the legal process well enough to continue with the suit.

Later in 2008, Casebolt was deemed the “Patrolman of the Year.”

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Zoo Fires Black Woman For Racist Online Post

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When will people learn not to tweet or post to social media everything they think — especially when the comment relates to their job?

The Brookfield Zoo in Illinois announced Tuesday that it terminated a Black woman for posting a racially-insulting social media comment about zoo customers.

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The employee appears in a selfie wearing a Brookfield Zoo baseball cap and shirt in the concession stand.

“Wassup y’all? At work serving these rude ass white people,” the seasonal worker captioned her photo. She also mentions that she took the pic at the Brookfield Zoo. In another photo the employee wears her zoo uniform while sticking up her middle finger. And in a third, she makes mention of only going to work in order to avoid being fired, but adds that she isn’t doing s–t when she gets there.

“We do not tolerate this behavior,” zoo spokeswoman Sondra Katzen said. The zoo also released a statement Tuesday:

“Yesterday, we became aware of the actions of a single employee which we agree are unacceptable. This employee’s statements in social media are in violation of our policies and do not reflect our institution’s values. We have zero tolerance for these kinds of divisive behaviors. We treat all employment matters confidentially, but rest assured that we have taken prompt action to remedy the situation.

“We hope you continue to hold Brookfield Zoo in high regard and not let the actions of one individual overshadow the longstanding good work of the Chicago Zoological Society.”

The zoo also condemned the employee’s actions on its Facebook page. The posting has received more than 19,000 “likes.”

Was the Brookfield Zoo justified in firing the unidentified employee? Let us know in the comments section or on Facebook.

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Jada Pinkett Smith Kissed Tupac, It Was Disgusting

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While making the rounds promoting Magic Mike XXL, Jada Pinkett Smith made a revelation about her rumored relationship with the late rapper Tupac Shakur.  Smith has always claimed that they were good friends from their high school days at Baltimore School for the Arts.  In the documentary Tupac: Resurrection, Smith says the lyricist was “one of my best friends. He was like a brother. It was beyond friendship for us. The type of relationship we had, you only get that once in a lifetime.”

Many have wondered however,  if the relationship was ever more than just platonic. Smith gave confirmation about the speculation last week on Howard Stern’s XM Satellite radio show.

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“You know, it’s so funny. Now being older, I have more of an understanding of what that was between us,” Smith revealed to Stern during the interview.

“When you have two young people that have very strong feelings, but there was no physical chemistry between us at all, and it wasn’t even just for me! It was him too.

There was a time when I was like, ‘Just kiss me! Let’s just see how this goes.’ And when I tell you it had to be the most disgusting kiss for us both. The only way I can put it is, the higher power just did not want that.”

Colby C.

Rick Ross Arrested On Marijuana Charges

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Music mogul Rick Ross, nee , was pulled over in his Bentley Wednesday in Fayette County, Ga. and arrested for marijuana possession.

Ross, who owns a Fayetteville mega mansion, and another passenger were originally pulled over for an alleged window tint violation.  However, officers searched his car after smelling weed.  Allegedly they found five joints and arrested the Hustlin’ rapper.

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The Belaire spokesperson and Wing Stop franchise owner remained in at the Fayette County Jail as of Wednesday evening.  According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, this is his fourth weed-related arrest.

– Colby C.

Image: Fayette County Sheriff’s Office/ Instagram

Male Fraternity Pledge Sues After Rush Party Rape

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Reginald Stewart is suing fraternity Phi Kappa Psi and one of its members, Charles Gibson, on claims that he was sexually assaulted by the latter so brutally that his rectum required surgery to repair it.  He seeks $450,000 in damages for the personal injury, assault and battery claims.  The alleged incident occurred in 2013 on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.

Stewart, a recent Penn graduate and then member of the school’s United Minorities Council, decided to pledge Phi Kappa Psi. The then 19 year old attended a rush party in January of 2013.  Alcohol was being served at the event and although he was underage at the time, the suit claims he was still served drinks by members of the fraternity.  Even after he’d reached the point of severe intoxication, Stewart was still served drinks to the point where he lost consciousness.

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According to court documents, Stewart was escorted to his home a short distance from the frat house by Gibson and another fraternity brother.  When Stewart regained consciousness, Gibson was sexually assaulting him and he was too drunk to fight off the attack.  Stewart alleges that he contracted HPV and permanent scarring as a result of the attack and required reconstructive surgery to repair the damage done.

Gibson however, refutes these claims and calls the suit “frivolous.”

According to Philly Mag:

In a response to the suit filed in court, Gibson doesn’t deny having sex with Stewart that night but claims that the sex was consensual. He denies giving Stewart HPV. As for the allegation that the fraternity served Stewart and him alcohol when they were underage at a rush party on that date, Gibson indicated that was true in the same court filing. He also calls the suit “frivolous.” The fraternity has yet to respond to the allegations in court.
– Colby C.

His And Hers: Wedding Rings to Seal the Deal

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Bands A’ Make Him Dance: These definitely aren’t your daddy’s rings.

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Rock Steady

Platinum’s still popular and Mark Schneider’s “Virtuous” satin finished ring with five diamonds modestly tucks in the cut. $4,775.

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Gold Member

Skip the thin gilt band for Simon G’s beefy, 14-karat brushed yellow gold number. It’s classic with a side of pizzazz. From $1,980.

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Color, You Bad

Tungsten carbon fiber inlay is lightweight (4 to12 grams), yet sturdy, and great material for Thorsten’s “Auxilius” beveled edge, scratch-proof polished piece. The bold blue checkerboard accent makes it a work of art. $200.

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Coming Up Roses

Michael M.’s rose gold is a tasteful splash of color to accompany a 14- or 18-karat band. From $2,560.

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Flash of the Titans

The sexy, black titanium and sterling silver wide-band from David Yurman gleams with 1.3 karats of pavé black diamonds. $1,850.

Ring Tones: Seal the deal with any one of these stunning women’s wedding rings.

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Hello, Yellow

Tacori’s 2-carat round diamond is lifted by a 1.28-carat double layer’s worth of sparkles then topped with a color-of-themoment yellow gold crown. Choose between an 18-karat rose, white or yellow gold or platinum metal. From $9,590.

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Stacks On Stacks

Reinstein & Ross’s all-in-one “Triple Shimmer Band” in 20-karat peach gold, is crusted with diamonds on each layer, making it both an engagement and wedding ring. $13,800.

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Blue Lively

Diamonds remain a girl’s best friend, but Yael Designs offers the best of both worlds with a 9.15-karat tanzanite blue, 18-karat white gold stunner surrounded by 1.34 karats of side ice. $9,000 for setting.

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Bright Beginnings

Rest easy—big, blingy rocks won’t ever style-out. Vera Wang’s LOVE Collection 14-karat white gold ring’s center 0.5-carat diamond is framed with round stones and two princess-cut blue sapphires in the bezel. The stone-enhanced twisted shank brings the total weight to slightly over one comfortable carat. $4,799.99.

Mother Says Local NAACP Leader Isn’t Black

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A family photo of Rachel Dolezal as a teenager and a recent photo of the Spokane NAACP president.

Spokane NAACP president Rachel Dolezal‘s credibility is coming into question after her mother revealed the civil rights activist has falsely portrayed herself as Black for years.

There have been questions regarding Dolezal’s race for days, but her family says they didn’t speak up until the media asked them.

Rachel Dolezal’s mother, Ruthanne Dolezal, said in a phone interview with The Spokesman-Review that her daughter began to “disguise herself” in 2006 or 2007, after Ruthanne Dolezal adopted four Black children with Larry Dolezal, Rachel Dolezal’s father.

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A family photo shows Rachel Dolezal’s family at her wedding reception in Jackson, Mississippi on May 21, 2000. Ruthanne and Larry Dolezal identified the people in the photo. Back row: Ruthanne (mother), Kevin and Rachel, Larry (father), Peggy and Herman (Larry’s parents); Front Row: Larry and Ruthanne’s adopted children: Ezra, Izaiah, Esther, and Zachariah.

“It’s very sad that Rachel has not just been herself,” Ruthanne Dolezal said. “Her effectiveness in the causes of the African-American community would have been so much more viable, and she would have been more effective if she had just been honest with everybody.”

To be fair, Ruthanne Dolezal, who lives in Montana, also said she hasn’t had contact with her daughter for years. However, she says their families ethnic background is Czech, Swedish, and German with “faint traces” of Native American ancestry. Ruthanne Dolezal also provided Rachel Dolezal’s birth certificate, which identifies her as white.

Rachel Dolezal has dodged questions about her race. She said Thursday that she wanted to speak with her executive board before discussing the “multi-layered” issue with the public.

“That question is not as easy as it seems,” she said in another time. “There’s a lot of complexities … and I don’t know that everyone would understand that.”

Later, she said, “We’re all from the African continent.”

On the application to be chairwoman of the city’s Office of Police Ombudsman Commission, a volunteer position, Rachel Dolezal identified herself as white, Black, and American Indian. And now, Spokane City Hall is investigating her.

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Another family photo of Rachel Dolezal

“We are gathering facts to determine if any city policies related to volunteer boards and commissions have been violated,” Mayor David Condon and Council President Ben Stuckart said in a joint statement. “That information will be reviewed by the City Council, which has oversight of city boards and commissions.”

There also seems to be questions regarding the validity of hate crime complaints Rachel Dolezal has made to police. In at least one incidence, it appears she planted a hate mail package herself in an NAACP post office box. However, several other pieces of mail in the same style and handwriting as the initial package sent to Rachel Dolezal have been postmarked from Oakland, CA.

Ruthanne Dolezal had some motherly advice for her estranged daughter: “I would say, ‘I love you, and honesty is the best policy.’ I firmly believe that the truth is in everyone’s best interest.”

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Destination Weddings: Costa Rica

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Occidental Grand Papagayo

By Satchel B. Jester

Picture it.

The sun slowly setting over a secluded hillside overlooking the lush tropical gardens of Costa Rica’s tony Pacific Coast. A flautist is delicately playing Luther’s “So Amazing” as you ready to debut your custom Pnina Tornai. Your wedding ceremony is off to a perfect start, thanks to the expert program at Occidental Grand Papagayo resort. Located in Guanacaste, this adults-only resort provides the perfect backdrop to jump the broom among unfiltered tropical bliss.

Occidental Grand Papagayo

Customization

The resort offers six pre-set packages, but you have the liberty to craft your most decadent dreams unabashedly. Monogrammed robes? Check. Exquisite florals? Check? Endless Champagne? Absolutely!

 

“I Do” Duty

On the big day, every bride wants princess treatment and every groom is only thinking about the (ahem) after party. Fear not, as the extent of your involvement upon arrival will only be getting to the altar on time. From an on-site planner for the ceremony, to 24-hour concierge and turn down service, your to-do list has never been shorter. After all, most of your brain space has been occupied with the choice of a subtle nude lip or a fiery red one for your first kiss as a “Mr. and Mrs.”

Occidental Grand Papagayo

Be Adventurous

Yes, you’ll look stunning as the delicate lace of your train cascades down the rocky staircase, but you deserve a bit more excitement. Push it to the limit and go zip lining instead of cuing the electric slide. It’s included and your dress will photograph fabulously in the air.

Culture Club

Second time around or desiring something different? The resort wedding planners are well versed in executing themed and traditional ceremony styles including Hindu and Mayan. Swap the minister for the Shaman and be betrothed with the blessings of the universe. Just Do It Now that you’ve sealed the deal, head out for a quick jaunt around Costa Rica. Feed your eco-craving at Palo Verde National Park and explore the vast mangroverich swamp, lagoons, marshes and forests. Take a boat tour of the Tempisque River and be amazed with the native flora and fauna. After exploring, pull in to the El Viejo Wetlands for a specially prepared lunch—by you. Make fresh, homemade tortillas in Casa del Sabanero and wash it down with a cold Imperial Cerveza.

Viral Video: What Happened to Courtney Barnes on the Way to Burger King

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Local news can be some of the most entertaining around, especially because they have access to eye witnesses who defy explanation. Their colorful play-by-plays often overshadow the real news to become the headline of the day.  And once their videos go viral, so begins their reign as internet celebrities- and sometimes beyond.  Sweet Brown (‘ain’t nobody got time for that‘) and Antoine Dodson (‘hide yo kids, hide yo wife’) are a just a couple examples of the eye-witness to celebrity phenomenon. But as of today, there’s a new kid on the block and his name is Courtney Barnes of Jackson, Mississippi.

The green ponytailed wonder launched into a most dramatic recount to a reporter at WBLT 3 of a high speed police chase.  Barnes was apparently going to Burger King to ‘buy a piece of burger.’

Were there pearls to clutch, Barnes certainly would have clutched them as he breathlessly recounted how the police car chased after a civilian who didn’t want to pause for the security checkpoint, and how the police car ended up. He recalled, ‘It was a full twist-about, and the police car just twist around like a tornado, girl!’

Watch the full interview below. The police officer involved in the crash will soon be released from the hospital so you can laugh guilt free.

Must-see eyewitness description

SHARE THIS GREAT UPDATE!: Police Officer injured in crash could be released from the hospital today.We now have a better idea exactly how the wreck happened thanks to a MUST-SEE description from a person who claims to have witnessed the whole thing>http://shout.lt/5zC7Read more about the new Internet sensation>>http://bit.ly/1KuvBl7

Posted by WLBT 3 On Your Side on Wednesday, June 10, 2015

It looks like Barnes‘ newfound fame is already causing some trouble.  He was recognized by Ridgeland, Ms. police on contempt of court charges for over $1,600 in unpaid parking tickets, and Jackson police for a shoplifting charge.  He surrendered to Ridgeland Police yesterday afternoon.

 

Colby C.

Lark Voorhies Met Her New Husband on Facebook

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Lark Voorhies, former star of early 90’s teen sitcom Saved By the Bell, is a married woman.  Twice over actually.

The actress, who’s been dogged by bipolar rumors for the last few years, reportedly married sound engineer Jimmy Green. The two met on Facebook approximately a year ago and have been dating ever since.

In addition to their commitment ceremony on April 1, they had a Vegas wedding on April 30.  A third wedding is planned next year and will be a larger event that includes family and friends.

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Voorhie’s mother Tricia is the one who made the claims about the personality disorder back in 2012, which Voorhies consistently denies.  The 41 year old actress has kept a low profile but a few of her 2014 appearances raised eyebrows because of her odd make up and wardrobe choices.

— Colby C.

NeNe Leakes Is Getting Into The Boutique Biz

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We know you’re just dying to dress exactly like NeNe Leakes, and pretty soon you just might be able to do that.

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The self-proclaimed Very Rich Bitch was spotted recently in Atlantic City scouting a retail location at The Playground, an oceanfront shopping center. NeNe plans to sell her clothing line, NeNe by NeNe Leakes, along with other brands. (I’m seriously obsessed whenever she wears distressed jeans, so I’m curious to learn which she prefers.)

NeNe by NeNe Leakes is currently sold through HSN. If you’re a fan of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” then you probably remember seeing a bit of the design process two seasons ago. NeNe probably owns the name of her brand because HSN isn’t in the business of making money for other retailers.

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There’s no word yet on what NeNe will name her boutique at The Playground, but it seems she plans to build a retail empire immediately. She’s reportedly eyeing locations in New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta … duh!

Everything, however, is in the early planning stages and NeNe hasn’t signed any contracts yet.

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FBI Agent: Tamir Rice Reached For My Hand

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On June 11th, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Tim McGinty released a 224-page report on the police shooting death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice.

This sheriff’s report marks the first time Officer Timothy Loehmann‘s account of the shooting has been made public, and the perspective of an FBI agent on the scene has been revealed. It must be noted that Loehmann and his partner, Officer Frank Garmback, refused to be interviewed by sheriff’s investigators. Instead, their account of the shooting in the sheriff’s report is from the perspective of fellow officers.

None of the witnesses in the report said they heard Loehmann warn Rice before they heard the gunshots. However, police say Loehmann only shot Rice after the boy ignored his warnings and reached for his BB gun, which one officer said looked “1000%” real in the report.

In video footage, Garmback can be seen driving his police vehicle off the street and near a gazebo where Rice was. Loehmann jumped out of the car before it came to a complete stop and within two seconds fired two shots into the boy. The officers were reporting to a call about a man pointing a gun at people around a recreation center.

Officer Lou Kitko, who talked to Loehmann at the scene, recounted what the rookie officer said, “They arrived on scene, was yelling commands at the kid, they stopped the car, the kid went for the firearm and tried to pull it out.”

Kitko along with several Cleveland police officers agreed to be interviewed for the investigation. The prosecutor didn’t offer them any immunity for their participation.

An FBI agent happened to be near the scene at the time of the shooting and administered first aid to Rice because Loehmann and Garmback hadn’t received first aid training and didn’t have a kit in their police car.

The agent noted Loehmann’s demeanor minutes after the shooting: “I think it was a very difficult situation for him to deal with and … probably now as the adrenaline was wearing off, I think the realization is kicking in that he just had to shoot somebody.”

The unidentified agent also discussed Rice’s last moments as he lay dying from the police officer’s bullets. Rice later succumbed to his injuries at MetroHealth Medical Center.

At one point, Tamir mumbled something about his gun, revealed the FBI agent. The boy also took the agent’s hand.

“He turned over and acknowledged and looked at me, and he like reached for my hand,” he said.

Prosecutors have yet to present the he evidence for the shooting to a grand jury for consideration of an indictment against Loehmann or his partner Garmack. However, A group of Tamir supporters filed papers recently seeking charges against the officers.

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Rachel Dolezal: “I will never stop fighting”

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Rachel Dolezal, the NAACP regional official who recently came under scrutiny after being outed as a white woman who has been passing for black over the last decade has resigned her post.  A lengthy resignation letter was posted to the Spokane NAACP Facebook page Monday afternoon.

Last week, Dolezal made headlines when her parents, who are white, revealed to a local news outlet that their estranged daughter had for some time been describing herself as a black woman. Many have questioned the behavior of adopting a race not your own as decidedly odd.  But in light of Bruce Jenner’s widely accepted transgender jump to Caitlyn Jenner, more than a few observers shrug off Dolezal’s transracial proclivities as no big deal in 2015.

Dolezal acknowleges that her “personal identity in the context of defining race and ethnicity” has become a distraction to the NAACP’s work and cites that as her reason for stepping down. Read her letter in full here:

Dear Executive Committee and NAACP Members,

It is a true honor to serve in the racial and social justice movement here in Spokane and across the nation. Many issues face us now that drive at the theme of urgency. Police brutality, biased curriculum in schools, economic disenfranchisement, health inequities, and a lack of pro-justice political representation are among the concerns at the forefront of the current administration of the Spokane NAACP. And yet, the dialogue has unexpectedly shifted internationally to my personal identity in the context of defining race and ethnicity.

I have waited in deference while others expressed their feelings, beliefs, confusions and even conclusions – absent the full story. I am consistently committed to empowering marginalized voices and believe that many individuals have been heard in the last hours and days that would not otherwise have had a platform to weigh in on this important discussion. Additionally, I have always deferred to the state and national NAACP leadership and offer my sincere gratitude for their unwavering support of my leadership through this unexpected firestorm.

While challenging the construct of race is at the core of evolving human consciousness, we can NOT afford to lose sight of the five Game Changers (Criminal Justice & Public Safety, Health & Healthcare, Education, Economic Sustainability, and Voting Rights & Political Representation) that affect millions, often with a life or death outcome. The movement is larger than a moment in time or a single person’s story, and I hope that everyone offers their robust support of the Journey for Justice campaign that the NAACP launches today!

I am delighted that so many organizations and individuals have supported and collaborated with the Spokane NAACP under my leadership to grow this branch into one of the healthiest in the nation in 5 short months. In the eye of this current storm, I can see that a separation of family and organizational outcomes is in the best interest of the NAACP.

It is with complete allegiance to the cause of racial and social justice and the NAACP that I step aside from the Presidency and pass the baton to my Vice President, Naima Quarles-Burnley. It is my hope that by securing a beautiful office for the organization in the heart of downtown, bringing the local branch into financial compliance, catalyzing committees to do strategic work in the five Game Changer issues, launching community forums, putting the membership on a fast climb, and helping many individuals find the legal, financial and practical support needed to fight race-based discrimination, I have positioned the Spokane NAACP to buttress this transition.

Please know I will never stop fighting for human rights and will do everything in my power to help and assist, whether it means stepping up or stepping down, because this is not about me. It’s about justice. This is not me quitting; this is a continuum. It’s about moving the cause of human rights and the Black Liberation Movement along the continuum from Resistance to Chattel Slavery to Abolition to Defiance of Jim Crow to the building of Black Wall Street to the Civil Rights and Black Power Movement to the ‪#‎BlackLivesMatter‬ movement and into a future of self-determination and empowerment.

With much love and a commitment to always fight for what is right and good in this world,

Rachel Dolezal

Daringly Different Wedding Dresses

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 Gowns for the bride at odds with tradition.

weddings tekay designs

Get Laced

Lace graced the 2015 spring bridal runways. Delicate overlays on silk and metallic dresses whispered romance, and sweetheart necklines with back cutouts such as Tekay Designs custom made-champagne and satin bodice with scalloped gold trim and dramatic cathedral train. From $2,399.

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A Charm

Second-time around or unconventional brides will dig this evening wedding dress that doubles as a cocktail frock, Samantha Sleeper’s “Dhalia” in black with navy lace is the epitome of versatile. $2,200.

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Material Girl

This custom-made black and white satin ball gown from designer Rachel Alvia was inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s “Sabrina.” The chiffon hemline has a removable train, transforming the dress to reception ready sheath. Beading brings the bling and sizes go up to a 30. Prices begin at $1,920.

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Something Borrowed

Borrowing Magnolia lets brides rent or buy pre-owned designer dresses, up to size 24. A timeless lace and appliqué enhanced Maggie Sottero is yours on loan for $440, or outright buy an on-trend scalloped-V-neck Monique Lhuillier number for $2,500 instead of the $5.5K price tag.

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Isle Do

LightInTheBox’s trumpet strapless satin gown seems traditional and destination-wedding ready, but the back reveals a stunning corset bodice for a lady ready to be a Caribbean Queen. $177.

Rachel Dolezal To Matt Lauer: ‘I Identify As Black’ [VIDEO]

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Rachel Dolezal sat down with Today‘s Matt Lauer to address the controversy over deceiving people about her racial background, just one day after resigning as president of the Spokane NAACP. Lauer asked the tough questions everyone has been pondering since news broke of Dolezal’s deception. She, however, failed to give any straight answers and transferred blame throughout the interview.

Lauer jumped right in with the question of Dolezal’s race. “Let me just ask you the question in simple terms again, because you’ve sent mixed signals over the years. Are you an African-American woman?” Lauer asked.

“I identify as Black,” Dolezal stated.

“You identify as Black. Let me put up a picture of you in the early-20s. Is this an African-American woman, or a Caucasian woman?” Lauer asked.

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Dolezal went on to say that she has self-identified with the “Black experience” since she was very young and began coloring her self-portraits with a brown crayon instead of a peach one.

Then, Lauer asked when she began lying about her race. She doesn’t exactly answer the question, but says that news publications began identifying her as transracial, then biracial, and finally as a Black woman, and she didn’t correct them.

That’s when Lauer brought up the criticism that has plagued Dolezal since she was outed. “You didn’t correct those reports because they worked for you. They helped you meet your goals.”

And she didn’t deny using her “Blackness” for her gain.

The interview, then, focused on whether Dolezal had purposely changed her appearance from fair with blonde hair to medium-toned with kinky hair. Lauer referred to the idea of Dolezal putting on darker makeup to make her skin look darker as blackface.

“I have a huge issue with blackface. This is not some freak Birth of a Nation mockery blackface performance,” said the woman obviously wearing darker makeup on live TV.

Lauer even asked how Dolezal could sue Howard University for discriminating against her as a white woman, if she identified as Black. She barely addressed the contradiction and said that losing her scholarship was an injustice.

When asked whether she would change any of her actions, Dolezal said, “As much as this discussion has somewhat been at my expense recently, and in a very sort of viciously inhumane way, come out of the woodwork, the discussion is really about what it is to be human,” she said. “I hope that that can drive at the core of definitions of race, ethnicity, culture, self-determination, personal agency, and, ultimately, empowerment.”

“But when you say you would make the same choices, wouldn’t you go back and be a little more transparent about certain things in your life, or correct certain things you knew were incorrect?” Lauer asked.

“There are probably a couple of interviews I would do different in retrospect. But overall my life has been one of survival and the decisions I’ve made along the way, including my identification, have been to survive and to, you know, carry forward in my journey,” Dolezel stated.

To conclude the interview, Lauer asked whether she would have been as successful with the NAACP as a white woman.

“I don’t know. I guess I haven’t had the opportunity to experience that in those shoes. I’m not sure,” Dolezal replied.

Is There Beef Brewing Between Tyra Banks And Chrissy Teigen?

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According to reports, there has been a beef brewing between Tyra Banks and Chrissy Teigen on the set of a new daytime talk show.

Both supermodels are co-hosts on the yet-to-air talk show The FAB Life, along with fashion aficionado Joe Zee, interior designer Lauren Makk, and DIY YouTube sensation Leah Ashle.

A source told Page Six that there was tension between the America’s Next Top Model creator and the Sports Illustrated model, who is married to John Legend, when they were filming the pilot last year. The hostility seems to focus on their status in the model world and 41-year-old Tyra feeling threatened by the 29 year old, says the source.

“You never put two supermodels on the same show together. Especially when one’s more than 10 years younger than the other,” the source said.

Teigen is known for saying it like it is, so if there is a beef between her and Tyra she probably didn’t hold back.

“They are so different. Tyra thinks about everything. She thinks about what to say, down to when to move her arm,” said another source. “Chrissy is from the new school, where she says whatever she wants.”

However, a third source says there’s nothing to the rumors.

“If Tyra had a problem with Chrissy, she wouldn’t be on the show. They’re friends, there’s no drama,” the insider said.

The show is expected to air on ABC in the fall, but new episodes haven’t been filmed.

Lark Voorhies’ Mom Gets Restraining Order Against Son-In-Law

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Lark Voorhies’ mother, Patricia Voorhies, has obtained a temporary restraining order against her daughter’s new husband, Jimmy Green.

People reports that Patricia was granted the order last Tuesday, June 9th.

Since Lark and Green’s quickie wedding in April after the two met on Facebook in 2014, it has come out that he is wanted for disorderly conduct and threatening in Tucson.

“We’re still looking into everything. Lark and her mother are spending more time together,” said Lark’s representative, confirming the news.

Green told E! News that his charge is a misdemeanor and isn’t that serious.

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“It was just a misdemeanor,” he said. “They are blowing it out of proportion. Whatever happened, it is in my past. I am a changed man.”

He also intends to fight the charges in court. “I have been rehabilitated,” he added.

Tricia only wants the best for her daughter, despite obtaining a restraining order against Green.

“I hope he proves to be everything that she hopes him to be,” Tricia told People.

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