New Netflix Thriller Tackling Theme of Justice in Nigeria is a Global Hit and a Boon for Nollywood Page A3
Racial Disparities in Incarceration Persist, Despite Progress Page A5
News Observer The Valley’s
Volume 38 Number 51
Serving the San Fernando Valley for Over 38 Years
Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California
Beloved Coach Remembered for Grit and Inspiration By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Georgetown University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics officials said they are mourning the death of Women’s Basketball Head Coach Tasha Butts following a courageous two-year battle with breast cancer. Butts, an accomplished player, nationally recognized assistant coach, and first-year head coach, was 41. “I am heartbroken for Tasha’s family, friends, players, teammates, and colleagues,” the Francis X. Rienzo Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Lee Reed, said in a news release. “When I met Tasha, I knew she was a winner on the court and an incredible person whose drive, passion, and determination was second to none. She exhibited these qualities both as a leader and in her fight against breast cancer. This is a difficult time for the entire Georgetown community, and we will come together to honor her memory.” University President John J. DeGioia also expressed his condolences. “Tasha’s passing is a devastating loss. She was extraordinary—Tasha was a person of character, determination, vision, and kindness,” DeGioia stated in the release. “She will be deeply missed by our community and by so many people around the country who have been inspired by her life. We offer her family our most sincere condolences.” Butts’ transformative tenure at Georgia Tech, where she led the team to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, will live on in memory—the 2021–22 season witnessed a historic victory against UConn, snapping their
240-game winning streak against unranked opponents. School officials said her impact extended beyond the court as she fearlessly battled cancer while continuing to inspire her players. “In Tasha, we had not only a remarkable coach but a true warrior. Her strength and resilience were nothing short of extraordinary,” remarked an emotional Reed. At LSU, Butts left her mark on the program, leading the Tigers to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and back-to-back Sweet 16 runs in 2012 and 2013. Officials said she mentored a generation of players, nurturing their talents and fostering their growth as athletes and individuals. Butts regularly engaged in programs aimed at advancing coaching excellence and was recognized for her dedication to the advancement of Blacks in sports. A native of Milledgeville, Georgia, Butts was a standout player in high school. Her jersey, bearing the iconic No. 23, was retired to recognize her outstanding achievements. Spencer, Sr. and Evelyn, her brother Spencer, Jr., her nephew Marquis, a large extended family, and the entire women’s basketball community survive Butts. With the 2023–24 season approaching, Darnell Haney will serve as the interim head coach for Georgetown, with the university and BIG EAST Conference officials declaring a commitment to continuing Butts’ “Tasha Tough initiative,” which focuses on early cancer screenings and detection.
Closing the Wealth Gap in Black America Through Investments in Innovation
By Phillip Washington Dallas Weekly Magazine In today’s discussion, we delve into the pressing issue of closing the wealth gap in Black America. Wealth in business and investing exists at the intersection of faith in the future and individual passions. It is important to distinguish between the collective mindset and the individual mindset when addressing topics such as race, sex, or other classification. While the collective mindset shapes the beliefs and mindset of a particular group, the individual mindset empowers each person to claim their own power and intelligence. In this article we are discussing the collective mindset. Belief Systems and the Evolution of Wealth Each generation brings forth new ideas that shape the economy and solve the problems of the previous generation. This perpetual cycle of question and answer drives progress and innovation. For example, as we strive for faster and more efficient communication, we witness the evolution from telephones to email, text messages, instant messaging, and social media platforms. With each new idea comes a new form of wealth. The wealthiest individuals in society are often entrepreneurs who bring innovative business ideas to life, along with the investors who provide the necessary capital. The combination of entrepreneurship and investment is a powerful force in wealth creation. However, it is important to recognize the coexistence of the old and new economies. The old economy relies on manipulation and debt to reshuffle wealth, while the new economy creates wealth where it previously did not exist. The old economy, with its reliance on debt and manipulation, perpetuates a scarcity mindset. When too many individuals engage in this game, it becomes a competition for a limited pie, leading to conflicts and even wars. On the other hand, the new economy operates in a realm of abundance. Industries such as bitcoin, space, AI, Airbnb hosting, podcasting, gaming, and influencer marketing offer boundless opportunities for wealth creation. In these new economies, barriers to entry are minimal, and individuals are primarily focused on seizing opportunities rather than being hindered by concerns
of race or sex. The internet has democratized access to information, and more people than ever are participating in these new economies. However, the biggest resistance to wealth creation today lies within the individual and collective mindset. Overcoming the fear of the unknown and embracing the uncharted territory of new ideas is essential for progress. The Power of the Individual in Closing the Wealth Gap As we navigate the uncharted territory of the new economy, we must recognize that there is no proven path or playbook. We are writing the rules as we go along. This may seem daunting, but it is also an area where many
individuals, especially black people, are excelling. The gap in Black America’s wealth will only be closed when more individuals run to the edges and actively participate in these new economies. It is encouraging to witness the increasing number of black individuals engaging in new media, finance, AI, and other emerging industries. The momentum is in our favor, and we are living in a time when the collective world mind is becoming more open to diverse perspectives. The dominance of the old Eurocentric perspective is gradually fading, making it the greatest time ever to be Black. Implications and Potential Impact
The implications of embracing the new economy and closing the wealth gap are far-reaching. By actively participating in the edges of innovation, black individuals can become cooperative components of the global movement forward. This movement brings not only wealth but also happiness, peace, and joy. It is an opportunity to shape the future and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous society. Closing the wealth gap also has broader societal implications. When individuals from all backgrounds have equal access to wealth creation opportunities, it fosters a more equitable society. It dismantles the barriers that have historically hindered marginalized communities from achieving economic success. By embracing the new economy, Black America can rewrite the narrative and redefine what is possible. The Lesson The journey towards closing the wealth gap in Black America requires a continued collective shift in mindset. While external resistance has historically impeded progress, the internet has provided access to information and opportunities like never before. The resistance we face today is primarily internal, rooted in fear of the unknown. Are there still biased people in positions of power? Of course. There always will be in any majority class’s perspective regardless of race, sex, or other classification. The point is the world is moving fast towards a more diverse perspective and the perceived power of those with a eurocentric perspective is no longer as strong as most believe it to be. Those of us playing at the edges see nothing but space and opportunity. No biases out here, but our own brought in from past memories and stories passed down. Phillip Washington, Jr. is a registered investment adviser and host of the Wealth Building Made Simple Podcast. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
By Cynthia Wood – Born and raised in Compton, California In 2020, at 29, I faced a life-altering moment: a breast cancer diagnosis. This revelation, amid a pandemic's isolation, felt like the ground dropped beneath me, and suddenly, I faced the toughest challenge of my life. The diagnosis sent me into an endless spiral of emotions and questions — “How will I look without my hair?” “Will I lose my breast?” “What if I don't make it?” Sitting in my office alone that day, I dreaded what was to come next. Sharing the news with my family was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Seeing the concern in their eyes reflected my own inner struggles. My father's tears, recalling the loss of his sister to the same disease, were especially heart-wrenching. As I navigated the early days of Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer, I was surrounded by a team of medical professionals, each adding a piece of the puzzle to plan the
best course of action. My family was there, too, advocating on my behalf and asking the questions I couldn’t face in the beginning. Thankfully, my mom and best friend were able to come to those first few chemotherapy sessions, holding my hand, encouraging me, and loving me unconditionally. I refused to sit in sickness. I stayed active by continuing to work my 9-5, hitting the gym four to five times a week, cooking healthy, and turning my chemo sessions into a statement of defiance. I “showed up and showed out” by dressing up for every chemo session as a small way to reclaim my joy and dignity. My journey also required making a difficult choice, balancing the future of motherhood and the stark reality of reliving this ordeal. The decision to undergo a double mastectomy was not made lightly. Before starting chemotherapy, I had already stored my eggs, and even though I couldn’t experience the intimacy of breastfeeding a child, I chose my peace of mind rather than the risk of
Photo Credit: Pexels
Beyond Diagnosis:
My Breast Cancer Journey
Continued on page A2
Take One!
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Trump Asks Judge to Pause Gag Order in 2020 Election Case
By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press Donald Trump`s lawyers asked a federal judge on Friday to lift a narrow gag order imposed on him in his 2020 election interference case while the former president pursues a challenge to the ruling aimed at reining in his incendiary rhetoric. Trump`s legal team wants U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to pause her gag order ruling issued earlier this week, pending review by higher courts. Trump`s lawyers said they will seek an emergency stay from the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit if Chutkan denies their request. Chutkan`s order bars the Republican from making statements targeting prosecutors, potential witnesses and court staff. Trump`s lawyers, who quickly appealed the ruling to the D.C. Circuit Court, said in court papers Friday that Trump is likely to succeed in his challenge to the gag order because it is “unsupported by evidence and violates the First Amendment`s most basic precepts.” It`s the first issue in the case to land in an appeals court, which will decide whether Chutkan went too far in limiting the speech of the GOP presidential primary front-runner over concerns that his online attacks could inspire violence. In her ruling, Chutkan said Trump is allowed to criticize the Justice Department generally and assert his claims of innocence and his claims that the case is politically motivated. But she said his statements smearing prosecutors and likely witnesses have crossed a line and could spur his supporters to threaten or harass his targets. It’s the most serious restriction a court has placed on Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric, which has become a centerpiece of his grievance-filled campaign to return to the White House. At rallies and in social media posts, Trump has sought to vilify special counsel Jack Smith and others, casting himself as the victim of a politicized justice system working to deny him another term. Trump has decried the order as unconstitutional, and has used it to amplify his claims that he is being politically persecuted. The former president has denied any wrongdoing in the case charging him with illegally scheming to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Prosecutors said Trump’s litany of attacks was already having consequences. They noted that a top prosecutor on Smith’s team received intimidating communications after being singled out by Trump, and a Texas woman was charged in August with making racist death threats against Chutkan, who is of Black and Asian descent, in a phone message left at her chambers. It’s the second gag order imposed on Trump in the last month. The judge overseeing Trump’s civil fraud trial in New York earlier this month issued a more limited gag order prohibiting personal attacks against court personnel following a social media post from Trump that maligned the judge’s principal clerk. Trump was fined $5,000 on Friday after his disparaging post lingered on his campaign website for weeks after the judge ordered it deleted. Judge Arthur Engoron avoided holding Trump in contempt for now, but reserved the right to do so –– and possibly even put the ex-president in jail –– if he again violates the limited gag order.
Marlon Wayans Says He Was Racially Targeted by Gate Agent
By COLLEEN SLEVIN Associated Press DENVER (AP) –– Actor and comedian Marlon Wayans says he is being unfairly prosecuted for disturbing the peace over a dispute with an airline employee who he alleges targeted him because of his race. Attorneys for Wayans, who is Black, made the allegations in a court filing Thursday that asked for dismissal of the case stemming from a luggage dispute at Denver`s airport. Wayans was cited for disturbing the peace, a municipal violation, in June, police said. According to the court filing, a United Airlines gate agent told him he could not get on a flight to Kansas City with three bags. The gate agent apparently tried to physically block Wayans from getting on the flight after he consolidated his luggage into two bags to conform with airline policy, the filing said. He boarded anyway and was later asked to get off the plane before it departed. While Wayans worked to rearrange his luggage, the gate agent kept allowing white passengers with three bags to board the flight, according to the court filing, which included still photos of surveillance video of white passengers with yellow arrows pointing to each of their bags. About 140 people boarded the flight, it said, many with three bags and oversized bags which violated the airline`s policy. Wayans’ lawyers say the gate agent racially discriminated against him and that Denver prosecutors, by continuing to pursue charges against him, are perpetuating that discrimination and denying his right to equal protection under the law. “The City of Denver’s position is an affront to constitutional and social equity principles,” Wayans’ lawyers said. City Attorney Kerry Tipper said her office does not comment on pending cases. United did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. In a statement issued by United in June to questions about what happened to Wayans, the airline said an unnamed customer “pushed past” an employee at the jet bridge and attempted to board the plane. According to statements recorded on police body camera and cited in the filing, the gate agent told officers that Wayans “shoved” “pushed” or “elbowed” him as the comedian boarded the plane, which Wayans` lawyers say is a lie. They say Wayans may have brushed shoulders with the agent as he boarded. The police officers who investigated were doubtful that any crime had been committed, according to the filing, but the gate agent asked that charges be pursued.