A Black Georgia family is outraged that a court granted bond to the indicted former Woodstock, Ga., police officer who fatally shot their son in the head, raising questions about devalued Black life in the criminal justice system.

Former Woodstock officer Grant Matthew Shaw surrendered to authorities on April 22 after a grand jury indicted him on an involuntary manslaughter charge in the shooting death of 20-year-old Emmanuel Millard. Shaw was held in jail for a week before the courts granted him a $50,000 bond.

According to the police, Millard led officers on a car chase on Oct. 12, 2023 when they attempted to pull him over for a series of traffic offenses, including failure to maintain his lane, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Millard crashed his gray Hyundai after the pursuing officers used a PIT maneuver (precision immobilization technique). During the attempted arrest, Shaw, 23, shot Millard in the head. He died two days later from his injuries.

Andrew Lampros, an attorney representing Millard’s family, told the AJC that he watched police video of the incident and that it was unclear to him why Shaw fired his weapon.

“At the time of the shooting, he was complying with the officer’s commands. There’s no explanation at all. He was unarmed and not a danger to anyone,” Lampros stated.

“The court and the legal system seems to give more value to the life and death of a police officer than they give to a 20-year-old Black man whose life was just beginning,” Akil Secret, attorney for Emmanuel Millard’s family, told WSB-TV, adding that his family is “extremely devastated” by the news that Shaw was released.

“It really devalues the life of Emmanuel Millard,” Secret said about the bond, adding, “It sends a very poor message to the community as to how safe they can feel.”

The indictment states that Shaw “while in the commission of reckless conduct, an unlawful act, did cause the death of Emmanuel Malik Millard, a human being, without any intention to do so, by pointing a Glock model 34, 9 mm firearm at Emmanuel Malik Millard while his finger was on the trigger, thereby endangering the bodily safety of Emmanuel Malik Millard…”

Shaw has since resigned from the police department.

After some backlash to last week’s announcement that President Joe Biden will deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College, officials from within the president’s orbit tell theGrio the president hears those concerns loud and clear, and may even address them in his upcoming speech later this month. 

“What he has been doing and will continue to do leading up to the speech is listening very closely to all the concerns raised and making sure that he addresses them either in the speech or separate and apart from that,” said Stephen Benjamin, senior adviser to President Biden and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. He added, “The war is obviously a significant issue of discussion … all around the country. Probably most vividly on college campuses right now.” 

Since Morehouse President David A. Thomas announced President Biden as the keynote speaker for the all-male college’s 140th commencement on May 19, a number of students, faculty and alumni expressed opposition as a result of the Biden administration’s policy to support Israel’s military operation in Gaza against Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group, resulting in the deaths of more than 34,000 Palestinians. 

Outraged over the war and Biden’s role in it were expressed in a campus town hall between Morehouse students and President Thomas, as well as a letter circulated amongst Morehouse alumni that called the invitation to the president a “moral disaster and an embarrassment to the college.”

Cedric Richmond, national co-chair of the Biden-Harris campaign and a Morehouse alumnus, told theGrio that he is “proud” of the Morehouse student body for “being engaged” and “caring about human life.”

“The president is also concerned about civilian casualties, Palestinian people and their safety,” added Richmond, who noted that the president has “criticized” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the ground operation in Gaza and “committed significant resources” to Palestinians in Gaza. 

The former Biden White House senior adviser said the president would “continue his efforts” for “long-lasting peace and a two-state solution” between Israel and Palestine. 

Despite actions by the Biden administration and campaign to lead to a peace solution in the Middle East, some alumni see the president’s visit as a direct conflict with the legacy of Morehouse’s most illuminating alumnus: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

“Dr. King was famous not only for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement but for risking his reputation [and] relationships to speak up against the Vietnam War near the end of his life,” said Edward Mitchell, a Morehouse graduate and national deputy director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). “That legacy of speaking out against an unjust war is what college kids around the country are living out right now.”

Mitchell, who signed the aforementioned letter circulated amongst Morehouse alumni, said that while he understands why the college would normally welcome the president of the United States to deliver a commencement speech, the timing is “terrible.”

“When I was at Morehouse, there’s no way they would have invited George W. Bush to speak in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, or at the height of the Iraq War,” he explained. “So why is it acceptable?”

Mitchell said the Biden administration is “living in an alternate reality if they think that they can speak” at Morehouse and “not face serious blowback from young Black men who overwhelmingly oppose the ongoing genocide in Gaza.” 

He said until Biden stops “enabling an unjust, genocidal war,” Morehouse is “not the place for him to be,” adding, “His presence is really distracting from what should be a celebration focused on students and their parents without the specter of protests or disruptions.”

Though it’s unclear whether students or graduates themselves will protest the president’s visit when he comes to the campus, Mitchell told theGrio, “Students should decide on their own how they want to respond to this and what they feel is appropriate.”

He added, “I know students are angry and frustrated and they may decide that speaking out is more important than having a peaceful ceremony, that is totally up to them to decide.”

Controversy aside, Benjamin and Richmond, the two most prominent Black men advising Biden inside the White House and on the campaign trail, say the president chose to participate in Morehouse’s graduation ceremony to honor the HBCU’s rich history of producing Black male leaders. 

“When a president accepts to speak at a school, he is acknowledging the value of the school, the worth of the students, and in Morehouse’s case, the impact and legacy that the school has had on this country’s history,” said Richmond, a former U.S. congressman from New Orleans, Louisiana. 

“Whether it’s by being a school teacher, or an engineer, or lawyer, or a doctor, or going on as the Secretary of Homeland Security like Jeh Johnson. We, at the school, produce people who change communities and change the world.”

When President Biden delivers his remarks on the Morehouse campus in the heart of Atlanta, he will become the second sitting U.S. president to do so. The first was President Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black commander-in-chief, whom Biden served as his vice president.

“I think that it raises Morehouse’s profile once again,” Richmond said of President Biden’s upcoming visit. 

Though some critics have dismissed the president’s Morehouse commencement speech as a campaign stop to shore up Black voters in a battleground state, Biden officials pushed back against the suggestion. Instead, they argue that the president has an authentic relationship with the campus and an understanding of its legacy. 

“He considers Dr. King his personal hero … and has his bust on display with only a handful of others in the Oval Office,” said Benjamin, who also noted that “several” Morehouse grads work in the White House executive office, including in the West Wing. He added, “He considers the connection with Morehouse real.”

Richmond, who recalled talking about Morehouse with Biden during his 2020 campaign, said the Biden-Harris administration holds a “reverence” for Morehouse and the greater Atlanta University Center, which includes Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and Morris Brown. Richmond said that is why the president delivered one of “his most important speeches on civil rights and voting rights” on the campus in 2022 and Vice President Kamala Harris included Morehouse on her “Fight for Our Freedoms” tour last year.

The Biden campaign official said the president sees the commencement speech as an opportunity to remind the 2024 graduates of “all the things that he has been able to accomplish specifically for the Black community,” because “[they] were engaged” in the last presidential election.

“It’s more about making sure that they understand the impact that they have had, that they will have, that we need them to have,” Richmond noted, “and not necessarily in a political context, but in a community, country-type context.”

Benjamin said President Biden’s upcoming speech to the hundreds of Black male graduates will be about centering the students and their families.  

“When the president comes to speak, it’s meant to be a memory for a lifetime,” he said. “My sense is that he’ll speak to those things that unite us, more so than those things that divide us.”

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In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Xavier University of Louisiana and did an interview with Kennedy Carey-Prescott the 2023-2024 Student Government Association president.

The position of SGA president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Carey-Prescott, who is majoring in Biology Pre-Medicine, is from Shreveport, Louisiana. She is a proud Fall 2021 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

We interviewed Kennedy Carey-Prescott, and talked to her about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2023-2024.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as an SGA president so far?

So far, I have learned a lot about leadership and responsibility. Being SGA President is not a job that should be taken lightly. It is important to learn how to work with different personalities. I have also learned many skills that I will take with me for the rest of my life, including budgeting, public speaking, and being a part of various boards and committees. It is also a very humbling and vulnerable position because you have to be held accountable from all sides – administration, the student body, and your executive board. This is where responsibility and dependability come in. I have learned that having a supportive team around me really makes all the difference because this is not a heavy responsibility that I should have to carry on my own. Having a spirit of positivity is never a bad idea also. There are so many moving parts in SGA and in a university that it can all get overwhelming, but remembering the support that I have and knowing that it is all a part of the journey has gotten me through.

What made you decide to attend Xavier University of Louisiana for undergrad?

I decided to attend Xavier University of Louisiana because of its stellar pre-med program. Xavier is #1 in producing graduates who go on to complete medical school. It was also very important for me to attend an HBCU because of the culture and my need and desire to be surrounded by people who look like me that want to strive toward their goals and aspirations.

How has Xavier University of Louisiana molded you into the person you are today?

Xavier has contributed greatly to the person that I am today. I have learned more about how to remain true to myself while also trying to discover who I am as a young black woman in this world. Xavier has provided a safe space for me to grow academically, socially, and in leadership. I know that I am who I am because Xavier has poured into me by providing an experience full of people who push me to my full potential and believe that I have what it takes to achieve my dreams.

What specific initiatives have you headed up this year (or are planning) and how do you think they will improve the school and surrounding community?

This year, my administration has focused a lot on the student experience as a whole, ranging from events to mental health. One specific initiative is starting a task force that is focused on providing students with an outlet to ask specific questions to gain answers from administrators. We did this by starting a series of Campus Community Conversations that provide students with the opportunity to have genuine, intimate conversations with campus leaders versus the formal communication that they are used to. We have also begun initiatives to ensure that our university is fully stocked with feminine hygiene products. We are currently in the research and statistics phase of this project. We have also made it our mission to figure out what constitutes a true HBCU experience that some students felt they were missing. One of the steps we have made in this is connecting our athletics department with the rest of the student body and campus to sponsor events that encourage and show school spirit. I am excited to see how various aspects of student life improvement will continue even after my administration’s term is complete.

How is your SGA administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?

My SGA administration is working on a project that would provide mental health days to the student body in order to offset the challenging nature of Xavier’s curriculum. The school has also made sure to employ more mental health providers and leadership in those areas so that students are provided with enough resources to promote a healthy mental state. We also try to promote and curate events that are catered to giving students a safe space on campus. Currently, we are also working to create a student-centered space within our University Center that would allow students a space to unwind and relax between classes.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership means listening. It means taking the time to pay attention to the people that you lead and identifying what their needs are. Being a leader also takes a special kind of finesse in knowing how to approach certain situations and individuals. As a leader, it is also important to be flexible because you never know where leadership may take you on any given day. There is not one leadership quality that supersedes others as leadership requires a conglomerate of qualities combined with realization that one needs a supportive team around them in order to truly succeed.

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2023/2024?

Schools need to tap into social media in order to boost representation. It is important that people all across the world know of the great work and accomplishments of these schools, especially HBCUs. In this digital age, we are seeing more push and support behind HBCUs because of the greatness and excellence that they produce. I think the digital world has also opened a world of new information and opportunities for all. Students are now more aware of the opportunities that are available to them, prompting increased attendance and interest in schools such as HBCUs.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?

Watch the Yard is very important to Black students and college culture because it is an outlet and a center for Black excellence. Watch the Yard represents the excellence that is embedded within Black culture. The experience of an HBCU is so unique and must be valued and cataloged. I believe that Watch the Yard does a wonderful job of collecting the gems from our culture each day. Because of platforms like this, the history of Black students and our culture will forever be remembered, treasured, and held as a standard for continues growth.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduation, I will attend medical school in order to become a medical doctor. I am currently undecided on the medical that I will attend. I also hope to continue to dive into health care policy and advocacy work as that is a passion of mine.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Kennedy Carey-Prescott for her work as the SGA president of Xavier University of Louisiana.

Share this on Facebook and help us highlight Kennedy Carey-Prescott and Xavier University of Louisiana.

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Roadside Attractions and Vertical have announced the theatrical release date for “LEE,” the highly anticipated directorial feature from renowned cinematographer Ellen Kuras. The film is slated to hit theaters nationwide on September 27th, 2024.

Directed by Ellen Kuras and boasting a stellar ensemble cast, including Kate Winslet, Josh O’Connor, Andrea Riseborough, Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgård, and Marion Cotillard, “LEE” delves into the captivating life of American war correspondent and photographer Lee Miller, portrayed by the incomparable Kate Winslet.

The film encapsulates a pivotal decade in Miller’s life, showcasing her unparalleled talent and unwavering determination, which led to the creation of some of the 20th century’s most iconic war photographs. Among these is the legendary image of Miller herself, defiantly posing in Adolf Hitler’s private bathtub.

“LEE” offers a profound exploration of Miller’s empathy for women and the marginalized victims of war, capturing both the vulnerability and resilience of the human spirit. Through her lens, Miller not only documented history but also lived it, confronting the harsh realities of conflict while relentlessly pursuing truth.

Kate Winslet’s portrayal of Lee Miller promises to be a tour de force, capturing the essence of a woman who lived fearlessly in the face of adversity. Supported by a talented cast and under the direction of Ellen Kuras, known for her visionary work behind the camera, “LEE” is poised to captivate audiences with its gripping narrative and powerful performances.

For cinephiles and history enthusiasts alike, “LEE” promises to be a cinematic experience not to be missed, as it sheds light on the extraordinary life of a remarkable woman whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Mark your calendars for September 27th, 2024, when “LEE” arrives exclusively in theaters.

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Anyone who has listened to Beyoncé’s “Partition” has heard the French pronunciation of her name. However, the influence of global superstars will now be documented in a French dictionary. 

This week, French outlet France24 reported that the upcoming edition of the French encyclopedic dictionary Larousse will feature 150 new words, with one of those additions being the “Renaissance” singer’s name. As one of 40 reported notable names entering the 2025 edition of the dictionary, Beyoncé’s name was drawn up by Larousse’s annual jury, which identifies popular words and people in the French community. 

Other American stars, like LeBron James, will also be found in the pages of the 2025 Larousse dictionary. Carine Girac-Marinier, the head of dictionaries and encyclopedias at Larousse, says the new inclusions are designed to reflect the major moments and movements seen within the past year, per LePoint. 

Alongside the addition of terms like “fast-fashion” and “empouvoirement” (the French translation of the English term “empowerment”), Beyoncé’s listing in the dictionary as an “American singer of R&B and pop” also highlights her Louisiana Creole heritage. As seen on the “Cowboy Carter” limited-edition cover art, Beyoncé’s name, derived from her mother’s maiden name, was originally spelled “Beyincé.” According to Tina Knowles, the hospital misspelled her family name on her own birth certificate and never corrected the error. 

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“It’s interesting — and it shows you the times — because we asked my mother when I was grown. I was like, ‘Why is my brother’s name spelled B-E-Y-I-N-C-E? You know, it’s all these different spellings.’ And my mom’s reply to me was like, ‘That’s what they put on your birth certificate,’” Knowles said on an episode of the “In My Heart with Heather Thomson” podcast. 

She added: “So I said, ‘Well, why didn’t you argue and make them correct it?’ And she said, ‘I did one time, the first time; and I was told ‘Be happy that you’re getting a birth certificate’ because, at one time, Black people didn’t get birth certificates.”

Carrying her mother’s maiden name, Beyoncé has proudly highlighted her family’s legacy and heritage in her music and business ventures like House of Deréon, named for her grandmother, Agnèz Deréon, and her recently launched haircare line Cécred, which she leads alongside her mother. 
“It was important that we borrowed some of our past and brought it into the future,” Beyoncé said, as previously reported by theGrio. “Cécred is a legacy project for me, one that’s probably the most rooted in my ancestry. It’s so far beyond business […] it’s our family story.”

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Kendrick Lamar’s latest single “Euphoria” has catapulted to the upper echelons of the global and US Spotify charts, marking a remarkable milestone for the acclaimed hip-hop artist. Garnering an impressive 9.206 million streams worldwide in its first full day, the track has ascended to an unprecedented #2 position on the global Spotify chart, indicative of its overwhelming resonance with listeners across the globe.

The song’s meteoric rise is further underscored by its staggering 369% increase in streams within its inaugural 24 hours, underscoring the fervent anticipation and widespread acclaim that greeted its release. “Euphoria” not only captivated audiences with its lyrical prowess and infectious beats but also solidified Kendrick Lamar’s status as a trailblazer within the hip-hop genre.

Simultaneously, “Euphoria” secured the coveted top spot on the US Spotify chart, amassing a staggering 5.48 million streams and surging 18 spots to claim its position at #1. This remarkable feat not only attests to the song’s undeniable appeal but also highlights the unwavering support of Lamar’s devoted fan base in his native country.

The monumental success of “Euphoria” heralds a new pinnacle for Kendrick Lamar, cementing his reputation as one of the foremost influencers in contemporary hip-hop. With its infectious rhythm and poignant lyricism, the track has resonated deeply with audiences, transcending geographical boundaries to leave an indelible mark on the global music landscape.

Furthermore, “Euphoria” has etched its name in the annals of hip-hop history by achieving the title of the biggest streaming day for a hip-hop song in 2024, a testament to Lamar’s enduring impact and the enduring relevance of his artistry in an ever-evolving industry.

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John Legend and Chrissy Teigen love pets so much, they want to ensure they have access to top-quality food.

The pair, who are the proud owners of four dogs, have announced that they are teaming up professionally for the first time to launch a pet food company, Kismet. Legend told People magazine in an exclusive interview that this new venture couldn’t be a more perfect fit for the couple.

“We’ve been pet parents for so long, and this is so core to who we are, and to the way our house is, and just who we are as people that we felt like, ‘Let’s do this one together,’” said the “All of Me” singer.

Legend explained how their love of dogs, in particular, began with the first dog Teigen adopted in 2008, an English bulldog named Puddy.

“Of course, we love dogs, we love food, we love the culture and community around dogs and being a pet parent. And we thought, why not? Let’s create our own dog food and create a brand that celebrates dog culture and community and connects pet parents around the country,” the dog dad explained.

Kismet, officially launched on May 1, is available online. The brand carries two varieties of dog food, four different varieties of treats, and quality dog-lover merch. Made with the help of board-certified veterinarians, the brand’s offerings boast quality ingredients, real animal byproducts, and pre and probiotics.

The brand also prides itself on being accessible. Presently, the dog food comes in two different sizes: a 9lb bag for $44 and a 19lb bag for $79.99, which are comparable to top brands on the shelves of major grocery stores. Consumers can also subscribe to the brand to receive a partial discount. According to Kismet’s website, proceeds from every purchase go to supporting Kismet Cares and its beneficiaries: Project Street Vet and Paws for Life.

The list of Black-owned or partially-owned pet companies is still a short one, although it includes Ava’s Pet Palace, Trill Paws, and others. Kismet will join Pet Plate on the market as one of the only dog food brands with a Black founder.

Legend and Teigen stressed to People how much their love of their own canine kids has driven them to launch this brand. Together, they own a basset hound named Pearl, a French bulldog named Penny, a poodle named Petey, and their latest addition, Pebbles. Legend noted how the dogs have been with the couple for “every celebration and every tragedy.”

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“We’ve also had to grieve dogs together,” he continued. “Our first two dogs are no longer with us, and that was the first time we really grieved together when we lost Puddy. And so once you go through those experiences together, it just helps build the character of your relationship.”

As we know, pets and their owners often share similar characteristics. While Teigen said she is most like their dog Pearl, Legend said he felt most similar to Petey the poodle.

“He’s our only boy. But also, I act different when I get a haircut, too,” he joked.

Legend said he and Teigen chose the name “Kismet” to evoke the otherwordly “connection” pet owners often have with their pets.

He described the connection as “That ‘Oh, I’m so glad we found each other, and we were made for each other’ feeling — and we feel like a lot of pets and their parents feel that way about each other.”

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A viral video clip of a distressing incident during the 2024 World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, England, has sparked outrage. The video, which went viral on social media, shows a man sensually biting a small boy’s ear from behind while in the audience at the Crucible Theatre.

The video shows the man stooping over the toddler and chewing on his ear, followed by the boy waving to the camera. The video garnered popularity online as viewers attempted to identify the individual in question.

Following the video’s global distribution, officials started a police investigation into the incident. However, as of late April 2024, the man’s name was unknown, and no charges had been filed.

Internet sleuths have speculated on the man’s identity, with some pointing fingers at Stefano Voci. However, these accusations are unfounded and unconfirmed, underscoring the difficulties in navigating viral content on social media sites.

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