The family of Samuel Sterling, a Black man who was allegedly fatally struck by a Michigan police vehicle weeks ago, finally received some news in favor of what justice looks like for them: murder charges for the officer involved.

The charges stem from the April 17 incident when 25-year-old Sterling was approached by members of the Michigan State Patrol’s Sixth District Fugitive Task Force when filling his tires in the Kentwood neighborhood of Grand Rapids, per MLive.com. He was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants, the report says.

As seen in the body camera footage, Sterling took off running, leading to a brief foot chase that ended when he was pinned between an unmarked SUV and the wall of a Burger King. By the time the officers caught up to him, the SUV slowly backed up, causing Sterling to fall down.

While on the ground, he clutched his stomach, groaning in pain.

“Why’d you hit me like that?” he’s heard asking in the footage.

The officers repeatedly ordered him to put his hands behind his back. One officer then placed his knee on his back – the area where Sterling stated he felt the most pain – for 10 seconds as the others ordered him not to reach for anything. Sterling told officers in the video he did not have a gun. He continued to moan in pain as the officers ordered him to “just be quiet.”

Paramedics arrived on the scene five minutes following the incident. Sterling died later at the hospital, per WWMT. Last week, prosecutors announced plans to hold one of the cops accountable.

Read more from MLive.com:

A Michigan State Police trooper has been charged in the death of Samuel Sterling, according to Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Detective Sergeant Brian Keely, 50, of Grand Rapids, was charged with one count of second-degree murder and one count of involuntary manslaughter Tuesday.

If convicted, the 50-year-old could face up to life in prison on the murder charge, and up to 15 years on the manslaughter charge, according to officials.

“Detective Sergeant Keely’s actions that day were legally, grossly negligent and created a very high risk of death or great bodily harm, which could have otherwise been prevented,” Nessel said.

In response to the news of the criminal charges, Sterling’s mother said she was brought to tears.

“When I first heard about it, I cried. I’m happy, but it’s still a long road,” said his mother, Andrica Cage, to MLive. “It’s never going to be relief to me. With my son gone, I haven’t been right since. That’s a pain, I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemies.”

Sterling left behind his 2-year-old and 3-year-old sons. Keely’s arraignment hearing has not been scheduled yet.

When a dad is brand new to fatherhood, the perfect gift might be something to encourage him along his new journey. When he’s more experienced, the perfect gift may be something that involves time with his children. But what about when he’s retired or an empty nester?

Retired dads have copious amounts of time for their passions and hobbies. If their house is empty, they’re also free to embrace their lifestyle or explore a different one. Life can look like traveling, checking off the bucket list, making progress on his reading list and beyond. After all, he deserves it. He has lived a life that included raising you, an honor you know was humbling.

If you’ve flown the coop and are shopping for a retired dad this year, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions. From the dad whose second home is the golf course to the dad who lives in the kitchen to the dad who’s a major techie dad, here are 15 ideas by Black-owned brands. 

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Upgrade his golf gear

How many retired dads play golf? If such a stat exists, it might claim around 50% of the lot. If yours is one of them, give him an upgrade with gear from Black-owned brand Eastside golf. 

Eastside Golf blade headcover 

On sale now for $59

Cut him a fresh deck 

If your father is king of the card table at family functions, help him dish out those hurtings with a fresh new deck. Blvck Spades’ limited-edition cards feature Egyptian-inspired images that emphasize royal energy. 

Blvck Spades limited-edition deck

$25

Add a book to his stack 

Darius Rucker isn’t just a famous alt-rocker. from ’90s band Hootie & the Blowfish, who’s become a celebrated Black country star today; he’s also a dad. Rucker details his life and his relationship with his late father in the new memoir, “Life’s Too Short.” 

“Life’s Too Short” by Darius Rucker 

$23.99

Take his grilling indoors

High temps and severe weather be damned. With a gizmo like the Cruxgg 2-in-1 smokeless indoor grill and griddle, your grillmaster dad can keep going even in the rain. 

Cruxgg 2-in-1 smokeless indoor grill and griddle 

$99.99

Replace the cooking oil

That green plastic bottle of olive oil gets the job done every time, no shade. However, olive oil in glass bottles – commonly not found in many grocery stores – are game changers. If your dad throws down in the kitchen, put him on. 

The olive oil enthusiast set

$95

Pour him out one 

Few things compare to pouring out a glass of whiskey when your house is quiet and empty at day’s end. If your father is a fan of a good pour every now and then, gift him his favorite by a Black brand. 

Uncle Nearest whiskey set

Starting at $108 

Buy him a brand-new cigar 

Cigars are the definition of a slow burn. Many who smoke them like taking their time and savoring each pull. These make the perfect gift for a dad who finally has the time, peace and quiet to unwind. 

The Chairman Toro

$13.49

Update his cologne collection 

Update his signature scent with something new, like Duke by Harlem Candle Company’s perfume line. The scent evokes the elegance and vibrant music of the legendary Duke Ellington. 

Duke

$140

Gift him a timepiece 

Help him keep track of all his newfound time with a new timepiece. Spring for one by a Black brand, like Splendor by Verdure, and it becomes much more meaningful. 

Splendor by Verdure

$729

Power him up

While dad gadgets can range in dorkiness, they tend to always be useful. For the dad who values utility over style and qualifies as a bit of a techie, gift him something practical yet modern like this wireless phone charger. 

Infrared mount and wireless charger 

$35

Don’t forget the Jesus sandals

Father’s Day arrives in the middle of cookout season, which also is the height of sandal season. If your father is the type for “Jesus” sandals (see also: “Uncle” sandals) keep him in style with a fresh pair from Brother Vellies or Jerusalem Sandals. While the latter brand isn’t Black-owned, its says everything with its name.  

Men’s Huaraches 

$195

Barak by Jerusalem Sandals 

$81.95

Give him some dad swag

With more time on his hands, he’s likely to dress more casually. Add some dad swag to his mix, like the “Black Father Social Club” T-shirt by Designed by Jazz. You can customize it with the official year he joined!

Black Father Social Club T-shirt 

$20.65

Introduce him to skincare 

Maybe your dad already has a skincare routine down pat, or maybe he’s the type to cleanse his skin in the shower. Either way, he’s got the time to maintain a healthy regimen. Help him kick one off or keep one up with a bundle like Bevel’s skincare essentials bundle. 

Bevel skincare essentials bundle 

$34.95

Tuck him in 

He might’ve spent countless nights tucking you in; now it’s your turn. By that we mean gifting him luxury bedding, by a Black brand like Mismatch, to encourage the cozy rest he deserves. 

Silk Pillowcase Sheet Set

$239

Take him out

Large or small, luxurious or simple, gifts will always be appreciated by our fathers. However, experiences like luxurious steak dinners or good seats at the game will be cherished forever. Take him to his favorite Black-owned restaurant or score tickets for his favorite team to make those lasting memories. 

A 19-year-old New Orleans student just proved that with hard work and determination, you can overcome almost any obstacle. Elijah Hogan graduated as one of two valedictorians of the class of 2024 at Walter L. Cohen High School. Hogan, who leaves Cohen with a 3.93 GPA and a college scholarship, did it all while living in a homeless shelter.

“It’s been tough and rough, had a few trips and falls down, [but] I’m alright,” Hogan told “Good Morning America” in an interview.

The teen, whose mother passed away just before he turned 12, had been living with his grandmother since age 11. But Hogan found himself homeless when the owner of the home she was renting decided to sell. He told CNN that he decided to find a place of his own while his grandmother moved into a home for the elderly so he wouldn’t continue to burden her.

From there, Hogan moved into Covenant House, a New Orleans-based homeless shelter for people between 16 and 22. At Covenant, Hogan was allowed to live rent-free while he pursued his diploma.

In his graduation speech, Hogan thanked the community at Cohen and his Covenant House case manager, Jarkayla Cobb, for helping him get closer to his dream. Cobb told “GMA” that she’s proud of how far Hogan has come.

“He was very shy. He had very little words at first, so it’s just awesome to see how much he’s developed and become so well-spoken over the last seven or eight months that I’ve been a part of his life and just been able to push and encourage him to go after everything that the world has to offer,” she said.

Next fall, Hogan plans to study graphic design at Xavier University in New Orleans where he received a tuition scholarship. He hopes his story serves as an inspiration to others that anything is possible.

Before moving on to his next chapter, Hogan left his classmates with a few words of advice. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart,” he said.

Nicki Minaj fans in Amsterdam will have to wait until the next tour to see their fave.

The second stop in Amsterdam on Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2 World Tour,” scheduled to take place at the Ziggo Dome, has been canceled, according to Variety. Dutch promoter Moho shared the news on its website, citing Minaj’s earlier arrest on suspicion of carrying marijuana in her bag. 

“Due to the events of last week, the Nicki Minaj show on Sunday, 2nd June at Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam will no longer be taking place,” Moho’s statement read. “Tickets will be refunded at the point of sale.”

Minaj was forced to postpone her concert on Saturday, May 25, following her airport arrest in the Netherlands on suspicion of “carrying drugs,” PEOPLE reported. Dutch authorities released Minaj shortly after the arrest — which she recorded on Instagram Live. Minaj apologized to her fans in person at her hotel in Manchester, England, and online in several posts on X (Twitter). 

“I’m so sorry this happened tonight,” Minaj said to fans outside the Manchester hotel, according to a social media video posted by a fan account. The rapper elaborated further on her apology in a series of tweets. 

“May God cover you & all that is connected to you. May you be blessed beyond your imagination,” she wrote on X. She rapper added details about her arrest, saying she sat in a “jail cell for 5-6 hours.” 

“My plane still didn’t take off for another 20 mins once I boarded,” Minaj explained. “The flight was 50 mins. 50 mins. That’s why they had to do the big song & dance b/c they knew I’d still find a way to perform even if it came down to my last 90 mins in the building which would have been until 1130pm. The building was willing to go past 11pm. So grateful to them for that.”

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“I succeeded @ getting to the root of it all by recording them & posting everything in real time,” Minaj continued. “I have sooooooooo much video evidence. You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. I’ll have the lawyers & GOD take it from here tho. Please please please accept my deepest & most sincere apologies. They sure did know exactly how to hurt me today but this too, shall pass.”

Minaj has continued performing on the tour since the incident, appearing at scheduled dates in Paris, London, Birmingham, England, and Glasgow, Scotland, according to her Instagram. Next up are performances in Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden and Italy, with her North American tour dates starting in September.

12

Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has become the latest African artist to perform on NPR’s famed Tiny Desk Concert series. This performance comes just days before the highly anticipated release of her debut album, “Born in the Wild,” set to drop on June 7, 2024.

Tems’ Tiny Desk performance not only highlighted her immense vocal talent but also gave fans an exclusive preview of her forthcoming album. She opened the set with “Me & U,” the lead single from “Born in the Wild,” captivating the audience with her soulful voice and poignant lyrics.

Following this, Tems revisited her earlier work with a stirring rendition of “Ice T,” a standout track from her 2020 project, “For Broken Ears.” The song’s emotive depth and her dynamic delivery reaffirmed why she is one of the most compelling voices in contemporary music.

Tems added to the enthusiasm by debuting two new songs from her upcoming album, “Unfortunate” and “Forever.” Both songs demonstrated her flexibility and the rich, nuanced sound that fans may anticipate from “Born in the Wild.”

To close her memorable set, Tems performed “Love Me Jeje,” another single from the eagerly awaited album, leaving the audience in awe and anticipation.

The set list for the performance was as follows:

1. Me & U






2. Ice T






3. Unfortunate






4. Forever






5. Love Me Jeje

Tems was joined by a talented group of musicians:

• Daniel Crawford: keys, music direction






• Brett Baker: percussion






• Erick Walls: guitar






• Eric Ingram: bass






• Robert Johnson: drums






• Olivia Williams: vocals






• Ashly Williams: vocals






• Kadeem Nichols: vocals

The Tiny Desk production team, led by producer Bobby Carter and director/editor Kara Frame, ensured the performance was an intimate and visually stunning experience. The audio was masterfully handled by Josephine Nyounai, and the visual elements were captured by videographers Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Alanté Serene, and Mitra I. Arthur. The audio engineering was overseen by Neil Tevault, with additional support from production assistant Ashley Pointer and photographer Estefania Mitre. Animation for the concert was created by Jackie Lay, with floral arrangements by Kelanda Edwards.

The Tiny Desk team, including Maia Stern and Hazel Cills, worked under the executive production of Suraya Mohamed. The series was originally created by Bob Boilen and Stephen Thompson, with Keith Jenkins serving as the VP of Visuals and Music.

Tems’ Tiny Desk performance is now available to watch in full, offering a tantalizing glimpse into her upcoming album and solidifying her status as a rising star in the global music scene.

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Bobbie Knight, the transformative president of Miles College in Birmingham, has recently joined the Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Knight, a trailblazer in education, made history in August 2019 as the first woman to lead Miles College since its founding in 1898. She was named permanent president in March 2020.

Miles College took to their social media channels to congratulate President Knight on becoming a member of the sorority and it was followed with warm comments from sorority members and supporters across the nation.

Under President Knight’s leadership, the historically Black college located in Fairfield, Alabama has flourished, securing the largest donation in its history and over $101 million in external funding. This financial influx marks a more than 2000% increase in gifts and grants since her arrival.

President Knight has also guided the institution through critical accreditation processes, including a flawless 10-year reaffirmation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Her tenure also saw the launch of innovative programs like a state-of-the-art E-gaming Center and Apple-powered communications and music production labs.

Beyond Miles College, President Knight serves on numerous boards, including the Birmingham Airport Authority and the Alabama Power Board of Directors, to which she was elected in 2023. A graduate of the University of Alabama and the Birmingham School of Law, she retired from Alabama Power in 2016 after a distinguished 38-year career.

We at Watch The Yard would love to give President Knight a warm welcome to Black greekdom.

For 17-year-old twins Jessie and D’Lila Combs, 17, their father Sean “Diddy” Combs has been more than a Hip-Hop mogul — he’s a hero. But that heroic image began to shatter last November when Diddy’s ex, Cassie Ventura, made devastating allegations in her abuse lawsuit against the self-proclaimed “Bad Boy.”

The documents detailed years of abuse, including sexual assault. Diddy’s team swiftly settled the lawsuit, but the damage to his public persona was irreparable.

On May 17, CNN leaked hotel surveillance video showing Diddy violently assaulting Cassie in 2016. The footage further intensified public scrutiny on the Combs’ family; over 50 individuals have come forward with allegations against Diddy, highlighting a long history of misogynoir, violence, and exploitation that has potentially been part of Jessie and D’Lila’s world for years.

As the world fixates on Diddy’s actions and their implications, it’s crucial to also consider the profound impact these revelations are having on his seven children — three of whom are young Black women — and particularly from someone who frequently presents himself as a proud family man.

As public outrage intensified, Black Twitter has been abuzz with reactions, dissecting a growing list of allegations and the implications on Diddy’s legacy. Horrifying realities about a beloved parent are devastating for any child, but Jessie and D’Lila’s pain is likely compounded by the loss of their mother, Kim Porter, who passed away in 2018. As they’ve spent the past six years grieving the loss of one parent, the emotional fallout here is particularly heart-wrenching.

The twins’ close bond with their father, whom they celebrated as a “real king” on his 51st birthday, makes Diddy’s misconduct even more difficult to reconcile. Their recent prom photos on Instagram hint at a need to grasp normalcy amid the chaos. Yet, as the legal ramifications for their father escalate, with a federal grand jury in the works, the emotional burden on his daughters only grows.

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, trauma researcher and author of the renowned book “The Body Keeps the Score” — which details the lasting effects of suffering on the body and mind) — emphasizes the need for supportive relationships in the healing process: “Children can’t learn to modulate their emotions and behaviors unless the adults around them have the capacity to remain focused [on their wellbeing],” he wrote.

While Diddy has publicly apologized, many believe it’s too little, too late. For Jessie and D’Lila, this only adds to the challenges of being in the public eye while bearing their pain silently. Unearthing dark family secrets can be disturbingly traumatic — particularly so for young Black women — and increases the risk of developing depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns.

Gaylie Walker, who details the impact of her own father’s sins on TikTok, wrote, “Distinguishing between the hero we see in our parents and the monster society may portray them as is incredibly difficult for a child; it’s often easier to continue seeing our parents as we need them to be.”

Dr. Jessica Kinchen, Director of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, noted, “Trauma robs children of their childhood, but it doesn’t have to go on robbing them of their future.”

The reality of Diddy’s violence against Black women, including their mother, would add even more complexity as they try to navigate a world where their dad’s public persona collides with his private life. Amid the chaos of his long overdue accountability, it’s difficult to ignore the impact Diddy’s actions are having on his children. We can only hope that Jessie and D’Lila have the love and support they need.

As we follow this heartbreaking story, it’s crucial to remember these events have a real impact on real lives, especially so for young adults.

If you or someone you know is dealing with abuse or trauma, there are support organizations available—like RAINN and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network—that provide help and resources.

11

As Love Island Series 11 premieres today, viewers are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Nicole Samuel, a 24-year-old Accounts Manager from Aberdare, who promises to bring a vibrant and unapologetic energy to the Villa.

Why Love Island and Why Now?

In an exclusive interview, Nicole shared her reasons for joining the show: “I just think it’s my time now I’ve hit 24 and I’m ready to settle down.” Her decision reflects a growing desire to find a meaningful connection amidst the fun and excitement that Love Island offers.

What Will She Bring to the Villa?

Nicole is confident that her big personality will make a significant impact. “My personality is big and I’m pretty out there, I reckon I’ll probably have one of the biggest personalities in the Villa,” she said. Fans can look forward to her bringing plenty of enthusiasm and liveliness.

Why is She a Catch?

Nicole prides herself on her honesty. “I say everything as it is so guys always know where they stand with me,” she explained. This straightforwardness is likely to be refreshing in the high-drama environment of the Villa.

What Should Fellow Islanders Know About Her?

Her upfront nature is something she wants her fellow Islanders to know from the start. “That I’m upfront,” she emphasized, suggesting that there will be no guessing games with her intentions or feelings.

Why is She Single?

Having enjoyed the freedom of single life, Nicole is now ready for a change. “I’ve been enjoying single life and the attention of different boys, it’s fun. I’ve enjoyed being able to go on holiday with the girls and not having to worry about someone back home. All the girls are there texting in their room and I’m out till 4 in the morning living my best life,” she candidly shared.

How Would Friends and Family Describe Her?

Describing herself as “cheeky, wild and really chatty,” Nicole is expected to bring a lot of fun and conversations to the Villa, making her a standout contestant.

What Does She Look for in a Partner?

Nicole’s type is quite specific: “Tall, dark and handsome, it’s just that isn’t it? Let’s be honest! And a rugby player.” This preference sets a clear picture for anyone trying to win her heart.

A Hidden Talent

Not many know that Nicole was a world champion dancer in 2011. “I became a world champion dancer in 2011, not many people know that. I was a professional street dancer,” she revealed, hinting at a potential for spontaneous dance-offs in the Villa.

Dream Celebrity Companions

When asked which celebrities she’d love to join her in the Villa, Nicole didn’t hesitate: “Channing Tatum, all day every day…” This choice reflects her taste for charismatic and physically appealing partners.

As the new season begins, Nicole Samuel’s dynamic presence is sure to spice things up. With her candid nature and vibrant personality, she’s set to be a memorable part of Love Island Series 11. Tune in to see how her journey unfolds!

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The Romance Writers of America has filed for bankruptcy protection following several years of infighting and allegations of racism that fractured the organization, causing many of its members to flee.

The Texas-based trade association, which bills itself as the voice of romance writers, has lost roughly 80% of its members over the past five years because of the turmoil.

Now down to just 2,000 members, it can’t cover the costs it committed to paying for its writers conferences, the group said in bankruptcy court documents filed on Wednesday in Houston.

The organization, founded in 1980 to represent and promote writers in fiction’s top-selling genre, said it owes nearly $3 million to hotels where it planned to host the annual meetings.

Mary Ann Jock, the group’s president and an author of seven published romance novels, said in a court filing that the troubles stemmed “predominantly due to disputes concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion” issues between previous board members and others in the romance writing community.

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Its membership dropped again after the annual conference was held virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carollynn H.G. Callari, an attorney for the association, said it is not going out of business. A proposed reorganization plan submitted to the court should allow the group to emerge swiftly from bankruptcy protection with a healthier financial outlook, she said.

Relationships within the group started to fray in 2019 over the way it treated one of its authors, a Chinese American writer who it said violated the group’s code with negative online comments about other writers and their work. The association reversed its decision, but the uproar led to the resignation of its president and several board members.

Following allegations that it lacked diversity and was predominantly white, the organization called off its annual awards in 2020. Several publishers, including Harlequin, Avon Books and Berkeley Romance, then dropped out from the annual conference. The association later said it would present a new award in honor of Vivian Stephens, a pioneering Black romance novelist and publisher.

The next year, the association faced more anger and eventually withdrew an award for a novel widely criticized for its sympathetic portrait of a cavalry officer who participated in the slaughter of Lakota Indians at the Battle of Wounded Knee.