Did you know that the Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Rasheeda S. Liberty, is the owner of a successful sports agency?

In the heart of Women’s History Month, we at Watch The Yard celebrate the remarkable achievements of Rasheeda S. Liberty, the current Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho. Beyond her esteemed leadership within this historic Black sorority, Liberty stands as a trailblazer in an arena typically dominated by men. As a powerhouse in the corporate world and the founder and owner of Lady Lib Sports and Entertainment, she is shattering glass ceilings and redefining success in the sports agency industry.

Liberty embarked on establishing Lady Lib Sports and Entertainment in 2021 as a beacon of excellence and empowerment. Today, the agency offers a comprehensive suite of services, including contract negotiation, legal consultation, marketing endorsement, brand building, crisis management, charitable organization establishment, and post-career transition assistance. Liberty’s commitment to providing holistic support to her clients underscores her dedication to their success both on and off the field.

“In the sports industry, women often excel behind the scenes, orchestrating success without always stepping onto the field. For me, there’s profound significance in representing young underrepresented athletes. They embody resilience, talent, and untapped potential. My journey into this industry stems from a deep-seated belief in the importance of equitable representation and empowering athletes to thrive beyond the game,” Liberty tells Watch The Yard. “Each negotiation, each contract secured, is not just a transaction; it’s a step towards amplifying their voices, showcasing their skills, and ensuring their long-term success both on and off the field. At Lady Lib Sports and Entertainment, we’re dedicated to nurturing the full life cycle of our clients, from collegiate play to retirement, because they’re more than just athletes — they’re inspirations, trailblazers, and the future of the game.”

Drawing upon her formidable networking skills, corporate acumen, and unwavering “no limit” mentality, Liberty has carved out a unique niche in the sports agency world. Her approach to client management encompasses a trifecta mentality, addressing not only the athlete but also the individual and the philanthropist within. This philosophy, honed through close involvement in the industry and connection with the athletes she represents, forms the cornerstone of her agency’s ethos.

To add to this, Liberty has made it a focus to bring Black talent to her team and has multiple D9 members on staff including her Chief Legal Officer and Certified Agent, Joyvan Malbon-Griffin (Sigma Gamma Rho);  and her scouting analysts, Chris Mitchell (Kappa Alpha Psi) and Brandon Ashe(Alpha Phi Alpha).

“As a woman leading in the sports industry, I recognize the importance of diversity and inclusivity. By actively seeking out members of organizations like the Divine Nine to join our team and roster, I not only expand our talent pool but also foster a sense of unity and representation within the industry. My goal extends beyond simply representing sports players; it’s about creating opportunities and breaking barriers. We need more diverse voices at every level of this industry, and by bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and affiliations, we not only enrich our team but also pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in sports.”

The agency currently represents an impressive roster of athletes from the NFL and HBCUs, PWIs as well as the Canadian Football League and United Football League including:

• Xavier Smith – FAMU – NFL Los Angeles Rams
• Ryan McDaniel – NCCU – UFL Memphis Showboats
• Davius Richard – NCCU – 2024 Draft Class
• Joshua Cephus – UTSA – 2024 Draft Class
• Balewa ‘BJ’ Byrd –Morehead State – CFL Toronto Argonauts
• Leon O’Neal – Texas A&M – CFL Edmonton Elks
• KeSean Carter – University of Houston – CFL Ottawa Redblacks
• Miles Brown – Wofford College – CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders
• Nelson Jordan II – Alabama State University – CFL Toronto Argonauts
• Tylar Wiltz – Pitt – CFL Ottawa Redblacks
• Marcus Williams, Jr. – Louisiana Tech University – CFL Montreal Alouettes
• Ronnie Thomas – Mississippi Valley State  (Alpha Phi Alpha)
• Keyshawn James – Fayetteville State (Omega Psi Phi)
• Morgan Ellison – Southeastern Louisiana 
• Jacoby Jones – Texas 

Liberty’s ascent to prominence as a female sports agent serves as a testament to her resilience and determination in a traditionally male-dominated field. By challenging norms and breaking barriers, she paves the way for future generations of women to thrive in the sports industry. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us salute Rasheeda S. Liberty for her unwavering courage, visionary leadership, and indomitable spirit, inspiring us all to reach greater heights.

A woman from Texas remains missing more than two weeks after she went for a walk with her dog, Max, who was later discovered without her. Christina Johnson, 27, left her home on March 6 and hasn’t been located since, according to reports from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Max, the faithful companion, was found nine days later, approximately 7.5 miles northeast of their residence. The discovery was made by The AWARE Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting in missing person cases.

The woman’s father, speaking to KPRC, expressed concern over Max’s condition, stating, “I think him being out there on his own maybe eight days, so he’s in a rough condition right now, but we are looking forward to getting him groomed… He’s not acting normal. He’s scared almost.”

Continuing, he emphasized the seriousness of the situation, saying, “Something ain’t right. She’s in danger.”The search for Christina Johnson continues as authorities and volunteers comb through the area for any clues regarding her whereabouts. Family, friends, and concerned citizens are urged to come forward with any information that could aid in her safe return.

Authorities have not provided further details on the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s disappearance, but efforts to locate her are ongoing.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed legislation that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public schools, universities and state agencies and prohibit the teaching of “divisive concepts” including that someone should feel guilty because of their race or gender.

The measure, which takes effect Oct. 1, is part of a wave of proposals from Republican lawmakers across the country taking aim at diversity, equity and inclusion programs, also known as DEI, on college campuses. Republicans say the programs deepen divisions and promote a particular political viewpoint. But opponents say it is a rollback of hard-won advances and programs that welcome underrepresented student populations.

“My administration has and will continue to value Alabama’s rich diversity, however, I refuse to allow a few bad actors on college campuses – or wherever else for that matter – to go under the acronym of DEI, using taxpayer funds, to push their liberal political movement counter to what the majority of Alabamians believe,” Ivey said in a statement.

Also Wednesday, an Alabama House committee advanced legislation that would ban teacher-led discussions in public schools on sexual orientation and gender identity and prohibit displaying Pride flags in classrooms. The measure, part of a wave of laws across the country that critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay,” now moves to the full House.

The DEI measure was sharply criticized by opponents who said it was taking the state backward, instead of forward.

“This regressive measure undermines the strides we’ve made in cultivating an inclusive society in Alabama by stifling essential discussions and programs that are key to improving our state,” Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels said.

Daniels said it “detrimentally impacts the educational experience of college students by removing programs in which they can receive support, build communities, and learn how to be prosperous and inclusive citizens,”

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The Alabama legislation would prohibit universities, K-12 school systems and state agencies from sponsoring DEI programs, defined under the bill as classes, training, programs and events where attendance is based on a person’s race, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin or sexual orientation.

The bill also says schools, universities and state agencies cannot require students, employees and contractors to attend classes and training sessions “that advocates for or requires assent” to what the bill lists as eight “divisive concepts.”

The list of banned concepts includes that “any individual should accept, acknowledge, affirm, or assent to a sense of guilt, complicity, or a need to apologize on the basis of his or her race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin,” or that fault, blame or bias should be assigned to people based on race, religion, gender or national origin.

Auburn University, a public institution, said in a letter to faculty, staff and students that it was evaluating the new law’s implications.

The measure will affect “use of state funds to sponsor DEI programs and activities” but does not prohibit instruction associated with accreditation standards and academic support for students of a particular demographic, university leadership wrote.

“We are resolute in our mission to deliver exceptional student experiences and to provide support to all of our students with particular emphasis on providing access and opportunity,” the letter said.

The bill also would attempt to prohibit transgender people on college campuses from using multiple occupancy restrooms that correspond with their current gender identity.

The legislation says colleges and universities “shall ensure that every multiple occupancy restroom be designated for use by individuals based” on the sex that a person was assigned at birth. It is unclear how the requirement would be enforced.

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Updated on Wednesday, March 20 at 1:30 p.m.PT: Less than 48 hours after disgraced R&B singer R. Kelly decided to sue the U.S. government in an an attempt to receive the funds from his label, the “Ignition” singer is trying yet another legal move.

Per AP, Kelly has filed an appeal to get his 2021 conviction and 30-year sentence reversed or to receive a new trial all together. The appeal was argued by his lawyer Jennifer Bonjean to three judges on the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan on Monday where she alleged that the charge of racketeering lobbed against her client essentially wasn’t sufficient enough for a conviction due to what she argues should constitute a RICO enterprise.

“This was not a collection of people who had a purpose to recruit girls for sexual abuse or child pornography,” Bonjean argued. “Whether they turned a blind eye, whether some of them suspected that some of these girls were underage, that’s a whole different matter. And once we get into that sort of territory, where we’re going to say that constitutes a RICO enterprise, well we have a lot of organizations — we have a lot of frat houses — we have all types of organizations that are now going to become RICO enterprises.”

As of Monday, the judges had not made a ruling on whether to deny or grant the appeal.

See original story below.

Even behind bars, R. Kelly wants the money he feels owed. As a result, he’s going after the federal government.

The disgraced singer is suing the United States government so he can return his commissary funds, per court documents.

Kelly is suing the United States government because, in March 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that Heather Williams, an alleged victim of the singer, was entitled to access to all of the Chicago singer’s funds from his label, which was valued at $1.5 million.

This isn’t what Kelly wanted, so a year later, he’s trying to get them back.

The announcement for the hearing, which is scheduled for Monday, read, “The defendant is appealing his conviction and the government’s seizure of his substantial Bureau of Prisons commissary account to satisfy the financial penalties imposed in the case.”

If you’re interested in listening to the hearing, you can listen to the live stream here.

Although this particular case is related to Williams’ legal win a year ago, it isn’t the first time Williams won a judgment against Kelly. In 2020, she won a civil lawsuit against the singer after she claimed that he coerced her to come to his studio and had sex with her multiple times when she was only 16 years old.

Kelly has also been pretty busy filing lawsuits. In November 2023, the R&B singer filed a lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), claiming that an agent illegally sold private prison records with gossip blogger Tasha K, including phone call recordings with his legal team and girlfriend.

Jennifer Bonjean, Kelly’s attorney, wrote in the lawsuit, “The defendant United States of America breached its duty of care to the plaintiff when it allowed countless BOP officers to access the plaintiff’s confidential information without any legal basis to do so.”

House Democrats are urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address civil rights violations that Black Mauritanians are encountering at the U.S. border.

U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., told theGrio that “an immediate policy change” to the U.S. immigration system is “necessary.”

“People in need have the right to seek asylum in our nation,” said Clarke. “We have a moral obligation not to inflict further punishment on them only for exercising that right.”

Clarke is leading the effort to enforce civil rights protections for Black Mauritanians seeking asylum in the U.S. and drafted a letter to the DHS asking the department to intervene in unfair immigration practices that harm Black Mauritanians. The letter is signed by 19 other House Democrats, including Reps. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., Barbara Lee, D-Calif., Cori Bush, D-Mo., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. 

The letter details how Mauritanians “fled state-sanctioned violence and discrimination yet are being subjected to unnecessary detainment.”

“All while lacking the language access they need to have a fair chance of seeking protection in the United States,” the letter reads.

Som-Mai Nguyen, an immigration attorney, is currently litigating a case where her client, a Mauritanian national, was unrepresented and initially denied asylum because he was incapable of submitting an asylum form. The form was in English. However, Nguyen’s client speaks only Pulaar and French and cannot read or write in any language. He was then ordered to be deported for his failure to complete the form, although he was not given access to language services while he was detained.

Nguyen learned of her client’s case and was able to reverse his deportation judgment, and now he has the opportunity to apply for asylum. She said her client is seeking asylum “because he’s politically active in Mauritania.”

“He attended a protest for Black Mauritanians, was arrested and beaten, and was subjected to physical and psychological harm,” said Nguyen. “He then fled to the U.S.”

Congresswoman Clarke told theGrio that Mauritanians like Nguyen’s client are fleeing their homes to “escape slavery, forced statelessness and human rights violations … only to confront unjust detention in America.”

As a result, House Democrats are demanding the DHS release Mauritanian asylum seekers, especially those who have not been provided accommodations due to language barriers. They are also requesting that the agency halt the deportation of Mauritanians while the DHS launches an investigation into the mistreatment of Mauritanians during the immigration process.

These efforts come a month after other members of Congress urged the Biden-Harris administration to halt the deportation of Black Mauritanians from the U.S. and grant them Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., previously told theGrio that more than half of the Mauritanian population is “vulnerable to enslavement-like conditions,” sexual assault, murder, and family separation and have fled to the U.S. seeking refuge.

In 1981, Mauritania became one of the last countries to outlaw slavery, and in 2007, the country enacted anti-slavery laws. However, congressional members have criticized the country’s government for not enforcing those laws.

As a result, slavery still exists in the country and has disproportionately impacted Black Mauritanians.

In 1989, Mauritania’s Black population took another blow when the government stripped 50,000 Black Mauritanians of their citizenship, subjecting them to racial profiling, extortion, and torture.

In 1991, things worsened when the government switched the national language from French to Arabic, displacing many Black Mauritanians who only knew French. Due to the language barrier, Black Mauritanians have become second-class citizens in their own country.

Cherfilus-McCormick and other House members are hopeful the Biden-Harris administration will respond to their requests to grant Black Mauritanians TPS because the U.S. has a duty to protect them.

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Netflix has just unveiled the main poster and trailer for its upcoming sci-fi horror series, “Parasyte: The Grey,” offering audiences a chilling glimpse into a world overrun by parasitic organisms and the relentless struggle of humanity against their invasion.

Expanding upon the universe of the original best-selling manga, “Parasyte,” by Hitoshi Iwaaki, the series promises to deliver a new story packed with action, philosophy, and existential dread. Based on Iwaaki’s groundbreaking comic, which has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, “Parasyte: The Grey” explores the ingenious premise of parasites infiltrating human bodies and controlling them, while delving into deeper philosophical themes.

Renowned director Yeon Sang-ho, known for his work on “Train to Busan” and “Hellbound,” was inspired by the manga’s profound message and chose to set the series in Korea. Reflecting on the essence of “Parasyte,” Sang-ho expressed his desire for the series to echo the theme of coexistence, questioning whether humans can peacefully live alongside organisms different from themselves.

Hitoshi Iwaaki, the original manga author, praised the adaptation, noting the respect shown for his work while also appreciating the unique creative twists introduced in the series. He described the plot development as dynamic and entertaining, promising an engaging experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

At the heart of “Parasyte: The Grey” is Su-in, a young woman torn between her humanity and the parasitic influence that has taken hold of her. Her complex relationship with Heidi, the parasite fused with her after a near-fatal accident, embodies the series’ central theme of coexistence. However, as a hybrid of humans and parasites, Su-in struggles to find her place in a world divided between those seeking to eradicate parasites and those seeking to coexist with them.

The poster for the series depicts a cityscape overrun by writhing tentacles, symbolizing the chaos unleashed by the parasitic invasion. Yet amidst the destruction, Su-in and her allies stand defiant, embodying the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into the series, showcasing stunning visual effects that bring the otherworldly creatures to life with chilling realism. As Su-in navigates a society torn apart by the parasitic threat, viewers are drawn into a web of alliances and betrayals, promising a gripping narrative that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

“Parasyte: The Grey” is set to premiere on Netflix on April 5, offering viewers an immersive journey into a world where the line between humanity and parasitism is blurred, and the fate of civilization hangs in the balance.

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While there’s no shortage of conspiracy theorists in the running to join former President Donald Trump’s administration — his reported front-runner for Attorney General is a walking, talking, conspiracy-tweeting red flag.

Earlier this year, Bloomberg News reported that Trump had repeatedly discussed the idea of hiring Mike Davis, a former aide to Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), as either Acting Attorney General or White House Counsel. Months prior, Donald Trump Jr. said on his podcast that he and his father had discussed Davis as interim Attorney General.

As Attorney General, Davis would have sweeping powers on race-related issues like voting rights, criminal justice, and immigration — which is why all of the things he’s said on social media are worth a mention.

Last year, Davis went on a racist rant about a “violent Black underclass” being a danger to Americans. (Think: the racism of the 1990s “Superpredator” myth but even more overtly offensive).

“The violent Black underclass is a danger to America. Especially to hard-working, law-abiding Black Americans and other minorities trapped in their ghettos,” he posted on X above a video of a group of Black teens. “We must resume the mass incarceration of these thugs.”

Davis went on to say that “these monsters will kill,” adding that “Americans must arm up.”

Unsurprisingly, Davis is also a fan of the white supremacist Great Replacement Theory. “Here’s a novel idea: Let’s stop importing into America third-world Marxist trash,” he posted on X, seemingly referring to Somali immigrant Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. “Especially those who hate America. Definitely don’t elect them to office. Unless, of course, this is the Democrats’ (and China’s) plan to destroy America from within.”

Omar isn’t the only Black woman he’s taken shots at.

Davis called Vice President Kamala Harris, “utterly incompetent” and “only picked because of her skin pigment and/or Genitals.” And made similar remarks about former Harvard President Claudine Gay and the school’s head of diversity, referring to their “skin pigment, genitals, perception of genitals, and attraction to genitals” as the reason she was hired. (Note: this man really likes to write the word genitals).

He also took shots at Joy Ann Reid, saying “Powerful Marxist Black Women, Like @Joyannreid, Are Some Of The Most Destructive Forces In American Society.”

As the November election creeps closer, it’ll be worth keeping a close eye on the emerging cast of characters, including Davis, who are within striking distance of the White House.

Five people have accused Shangela, the three-time “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant, of sexually assaulting or trying to have sex with them, according to an investigation published in Rolling Stone Magazine.

Shangela, whose real name is Darius Jeremy “DJ” Pierce, denied the allegations. His attorney Andrew Brettler, sent a legal letter to Rolling Stone that said his client “adamantly denies ever engaging in nonconsensual sex.” Brettler called the allegations “false and unsupported by any evidence or reliable witness testimony” and that there were  “significant problems with purported accusers’ accounts.”

The unnamed accusers told Rolling Stone that Pierce, 43, either “sexually assaulted them or attempted to have sex with them when they were too inebriated to consent.”

Rolling Stone said it took 16 months to interview the accusers and to comb through legal records. The magazine said it unearthed a police complaint that has not been reported until now, as well as multiple sexually coercive and assaultive behavior allegations against Pierce.

The allegations span from 2012 to 2018 in Louisiana, Texas, California, and the United Kingdom. At the time of the alleged assaults, the five accusers ranged in age from 18 to 23. Three of the five called themselves aspiring drag queens who were aware of Pierce’s celebrity.

The accusers identify as queer and cited the rise in anti-trans and anti-drag laws in the United States as causing them to “grapple” with coming forward with their allegations. “But, they all said they want Pierce — not the queer community — to bear accountability for the allegations,” the report reads.

Pierce, according to Rolling Stone, said he remembered meeting four of the accusers but couldn’t remember the fifth. He denied any wrongdoing.

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Earlier this month, a court dismissed a civil lawsuit against Pierce that alleged sexual assault and gender violence. Daniel McGarrigle, a former “Drag Race” production assistant, made the allegations. The disposition of the case is unclear. Some reports say it was ”settled,” while others say it was “dismissed with prejudice,” which means it can’t be refiled. 

The Rolling Stone report also clearly iterates that neither “RuPaul’s Drag Race” nor RuPaul himself is implicated in any of the outlet’s findings.

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