WASHINGTON — As the nation’s capital braces for the upcoming presidential election, heightened political tension poses unique threats to Washington, D.C.’s unhoused residents, who are some of the most vulnerable in this politically charged environment. At Washington Circle, near the Foggy Bottom Metro, tents mark the encampments of those displaced in recent months, underscoring the growing need for safety as Election Day approaches.

Christy Repress, President and CEO of Pathways to Housing DC, leads the city’s largest outreach initiative for individuals experiencing homelessness. She and her team are preparing for potential unrest with protocols refined over years of navigating inaugurations and major protests. “This population is particularly vulnerable due to decades of racial disparities in housing and employment,” Repress explained. “The threat is compounded by the city’s racial demographics, where 83 percent of those without housing identify as Black or African American.”

Recent data underscores the heightened risks. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 97 violent attacks against unhoused individuals were documented between 2019 and 2022, nearly half of which were fatal. Repress notes that the numbers reflect only reported incidents, with many more likely unrecorded. Adding to the concern, a recent Supreme Court ruling, Johnson v. Grant Pass, clarified that “the U.S. Constitution does not protect homeless people against cruel and unusual punishment,” a decision advocates fear could embolden acts of aggression.

To address these risks, Repress and her team are intensifying education and outreach efforts aimed at the unhoused. Pathways has coordinated with city agencies to use real-time text alerts, notifying individuals about potential hazards, closures, and other critical updates. “Lack of access to these resources can mean missing life-saving information,” she emphasized, noting that the absence of timely updates often means lost documents or missed opportunities to seek shelter, compounding the dangers.

For Washington’s most vulnerable, Election Day symbolizes more than just a political event; it is a moment of heightened uncertainty and potential danger. Local advocates are doubling down on efforts to protect and inform, hoping that their vigilance can mitigate some of the risks facing the city’s homeless population in an election year marked by tension and division.

In Philadelphia, where gun violence has scarred communities and reshaped lives, local organizations are forging a new approach, prioritizing support for victims and proactive safety education. The Philadelphia chapter of That Gun Talk, launched in August 2021 by Jarel and Karise Crew, is one of the grassroots initiatives meeting the challenge head-on. Founded by a husband-and-wife duo, the group’s mission is to equip survivors of gun violence with responsible gun ownership skills and de-escalation training, hoping to foster both individual protection and community resilience.

For 22-year-old Isaiah Stanton, the group’s work is personal. He purchased a firearm in the wake of his brother’s 2023 murder, a case still without justice. His decision to legally own a weapon for self-protection came with a commitment to responsibility. “It was about my safety and my family’s, done the right way,” Stanton told NBC News, reflecting the thoughtful approach That Gun Talk advocates. This August, Stanton attended one of the group’s workshops, learning about safe gun handling and de-escalation, alongside others impacted by gun violence.

The Crews are driven by more than just the practicalities of gun safety. They want to shift the narrative on victims of violence, urging the community to see these individuals as deserving of care and attention, not judgment. “It’s not just gun violence; it’s about how we’re supporting these people, listening to them, and being there,” Karise Crew explained in an NBC interview. Jarel Crew echoed her sentiment, emphasizing the balance between self-defense and community responsibility. He cautioned that responsible gun ownership alone can’t end violence but believes it’s a crucial step.

The Uplift Center for Grieving Children is also contributing to these efforts, focusing on mental health and grief work as essential tools for violence prevention. With a recent $50,000 grant from Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and the Philadelphia Foundation, Uplift will continue offering free services to grieving families. “Processing these emotions is no easy task, especially in communities facing high levels of violence,” said Uplift’s executive director, Keri Salerno. The center sees grief support as an indirect but powerful form of violence prevention.

As part of a larger push to address gun violence at its roots, Krasner’s office has committed to funding 31 more community-based groups with microgrants aimed at reducing violent crime. “This is a historic drop in gun violence, but we can’t get complacent,” Krasner stated, emphasizing the importance of both community-based prevention and modern enforcement strategies.

A Florida man was fired from his job at the London Stock Exchange Group after a viral TikTok video captured him confronting and harassing a Black teenager walking through a neighborhood. The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, led to a public outcry that resulted in the man’s termination following an internal investigation.

The video shows the teenager walking through a Florida neighborhood while being followed by several white men, one of whom repeatedly questioned him about his presence in the area. With his phone recording the interaction, the teen calmly pushed back, stating that he was simply walking through the community. The men accused the teen of walking by their homes “over and over” and implied that he was there without permission, despite no evidence of wrongdoing.

As the video gained traction online, social media users quickly identified one of the men as Stephen Carega, an employee at the London Stock Exchange Group. The public outrage surrounding the incident led to the company’s swift response, initially suspending Carega while they conducted an investigation. The firm ultimately decided to terminate his employment, citing their zero-tolerance policy on racism, discrimination, and harassment.

In a statement shared by Bloomberg, the London Stock Exchange Group confirmed Carega’s dismissal. “The individual involved was initially suspended while we investigated the matter. The investigation has now concluded, and the individual’s employment has been terminated,” the company said. The statement emphasized their commitment to maintaining an inclusive work environment free from prejudice.

The incident, reminiscent of numerous racially charged confrontations captured on cell phones in recent years, sparked broader discussions about racial profiling and harassment in everyday public spaces. As the conversation continued on social media, many users reflected on the power of cell phone footage to hold people accountable for their actions in real time.

Malachi Houston, a 27-year-old from Bedford-Stuyvesant, is seeking $30 million in damages after an altercation with a bus driver led to his wrongful arrest and loss of employment. The incident occurred on June 8, 2024, when Houston and other passengers on the B99 bus in Brooklyn became frustrated after the driver, Isaac Egharevba, took an unannounced detour. A confrontation ensued, during which Houston claims the driver attacked him, leading to a physical struggle that ended with the driver suffering a facial injury.

Despite video footage showing Houston being grabbed and choked by the driver, he was charged with second-degree attempted murder and spent five days in Rikers Island before a grand jury declined to indict him. Houston, who lost his job as a delivery driver following the incident, maintains that he was defending himself and that the media misrepresented the situation, leading to his wrongful arrest and public vilification.

Houston’s lawyer, Mark Shirian, argues that the video evidence clears his client of any wrongdoing, emphasizing that Houston was reacting to an unprovoked attack. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which employs Egharevba, is reviewing the incident, but the driver remains on the job. As Houston awaits a final decision from the grand jury in October, he has avoided public transit out of fear, relying instead on cabs and rideshare services.

Edward Dorsey, the son of a prominent Atlanta music producer, has been arrested for fatally shooting his father during a family dispute. The shooting took place on the morning of May 2 inside an Arium Lenox Apartment in Brookhaven, police confirmed.

The 2100 block of Gables Drive was swarmed with police after reports of a shooting were called in. The authorities identified the victim as Clinton Dorsey, a 48-year-old most well-known in the Atlanta music industry under the name “D-Billz.”

Clinton’s business partner Kal Austin reported that D-Billz was with his son Edward — who was visiting him at his apartment. Austin recalled stepping out of the apartment for just a moment when father and son got into a heated argument.

Brookhaven police said Edward Dorsey had a gun at this time.

Brookhaven Police Sgt. John Clifford said, “That argument turned to being physical, and that turned to Mr. Dorsey, retrieving a firearm, and shooting Clinton Dorsey.”

As reported by Fox 5 Atlanta, Clinton and Edward were arguing over the family business of dog breeding, and the argument escalated into a physical altercation.

When the argument turned physical, “the son went and retrieved a semi-automatic pistol and shot and killed Mr. Dorsey,” Sgt. John Clifford told the outlet. Police placed Edward under arrest and charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Source: Music Producer Clinton ‘D-Billz’ Dorsey Shot And Killed In Familial Argument

On Sunday, The New York Times reported that Francis Roberts—who has resided in his Crown Heights apartment for more than 20 years —is allegedly being harassed by his landlord in attempts for him to vacate. Roberts’ rent is currently $450 per month since his apartment is rent-stabilized.

His neighborhood is quickly becoming gentrified, with the average rent being around $3,000 a month according to StreetEasy. Roberts also said that green liquid leaks from his kitchen ceiling and music as loud as jackhammers comes from the apartment above him on and off throughout the day.

He believes this is a scheme to get him to leave as soon as possible. Roberts also said that squatters put up tents in front of his apartments and that two portable clogged toilets were put in front of his bedroom windows. He claims he hasn’t had heat since April.

Now, with the help of Brooklyn Legal Services’ Tenant Right Coalition, Roberts is suing 972 Park Place L.L.C. which purchased the brownstone for $1.3 million. His lawyer, Liam McSweeney, says “they took the harassment to another level.”

Yehuda Gruenberg, who is the head officer of the company that owns the property, expressed to The New York Timesthrough his legal team that harassment isn’t happening. Gruenberg’s lawyer, Julius Toonkel, said that Roberts is possibly dealing with a “dispute between tenants” and that the landlord has “no control of third parties and other tenant/s on the premises.”

Source: Man from Crown Heights: Landlord Is pushing him out of a $450-a-Month Apartment

“I’ve spent the past few days trying to wrap my mind around this devastating tragedy. I hate resorting to this platform to express as emotion as delicate as grief but this is where I find myself. My heart is broken for the families and friends of those who lost their lives and for anyone who is suffering,” said Drake in the statement.

He adds, “I will continue to pray for all of them, and will be of service in any way I can. May God be with you all.”

We previously reported that Travis Scott has been hit with several lawsuits over the eight people who died Friday night at his Astroworld Festival in Houston. In the wake of the tragedy, the rapper/entrepreneur issued a statement: “I’m absolutely devastated by what took place last night. My prayers go out to the families and all those impacted by what happened at Astroworld Festival,” Travis said in the statement on Twitter.

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Travis Scott went on to thank first responders and Houston’s NRG Park, where the event was held.

“Houston PD has my total support as they continue to look into the tragic loss of life. I am committed to working together with the Houston community to heal and support the families in need. Thank you to Houston PD, Fire Department, and NRG Park for their immediate response and support. Love you all,” he added.

The hip-hop star also posted a video saying he would have stopped the show if only he had known how serious the situation was — watch his reaction video below.

Source: Drake Issues Statement On Astroworld Tragedy That Left 8 Dead, Hundreds Injured

Originally Published 12:00 p.m. Oct. 4, 2018

Several influential African-American poets have captivated the nation with their poems for decades and these black poets deserve their flowers. On National Poetry Day, Americans can reflect on their works, from pieces that touch on the past to pieces that provide vivid visions of the future.

People who are passionate about poetry can ponder poets’ wise words on this special day. They can read poems, listen to audio or hear poets’ speak at events across the nation. They can celebrate the gift of poetry: the imagery, emotion and messages. National Poetry Day is a chance for a celebration of spoken and written words; it’s an opportunity to let other poets’ works inspire them.

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Some of the world’s most influential poets are black. Their works are used in so many forms of entertainment to show our culture and our struggles through word. Gil Scott-Heron’s “Your Soul and Mine,” was recently used in HBO’s latest movie The Many Saints of Newark. The movie also used one of his most popular poems, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” The revolutionary poem was a slogan from the Black Power movement in the 1960’s. Herron created the poem to symbolize how the revolution wouldn’t happen in front of the eyes of the oppressor, but instead it would blossom in the hands of the people.

There are many renowned, Pulitzer Prize-winning poets who have won acclaim with their work. Many people appreciate the poems of deceased, legendary poets such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes. Hughes might be one of America’s most popular poets, black or white. He frequently took social stances in his art with title’s like Jim Crow’s Last Stand, and Freedom’s Plow.

Source: National Poetry Day: 10 African-American Poets Known For Words Of Wisdom