theft
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California Target Apologizes After Black Teens Were Wrongfully Accused of Theft, Handcuffed and Detained
Racial profiling often seems like some kind of perverse rite of passage that young Black people have to go through in America (and likely, everywhere else in the world where Black people exist) as a part of growing up. A California Target has apologized after two Black teenagers were handcuffed and another was detained in…
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John Boyega Doesn’t 'Have Time for Nonsense'; Steps Down as Jo Malone Global Ambassador After Erasure
John Boyega has already shown us that he will not sacrifice his own morals for money, branding nor access to the Hollywood industry. Well this past weekend, the establishment tried it in what appeared to be yet another attempt at erasing Black talent (which, sounds familiar, in his case). British perfume and scented candle brand…
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Former Drexel Professor Arrested for Blowing Over $185,000 in Federal Grant Money on Strippers, iTunes
Federal grants are typically used by institutions in order to fund projects like medical innovations or research, but if you’re former Drexel University professor Chikaodinaka Nwankpa, why splurge on boring-ass engineering studies when you can ball out on strippers and iTunes? From CNN: A former Drexel University professor faces criminal charges after allegedly stealing $185,000…
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University Professor Makes It Rain in the Strip Club. Would’ve Been Fine If He Hadn’t Used Grant Money to Do It
Man, I hate it when black people disappoint me. Especially black educators. I wouldn’t say I get embarrassed when they end up in headlines behind stupid shit; I don’t give credence to the idea that individual black people can represent all that we are as a whole. And I think the notion is racist as…
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Chicago Pastor Charged With Stealing Almost $1 Million to Splurge on a Bentley
Prosperity gospel is a controversial religious belief in which adherents equate material wealth or an opulent lifestyle with the will of God. It’s rooted in pro-capitalist and Pentecostal thought traditions and explains why pastors like Jesse Duplantis feel comfortable begging their flocks to cough up $54 million for a fourth private jet. But while this exploitative…
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Police Digitally Alter Mugshot to Implicate Bank Robbery Suspect: 'They’re Increasing the Risk of Mistaken Identity'
I know they think we all look alike, but with the assortment of distinct tattoos that adorn Tyrone Lamont Allen’s right cheek, forehead and left eye, it’s pretty damn hard to mistake the 50-year-old for anybody else. Yet, when a string of bank heists occurred in April 2017 and not a single bank teller could…
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Meet Katy Perry, the Latest White Musician Found Guilty of Stealing From a Black Artist
America has a long history of stealing from black folks. Nearest Green was never credited or compensated for his role in establishing Jack Daniel’s iconic brand; Michael Bolton pillaged a whole ass song from the Isley Brothers; and there are living, breathing human beings who wholeheartedly believe that the Kardashians invented whatever the hell “boxer…
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The 10 Biggest Cultural Thefts in Black History
Netflix’s new documentary, The Lion’s Share, chronicles the history of the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” how it became a worldwide hit and—most importantly—how media companies including Disney, kept the song’s original creator, South African musician Solomon Linda, from receiving any of the profits. While discussing the film, someone on The Root’s staff pondered if—considering…
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Pastor Faces Eternal Damnation (and 10 Years in Prison) For Stealing $35,000 From Church
“Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.” – Proverbs 20:17 I’ve never tasted $35,000 worth of gravel before, but I would imagine it tastes like either pruno or an under-seasoned felony conviction. But one individual who will have all the time in the world to find…
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Of Course, Serena Williams Was Fined $17,000. Of Course.
Yesterday, after Serena Williams defended her opponent, Naomi Osaka, against a torrent of boos following Osaka’s controversial win, Dictionary.com used the moment to exemplify “grace” on its Twitter account. Well, if the dictionary wanted to define the phrase “adding insult to injury,” it could certainly use the U.S. Tennis’ Association’s decision to fine Williams $17,000…