Black Man’s Family Awarded $1.5 Million in Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Detroit Police

Detroit, Michigan – A federal jury in Detroit has awarded $1.5 million to the family of a Black man who was killed by the city’s police. The jury found that two officers, Tyler Nagy and Raul Martinez, had used excessive force in their response to a report of an armed and intoxicated person in October of 2018. The officers approached Lamont Johnson, shining a flashlight in his eyes and shouting at him to put his hands up. Less than three seconds later, both officers opened fire on Johnson, who was found to have a handgun … Read more

College Recruiters Outside of Alabama Offer a Welcoming Home for Black Athletes Amid DEI Ban

Birmingham, Alabama – Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, Alabama, took to Facebook earlier this year to express his concerns over Alabama’s proposed anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) bill. In his post, Mayor Woodfin stated that if the bill became law, he would consider organizing Black parents and athletes to seek educational opportunities outside of the state where diversity and inclusion are valued. On March 20, Alabama Governor Kate Ivey signed SB 129 into law, effectively banning colleges in the state from implementing DEI programs and instruction on “divisive concepts.” Although it remains to be seen … Read more

Revolutionary Mindset: How Technology Breaks the Barrier for Black Women Lawyering

Houston, Texas – A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Houston suggests that regular exercise is beneficial not only for physical health, but also for brain function in older adults. The study, which focused on adults aged 60 and older, found a strong association between physical activity and improved cognitive abilities. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,400 older adults who participated in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a long-term study exploring the causes of cardiovascular diseases. Participants wore accelerometers to measure their physical activity over the course of a week, … Read more

Family of Black Man Fatally Shot by Georgia Police Files Federal Lawsuit Alleging Excessive and Deadly Force

Marietta, Georgia – The family and friends of Devonte Brown, a Black man who was fatally shot by a police officer, have filed a federal lawsuit alleging the use of “excessive and deadly force.” Brown, a 28-year-old father of four, was killed in August 2021 by Cobb County Officer Ian McConnell, who was not charged after a grand jury review. The incident sparked outrage when video footage from McConnell’s body-worn camera was released, showing the officer shooting Brown, who was unarmed and still inside his car, obscured by airbags. The lawsuit, supported by the NAACP … Read more