Medical Examiner rules Eric Garner's death a homicide

The death of a Staten Island man who collapsed after being placed in an illegal chokehold by a police officer has been ruled a homicide.

Eric Garner died from compression of the neck and chest while being while being physically restrained by police officers, the New York City Medical Examiner said Friday.

Read more here: HOMICIDE: Medical examiner says NYPD chokehold killed Staten Island dad Eric Garner

NAACP TEAMS UP WITH DUNKIN’ BRANDS TO INCREASE MINORITY FRANCHISES

NAACP ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH DUNKIN’ BRANDS

Dunkin’ Brands and NAACP Launch Initiative to Increase the Number of African-American Owned Franchise Businesses in the U.S.

Baltimore, MD- (July 23, 2014) – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announced today its partnership with Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, to create a Diversity Franchising Initiative to increase the number of African-American owned franchise businesses in the United States. Through the partnership, Dunkin’ Brands and the NAACP will collaborate to offer people of color in-depth franchising education and training as well as assistance in overcoming the financial challenges related to becoming a franchise owner. The partnership was announced at the NAACP’s 105th Annual Convention in Las Vegas.

“Franchising can be a powerful economic tool that further enables the African-American community and others to realize the American dream of business ownership,” said Cornell William Brooks, President and CEO of the NAACP. “We are excited to announce this unique partnership with Dunkin’ Brands and to improve opportunities for people of color in the franchising sector because of the substantial impact these agreements have on empowering and employing people of color.”

“The Dunkin’ Brands Diversity in Franchising Initiative will provide education, networking opportunities and information on critical topics including access to capital,” said Dedrick Muhammad, senior director of the NAACP Economic Department. “Ultimately, we hope this program helps to increase the number of African-American franchise business owners in the U.S in both the short and long term.”

This initiative is a part of Dunkin’ Brands’ ongoing efforts to provide resources to help qualified franchisee candidates overcome barriers associated with financing, including providing guidance on business plan development, facilitating access to capital, and forging relationships with local community lenders.

“We are proud to launch this partnership with the NAACP. Working together, our goal is to increase African American participation in the franchise industry, not just with Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, but across a wide spectrum of franchising concepts available in the marketplace,” said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of global franchising and business development, Dunkin’ Brands. “Additionally, we believe this partnership will enable Dunkin’ Brands to build a larger, more diverse pool of franchise candidates, accelerate our expansion in new and existing markets, and continue to build customer loyalty for our two brands across the country.”

Marc Lamont Hill Leaving Columbia University for Morehouse College Professorship

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill — one of the nation’s youngest and most visible Black intellectuals — is leaving Columbia University and is headed to Morehouse College in the fall, where he will hold the Distinguished Professorship of African-American Studies.

The move by Morehouse to court Hill — a sought-after speaker and television commentator — signals a new and ambitious effort by the Atlanta-based school to aggressively compete with predominantly White institutions for young Black superstar professors.

Read more: Marc Lamont Hill Leaving Columbia University for Morehouse College Professorship

Black colleges face hard choices on $25 million gift from Koch brothers

America's black colleges are struggling for funds. The Republican Party is struggling to attract black voters.

Enter a $25 million gift to the United Negro College Fund from the conservative Koch brothers, which has pitted the needs of black students against liberals' insistence that the Kochs are pursuing a racist political agenda.

Whether genuine philanthropy, political jujitsu or some of both, the gift sparked a debate that peaked when Lee Saunders, president of the powerful American Federation for State, County and Municipal Employees union, sent the UNCF a blistering letter ending the union's financial support.

Historically black colleges and universities have educated a huge percentage of black America. Today, HBCUs are facing unprecedented challenges: decreases in government funding, tougher parent loan eligibility, and the threat of losing even more federal aid based on low retention and graduation rates.

In this environment, how could the UNCF turn down $25 million? Read more: Black colleges face hard choices on $25 million gift from Koch brothers

‘The Best Man Wedding’ gets April 15, 2016 date.

[ SOURCE] Universal Pictures has dated “The Best Man Wedding,” the next installment in the “The Best Man” franchise, for April 15, 2016.

The original cast that includes Taye Diggs, Morris Chestnut, and Terrence Howard is expected to return with Malcolm D. Lee directing.

Plot details are vague other than the film revolving around the wedding of the Howard character.

Lee will produce along with Sean Daniels.

The last installment, “The Best Man’s Holiday,” over-performed at the B.O., bringing in $70 million worldwide.