Hey @Applebees, we ate here in Laurel, MS. Before we, a party of 10, sat down we were told our waitress was new & afraid to wait big tables. We were patient w/Melissa & she did a great job. When the check came out I tipped this. Why the manager made me leave my number because.. pic.twitter.com/5PXjDevsr3

— Dawn (@_dawnmontgomery) June 29, 2024

A post on x.com (formerly known as Twitter) has gone viral after a user @_dawnmontgomery asserts that racism may have played a role in how her party was treated at their last trip to Applebee's. The claim originated after Dawn and her party of 10+ "black people" left a hefty $150 tip for their waitress during a visit to an Applebee's in Laurel Mississippi. 

Dawn gives insight into why she thinks there was potential ill will on the part of the management team at this Applebee's location. She claims to have overheard chatter amongst the crew expressing disinterest in waiting "on a party of 10-14 black people." And, she believes that this caused management to "make a scene" because of the tip amount her party left the waitress. 

Many people chimed in on both sides, offering advice like "always tip cash" to avoid management getting involved and explaining away the potential reasons the restaurant would have taken extra precautions... 

Just adding context as someone who works in risk in the payment processing industry. The concern for the restaurant is your bank honoring the tip since your card was authorized for the pre-tip amount and then settled for the amount that includes the tip.

— Matt 🛒 (@EastPointMadeMe) June 30, 2024

The post has 5000+ comments, 9K shares, and over 28 millions views since it was published at 7:47pm on June 29th, 2024.

What do you think? Was this a harmless misunderstanding? Is this a typical restaurant protocol to mitigate the risk of fraud and loss prevention? Have you ever experienced anything similar?

Leave comments below

Do you have a story? Message us here

 There has been much discussion on social media and in the news about what took place the other night during the first Presidential debate between former president Donald J Trump and current President Joe Biden - rightfully so. As we mentioned in this article, comments from Trump regarding immigration and black jobs went viral around the same time as Joe Biden's lackluster debate performance. 

But, not everyone is turning their nose up at Biden over his performance. Many, including Obama, chimed in to offer support for Biden - empathizing with him over the fact that bad debate performances are bound to happen, but reiterating that it doesn't change the candidates intent or dedication to change. In comes the TikTok social media user @2rawtooreal2, who is here to remind us all of the progress that Biden has made and his unwavering commitment to helping eradicate student loan debt, regardless of how well he can articulate it in a debate forum. 

Check out the video from 2rawtooreal2 below:

@2rawtooreal2 Biden had our back, so lets have his #debate #trump #biden ♬ original sound - 2RawTooReal

If you were "fortunate" enough to catch the Presidential Debate between former President Donald J Trump and current President Joe Biden, you would have benefited from having a front row seat to a prime time comedy show streamed live. First thing we noticed was, Trump was there - that in and of itself is sort of laughable considering the myriad of felony charges and accusations lobbed at him including his unwillingness to share previous tax returns for what is probably close to half a decade. If that didn't do it for you, watching Joe Biden self-destruct mid sentence was a sight to behold, something not totally unexpected given his age, but nonetheless, was a bit painful to watch. 

What are Black Jobs?

Alright, after everyone’s responses here is the updated list of “Black Jobs” pic.twitter.com/hnc26zS0qg

— 🍊Elgin Barrett Eugene Smith lll🍊 (@Southside_Gunn) June 28, 2024

Another user, @SholaMos1, even attempted to explain exactly what Trump meant when he referenced "Black Jobs" in his response.

What the hell are Black Jobs?? Here's an update to your 'White Supremacy for Dummies' textbook👏🏾 #USPresidentialDebate #Trump #Biden pic.twitter.com/CJdbQEB7vQ

— Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (@SholaMos1) June 28, 2024

What do you think? Was Trumps statements harmless or was their an underlying message he was trying to send to certain voter segments. Was it a Freudian Slip? Are these kinds of remarks to be expected from our elders? So many questions..

me realizing the job market hasn’t been hiring because we weren’t applying to black jobs

pic.twitter.com/4BzGcbBo69

— 🦥’ (@slothtitss) June 28, 2024

Me clocking into my new black job pic.twitter.com/4o0wN36wx5

— Naijaboy41 (@Naijaboy41) June 28, 2024

Bill Allen, the founder of the Black-owned and operated market New Black Wall Street in Stonecrest GA, has passed away.  His protégé, Rubin B took to instagram on June 26th to pay tribute to Allen by saying "Rest in Peace to the most humble billionaire I was proud to call my Mentor and my 3rd Grandaddy....Love you Mr. Allen.." 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rubin Barksdale (@rubinb333)

With the 55th pick, the Lakers select Bronny James. pic.twitter.com/QseLtHp4tx

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 27, 2024

Bronny James has already made NBA history as the first player to become drafted while his father is still an active player in the NBA. Today, Bronny was selected in the second round of the draft as the 55th pick by the Los Angeles Lakers. Social media has been in a tizzy ever since. It is safe to say that that fans are torn by the Lakers decision to draft Bronny. There's a mix of excitement and skepticism in the air as some are looking forward to seeing the father son duo in any capacity while others aren't so sure that Bronny is ready for the NBA.

 Here's what fans and critics are saying on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Earvin 'Magic' Johnson offered his support:

Congratulations to Bronny James on being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers! This is a historic moment because LeBron and Bronny are the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time and on the same team. Watching Bronny suit up for the @Lakers during Summer League in… pic.twitter.com/jGRbGiD0n6

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 27, 2024

Bronny James - “This is a serious business and I don’t think there would be a thought that I’m just drafting this kid because of his Dad”

**as Rich Paul makes calls saying if anyone but his Dad’s team drafts him, he’s going to Australia pic.twitter.com/UuXU6MM3eM

— Ohio’s Tate (@BarstoolTate) June 27, 2024

Well this proves Bronny correct. There were other teams so interested that Rich was threatening them. So this isn’t the diss you think it is.

— Bobby Foster (@_bobbyfoster) June 27, 2024

A guy who can’t average five points a game in college has no business being in the NBA.

Complete joke.🤝🤝

— @mj_officialgh (@Mj_Officialgh) June 28, 2024

What do you think? Was Bronny drafted to the NBA due to pressure from his Father? Did Lebron James have influencer over his son being picked by the Los Angeles Lakers. Is Bronny even ready to be an NBA player. Will he make an impact in the NBA during his first year? Will he even get playing time?

Let us know what you think 

June 19th marked the third consecutive year that Juneteenth has been designated as a federally recognized holiday in the United States. But the history of the annual celebration goes back to the early 1900s when informal gatherings were held by African Americans in parts of Arizona. Many believe these gatherings began 120 years ago.  This year, the Juneteenth Parade and Music festival in Atlanta took place on June 21st - 23rd at Piedmont Park - a shift from the previous years location at Centennial Park in downtown Atlanta. 

This move, they claim, offered organizers the opportunity to expand and utilize a park with more space, although in reality, only a small portion of the park was used by food and entertainment vendors. The most notable addition was the giant section of attractions for the kids including bouncy houses front and center on the Piedmont Park lawn, right in the two entertainment stages. There were also rides and a magic house that apparently had to be shut down temporarily due to safety concerns around the exit point of the slide which ended on the concrete.

 For the adults (aka bigger kids) there was a boxing/wresting match ring, a VR roller coaster ride, and a shaded chill pad sponsored by Cisco that included a mist station, cornhole, basketball connect 4, and giant jenga. This area pretty much resembled a VIP section but it was totally free. It was the perfect place for grand parents to come hang out, watching the children so mommy and daddy could sneak away and try the food. 

The food we tried was good and as you would expect, the prices were to be desired. We didn't really get anything extravagant, just chicken strips and fries. But for me, my wife, her parents, and the 2 children, the total came out to about $70 (Thank God for Grandparents!). Most of the caribbean food started at $20 and, yes, it was one of those white containers you'd get when you visit them direct. But, not enough of us are into caribbean cuisine to justify the cost so unfortunately, I missed out. We did get to try a sample of italian ice and, even in the shade of the tree, it melted rapidly as we launched it down our throats. But, it was amazing.

Piedmont always draws an interest crowd - event in 98 degree weather. The mix of demographics makes it a place to embark upon if you're a New Yorker and you want and semblance of that NY feel back in your life. Not unlike NY, you'll probably see a dog on a skateboard, or a python on the pavement, as we did as we made our way around the park. It's the same guy, whom I happen to know personally, who shows up to every festival with pythons small, medium, and large. But, this time, he wasn't the only joe in town as there were lizards on deck as well.

Overall, we had an amazing time at the 120th anniversary of the Juneteenth Parade and Music Festival held at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, GA. The bouncy houses kept the kids busy and made for a quiet car ride home. The food and music made the trip worth while for our in-laws, giving them an experience that their hometown just didn't exactly match up to. It was good to see other races join in support of the festival, even if it was just because the location happened to be their pre-determined destination or because they needed signatures for a petition. During our time there, everything went without a hitch - no disruptions, no violence, no side-eyes. Just food, drink, music, and celebration - as it was originally intended. 

 Vice President Kamala Harris is coming to Atlanta, GA twice in the next 7 days. First, for the 38th annual conference for 100 Black Men of America and last, to join rapper Quavo at the 1st annual Rocket Foundation Summit that takes place on June 18th, Takeoff's Birthday.

The conference, which will be hosted by the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is "four intensive days of transformative experience with like-minded individuals and dynamic leaders." -read more

There is an extensive list of judges, panelists, facilitators, moderators, and emcees, as well as entertainers. 

Notable names in entertainment include:

• Angie Stone
• DJ Mars
• Ms. Tiffany Haddish
• Ryan Cameron

38th Annual Conference Registration Pricing here.

Kamala to Meet Quavo in Atlanta

Kamala's second stop will be at the Rocket Foundation Summit. The foundation was founded by Quavo in 2022 with the goal to honor the life and legacy of Takeoff and put an end to gun violence in America. According to the organizations website, they "uplift and invest in interventions that effectively reduce community violence so communities can thrive." The Rocket Foundation champions a program that offers micro grants to organizations focused on advocacy, research, and/or delivery services. The winner(s) for this grant will be announced on the day that Kamala Harris is expected to attend. 

Victoria Monèt just broke the internet with the release of her new music video for 'Alright'. The song is a single that appears on her latest album Jaguar II released in August 2023. The video, which dropped 9 months after the official visualizer, has already surpassed its viewership with 1M+ views and is at the #7 spot for trending music on YouTube as of the time of this post. Impressive.

Victoria Monèt - Alright [Visualizer]

Fans React

Victoria Monét is such a performer & a star 🤩! When I seen the visuals, I had to do a side by side of the live performance at Jagchella back in April 🔥

🐆 @VictoriaMonet x #Alright x @itsSeanBankhead pic.twitter.com/rblHhFWOwl

— PAPITOˣ⁴ (@iampapito21) June 12, 2024

how i feel when i listen to ‘alright’ by @VictoriaMonet pic.twitter.com/rJX0ZJA1jr

— دانیال (@shahrukhnow) June 12, 2024

Me watching the new Victoria Monet video pic.twitter.com/sZEXvA3nQM

— OxtailGravy Papi (@DeonMims007) June 11, 2024

Many fans commented on Monèt's successful ability to study and replicate some of Janet and Michael Jackson's famous moves on stage and in their own music videos.

Michael Jackson you will always be famous 💙 everyone say THANK YOU VICTORIA & stream Alright 🐆 @VictoriaMonet pic.twitter.com/Rmkzdu3XQF

— Yahzmine🤍 (@yahzmineyael) June 12, 2024

Michael Jackson you will always be famous 💙 everyone say THANK YOU VICTORIA & stream Alright 🐆 @VictoriaMonet pic.twitter.com/Rmkzdu3XQF

— Yahzmine🤍 (@yahzmineyael) June 12, 2024

It appears that even the video premier party was a sight to behold as Victoria and Momma Monèt both showed up in dazzling blue ensembles.

Victoria for the Alright music video premiere party pic.twitter.com/MHF4Uy3ZTL

— Victoria Monét Updates (@victoriantribe) June 12, 2024

Mommy Monét eating Victoria up at the Alright music video premiere party pic.twitter.com/6LoLD6aF13

— Victoria Monét Updates (@victoriantribe) June 11, 2024

All in all it looks like VM is currently shooting 100% from the field. 

me retweeting every post about victoria monét’s alright music video pic.twitter.com/O3iPvZl4aA

— gre 𐚁 (@theegretest) June 11, 2024

Lil footage of him inside the theatre 😂 pic.twitter.com/ePN3Q8N9wd

— 𝘋 𝘌 𝘕 𝘕 𝘐 𝘚 🇰🇪 (@dennis_k_g) June 8, 2024

Actor Will Smith surprised fans after taking off a mask and revealing his face in the hallway of a movie theater in Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles. A crowd is seen in shock and awe upon realizing that the man engaging with them the hallways was indeed Smith, one of two men they probably came to see on the big screen that day. According to Will Smith, it is a ritual for him to go out to the movie theaters to watch his films. 

On this occasion, Bad Boys: Ride or Die is the film up for discussion and, as far as we can tell, the movie has been met with mostly praise. Case in point: 

Here's some behind the scenes footage of Will Smith geared up for a scene from Bad Boys 4 in FPS mode,  gimbal and all. 

This shot is Cold 🥶 Bad Boys 4 💯🔥 pic.twitter.com/rf6h5exIiq

— 𝗢𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗲 🔥🚀 (@unclescrooch) June 4, 2024

Many fans and industry pundits had Will Smith written off following the infamous Chris Rock assault which took place during the 94th Academy Awards on March 27th in 2022. However, following the release of this latest film, media has taken a different tone, claiming that Smith's spot as a top act has returned. His acting skills are undeniable - so, it's no surprise that he would receive much deserved recognition for all of his hard work and talent. Despite the caliber of acting, Will is human after all. But it is good to see that society is able, even if briefly, to sort out its personal differences in light of the production of a top notch film starring a top notch actor.