From Seattle's Shocking Hate Crime to Tabitha Brown's Game-Changing Power Move—Catch The Real Talk You Need!
The Morning Trap | 001 | March 4, 2025
The Place Where Culture Meets Unfiltered Truth
Good morning, KinFam! Welcome to the very first edition of The Morning Trap, where culture, news, and raw truth collide. This isn’t just your average rundown—this is where we take the real issues head-on and bring the energy you need to own the day.
Today, we’re talking about a Seattle man facing hate crime charges after attacking a Black woman in broad daylight. This is a painful reminder of how the fight against hate and racism is ongoing, and why we can’t afford to ignore these daily assaults on our communities. We’re also highlighting Tabitha Brown’s monumental move as Clover’s Chief Empowerment Officer, where she’s stepping up to shift the narrative for small business owners, especially in Black communities, who face staggering obstacles every day. This is about empowering the very people who keep our neighborhoods alive.
And let's not forget the Oscar’s Quincy Jones tribute that missed the mark big time, because it’s moments like these that show us how the industry continues to marginalize Black culture. It’s not just about what’s on the stage—it’s about how we demand our legends be treated.
So, this isn’t just about headlines, Kin. This is about knowing the stories that matter, staying plugged into the culture, and finding out how YOU can make your voice heard. Let’s wake up, stay woke, and own the day—because there’s no time like now to get it right. Let’s get it.
Seattle Man Faces Hate Crime Charges After Brutal Attack on Black Female Neighbor
Yo, this one’s a shocker. John David French, a Seattle resident, is facing hate crime charges after launching an unprovoked attack on his Black female neighbor, shouting racial slurs during the assault. The incident occurred on February 25, 2025, when French screamed the N-word at the victim from his apartment. After confronting her near the building's staircase, French knocked her to the ground, punching and kicking her while continuing to spew hate. The attack was stopped by the victim’s friend, who chased French back into his apartment. Police later arrested him and charged him with a hate crime. Detective Eric Munoz called it “disgusting behavior” that has no place in Seattle. Read more about this disturbing hate crime.
Black-Owned Construction Firm Aims to Hit $1B in Revenue by 2029
H.J. Russell & Co., a Black-owned construction firm in Atlanta, is setting the bar high with a goal to hit $1 billion in revenue by 2029. CEO Michael B. Russell Sr. has big plans to grow the company, which currently pulls in $300 million in revenue. The move marks a powerful moment for Black businesses making major strides in the construction industry.
Black Twitter Reacts to Halle Berry’s Oscars Kiss with Adrien Brody
The Oscars were lit this year! Halle Berry recreated the infamous red carpet kiss with Adrien Brody that had fans talking. Whether it was a bold power move or just good ol’ fashioned humor, Black Twitter had a field day. Some folks couldn’t stop cracking jokes, while others wondered if it went too far. Either way, the moment’s been trending—and that’s the type of unexpected energy we love.
Why the Hell Can’t Award Shows Get Quincy Jones Right?
KinFam, ya’ll we gotta talk about that Quincy Jones tribute at the 2025 Oscars. Straight up, it was a damn embarrassment. Here’s the thing, Quincy Jones is a LEGEND. He’s done it all—produced Michael Jackson’s Thriller, changed the game with We Are the World, and had a hand in shaping the sound of generations. So what do these award shows do when it’s time to pay tribute to him? They pick We Are the World—a safe, cheesy, “everyone knows it” track that’s not even the best of what Quincy’s done.
Like, why not Thriller? That joint changed the music world forever. Where’s Off the Wall? Where’s the real heat? Instead, they gave us some watered-down, "let’s-appease-white-audiences" performance. Don’t get me wrong, Queen Latifah is a queen, but that tribute felt like a damn cop-out. It was like they thought, “Oh, let’s throw in this one song that everyone can recognize and call it a day.” Nah, fam, that ain't it.
Here’s the kicker—this isn’t the first time the industry has tried to give us some half-assed tribute and thought we’d be satisfied. They throw in a Black face, pick a song that’s easy for white people to vibe with, and expect us to clap and say “thank you.” Nah, we’re past that. If you’re gonna honor Quincy Jones, do it right. Don’t half-step and give us some bland, cookie-cutter performance. He’s a whole damn icon, not a token.
The industry loves to pick and choose what parts of Black culture and history they want to honor, but they always seem to miss the mark when it’s time to really respect us. It’s time we stop settling for the bare minimum. Stop with the performative BS and give us what we deserve—real recognition and real love.
So yeah, next time? Get it right. We’re done with these lame-ass tributes that don’t do justice to our legends.
Tabitha Brown Is Set to Empower Small Businesses as Clover’s First Chief Empowerment Officer
Tabitha Brown is bringing her magic to small businesses in a big way! As Clover’s first-ever Chief Empowerment Officer, Brown is using her platform to support, uplift, and empower small business owners, especially those facing the high failure rates that plague new ventures. Clover, an all-in-one point-of-sale solutions company, has tapped Brown to help combat the challenges small businesses face, giving them access to the tools and inspiration they need to thrive.
Small businesses are Tabitha’s passion, and she’s not just talking the talk—she’s lived it. From small business owner to becoming a national brand, she knows the grind and wants to use her experience to help others. "The equity in helping them is the joy you bring to someone’s household and community," Brown says, and that’s the energy she’s bringing to this partnership.
Through her role at Clover, Brown will amplify small business voices, advocate on their behalf, and create opportunities that will change lives. “Ok Small Businesses, get ready for some amazing announcements throughout the year!” she says. This partnership is a powerful reminder that when we lift small businesses, we lift communities—and that’s exactly what Tabitha Brown is doing.
