Chicago orders Jussie Smollett to pay $130,000 for cost of investigation

Welcome to your weekly dose of black news

By Taryn Finley

Happy Friday, y'all!

Let's jump right into it. This week saw new developments in Jussie Smollett's case. On Tuesday, prosecutors abruptly dropped all 16 felony counts that accused Smollett of making a false police report about being the target of a racist, anti-gay attack in January. But yesterday, the city of Chicago ordered Smollett to pay $130,000 to cover the cost of the investigation into his report of a street attack that police say was staged to promote his career.

On a lighter note, Beyoncé and Jay-Z gave an impassioned speech when they accepted the GLAAD Vanguard Award and absolutely brought down the house while making sure to center the LGBTQ community. “I want to dedicate this award to my uncle Johnny, the most fabulous gay man I’ve ever known who helped raise me and my sister,” Beyoncé told the crowd. “He lived his truth. He was brave and unapologetic during a time when this country wasn’t as accepting, and witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived.”

Tomorrow, the 50th Annual NAACP Image Awards airs, where Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Jay-Z and others who exude black excellence will be honored. Reporter Jolie Doggett wrote about the importance of the awards and how they "make it their mission to give Black people their moment, even when much of America would rather turn their backs on them." Her piece is so powerful, y'all. Check it out.

This week's Best Things 🎉

American Hero Shangela Performs Beyoncé Lip-Sync In Front Of Beyoncé

"Drag Race" star Shangela slayed a Beyoncé lip-sync in front of Beyoncé.

The achievements of black women are often celebrated in retrospect. They are rarely uplifted and honored as they are breaking ground. Reporter Julia Craven highlighted 11 extraordinary women who are doing amazing work in their communities.

This multitalented rapper is making sure the world knows the beauty and magic of black women during Women’s History Month..

Need more? We've got you covered.

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