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https://www.blackenterprise.com/philadelphia-teen-barred-graduation-shot-10-times/
Dashawn Walker is a high school graduate and gun violence survivor. Though he has mostly recovered physically, the 18-year-old remains anguished following his ordeal, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
On February 21, 2023, the then-17-year-old was walking home from school in North Philadelphia when a man exited his vehicle and shot him 10 times. The recovery was grueling—a dozen surgeries that left Walker hospitalized for months. He had to complete his senior year at the Mathematics, Civics, and Sciences Charter School virtually. Despite these challenges, Walker hoped to walk alongside his classmates at graduation. However, this never happened.
Veronica Joyner is the chief administrator of his school. She personally interviewed Walker in the admissions process and, when she found out about his attack, became worried for the student. Soon, however, her concern morphed into fear.
After discovering that Walker was targeted, Joyner and the school board decided to exclude the teenager from all in-person activities, including graduation. This decision stemmed from Joyner’s fear that Walker’s shooter could attack him again, this time at school.
Walker’s assailant was identified as 20-year-old Micah Roane. Though he resides in the same neighborhood as the teenager, the two have never interacted, Walker saids. The teen insisted that the pair never had any previous conversation or altercation. Captain James Kearney of the Philadelphia Police Department shared that Walker “seemed like a good kid” with no prior run-ins with the law; prosecutors also confirmed that he was not involved in any street violence.
“I was the victim, and I felt like I was the problem,” said Walker.
Walker attempted to reason with Joyner to no avail. “My heart goes out to Dashawn, but I didn’t create the situation. My actions didn’t involve me in something that got me shot,” Joyner told the Inquirer.
She claimed that Walker should be satisfied that the school helped him graduate and that prom and graduation ceremonies are privileges, not rights.
Over the years, Joyner has made headlines. The Education Law Center filed a lawsuit against the charter school earlier this year involving a girl who had an argument with her classmates. That same organization filed another lawsuit in 2019, alleging that the school rejected a 6-year-old’s admission because she required services for ADHD, according to the Philadelphia ChalkBeat. Joyner was also listed in a 2008 employment discrimination lawsuit from a former instructor at the school.
After the shooting, Walker was informed by several of his friends that Joyner kept commenting about how he could afford designer items, insinuating that he participates in illicit activities. Despite denying such comments, in an interview, she did question where his family earned the money for his prom suit, which cost upward of $1,000.
Joyner has much to boast about regarding her charter school’s achievements, including their recent mock trial international champions, 6ABC Philadelphia reports. But, regardless of its success, her recent actions mar an already significant event not just for students but the city, given the district’s recent initiative. Suffering from considerably high drop-out rates and unsatisfactory graduation rates, Philadelphia’s Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr. announced a plan to improve academic performance within the school district and boost success rates, according to Pennsylvania Capital Star.
Still, there is a bright spot in Walker’s future. He plans to attend Shippensburg University and major in either business or health care. He also hopes to start a support group for other victims of gun violence. Walker is beginning a new chapter in his life. Though he can’t change the past and there is no guarantee that he can ever change Joyner’s mind, he wants to make a difference.
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Who among us hasn’t dreamed of having a horse of our very own? One that we can bond with as we ride off into the sunset? Well, if you’re a horse person, now you can make your dreams come true… At least, digitally. A brand new Sims 4 expansion pack The Sims 4 Horse Ranch brings horses back into the game for the first time in more than ten years. The Sims 3: Pets last allowed them on its PC/Mac versions, but that was all the way in 2011. Take a look at the trailer for this new The Sims 4 expansion pack, which makes our horse-loving hearts beat a little faster.
The Sims expansion packs always bring fans a bevy of game-enhancing delights. But this new Sims expansion back is all about the horse. A release shares that you can “customize hoofed friends in Create a Sim, or get new horses by rescuing or purchasing them. Foals can also be born on your ranch. Sims can learn the Riding skill, and horses can train in the Agility and Jumping skills. Skilled horses and riders can even win awards at the equestrian center.” Horses, in short, are part of your fictional family, so you had better take care of them. The Sims 4 Horse Ranch will allow you to bond with your horses and foals. The game notes that they will “have lots of special interactions with both Sims and other horses.” Other cute critters in this expansion pack include mini goats and mini sheep. We love them all already.
This Sims 4 expansion pack has more than just new animals, though. It also brings back something else that hasn’t been around since The Sims 3, “Nectar.” And by Nectar, we mean, The Sims wine. Cheers! Additionally, the expansion will have new items and settings for your Sims to explore. From riding competitions and line dances to harvesting prairie grass and collecting horse manure, this game expansion has it all.
The Sims 4 Horse Ranch expansion pack releases on July 20 and costs $39.99. Those who order early will receive some special bonuses.
The post Live Your Horse Riding Dreams with New SIMS 4 HORSE RANCH Expansion Pack appeared first on Nerdist.
Feel old, yet? After a quarter-of-a-century journey to be the best like no one ever was, Ash and Pikachu will hang up their hats and lightning bolts as they leave the Pokémon anime behind. Unlike other similar anime series, which refresh their protagonists after a season or two, these two were lifers. It seemed like Ash and Pikachu would always remain on our screens. But all good things must come to end. Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t feel sad about this change in the bedrock of our pop culture. Even though Ash and Pikachu will leave the Pokémon anime, they will not be forgotten.
A special Pokémon trailer highlights the coming changes to the franchise’s world. It reminds us of the journey that Ash and Pikachu have gone on. There is a lot to look back on. After all, Pokémon began to air in Japan in 1997. And it came shortly thereafter to the US in 1998. VCRs were in vogue, then! But, although becoming a Pokémon Master is a dream that never ends, Ash and Pikachu have arrived at their final chapter.
When Will Ash’s Final Pokémon Episodes Air in the United States?
Pokémon ended Ash’s story with 11 episodes that began airing in Japan on January 13, 2023. And these episodes marked the end of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series. According to a release, they will also “provide a glimpse of what the future may hold for the world’s strongest Trainer. The forthcoming special episodes not only celebrate our hero’s monumental achievement but they also serve as an expression of gratitude from Pokémon to all the fans who have joined Ash and Pikachu along the way.”
We don’t yet know when the dubbed version of Ash’s final episodes will air, but the next round of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series has arrived on Netflix as of June 23, 2023.
A release shares, “In the newest episodes, Trainers can join Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu on their latest adventures in the Pokémon world and witness the duo’s legendary victory as they achieve the goal of becoming World Champion after 25 seasons of countless battles and challenging quests.”
Additionally, according to Ash’s English-language voice actor, Sarah Natochenny, work on the final episode dub has begun—a bittersweet moment for all.
If you don’t want to be spoiled for Ash’s final Pokémon episodes, look away now!
Old Friends Join Ash for His Final Episodes
Brock and Misty join Ash and Pikachu for their final episodes as Pokémon’s heroes. And, of course, Ash’s first rival makes a comeback just in time for Ash’s last stand. It’s a fitting way to go.
Crunchyroll shares that the second episode of Ash’s last stand, Pokémon: Aim to Be a Pokémon Master, will bring Misty back into the fold. Snippets of her appearance are teased in the above trailer. Meanwhile, episode three of Ash’s swan song will reveal the return of Brock and Cilan. GameRant indicates Misty will also appear, marking the reunion of our favorite trio. The first clips of Misty’s return have begun to surface on the internet.
In addition, joining the trio and their Pokémon are also Team Rocket, the Squirtle Squad, and other old favs.
We’re not surprised Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, and more will all come together to see out this chapter of the series, but we are emotional.
Ash’s Rival Gary Returns for Ash’s Very Last Episode
Sometimes in the world of anime, it’s not a hero’s friends who are their most powerful relationships, but their rivals. Ash and Gary started their Pokémon adventure on the very same day, and their relationship has woven through the series. And now, Gary will be back to help close Ash’s chapter on the show.
A synopsis from a Japanese TV guide for Ash’s last episode titled “Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!,” shared by Kotaku, notes:
When Ash and Pikachu return to Pallet Town, they reunite with Gary who asks Ash the question: How much closer to becoming the Pokémon Master are you now that you’ve become the Champion? Becoming a Pokémon Master has been Ash’s dream ever since he set off on his journey with Pikachu. Will Ash be able to find the answer to this question?
We bet we will see one final battle between Ash and Gary, but probably not an antagonistic one. No, we imagine this one will feel more bittersweet and poignant, capturing Ash’s growth on his long journey.
When Did Ash’s Last Pokémon Episodes Air in Japan?
In short, have your tissues and cuddly Pikachu pillows ready as we prepare to say goodbye to Ash and the rest of the Pokémon gang. Ash’s final episode aired in Japan on March 24. As mentioned, there is no date set yet for when Ash’s final Pokémon episodes will arrive on Netflix in the US. But we know this one will make us cry harder than when Ash let Butterfree stay behind without him. (Although we feel glad that the pair finally reunited.)
The Future of Pokémon
And now, a new dream begins. 25 years later, Pokémon will center on fresh heroes. We now know they are named Liko and Roy. The duo of protagonists will continue unraveling the mysteries of the Pokémon world. And the new series will feature more modern Pokémon, like those we met in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
We suppose Ash did finally become the world champion of the Pokémon world. And unless there was some kind of universal tournament for him to enter, that’s probably the pinnacle of achievement. So it makes sense to bring his story to a close. We guess the only way to properly say goodbye is to dig out our copies of Pokémon episode one.
Originally published on December 16, 2022.
The post After 25 Years, Ash and Pikachu Are Leaving POKÉMON appeared first on Nerdist.
Q-Tip is apparently on the search for love and asked social media to help him locate the woman he connected with decades ago while still in high school.
The Grammy award-winning rapper took to Twitter on Friday, June 16 to get help from social media on finding the woman he attended a Prince concert with back in 9th grade.
“There was a girl i went to HS with.. PAMELA SWEAT we went to the PRINCE concert in 9th grade @ MSG,” he wrote.
“Pam if you’re out there id love to know u r well i think of u often
”
There was a girl i went to HS with.. PAMELA SWEAT we went to the PRINCE concert in 9th grade. @ MSG Pam if you’re out there id love to know u r well i think of u often 💜
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) June 17, 2023
At the ripe age of 53, it’s likely been about 40 years since the Harlem native crossed paths with his old flame. But it didn’t take Twitter that long to come back with an answer.
One of Q-Tip’s followers replied to his initial tweet with an updated photo of Ms. Pamela to which the “Vivrant Thing” rapper confirmed was the right “PAM.”
Pam!
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) June 17, 2023
Social media was on it and dug into the crates of Pam’s social media pages to find more throwback photos of Q-Tip’s high school crush.
“This Pam,” one user asked while posting an old cheerleading photo of Pam.
“Yesssss,” Q-Tip exclaimed.
Yesssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) June 17, 2023
Another shared Pam’s old yearbook photo and asked if that was the woman Q-Tip was looking for, which he also confirmed was her.
Yesssss!
— QTip (@QtipTheAbstract) June 17, 2023
Another user confirmed that Pam hasn’t been active on Instagram in over a year but did update her Facebook profile photo a few days before his tweet looking for her.
@QtipTheAbstract you’ll best reach her on FB I think, she hasn’t used her IG in over a year. Her FB Photo was updated 6 days ago. pic.twitter.com/FwGISIAcTC
— Vonny So Dandy 😉 (@VonnySoDandy) June 20, 2023
While there hasn’t been any update on if Q-Tip was able to reconnect with Pam or not, social media has proceeded to bombard a woman by the name of Pamela Sweat on Instagram with comments letting Aunty Pam know that Uncle Tip is looking for her.
“Hey love , did you ever reach out to Q?! He was looking for you 
,” one user wrote under her photo.
“Aunty go get your man,” added another.