Monday Notes: Fashion, Brooklyn Real Estate, JAY-Z, NBA Playoffs

Report finds democracy for Black Americans is under attack

Report finds democracy for Black Americans is under attack - New York Amsterdam News

Extreme views adopted by some local, state and federal political leaders who try to limit what history can be taught in schools and seek to undermine how Black officials perform their jobs are among the top threats to democracy for Black Americans, the National Urban League says.

New York Amsterdam NewsGARY FIELDS Associated Press

Music

JAY-Z "NEW YORK  (CONCEPT DE PARIS )" featuring Gil Scott-Heron

JAY-Z releases a reworked version of "New York" featuring Gil Scott-Heron.

Ahmad Jamal, Jazz Pianist With a Measured Approach, Dies at 92

Ahmad Jamal, whose measured, spare piano style was an inspiration to generations of jazz musicians, died on Sunday at his home in Ashley Falls, Mass. He was 92. The reverence with which Mr. Jamal was held stretched well beyond the jazz world. Clint Eastwood used two tracks from “But Not for Me” on the soundtrack of his film of “The Bridges of Madison County.”

But the more extensive tributes have come from the world of hip-hop. Tracks like De La Soul’s “Stakes Is High” and Nas’s “The World Is Yours,” along with dozens of other rap songs, have sampled Mr. Jamal’s piano riffs.

Ahmad Jamal, Jazz Pianist With a Measured Approach, Dies at 92

He was known for his laid-back style and for his influence on, among others, Miles Davis, who once said, “All my inspiration comes from Ahmad Jamal.”

The New York TimesBy

Related: De La Soul: The Samples featuring Ahmad Jamal's "Swahiland"

Real Estate

How a Band of Speculators Seized Deeds of Black-Owned Brooklyn Brownstones

An investigation by THE CITY found that a group of investors — Doran, Jonathan Marcus, Vincent Longobardi and Earl Davis — have acquired or attempted to acquire fractional stakes in more than 50 properties, mostly in Brooklyn’s gentrifying historically Black and Latino neighborhoods, in some cases enriching themselves many times more than the heirs they profess to help.

Their ingenious business model is rooted in finding far-flung heirs, leveraging family animosities and pushing or sweet-talking longtime Brooklyn residents into deals that some now say they regret or feel they had no choice but to make. One of the speculators is a convicted burglar. The other three were convicted for possession of stolen property.

How a Band of Speculators Seized Deeds of Black-Owned Brooklyn Brownstones

A quartet of investors say they’re only helping the dispossessed get what’s due. But their actions have exploited family divisions — and relatives on both sides of the deals say they’ve been ripped off.

The CityGeorge Joseph

Art

Winfred Rembert

Winfred Rembert

Born in 1945 in Americus, Georgia, Winfred Rembert was a son of the ‘Jim Crow’ American South. In 1965, he was thrown in jail after a Civil Rights demonstration, and two years later survived a near lynching. This pivotal, harrowing experience was followed by seven years in the Georgia prison

UristocratUristocrat

Sports

Heat lose Herro to broken hand in Game 1 win

Heat lose Herro to broken hand in Game 1 win

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro broke his right hand while diving for a loose ball late in the second quarter of Sunday’s Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

ESPNJamal Collier

LeBron credits supporting cast for Lakers' G1 win

LeBron credits supporting cast for Lakers’ G1 win

Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura both eclipsed 20 points, the majority of which came at a crucial time in the Lakers’ Game 1 win over the Grizzlies on Sunday.

ESPNDave McMenamin

Murray has 24 in win after early adrenaline settles

Murray has 24 in win after early adrenaline settles

Emotions were running high for Jamal Murray in his first playoff game since the 2020 NBA bubble, but after a slow start that he attributed to adrenaline, he settled in to finish with a team-high 24 points in Denver’s runaway Game 1 win.

ESPNAndrew Lopez

Russ shakes off 3-for-19 night, rescues Clips late

Russ shakes off 3-for-19 night, rescues Clips late

On a night when he labored with his shot and was 3-for-19 from the field, Russell Westbrook made up for all the misfires by doing a little bit of everything for the Clippers in a tightly contested fourth quarter against Phoenix.

ESPNOhm Youngmisuk

Fashion

Bendita, Fe Noel, and Rhode’s Wanderlust-Inducing Collabs for Target

It’s been two decades since Target launched its inaugural designer collaboration and yet the retailer continues to pump out bold declarations of style that make high-end fashion accessible. The latest collection? A summer-getaway-worthy drop of pieces designed by three all-star powerhouse women-run labels, including Agua Bendita, Fe Noel, and Rhode. While each brand maintains its own perspective, the one thing they all have in common is bringing together colorful, wearable clothing that feels just as at home during a jet-setting vacation as it does while sitting poolside or running errands. The range includes everything from maxi dresses and swimsuits to sunglasses and beach bags—all available starting Saturday, April 15.

Just In: Shop Agua Bendita, Fe Noel, and Rhode’s Wanderlust-Inducing Collabs for Target

This year’s Target Designer Collaboration is full of vacation-worthy pieces.

VogueCondé Nast

Balmain Partners Up with Victor Glemaud’s IN THE BLK For a New Mentorship Program

Balmain Partners Up with Victor Glemaud’s IN THE BLK For a New Mentorship Program

IN THE BLK is announcing a partnership with Balmain, who will provide support to its mentorship program.

VogueCondé Nast

A $300,000 Salary Feels Like $100,000 in The Priciest US Cities

A $300,000 Salary Feels Like $100,000 in The Priciest US Cities

In the country’s most expensive cities, the high cost of living and taxes mean you need to make much more than $100,000 to get six-figure purchasing power.

BloombergJo Constantz