(DCNF)—A black city official in Pennsylvania is charged with faking a racist threat that triggered outrage from activists and a response from the FBI.
Allentown, Pennsylvania school board member LaTarsha Brown allegedly planned a small noose on her own desk in Allentown’s City Hall in January before telling authorities she was targeted, police said Monday in a press release Brown previously filed workplace discrimination claims against City Hall but now faces possible jail time over the noose incident, which prompted cries of rampant bigotry from figures such as Democratic city council member Ce-Ce Gerlach, local media reported.
“Our employees are not safe. The black employees are not safe. It’s everyone,” Gerlach declared in January when the noose claim was first reported. “It’s the white allies [who] are not safe. Brown people are not safe. Gay people are not safe. Anyone in any marginalized community when you are working in a building in which a noose was found, you are not safe,” Gerlach said.
Brown and Gerlach did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
The Pennsylvania chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations also demanded a hate crime probe in January after the “vile sign of anti-Black racism” was found in Brown’s office.
“We call on the City of Allentown to take this report seriously and establish a clear plan to ensure the safety of all of its employees,” CAIR-Philadelphia said. The group did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the DCNF.
The Allentown Police Department alleged that Brown refused to submit for DNA testing — unlike every other employee who was asked to — and later “requested that the investigation be discontinued.” Protesters demanded that the FBI get involved with the investigation, and the agency did in January, according to local media.
State-level police allegedly found her DNA on the noose and did not find anyone else’s, the police department said.
Brown is charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and making a false police report, which together carry up to three years in prison and fines. The Allentown Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A profile from Allentown School District says Brown “is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion” in her work.
Brown isn’t the first to face criminal charges over an alleged racism hoax. Actor Jussie Smollett was famously sentenced in 2022 for hiring men to assault him while pretending they were Republicans who hated him for being black. The Illinois Supreme Court overturned his conviction in November 2024.
The charges against Brown also bear similarities to a controversy from 2020, when the FBI investigated claims that someone had hung a noose in the garage of black NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace. The FBI found no evidence of a threat against Wallace and said the supposed noose was a door pull that had been hanging for months.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
