by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 12, 2026

KISS Singer Says Hip-Hop Doesn’t Belong In Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: ‘I Don’t Come From The Ghetto’

Gene Simmons is doubling down on his disapproval of hip-hop acts being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Gene Simmons of the rock band KISS is sharing his perspective on why he doesn’t think hip-hop belongs in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

During a recent interview on the LegendsNLeaders podcast, the KISS frontman doubled down on his opposition to hip-hop’s presence in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

“The fact that, for instance, Iron Maiden is not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, when they can sell out stadiums and Grandmaster Flash is, right?” Simmons said in a clip shared online. “Ice Cube and I had a back and forth [about this]. He’s a bright guy, and I respect what he’s done. It’s not my music. I don’t come from the ghetto. It doesn’t speak my language.”

He continued. “And I said in print many times: Hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Nor does opera, symphonies, orchestras. How come the New York Philharmonic doesn’t get in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Because it’s called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!”

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Elaborating on his past conversation with Ice Cube, Simmons said the rapper believes hip-hop embodies the rebellious “spirit” of rock, while he sees clear distinctions between the two genres.

“But [Ice Cube] shot back and said, ‘No, it’s the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.’ OK, fine,” Simmons said. “So Ice Cube and Grandmaster Flash and all these guys are in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I just want to know when Led Zeppelin will be inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. ‘Oh, you can’t do that.’ Oh, really? Music has labels because it describes an approach. Hip-hop and rap is a spoken word art. There are some melodies but, by and large, it’s a verbal thing.”

“It just doesn’t speak to me,” he added. “The genius of being able to put music and words and arrange it is much more complex.”

KISS was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, followed two years later by Ice Cube’s group N.W.A.

Other hip-hop artists honored include Eminem, Jay-Z, Outkast, and Missy Elliott. The hall’s inclusion of non-rock acts continues to spark debate among fans, including critics like Simmons.

Georgia,Elementary School Teacher, Gang Related Murders

by Kandiss Edwards

February 12, 2026

Former Georgia Elementary School Teacher Convicted Of Gang-Related Children Murders

A jury in DeKalb County found Michael White guilty on all charges tied to the deaths of siblings Tatiyana Coates, 11, and Daveon Coates, 15.

A former DeKalb County elementary school teacher has been convicted in connection with the 2016 gang-related shooting deaths of two children.

A jury found Michael White guilty on all charges tied to the deaths of siblings Tatiyana Coates, 11, and Daveon Coates, 15. Clayton County District Attorney Tasha Mosley confirmed the verdict to WSB-TV.

The shooting happened in 2016 at a home on Libby Lane in Clayton County. Investigators said the two children were not involved in gang activity and were not the intended targets.

Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney La’Carrian Blount told WSB-TV that at the time White was a member of the Rolling 20s Crips.

On Oct. 22, 2016, White and other Rolling 20s’ members were reportedly looking for a teenager who had stolen firearms from their storage houses. When the teen was not found at the residence, White allegedly forced entry into the Coates family home in search of Daveon while armed with a shotgun. When White and his co-conspirators entered the home in search of an unnamed 15-year-old, their target had already run away from the house. However, according to reports, six other children, including the two Coates children, were left in the home. Gunfire erupted inside the home, and the two siblings were killed.

White was teaching at Toney Elementary School in DeKalb County at the time of the killings. The former elementary school teacher was arrested at the school 17 months after the crime. The then 26-year-old was identified through a lengthy forensic investigation. Prosecutors identified him in court as a member of the Rolling 20s Crips.

At the time of White’s arrest in 2018, Clayton County Police Maj. Tina Daniel spoke on the bitter irony of a fifth-grade educator killing children.

“It kicks you in the gut that someone who’s responsible for our children on a daily basis could possibly be involved with a heinous crime like this,” Daniel’s told WSB-TV.

Two defendants were convicted in 2023 and sentenced to life in prison without parole, and other defendants resolved charges through negotiated pleas that carried lengthy prison sentences. Those outcomes narrowed the focus to White’s case, which remained unresolved until the jury’s verdict.

White was the final defendant to stand trial in the case. Other individuals charged in connection with the shootings have already been convicted or pleaded guilty.

Kentanji Brown, Lovely One, memoir, supreme court, justices

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 12, 2026

Adulting 101: Ketanji Brown Jackson On How Supreme Court Justices ‘Disagree Without Being Disagreeable’

Jackson revealed how she and her colleagues get along despite their different views

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson revealed how she and her colleagues get along despite their different views in an interview with CBS Mornings.

“The court is very good at compartmentalizing, meaning that we focus on our work,” she said. “We work very hard. We come up with our own individual opinions as to how we think about the law.”

She said the job itself trains you to think about ideas in a variety of ways, so this understanding and empathy work in professional dynamics. Given how the justices still manage to fulfill their duties, she calls their methods “a model for learning how to disagree without being disagreeable.”

Jackson added, “We’re sort of always thinking about the law in different ways. And so we have learned how to adapt to being in an environment with people who have very strongly held but different views.”

This does not mean Jackson has not had tense disagreements with her fellow justices. Appointed by the Biden administration in 2022, her viewpoints have frequently contrasted with those of President Donald Trump and have spilled over into her dynamics with justices that Trump appointed.

Even when on opposing ends, each justice gives the others the time and space to write their stances on certain issues.

“We actually deliberate over a period of time where each of the justices decides how they feel about the issues and writes, and it takes a while to write,” added Jackson.

While Jackson has opposed legislation prompted by the Trump administration that she feels unconstitutional, the Grammy nominee still manages to keep the peace and contribute to federal rulings.

She also continues to inspire young leaders to effect change. The newest edition of her memoir, “Lovely One,” was released earlier this year, newly adapted for younger readers.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 12, 2026

Georgia Army Veteran Deported to Jamaica Despite Decades In U.S., Now Fights For Return

A September 2025 traffic stop turned his American dream into a nightmare.

An army veteran from Georgia is fighting for his return to the United States after being deported to Jamaica.

The retired serviceman, named Godfrey Wade, had lived in America for decades before ICE agents took him into custody. He remained under ICE custody until officials deported him to Jamaica. Now, his family has filed an appeal over the matter, citing that he lawfully belongs in the U.S.

According to CBS News, a traffic stop initially prompted this headline-making immigration case. He first arrived in the U.S. under a legal status in 1975, promptly joining the army to serve his new country. His family called it his “foundation,” as he took great pride in his service, as his daughter, Emmanuela Wade, stated.

After receiving an honorable discharge, the army veteran took on new jobs as a coach, a fashion designer, and even a chef. Across the decades, he built a life in Georgia with his growing family, including a fiancée, six children, and three grandchildren. However, a September 2025 traffic stop turned his American dream into a nightmare.

After a Conyers officer pulled him over for failing to use a turn signal, the cop promptly arrested him for driving without a license. This unfortunate stroke of luck spiraled into more legal trouble.

ICE later became involved, detaining him over a 2014 removal order, specifically regarding a 2007 bounced check and a simple assault charge from a year prior. Wade assured them that the assault was nonviolent, with the bounced check also resolved.

Despite his assertions, previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, his deportation came to fruition. ICE officials stated that Wade never appeared for a hearing on the removal order. However, the hearing notices went to an address deemed undeliverable, and Wade’s attorneys stated that he never knew of the order.

Now, Wade’s loved ones continue to fight for some resolution and his return to the country they all call home. However, they have met resistance from ICE and elected officials regarding the proposed reversal of his deportation.

We’ve built an amazing life together, and to be separated from that is very challenging, especially since he did not have an opportunity to have his voice heard,” Wade’s fiancée, April Watkins, told CBS News Atlanta.

Although Wade’s defense sought an emergency stay of the removal, the motion was denied. In light of the justice issue, Georgia U.S. Rep. David Scott has also involved himself in the case.

Scott’s office had submitted a formal request to the Department of Homeland Security to halt the deportation. In a statement, he urged that Wade remained “entitled” to due process, especially given his service to the U.S. military.

“Nonetheless, DHS deported Mr. Wade to Jamaica and did not notify my office until four days later,” Scott said in a statement. “Mr. Wade served this country honorably and was entitled to due process. His deportation is a continuation of the Trump Administration’s punitive and cruel immigration tactics, and I will continue pressing DHS for accountability.”

As his family goes through the appeals process, the army veteran has kept his faith in the U.S. justice system.

“We are trusting in the justice system of my beloved country, the United States of America, that I loved so much and served,” shared Wade to CNN as he currently remains in Jamaica.

by Jameelah Mullen

February 12, 2026

NYC Cannabis Retailer Launches Accelerator Program To Support Black-Owned Brands

Gotham will provide a series of business‑development masterclasses for Black cannabis entrepreneurs.

Gotham, the world’s first cannabis concept store, has introduced the Gotham Growth Project (GGP), a business accelerator program designed to support cannabis consumer brands from underserved communities. The initial focus will be on Black-owned businesses operating in New York City.

The program provides leaders with hands-on business strategy and mentorship to help them build sustainable cannabis businesses.

“Too many founders from underserved communities are expected to navigate growth on their own after clearing the hardest barriers to entry,” Kenny Anderson, chief operating officer of Gotham, said in a press release. “GGP is about meeting founders when the stakes are high, the margins are tight, and the next decisions matter most. This program is designed to help brands move from traction to scalability. The mission of GGP is to turn diverse visions into success.”

The program will include six focused sessions:

Brand foundation and positioning
Product development and regulatory alignment
Operations and sales strategy
Retail readiness and partnerships
Financial planning and capital preparedness
Storytelling, pitching, and executive presence

The GGP will conclude with a live pitch showcase at Gotham’s semiannual leadership conference in October. Additionally, Gotham will provide a series of business‑development masterclasses for GGP graduates, offering ongoing support long after the program ends. The program is open to founders based within the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island. Throughout the program, founders will work through a curriculum that blends expert instruction, peer collaboration, and practical assignments to help founders navigate real-world business and growth challenges.

Joanne Wilson, the founder and CEO of Gotham, notes that the GGP was a response to employee feedback that they wanted to see more diverse brands in its stores.

“GGP is our response and also our responsibility to the people who make Gotham what it is. This is a tangible, intentional way to support Black founders who are already building strong products and deserve greater visibility, resources, and pathways to scale,” the Gotham CEO said.

Eligible applicants must be at least 51% Black-owned and operated, have been in business for at least one year, and currently have at least one product on the market. Qualified products include THC- and CBD-infused pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, gummies, tinctures, and topicals.

Applications are now open and will close on March 11 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Visit the company’s website for more details or to apply.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 12, 2026

JD Vance Encourages U.S. Olympic Athletes To Not ‘Pop Off About Politics’

After President Donald Trump called freestyle halfpipe skier Hunter Hess "a real Loser," Vance came in to defend saying “when they enter the political area, they should expect some pushback."

After being booed at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Vice President JD Vance encouraged athletes representing the United States to stick to winning the gold in their sport and reminded them that they’re not there to “pop off about politics.”

The remarks come after several U.S. Olympians, such as freestyle halfpipe skier Hunter Hess, appeared to criticize actions taking place stateside.

“There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of,” Hess said. “Wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

President Donald Trump caught wind of the comment and called the award-winning athlete “a real Loser,” according to USA Today.

Vance came in to defend his boss, saying, “When they enter the political area, they should expect some pushback,” while encouraging the athletes to remember who they represent. “I know the entire country is rooting for them. Yes, you’re going to have some Olympic athletes that pop off about politics, I feel like that happens every Olympics,” Vance told reporters.

“My advice to them would be to try to bring the country together, and when you’re representing the country, you’re representing Democrats and Republicans. You’re there to play a sport, and you’re there to represent your country and hopefully win a medal. You’re not there to pop off about politics.”

US Vice President JD Vance says that US athletes should not “pop off” about politics during the Olympics. pic.twitter.com/YQEArwl564
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) February 11, 2026

Hess responded to Trump’s name-calling and alluded to the First Amendment — the freedom of speech — being one of the best things about the country. “I love my country… but there are always things that could be better,” Hess said.

“One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out.”

The comments from Vance come as a reminder of the “shut up and dribble” narrative popularized by Fox News anchor Laura Inghram in 2018, pushing against Black athletes such as former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and NBA legend LeBron James. “Keep the political comments to yourselves. Shut up and dribble,” she said.

While several conservative lawmakers and leaders have used the First Amendment as a way to condemn recent ICE protests growing in Minnesota and other places, some lawmakers are siding with Hess, pushing blame on the president’s foreign policy moves as their reason for pushback.

“Trump called American Olympian Hunter Hess a “real loser” for criticizing what’s happening in our country under Trump. Mr. President, this is not a monarchy. This is the United States, and no one is required to bow down to you,” Sen. Bernie Sanders wrote on X.

“Hess is not a ‘loser.’ He’s a proud American.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 12, 2026

Iconic Albums By Janet Jackson, Tupac, Eric B. & Rakim Inducted Into Grammy Hall Of Fame

Songs by The Soul Stirrers and Bertha "Chippie" Hill were included, as well as a Funkadelic album.

The Recording Academy has announced the albums and songs been inducted into this year’s Grammy Hall Of Fame, including LPs by 2Pac, Janet Jackson, and Eric B. & Rakim.

The songs and albums, all over 25 years old, will be honored at the Grammy Museum on May 8 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills during the Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall Of Fame® Gala, which will also feature performances.

A total of three songs and 11 albums have been inducted. Songs include “Jesus Gave Me Water” by The Soul Stirrers and “Trouble in Mind” by Bertha “Chippie” Hill.

Albums include Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814, 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me, Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid in Full, and Funkadelic’s Maggot Brain.

“It’s a privilege to recognize these influential recordings as the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame inductees,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, in a written statement. “Each selection reflects the creativity, craft, and cultural impact that recorded music can carry across decades. We’re honored to help preserve these works and celebrate the artists and communities behind them, so their legacies continue to inspire generations to come.”

This year’s Grammy Hall of Fame album inductees have been revealed:

– 2Pac – All Eyez On Me
– Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation 1814
– Radiohead – OK Computer
– Selena – Amor Prohibido
– Nick Drake – Pink Moon
– Alice Coltrane – Journey in Satchidananda
– Heart – Dreamboat Annie
-… pic.twitter.com/g67r3Yzd19
— Melodies & Masterpieces (@SVG__Collection) February 11, 2026

“The Grammy Hall Of Fame is a vital bridge between music’s past and present—honoring recordings that changed the way we listen, create and connect,” added Michael Sticka, president/CEO of the Grammy Museum. “We’re proud to celebrate this year’s class at the Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala this May.”

Eligible recipients will receive an official certificate from the Recording Academy. The recordings are selected each year by a special member committee of knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts. The list is then ratified by the Recording Academy’s National Board of Trustees. The Grammy Hall Of Fame currently has 1,179 songs that have been inducted.

Here’s the full list of this year’s inducted recordings:

ALL EYEZ ON ME
2Pac
Album

AMOR PROHIBIDO
Selena
Album

CAR WHEELS ON A GRAVEL ROAD
Lucinda Williams
Album

DREAMBOAT ANNIE
Heart
Album

“JESUS GAVE ME WATER”
The Soul Stirrers
Song

JOURNEY IN SATCHIDANANDA
Alice Coltrane
Album

MAGGOT BRAIN
Funkadelic
Album

OK COMPUTER
Radiohead
Album

“ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL”
The Rouse Brothers
Song

PAID IN FULL
Eric B. & Rakim
Album

PINK MOON
Nick Drake
Album

RHYTHM NATION 1814
Janet Jackson
Album

“TROUBLE IN MIND”
Bertha “Chippie” Hill
Song

YOU’LL SING A SONG AND I’LL SING A SONG
Ella Jenkins
Album

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 12, 2026

HGTV Yanks ‘Rehab Addict’ After Star Nicole Curtis Says N-Word While Filming

Curtis has since apologized for her 'slip of the tongue.'

HGTV has canceled “Rehab Addict” after its star, Nicole Curtis, said the N-word while filming an episode for the series.

The network confirmed the show’s cancellation in light of Curtis’s offensive comments. Its partner streamers, HBO Max and Discovery+, have also immediately taken the show off their offerings.

In light of the news, HGTV released a statement to Deadline condemning Curtis’s behavior. Calling the incident “disappointing,” they have since disassociated themselves from the show’s host.

“HGTV was recently made aware of an offensive racial comment made during the filming of Rehab Addict. Not only is language like this hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees –- it does not align with the values of HGTV,” wrote the network.

HGTV added, “Accordingly, we have removed the series from all HGTV platforms. We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and our workplace.”

According to a clip re-shared by Radar Online, Curtis appeared to have said the N-word in the midst of working on a restoration project. After realizing what she had said, Curtis asked production to “kill” the moment. However, the footage leaked, resulting in Curtis’s complete removal from HGTV’s platforms.

The show has been a staple on HGTV since leaving the DIY Network before its season four premiere in 2014. The program focused on Curtis “rehabbing” homes, while opting to restore the buildings rather than undergo complete renovations.

The show had become a hit on the platform, as Curtis advocated maintaining the homes’ architectural integrity. Now, the show has been pulled for its association with its slur-spewing star.

To further distance itself from the now-infamous host, HGTV also removed all traces of the show from its website. The 8th season of “Rehab Addict” will now be axed, and upcoming episodes have been taken off the network’s schedule.

In breaking news, Curtis has also apologized for using the N-word. In a statement submitted to the Detroit News, her team wrote that she “takes full responsibility” for what she claims as a “slip of the tongue.”

“She takes full responsibility for their impact, regardless of context,” it said. “What occurred was a clear slip of the tongue — a mistaken version of one of her well-known expressions — spoken after 17 hours of physically demanding work and very little sleep. Even so, she understands that intent does not erase impact, and she is truly sorry.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 12, 2026

GOP Suggests Ilhan Omar ‘Keep Her Mouth Shut’ After Claiming She Called For Trump’s Execution With Pedophile Reference

The statement continues to seemingly use Democratic rhetoric against them, claiming "Democrats should immediately condemn this post and urge their colleague to stop lying and inciting political violence against the sitting President."

Another day, another rift between Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and President Donald Trump loyalists.

This time, the White House and supporters of Trump claim Omar called for his execution after labeling him “The leader of the Pedophile Protection Party.”

The congresswoman reposted a clip from the president’s recent interview with Fox Business, in which he discussed the government’s ongoing probe into fraud claims in Minnesota.

Instead of just answering the question straightforwardly, Trump blamed the fraud on the Somali community — and unleashed more banter against Omar, calling her “fake.”

So Omar took some time to bite back, saying he is “trying to deflect attention from his name being all over the Epstein files.” “At least in Somalia, they execute pedophiles, not elect them,” she wrote on X.

The leader of the Pedophile Protection Party is trying to deflect attention from his name being all over the Epstein files.

At least in Somalia they execute pedophiles not elect them. https://t.co/xC3Ype3zXI
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 10, 2026

The tweet sparked controversy and criticism from lawmakers, including Republican House Oversight Committee Chairman and Kentucky Rep. James Comer, who called her comments out of line and said she should “keep her mouth shut.”

“Of all the people to make any comments, Ilhan Omar is the one person in Congress who probably needs to keep her mouth shut if she’s going to tweet anything,” he told NewsNation’s Katie Pavlich, who said she is “clearly calling for violence against President Trump for something he did not do.”

"Ilhan Omar really needs to keep her mouth shut."@RepJamesComer responds to @IlhanMN comments on "X" about Trump trying to deflect attention from his name being all over the Epstein files. pic.twitter.com/zdN9iTFcji
— Katie Pavlich Tonight (@KatiePavlichNN) February 12, 2026

Sending shockwaves, the White House caught wind of Omar’s remarks. “It should deeply concern every single American that Congresswoman Omar is spreading such egregious lies and calling for the execution of President Trump, who has already survived two assassination attempts,” a spokesperson said, according to TMZ.

The statement continues to use Democratic rhetoric seemingly against them, claiming “Democrats should immediately condemn this post and urge their colleague to stop lying and inciting political violence against the sitting President.”

However, it’s not that easy.

For months — even years — Trump and members of his administration have bashed Omar, calling for her to be deported after she has sustained threats against her and her family.

On social media, users suggest conservative outrage supports claims that Trump committed wrongdoing against minors since her words showcased what happens to pedophiles in her homeland.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 12, 2026

Trump Deploys Black Celebrity Cameos to Gaslight America On His Racial Record

He even had the audacity to include an image of him with former President and his predecessor Barack Obama just days after posted imagery of him as an ape.

In an attempt to celebrate Black History Month and beat the racist allegations against him, President Donald Trump posted a montage of videos with him and some Hollywood’s elite that he has worked with over the years, saying “how quickly people forget.”

The video posted on his Truth Social showcased several actors and dignitaries in Black Hollywood including Oprah Winfrey, Vivica A. Fox, Jesse L. Jackson, and Sean “Diddy” Combs. Trump even included imagery of his appearance on an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

He even had the audacity to include an image of him sharing a moment with former President and his predecessor Barack Obama.

Trump posted on his Truth Social a video of him with black people with the caption “how quickly people forget” pic.twitter.com/fHFRda4VJ1
— Baller Alert 🚨 (@balleralert) February 11, 2026

The video comes just a few days after the president came under extreme fire for posting what South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott called “the most racist thing seen out of this White House.”

On Feb. 5, Trump posted a racist video of the Obamas as apes on his Truth Social platform. While both Democratic and GOP leaders called for him to take it down, the president and his loyalists decided to push the blame on an alleged White House staffer.

However, according to The New York Times, when asked if he would apologize he said, “No, I didn’t make a mistake.”

On social media, critics used Trump’s own words against him, reminding him that the people have not forgotten his history-making racist tactics, such as taking out full-page ads in 1989 against five innocent Black boys accused of rape — known now as the Exonerated Central Park 5. “How quickly people forget. So sad!” @EbbTide717 wrote.

How quickly people forget. So sad! pic.twitter.com/M7pYJJZ1sV
— KaiserSöze✨ (@EbbTide717) February 12, 2026

“I have Black friends but was sued for not renting to them,” @BlackWallSTGRP said, in reference to Trump’s groundbreaking 1973 racial discrimination lawsuit at the Trump housing developments in New York.

I have Black friends but was sued for not renting to them
— Mister Wilson (@BlackWallSTGRP) February 11, 2026

Despite his administration making side-eyeing moves in an attempt to erase Black History from the books, the president is attempting to keep the Black vote alive by honoring Black historical figures to be included in his National Garden of American Heroes.

In an early February proclamation, the park will “honor our greatest Americans, including black icons,” listing Jackie Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Coretta Scott King, Muhammad Ali, and more.

Giving shoutouts to the likes of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, poet Phillis Wheatley, and NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, Trump labeled them as “Black patriots” while claiming he is “fighting to restore the Nation that these titans helped build.”