Grand Rapids, Settlement, Girl, 11, Handcuffed, police
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 21, 2025

JPMorgan Chase Sued By Ex-Employees, Claim Company Assigned Black Women To Poorer Areas

The company now faces another discrimination lawsuit over alleged bias.

JPMorgan Chase is facing a lawsuit by two former Black female employees who claim the company assigned them to less affluent areas in Brooklyn, New York, due to their race, Bloomberg reports.

In the lawsuit, filed Dec. 17, Laura Agard and Roshanna Richardson say race and gender discrimination prompted them to leave the investment bank in 2021.

The move to Brooklyn, they claim, allowed male colleagues to steal clients from them while limiting their commission income potential. They deem their assignment to low-income areas as discriminatory.

Furthermore, the women believe that the JPMorgan Chase bank branches systemically preferred white male advisors, who they claim were authorized to take over the women’s client books when they entered maternity leave.

“This practice was built on the stereotyped assumption that women taking maternity leave—as opposed to men taking medical or other leaves—were likely not to return to the work force after having children or were more likely to prioritize their children over their work,” detailed the complaint.

Robinson also noted an instance where one white advisor began to handle all clients with over $250,000 in assets. Ahead of their own departure, JPMorgan Chase assigned the women to branches in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Coney Island, and Canarsie, predominately diverse if not Black-leaning areas of Brooklyn.

JPMorgan Chase has weathered previous lawsuits over racial and gender discrimination in the workplace. The lawsuit highlighted a $24 million settlement from a class action lawsuit filed by Black advisors.

Following the settlement, Forbes confirmed the company’s plans to enact bias training and a review of branch assignments.

JPMorgan Chase has vehemently denied the current allegations and that it will “vigorously defend itself” against the lawsuit. The company also emphasized its “strongest commitment to an equal workplace.”

RELATED CONTENT: Former JPMorgan Chase Employees Charged

Anthony Joshua, Jake Paul, Boxing
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 21, 2025

Anthony Joshua Set to Lose $66M Despite Knocking Out Jake Paul

He still walks away with a nice chunk of change, though.

Boxer Anthony Joshua could lose millions in his knockout win over influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

In the Dec. 19, fight which took place, in Miami, Joshua knocked out Paul in the sixth round. The next day, Paul posted an update confirming that his jaw was broken in two places.

Joshua is set to take a beating, too. (Kind of.) According to Yahoo Sports, the British fighter will actually lose around half of the $140 million Australian prize purse, on top of a seven-day suspension due to boxing rules.

He will have to give up 37% due to U.S. federal income tax, in addition to $11.3 million for British taxes. Nearly $3 million more will go toward National Insurance contributions.

This leaves him with a fraction of that initial payout, totaling to a take-home prize of $74 million. On the other hand, Paul, who received the same amount as Joshua, only has to give up $55 million for U.S. taxes.

Many in the boxing community have saluted Joshua for thrashing Paul. The internet personality’s transition to boxing has garnered polarizing reactions from boxing enthusiasts, highlighted by controversial fights with retired boxing giants like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Mike Tyson.

However, Paul’s latest effort showcases what a seasoned, current professional can do in the ring.

RELATED CONTENT: Jake Paul Cancels Exhibition Match Against Gervonta Davis After Domestic Violence Accusations

Michael Jackson,Beat It, Sexxy Red
by Kandiss Edwards

December 21, 2025

DOJ Slammed For Presenting Diana Ross–Michael Jackson PR Photo As New Epstein Evidence

The photo was released as part of a larger batch of materials made public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

The U.S. Department of Justice is facing criticism for releasing a PR photo of Michael Jackson and his children in the newly published Jeffrey Epstein files.

The DOJ included the image in which Bill Clinton, Diana Ross, and Jackson, alongside their kids Evan Ross, Michael “Prince” Jackson Jr., and Paris Jackson, pose together.

Faces of the children were blurred, causing some people to believe Jackson’s children were potential victims, the Daily Beast reported. But the photograph was taken at a public event in Washington, D.C., not Epstein Island, where the deceased billionaire’s crimes are allegedly occured.

“There are two types of people here,” Clinton said in a statement. “The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light. The second group continued relationships with him after. We’re in the first. No amount of stalling by people in the second group will change that. Everyone, especially MAGA, expects answers, not scapegoats.”

The White House press office said that the image was released by the Justice Department “with redactions to protect minors and/or victims as required by law,” the Daily Beast reported. 

Since the release of the files and the scrutiny surrounding the redactions and misleading photos, the DOJ has removed 16 images it presented as part of the Epstein investigation, including an image of President Donald Trump, according to the Daily Beast.

The photo was released as part of a larger batch of materials made public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The federal law requires unclassified DOJ records related to Epstein to be published. The act set a Dec. 19 deadline for the release of all such documents, but the initial files have drawn criticism for heavy redactions and the omission of key materials.

The documents disclosed in the files are extensive. They include court records, flight logs, and law enforcement materials.

However, large portions have been redacted to protect victims’ identities and ongoing investigations. Many victims have been vocal about their experiences with Epstein on his island. Consequently, many observers declare the files fall short of full transparency. 

RELATED CONTENT: DOJ Releases Epstein Files Photos Featuring Clinton, Michael Jackson, Chris Tucker, And Other Celebrities

Bobby Wagner, howard, masters
by Kandiss Edwards

December 21, 2025

NFL Player Bobby Wagner Earns Master’s Degree From Howard University

And he finished months ahead of schedule.

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner has graduated from the Howard University School of Business Executive MBA program, ESPN reports.

The program is fast-tracked, designed for experienced professionals seeking advanced training in leadership, strategy, and organizational management rather than a traditional two-year MBA track.

Wagner enrolled in the 18-month program in January 2025. He actively played in the NFL, balancing coursework with professional responsibilities. But he worked through the year and competed the course in only 12 months. 

In an interview with ESPN, Wagner said his goal is to earn long-term opportunities outside of football, and be respected as a businessman. 

“Sometimes when you come from playing football and go into the business world,” he said, “a lot of people feel like the reason why you’re able to get into those spaces is because of people that you know and they feel like we skip steps or they feel like we haven’t done the work.”

https://twitter.com/howardu/status/1880329325364335038?s=46

Howard University officials praised Wagner’s educational journey and described his participation as aligned with the institution’s mission to educate leaders across industries. 

Wagner has previously spoken about his interest in ownership, investment and community development initiatives after his playing career. Wagner believes his pursuit of higher education in business is a natural pathway. 

“You can master the field you’re in and also learn and study other things,” he told ESPN. 

Wagner’s academic milestone comes as more athletes use the offseason to prepare for second careers, with executive education programs increasingly positioning themselves as bridges between elite sports and corporate leadership.

While some may criticize his decision to attend the HBCU, Wagner said the criticism does not faze him.  

“From the outside world, if you do something else, then they feel like you’re not focused,” Wagner said. “And then when you retire and don’t have nothing going on, they’re like, ‘Why you didn’t do something else?’ And so you can’t really listen to what people saying because they’re not you at the end of your career and trying to figure stuff out. I’m trying to break that concept.”

RELATED CONTENT: Odell Beckham Jr. Laments Lack Of Financial Literacy After Making Millions In NFL

Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, card
by Kandiss Edwards

December 21, 2025

Kobe Bryant-Michael Jordan Card Scores $3.17M At Auction

It is one of the most valuable basketball cards ever sold at auction.

A rare basketball card featuring Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan sold for $3.172 million at a Dec. 19 Heritage Auctions event.

The card is a 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection dual Logoman, numbered 1-of-1 and graded a 6 by Professional Sports Authenticator, ESPN reported. The sale ranks as the seventh-most expensive basketball card auction ever.

The card is from the debut year of Upper Deck’s dual Logoman series and does not contain autographs, distinguishing it from the even more expensive 2007-08 signed Bryant/Jordan dual Logoman card that sold for $12.932 million in August, the most expensive sports card ever sold at auction.

According to a post by Heritage Sport on Threads, the deal is a “huge result as it is the highest-selling unsigned card made after 2003.”

In the same Heritage auction, vintage baseball cards also attracted strong prices. Two 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle cards each topped $850,000, with one graded an 8 by PSA selling for more than $1.55 million and another featuring a high-grade autograph fetching about $945,500, ABC30 reported.

Since Bryant’s 2020 death in a helicopter crash, the NBA legend’s sports memorabilia has commanded a high price. Exalted by some as the greatest basketball player ever, there is no shortage of demand for his mementos.

In April 2024, Bryant’s 2000 Los Angeles Lakers championship ring sold for $917,000 at auction. The ring marked the first championship won by the eventual five-time champion. Bryant gave it to his father, Joe, a former pro basketball player.

Kobe’s parents, Pam and Joe, sold the ring for $173,000 in 2013. Subsequently, the new buyer made over $700,000 at the time of the auction.

RELATED CONTENT: Stephen Curry Shocks Fans By Wearing Nike Mambacita Kobe 6s Post Under Armour Split

Kem returns with his label, Kemistry Records
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 21, 2025

‘There Will Always Be Room For Great Music’: R&B/Soul Singer KEM Revives Kemistry Records

Returning to his independent roots, Kem has already scored a "Billboard" No. 1 song, with his latest hit single, "Rock With Me."

When R&B recording artist Kem was introduced to the world as a singer, he had launched his own record label, Kemistry Records. But for over 20 years, starting in 2002, he was on Motown Records’ roster, where he released seven albums, one EP, and numerous singles.

Now, Kem has returned to his roots. His latest project, distributed on Kemistry Records, is already exceeding expectations and he has returned to the top of Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay with his latest hit, “Rock With Me.”

This song marks his ninth No. 1 record. He is tied with Maxwell for fourth place, right behind Tank and Usher (10) and Charlie Wilson (11).

Great company to be with.

BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with Kem to discuss what has been happening over the past couple of years and what’s on the horizon now that he is an independent artist again.

“I would have, I think, that one of the only things that’s missing is a Grammy, right? I think that some of the things that I used to aspire to early on were being able to tour and to create music that lasted, you know, that stood the test of time, right?”

Having gone on the road with such legends as Wilson, the O’Jays, Frankie Beverly, and the Whispers, Kem’s goal was to make the type of music that would stand the test of time and the match the legends’ stage game. He aims to work as long as they have. The measure of success in music, for some, is to tour forever, as Frankie Beverly and Maze did.

As Kem has been in the game for more than two decades, there is always the fear of returning after several years and finding no motion. Many artists face that reality when releasing new music. Now that Kem has re-entered the arena without Motown’s backing, it could present a challenge, but he already has a No. 1 hit. The talent is still there, although the overall environment has changed.

Kem
(Image: Keith Major)

“I am evolving, but I’m not necessarily reinventing myself. I’m just staying true to the game that I started playing,” he says. “You know? And there will always be room for great music.”

But, of course, technology changes as much, if not more than, the environment. Kem says he needs to change how he distributes the music, especially since streaming platforms have changed the game, while there is still traditional radio. With the two, at least, as an independent label, he can control how the music is disseminated, rather than having to wait for the label to dictate that. It also gives him the option to release certain songs directly to DSPs (Digital Service Providers) while still having a traditional radio rollout. It also allows him to give his fans special releases because they are dedicated to his music/channel.

But running Kemistry Records as an executive and being the marquee artist is a challenge. But it’s nothing new: Kem has always had creative control, even when he was signed to Motown Records. Instead of relying on the major label for support, Kem has enlisted a core team: Music Director Willie Burnett, A&R and Creative Manager Rex Rideout, Head of Publicity Tavia Mapp-Deterville, Stylist Nafeesa Baptist, along with Andrew Asare and Denise Brown.

And speaking of technology and the current landscape, Kem is ready to accept the wave of artificial intelligence that is seeping into the industry.

“I mean, there are ways that I think AI can be beneficial to the creative process,” he said. “I think that there are aspects of AI that can be beneficial to the creative process. And it’s here, you know what I’m saying? So it don’t matter how I feel about it, ’cause it’s present, you know what I’m saying? So how can I get in line?”

RELATED CONTENT: Dionne Warwick Sued For Allegedly Trying To ‘Walk On By’ Paying Artists Rights Firm

Demond Wilson, ‘Sanford And Son’
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 21, 2025

Tech Influencer Lamarr Wilson Dead At 48

The content creator made a name for himself on social media for his updates and breakdowns of emerging technologies.

The internet community is mourning the loss of tech influencer Lamarr Wilson.

Wilson died at his home Nov. 21, his family confirmed. He was 48. The content creator made a name for himself on social media for his updates and breakdowns of emerging technologies.

The L.A. County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined a cause of death, with People confirming via public records that the influencer died by suicide.

Prior to his death, the “Unboxing Guy” built an empire across various social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He not only shared information on new tech gear from video game consoles to the latest phones, but sparked conversation on how these technologies really served customers and enthusiasts.

He eventually had over 3 million followers on multiple platforms.

Throughout his influencing career, Wilson scored numerous partnerships with major tech brands such as Google, Xbox, Apple, and Nintendo. His videos also led to more elaborate projects, including two web series for Mashable. For his work on George Takei’s digital series, Takei’s Take, where he co-hosted its first episode in 2013, he won a Webby Award for online film and video in technology.

Wilson’s family made a statement to Facebook about losing the “go-to member” of the family.

In their “in memoriam” post, the family explained how Wilson had already set up grander opportunities and accomplishments for the upcoming year. This included a judging appearance at the @CES Innovation Awards in January, which his family said signified his influence and work in consumer technology.

Wilson recently celebrated his birthday, noting his weight loss achievement and his contentment.

“I feel good, I’m genuinely at peace, and a key is keeping people out of my life who are determined to disrupt it with their inner chaos,” wrote Wilson in October. “We’re not here on this Earth long enough to tolerate that. Don’t let that happen to you!”

RELATED CONTENT: Police Investigating Death Of TikTok Star Riziki Ilenre After Fans Suspect Suicide

Michelle Obama, Becoming, Melania, Trump, Netflix, TikTok
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 21, 2025

Spreading Holiday Joy Far And Wide: Michelle Obama Says The Obamas Send Over 100,000 Cards Each Year

"It's a lot of folks that we want to thank."

Michelle Obama revealed just how much holiday cheer she and her husband, Barack Obama, spread each year.

The former first lady shared the massive number while appearing on the Dec. 15 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live after she noted that family, friends, and professional colleagues receive the coveted Christmas cards each holiday season.

Kimmel then asked how many.

“You know, we checked. It’s over 100,000,” she said, according to People. “But that incorporates friends, family, business people [and] foundation people, so it’s a lot of folks that we want to thank.”

The “foundation people” seemingly refers to those associated with the couple’s Obama Foundation, which is overseeing the development of its long-awaited Obama Presidential Center. Its namesake, the former president, recently revealed at another speaking engagement, coinciding with the center’s summer opening.

Outside of her own family’s tradition, Michelle Obama spread the Christmas spirit with another family, joining their impromptu Christmas Card photo shoot.

As for the Obamas’ own Christmas celebration, the first lady of the house also detailed what is behind their gift-giving plans.

“Everybody gets a gift, [but] I’m generally the one who is orchestrating it,” she told Kimmel.

Since stepping away from the White House, the Obamas have maintained a public face while still advocating for Democratic causes and campaigns. As a family, they also share their own Christmas pictures on social media.

Barack Obama has also used this end-of-year season to recognize his favorite movies, books, and songs.

RELATED CONTENT: Barack And Michelle Obama Had Plans With Rob And Michele Reiner On Night Of Murders

Mary Ann Petty, Albany
by Mary Spiller

December 21, 2025

Mary Ann Petty Honored After 53 Years As Albany, Georgia’s First Black City Employee

Petty was celebrated for more than five decades of public service.

On December 18, the City of Albany (Georgia) honored Mary Ann Petty, the city’s first Black female customer service record clerk who rose to become director of administrative services.

Petty began working for the city at just 19 years old, after Albany was legally required to integrate its workforce under desegregation laws. Her hiring marked a turning point in the city’s history, placing her at the center of a court-mandated effort to open downtown offices to Black employees.

At the time, Petty said she did not fully grasp the significance of the role.

“My first response was, I didn’t want the job, you know, because I’m 19 years old. I wanted to stay home,” she recalled. It was only after officials explained the importance of the court order that she accepted the position.

“I did not know at that time how significant it was, but as time passed, I realized where I was,” she said.

Her early years on the job were marked by hostility and discrimination. Petty said she was forced to eat lunch in a boiler room, endured cruel remarks, and was treated as an outsider.

“I realized my first day on the job I wasn’t a welcomed sight, I was a sight that was unwelcome,” she said. Despite those challenges, she remained with the city for more than five decades.

“Through those years, it is wonderful and beautiful, everything has changed, and I have had a magnificent 53 years with the city of Albany,” Petty said.

According to WALB, more than 53 years later, colleagues, city leaders, family members, and friends gathered at the Albany Civic Center to celebrate her historic legacy. The event featured moments of reflection, emotional tributes, and music.

Albany City Manager Terrell Jacobs praised Petty’s commitment to public service. “She’s a legend,” Jacobs said. “It has to be a ministry of yours to serve people, sometimes when they don’t want to be served.”

Petty noted the transformation of city leadership over the decades, pointing to the diversity now present in Albany’s government. “In 1972, you wouldn’t have seen” many of the Black leaders who now hold positions of authority, she said.

As she closed the ceremony, Petty offered words of encouragement to those continuing the work she began. “Continue to stand,” she told the audience. “At the end of the dash…I’m taking my seat for you.”

RELATED CONTENT: Albany Starbucks Employees Join The Picket Line In Ongoing National Strike For Better Pay And Work Conditions

daughter, father, grammys
by Mary Spiller

December 20, 2025

Fela Kuti Becomes First African Musician Honored With Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

The late Afrobeat pioneer and political activist is recognized decades after his death for reshaping global music and using sound as a tool of resistance.

Fela Kuti, the Nigerian musician whose sound and politics reshaped modern African music, has been named the first African artist to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the Recording Academy announced Dec. 19.

As reported by NPR, the posthumous honor places Kuti among an elite group of artists — including The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, and Jimi Hendrix — recognized for “creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording.” Kuti, who died in 1997, was never nominated for a Grammy during his lifetime.

Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour praised the decision, calling Kuti’s work transformative. “Fela Kuti’s music was a fearless voice of Africa — its rhythms carried truth, resistance and freedom,” N’Dour said. “It inspired generations of African musicians to speak boldly through sound.”

Often referred to as the “Black President,” Kuti was both a cultural icon and a political force. He pioneered Afrobeat, a genre defined by layered rhythms, extended compositions, horn-driven arrangements, and vocal chants. His performances were famously large, sometimes featuring more than 30 musicians and dancers, along with dual bass guitars and baritone saxophones. Kuti himself played multiple instruments, including saxophone, keyboards, guitar, and drums.

Rejecting industry conventions, Kuti avoided love songs and commercial party music, released multiple albums in a single year, and refused to perform recorded songs live. His tracks frequently stretched well beyond traditional song lengths, with some lasting more than 40 minutes.

During a stay in Los Angeles in 1969, Kuti connected with members of the Black Panther Party, a turning point that pushed his music into openly political territory. He became a vocal critic of Nigeria’s military governments and apartheid in South Africa, placing himself in direct conflict with authorities.

That activism came at a steep cost. After the release of his 1976 album, “Zombie,” which condemned Nigeria’s military rule, government forces raided his Lagos compound. According to reports at the time, the property was burned, Kuti was severely beaten, and his mother, activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, later died from injuries sustained during the attack. Despite repeated arrests and imprisonment, Kuti remained defiant.

Amnesty International later designated him a “prisoner of conscience.” He was released after the military regime was overthrown in 1985.

Kuti died from AIDS-related complications in 1997, a revelation that helped spark broader public awareness about the disease in Nigeria. More than one million people reportedly attended his funeral.

His influence has only grown since. His album “Zombie” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame last year, and his life inspired the Broadway musical “Fela!,” produced by Jay-Z and Will Smith.

For many artists, Kuti’s legacy remains foundational. Malian singer Salif Keita said, “Brother Fela was a great influence for my music… His legacy is undisputed.”

RELATED CONTENT: Museum Celebrates the Life of Afrobeat Pioneer Fela Kuti

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