by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 17, 2026

Chris Paul Explains To Carmelo Anthony Why He Retired From Basketball

The former LA Clippers point guard spoke with his friend during the live taping of the '7PM in Brooklyn' podcast

During the NBA All-Star Weekend, at a live taping of the Carmelo Anthony-hosted “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, the NBA Hall of Famer spoke with one of his “Banana Boat” buddies, Chris Paul, about his latest career move after announcing he was retiring from professional basketball.

On Feb. 14, Complex debuted its Complex Market at Ace & Mission Studios in downtown Los Angeles, billed as a curated fusion of vintage sportswear, streetwear, and sneakers for sports fans and sneakerheads. Paul, known to NBA Fans as the “Point God” for his exceptional skills on the basketball court, announced his retirement from the league after over 20 years. This was the first time he spoke publicly about his retirement.

Anthony, who was recently inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (Where Paul may join him in three years if he doesn’t return to the court), spoke with Paul and his co-host, Kaz, during the event.

The former New York Knicks forward introduced his close friend (the duo, along with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, is affectionately referred to as the “Banana Boat Crew”) as “one of the greatest point guards ever,” before Paul stated why he felt it was time to move on from the game he has played all his life.

The former Los Angeles Clippers point guard said that making the decision “feels a little lighter.”

“I set a personal deadline that if I wasn’t on a team by a certain point, I would be done by All-Star,” Chris told Anthony and Kaz. He also stated that he knew last season he was about to end his career, but later in the season, he felt “too damn good” to retire.

Before the season started, he announced to the world that this was it, before he signed his last deal with the Clippers, whom he led on the court for six seasons. The franchise stated that he was coming “home” after leaving it at the end of the 2017 NBA season. The future NBA Hall of Famer played with the Clippers from 2011 to the end of the 2016-17 season. Sadly, he did not last the entire season, when on Dec. 3, the team sent the point guard home in the middle of the night during a road trip in Atlanta.

At 3 a.m., the veteran posted on his social media account that he was being “sent home” by the Clippers.

Chris Paul has played for seven teams throughout his NBA career. His first team was the New Orleans Hornets (2005-11). He played for the Los Angeles Clippers (2011-17), Houston Rockets (2017-19), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019-20), Phoenix Suns (2020-23), Golden State Warriors (2023-24), and San Antonio Spurs (2024-25) before making the short-lived return to the Clippers.

stroke, Tyra Banks, Miss J Alexander, ANTM, America's Next Top Model, documentary, Netflix

by Keka Araújo

February 17, 2026

The Iconic Miss J Alexander Details Grueling Stroke Recovery In Netflix Doc

We are rooting for you, Miss J!

J. Alexander, the iconic runway coach affectionately known as “Miss J,” has revealed the harrowing details of a 2022 stroke that left him in a coma for slightly over a month and fundamentally altered his mobility. The former runway model also shared a shocking revelation about his former boss during that time.

The health crisis was documented on the new Netflix docuseries, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, which premiered Feb. 16.

“On December 27, 2022, I had a stroke,” Alexander disclosed during the series’ final installment. The 67-year-old former runway model described a grueling recovery process that began with a five-week coma. “I didn’t know where I was other than in the hospital. I couldn’t walk, and I couldn’t talk.”

The documentary features candid footage from Alexander’s hospital room, where he remained for 17 months. While the series chronicles the cutthroat nature of the reality competition that made him a household name, the focus shifts to the former runway model’s current reality as he navigates life in a wheelchair—a detail revealed only in the final minutes of the docuseries.

Long before becoming the “Queen of the Catwalk,” Alexander’s path was nearly a corporate one; he originally attended school to become an accountant. However, Miss J’s life changed at 16 when he met Monique Pillard, then the president of Elite Model Management, while performing in drag.

Pillard recognized his potential and sent him to Tokyo, where he modeled for three years before settling in Paris and eventually walking for Jean-Paul Gaultier in New York City.

By 1991, Alexander transitioned backstage, becoming one of the industry’s most sought-after casting directors and runway coaches. He is credited with refining the walks of legends like Naomi Campbell, Kimora Lee Simmons, and a young Tyra Banks.

Alexander served as a mainstay on America’s Next Top Model from its 2003 inception through cycle 18. His 2012 firing, alongside creative director Jay Manuel and photographer Nigel Barker, marked a controversial era for the franchise. However, the health crisis appears to have mended old professional fractures.

Manuel and Barker are both shown visiting Alexander during his lengthy hospitalization. Barker described the visit as a “terrible shock.”

“When he saw me, he was happy to see me and the two of us cried together, and I held him,” Barker recalled. Manuel further reflected on the gravity of the situation, adding, “I can only imagine where he was in his mind.”

The documentary also addressed the notable absence of series creator, Tyra Banks, at Alexander’s bedside. When asked in archival hospital footage if Banks had visited, Alexander replied, “No, not yet. She just sent me a text that she wants to come and visit me.”

Banks, who participated in the docuseries separately, did not discuss Alexander’s health on camera. She did, however, address the 2012 dismissals of the trio, claiming the decision was made by network executives.

“I cried myself to sleep that night,” Banks said. “But bosses have bosses… the big boss was very clear. There are no sacred cows.”

Despite the physical limitations imposed by the stroke, Alexander remains defiant. The man who taught the world’s most famous models how to glide across the stage is now focused on reclaiming his own ability to walk. The experience has been deeply humbling for the fashion legend, who admitted to the internal struggle.

“I cried. I am not ashamed to say that I cried.”

“I miss being the queen of the runway,” Alexander said. “I am the person who taught models how to walk, and now I can’t walk. Not yet. I am determined to walk. I am sure you are going to see me again. It’s not over for me yet.”

by Kandiss Edwards

February 17, 2026

Aisha Tyler Partners With CDC Foundation To Shine A Light On Hypertension Awareness

Tyler encourages adults, especially Black adults, to understand their blood pressure, recognize stroke risk and adopt manageable habits that support long-term heart health.

Aisha Tyler is turning personal experience into public health advocacy through her partnership with the CDC Foundation’s Hypertension Bites campaign. The national initiative encourages adults, particularly those in midlife, to understand their blood pressure, recognize stroke risk, and adopt manageable habits that support long-term heart health.

Both of Tyler’s parents have inspired her health journey. She describes her mother as a thriving salsa dancing “spitfire” at 80-years-old. She aspires to be like her elder, engaging in life as an octogenarian in a fulfilling and healthy way. Conversely, her father’s experiences also inform her decisions as she walks through mid-life. The comedian’s father suffered a health crisis a decade ago tied to heart health. Though the multi-hyphenate talent is booked and busy, her father’s ordeal has shifted how she approaches balance, discipline, and self-care.

Tyler is sounding the alarm for Black people who are twice as likely to experience a stroke as opposed to others. She took a moment to speak with BLACK ENTERPRISE about the ways she has implemented CDC Foundation hypertension guidance into her real life by taking practical steps she believes can help people take control before a crisis forces them to.

What made this campaign personal for you?

I’m really, really excited that the CDC Foundation approached me about this campaign because I have hypertension. This is really about helping people who may actually not even know that they are at risk for a stroke, find out about their status, their physical status, their heart status, and start to kind of track these factors.

How did your father’s stroke shape your perspective?

My father had a stroke about 10 years ago, and he was lucky enough to be able to recover from it, but it’s had a lasting effect on his life. He was a guy who went salsa dancing all the time. He’d always been a really vibrant kind of very muscular guy, and it just proves to you that you just don’t know. You can’t tell by looking at somebody, you can’t tell by looking at yourself in the mirror, honestly, whether you might be at risk for stroke.

You were an athlete growing up. Were you always tuned in to your health?

I was a track athlete in high school and college and then I switched to rowing crew in college. As an athlete you’re not really paying attention to your body other than thinking about it from a performance standpoint. “Can I push myself harder? Can I push past pain?”

It’s with a different kind of care that I am taking care of my body now. It’s much more honest. It’s more loving. When you’re young, you think you’re going to live forever and you’re a little machine. Now it’s more about how this body has to carry me through the next 50 years of my life.

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You’ve described yourself as a foodie. How do you balance indulgence with heart health?

I love to eat. I love drinking. I love celebrating. But for me, it’s really a life of moderation. It doesn’t have to be super challenging. I walk. I monitor my blood pressure on a daily basis. When you know your numbers, then you can figure out how to improve them.

What are your nonnegotiables for your health when your schedule gets hectic?

I’m an 8 hour a night person. I can’t perform at my best if I’m not well rested. It has meant that I’ve cut back on my socializing. l used to be, I used to be a last girl out of the club woman, but I am now somebody who’s like early for dinner so that I can get home and wind down. Women of color are juggling so many things, we’ve got to put the mask on before helping others so sleep and exercise are non-negotiables.

What are three simple steps people can take right now?

The first thing is to move. Second, manage stress. Stress and blood pressure go hand in hand. It could just be some cleansing breaths or five minutes alone. Third, know your numbers. If you don’t know, you can’t do anything about it. Go to your doctor, be proactive in that process.

Through Hypertension Bites, the CDC Foundation and Aisha Tyler are reframing heart health as a daily commitment rather than a reaction to crisis. Tyler’s message is practical and direct, move consistently, manage stress, prioritize sleep and know your numbers. For her, those habits are the foundation for staying present, independent and fully engaged in the decades still to come.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rainbow coalition, Black men xcel

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 17, 2026

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Profound Civil Rights Leader and Philanthropist, Dies At 84

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition founder is known as a history maker, not only to the Black community but the world.

After battling sickness, Rev. Jessie L. Jackson Sr. has “died peacefully” at the age of 84.

In a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE, his family announced his Feb. 17 passing and called him “a servant leader.”

“Our father was a servant leader -not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family,” the Jackson family said.

“His unwavering belief in justice, equality, and love uplifted millions, and we ask you to honor his memory by continuing the fight for the values he lived by.”

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition founder is known as a history maker, not only to the Black community but to the world. Following the 1968 assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University graduate picked up where he left off, continuing the fight for justice.

He penned famous pleas such as “keep hope alive” while running for president twice, giving speeches that captured the hearts of advocates and elected politicians, uplifting the Democratic Party during times of defeat. According to The New York Times, his 50-minute speech at the 1984 Democratic National Convention was labeled as a “high point” when the party felt defeated against then-Republican candidate Ronald Reagan. “My constituency is the desperate, the damned, the disinherited, the disrespected and the despised,” Jackson once said.

“They are restless and seek relief.”

"…Keep hope alive…"#JesseJackson, the face of Social Justice activism in #America, since Martin Luther King was assassinated. A man, who showed that it was possible for a black person to run credibly for the Presidency of the #UnitedStates in 1984, passed away today.

Rest… pic.twitter.com/aTm8EnHRLj
— Naty Berhane Yifru (@NatyYifru) February 17, 2026

While he never sat in the Oval Office, Jackson was a known leader in the fight for equality, being celebrated on the cover of publications like BLACK ENTERPRISE three times. Born in the small, segregated Black community of Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson couldn’t hold back tears when he was present to see former President Barack Obama make his acceptance speech after being elected as the first Black president of the United States — a feeling felt around the world.

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In a matter of hours, an outpouring of support and love has flooded social media, with kind words and remembrances from those he mentored and inspired over the years. Rev. Al Sharpton shared a throwback image of him alongside Jackson and the late James Brown, calling Jackson “his mentor” and saying, “During #BlackHistoryMonth, we are reminded to honor the giants who paved the way and to keep pushing forward.”

A throwback I will always treasure. My mentor, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and I, with Eddie Murphy, as James Brown had the mic at one of his shows.

Mr. Brown was my surrogate father, and his influence on our culture is beyond measure.

During #BlackHistoryMonth, we are reminded to… pic.twitter.com/tjK0YAlfwt
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) February 8, 2026

The new generation of elected officials also celebrated what the civil rights leader meant to them, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, who remembered him as a man who “challenged America to live up to its promise for freedom and justice for all, always advocating for unity over division.”

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and children, Jesse, Jr., Santita, Jonathan, Yusef, Ashley, and Jacqueline, and grandchildren. One of his granddaughters, who goes by @j_donatella on X, posted a touching message saying she is “thankful to have known you in this lifetime.”

https://twitter.com/j_donatella/status/2023713633889611858

While Rainbow PUSH will release final arrangements for Rev. Jackson’s life, public observances will be held in Chicago.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 17, 2026

Confederate Flag Flying Over South Carolina Highway Finally Comes Down In Court Ruling

After back-and-forth appeals over the matter, the Neo-Confederate camp has taken the flag down.

A large Confederate flag, once flown over a South Carolina highway, has finally come down following a new court ruling.

The flag no longer looms over Interstate 85, after a judge gave the flag’s owner, the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #68, until Feb. 5 to comply with the legal order. According to Fox Carolina, the issue itself stemmed from an unchecked county violation issued in October 2022, prompted by the lack of a development permit.

Spartanburg County also found that the flag exceeded not only flagpole requirements, standing at a whopping 120 feet tall, but also sizing requirements for the emblem itself. Initially, the Sons of Confederate Veterans were instructed to lower the flag by 30 feet and reduce its size.

The Neo-Nationalist organization, in which members must identify as male descendants of Confederate soldiers, then appealed the violation, winning the case with the zoning board. However, the county continued the legal battle by appealing their successful motion, as a circuit court reversed the decision.

The right-wing group then made another attempt with the South Carolina Court of Appeals to keep the enlarged flag standing. While the appeal remains pending, a judge denied their motion to alter the appeal, according to a decision reportedly issued Jan. 29.

The judge determined that the Sons of Confederate Veterans camp failed to exercise due diligence in reporting the flag’s dimensions and height to the appropriate local officials. Instead, the judge reportedly condemned the camp’s sole reporting of the flag to the Federal Aviation Administration, deeming it an attempt to bypass local regulations.

The camp told the local outlet that the flag will stay down for now. The news marks the end of its legacy, as the Confederate flag remains generally considered a marker of hate and white supremacy on the popular highway.

While South Carolina has prohibited the Confederate flag on public property, this law does not apply to private property. Regardless, the camp’s flag-raising over Interstate 85 has come to an indefinite halt amid their legal battle.

Mardi Gras Float Sparks Outrage After Krewe Hangs Dark Skin Dolls On Beaded Necklaces

The Krewe of Tucks has since apologized for the offensive behavior.

A Mardi Gras krewe faced backlash over a display of Black dolls hanging on their float.

Krewe of Tucks garnered criticism for its unusual decorative necklace during this year’s Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans. While riding on their float Feb. 14, white krewe members boasted dark skin dolls that shocked those watching.

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One video went viral showcasing a white rider for the krewe. He apparently held the Black barbie dolls as they hung by their necks with some beads. Another image showcased the dolls still hanging on the necklaces, this time located at the edge of the float.

The disturbing imagery evoked references to the lynchings of Black women in the south, upsetting in-person paraders and social media alike. Local officials immediately responded to the backlash, with the New Orleans mayor strongly condemning the display.

“Let me be clear: the display is deeply offensive, unacceptable, and has no place in our city,” newly elected Mayor Helena Moreno said in a statement, obtained by Nola.com. “New Orleans is built on respect, diversity, and inclusion. Actions that seek to demean or intimidate any member of our community violate the very spirit of who we are.”

The issue grew even more disrespectful as more context on the float’s theme came to light. The krewe titled their controversial float “Crack Pipe,” meant as a satirical joke on the city’s faulty sewer system. While the Tucks parade itself remains known for bathroom humor, many no longer found the joke funny, especially at the expense of Black people.

Following the backlash, Krewe of Truck wrote an apology on social media. The krewe seemingly revealed that the dolls were not apart of their original plan. Its leaders stated that those responsible would not take part in future programming.

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“Since its inception, the Krewe of Tucks has been one of the most diverse parades in Mardi Gras,” the statement read. “We are offended by this behavior and it will not be tolerated.”

An internal investigation into what led to the dolls appearing in such as way began Feb. 16, as confirmed by the Krewe of Tucks Capt. Lloyd Frischhertz. On a state level, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced an external investigation into the case.

While not unusual to see toy-like items attached to the beaded necklaces, the imagery of the Black dolls themselves felt like a targeted hate crime toward the Black people of New Orleans, according to New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell. Especially as Mardi Gras has its own racist past, often not allowing Black and nonwhite people from the official parade, this depiction could call back to this exclusive nature.

Morrell even deemed the necklaces “an intentional effort by someone riding on a float to remind the people of the city — particularly certain people of the city — that Mardi Gras is not for them.”

Krewes have faced backlash for alleged racism before, especially in their membership. However, Black people continue to break barriers to make the parade reflective of New Orleans’ diversity.

RELATED CONTENT: A Taste Of Mardi Gras Is Coming To Atlanta

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 17, 2026

Nigeria’s Air Force Competes With Algeria, Egypt With 46 New Fighter Jets, Helicopters Added To Fleet

As security concerns grow across African nations, Nigeria announced plans to add more than 46 aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters, to enhance its military aviation capabilities, Business Insider Africa reports.

Nigeria is competing with other African nations, such as Algeria and Egypt, by acquiring 24 M-346 fighter ground-attack aircraft, 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters as part of an overall strategy to bolster operational effectiveness across the country’s security areas.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, thanked Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support as the announcement comes following conversations with the U.S., Italy, and Türkiye. “We salute President Tinubu for his unwavering support to national security, as demonstrated by his bilateral engagement with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye for defence equipment,” Aneke said during remarks at NAF Base Kaduna.

The aircraft are part of a $1.4 billion deal with the Italian defense firm Leonardo, which includes 24 jets and 10 rotary-wing systems, along with sustainment, training, spare parts, and support services to meet the fleet’s operational needs.

According to The Defense Post, Nigeria’s deal will be listed as the largest military procurement investment by a West African nation after the Nigerian cabinet committee approved a loan strategy totaling nearly $618 million to support the acquisition and associated weapons.

The jets will increase the presence of the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially in the fight against the increased threat of jihadist groups. New helicopters will improve logistics, support emergency response, and support intelligence and strike missions.

This puts the country in good company with Egypt, which holds the title of Africa’s most powerful air force by scale, with more than 1,000 operating aircraft, including F-16s, Rafale jets, and MiG-29s. Algeria, known as one of the continent’s highest military spenders, operates advanced Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets and has increased defense cooperation with Russia, boosting both its strike and air defense systems.

It’s not just aircraft that Nigeria is investing in. In addition, the Air Force is investing in infrastructure and pilot training, including new training facilities in Kaduna. Aneke described the facilities as essential for preparing crews. “My mission here is not just about buildings but about fulfilling my command philosophy, to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force,” he said.

If delivered on time later this year, the upgrade would be one of West Africa’s most significant air expansions in years.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 17, 2026

Five Texas Teens Arrested After Terrifying Neighbors With Reckless Gunfire Aimed At Homes

As the surveillance footage and mugshots started to circulate across social media channels, comments started to fly in as well, labeling the boys as men due to their appearance.

A South Fort Worth, Texas, neighborhood is safe after police arrested five teens alleged to recklessly fired guns at homes, resulting in terrifying 911 calls reporting bullets “passing by their heads,” CBS News reports.

Darius Chandler and Izac Villarreal, both 19, and Alfredo Jimenez, Draylon Williams, and Donavan Wright, all 18, face multiple charges, including two counts of deadly conduct and one count of discharging a firearm in certain municipalities. The boys also face individual charges, such as one count each of unlawfully carrying a weapon for Chandler, Jimenez, and Williams. Jimenez with one count of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, and Wright and Villarreal, who faced one count of possession of marijuana.

The chaos erupted Feb. 8 when officers of the Fort Worth Police Department responded to multiple reports of people recklessly shooting firearms. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, based on clear surveillance footage from the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), officers were able to track the teens down using the license plate number of the suspects’ vehicle.

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After conducting a “high-risk traffic stop,” all five boys were arrested and had multiple guns seized. However, the arrest didn’t go smoothly. While one of the suspects tried to conceal his weapon by taking it out of his waistband and hiding it under the car seat, police also found marijuana inside a backpack. In a press release, the Fort Worth Department said, “officers determined that all five individuals were shooting in the direction of occupied houses beyond the fence line, demonstrating a reckless disregard for human life.”

As surveillance footage and mugshots began circulating on social media, comments followed. On Instagram, the boys were labeled as men due to their appearance. Teens? They look well over 35,” @keemkarterr said on IG, while another said, “they look like they graduated high school 10 years ago.”

User @meleliz__ suggested they be shipped off to the military because of their youthful age. Another Instagram user blamed their looks on staying indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Maybe it’s true what they say about the younger ones ..staying in the house too much is aging them .. dem Covid kids,” @eva_rhymes said.

Chandler, Williams, Villarreal, and Wright have bonded out of the Tarrant County Jail while Jimenez remains behind bars on a $26,500 bond.

BAL, NBA, Africa, Boris Kodjoe, Eliot Dupuis,

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 17, 2026

NBA Legends & Global Stars Converge For Africa All-Star Soirée In Tinseltown

Dupuis shared the exciting event on his Instagram page.

More than 300 VIP guests, including NBA icons, global music stars, and international investors, gathered at Lucia LA for Africa Courtside Holding’s (ACH) annual Africa All-Star Soirée. The private, invite-only event celebrated Africa’s surging influence within the global basketball and live-entertainment ecosystems.

The evening, hosted by actor and entrepreneur Boris Kodjoe alongside Eliot Dupuis, highlighted the continent’s expanding role in the NBA. Kodjoe, a prominent advocate for African excellence, underscored the unprecedented momentum building in African investment and sports ownership.

Dupuis shared the exciting event on his Instagram page.

“Amazing night at our Africa All-Star Soirée. With family, friends and partners, we celebrated culture, community and changing the narrative through sports and entertainment,” he wrote. “Ownership means prioritizing equity and inclusion, creating real economic impact and developing the entire ecosystem in order to support and protect our talent and grow basketball on the continent. @thebal season 6 tips off March 27, 2026. @nbaafricaofficial franchise investment opportunities are here.
Building teams and arena infrastructure in 12 African cities. The future is here today. Let’s go!!”

A Historic Shift in Ownership
The event featured key remarks from Basketball Africa League (BAL) President Amadou Gallo Falls and NBA Africa investors. A major highlight of the night was the formal introduction of the BAL’s groundbreaking new franchising model. This evolution marks the first time team ownership has been opened to outside investors, a move designed to accelerate sustainable growth and long-term value across Africa’s premier professional league as it enters its sixth season.

Where Sport Meets Culture
The soirée served as a high-level intersection of commerce and a vibrant showcase of African creative power. The night featured:

Art: An exclusive installation of custom basketballs by celebrated artist Kehinde Wiley, featuring The Earl of Wochester and Morpheus Basketball.
Fashion: A presentation by renowned Senegalese designer Adama Paris, spotlighting contemporary African design.
Music: High-energy sets from DJ Tunez, DJ Lavish, DJ Bobby Trends, Jae Murphy, and Juls.

Photo Courtesy of Africa All-Star Soirée at NBA All-Star Weekend – Gladimir Gelin

Strategic Growth and Global Expansion

The Africa All-Star Soirée was more than a celebration; it was a high-stakes networking hub where the future of the African sports economy was drafted in real-time. By bringing together NBA Africa Investors and stakeholders from the broader live-entertainment sector, Africa Courtside Holding successfully demonstrated how basketball serves as a gateway for broader infrastructure and media development.

The emphasis on the BAL’s franchising model signals a transition from philanthropic support to a robust, profit-driven commercial ecosystem. This shift is expected to generate thousands of jobs across the continent, from stadium operations to sports marketing and broadcast production.

The presence of Kehinde Wiley’s custom basketball installation further solidified the event’s status as a premier cultural destination, serving as a physical manifestation of the night’s theme: the fusion of traditional heritage with modern athletic prowess.

As the league prepares for its sixth season, the momentum from this L.A. gathering ensures that African basketball remains at the forefront of the global sports conversation, attracting the visionary capital necessary to sustain a world-class professional athletic landscape for decades to come.

The star-studded guest list reflected a global convergence of talent and purpose, featuring:
Music & Entertainment: Tyla, Wizkid, Wale, Damson Idris, Zara Larsson, and Garcelle Beauvais.
Sports Legends: Serge Ibaka, Tracy McGrady, Chiney Ogwumike, and Festus Ezeli.
Media & Culture: Joy Taylor, Speedy Morman, and Holly Robinson Peete.
The event was presented in collaboration with the Basketball Africa League, Hot 97, and Bacardi, reinforcing a shared commitment to elevating African culture while expanding global investment pathways in sport and live entertainment.

About Africa Courtside Holding (ACH)
Africa Courtside Holding is a strategic investment partner and co-owner of NBA Africa. The firm is dedicated to accelerating basketball’s growth across the continent through ownership expansion and cultural engagement, leveraging platforms like NBA All-Star Weekend to create long-term investment pathways that drive economic impact.

Doctoral Student, 83-Year-old Woman, Harvard

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 16, 2026

Experts Warn Of FERPA Hurdles Amid DOJ’s Harvard Admission Documents Lawsuit

While Harvard has refused to bow down, legal experts highlight how the lawsuit having “nothing to do with protecting the civil rights of any student.”

After the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against Harvard University over allegations that the school isn’t complying with the 2023 affirmative action ban, legal experts are warning the Trump Administration of potential privacy hurdles ahead, according to The Harvard Crimson.

The Feb. 13 suit could present violations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) — a federal law banning student records that prevent individual applicants from being disclosed.

Since the DOJ is demanding applicant-level admissions data, such as grades, standardized test scores, race, and internal evaluations, FERPA could be violated when data points are combined, even after names are removed, because this makes individual students identifiable.

A number of legal experts are sounding the alarm, including Vinay Harpalani, a University of New Mexico law professor, who said he would be surprised if the administration is successful in its demands. “That risks particular privacy concerns there,” Harpalani said.

“If the individual data from a single applicant can all be linked — all the data, the grade, the test score, their race, ethnicity, other features about them — then that applicant might be able to be identified as an individual. And that could be problematic, that could run in violation of the FERPA.”

According to The Hill, the DOJ, under the leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi, claims the Ivy League institution, which was at the forefront of the Supreme Court’s controversial reversal, has avoided document release for over 10 months. Bondi said the suit is a matter of wanting “better from our nation’s educational institutions.”

‘Harvard has failed to disclose the data we need to ensure that its admissions are free of discrimination — we will continue fighting to put merit over DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] across America,” the AG said.

However, Jonathan D. Glater, a University of California, Berkeley law professor, said the department may hit some blocks since FERPA doesn’t give them authority to access student admissions records, as they are not a listed entity.

He added that the DOJ may be out of its league when it comes to understanding the ins and outs of admissions decisions and the difficulty of evaluating discretionary variables.

“Student personally identifiable information is protected by FERPA. The DOJ is not a listed entity, and this is not part of a criminal investigation, so I’m not sure how this works,” the law professor explained.

“The College does not admit everyone with perfect test scores and perfect grades, for example. Other factors are at play, and the process is nuanced. I do not know how nuanced a process the DOJ is prepared to tolerate.”

While a Harvard spokesperson said the school “will continue to defend itself against these retaliatory actions which have been initiated simply because Harvard refused to surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights in response to unlawful government overreach,” Boston University law professor Jonathan P. Feingold touched on the lawsuit having “nothing to do with protecting the civil rights of any student.”

“This gambit on the part of the federal government is part of a much broader effort to cripple institutions’ ability to actually have fair admissions processes that take into account a whole range of factors beyond standardized test scores,” Feingold said.

There may be some truth to Feingold’s viewpoint. The latest lawsuit is one of several launched by President Donald Trump and his administration against Harvard. President Trump has launched legal action against the school and demanded that it pay a $1 billion fine, following a report from The New York Times that his administration was stepping back from a cash request in negotiations with the school.

He also took a major blow in September 2025, when a judge ruled that the White House’s $2.7 billion freeze on federal funding for Harvard was unconstitutional.