The billionaire pop star took to Instagram on Nov. 30, sharing intimate moments from Barbados in commemoration of the island’s 59th Independence Day and fourth anniversary as a Republic. The photo slideshow highlighted some of her cherished moments on the island, featuring personal snapshots with her sons, Rza, 3, and Riot, 2.
“Congratulations to Barbados, MY HOME, on our 59th year of Independence and our 4th year as a Republic!” Rihanna wrote in the caption, while giving honorable mentions to Barbados’ President, Jeffrey Bostic, and Prime Minister Mia Mottley. “Barbados, I L🇧🇧VE YOU!!!!” she added.
The intimate snapshots captured mouthwatering meals and mangos Rihanna has enjoyed in Barbados, her striking Kadooment costumes, and cherished moments with her sons and partner A$AP Rocky, including memories from her pregnancy with daughter Rocki, born in September.
The photos showed RZA on her lap inspecting a piece of sugar cane, paired with a throwback of Rihanna on a lawn with A$AP Rocky and RZA while pregnant. The Grammy-winning singer’s heartfelt post celebrated her family and her beloved home country.
Since welcoming daughter Rocki, Rihanna has returned to the public eye, making her first postpartum red carpet appearance at the 2025 CFDA Awards in New York City on Nov. 3. She attended in support of A$AP Rocky, who was honored at the event, wearing a floor-length black Alaïa trench coat over white draped pants, paired with a black turtleneck and heels, calling it a “postpartum-forward look.”
African Nations Push For Reparations For Victims Of Colonialism
African nations are intensifying efforts to secure reparations for the colonial-era crimes that caused widespread devastation across the continent and beyond.
On Nov. 30, African diplomats and leaders met to advance an African Union resolution introduced earlier this year that calls for justice and reparations for the harms of colonialism, the Associated Press reports.
Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf cited his country’s experience under French rule, emphasizing that true accountability requires compensation and the return of stolen property. Such restitution, he said, is “neither a gift nor a favor.”
“Africa is entitled to demand the official and explicit recognition of the crimes committed against its peoples during the colonial period, an indispensable first step toward addressing the consequences of that era, for which African countries and peoples continue to pay a heavy price in terms of exclusion, marginalization, and backwardness,” Attaf said.
The renewed push for reparations builds on discussions from the African Union’s February summit, where leaders backed a proposal to establish a unified stance on reparations and to officially classify colonization as a crime against humanity.
The effort reflects international norms that ban slavery, torture, and apartheid, and prohibit the seizure of territory by force under the UN Charter. However, the Charter does not explicitly address colonialism.
At the February summit, leaders explored a plan to establish a unified stance on reparations and formally classify colonization as a crime against humanity. They emphasized the enormous economic toll of colonial rule, estimated in the trillions, as European powers extracted vast wealth from Africa’s natural resources through violent exploitation, leaving communities impoverished.
Attaf emphasized that hosting the conference in Algeria was intentional, given the country’s history of brutal French colonial rule and its bloody struggle for independence. He noted that Algeria has long advocated for addressing colonialism under international law, while carefully navigating tensions with France, where the war’s legacy remains politically sensitive.
“Our continent retains the example of Algeria’s bitter ordeal as a rare model, almost without equivalent in history, in its nature, its logic and its practices,” Attaf said.
GivingTuesday: 4 Causes Worth Supporting These Black Nonprofits
Food, Shelter, Clothing and Education
GivingTuesday serves as an annual reminder that community is one of our most valuable assets. GivingTuesday serves organizations that support a range of causes and communities. It’s an opportunity to fill the gaps experienced by those who are marginalized and less fortunate. Black-led nonprofits continue their essential work to provide food and housing security, clothing, and educational opportunities. Here are four important causes and eight organizations that create substantial change in communities and have a human impact that extends beyond one day of giving.
Food
Umi Feeds
The nonprofit organization Umi Feeds, founded by Erica “Umi” Clahar, began in 2015 to rescue food and distribute meals to hungry and homeless people using surplus food to prepare healthy home-cooked meals. Umi Feeds provides hot meals, hygiene products, and clothing, and occasionally offers barber services and yoga sessions to hundreds of people primarily in Atlanta, as well as New York, Miami, and other locations across the country. The organization distributes free meals during regular mobile-market events and through outreach efforts to neighborhoods that lack sufficient food resources. People can support the organization through donations, volunteering, and financial support for their capacity expansion projects.
The National Black Food & Justice Alliance (NBFJA) comprises Black-led organizations, including Black farmers, land stewards, and food-justice activists. The organization works to achieve Black food sovereignty and land justice through its coordination of policy advocacy, resource-sharing, and institution-building efforts, which enable Black communities to control food systems. The NBFJA was founded in 2014 and operates across the United States by working with Black farmers and food justice organizations serving urban and rural areas. Their goal focuses on healing the racial oppression that Black communities faced in U.S. food and land systems by advancing self-determination for Black communities.
The nonprofit organization Black Veterans for Social Justice (BVSJ) was established in 1978 to assist Black veterans who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. The organization exists to deliver vital emergency housing, transitional housing, job support, and counseling services to Black veterans who lack adequate support. BVSJ operates from Brooklyn, providing services throughout the New York City region.
Well Cloth’d, Inc., founded by Leetah McGee and Jenne Richardson, is an organization based in Brooklyn, New York, that creates and delivers clothing and toiletry care packages while operating pop-up shops and personalized care drives to address actual needs. Well Cloth’d, Inc. started in 2017 and developed into a registered nonprofit through its ongoing donation programs and events. Its goal is to transform donating from random drop-offs into a dignity-centered, tailored distribution that helps recipients.
The 100 Black Men of America organization runs Tommy’s Closet to gather and distribute professional and business clothing, along with toiletries and other essentials, to HBCU and other Black students in need. The program operates across the country through its local chapters and HBCU partnerships while conducting campus drives and seasonal campaigns. The program’s mission is to eliminate barriers to student success by providing professional attire for interviews, internships, and campus opportunities to help Black students prepare professionally.
EDUCATION & OPPORTUNITY
United Negro College Fund
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) stands as the largest private organization that awards scholarships to Black students. Since 1944, UNCF has supported HBCUs through funding, scholarships, mentorship programs, and college readiness initiatives. UNCF functions from its Washington, D.C., headquarters to eliminate financial obstacles that prevent Black students from accessing educational degrees and career opportunities.
The Black-founded nonprofit Linden AI Institute leads initiatives for AI literacy and equal access to technology education. The organization delivers workshops, youth programs, teacher training, and community education around AI. The institute started operations in 2025 and delivers programs through remote access. Its mission focuses on keeping Black and marginalized communities from falling behind in the expanding AI economic sector. To donate for Giving Tuesday, follow this link.
BLACK ENTERPRISE Kicks Off ‘12 Days Of Christmas’ Gifts With Black-Owned Handbags
These designers create community by designing with purpose
The holiday season has arrived, and intentional shoppers, particularly pocketbook lovers, might want to begin their journey with Black-owned handbag brands. These emerging designers create community by designing with purpose. They tell stories, spark conversations, and drive cultural progress in the fashion accessories industry, all with a touch of luxury.
Our 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide starts with 10 handbag designers whose craftsmanship, innovation, and social impact are gifts all on their own. These Black designers demonstrate through their work that investing in our own continues to be both stylish and strategic, with iconic staples, bold mini bags, and statement pieces with meaning.
The “Shopping Bag” from Telfar, nicknamed the “Bushwick Birkin,” features a 100% vegan leather design with the brand’s distinctive “T” logo. The bag debuted in 2014 but gained widespread popularity in 2017 after winning a fashion fund award. The bag, which was created in New York City, is available worldwide through online sales and brand drop events. Telfar represents “fashion democracy” by delivering a luxury experience through its affordable price while maintaining cultural significance.
The brand Brandon Blackwood was started in 2015 by American designer Brandon Blackwood. Its collection of modern luxury handbags and accessories features vibrant shoulder bags, totes, and statement pieces. The brand became well-known in 2020, after its socially conscious designs went viral. Celebrities have worn Brandon Blackwood bags, while fashion media worldwide have featured them. The brand creates high-fashion aesthetics and aspirational luxury, making it ideal for gifts that deliver a polished, elevated, runway-ready look.
Lola Banjo founded Silver & Riley Leather Bag, a Black-owned luxury handbag brand that creates Italian-made travel-ready leather products. The bags offer durable elegance and functional design for work, travel, and everyday use. Customers can choose from a variety of sizes, styles, and functional elements at Silver & Riley. The brand demonstrates its commitment to social impact through the “Buy 1, Give 5” initiative. These bags serve the needs of travelers, commuters, and luxury-item enthusiasts who want durable products.
ZARACHIOMA creates stylish mini handbags and accessories for customers seeking everyday luxury. The brand offers compact, clean-lined designs at affordable prices that suit casual outings and date nights and make great statement pieces. ZARACHIOMA delivers stylish, affordable handbags through its online platform.
The Black-owned brand Glam-Aholic Lifestyle sells fashionable everyday handbags, including totes, shoulder bags, and travel accessories. The brand creates functional, stylish products and actively releases seasonal and holiday collections. Glam-Aholic Lifestyle serves shoppers throughout the United States and provides affordable luxury products that deliver everyday glam without high prices. These stylish bags make ideal gifts for functional fashion lovers because they can transition seamlessly from day to night and travel to brunch without any hassle.
Blake Van Putten founded the Los Angeles-based brand CISE to create bags with social-justice messages such as “PROTECT BLACK PEOPLE / PROTECT BLACK WOMEN.” CISE gained popularity in 2020 through its statement bags, which combine fashion with activism and support community initiatives with proceeds. CISE bags make meaningful gifts for individuals who appreciate stylish accessories with purposeful intent, as they hold more than just essentials.
In 2013, Aurora James established Brother Vellies to develop a high-end handbag and accessory brand that safeguards traditional African craftsmanship. The business of Brother Vellies began in 2013 and introduced handbags in 2015, before adding footwear and accessories to its collection. Through its designs, Brother Vellies collaborates with artisans worldwide to incorporate global craftsmanship traditions. The brand employs artisans to create wearable art instead of producing mass-market products. Brother Vellies suits people who value artistic expression, cultural significance, and ethical luxury products.
The New York-based brand ASHYA was established in 2017 by designers Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece and produces handmade travel bags and structured accessories that draw inspiration from global designs, featuring minimalist aesthetics and unisex appeal. The brand creates refined travel-ready pieces designed in New York and sold directly online to customers who lead cosmopolitan lifestyles. ASHYA blends functional design with elegant style to serve travelers, commuters, and individuals who want stylish versatility for urban environments.
The brand Homage Year, founded in 2014 by designer Antoine Manning, produces unique vegan leather bags that convey sociopolitical and cultural messages. The brand continues to expand through new collections and innovative design methods. Homage Year sells its products through online platforms to buyers who want distinctive accessories. The brand creates manifestos through handbags, combining cultural reflection with personal expression and meaningful commitment rather than following trends. People who view handbags as statements of artistic identity will find the brand an ideal gift choice.
Afroyla creates leather handbags and wallets that are inspired by Black women’s pride and empowerment. Afroyla turns handbags into symbols that enable Black women to carry pride and resilience throughout their day. As a powerful gift, it reflects identity and confidence while paying homage to Black womanhood. The brand is based in the United States and offers online shipping to customers seeking Afro-centric accessories.
The Stephen Curry and Seth MacFarlane-executive-produced comedy series was among the latest round of animated series to get the axe, What’s On Netflix reports. The Good Times reboot, which premiered in 2024, garnered over 5 million views and featured a star-studded cast, but that wasn’t enough to secure a second season.
The show’s cancellation wasn’t unexpected, as Good Times Black Again—voiced by J.B. Smoove, Marsai Martin, Jay Pharoah, Yvette Nicole Brown, Tisha Campbell, and Wanda Sykes—faced more criticism than praise. Marketed as a modern take on the 1970s classic, the series struggled to resonate with viewers and longtime fans, with critics accusing it of leaning on racist stereotypes and failing to capture the original’s humor, humanity, and cultural insight.
In March, protestors even gathered outside Madison Square Garden demanding its cancellation. The Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People (CEMOTAP) led the opposition, calling the reboot a “racist cartoon” reminiscent of historically offensive tropes.
In an open letter to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, CEMOTAP co-chairs Dr. James McIntosh and Betty Dopson blasted the series for depicting Black characters as “unintelligent, violent, simian, and hypersexual,” criticizing its use of slurs, obscenity, and harmful stereotypes. They urged the public to boycott Netflix until the show was removed.
“We can’t think of anything that is more offensive than having toddlers with machine guns throwing menstrual blood in children’s faces…all those are the types of things that are in this cartoon,” McIntosh wrote.
The group also staged protests outside Netflix’s Manhattan headquarters and handed out leaflets to raise awareness about their concerns. CEMOTAP members even attended Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors games in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago to draw attention to their opposition to the show and his involvement.
The series reportedly earned 3.3 million views in the first half of 2024, with an additional 2.1 million by mid-2025. Despite totaling 5.4 million streams, the numbers weren’t enough to justify a second season. Coupled with ongoing controversy and declining viewership, Netflix has decided to cancel the “Good Times” reboot.
Platinum Rapper Toosii Pauses Rap Career To Play Football At Syracuse University
A platinum rapper, Toosii, with a Top 5 Billboard Hot 100 hit, has decided to put his recording career on hold to pursue a collegiate football career at Syracuse University.
According to The Athletic, the 25-year-old athlete, nee Nau’Jour Grainger, has signed a commitment letter to play at the NCAA Division I school. He will be joining a team that just finished a losing season with a 3-9 record, winning only one conference game (Atlantic Coast Conference).
The rapper-turned-athlete posted a message on Instagram, announcing his next career move to his nearly 5 million followers.
“COMMITTED 🙏🏽 For every kid who ever had a dream, make it reality. God’s will is the way, and no one can stop it, not even the devil. I wanna thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ for even giving me the strength to chase what I believed when so many people told me I couldn’t.”
This is a homecoming of sorts for the rapper, as Toosii was born in Syracuse, New York. Growing up in North Carolina, he played the wide receiver position at Rolesville High School in Raleigh. He embarked on a music career and had a platinum (1 million units sold) hit with “Love Cycle” in 2020, while also earning a gold record (500,000 units) with “Poetic Pain.” His 2023 single, “Favorite Song,” became a viral TikTok hit and went double platinum.
Earlier this summer, he took to X to announce that he was putting the lyrics down while visiting several schools (Syracuse, North Carolina State, and Duke) and receiving a scholarship offer from Sacramento State.
Get Into This Black-Owned Gifts Guide For Black And Brown Children
This guide emphasizes two essential principles:giving children the gift of pride in their identity and supporting Black businesses through purposeful spending.
Books, clothes, and toys need representation, especially for Black children. Children who see their reflection in items they own and use develop self-esteem, cultural pride, and a sense of belonging. Purchasing holiday gifts from Black-owned children’s brands not only uplifts young people but also directs economic resources to businesses and communities that have faced historical marginalization. This gift guide emphasizes both essential principles: giving children the gift of pride in their identity and supporting Black businesses through purposeful spending.
Brown Toy Box — STEAM Kits & Educational Play
Atlanta-based entrepreneur Terri Nichelle Bradley established Brown Toy Box in 2017 to create STEAM toys that feature African diaspora characters. The brand operates both an online and a physical store location in Atlanta. The brand delivers educational value through quality STEM content while representing cultural identities. The kits are an ideal gift for parents seeking STEM education that reinforces identity. Children aged 5 and up will benefit from the “Architecture & Engineering STEAM Kit” together with the “Coding & App STEAM Kit” as holiday gifts.
HarperIman Dolls — Dolls That Reflect Black Beauty & Identity
The mother-daughter team behind HarperIman Dolls created their brand to solve the problem of unrealistic Black skin tones and hair textures in dolls. The brand sells handmade linen/plush dolls featuring multiple skin tones and hair textures, and includes backstories that encourage positive self-image. The brand gained popularity in 2017–2018 through online sales with major retailers and remains a popular choice for inclusive dolls. Through imaginative play, these dolls provide representation that helps children recognize their beauty, affirm their identity and worth, and support their emotional and social development.
Puzzle Huddle — Representation-Focused Puzzles & Learning Games
The Black family founders of Puzzle Huddle create culturally affirming puzzles and educational games that depict Black children and professionals. The educational games work to establish Black excellence and aspirational representation as normal experiences. Puzzle Huddle’s collections are available online and across the United States. The company started operations in January 2018 and has gained recognition as a top choice for Black-owned children’s gifts. These puzzles depict Black children and serve as educational tools to develop identity and creativity and to expand children’s imagination. These educational tools target children between four and 10 years old and serve as meaningful holiday presents.
Ade + Ayo — African-Inspired Clothing & Lifestyle for Kids
Ade + Ayo is an African-inspired children’s clothing and lifestyle brand created by Temidayo Adedokun. The brand produces garments, accessories, and décor items that draw their inspiration from African textiles and aesthetics to deliver cultural representation beyond traditional toys. A growing number of Black-owned children’s apparel lines includes Ade + Ayo among emerging brands.
Melissa and Esi Orijin started Orijin Bees to make dolls that reflect the skin colors and hair types of Black and Brown children. The Baby Bee collection features soft dolls that promote diverse, natural play experiences. Orijin Bees expanded their market after establishing an online store and an Amazon retail partnership. The dolls serve as thoughtful gifts that help children recognize themselves, building self-esteem and cultural pride.
The Fresh Dolls — Fashion Dolls With Realistic Diversity
The Fresh Dolls is a Black-owned brand that produces dolls that showcase diverse skin tones, hair textures, and body shapes, which are rarely seen in popular dolls. The dolls and their associated clothing and accessories create both representation and normalization. The dolls can be purchased through online platforms. Fresh dolls make excellent gifts for children between preschool and elementary school age.
Little Muffin Cakes — Clothing, Bedding & Decor for Kids of Color
The Black-owned lifestyle brand Little Muffin Cakes offers clothing, along with bedding and decor specifically for kids of color. Their product range features apparel, blankets, pillows, quilts, and other lifestyle items designed to suit diverse skin tones and cultural patterns. Little Muffin Cakes delivers its products nationwide through online shipping and has gained recognition as one of the leading Black-owned baby/kids brands. The brand’s regular merchandise makes an ideal gift for newborns and toddlers.
The Magnus Company — Story-Driven Toys & Dolls For Kids Of Color
The Magnus Company, which is Black-owned, produces toys and stories that enhance the lives of children of color through storytelling. Their dolls and toys, along with story-based play items, focus on children of color to create a play experience that celebrates cultural pride and identity. The Magnus Company sells its products through Black-owned online toy shops. These toys serve two purposes: They entertain while boosting self-esteem.
Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman Named UNICEF USA Ambassador
UNICEF says Gorman will support the group’s mission to protect children globally.
Amanda Gorman, the first US Youth Poet Laureate, has joined UNICEF as the organization’s newest ambassador.
UNICEF announced Gorman’s appointment on Dec. 1. In the announcement, the activist was described as a powerful voice for young people around the world. UNICEF says Gorman will support the group’s mission to protect children globally and to increase public engagement on issues that affect their safety, education, and future development. In its announcement, UNICEF USA emphasized her ability to connect with both young audiences and broader communities.
In an Instagram post, the organization celebrated the newest addition to the UNICEF family.
“We’re thrilled to announce that @AmandaScGorman — celebrated poet, author, and advocate — has been named our newest UNICEF Ambassador! Amanda has long used her voice to spark empathy, hope, and action. Now, she’s bringing that passion to UNICEF’s mission to ensure every child is healthy, educated, protected, and respected.
Gorman said in the announcement that she views the role as a continuation of her commitment to service and advocacy. “It is an honor to join UNICEF USA as an Ambassador and support UNICEF’s mission to protect children’s rights,” she said. She added that she hopes to engage young people who want to help shape a more just world.
Her selection reflects UNICEF’s practice of pairing high-profile figures to garner public engagement as much as financial support. The newest of which is UNICEF’s Senegal Ambassador, high-profile content creator Khaby Lame. The influencer boasts 170 million followers on TikTok, allowing him to spread UNICEF’s work worldwide. The organization noted that ambassadors often play a key part in outreach, education, and field visits that strengthen awareness of humanitarian programs.
Gorman’s growing body of work, which includes poetry collections and public performances, has frequently centered on social equity and youth empowerment. UNICEF USA said her voice and creative background offer meaningful value as a partner as the group navigates worsening global crises and increasing resource needs.
Her appointment follows a series of UNICEF collaborations with artists who use public platforms to advance humanitarian advocacy.
Bay Area Couple Finds Success In Luxury Kid Party Rentals
The Bay Area couple struggled to execute their child's birthday party but found a gap in the market.
Bay Area parents Tayo Lanlehin and Dolu Lanlehin have turned a gap they spotted in California’s luxury children’s party market into a six-figure enterprise.
The couple founded Bay Area Kids Rentals in 2022 after Tayo struggled to find child-sized seating for her son’s first birthday. She told CNBC that every detail of the “First Trip Around The Sun” party theme came together except the chairs.
Unable to find equipment that suited her vision, Tayo had to borrow a picnic table and benches. She said she “ruminated on the gap in the market for weeks” before spending about $2,000 on 48 children’s chairs that she stored in her basement.
Those chairs became the foundation for Bay Area Kids Rentals, which generated more than $295,000 in revenue in 2025, CNBC reported.
Their earliest breakthrough came through social media. Tayo explained that she shot her shot with NBA player Andrew Wiggins’ partner, Mychal Johnson.
“I direct messaged her with a link to our website saying, ‘We have luxury kid party rentals, and we would love to be a part of your kid’s birthday, if you’re doing a party,’” she said.
Johnson responded within 25 minutes and put them in touch with her planner. The company went on to manage four family events until the family relocated to Miami in 2024.
According to the couple, their most affluent clients appreciate simplicity.
“Flexibility and having limited touch points are critical in the luxury space,” she said.
The business has remained profitable since its launch, though the couple said they reinvest earnings to expand offerings, which now include mini-bumper cars, ball pits, and themed furniture.
Dolu said the surge in demand is a bit of a shock and requires sacrifice, as he often leaves his job to set up parties. Tayo works in strategic partnerships at Blue Shield of California. Dolu is head of product for Chegg Skills. According to Dolo, “Tayo does a nice job of seeing around the corner,” while he focuses on analytical work and market research.
Their goal now is to scale carefully while maintaining the premium experience that has defined their brand.
Former White House Press Office Chief of Staff Yemisi Egbewole took to TikTok on Dec. 1 to react to the news, calling the New Jersey senator marrying “a woman” “very interesting.”
“OK, so Corey Booker got married and … to a woman, and this is just very interesting, just an interesting update about Cory Booker. Cory Booker married a woman. He is now happily married,” she said as she seemingly shoots a quick side eye in the clip.
“Will a married Booker run for 2028?” she asked in her caption.
The video has earned more than 30,000 likes and over 2,000 comments, with many viewers picking up on Egbewole’s subtle shade regarding the senator’s sexuality.
“This is the most polite, inscrutable shade I’ve seen in a while. Expert level 😂😂😂,” one person wrote.
Some commenters pushed back, defending Booker and questioning the implication that she was suggesting he might be gay.
“He dated Rosario Dawson for years, and this girl looks just like her. I had no idea people thought he was gay, never got that vibe from him,” one user wrote.
“Corey Booker is a democrat. Do we really think he needs to be in the closet to hold elective office in 2025? Buttigieg won Iowa,” added another.
Booker (D-NJ) married Lewis, a managing director at a global investment firm, in two intimate ceremonies over Thanksgiving weekend: a civil wedding at the federal courthouse in Newark, New Jersey, and a private interfaith celebration in Washington, D.C. He was previously in a long-term relationship with Dawson, an actress, which ended in 2022.
Booker, a vocal LGBTQ+ ally, has addressed rumors about his sexuality in the past, telling The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2018 that he is straight and believes candidates should run “as their authentic self.”
