by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 12, 2026

Blavity Media Group Named Exclusive Sales And Activation Partner For The Gathering Spot

The collaboration aims to create a new platform connecting brands with some of Black America’s most influential professionals through both digital media and private gathering spaces.

Blavity Media Group (BMG) and The Gathering Spot (TGS) have entered into an exclusive partnership designed to celebrate and amplify Black excellence.

Announced on March 10, BMG has been named the exclusive sales and activation partner for TGS’s sponsorship portfolio, AfroTech reported. The collaboration aims to create a new platform connecting brands with some of Black America’s most influential professionals through both digital media and private gathering spaces.

“The Gathering Spot built physical spaces with the same philosophy we brought to digital media: that Black professionals deserve to be seen fully, not as a demographic, but as a community,” said Blavity Inc. CEO and Co-founder, Morgan DeBaun. “Together, we’re creating something that reflects how our audience actually lives, online and offline, in content and in community. For brands that want to show up authentically, this is the way in.”

“Our community lives online and offline. Now our partners and brands can show up in both places authentically,” she added in a LinkedIn announcement.

The partnership will offer a limited number of sponsorship opportunities, giving brands access to TGS’s private membership network of leaders, executives, and founders shaping business, politics, and culture. The organization serves more than 11,000 members across four locations in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Sponsors will also gain perks such as category-exclusive placements across TGS clubs, curated member experiences, and custom on-site activations promoted through BMG’s digital platforms — including brands like AfroTech, Blavity, and Travel Noire — which reach more than 32 million monthly users.

“From day one, The Gathering Spot has been about what happens when Black people have a space where they’re celebrated, not tolerated,” said Ryan Wilson, CEO and co-founder of The Gathering Spot. “Our members are building generational wealth, launching companies, and shaping industries. Blavity mirrors these notions across media. This partnership gives brands access to the rooms where those conversations and decisions are happening.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 12, 2026

Kash Patel Calls On UFC Fighters To Train FBI Agents

Taking place March 15 and 16 at the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the training seminars will give agents a first-hand experience into UFC fighters’ training methods in addition to fighting techniques and tactics.

While the country is worried about rebuttal from Iran, one of the country’s leaders, FBI Director Kash Patel, tried to ease their minds by announcing that Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters will be training FBI agents, calling it a “historic opportunity,” Deadline reported.

Taking place March 15 and 16 at the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the training seminars will give agents a first-hand experience into UFC fighters’ training methods, fighting techniques, and tactics. During his announcement, Patel said the seminars are open to “academy students as well as senior FBI staff from around the world.” “I’m thrilled to announce this historic seminar between the FBI and the UFC at Quantico,” Patel said in a statement.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our FBI agents to learn and train with some of the greatest athletes on earth — helping the world’s premier law enforcement agency be even better prepared to protect the American people.”

Patel, who was under scrutiny for celebrating with the U.S Men’s Olympic hockey team in the locker room after their Gold Medal victory in Italy, has been floating around the idea for quite some time, first pushing it with FBI field leaders after taking charge at the Bureau last year.

The fighting agency, founded by longtime President Donald Trump supporter and CEO Dana White, has made its way into the talks of political leaders over the past few years. After speaking at the Republican National Convention before Trump’s win, Patel and White have been working together to highlight UFC more, even announcing a fight at the White House on Trump’s birthday. The director has praised White for changing “the game in the mixed martial arts industry” and talked about being honored to work with him. “We are grateful for their shared love of our nation, so that we can better defend her,” he said.

In a statement from UFC, the mixed martial arts company shared the same excitement, labeling the effort as “part of an overall initiative by the FBI to provide its agents with exciting, innovative training options and to constantly look for opportunities to revamp and improve their preparation.” But on social media,some people aren’t feeling it, alluding that the administration’s priorities are all over the place. “Because let me guess nothing says serious federal investigation like a spinning back kick demonstration,” @LikeChrisss said on X.

Because let me guess nothing says serious federal investigation like a spinning back kick demonstration.
— Chrismy is going to the World Cup. (@LikeChrisss) March 12, 2026

Others are questioning if the training will be at the expense of American tax payers, calling it “nuts.” “I’m going to guess these UFC fighters aren’t doing it for free and even though the FBI have trained world renowned EXPERTS on their existing payroll…the American Taxpayer will be on the hook for this. It is just sickening,” @DeandaSharone said.

https://twitter.com/DeandaSharone/status/2032090862348337499

According to Variety, some of the UFC heavy-hitting trainers include current interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethe; the first UFC BMF champion, Jorge Masvidal; former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman; former UFC strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha and more.

White says he is “proud” to support this initiative as he has “tremendous respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country.”

by Kandiss Edwards

March 12, 2026

Snoop Dogg And Rap Snacks Drop 3 Health-Conscious Chip Flavors

The launch signals a strategic shift for Rap Snacks.

Rap and overall entertainment icon Snoop Dogg and entrepreneur James Lindsay have launched a new line of health-conscious kettle chips at Costco. This marks the first time their hip-hop driven snack brands have entered the larger warehouse retail market.

The collaboration features the Snoop Box, a 36-count variety pack produced through a partnership between Rap Snacks and Lindsay’s “better-for-you” label, Do The Right Thing. The product debuted March 9 at Costco locations across six states, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Alaska.

“I joined Rap Snacks because it represents culture, ownership, and community,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement. “With Do The Right Thing, we’re showing the youth that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or authenticity to make better choices. We’re giving our communities options that still hit on taste, speak to our language, and support a healthier lifestyle.”

The variety pack includes three distinct flavors: Maple BBQ, Sour Cream, Cheddar & Ranch, and a signature blend called “All In,” which combines salt and vinegar, cheddar, barbecue, onion, and garlic.

WE UP @SnoopDogg

Rap Snacks Do The Right Thing Variety Box is hitting Costco VERY soon‼️ pic.twitter.com/grPg0AYWpH
— Official Rap Snacks (@RapSnacksNow) March 4, 2026

The launch signals a strategic shift for Rap Snacks, a brand known for its deep ties to hip-hop culture and specialty retail. By partnering with a major warehouse club, the company will hopefully scale its reach while marketing cleaner ingredients. The chips are cooked in 100% avocado oil and are marketed as being free of gluten, GMOs, and artificial colors.

James Lindsay, who serves as the founder and CEO of both brands, said the move into Costco was designed to bring the brand’s mission to a mainstream audience. He noted that the partnership with Snoop Dogg felt natural, given the rapper’s long history with the Rap Snacks family.

While the initial rollout is limited to the Pacific Northwest and select Western states, the company indicated that a national expansion is anticipated. Rap Snacks currently maintains a presence in more than 40,000 retail locations nationwide through various partnerships.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 12, 2026

Nigerian-American Dentist Blends Innovation, Wellness In Brand For ‘The Future Of Oral Health’

This Nigerian-American dentist has revolutionized the oral health industry, creating a company that integrates innovation and wellness to promote healthy smiles.

When Dr. Abi Oladele decided to pursue dentistry, she fell in love with how the medical discipline combined art and science into its practice. As she learned how to sculpt captivating smiles, she sought to extend her legacy beyond typical dental work.

She wanted to create a company to help anyone achieve optimal oral health at home, officially launching Dentrogen in late January.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DENTROGEN (@dentrogen)

“Dentrogen was created with one purpose, to redefine the future of oral care. I’m Dr. Abiola Oladele. And as a dentist, I’ve seen how innovation in dentistry has stalled. Most people don’t realize how much dentistry still relies on outdated tools and thinking. I knew I didn’t just want to treat patients, I wanted to change the dental experience,” she shared to Instagram.

The HBCU alumna, who obtained her bachelor’s degree at Howard University, already belongs to a small cohort. As a Black dentist, she and her fellow oral health professionals make up only 3.7% of the industry, according to data from the Delta Dental Institute.

While still working to increase this representation, she also developed her idea for Dentrogen, a preventative oral health company, in 2022. She brought her project to life while working for a practice in Los Angeles. While not performing root canal treatments, she is curating a community that ties oral health to wellness.

“We can focus on the aesthetics, we can focus on all those things, which is great, but at the end of the day, health is the No. 1 thing that we should all be focusing on before anything else,” she told AfroTech.

Dentrogen, named after the hydrogen element, seeks to become a “foundational force in the future of oral health,” according to its website. The company comprises products from Black Fiber Coconut Floss to Elemental Brightening Toothpaste, all of which are science-backed methods to improve one’s smile.

“How about health is the aesthetic, having healthy teeth, having teeth that you’re not worrying about gum disease, you’re not worrying about all these cavities, preventing it before it happens. That’s the true beauty. I wanted Dentrogen to kind of showcase that,” explained Oladele.

The company’s mission is to prevent severe oral health issues by addressing them at the root. Its signature toothpaste offers a fluoride-free alternative, complete with traditional ingredients such as aloe vera to help with gum comfort and swelling. As for their black-fiber floss, the use of coconut oil and bamboo provides modern advancements to make everyday flossing more efficient.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DENTROGEN (@dentrogen)

She aims to expand Dentrogen in the upcoming years, wisely incorporating AI as she sees fit, while the company explores dental manufacturing and supplies. In the meantime, those curious about Dentrogen can check out its initial product rollout.

“Oral care can be smarter, cleaner, and better,” added the doctor. ” Dentrogen isn’t just a company, it’s a platform for change.”

Kentanji Brown, Brett Kavanaugh, justices, Supreme Court

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 12, 2026

Ketanji Brown Jackson And Brett Kavanaugh Air Differences — And Surprising Agreements — In Rare Joint Public Appearance

The polite but forceful back-and-forth exchange comes at a time where the conservative majority has received massive criticism on blocking lower court rulings, giving President Donald Trump's agenda a broader reach.

The difference of opinions and alignment on some issues between Supreme Court liberal and conservative Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Brett Kavanaugh spilled over in a rare duo public appearance at an event geared toward lawyers and judges, NBC News reported.

The polite but forceful back-and-forth exchange between the judges that sit on the highest court in the nation comes at a time where the conservative majority has received massive criticism on blocking lower court rulings, giving President Donald Trump’s agenda a broader reach. As Jackson is known as an avid critic of the White House administration, even not appearing at the president’s recent State of the Union address, she suggested there would be a drop in emergency filings, which have increased, if the court stood more ground about granting them.

She said it’s “not serving the court or this country well.” “I just feel like this uptick in the court’s willingness to get involved … is a real unfortunate problem,” Jackson said during a conversation moderated by U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman.

For Kavanaugh, he feels the opposite — but also seemingly agreed that it’s not the plan he thought. The conservative justice defended the court, claiming the court is designed to act one way or another when the government or other litigants file emergency applications. He also argued the rulings aren’t in allegiance to Trump, highlighting how the Biden administration made similar requests — but at a lower rate. “We have to have the same position regardless of who is president,” Kavanaugh said.

The procedure is known as the “shadow docket” due to the fact that it is rare for the court to hear arguments and give rulings with minimal explanation. Decisions from the Supreme Court decisions give policies the green light to go into effect almost immediately, despite potentially being the early stages of legal challenges.

Before lower courts make definitive conclusions, some cases then return to the high court, resulting in final decisions on the merits.

Kavanaugh expressed that he feels the justices are being looped in more frequently due to gridlock actions of Congress leading to the president having to push more executive orders. He has made the argument both on the bench and in public appearances, according to The New York Times.

Seemingly agreeing with his liberal colleague, the conservative justice is worried about emergency cases soon short-circuiting lower court deliberations. “None of us enjoys this,” he said.

But he added that the justices have a duty to “grant or deny” all applications they receive.

Another point the two justices agreed on is concern surrounding violent threats against judges, particularly those who have ruled against President Trump. “There’s no easy answer, for sure,” Jackson said. “It’s unfortunate because it relates to a lack of understanding about judicial independence.”

With that, Kavanaugh looks at how Chief Justice John Roberts picks his battles, highlighting how he once rebuked a statement from Trump and followers after suggesting judges should be impeached for ruling against the administration. Roberts has said he “picked his spots” to push back against the criticism.

by Kandiss Edwards

March 12, 2026

Last Living Member Of Kool & The Gang Inks Deal With Primary Wave

Prime Wave Music announce the agreement, which includes ownership interests in portions of the band’s publishing catalog.

Legendary funk and R&B group Kool & the Gang has entered into a new partnership with Primary Wave Music that will see the company acquire a stake in the band’s music catalog and related rights.

On March 10, Primary Wave Music announced the agreement, which includes ownership interests in portions of the band’s publishing catalog, artist royalties, and neighboring rights tied to Kool & the Gang’s recordings. The partnership will also provide branding support and long-term marketing initiatives. With only one living member of the group remaining, Robert “Kool” Bell, the goal is to expand the group’s legacy and introduce their music to new audiences.

“I’m extremely excited about my new partnership with Primary Wave, not only because they understand my vision, but because they are very accessible, just a phone call away,” Robert “Kool” Bell said in a statement. “Together we are going to ride a Kool Wave as we get things fixed and stay fit in 2026!”

Primary Wave Music is excited to announce today our partnership with legendary musician, singer, songwriter, and founding member of Kool & The Gang, Robert "Kool" Bell. pic.twitter.com/MkOGC0b4A8
— Primary Wave (@primarywave) March 10, 2026

Primary Wave Music has built a business model around acquiring stakes in iconic catalogs while developing licensing opportunities in film, television, advertising, and brand partnerships. The firm expressed its dedication to “preserve, protect and amplify” the group’s legacy now and in the future.

“Kool’s role as the last surviving founding member of Kool & the Gang makes this partnership especially meaningful. As a true pioneer of funk and popular music, Kool has carried the group’s vision, spirit, and legacy forward for decades. At Primary Wave, we are honored to partner with him to preserve, protect, and amplify this iconic catalog for generations to come,” said Primary Wave partner David Weitzman.

Formed in New Jersey in the 1960s, Kool & the Gang rose to fame with a string of enduring hits that blended funk, soul, and pop influences. Their catalogue features popular and lucrative hits like Celebration, Ladies’ Night, and Get Down On It, which continue to receive significant radio play and licensing placements decades after their release. In 2024, the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Bell accepted the honor after the recent deaths of previous band members, including drummer and songwriter George Brown (2023, saxophonist, flutist, and percussionist Dennis Thomas (2021 and Bell’s composer brother, Ronald (2020).

by Kandiss Edwards

March 12, 2026

The Obamas’ Production Company ‘Higher Ground’ Backs Broadway Revival ‘Proof’

The production marks the Higher Ground's first venture into Broadway theater.

Barack and Michelle Obama are expanding their entertainment footprint to Broadway through their media company, Higher Ground Productions. The production company will serve as a co-producer for an upcoming revival of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Proof.

The production marks the Higher Ground’s first venture into Broadway theater. After years of producing film, television, and podcast projects, Higher Ground, founded by Barack and Michelle in 2018, has built a stellar reputation in Hollywood. The company has produced award-winning documentaries and scripted programming. In a statement, Barack spoke about his excitement to revive the play, which explores complex questions about lineage, Variety reported.

“To bring this landmark play back to Broadway with Ayo, Don, Tommy, and Mike at the helm is an extraordinary privilege, and we couldn’t be more proud to be part of this production,” the Obamas said in a statement Wednesday. “‘Proof’ is exactly the kind of story Higher Ground was built to champion, a play that asks profound questions about brilliance, doubt, and what we inherit from the people we love most.”

The revival of Proof, written by playwright David Auburn, will begin preview performances on March 31 at the Booth Theatre in New York. Opening night is scheduled for April 16, with producers describing it as a strictly limited 16-week engagement.

https://twitter.com/writtenbyayo/status/2030344172876562555

Taking the stage are Black Hollywood elites. Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri will play the character of Catherine, and Oscar-nominated actor Don Cheadle will play her father, Robert. Though both actors are known for their work on screen, their stints in Proof will mark their Broadway debut. The ensemble also features Samira Wiley and Jin Ha.

First staged in 2000, Proof became a theater gem, earning the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Additionally, the show earned a Tony Award for Best Play. The story follows a young woman grappling with navigating the intellectual legacy of her brilliant but flawed mathematician father.

Tony Award-winning director Thomas Kail will direct the revival. Kail is known for his work on Hamilton. For Higher Ground, the Broadway project represents the latest expansion of a production company that has already won major industry honors, including an Academy Award for the documentary American Factory.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 12, 2026

BlackDoctor Launches AI-Powered Update to Improve Health Access for Black Communities

BlackDoctor.org is using AI to improve how Black communities access healthcare resources.

BlackDoctor.org is refreshing its brand with a new platform strategy and a suite of AI-powered tools to close critical gaps in how health information and care reach Black Americans.

On March 11, BlackDoctor Inc., the health and wellness platform behind BlackDoctor.org that has served Black America for more than 20 years, unveiled a new strategy centered on AI-powered wellness tools. The update includes a proprietary clinical simulation platform and a wellness tool, as well as the launch of a new Medical Advisory Board, a podcast, and a video series.

“This launch is about enhancing how health information is built and delivered,” Reginald Ware, chief executive officer of BlackDoctor, said in a press release. “When guidance is generalized from population-level data, it misses how care actually works for Black people. We built this platform to translate that complexity into clear, usable guidance –- so people can act earlier, make informed decisions, and get better outcomes.”

Among the new features is WellBot, a proprietary AI clinical simulation tool that allows healthcare providers to interact with virtual patients from diverse backgrounds while navigating complex diagnostic and social factors. The system analyzes decision-making, communication, and treatment choices, then provides feedback designed to reduce bias and strengthen patient-centered care.

Another addition, Health On Point, is a wellness tool trained on more than two decades of BlackDoctor.org content and insights from Black physicians and health experts. It enables users to ask questions, explore health concerns, and receive guidance to better prepare for medical visits. Together, the tools are designed to reflect how health risks, symptoms, and care decisions affect Black communities.

The platform also expands BlackDoctor Inc.’s healthcare professional network by more than 20,000 practitioners and launches a new Medical Advisory Board to guide its mission of advancing health equity. Additional updates include a new podcast, The Pulse, featuring patient stories from the Black community, and BlackDoctor Sessions, a video series exploring culturally relevant topics in medicine, wellness, and health equity.

“Trust gaps in healthcare aren’t abstract -– they show up as delayed diagnoses, lower adherence, and higher costs,” said Akinwole “Aki” Garrett, President of BlackDoctor. “This platform is built to operate on both sides of that problem. We’re giving consumers tools that reflect how health actually works for them, and we’re giving healthcare practitioners the insight they need to engage Black patients more effectively.”

As part of its broader strategy, BlackDoctor.org will be front and center for major health awareness campaigns, including National Kidney Month and Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, as well as 10 signature live events to drive year-round education, promote preventive screenings, and deliver data-driven health reporting.

Dwight howard, kitty, rape, allegations, sexual assaults respond

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 12, 2026

Dwight Howard Denies Wife’s Accusation Of Drug Use

'Never done Coke in my life'

The marital issues between NBA Hall of Famer Dwight Howard and his wife, Amber “Amy Luciani,” emerged after she took to social media to accuse the former basketball player of alleged drug use. He has publicly denied the accusation.

According to TMZ Sports, the former Orlando Magic player took to his Snapchat account to respond to his soon-to-be ex-wife’s allegations, which she had revealed on social media.

Howard posted these words to dispute his wife’s recent claim.

“Never done Coke in my life; y’all will believe everything y’all see on the internet lol.”

The latest controversy involving Howard was initiated publicly when Luciani posted a video that went viral when she claimed that child protective services had taken her daughter from her. Amid several other allegations, she blamed this latest issue on cocaine use. As she cries on video, she expresses some of the problems that have arisen since the two got married.

She stated that, although they have had problems, she did not want to leave him. But recently, she has been at her wits’ end over what she has accused him of doing. Luciani also states that Howard has been coaching his son to lie to authorities.

In the video clip, she shows some white powder, seemingly alleging that it was cocaine, and states that she is “losing” her marriage to the use of the drug.

https://twitter.com/Raindropsmedia1/status/2030463934910562783

TMZ also reported that Howard filed for divorce on March 9 after she released the video to the public. The couple has been married for a little over a year, as Howard has stated they got married on Jan. 11, 2025. In the filed paperwork, he stated that the marriage was “irretrievably broken” with no hope of reconciliation.

Luciani told the media outlet that she is also filing for divorce from her husband. She filed for divorce last year but reversed her decision.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 12, 2026

Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, 3 Children Were At Home During Shooting

Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, has been charged with 14 felonies related to the shooting.

After arresting a woman for shooting at the gates of Rihanna’s home, authorities have revealed that the singer, her boyfriend, A$AP Rocky, and their three children were in the house during the March 8 incident.

According to The Associated Press, the family was gathered in a trailer on the property when Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, allegedly approached the property and started shooting.

There were other family members and staff on the property, but no one was hit by gunfire, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

Ortiz has been charged with an attempt on Rihanna’s life, along with 10 counts of assault on a person with a semiautomatic firearm and three counts of shooting at an inhabited vehicle or dwelling, authorities stated. All the charges are felonies.

The three counts of firing at a dwelling were for shooting at Rihanna’s house, her trailer, and a neighbor’s house, prosecutors said.

The 10 assault counts were for the occupants on the property, including Rihanna and her immediate family, two staffers, and two people in the neighboring house. If convicted of all the charges, Ortiz could spend life in prison.

“LA-based celebrities should not be additionally worried because of this,” Hochman said, “in large part because of the response of the police.”

Although Ortiz is in custody, Judge Theresa McGonigle has issued a protective order for her to stay away from Rihanna and Rocky, as well as their home. She is also not allowed to possess any firearms or ammunition.

Ortiz, who hails from Florida, was reportedly placed on involuntary psychiatric hold a few years ago. TMZ reported that her ex-husband’s attorney revealed that Ortiz was involuntarily committed under Florida’s Baker Act before 2023. She was held for 72 hours for a mental health evaluation and treatment.