by Sharelle B. McNair

August 26, 2024

Is Donald Trump Scared To Debate Kamala Harris? Critics Think So After He Seemingly Suggests He Wants Out

Don't get scared now....

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Critics of former President Donald Trump are calling him out after he seemingly suggested that he wants out of the scheduled Sept. 10 debates against Vice President Kamala Harris, HuffPost reported. 

Trump went off on a late-night social media rant on Aug. 25, attacking the ABC News network and some of its anchors, including Jonathan Karl, who was interviewing Rep. Tom Cotton (R-Ak.). He then alluded to putting in question whether he would participate in the debate he had already agreed to join. “I watched ABC FAKE NEWS this morning, both lightweight reporter Jonathan Carl’s(K?) ridiculous and biased interview of Tom Cotton (who was fantastic!), and their so-called Panel of Trump Haters,” Trump wrote. 

“And I ask, why would I do the Debate against Kamala Harris on that network?”

Trump already debated President Joe Biden in June 2024 when Biden was the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. The GOP presidential nominee agreed to a second one in September, but now that Harris is the Democratic candidate, Trump seems to be thinking twice about it. During an appearance on HBO’s Real Time With Bill Maher, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins told Maher and fellow panelists that Trump is struggling with ways to combat the former prosecutor and suggested he may pull out. “I think Trump is nervous about it. I talk to alot of sources in this world, and I think he has really struggled with it. It’s not just a narrative or talking point from Democrats,” she said. 

“He really has struggled with how to combat her, and I think going into that debate, he does not really want to do it. I think it’s difficult, if not impossible, for him to pull out because he’s keeping major cards printed that says ‘anywhere, anytime, anyplace’ for President Biden, and it would look weak but I don’t think he’s looking forward to it at this point.” 

Critics of the four-time indicted businessman called out him for his social media meltdown, referring to him as a “coward” with funny memes to go along with it. @chunkled called Trump “the biggest chicken from the standpoint of chickens.”

Another user highlighted Harris’ Democratic National Convention speech as the reason behind his fear. “Seems like it. He watched her acceptance speech and had a meltdown,” @dissentingj said. 

However, according to Politico, the reasoning behind the debate being in question is the decision to have the mics muted when it is not the candidate’s turn to speak, at the demand of the Biden campaign team. The Harris team wants the mics live at all times in hopes that Trump loses his cool and says something out of pocket on the mic.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 26, 2024

Nipsey Hussle Wax Figure Revealed At Invest Fest

The figure was revealed during Invest Fest in Atlanta.

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Nipsey Hussle’s wax figure made its public debut at Invest Fest in Atlanta. The piece featured Nipsey’s signature braids and beard with a nod to his Marathon Clothing company in his “Crenshaw” t-shirt. Attendees and social media users reacted in real time to the artwork but not everyone thinks the reveal of Nipsey Hussle’s wax figure is a victory lap after unveiling on Aug. 23. The internet weighed in on how lifelike the figure looks.

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“A tribute to greatness meets the grind for success,” captioned the post.

While the figure did stay true to the late rapper’s roots, others criticized it for its awkward posing.

“I love it, but what’s up with the one leg tho,” questioned one commenter under the picture.

While others followed suit, confused by the odd stance, supporters of the art considered it extremely well done.

“It looked soooo realistic in person,” exclaimed another Instagram user. “My goodness!! One of the BEST wax figures I’ve ever seen!!!!”

Actor Laz Alonso also chimed in. He added that it is “better work than 90% of the wax figures I’ve seen.”

While the internet had mixed reviews on the wax figure, Nipsey remains a revered hip-hop figure. The festival also did more than showcase a wax figure in his honor.

Sponsored by Earn Your Leisure (EYL), Microsoft, and Nipsey’s The Marathon, a business grant pitch competition, also took place at Invest Fest. The winner received nearly $100,000 to go toward expanding their enterprise.

Nipsey’s life became a legacy when the rapper was shot and killed outside his clothing store in March 2019. Since then, his “Hussle & Motivate” mantra has inspired countless fans to embrace community and entrepreneurship.

A tribute to Nipsey was already in the works at the festival. However, a conversation with the late rapper’s brother, Blacc Sam, led EYL CEO Rashad Bilal to do more to honor his legacy.

“When we were putting together the Invest Fest lineup, I definitely wanted The Marathon to be a part of it in some capacity,” Bilal explained to Revolt.

“The first idea was to have The Marathon as a pop-up shop. But Sam wanted to do something more impactful than just have merch there.”

Although Nipsey’s wax figure did not meet all expectations, his commitment to bettering his community and elevating Black business lives on.

RELATED CONTENT: Nipsey Hussle’s Foundation Serving As Charity Partner Of LA Marathon 2024

• Events

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 26, 2024

HBCUs Gathered For 10th Battle Of The Bands In Houston

The annual event took place at NRG Stadium.

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This past weekend, several HBCUs (historically Black colleges & universities) participated in the 2024 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) at NRG Stadium. This was the 10th anniversary of the marching bands showing off the talent, music, and culture for those in attendance between Aug. 23 and Aug. 25 in Houston.

This year’s theme was “Celebrating Champions of Culture,” and the bands that participated were Bethune-Cookman University’s Marching Wildcats, Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South, Miles College’s Purple Marching Machine, Prairie View A&M University’s Marching Storm, Southern University’s Human Jukebox, Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands, Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul, and Tuskegee University’s Marching Crimson Pipers.

Fans were also treated to performances by Grammy Award-winning rapper Lecrae, Boosie Badazz, and gospel act The Walls Group.

“Celebrating 10 years of the National Battle of the Bands is a milestone that goes beyond music—it’s about the impact these bands have on their communities and the broader cultural landscape,” said Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and executive producer of National Battle of the Bands. “This anniversary is a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of HBCU marching bands, and we are proud to continue amplifying their incredible stories and contributions.”

Fox26 reported that the last six National Battle of the Bands took place in Houston, as the Harris County Houston Sports Authority has provided the marching bands a venue to host the annual celebration of the HBCU marching bands.

“If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say amazing. It’s just such a great celebration of culture, arts, music, and it all comes together into one event,” said Chris Massey, chief operations officer for Harris County Houston Sports Authority.

The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands has generated revenue that has provided over $1.7 million in scholarships for the colleges and universities that participate in the annual event.

RELATED CONTENT: Iconic HBCU Marching Band Sonic Boom Joins Drake And J. Cole Tour