‘Power,’ Key Figure Behind Wu-Tang Clan’s Rise, Dies At 52
The Wu-Tang Clan family mourns the death of an integral member, Oliver Grant, known to the world as “Power,” who helped the collective gain fame and launched a career that fulfilled the dreams of 10 rappers.
Rapper-turned-actor Method Man confirmed the sad news on his social media account on Feb 24. Meth posted a photograph of himself and Power on his Instagram account. No details have been released about the cause of death.
“Paradise, my brother, safe Travels!! 💔💔🤬 #pookie #power Bruh I am not ok .. 🌧️”
According to The Source, Power, who was 52, was an executive producer on the 1993 debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). He was instrumental in financing the initial project and in bringing the collective in front of the people who helped shape the rappers’ careers. He also started the Wu Wear clothing line at a time when rappers influenced fashion trends, but weren’t directly behind the scenes running it as a business.
Power orchestrated almost everything that did not involve writing lyrics or producing music, as he focused on all other business matters and had a vision for Wu-Tang as a brand with its own merchandise, with a hand in all business decisions, including promotion, street marketing, fashion, film, and anything connected to the Wu.
He also appeared on film, playing the character Knowledge Born in the 1998 film Belly and in the 1999 movie Black and White.
The Wu-Tang Clan was a collective of 10 solo rappers who represented Staten Island (although several members were from Brooklyn as well) and featured RZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, GZA, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and Cappadonna.
Through the vision and behind-the-scenes moves of Power, who grew up with RZA’s older brother, Divine, the group became very successful, with its members signing individual solo deals with other labels after signing with Loud Records.
Rep. Al Green Escorted Out Of SOTU For Protesting With ‘Black People Aren’t Apes’ Sign
Green told reporters he wanted the President to see the signage, reminding him that the video featuring imagery of the Obama family as apes is racist.
Things went left just minutes after President Donald Trump started his State of The Union (SOTU) Address when Texas Democratic Rep. Al Green was escorted out for protesting with a sign reading, “Black People Aren’t Apes.”
The senior member of Congress and avid anti-Trump critic has made it known on several occasions how he feels about the antics from the Trump Administration given this is the second time Green was escorted out of one of Trump’s U.S. Capitol speeches.
BREAKING: Al Green was thrown out of the State of the Union after holding a sign defending Black people’s humanity as Donald Trump entered.
Let that sink in.
Standing ovations for power. Ejection for dignity.
Green told CNN that he wanted the President to see the signage, reminding him that the video featuring imagery of the Obama family as apes is racist.
“I wanted the president to see it, and he saw it, and I told him, Black people are not apes, and for him to do what he did was racist, and he knows it. But sometimes we have to let him know in public that we know it,” the 78-year-old said.
Prior to Trump’s lengthy speech, in which he told false narratives about inflation going down and painted a fairytale image of the United States “winning” at all ends, some members of the Democratic Party announced they wouldn’t be attending.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said it’s almost a common practice.
“There was an understanding that members are either going to plan to attend and those who are not going to attend are going to boycott the event and express their opposition to Donald Trump and a variety of the other different things that will be taking place,” Jeffries said.
Green said the opposition to racism is one that someone has to stand up for. When asked about worrying about the consequences, he said they don’t exist to him. “The consequences were of no consequence to me. You have to take a stand. In a sense that I would allow the consequences to prevent me from doing what I believe is a righteous thing to do,” Green said.
“Dr. King did not allow the consequences to prevent him from going to Birmingham, and he went to jail. Rosa Parks did not allow the consequences to prevent her from taking a seat on the bus. That’s where we are now. We are back to a point where people have to take a stand.”
.@RepAlGreen spoke to reporters after being kicked out of the chamber for the second year in a row, this time for holding this sign.
He said of potential consequences he could face: “the consequences were of no consequence to me. You have to take a stand.” pic.twitter.com/l2esLFj7Pl
While other leaders were seen physically trying to rip the sign out of Green’s hands, people on social media are applauding his protest, some even calling fellow Democrats cowards for allowing him to be escorted out alone.
Others are comparing him to the late great Rep. John Lewis, known for walking in Selma with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and saying, “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
From Front Row To Fingerprints: NYC Model Arrested Over Alleged $1M Luxury Heist In SoHo
Diaby was caught on security footage helping conduct the pricey loot of the store.
A NYC model is facing charges for allegedly committing a $1 million robbery at a luxury boutique in SoHo.
Police arrested Abdallah Diaby Feb. 19 for his apparent connection to the high-stakes heist of 4Gseller boutique in New York City. In his seemingly double-life, Diaby is represented by the New York-based modeling agency TWO MGMT.
The slick robbery reportedly happened Dec. 1, leaving police stumped on who the culprits were. However, law enforcement finally caught up to one of the apparent suspects involved.
According to the New York Post, Diaby and three other perpetrators allegedly made out of the store with around $1 million in stolen goods. This included 20 Saint Laurent designer jackets, 30 handbags, 20 belts, and other pricey items.
“They took a lot of one of one, high-end merchandise. So, basically brands like Chrome Hearts and St. Laurent, a lot of custom pieces. They were just dropping them off the balcony, and someone was running it to the car,” shared the store’s owner, Tommy Macari, to CBS News, also adding that the robbery felt “kind of like the movies.”
The criminal complaint details that a silver Ford SUV was parked at the store around 4 a.m. The men disguised themselves as construction workers, complete with hard hats and a ladder, while the others served as lookouts. The robbers then proceeded to toss luxury items out a window and over a balcony to get into the car.
They drove away from the scene within minutes, beating the police’s arrival by just seconds.
“They were in and out of the store in four and a half minutes,” added Macari. “And 91 seconds later, the NYPD was here.”
While the other three men remain at large, security footage connected Diaby to the fashionable crime. The Bronx native was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court, but was released on supervision without bail. The working model also left a job in California to appear in court, as reported byThe Grio.
The NYC model now faces charges of grand larceny, burglary, and criminal possession of stolen property. He appeared stylish despite the allegations against him, even wearing a pair of “Touch me I’m sick” Vans, which resell for over $300.
Diaby pleaded not guilty to the charges and will return to court on March 18. As for his alleged fellow conspirators, their whereabouts remain unknown.
8 Times White Celebrities Were Caught Out There Using The Word ‘N**ga’
The “N-word” is an offensive word that carries centuries of harm tied to racial violence and the dehumanization of Black people throughout slavery, Jim Crow, and even in contemporary times. The present-day public use of the word reveals the ongoing racial bias that exists in society, institutions, and everyday interactions. The most recent incident during the 2026 BAFTA Awards broadcast demonstrates how the word’s use triggers strong emotional responses and sparks widespread global discussions about race.
Here are eight times white celebrities have disrespected Black Americans by using the n-word:
2026 BAFTA Awards – Tourette’s Outburst
During the 2026 BAFTA Awards in London, John Davidson, a British advocate for Tourette’s syndrome who also struggles with the disability, had an involuntary tic where he shouted the N-word as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. Tourette’s syndrome affects Davidson’s involuntary speech patterns. The BBC broadcast aired the racial slur without editing, despite BAFTA warning attendees about the possibility of the outbursts, which resulted in severe public condemnation.
The event generated extensive criticism from industry professionals, including Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce, who condemned both the incident and the broadcaster’s lack of accountability.
Morgan Wallen Racial Slur Video
A video shows country music star Morgan Wallen using the N-word during a conversation with friends after a night out in Nashville, Tennessee. TMZ obtained the footage and published it in February 2021. The use of the slur led to immediate industry consequences, includingthe suspension of his record contract.
Radio stations removed his songs, and his eligibility for major awards was taken away. Wallen issued a public apology while making donations to anti-racism organizations. Wallen claimed his racist behavior stemmed from ignorance, not from intentional harm.
Paris Hilton Party Footage
In the early 2000s, Paris Hilton attended a party where footage emerged showing Hilton using the N-word during the event. The video spread across early internet platforms. The event received extensive media coverage in 2007. Hilton admitted to making racist comments in her past during interviews and in her memoir, while explaining that personal trauma and lack of awareness led to those remarks.
Michael Richards’ Laugh Factory Rant
During a stand-up performance at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, California, Michael Richards, who gained fame as the character Kramer on Seinfeld, delivered a racist tirade. After being heckled by Black audience members at the popular comedy club, Richards repeated the N-word multiple times. Richards apologized for the November 2006 incident on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Chase’s offensive outburst caused shock and responses from Brown and others present. Chase departed from the show due to the controversy. The show ran from 2009 until 2014, and a documentary about it premiered in December 2025.
During a phone conversation with his ex-girlfriend, Mel Gibson used the racial slur, stating she would be “raped by a pack of n*****s.” The immediate backlash against Gibson’s outburst arose because the recording contained several slurs and violent expressions, which intensified the public examination of his history of racist and misogynistic comments.
Bill Maher On-Air Slur
Comedian and television host Bill Maher made an “on-air slip-up” when he used the N-word during a broadcast. Rapper Ice Cube confronted Maher in a sit-down. Maher issued a public apology for the incident after recognizing that his mistake caused pain.
The network HBO, which airs the show, has committed to stopping similar language from being broadcast in the future.
Tyra Banks Wants Her ‘Reality Check,’ Sues Ex-Business Partner For $50K Amid Docuseries Backlash
Banks wants $50K in damages and other compensation from her former business partner.
Tyra Banks is settling all scores as the former “America’s Next Top Model” host sues an ex-business partner for $50,000.
Banks filed a civil complaint against the undisclosed business partner with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Banks claims the collaborator failed to fulfill contractual agreements to pay up for their business, leading the retired supermodel to take legal action.
WBLS reviewed the court documents Feb. 24, adding that the complaint says the unidentified business partner missed payments on projects related to their venture. This inability to fulfill their share of financial commitments and services added further financial woes for Banks, causing her to lose a significant amount of money in the process.
While the partnership felt steady at the beginning, the professional relationship eroded following bouts of disagreements over the project’s direction and financial responsibilities. However, exactly which business the 52-year-old former supermodel is referring to remains unclear. The mogul has launched a variety of projects throughout her career, including a hot-ice-cream brand, a production company, and a beauty line.
While she hopes to receive some financial justice, Banks has recently returned to the spotlight for her own infamy. The ANTM producer has received pushback for her behavior on the show. Her antics became the focus of a new Netflix docuseries, “Reality Check: Inside: America’ss Next Top Model.”
Banks’ behavior as an executive producer toward her fellow judges and young women participants has met immense criticism. Banks’ appearance on the docuseries also faced pushback for her apparent lack of accountability.
Now, Banks seeks accountability from her former business partner. She claims she tried to settle the matter quietly, but the lack of resolve led to her public filing.
Banks has asked that the money be used to cover damages and other costs, including court costs and additional relief. As news of the filing broke, a representative for the entrepreneur said the defendant should“[honor] agreements””
“Ms. Banks believes in honoring agreements and is pursuing appropriate legal channels,” stated the spokesperson.
Banks hopes to prove her case in court, but no trial has been scheduled yet.
NiJaree Canady Debuts New Adidas Cleat And Walks Her Way Into History
Canady’s impact extends beyond her NIL deals.
Texas Tech softball stand-out pitcher NiJaree Canady made history by becoming the first college softball player to release her own signature player-edition cleat in partnership with Adidas.
Canady, a senior and one of college softball’s most decorated players, debuted her player-edition Adidas cleat, the ADIZERO Instinct 2.0 PT “NiJa,” during a game against Fresno State on Feb. 19 at the Mary Nutter Classic.
In an Instagram post, she shared her joy with her followers, stating, “Such a dream come true! So incredibly blessed and thankful to have the opportunity to come out with my own cleat!”
The cleat features red stripes, much like the Adidas logo. Additionally, the cleat features Canady’s signature and jersey number. The custom design elements honor both her role with the Texas Tech Red Raiders and her personal brand. It will be available for purchase later this season.
Her collaboration with Adidas is one facet of the college athlete’s very lucrative NIL agreement. Canady joined Adidas as part of the inaugural “Team Mahomes” athlete cohort. The Team Mahomes cohort is a partnership with the brand and NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes that supports NIL opportunities for Texas Tech athletes.
The 2024 inaugural cohort of Team Mahomes includes other college superstars across sports, including Micah Hudson (Football), Jasmine Shavers (Basketball), Matthew Comegys (Golf), Sam Courtwright (Soccer), and TJ Pompey (Baseball), according to Texas Tech.
Sports analysts and media outlets described the cleat release as historic because no previous college softball player has had a player-edition shoe from a major athletic brand. Sports Illustrated reported that the cleat launch “makes NIL history” for the sport.
Canady’s impact extends beyond her NIL deals. She has been a central figure at Texas Tech, leading the Red Raiders to the Women’s College World Series finals in 2025, where she earned national recognition for her performance. Her collegiate career includes accolades such as Softball America First Team All-American and various conference honors.
Canady’s Adidas cleat breaks a glass ceiling for women’s college athletes, gaining brand equity and market influence through NIL partnerships.
According to Africa Business Insider, leaders from both countries secured the agreements during the latest session of the Permanent Joint Commission Cooperation (PJCC) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The trade agreements end a six-year hiatus for the two countries.
Central to the discussions was security and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. On Feb. 14, a terrorist attack in Burkina Faso killed seven Ghanaian traders and injured several others. As the Anadolu Agency reports, cross-border commerce between northern Ghana and Burkina Faso is an important route for food supply and is vital to traders and their livelihoods. As Burkina Faso experiences worsening violence from insurgent groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS (Daesh), neighboring countries are concerned about potential spillover.
Ahead of the talks, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, visited victims of the Feb. 14 terrorist attack in Titao at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
Both countries agreed to design and adopt a new security framework that aims to neutralize the growing threats of terrorism and violent extremism in the region.
What To Know About The Other Deals Between Burkina Faso and Ghana
In addition to security, the seven agreements focus on agricultural trade, border management, counterterrorism, disaster prevention, driver’s licenses, and more. One agreement aims to protect youth and regional security in a joint “no drug zone.” The agreement targets illicit cultivation, manufacture, and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Leaders from both sides also established a new partnership in disaster management to enhance preparedness and response mechanisms, particularly in addressing the perennial spillage from the Bagré Dam in Burkina Faso. According to Ghana Web, controlled spillages from the dam have caused severe flooding in communities across northern Ghana, destroying farms and displacing residents.
Leaders said the new cooperation mechanism would improve disaster preparedness and coordinated response.
Bless Her Heart: Nicki Minaj Praises Trump Bible As ‘Gift Of A Lifetime’
The Bible, gifted by Trump, bears his signature on the cover in bold black marker.
Rapper Nicki Minaj has shared a photo of a leather-bound Trump Bible and is over the moon about the gift.
Minaj posted a photograph on X, showing the signed copy of the “God Bless the USA” Bible, also known as the Trump Bible, a special edition King James version that includes foundational American documents.
In her caption, Minaj wrote, “One of the most meaningful gifts I’ve ever received in my entire life.” The edition is known among collectors and formerly retailed for nearly $1,000.
The Bible, gifted by Trump, bears his signature in bold black marker on the cover. Minaj’s love for Trump has been well-documented in the first quarter of 2026.
The God Bless the USA edition of the Bible was first produced in partnership with country artist Lee Greenwood and has been marketed as a patriotic item due to its inclusion of incomplete versions of the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minaj’s apparent joy at receiving the Bible follows a period of public political appearances, including a Turning Point USA rally. Over recent months, she has boisterously supported Trump by sharing photos and messages linking herself to the 34-time felon.
Recently, Minaj, the wife of registered sex offender Kenneth Petty, has spoken up on upcoming legislation. She specifically called for her legion of fans, the Barbz, to encourage their representatives to vote yes on the SAVE Act. The Pink Friday rapper proposed an exchange with her fans. If they agreed to engage politically, Minaj promised personal engagement.
“Dear Barbz, call your senators, then tweet #SaveAct to let me know you did it. Here’s a little video as a bribe to get you to do it,” she wrote in a post on X.
“If you all do it, I’ll let you choose between a new look & Spaces. The choice is yours.”
While Minaj has not formally declared a party affiliation, her online activity offers hints about her political leanings. Scrutiny abounds around her recent political engagement, as she is not a U.S. citizen, with many speculating that she’s lobbying to change that.
Isaac Hayes’ Estate Settles With Donald Trump Over Use Of ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’
The complaint alleged the continuous use of Isaac Hayes' "Hold On, I'm Coming" in campaign appearances and videos.
The estate and family of late soul singer Isaac Hayes have reached a settlement in their long-running copyright lawsuit against Donald Trump, who used the Hayes-penned song “Hold On, I’m Coming” during his 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns.
Originally filed in August 2024, the Hayes estate accused Trump and his campaign of using the 1966 hit without permission at political rallies in both the 2020 and 2024 election cycles continuously.
On Instagram, Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III, said he and the family “are satisfied with the outcome.”
“This resolution represents more than the conclusion of a legal matter. It reaffirms the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and copyrights, especially as they relate to legacy, ownership, and the responsible use of creative works. Isaac Hayes, Jr. dedicated his life to his craft, and his contributions to music and culture carry enduring value. As stewards of his legacy, we remain committed to ensuring that his work is respected and properly protected.”
In the earlier litigation, U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash Jr. had granted a preliminary injunction in September 2024, which barred Trump’s campaign from further use of the song during events while the case moved forward. Lawyers for the Trump campaign told the court it had already stopped using the track.
“Hold On, I’m Coming,” co-written by Hayes and David Porter and popularized by soul duo Sam & Dave, remains a classic. The legend, who died in 2008 at age 65, was an architect of many soul and R&B classics.
Oher musicians have publicly opposed the use of their music at Trump events over the years, including Sabrina Carpenter, ABBA, and Celine Dion.
Week 4: Black History Month National Events Closing Out February
Black History Month is a nationwide movement to both celebrate and learn about the Black culture
Black History Month is a nationwide movement that celebrates and educates about Black culture and the achievements of African Americans and Black people across the diaspora.
To continue the monthlong immersion into Black history and the evolution of Black culture, check out BLACK ENTERPRISE’s four-week series on things to do to celebrate 100 years of Black history and culture across America.
Week four of Black History Month typically shifts from the initial excitement and momentum to a more profound and exploratory phase. Events during this period blend historical narratives, cultural celebrations, and community knowledge sharing, enabling participants to transcend mere remembrance and delve into understanding the enduring legacies and ongoing contributions of Black communities.
Black History Month Author Conversation Series – Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, which operates under the New York Public Library, is among the top global repositories of Black historical records and will host an author talk and an archival discussion. The event involves analyzing current Black academic work alongside contemporary literary output by Black writers. The event will start at 6:30 PM on Feb. 27 at 515 Malcolm X Blvd in Harlem, NYC. Harlem continues to serve as the worldwide intellectual center for the African diaspora, and Week 4 programming demonstrates how archival preservation supports modern-day intellectual leadership. The event is free to attend, but an RSVP is required
25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration – North Carolina Museum of History
Because of renovations at the North Carolina Museum of History, the 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration will take place at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. The festival includes live performances, storytelling, artisan demonstrations, educational programs, and cultural activities for children and their families. The event focuses on African American artistic culture, intergenerational storytelling, and community education while maintaining Black history stories specific to the state. The event starts at 10:30 AM, with performances from United States Colored Troops reenactors, Carver High School’s Sound of the Swarm Marching Band, and The Magic of African Rhythm. Attendees can participate in workshops on cowrie-shell jewelry making and quilting while watching demonstrations of pottery, basketry, jewelry, and textile arts by artisans. The North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers will perform live storytelling. The event provides free admission to the general public.
Young John Lewis in Concert – Roswell Roots Festival
The hip-hop musical Young John Lewis in Concert will perform at the Roswell Roots Festival in Roswell, Georgia (Metro Atlanta). Theatrical Outfit presents a production that uses spoken word, original music, and theatrical storytelling to depict the early life of civil rights leader John Lewis. The event will take place at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, located at 950 Forrest Street, Roswell, Georgia 30075. The performance will start at 7:00 PM on Feb. 26. Modern audiences will learn about John Lewis’ legacy, which showcases his early activism.
TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis – Reginald F. Lewis Museum
TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis exhibition at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture in Baltimore, celebrates the business accomplishments of the first African American to create a billion-dollar company. The exhibit examines Black economic leadership and legacy within the national business narrative and is available to visitors who have general museum admission during regular operating hours. The exhibit will remain on display through April 30.
Black History Month Closeout Celebration – DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Chicago hosts a full-day cultural celebration to mark the end of Black History Month. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM, and will include performances, film screenings, and community programming. DuSable is the central hub for Chicago’s Black history observance, as it is one of the nation’s oldest independent Black museums. The event is free to attend, but some sessions may require RSVPs.
Giving You the Best That I Got – California African American Museum (CAAM)
The California African American Museum (CAAM) in Los Angeles presents Giving You the Best That I Got, a major exhibition featuring works by prominent Black artists. The exhibition uses painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia works to study joy, resilience, and excellence in the African American experience. The exhibition runs through Black History Month and early spring. Its title is dedicated to artistic excellence and emotional depth while putting Black cultural contributions at the forefront. The exhibition requires museum admission, and visitors should consult CAAM’s calendar for special talks and tours related to the show.
