by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 25, 2025

Michael Jai White First Non-Asian to Win Asian World Film Festival’s Bruce Lee Award

'Last night I was honored to receive the prestigious Bruce Lee Award at the AWFF!'

Action star Michael Jai White made history when he accepted an award at the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF), becoming the first non-Asian to receive an honor.

The actor, who initially got his start as a martial artist before becoming an actor, posted a message on his social media accounts about receiving the coveted award.

“Last night I was honored to receive the prestigious Bruce Lee Award at the AWFF! Shannon Lee, Bruce’s daughter and head of the Bruce Lee Foundation, is also a longtime friend and Wushu classmate of mine who’s made me the first non-Asian to receive the award. Her father was, and is, the greatest and most inspirational martial artist to have walked the earth. This honor is the most heartfelt award I could ever receive! I don’t know who “Tony, Emmy or Oscar” were, but I damn sure know Bruce Lee! 🙏🏾🥋👍🏾💪🏾😊 #brucelee #honor #award #martialarts #karate #ufc #mma #grateful #kyokushin“

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael Jai White (@officialmichaeljai)

According to the North Dallas Gazette, the Bruce Lee Award was presented to White by the legendary martial artist’s daughter, Shannon Lee, who is also a close friend of the actor. Lee (Nov. 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973) is considered by most to be the best and most popular martial artist to grace the world.

White is currently starring in “Carl Weber’s The Family Business,” which premiered its sixth season in October on BET+. He plays Vegas Duncan, one of the sons of Ernie Hudson’s character, Lavernius “L.C.” Duncan, a crime boss who runs a legitimate automobile business with his sons. The series also stars Darrin Henson, Tami Roman, Miguel A. Nunez Jr., Sean Ringgold, and Valarie Pettiford in lead roles.

He also stars in the action-comedy “Hostile Takeover,” airing now on STARZ, where he portrays hitman Pete Strykyr.

Biles, Simone Biles, Greatest ever, Gymnastics

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 25, 2025

Simone Biles’ New Athleta Collection Is Perfect For Horseback Riding And Ice Skating

Simone Biles unveils her new Athleta collection and dishes on her latest fitness hobbies.

Even outside competition, Simone Biles stays active. Her new Athleta collection—her fifth with the company but second designed for women and girls—fits seamlessly with the low-pressure hobbies she’s taken up to stay moving.

Released on Nov. 21, Biles’ new Athleta collection blends fashion and function with stylish athleisure pieces designed for easy layering and versatile wear. The line features everything from subtle zebra-print leggings to cozy fleece sweatpants, paired with crop tops, hoodies, and zip-ups—perfect for winter workouts and year-round use.

https://twitter.com/OctagonOAS/status/1991948183568617856

The collection reflects the calmer, more balanced lifestyle Biles has embraced since stepping back from gymnastics to focus on married life and her new hobbies, including horseback riding and ice skating.

“Now, I’ve started to explore other hobbies that still include working out, but it just looks a little bit different,” Biles told Refinery29 Unbothered. “Right now, although I’m not in the gym 24/7, I’m in my horseback riding lessons, and I’m about to pick up ice skating lessons because I feel like gymnastics, although it was working out, it was just it was so much fun for me, and you don’t even realize you’re exercising. So I wanted to feel that similar feeling.”

After years of intense training to become the most decorated gymnast in history, Biles isn’t rushing back into a strict workout regimen. She now enjoys the simplicity of a Pilates class or horseback riding session.

“I took up horseback riding because going to a gym for me and doing pilates and all that stuff seems a little bit scary and daunting, but if you put it as a hobby, and say ‘I’m working out for an hour or so,’ it feels a little bit easier,” she explained. “I’m about to start doing my ice skating lessons. I’ve already called the ice rink. I know they’re tired of hearing from me [laughs].“

Sharing Pilates sessions with her NFL star husband, Jonathan Owens, Biles appreciates the versatility and style of her new Athleta collection. Though not her first, it’s already her favorite.

“It’s very different. It’s the boldest collection that we’ve had thus far,” she said. “I’m obviously biased, but this is one of my favorite collections. We have followed some of the trends but really, I always say, that you can take it from the mat to conferences or whatever it is. It doesn’t have to be just for the gym. It’s my go-to travel style, as well as if I’m taking a pilates class with my husband.”

RELATED CONTENT: Simone Biles Secures Top Honors At 2025 ESPYS

Arthur Hayes,Bitcoin, Crypto Buyout Fund

by Kandiss Edwards

November 25, 2025

Crypto-Kidnapper Steals $11M From San Francisco Resident In Wild Heist

Surveillance footage shared with investigators shows the homeowner buzzing him into the home.

A man posing as a delivery worker entered a San Francisco home on Nov. 22 and stole an estimated $11 million in cryptocurrency after assaulting the homeowner.

Police said the suspect approached the residence on Dorland Street shortly before 7 a.m. while holding a white package and identifying himself only as “Joshua.” Surveillance footage shared with investigators shows the homeowner buzzing him into the home.

According to the police report obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle, the victim was later found bound with duct tape while the intruder left with a laptop, a phone, and access devices linked to cryptocurrency accounts.

Bay Area tech investor Garry Tan initially posted the video on social media and urged neighbors to assist detectives by sharing doorbell camera footage from surrounding blocks.

Investigators said the suspect’s actions were consistent with “wrench attacks.” Security specialists use the term to describe encounters in which criminals physically coerce victims into unlocking cryptocurrency wallets. Blockchain-security analysts at Chainalysis noted in its 2025 Crypto Crime Trends report that violent crypto-related robberies have increased in several large cities.

Robber posing as a delivery driver steals $11,000,000 in crypto after pulling a gun and duct-taping the victim in San Francisco pic.twitter.com/Jny8HfVvGC
— BAY AREA STATE OF MIND (@YayAreaNews) November 24, 2025

“Attacks targeting self-custody holders have become more frequent as criminals realize private keys can be taken through force,” the report stated.

Police have not announced any arrests. A spokesperson told The Independent that the department is working with digital forensics teams to track fund movements on the blockchain, a step commonly used in major crypto-theft cases.

The incident echoes similar patterns seen elsewhere in California. In Los Angeles, the District Attorney’s Office reported two 2024 cases where victims were forced at gunpoint to initiate transfers from digital wallets. Those cases also involved suspects presenting themselves as delivery workers or contractors before gaining entry to homes.

San Francisco residents have increasingly expressed concern about targeted crimes linked to digital assets as cryptocurrency adoption rises. Security professionals say the case is another reminder that digital wealth can create physical risks.

Chainalysis researchers advised crypto holders to keep private keys offline. Additionally, crypto holders should restrict device access and avoid conducting wallet transfers on laptops left in shared living spaces.

Police ask anyone with information to contact the department’s tip line.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 25, 2025

MacKenzie Scott’s HBCU Donations Revive Focus On Her Ties To Toni Morrison

MacKenzie Scott's $700 million worth of HBCU donations brings new attention to the mentorship she received from Toni Morrison.

Before MacKenzie Scott met Jeff Bezos and became part of one of the world’s wealthiest couples, she was a young writer at Princeton studying under the guidance of literary legend Toni Morrison, a mentor who played a role in shaping the early part of her career.

The novelist and philanthropist, now recognized as the world’s 40th wealthiest person, graduated from Princeton University in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in English. During her time there, she studied under Nobel Prize–winning author Toni Morrison, who became a significant mentor in her development, Today reports.

After graduating, Scott relocated to New York City and applied for a position at the hedge fund D.E. Shaw & Co. Morrison reportedly called the firm with a glowing recommendation about her former student, helping Scott land the job. It was there that Scott met Jeff Bezos, then a senior vice president. The two began dating and were engaged within three months. Six months later, they married and eventually became one of the wealthiest couples in the world. The couple later divorced in 2019.

Scott continued developing her writing career while supporting Bezos behind the scenes as he built Amazon. In 2005, she earned the American Book Award for her debut novel, The Testing of Luther Albright. She published her second novel, Traps, in 2013, around the same time Morrison reflected on her experience teaching Scott at Princeton, telling Vogue that she was “one of the best students I’ve ever had in my creative-writing classes . . . really one of the best.”

Now, given the billions Scott has donated to organizations and institutions advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, including more than $700 million in historic gifts to HBCUs, like $80 million to Howard, $63 million to Morgan State, and $50 million to Virginia University, her philanthropic legacy also underscores the profound influence Morrison likely had on her early development.

by Kandiss Edwards

November 25, 2025

‘Oh Boy!’ Juelz Santana Believes Financial Literacy Takes Precedence Over Reading

Santana, legal name is LaRon Louis James, made the remarks during a segment on the 'No Funny Business Podcast.'

Rapper Juelz Santana says that reading is not an essential skill for youth; financial literacy and math are the only educational requirements.

Santana, whose legal name is LaRon Louis James, made the remarks during a segment on the No Funny Business Podcast. When asked about which foundation skill was most important, “reading or math,” the rapper chose math. He then argued that technology, particularly voice-to-text features in devices and artificial intelligence, negates the need for traditional literacy.

“I feel like reading is not necessary,” Santana said during the interview. “You ain’t gonna need it. You ain’t gonna need to know how to read.”

The rapper insisted that voice commands and automated systems will eliminate the need for individuals to interpret written text physically. Still, the rapper does acknowledge the importance of basic reading skills and does not advocate full-blown illiteracy.

“Respectfully, I’m not saying that in a way to be illiterate because you’re not supposed to be illiterate, but . . . I think you could listen to a book on YouTube. You can still obtain the information,” he stated.

Santana says there are different forms of intelligence he values above reading, with “common sense” being the highest.

“I’d rather have zero books smarts and common sense. Be able to read the room, be able to read life, be able to read people.”

The Whistle Song rapper’s comments arrive at a time when national data reveal concerning achievement gaps in literacy, particularly affecting Black children and adults.

According to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which gauges student performance nationwide, significant disparities persist in reading proficiency. The NAEP’s 2022 assessment showed that only 17% of Black fourth-grade students scored at or above the proficiency level in reading, compared to 42% of white students. This achievement gap between the two groups has remained essentially unchanged for more than two decades.

Research repeatedly connects these low literacy levels to a cycle of reduced income, higher unemployment rates, and poorer health outcomes, particularly in urban areas where racial and socioeconomic inequality is often concentrated.

Rhetoric that dismisses the need for strong reading skills threatens to exacerbate the literacy decline. An analysis by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy estimated in 2020 that raising every American adult’s literacy rate to a sixth-grade level could generate an additional $2.2 trillion annually for the U.S. economy, framing the issue as a critical economic and social challenge.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 25, 2025

Strangling Video Shakes AUC: Morehouse Student Arrested For Assault On Clark Atlanta Peer

The incident and subsequent statements from Morehouse College has sparked controversy within the AUC community.

A Morehouse student has been arrested after a video of him strangling a Clark Atlanta student while getting off another school’s shuttle bus went viral.

The incident went viral as the female victim detailed the assault on TikTok. The issue allegedly began as the man and his girlfriend sat beside her on a Georgia State University bus. When the couple started kissing, the victim moved over. However, as the Clark Atlanta student prepared to leave, she claims the man stepped on her foot. Its on_site re-shared the video detailing the encounter.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Onsite!® (@its_onsite)

Tensions brewed when she said the Morehouse student refused to apologize, prompting her to initially argue with his girlfriend. As the two women began to get in each other’s faces, the boyfriend’s inclusion escalated the fight.

The video showed footage of the young man grabbing her by the neck and appearing to strangle her. Viewers could also hear him threatening to kill the woman, reportedly saying, “I’ll catch a body today.”

Following the young man’s arrest, both schools issued statements on the viral matter. However, Morehouse’s initial release sparked backlash from the AUC community as it described the assault as an “off-campus incident.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Morehouse College (@morehouse1867)

Critics argued that Morehouse’s statement undermined the violent nature of its students during the incident, especially toward a young Black woman.

“As a Black woman and a CAU alumna, the language is quite triggering and deeply disappointing,” wrote one upset commenter. “And rather than labeling this incident as disgusting, deplorable, and or repulsive, you chose ‘disappointing.’ Disappointing doesn’t even scratch the surface of the violence that we saw in this video…Sometimes we have to stop trying to protect the brand and start protecting the students, even when they’re not yours.”

Others began to call for the student’s expulsion from the university, given his death threats and physical attack on the CAU student. In light of the backlash, Morehouse’s President and Student Government Association released follow-up apologies emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy of violence within its community and toward the women of the AUC.

“I want to state my unequivocal stance,” issued Morehouse President, Dr. F. DuBois Bowman. “Whether physical, verbal, or written, violence or threats of violence have no place in the Morehouse community, particularly violence against women.”

The SGA added, “We are committed to advocating for the safety and dignity of all women, knowing that Black women often face violence and feel unheard… Being a Man of Morehouse means standing up for women’s rights, supporting survivors, challenging harmful behavior, and building a culture where safety and respect are nonnegotiable.”

Morehouse has kept the student’s identity hidden due to privacy policies. The HBCU has yet to confirm if he remains a part of the school. A criminal investigation into the matter remains ongoing, with police confirming they arrested the alleged assaulter.

by Kandiss Edwards

November 25, 2025

Kohl’s Corporation Appoints Michael J. Bender As Permanent CEO

In a Nov. 24 press release the company announced the unanimous board decision.

Kohl’s Corporation named Michael J. Bender as its permanent chief executive officer.

In a Nov. 24 press release, the company announced the unanimous decision of the board. Bender’s appointment is effective immediately, transitioning the interim CEO to the permanent role.

“Over the past several months, as interim CEO, Michael has proven to be an exceptional leader for Kohl’s — progressively improving results, driving short- and long-term strategy, and positively impacting cultural change,” the board chairman, John Schlifske, said in a statement.

In a LinkedIn post, Bender expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue as CEO in a permanent capacity. He also referenced the corporation’s history in the retail space.

“Over the past few months, I’ve seen teams coming together with urgency, focus, and belief in our future. We’re building momentum, embracing change, and taking important steps to strengthen our business for the long term. Kohl’s holds a special place in the retail landscape, with a proud history and a unique ability to deliver value and relevance for our customers. I’m excited for what’s ahead and confident in what we can achieve together,” Bender wrote.

Kohl’s names Michael J. Bender CEO https://t.co/yYxxuPkIxl

— RPM Media (@RetailPrintMed) November 24, 2025

Bender has over 30 years of experience in retail and consumer goods at companies such as Walmart and PepsiCo. He had served as interim CEO since May, after the board dismissed Ashley Buchanan amid an ethics investigation into a vendor deal. The department store has now gone through four chief executives in four years.

Kohl’s emphasized that the board conducted a comprehensive external search before selecting Bender. The company said it expects to unveil its next phase of strategic initiatives that will emphasize improved inventory discipline, elevated customer experience, and cost optimization.

As Bender announced the unanimous board decision, the company says its focus will shift from turnover toward sustained performance. With the retail climate tightening and consumer expectations rising, Kohl’s is betting its next chapter will reflect discipline and growth rather than disruption and retrenchment.

by Ahsan Washington

November 25, 2025

Wet Your Whistle With These Black-Owned Whiskey Brands

During the holiday season, limited edition bottles and special releases showcase a new lineup of spirits. The creators behind celebrity-backed launches and first-of-their-kind distilleries create more than liquor; they establish a legacy while expanding representation and developing culturally intentional flavors. Consumers who seek conscious spending and purposeful celebrations now have additional reasons to toast with these recently launched bottles. The holiday season encourages people to purchase thoughtful, Black-owned products.

SirDavis Whisky

The new American whisky brand SirDavis Whisky was launched in 2024 by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Moët Hennessy as co-founders. The whisky brand operates in Houston, where it produces and bottles its products, paying tribute to Beyoncé’s Prohibition-era moonshiner and farmer great-grandfather, Davis Hogue. The U.S. market received the product first in September 2024, alongside specific international markets, where it showed its deep copper hue and presented Seville orange aromas with raisin notes, cinnamon and clove scents, and toffee malt citrus flavors, ending with honeyed notes, at 44% ABV (88 proof).

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SirDavis (@sirdavis)

Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey

Victor G. Harvey Sr. of Victor George Spirits established Fort Mosé 1738 Bourbon Whiskey. The four-year-old bourbon pays tribute to Fort Mose, the first legally recognized free Black settlement in America, established in 1738. The brand launched in the early 2020s, and both its story and distribution have grown since then. The combination of corn, rye, and malted barley in the mash bill produces flavors of rich cocoa, creamy custard, warm cinnamon, and oaty barley. This spirit represents more than a beverage — it serves as a historical tribute while donating proceeds to support Fort Mosé’s legacy.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fort Mosé Whiskey (@fortmosewhiskey)

Brough Brothers Bourbon

The Brough Brothers Bourbon distillery, established by Victor, Bryson, and Christian Yarbrough, is the first Black-owned distillery in Kentucky since Prohibition. Their Louisville-based distillery produces small-batch bourbon along with other expressions. The family business works to create diversity in the whiskey industry. Their bourbon delivers a smooth taste that combines ginger nutmeg and apple scents. Because Brough Brothers Bourbon represents one of the rare Black-owned distilleries in bourbon country, it makes a significant gift or bar cart addition.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brough Brothers (@broughbrothers)

Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Rye Whiskey

Ja Rule, together with Herb Rice, Kelvin Barton, and Sandy Sandiford, established Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Rye Whiskey. The brand operates through a Maryland-based partnership with Baltimore Spirits Company to serve both experienced whiskey drinkers and people new to whiskey. The brand Amber & Opal’s initial whiskey product was launched in 2024 and became available for purchase in early 2025. The 2-year straight rye whiskey undergoes oak barrel aging before being combined with orange blossom honey, Lapsang Souchong tea, and cinnamon, ginger, and fig flavors. The brand’s ABV is around 40% (80 proof). Amber & Opal represents a founder-led craft-focused initiative that also features celebrity endorsement. Ja Rule leads the brand’s growth efforts through a bar tour called “Cocktails + Conversations” to promote Amber & Opal.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nana (@officiallnana)

Arthur Wheeler Spirits Company

The Arthur Wheeler Spirits Company produces bourbon, Maryland-style rye, rum, and vodka under the leadership of founder Floyd “Beau” Wheeler Jr. The company operates in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, to build a legacy brand based on quality, experimentation, and Black ownership. The 1932 Bourbon (88 proof) from Arthur Wheeler Spirits Company became available in October 2024, with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak, and a warm spice finish.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Arthur Wheeler Spirits Co. (@awsco.co)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 25, 2025

YWCA Partners With Ulta Beauty To Inspire And Educate Young Girls With ‘Pretty Empowered’

The initiative aims to inspire young girls interested in STEM as they become the leaders of tomorrow.

YWCA USA and the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation have teamed up to champion young girls’ ambitions with their “Pretty Empowered” initiative.

First launched by YWCA Chicago in 2022, the global nonprofit for women and young girls continues to work with Ulta Beauty’s philanthropic arm on the campaign. Across the U.S., YWCA chapters launched their “Pretty Empowered” programming to help girls, focusing on wellness, STEM, and leadership.

The impactful day of networking and education took place on Oct. 18. Local YWCAs then brought in over 730 participants to engage with this year’s theme, “Beauty in Belonging.” Girls aged nine to 14 participated in interactive sessions to learn not only about careers in beauty but also about ways to remain inspired about their dreams throughout the year.

With support from the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation, participants learned about cosmetic science, supply chain logistics, and store operations. They also dived into STEM careers, encouraging women to explore their talents in engineering, math, and the sciences. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women still only account for 26% of all workers in STEM occupations.

YMCa, ULTA, — Photo Courtesy of ULTA and YMCA

While increasing these numbers, the “Pretty Empowered” initiative seeks to address and dismantle this ongoing gender gap in this work sector. Furthermore, they hope to strengthen young girls’ self-worth and leadership skills, shaping them as the change-makers of tomorrow.

“By centering wellness and STEM education, we’re helping young women see themselves as leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” said Margaret Mitchell, CEO of YWCA USA, in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “We’re proud to partner with Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation to create spaces where belonging and empowerment go hand in hand.”

Ranging from yoga sessions to science lessons, eight YWCA sites kept the mission going for its fourth annual celebration of girlhood and its unique potential. Associations in Atlanta, Greater Los Angeles, Chicago, Florida, and more highlighted the “Pretty Empowered” initiative as it grows across the country for its inspiring purpose.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by YWCA Greater Atlanta (@ywcaatlanta)

Now, as it encourages other groups nationwide to support girls interested in STEM and leadership, the initiative has become an anticipated part of YWCA’s annual campaigns. Backed by Ulta Beauty, girls involved can feel their best as they evolve into diverse leaders of the future.

“Ulta Beauty is proud to continue our partnership with YWCA through Pretty Empowered, an initiative that reflects our shared commitment to helping young women realize their full potential,” said Amiee Bayer Thomas, chief retail officer at Ulta Beauty and board member for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. “By creating spaces that foster confidence, belonging, and curiosity, we’re helping young women explore new possibilities – in beauty, in STEM, and beyond – and empowering the next generation of leaders.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 25, 2025

Contracted FedEx Employees Arrested in Massive Cargo Theft Ring In Georgia

The five suspects were arrested after an investigation

Several workers who were contracted to work for FedEx have been arrested after allegations that they were involved in a theft ring in Georgia.

According to Fox Carolina, 35-year-old Quandrickus Dominique Major, 35-year-old Daniel Glasco, and 37-year-old Quentin Jackson, who worked for FedEx Ground as drivers, along with 43-year-old Manathan Colbert and 33-year-old Quincy Jones, have been arrested for their alleged roles in the theft ring. They were all employed by a third-party logistics subcontractor.

Major was charged with four counts of misdemeanor theft by receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug-related objects. Glasco and Jackson were also arrested in connection with the Colbert Drug Trafficking Operation.

At the same time, Glasco was also charged with theft by taking and three counts of theft by receiving stolen property. Colbert and Jones were found to have stolen items allegedly traded for illegal narcotics.

Police officers said they received a phone call about a stolen FedEx package marked as “delivered” on April 1. Someone else had admitted to officers that they actually purchased the package’s contents online after seeing a posting on Facebook Marketplace. Investigators later received probable cause that Major had the stolen package and sold it to another person in March, according to officials.

After investigators executed a search warrant of the suspect’s residence on May 2, they discovered illegal narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and several FedEx packages and packing slips belonging to other people. During the probe, investigators found that Glasco and Jackson were also involved in the thefts taking place during deliveries.

Some of the recovered items were determined to have been taken from FedEx Ground trucks by the suspects while they were working.

Everyone who was suspected of being a part of the theft ring has been terminated by FedEx’s subcontractor, officials said.

Anyone who believes the suspects’ actions may have victimized them is encouraged to file a claim with FedEx at www.fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/claims.html.