Shaquille O’Neal To Cover Funeral Costs For 12-Year-Old Who Died After Bus Stop Fight
The NBA legend wanted to show "love, support, and compassion" to Jada West's grieving family.
Shaquille O’Neal will pay for the funeral expenses of 12-year-old Jada West, who died following an altercation near a school bus stop.
In a statement, the NBA legend confirmed the joint effort between him and other local law enforcement leaders from Henry and Douglas counties. Jada died March 8, three days after a fight with another girl in her neighborhood. She was a sixth-grade student at Mason Creek Middle School in Georgia.
O’Neal, known for his acts of kindness and philanthropy stepped in to show “love, support, and compassion during such a painful moment,” ABC News reported.
“This story touched my heart the moment I saw it in the media,” O’Neal said. “As a father, my heart goes out to Jada’s family. No parent should ever have to bury their child, and if there is anything I can do to ease even a small part of that burden, then it is the right thing to do.”
O’Neal, who was appointed the chief of community relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in 2025, is coordinating the donation with Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett and Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds.
“When a child’s life is taken so tragically, it affects all of us,” Pounds said. “Our goal is simple. We want Jada’s family to know that they are not alone.”
The circumstances surrounding the fight are still being investigated. The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office is actively reviewing evidence to determine if criminal charges against the other child involved Jada’s death are warranted.
The Douglas County School described Jada as “an upbeat, kind, and vibrant student.”
“This incident did not occur on school property or during school hours, and there is nothing to indicate that this is related to any on-campus activity,” the school district’s statement said.
Black Business Leaders Join HBCU AwareFest In Atlanta To Combat Student Loan Debt Crisis
HBCU AwareFest will host entrepreneurship panels, mental health discussions, and a benefit concert to help combat student loan debt.
HBCU AwareFest is about to be underway in Atlanta, as Black leaders from various industries join the event to support Black scholars.
Produced by Student Freedom Initiative, in partnership with Live Nation Urban and the City of Atlanta, HBCU AwareFest aims to become the biggest fundraiser to reduce student loan debt for scholars at historically Black colleges and universities. Ahead of the festivities, the event has already announced legendary names in Black Hollywood and business that will take part in its jam-packed schedule.
Its benefit concert already has a stacked lineup, featuring headliners such as Jill Scott, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kirk Franklin, and Glorilla, among many more. However, special appearances outside of music will also host sessions leading up to the culminating show.
Through its Impact Fest, the event aims to educate attendees on financial literacy and resources that help students navigate school without the monetary strain. Black scholars, many of whom attend HBCUs, are particularly burdened by student loan debt.
Beginning March 21 at the Atlanta University Center Robert Woodruff Library and Promenade, HBCU AwareFest will host a daylong summit on topics ranging from financial empowerment to mental health awareness. With money-focused conversations co-hosted by MC Lyte, entrepreneurship panels, and sexual health discussions led by TS Madison and Saucy Santana, the first day’s programming will encourage students to navigate college safely and successfully.
HBCU AwareFest will also host an AI Innovation challenge the next day, a pitch event where students will present their AI-powered projects to tech leaders and business titans. The event will showcase plans for AI integration to better serve our world and various industries.
The weeklong showcase continues on March 24 with a comedy show featuring Deon Cole and fellow comedians. The following event, held at the famed Ebenezer Baptist Church, will host “The State of HBCUs” Executive Summit. Moderated by Roland Martin, HBCU presidents will join in a private session before meeting with attendees in a Q&A panel, all focused on progressing these storied institutions.
Anthony Anderson and Rosci Diaz will kick off that evening’s social activity with a Casino Royale Fundraiser. Alongside a live performance by Wyclef Jean and a special guest appearance by Magic Johnson, the event will encourage all to place bold bets for a good cause.
The national student loan debt crisis already sits at more than $1.8 trillion. However, Black students hold a disproportionate share, averaging at $52,000, according to the event website. As the cost of an education becomes nearly unaffordable, HBCU AwareFest and its programming aim to alleviate some of this financial stress so students can achieve their academic goals.
Ahead of the benefit concert, billionaire investor and Cornell alum, Robert F. Smith, who famously paid off the entire student loan debt of Morehouse’s 2019 class, will lead a fireside chat. Featuring honored guests like Daymond John and Chris Womack, the event will also spotlight an intimate conversation between Smith and filmmaker Tyler Perry.
As influential leaders in Black business and entertainment, the two will discuss the future of Black wealth and entrepreneurship, and how HBCUs play a pivotal role in this development. HBCU AwareFest week will end with a highly anticipated concert. VIP guests can also attend the show in Smith’s private viewing suite, all designed to leave a financial impact that shapes the futures of HBCU scholars.
Interested attendees can register for the multitude of events now, with 100% of profits going to reduce Black student debt.
That’s Craaazy! Diner Discovers Microchip In Meal, Authorities Determine He Was Eating Retired Racehorse
Authorities confirmed it was a four-year-old thoroughbred mare named Smart Latch.
A champion racehorse was unsuspectedly on the menu at a municipal soup kitchen in southern Turkey when a diner discovered a microchip in his meal. He lodged a complaint and provided the evidence, and authorities confirmed it was a four-year-old thoroughbred mare named Smart Latch.
According to the International Business Times UK, in February, while dining at a soup kitchen in Mersin’s Yenisehir district, a diner who ordered kavurma, a traditional stew made with beef or lamb, found a horse’s microchip in his meal. He kept the microchip while lodging a complaint to the authorities on Feb. 4.
An investigation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry inspectors determined that the microchip came from Smart Latch, which had been put to death after she broke her leg during a race in Adana on Oct. 14, 2025. They also determined that the meat was mislabeled as beef before it reached a facility in Mersin. Investigators discovered that the horse meat was diverted from its intended path.
The horse’s owner, Suat Topcu, stated that he had donated her to a nearby riding club for rehabilitation. He told reporters, “We are in distress,” as he was fined 132,000 Turkish lira ($2,996) for failing to report the donation.
Smart Latch won three of her 13 starts at Adana’s Yesiloba Hippodrome before the injury ended her promising career.
The Daily Mail reported that after authorities determined that it was horse meat, they had nearly 470 pounds of the kavurma made with the meat destroyed.
The Mersin Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry is investigating how Smart Latch ended up at a slaughterhouse, rather than at the riding club Topcu claims he sent the horse to.
It is illegal in Turkey to slaughter horses for human consumption, especially for registered racehorses, which are typically protected or re-homed. The ministry stated that the soup kitchen had been “added to the list of unsafe products after testing showed it contained meat from a single-hoofed animal.”
Only One ‘Biggest Boss:’ Rick Ross Slaps Remy Ma With Cease-and-Desist Over New Film
Rick Ross filed a cease-and-desist against Remy Ma over her network’s indie film release “The Biggest Boss.”
Rick Ross is taking legal action against fellow rapper Remy Ma over her network’s independent film “The Biggest Boss,” alleging unauthorized use of his music and likeness.
Remy’s The Remy Network has been ramping up promotion for “The Biggest Boss,” an indie film about a police officer who flips a drug dealer’s story into a rap career—a plot that closely echoes Rick Ross’ own rise in hip-hop. However, in response to the film, Ross’ legal team has issued a cease-and-desist letter, alleging the project uses his music and trade name without authorization and demanding production be stopped, TMZ reports.
TMZ reports that Rick Ross sent a cease & desist to Remy Ma after her network posted a movie trailer about a CO turning into rapper. How do y’all feel about this ? pic.twitter.com/H2SsqVjSFz
Ross’s filing also points to social media posts suggesting fans believe he’s involved in the indie project. In response, a representative for Remy Ma—who has maintained a friendly relationship with Ross and previously shared the stage with him—acknowledged the legal notice, stating that the “Conceited” rapper understands his concerns.
“Remy was personally unaware of the concerns raised regarding ‘The Biggest Boss’ and takes the matter seriously,” the rep said. “She has maintained a personal and professional relationship with Rick Ross for more than 20 years and would never intentionally engage in any action that could harm his brand or cause offense.”
Some fans online have speculated that the project could be a form of retaliation by Remy, especially given Rick Ross’ vocal support for boxer Claressa Shields, who is currently dating Remy’s ex-husband. However, Remy’s representatives deny that claim, adding that she is already taking steps to have the title removed from her platform.
“[Remy] has also reached out to [Ross] directly. Upon being made aware of the issue, the title was immediately removed from the platform,” the rep said. “The Remy Network is now working closely with its partners to strengthen review processes and ensure that situations like this do not occur moving forward.”
From Fraud To Stateless: $3.8M COVID Scam Costs A Haitian Man His Citizenship
The Haiti-born man received his U.S. citizenship in 2021.
A man born in Haiti lost his U.S. citizenship after a federal judge determined he defrauded COVID-19 relief programs out of millions of dollars and issued false statements during the naturalization process.
“United States citizenship is one of the greatest privileges our nation can offer, and it must be earned honestly,” U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said in a statement. “This defendant built his path to citizenship on false statements while stealing millions from programs meant to keep small businesses alive during the pandemic. The court’s order revoking his citizenship restores accountability and reinforces a simple principle: if you lie to obtain immigration benefits and commit federal crimes, you will lose what you unlawfully gained.”
According to federal prosecutors, Philossaint engaged in fraudulent activity from April 2020 to May 2021, obtaining COVID-19 relief funds through his own companies. He also prepared fraudulent loan applications for five other companies and received a 10 percent commission from them. Authorities said the applications included false information about earnings and payroll.
Philossaint and his co-conspirators submitted 40 fraudulent loan applications, securing about $3.8 million in loans, prosecutors said. Investigators found that Philossaint received approximately $549,000 in loan funds and kickbacks.
Federal officials stated that Philossaint applied for U.S. citizenship in Feb 2020, before the fraud began. During a Dec. 15 naturalization interview, he allegedly denied providing false information to obtain COVID-19 relief funds. He received U.S. citizenship in Feb. 2021.
In Sept. 2021, prosecutors charged Philossaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of conspiracy to launder money, and unlawful procurement of citizenship. He pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charges, and a jury later found him guilty of obtaining citizenship unlawfully. In 2023, a federal judge sentenced him to 12 years in prison.
Pressley agreed, stating the Trump administration’s “reckless mass firings,” along with the growing affordability crisis and relentless attacks on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives, have hurt Black women in the workforce.
National Partnership President Jocelyn Frye put it in historical context:
“Black women have a long history as workers in the United States – from the early horrors of their traumatic, involuntary arrival as forced slave laborers to their present-day reality where they must navigate persistent gender and racial norms and expectations about workplace roles and job advancement opportunities.”
That’s why it’s no surprise that Black women are building their own tables.
Black Women Are Betting On Themselves Because They Have To
More Black women in the United States are becoming entrepreneurs. In fact, according to Wells Fargo’s recent report, “The Impact of Women Businesses,” Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs. Between 2024 and 2025, Black women-owned employer businesses grew by 13%, and their revenue increased by nearly 6%. For Black women-owned businesses without employees, revenue also grew by 8%, and the businesses grew by 13%.
While the report attributes the rise in women-owned businesses to “strong entrepreneurial ambition,” there’s one factor missing from the equation, especially for Black women: the rug was pulled from underneath them.
“Black/African American, Asian American, and younger women are driving the future of entrepreneurship,” researchers noted in the report. “In 2024, Asian American and Black/African American-owned businesses were more likely to be started by women than men and Millennial and Gen Z startup entrepreneurs were more likely to be younger entrepreneurs, according to Gusto survey research.”
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: Michael B. Jordan attends Marvel Studios' "Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever" Premiere at Dolby Theatre on October 26, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Michael B. Jordan’s Career Before His Oscar Triumph
He has spent 25 years developing his acting skills.
Actor and filmmaker Michael B. Jordan has earned recognition through his strong and adaptable acting performances for 25 years, culminating in becoming just the sixth African American male to win a Best Actor Oscar
That happened Sunday at the 98th Academy Awards.
This timeline shows the important roles that built his career before he won the historic Oscar for his performance in Sinners.
Hardball (2001)
This coming-of-age drama of a youth baseball team led by an imperfect adult coach (Keanu Reeves) introduced Jordan to audiences as the tough-but-sensitive Jamal, the team’s oldest player. The role helped him move from modeling and TV commercials to feature films.
The Wire (2002)
In the classic HBO crime drama set in Baltimore, Jordan portrayed Wallace, a teenage drug dealer, who became trapped in the brutal realities of street life. Wallace’s character arc in the series was brief, yet demonstrated Jordan’s dramatic potential within a distinguished ensemble cast.
All My Children (2003–2006)
In the long-running, ABC daytime soap opera, Jordan portrayed Reggie Porter Montgomery, a troubled adolescent adopted into a complicated family. Through three seasons he demonstrated his acting abilities by developing his character and improving his emotional storytelling skills and maintaining on-screen consistency.
Friday Night Lights (2009–2011)
In another acclaimed TV drama, Jordan portrayed Vince Howard, a skilled quarterback who faced difficulties during his early life. Through this major role he gained widespread recognition while demonstrating his talent to portray athletic self-assurance alongside internal conflicts.
Chronicle (2012)
In this sci-fi thriller that follows a group of teenagers who discover they possess telekinetic powers, Jordan took on the lead role, showing his talent for creating authentic emotional depth in genre storytelling while establishing himself for major film opportunities.
Fruitvale Station (2013)
The breakthrough for Jordan and Sinners director Ryan Coogler. Jordan received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Oscar Grant, who became a victim of police violence in Oakland, California. Jordan’s performance in this film, based on a true story, established him as a headlining dramatic actor.
That Awkward Moment (2014)
In this romantic comedy, Jordan portrayed Mikey, one of a trio of friends who experiences relationship challenges. Here, Jordan demonstrated his range by moving beyond dramatic roles to participate in ensemble comedy.
Fantastic Four (2015)
The 2015 superhero reboot Fantastic Four brought the Marvel comic team to the screen. The film featured Jordan as Johnny Storm AKA The Human Torch. The movie had a difficult time at the box office and received mixed reviews, yet it gave Jordan experience with big-budget franchises and increased his exposure to mainstream Hollywood audiences.
Creed (2015), Creed II (2018), Creed III (2023)
The Rocky film series extended its legacy through a new franchise where Jordan portrayed Adonis “Donnie” Creed, Apollo Creed’s son. Through his powerful physical transformation and magnetic performance he became a defining character of a massive franchise. In directing Creed III, Jordan established himself as a true creative force.
Black Panther (2018)
In the Marvel Studios blockbuster, Jordan gave a complex and motivated performance as Erik Killmonger who opposed Chadwick Bozeman’s character T’Challa. The performance achieved both cultural and critical success which boosted Jordan’s status as a star.
Just Mercy (2019)
The 2019 biographical legal drama depicts the life of civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson, portrayed by Stevenson. Jordan brought moral urgency to the film while maintaining emotional restraint in a performance that was widely praised by critics.
Florida Hospital Sues Former Patient It Says Won’t Leave
Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, there is no information about the patient's illness or the status of her condition.
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare has filed a lawsuit, claiming that an unnamed woman who was discharged in October 2025 refuses to vacate their room.
The hospital wants Leon County Sheriff’s Office to remove the patient, according to documents acquired by USA Today.
“TMH staff made repeated efforts to assist the defendant in safely completing discharge,” the complaint says. “TMH offered assistance, including coordination with family members and offering non-emergency medical transportation to obtain necessary identification.”
There’s also the matter of providing care to those who need it, the hospital said. “TMH has limited inpatient beds. The defendant’s continued occupancy prevents use of the bed for patients needing acute care.”
Because of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), details about the patient’s illness or current condition are not publicly available. While the hospital reports that she has been discharged—a sign she may be stable—discharge does not always guarantee full recovery.
In 2021, a 68-year-old Black man was released from Piedmont Rockdale Hospital in Georgia reportedly due to his inability to afford treatment. The unnamed man was allegedly treated for 35 days at the hospital. Once Medicare stopped paying for treatment he was dressed and escorted to the exterior of the building.
The man subsequently collapsed and was found by a passerby, who said the patient still had medical tubes attached to his body when he was found.
“At Piedmont, our purpose is to make a positive difference in every life we touch,” the hospital said in a statement. “We can only provide the best care with the cooperation and consent of the patient. We do our best to connect patients in need with community partners and social service organizations to provide appropriate after-hospital care, but ultimately accepting these services is at the discretion of the patient.”
Taxpayers who paid late penalties during the pandemic could have a limited window to file claims and recover their money.
A recent court ruling may make millions of Americans eligible for a COVID-19 tax refund, The New York Post reports.
In November 2025, a U.S. Court of Federal Claims argued in Kwong v. United States that federal tax deadlines should have been postponed for the entire pandemic, going from Jan. 20, 2020, through May 11, 2023, plus an additional 60 days, as tax code Section 7508A(d) outlines a requirement for tax deadlines to be postponed during disaster that are federally declared.
In layman’s terms, the deadline for tax filings from 2019 to 2022 should have been extended through July 10, 2023, meaning anyone who filed prior to the date and was charged a late penalty or fined could be eligible for a refund.
Tax experts are encouraging filers to make a claim soon. Since taxpayers have limited time to file for a potential refund or penalty reduction by law, the IRS will more than likely appeal the ruling.
“Millions of taxpayers could be eligible, but if people don’t file claims before July 10, 2026, they lose out on the potential for a refund or abatement,” Jon Wasser, a partner at Fox Rothschild with a tax issue focus, said, according to USA Today.
Pandemic refund claims have already been successful in court. Digital storage solutions firm, Western Digital, pushed a lawsuit against the federal government in February 2025 for a partial refund of the $53.6 million tax payment submitted in August 2023. They argued the company should have never been charged close to $21 million in interest since the filings were submitted during the disaster period.
The suit supports sentiments from Jessica Marine, a partner at Frost Law, who curated a blog post about the cash some refund recipients could see. “The potential dollar amounts could be significant, particularly for businesses that faced liquidity challenges during the pandemic and incurred substantial failure-to-pay (taxes) penalties,” Marine wrote.
With the refund statute of limitations generally ranging between three years from the time the return was filed or two years from the time the tax was paid, here’s how you can see if you qualify for a refund. Since the ruling suggested tax deadlines were moved to July 10, 2023, Wasser said the last date to preserve your claim for a potential refund would be July 10, 2026—three years to the date.
He also recommends taxpayers check their tax records to see if the IRS levied penalties or interest during the tax filing pause since that is something the agency can do by either asking their tax professionals or looking at their IRS tax transcript.
To gain access to their tax transcripts, filers can visit the IRS website, request a mail copy on the website, or call the agency’s phone service at 800-908-9946.
Tax professionals or average taxpayers can file claims by using IRS Form 843, claim for refund and request for reduction, using information from the tax transcript. Specify it’s a protective claim based on the Kwong v. United States decision surrounding Section 7508A(d) and the COVID-19 disaster period.
“You’re basically telling the IRS, ‘here’s a refund claim, put it on hold for now’ until the case has a final determination.” Wasser said. Amid all litigation is final and it is ruled the IRS must issue refunds, your right to claim a refund is preserved.
“You just need to put the IRS on notice now,” Wasser added.
Bozoma Saint John accepts a Luminary Awards at the 20th annual Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit in Las Vegas (Photo credit: The Tyler Twins for Black Enterprise)
Bozoma Saint John, Angela Rye, Jotaka Eaddy, and More Honored at the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit
Black Enterprise recognized the honorees for their extraordinary visionary leadership during the Luminary Awards Luncheon at the Women of Power Summit
Hundreds of Black women gathered in Las Vegas this past weekend for the 20th annual BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit, the premier professional development conference for women of color. The four-day event provided attendees with the tools, connections, and information they needed to elevate their careers and advance in their organizations.
In addition to panel discussions, one-on-one career and financial coaching, and networking opportunities, the summit honored five leaders who are paving the way for the next generation of women executives and business titans at the Luminary Awards Luncheon.
Each honoree shared an inspirational message while accepting their award. Watch clips from their speeches below.
Bozoma Saint John is an acclaimed marketer, author, and the founder of Eve by Boz. A cultural force and marketing icon, she has led some of the world’s most influential brands, including PepsiCo, Apple Music, Uber, and Netflix.
In 2022, she stepped off the corporate ladder and, the following year, published her memoir, The Urgent Life, a manifesto on living boldly. In 2024, she brought her signature flair to reality TV as a cast member on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” In addition to gracing the cover of Black Enterprise, she was also named by Forbes as the “Most Influential Chief Marketing Officer in the World.”
Angela Rye is an award-winning host, attorney, political strategist, and social justice advocate. As the principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, Rye has helped shape more than 500 leaders now serving at the highest levels of government, corporations, and nonprofits.
She is also the co-creator of State of the People, a coalition of 200 organizations working to provide resources, education, and relief to thousands of people in need.
Plus, as the co-host of Native Land Pod, an NAACP Image Award–winning podcast, she informs, educates, and empowers others about issues affecting Black and brown communities.
Jotaka Eaddy is an award-winning advocate, veteran strategist, and master connector with more than 20 years of experience in policy, advocacy, and movement building. She is perhaps best known as the visionary leader behind Win With Black Women, a powerhouse network that has influenced major national moments—from Kamala Harris’ presidential run to the confirmation of the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice.
In 2024, Win With Black Women organized a historic Zoom call with 44,000 participants that raised over $1.5 million for Harris just hours after she launched her presidential bid.
Plus, as the founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies, Eaddy advised Oprah Winfrey Network’s OWN Your Vote campaign and led the historic grassroots marketing campaign for the launch of the musical film The Color Purple. She also helped shape inclusive policy within large tech companies and spearheaded the launch of Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women initiative, which created a historic $1 billion investment in Black women.
Sandra Douglass Morgan made history in 2022 when she was appointed president of the Las Vegas Raiders, making her the first Black woman to serve as president of an NFL team. Under her leadership, the Raiders have expanded revenue opportunities, strengthened community engagement, and helped establish Allegiant Stadium as a premier global venue. Working in collaboration with public-private partners, Morgan played a key role in securing major events, including the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, and international soccer matches.
Before joining the Raiders, Morgan broke barriers as the first Black city attorney in Nevada and the first Black chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Shelly Cayette-Weston is one of the most powerful Black women in professional sports. She serves as president of business operations for the NBA’s Hornets Sports & Entertainment, where she oversees the Charlotte Hornets and the newly renovated Spectrum Center. Before coming to the Charlotte Hornets, she served as executive vice president and chief commercial officer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, where she made history as the first Black woman to hold that title for an NBA franchise.
During her 12-year tenure, she was responsible for global partnerships, fresh fan experiences, and expanding access to youth sports far beyond the court. She also helped transform the Cavaliers into one of the NBA’s top-performing revenue franchises.
