Teddy Riley, R. Kelly — Christopher Diont'e, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 23, 2026

Teddy Riley Apologizes For Defending R. Kelly And Expressing Hope To Work Together, ‘Words Carry Weight’

Teddy Riley is shifting his stance on defending R. Kelly, acknowledging that “words carry weight,” especially when it comes to survivors.

Teddy Riley is walking back recent comments defending R. Kelly after previously saying he planned to “bring in investors” to release 25 albums the singer reportedly recorded while behind bars.

Just a week after his candid interview with the Los Angeles Times, where he said R. Kelly deserved a “second chance,” Riley took to Instagram with a lengthy statement apologizing to anyone he may have offended and crediting his bold defense of the incarcerated singer to his love for music.

“As a producer, I’ve always been excited about the possibilities of music and creative collaboration,” Riley said in part. “That excitement has defined my career. But I also understand that words carry weight, and I never want my passion for music to overshadow the very real pain that many people have experienced.”

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Riley continued: “If my comments caused hurt, I sincerely apologize. That was never my intention. I take seriously the impact that abuse and misconduct have had on survivors and their families. Their experiences matter, and they deserve to be acknowledged with care and respect. The idea mentioned in the interview, in correlation with a previous post I made, was simply that, a creative idea discussed in passing. It is not something that will move forward. Loving music and recognizing its cultural impact does not mean condoning harmful behavior, and I want to be clear about that.”

The backlash began after Riley’s recent chat with the LA Times promoting his memoir Remember the Times. During the conversation, Riley said he had spoken with R. Kelly by phone and discussed reports that the singer recorded 25 albums while incarcerated, music Riley claimed he hoped to help release with outside investors.

“Everybody deserves a second chance,” Riley said. “Everyone deserves to repent, and everyone gets forgiven by God when you come to him. People miss his music. I’m the messenger to bring R&B back.”

“It’s music — it’s not an act of what he’s done before… He’s asking for forgiveness,” he added, noting his belief that Kelly “has repented” for his crimes.

The “I Believe I Can Fly” singer, R. Kelly, remains behind bars serving a 30-year sentence on racketeering and sex trafficking convictions. Riley’s comments came after a since-deleted Instagram post in which he shared audio of Kelly covering “It Depends” by Chris Brown while referring to him as the “King of R&B.”

colored school, historic marker, Florida — (Photo: Pixabay/Pexels)

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 23, 2026

Portland Public Schools Faces ‘Flagrant Racial Preferencing’ Claims Over Investigation Of Center For Black Student Excellence

DOE Secretary Linda McMahon claims the sentiment of equity is a disguise.

Portland, Oregon Public Schools’ Center for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) is under investigation from the Trump Administration’s Department of Education (DOE), claiming the center focuses solely on Black students when there are larger issues, before it even opens, Willamette Weeks reports.

The investigation stems from a complaint from Defending Education, a Virginia-based conservative group with the goal of pushing against DEI initiatives for allegedly violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. The December 2025 complaint claims CBSE discriminates against students based on race, violating both the law and the Constitution.

Latching on, DOE says other groups of students struggled with challenges bigger than those of CBSE while “tens of millions” were allocated “exclusively” to Black students for “academic interventions, wraparound support, facilities, and family programs.” Also known as the Grice Adair Center, PPS chief of communications Candice Grose defended the mission of the center. “The Grice Adair Center represents our ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, not just Black students, to feel seen, valued, and heard,” Grose said following the initial statement.

“While it was born from a need to address long-standing inequities that have impacted Black learners, its purpose is part of our larger mission to ensure equity and excellence for every student in the district.”

However, on X, DOE Secretary Linda McMahon claims the sentiment of equity is a disguise. “Discrimination disguised as ‘equity’ is discrimination,” she wrote.

Discrimination disguised as ‘equity’ is discrimination.

ED is investigating Portland Public Schools for allegedly allocating tens of millions in academic interventions and support exclusively for black students, despite other student groups facing similar academic challenges.
— Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) February 17, 2026

According to Oregon Live, CSBE is scheduled to open in two or three years in the North Portland neighborhood, once known as a thriving Black community. After District voters approved the center, set to offer after-school tutoring, summer camps, and other programs designed to enrich the youth, as part of a $1.2 billion 2020 school construction bond, officials are making plans to invite more Black-led nonprofits to offer services.

And it’s not just curriculum uplifting Black students that the group is targeting. The Portland school board’s decision not to allocate $40 million for a Native Student Success Center has been labeled as an example of discrimination by the Department of Education.

After data from the 2021–22 academic year indicated Black, Native American, Latinx, and Pacific Islander students once struggled with third-grade level reading and lower graduation rates, Sarah Parshall Perry, vice president and Defending Education legal fellow, released a statement saying the organization feels “incredibly gratified” with the support from the Trump Administration.

WNBA, 2024 Season, Basketball, DICK BARNETT, BIG3 — (Photo: Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 23, 2026

Former WNBA Player Kara Braxton Reported Dead At 43

No cause of death was reported

The WNBA announced that one of its former players, Kara Braxton, a two-time champion with the Detroit Shock, has died at age 43.

Although no cause of death was listed, the league stated that she played for various teams throughout her 10-season career, including the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty.

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton.

A 10-season veteran, Kara played with the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time. pic.twitter.com/0I71xWCWfW
— WNBA (@WNBA) February 23, 2026

According to WRGZ, Braxton, who played her collegiate career at the University of Georgia, was selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2005 WNBA Draft by the Detroit Shock. She played for the school for two-and-a-half seasons before entering the draft. She she hailed from Jackson, Michigan, and attended a local high school before transferring to Westview High School in Portland, Oregon. Braxton earned Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year honors in her senior year at the school.

After her first year in the WNBA, she was named to the WNBA All-Rookie team in 2005 (averaging 6.9 points and 3 rebounds as a key reserve) and became an All-Star in 2007. She helped the Detroit Shock win two championships, first in 2006 and then again in 2008.

She then played for the Mercury in 2010 after the Shock traded her. She played in 31 games with the team before being traded to New York in 2011, where she started in 18 games and averaged 10.8 points and 4.9 rebounds.

During Braxton’s WNBA career, she averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds.

After retiring from the sport, Braxton worked for Nike in Oregon before relocating to the Atlanta area.

Braxton is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and her two sons, Jelani Thurman (who played tight end for Ohio State while the team won the national championship in 2024, Thurman transferred to North Carolina in January) and Jream Jackson, as well as her twin sister, Kim.

lawsuit, Floyd Mayweather, Boxer, unpaid wages — (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 23, 2026

Floyd Mayweather Eyes Ring Return, Officially Ends Retirement

'I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing.'

Although he has been fighting exhibitions since retiring from boxing, undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather has announced his return to the boxing ring after his exhibition bout with Mike Tyson in April.

According to ESPN, Mayweather has signed an agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports to serve as his official promoter upon his return to the professional level. He reportedly will face Tyson in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa, on April 25, according to Ring Magazine.

The fighter, who has an official 50-0 record (27 by knockout), stated that he wants to set more records in the ring.

“I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” Mayweather said in a written statement to the media outlet. “From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards — no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event — than my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS.”

Mayweather officially hung up his gloves after knocking out Conor McGregor in August 2017, yet he has since fought in numerous exhibition matches. He has gotten in the boxing ring with Logan Paul, John Gotti III, and Mikuru Asakara, among others, during his “retirement.”

“Signing Floyd Mayweather to un-retire after he captures another worldwide audience with his Mike Tyson match-up, highlights our commitment to providing our global audience with the most high-profile fighters in the sport,” Richard and Craig Miele, co-founders of CSI Sports/Fight Sports, said. “Floyd will once again continue to dominate boxing with the biggest audience and highest gross events of all time, and we are proud and privileged to be able to do so with our global team at CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS. We look forward to even more announcements that will excite fans and continue to build the sport in 2026!”

Earlier this month, the undefeated boxer filed a lawsuit against Showtime. Mayweather has accused the cable network of shorting him hundreds of millions of dollars, so he is requesting that the cable network pay him $340 million in damages.

Mayweather is suing Showtime and former Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza, along with Mayweather’s former manager and longtime advisor, Al Haymon (who is not named in the lawsuit), who cheated him out of a “significant portion of his career earnings,” while he was under contract.

He accused the defendants of aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, civil conspiracy to commit fraud, conversion, and unjust enrichment. Along with the requested $340 million, Mayweather is seeking punitive damages.

sinners, ryan coolger, micahel b. Jordan — (Photo: Jun Sato/WireImage)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 23, 2026

N-Word Shouted At Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo By BAFTA Guest With Tourette Syndrome

The incident and the handling of its aftermath sparked a lot of concern across the Black community.

Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo had to undergo a racially charged experience while presenting at the British Academy of Film Awards (BAFTA).

The “Sinners” actors appeared on stage to present the first award of the evening when the N-word was heard from the audience. The two actors did seem visibly shaken, but remained composed to keep the program going.

It was later revealed that a Tourette’s Syndrome Campaigner, John Davidson, was behind the outburst, triggered by his condition. According to the National Institute of Health, Tourette’s syndrome is a nervous system disorder that typically causes involuntary physical or verbal outbursts called “tics.” A small number of people with Tourette’s also experience something called coprolalia, which involves involuntary cursing or making socially inappropriate remarks.

Davidson joined the award show in support of the film “I Swear,” inspired by his journey with the disease. The film received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the British Academy of Film Awards.

Shortly after the public outburst, BAFTA host Alan Cumming addressed the offensive incident.

“You may have noticed some strong language in the background,” shared Cumming, which did not make it to the public broadcast,” shared Cumming. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome manifests for some people, as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and for helping create a respectful space for everyone.”

However, as the slur made headlines, others called out a potential nefarious motive. While noting that the tics are uncontrollable, some questioned if having the disorder would make one spew racist words.

Tourette’s syndrome doesn’t make you just call Black actors winning awards the N word. This is just overt racism, call it what it is. https://t.co/OfMtVut5PC
— Queer Latifah ✨ (@TheAfrocentricI) February 22, 2026

“Tourette’s syndrome doesn’t make you just call Black actors winning awards the N word. This is just overt racism, call it what it is,” wrote a X user.

On the contrary, others did note that having Tourette’s could make someone hurl obscene words involuntarily. However, another disabled Black X user clarified that the N-word “isn’t a symptom” of the disease, and wants white people to stop using their disability to excuse their racism.

I’m disabled and Black.

As a member of the disabled community, I’ll tell you the real. It’s common for white disabled people to use disability excuse their racism.

There are plenty of non-white people with Tourette’s syndrome who can tell you using the n-word isn’t a symptom. https://t.co/qLIWiTaFKT
— Ola Ojewumi (@Olas_Truth) February 23, 2026

“As a member of the disabled community, I’ll tell you the real,” wrote another user. “It’s common for white disabled people to use disability to excuse their racism. There are plenty of non-white people with Tourette’s syndrome who can tell you that using the N-word isn’t a symptom.

Alongside these concerns, Lindo called out how the BAFTAs team mishandled the situation after the fact.” According to Variety, Lindo said no one from the British Academy’s team reached out to apologize for the slur.

Despite hearing the violent language, Lindo noted that he and his co-star “did what we had to do” to ensure the show went on.

The broadcast, aired by the BBC, also came under fire for not editing out the N-word. Initially, viewers could hear Davidson yell the word, with the network opting not to remove the clip. The BBC had since removed the slur from its iPlayer stream.

JPMorgan Chase Admits To Trump’s Accounts Being Closed After Jan. 6 Attack — MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - 2023/09/14: Marquee at the main entrance to JPMorgan Chase headquarters building in Manhattan. (Photo by Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 23, 2026

JPMorgan Chase Admits To Trump’s Accounts Being Closed After Jan. 6 Attack

The public statement is a first.

For the first time publicly, JPMorgan Chase has admitted to closing President Donald Trump’s bank accounts following the Jan 6. attacks—and the president knew about it, the Associated Press reports.

The admission came amid a court filing submitted in Trump’s $5 billion lawsuit accusing the bank of disrupting his business operations and of having political motives. JPMorgan Chase’s CEO, Jamie Dimon, said the president knew it was happening.

“In February 2021, JPMorgan informed Plaintiffs that certain accounts maintained with JPMorgan’s CB and PB would be closed,” former chief administrative officer Dan Wilkening wrote in the court filing, with “PB” and “CB” standing for JPMorgan’s private bank and commercial bank.

The public statement is a first. The bank has only pushed back hypothetically on the narrative surrounding reasons behind account closures, citing bank privacy laws.

Trump’s long-stemmed battle started in a Florida state court after he originally accused the bank of trade libel and violating state and federal unfair trade practices. Trump first tried to raise a personal issue with Dimon after JPMorgan notified him that it would close his accounts. In the original suit, Trump alleged Dimon told him he would figure out what was happening, but failed to follow up with the president.

While JPMorgan said the lawsuit had “no merit” at the time, Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito, said the admission just proves his client’s sentiments.

“In a devastating concession that proves President Trump’s entire claim, JPMorgan Chase admitted to unlawfully and intentionally de-banking President Trump, his family, and his businesses, causing overwhelming financial harm,” Brito and other attorneys said in a statement, according to The Hill.

“President Trump is standing up for all those wrongly de-banked by JPMorgan Chase and its cohorts, and will see this case to a just and proper conclusion.”

The president and Republican lawmakers have collectively accused major financial institutions of de-banking, when banks close customer accounts or refuse services, calling it “reputational risk.”

Capital One was added to the list of sued banks by the Trump Organization after more than 300 of its accounts were closed following the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

De-banking first came under the national spotlight when conservatives accused the Obama administration of putting pressure on banks to stop servicing gun stores and payday lenders under “Operation Choke Point.”

Jamaica Colosseum Mall — Tdorante10, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 23, 2026

End of An Era: New Yorkers Bid Farewell To Jamaica Colosseum Mall After Being A Black Business Staple For 42 Years

Jamaica, Queens, resident Ketlyne called the mall “legendary” and remembered it not just being a place to shop for the latest and greatest at inexpensive prices, but where you would go to grow up.

New Yorkers from all over gathered in front of what used to be known as a staple for retail and hip-hop culture, the Jamaica Colosseum Mall in Queens, saying last “goodbyes” amid its closing after 42 years.

Jamaica, Queens, resident Ketlyne called the mall “legendary” to Spectrum News NY 1 and remembered it not just as a place to shop for the latest and greatest at low prices, but also as a place to grow up. “This is where we all used to hang around. It’s just sad to see it go,” she said.

In a fitting setting, hundreds gathered for the Feb. 21 farewell block party featuring dancing, performances, and words from community leaders. Legendary Lost Boys member and Southside Jamaica native Mr. Cheeks showed his love for the outlet by performing some of the music visitors often hear while shopping.

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Queens’ son and co-creator of music video program Video Music Box, Ralph McDaniels, was also seen reminiscing on how his legendary run started directly across the street, DJ’ing for some of hip-hop’s greatest.

https://twitter.com/ParisSorel/status/2025446321155342464

For 42 years, Black and other minority small business owners grew their businesses, selling sneakers and jewelry and giving birth to the airbrush t-shirt and name belt era.

The property first went up for sale in 2015, after the City Council approved the Jamaica Neighborhood Plan, a rezoning effort with the goal of bringing new development to the area, including apartments and new retail space. Mike Nurse, who ran the Sports in Effect store since its 1990 opening, said business owners were told to pack up and leave by the end of February 2026, according to the U.S.Sun.

He said after building something, it’s very hard to walk away from something you built.”

Community activist Donovan Richards Jr. posted images on X of the block party turnout and reminisced about what the site meant to so many, calling it “emotional,” but he also notes that a new chapter doesn’t mean forgetting the past.

“Emotional day in Jamaica, Queens, as the Jamaica Coliseum closes its doors. So many memories in that building. The battles between my alma mater, Jamaica High, and Hillcrest. The fake gold chains. The 5 for 20 tees. The energy you just can’t recreate,” he wrote.

“As a new chapter begins, we have a responsibility to make sure the history is not erased, and the opportunities grow and not shrink. We will keep fighting to preserve space for Black entrepreneurs, culture and community in Downtown Jamaica. Legacy matters.”

Emotional day in Jamaica Queens as the Jamaica Coliseum closes its doors. So many memories in that building. The battles between my alma mater Jamaica High and Hillcrest. The fake gold chains. The 5 for 20 tees. The energy you just can’t recreate.

As a new chapter begins we have… pic.twitter.com/y2HG266LVY
— Donovan Richards Jr. (@DRichardsQNS) February 21, 2026

Remembering how hip-hop icons like Queens’ own LL Cool J and Staten Island’s Wu-Tang Clan filmed music videos right in front, directly across deli owner Sharif El Samet worries about what the space will become.

He adds to Nurse’s sentiments about how the Colosseum brought “people from everywhere to shop,” and he points out that the business relationships built inside the mall are the hardest to replace.

Professional Man-Beater In Nigeria Makes A Living By Helping Abused Women Get Street Justice

Aleti Crystal is a famed professional man beater in Nigeria, but only uses her power against abusive men.

A professional man-beater is in the business of vigilante justice, particularly against abusive men.

Aleti Crystal appeared on the TUBTS podcast to reveal her thought-provoking venture. Crystal is a modern-day superhero for the beaten and battered. She detailed her business to the podcast host, with the clip going viral on social media.

“I recently started a business where I bęat men who be@t pregnant women, who be@t underaged g!rIs and r#pe women. I will start working with police, my goal is to be@t 1,000 men before 2027”

– Aleti Crystal pic.twitter.com/EoYA4Ttg8v
— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) February 19, 2026

“I recently started a business where I beat men who beat pregnant women, underage girls, or rape victims,” she shared. “I will start working with the police, and my goal is to beat at least 1,000 men before 2027.”

The business has already turned a profit, one more valuable than her content creation. Crystal uses social media to promote her business, gaining many of her clients through platforms like TikTok.

However, according to the Nigerian Bulletin, Crystal does not do it all alone. She works with a team for her vigilante mission, as the women clients task them with teaching men the hard way.

“I beat them up properly,” added Crystal. “I have a group of people that I work with to beat them into shape.”

While some might see the business as an extreme way to get even, Crystal has received tremendous support from her community. Although naysayers could find their purpose to perpetuate the violence done to these women, Crystal sees otherwise. To her, the physicality makes it clear to the abusers that their ways do not go unpunished.

“It’s about protecting women and sending a message that abuse will not be tolerated,” she emphasized.

Black women are especially vulnerable to interpersonal violence, especially in the West African region. An analysis by the Coalition of Feminists for Social Change (COFEM) deemed IPV a “critical region concern.” As for Nigeria specifically, 2018 statistics from the National Demographic Health Survey found that around 31% of women aged 15-49 have experienced IPV from a partner.

While a prevalent issue affecting over a third of women in Nigeria, these cries of abuse are often brushed aside. This lack of justice within the legal system has led unlikely heroes like Crystal to take matters literally into their own hands.

While ethical concerns remain, Crystal has become a viable solution for abused women to reclaim their power and agency. She hopes to keep the street justice alive until the legal system can effectively support women experiencing interpersonal violence.

Ryan Coogler, sinners — (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 23, 2026

Ryan Coogler Makes History At BAFTAs, Becomes 1st Black Person To Win Original Screenplay

Coogler has added another Black cinematic achievement to his resume with his latest BAFTA win.

Ryan Coogler continues his storied run for “Sinners” with a history-making win at the BAFTA Film Awards.

The “Sinners” director and screenwriter has become the first Black person to win Original Screenplay at the BAFTA ceremony. He won for the 2025 feature film, which also scored numerous nominations in acting and directing, as well as Best Picture.

After receiving the win, Coogler appeared on stage to a wave of applause. He called the moment “nerve-wracking,” as he further cemented himself in cinematic history. During his speech, he expressed his shock, telling the audience he did not expect to take home the bronze trophy in the category.

“I didn’t expect that,” expressed Coogler, according to Variety. “This is nerve-wracking.”

The USC Film School graduate proceeded to talk about the love of his community, which has supported him throughout his groundbreaking career. From the village of creatives he had fostered in Los Angeles to the Black movie-lovers that watch his work, Coogler paid homage to those who have uplifted him to this moment.

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Coogler continued, “I come from a community that loves me. They made me believe that I could do this, that I could be a writer. And it was amazing to be accepted into the community of film actors, the community of Los Angeles.”

The Oakland native ended his message by encouraging his fellow aspiring writers to keep creating. Coogler asserted the importance of letting love inspire their work, bringing the stories of their loved ones to life.

“For all the writers out there, when y’all look at that blank page, think of who you love, think of anybody who you’ve seen in pain that you identify with and wish they felt better, and let that love motivate you. I’ll be forever grateful for this, thank you all,” he concluded.

Coogler has also seen immense success this awards season with his critically acclaimed film, which has already garnered a record number of nominations. Next, Coogler will head to the award season’s culminating night with “Sinners” up for 16 Academy Awards, including Best Director.

North Carolina Mom, Novant Health, Baby’s Burial — Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA: https://www.pexels.com/photo/lady-justice-and-a-gavel-6077123/

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 23, 2026

Daycare Owner Freed After Shooting Husband For Abusing Children—’I’m Finally Done’

The daycare owner who was jailed for shooting her husband after discovering child abuse at her center is now free and focused on moving forward.

A daycare owner who was jailed for shooting her husband after discovering he was sexually abusing children at her childcare center is now speaking out about life after regaining her freedom.

Shanteari Young recently reflected on the emotional moment she visited a halfway house on Dec. 17, 2025, to have her ankle monitor removed, marking the end of a nearly four-year legal ordeal. Young had been sentenced after shooting her husband, James Weems Jr., in a Washington, D.C., hotel room following allegations that he sexually abused children at her Lil Kidz Kastle Daycare Center.

“When I got in my car, I started crying,” Young told The Baltimore Banner about having her ankle monitor removed. “Because it was just like, ‘I’m finally done.’”

Weems survived the shooting and was later arrested on charges, including sexual abuse of a minor, and given life in prison. Young pleaded guilty in D.C. Superior Court to aggravated assault and carrying a pistol without a license, receiving a four-year prison sentence followed by two years of supervised release, with the final portion served in home confinement.

Now that she has completed her sentence, finalized her divorce while incarcerated at FMC Lexington, and begun working at a residential recovery home, Young says she’s focused on moving forward and using her voice to advocate for children who have experienced sexual abuse.

“I want to show people that something catastrophic can happen to you, but you can rebuild, and you can move on,” she said. “I’m trying to change this into a positive situation and help people.”

The aftermath of the case involves Young being named as a defendant in three ongoing lawsuits tied to the now-closed Lil Kidz Kastle Daycare Center. She said she believes the children deserve compensation but feels she’s being unfairly targeted, adding that the narrative has shifted from “him being the villain to me being the villain.”

Young is now advocating for legislation that would require childcare workers to receive specialized training to recognize, prevent, and report abuse. She has been working with Sean Stinnett, a Baltimore Democrat who introduced the proposal, and says she also plans to launch a nonprofit, Opened Umbrellas 4 Lil Kidz LLC, to support survivors.

As part of her healing journey, Young is currently writing a book about her experience titled “My Protector,” which she hopes to complete by May, teasing that readers will have to pick it up to fully understand the meaning behind the title.