Melvin Edwards, Sculptor, Black Resistance, Dies
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 11, 2026

‘The Thing’ Actor And Comedian, T.K. Carter, Dies At Age 69

Carter's decades-long career consisted of numerous appearances on several Black sitcoms.

T.K. Carter, the beloved veteran actor whose career spanned four decades, has died at 69.

According to TMZ, authorities found Carter dead in his home in Duarte, California, on Jan. 9. Law enforcement appeared at the home that afternoon following a call for service request. They said there is no indication of foul play.


Born in New York City and raised in Southern California, Carter began his entertainment career in the ’70s. The actor did not get his breakout role until 1982, starring as Nauls in the horror cult classic “The Thing.” As a comedian, he also took on more lighthearted roles in films such as 1980’s “Seems Like Old Times” while starring in the 1983 sitcom “Just My Luck.”

Throughout the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, Carter remained on the film and television screen. He held a recurring role in the ’80s’ hit “Punky Brewster” while also appearing on “Good Times.”

The seasoned actor had guest roles in various ’90s Black sitcoms, including “Moesha” and “The Steve Harvey Show,” as well as in “Family Matters” and “A Different World.” According to IMDB, Carter also earned a NAACP Image Award nomination in 2001 for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special, getting the nod for his role in “The Corner.”

Now, fans and his fellow Hollywood veterans mourn the loss of the lifelong actor. Actress, comedian, and television host Loni Love shared words of condolences regarding her “comedy brother[‘s]” death.

“Sad to hear about the passing of my comedy brother TK… He was in the business for over 50 years… I’m glad we shared a good laugh last time we met.. rest well TK,” Love shared on X.

Carter last appeared on screen in 2023 with a three-episode arc on “The Company You Keep” and a five-episode stint on FX’s “Dave.” His cause of death has yet to be disclosed to the public.

RELATED CONTENT: Isiah Whitlock Jr., Star of ‘The Wire,’ Dies At 71

Verona 'VJ' Jones, urbanworld
by Kandiss Edwards

January 11, 2026

Verona ‘VJ’ Jones Steps In To Lead Urbanworld Film Festival As It Hits 30. Explains Why This Moment Matters

As Urbanworld celebrates another decade, Jones is clear-eyed about both the challenges ahead and the opportunity they present.

Verona “VJ” Jones is stepping into a pivotal moment in her career as she prepares to lead the Urbanworld Film Festival into its next chapter. A seasoned marketing executive and cultural strategist with longstanding ties to film, television, and independent storytelling, Jones—co-founder of the publicity and marketing firm Verbal Slick—will lead Urbanworld through a milestone year as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Jones spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE and reflected on legacy, community, and the responsibility of stewarding one of the industry’s most enduring platforms for Black filmmakers while navigating a cultural landscape defined by reinvention, collaboration, and purposeful change.

You’ve accepted the role of director of the Urbanworld Film Festival for 2026. On a personal level, what does this represent for you at this stage of your career?

Urbanworld has always represented Black excellence to me. It represented the top tier of our community, our culture, film, and television. By around 2013, I was attending regularly. 

After the pandemic, the festival was hit hard, and then the strikes came. I still loved Urbanworld, but it was different. It was not the same experience. That was the moment I started thinking maybe I could help from a publicity standpoint.

How did that support evolve into a leadership role?

In 2023, we [Verbal Slick LLC.] were given the opportunity to lead publicity and content capture for the festival. That experience was incredible. This year, I was placed in an interim role during the final three weeks of the festival. It was a whirlwind, but receiving the offer to officially direct the festival for 2026 was huge.

Urbanworld is approaching its 30th year. How does that legacy factor into your thinking?

Urbanworld turning 30 is significant. Stacy Spikes is not only the founder but a true visionary in film and technology. He created the festival after attending Sundance and seeing a lack of representation. This is decades-long work. My responsibility is to honor that legacy while helping shape what the next 30 years of Urbanworld can look like.

What do you feel you bring to the table as a director?

I bring an understanding of both sides of the industry. I have spent the last 15 years working with film from the client side, so I understand what clients want to see, what they expect in terms of return on investment, and how festivals can activate partnerships in meaningful ways. I also bring a deep respect for independent filmmaking. 

How do you plan to expand opportunities for independent filmmakers through the festival?

I am a connector by nature. Through the innovation summit, we want filmmakers to not only learn about emerging tools like AI but also understand how to use them positively for storytelling. It is about bringing thought leaders together, sharing knowledge faster than we have in the past.

You’ve spoken about a shift happening right now. What do you see changing in Black culture and community?

I feel a consciousness shift around how we support one another. I have seen more collaboration in 2025 than probably my entire career in targeted marketing. I have watched sisters come together and say, “You’re better for this gig,” or “Let me pass this opportunity to you.” That is where I want us to be–that kind of intentional sharing of opportunity matters.

When the festival ends, how will you define success?

Success is filmmakers feeling taken care of, sponsors feeling excited, rooms being filled, and people being able to say, “We did that.” We did not have a lot of time to plan. Being able to look at the signage, the lobby, the energy, and know we built something meaningful.

As Urbanworld celebrates another decade, Jones is clear-eyed about both the challenges ahead and the opportunities they present. Her vision centers on connection, innovation, and care for creators, balancing respect for the festival’s founding mission with an urgency to evolve. For Jones, success is measured not only by packed rooms or polished programming but also by filmmakers feeling seen, supported, and empowered to move forward.

RELATED CONTENT: RZA Says AI Is Transforming His Creative Process In Film and Music

Meagan Good, Guinean, Jonathan Majors, African citizenship
by Kandiss Edwards

January 10, 2026

Meagan Good And Jonathan Majors Are The Latest Black Celebrities To Gain African Citizenship

Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors gained Guinean citizenship.

Married Hollywood actors Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors have been granted Guinean citizenship, becoming part of a growing number of Black American public figures reconnecting with their African heritage. Good and Majors received citizenship after tracing their ancestral roots to the West African nation through DNA testing, reflecting a personal and cultural journey. 

A private citizenship ceremony was held in Conakry, Guinea’s capital, where officials welcomed the couple as new citizens. Speakers at the event said the award of citizenship symbolizes the deep historical ties between African nations and people of African descent in the diaspora, BBC News reported.

Nations such as Ghana and Benin, among others, have for years encouraged people of African descent to explore and formalize their connections to the continent. Guinea’s recognition of Good and Majors follows similar moves by other governments seeking to strengthen cultural and historical links. 

This movement of “reconnection” gained renewed momentum after Ghana launched its “Year of Return” initiative in 2019, inviting African Americans and the wider diaspora to visit, invest in, and celebrate the continent’s history. The campaign marked the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in North America. 

https://twitter.com/djisanfina/status/2009922283633291537

In 2025, several prominent Black celebrities have sought similar ties, highlighting a cultural shift toward deeper engagement with African identity, citizenship, and heritage. Music legend Stevie Wonder received Ghanaian citizenship in 2024 and continues to participate in cultural events there.

Rapper and actor Christopher “Ludacris” Bridge holds Gabonese citizenship through family connections and promotes the country to African American audiences. Eudoxie Bridges, Ludacris’s wife, is a native of the country. Additionally, singer and model Ciara became a Beninese citizen under a law granting nationality to descendants of enslaved Africans, and Ciara has publicly celebrated her new status. 

https://twitter.com/LeJusticier313/status/1950618544871297358
https://twitter.com/AfricaFactsZone/status/1949840571024990397

Other public figures have also reengaged with African roots. Comedian Tiffany Haddish, who became an Eritrean citizen in 2019, has continued to produce content celebrating East African culture. Haddish is of Eritrean heritage. British actor Idris Elba, who holds Sierra Leonean citizenship, remains active in cultural initiatives on the continent. Elba has Sierra Leonean heritage through his father and Ghanaian heritage through his mother. There is a growing movement of Black creatives to embrace and formalize ancestral connections. 

RELATED CONTENT: 11 West Africans Deported From U.S. To Ghana Returned To Home Countries, Despite Safety Concerns

Dwayne Johnson, Zoa Energy Drinks, lawsuit
by Kandiss Edwards

January 10, 2026

Dwanye Johnson’s ‘ZOA Energy’ To Pay $3M In Class Action Settlement

The drink contains substances such as citric and ascorbic acids that plaintiffs alleged function as preservatives.

An energy drink brand co-owned by actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has agreed to a $3 million class action settlement after it was accused of misleading customers about its product labeling. 

The settlement resolves claims that ZOA Energy’s marketing, including the labeling of its drinks as containing “0 Preservatives,” was deceptive. The drink contains substances such as citric and ascorbic acids that plaintiffs alleged function as preservatives. ZOA denied the allegations, saying that its labeling was “truthful, accurate, and compliant with applicable law” and agreed to the settlement to avoid further litigation risk. 

Under the proposed settlement, people who purchased ZOA energy drinks in the United States for personal use between March 1, 2021, and Nov. 21, 2025, may be eligible for payments if they file valid claims, according to the settlement website. Claimants with proof of purchase can receive up to $150 per household, while those without receipts may be eligible for up to $10 per household, according to settlement details published online. 

Claims must be submitted by Feb. 20, and consumers who wish to object to or opt out of the settlement must do so by Feb. 13. The final approval hearing in the case is scheduled for March 26, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. 

The lawsuit was filed in late 2023 by a consumer who alleged that ZOA’s preservative-free claims were misleading. The suspicion prompted a class action on behalf of others who bought the product. ZOA is an energy drink brand launched in 2021 and co-founded by Johnson. It is marketed as sugar-free and formulated with natural caffeine, amino acids, and vitamins. 

As part of the settlement, customers should visit the official claims website or contact the claims administrator for the necessary forms and instructions. 

RELATED CONTENT: Dwayne Johnson Is Now Owner Of 25 Names And Catchphrases, Including ‘If You Smell What The Rock Is Cooking’

Grand Jury,Turkey Leg Hut, Nakia Holmes
by Kandiss Edwards

January 10, 2026

NFL Takes Brian Flores Discrimination Fight To Supreme Court, Seeks To Block Jury Trial

The NFL asserts that 'The Arbitration Act safeguards' litigants and provides a road to resolution 'without judicial obstruction or interference.'

A federal appeals court has ruled that former NFL coach Brian Flores may proceed to trial with his racial discrimination lawsuit against the National Football League and several of its teams. The NFL has appealed the decision.

The NFL and the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and New York Giants have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a ruling that allows Brian Flores’s racial discrimination lawsuit to move forward in court.

On Aug. 14, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in Manhattan upheld a lower court’s decision allowing Flores’s claims to be heard in open court rather than being confined to arbitration. In contractual agreements, the NFL Commissioner, Robert Goodell, is named as the default arbiter, creating an imbalance and an unfair advantage for the defendants. The league argues the case should be forced into arbitration, challenging a lower court’s finding that Commissioner Roger Goodell’s role as arbitrator is unfair and unenforceable. The justices will decide whether to take up the appeal after Flores’s legal team responds, though the Supreme Court accepts only a small fraction of such cases.

On Jan. 9, the NFL and its co-defendants, the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and New York Giants, assert that the original terms of the contract, which require arbitration, should be upheld and are appealing the decision. 

In “New York Football Giants, Inc., Et Al., Petitioners v. Brian Flores,” the NFL asserts that “The Arbitration Act safeguards” litigants and provides a road to resolution “without judicial obstruction or interference.” The decision to rule against arbitration is a “subjective determination” and if allowed to stand will create a judicial precedent that “unnecessarily complicates the law.”

The initial decision addresses these claims, stating that provisions of the NFL constitution that would have required arbitration were not enforceable under the same Federal Arbitration Act because they did not provide for independent or neutral adjudication. 

The appeals court’s opinion stated that arbitration processes giving unilateral control to an interested party do not meet the standards required for arbitration under federal law. The original decision rejects the NFL’s argument that all aspects of Flores’s claims should be resolved through internal league arbitration procedures. 

Flores, who previously served as head coach of the Miami Dolphins and is currently the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, argued that discriminatory practices in NFL hiring have denied him and other Black coaches equal opportunities. Flores’s lawsuit expanded to a putative class action, with other coaches joining over time.

Flores’s claims date to a 2022 lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He alleges that the league and multiple franchises engaged in discriminatory hiring practices that disadvantage Black coaches. The lawsuit targets the NFL, the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Houston Texans, among others, and contends that Flores and other Black coaches faced bias in interviews and employment decisions, The Hill reported. Flores’s complaint challenges what his attorneys describe as “sham” interviews conducted to satisfy the league’s diversity rules rather than genuine consideration of minority candidates.

The ruling is considered a significant development in a lawsuit that has drawn national attention to questions of race and opportunity in professional sports, as it ensures that Flores’s allegations will be adjudicated in a public forum, with the transparency of trial testimony, rather than private arbitration.

RELATED CONTENT: Appeals Court Rules Brian Flores’ Discrimination Lawsuit Against NFL Can Proceed

divorce,Tik-Tok, kristy scott, creator
by Kandiss Edwards

January 10, 2026

Popular Family TikTok Creator, Kristy Scott, Files For Divorce Citing Infidelity

Scott has filed for divorce from her husband, Desmond Scott.

Popular social media creator Kristy Scott has filed for divorce from her husband, Desmond Scott, citing alleged infidelity.

The filing, submitted in December 2025 in Texas, seeks to dissolve the couple’s marriage after more than a decade together. The divorce petition lists alleged infidelity as the reason for the breakdown of the marriage, US Weekly reported. The court documents do not provide public details describing the alleged conduct.

Kristy Scott and Desmond Scott built a large following as a married couple by sharing family-centered content on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Their videos highlighted their quirky relationship dynamics, parenting, cooking, and their everyday life, helping them establish a joint online brand over several years.

Kristy Scott has nearly 17 million followers on TikTok. Desmond, a chef, has 1.5 million followers on TikTok.

The couple met as teenagers and married in 2014. They share two children. The Scotts have continued to post content together through late 2025, with no indication of trouble in paradise before the filing. Their last TikTok video showed the couple side-by-side using a popular sound on the platform, just 21 days before the divorce was filed.

@kristy.sarah

labubu gone wild

♬ La BEW BEW – Lilz Bullz Official

The filing states reconciliation is no longer realistic. Neither Kristy Scott nor Desmond Scott has publicly commented on the divorce filing. Kristy continues to make content, featuring her children (who remain anonymous), her glamorous clothing, and, recently, her robotic dog.

No rulings related to child custody, support arrangements, or the division of shared business interests as of publication. The case remains in its early stages, with no hearings scheduled.

The Scotts’ joint brand included sponsored content and media projects developed during their marriage. It was not immediately clear how those ventures would be handled as the divorce proceeds. 

The case adds to a growing number of problematic divorces in the content creation space. Another Black-woman TikTok creator, SewRena, who boasts over 300,000 followers, is now telling her story of alleged sabotage by her husband in the wake of her divorce. SewRena spoke out about her soon-to-be ex-husband stealing her stove. As her content revolves around vintage design, clothing, and lifestyle, the vintage stove was featured heavily in her videos.

SewRena says his actions stem from “jealousy” of her platform. Unlike the Scotts, SewRena’s husband did not make appearances in her content. In follow-up videos, the creator has also stated she will soon have to leave the vintage home she has lovingly restored and decorated. Like Kristy, a pivot is necessary. 

RELATED CONTENT: TikTok Creator Sparks Interest In Dr. Pepper With Her Viral Jingle

Elevate Your Excellence: A Birthday Tribute To The Empowerment Architect Of Black Capital, Earl Graves Sr.
by Keka Araújo

January 10, 2026

Elevate Your Excellence: A Birthday Tribute To The Empowerment Architect Of Black Capital, Earl Graves Sr.

As the founder of BLACK ENTERPRISE, he didn't just document the rise of the Black middle class—he helped engineer the very tools they used to build it.

Jan. 9 marked the birthday of Earl G. Graves Sr. (1935–2020), a man whose name remains synonymous with the absolute pinnacle of Black excellence and economic sovereignty.

“Easy has never been a part of our vocabulary,” Graves famously noted, and his life’s work stands as a testament to that grit. 

As the founder of BLACK ENTERPRISE, he didn’t just document the rise of the Black middle class—he helped engineer the very tools they used to build it.

From Brooklyn to the Boardroom

Born on this day in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, Graves was the son of Earl Godwin and Winifred Sealy Graves. From his early days as a flower salesman at Morgan State University to his service as a captain in the U.S. Army, Graves understood that self-affirmation and hard work were the keys to the kingdom.

His journey took him into the halls of power as an administrative assistant to Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, but it was in the wake of tragedy that his true mission crystallized. In 1970, with a $250,000 loan, he launched BLACK ENTERPRISE, filling an “information void” that had long kept Black entrepreneurs on the sidelines of the American Dream.


A Legacy of Economic Empowerment

Under his leadership as Chairman and CEO of Earl G. Graves, Ltd., his influence reached far beyond the newsstand. Graves proved that the “Million Word Advantage” wasn’t just for children, but for business leaders hungry for the coded language of success.

Corporate Titan: He broke barriers on the boards of Aetna, American Airlines, and DaimlerChrysler.

The Bestseller: His 1997 book, How to Succeed in Business Without Being White, remains the definitive manual for navigating corporate America.

Mogul Status: He served as chairman and CEO of Pepsi-Cola of Washington, D.C., the largest minority-controlled Pepsi franchise in the United States.

Graves’ vision demonstrated that Black Americans sought equal opportunity to achieve business success, not special treatment.

Graves’ brilliance lay in his ability to move through the world with an “elite energy” that demanded respect without a word.

He was the ultimate example for a generation of strivers, embodying a sophisticated blend of Brooklyn toughness and Ivy-level strategy. His presence was a masterclass in sovereignty; he understood that for Black people to be truly free, they had to own the means of production and the narrative of their own success.

This was never about mere inclusion—it was about institutional power.

He often spoke of the internal fortitude required to survive the “treacherous waters” of a racist economy, reminding us that “Economic power is the key to our future as a nation and as a people. We must possess it to be able to participate fully in the American dream.” This philosophy wasn’t just talk; it was reflected in his global reach, including his partnership in Egoli Beverages, a Pepsi-Cola bottling operation in South Africa, signaling a solidarity that spanned the diaspora.

Education and Family: The True North

Graves’ commitment to the next generation was unshakable. He immortalized his love for his alma mater by establishing the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management at Morgan State University. He was a man who led with honor, supported for 37 years by his late wife, Barbara, who was his partner in every triumph.

Today, his three sons, led by Earl G. Graves Jr., continue to pilot the BLACK ENTERPRISE empire, ensuring that the legacy of their father—anchored in Dignity and Pride—continues to provide a sanctuary for Black entrepreneurs across the globe.

As we celebrate his birthday, we recognize that Earl G. Graves Sr. didn’t just ask for a seat at the table; he built the table, designed the room, and invited the entire community to take their rightful place.

RELATED CONTENT: Elevate Your Excellence: Ariel Co-CEO Mellody Hobson Continues Push For Black Economic Empowerment

Leticia James, trump
by Kandiss Edwards

January 10, 2026

Federal Prosecutors Are Going After NY Attorney General Letitia James–Again

James made $36,000 in payments to Marsh from May 2018 to February 2019 during her bid for re-election.

Federal prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, continuing their quest to indict the woman known for challenging Donald Trump.

Financial transactions between James and her longtime hairdresser and former event manager are under review. The inquiry, which is in its early stages, focuses on payments and loans between James and Iyesata Marsh, who has been identified as her hairdresser and occasional campaign associate, The New York Times reported. According to reports, James made $36,000 in payments to Marsh from May 2018 to  February 2019. The payments were contributed to expenses for James’ reelection campaign. The majority of which, $22,000, went toward renting Marsh’s studio, which was used as James’ campaign office.

James, an elected Democrat, has not been accused of any wrongdoing in the current probe, and no charges have been filed against her at this stage. The investigation is the newest attempt by the Justice Department to pin James for wrongdoing. She has been a frequent target of federal scrutiny since she brought charges against Trump.

https://twitter.com/NotHoodlum/status/2009355580226580710

Marsh was recently indicted in the Western District of Louisiana on unrelated federal charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft linked to the purchase of a Land Rover. Prosecutors did not allege any connection between Marsh’s indictment and James. 

The new investigation follows earlier federal efforts to bring criminal charges against James in a Virginia mortgage fraud case. James was accused of falsifying documentation to receive a home loan. Prosecutors alleged that the Attorney General falsely claimed the sought-after residence would be used as a primary residence. However, the case was dismissed after a federal judge found the prosecutor who secured it was unlawfully appointed. Grand juries rejected subsequent attempts by the Justice Department to obtain indictments in that matter.

James’s legal team has criticized prior federal actions against her as politically motivated. In a statement, James’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, said continuous investigations reveal the government’s “desperation” and will not yield results.

“Like their earlier attempts, this attack on Ms. James is doomed to fail. The desperation of those working for Trump is palpable and makes indelible the stain already put on this Justice Department.”

RELATED CONTENT: Political Firestorm: Trump-Appointed Prosecutor Indicts Rival New York Attorney General Letitia James On Bank Fraud

DMX, Billboard, rligious
by Ahsan Washington

January 10, 2026

‘Lord Give Me A Sign’: 7 DMX Songs That Give Religious Vibes

Nearly five years after his death, DMX will be formally recognized for the gospel he delivered through his artistic work and personal testimony.

Earl “DMX” Simmons used his hip-hop platform to deliver both fierce music and transparent spiritual testimony. Before his internal struggles gained mainstream attention, the Mount Vernon-born rapper seamlessly interwove faith throughout his music and public persona. DMX had a practice of starting concerts with prayer and ending albums with spoken words that were divine and spiritually redeeming.

Given the significant spiritual elements DMX embodies, the late hip-hop icon will receive posthumous ministerial ordination in New York, as recently reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE. Almost five years after his death in April 2021, DMX will be formally recognized for the gospel he delivered through his artistic work and personal testimony.

The ordination will take place at Foster Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Tarrytown, New York, Jan. 10. Here are seven DMX songs that are so spiritually laced that they come across as sermons rather than hip-hop hits.

‘Lord Give Me A Sign‘

DMX delivers a heartfelt prayer through “Lord Give Me a Sign,” which merges gospel elements with the rawness of Hip-Hop. The second single from “Year of the Dog…Again” (2006) shows X’s spiritual evolution through his challenging times. The song begins with a prayer that calls upon Jesus Christ and scripture to find guidance through life’s difficulties. 

‘Slippin’‘

“Slippin'” is a personal track from DMX’s 1998 album, “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood.” The song tells a personal story about pitfalls, failure, and the unbreakable will to recover—the track functions as a sermon about suffering. It demonstrates how faith and determination help people advance. “Slippin'” contains some of X’s most liberating and sermon-like verses.

‘Ready to Meet Him‘

In this track, DMX gives a prayer-like reflection on the afterlife as he confronts mortality and questions his faith. The song appears in DMX’s early music catalog and takes the form of spoken prayer synced with musical beats. The song delivers a message about being prepared for the afterlife while encouraging listeners to evaluate their spiritual condition, which reflects fundamental pulpit teachings.

Prayer Skits Across Albums — Spoken Word Altars

DMX includes spoken prayers in his Prayer skits, which appear on multiple albums starting with “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” (e.g., “Prayer II,” “Prayer III”). Through these interludes, DMX demonstrates his deep spirituality by using his music releases as a form of ministry.

‘I Miss You‘

The song “I Miss You” serves as a hymn for those who have passed away. The song “I Miss You” features DMX delivering a heartfelt tribute and lament that explores loss, memory, and grace together with Faith Evans. “The Great Depression” album (2002) includes this single as one of its most deeply emotional and spiritual tracks. Through Faith Evans’s recitation of “Amazing Grace,” the song becomes a modern-day hymn, which creates a deep dialogue between God and the singer about lost loved ones and the possibility of redemption.

‘Let Me Fly‘

The track “Let Me Fly” from DMX’s “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” (1998) merges aggression with moments of revelation. The song shares a message of weakness and urgency while seeking liberation and tranquility. It contrasts harsh reality with spiritual aspirations in the same way religious leaders motivate church members.

‘The Convo‘

“The Convo” features DMX and his spiritual alter ego in a conversation with God. DMX performs both parts of the dialogue to provide an original viewpoint about decision-making, consequences, and the path to salvation. The song is arranged to play during the final moments on “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot.”

RELATED CONTENT: DMX’s Official Cause of Death Released, Fans Speak Out On Social Media

Lane College
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 10, 2026

Lane College Names Alumnus Jeremy Patterson Director Of Athletics

Patterson is leaving the same position at Rust College.

As of February 1, Lane College alumnus Jeremy Patterson will begin his new role as the school’s director of athletics.

The HBCU announced the appointment on Tuesday, Jan. 6. Patterson, who is 29, was previously the director of athletics at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. His job begins on Feb. 1.

In his new role, Patterson will oversee all intercollegiate athletic programs at the school, ensuring compliance with SIAC and NCAA regulations, and be involved in facilities planning, fundraising, and community engagement initiatives.

“Jeremy Patterson understands Lane College because he is Lane College,” said Donald W. Comer, Lane College’s interim president, in a written statement. “He brings institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and a results-driven approach to facilities, fundraising, and student athlete success. His return represents both stability and momentum as we continue to elevate Lane Athletics.”

Patterson was also an administrator at Lane College, so he understands the institution’s culture, student-athlete experience, and strategic priorities. In the release, Lane College highlighted Patterson’s strong track record in fundraising and external relations, including cultivating donor relationships, securing sponsorships, and advancing development initiatives aligned with institutional goals.

He is also a veteran football college, including a stint at his alma mater. A few years ago, Patterson was selected as one of 25 (out of 1,500 applicants worldwide) for the inaugural, weeklong Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy. Afterward, he was of only five fellows selected by the Buccaneers to continue working with the Bucs’ coaching staff while the team prepared for the 2024 NFL regular season.

While at Rust College, he led and supported a series of facility upgrades that strengthened both competitive performance and student-athlete welfare. He also helped improve athletic venues, training facilities, and game-day infrastructure, positioning Rust College to recruit, retain, and develop student-athletes more effectively.

Lane, who is originally from Cleveland, Mississippi, received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in leadership in higher education from North Central University.

RELATED CONTENT: Cal State University Makes $10M Investment Toward Black Student Success

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