by Mitti Hicks

February 12, 2026

Check’s Not In The Mail: ICE Agents Face Reality After Swallowing Trump’s $50K Bonus Bait

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) received more than 220,000 applicants and hired more than 12,000 agents so far.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are airing some of their internal grievances on Reddit. Many of them are accusing the agency of failing to honor its promise of a $50,000 sign-up bonus and of working without paychecks or health insurance.

The International Business Times (IBT) UK was the first to report the backlash from within. The outlet reported that despite the agency’s historic recruitment drive that added 12,000 agents to its force, employees are struggling to pay their bills and provide for their families.

“Been here for about two months, still waiting for my health insurance … is anyone having that issue as well?” one recruit complained on Reddit. “I chose BCBS (Blue Cross Blue Shield) Basic. MSS (Medical Support Systems) told me they don’t know how long it will take, and I have a sick daughter with no insurance.”

Another person complained, “Mannnnn, Monday is 4 weeks since I started, and I haven’t been paid yet.”

Trump Administration Promises To New ICE Agents

President Donald Trump promised immigration reform and mass deportation during his reelection campaign. To make good on his campaign promises, the administration rushed to add 10,000 new immigration agents during the first year of his second term. The administration promised generous benefits and hiring bonuses, including a $50,000 sign-up incentive for new recruits.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) received more than 220,000 applicants and hired more than 12,000 agents, according to Raw Story. In addition to the sign-up bonus, DHS officials promised prospective ICE applicants a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that included a salary range of $51,000-$84,000, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, and a retirement plan under the Federal Employees Retirement System.

A Thrift Savings Plan similar to a 401(k), paid leave, and federal holidays, and student loan repayment incentives of up to $60,000, and retention bonuses were also a part of the benefits package.

Despite these promises, many new recruits posted on Reddit that they have yet to receive these benefits.

Winnie Harlow, CEO CLUB, Serena Williams

by Jameelah Mullen

February 12, 2026

Inside ’The CEO Club’: Winnie Harlow And Cast Discuss Sisterhood And Business

The CEO Club, a new Amazon Prime docuseries featuring Serena Williams, Winnie Harlow, and five other entrepreneurs, follows the group as they grow their businesses and handle the pressures of running women-led empires.

The series offers a refreshing take on women’s relationships, emphasizing solidarity as they navigate the business world while juggling romance and friendship. In contrast to many reality shows that center on conflict between women, it leans into a more supportive friendship dynamic. Williams also serves as the show’s executive producer.

“As an executive producer, I’ve had so much fun helping bring this series to life. Celebrating the brilliance, ambition, and sisterhood of women I admire and call friends has been incredibly special,” Williams told People.

BLACK ENTERPRISE sat down with some of the show’s stars to give fans a sneak peek of what to expect in the inaugural season.

Model, beauty influencer, and entrepreneur Winnie Harlow stars in the show, where she showcases her beauty brand, Cay Skin, which launched in 2022.

The model says the inspiration to launch the brand came after a 2019 photo shoot in the Bahamas. Photographers asked her to remove her sunscreen to avoid the white cast that traditional mineral formulas can leave on darker skin tones. Harlow, who has vitiligo, an autoimmune condition that causes loss of melanin and results in white patches on the skin, suffered a severe sunburn and inflammation, requiring injections to manage the pain. The incident led the model to create inclusive, high-quality SPF protection suitable for all skin types.

Harlow emphasized that she was intentional about creating a brand women of color could truly trust, particularly in an industry that has long overlooked their specific skincare needs.

Harlow says she joined the series because she was already close friends with many of her co‑stars. When producers approached her, and she learned who else would be involved, the decision felt like a natural fit.

The businesswoman is no stranger to reality TV; the supermodel, who starred in Cycle 21 of America’s Next Top Model in 2014, says this experience is different because she has evolved both personally and professionally.

The 31-year-old says that the platform has been “incredible” for her because it not only lets her showcase her life outside of modeling but also proves that women can support and uplift each other through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

“It’s not always going to go right,” Winnie says, recalling a labeling hiccup with her Cay Beauty brand. The docuseries follows the model as she navigates the challenge and relies on her castmates’ support.

Adding to her impressive repertoire, the star wrote a children’s book, Simply Winnie. Inspired by her childhood, the model aims to help girls stand confidently in their own skin and recognize that beauty comes in many forms. The book is scheduled to hit shelves in June 2026.

Hannah Bronfman is a DJ, fitness influencer, and angel investor who says she is accustomed to sharing her personal life with the public. The 38-year-old shared her journey with her 1.5 million Instagram followers as she and her husband faced challenges conceiving. Bronfman explains that the move to TV felt like a natural progression for her. Her fertility journey is also what inspired her to invest in health and wellness brands.

In 2024, Bronfrman founded Conteur Capital, a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in Black- and minority-women-led health and wellness brands. In the debut season of The CEO Club, Bronfman will take viewers along as she and her business partner work to attract investors to turn her dreams of supporting the next changemakers into reality.

Hanna points out that entrepreneurship and philanthropy are in her DNA. She is the great-granddaughter of Samuel Bronfman, the founder of Seagram’s company. Her father, Edgar Bronfman, a former Seagram’s CEO, married her mother, actress and philanthropist Sherry Brewer, in 1979.

The heiress acknowledges her family’s wealth, but she emphasizes that nepotism didn’t shape her success.

“I didn’t get here by relying on the handouts of others,” the entrepreneur tells BE.

She says that while she aims to live up to her family name, she aims to redefine it on her own terms.

“I am a new generation of Bronfman, I am a Black Bronfman,” the mother of two says.

The CEO Club premieres Fe.b 23, 2026, on Amazon Prime Video.

RELATED CONTENT: Women Of Power 2026

'Am I the Drama?', Cardi B, Guinness Record, Drone Album Deliveries

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 12, 2026

Cardi B’s Super Bowl Cameo Triggers Betting Dispute And Federal Complaint

Does Cardi B's cameo during Bad Bunny's halftime show counts as a performance?

Cardi B’s brief on-screen appearance dancing during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show has sparked a major dispute in the online prediction-betting world.

A formal complaint filed with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) centers on confusion over Cardi B’s role in the halftime show, whether she actually performed or if her brief dancing appearance counted at all, The Independent reports. The uncertainty left major prediction-betting platforms Kalshi and Polymarket scrambling to decide how to settle millions of dollars in wagers.

More than $47.3 million was wagered on Kalshi’s “Who will perform at the Big Game?” market, where contracts are priced between $0 and $1 to reflect traders’ views on the likelihood of an outcome. These prediction markets operate through simple yes-or-no event contracts, with prices fluctuating based on what participants are willing to pay, a signal of how probable they believe an event is.

While Cardi B joined singers Karol G and Young Miko, along with actors Jessica Alba and Pedro Pascal, dancing on a “starry front porch” during the halftime show, full musical sets by Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga blurred the line over whether Cardi’s non-singing appearance qualified as an actual performance.

Citing “ambiguity” over whether Cardi B’s halftime appearance qualified as a performance, Kalshi froze trading and refunded users at the last settled price. Polymarket, which saw more than $10 million in contract volume, took the opposite approach, ruling that Cardi B did perform, a decision that has sparked pushback from traders. A final resolution is expected on Feb. 11.

However, a trader who backed a “Yes” outcome on Kalshi has filed a complaint with the CFTC, alleging the platform violated the Commodity Exchange Act in how it settled the Cardi B contract and is seeking $3,700 in damages.

Despite the controversy, Super Bowl Sunday proved hugely profitable for betting platforms. Kalshi reported a record-breaking $1 billion in total trading volume, a more than 2,700% jump from last year.

Black History Month, Permission slip, parents, Florida, students

by Kandiss Edwards

February 12, 2026

Black History Will Be Live 365 In All Colorado Public Schools by 2028

The law builds on existing state standards and aims to ensure students learn more about the contributions and experiences of African Americans.

A new Colorado law will expand Black history studies in K-12 public schools across the state within two years.

In 2025, Gov. Jared Polis signed the legislation requiring Colorado public schools to incorporate more comprehensive Black history education into their curriculum. CBS Colorado reported that the law builds on existing state standards and aims to ensure students learn more about the contributions and experiences of African Americans.

House Bill 25-1149 addresses gaps in how history has traditionally been taught. Expanding the curriculum ensures students receive a fuller understanding of American history and the role Black Americans have played in shaping it. “We know our story is not just confined to just 28 days,” Michael Atkins, director of Black student success at Denver Public Schools, said. “This bill will allow the opportunity for us to embrace the black experience, 365 days a year.”

Atkins is confident that the updated curriculum will benefit all students.

“African Americans have really contributed to our current state of living,” he said. “That needs to be heard, taught, and observed to our most precious asset, which is our babies.”

The legislation requires the Colorado Department of Education to update standards so that Black history is more fully integrated into lessons at multiple grade levels. The changes are expected to affect social studies instruction statewide. School districts have until 2028 to update curriculum to reflect the new law’s requirements.

Lawmakers who backed the bill said the measure promotes historical accuracy and inclusivity. Colorado joins other states that have taken legislative action to make sure American history education is present in whole. According to EducationWeek, other states have introduced bills to facilitate the teaching of some form of Black history, including Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Mexico, Florida, Illinois, and Maine.

by Kandiss Edwards

February 12, 2026

5 Black South Carolina Teens Make Local Boy Scout History

The teen scouts, based in Orangeburg, were recently recognized after earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

A group of South Carolina teenagers has made history as the largest class of Black Eagle Scouts in the state.

The teen scouts from Orangeburg were recently recognized after earning the rank of Eagle Scout. The designation is the highest achievement in Scouts BSA. The milestone represents the largest group of African American Eagle Scouts inducted together in South Carolina. The five members of Scouting America Troops 500 and 190 rose in ranks at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony at Trinity United Methodist Church.

To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, candidates must complete required merit badges, serve in leadership roles, and complete a community service project that benefits others. Willie Townes, Derwin Brailey, Khamary Cleckley, Sean Nimmons, and Melvin Hart fulfilled those requirements, earning 21 merit badges, News19 reported.

Family, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and historical achievement. The accomplishment reflects years of dedication by the teen scouts. Townes says the accomplishment is “surreal” as the pandemic proved a significant “roadblock” to completion.

The recognition ceremony highlighted the scouts’ dedication to completing the rigorous process required to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Each candidate was required to demonstrate leadership within their troop and carry out a service project benefiting the community. Cleckley would like to continue working with the program to support younger scouts.

“I plan to come back and help with the young people, and we have other Eagle Scouts, so I was to come back and help the younger generation,” he told News19.

Ascending to the top ranks of the scouts denotes a sustained effort on behalf of the teens, their immediate support systems, and mentorship. As less than 10% of Eagle Scouts are Black, the accomplishment is significant. Hart acknowledged his accomplishment and the weight it carries.

“This means a whole lot to me. Not a lot of individuals get to achieve this rank,” Hart said. “It’s a very small percent, and being amongst the few, especially being young Black men, it holds a lot.”

The teens’ new rank represents a significant moment for Orangeburg and for scouting in South Carolina, setting a new benchmark within the state for African American participation at the highest level of Scouts BSA.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 12, 2026

Angel Reese Joins Undefeated’s Rose BC For Final Playoff Push

Reese was named the 3-on-3 league's Defensive Player of the Year in 2025.

After winning a championship with Rose BC in Unrivaled’s inaugural season, Angel Reese has recovered from an injury and will return to the full court 3-on-3 league.

According to CBS News, the center will play the rest of the current season with Rose BC, starting Feb. 20 against Hive BC. Reese was not expected to play this season, but the surprise announcement brings a boost to the team and the league, now in its second season.

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Rose BC is currently 5-6 and sits in fifth place, with three games remaining in the season. They are positioned to make the playoffs, which takes the top six teams in the eight-team league.

Although Rose BC took the top prize last season, without Reese, they’ve been an average team. After Rose BC traded Azurá Stevens to Hive BC, the move created a roster spot, which is being used to bring back the current Chicago Sky star.

Last season, Reese was named the Unrivaled Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 13.3 points, a league-leading 12.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, shooting 46.9%. The team ended the regular season 8-6, good enough for the league’s second-best record.

Even though a hand injury ket Reese out of the playoffs,the team defeated Lace BC and Vinyl BC to win the league’s inaugural championship.

This season’s playoffs are slated to start Feb. 28. Rose BC’s schedule is:

Feb. 20 vs. Hive BC, 8:45 p.m. ET—TNT/truTV/HBO Max
Feb. 22 vs. Laces BC, 8:45 p.m. ET—TNT/truTV/HBO Max
Feb. 27 vs. Phantom BC, 1 p.m. ET— truTV/HBO Max

Reese ended the WNBA season last year with a back injury and was suspended by the Sky for public comments that were detrimental to the team. She also had to sit out a game after earning too many technical fouls during the 2025 season.

by Kandiss Edwards

February 12, 2026

Georgia’s First Secondary School For Black People Preserves The Past And Embraces The Future

Booker T. Washington High School, established in 1924, was the first public high school created for African American students in Georgia.

A century-old Atlanta high school that once educated Black students during segregation is now serving as an active campus and as a preserved historical space.

Booker T. Washington High School, established in 1924, was the first public high school created for African American students in Georgia. The campus continues to operate within the Atlanta Public Schools system while maintaining exhibits and archival materials that document its role in the state’s Black community and educational history.

Displays inside the building include decades of photographs, memorabilia, and historical documents tracing the school’s impact on generations of students. A replica of the Lifting the Veil of Ignorance statue stands prominently on campus, symbolizing access to knowledge and opportunity. The monument serves as a visual reminder of the school’s founding mission during a period when educational access for Black people was restricted by law.

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“If we don’t tell our story, who’s going to tell it?” school historian Marcia Wynn told CBS Atlanta. She said the preservation effort ensures that current students understand both the obstacles faced by earlier generations and the progress that followed. Principal Tiauna Crooms said students participate in a tradition before football games in which they gather near the statue to reflect on the school’s heritage.

The school building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, confirming its historical and architectural significance in Atlanta’s Black educational history.

As Black history is being removed from national parks by presidential order, the campus represents more than a physical structure. It reflects an effort across the South to maintain sites connected to African American advancement and perseverance during segregation. Through tours, exhibits, and community engagement, the school now functions as a historical resource.

Remembering D’Angelo’s Greatest Hits On What Would Be His 52nd Birthday

by Ahsan Washington

February 11, 2026

Remembering D’Angelo’s Greatest Hits On What Would Be His 52nd Birthday

Soul singer Michael Eugene Archer, better known as D’Angelo, died Oct. 14, 2026

Soul singer Michael Eugene Archer, better known as D’Angelo, died Oct. 14, 2026, from pancreatic cancer. Due to his extremely private lifestyle, the event sent shockwaves through the music industry and his fanbase. D’Angelo’s impact and influence have always–and continue to remain strong–in modern R&B, hip-hop, and soul music four months after D’Angelo’s death. The Richmond, Virginia, native carved out a reimagined sound that many referred to as neo-soul, instead of following a blueprint. His musical catalog remains essential listening for its combination of soulful instrumentation, gospel-laced vocal delivery, and hip-hop rhythms. D’Angelo’s legacy as a composer, singer, and songwriter, who transformed Black musical culture, is cemented in history. On his birthday, Feb. 11, he is remembered for his incredible gifts and hits.

“Brown Sugar” (1995)

“Brown Sugar” was the first single and title track of D’Angelo’s debut album, which achieved platinum status. D’Angelo combined jazz chords with funk basslines and hip-hop rhythms to create this hit that transformed the musical landscape at the time. The track reached the sixth position on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, establishing D’Angelo as a leading figure in the contemporary Black music revival.

“Lady” (1996)

The romantic slow jam “Lady,” produced by D’Angelo and Raphael Saadiq, reached No. 1 on the Hot R&B Singles chart during the height of 1990s R&B commercial success. The track marked D’Angelo’s achievement of reaching No. 1 on R&B charts and became the top hit on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart. The track showcased D’Angelo’s multidimensional falsetto alongside Prince-influenced arrangements, while Saadiq’s collaboration enhanced D’Angelo’s ability to cross over to new audiences without losing his soulful authenticity.

“Untitled (How Does It Feel)” (2000)

The Soulquarians’ collective members D’Angelo and Questlove worked together to release their Grammy-winning single from the album Voodoo in 2000. The song emerged at the start of the new millennium, marking a notable moment in R&B music. The minimalist music video for “How Does It Feel” attracted massive attention and became one of the most talked-about visuals in musical history. D’Angelo demonstrated his musical talent by combining deep emotional expression with technical musical skill, earning him the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards.

“Devil’s Pie” (1998)

The song “Devil’s Pie” emerged in the late ’90s as a social commentary on greed and corruption. The song “Devil’s Pie” was created by DJ Premier during the Voodoo album release period when late-1990s hip-hop faced increasing criticism for its excessive culture. It also featured in the Hype Williams film Belly. Through its boom-bap production and sharp commentary, “Devil’s Pie” showed D’Angelo could create music beyond romantic ballads, expanding his artistic expression to include political and economic analysis.

“Really Love” (2014)

D’Angelo released the lead single “Really Love” from his 2014 album Black Messiah with The Vanguard to mark his musical comeback after 14 years. The song premiered during national discussions about race and justice. D’Angelo demonstrated artistic growth through his signature analog warmth and harmonic complexity. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy for Best R&B Album.

“Cruisin’” (1995)

Motown released a modern cover of D’Angelo’s 1979 soul classic “Cruisin’” in 1995, which appeared on his debut album Brown Sugar. Through this Smokey Robinson cover, D’Angelo connected two generations of Black music by bringing Motown’s songwriting legacy to younger listeners and establishing himself as a protector of classic soul music. The song naturally aligned with the album’s deep soul musical heritage.

“Left & Right” (2000)

The song “Left & Right” (2000) combines hip-hop with neo-soul elements through D’Angelo’s collaboration with Method Man and Redman. The year 2000 saw an increase in collaborations among R&B and rap artists, including this release. Through this raw partnership, D’Angelo demonstrated his deep understanding of hip-hop culture, which expanded his fan base while demonstrating the natural connection between these musical styles.

“Be Here” (2000)

During the Soulquarians period, D’Angelo and Raphael Saadiq produced their soulful duet, “Be Here.” The song embodies D’Angelo’s Voodoo style through its perfect blend of live bass, gospel elements, and introspective lyrics about being present and finding purpose. The track reveals D’Angelo’s dedication to authentic musical expression and his ’round-the-way vibes.

D’Angelo’s musical work remains essential despite his death four months ago. D’Angelo’s musical collection depended on purposeful creation instead of extensive production. Through three studio albums and select collaborations, he reshaped R&B expectations while maintaining musical integrity in the digital age and seamlessly connecting religious and secular musical elements. The best way to honor D’Angelo on his birthday is to recognize that his greatest hits served as musical blueprints that shaped the future of Black music.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 11, 2026

‘Ghost Students’ Scam Deserving Students Out Of Millions In Financial Aid By Fraudulently Applying

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Inspector General has more than 200 investigations open across the country as some schemes are suspected of stealing over a billion dollars.

College students, there’s a new group of scammers called “ghost students” who are creating fake identities or stealing others to enroll in colleges and universities and taking off with millions in financial aid assistance, ABC News reports.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers took advantage of remote learning settings within higher learning and leveraged A.I. to increase their tactics in identity theft, targeting financial aid and Pell grants. Artificial intelligence allowed them to expand their reach and circumvent identity verification controls. Almost overnight, the scam grew.

“Ghost students” got the name as once they receive the funds, the scammers disappear, robbing deserving students of the opportunity for an education and stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from the federal government.

Jason Williams, the assistant inspector general for investigations for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General, called it “a huge issue” but nothing new. “As they’re stealing identities … these loans are not being repaid. They’re being assigned to people [who] don’t even know they have a debt with the U.S. Department of Education … [until] the Internal Revenue Service says you owe the Department of Education money,” Williams said, pushing that fraudsters have made attempts to steal student financial aid for decades.

“But when the pandemic [hit], everybody went to online learning. Well, by doing that, it really did open the door.”

His office has more than 200 investigations open across the country, as some schemes are suspected of stealing over a billion dollars.

According to AL.com, community colleges in California, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, and New Jersey are key targets. One high school student was excited to continue his education and applied for student loans, but was labeled as ineligible. Shortly after, the student realized his identity was stolen and used to apply for several schools.

While the “ghost” scammers from overseas can be challenging to detect, a majority come from within the U.S. A father and son scammer duo from Arizona took more than $7 million, but after authorities caught up with them in 2018 and 2019, both pleaded guilty and served 12 months. Another man from Maryland stole the identities of 60 people, stealing over $6.7 million in financial aid, resulting in him serving four years in prison.

However, the federal government is working with certain software to protect students and stop the scammers.

Former NFL linebacker Maurice Simpkins owns one of software companies. Student Application Fraudulent Examination, also known as S.A.F.E. works as a firewall or “an offensive line” for the schools, catching roughly 95% of fake applications. Arapahoe Community College in Colorado and 100 more schools work with S.A.F.E. as clients.

To date, Simpkins says one of the worst instances came when a school identified that almost one-third of the enrolled students were frauds.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 11, 2026

Trump Administration Removes Pride Flag From Historic Stonewall National Monument

The flag was removed on the weekend of February 7.

The Trump administration has taken another step in its broader push against diversity and inclusion efforts, moving to remove a large Pride flag from the historic Stonewall National Monument in New York City.

On Feb. 10, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal announced on Instagram that the Pride flag had been removed over the Feb. 7 weekend, following a Jan. 21 Interior Department memo limiting which flags can be displayed at National Park Service sites. The guidance allows only U.S., agency, and POW/MIA flags, with limited historical exemptions, The Guardian reports.

“They cannot erase our history. Our Pride flag will be raised again. Stay tuned,” Hoylman-Sigal wrote online.

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The monument, designated by then-President Barack Obama in 2016, honors the June 1969 uprising that erupted after a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a well-known gay bar in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. The six days of protests helped ignite the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, making the site a lasting symbol of Pride. But as the Trump administration moves to roll back diversity initiatives and reshape historical displays in national parks, the iconic Pride flag was removed.

The memo stated that Interior Department flagpoles “are not intended to serve as a forum for public free expression,” adding that any approved non-agency flags may be displayed only to reflect the federal government’s official positions.

The removal of the Stonewall Pride flag comes a year after the National Park Service stripped references to transgender and queer people from its Stonewall monument webpage, which covers the area surrounding the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. Local leaders criticized the move, with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani saying he was “outraged” by the decision.

“New York is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, and no act of erasure will ever change, or silence, that history,” Mamdani tweeted.

I am outraged by the removal of the Rainbow Pride Flag from Stonewall National Monument. New York is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, and no act of erasure will ever change, or silence, that history.

Our city has a duty not just to honor this legacy, but to…
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) February 10, 2026

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and the co-chairs of the council’s LGBTQ+ caucus condemned the Pride flag’s removal in a letter to the Trump administration, urging the National Park Service to restore it.

Added Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader, in a statement, “If there’s one thing I know about this latest attempt to rewrite history, stoke division and discrimination, and erase our community pride, it’s this: that flag will return. New Yorkers will see to it.”