New Year’s Eve, Morris Brown AME Church, Freedom’s Eve, Watch Night Service

by Kandiss Edwards

December 29, 2025

More Than New Year’s Eve: Black Churches Nationwide Mark Freedom’s Eve With Sacred Watch Night Service

The service continues a tradition that traces its roots to Dec. 31, 1862.

Morris Brown AME Church Freedom’s Eve Midday Watch Service on Dec. 31 in Charleston, South Carolina, continues a tradition that traces its roots to Dec. 31, 1862, when African Americans, specifically those held in enslavement in Confederate states, gathered in prayer and anticipation for the Emancipation Proclamation to take effect at midnight.

The midday event, held at Morris Brown AME Church, invites worshipers to gather from noon to 1:30 p.m. for reflection, praise, and a communal moment of spiritual preparation. Organizers are aiming for a communal gathering of positivity as the year ends and a new one begins.

Watch Night services are late-night vigils held on New Year’s Eve that combine worship, prayer, testimony, and fellowship. They are especially meaningful in African American churches as a time to remember the legacy of emancipation and to enter the new year with renewed faith and hope.

A few other Watch Night events include:

Annual Watch Night Service, New Unity Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio — Worship, testimony, prayer, and a sacred countdown into the new year beginning at 7 p.m. at 2908 Hamilton Ave.
Watch Night Service, Westside Baptist Church — A community worship service beginning at 10 p.m., featuring preaching, praise, and fellowship as congregants celebrate the end of 2025 and look ahead to 2026.
Watchnight Service, Shiloh Baptist Church of Baltimore County — A Dec. 31 event marking the year’s close with worship and spiritual reflection.
Watchnight Service, MT Calvary Holy Church — Begins at 10 p.m. Dec. 31, inviting congregants to pray and celebrate as the new year arrives.
Watch Night Service, Trinity Retreat Center, New York City — A late-night service from 11 p.m. to midnight for reflection and transition into the new year.
Asbury United Methodist Church Watchnight Services, Washington, D.C. — Multiple gatherings, including evening watch time led by church leaders, reflecting the widespread tradition of watchnight vigils.

Across the United States, many Black churches and other congregations hold Watch Night services. The events often begin in the late evening and continue past midnight. Church’s combine prayer, song, and spiritual reflection as congregants celebrate a year’s accomplishments and seek guidance for the year ahead.

The Freedom’s Eve tradition remains central to these services, commemorating the moment when enslaved and free African Americans collectively awaited freedom and helping shape Watch Night into an enduring spiritual and cultural observance.

by Jameelah Mullen

December 29, 2025

California Judge Rules Schools Cannot Withhold Students’ Gender Identity From Parents

LGBTQ+ activists say the ruling can negatively impact students’ safety.

A federal judge in San Diego ruled that parents have a constitutional right to be informed if their child changes their gender presentation at school, and schools can’t withhold that information from parents.

The ruling originates from a class-action lawsuit filed in April 2023 by two former teachers from the Escondido Union School District, Elizabeth Mirabelli and Lori Ann West. They cited their Christian faith when challenging their district’s policy, which prohibited school employees from informing parents about a student’s transgender status without the student’s consent. They argued that this policy violated their First Amendment rights.

In a 52-page ruling issued on Dec 22, Judge Roger Benitez determined that parents have a constitutional right to know if their child might be transgender, and California public schools cannot prevent employees from informing parents. Additionally, the ruling bans public school employees from misleading parents about their child’s gender presentation at school, such as by using pronouns or names different from those used at home. The ruling also prohibits employees from calling students by names or pronouns that don’t match their legal ones unless they have the parents’ permission.

In the ruling, Benitez cited the Supreme Court’s decision earlier this year in Mahmoud v. Taylor, where the court sided with Maryland parents who argued that the Montgomery County School District’s refusal to allow opt-outs from the LGBTQ+-inclusive K-5 curriculum infringed on their First Amendment religious rights.

The LGBTQ+ legal advocacy group Equality California said that the decision is “dangerous” because it targets protections that keep LGBTQ+ students safe in schools.

“This ruling comes at a time when transgender and gender-nonconforming youth across the country are facing a coordinated effort to undermine their safety and well-being, Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang said in a statement.

The state has already appealed the case, arguing that the injunction could cause significant harm to students.

“The Court’s sweeping injunction, which forecloses enforcement of state constitutional and statutory protections applicable in the school environment, inflicts severe and indisputable irreparable harm on California,” the appeal notes.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 28, 2025

Petition To Deport The Head Barb In Charge, Nicki Minaj, Is Taking Off

The petition calls for Minaj to be returned to her home island Trinidad and Tobago.

A petition to deport rapper Nicki Minaj, real name Onika Maraj, to her home country of Trinidad and Tobago has gathered more than 37,000 signatures.

The petition, hosted on Change.org, surfaced after Minaj’s recent appearance at a Turning Point USA America Fest event, where she made comments in support of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Minaj also made remarks that were considered transphobic.

During her talk with Erika Kirk, Minaj leaned into a right-wing talking point that posits white people are being demonized and asked to be ashamed of themselves.

“I don’t need someone with blonde hair and blue eyes to downplay their beauty, because I know my beauty,” she said.

Minaj added that she thinks boys are being discouraged from being masculine.“It’s OK. Be boys,” she said. “There’s nothing wrong with being a boy…How powerful is that? How profound is that? Boys will be boys, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

While Minaj said nothing explicitly malicious, her willingness to lend her voice in support of Turning Point USA and its backers was a hard pill to swallow for many. Charlie Kirk, the late founder of the organization, is on record saying disparaging things about Minaj, Black people, and Black women.

Her willingness to share the stage with Kirk’s widow, Erika, is enraging and baffling to many fans and foes. Needless to say, when the calls for deportation came, reactions varied.

@yubeeri posted: “Me liking all the deport Nicki Minaj tweets,” accompanied with a popular Beyonce Gif.

me liking all the deport nicki minaj tweets pic.twitter.com/GjA6QeRnBL
— bee likes stranger things and will be spoiling (@yubeeri) December 21, 2025

@fudontlike2bad laid out a case as to why the “Pink Print” rapper should no longer be allowed in the country including her support for known child abusers.

“Nicki Minaj keeps inserting herself into U.S. political debates despite not being a U.S. citizen & after supporting her brother, convicted of child sexual assault, & her husband, a sex offender. She can’t vote & defends deviants & has sh*tty opinions.”

https://twitter.com/ifudontlike2bad/status/2002969160293421368

For X user @rodrodyrod, the petition revealed Minaj’s non-citizen status: “Hold on, wait a goddamn minute: Nicki Minaj is not a US Citizen . . . and she’s Maga?”

https://twitter.com/rodrodyyrod/status/2005347103049158737

With America’s immigration policies in upheaval, Minaj’s immigrant status could very well become a problem. In a recent TikTok live session, she said she is paid more than enough monetarily to be granted citizenship.

“I was born on a beautiful island called Trinidad and Tobago. But I’ve been in the states for many years. You would think that with the millions of dollars that I’ve paid in taxes to this country that I would have been given an honorary citizenship many, many, many thousands of years ago.”

by Ann Brown

December 28, 2025

Niger Cancels All U.S. Visas After Trump Expands Travel Ban

According to Niger government officials, the country is "completely and permanently prohibiting the issuance of visas to all U.S. citizens."

A growing diplomatic standoff is unfolding after one country announced it will cancel all visas for Americans in response to the Trump administration’s expanded U.S. travel ban that included the West African country.

In mid-December, President Donald Trump broadened restrictions on travel to the United States, adding 20 more countries and the Palestinian Authority to an existing list. The move brought the total number of affected nations to 39, spanning Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

Some countries now face a total ban on entry to the U.S., while others are subject to limits on student and business visas.

Niger has responded. According to government officials, the country is “completely and permanently prohibiting the issuance of visas to all U.S. citizens” and indefinitely banning Americans from entering its territory until further notice.” TheStreet reported the statement was confirmed to the Associated Press and marks a rare instance of a country imposing a blanket visa ban on U.S. travelers.

U.S. officials pointed to Niger residents’ overstay rates exceeding 13 percent for business visas and more than 16 percent for student visas, along with concerns about militant activity in the region.

Niger’s decision follows mounting tension between Washington and Niamey. Diplomatic relations have deteriorated since a military coup last year and the collapse of long-standing security partnerships. Earlier this year, the U.S. Embassy in Niger suspended routine visa processing, signaling a broader breakdown in cooperation. Analysts say visa restrictions have now become a pressure tactic on both sides.

Other countries targeted by the expanded U.S. ban have also pushed back. Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne publicly criticized the administration’s reasoning, calling the allegations about the country’s citizenship policies outdated and inaccurate. Several African and Caribbean nations have issued statements condemning the travel restrictions as unfair and damaging to diplomatic ties.

The consequences are immediate for Americans. Those traveling to Niger for humanitarian aid, journalism, business, or family reasons now face major obstacles unless they already hold valid visas or qualify for narrow exemptions. Niger, meanwhile, risks losing economic benefits tied to foreign travel, international projects, and investment.

Nigerien nationals are set to be fully barred from entering the United States when the expanded ban takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 28, 2025

Young Hero Shot By San Jose Police May Receive $8M Settlement

K’aun Green's wounds were serious enough to derail the young man’s football career.

San Jose, California, officials are considering approving an $8 million settlement in a federal excessive-force lawsuit from K’aun Green, the college football player shot four times by a San Jose police officer while disarming a gunman in March 2022.

The settlement recommendation, expected to be voted on by the San Jose City Council on Jan. 13, 2026, would rank as the second-largest police payout in the city’s history if approved.

The figure is second to an $11.3 million settlement paid in 2014 to a paralyzed shooting victim, KTVU reported.

Green, now 24, was wounded on the steps of La Victoria Taqueria in 2022. Police responded to a report of a homicide at the taco shop. As they approached the scene, officers observed Green holding a gun he had taken from an assailant during a brawl.

Video surveillance circulated online showed that Green was trying to leave the restaurant after disarming the other man. It was then that former San Jose officer Mark McNamara fired four shots, striking Green in the stomach, arm, and knee. None of the bullets caused catastrophic injury but they did derail the young man’s football career.

NEW: The college football player shot by police while wrestling a gun away is poised to receive an $8 million settlement

K'aun Green’s settlement stems from a March 27, 2022 sh**ting outside La Victoria Taqueria in San Jose

Video shows Green had disarmed another gunman inside… pic.twitter.com/iH1F3SVjZt
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) December 25, 2025

Green’s legal team rejected earlier attempts by the city to invoke qualified immunity to shield the officer from liability. The turning point came after San Jose’s police chief disclosed that McNamara had sent racist text messages about Green. A specific text stating “I hate Black people” held weight in the decision. Texts also revealed McNamara using the n-word.

McNamara resigned and several of his previous cases were dismissed.

City Attorney Susana Alcala admitted that the settlement comes due to multiple factors, not necessarily because the city believes it is responsible.

“The amount of this settlement reflects the inherent risks of litigation. The settlement reflects the risks of litigation when the officer involved was later found to have made reprehensible statement evidencing racial animus. It would be difficult for jurors to ignore in evaluation how a reasonable officer would have reacted when Mr. Green emerged with a gun in his hand. In light of Mr. Green’s injuries and the obligation to pay his attorney’s fees if a jury found in his favor, the city believes the settlement. . .limits the city’s exposure.”

Since the shooting, Green has earned a full scholarship to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and is on track to become the first college graduate in his family.

A federal judge dismissed Green’s lawsuit after a settlement conference in November. City officials, including representatives for the San Jose Police Department, declined to comment beyond public statements regarding the settlement process.

RELATED CONTENT: Woman Struck By Gunfire In Encounter With Two Police Deputies

by Ann Brown

December 28, 2025

Iyanla Vanzant Returns To OWN With ‘Iyanla: The Inside Fix’

The 72-year-old life coach, author, and television personality is revisiting 12 of the most impactful episodes from "Iyanla: Fix My Life."

After a few years away from television, Iyanla Vanzant is making a highly anticipated return to OWN with the new series, Iyanla: The Inside Fix.

The 72-year-old life coach, author, and television personality is revisiting 12 of the most impactful episodes from her previous show, Iyanla: Fix My Life, which ran from 2012 to 2021.

Each episode of the original series chronicles Vanzant’s work with guests navigating trauma, broken relationships, and personal challenges, often concluding with updates on how they had progressed.

“I’ve come to unpack. Not this,” Vanzant explains in the newly released trailer, gesturing to a suitcase, “That…”

The series promises to explore the ongoing work of healing, emphasizing that fixing the outside is not enough. “This is where healing becomes holy. This is where truth finds its home. This… is The Inside Fix” she says.

OWN describes the new series as a continuation of Vanzant’s transformative work, focusing on “spiritual hygiene” and practical steps to foster self-awareness and personal growth. Vanzant noted that the world has changed dramatically since 2012. Social media, technology, and global events have shifted how people navigate life, but the need for honesty, reflection, and healing remains.

“Iyanla: The Inside Fix is a deepening,” Vanzant said, according to Today. “Where Fix My Life invited us to confront the pain that shaped us, The Inside Fix invites us to meet the truths that can free us. Real healing isn’t about repairing what’s broken, but about reconnecting with our sense of self, our identity, our worth, and our ability to start fresh.”

In 2021, Iyanla: Fix My Life ended after 10 years, eight seasons, and nearly 150 episodes, Deadline reported. She told Tamron Hall that same year that social media threats and people showing up at her home led to her ending the show.

“So, through the emails, through the social media, people would come into my home. I was getting death threats, because they didn’t like something I said about it,” Vanzant recalled. “And I’m like, I want to be free of this. I don’t want this. I got death threats around certain shows, around certain issues, around things that I said.”

Iyanla: The Inside Fix premieres Jan. 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on OWN. The series is produced by Bunim/Murray Productions for OWN.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 28, 2025

A$AP Rocky Drops Harlem-Inspired Album; Bilt Covers Rent For His Old Neighborhood

A$AP Rocky has partnered with rewards platform Bilt to celebrate the release of his upcoming album.

Rakim Mayers, better known as A$AP Rocky, has partnered with rewards platform Bilt to celebrate the release of his long-awaited fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb.

Announced Dec. 26, the collaboration features a Bilt-exclusive vinyl record designed by Rocky that reflects his connection to Harlem and ever-evolving artistic flair.

The vinyl is available for pre-order through the Bilt app and website for members of its rewards program.

As part of the partnership, Bilt is hosting a special edition of its monthly game show “Rent Free” in which Rocky will participate as a contestant, according to a press release. Members nationwide can win free rent payments of up to $2,500. The top 10 winners will receive signed copies of the exclusive vinyl. Hundreds more members are eligible for bonus Bilt points through participation.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BILT (@bilt)

Additionally, the company will cover January 2026 rent for all tenants of a Harlem apartment building where Rocky spent his teenage years. The donation is intended to support the community that influenced the artist’s early life and alleviate housing costs during a typically expensive period of the year.

“For me, it’s always been about your community and neighborhood. Harlem made me who I am, from uptown to downtown, and that connection to place is everything,” Rocky said in the press release. “When Bilt said they wanted to cover rent for everyone in the same building where I grew up, that hit different. That’s not just business, that’s understanding what community really means.”

In a statement, Bilt’s founder and CEO, Ankur Jain, said Rocky’s Harlem roots align with the company’s mission to connect residents with meaningful cultural experiences.

“Rocky embodies what we believe at Bilt: your neighborhood isn’t just where you live, it’s what fuels your creativity, your ambition, your entire trajectory,” he said.

Don’t Be Dumb will come out Jan. 16, 2026.

Shaquille O’Neal, shaq, Georgia, Sheriff's Office, Teen, VIO, Tip

by Ann Brown

December 28, 2025

Shaq Takes On New Role With Georgia Sheriff’s Office

The NBA icon was officially promoted to Chief of Community Relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Shaquille O’Neal’s latest promotion celebrates his dedication to community service. On Christmas Day, the NBA icon was officially promoted to Chief of Community Relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, honoring his nearly five years of service to the North Georgia community. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is located in McDonough, Georgia.

O’Neal joined the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in 2021, when Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett appointed him as director of Community Relations. The role was created to strengthen trust between law enforcement and the community.

After O’Neal joined the sheriff’s office, it reported participating in roughly 370 community events, engaging with more than 42,000 residents, and distributing over 14,000 meals to children and families. Shaq appeared at several events, which ranged from holiday gift drives and school visits to emergency assistance for families facing sudden tragedy, CBS News reported.

The latest announcement unfolded during ESPN’s Christmas edition of NBA Tip-Off. Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett revealed the promotion live on air, highlighting O’Neal’s hands-on leadership and measurable impact since joining the department’s community outreach efforts in 2021.

During the broadcast, members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office presented O’Neal with a plaque recognizing his commitment to service, leadership, and compassion. During the announcement, O’Neal reacted playfully to the idea of officially being addressed as “Chief,” a nickname he leaned into with ease, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

“For your outstanding commitment to service, community engagement in Henry County, and for your leadership, compassion and unwavering support of our mission to protect and serve,” the plaque honoring O’Neal reads.

Shaq promoted to Henry County PD community relations chief https://t.co/eqTfsLMn5B
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) December 26, 2025

Following the on-air recognition, Captain Deon L. Wallace, a friend of Shaq, shared on social media O’Neal’s consistent dedication to service. Wallace emphasized that the promotion represented more than celebrity involvement, describing it as the natural next step for someone deeply invested in the community’s well-being.

“Congratulations are truly in order for the one and only Shaquille O’Neal,” Wallace wrote, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. “Today marks a significant milestone as he was officially promoted to Chief of Community Relations with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. The promotion was presented by our sheriff, Reginald B. Scandrett, and shared with the nation on ESPN — a proud moment for our entire community.”

The sheriff’s office has framed the promotion as part of a broader public safety philosophy centered on trust, visibility, and sustained engagement between law enforcement and residents. Officials credit O’Neal’s presence with strengthening relationships and increasing positive interactions across Henry County.

Beyond his work with the sheriff’s office, O’Neal maintains strong ties to the Atlanta area through business investments and property ownership. His charitable efforts across Georgia have included donating shoes to students, providing holiday meals, assisting families after disasters, supporting local athletes, and funding rewards to aid law enforcement investigations.

Melvin Edwards, Sculptor, Black Resistance, Dies

by Kandiss Edwards

December 28, 2025

Pioneer HBCU Band Director Richard Beckford Dies After Long Illness

His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from music programs around the country.

The historically Black college and university band community is mourning the death of Dr. Richard Beckford, a longtime band director and educator.

Florida Memorial University announced Beckford’s death on Dec. 26, though the date of his death remains undisclosed. The director of Bands for Florida Memorial University, Beckford, succumbed to complications from a longstanding illness. In 2024, Dr. Beckford’s daughter, Angie, started a GoFundMe to assist him as he recovered from a lung transplant. According to the May 2024 campaign, Beckford’s surgery was successful, and he was on the road to recovery.

Beckford served as director of bands at Florida Memorial University, where he pioneered the program. Additionally, he led the ROAR Marching Band and oversaw concert ensembles and music education initiatives.

His tenure was marked by an emphasis on musical precision, show design, and student development, with performances that drew attention within the competitive HBCU band circuit.

Florida Memorial University acknowledged Beckford as a leader whose commitment to excellence extended beyond performances to academic and personal mentorship. The university stated that Beckford played a pivotal role in increasing the ROAR Marching Band’s visibility and in preparing students for careers in music and education.

His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from music programs around the country. On Instagram, Florida Memorial University ROAR marching band posted a tribute to the man who gave much of himself to its institution.

“We honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Richard Beckford, whose passion for music, unwavering leadership, and dedication to excellence shaped generations of student musicians. His influence will forever echo through the halls of Florida Memorial University and live on in every life he touched. Though he has departed from this earth, his legacy remains eternal. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Florida Memorial University (@fmu_official)

Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon and White Band sent “comfort” to those affected by Beckford’s passing and the school community as a whole.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AAMU Marching Maroon & White (@aamuband)

Winston-Salem State University’s Red Sea of Sound marching band paid tribute to Dr. Beckford and extended its sympathy to all those affected.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by WSSU Red Sea of Sound (@_redseaofsound)

Southern University’s Human Jukebox praised “his passion for music, commitment to students, and impact on band culture.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Southern Univ. Human Jukebox (@su_humanjukebox)

More than band programs are expressing their heartfelt sympathies. Individuals in the HBCU band world are sharing memories of Beckford’s teaching style and leadership approach.

Beckford’s death comes as HBCU marching bands continue to gain national attention for their musical innovation and cultural influence, from televised performances to high-profile competitions. Educators said his legacy is reflected in the continued prominence of those programs and in the careers of students he mentored.

Details regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services had not been publicly announced at the time of publication. Nor has Beckford’s GoFundMe been updated. University officials and band organizations said additional information would be shared as it becomes available.

holiday shopping, holiday spending, gifts

by Kandiss Edwards

December 28, 2025

Holiday Shoppers Shifted To Thrift, Discounts, And Careful Buying

U.S. consumers spent more this holiday season while simultaneously changing how they shopped.

More customers turned to thrift stores and discount retailers, and made fewer impulse purchases, as economic factors shape consumption behavior, The Associated Press reported.

Shoppers continue to open their wallets despite concerns about inflation, interest rates, and household budgets. However, they are shopping intentionally. Data from Mastercard SpendingPulse and Visa Consulting & Analytics showed that total holiday spending using cash and cards increased modestly from 2024 levels.

At the same time, shoppers demonstrated increased caution. Traffic at thrift stores rose sharply in the days leading up to Christmas, with visits climbing nearly 11% compared with the same period last year, AP News reported. Consumers also favored off-price retailers, including chains that emphasize discounted apparel and household goods.

Another notable shift was a decline in pre-Christmas returns. According to data cited by AP News, return rates between Nov. 1 and Dec. 12 fell about 2.5% from the same period in 2024. Shoppers appear to be planning purchases more carefully, buying fewer excess items and sticking closer to budgets. Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights, told the Associated Press that consumers are making wiser choices this holiday season.

“I think it’s very indicative of consumers and how conscientiously they’ve purchased,” Pandya said. “Many of them are being very specific with how they spend their budget.”

ABC News reported similar trends, noting that early holiday data pointed to more intentional spending patterns, including increased secondhand shopping and fewer returns before Christmas. Retail experts interviewed by the outlet said consumers were reacting to economic uncertainty by prioritizing value and durability over novelty.

Online shopping remained strong, though brick-and-mortar stores continued to account for the majority of sales. While e-commerce played a significant role, many consumers still preferred in-store shopping, particularly at discount and resale outlets where price comparisons are easier to assess in person.

Retailers now anticipate a post-holiday surge in returns, though the volume may be lower than in previous years due to more deliberate purchasing.