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.”

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.

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

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

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.

RELATED CONTENT: Atlanta Continues Reign Of Top High School Marching Bands, Fueling HBCU Band Pipelines

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.

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. 

RELATED CONTENT: Shopping While Black: H&M Manager Catches Heat For Racially Profiling 2 Sisters, Refusing Service For No Reason

Delroy Lindo, NAACP Image Awards, racial slur, BAFTA
by Ann Brown

December 28, 2025

Delroy Lindo Of ‘Sinners’ To Receive Top Honor From African American Film Critics Association

Lindo will receive the Beacon Award at the upcoming AAFCA Special Achievement Awards.

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) recently unveiled its slate of Special Achievement honorees for 2026, spotlighting artists, executives, and institutions whose impact helps shape film, culture, and opportunity across the entertainment industry.

Among the top honorees is acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo, who will receive the Beacon Award for his work in “Sinners” and his decades-long career marked by uncompromising performances. DeVon Franklin, a producer and thought leader known for bridging faith, film, and commerce, will be honored with the Ashley Boone Award, recognizing his influence as a changemaker behind the scenes, Variety reports.

AAFCA will also recognize Erick Peyton with the Game Changer Award, Jason Aidoo with the Vanguard Award, and Lawrence Lamont as Breakthrough Director.

Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group will receive the Impact Award, honoring the studio’s global influence and sustained commitment to filmmaker-driven storytelling. Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Tom Rothman, the studio has delivered blockbuster franchises such as “Spider-Man,” “Venom,” and “Jumanji.”

In addition to the main honorees, AAFCA announced the recipients of the 2026 Special Achievement Awards Luncheon honors. Nikkole Denson-Randolph will receive the Spotlight Award, Lorrie Bartlett will be honored with the Salute to Excellence, Michelle Satter will accept the Film Advocate Award, and Sony Pictures Classics will be presented with the Stanley and Karen Kramer Award.

Satter, a founding senior director of artist programs at the Sundance Institute, is being recognized for her impact on independent cinema. Through the Sundance Directors and Screenwriters Labs, AAFCA notes she has mentored generations of filmmakers, helping shape some of the most important creative voices working today.

Sony Pictures Classics is being honored for championing “bold, socially conscious storytelling and bringing acclaimed films to global audiences, according to an AAFCA press release sent to BLACK ENTERPRISE.

The first group of honorees will be celebrated at the 17th Annual AAFCA Awards on Feb. 8, 2026, at The Maybourne Beverly Hills. Additional recipients will be honored during AAFCA’s Annual Special Achievement Awards Luncheon on March 1, 2026, at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Sinners’ Honored With Best Film And Seven Other Wins By African American Film Critics Association

Seattle, rat, toilets, rain, infestation
by Jameelah Mullen

December 28, 2025

Oh Rats! Seattle Officials Issue Warning Of Rodents Coming Up In Toilets Amid Heavy Rain

New fear unlocked.

After weeks of heavy rain, King County officials are warning Seattle-area residents of a possible nightmare scenario: rats could emerge from their toilets. 

In a Facebook post, the Seattle and King County public health department urged residents to “stay calm” and then follow a series of steps, which include flushing the rat down the toilet. The Facebook post, which features comic-book-like illustrations, advises residents to crack open the lid and squeeze dishwashing liquid into the commode to help the rodent slide down into the pipes.

“A large rat may not flush down. In that case, keep the lid closed and call a pest control company,” the Facebook post says. 

The city has seen the worst flooding in recent history this month. The flooding caused by heavy rain and overflowing rivers has damaged several highways and levees, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared a public health emergency in Washington state earlier this week.

Rodents are strong swimmers and can squeeze into small spaces, such as pipes, which is more common in homes and cities with older sewer systems, according to the pest control company Sewer Assassin. Heavy rain isn’t the only reason rats enter toilets; they can also enter when broken pipes allow passage, or when food scents reach drains, attracting the rodents.

Timothy Wong, the technical director of M&M Pest Control in Queens, New York, told The New York Times that the company sees about 20 incidents of rats in toilets each year, typically in dwellings located in the basement or on the first or second floors.

King County officials warn that rodents (rats and mice) are common pests in the Seattle area. Not only do they carry diseases that can cause sickness to humans, but they can also chew on electrical wires, which increases fire risks. 

If you find a rat in your toilet, officials urge you to report it to the country’s Public Health department online or call Seattle & King County at 206-263-9566.

RELATED CONTENT: NYC’s Own Cam’ron Disgusted With City Still Having Rat Problems

North Carolina, bookstore, liberation
by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

Liberation Station Reopens After Threats Forced Closure Of North Carolina’s Black-Owned Children’s Bookstore

The reopening follows widespread fundraising and local support that helped secure a new site in Raleigh.

Liberation Station, a Black-owned children’s bookstore in North Carolina, is set to reopen its doors on Dec. 29 after closing its original location in 2024.

The reopening follows widespread fundraising and local support that helped secure a new site at 430 Hill Street in Raleigh. Founded by Victoria Scott-Miller and her husband, Liberation Station first opened on Fayetteville Street in 2023. The literary haven was one of the region’s few bookstores specializing in children’s books by and about Black authors and characters. It has been reported to be North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore. According to Scott-Miller, Liberation Station aimed to give young readers stories in which they could see themselves reflected.

The reopening comes after a successful fundraising effort that included community donations and social media support. A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $70,000, with some larger donors contributing to the campaign to help cover relocation costs, inventory, and operational expenses for the new Raleigh site. 

After less than a year, the original store closed amid a barrage of threats and harassment directed at the owners and the space, prompting concerns for safety and the decision to pause operations. 

Speaking with WRAL, Scott-Miller also thanked supporters for their continued love and support as the establishment worked to relocate and rebuild. 

“I’m grateful that we had an opportunity to step back, and that we had a community that loves us so much that they allowed us to rest. they allowed us to pause and reimagine what it could look like, not only the bookstore, but then our own personal safety. And so, coming back has been, that of a revival” she said.

Liberation Station’s reopening event on Dec. 29 plans to welcome families and supporters as the bookstore resumes its role as a space for children and parents to explore literature rooted in diverse experiences. 

RELATED CONTENT: Homeless Florida Man Charged With Murder After Fatally Stabbing Elderly Woman At Barnes & Noble Bookstore

Melvin Edwards, Sculptor, Black Resistance, Dies
by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

‘Big Brother’ Star Mickey Lee Dies After Flu Complications At 35

A GoFundMe campaign organized before Lee’s final health crisis to help cover medical expenses had raised more than $38,000 as of publication.

Reality television competitor Mickey Lee, best known for her appearance on “Big Brother,” season 27, has died at age 35. Lee’s family announced her death shortly after she was hospitalized following a series of health emergencies, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Lee, a fan-favorite on the CBS reality series “Big Brother” filmed in summer 2025, was hospitalized in late December after suffering multiple cardiac arrests linked to complications from the flu. Her condition quickly became critical, and her family shared the news of her death on Dec. 25, Christmas Day. 

In a statement shared on Lee’s Instagram, the reality star’s family said she “captured the hearts of audiences nationwide through her appearance on ‘Big Brother,’ where her authenticity, strength, and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike.” They added that she “will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed both on and off screen,” and asked for privacy as they mourn her loss. 

Lee finished in 10th place on “Big Brother 27,” which aired on CBS in 2025. She was known for her vibrant personality and memorable moments as the show’s “Hero-Villain” during the competition. Lee’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from former houseguests and members of the Big Brother community. 

Big Brother family tributes included comments from fellow competitors recalling her warmth and character. Entertainment Weekly noted that many former contestants expressed grief and heartfelt messages on social media following the announcement of her passing. 

Host Julie Chen Moonves, who led the series, also paid tribute to Lee in a social media post shared after her death, saying she would see Lee “again on the other side in eternity” and praying for comfort and healing for her loved ones. 

A GoFundMe campaign organized before Lee’s final health crisis to help cover medical expenses had raised more than $38,000 as of publication. The campaign sought $40,000 and will now use the funds to cover memorial costs. Details regarding memorial services are expected to be announced later by the family. 

RELATED CONTENT: Popular TikTok Content Creator Marquay The Goat Has Died At 24

South Carolina State University, HBCU, basketball games, shooting
by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

South Carolina HBCU Flag Will Fly Over The State’s Capitol For The First Time Ever

The flag-raising honors the South Carolina State Bulldogs, who won the 2025 Black College National Championship.

South Carolina State University’s success on the football field is being recognized at the South Carolina State House with the first-ever flyover of an HBCU flag following the Bulldogs’ national championship.

Lawmakers and university leaders announced that the South Carolina State University flag will be raised over the State House on Jan. 19, 2026. The historic moment will coincide with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Along with the flag raising, a ceremony celebrating the school’s victory and its contributions to the state will also take place, HBCU Gameday reported.

The flag-raising honors the South Carolina State Bulldogs, who won the 2025 Black College National Championship with a 40–38, four-overtime victory against Prairie View A&M in the Celebration Bowl. The achievement cemented the university’s status as one of the premier sports programs among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

State Rep. Hamilton R. Grant announced the recognition for the HBCU in a post on X. 

“We are pleased to announce that Governor McMaster has honored our request! For the first time in our state’s history, an HBCU Flag will fly high above our Capitol. Congratulations again to the 2025 National HBCU Champions!” Grant wrote.

The request to honor the South Carolina State Bulldogs was a joint effort by SC legislators. House Rep. Grant, Rep. Jerry Govan, and Sen. Deon Tedder appealed to the state’s current governor, Gov. Henry McMaster. The HBCU will be added to a number of the state’s institutions that have shown excellence worthy of such an honor. Previous flags flown at the Capitol include, Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, and the University of South Carolina.

The Jan. 19 ceremony will take place on the State House grounds and is expected to include remarks from state officials, university representatives, and members of the community. The event also coincides with observances marking Black History Month.

RELATED CONTENT: HBCU Grad Becomes First To Earn Mechatronics Engineering Degree At South Carolina State

basketball, NBA Draft Pick, James Nnaji , Baylor University
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 27, 2025

7-Foot Former NBA Draft Pick James Nnaji Signs With Baylor University

The university has secured a commitment from Nnaji, even though he was drafted at No. 31 in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.

Baylor University has just signed a former NBA Draft pick, 7-foot center James Nnaji, to play out the rest of this current season.

According to On3, the university has secured a commitment from Nnaji, even though he was drafted at No. 31 in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. The NCAA has granted him four years of eligibility, although he played professionally overseas before committing.

Nnaji has never played in the NBA, although he did play in this year’s NBA Summer League with the New York Knicks. After the Pistons drafted him, their rights were traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 2023. As part of the deal that brought the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks, the New York team acquired Nnaji’s rights.

However, he played overseas, most recently for FC Barcelona in the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague before leaving the team in August.

According to Scripps News, Baylor’s coach seemed excited about the recent addition.

“James is a really talented young player with a ton of potential, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Baylor family,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said. “Any time you add someone to the roster midseason, it’s going to be a process to get them acclimated and up to speed, but we know James will do everything he can to make it a seamless transition. Our immediate focus is on helping him take things step by step to ensure it’s best for both him and the team when he’s able to take the court.”

Injuries have decimated Baylor’s basketball team. Most recently, freshman forward Maikcol Perez suffered a knee injury, and center Juslin Bodo Bodo had an arm injury that has kept them out all season.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Basketball Players Were Drafted To The NBA 75 Years Ago

Trump, dei, federal contracts
by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

Trump’s Niece Warns America Is Headed Toward ‘Something Awful’

Mary Trump predicts continued political decline unless significant changes occur. 

Mary L. Trump, the estranged niece of Donald Trump, wrote that the United States is “on the precipice of something awful” and warned that the president’s leadership is faltering amid mounting political and economic pressures, according to Newsweek. 

In a Dec. 23 post on her Substack newsletter, “The Good in Us, Mary Trump,” said the president has “lost the ability to control the narrative” and is on a “slippery slope down which he will continue to slide.” She wrote that his pattern of “lying, spinning, and obfuscating” has become less effective, making him appear “diminished to the point of impotence” to some observers. 

Mary Trump attributed the president’s struggles to what she characterized as a growing inability to address the country’s problems. Mary says the solutions have become more complex and that Trump can pretend issues do not exist, but cannot persuade others that they do not either. She wrote that reversing course would require him to recognize his limitations, defer to experts, and admit mistakes — steps she argued he is incapable of taking, Newsweek reported.

While Mary Trump said the United States could still recover from its current course, her message was bleak about her uncle’s trajectory, predicting continued political decline unless significant changes occur. 

Trump’s approval ratings have declined this year, with a YouGov/The Economist poll showing a majority of voters disapproving of his performance in office, the Newsweek report added.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded to the criticism in comments to Newsweek, calling Mary Trump a “stone-old loser who doesn’t have a clue about anything.” The remark underscored the administration’s rejection of her assessment. 

The Substack post and the reaction come on the heels of the Trump administration’s decision to target Nigerian “extremists” on Christmas Day. Preceding these attacks, President Trump, along with Department of Defense officials, has also spoken of an impending war with Venezuela to claim its oil reserves.

RELATED CONTENT: A Very MAGA Christmas: Trump Administration Credits Joint Strike for Saving Nigerian Christians From ‘Terrorist Scum’

Tyler Perry, sexual assault lawsuit, actor
by Kandiss Edwards

December 27, 2025

Tyler Perry Faces Another Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed By Actor

The civil complaint was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court by model and aspiring actor Mario Rodriguez.

Tyler Perry is facing a new lawsuit alleging sexual assault, marking the second time a male actor has brought claims against the filmmaker and studio executive.

The civil complaint was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court by model and aspiring actor Mario Rodriguez. In the lawsuit, Rodriguez alleges Perry sexually assaulted him on multiple occasions after inviting him to his home to discuss potential acting opportunities. Rodriguez is seeking $77 million in damages, according to court records.

According to the complaint, first obtained and reported by People, the alleged incidents occurred between 2015 and 2019. Rodriguez claims he first connected with Perry in 2015 and was later cast as a background actor in “Boo! A Madea Halloween.” After the appearance, Rodriguez alleges Perry invited him to additional meetings to discuss future roles and career advancement.

The lawsuit claims that during those meetings, Perry made unwanted sexual advances toward Rodriguez. One alleged incident in 2018 involved Perry fondling Rodriguez’s genitalia. The complaint states that Rodriguez resisted and that a physical struggle followed before he was released. The filing further alleges that Rodriguez was told that if he complied with Perry’s advances, he would be “taken care of,” though the lawsuit does not specify what that entailed.

Rodriguez also alleges that after later encounters, Perry gave him $5,000 and an apology following another instance of alleged unwanted touching. The complaint characterizes the alleged offers as attempts to silence him and maintain control over his career prospects.

https://twitter.com/MsXaviB/status/2004776017823760842

Rodriguez addressed the lawsuit publicly in a social media video, describing the emotional toll of coming forward.

“For a long time, guys, I didn’t want to say anything, and I wanted to tell you guys why I didn’t want to say anything,” Rodriguez said. “But when it happened to me, I felt ashamed. I was scared. Because of the judgment and the questions that people were going to start asking, almost like they were going to blame me for just being there.”

Perry has denied the allegations through his attorney. Alex Spiro, who represents the media mogul, said the lawsuit is an attempt to extract money through false claims. He also says the lawyer in the case, who is also representing another Perry accuser, is being opportunistic.

“Having recently failed in another matter against Mr. Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago, which will also be a failed money grab,” Spiro said in a statement provided to People.

The case remains pending, and no trial date has been set. Perry has not commented directly beyond his attorney’s statement.

RELATED CONTENT: Tyler Perry Accuser Breaks Silence To Force ‘Accountability’ From Mogul

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