Kenneka Jenkins, Chicago, Crowne Plaza, hotel, party, room, Chicago, viral video
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 8, 2025

Kenneka Jenkins’ Mother Seen Wandering Naked In Chicago Screaming Justice For Her Daughter

Teresa Martin has remained a vocal advocate for justice since her daughter was found dead in a hotel freezer in 2017.

The mother of Kenneka Jenkins, a Chicago teen who died in a hotel freezer, has gone viral for her own distressing moment.

Recent video footage spread of the grieving woman walking around the streets naked during the brisk Chicago winter. The footage displayed Jenkins’ mother, Teresa Martin, with cries of justice for her deceased child. Viewers can overhear Martin saying “Justice for Kenneka” and “justice for all.”

The unfortunate circumstance comes weeks after Martin posted another update about her continued quest for answers over Jenkins’ death. The grieving mother disclosed that she has not received any of her late daughter’s personal items since the day she died.

“They promised answers about my daughter’s death, but those promises were never kept,” Martin wrote, according to Shine My Crown.

Jenkins’ story made national headlines after the 19-year-old was found dead in a walk-in freezer at a Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chicagoland in September 2017. Footage showed the teenager walking the halls of the hotel, seemingly intoxicated. However, security video never confirmed how and when she entered the freezer.

The unusual case became even more controversial after officials ruled the death an accident. However, Martin refuses to believe her daughter’s death was purely unintentional, continuing to advocate for justice.

The family received a $10 million settlement after initially suing the hotel. However, Martin said her fight to seek justice for her daughter remains. She further critiqued how law enforcement handled the investigation, arguing that they pressured her and other family members into giving statements without their full awareness.

Others also found the investigation controversial, empathizing with Martin on its lack of resolve. Since her daughter’s widely known case, Martin has remained a staunch advocate for her late child.

However, many see this latest instance as an indicator of the emotional toll of this years-long journey. Neither the mother nor her representative has released a statement on the incident.

RELATED CONTENT: Kenneka Jenkins’ Mother Breaks Silence On Daughter’s Case, ‘They Will Get Me Answers’

South African President, daughter, Zuma,Recruiting Men, Russia
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 8, 2025

Daughter Of South African President Accused Of Illegally Recruiting Men To Fight For Russia

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla reportedly played a role in recruiting South African men to fight in the Ukraine war due to the shortage of native Russian recruits.

The daughter of a former South African president has been accused of tricking men into fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is one of the almost two dozen children of former President Jacob Zuma. Zuma has already faced a long series of corruption scandals, leading to the 83-year-old’s resignation as leader in 2018. Now, one of his daughters faces her own controversy over her alleged involvement in recruitment for the war in Ukraine.

According to CNN, Zuma-Sambudla reportedly played a role in recruiting African men to fight in the war due to the shortage of native Russian recruits. Given Russia’s own ties to veterans of the African National Congress, a political party initially formed for the liberation and independence of African countries, the recruitment plan targeted these nations, which already had relationships with government officials. Zuma was also a leader of the party before his expulsion in 2024.

The news of Zuma-Sambudla’s unethical recruitment came to light after her elder sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, filed a criminal complaint against her half-sibling. The complaint led to Zuma-Sambudla’s resignation from her role in Parliament, where she led the same political group her father had previously led, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party.

The filing exposed how 17 native South Africans found themselves trapped in Ukraine fighting on behalf of Russia. The complaint detailed how the men traveled to the region on the false promise of a government contract for “bodyguard training.” Instead of government work, however, they soon realized the trip was to become mercenaries for the European nation.

Distress calls back to South Africa made the country aware of the recruitment trick, with further investigation pointing to Zuma-Sambudla’s coordination of the plan. The Democratic Alliance, the second-largest political party in South Africa, has since filed criminal charges against Zuma-Sambudla.

Zuma-Sambudla, however, has stated that she became a victim of the recruitment ruse. According to an affidavit obtained by local news outlet, Daily News, the disgraced leader says a man told her about a “legitimate paramilitary training program.” She claims that after undergoing a month of its training, in which she argues she faced no combat, she enlisted others to join, leading to their current unknown predicament.

“Based on my own experience, I believed that the program was lawful and safe. But I, too, was manipulated and used to create a false impression of legitimacy,” she shared.

However, the ruse sheds light on an alleged greater, and illegal, recruitment pipeline of African nationals to aid Russia. Russian officials have denied knowledge of any military participation by South African citizens.

RELATED CONTENT: Amid Growing Unrest, South Africa Unveils $100B Jobs Plan

Phil Upchurch, Guitarist
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 7, 2025

Phil Upchurch, Legendary Guitarist For Michael Jackson, Donny Hathaway, And George Benson, Dead At 84

He also worked with artists like Quincy Jones, Etta James, Ramsey Lewis, and Luther Vandross.

Guitarist Phil Upchurch, the session musician who worked with such artists as George Benson, Michael Jackson, and Donny Hathaway, died Nov. 23 in Los Angeles, according to his wife, Sonya Maddox-Upchurch.

A cause of death was not revealed. He was 84.

“Phil Upchurch was my personal gift from God, he was my best friend, my music partner, my life, and my hero,” she said in a written statement, according to Billboard. “Our love was supernatural, endless, timeless and as true as his favorite color blue. He was a master of chords and emotions. Anything that he placed his mind to complete—he did it. Well done, my love. I love you more than words can say and the heart can hold.”

Benson acknowledged Upchurch’s death on his social media account.

“We lost a dear Broadway Tours family member. The great Phil Upchurch. Phil was an integral part of the Breezin’ record having wrote the great song “Six to Four” as well as a key musician on the record Weekend In LA. 🤍🎶🕊️”

Upchurch, born in Chicago on July 19, 1941, played the ukulele at age 13 before turning to the guitar, bass, and drums. After graduating from high school in 1958, he went on tour with The Spaniels, three years before scoring a hit in 1961 with “You Can’t Sit Down.”

During his career as a studio musician, he shared the room with artists such as Ramsey Lewis, the Dells, Etta James, Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, Curtis Mayfield, and Stan Getz.

Upchurch also authored two instructional music books and also wrote an autobiography, which will be released posthumously.

RELATED CONTENT: Jellybean Johnson, Influential Drummer Of The Time And Minneapolis Sound Pioneer, Dies At 69

Black Santa Experience
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 7, 2025

Black Santa Is Coming To Town: Here’s Where You Can Catch The Christmas Icon

Black Santa is coming to cities big and small to help families feel pride and joy this holiday season.

The increasingly popular Black Santa is returning to diverse communities nationwide to spread holiday cheer.

The soulful take on Santa Claus has added a jolly representation to the holiday, helping Black families feel seen among the celebration. Many cities have started to embrace the tradition by providing their own sightings of Black Santa.

As a symbol of representation and pride, Black Santa allows diverse families to reclaim Christmas for themselves. Especially amid a federal anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion movement, promoting this Santa has become even more important this holiday season.

This year, states across the nation are hosting Black Santa.

In Fayetteville, North Carolina, one retired Army veteran has become an annual beacon of representation as Black Santa.

According to the Fayetteville Observer, Craig Edwards dons the red suit every Christmas to greet children during the holidays. Inspired by his granddaughter’s innocent question of why Santa did not look like her, the father of three attended Santa Academy to learn the tricks and trade of Saint Nick. Known by the community as “Santa Craig,” he continues to delight families at the local mall for classic pictures.

In the Midwest, the Progress Center for Black Women hosted its 7th annual Photos with Santa at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin, which has grown from a few hundred visitors to over 1,500. Young families to solo adults come and often it’s the first time they have met a Black Mr. Claus, according to Madison 365.

Back in the Carolinas, Wilmington hosts its own Black history tours. Its Christmas-inspired version is guided by “Soul Santa.” The guide, Brandon ‘Bigg B’ Hickman, believes “Santa is who we make Santa out to be,” as his version goes deeper into the tradition to touch on the history of the local community.

In Ohio, The Voice of Black Cincinnati will bring out its Black Santa on Dec. 18. Santa will appear at the Cincinnati Art Museum for the annual tradition, which focuses on promoting holiday cheer that all can take pride in.

The Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis also has a host of holiday programming, including its Black Santa Extravaganza. Taking place Dec. 13, the free event invites families throughout the Midwest city to snap pictures with Santa as they begin their Christmas celebration. Doing this at The Walker is especially significant, as the center honors the legacy of the Black woman entrepreneur whose ambitions inspired millions.

In Houston, the Black Santa Experience also brings Mrs. Claus to the holiday occasion. Families can head to a local luxury photo studio to snap a pic with the soulful Mr. and Mrs. Claus, allowing them to see themselves in every aspect of the holiday character.

Lastly, the Black Santa 270 program in Paducah, Kentucky, started in 2017. According to WPSD Local 6, its mission aims to give back to local children in need while spreading cheer with a Santa that sparks imagination. On Dec. 20, it will continue the tradition by providing toys, food, and photos for children.

RELATED CONTENT: BLACK ENTERPRISE Kicks Off ‘12 Days Of Christmas’ Gifts With Black-Owned Handbags

Missouri , Damon Wilson, sued
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 7, 2025

Missouri Defensive End Damon Wilson Sued By Georgia For $390K

The University of Georgia Athletic Association has filed legal paperwork requesting $390,000 in damages from the defensive end.

University of Missouri student-athlete Damon Wilson is being sued by the University of Georgia for more than $300,000 for transferring from the school after signing a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal two weeks before leaving for Missouri.

According to ESPN, the University of Georgia Athletic Association (UGAAA) has filed legal paperwork requesting $390,000 in damages from the defensive end. The athletic association wants that amount as a buyout fee.

Wilson played two years with Georgia and transferred to Missouri two weeks after signing the new deal with Georgia’s Classic City Collective.

“When the University of Georgia Athletic Association enters binding agreements with student-athletes, we honor our commitments and expect student-athletes to do the same,” athletics spokesperson Steven Drummond said in a written statement to ESPN.

Georgia paid Wilson a total of $30,000 under the contract; the school says Wilson owes $390,000 in a lump sum within 30 days of his nullification of the deal.

The association said that Wilson signed a term sheet for a 14-month contract worth $ 500,000 in December 2024. He was to receive $30,000 monthly with two bonus payments of $40,000. The deal stipulated that if Wilson withdrew from the football team or entered the transfer portal, he would owe a lump-sum payment equal to the remaining money he’d have received if he’d stayed through the end of the deal.

“After all the facts come out, people will be shocked at how the University of Georgia treated a student athlete,” said Bogdan Susan, Wilson’s attorney, who is representing Wilson along with Jeff Jensen. “It has never been about the money for Damon; he just wants to play the game he loves and pursue his dream of playing in the NFL.”

An arbitrator will decide the case.

Georgia did just fine without Wilson, winning the SEC Championship Game, 28-7, against the University of Alabama over the weekend.

RELATED CONTENT: Shilo Sanders Sued By Former Law Firm For $164K For Unpaid Bill

national parks, trump, dei, gift shops
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 7, 2025

U.S. National Parks Remove MLK Day And Juneteenth From Free-Entry List, Replace Them With Trump’s Birthday

The Parks Service did not explain why it opted to remove two prominent holidays promoting civil rights and justice in America.

During the Biden administration, on Juneteenth and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day visitors could enter national parks for free. Now, under President Donald Trump, the holidays celebrating the end of slavery and the life of the civil rights icon have been axed from these special days.

CBS News confirmed a day that will replace them: June 14, Flag Day and more notably, Donald Trump’s birthday.

The list of free admission days includes patriotic days already recognized across America such as Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and even Constitution Day. It also celebrates some birthdays, such as the establishment of the Park Service itself and the president who founded it, Theodore Roosevelt.

No other president’s birthday currently stands as a free entry day.

The Parks Service did not explain why it opted to remove two prominent holidays promoting civil rights and justice in America. However, the news shocked many in the Black community.

Particularly, MLK Day has become a day of service. Many volunteers use the free entry opportunity to help clean the parks.

“Not only does it recognize an American hero, it’s also a day when people go into parks to clean them up,” shared Kristen Brengel, a spokesperson for the National Parks Conservation Association, to ABC7. “Martin Luther King Jr. deserves a day of recognition … For some reason, Black history has repeatedly been targeted by this administration, and it shouldn’t be.”

The removal of MLK Day and Juneteenth from this list also aligns with the Trump administration’s crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The administration has already urged agencies, public schools, and departments to put a lesser focus on diverse histories. This update with the National Parks is an apparent part of this push.

The news also adds to the growing controversy surrounding the National Parks, as it previously announced price increases for visitors not identified as American citizens or permanent residents. Even on these free entry days, foreign visitors will have to pay entrance fees and other nonresident fees.

RELATED CONTENT: The Future Of Juneteenth: Incorporating Juneteenth Into Black Life

Sean Combs, ‘Reckoning’ Doc, Abuse Claims, Slap Story, Janice Combs,
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 7, 2025

Diddy’s Mother Rejects Abuse Claims in Documentary, Says 1991 Slap Story Never Happened

'The allegations stated by Mr. Kirk Burrows that my son slapped me... are inaccurate and patently false,' she wrote.

The Netflix documentary, “Sean Combs: The Reckoning,” has been in the headlines due to the salacious details about the alleged acts the rap mogul has committed.

Now Janice Combs, his mother, has attacked the docuseries for “inaccuracies.”

According to Deadline, she struck back over what has been stated in several interviews and stories told in the doc about her son, his upbringing, and her role in rearing him.

“I am writing this statement to correct some of the lies presented in the Netflix, Sean Combs: The Reckoning, released on December 2, 2025,” she stated to the media outlet. “These inaccuracies regarding my son Sean’s upbringing and family life is intentionally done to mislead viewers and further harm our reputation.”

She denied accusations that she was an abusive parent and that there was a physical altercation between them.

“The allegations stated by Mr. Kirk Burrows (Diddy’s former business partner) that my son slapped me while we were conversing after the tragic City College events on December 28, 1991, are inaccurate and patently false,” Combs said. “That was a very sad day for all of us.

“For him to use this tragedy and incorporate fake narratives to further his prior failed and current attempt to gain what was never his, Bad Boy Records is wrong, outrageous, and past offensive.”

In the statement, she also disputed what Diddy’s childhood friend, Tim “Dawg” Patterson, said about how she treated her son as a child. Patterson grew up with Diddy and was a close friend of the mogul.

She ended her letter by writing, “I am requesting that these distortions, falsehoods and misleading statements be publicly retracted.”

Diddy is currently serving a 50-month prison term in New Jersey at Fort Dix, after being convicted on two counts of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act in July.

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy Won’t Stop Criticizing The 50 Cent Docuseries ‘Sean Combs, The Reckoning’

Kanye, Malibu, Brazil, Nazi
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 7, 2025

Ye’s Brazil Concert Canceled Over Nazi Fascination

'No one who promotes Nazism will play or sing any words on public equipment belonging to the City Hall,' said São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes.

Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, recently had a scheduled Brazil concert canceled because of his Nazi fascination.

According to Consequence, officials from São Paulo City Hall made the move because the hip-hop star had previously promoted hate speech and his love of Nazism. The event was planned to take place on Nov. 29 at the Interlagos Racetrack in São Paulo.

Before officials made the decision, São Paulo mayor Ricardo Nunes threatened to arrest the producer if he uttered any of the words or performed any song that promoted Nazism during the show. Metrópoles reported that the São Paulo State Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPSP) told the Riot Police to keep police officers on hand.

Two promoters of the show, Guilherme Cavalcante and Jean Fabrício Ramos (Faublous Fabz), were also threatened with arrest if Ye crossed the line.

“No one who promotes Nazism will play or sing any words on public equipment belonging to the City Hall,” Nunes said. “We do not accept it, and we will do everything necessary to ensure that no one who promotes Nazism has any kind of activity here in the city of São Paulo.”

Ye released a song, “Heil Hitler,” in May that celebrated the divisive German Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler.

The event organizers are still planning to have a Ye performance in Brazil in 2026, although imost likely not in São Paulo.

Consequence reported that Ye is not welcome in Australia after he released that song. His visa has been revoked, as confirmed by Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke. 

RELATED CONTENT: Ye Cites Bipolar Disorder While Apologizing For Past Antisemitic Remarks

Will Smith, Men in Black
by Kandiss Edwards

December 7, 2025

‘Men In Black’-With Or Without Will Smith

Sources maintain that the 57-year-old actor will not commit in any capacity until he has read the final script. 

Sony Pictures is officially moving forward with the next addition to the Men in Black franchise, with or without Will Smith.

Sony is aiming to capitalize on the billion-dollar Sci-Fi action-comedy series. The studio has tapped Chris Bremner, the screenwriter credited with successfully extending the “Bad Boys” franchise, to write the script for the new film.

The most anticipated question about the project is whether Will Smith will return as the iconic “Agent J.” Insiders confirm that once Bremner completes the screenplay, Smith will be among the first to receive it, Deadline reported. Sources say that the 57-year-old actor will not commit in any capacity until he has read the final script. 

Bremner’s professional relationship with Smith hints that he is the man for the job, as the writer also penned Smith’s upcoming Netflix actioner, “Fast & Loose.” Hopefully, the screenwriter’s ability to craft a compelling story is enough to draw the mega star back into his tailored black suit and black sunglasses.

 

 

The franchise’s global track record is astounding. All of the films combined have collectively earned nearly $2 billion at the box office. However, the latest attempt to expand the universe, “Men in Black: International,” starring Tessa Thompson, failed to follow the success of its Smith-led predecessors.

Sony’s confidence in the project is also tied to the proven chemistry between Smith and Bremner. Recently, the two collaborated on “Bad Boys for Life.” The film delivered one of the decade’s most durable action-comedy hits. “The Bad Boys” franchise is also a $1 billion franchise, which is holding strong after nearly 30 years.

In a 2020 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Smith said the movie worked because “we trusted the writing and trusted the comedic rhythm.”

He credits Bremner with sharpening the story’s pace and tone. If the writing, chemistry, and trust remain, the newest addition to the franchise will be excellent.

RELATED CONTENT: Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Aims For Global Anime Expansion With New Partnership

DEI, apple
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 7, 2025

Apple’s Lisa Jackson To Retire in 2026, Leaving Few Black Executives And Limited Companywide Representation

Jackson joined Apple in 2013.

Lisa Jackson has departed Apple’s executive team, leaving the company with few Black executives and an overall Black representation of just 9%.

On Dec. 4, Apple announced that General Counsel Kate Adams and Jackson, vice president for environment, policy, and social initiatives, are retiring. Both reported directly to CEO Tim Cook.

Jackson, who joined Apple in 2013, oversaw the company’s diversity initiatives and much of its policy work in Washington, D.C., following her four-year tenure as an Obama-appointed administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She will retire in late January 2026, according to Apple.

Her focus on social justice and renewable energy became less central during the second Trump administration, which publicly opposes DEI programs and has criticized climate change initiatives.

The change comes even though Apple shareholders rejected a February proposal to end the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion program. The conservative think tank, the National Center for Public Policy Research, had urged Apple to follow other major companies in scaling back DEI, which has faced criticism from Republicans and President Donald Trump.

“The vibe shift is clear: DEI is out, and annual merit is in,” Stephen Padfield, executive director of the National Center for Public Policy Research’s Free Enterprise Project, said in a pre-recorded statement played to Apple shareholders at the time.

Jackson’s departure leaves a small number of Black executives—5%, according to Apple. Cynthia Bowman, vice president, global talent and people business planning; Alisha Johnson-Wilder, director of external engagement for environment, policy, and social initiatives; and Wanda Austin, a key board member with extensive science and tech leadership, are among the few that remain.

Companywide, Black employees remain the lowest-represented minority group at Apple, aside from Indigenous staff at just 1% and multiracial employees at 3%. Black representation is stronger in retail and sales than in technical or leadership roles.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump’s Latest ‘Genesis Mission,’ Seeks AI-Driven Scientific Dominance With Manhattan Project

×