Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, Shark Tank
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 5, 2025

Sharks And Business Leaders Feed Hungry Entrepreneurs At Inaugural Clover x Shark Tank Summit

Hungry entrepreneurs got their fill at the first-ever Clover x Shark Tank Summit in Las Vegas.

Eager entrepreneurs and small business owners gathered for inspiration and industry insights from top sharks and business leaders at the first-ever Clover x Shark Tank Summit.

Hosted by Clover Chief Empowerment Officer Tabitha Brown at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, the inaugural conference marked the culmination of 17 seasons of “Shark Tank,” spotlighting the next generation of innovative business leaders. Past and present Sharks took center stage for panels, live pitches, and info sessions designed to equip small business owners with the inspiration and motivation to thrive in today’s challenging economy.

Among the featured Sharks were Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Daniel Lubetsky, Robert Herjavek, along with next-gen guest Sharks Allison Ellsworth and Rashuan Williams. They were joined by top business and investment leaders who shared their expertise in in-depth discussions covering everything from branding and marketing to harnessing the industry-shifting power of AI.

Attendees listened intently as small business owners from across the country gathered to fill gaps in their business models and connect with fellow founders who understand the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

“I came to learn the numbers,” said Jazzmonae Lockett, the owner of Zion’s Crown hair care.

Lockett created her haircare line after developing a regrowth oil to treat her postpartum hair loss. Initially targeting moms, she soon discovered a wider market among those with alopecia and others experiencing hair loss. As Zion’s Crown grows, she’s seeking guidance on managing finances and data to sustain momentum.

“Shark Tank” fanatic Rashawnda Wright was inspired to start a business after years of watching the show. When her daughter struggled to fit her graduation cap over her natural hair, Wright created Cap Creations—custom inserts that let people with diverse hair wear caps comfortably and stylishly. Although she hasn’t yet landed a spot on “Shark Tank,” attending the summit gave her a chance to connect with the Sharks and gift Tabitha Brown one of her patented inserts.

The summit kicked off with high energy as “Earn Your Leisure” Founders and hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Billings opened with a live podcast featuring “Shark Tank” OG Robert Herjavec. The conversation centered on the ROI of investing in yourself, and allowed Herjavec to reflect on his own journey and how self-belief wasn’t always his strong suit. He realized this during a dinner with fellow Shark Mark Cuban, who revealed he knew at just 12 years old that he would one day be wealthy and own a basketball team.

“I remember how much that affected me because when I was 12 years old, I just didn’t want to be poor,” Herjavec, a Croatian native, told the crowd. “This mindset of fear was what I had to change. If you’re going to build a great business, or do anything in life, you have to have the ability to believe in yourself.”

That same belief and determination are essential for blocking out fear as an investor. “During economic downturns or uncertain times, many people pull back on investing due to reduced purchasing power, heightened risk aversion, and job security concerns. But success ultimately comes down to mindset and the depth of research put into a business or sector when navigating turbulent financial waters,” Bilal says.

“I think that you really have to focus on what’s important right now like you know there’s a lot of fear in the economy, there’s political uncertainty, there’s a lot of unrest in the world that we live in, in our country, but stay focused on what’s important stay focused on your goal,” Bilal told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Focus on the industry. Focus on the fundamentals of a company. Focus on the leadership of a company and try to block out the outside noise because there’s a lot it’s a lot going on right now.”

The Swim With Your Pack panel on Day 2 of the summit brought together Jay Bailey, president and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE); Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Dr. Key Hallmon, social entrepreneur, author, and speaker, to highlight the critical role community plays in a business’s strategic vision.

At the Russell Center, community is the foundation. Its model of supporting Black-owned businesses has fueled economic growth in Atlanta through revenue growth, job creation, and wealth-building among its stakeholders. Backed by undeniable data and a global diaspora, Bailey challenges the idea of categorizing Black business owners as a “minority.”

“When you look at a global marketplace, when I go to South America, they look like me. When I go to the Caribbean, they look like me. When I go to Africa, they certainly look like me. A lot of Canada, they look like me,” Bailey told BE in an exclusive post-panel chat. “When I go to Europe, they look like me. They’re parts of Asia that look like me. There’s a global diaspora, so you know I tend to say there’s nothing minor about us.”

Bailey continued. “They may say minority, but there’s nothing minor about us. There’s this opportunity for upside. If you look at all the data metrics that show the browning of the globe, it’s just smart business. And I think if you want to look at business over the next 10-20 years, you’ve got to account for those that used to be called underrepresented. They used to be called minorities because that demographic is changing rapidly.”

Rashuan Williams wrapped up Day 2 with a high-energy power session, guiding attendees through “startup school” with lessons on everything from crafting a first pitch deck to mastering the venture capital landscape. The dynamic guest Shark ended by investing $1 in every attendee as a symbolic reminder that they already hold the tools needed to become self-made multimillionaires like himself.

Speaking with BE after the session, Williams broke down the FITT Test he relies on when deciding where to invest—an approach that has guided his funding of more than 170 businesses, including early bets on Robinhood, Coinbase, Casper, Ring, PillPack, Lyft, and Dropbox. The FITT Test begins with the Founder (F), ensuring they’re the most qualified person to lead the venture. Next is Integrity (I), confirming he’s partnering with the right individual and not a “scammer.”

“A lot of people come up with an idea, raise money, shut it down the next day, and launch another idea,” Williams said. “You’re seeing that happening a lot, right? So I need somebody with integrity who’s going to stick in and then do the hard thing for a long time and not waste my money.”

Next is Team (T)—the group a founder has built and retained over time. For Williams, if a founder can’t keep their team committed, why should he invest? The final T stands for Traction, measuring how much a founder can accomplish with limited resources. During his power session, Williams, a Chicago native, likened it to a single mom on welfare who stretches every small paycheck to provide for her family.

“You need to be able to see whether or not a person can get traction based on the very little that they do have,” he said.

The three-day Shark Tank Summit wrapped with The Final Pitch, where three small businesses vied for investments from Sharks Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, and Tabitha Brown. Contestants included Sweet Encounter Bakery, known for its gluten- and nut-free cupcakes; Mended Textiles, a social impact brand empowering survivors of modern slavery; and Plant Zaddy, a plant therapy company promoting wellness through greenery.

Each founder had 90 seconds to pitch and faced over eight minutes of Shark scrutiny before a crowd of thousands. In the end, Clover declared all three winners, awarding each a $35,000 check to grow their businesses. Watching 17 seasons of “Shark Tank” culminate in the first-ever summit was a proud moment for Daymond John, who said he hopes to see a live taping of the show at a future event.

“Actually, real-time broadcast of all those that come out in the top, top, top, and get to sit in front of us for real-time action,” John told BE. “I mean, we did it live before on ABC, but for people to see it in real-time. I want to see an audience of 5,000 people quiet. Hear a pin drop. To see somebody put their absolute dreams right on the line.”

RELATED CONTENT: Backtalk with Daymond John

Alfonso Ribeiro, Tyra Banks, Dancing With The Stars' '
by Kandiss Edwards

October 5, 2025

Alfonso Ribeiro Says Tyra Banks Was ‘Setup For Failure’ During ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Stint

Alfonso Ribeiro says that Tyra Banks stepped into the position under circumstances that made success difficult. 

Alfonso Ribeiro, co-host of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” says Tyra Banks was not given the tools needed to thrive in her role.

Ribeiro believes Banks’s time leading the long-running dance competition show was hampered by timing and structure rather than her performance. Speaking in a new interview with Parade magazine, he said that Banks stepped into the position under circumstances that made success difficult. 

“Unfortunately for Tyra, she came onto the show during COVID,” Ribeiro said. “And not having the ability to connect with the celebrities and with the pros, how do you do that? It was always a two-person job. It became a one-woman show.” 

Banks joined DWTS in 2020, becoming both host and executive producer after longtime emcee Tom Bergeron and co-host Erin Andrews departed. The season was filmed under strict pandemic protocols. Social distancing measures limited audience interaction and behind-the-scenes contact between talent and crew.

Ribeiro, who began co-hosting with Banks in 2022, said she inherited a show from a seasoned host and was severely limited in her presentation.

“You’re following Tom Bergeron, the best host on television, right? You don’t have a co-partner … it’s just you,” he said. “Everything about her first two seasons was a setup for failure.” 

Despite the challenges, Ribeiro emphasized that there was no personal conflict between them. 

“At the end of the day, I was friends with Tyra. I still am friends with Tyra, and I respect Tyra immensely,” he said.

Banks left the show in 2023, saying she wanted to focus on her business ventures and creative projects.

“I feel it’s really time for me to focus on my business and my entrepreneurship and also producing more TV—but behind the scenes,” Tyra told TMZ. “I think it’s time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor…From the ballroom to the boardroom!”

Ribeiro remained in the hosting role after Banks’ departure. He was later joined by former “Dancing With the Stars” dancer Julianne Hough.

RELATED CONTENT: Alfonso Ribeiro Doesn’t ‘Need Or Ever Want’ To Work With Tyler Perry Again

CEO OF e.l.f. Beauty Says ‘Diversity Is Key’ To Brand’s Success
by Kandiss Edwards

October 5, 2025

CEO OF e.l.f. Beauty Says ‘Diversity Is Key’ To Brand’s Success

Tarang Amin, e.l.f. Beauty CEO, is reaffirming his company’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Tarang Amin, e.l.f. Beauty CEO, is reaffirming his company’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

As the Trump administration continues to target “radical DEI policies,” Amin is speaking out about the effectiveness of a diverse workforce. In a recent CNN interview, Amin dismissed the criticism as “rhetoric without the actual facts” and said that inclusion is a foundational pillar in the growth of his company over the past 21 years.  

“We serve a community that’s incredibly diverse, and our team reflects that,” Amin said. “Our diversity is a key competitive advantage in terms of our results.” 

The CEO added that e.l.f.’s approach is business-driven, designed to reach a broader customer base and ensure the brand mirrors its audience.

The comments came days after Trump criticized corporations that maintain DEI programs. Trump says DEI “divides Americans” and “undermines merit-based performance.” 

Headquartered in Oakland, California, e.l.f. Beauty has become one of the fastest-growing mass-market cosmetics companies in the United States. Forbes reports that e.l.f. Beauty employee demographics consist of “74% women, over 40% diverse, and over 72% millennial and Gen Z.” It also collaborates with organizations that promote career pathways for underrepresented communities in marketing, technology, and product design. 

Amin told CNN that diversity is not a political stance but a reflection of who the company serves. “We’re proud to stand for inclusion,” he said. “It’s not new for us. It’s part of our DNA.” 

Many correlate that e.l.f. Beauty’s stance and inclusive branding have contributed to its recent success. The company’s net sales increased 22% last fiscal year, outpacing those of other major beauty firms. e.l.f. Beauty experienced nine consecutive months of growth in the last quarter of 2024 and grew revenue by 40% to $980.9 million. The company’s success earned it recognition as one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies” for 2025. 

Amin said that e.l.f. will continue investing in programs that reflect its consumer base. “We’ve built a brand that’s accessible, affordable, and authentic,” he said. “That’s what drives our success.” 

RELATED CONTENT: The Fearless Fund Re-Emerges After Anti-DEI Settlement And Goes Global

California Teacher, Racist, Ableist Image, Black Child
by Kandiss Edwards

October 4, 2025

California Teacher On Leave After Sharing Racist, Ableist Image Of Black Child

Long Beach, California, teacher John Solomon denies the allegations, claiming his phone was hacked.

John Solomon, a teacher in the Long Beach Unified School District, has been placed on administrative leave after allegedly sharing a racist and ableist image of a Black child.

The image depicted a young boy wearing an ankle monitor and was shared in a group chat with members of the Teachers Association of Long Beach (TALB). The image was captioned “My First Ankle Monitor” and included commentary from Solomon suggesting “runners,” a term used to mock special education students, should wear the device.

Solomon, who teaches at MacArthur Elementary School in Lakewood and also serves as secretary for the TALB, has denied the allegations, claiming his phone was hacked. An internal union commission found that explanation to be “not credible,” the Long Beach Post reported. Members of the bargaining team report that the image was traced to Solomon’s number and that multiple recipients preserved screenshots of the message.

Solomon’s attorney called the accusations defamatory and indicated he may pursue legal action due to the Union’s public sharing of investigation details. Union records show that Solomon earlier resigned from the bargaining committee but has refused to relinquish his role as secretary. The executive board reportedly lacks the authority to remove him without a petition or his resignation. 

The Long Beach Post reports on the discourse surrounding the incident at a recent TALB meeting. Teacher Manar Totonji urged colleagues to sign a recall petition, citing the alleged message as “repugnant and racist.” Tonoji believes it is in TALB’s best interest to fully sever ties from Solomon and his actions.

“There’s collective disgrace and shame that we need to separate ourselves from,” Totonji said.

Totonji said removing Solomon is necessary for union leadership to uphold accountability and trust. In order to circumvent the need for Solomon’s resignation, a quarter of the union’s 3,700 members would need to sign the petition, triggering a special election.

Local elected officials have also weighed in on the controversy. State Sen. Lena A. Gonzalez posted a statement on Instagram urging the Long Beach School District to conduct its own investigation. The district previously claimed that Solomon’s actions as a TALB member were outside the scope of their powers.

“Racist, disparaging comments about any child in our Long Beach schools should never be tolerated. But learning about the racist text and photo shared by an LBUSD teacher, who is supposed to have the trust of colleagues, students, and parents, is horrendous.”

The TALB three-member investigative commission concluded that Solomon’s defense lacked credibility, noting that the message originated from his number and that he continued sending messages from that same number. The commission found that the evidence supporting Solomon’s claim of hacking was weak and inconsistent.

RELATED CONTENT: Alleged Proud Boys Member Admits to Racist, Violent Threats Against Black Philly Residents

Noose, lynching, Trey Reed, suicide
by Daniel Johnson

October 4, 2025

Kaepernick-Funded Autopsy Reportedly Finds Trey Reed Didn’t Die by Suicide — Family Attorney Ben Crump Hasn’t Confirmed

Although unconfirmed by Reed's family, a new cause of death claims spread online.

According to an update to a report from The Chicago Crusader, activists who are working with the family of Demartravion “Trey” Reed and a verified source who is not authorized to comment publicly, the independent autopsy commissioned by Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative, which has not yet been released to the public, will confirm what Black people already instinctively suspected: Reed did not die by suicide, as the Cleveland (Mississippi) Police Department initially alleged.

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, after Reed’s family and civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump challenged the initial ruling that the Delta State University student died by suicide on Sept. 15 and demanded transparency and a thorough investigation, Colin Kaepernick’s organization stepped in to fund an independent autopsy to uncover the truth.

Per a report from the Mississippi Clarion-Ledger, although the official autopsy has not yet been released to the public, some of the initial commentary and rumors around his death, amplified on social media, connected his death with the death of a white homeless man, Cory Zukatis, whose death was also ruled a suicide.

As they noted, the Southern Poverty Law Center found that there have been at least eight suspected hangings of Black men and teens in Mississippi since 2000. Like Reed’s case, local authorities have ruled that these deaths were self-inflicted, that is, death by suicide, while their families cast doubt on the official narrative, given the historical context of lynchings in Mississippi and other Southern states.

Part of the reason for the rampant speculation and conspiracy theories being spread online can be traced to a podcast, wherein Krystal Muhammad, the chair of the New Black Panther Party, asserted in a conversation with rapper Willie D that Reed’s mother talked to her about what is reportedly in the autopsy report.

It should be noted that both the Southern Poverty Law Center and the original Black Panther Party have denounced the “New” Black Panther Party and said that it bears no association with the original group.

In addition to this, misinformation about Reed’s death spread after the initial autopsy was released. A person behind an account who claimed to be Reed’s cousin alleged that he had injuries, specifically broken bones, that would have made death by suicide physically impossible. Although the creator deleted those videos, they had already gone viral online.

As Terry Wilson, the founder of the Idaho chapter of the Black Lives Matter Grassroots chapter, told the Crusader, the response from Black Americans is rooted in a shared historical memory and context. “This sophisticated machinery of racial terror is just a fascist strategy that relies on overwhelming force from multiple directions, including misinformation, intimidation and threats,” Wilson said. “I think we’re witnessing a coordinated campaign of disappearances, lynchings and state sanctioned killings that target Black, Brown and Indigenous communities.

He continued, “We need to address this method of ‘lynchings by suicide’ which is their way to rationalize, from a medical standpoint, their feelings. I think this is sort of a death rattle for white supremacy, because they’re relying on almost every structural institution in order to justify or cover up the actions of folks.”

However, according to The New York Times, the 20-year-old Delta State student, Jy’Quon Wallace, who happened upon Reed’s body, while he is sympathetic to the family of Reed, absent the release of the second independent autopsy, he isn’t inclined to automatically tie Mississippi’s past to the body he found.

“We’re just trying to look out for one another. A lot of people are trying to use this situation to kind of make it seem like it’s racially motivated. There’s a lot of signs pointing to this as not a racially motivated situation. When that whole story comes out, if it does come out, then it may give some people clarity. It may not. That’s not up to us,” Wallace told the outlet.

Mississippi’s Republican Gov. Tate Reeves took a similar tack in his response to the incident, noting in his official statement, “Speculation from people who have no facts or evidence has dominated online conversations and even some national mainstream media outlets in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy,” to Gov. Reeves, the response “represents a sad state of affairs in today’s social media driven world.”

Perhaps this was always going to be the route that a suspicious death in Mississippi took, regardless of rumors fueled by social media, or the incident’s timing, following the attempt by the right to sanitize the legacy of Charlie Kirk, a white nationalist, after he was allegedly killed by Tyler Robinson, who had reportedly become disillusioned by Kirk’s beliefs.

Michael Peeler, Delta State University’s Director of Public Safety, and the second officer who arrived at the scene of Reed’s death, acknowledged that an independent investigation of Reed’s death could draw a very different conclusion from the original statements from the police department, but noted that whatever the conclusion, he believes that it will be based on facts.

“Once the investigation is over, then folks can see for themselves. I’m not a fortune teller, but I can tell you that they will see the facts,” Peeler told the New York Times.

RELATED CONTENT: Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative To Pay For Independent Autopsy Of Trey Reed

Gullah Geechee Culture, parade
by Daniel Johnson

October 4, 2025

Hilton Head Island Launches Website, App To Showcase History Of Its Gullah Geechee Community

There are already plans to expand the app's initial roster of seven locations around historic Hilton Head Island.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, Georgia’s Gullah Geechee community recently won a legal victory in its battle against McIntosh County officials, citing their fears of displacement and the erosion of Sapelo Island’s culture and history. On the heels of that victory comes another for South Carolina’s Hilton Head Gullah Geechee community, delivered through the launch of a website that digitally preserves its history and culture.

According to WSAV, on Oct. 2, Hilton Head leaders revealed the website and a mobile app, which they believe will allow visitors to the Island and others who are interested in the history of its Gullah Geechee community to learn more about their culture as well as the various businesses owned by Gullah Geechees across the Island.

The website, New Experience Gullah, was the focal point of a launch event hosted by the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation, but the companion app, built to allow an immersive experience of the Island’s historic landmarks like the Old School House Park, historic Mitchelville, Driessen Beach Park, and the Simmons Fishing Camp through scanning QR codes at physical locations, had ample time to shine as well.

“Technology is ever expanding and ever advancing and so the only way we can keep us is to make sure we have a footprint in that digital space. And so, this represents us being able to interact and launch in that digital space and provide opportunities for businesses to have advertising and such in that digital platform,” Thomas Boxley, the executive director of the GGHNCDC, told the outlet.

Per the National Park Service, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, which is managed by the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, was established to call attention to the historic and cultural contributions of the Gullah Geechee people, a group of people who have traditionally resided in the coastal areas and the sea islands of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

According to their entry, “Because their enslavement was on isolated coastal plantations, sea and barrier islands, they were able to retain many of their indigenous African traditions. These traditions are reflected in their foodways, arts and crafts, and spiritual traditions. They also created a new language, Gullah, a creole language spoken nowhere else in the world.”

As he previously asserted in a Sept. 25 press release announcing the event, Boxley believes that the Gullah Geechee community’s story needs to be preserved in as many formats as possible.

“A part of our strategic action plan for the Town of Hilton Head Island and the CDC is to preserve the Gullah Geechee culture that is prevalent throughout the Island’s historic neighborhoods,” Boxley stated.

To that end, per the press release, there are already plans to expand the app’s initial roster of seven locations around historic Hilton Head Island. Boxley and a team from Solaos Inc., a Tulsa, Oklahoma-based technology firm, worked for over a year to develop and deliver an application that honors Gullah culture, promotes Gullah-owned businesses and events, and attracts visitors. Additionally, the firm employed several high school students from Hilton Head as research assistants on the project.

“Their contributions not only enhanced the authenticity of the content but also provided meaningful educational opportunities,” Boxley added. “Students had the chance to deepen their understanding of the history and culture of their community while gaining practical experience with advanced technology used in visual storytelling. These are skills they can continue to build on in their high school and college studies.”

RELATED CONTENT: The Gullah-Geechee Community Is Fighting To Protect Their Land From Gentrifiers In South Carolina

Kim Scott, Cleveland, City Planner, Felony Theft, Falsifying Documents
by Daniel Johnson

October 4, 2025

Kim Scott, Cleveland’s City Planner, Faces Allegations Of Felony Theft And Falsifying Documents

Scott is being placed on unpaid administrative leave while the criminal case is ongoing.

Kim Scott, the chief city planner for the City of Cleveland, spent the morning of Oct. 3 in front of a judge after her earlier arrest two days prior on a charge of fifth-degree felony theft, stemming from allegations that she falsified a marriage license and a death certificate to receive time off granted by the Family and Medical Leave Act. (FMLA)

As Cleveland 19 reports, Sanaa Malik, whose father, Farid Malik, died in June, is broken over what she describes as a betrayal of the trust placed in her by Malik’s actual widow, her mother, Sauda Malik.

“What is the city of Cleveland doing? How did they allow this to happen? She’s (Scott) a thief and a cheat. My mother trusted her. My father trusted her and she betrayed their trust,” Malik told the outlet.

Scott’s attorney, who the outlet did not identify, wants the court to consider her otherwise clean record and give his client the opportunity to bond out of custody.

“She is 67. She has no prior history, lifelong ties to the community. She has worked at the city of Cleveland for almost 20 years. So I am asking for a personal bond,” he told the court.

That arrangement does not appear to be to the liking of Sanaa Malik, who maintained in her comments to the outlet that, “I want to see her go to jail for forging FMLA. I hope that justice will be served.”

According to WKYC, Scott was entrusted with power of attorney by Farid Malik before his death, a designation that allows broad control of a person’s finances, and in certain cases, allows them to make healthcare decisions on behalf of someone who can’t make them for themselves.

As Sanaa told the outlet, Scott abused that power for her own ends and bristled when called to account for it. According to Sanaa, Scott was someone whom she formerly referred to as an auntie.

“She was there 24/7,” Saana Malik recalled. “My father said, ‘I gave her power of attorney to help out in case you can’t get here and I need something done.’ Kim’s words were, ‘Well, I didn’t think it was necessary. Oh, I don’t have to answer anything! Very arrogant, very belligerent. It was a money grab. If Kim would’ve put her name on the death certificate, she could’ve gone to his union and got his pension.”

As reported by Cleveland.com, City of Cleveland spokesperson Sarah Johnson indicated that Scott is being placed on unpaid administrative leave while the criminal case is ongoing. Per city policy, the city’s employees are placed on leave while any cases involving them are pending in the legal system.

On July 7, Cleveland police were notified of an alleged fraud attempt when a woman, most likely Sanaa Malik, based on Cleveland.com’s account, told them that she had found fraudulent documents related to the affairs of her mother, including a death certificate that was allegedly signed by a city official and a falsified marriage certificate.

In addition, the woman told them that Scott, whom she identified as her mother’s “best friend,” had posed as Farid’s wife, using forged and fraudulent documents to do so. Scott was originally accused of falsifying FMLA documents and stealing 117 hours of paid leave from the City of Cleveland via an arrest warrant that was issued on May 27.

Following her arraignment, Scott is expected to return to court on Oct. 15 for a preliminary hearing, but as Malik told News 5 Cleveland, she isn’t interested in anything but justice for what she alleges Scott did to her family.

“That’s stealing and you’re stealing from an elderly man and an elderly woman who helped you,” Saana told the outlet in a phone interview. “Justice for Sauda. That’s what I want, you know, that’s the rallying cry that we have now. Justice for Sauda.”

RELATED CONTENT: Former Mississippi Mayor, Ex-City Clerk Arrested, Charged With Embezzlement

USPS, holiday shipping
by Kandiss Edwards

October 4, 2025

U.S. Postal Service Releases Holiday Shipping Schedule

Consumers can find more details and printable schedules at local post offices and on the USPS website.

The U.S. Postal Service has released its recommended mailing and shipping deadlines for the 2025 holiday season to help ensure delivery by Dec. 25. The guidelines cover multiple mail categories and apply to both the U.S. and U.S. territories. 

For the Lower 48 states, the recommended send-by dates are: Dec. 17 for Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail, Dec. 18 for Priority Mail, and Dec. 20 for Priority Mail Express. In Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories, Ground Advantage should be mailed by Dec. 16, while First-Class, Priority, and Priority Express match the lower-48 schedule. 

“During the holiday season, customers should always plan to mail and ship packages early to ensure arrival by Dec. 25,” USPS wrote in a statement.

USPS directs users to its holiday shipping page for full details, including guidelines for military and international mailing. 

This advisory arrives as USPS prepares to handle another peak season of high package and mail volume. Retailers, postal partners, and individual senders are encouraged to incorporate these deadlines into their shipping plans.

The 2025 recommendations mirror the patterns of recent years. In 2024, USPS also established similar cutoffs. Retailers and shipping consultants often remind consumers that heavy volume, weather, or transit disruptions may warrant shipment earlier than the recommended date. 

The deadlines also align with a temporary rate schedule change: beginning Oct. 5, USPS will implement holiday surcharges on certain package services, effective through Jan. 18, 2026. The surcharge applies to Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select services. USPS says the higher rates are necessary to “help cover extra handling costs to ensure a successful peak season.” Rates during the holidays will range from 40 cents to $13.

Consumers can find more details and printable schedules at local post offices and on the USPS website. The agency stated that its goal is to help people plan ahead, avoid last-minute rushes, and ensure reliable holiday deliveries.

RELATED CONTENT:  This 63-Year-Old Retired USPS Worker Brings Snow Cones To Mesquite, Texas

Arthur Jones IV, Super Bowl Champion,
by Daniel Johnson

October 4, 2025

Arthur Jones IV, Super Bowl Champion, Dies At 39

Jones, who was named for his father, the pastor of Binghamton, New York's Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ, had battled health issues in recent years.

Arthur Jones IV, a former NFL defensive lineman who was a key part of the Baltimore Ravens’ last Super Bowl win in 2013, and the brother of UFC fighter Jon Jones and longtime NFL defensive end Chandler Jones, died on Oct. 3, according to an announcement from his alma mater, Syracuse University.

As ESPN reports, neither the Ravens nor Syracuse University disclosed the location, time, or cause of Jones’ death, but Ravens brass, including general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh, had high praise for the franchise’s former fifth-round pick.

According to a report from News Channel 9 reporter Steve Infanti, a spokesperson for the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office informed him that Jones’ pacemaker went off on Oct. 3, and it had a safety feature that sent an emergency message to his doctor. The paramedics were called, but unfortunately, Jones had already died before they arrived. According to Infanti, Jones already had a preexisting heart condition.

“Arthur’s presence was a gift to everyone he encountered,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta told ESPN. “His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others.”

“My heart is heavy today after the loss of Art Jones,” Harbaugh noted to the outlet. “Art was a truly remarkable person, a dedicated teammate, a relentless worker, and someone any coach would be proud to lead. His love for life, generous spirit, and radiant smile left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.”

He continued, “He had a genuine gift for connecting with people, bringing joy to the locker room and beyond, and his presence was a source of light within our team and the Baltimore community.”

Jones was a standout player at Syracuse University, recording 38.5 tackles for loss, a school record for an interior defensive lineman. He also made first-team All-Big-East over his final two seasons at Syracuse.

“Arthur Jones was a tremendous player and even better person,” Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said in a statement. “We were fortunate that Arthur continued to support our football program after his playing career. He impacted many of our student-athletes, always with a smile and uplifting message.”

According to The Athletic, Jones, who was named for his father, the pastor of Binghamton, New York’s Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ, had battled health issues in recent years.

After Jones left Baltimore in 2014, he signed a five-year $33 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts, but had injury problems while with the team. A few years later, in 2017, he joined the now-Washington Commanders, but played only one game with his new team before going back on injured reserve.

One year after that, Jones announced his retirement via an Instagram post, writing, “It’s time for me to continue my legacy off the field. Athletes always know this day will come and I’m blessed to share this news with a smile on my face.”

Jones played four seasons with the team, starting 20 of those games. He was a key cog in the Ravens’ defensive line rotation during their Super Bowl season in 2012, finishing that season with some of his best work, recording 47 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He also recorded a key sack of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (yes, he did do a sack dance) just before halftime, and a fumble recovery, helping the Ravens seal a 34-31 victory over the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Arthur Jones. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know him over the past two years. His kindness and personality were a joy to be around,” Syracuse head football coach Fran Brown told News Channel 9. “My prayers are with his family, friends, our alumni and everyone who knew him during this difficult time.”

Jones, who was close to his family, and his mother, Camille, who died in 2017 at 55 due to complications from diabetes, chose to play at Syracuse, in part, so that he could be close to his family. His eldest sister, Carmen, also died prematurely, of a brain tumor at 17, when Jones was in the eighth grade.

Per their reporting, despite these tragedies, Jones remained a positive presence over the course of his NFL career, winning the Baltimore Ravens’ “Good Guy” award in 2012, awarded to him by media members for his cooperation during press availability. Jones was highly regarded by his teammates for his distinctive wide smile and his friendly disposition, often making them smile or laugh with his patented sack dances. He was also a consistent presence during the Baltimore Ravens’ community initiatives.

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FAMU, Founder's Day, Rattler
by Kandiss Edwards

October 4, 2025

FAMU Founders Day Celebrates 138 Years Of Rattler Excellence

Florida A&M University celebrated with Founders Day events to commemorate the institution’s legacy, honor past leaders, and engage students, faculty, and alums in reflections on its mission.

Florida A&M University celebrated its 138th anniversary with Founders Day events to commemorate the institution’s legacy, honor past leaders, and engage students, faculty, and alums in reflections on its mission.

On Oct. 3, Founder’s Day events included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Eternal Flame and remarks reaffirming FAMU’s role among historically Black colleges and universities. University President Marva Johnson told attendees that the anniversary is a time both to remember “the shoulders of those before us” and look forward to the HBCU’s future, as reported by Florida A&M University News.

“What was created 138 years ago planted a seed of hope that has blossomed into a legacy of opportunity,” Johnson said. “It started humbly, with just 15 students and two professors. Yet even with this modest beginning, there was a bold vision — to cultivate knowledge, dignity, and purpose. From those first steps, FAMU has grown into a powerhouse of education, research, culture, and service. That same vision that carried us forward then must continue to propel us today.”

Alumni leaders also addressed the crowd. The president of the FAMU Alumni Association spoke of the importance of giving back and sustaining FAMU’s networks across the country. Members of the FAMU band performed a tribute medley as part of the program.

Students in FAMU’s Royal Court, the Student Government Association, and members of the marching band participated in campus processions leading to the Eternal Flame. Others placed wreaths and offered prayers. The program also included the laying of memorials at statues of campus founders and leaders. 

Mister FAMU, Miles Howard, and Miss FAMU, Edwina Fleuridor, were in attendance during the ceremonies and spoke with the Florida A&M University News about their perception of the university and feelings during Founders’ Day.

“It’s surreal. Glory to God. I’m thankful just to be able to be part of this legacy here at FAMU,” Howard said.

Similarly, Fleuridor expressed her personal joy, saying she is “blessed” to call FAMU her home.

Founders Day carried added significance this year as FAMU continued to earn national recognition. On Sept. 23, U.S. News & World Report placed Florida A&M among the Top 200 public colleges in its 2026 Best Colleges list, out of over 1,700 universities. Additionally, the university also maintained its position as the highest-ranked public historically Black college or university. FAMU also placed fifth among all HBCUs, both public and private. 

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