by Sharelle B. McNair

September 23, 2025

Free Jeezy Concert Tickets Causes Ethics Scrutiny For Detroit Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield

FOX 2's Charlie Langton said he would be a little surprised if an investigation took place for something so minor as Sheffield's campaign continues to thrive.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, who is also a frontrunner for the office of mayor, may be facing an ethics investigation after a concert shout-out from hip-hop icon Jeezy prompted accusations of her receiving complimentary tickets to his concert, Click On Detroit reported.

Jeezy took time during his Sept. 12 performance at the Fox Theatre to acknowledge Sheffield’s mayoral campaign from the stage, and it was later shared on her Instagram page. The rapper can be heard saying “Shoutout to Mary Sheffield, congratulations already!” in the Instagram post as the candidate posted it with the caption, “Detroit, let’s finish the work!! Thank you, @jeezy.”

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A post shared by Mary Sheffield (@marysheffield)

The tickets were given to her by Comerica Bank, which is where the accusations of ethics violations arise. According to Fox 2 Detroit, Detroit’s Code of Ethics Ordinance on gifts states, “a public servant shall not accept gifts, gratuities, honoraria, or other things of value from any person or company doing business or seeking to do business with the city.”

Sheffield’s opponent, Reverend Solomon Kinloch, condemned the tickets, opening up wounds in the Motor City’s reputation of corruption. “Detroiters still carry the scars of systemic corruption. That culture of corruption bankrupted our city and destroyed public trust,” he said in a statement.

“Watching leaders trade their public office for personal perks, Detroit cannot go back.”

However, the Sheffield campaign argues that there was no violation, citing a specific clause in the ordinance. “Section 2-106.4 of the ethics ordinance specifically prohibits a public servant from accepting gifts, gratuities, or honoraria from any entity or person seeking official action from the city of Detroit,” spokesperson Brittni Brown explained.

“This is not applicable with respect to Comerica Bank because they are not a business partner with the city of Detroit.”

FOX 2‘s Charlie Langton seemed to agree, saying he would be a little surprised if an investigation took place for something so minor. “Just because the building that Comerica Bank happens to be in Detroit, I don’t think that precludes the powers that be from giving her a couple of concert tickets. I don’t think concert tickets are going to raise the ethical question of Mary Sheffield and the ethics policy,” the media personality said.

“I’d be shocked if there were a real investigation.”

Especially since her campaign continues to thrive ahead of the Nov. 5 election, former mayoral candidate and city council member Fred Durhal III endorsed Sheffield Sept. 22 during an event on Detroit’s west side. While he didn’t focus on the accusations, Durhal did emphasize the importance of ethics training in the political limelight.

“Ethics are important. We go through our ethical classes with the Board of Ethics and training,” Durhal said.

Executive Director of the Detroit Board of Ethics, which handles ethics investigations and provides training for public officials, Christal Phillips, announced plans to review the issue during the next meeting, scheduled for Oct. 15.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 23, 2025

New Jersey Welcomes Black-Owned Cannabis Dispensary Lounge ‘Plant Base’

A new Black-owned cannabis dispensary stands out as one of New Jersey's few licensed retailers with a dedicated lounge space.

After a seven-year journey of persistence and dedication, Plainfield, New Jersey, is welcoming the premiere Black-owned cannabis dispensary and community hub, Plant Base.

Located in Downtown Plainfield, Plant Base operates as a cannabis dispensary, lounge, and community hub, offering co-working space, content creation facilities, cultural programming, and events. Its August 13 grand opening marked a breakthrough as one of the first hybrid dispensary-cultural spaces in New Jersey, aiming to redefine the state’s cannabis retail landscape.

This milestone marks the culmination of a five-year journey led by co-founders Prince Abidoye and Kevon Carter, alongside ownership team members Alishea Kelly, Yves Thony, and Arthur Byrd. Their collective effort reflects years of dedication, collaboration, and a shared vision to build a business rooted in purpose and community impact.

“This moment is truly a blessing and a testament to seven years of hard work,” Carter tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Prince and I have faced every obstacle imaginable, yet we stayed committed—and we’re proud to stand among the less than 2% of Black owners in this global industry.”

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A post shared by Plant Base Brand & Dispensary (@plantbasenj)

Over the past five years, the team has worked tirelessly to navigate complex regulations, forge strategic partnerships, and create a welcoming space that is rooted in wellness, creativity, and inclusion. Their journey was far from easy as they tackled paying rent on the property for three years while caught in licensing delays, facing predatory practices from a general contractor, dealing with setbacks from an architect group, and enduring poor communication at the municipal level that stretched the local licensing process to 25 months, even after securing their state license on June 1, 2023.

Rather than giving up, Carter and Abidoye doubled down, taking on tasks themselves, raising additional capital, and keeping their vision alive. When we last spoke with them, the founders were actively seeking investors to help realize their goal of revolutionizing the industry and becoming the first Black men to achieve this milestone independently.

From the start, they envisioned Plant Base as more than a dispensary. Today, it stands out as one of the few licensed retailers in New Jersey with a dedicated community space designed to foster wellness, education, and connection.

“Plant Base is more than just a dispensary—it’s a creative hub designed for the community,” Carter explained. “Alongside our licensed dispensary, we’ve built a fully equipped workspace and lounge that hosts ongoing events and gatherings. Many Plainfield residents have shared that there hasn’t been a true space for them to connect and hang out, and we wanted to create that home for them.”

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A post shared by Plant Base Brand & Dispensary (@plantbasenj)

Despite strong community backing, Plant Base faces new hurdles after the city council voted against its lounge expansion in June, dismissing it as a “cannabis bar” and questioning its community value. Supporters, however, argued the project could create jobs and stimulate the local economy.

All the while, Plant Base maintains that its vision extends far beyond consumption, positioning itself as a safe, multi-use creative hub.

“We know this is just the starting line, and there will be more hurdles ahead,” Carter said. “But by continuing to partner and collaborate with people who share our vision and values, we’re confident Plant Base will grow into something extraordinary.”

Plant Base, located at 148-58 E 2nd St, Retail Unit 101, is open daily and offers a wide range of cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, and concentrates. Knowledgeable budtenders guide customers through the menu, explain strains and proper edible dosages, and share industry insights to ensure every visitor feels informed and supported.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 23, 2025

Pennsylvania Principal Put On Paid Leave After Viral Video Of Mental Breakdown In Front Of Kids

The principal was placed on leave indefinitely after the video went viral.

A newly-hired principal at a middle school in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has been placed on paid leave after videos went viral of the Black woman “acting erratically” in front of students.

Harrison-Morton Middle School’s newest leader, Stephanie Williams, has taken a leave of absence from the school after her alarming behavior shocked the community. According to Lehigh Valley News, police have begun investigating the incident, which reportedly happened at a picnic event on Sept. 20.

While Williams has not been arrested, the Allentown School District’s solicitor could not confirm if any legal action will take place against the academic leader. Police, however, have yet to issue an official report.

Multiple videos circulated showing Williams behaving oddly in front of a group of kids at the event. The clips showed her claiming that the kids think she is “crazy,” which she states is far from the truth.

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A post shared by Beezy TV (@beezytvmedia)

“Y’all be thinking I’m crazy, but I’m the smartest person in the room,” stated the principal.

Later on, she added, “Baby, you don’t even know what I just discovered.”

Another clip showed the woman seemingly rolling around on the ground while laughing, concerning the young onlookers.

One of the students was overheard in the clips saying, “I think our principal [is] on drugs.”

Since the video gained traction, parents, students, and faculty at Harrison-Morton remain in limbo about the situation. The families were informed that the district’s executive director of instructional leadership will serve as the interim principal of the middle school. However, they have received no word on when Williams expects to return to the position.

“We are confident that he will provide strong leadership and support to students, staff and families in the interim,” the district message states.

Some faculty members joked about how yet another leadership transition might occur at the school. Williams was the third leader hired to the role in the past year. On the other hand, others worry about how the school can manage a fourth switch.

“This level of uncertainty is, of course, very stressful,” shared one staffer at the middle school.

They continued, “The district keeps the teachers in the dark while the community knows everything going on — it’s frustrating.”

The school had not only faced leadership uncertainty, but also building fluctuations. A pipe burst last year caused flooding, leaving children to be taught in classrooms at a temporary site.

While teachers remain cautious about how these ongoing transitions may come with no added grace, they continue to focus on providing students with a safe and stable learning environment.

“We will do everything that we can to keep them feeling continuity,” they said. “We’re going to do what we can to shield them.”

Williams has over 15 years of experience, having formerly served as a teacher and middle school principal in nearby Philadelphia. The Allentown School District brought her on in July, offering her $140,000 for the role. She will remain on paid leave indefinitely.

by Mitti Hicks

September 23, 2025

‘The View’ Addresses Jimmy Kimmel Suspension As FCC Chair Threatens To ‘Look Into’ Show: ‘No One Silences Us’

Goldberg said when the news broke out last week, she and her co-hosts “took a breath” to see if Kimmel would say something first.

The panelists from ABC’s hit daytime show, The View, have broken their silence on the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair said the agency should also “look into” their talk show next.

The View co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Ana Navarro, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, and Alyssa Farah Griffin finally shared their opinions on their parent company’s decision to pull Kimmel’s show indefinitely.

“Now, look. Did y’all really think we weren’t going to talk about Jimmy Kimmel?” Goldberg said Monday as she opened the show. “I mean, have you watched the show over the last 29 seasons? So, you know. No one silences us.”

Goldberg said when the news broke out last week, she and her co-hosts “took a breath” to see if Kimmel would say something first.

“We did the same thing with Stephen Colbert.”

Their silence sparked rumors that the women were afraid to speak up, as a majority of their industry counterparts shared support for Kimmel. Over 400 actors, musicians, and film directors have signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union, in which the organization calls “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”

“The part that I don’t understand that is so ironic to me is how the horrible, senseless assassination of Charlie Kirk, a man I disagreed with, who stood for debate, who stood for freedom of speech, is being used to silence people and cancel people,” Navarro added.

FCC Under Scrutiny For Free Speech Concerns

On Sept. 15, Kimmel said during his monologue, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA Gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

Kimmel added, “In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving … you can see how hard the president is taking this.”

Then, after speaking on a conservative podcast, FCC Chair Brendan Carr said that Disney and ABC execs could deal with Kimmel. “The easy or hard way,” alluding to the fact that he wanted the media company to take action or face regulatory issues with the FCC down the line. Hours later, Kimmel’s show on ABC was suspended indefinitely from the air.

Carr, who has been a staunch supporter of freedom of speech and the FCC, has come under scrutiny, with critics saying he’s waging war on free speech by attempting to censor news agencies with which the Trump administration disagrees.

As NPR points out, Trump said on Air Force One Thursday that broadcast networks were “97% against me.”

“They give me only bad press,” said Trump. “They’re getting a license. I think maybe their license should be taken away. It will be up to Brendan Carr. I think Brendan Carr is outstanding. He’s a patriot. He loves our country, and he’s a tough guy. So we’ll see.”

According to NPR, Carr has launched formal investigations of all the major broadcast networks, except Fox, which is owned by Trump ally Rupert Murdoch.

CBS recently announced it was pulling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, who has been a comedic critic of Trump, over a “financial decision.” Shortly after, the FCC approved the sale of the company Paramount to Skydance Media.

To be clear, Carr is credited for writing a section dedicated to the FCC in “Project 2025,” the sweeping blueprint that outlines a plan for gutting the federal workforce and dismantling federal agencies in Trump’s second term. This is the exact blueprint that Trump claimed he knew nothing about while campaigning for a second term in office.

Since the public drawback and firestorm, ABC announced it would bring back Kimmel’s show on Tuesday.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 23, 2025

Longtime Music Exec Sylvia Rhone Preps Exit From Epic Records

'I am moving on from this historic role at Epic and I’m very excited about the future.'

Legendary music executive Sylvia Rhone, after more than a decade of leading Epic Records, has decided to step down from her position as chairwoman and CEO, effective at the end of September.

According to Billboard, Rhone, the first Black woman to become a chair at a major record company, will vacate her position next week as she moves on from the record label. She became the president of Epic Records in 2014. She was then elevated to chairwoman/CEO five years later, in 2019, marking a total of 11 years at the major recording and distribution label.

The media outlet obtained a letter that Rhone addressed to the Epic Records staff announcing her decision to leave the label:

“To My Sony Music Family,

“It’s been an extraordinary journey. Eleven years since my promotion to President of Epic Records and six years since my appointment as chairwoman and CEO. This role at Epic represents the third time in my career that I’ve been the first woman and first Black person to serve as CEO of a major record label owned by a Fortune 500 company.

“And today, I am moving on from this historic role at Epic, and I’m very excited about the future.”

Rhone started as a secretary at Buddha Records, launching one of the most successful careers of any music executive, before landing roles at labels ABC Records and Ariola Records. She began rising in the ranks when she was hired to work at Elektra Records in 1981, before moving on to Atlantic Records. After working at the label for five years in several different roles, in 1986, she was promoted to the VP/GM of Black music operations at Atlantic. Two years later, she became senior VP of Atlantic’s Black music division.

When Atlantic launched EastWest Records America in 1990, Rhone became the chairwoman of the new imprint. Making history once again in 1994, she became the first Black woman to be appointed chairman and CEO of a major record company — Elektra Entertainment Group (EEG). She was brought onto the Universal fold when, in 2004, she was named president of Universal Motown Records, executive VP of Universal Records, and chairman of the Universal Motown Record Group that same year.

After leaving the Universal Music Group umbrella in 2011, Rhone had a boutique label, Vested In Culture, in partnership with Epic Records. She started her 11-year run at Epic Records in 2014.

No details have been released regarding Rhone’s next move.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 23, 2025

Outrage As Special Needs Woman Jailed 50 Days For Petty Theft At Target

Social media is outraged over a video of a special needs woman jailed 50 days for petty theft at an Orlando Target.

Social media is sounding off over a recently surfaced video of a special needs woman who was jailed for 50 days on a petty theft charge.

A Sept. 20 video posted on X shows Imarah Aaliyah Bryan, 26, facing a judge after spending nearly two months in jail for allegedly stealing $145 worth of merchandise from a Target in Orlando, Florida, according to arrest records.

“They really locked up a special needs woman for 50 DAYS over $49 at Target… make it make sense,” X user Lashy Bills wrote.

“Even worse, honestly. She served 50 days, owes the court for appointing her a defender, owes the police department 339.70 for “investigation”, and some more sh-t,” another user added, along with a photo of the court document. “All over $145.17 worth of sh-t. And she aint even leave the store wit it.”

Even worse honestly. She served 50 days, owes the court for appointing her a defender, owes the police department 339.70 for “investigation”, and some more shit

All over $145.17 worth of shit. And she aint even leave the store wit it pic.twitter.com/uZPic95TAT
— ❌ (@ikantsaveu) September 21, 2025

The video shows Bryan with a public defender as she accepted a no-contest plea, requiring her to pay $339 to Orlando police, a $500 bond, and accept a ban from the Target where she was arrested.

“I’ve been handed a plea form with your name on it. Is this your signature at the bottom?” the judge asks.

“Yes, it is,” Bryan said. “I signed it on just now.”

The judge asked Bryan if she had been forced, threatened, or coerced into signing the plea form, and she gently assured that she had not.

“Okay. And so you understand by signing this, you’d be giving up your right to go to trial and to contest the charges in this case,” the judge asked.

“Yes, I do,” Bryan said.

When the judge informed Bryan that noncitizens could face deportation, she softly replied, “Oh, but I am.”

After confirming that Bryan was of sound mind, “alert, intelligent, and represented by counsel,” the judge issued her ruling.

“I’ll accept your plea of no contest to the charge of petty theft. I’ll sentence you to credit for time served,” the judge said. “You have one day. I’m sorry, 50. You have 50 days time served. I’ll adjudicate you guilty.”

The judge continued. “You’ll also have to pay a cost of investigation of $339.70 to Orlando Police Department. You’re not to return to the Target at 46 50 Millennia Plaza Way.”

The public defender requested that Bryan’s court costs be reduced to a civil debt, which the judge approved. Bryan appeared relieved to finally leave jail after 50 days, while social media expressed outrage that she was incarcerated so long over a petty theft charge.

“And they are just laughing and giggling. Having a good time while putting this poor lady in jail when she needs to be somewhere she can get the help she needs. Our system is sick as hell,” one X user wrote.

“They know damn well that lady don’t know what’s going on, let alone what she signing. Smh the justice system is sooo evil, cruel, & wrong bruh!” added someone else.

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 23, 2025

South African Pastor Causes Social Media Frenzy With End Of The World ‘Rapture’ Prediction

As the clip started to circulate across social media, users, many of the Christian faith started to scurry and prepare for what Mhlakela describes as the second coming of Christ.

A South African pastor has predicted that the end of the world or “rapture” is happening soon, and social media is in a frenzy, ultimately with some not taking it seriously.

During a June 17 segment of the CentTwinz TV podcast, pastor Joshua Mhlakela claimed that “the rapture is upon us.” “The rapture is so upon us that if you are not ready for it, it is ready for you,” he said. “When the time has been appointed for something, it’s either you are prepared for it or if you’re not, it’s coming anyways.”

Mhlakela even gave specific dates of Sept. 23 and 24 that “Jesus is coming back to take his church.” “On the 23rd and 24th of September 2025, I will come to take my church,” the pastor said, claiming Jesus once told him.

As the clip started to circulate across social media, users, many of whom are of the Christian faith, began to scramble and prepare for what Mhlakela described as the second coming of Christ. On TikTok, the Rapture is being described as people who have Jesus in their hearts will go to heaven, and those who don’t will be left on Earth. Some users, like @hannahrg33, felt in her heart and her religious teachings that the date was real and did everything in her power to prepare, including requesting Sept. 23 off from work, which she was denied.

Ultimately, she lost her job.

However, other content creators weren’t taking it seriously. @heylisahey started a video with a somber tone explaining what the end of the world is supposed to be, but ended up recommending therapy with a focus on religious psychosis to those who believe in the alleged rapture date.

@heylisahey_
Jesus be a fence #rapture #rapturetiktok #christiantiktok #fyp
♬ original sound – HeyLisaHey

A past audio clip used from City Girls rapper Yung Miami, when she was curating a twerk contest, was used to jokingly describe how Jesus would select who goes with Him or not.

https://www.tiktok.com/@abbyleemillersmaxipad/video/7553116256891637023?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7519594494683366926

And, of course, BET+ Churchy star and comedian KevOnStage started a countdown to see if the Rapture would occur or not.

@kevonstagetiktok
♬ original sound – I Am Me✨

This isn’t the first time predictions of the end of the world have been made. According to Complex, the Rapture was supposed to take place on May 21, 2011, following a prediction made by Christian radio host Harold Camping in 2005. The same radio host claimed the Rapture would happen Sept. 6, 1994, but that didn’t happen.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 23, 2025

Yung Miami Told Judge ‘That’s A Good Man’ In Character Statement For Diddy

Yung Miami dated Diddy for years before his indictment.

Yung Miami remains supportive of her former flame, Sean “Diddy” Combs. The former “City Girls” rapper, whose real name is Caresha Brownlee, wrote a character statement on behalf of her ex-boyfriend, Diddy, telling the judge that he is still a “good man.”

The Shade Room received a copy of the written statement Brownlee wrote ahead of the judge’s sentencing of Combs. During his high-profile trial on racketeering and sex trafficking charges, Combs was found guilty of two counts while receiving acquittals on two others.

In her letter, Yung Miami spoke on how she had witnessed a different side of the 55-year-old mogul than the one depicted during his trial. However, before she began her plea to the judge for leniency, she emphasized how she does not condone any wrongdoing he may have committed.

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A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

“I want to be clear that I cannot speak on or defend anything that may have happened before I met Sean Combs,” wrote the mother of two. ” I do not condone any wrongdoing…I can only speak from my personal experience and the man I’ve come to know over the past four years.”

Yung Miami spoke about the ways Combs supported her”behind the scenes.” She emphasized how he motivated her to progress her career, stating he was a “loving, genuine, [and] supportive” partner to her for four years.

She then mentioned his dedication to his family, where he also encouraged her to pursue her dreams while still making time for her loved ones, just as she asserts he did. Brownlee claims he made her a better“businesswoman” while also giving her a platform on his own media platform, REVOLT. The 31-year-old rapper had a talk show, Caresha Please, on the netw we’re gork.

“He also gave me a voice, by providing me a platform on his network to speak for the culture and connect with people in a way that was real and authentic,” she wrote. “That opportunity changed the direction of my career and showed me the impact one person can have when they choose to uplift others.”

Yung Miami also mentioned her most meaningful moment with Combs, where she attended the Met Gala with the Bad Boy Records founder. She asserted that her letter was to give a different perspective on the man who had otherwise been deemed a nefarious figure in Hollywood, seemingly referencing his multiple allegations of sexual assault, intimidation, and harassment.

The rapper then detailed the ways he gave back to his community, and also highlighted the internal work he did to fix his issues. Yung Miami emphasized that he did so not for the public’s sympathy, but to grow on his own accord.

“I’ve also witnessed him doing real inner work,” stated the artist. “He made the choice to check himself into anger management, start therapy, and commit to physical healing through therapy. That takes strength, humility, and self-awareness. He didn’t do it for show — he did it because he wanted to grow and become a better person. “

The rapper then asserted that Combs is a “man of God” who has helped those around him in multiple facets. Furthermore, she reminded the judge that he was a father whose children needed him in their lives. Yung Miami ended the letter with one last reminder to the judge about Diddy’s goodness.

“Judge, that’s a good man.”

Yung Miami remained relatively silent during Comb’s trial, as it made waves on social media. However, the reveal of this letter suggests her support behind closed doors.

by Mitti Hicks

September 23, 2025

The Golden Hoops: A Daughter’s Tribute Book Conveys Empowering Message For Black Children

The Golden Hoops is her way of reaffirming identity for readers, especially Black children

Jen Lee Hayes was fortunate enough to have a kind mother who instilled confidence in her at a very young age. That confidence gave her a sense of freedom and a belief system that nothing was off limits when it came to her dreams. She’s now sharing her mother’s special formula in her new children’s book, The Golden Hoops, which she says readers of all ages can enjoy.

“As I got older, I realized that was not something that everybody had,” she told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “It was a superpower that she helped me develop, which made me ambitious and made me believe in myself.”

Unfortunately, Hayes was only 21 years old when her mother died. Despite unimaginable loss as a young adult trying to navigate the world, she walked into rooms still dressed in that confidence her mother nurtured in her at a young age, along with a pair of golden hoops. Golden hoops are not only a signature and extension of her personal style, they’re also a connection to her mother.

One of Hayes’s first core memories was getting her first pair of golden hoops from her mother, Janey, when she was around four years old.

Honoring her mother, Janey is the main character in Hayes’s book who has some similarities to a young Jen. Like Jen, Janey receives her first pair of golden hoops, which are a rite of passage. The golden hoops for the curious young Janey represent belonging and self-expression. But then, she loses a hoop and embarks on a joyful journey of determination that reminds readers they already have everything they need to shine brightly in the world.

A Book That Sends A Strong Message Following Chaos in 2020

The inspiration for a children’s book came to Hayes in 2020. It was an arduous time for the world as we navigated a pandemic. It was an even more challenging time for Black Americans, who were dying at a disproportionate rate from COVID-19 and navigating their self-worth after Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd were killed within the first five months of the year.

“I took [these deaths] very personally, as so many of us did. I am raising three sons, and everything hit me like a freight train,” Hayes recalled. “For me, I said, ‘Wow. I need to be a part of adding positive messaging to reinforce how important we are, and reinforce that we have a purpose to be here.’”

The Golden Hoops is her way of reaffirming identity for readers, especially Black children.

Through her research for the book, Hayes discovered that hoops hold cultural significance for Black people. The tradition of wearing hoop earrings originated around 2500 B.C.E. in Nubia, an African civilization located in what is now Sudan. Different members of tribes would wear different hoops to identify themselves as members of their respective tribes.

“I thought this was so fascinating because hoops also have a modern application for me,” she said. “When I wear hoops in a board room or in spaces where I might be the only one, hoops are a way to say I am not going to dim my light, my personal style, or who I am.”

She added, “The same hoops I wear on the street with my friends are the same hoops that I wear in the world because this is a part of who I am.”

Using Gold Hoops As A Full Circle Moment To Give Back

When she’s not a full-time mom, storyteller, and author, Hayes leads marketing and content at The Bump and redefines everyday luxury with the modern lifestyle company she founded, Bestow Collection.

Even as she wears so many hats, she doesn’t think twice about prioritizing giving back. That’s why she is partnering with the Zora House for The Golden Hoops Book Drive to deliver thousands of copies of her debut children’s book to young readers, especially in underserved communities.

Throughout the drive, she is inviting parents, educators, corporations, nonprofits, and others to donate to the cause. She is also asking people who want to get involved to nominate a teacher, classroom, library, youth program, or bookstore to receive an author visit and copies of her debut children’s book.

“I really want to create a movement and more opportunities that are propelling literacy for young audiences,” said Hayes.

The book officially hit shelves on Sept. 2. You can order a copy online or find it in a bookstore in your community.

Carmelo Anthony, soccer trial, Puerto Rico, invstment

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 23, 2025

Carmelo Anthony Offered To Cover Former Teammate’s Salary When The Knicks Waived Him

The NBA Hall of Famer offered to to pay the "whole salary" of his Knick teammate, Cleanthony Early, when the team cut him

NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony’s generosity and kindness were recently brought up by an NBA reporter when he recalled the former Knicks player offering to pay the “whole salary” of a teammate, Cleanthony Early, when he was on the cusp of being cut by the NBA team.

While appearing in a recent interview, reporter Ian Begley, who was working for ESPN at the time of the witnessed incident, spoke highly about Anthony and the fact that, unprompted, he was willing to take care of Early’s annual salary when it looked like the Knicks were willing to cut him from the team in 2016.

According to Basketball Network, after an incident that took place in front of a New York City strip club in December 2015, Early, while leaving CityScapes Gentleman’s Club with his girlfriend, six men, armed with weapons, surrounded an Uber vehicle that the Knicks player was in. Threatening to shoot him in the midst of robbing him, although he gave up two gold chains, Early was shot in the knee.

Referencing that incident, Begley spoke about Anthony’s gesture to Early when word got out about the Knicks’ intention.

“Remember Cleanthony Early? He got caught up in something, a strip club, I don’t remember the details, but I think the Knicks were going to have to cut him. Carmelo said, ‘I’ll pay your whole salary.’ Like just as a teammate, as an NBA brother,” Begley stated.

He spoke about how that painted a positive picture of Anthony during Early’s time of need. The reporter acknowledged that, despite all the accolades bestowed upon Anthony, this offer stuck in his mind.

“That, to me, told me a lot about him, too, where he puts his energy. You can’t like… You talk about him as a basketball player, flaws, pros and cons, but just as a man and what he stands for, that will always stay with me,” Begley said.

https://twitter.com/KnicksFanTv/status/1968331346344104029

After Early’s injuries, the baller has played in Europe and the Middle East.

Anthony was recently inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.