by Ida Harris

September 19, 2025

ONE Musicfest Tickets Pop Out On Costco Shelves

Apparently, membership has its privileges

With just about a month left until ONE Musicfest returns to Piedmont Park in Atlanta, one-day ticket sales for the Southeastern region’s most notable music festival can be purchased at Costco Wholesale Stores.

J. Carter, the founder of ONE Musicfest, shared an image of event tickets on the shelves of the popular box store, retailing at $149.99 for general admission. The coveted ticket was packaged in a decorative design bearing the ONE Musicfest logo and attention-grabbing graphic.

“Membership has its privileges,” Carter’s Instagram caption read. “Catch your @onemusicfest one-day tickets at Costco’s while supplies last.”

Social media users were fascinated by the display, which featured ONE Musicfest tickets stocked between gift cards and postage stamps, and on the shelf like any other products and goods found in a convenience store.

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A post shared by J Carter (@jcarterology)

Atlanta native and former music executive Shanti Das called the initiative “incredible marketing.” The general response among IG users is that the partnership is “fire,” with Atlanta radio personality Frank Ski and music producer Ray Daniel co-signing and leaving flame emojis in the comment section.

Costco’s ticketing partnership isn’t new. The retailer sells tickets for a multitude of activities, including concerts, music festivals, and sporting events.

ONE Musicfest boasts an exquisite lineup for 2025. The two-day festival takes place on Oct. 25-26 and features acts that will entertain thousands of multigenerational festivalgoers.

Headliners not only include Atlanta’s own musical royalty: Future, The Dungeon Family, and Ludacris—but megastars Mary J. Blige, Doechii, The Roots, Busta Rhymes, and Marvin Sapp. Also slated to perform are several heavy-hitters: Clipse, Jazmin Sullivan, Kehlani, and Ari Lenox. The event plans to feature the “World’s largest trail ride set.”

Concertgoers are in for a musical treat, and Costco cardholders can purchase those tickets online or in-store.

by Kandiss Edwards

September 19, 2025

Living Single Star Erika Alexander Says Ari Lennox Colorism Claims Are ‘Valid’

Alexander believes that hindsight is 20/20.

Erika Alexander is co-signing Ari Lennox’s claims of colorism in ’90s entertainment.

Alexander’s commentary came while promoting her podcast, ReLiving Single, which is centered on her successful ensemble sitcom, Living Single, on the Higher Learning podcast. When asked about Lennox’s criticism of colorism in ’90s television, Alexander agreed the criticism is “valid.”

Alexander reflected on how portrayals of Black characters in the ’90s were sometimes predicated on skin tone. She noted that darker-skinned actresses often received supporting or stereotyped roles, while lighter-skinned actors tended to receive more visibility and lead parts.

“Colorism was real & hindsight shows some jokes hit differently,” she said.

She emphasized that this isn’t about laying blame. Instead, Alexander stresses the importance of continued conversations around past missteps so the industry can do better going forward.

“We talk a lot about colorism, and we all suffered from it,” she said, urging that admitting the reality can help shape more thoughtful portrayals today.

Ari Lennox said some jokes on 90’s sitcoms were colorist and harmful. We asked Erika Alexander of “Living Single” if Ari had a point. Her answer might surprise you. pic.twitter.com/XFSsgjQBXv
— Van “Not Going Anywhere” Lathan Jr (@VanLathan) September 16, 2025

Lennox’s initial observation was that ’90s Black media was rooted in shade and color bias. Her specific grievance came from the popular show Martin.

“The thing that pissed me off about Martin was how much he was goin’ in on Pam,” Lennox continued. “Pam was so f**king beautiful and so fine, and I just feel like growing up as a chocolate girl, I don’t even know if I was able to understand the greatness of Pam because of what I was being fed.”

American singer Ari Lennox speaks out, saying Martin’s jokes about Pam’s looks still hit a nerve: “I’ll always feel a way about that. It’s disrespectful to dark-skinned women; she’s beautiful.”
pic.twitter.com/xsuQ1xrZvH
— Rain Drops Media (@Raindropsmedia1) July 29, 2025

Although Lennox’s claims garnered a mixed response, Alexander agreed. She states that many lessons remain to be learned.

The ReLiving Single podcast strives to unpack these issues, giving viewers behind-the-scenes perspectives on both nostalgia and the unintended harm of normalized biases.

As audiences grow more critical of how past media handled representation, voices like Alexander’s remind fans that progress in culture often arrives through examination, not erasure. Recognizing where things went wrong doesn’t negate the good that came from them. It opens a pathway for more authentic and considerate storytelling in the future.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2025

Detroit Pistons’ Tobias Harris Connects With Michigan State Housing Development Authority To Assist New Homeowners

'With this initiative, I’m focused on expanding access to homeownership so Detroiters can plant roots and build equity in the city they call home.'

In an effort to increase homeownership among Detroit residents, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has partnered with Detroit Pistons player Tobias Harris on his initiative to make homeownership more accessible to people residing in the Michigan city.

The MSHDA has announced its collective effort with the Tobias Harris Homeownership Initiative (THHI) to help more Detroiters gain homeownership with a new shared-appreciation mortgage pilot with Guild Mortgage and Homium. With this new program, more Detroiters will gain through a partnership between private capital and the state government.

“Homeownership is one of the most powerful ways to build stability and generational wealth,” said Harris in a written statement. “With this initiative, I’m focused on expanding access to homeownership so Detroiters can plant roots and build equity in the city they call home. This is just the start, and I look forward to working with others throughout Detroit’s business and philanthropic community to grow and sustain this important program.”

MSHDA will provide the initial funding for the pilot, along with grants from Harris, his former Pistons teammate Jon Leuer, Pistons owner Tom Gores, made through the program’s nonprofit partner, Realize Impact.

Through this initiative, qualified individuals will gain access to the mortgage product, with up to 40% of a home’s purchase price in down payment assistance (DPA) without adding any monthly debt. This allows new owners to forgo mortgage insurance, resulting in a lower monthly payment.

“This new partnership will help make the dream of homeownership a reality for more Detroiters, offering the kind of affordable support that leads to long-term housing stability,” said Amy Hovey, CEO and executive director of MSHDA. “We’re moving quickly to identify new partners and programs that can help lower costs and unlock opportunities for Michigan families.”

This program will be offered to qualified first-time homebuyers in select areas of Detroit.

For people interested in the program, more information can be found on the Tobias Harris Homeownership Initiative website.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2025

Taylor Townsend Apologizes For Insensitive Comments Over Food in China

'There is no excuse, there is no words. For me, I will be better.'

After being involved in a controversy while playing in last month’s U.S. Open, tennis player Taylor Townsend has now apologized for making disparaging comments about cuisine in China, where she is playing in a tennis tournament.

According to CNN, Townsend issued the apology on her Instagram Stories.

“I understand that I am so privileged as a professional athlete to be able to travel all around the world and experience cultural differences, which is one of the things I love so much about what I do,” she said on the platform. “The things that I said were not representative of that at all, and I just truly wanted to apologize. There is no excuse, there is no words. For me, I will be better.”

Townsend, who is currently in Shenzhen for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, made remarks regarding some of the food, which included turtle, bull frogs, and sea cucumber. The items that may not be what Americans are used to; in China, though, they are staples.

“This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen… and people eating this,” she said in one of her Instagram videos.

“Imma have to talk to HR… because what the hell… turtle and bull frog is wild,” was another statement folks were offended by as she stood next to a menu that listed the items.

Her impromptu food criticism, CNN observed, “sparked notable outcry on Chinese social media.” The hashtag “American tennis player criticizes Chinese food” was viewed millions of times on Weibo.

Townsend was on the good side of a controversy at last month’s U.S. Open, after Jelena Ostapenko told her after their match that she had “no class” and “no education.” She was applauded for how she handled the situation, which happened on national TV.

FAMU, Florida A and M University, FAMU Board Of Trustees, Dubious Donation

by Kandiss Edwards

September 19, 2025

FAMU To Honor Former President Frederick S. Humphries With Statue

The statue unveiling is scheduled for Homecoming week, Oct. 12-19.

Florida A&M University will unveil a statue of Frederick S. Humphries, one of its most respected presidents, during its Homecoming celebrations, FAMUAN reported.

The statue unveiling is scheduled for Homecoming week, Oct. 12-19. The campaign to honor Humphries began years ago. In December 2021, FAMU launched a fundraising campaign to raise around $350,000 to commission the statue. Humphries’ son, Laurence, a member, spoke about the achievement via Facebook.

“May this statue serve not only as a tribute to what my father achieved, but as an activation of enduring pride — a call to all of us to recommit ourselves to the institutions that shaped us. I encourage each of you to support FAMU or the HBCU of your choice, not only in words, but through your gifts, your presence, and your advocacy,” he wrote.

The statue will be unveiled during a public event on FAMU’s campus during Homecoming, expected to draw a large crowd. Supporters argue the statue is more than an art installation—it’s a long-overdue recognition of a president whose leadership helped shape FAMU’s identity.

Humphries served as FAMU’s eighth president from 1985 to 2001. He led the university during a period widely remembered as its golden age, a time marked by significant growth in enrollment, academic reputation, and public recognition. His leadership emphasized high standards in student achievement and a commitment to advancing the university’s national profile.

In a moment of gratitude, Laurence praised his father’s accomplishments. He acknowledged his pride in being raised by a man of honor. Laurence also gave thanks on behalf of those who benefited from Humphries’s tireless work.

“Dad, to stand before your likeness will be both humbling and overwhelming — a reminder of the vision you carried, the sacrifices you made, and the doors you opened for thousands. This statue is not just for you, but for every student whose life was changed, for every HBCU strengthened by your work, and for every dream you made possible,” he said.

CEOs, corporate America, Kamala Harrs, endorsement

by Mitti Hicks

September 18, 2025

Kamala Harris Reveals Tim Walz Was Not Her First Choice for Vice President

'But we were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man,' the former vice president writes in her upcoming memoir.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris wanted Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was her running mate during her 2024 run for the White House but declined to pursue the arrangement because it was too risky.

The Atlantic reported this news, from her highly anticipated book, 107 Days, on Wednesday. The book will be released on September 23.

Harris writes that Pete Buttigieg “would have been an ideal partner–if I were a straight white man.

“But we were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man,” Harris writes. “Part of me wanted to say, ‘Screw it, let’s just do it.’ But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk.

“And I think Pete also knew that—to our mutual sadness.”

Who Is Pete Buttigieg?

Buttigieg entered the national spotlight at the beginning of 2019 when he announced his candidacy to become the Democratic nominee for the 2020 presidential election.

It was a risky move for the then-mayor of South Bend, Indiana. He entered a pool of more than 20 Democratic hopefuls that included then-Senators Harris, Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

Buttigieg had no experience on the national level, unlike his counterparts, and was considered a “low-tier” candidate. As an openly gay man, political pundits said America was not ready for an openly gay president and a First Gentleman.

But he built an incredible coalition, and his ground game helped him narrowly win the first-in-the-nation caucuses in Iowa. He tied with Sanders for the most delegates in the New Hampshire primary. After placing fourth in the South Carolina primary, he dropped out on March 1, 2020. He later endorsed Joe Biden.

At 38, Buttigieg was the youngest candidate in the 2020 Democratic primary race, a veteran who had served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, including a six-month deployment in Afghanistan. He later became Secretary of Transportation.

Along with Buttigieg, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were all on Harris’ shortlist of running mates. Walz ultimately got the nod.

by Jameelah Mullen

September 18, 2025

Lori Harvey Opens Up About PCOS, Endometriosis, And Medical Bias Against Black Women

Listen to Black women.

Lori Harvey is speaking out about her years-long health struggles that doctors repeatedly ignored.

Harvey appeared on the SHEMD podcast with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney. The socialite shared that she experienced painful periods and other symptoms, which caused concern.

“I’ve been so frustrated. I’ve been going to my gynecologist because I’ve just been feeling like something’s off in my body,” Harvey said. “But every time I go to her, she’s like, ‘You’re fine, you’re fine, you’re fine. Nothing’s wrong.’ And I was like, ‘But I don’t feel fine. I feel like something is just off.’”

Harvey was right. The influencer found a doctor who finally listened to her. After a closer look, Harvey was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis, both of which can cause the symptoms she’d been experiencing.

The SKN owner said she experienced extreme weight changes, acne, facial hair, and painful menstrual cramps since she was a teen.

“My weight fluctuated like crazy,” she said. “I would diet for weeks, working out twice a day, and only eating carbs if I’m doing my second workout of the day. Then I’ll go on vacation for a week, eat a little bit of whatever I want, and I’ll blow up like crazy like I didn’t do anything for the past two weeks.”

Harvey said that after her diagnosis, she was prescribed Metformin, which helped stabilize her hormones and made her feel better. Aliabadi noted that if a woman like Harvey, who has public visibility, couldn’t get doctors to listen to her, it’s less likely they would listen to other women. Harvey agreed, stating that she felt “gaslit” by doctors who ignored her concerns.

According to a KFF study, 21% of Black women report being mistreated by a healthcare provider in situations where they believed race played a role. Among those who have been pregnant or given birth in the past decade, 22% say they were refused pain medication when they thought they needed it.

by Kandiss Edwards

September 18, 2025

Emory University To Eliminate Tuition For Students Whose Families Make Less than $200K

This expansion reflects the university’s effort to reduce financial barriers for talented students.

Starting in fall 2026, Emory University will eliminate undergraduate tuition for students whose families make $200,000 or less under a new initiative called Emory Advantage Plus.

The financial assistance program has existed at Emory since 2007, but has been expanded to benefit more incoming and current students. This expansion reflects the university’s effort to reduce financial barriers for talented students.

Under the new policy, both incoming and returning domestic undergraduates who qualify for need-based aid and meet the income requirement will pay zero tuition. Emory will maintain its long-standing pledge to meet 100% of demonstrated need for those students, ensuring aid covers the full gap between financial need and the cost of attendance. Over the next four years, the university plans to invest more than $1 billion in undergraduate financial aid.

https://twitter.com/EmoryUniversity/status/1968392452265369638

“Emory Advantage Plus is more than just an expansion of a financial aid plan — it’s an expansion of opportunity, of dreams, and what’s possible at Emory,” Interim President Leah Ward Sears wrote in the announcement. “Together, we are opening doors wider than ever before so that brilliant, deserving students can call Emory and Georgia their home. The future has never looked brighter, and this is only just the beginning.”

The program also aims to widen access in Georgia. Emory states that many of its students already benefit from the state’s HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships. Of current undergraduates, about 3,100 students, approximately 40% of the school’s population, receive the existing Emory Advantage.

Sixty percent of those students have their scholarship or grant completely cover tuition. Under the new plan, the full-tuition coverage rate for qualifying families will rise toward 80%.

Students seeking this free tuition will need to submit both the FAFSA and CSS Profile, with eligibility assessments including family income and typical assets, according to the university. Emory will provide further details later this year.

by Jameelah Mullen

September 18, 2025

Joy Reid, John Edgar Wideman And Percival Everett Amongst Winners Of 46th Annual American Book Awards

The annual awards gala will take place this fall.

Former MSNBC correspondent Joy Reid, Percival Everett, and John Edgar Wideman are among the winners of the 46th annual American Book Awards, presented by the Before Columbus Foundation, honoring diversity in American art and culture.

“The purpose of the awards is to recognize literary excellence without limitations or restrictions,” the foundation’s announcement states. “The award winners range from well-known and established writers to under-recognized authors and first works. There are no quotas for diversity; the winners list simply reflects it as a natural process.”

The organization will honor Everett for his 2024 novel James, a retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which earned the author a Pulitzer Prize. The writer has authored more than 30 books of fiction and poetry, often addressing issues of race. His other novels include I Am Not Sidney Poitier (2009) and Telephone (2020).

Wideman will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. The novelist, essayist, short story writer, and educator began his career in the 1960s. He was the first to win the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction twice: first in 1984 for Sent for You Yesterday, and again in 1990 for Philadelphia Fire. His collection of short stories includes Fever, The Stories of John Edgar Wideman (1992), and You Made Me Love You. In 2016, Wideman wrote Writing to Save a Life: The Louis Till File, a biography about Emmett Till’s father.

Reid is this year’s winner of the Anti-Censorship Prize. The award-winning journalist hosted The ReidOut on MSNBC before the network canceled the popular show, citing restructuring as the reason.

Shortly after leaving MSNBC, the commentator launched her own show, The Joy Reid Show, where she talked about her firing, noting that she suspected her outspoken criticism of the Trump administration might have been one of the reasons for the network’s decision.

“I think that there is a difference for Trump in hearing the kinds of criticisms specifically out of a Black woman; it bothers him in a way it doesn’t bother him like anything else. He’s got this sort of tick about race, you know, and about, sort of criticism coming specifically from a Black woman because we’ve seen him lay out and dish out real abuse against Black women journalists,” Reid told guest Katie Couric.

The American Book Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. at the University of California, Berkeley’s Wheeler Hall Auditorium.

Pinterest, ‘Tailored’, Black Fashion, Black History Money, Fashion Week

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 18, 2025

Sergio Hudson Calls Out ‘White Adjacency’ Among Black Celebs During Fashion Week

The remarks, which went viral, prompted a follow up from the designer.

Designer Sergio Hudson criticized Black celebrities at New York Fashion Week for not supporting Black designers.

Hudson, who showcased his spring/summer 2026 collection at NYFW, ignited a viral conversation on Sept. 15 after taking to Instagram to call out the absence of Black A-listers at his show, despite their presence at many non-Black-owned fashion houses.

”My answer to why some Black a-listers didn’t come to my show even though they were here…White adjacency is a hell of a drug,” Hudson wrote, as captured by The YBF Daily. “I pray my brothers and sisters get healing one day.”

Hudson’s bold remarks received mixed responses.

“People saying people don’t know who he is… wild,” one user wrote. “He’s a force, and they definitely know. He’s right because last year, Black influencers were complaining about no invites to ‘other’ shows. Declaring they weren’t going to go, etc…yet they don’t show up to A Black man who is inclusive and invited you.”

Some accused Hudson of hypocrisy, pointing to the predominance of white models on his website and runway, as well as the difficulty of securing a spot at NYFW regardless of a designer’s background.

”Sergio has been talking about this since he came out. He was saying black (sic) celebs weren’t wearing his clothes, so I ask him when didn’t his models on his website look like the women he wanted to dress in Hollywood, and he made excuses as to why he didn’t have black models,” said one critic. “It seems like he’s playing that game as well. He’s insanely talented, but it’s like the pot calling the kettle.”

”I tried to go to his show as someone that is a stylist and personal shopper, and being a POC, and I got denied by his team. So they also need to do better,” added someone else.

https://twitter.com/glamourmag/status/1966663472634052801

While Hudson gained support from Love Island star Olandria, who modeled in his show, his Instagram comments on “white adjacency” in mainstream fashion drew the most attention, leading him to clarify his remarks in a follow-up post.

“Hey everyone, I just want to clear the air a bit after a simple story I posted seems to have gone viral. Let me be clear—I’m not upset, hurt, or complaining at all,” Hudson wrote. “My show was well attended by people who love me and our brand—industry pros, celebrities, my amazing clients, and the press all showed up to support.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sergio Hudson (@sergiohudson)

Hudson, who has dressed Beyoncé, Michelle Obama, and Rihanna, continued. “With New York Fashion Week being so packed, people kept asking why certain individuals attend some shows, but not ours or other Black designers’ shows. Honestly, the only answer I can give is that some folks, maybe consciously or subconsciously, believe that white adjacency brings more relevance. I pray one day my brothers and sisters learn that we bring relevance to brands, not the other way around. This is a lesson I’m continuing to learn myself every day.”

Black celebrities at this year’s NYFW included Wendy Williams and Lil Kim at LaQuan Smith’s show, as well as Usher, Mary J. Blige, Jordan Chiles, Lauryn Hill, and Saweetie.