by Keka Araújo

September 15, 2025

Let’s Get It! Jeezy’s Electrifying ‘TM:101’ Tour Finale In Detroit Ends With Upcoming Album & Las Vegas Residency Announcement

Jeezy was intentional about the evening being an elegant black-tie affair, and it wasn’t lost on his Motor City fans.

Twenty years ago, Jeezy’s major-label debut, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101, blazed a new trail for hip-hop. On Sept. 13, at Detroit’s Fox Theatre, the “Snowman” proved that legacy isn’t just about looking back, but about leveling up.

Jeezy closed out his groundbreaking 20th anniversary tour with a performance that fused the gritty, raw energy of trap with the charismatic, lush classical sounds of a 25-piece orchestra. And they went in.

A Return to the Motor City

Jeezy was intentional about the evening being an elegant black-tie affair, and it wasn’t lost on his Motor City fans. The Color of Noize Orchestra, conducted by the masterful Derrick Hodge, was tasked with taking the musical direction of the raw, street-certified anthems to an elevated, gritty–yet still refined edge for the Snowman’s tracks.

The addition of strings made the title song, “Thug Motivation 101,” feel even more menacing, while the guitar and drum licks that peppered Jeezy’s other tracks gave the swag of Lenny Kravitz’s rock God status and the soul of a G, who’s been through some things and lived to tell the tale.

Jeezy delivered an almost hour-and-a-half performance with the commanding presence of a man who knows how far he’s come to stand on that famous Fox stage in Detroit. The show, livestreamed globally on his YouTube channel, saw him blaze through 12 tracks from the original album, followed by a final set of crowd favorites.

His choice to end the tour in Detroit was a deliberate one, a tribute to a city that has always felt like a second home to the rapper.

“I wanted to finish this tour in Detroit, Michigan, for a lot of reasons,” Jeezy warmly told the audience. “It’s very personable.”

The connection between Jeezy and the city was electrifying. The evening was about more than just a performance; it was a reunion. He gave a special shout-out to Detroit mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield, offering an early congratulations and endorsement. He also visited Detroit’s Cass Tech High School, which further proved his personal investment in the community.

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This sentiment was echoed in a moment of pure catharsis during the song “Put On,” where fans in the Fox Theatre filled in every word of Kanye West’s verse, a beautiful, collective moment that seemed to capture the bond between Jeezy and the city perfectly. It was this authentic connection that he wanted to share with the world, which is why the entire performance was live-streamed.

“I wanted people to see the connection that I have with this great city and the connection that they have with me,” he said. The Detroit show marked the end of a triumphant run of 23 sold-out shows, a for sure testament to the longevity of his music and the dedication of Jeezy’s fanbase.

Emerging from his dressing room after a quick change from a mint-green tuxedo into a classic “Snowman” T-shirt, Jeezy’s throwback energy seemed to ignite the theater even more. He dove into snippets of favorites like “Dey Know” and “I Luv It” before hitting the crowd with a series of bombshell announcements.

He confirmed a new project with DJ Drama, titled “Still Snowin’,” dropping on his birthday, Sept. 28.

“It’s one of my favorite projects ever,” he said, signaling that his creative passion remains undiminished. “I feel like I got my second wind.”

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Then, he dropped the biggest news of the night. After fielding calls about not hitting the West Coast, he announced a monumental residency at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, an undertaking so grand it will feature a staggering 101-piece orchestra.

“I don’t even think Frank Sinatra took a 101-piece orchestra out there,” Jeezy expressed, referencing the famous Rat Pack entertainer who kept Sin City on lock, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the move.

The residency will be split into two themed runs: a “Masquerade” for the October dates and a “Nutcracker” theme for December.

“If you don’t call that excellence and leveling up, I don’t know what it is,” he said, signaling that his career is entering a new, stratospheric phase, one that combines his street-certified anthems with a scale of performance rarely seen in the genre.

In his spectacular finale at Detroit’s Fox Theatre, Jeezy didn’t just celebrate two decades of Thug Motivation 101; he cemented his legacy as a forward-thinking artist.

The blend of trap anthems with a live orchestra highlighted his music’s depth. At the same time, his series of major announcements—a new project and an ambitious Las Vegas residency—signaled an enlightening, exciting creative rebirth.

He is moving with a newfound energy, proving that for a true artist, every ending is merely the beginning of something bigger and better.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 15, 2025

New Report Reveals Gen-Z Still Loves Job-Hopping, But Not Out Of Disloyalty To Employers

Gen Z continues to seek other roles out of a need for job fulfillment.

A new report is getting to the heart of why Gen-Z cannot stop job-hopping.

Prior to the current state of the job market, the youngest cohort of the workforce jumped at the opportunity to secure better offers and bigger titles. Many Gen-Z employees began leaving their jobs after a year to find better roles elsewhere, and often did so.

The move resulted in pay raises and career advancement, but has stalled in recent years as the job market has become even more competitive. Despite the lucrativeness of job hopping, Gen Z is still staying with one company for a shorter amount of time.

According to research released by Randstad, a recruitment company, the average job stint for a Gen-Z employee is a little over one year. This generation has the shortest longevity at one place, especially in comparison to baby boomers and millennials. Those age groups typically stay for roughly three and two years, respectively.

However, this unwavering trend does not stem from generational disloyalty to employers. Instead, Gen Z employees chase professional development and fulfillment in their early careers. With entry-level job opportunities on the decline, many feel like their place in the workforce is shrinking.

“In the wake of this, tenure is shrinking: today’s young workers are changing jobs faster than any previous generation,” detailed the Randstad report. “While employers may perceive this as a lack of loyalty, our findings suggest it’s a reaction to unmet expectations and a keen desire for progression.”

The motive is less about the money, with new slumps in pay bumps for switching over. On the other hand, companies are rewarding loyalty with raises to those with longevity.

Despite the consistent job switches, this does not signal that Gen-Z is not putting their best efforts into their current roles. However, a level of dissatisfaction remains, with only slightly over half of early-careerists feeling that their job fulfills them. Specific industries, such as high-paying finance and tech fields, are slowly closing off early-career opportunities.

Not all Gen-Z employees are suffering, though, with healthcare still standing strong with new job opportunities. Given that the industry’s lesser reliance on AI, another factor troubling the job market, it has emerged as a stable career path. However, Gen Zers want to work and gain their footing despite an uneasy job market.

“Gen Z is not a challenge to manage or a problem to solve. In a workforce being reshaped by AI and ambition, they offer a new blueprint for what work can become,” the report continues. “For employers, the takeaway is clear: Gen Z is eager to grow and adapt but needs support that’s accessible, inclusive, and aligned with their ambitions.”

While still ambitious and hardworking, entry-level employees are willing and able to pivot to better opportunities for their long-term goals.

Revolutionary War, Thomas Campbell, Historic Plaque

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 15, 2025

Social Media Erupts After Black Servicemen Made To Honor Charlie Kirk In New Video

The video was met with backlash from people who felt it politicized the military.

Social media critics had much to say after the U.S. Secretary of Defense made a video with Black servicemen to honor Charlie Kirk.

Sec. Pete Hegseth posted a new video honoring the slain conservative activist, who was fatally shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University Sept. 10. In the clip, Hegseth led a prayer for the deceased Kirk featuring many Black servicemen.

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Hegseth praised Kirk and his controversial legacy, calling him “an incredible American” in the viral clip. Notably, Kirk does not have any record of serving in the military, leading to public confusion about the soldiers’ appearance.

“If you knew him, you love him. His name is Charlie Kirk. Taken by an assassin’s bullet,” expressed Hegseth. “Unfathomable. The only assurance I can take is that I know he is with his Lord and Savior right now.”

However, many social media users expressed their disapproval over the video, noting the optics of including the majority Black servicemen. Before his death, Kirk built a platform for promoting Christian Nationalist and white supremacist talking points. He vehemently opposed the Black Lives Matter movement, while also ridiculing the death of George Floyd and degrading the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Given that his opinions were considered outright racist, some felt that the video forced the Black servicemen to honor the alt-right influencer. Naysayers believe the video was also an act of politicizing the military, using Black members of the military to honor the man. Others felt it overshadowed the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks as well.

“The fact that you have a vastly diverse military and you command and demand they recognize their oppressor is diabolical,” shared one commenter.

“This is disgusting. Absolutely sickening. Kirk was a civilian who spread hateful rhetoric to the masses. These men and women in uniform deserve better. So much better,” wrote another.

Commenters continued to bash Sec. Hegseth for essentially making service members bow their heads in prayer for the controversial speaker. The Trump administration has taken several steps to honor Kirk’s death as if he were a political hero. The President also authorized putting flags at half-staff while allowing Kirk’s body to be transported on Air Force Two.

However, seemingly tokenizing Black service members struck a chord with many, given that military personnel should not express party alignment while in uniform.

“Disgusting politicizing this while in uniform,” another commenter shared. “So we can’t show allegiance to political parties in uniform, but our service members can be forced to hear politicized speeches while in uniform.

The move further emphasizes how Trump officials are promoting Kirk as a patriotic martyr, glossing over his legacy of anti-Black, homophobic, and prejudiced stances.

by Black Enterprise

September 15, 2025

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

It’s never too late to dream again

It’s never too late to dream again. At 63, Janet Marsh, a retired U.S. Postal Service supervisor, has transformed her retirement years into an inspiring second act as the proud owner of Snow Cone City — the only Black-owned, year-round storefront snow cone shop in Mesquite, Texas. She launched the company to honor her late husband’s lasting encouragement.

The idea was born on an ordinary drive through her city, when Marsh noticed something missing: no Black-owned snow cone businesses in Mesquite. She carried the idea home, where her late husband, Clarence, and their family quickly embraced the vision. Together, they launched their first small trailer, which eventually evolved into today’s storefront — now a beloved community landmark open year-round.

Clarence played a critical role in building the foundation of Snow Cone City. Even as health challenges forced him to step back, he remained Marsh’s loudest cheerleader until his passing. His encouragement carried her through moments of doubt — including when she nearly quit her business cohort program. Instead, with the support of her community, Marsh pressed forward, completed her training, and turned Snow Cone City into a reality.

Today, Snow Cone City is more than just a snow cone shop — it’s an experience. Visitors enjoy unlimited self-serve flavor combinations, sip specialty drinks, and soak in a customer-first atmosphere that keeps them coming back. “We don’t just serve snow cones,” Ms. Marsh says. “We create moments you’ll never forget.”

Snow Cone City also now offers branded merchandise and online updates, taking Marsh’s legacy beyond Mesquite to households across the country. The shop is located at 2110 North Galloway Avenue, Suite 110B, Mesquite, TX 75150.

The Vitamin Suite Is A Black-Owned Wellness Lounge Launched By Mother And Son

by Black Enterprise

September 15, 2025

The Vitamin Suite Is A Black-Owned Wellness Lounge Launched By Mother And Son

The lounge offers a variety of services

Lakel Ebb, BSN, RN, and her son, founder and CEO of The Vitamin Suite in Prince George’s County, Maryland, are transforming the way communities think about health, healing, and self-care. This Black-owned wellness lounge specializes in IV vitamin therapy, holistic health services, and integrative wellness programs, offering a space where health is both a priority and a luxury.

Since opening its doors, The Vitamin Suite has attracted clients seeking alternatives to traditional healthcare, focusing on prevention, optimal nutrition, and natural therapies.

The lounge offers a variety of services, including:

• IV Vitamin Infusion Therapy – Customized nutrient blends for immune support, energy, beauty, and recovery.

• Red Light Therapy – Non-invasive technology to boost skin health, circulation, and pain relief.

• Infrared Sauna Sessions – Detoxification, muscle recovery, and stress reduction in a relaxing environment.

• Body Sculpting Treatments – EMS + RF technology to tone and contour without surgery.

• Wellness Events & Education – Classes, talks, and community programs centered on healthy living.

“I created The Vitamin Suite to be a sanctuary where people can take charge of their health before problems start,” says Ebb. “We provide the tools, education, and services to help our clients thrive, not just survive.”

With her background as a Registered Nurse, Ebb blends science-backed therapies with a spa-like experience. The result is a one-stop wellness destination that caters to the needs of busy professionals, health-conscious families, and individuals seeking natural solutions to everyday health challenges.

Beyond individual services, The Vitamin Suite is building a Wellness Club Membership Program that offers clients exclusive perks, priority booking, discounted services, and access to holistic health workshops. This membership approach is designed to make wellness a consistent part of one’s lifestyle, rather than an occasional indulgence.

Ebb’s mission extends beyond her lounge’s walls-she aims to educate the community about preventive health through outreach programs, speaking engagements, and partnerships with local organizations.

Located in Bowie, Maryland, The Vitamin Suite is a Black-owned, nurse-founded wellness lounge that specializes in holistic, preventive health services. From IV vitamin infusions to body sculpting, red light therapy, and educational workshops, the lounge is committed to helping clients live their healthiest lives in a welcoming, luxurious environment.

by Daniel Johnson

September 15, 2025

Walmart Says No To Emotional Support Alligator; Pennsylvania Pastor’s Gator Days Are Over

Silva said that although Walmart has now barred his gator, he and his gator, Jinseioshi, have been going to the store for a few years with no problems.

Wesley Silva isn’t from Florida, but you might think otherwise. The 60-year-old Pennsylvania native is now in a minor dispute with a Walmart in West Brownsville, Pennsylvania, after the store recently barred his “emotional support” alligator, Jinseioshi, from entering—despite previous visits when the reptile was allowed inside.

After a WPXI Channel 11 report showed shoppers expressing disbelief at an alligator inside the store—some even marveling at Silva’s ability to dress and harness the reptile—the Walmart in question moved to ban Jinseioshi. Store representatives noted that, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Walmart only officially recognizes dogs and miniature horses as service animals.

“While we aim to be inclusive, the safety of our customers and associates is our top priority. We are reaching out to the state of Pennsylvania for additional guidance,” Walmart told the outlet.

In addition, Cienna Chefren with Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, noted that pursuant to Pennsylvania and federal law, an alligator isn’t a service animal, nor is it particularly predictable.

“There is no predictability to how that animal is going to act when it’s around strange people, stressful environments, which Walmart is, so there are no precautions there, and that could be quite dangerous,” Chefren told Channel 11.

However, Silva told NBC News that although Walmart was barring Jinseioshi from its premises, he and his gator had been going to the store for a few years with no problems.

“We have been going to that Walmart for about 3 and a half years, and normally the reaction is ‘That’s pretty cool’ or ‘That is awesome that you have a pet alligator, man!” Silva, a pastor at both a Baptist and a Brethren church, noted.

He continued, “In the Bible, God talks about us having dominion over animals, and I developed an affinity for the reptiles. I find them very soothing.”

His affinity for reptiles began in 2022, when, after purchasing a snake for his daughter, he bonded with the reptile to the point where his daughter encouraged him to get his own.

“I held it one night, and I just kind of started really bonding with it and holding it,” he told NBC News. “And finally, she gave me an ultimatum, ‘Dad, really, you need to get your own snake.’“

According to a Walmart spokesperson, “The safety of our customers and associates is our highest priority,” Walmart said. “We welcome service animals in our stores, but it is unacceptable to expose members of the public to potential danger.”

As unique as Silva’s relationship with Jinseioshi and her reptile brothers and sisters is, she won’t be able to accompany him on his trips to Walmart.

In addition to her, Silva’s pets include six snakes, a leopard gecko, a Komodo dragon, an ocellated skink, and a second alligator, as well as a more conventional pet, a dog. Maybe Silva can bring the dog in on his next trip, because Walmart has made it clear that they will not accept Jinseioshi in the store again.

Priscilla Williams-Till, Emmett Till, Senate Bid In Mississippi

by Mary Spiller

September 15, 2025

Priscilla Williams-Till, Cousin Of Emmett Till, Launches Senate Bid In Mississippi

Civil rights activist Priscilla Williams-Till is challenging incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith with a platform centered on justice, healthcare access, and reproductive rights.

Priscilla Williams-Till, a cousin of Emmett Till and founder of the Emmett Till Justice for Families Foundation, has entered the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Mississippi, pledging to carry forward a legacy of civil rights and social justice. The election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026, with primaries set for March 10. Williams-Till announced her candidacy as a Democrat, challenging Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mississippi Free Press reports.

“I am running for United States Senator to help shape and enact laws that promote social justice and civil rights protections at a national level in Mississippi,” Williams-Till said in her campaign launch. “I want to ensure that the perspectives and needs of our communities are represented with the federal government contributing to a more inclusive political dialogue.”

Williams-Till’s family connection to Emmett Till — the 14-year-old boy whose brutal 1955 murder in Mississippi galvanized the civil rights movement — is central to her campaign. She said her work leading a foundation that advocates for federal accountability in hate crimes and racial justice cases has prepared her for this moment.

A Jackson native, Williams-Till is a graduate of Lanier Junior Senior High School, Jackson State University, and Belhaven University. She said she hopes to be a strong advocate for her community in Congress.

“My purpose for running for United States Senate (is that) I can influence the legal system by introducing laws that help shape legal interpretation that address systemic injustice, federal investigation into police departments, police reform or even discriminating zoning laws,” she told the Mississippi Free Press on Sept. 5.

Healthcare is another major focus of her campaign. Williams-Till supports expanding Medicaid and protecting services for rural hospitals. “We need a system set up to help people get health insurance for the ones who are cut out of Medicaid across the state,” she said.

On abortion, Williams-Till emphasized her belief in personal choice. “I think people have a right to decide whatever they want to do with their bodies. That’s between them and God. I don’t think any man or woman should dictate to a woman what she should do to her body,” she told the Mississippi Free Press.

During an Aug. 28 press conference at the Mississippi Capitol, Williams-Till wore a T-shirt featuring images of Emmett Till and his mother as she addressed lawmakers and supporters. She criticized Hyde-Smith’s record, citing the senator’s controversial 2018 remark about a public hanging. “To bring about justice is to change justice with leadership, and that’s the most important thing that can happen, is you have to show leadership by example,” she said.

Williams-Till enters a competitive field. Ty Pinkins, who ran as a Democrat against Republican Sen. Roger Wicker in 2024, is now campaigning against Hyde-Smith as an independent. On Sept. 3, Democratic prosecutor Scott Colom also announced his run for the Democratic nomination.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 15, 2025

Coco Gauff Joins Tom Brady-Founded Religion Of Sports In New Branded Content Partnership

Gauff will collaborate with Religion of Sports under her own media company, IROC.

Coco Gauff is breaking into new arenas as she joins Religion of Sports for a new production and branded content partnership.

The deal is set between the creative agency, founded by sports stars such as Tom Brady and Michael Strahan, and Gauff’s own media company, IROC. Together, the two parties will create new projects and features centered on the lives of athletes.

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The deal will develop a wide range of content, spanning both scripted and unscripted spaces, as well as include brand campaigns and long-form series. Through IROC spearheading new storytelling for diverse athletes, their collaboration with ROS will widen their opportunities within the sports media landscape.

Gauff released a statement on the joint venture, signaling how the move will elevate IROC. Furthermore, IROC sits as a subsidiary of Coco Gauff Enterprises.

“Storytelling has always been my way of connecting — sharing who I am beyond wins and losses,” Gauff said, per Variety. “With IROC, my family and I set out to amplify underrepresented voices and merge my passion for storytelling with brand partnerships. Teaming up with ROS, who’ve brought so many athletes’ stories to life, lets us dream bigger and make those stories resonate.”

Under this new deal, Gauff and IROC also will work with ROS creative executives Victor Buhler, Chelsea Marotta, and Jonathan Schaerf. ROS already has multiple released projects under its belt, such as “Tom vs Time” on Facebook Watch, “Greatness Code” on Apple TV+, and Netflix’s “Simone Biles Rising.”

“At Religion of Sports, we believe the most powerful stories come from those who live at the intersection of greatness, purpose, and humanity, and Coco Gauff embodies that entirely,” added Ameeth Sankaran, CEO of ROS. “Partnering with IROC gives us the opportunity to build something truly generational, rooted in Coco’s vision and voice, and reflective of a new era of athlete-driven storytelling. We’re excited to partner with her to bring these stories to life.”

The first instance of this partnership coming to life will be through a commercial for Naked Juice. Gauff already serves as a brand ambassador for the juice and smoothie company, now marking her creative talents in that collaboration as well.

Boston, Boston Freedom Trail, slavery, King Chapel

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 15, 2025

King’s Chapel In Boston Unveils First Statue To Recognize City’s Place In Slavery

In the reclamation of its own history, King's Chapel will shine a light on Boston's place in slavery.

The first monument recognizing Boston’s connection to slavery will finally see the light of day.

King’s Chapel on Tremont Street will host the historic monument. The area is one of the historic sites on Boston’s Freedom Trail, which highlights the city’s role in early American history.

The city’s darker past with slavery, however, previously remained lost on the trail. According to WGBH, King’s Chapel will address its whole history with a memorial statue. Founded in 1686, the church was the first Anglican church in the New England region.

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Unbeknownst to many, the ministers and members of the church enslaved 219 people during its early history. Now, King’s Chapel will recognize those who helped establish the church through a 14-foot-tall statue of a Black woman. The statue will feature the woman releasing six birds from a cage, symbolizing their freedom.

Advocates for the statue say its establishment will mark Black people’s history in Boston. While it represents a darker side of the city’s history, it remains important to showcase and remember. A special Sunday Service will accompany its unveiling Sept. 14, complete with musical performances and a reading of all 219 names.

“One of the things that really excites me about this memorial is the fact that it is on the Freedom Trail and that there will be this humongous, large Black woman at one of the busiest corners in Boston that people will have to walk by and see,” said Roeshana Moore-Evans, the strategic advisor for the church’s committee that has overseen the memorial project. “They’ll want to know more.”

The statue’s conception comes from the church’s own reckoning with its history. Beginning in 2017, the church embarked on a mission to identify the enslaved people associated with its founding. Its efforts shine a light on Boston’s lesser-recognized part in American slavery, with current leaders also emphasizing its ties.

“I felt, because we’re on the Freedom Trail, we had a special moral obligation…a moral obligation to tell the truth,” explained Rev. Joy Fallon, the church’s senior minister.

Artist Harmonia Rosales designed the statue. She worked in partnership with MASS Design Group, which developed another statue dedicated to Black existence in Boston, the Embrace Statue, depicting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Rosales hopes the statue showcases how King’s Chapel, with its achievements and flaws, represents this country.

“King’s Chapel broadly reflects the foundation and contradictions of America as a whole,” Rosales said.

Tours will now have another way to discuss Boston’s diverse and racially resonant history. Especially at the time of anti-DEI legislation and policies, this move champions the opposite, allowing for greater visibility for Black American life in Boston.

“I wanted people to stop in awe, not just stop in curiosity, but see her beauty in complete natural form,” added Rosales. “I want people to have a sense of just being seen.”

by Daniel Johnson

September 14, 2025

‘Black Clowns’ Billboard In Mobile Misunderstood, Owner Explains It Promotes Comedy, Not Politics

The billboard ad depicts two Black clowns has the words 'It’s time to get the clowns out.'

A billboard message that depicted two Black clowns along with the words “It’s time to get the clowns out” sparked concern and outrage in part because it didn’t have any context attached to it and was displayed relatively close to two runoff elections in Mobile and Pritchard, Alabama; two majority-Black cities.

According to Al.com, the owner of the billboard, Michael Lewis, a Black man, finally clarified things during a Sept. 10 interview on WBLX-FM, an urban Hip-Hop station in Mobile.

According to Lewis, who owns Bumblebee Billboards, the advertisement “doesn’t got anything to do with y’all politics.”

He continued, “It’s about bringing the clowns in. All the comedians you want in one stage. Get your tickets, tables cause it will be out of control. All the games and all the fun stuff.”

Without that clarification from Lewis, the speculation about the nature of the advertisement would have undoubtedly continued to grow as State Rep. Barbara Drummond had previously spoken out about the billboard, saying the imagery on the billboard “has long been meant to belittle Black people.”

She noted in a Facebook post, “Mobile deserves better — and as Mayor, I’ll always keep working for a city where everyone is respected.”

Lewis, meanwhile, has not responded to any requests for comment from the outlet, but noted in a post on Facebook that people are just mad that they can’t be “mad anymore.”

In an interview with NBC 15 News, Lewis said that the nature of the teaser billboard was intended to be revealed, but people had already affixed their own meanings to it before he could swap out the message.

“Well, you really don’t say much about it, you just put up,” he said. “It could be words, you know, it could just be something that make people think and be like, hey, what’s that about? And then, you know, normally you come back with it and say something else, or you leave it as it is.”

He continued, “I think people may have received information from people who didn’t know what it was about and then they put out their own views and people ran with whatever they said. And then that went crazy because controversy sells, when it was never intended to be anything negative or anything like that.”

Despite the negative perception of the billboard, because of free speech considerations, there was really nothing that could be done about it, according to Lee Rowland, the executive director of the National Coalition Against Censorship.

“The owner of the billboards generally have the right to decide what kind of content to put up,” Rowland told Al.com. “Generally, the billboard owners are looking for publicity to sell that ad space to someone who wants to reach the people’s eyes.”

Lewis, meanwhile, explained to NBC 15 that he is also a cancer survivor, but lost his mother to breast cancer, and the event is also intended to honor the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

“I fought and overcame thyroid cancer. A lot of people didn’t know that I was going through that. I didn’t share that with anyone,” he confessed. “I almost died. I was in the ICU for like three weeks, but amen, God’s good. And I’m appreciative of that.”

He continued, shifting into comedy show promoter mode, “Hopefully going into the future, people won’t just assume and take whatever somebody says, and they’ll investigate for themselves and trust the process. And show up! And wait for the billboard cause it’s time to get the clowns out there.”