Ben Crump And Barack Obama Are The Most Mentioned Black Newsmakers In The 21st Century
To top the newsmaker list, over 200 Black-owned national newspapers were mined to determine who received the most coverage.
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has compiled a list of the Top Black Newsmakers of the 21st Century. Leading the way is civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump at no. 1 and President Barack Obama at no. 2.
To top the newsmaker list, over 200 Black-owned national newspapers were mined to determine who received the most coverage.
According to the NNPA analysis, Crump has appeared in more major national headlines than any other Black American over the past quarter-century. After the first Black president received his mention, different cultural, entertainment, sports, music, and political figures followed. Serena Williams, LeBron James, Vice President Kamala Harris, Simone Biles, Kanye West, Beyoncé, Michelle Obama, and Oprah Winfrey are among the top ten Black newsmakers of the century.
The recognition is rooted in his work on high-profile civil rights and justice cases. He said the attention his name receives is “not about me. It is about forcing America to confront what it too often wants to ignore.” His work first gained national consistent coverage when he represented the family of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed 17-year-old killed in Florida in 2012.
Crump and Obama are the Top Black News Makers of the 21st Century NNPA NEWSWIRE — Since the Trayvon Martin case propelled him into the national consciousness, civil rights attorney Ben Crump has accumulated a distinction unmatched by any other Black American in th …… pic.twitter.com/dmaD3FBMAu
The amount of coverage by Crump is sobering, as his name is mainly attached to violent death, at the hands of authorities or racists. Constant recognition signals the continual need to fight against injustice. Crump has represented families in some of the most consequential racial justice cases of the 21st century, including those of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Crump said mentions of his name are humbling and redirects the public’s attention to the victims he seeks to avenge.
“This recognition belongs to the families who trusted me with their pain and pursuits of justice, the communities who refused to stay silent, and the Black Press that has always told our stories with honesty and courage,” said Crump. “Any attention this work receives is a reflection of how our nation is still being called upon to live up to its ideals.
Atlanta Schools Back ‘Student Voice’ While Threatening Discipline Regarding ICE Protests
Official assert leaving school grounds is a violation of policy and will lead to disciplinary action.
Metro Atlanta school districts are discouraging students from attending planned walkouts protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The Cobb County School District issued a statement supporting students’ rights to state their views. However, the district asserts that students are expected to remain in class, Channel 2 reported.
While university and high school students participate in the “Free America Walkout” in multiple districts, officials state that leaving school grounds violates school policy and will result in disciplinary action. Similarly, disrupting the classroom through protests can have consequences. Potential actions against students range from suspensions and in-school detentions to the loss of privileges, such as participation in clubs and extracurricular activities.
Other counties have issued similar warnings, including DeKalb County Schools. DeKalb County Schools stressed the need for students to use their voices to be heard without interrupting the instructional day. Officials emphasized that rule enforcement is tied to maintaining a safe and productive educational environment.
On Jan. 20, students in Gwinnett County Schools held a planned walkout. The county has a large Hispanic student population at 23%. As a result, many students are facing a personal battle. They are both concerned about the state of the country and the lives of family and friends. As mass deportations continue, many families of color are becoming increasingly concerned about their futures.
“I’m here fighting for not only my rights, but the rights of my family and the rights of my friends,” Rafael Cabarcas said to WSBTV.
Other students who spoke with Channel 2 Action News said they were not certain what punishments they might face. However, students indicated a willingness to accept any consequences if they believe the walkouts or other protests are justified. One student, Ayla Easterling, told WSBTV that consequences were a minor consideration.
“I’ll take whatever happens because in the grand scheme of things, that’s nothing for what’s going on,” she said.
Shirley Raines, Known For Her Work With Skid Row’s Homeless Community, Has Died
The Compton native and dedicated advocate began feeding the homeless through her church in 2017 and later started her own nonprofit organization.
Shirley Raines, also known as “Ms. Shirley,” a TikTok star and the founder and CEO of Beauty 2 The Streetz, has died at age 57.
Beauty 2 The Streetz is a nonprofit organization that provides beauty services to unhoused people on Los Angeles’ Skid Row. The activist founded the nonprofit in 2019 and expanded its services to other homeless communities in California and Nevada.
The organization announced the philanthropist’s death on Instagram Jan 28.
“Ms. Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and made an immeasurable impact on homeless communities throughout Los Angeles and Nevada. Through her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment, she used her powerful media platform to amplify the voices of those in need and to bring dignity, resources, and hope to some of the most underserved populations,” the statement read.
“This loss is devastating to the entire Beauty 2 The Streetz team, the communities we serve, and the countless individuals whose lives were forever changed by Ms. Shirley’s love, generosity, and selfless service. Her legacy will continue through the work she started and the hearts she touched.
The organization also asked its supporters to pray for Ms. Shirley’s family and community.
Earlier this week, Raines posted a video on social media where she handed out bagged lunches to people. She greeted them by calling “King” or “Queen,” showing her commitment to treating the people she helps with respect.
She captioned the post with a bible verse.
“Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”
Ms. Shirley’s twin sister, Sheila, told TMZ that authorities found the philanthropist unresponsive in her Nevada home. According to Sheila, her sister was in good health and not taking any medications. They are waiting for autopsy results to determine the cause of death.
Atlanta Police Hunts For Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting, Butchering Two Dogs
The disturbing incident took place July 22, 2025
Police officers in Atlanta are searching for a man accused of sexually assaulting and then killing two dogs. The alleged incident took place in July 2025.
The Fulton County Police Department has used social media to request help identifying or locating the suspect whose image was captured on surveillance video. Officials have stated that the alleged incident took place on July 22, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
The Black man was seen walking a tan male mixed-breed dog and a dark brindle-and-white mixed-breed dog that day. The alleged crime location was the Atlantic Station parking deck, and the suspect allegedly sexually assaulted both canines and then killed them. He is then seen walking away from the alleged act.
Police are asking anyone who knows the suspect or the dogs, or who has information about the alleged crime, to contact Captain N. Dwyer at 470-312-3090 or at nicole.dwyer@fultoncountyga.gov.
According to Justia, the 2024 Code of Georgia statute refers to a crime of bestiality (police officials did not identify what the suspect would be charged with when captured) under section 16-6-6:
Title 16 – CRIMES AND OFFENSES (§§ 16-1-1 — 16-17-10) Chapter 6 – SEXUAL OFFENSES (§§ 16-6-1 — 16-6-25) Section 16-6-6 – Bestiality
(a) A person commits the offense of bestiality when he performs or submits to any sexual act with an animal involving the sex organs of the one and the mouth, anus, penis, or vagina of the other.
(b) A person convicted of the offense of bestiality shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.
If the suspect is charged with bestiality, he will be facing a sentence of one to five years in prison.
Frank Pitts, HBCU Football Legend Who Played in First Super Bowl, Has Died
He played in the first Super Bowl in 1967
Former football player Frank Pitts, who played in the first Super Bowl (then known as the AFL-NFL World Championship Game) in 1967, has died at the age of 82.
Pitts, who played his collegiate football career at Southern University and was inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame, died Jan. 16. No cause of death has been released. The school acknowledged his death in a Facebook post several days after he died.
His funeral service was held Jan. 23 at Greater King David Baptist Church in Louisiana.
According to HBCU Connect, the wide receiver was born in South Carolina but grew up in Atlanta. He attended Southern University, where he excelled, leading to his being drafted into both the AFL (American Football League) and the NFL (National Football League). Before the two leagues merged to form the NFL, they were separate leagues, with their respective champions competing in the AFL-NFL World Championship Game.
Pitts was selected in the 16th round in the NFL Draft, while he was selected in the fourth round in the AFL Draft.
The Kansas City Chiefs (AFL) selected Pitts in 1965. When the leagues competed against each other, he was among the first players to participate in the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game (later known as the Super Bowl). Although the Chiefs lost to the Green Bay Packers, 35-10, he went on to win a Super Bowl trophy when the Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23–7 in Super Bowl IV in 1969. He helped the Chiefs win the AFL Championship in 1966.
During his football career, he also played for the Cleveland Browns and the Oakland Raiders before retiring in 1974.
His grandson, Brandon Bolden, is also a former NFL player who won two Super Bowls while playing with the New England Patriots (2014 and 2017).
Pitts leaves behind his wife, three children, Marva Bolden, Maurice Pitts, and Monika Pitts; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
These Black personal trainers are transforming active aging
People are living longer—and growing older. In fact, between 2010 and 2020, the nation experienced a growth spurt in the older population, the fastest since 1880-1890. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in six people is age 65 or above. Many growing geriatric communities remain focused on wellness, creating an unprecedented need for fitness professionals specializing in older adult fitness.
Check out five rockstars with knowledge and expertise in elder-focused fitness training.
DaShaun “The Guru of Abs” Johnson
The “Guru of Abs” DaShaun Johnson created Senior Body Sculpting to support adults over 55 in enhancing their strength, balance, mobility, and wellness through low-impact exercise. Johnson believes that fitness transforms after people retire. The Guru of Abs leads in-person and virtual classes that focus on functional strength and daily movement for older adults. Johnson’s Atlanta, Georgia- based program conducts weekly sessions at community hubs and streams them online.
Quincy France Sr.
Quincy France Sr. brings 15 years of experience to his work with older adults, including LGBTQIA+ seniors, by integrating mobility training with yoga and mindful movement. Through chair yoga, mobility exercises, and support-based movement, France helps seniors maintain their mobility, build confidence, and stay connected. France operates from New York City to deliver inclusive fitness programs for older and marginalized seniors through his work in community centers and wellness programs for aging adults.
Javeno McLean
Javeno McLean, who founded J7 Health Centre in the U.K., demonstrates how customized training programs enhance the well-being of elderly adults. The personalized training programs delivered by McLean enable people with mobility restrictions to restore their strength and independence. For more than 20 years, McLean has empowered disabled and elderly community members by creating fitness opportunities for individuals excluded from conventional gym environments.
In Deposition, Bill Cosby Confirms Using Quaaludes To Drug Women
A newly unveiled deposition reveals Bill Cosby's shocking admission to using Quaaludes to drug women.
A newly disclosed deposition exposes Bill Cosby’s bombshell admission that he used quaaludes to drug women with the intent to have sex with them.
The disgraced comedian made the admission under oath during a deposition in a lawsuit filed by rape accuser Donna Motsinger, TMZ reported. Cosby testified that he repeatedly refilled a quaaludes prescription he obtained from a gynecologist at a poker game, saying he intended to give the pills to women in hopes of having sex with them.
The Cosby Show star testified that he refilled the prescription at least seven times and never used the drug himself. Cosby identified obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Leroy Amar as the physician who prescribed him quaaludes during a poker game at his Los Angeles home prior to 1972. Amar later had his medical license revoked in California in 1979.
The disclosure emerged during a deposition Cosby was forced to give in a lawsuit filed by Donna Motsinger, who accuses him of drugging and raping her in 1972 while she was working as a server at the famed Trident restaurant in Sausalito, California. According to the suit, Motsinger says Cosby gave her a pill she believed was aspirin; after taking it, she began drifting in and out of consciousness and later awoke in her home wearing only her underwear.
The lawsuit describes Cosby’s quaaludes as round, white pills. While Cosby is attempting to have Motsinger’s case dismissed, she is pushing back and continuing to fight the claims in court.
Cosby’s admission in Motsinger’s lawsuit comes after decades of accusations that he drugged and sexually assaulted women, with claims dating back to the 1950s and ’60s. The most prominent case involved Andrea Constand, a former Temple University employee, whose 2004 assault led to Cosby’s conviction and nearly three years in prison.
Although dozens of women made similar allegations, it was the only criminal case to go to trial. Cosby’s conviction was later overturned on a legal technicality tied to a prior non-prosecution agreement, not a finding on the facts.
Nicki Minaj Posts Pic Of ‘Trump Gold Card’ As President Helps Her Expedite U.S. Residency
Minaj has been vocal about not being a legal U.S. resident.
Nicki Minaj is fully riding the MAGA wave and now has a certain gold card to prove it.
After pledging her unwavering support to President Donald Trump, Minaj was granted a “Trump Gold Card” to help her remain in the United States. The “Beez In The Trap” rapper showed off her new ticket to legal status on social media, highlighting that her Trump loyalty comes with apparent perks.
According toNewsweek, the “Trump Gold Card” offers an expedited path to U.S. residency. The coveted card is typically tied to those who make significant financial contributions in their quest for citizenship. Also, in true President fashion, it is etched with his face.
Minaj has publicly confirmed her iffy legal status in America, stating that she is not a U.S. citizen despite spending most of her life there. While born in Trinidad, she moved to Queens, New York, at age 5 to live with her parents, both of whom had permanent residency.
The 43-year-old femcee also confirmed the card’s intent in a subsequent post on X. She added a meme of the Chucky doll giving the middle finger to further emphasize her lack of care about the hate.
Residency? Residency? The cope is coping. 😅 Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President. Thanks to the petition. 📋 I wouldn’t have done it without you. Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment
“Residency? Residency? The cope is coping,” wrote the rapper. “Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak, as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President. Thanks to the petition. I wouldn’t have done it without you. Oh CitizenNIKA you are thee moment… Gold Trump card free of charge.”
As detailed on its government website, the Trump Gold Card requires a $1 million contribution to the U.S. Treasury, a $15,000 U.S. processing fee, and a background check. Those who receive the card will gain automatic lawful permanent resident status as an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder.
However, it remains unclear if Minaj paid the lofty fees. A Platinum card option is also in the works, allowing wealthy visitors to stay in the U.S. long-term without paying taxes or obtaining a travel visa.
She received the immigration golden ticket after speaking at the Trump Accounts Summit in Washington, D.C., Jan. 28, cementing her MAGA status. There, she officially met the man she claims as her “favorite president.” She also let him, and the world, know that she is his “No. 1 fan.”
As for her fans shocked or disappointed by her recent political moves, Minaj remains unbothered. In fact, she says the backlash fuels her to go harder on behalf of Trump.
“The hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all,” Minaj told the audience. “It actually motivates me to support him more.”
Knicks Guard Jalen Brunson Refuses To Have His Own Signature Sneaker
Brunson has been a fan of the late Lakers legend since he was given a pair of sneakers by him when he was 14
With New York Knicks player Jalen Brunson being a solid NBA star, leading his team to the Eastern Conference Championship for the first time since the 1999-2000 season, he has earned the chance and the right to have his own signature sneaker. Yet, according to an industry insider, the guard has “refused” to have one, instead opting to continue wearing Kobe Bryant Nike signature sneakers.
According to Sports Illustrated, in a social media post, Ric Mestre, who uses the moniker Unstructed Vision on X, revealed that tidbit during a podcast episode of “The Grindhouse Inc.” He said that when Nike executives approached him about designing his own signature shoes, he politely declined, saying he does not “want a signature” shoe.
“The discussions recently have been if Jalen would have his own signature shoe with Nike,” Mestre says on the show. “And internally, the discussions have gone on, and it’s gotten to a point now where Jalen’s pretty much said, ‘I refuse. I don’t want a signature. Just let me wear Kobe’s for the rest of my career, and I’ll be good.'”
Jalen Brunson prefers wearing Kobes for the rest of his career over a signature shoe with Nike 😳
The media outlet cites Brunson meeting Kobe when he was 14 years old on Christmas in 2014, and being given a pair of the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s Nike Kobe 9 Elite “Christmas” sneakers, making the Knicks player loyal to the deceased NBA Hall of Famer. Brunson, who is the son of former NBA player Rick Brunson, who also played for the Knicks (as well as seven other NBA teams) during his nine-year career, has been wearing Kobe’s ever since he signed with Nike.
On Kobe’s birthday last year, Aug. 23, Nike released the Kobe 3 Protro Halo, and Brunson appeared in an ad for the sneakers alongside Kobe’s daughter, Natalia Bryant.
Several days ago, he was seen wearing a newly debuted Nike Kobe 3 Low in a Knicks-inspired colorway.
As Amazon’s Marketplace Grows, Sellers Face New Compliance Challenges
Amazon has become a central sales channel rather than a supplemental revenue stream.
Amazon accounts for 40% of U.S. e-commerce revenue. While the online retail giant’s dominance has continued to grow for more than two decades, the way Amazon operates its marketplace has changed significantly.
In 2010, third-party sellers (independent merchants selling products on Amazon) were responsible for roughly one-third of all units sold on the platform, according to Marketplace Pulse data. Today, 62%, or nearly two-thirds, are attributed to third-party sellers. For many e-commerce brands, Amazon has become a central sales channel rather than a supplemental revenue stream.
As the leading e-commerce marketplace, Amazon faces the ongoing challenge of policing counterfeit products and fraudulent sellers. Amazon has reported investing more than $1 billion in 2024 in AI innovation to protect customers and sellers from counterfeits and fraud. Amazon claims that these controls block more than 99% of suspected cases without requiring action from affected brands.
Amazon uses AI systems to detect counterfeit products and enforce seller policies, protecting customers and compliant sellers. However, automated enforcement and tightened requirements affect all sellers on the platform. Listings or accounts can be suspended unexpectedly, even for sellers following the rules. Some sellers unknowingly violate guidelines, while automated systems incorrectly flag others. With third-party seller revenue exceeding $150 billion annually, occasional false positives are an inherent part of operations.
Rosenbaum & Segall, P.C., a law firm focused on compliance issues affecting Amazon sellers, examines how enforcement changes are affecting third-party merchants.
How Enforcement Affects Sellers
Third-party sellers have always been susceptible to Amazon’s enforcement actions, but the growth of automated compliance systems requires sellers to be more alert than ever. Since Amazon does not release public data on account suspensions, it’s difficult to assess how widespread enforcement actions are, but independent surveys offer partial insight, though results vary by methodology and sample size. Entresource reports that its survey of more than 300 sellers found that 22% have had their accounts suspended at least once. And a separate SmartScout survey of 325 sellers revealed that 35% of sellers have experienced an account suspension.
Another challenge for sellers is that the range of possible noncompliance issues has expanded. Where enforcement actions were once mostly intellectual property disputes from brand owners, sellers now face increased scrutiny over product safety documentation, regulatory certificates, and listing language that Amazon’s automated systems flag as potentially violating Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or consumer safety rules.
When Listing Language Triggers Enforcement
Amazon’s automated reviews scan listings for terms associated with regulated products. In some cases, sellers unintentionally use a descriptive word that causes the listing to be flagged.
“Terms like ‘anti-microbial’ or ‘anti-bacterial’ are often used when describing apparel, for example,” said David Holmes, founder of Red View Ventures, a firm that manages Amazon seller accounts, “but they can trigger a pesticide review very quickly.”
As Amazon relies more heavily on automated systems to evaluate millions of product listings, enforcement decisions are increasingly driven by keyword interpretation and classification rules that may not be obvious to sellers operating across diverse product categories.
Counterfeit Claims and Temporary Listing Removals
In addition to automated compliance reviews, sellers also face challenges related to counterfeit claims. Brand owners and rights holders can submit complaints alleging counterfeit or inauthentic products from other sellers. In many cases, listings are temporarily removed until the accused seller can prove the product’s legitimacy.
While the reporting and investigation of counterfeit products is essential for protecting customers, brands, rights holders, and legitimate sellers, these reporting tools can be misused by sellers to harm competitors. Amazon prohibits false counterfeit reports, but listings may be temporarily unavailable, regardless of whether the claim is ultimately upheld.
The Cost of Downtime for Marketplace Businesses
Amazon’s enforcement actions can be temporary (until the issue is resolved) or permanent. Even temporary actions have a significant impact and create financial strain on sellers. For businesses that rely on Amazon as a primary sales channel, a suspended listing or account can decrease revenue and complicate relationships with suppliers and logistics partners.
Enforcement reviews often require sellers to wait for a response from Amazon before listings are restored. “It will take Amazon at least 24-48 hours just to respond to your request,” said Holmes. “So if you get hit with a compliance request and submit information immediately, you still might be down for at least two to three days.”
What Sellers Can Do if They Are Suspended
Lower-level actions typically focus on specific products or compliance issues that can be resolved if the seller provides additional information or documentation.
More serious cases fall under Amazon’s Business Solutions Agreement, including suspensions commonly referred to as Section 3 actions. Section 3 of the agreement allows Amazon to suspend or terminate a seller’s privileges when it determines an account may be associated with deceptive, illegal, or high-risk activity. These actions are often triggered by factors, such as suspected account linkage, repeated policy concerns, disputed counterfeit complaints, or signals that Amazon’s automated systems associate with fraud or misrepresentation.
The process for reinstating suspended accounts has grown increasingly complicated, according to many Amazon sellers and law firms. Section 3 suspensions can take weeks or months to resolve and often require legal assistance to overturn Amazon’s initial ruling. Sellers may receive a limited explanation and, in some cases, funds are withheld pending the review.
Scott Needham, founder and CEO of SmartScout, a tool for Amazon market research, said, “My biggest gripe is how often Amazon doesn’t bring their best minds and resources on their end of resolution. There’s an A team at Amazon, but they’re not always the ones responding to your cases.”
Increased Oversight in Supplements and Consumer Goods
Sellers of dietary supplements, personal care products, and children’s goods are more likely to face compliance reviews for documentation, testing requirements, and product claims. These categories are subject to oversight from the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission, which results in Amazon watching sellers and product listings more closely.
In December 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Amazon regarding the inaccurate labeling of supplements. In the letter, the FDA cited products sold through Amazon that were labeled as supplements or foods but contained undeclared prescription drug ingredients.
As a result of issues like these, Amazon’s enforcement scrutiny related to consumer health and safety has intensified in recent years. In 2024, Amazon updated its policy, requiring all dietary supplement products to be verified through a third-party testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) organization. Amazon’s automated systems identify listings that may require additional review, and sellers must be able to provide all documentation required.
While Amazon’s enforcement systems are designed to protect consumers and legitimate sellers, the heightened scrutiny adds complexity for businesses operating in regulated product categories. Sellers must stay up to date on rules and guidelines that can be complicated or change quickly.
Amazon operates separate marketplaces across dozens of countries, each subject to unique consumer protection laws, product regulations, and reporting requirements. According to Jungle Scout, 46% of Amazon’s U.S. sellers also sell in at least one international marketplace.
While all Amazon sellers encounter compliance challenges, international sellers and those operating in multiple countries face the biggest hurdles.
Because Amazon’s systems link related accounts and business entities, an issue originating in one marketplace may impact seller operations elsewhere, even when the underlying rules differ by jurisdiction.
“It’s very easy to run things in one country that get completely shut down in another,” said Needham. “Understanding the nuances internationally is nearly impossible, if we’re being honest. Amazon is always changing, and so are the government agencies overseeing consumer products.”
What Amazon’s Enforcement Model Signals Going Forward
While Amazon’s automated compliance systems catch most of the issues they’re designed to prevent, they also introduce complexity and sometimes confusion for sellers. Sellers should audit their product listings for compliance language, maintain certificates of analysis and third-party testing reports, and ensure all documentation is current and readily accessible before enforcement actions occur.
Compliance standards continue to change, and enforcement decisions are often made through systems designed to prioritize speed and efficiency over individual nuance. As a result, even experienced sellers may encounter issues. When these issues arise, sellers must be familiar enough with the rules and regulations to communicate with Amazon or seek professional assistance.
