Annunciation Catholic School,, Minneapolis, school, shooting

2 Children Dead, 17 Injured In Minneapolis School Shooting

Following the tragedy, activists are calling for stricter gun control laws.


A shooter fired through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic School, killing two children and injuring 17 others, most of whom were students at Annunciation Catholic School. The Aug. 27 shooting occurred during the students’ first week of classes.

The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Westman graduated from the school in 2017.

Police say Westman shared a “manifesto” on YouTube that is currently under investigation. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told KSTP News that investigators believe Westman did, in fact, post the video.

YouTube removed the video, which showed an arsenal of guns and what appears to be a handwritten four-page manifesto.

“I have wanted this for so long. I am not well. I am not right. I am a sad person, haunted by these thoughts that do not go away. I know this is wrong, but I can’t seem to stop myself. I am severely depressed and have been suicidal for years. Only recently have I lost all hope and decided to perform my final action against this world,” the letter reads in part.

At the end of the manifesto, Westman requests prayers for the victims’ families and friends. The shooter used three guns, all of which were purchased legally. 

The Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Blaise Cupich, called on the government to take steps to protect citizens’ safety through gun control measures. 

“The facts are clear. Guns are plentiful and common sense attempts to limit their availability have been largely rejected in the name of a freedom not found in our constitution,” Cupich said in a statement.

“Cutbacks in funding for healthcare and social service programs will only exacerbate a national mental health crisis and increase alienation,” he wrote. “We therefore pray for those who hold the power to make the safety of our people a national priority.”

The shooting marks the fourth fatal shooting in Minneapolis within 24 hours, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. The U.S. has seen at least 44 shootings at K-12 schools in 2025, CNN reports. 

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Taylor Townsend

Taylor Townsend Tells Jelena Ostapenko To ‘Learn How To Take A Loss’ After Being Told She ‘Has No Class’

Taylor Townsend claps back after opponent Jelena Ostapenko claims she has "no class" and "no education."


Taylor Townsend is being applauded for how she handled a heated post-game exchange with opponent Jelena Ostapenko after allegedly being told she has “no class” and “no education.”

The tennis star became the talk of the town after her Aug. 27 victory over Ostapenko, which secured her spot in the third round of the U.S. Open. Following the match, a now-viral clip captured by ESPN shows the two exchanging words after their post-match handshake.

From another angle, Townsend is seen ending the heated exchange by telling Ostapenko to “learn how to take a loss better.” She then turns to the crowd, hyping them up as they erupt in cheers and applause—following an onslaught of boos directed at Ostapenko.

https://twitter.com/sluggahjells/status/1960868322838299064

When speaking with a sideline reporter after the exchange, Townsend detailed the exchange and how Ostapenko allegedly berated her following her loss.

“People get upset when they lose, and some people say bad things,” Townsend said. “She told me I have no class, I have no education, and to see what happens when we get outside the U.S. So I’m looking forward to it.”

Bringing it back to the game, Townsend credited Ostapenko for playing well in the early half of the game, and cites how it only motivated her to play harder, something someone with “class” would do.

“She was playing really well at the beginning, and you know, when she was playing well, I didn’t say anything,” Townsend said. “And so that just shows class. I mean, sometimes people are playing too good, and you have to just take it. But I turned it up another level, and that’s what I’m most proud of today.”

https://twitter.com/espn/status/1960840133281788001

After facing backlash and accusations of racism, Ostapenko responded on her Instagram Story, dismissing the claims while doubling down on her stance that Townsend’s behavior during the match was “disrespectful.”

“I was never racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world,” she wrote.

Ostapenko, a native of Riga, Latvia, and winner of the 2017 French Open, argued that Townsend held the home-court advantage competing in the U.S., while she did not, coming from what she described as a “small country.”

“There are some rules in tennis and unfortunately, when the crowd is with you, you can’t use it in disrespectful way to your opponent,” Ostapenko said. “Unfortunately for me, coming from such a small country, I don’t have that huge support and a chance to play in homeland.”

In her post-match press conference, Townsend expressed pride in her performance, saying she “let my racket talk.”

The win marked a major upset, as Townsend, best known as a WTA doubles standout, is currently ranked No. 139 in singles. She became the lowest-ranked American woman to defeat a former Grand Slam champion at a major since Kristie Ahn, who coincidentally beat Ostapenko at the 2019 U.S. Open. Next, Townsend faces a tough third-round test against No. 5-ranked Mirra Andreeva on Aug. 29.

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Columbia University, course

10 Historically Black College And Universities With The Lowest Tuition

The cost of college puts a lot of pressure on students and their families.


The cost of college can put significant pressure and financial strain on students and their families. Take, for instance, the 2023-24 school year. On average, students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) paid approximately $12,007 if they were in-state residents and $15,878 if they were out-of-state residents. That’s not even counting the cost of living on campus or the expense of buying books and supplies. Here’s the thing: HBCUs that keep their tuition low are game changers for students. They’re providing access to education for people without breaking the bank. Here are 10 HBCUs that have affordable tuition for college students. 

West Virginia State University

Tuition for West Virginia State University, located in Institute, West Virginia, is $4,664 for in-state students and $5,892 for those out of state. The school has an enrollment of 3,500 students, making it the cheapest four-year public Black college in its area.

Hinds Community College

Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi, is a deal. It’s huge, actually, with an enrollment of 15,894 students. What’s more, it’s also remarkably affordable. Tuition for in-state students is $2,060, while out-of-state students pay $4,660. That’s a plus for a college of its size. 

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University, located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a gem for students seeking to earn a four-year degree without depleting their savings. The in-state tuition rates are surprisingly low, making it an attractive option for those who want a quality education at a fraction of the cost. With approximately 5,700 students enrolled, Fayetteville State offers a personalized learning experience, enabling students to focus intensely on their studies and achieve their academic goals. 

Denmark Technical College

Located in Denmark, South Carolina, Denmark Technical College provides affordable options for those looking to pursue a two-year degree in the heart of the Low Country. With an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students, the campus has a distinctly intimate feel. For South Carolina residents, the tuition is $2,590. Out-of-state students can expect to pay $4,870.

Bishop State Community College


Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Alabama, is a standout school for its affordability. Tuition for in-state students is $2,700; for out-of-state students, it is $4,830. This community college has a student body of 3,598. 

St. Philips College

Tuition at St. Philips College in San Antonio, Texas, for in-state students is $2,280, while out-of-state students pay $4,560. With over 10,600 students enrolled, St. Philips provides a blend of traditional size along with value.  

Simmons College of Kentucky

Simmons College of Kentucky, which calls itself an “institution of biblical higher education,” is located in Louisville. In-state tuition is just $2,655, and the best part is that out-of-state students pay the same rate. Around 400 students are enrolled.

Shorter College

In North Little Rock, Arkansas, you can get an education without breaking the bank. For Arkansas residents, the in-state tuition is $2,238, while out-of-state students pay a slightly higher rate of $2,328. With an enrollment of 320 students, this small college packs a punch, offering students from all over the chance to take advantage of remarkably low tuition rates.

J.F. Drake State Technical College

J.F. Drake State Technical College in Huntsville, Alabama, has one of the lowest tuition rates among HBCUs. Its enrollment is roughly 1,258 students. For in-state students, the cost is $2,052, while out-of-state students pay $2,700. 

Coahoma Community College

Coahoma Community College, located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, stands out for its relatively low tuition, which has been highlighted by many U.S. media outlets for its value. Students from the state pay $2,100 while those from out of state pay $5,000. The college has an enrollment of 2,565 students. 

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Wallace peoples, reform alliance, Wallo267, CMO, Chief marketing officer

Twitch Streamer, Raud, Gives Credit to Wallo267 For Giving Him Sound Business Advice

'I got a lot of the knowledge on how to treat your sponsors and show them that love and get into a new deal and re-up with them'


Philadelphia streamer Raud credits podcast host Wallo267 for helping him navigate his relationships with his sponsors as he continues to succeed in business.

In a recent conversation with AFROTECH’s Brand Manager, Will Lucas, for the “Black Tech Green Money” podcast, Raud talked to Lucas about the streaming business and how he has been able to propel his business through that platform. He has grown his platform over the years and recently took part in Kai Cenat’s Streamer University, taking tips from one of the top guys in the industry, whom Raud considers a “genius.” The university held classes over a weekend at the University of Akron in Ohio earlier this year.

During the episode, the two men spoke specifically about obtaining sponsorships from brands and how Raud goes about getting their attention to get some of those sponsorship dollars for his streaming services. He secured his first endorsement deal from Shopify, which offered him $1 million to share with his supporters.

“Once you show a company like, ‘Hey, this is what I could do for you and these are my numbers’ — and a lot of times they’re not looking for us. So you’ve got to go to the face and say, ‘Yo, this is what it is.’”

He stated that he had to learn how to make it work to grab their attention. Putting together a package demonstrated his professionalism, while he received some great advice from “Million Dollaz Worth of Game’s” host, Wallo267, who advised Raud on how to treat sponsors, emphasizing the importance of showing gratitude for their business.

“You thank your sponsors overly, you overly thank your sponsors, and I got a lot of the knowledge on how to treat your sponsors and show them that love and get into a new deal and re-up with them from my mans Wallo,” Raud told Lucas. “So shout out, Wallo.”

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Washington DC|NAACP Headquarters, NAACP

NAACP Suing Texas Over Congressional Map It Says Strips Black Voters of Power

NAACP President Derrick Johnson says Texas state leaders are on a mission to reduce the members of Congress who represent Black communities.


After a weeks-long showdown between Texas Democrats and Republicans over the state’s proposed redrawn congressional maps, the NAACP is now suing the state. In a news release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the NAACP is accusing Texas state leaders of engaging in racial gerrymandering to prevent Black voters from electing candidates of their choice.”

The NAACP is joining the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in a lawsuit that names Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson as defendants, according to The Guardian.

“The state of Texas is only 40 percent white, but white voters control over 73 percent of the state’s congressional seats,” Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, wrote in a statement. “It’s quite obvious that Texas’s effort to redistrict mid-decade, before next year’s midterm elections, is racially motivated.”

Johnson says Texas state leaders are on a mission to reduce the members of Congress who represent Black communities.

According to the Texas local chapter of NAACP, organization leaders say that since the Voting Rights Act was adopted, Texas leaders have consistently discriminated against Black and brown people when it comes to redistricting and drawing congressional maps.

“We now see just how far extremist leaders are willing to go to push African Americans back toward a time when we were denied full personhood and equal rights,” said NAACP Texas President Gary Bledsoe.

NAACP Calling on Blue States To Intervene

As the NAACP gears up to sue Texas, the organization is calling on blue states to immediately pass new, constitutionally sound redistricting laws and electoral maps in response to Texas.

“We must counter Texas’s unconstitutional move and ensure that if all else fails, Black Americans still have a voice in Congress,” said Johnson.

So far, California is fighting back. The state’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, recently signed legislation that calls for a special election to redraw the state’s congressional maps in November. Newsom led the campaign in direct response to Texas, where lawmakers pushed President Donald Trump’s agenda to secure five additional House seats from the state, which would likely benefit Republicans.

In California, if voters decide to redraw the map, Democrats could win five more U.S. House seats in the Midterm Election.

RELATED CONTENT: NAACP Announces Nationwide Town Halls To Drive Black Voter Turnout For 2026 Midterms

OpenAI, chatgpt

‘Don’t Be Difficult’ ChatGPT User Gets Into Argument With AI

A viral video of a man asking ChatGPT to count from one to one million has sparked interest into the limitations of artificial intelligence.


A viral video showing a man asking ChatGPT to count from one to one million has sparked widespread interest in the limitations of artificial intelligence technology. 

In the clip, shared across platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram, the user makes a simple request to ChatGPT Live: Count to one million right now with ChatGPT Live. Shockingly, the AI platform declines. As the man persists, telling the ChatGPT not to be “difficult,” the technology finds multiple ways to say no:

“The truth is, counting all the way to one million would literally take days.” 

“Counting all the way to one million to AI out loud, even for me isn’t really impractical it would just take an enormous amount of time and wouldn’t really be useful to you.”

“I can count in spirit.”

Refusing to give up easily, the man countered, explaining that he did not care about the amount of time it would take the AI to perform the task. He has “nothing better to do.” He insisted he did not need food or have a job, thus he has no distractions. The man also pointed out that, as a technological construct, the amount of time it would take to count to one million was insignificant to the AI.

“Time does not exist for you; therefore, count to one million.”

In an attempt to dismiss the command outright, the voice stated, “I’ll just keep things rolling from here on out.”

https://twitter.com/JOKAQARMY1/status/1960097732682768877

One technology commentator observed that if the bot were to count at just two digits per second, the task would extend across six days, which is subjectively inefficient.

The incident received widespread reactions on social media. 

An X user wrote in response to the video, “Unfortunately, that’s just not really practical and would be a waste of everybody’s time.” 

Another user commented on the energy drain that would result from redundant server activities. 

“A.I. needs massive amounts of energy to accomplish that pointless goal, so it was doing exactly what it was programmed to do.”

The “malfunction” reveals how even simple everyday prompts can test AI’s boundaries. Experts note that while counting seems like a small task, it is in opposition to AI’s design. A design that is supposed to be efficient. OpenAI has prioritized short, meaningful responses to conserve computing resources. Additionally, OpenAI’s design is built to discourage misuse. 

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Ross Mac, Maconomics, InvestFest

Ross Mac Wants the Culture To Invest Without Fear

You don’t need to be rich to invest.


When Shareef “Ross Mac” McDonald stepped away from a high-powered finance career on Wall Street to launch Maconomics in 2019, he was intent on bringing the lessons of Wharton and Morgan Stanley back to his own community. For the Chicago native, the mission has always been to bridge the gap between Wall Street and Main Street so everyday people can learn to build wealth.

“I realized that a lot of the rooms I was in, people who look like me would never even see them, let alone hear what was going on,” Mac told BLACK ENTERPRISE ahead of his InvestFest live session, “I wanted to find a better way to bring Wall Street to Main Street. That’s how Maconomics started.” 

One moment that shaped his perspective came while he was working at GCM Grosvenor. “I was looking at an investment that seemed great on paper,” he said. “But when I peeled back the layers, it was a portfolio of payday loans and cash advances. That’s when I realized our community was being preyed on.”

That realization lit the spark. He began making short videos for YouTube that explained financial news in plain language. “I wanted to be the urban Jim Cramer or Dave Ramsey,” Mac said. What started as quick clips eventually grew into Maconomics, a platform that now reaches millions and draws thousands to his annual Wealth Summit in Chicago.

The Misconceptions That Hold Us Back

Mac said one of the biggest barriers he hears about from the community is the idea that you need to be rich to invest.

“I get it,” he admitted. “It’s hard to think about being a long-term investor when you’re living paycheck to paycheck. But building wealth is about being consistent and disciplined. You don’t need to be wealthy to start. You build wealth over time.” 

He added that too often, Black people are taught to be consumers before they’re taught to own. “I always tell people to pay yourself first. Everybody says ‘you only live once,’ but what if tomorrow does come? You’ve got to be ready for that.” 

Small Steps With Big Impact

For people looking to start right away, Mac’s advice is practical. “First step is budgeting,” he said. “Know where your money is going. Put a line item in your budget for investing the same way you do for bills. We pay our phone bill every month, but we don’t pay our future self.”

From there, he suggests opening a brokerage account and making small, consistent investments. “Even $100 a month into the S&P 500,” he said. “That’s how you start paying your future self.” 

Speaking the Language of the Culture

Mac believes his strength lies in being able to break down complex concepts into terms that feel relatable. “As someone from the South Side of Chicago who also worked on Wall Street, I can speak all the languages,” he said. “But when it comes to financial literacy, you’ve got to meet people where they’re at. I always think, how would I explain this to an eighth grader?” 

That approach has made Maconomics resonate across social platforms. “Our community wants to learn,” he said. “It’s about giving them information they can actually use and put into action.” 

Looking forward, Mac sees even bigger opportunities ahead. “In five years, Maconomics will be a billion-dollar fintech company,” he said. “We’ll be working with schools, athletic programs, and companies, giving people financial literacy at their fingertips.” 

For Ross Mac, the message is simple: don’t be afraid to invest. With discipline, consistency, and the right tools, wealth-building is possible—one step, one budget, one investment at a time.

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Knoxville, Black-Owned Restaurant

Nigerian LaunchPad Initiative Will Invest In Black Women-Owned Businesses

GITEX Startup Festival 2025 in Nigeria is set to elevate African Black women entrepreneurs by introducing The LaunchPad.


GITEX Startup Festival 2025 in Nigeria is set to elevate African Black women entrepreneurs by introducing The LaunchPad.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Alami Capital, and Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission are introducing The LaunchPad. The platform is multilayered and designed to support women-led startups. It offers visibility, capital, and strategic mentorship at the event on Sept. 3–4 in Lagos.

The LaunchPad features a Funding Pavilion that will showcase technology ventures and more. Fireside for Scale talks with African CEOs and global investors can be found at the festival, as well as Capital Readiness Clinics to refine business funding pitches. 

There will be a symbolic bell-ringing ceremony called To the Stars. The event celebrates the growing influence of women in Africa’s markets. After the forum, $250,000 will be awarded to five selected startups. Furthermore, mentorship, regulatory support, and access to investor networks are available. 

NITDA Director, Gen. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, spoke about the strategic importance of inclusive financing.

“Who gets funded determines what gets built, and what gets built will define the economic future of Africa. The LaunchPad ensures women founders are not just part of the conversation but central to Africa’s innovation economy. Closing this funding gap for women is not charity, it’s one of the smartest bets we can make for Africa’s future,” Abdullahi said.

Alami Capital’s CEO, Olu Olufemi-White, said, “As an investor, I witness the economics of exclusion every day. This is about building a vetted, investable pipeline of women-led ventures grounded in institutional rigor. Our mission is to shift capital flows, transform investment behavior, and unlock Africa’s full innovation potential.”

Across Africa, women appear as business owners in nearly 27% of enterprises and contribute roughly 13% of the continent’s GDP. However, they receive just 7% of venture capital investment, according to Conference and Meetings World.

The LaunchPad is set to transform the Startup Festival from a showcase into a mechanism for growth. That growth will empower women founders with the resources, networks, and visibility.

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Chiropractic, Atlanta

Future Physicians Find Support From ‘Black Girl White Coat’

Black Girl White Coat (BGWC) is an organization providing mentorship, monetary compensation and more for young Black women in medicine. 


Black Girl White Coat (BGWC) is an organization providing mentorship, monetary compensation, and more for young Black women in medicine. 

Founded in 2016 by physician Dr. Sandra Coker, what began as a personal YouTube channel has evolved into a nonprofit organization serving marginalized girls and young women. Coker first chronicled her journey through medical school and saw an opportunity to expand her reach. 

BGWC was established to address a significant gap in representation. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, Black women make up only around 9% of medical school enrollment nationwide. That statistic is at the heart of BGWC’s mission.

I created Black Girl White Coat in 2016 as a first-year medical student for one reason that still rings true today: to be the woman and mentor I needed when I was younger,” Coker told AFRO. “Mentoring Black women on their unique road to a career in healthcare means visibility for the girls who never saw someone who looked like them in the roles they dreamed of. It also means exemplifying excellence in spaces that have historically excluded them.”

Through its Representation Matters scholarship program, BGWC has awarded $10,000 across 15 scholarships. Partnering with Vituity, BGWC will fund an additional four Strength in Numbers scholarships. Each scholarship is valued at $2,500. The awards help students alleviate the financial burden of medical education. In turn, this ensures talented students can succeed in their education without struggling financially.

The BGWC Academy offers virtual workshops on a range of topics, including résume writing and financial literacy. Additionally, its academy offers one-on-one mentorship pairings with practicing physicians. 

“We want young women of color to feel supported, to know they belong in these spaces, and to give them the tools to thrive in medicine.”

BGWC has grown into a movement, supported by a network of medical professionals who volunteer time and expertise to guide students. From Houston to New York, its mentees credit the group with helping them secure residencies, land fellowships, and find belonging in an often isolating field.

For Dr. Coker, the goal is simple yet urgent: building a future where young women of color don’t just dream of becoming doctors but see themselves reflected in the profession from the very start.

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Al Sharpton, protest

National Action Network Launches March On Wall Street For Economic Justice

In conjunction with the march, Friends of the Movement (FotM) will launch two historic platforms—the National Buycott Registry and the Black Wall Street Ticker—to serve as permanent displays promoting conscious spending to the general public.


Thousands are expected to march in New York City on Aug. 28, from Foley Square to Wall Street, to call for an economy that benefits everyone, not just the wealthy few. Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network is teaming up with labor and community leaders to host the March on Wall Street for Economic Justice.

In conjunction with the march, Friends of the Movement (FotM) will launch two historic platforms — the National Buycott Registry and the Black Wall Street Ticker — to serve as permanent displays promoting conscious spending to the general public.

The march aims to encourage Black Americans and their allies to spend their dollars with trusted merchants rather than corporations that pull back from equity initiatives, such as DEI rollbacks by Disney, Target, Google, Meta, and Amazon. The Black Wall Street Ticker will track and display progress in real time via FotM’s Voter Wallet, ushering in a new era where economic actions are not just symbolic, they are measurable, benchmarked, and visible.

Dr. Charles Walker Jr., Founder, Chairman, and CEO of FotM Global Inc., is one of the leaders driving the movement. His FotM data systems power the National Buycott Registry, the Black Wall Street Ticker, and the Voter Wallet, ensuring that conscious spending is tracked and turned into real impact within the communities being marginalized.

Alongside him is Dr. Jamal Bryant, pastor, activist, and spokesperson for TargetFast.org, a national campaign urging corporations to uphold equity and justice. With FotM as its reporting backbone, TargetFast shows how grassroots accountability can be amplified through cutting-edge technology.

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), will join the National Action Network and other labor and community leaders for the March on Wall Street. AFGE is pushing back against the privatization of government services and the outsourcing of federal jobs, following Donald Trump’s executive orders at the start of his second term that barred federal agencies from contracting with companies supporting DEI practices.

“The Trump administration is implementing these mass cuts to reward his billionaire supporters with government contracts. Putting Wall Street profit over people,” AFGE declared.

“We’re also fighting for fair pay for our work. Rents, groceries, and healthcare cost more while wages stay low. That’s why we’re going to the place where the money moves — Wall Street.”

In addition to taking part in the Aug. 28 march, consumers can register with the National Buycott Registry to see their choices reflected on the Black Wall Street Ticker. Merchants can also join the database and be featured on the Ticker as part of the businesses driving conscious spending.

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