by Kandiss Edwards

August 21, 2025

6 Howard University Alums Have ‘Fulbright’ Futures Ahead

Howard University continues its legacy of educating global leaders as six recent graduates have earned 2025–2026 Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants.

Howard University continues its legacy of educating global leaders, as six recent graduates have earned 2025–2026 Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants. Howard’s newsletter, The Dig, announced the news. The new Fulbright scholars will reap the rewards of labor with paid accommodations and training opportunities across the world.

The scholars will bring their HBCU excellence all over the world. The Howard alum will teach, study, and conduct research in Costa Rica, Denmark, Germany, Colombia, France, and the United Kingdom. A few scholars spoke with Hilltop Online about the opportunity and honor.

Courtney Bartlette, who graduated with a degree in public relations and a minor in English, will serve as an English teaching assistant in Costa Rica.

Diane Fakinlede, summa cum laude in biology and a 2024 Astronaut Scholar, will explore neuroimmunology in Denmark, focusing on protein aggregation and its ties to Parkinson’s disease.

“Since the summer before my freshman year, I have always wanted to receive the Fulbright. I often doubted myself because I was not aware that I could ever receive something as prestigious as the Fulbright,” Fakinlede said.

Ann Laurie M. Pierre, a biology graduate with minors in chemistry and Afro-American studies, will continue her medical interests while teaching in Paris.

Laurie M. Pierre described her plans for Paris: “While abroad in Paris, France, I plan to not only teach but also shadow doctors and scientists. I am a big fashion enthusiast and even created a fashion design collection of my own, so being in one of the fashion capitals, I plan on getting the inside scoop of fashion.”

Ananya Hota, a biology graduate with minors in chemistry, Latin, and psychology, is bound for Germany.

Ariella Williams, dual-degree holder in Spanish and interdisciplinary studies, will teach English in Colombia.

Ellis Walton, a J.D. graduate from Howard Law, will pursue a master’s in environmental policy and regulation at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Walton reflected on the honor, saying, “It’s not lost on me how significant this opportunity is for me, my family and the communities I hope to serve,” adding that he looks forward to sharing “the rich culture and history of my community.”

Howard’s success with Fulbright scholars is deeply supported by its ACE Scholars Program, which offers personalized mentorship, application support, and confidence-building for competitive fellowships such as Fulbright. The university has produced more than 165 Fulbright alumni and was recognized as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader by the U.S. Department of State.

These scholars will travel abroad this fall, not only to advance their disciplines but also to serve as cultural ambassadors, embodying Howard’s motto of Leadership, Excellence, Truth, and Service.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 21, 2025

Dwyane Wade Recalls Playing Basketball With Obama At The White House

'He’s smooth–like he talks, like he walks'

Many people are aware that President Barack Obama is a big basketball fan, and The Basketball Network recalled a time when NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade mentioned that he played ball with the fellow Chicago native over 10 years ago, while Obama was still in office.

The former president was such an avid basketball fan and player that he had a full-sized basketball court installed in the White House during his administration. During his high school years, Obama was good enough to make it onto the varsity team at Punahou School in Hawaii. The school won the state championship in 1979, but we never really heard why he never pursued the sport. But to this day, he can be seen at occasional games. He usually gives his opinion on the sport and still interacts with many former and current NBA players.

Obama was known to invite many NBA players to the White House to participate in some pick-up games while he was in office.

In celebration of the president’s 49th birthday, he invited fellow Chicago natives Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, and future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James, along with several other players, for a mix of professional ballers and some who weren’t in the NBA. Not too many people were privy to the games. Still, when a reporter from Time Magazine asked Wade about playing ball with the president in 2012, he gave a description that seemingly fit Obama’s personality.

The former Miami Heat player stated that the president was passing the ball a lot and didn’t take many shots. He also said that he gave the president an assist when Obama hit the game-winning shot during one of their pick-up contests.

“He was kind of like a point guard. He was passing a lot. He’s smooth–like he talks, like he walks. He didn’t shoot too much, but I passed it to him, and he hit the game-winning shot. That was cool.”

by Ahsan Washington

August 21, 2025

9 Black Car Reviewers You Can Trust

These reviewers do more than just test drive the latest vehicles

The car world is lacking when it comes to Black voices, and Black automotive reviewers are changing that. They’re bringing a perspective to the industry that combines knowledge with cultural understanding, authenticity, and authority. These reviewers do more than just test drive the latest vehicles. They share real-life experiences, tell stories that resonate, and show an awareness of the communities they’re a part of. This makes the whole conversation around experiencing and purchasing cars more dynamic. By highlighting their work, BLACK ENTERPRISE acknowledges the role each plays in the car and media scene by giving consumers someone they can actually relate to and trust.

Teia Collier

Teia Collier is a Georgia-based car journalist with a passion for her work. She’s also a dedicated educator, a mom, and somehow still finds time to volunteer. What sets Collier apart, though, is her ability to bring humor and a refreshing personality to her content about cars. Check her out.

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Brian Armstead

Brian Armstead has been around the block when it comes to writing about vehicles, having over 49 years of automotive industry knowledge under his belt. His content has been featured in national publications, including BE and Traveling Dad. Through his work, Armstead is persistent in making the car industry an inclusive place. He currently writes for Pursuitist.com, U.S. News & World Report, and WTOP.com.

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Kimatni Rawlins

Kimatni Rawlins is a name you should be familiar with. Rawlins has been a journalist in the car industry for some time, writing for Automotive Rhythms, and is currently contributing car reviews for BE. Rawlins is also part of the Black Automotive Media Group. Rawlins has a captivating style. He uses car reviews to tell stories that go beyond the vehicle performance. He shares culture and experience behind the wheel. Rawlins is a voice for representation and change within the market and partners with several HBCUs through the internship program he’s created, introducing students to various career paths and roles within the automotive industry.

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Andrew Beckford

Andrew Beckford is a car journalist from California. He writes about anything related to motorsports. Think racing games, car modifications, and big events like Formula Drift, IndyCar, and F1. What sets Beckford apart is that he was the first to feature a celebrity on the cover of MotorTrends print magazine. Beckford’s coverage also delves into the world of tuner culture and one-off car builds, giving his readers an inside look at the motorsports scene.

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Donald Osborne

Donald Osborne is the go-to guy when it comes to the history of cars. He’s spent years honing his craft as a historian, and his take on what makes a vehicle valuable is unmatched. He has appeared on Jay Leno’s Garage. Osborne is the expert people call when they need to figure out what a car is worth. With a passion for preserving heritage, he’s made a real name for himself in the classic car world. His knowledge is pretty steep, and he’s always happy to share it.

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Derin Richardson

Derin Richardson creates content for multiple platforms: The Mustang Source and Dodge Forum. He does an excellent job of breaking down automotive jargon into simple terms, and he offers insight into the community’s perspective on vehicles. Whether it’s tech insights or just straight talk from car enthusiasts, Richardson has got car lovers and consumers covered.

William Irvin Lewis

William Irvin Lewis is a Michigan-based automotive writer who contributes to MotorTrend. Lewis is involved in the grassroots motorsports scene. What’s interesting about Lewis is how he seamlessly integrates his love of writing, drifting, and cultural understanding into everything he does. It’s a combo that seems to work well for him.

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Antuan Goodwin

Antuan Goodwin heads reviews over at CNET Road Show. His car comparisons are always on point. Goodwin has a wealth of automotive knowledge that is easy to follow, which is more than likely why he appeals to such a range of people. Goodwin has a knack for making automotive content straightforward.

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Forrest Jones

Forrest Jones has made a name for himself on YouTube with his car reviews on Forrest’s Auto Reviews. Jones covers just about everything you can think of when it comes to automotive, the cars you see every day, and the crazy custom jobs that are over the top—and he keeps it 100% with his direct style.

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Man, Conviction, Racist Threats, Pregnant Black Woman

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 21, 2025

Prison Debt Passed Down To Black Women Pushes Them Further Into Poverty

New research highlights how passed-down prison debt disproportionately affects Black women.

New research reveals how passed-down prison debt drives the loved ones of incarcerated people, particularly Black women, into deeper poverty.

With Black people making up 37% of the local jail and state prison population, incarceration fees are driving many women of color deeper into poverty, according to a new report from the Prison Policy Initiative. The findings spotlight how prison debt, driven by charges for housing and medical care, is passed down to families and hits Black women the hardest.

Women, particularly Black women, are disproportionately affected by the majority of states that allow “pay-to-stay” policies. Recent research shows that 83% of those covering fines, fees, and bail for incarcerated loved ones are women, whose earnings drop more sharply post-conviction than men’s ($75/year versus $26).

With Black mothers three times more likely than white mothers to be their family’s sole provider, the burden of passed-down prison debt further fuels the widening racial wealth gap.

“Because many incarcerated people can’t fully pay fees while in prison, the costs often pile up as debt they’re still expected to repay after their release,” Campaign Zero executive director DeRay Mckesson said.

Advocates warn that some states let debt collectors or probation officers demand full repayment within 30 days. Often, the prison debt ends up being passed to taxpayers, who cover costly legal efforts that rarely recover the money.

The prison debt crisis is widespread, as data shows 48 states allow at least one “pay-to-stay” fee, 42 states and D.C. charge incarcerated adults for room and board, and 43 states impose medical fees on those behind bars. Fees are automatically deducted from prison accounts or wages, but with most incarcerated people earning less than $1 a day, balances quickly accumulate, often following them long after release.

“We were the first to put this issue on the map — people were talking about mass incarceration, but no one was talking about families having their college funds and inheritances seized,” said Brittany Friedman, a USC sociologist who leads the Captive Money Lab and served as a consultant on the Campaign Zero project.

Advocates are calling out the outdated pay-to-stay policies, many of which date back to the 1970s when states like Michigan and California sought to shift incarceration costs off public budgets. The trend spread in the 1980s after federal funding cuts under President Reagan led states to charge incarcerated individuals for court-appointed counsel, supervision, meals, and phone calls.

While some argue these fees help cover victim restitution or public services, much of the cost is imposed on loved ones and taxpayers, even in victimless cases, such as drug possession.

“They weren’t designed to promote safety or rehabilitation,” said Nick Shepack, Nevada director for the FFJC. “They were designed to cut budgets — and they still are.”

Some states are taking steps to roll back these fees. Oklahoma recently passed a bill eliminating many charges, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore waived $13 million in unpaid probation fees earlier this year, and Nevada capped the amount prisons can garnish from family deposits while ending post-release collections of medical debt.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 21, 2025

Door Dash Customer Destroys Driver’s Car Over Fried Chicken

A 22-year-old Milwaukee woman tracked down her DoorDash driver and caused thousands of dollars in damage to the driver’s car.

A food delivery dispute turned into a felony case after police say a 22-year-old Milwaukee woman, Janiyah Jones, tracked down her DoorDash driver and caused thousands of dollars in damage to the driver’s car.

Jones is accused of causing nearly $10,000 of damage to Faith Morris’s vehicle. If convicted, Jones faces more than three years in prison. According to court records, Morris lost cell service while attempting to deliver chicken wings and returned home to cancel the order. Morris spoke to TM4J about the incident.

Reflecting on the incident, Morris said, “She did this over a ten-piece chicken wing! She passed by Fryers [the restaurant] to come here.”

Morris believes her safety was severely compromised by DoorDash’s GPS, which continued working after the delivery had been canceled. The customer allegedly followed her location, then struck the car with a tire iron, hurled a brick, and shattered windows.

https://www.tiktok.com/@ttshanell_/video/7535613224977255711?_r=1&_t=ZT-8z4FbEzAS0U

Morris was shocked by the turn of events that she says should not have been possible.

“There’s no way that she should have been able to call me for an hour after this happened. An hour? It’s absolutely insane.” Moments later, she recalled, “It was so crazy how the glass was just raining from the sky when she was hitting it.”

Milwaukee police secured a search warrant through DoorDash, which identified Jones as the suspect. They also matched Ring footage with body camera video from an earlier incident involving Jones.

DoorDash has condemned the actions. The company says it does not share personal driver information. However, the company did not comment on the capabilities of reverse GPS tracking using its app.

“This customer’s actions are completely uncalled for, unacceptable, and disturbing,” the company said in a statement. The platform confirmed it never shares a driver’s home address with customers.

Morris has not returned to work since the incident and described it as “a crazy situation.”

Arthur Hayes,Bitcoin, Crypto Buyout Fund

by Jameelah Mullen

August 21, 2025

How College Graduates Can Launch Careers In AI and Crypto

AI has transformed the job market by creating new roles while eliminating others

Job opportunities for workers with artificial intelligence (AI) expertise are on the rise. According to Business Insider, Amazon posted three times as many AI positions as Google or Microsoft, with salaries reaching up to $263,700 before stock options. Last month, Meta made headlines for offering up to $1 billion to attract AI talent from competitors. Crypto jobs are just as competitive. This year, the industry has experienced a 60% rise in job postings. This makes it an excellent time for college students and recent grads to explore opportunities in the industry. Here are jobs and strategies to boost your visibility in the crypto and AI fields.

Engineers and Developers

AI and blockchain companies require engineering talent to develop new products and continually update their systems. Machine learning engineers are earning $160,000 to $200,000, with some job postings offering more than $200,000, Forbes reported. Starting salaries for Blockchain developers are around $150,000 and $250,000 for senior roles.

Marketing and PR Job Opportunities

AI and crypto companies often struggle to explain their products to everyday users. Marketing and PR professionals can help translate complicated technical jargon into layman’s terms, making it easier for the average person to understand. Event managers handle the logistics of conferences and other public-facing events.

Aside from marketing, other non-technical jobs are in high demand. Policy analysts, ethics specialists, and legal consultants all stay up-to-date with evolving policies and ensure companies remain compliant.

How can college students and recent graduates position themselves to break into AI and crypto? Here are some steps job seekers can take to build a career in these fast-growing fields.

Develop an online presence

Companies in both industries are more likely to hire people they’ve noticed online. A graduate who actively participates in online tech communities and social media might be more valuable than someone with a degree but no proven experience in the field.

Networking

Some of the best jobs in crypto and AI are not posted on traditional job boards. In these fields, networking plays a crucial role in hiring, and decision-makers are often more accessible than in other industries. Instead of relying solely on job boards, experts recommend that job seekers organize and participate in in-person meetups and online communities. These events provide opportunities to meet potential hiring managers, company founders, and colleagues. Forbes suggests platforms like Crypto Nomads, Luma, and similar event sites to find local events.

Both AI and Crypto have created some of the highest-paying career opportunities for new graduates. One key step is for graduates to get involved in the industry while it is still expanding and accessible.

by Jameelah Mullen

August 21, 2025

FDA Issues Recall Of More Than 67K Cases Of Power Stick Deodorant

Is your deodorant safe?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a major recall of popular deodorants sold nationwide. The recall, launched July 10, involves over 67,000 cases of Power Stick antiperspirant deodorants, making it the largest FDA deodorant recall in history.

The recall was voluntarily issued by A.P. Deauville, the manufacturer of the product. FDA inspectors classified it as a Class II recall, which means the products “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

The recall applies to three products:

Power Stick for Her Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant Powder Fresh (UPC 815195019313)
Power Stick Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant Spring Fresh (UPC 815195018194)
Power Stick Original Nourishing Invisible Protection Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant (UPC 815195018224)

The FDA cited ‘CGMP deviations’ as the reason for the recall, but did not specify which regulations the manufacturer violated.

“Adherence to the CGMP regulations assures the identity, strength, quality, and purity of drug products by requiring that manufacturers of medications adequately control manufacturing operations. This includes establishing strong quality management systems, obtaining appropriate quality raw materials, establishing robust operating procedures, detecting and investigating product quality deviations, and maintaining reliable testing laboratories,” the organization says on its website.

Additionally, the CGMP ensures that companies have adequate quality control systems, use safe raw materials, and that testing laboratories meet standards.

According to its website, A.P. Deauville manufactures its products in an FDA-regulated facility. The company also makes shampoo, conditioner, and body sprays.

In 2005, the California Air Resources Board fined A.P. Deauville $50,000 over its Power Stick products, claiming that the product contained volatile organic compounds above the state limit.

All recalled products were sold in the 1.8-ounce size at major retailers, including Dollar Tree and Amazon. If you own any of these products, dispose of them or return them to the retailer.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 21, 2025

Former NFL Player Cam Newton To Have Number Retired At Auburn University

The former quarterback has never lost a college game and brought the school a national championship in his only season

Former NFL quarterback and current podcaster Cam Newton will have his Auburn University college number retired during the upcoming football season.

Auburn University has announced that the former Carolina Panthers player will have his number retired at Jordan-Hare Stadium during the Oct. 11 game against the University of Georgia. He will become the fourth Auburn Tigers player to be immortalized by the university. His No. 2 football jersey will join Pat Sullivan (No. 7), Bo Jackson (No. 34), and Terry Beasley (No. 88).

“Auburn will always be home to me,” Newton said in a written statement. “The national championship we won in 2010 was a special moment, and to have my jersey retired alongside legends like Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Terry Beasley is an incredible honor that I’ll cherish forever. War Eagle!”

https://twitter.com/AuburnFootball/status/1957550380792816109

Newton’s number retirement will be the first number retired at Auburn in over 30 years. The last person whose number was immortalized was two-sport phenom Bo Jackson (he played in the NFL and MLB and is the world’s only person to earn All-Star honors in two professional sports leagues), who received his in 1992.

Newton’s storied collegiate career included many accolades and honors, including the Walter Camp Award, Maxwell Award, Manning Award, Davey O’Brien Award, and Associated Press National Player of the Year. Those honors took place in 2010 when he led the Tigers to an unbeaten record and national championship, earning him the coveted Heisman Trophy.

“Cam Newton not only led Auburn to a national championship in 2010, but he produced one of the most prolific seasons ever by a college football player,” Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen said. “Retiring Cam’s jersey number is a fitting way to celebrate his lasting impact on Auburn University and Auburn Athletics for all time.”

Newton’s collegiate career only lasted one season. He threw for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns and rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns, also scoring a receiving touchdown. He was the first player in SEC (Southeastern Conference Football) history to pass for more than 2,000 yards and rush for more than 1,000 yards in a single season.

Those stats led to him being the No. 1 draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Panthers. Newton played 11 seasons in the league, primarily with the Carolina Panthers, spending one season with the New England Patriots. During his first year in the NFL, he was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011. He led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50, while taking home the MVP (Most Valuable Player) Award in 2015, but they fell to the Denver Broncos.

The former quarterback holds the Carolina franchise record for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and rushing touchdowns. Newton holds the record for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in NFL history with 75.

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 21, 2025

Oh, Please! Stephen Miller Swears DC Police Takeover Is For The ‘Safety’ Of Black Residents

The “concern” from the top Trump administration official is interesting as Miller has been a leader in the conversation surrounding “woke” and anti-DEI initiatives.

To quiet the noise of the protestors inside and outside of Washington, D.C.’s Union Station, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller pushed a narrative that the uptick of armed National Guard troops and federal police agents was to guarantee the “safety” of Chocolate City’s Black residents.

Standing beside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, Miller verbally attacked protestors and tried to defend the reasoning behind the abrupt takeover by National Guard troops and other federal agents. Since there is still graffiti present from years ago, people like him — and the Black residents of the city — no longer feel safe, and President Donald Trump is going to fix it. “We are not going to let the Communists destroy a great American city, let alone the nation’s capital…most of the citizens who live in Washington, DC are Black,” he said.

“This is not a city that has had any safety for its Black citizens for generations, and President Trump is the one who is fixing that.”

Stephen Miller (@StephenM): "We are not going to let the Communists destroy a great American city, let alone the nation's capitol…most of the citizens who live in Washington, DC are Black. This is not a city that has had any safety for its Black citizens for generations and… pic.twitter.com/TRAcVILrpA
— CSPAN (@cspan) August 20, 2025

The “concern” from the top Trump administration official is interesting, as Miller has been a leader in the conversation surrounding “woke” and anti-diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, even going as far as launching a conservative law firm in an effort to push litigation to terminate racial equity programs, according to The Grio.

However, residents of D.C. and those who have been doing the work to protect Black people over the years, are calling him out on his switch-up and blatant lies. “Stephen Miller has spent the last decade creating and implementing the Trump administration’s most anti-Black policies,” D.C. native and political director at People For the American Way, Markus Batchelor, said.

“I’ll take a thousand white hippies standing up for our democracy over one white nationalist trying to destroy it.”

He continued to point out how Miller “led the effort to dismantle Black people’s access to housing, education, jobs, the vote, and equal justice under law.” “Him pretending to be the savior of Black people in Washington is both a hilarious contradiction and disgusting propaganda.”

Other residents and advocates acknowledge some crime and believe there are different ways to address it.

“Like in any community across the country, we have some trouble. You can need additional support and engagement,” sixth-generation D.C. resident and former D.C. deputy mayor Courtney Snowden said. “We shouldn’t be criminalizing homelessness. We shouldn’t criminalize poverty.”

As Miller failed to quiet down the protestors, whom he called “stupid white hippies,” supported by giggles from the vice president and Hegseth, revealed data shows the demographics in D.C. have changed over the last 20 years, with Black residents no longer being over 50% of the population.

Data also proves Trump’s efforts are seemingly failing. As the White House has boasted about making 550 arrests since the Aug. 7 takeover began, a poll from the Washington Post-Schar School found 85% of residents feel the efforts are going to make the city safer.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 21, 2025

Sterling K. Brown Talks About His Son’s Response To Racism, ‘He’s A More Evolved Person Than Me’

Sterling K. Brown opened up about a painful moment when his teenage son was called the N-word at a youth soccer game.

Brown is a well-known name in Hollywood, so the revelation came as a surprise to many. In an interview on the TODAY show, Brown recalled the moment his son was spat on and called the N-word, People reported. Although his son tried to resolve the spitting incident through the referees, the outcome was unsuccessful. The competing player proceeded to call Brown’s son the racial slur. The teenager saw no other way to de-escalate the situation, except by walking away. He made the decision to tell his parents once the soccer game had concluded. Brown was admittedly upset, but his son was resolute.

“I was like, ‘Yo, man, how come we didn’t beat his ass?’ And he was like, ‘Because that wouldn’t have solved anything … So I didn’t want to make you any more upset, which is why I didn’t tell you until after the game,’” Brown said.

The Emmy-winning actor admitted the restraint shown by his son surprised him.

“So he’s a more evolved person than me. I would’ve beat his ass,” Brown said.

The moment revealed that despite his Hollywood success, racism reaches into his family’s everyday life. For Brown, it was also a moment of pride in seeing his son choose a path of dignity over retaliation.

That balance of resilience and emotional truth is central to Brown’s career and his latest project, the Hulu series Washington Black.

The historical adventure follows George Washington “Wash” Black, a boy escaping enslavement in the 19th century. Brown plays Medwin Harris, a free Black leader in Nova Scotia who becomes a mentor figure for Wash. In an interview with What To Watch, Brown spoke about the show adapted from the novel Washington Black by Esi Edugyan.

“Medwin was expanded from a minor role in the novel,” Brown said. “There’s something really lovely about the question, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?… finding community, finding family, finding a sense of purpose and agency amongst ourselves that is quite lovely and maybe strangely applicable to today, even though the story takes place in the 1800s.”

For Brown, whether in a fictional story set two centuries ago or in the lived experience of his son, the work is about confronting racism while also centering love, growth, and survival.