NFL, Brother-Sister Duo, Ashley & Trey Smith

by Daniel Johnson

August 16, 2025

NFL To Continue Social Justice Stenciling Despite DEI Crackdown

The NFL restored its 'End Racism' message after backlash over its Super Bowl swap.

Just as it has for the past six seasons, the National Football League will continue the social justice messaging it adopted in the wake of the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor during the summer of 2020.

Teams can choose between “End Racism,” “Choose Love,” “Stop Hate,” or “Inspire Change” to be displayed on one end zone, while the other end zone will read “It Takes All of Us.”

According to The Athletic, players can also individually opt to wear one of the slogans on their helmets, and although the NFL did not respond to a request for comment from the outlet, Anna Issacson, the NFL’s senior vice president of social responsibility, previously issued a statement to The Associated Press indicating that the league wants to let its teams and players indicate that diversity is important to them.

“We’re working hand-in-hand with players, and alongside our clubs, to amplify player voices and underscore what is most important to them. For decades, the NFL and its players have been a unifying force in American culture and society that brings people of all cultures and backgrounds together to enjoy America’s most popular sport. This is an honor and responsibility that the league takes seriously, which is why we actively invest in off-field programs and on-field initiatives that promote unity,” Issacson said.

The NFL’s return to its previous messaging follows criticism the league received during the Super Bowl when it swapped out the “End Racism” stenciling in one end zone for “Choose Love.”

Although the change coincided with an expensive visit from President Donald Trump, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated in February 2025 that it was intended to reflect on the tragedies in the months leading up to the game, rather than any deference to Trump. He also discussed the NFL’s broader efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing to do for the National Football League, and we’re going to continue those efforts because we’ve not only convinced ourselves, I think we’ve proven to ourselves that it does make the NFL better,” Goodell said.

In addition, Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesperson, told The Athletic that the decision from the league to alter its messaging was based on sensitivity to recent tragedies like the terrorist attack in New Orleans and the collision of aircraft in Washington D.C., which Trump acerbically blamed on DEI.

“We felt it was an appropriate statement for what the country has collectively endured, given recent tragedies, and can serve as an inspiration,” McCarthy said.

He also told Front Office Sports that the idea that the changes were due to Trump’s attendance was “not true,” saying that the Super Bowl existed as “a snapshot in time” and that “the NFL is in a unique position to capture and lift the imagination of the country.”

As Oliver Thomas, one of New Orleans’ city council members, told Northwestern University in February, ending any of America’s -isms is a group project.

“Any time you talk about ending ‘isms’ is more than just a slogan, it’s a reminder for people. Look, we love the NFL, we love our sports activities, but we also love life and respect the history of life. When you talk about any discrimination and eradicating ‘isms’, until we’re all on the same page, pages are gonna be torn. We need to make sure those pages aren’t torn, but that we write new pages and create new chapters,” Thomas said.

by Daniel Johnson

August 16, 2025

Zach Randolph Sells L.A. Mansion For $7.4M After 11 Months On The Market

Randolph's long sales process is indicative of a depressed housing market

Memphis Grizzlies legend Zach Randolph has finally sold his sprawling Los Angeles mansion, closing the deal after pulling it off the market once and slashing nearly $1 million from the asking price.

According to Realtor.com, the 17-year NBA veteran sold his home on Aug. 7 after it spent 11 months on the market. However, he first listed the 8,500-square-foot home for sale in September 2024, and each time he took it off the market, it was relisted at a lower price.

The six bedroom, 10 bathroom home is part of the celebrity-laden Amestoy Estates community, and was custom built to Randolph’s specifications, including a fortified concrete exterior, floor to ceiling windows, a sauna, a gym, a basketball court, a home theater, a library, a full bar, and a panic room which also has a vaulted door.

To facilitate the sale of the lavish mansion, Randolph enlisted the services of Distinct Concierge, a firm specializing in sports and entertainment real estate. The sale was managed by the family that owns the business: Rod Watson, Laura Watson, and their daughter, Renecia Watson.

The family-run outfit sold the mansion to a high-level energy company mogul. The unnamed buyer is moving from Houston to Encino, California, a source confidentially revealed to Realtor.com.

According to Rod Watson, the firm’s CEO, “We were entrusted with this listing because of our track record as proven real estate advisors for NBA and NFL professionals who value discretion, strategy, and results. Our team understands how to position luxury estates like this in a way that speaks to elite buyers.”

Watson continued, “We leveraged cutting-edge AI video content and targeted digital marketing to spotlight the home’s most compelling features, and that strategy paid off. The estate captured serious attention early on, leading to a successful sale at $7,350,000 in one of L.A.’s most coveted celebrity neighborhoods.”

Laura noted that they are trusted by their clientele because “in this market, reputation and relationships matter. Athletes trust us because we understand the pace, pressure, and priorities of their lifestyle, and we bring that same championship mindset to every deal. This wasn’t just about selling a home; it was about protecting our client’s legacy and maximizing their investment. That’s the level we play at.”

Renecia, likewise, echoed her parents’ statements.

“For us, it’s not just about closing deals, it’s about creating an experience our clients can trust from start to finish. With this estate, we focused on curating the story behind the home and showcasing it through elevated, tech-driven content that resonates with today’s luxury buyer. As the next generation in this family business, I’m proud to bring a fresh perspective that blends innovation, culture, and concierge-level service our clients truly value,” Renecia Watson stated.

Randolph’s long sales process is indicative of a depressed housing market.

According to Fortune, in July, Mark Zandi, the chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, warned that the state of housing in America had earned a “red flare” from him on social media.

“Home sales, homebuilding, and even house prices are set to slump unless mortgage rates decline materially from their current near 7% soon. That, however, seems unlikely,” Zandi cautioned.

He continued, “Housing will thus soon be a full-blown headwind to broader economic growth, adding to the growing list of reasons to be worried about the economy’s prospects later this year and early next.”

Diana Ross, caribbean's star of the seas

by Mary Spiller

August 16, 2025

Diana Ross Steps Down As Godmother Of Royal Caribbean’s Star Of The Seas

Music legend Diana Ross has withdrawn, citing “unforeseen circumstances,” just a few days before Star of the Seas' christening voyage.

Diana Ross will no longer serve as godmother for Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Star of the Seas, after her team announced she would miss the highly anticipated christening voyage due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Diana Ross will be unable to appear,” a representative for the 81-year-old music icon told People magazine on Aug. 12.

Royal Caribbean responded with disappointment but said plans to appoint a new godmother are already underway. “We’re disappointed but excited to name a new godmother soon,” the company shared.

Ross was first revealed as godmother in June, with Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley calling her an ideal fit. “I couldn’t imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross,” Bayley said in a previous statement.

The three-day showcase voyage, scheduled to depart Aug. 20 from Port Canaveral, Florida, was set to feature a ceremonial champagne christening and a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

In accepting the honor earlier this summer, Ross said in a release, “I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family. Having spent years creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.”

Speaking further to People about the role, Ross said, “I’ve always felt a deep connection to the ocean and the magic it represents — peace, adventure, and awe. When Royal Caribbean reached out to invite me to be the godmother of Star of the Seas, I knew it was something truly special.”

Ross had shared that her children and grandchildren would be joining her on the christening voyage. “That’s really what this ship is all about — joy and family fun,” she said.

The title of godmother carries a deep maritime tradition, symbolizing blessings of safety, prosperity, and protection for a new vessel. Royal Caribbean has previously chosen women of global influence for the role, honoring figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Chubby Checker

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 16, 2025

Chubby Checker Ditches Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame For Live Show, ‘We’re Not Coming’

Chubby Checker says he's happy to finally be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but his fans come first.

Chubby Checker has earned his spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but he’s choosing to skip the induction ceremony in favor of performing live.

The Rock and Roll legend is set to be inducted into the coveted institution on Nov. 8, an accolade he’s been eligible for since its inaugural class of 1985. However, when thinking about the possibility of being added, Checker, 83, made sure to make other plans.

“When I told my manager, I said ‘make sure when we go to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the induction, that I will be doing what I love doing the most – being in front of an audience, a live audience, not a television audience,” Checker told a crowd of fans in a video shared on social media.

The manager, following instructions, booked Checker, best known for his 1960 chart-topping hit “The Twist,” for a Nov. 8 live show, not knowing at the time that he’d soon be named a 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

“We’re not coming, we have a gig,” Checker recalled telling the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame staff when they called to invite him out to the ceremony.

He would rather show music lovers that even into his 80s, he can still belt it out and twist with fans in person.

“Getting back to being an ‘older person,'” Checker told the crowd. “Chubby goes to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and they say ‘he’s an old guy, he’s probably retired, he’s not doing anything, maybe he has crutches, he’s coming to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to get his little award and go back home.'”

For Checker, the idea of not performing for a live audience on such a milestone occasion was a dealbreaker, especially since the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame broadcasts the show to a digital crowd.

“Let’s be doing a show like I’m doing today to show that I’m alive and well,” Checker said. “And the audience is wonderful, and my dream is still being fulfilled, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is happening all at the same time.”

Checker, known for popularizing dance styles like the Twist and the Pony, is one of 13 musicians inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. He joins a notable lineup of inductees, including Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, Bad Company, Joe Cocker, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 16, 2025

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi Celebrates HBCU Homecoming As Howard Tenure Begins, ‘Welcome Home’

After his shaky exit from Boston University, where he founded and led the Center for Antiracist Research, Kendi sees his start at Howard as a homecoming like no other.

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi is coming full circle as he returns to Washington, D.C., to begin his tenure at Howard University, reconnecting with his roots in historically Black higher education.

This August marks the start of Kendi’s tenure as a history professor at Howard University and founding director of the Howard Institute for Advanced Study. After his shaky exit from Boston University, where he founded and led the Center for Antiracist Research, the Florida A&M alum sees his start at Howard as a homecoming like no other.

“I remember people kept saying the same thing over and over again: ‘Welcome home,’” Kendi told Diverse Education, while reflecting on the announcement of his move to Howard that was made earlier this year. “It certainly gives me a feeling of peace and joy that I’ve never experienced before when I moved to a new institution.”

Further adding to the full-circle nature of his start at Howard, Kendi had spent six years in talks with the prestigious HBCU, long before the investigation into potential financial mismanagement at Boston University, from which he was later cleared.

“I have been thinking about Howard as a destination institution for a long time,” he shared. “I understood its history. I admired its legacy. I understood what Howard has meant to the history and to the culture.”

The new role reflects the arc of Kendi’s academic and professional journey, beginning with his journalism studies at FAMU and continuing through his graduate work in African American studies at Temple University, an intentional choice he made to deepen his reporting on Black communities.

“I didn’t want to assume because I was Black that I was an expert on Black people,” he said. “So, I needed to really sort of study the Black experience so I could be better able to cover Black people.”

He later authored the acclaimed “Stamped from the Beginning,” which earned the National Book Award and propelled him into national prominence, opening doors to positions at American University and Boston University, where he furthered his work, sparking public dialogue on racism in America.

Now, with a well-established career in writing and academia, Kendi is fully aware of the reputation his name carries.

“Because of my name, there’s another layer of expectation that people expect in terms of my management and my presence,” he said.

Kendi steps into the new role fully aware of the difference in resources from his past positions, yet energized by the deeper connection to the community he has devoted his career to serving.

“For me, the community and the support is much more important than resources,” Kendi said. “I want to live a life of both joy and impact. And I feel as if I could have more joy and impact at Howard University.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 16, 2025

Judge Rules Against Trump’s Plan To Trash DEI Programs At Schools And Universities

U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher--a Trump appointee--found the Department of Ed violated the law after threatening to cut federal funding.

A federal judge ruled against actions by President Donald Trump’s Department of Education (DOE) targeting the end of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at schools and universities across the nation, labeling the moves as unlawful, according to the Associated Press.

Maryland’s U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher– a Trump appointee — found the Department violated the law after threatening to cut federal funding from educational institutions that went against Trump’s executive order to dump DEI initiatives. The ruling comes after guidance has been on pause since April 2025, following a decision by three federal judges to block a number of parameters surrounding the DOE’s anti-DEI measures.

In addition, Gallagher’s Aug. 14 decision was handed down after the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association requested a motion for summary judgment, challenging the administration’s actions in a lawsuit.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the February 2025 lawsuit centers on two memos from the Education Department, which demand that schools and universities end all “race-based decision-making” or risk facing penalties, including the loss of federal funding.

Gallagher rejected the government’s argument that the memos, which state and education groups labeled as illegal government censorship, were a simple reminder that alleged school discrimination is illegal, thanks to the Supreme Court’s controversial decision to overturn affirmative action, framing it as discrimination against white and Asian American students. “It initiated a sea change in how the Department of Education regulates educational practices and classroom conduct, causing millions of educators to reasonably fear that their lawful, and even beneficial, speech might cause them or their schools to be punished,” Gallagher wrote the few states to go against Trump’s order to certify the 1,000 school districts that ended all DEI programs.

One of Trump’s numerous Democratic adversaries, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, defended diversity efforts in schools, contending that “there is nothing in state or federal law” outlawing the practice. “Hooray! We love court rulings that recognize the value of our kids and the vision of democracy, which includes diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we look forward to implementing all that we can to make sure kids know where they come from, that they’re valued here, and that we are preparing them for the world,” Franklin said.

Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, the legal advocacy firm representing plaintiffs of the lawsuit, said the ruling is an important accomplishment. “Threatening teachers and sowing chaos in schools throughout America is part of the administration’s war on education, and today the people won,” Perryman said.

Of course, the Education Department, under the leadership of Linda McMahon, issued a statement claiming to be disappointed following the ruling. However, the agency feels it won’t stop its anti-diversity moves as “judicial action enjoining or setting aside this guidance has not stopped our ability to enforce Title VI protections for students at an unprecedented level.”

by Kandiss Edwards

August 16, 2025

What The Helly? Wingstop Employees Accused Of Throwing Hot Grease On Customers

Wingstop employees are getting out of hand. Ex-employees, in separate states, have been arrested for assaulting customers with hot grease.

Wingstop is grappling with two disturbing incidents involving employees allegedly using hot grease during customer disputes. The incidents occurred in Tennessee and Florida, months apart.

On July 22, at a Memphis Wingstop, Johnisa Herring allegedly threw a bowl of scalding oil at two customers. The customer’s offense was allegedly being 61 cents short on their bill. The 25-year-old ex-employee is currently facing aggravated assault charges for the attack.

According to police affidavits, the oil hit one woman in the face and chest. The alleged action resulted in second-degree burns covering 18.5% of her body. The second customer sustained burns to her shoulder. Herring was arrested and initially held on a $7,500 bond, according to Law and Crime.

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A similar incident took place in Florida on Jan.28. Carnael Irene, a Wingstop manager, was seen on surveillance video getting into a confrontation with customers.

However, unnamed customers knocked over a container of straws. In response, the 19-year-old allegedly squirted ranch dressing at the victims. Furthermore, she returned with hot cooking oil. She then threw it in their direction.

One victim, a minor, suffered burns to her legs. According to The New York Post, Irene was triggered by verbal abuse from the customers. Irene was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and aggravated battery.

Other restaurant staff allegedly tried to subdue Irene amid the chaos. A Wingstop spokesperson later insisted the brand is committed to providing a safe and customer-centered experience at its locations. The company also noted that swift action was taken in response to both incidents. Both offenders, Irene and Herring, are no longer employed by the company.

The Memphis case is still pending. Herring is scheduled for a court appearance on Aug. 25.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 16, 2025

FAFO Still In Full Effect At Target As Foot Traffic Continues To Decline For Retail Giant

Ever since Target eliminated its DEI initiatives, Black people have been standing on business by not shopping at the retail giant.

Target is facing its sixth consecutive month of declining store visits. July foot traffic was down 3.9% compared to last year, according to Placer.ai.

The decline follows a wave of customer backlash due to Target’s rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Foot traffic dropped nearly 8% overall at the big-box store. The corporation’s stock declined from $145 to $93 a share in 2025. This slump erases as much as $12 billion in market value, signaling the effectiveness of the boycott’s reach and potency.

“We are really committed to building a team that represents our guests,” Target’s former human resources chief had said in 2020 when DEI was ramping up. However, the subsequent rollback of DEI initiatives sparked swift outrage. Earlier this year, Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church organized a “40-day Target Fast,” urging Black shoppers to divert their spending in response to Target abandoning its post–George Floyd DEI commitments. The company’s reversal included abandoning a pledge to invest $2 billion in Black-owned businesses. In a CNN interview, Bryant addressed the retreat in values, pulling no punches.

“Black people spend upwards of $12 million a day, and so we would expect some loyalty, some decency and some camaraderie.”

As part of his effort, Bryant hosted in-person boycotts on key dates like the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder.

“It is so critical and important that corporations recognize and respect the Black dollar and our consumer power,” he said.

Bryant has now turned his attention to Dollar General. Earlier this year, he launched what he calls a digital protest.

“Target is canceled since they have betrayed and walked away from our community, and we’ve gone on from there. We’re done with Target, and then our next focus will be around Dollar General,” he told USA Today.

Unlike with Target, Bryant is avoiding a full boycott, noting Dollar General’s role in underserved “food desert” communities. He’s urging instead that in urban areas, consumers flood the corporation with digital calls to action.

BLACK ENTERPRISE Is 55 Years Old: Our Tribute To The Visionary

by Derek Dingle

August 16, 2025

BLACK ENTERPRISE Is 55 Years Old: Our Tribute To The Visionary

In reading this special issue, readers discovered the story of a determined man prepared to win against the odds

“Lacking Capital, managerial and technical knowledge, and crippled by prejudice, the minority businessman has been effectively kept out of the American marketplace. We want to help change this.”

With that charge, BLACK ENTERPRISE hit the newsstands in August 1970.

That monthly publication evolved into a multimedia conglomerate that fueled the aspirations of generations of African American men and women.

For the 50^th Anniversary of BLACK ENTERPRISE, our editors fittingly celebrated the golden anniversary with a special salute to “The Visionary” — our late founder and publisher, Earl G. Graves, Sr.

In the issue, we wrote the following:

“He was a tireless change agent driven by a mission to make African Americans full participants in the economic mainstream as successful captains of industry, executives of immeasurable influence and multigenerational wealth builders. At the same time, he was the connector who served as the link between Black America and corporate America; he was our advocate who kept institutional leaders — whether they were the CEO of a major corporation or president of the United States — accountable for furthering access in any and all arenas of American society.”

His platform: BLACK ENTERPRISE. Throughout five decades, it served as a tool to record and guide every milestone tied to Black empowerment in this nation, while making history of its own with an array of franchises that drove Black advancement and the progression of the company.

In 1973, BE unveiled the Top 100 — an annual listing of the nation’s largest Black-owned companies — the annual barometer for Black business development, in its June issue
In 1986, the company established the Professional Networking Forums series, which served as its entree into the events space
in 1997, BE went digital with BlackEnterprise.com (originally called BE Online) as a destination on the World Wide Web for Black business news and resources
In 2000, BE launched the Black Wealth initiative to spur financial empowerment, home ownership, and stock market participation among African Americans
in 2003, the company made its first foray into television with the Black Business Report, which spawned a series of broadcast properties to provide other vehicles for business and financial information

These offerings and the evolution of others continued to meet the needs of different segments of the BE audience on the platforms of their choice.

On the pages of our special anniversary issue, the last regular print magazine, as well as the commemorative digital edition, we gave a full measure of the icon and the vehicle that inspired and uplifted millions of Blacks across the globe.

It was a deeply personal issue, sharing Earl Graves, Sr.’s amazing journey and his impact on business, corporate America, politics, and wealth creation through his own words; commentaries and remembrances of the nation’s most powerful business leaders; and a touching “Letter To My Dad” written by his son and the current CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE, Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr., who offered reflections on his father’s leadership as well as his most important roles as a husband of 52 years to his best friend, closest confidant, and the love of his life, Barbara Graves; a demanding and supportive father to his three sons, Butch, Johnny, and Michael; and a loving grandfather to eight grandchildren. Butch Graves wrote the following about his father: “You met directly with more than eight presidents in your lifetime, yet were equally engaged with your interactions of everyday people. You were as excited to share our family Christmas card with the skycaps at American Airlines as you were with its CEO.”

In reading this special issue, readers discovered the story of a determined man prepared to win against the odds — and his drive to show legions of African Americans how to chart their own path to wealth, power, and success.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 16, 2025

Hip-Hop Legend LL COOL J Set To Host 2025 MTV Video Music Awards

The ceremony will take place live in New York City at the UBS Arena on Sept. 7

It’s recently been announced that living legendary lyricist and hip-hop icon, LL COOL J, will be hosting this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.

According to the cable network, this will be the first time that LL, whose real name is James Todd Smith, will host the ceremony solo, after previously co-hosting with fellow Queens emcee Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow. The awards show is slated to be filmed live in New York City at the UBS Arena in Manhattan. It will air on CBS and, of course, MTV, as well as streamed on Paramount+ on Sept. 7, starting at 8 p.m.ET/5 p.m. PT.

It will be the first time that the awards show airs on CBS.

As music and hip-hop fans gear up for LL’s hosting duties, they can catch his new docuseries made in partnership with NFL champion Peyton Manning, “Hip Hop Was Born Here.”

The program, which debuted in July, is a five-part docuseries that examines the origins and evolution of the popular genre that started in New York City. The doc will feature exclusive conversations with several esteemed individuals who took part in the history of hip-hop. Footage will also be revealed, showcasing legendary hip-hop figures like Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Rev Run, Method Man, Roxanne Shante, and others who were there as the legacy of hip-hop was being formed in the early years of the culture.

“We were lucky to partner with Todd [LL Cool J], Rock the Bells, and Paramount on ‘Hip Hop Was Born Here,’” Manning said in a written statement. “Music is far from my area of expertise, but sports and music have a lot of similarities. Both require hard work and commitment, and at their best, both bring people together. The story of hip-hop, especially in New York City, is an important one to tell, and there’s no one better than Todd to tell it.”