by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 12, 2025

Terrence J Passed On Pay For ‘Think Like A Man’ Role, But Received Million-Dollar Check On The Backend

The movie ended up becoming a massive hit, which led to a massive payday for Terrence J.

For some aspiring actors, you may want to think like a Terrence J.

Terrence J got his big break in entertainment as the host of 106 & Park. However, his transition to acting hit when he landed a role in the 2012 hit film Think Like A Man. Directed by Tim Story, the film starred an all-star Black Hollywood cast, such as Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union, Regina Hall, Meagan Good, and Michael Ealy.

Talking to Cam Newton on a new episode of the ex-NFL star’s Funky Friday podcast, Terrence J revealed how he scored the role after a call to audition from film producer Will Packer. Another actor backed out at the last minute, and Packer asked if he could fly out for a table read in Los Angeles.

Not even knowing what a table read was, in which the actors and key production members sit down and run through the script, Terrence J called in sick at 106 & Park to fly to Sony’s production lot for the read. Eager to land the gig, he prepared the night before to memorize all his lines.

“Taraji P. Henson is sitting over here. Meagan Good is right here. Gabrielle Union is right here,” recalled the media personality. “I’m like, ‘What table read is this?’ Like, ‘What is going on?’ I’m thinking it’s like an audition, but everybody is in the room. So I got these shades on. I take my shades off. I’m looking around and everybody starts reading off of the paper, and I just go in and start saying everything like I’m acting in the thing. I’m auditioning in the room.

His hard work apparently paid off.

Terrence J continued, “The table read is over. I look over. Kevin Hart is sat. He’s like, ‘Man, I don’t know who you are, but you crushed that. I don’t know you as an actor, but I seen you on TV, but you crushed that.’ And I got the role.”

However, taking on the movie came with some risks he hoped would progress his career. With none of the $12 million budget left, Terrence accepted a delayed payment to appear in the film. Despite no upfront pay, he did negotiate to get a back-end bonus if the movie performed well.

Fortunately for the North Carolina native, the movie exceeded expectations as a massive success. Per Box Office Mojo, it earned $96 million worldwide in its theatrical run, greatly surpassing its tiny budget.

For his good faith in the project, Terrence J received the biggest bonus check of his life.

“I opened up my mailbox one day, and that’s why I always got to give credit to Will [Packer] and Steve Harvey and all those guys,” he said. “I had a check for a million dollars…I never seen anything like it. I’m from a small town in North Carolina…I never seen anything like that…don’t know any millionaires…didn’t know anybody. I went to a Black college…I didn’t know what it even was. And so it changed my life.”

The opportunity turned into more movie roles for Terrence J, who starred in the 2014 followup, Think Like A Man Too, and 2016’s The Perfect Match. The HBCU alumnus and BLACK ENTERPRISE 2022 40 Under 40 honoree continues to use his platform to help the next generation of Black creatives.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 12, 2025

Kim Coles Recalls ‘Living Single’ Producers’ Pressure To Lose Weight Or Face ‘Fat Jokes’

Kim Coles recalls the threats she received from "Living Single" producers about her weight.

Kim Coles is opening up about the behind-the-scenes pressure she faced from Living Single producers about her fluctuating weight while filming the hit ’90s sitcom.

Speaking on a recent episode of the ReLiving Single podcast, Coles recalled a fat joke that was included in the “Crappy Birthday” episode about Khadijah (Queen Latifah), which was a rare occurrence as Queen Latifah gave producers pushback about including those types of jokes in the show. It was the type of advocacy that Coles appreciated due to her change in size while filming the show, which prompted threats from producers.

“We didn’t do a lot of that on this show, and I’m grateful that we didn’t do a lot of that on this show because I gained weight every year,” Coles shared to her co-host and Living Single co-star Erika Alexander. “And we could have a whole conversation about [it]. I’m surprised we let that one go.”

“I would get a call at the beginning of every season to my manager saying, ‘Kim Coles has to lose some weight. She has to lose some weight. She has to lose some weight,” she went on to share.

She even reminded Alexander of the time she told her about producers’ threats of writing “fat jokes” if she didn’t lose weight.

@relivingsinglepodcast The industry could be so cruel, but the love of your sisters will always prevail 💞 Check out the latest episode of the #ReLivingSingle podcast✨TOMORROW✨ on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts! #LivingSingle #KimColes #ErikaAlexander #Podcasts ♬ original sound – ReLiving Single Podcast

Coles said producers tried to justify the fat jokes by claiming her character’s friends “wouldn’t say anything” if her weight changed. But after talking to male friends, she learned most Black men wouldn’t mind the women’s sizes on the show, reinforcing her belief that Eurocentric beauty standards were being imposed on the all-Black cast.

“There is an expectation… of what they think sexy is,” Coles said. “I had a really hard time as I was gaining weight and feeling as if everybody was staring.”

Alexander reflected on how the producers influenced Coles and how she worked hard to maintain the image they expected.

“See, that’s — you have to have willing collaborators,” Alexander said. “But, you know, the sad part is it got in your mind because I do remember that you went on a very concerted effort throughout the series to keep the image that they wanted.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 12, 2025

REMAX Helps Green Bay Packers’ Matthew Golden Find Home For Grandmother

'My grandmother has done so much for me, and I'm humbled to be able to give back to her in this way,' Golden said

Although he fell short of regaining his grandmother’s old home, NFL rookie Matthew Golden partnered with a real estate company, REMAX, to purchase a home for his grandmother.

The real estate company got together with Golden, who was drafted in the first round by the Green Bay Packers, and helped him through the homebuying process.

“It was such a blessing to work with REMAX and Nimesh to help me achieve this goal. My grandmother has done so much for me, and I’m humbled to be able to give back to her in this way,” Golden said in a written statement. “While we weren’t able to purchase our family home, we’ve found a house in an area that’s also meaningful to me. Home is where my family is, and I’m excited for us to enjoy many meals, holidays, and football watch parties together.”

After the Packers drafted him, Golden stated that he wanted to use the money from his signing bonus to buy back his childhood home in Texas for his grandmother. He connected with Nimesh Patel, the broker/owner of REMAX Fine Properties in Texas, to assist with the home purchasing process. When told of Golden’s plan to buy back the house where he grew up, it was discovered that the home was not for sale. So, they had to look elsewhere.

Patel was able to obtain a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Kohrville, Texas, two miles from where the wide receiver grew up, and located in the neighborhood where he lived in high school.

“As a fellow University of Texas alum, it was an honor and pleasure to help Matthew achieve this dream. We navigated some challenges in the process, but we’re thrilled with the outcome that resulted from our hard work –- a new home for the Golden family,” Patel said. “What makes this move truly special is that it’s not just a new house, but a return to familiar roots. Matthew has deep ties to the area, and with his family all nearby, this home will be the backdrop for countless new memories in a place that already holds so much meaning for them.”

The process was captured on video and posted to YouTube as a short documentary.

Janice Smalls Combs, Diddy's, lawsuit, Kirk Burrowes

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 12, 2025

Black Attorneys General Unite To Share Efforts For Protecting Civil Rights

Black attorneys general nationwide are coming together to share efforts on protecting DEI and racial justice.

Amid the Trump administration’s broad crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Black attorneys general nationwide are uniting for an open dialogue to discuss and coordinate strategies to push back against these efforts.

On Aug. 11 at 5:00 pm ET, a panel of Black Attorneys General will come together for “Under the Blacklight Presents: Preemptive Alliances – Black Attorneys General On the Frontlines for Civil Rights,” a moderated discussion highlighting their vital role in the ongoing fight for civil rights amid the current administration’s coordinated attacks on Black history, DEI, and civil rights.

The panel was organized in response to Donald Trump’s aggressive actions against DEI, which include signing a series of executive orders during his first week targeting federal agencies that contract with DEI-supporting companies.

“From the attack on Black museums, the renaming of Army bases after Confederate generals, the dismantling of DEI to the proliferation of racism in political discourses, we are seeing a targeted assault on Black knowledge, history, and people,” the African American Policy Forum states on the event page.

The discussion offers a rare chance to hear directly from trailblazing Black attorneys general about how they’re using their power to protect the hard-won rights and freedoms of all Americans. Among the panelists is Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, the state’s first Black woman AG, who will join five others to share how they are pushing back against legal attacks on civil rights and leveraging their roles to uphold the vision of a multiracial democracy.

Joining AG Campbell are Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown. Together, they will discuss how Trump’s attacks on DEI and racial justice threaten the foundation of democracy in a nation built on those very principles.

The entire conversation can be accessed via YouTube livestream HERE.

by Mary Spiller

August 12, 2025

Tanzania Bans Foreigners From Small-Scale Businesses, Sparking Rift With Kenya

Trade Minister Selemani Jafo justified the decision by stating foreign nationals have been moving in droves to the informal sector.

Tanzania has introduced a new ban preventing foreign nationals from running or owning small-scale businesses, a move that has drawn praise locally but sparked outrage in neighboring Kenya.

Under the directive, foreigners are barred from operating in 15 sectors, including mobile money services, tour guiding, beauty salons, curio shops, small-scale mining, on-farm crop buying, and even setting up radio and television stations.

Trade Minister Selemani Jafo said the decision was made because foreign nationals had increasingly moved into the informal sector — areas the government believes should be reserved for Tanzanians. “We’ve welcomed this decision because it protects the livelihoods of Tanzanian traders,” said Severine Mushi, head of the Kariakoo traders’ association, in an interview with The Citizen.

Locally, the announcement has been seen as a way to curb what many view as foreign encroachment, particularly by Chinese traders. In 2023, Dar es Salaam’s Kariakoo market saw protests over heavy taxes and claims of unfair competition from foreign-owned shops. Violators of the new law could face fines, up to six months in prison, and the loss of visas or work permits.

Minister Jafo also said he hopes the restrictions will push foreign investors toward larger-scale ventures.

However, Kenya’s leadership has sharply criticized the decision, arguing it breaches East African Community (EAC) agreements that ensure free trade and movement within the bloc.

“It is therefore critical, in the spirit of EAC, that bilateral engagements be held to resolve these issues,” Kenyan Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui said, warning the policy will “hurt” both nations’ economies.

Bernard Shinali, chair of Kenya’s National Assembly Trade Committee, cautioned that the ban could provoke reciprocal action. “There are many Tanzanians working in our mining sites too… It is clear that Tanzanians have gone too far, and we should cut links with them,” he said, as reported by The Daily Nation.

Veteran Kenyan hotelier Mohammed Hersi also voiced concern, writing on X: “Sometimes, it is important to focus on the bigger picture… Protectionism will never help a country to thrive.”

Tanzania is banning non-Tanzanians from operating salons and working as tour guides, among a long list of restricted occupations for foreigners, which I believe also includes citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states.

In the tourism sector, some guides are not… pic.twitter.com/CKH7hZp0vZ
— Mohammed Hersi : Mr Optimist (@mohammedhersi) July 29, 2025

The controversy comes against a backdrop of recurring economic and political tensions between the two neighbors. In May, Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, highlighted that about 250,000 Kenyans live or work in Tanzania, underscoring the importance of maintaining good relations.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 12, 2025

Viola Davis Receives Honorary Doctorate Of Fine Arts From American Film Institute

The EGOT recipient was especially honored to receive an honor from her peers in the industry.

Viola Davis has received her doctorate…again! The acclaimed actress has received an honorary doctoral degree in fine arts from the American Film Institute Conservatory.

Davis received the honor at the Conservatory’s Aug. 8 commencement at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The ceremony recognized Davis for her “contributions of distinction to the art of the moving image,” according to a press release.

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A post shared by American Film Institute (@americanfilminstitute)

Ahead of her conferral, Davis was introduced to the stage by another Black trailblazer in Hollywood, filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, who was chosen by the star and her husband, Julius Tennon, to direct 2022’s The Woman King. Tennon and Davis served as producers on the film.

“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness that is near being. The gift is that person who runs into the movie theater with the Sour Patch Kids, popcorn, and the Diet Coke, and they’re willing to not escape,” Davis said in her speech, according to Variety. “They’re willing to bring their loneliness, angst, shame of not feeling worthy, anxiety, depression, awkwardness, and mess. And the curtains open. The movie plays, and they’re reminded that they’re not alone.”

One of the most renowned actresses of her generation and an EGOT recipient, Davis is known for her iconic roles in film and television, such as The Help and How To Get Away With Murder.

“The purpose of the art is the same thing as the purpose of the artist,” she added. “You are creating stories so people do not feel alone. That they not only feel a connection with other people, but with themselves. And they know that as the story transpires, they can say that beautiful phrase, ‘Oh, it’s not just me.’”

Of this latest recognition, Davis noted that “it’s always especially potent when it’s given by your peers, I consider everyone that is in this profession—no matter how long they’ve been in it, known, unknown, faceless—my peers. They know the work. They know the artistry. It makes me feel capable. It makes me feel like my career and path have meant something to someone. It’s meant that I’ve created somewhat of a legacy.”

Davis also joins an esteemed list of honorary degree-holders from AFI, including Maya Angelou, Angela Bassett, and James Earl Jones.

Miami Heat,Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers' Head Coach, Chauncey Billups

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 11, 2025

Throwing Sex Toys At A BIG3 Game May Lead To More Than An Ejection

'Somebody doing that, man, should really be kicked up out the building and not allowed back in,' Ice Cube says.

With the WNBA having a sex toy problem this season, BIG3 co-owner Ice Cube is taking a stern approach to something similar happening at one of his games.

On a recent appearance on REAL 92.3 LA, the rapper and entrepreneur was asked about the issue the WNBA was having with dildos being thrown on the court during games and what would happen if that occurred at a BIG3 game.

“Somebody doing that, man, should really be kicked up out the building and not allowed back in. I don’t know what people think they could get out of that.”

But that wasn’t all.

“Not only put ’em out, but touch him up a little bit on the way out. Let him remember, let anybody who do some stupid s**t like this know that it’s going to be consequences and repercussions,” he said.

https://twitter.com/Real923LA/status/1953485906008314171

According to USA Today, the controversy stemmed from a group of crypto enthusiasts and traders who recently launched the Green Dildo Coin. They purposely went into several arenas with the intent to “disrupt” the games to bring attention to the meme coins.

“We didn’t do this because, like, we dislike women’s sports or, like, some of the narratives that are trending right now are ridiculous,” a spokesperson told USA Today. “Creating disruption at games is like, it happens in every single sport, right? We’ve seen it in the NFL, we’ve seen it in hockey, you know…fans doing random things to more or less create attention.”

There have been two arrests made related to these incidents, but the crypto spokesman said those people were not associated with the group. As of Aug. 7, there have been reports of as many as six games featuring dildos being thrown.

by Mary Spiller

August 11, 2025

Former Windsor Village Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell Stirred Mixed Reactions After Returning To Church After Prison

Kirbyjon Caldwell returned to Windsor Village Church after completing a federal prison sentence for wire fraud.

Former Windsor Village Church pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell is stepping back into the public eye just days after completing a federal prison sentence for wire fraud, an event that has stirred both excitement and unease among his Houston congregation.

Caldwell, who turns 72 this week, is marking his reemergence with a ticketed birthday celebration featuring chefs, DJs, and other entertainment, followed by his first sermon at the church since his release. For nearly four decades, Caldwell led Windsor Village United Methodist Church, transforming it into one of the largest Methodist congregations in the country. Now, his return is sparking a deep discussion about forgiveness, accountability, and leadership.

Many of his supporters see him as a visionary who has repented and paid his debts. As reported by the Houston Chronicle, they credit him with spearheading major community projects and guiding the church through years of growth and expansion. But others—including former member Anthony Powell—remain skeptical.

Powell said he left the church in 2018 when Caldwell was indicted. “It’s very clear in their warm hero’s welcome that they’ve forgiven him,” Powell said, noting that he believes the celebration sends the wrong message.

Caldwell was convicted for his role in selling $3.5 million in worthless Chinese bonds to more than two dozen investors. In a recent interview, he insisted that he believed the bonds were legitimate at the time, even investing $500,000 of his own money. When he later discovered they were fraudulent, he said he repaid over $4 million—covering both principal and interest—with help from his wife’s earnings and his children’s inheritance.

“I earnestly thought they would get that return,” Caldwell explained. “Otherwise, I would not have put myself at risk like that.”

Federal prosecutors, however, argued that Caldwell ignored multiple warnings about the bonds’ lack of value. Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., who sentenced former pastor Caldwell, called the investment scheme “the classic get-rich-quick” play. Caldwell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in 2020 and served more than three years in prison before transitioning to home confinement.

Some of the victims say their losses went beyond finances. “We always thought of ourselves as quite intelligent,” one victim reflected. “It was a lot” to cope with the embarrassment and sense of betrayal from someone they trusted.

Under the terms of his denomination, Caldwell has surrendered his clergy credentials and cannot serve as senior pastor. However, he intends to remain active at Windsor Village as a lay minister, Bible study leader, and community developer. “Under the circumstances, it’s unfortunate that I am [in lay ministry],” he said. “But by the same token, I’m glad to be.”

While some see his return as a story of redemption, others believe it risks overshadowing the harm caused by his actions. Whether Caldwell’s reappearance will heal or deepen divisions in the congregation is uncertain. As Caldwell himself acknowledged, “The next few weeks will be a test.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 11, 2025

OpenAI’s New GPT-5 Offers ‘Ph.D.-Level Expert’ Responses, CEO Says

Others are not so sure.

As OpenAI’s ChatGPT keeps turning everyday users into AI enthusiasts, the company has introduced its new GPT-5 model, capable of delivering expert-level results.

On August 7, OpenAI released GPT-5, the highly anticipated next generation of its growing AI technology, responsible for a global reshape of business strategy and culture as we know it, Reuters reports. Rolling out to all 700 million ChatGPT users, developers say GPT-5 delivers expert-level responses—especially in writing, health, and finance.

“GPT-5 is really the first time that I think one of our mainline models has felt like you can ask a legitimate expert, a Ph.D.-level expert, anything,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said during a press briefing. “One of the coolest things it can do is write you good instantaneous software. This idea of software on demand is going to be one of the defining features of the GPT-5 era.”

Demos at the press briefing showcased GPT-5’s expanded capabilities, from generating fully functional software from simple text prompts, known as “vibe coding,” to tackling complex coding, science, and math problems.

For the first time, users will have access to OpenAI’s test-time compute technology for more challenging prompts, which Altman called vital to the company’s mission of building AI that benefits all of humanity.

“We need to build a lot more infrastructure globally to have AI locally available in all these markets,” Altman said, noting that current AI investment remains insufficient.

GPT-5 combines multiple OpenAI models into a single platform, with ChatGPT selecting the best model to match each user’s prompt. But as with any new release, consumer reception will take time to settle, with many Reddit users since GPT-5’s launch labeling it a “disaster” and a “downgrade” from GPT-4.

“I wished that 4o would be more real about feedback but still humane, less sycophantic, better guardrails,” one Redditor wrote. “What I’ve seen so far of 5 seems to be a downgrade across the board for the most part.”

“It feels like a less intelligent Gemini now,” added someone else.

Memphis Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Raise Money To Help Local Woman Stay In Her Home

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 11, 2025

Memphis Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Raise Money To Help Local Woman Stay In Her Home

The woman had been surviving without power for a week until the brotherhood stepped in.

Members of a Memphis chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. have helped a local woman stay in her home.

Edna Jackson had run out of options when the Memphis Light, Gas, and Water company shut off the power in her home. Jackson was trying to raise the money to keep her utilities on before cooler temperatures allowed the company to cut them off over unpaid bills.

Jackson even contacted the local news source WREG about her quest to remain safely in her home. However, efforts on both ends failed to yield results. For a week, Jackson navigated a tricky situation in a house that felt unlivable without power.

“I have just been going through it because they have done turned my lights off, the water ain’t on,” said Jackson.

While Jackson could have relocated to a shelter, she would have had to give up her only companion, her dog. She did not want to lose the only thing she had, opting to struggle in her home until she found another way.

Her story caught the ears of Parrish Oglesby, a member of the Memphis alumnae chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. He gathered his brothers to raise money for the elderly woman, helping her secure the necessary amount and get her power back on within minutes.

While praised for the communal support, Oglesby says it’s a part of their fraternity’s mission. The chapter has been a chartered organization in the Memphis area since 1934. According to their website, their efforts extend not only to small acts of kindness. They also foster mentorship and tutoring of the city’s youth, as well as additional gifting events around the holidays.

“This is not something that’s new to us,” said Oglesby. “This is what we do… We are here to serve the public, in the public’s interest.”

However, another person also inspired this moment of good neighborliness. Oglesby thought about his own mother and how he would want someone to help her in the same way.

“If it were my mom, I would want somebody to step in for her,” said Oglesby.

Other neighbors have helped out Jackson in non-monetary ways as she fought to get by. She says this reliance on community has shown her that family can come from anywhere.

“You may not have the blood family to help, but you do have a family,” said Jackson. “I just want you to know that first and foremost… I am happy and I say, ‘Thank God.’”