by Sharelle B. McNair

August 7, 2025

Harlem’s Studio Museum Celebrates New Building With Host Of Community Events

The celebration will mark the activation of the new seven-floor, 82,000-square-foot building, located on Harlem’s legendary 125th Street and designed by Adjaye Associates.

The Studio Museum in Harlem invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of its new space with a Community Day happening on Nov. 15, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

The celebration will mark the activation of the new seven-floor, 82,000-square-foot building, located on Harlem’s legendary 125th Street and designed by Adjaye Associates with Cooper Robertson leading the project as executive architect. On Community Day, visitors will be granted free admission with an opportunity to engage in activities for all ages and robust new exhibitions. Erin Flynn, a partner at Cooper, calls the new space a “remarkable institution” that “embodies the Museum’s close connection to its community.” “The Studio Museum in Harlem is a remarkable institution. Seeing this design through to completion has been a special and joyful experience for our whole team at Cooper Robertson. The new building embodies the Museum’s close connection to its community, with a design that seamlessly supports both its program and mission,” Flynn said in a statement.

“It’s a testament to the Studio Museum in Harlem’s visionary leadership that they have reimagined how a museum can serve both the public and artists. As a firm that shares a commitment to community, we couldn’t be more thrilled to see the building debut this fall.”

New exhibits include the work of Tom Lloyd, the artist whose work was the inspiration behind the Studio Museum’s inaugural exhibition in 1968. Visitors will explore the artist’s iconic contributions to art and technology, as well as the first publication dedicated to their work. In addition, a new exhibit will be a first-of-its-kind presentation of new works by 100 alums of the Artist-in-Residence program. The exhibition places the artists in conversation with each other while paying tribute to the groundbreaking program that has been a part of the Museum’s long-standing legacy, known to have nurtured Black artists for more than half a century.

According to The New York Times, the new building’s design features breathtaking natural woods combined with brass finishes for the exhibit space and a terrazzo staircase, which would be a dream for influencers, art lovers, and social media creators. The design increases exhibition space by more than 50% and public areas by roughly 60%. Museum Director and Chief Curator Thelma Golden says visitors will instantly realize the building is more than just a space. “Our breathtaking new building is more than just a space; it is a monumental testament to the museum’s mission and the vitality of artists of African descent,” Golden said.

“I am thrilled to welcome everyone back to a reimagined Studio Museum.”

Community Day will be a weekend-long event with activities extending into Nov. 16, with Studio Sundays, which include guided family tours, drop-in art-making workshops, gallery talks, and storytime sessions.

The rate for adult admission is $16, which is a discounted rate of half of what other major museums charge, and $9 for seniors and students. Tickets will remain free for kids under 16 and visitors with disabilities.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 7, 2025

Ice Cube’s ‘War Of The Worlds’ Receives Lowest Possible ‘Rotten Tomatoes’ Rating: 0%

The movie was just released on Prime Video

The War of the Worlds, starring Ice Cube and Eva Longoria, has generated such bad reviews that it has scored 0% on Rotten Tomatoes’ website.

Prime Video just released another remake of the H.G. Wells classic 1898 novel, The War of the Worlds, and critics have given no love to the former N.W.A. member. In the modern-day version of the film, Cube plays the role of a top cybersecurity analyst for Homeland Security, who uncovers a threat that could destroy the world.

The novel tells the story of a character witnessing the beginning of a war in which Martians are invading Earth, and he must find a way to prevent it from happening. There have been three movies adapted from the book, as well as a television series. With each different telling of the story, the plot stays the same, but the situations differ and happen in different eras. The first film was released in 1953, and on the Rotten Tomatoes site, it scored an 89% rating. The second version, which made a big splash at the box office when it was released 20 years ago in 2005, starred Tom Cruise and is given a 76% rating on the movie review website.

The latest one, released July 31, has made the type of noise movies don’t want to be associated with, especially with the Cube and Longoria names holding weight. Yet, the reviews across social media, from critics and people who have viewed the movie, have been matched with the unheard-of 0% score on the Rotten Tomatoes website. However, despite the terrible ratings, the movie ranks in the top 10 on the Amazon Prime platform.

Yet, hear and see for yourself some of the comments from social media users about the latest iteration of The War of the Worlds.

that new war of the worlds movie was hilariously awful pic.twitter.com/gxAHVIrbL8
— highfred (@highhfred) August 1, 2025

wasn’t no budget and it’s quite possibly cube’s worst acting performance
— MOGUL$ (@BRKEMGLS) August 5, 2025

Holy moly, just watched one of the worst movies I have ever seen. 90 min that felt like 6 hours. Bad acting, and shit tons of stupidity, this movie actually pissed me off. I watched it on Prime and I still want my money back! #WarOfTheWorlds #waroftheworlds2025 pic.twitter.com/kTHaAdI0c9
— Maurice The Games Tester ⏩ Gamescom 2025 (@TheGamesTester) July 31, 2025

Just watched 60% of it,…then had to change the channel. Had high hopes,..but ouch it was not just awful,..it was sadly awful…. Ice Cube's agent did him dirty…
— Mr. Blue Sky (@freespeechbird) August 6, 2025

There was one person who attempted to give a reason for the movie being so bad, although it shouldn’t be used as an excuse. O’Shea Jackson Jr., Cube’s son. He responded to someone’s critique of the movie by informing them that it was filmed during the pandemic.

Shot during the pandemic. Released 5 years later.
— O’Shea Jackson Jr (@OsheaJacksonJr) August 5, 2025

Trump, protections, South Sudan, Migrants

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 7, 2025

Illinois Launches Program To Help African Americans Trace Ancestry To Africa

The state of Illinois is helping African Americans trace their roots in Africa.

Illinois has launched a statewide initiative aimed at helping African Americans reconnect their ancestral ties to Africa.

Launched on Aug. 4, the state-funded Illinois Family Roots Pilot Program offers free DNA testing and genomic analysis through The African Kinship Reunion (TAKiR) research project. Led by principal investigator LaKisha David at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and backed by a $500,000 bill sponsored by Rep. Carol Ammons of Urbana, the initiative aims to uncover and restore family ties broken by the legacy of slavery and human trafficking.

With a goal to give African Americans “the opportunity to trace their roots back to their ancestral homelands, to reconnect with their ancestral heritage,” the Illinois project plans to distribute a total of 1,600 DNA kits around the state.

“My vision for this program is that it strengthens the Black community and it increases our leadership, our vision, our pride, and our ability to reach our full potential and be fully repaired,” Robin Rue Simmons, chairwoman of the Evanston Reparations Committee and founder and executive director of FirstRepair, a nonprofit reparations support organization, told the Chicago Tribune. “This program gives us an assist in repairing ourselves, at least by giving us access to understanding our lineage. From there, we can explore, self-educate, embrace, and uplift our culture.”

The city of Evanston continues to lead in supporting the advancement of the Black community. In 2019, it became the first U.S. city to implement a reparations program for Black residents, addressing the lasting impact of housing discrimination. Building on that commitment, Evanston’s Reparations Committee has now partnered with the Family Roots initiative, becoming the first community to offer residents free DNA kits to explore their ancestry. The first 250 kits were distributed during the city’s Juneteenth celebration, with more handed out at the committee’s July meeting.

“I’m hoping to give people a more cohesive family narrative,” David said. “There’s something in knowing about yourself that triggers psychological well-being and contributes to your sense of self.”

The city of Evanston will distribute another round of DNA kits on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Evanston City Hall, 909 Davis Street. Locals are hopeful that the Family Roots pilot program will expand into a long-term program that all Illinois residents can partake in.

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 7, 2025

Rwanda Works With Trump Administration To Take In Up To 250 Migrants

In recent years, Rwanda has made itself available as a destination country for migrants from countries that would like them removed.

After months of negotiations, the Trump administration and Rwanda have reached an agreement that the African nation will accept up to 250 migrants facing deportation from the U.S., NBC News reports.

The deal marks another effort toward President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policies. The Rwandan government announced the deal was signed in June 2025, with the White House already vetting 10 people for the list. “Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation,” Rwandan government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, said in a statement.

“Under the agreement, Rwanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement. Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support to jumpstart their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the last decade.”

Trump set a goal of deporting millions of immigrants, mostly those with criminal records, living in the U.S. illegally to outside countries, including South Sudan and Eswatini, once known as Swaziland. The White House claims “the United States is constantly engaged in diplomatic conversations with foreign nations who are willing to assist us in removing the illegal aliens that Joe Biden allowed to infiltrate American communities,” according to Fox News, deportation efforts on day one of Trump’s first day of his second term were labeled as “the biggest in U.S. history.” Prior to taking office, the 47th president threatened to declare a national emergency and implement military assistance.

It looks like this is one of the only promises Trump has been able to keep as he has launched military assistance on peaceful protests against immigration deportation efforts and embedded assistance from countries labeled as third world. In recent years, the African nation of Rwanda has made itself available as a destination country for migrants from countries that would like them removed. However, the decision has received some backlash from human rights groups that claim the capital city of Kigali lacks respect for some fundamental human rights.

In 2022, Rwanda penned a deal with the United Kingdom to accept migrants who arrived claiming asylum, but the deal was terminated after Britain’s Labour government took over.

With support from the Supreme Court after a ruling in early July 2025, the Trump administration was permitted to start deporting certain migrants to countries including Costa Rica, Panama, and El Salvador. The moves have been criticized as dangerous and cruel, as migrants sent to other countries risk violence and limitations due to language barriers.

As the Supreme Court gave Trump the green light for his policies, the decision was met with federal litigation that may go before the conservative-majority-led high court.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 7, 2025

E-Payment Is Now The Only Way To Receive Social Security Payments

The Social Security Administration will no longer send physical checks to benefit recipients, citing the need to modernize its payment approach.

The Social Security Administration will no longer send paper checks, opting to utilize e-payments only.

On July 14, the SSA released an announcement via the Social Security Matters blog announcing the change. The agency claims less than 1% of recipients will be affected. Though, as benefits are mostly claimed by the elderly, the change may be challenging for some who are not technologically savvy. The SSA offers both a direct deposit option and a pre-paid “Direct Express” card, which is provided specifically for the purpose of receiving federal payments.

The administration states the change will have multiple benefits for American recipients and the federal government alike:

Speed and Efficiency: Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs) are processed more quickly than paper checks, helping beneficiaries receive their payments on time without delays.
Cost Savings: According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, issuing a paper check costs about 50 cents, whereas an EFT costs less than 15 cents. This shift could save the federal government millions of dollars annually.
Enhanced Security: Paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen compared to electronic payments, increasing the risk of fraud. Electronic payments provide a safer, more secure way to receive benefits.

The SSA touts the decision as an efficient way to handle American funds. However, the form of payment is not the only barrier recipients are facing. In the first quarter of 2025, the administration closed dozens of in-person SSA offices by order of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Now, the already burdened system is facing long call wait times or no response when attempting to seek guidance from an SSA professional. The organizations cite a lack of personnel for the ineffective operation.

To reduce wait times, SSA leaders have now begun rerouting calls to multiple out-of-jurisdiction field offices.

“Under the newly implemented system, calls to local field offices may be routed to available staff at other field offices, regardless of geographic location, to help manage high call volumes.”

However, detractors argue that this method may alleviate wait times on phone calls, but it will cause other issues in the long run. Angela Digeronimo, a claims specialist, spoke to NPR about the change.

“If it’s someone else’s office, the jurisdiction is someone else’s,” she said. “You can’t take action on it because your office does not have the ability to clear that claim. You have to refer it over to the servicing office, which is what the members of the public thought they were doing.”

Americans on Social Security are encouraged to enroll in either option, direct deposit or “Direct Express,” as soon as possible to avoid a delay in monthly payments.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 7, 2025

Black Warehouse Worker Wins Racial Harassment Suit Over ‘Slave’ Graffiti

A Black warehouse worker won his lawsuit against a former employer who forgot to erase one staffer's "slave" graffiti.

A Black warehouse worker in England was awarded £3,000 in a racial harassment claim filed over a co-worker who had graffitied “slave” on a piece of machinery.

Seedy Fofana won a legal judgment against his former employer, Window Widgets, after discovering the word “slave” written on a Hubtex machine during a stock-take, The Independent reports. His co-worker, Tony Bennett, had written variations of the word on warehouse equipment to protest working conditions. Despite Bennett’s claim that the graffiti wasn’t racially motivated, Employment Judge David Hughes ruled that the word “will evoke in contemporary English speakers the enslavement of Black people.”

“All right-thinking people regard slavery as a monstrosity,” Hughes said.“Mr Fofana, an evidently proud Black man, feels the evil of slavery viscerally. That is understandable and respectable. We accept his sense of hurt at the graffito is genuine.”

Fofana was the only Black employee at the warehouse when the graffiti incident occurred. After management became aware of Bennett’s protest, they removed all visible instances of the word “slave,” but one remained unnoticed. Fofana discovered it during his shift but chose not to report it. He resigned the following month and filed a $500,000 lawsuit against the company, citing a hostile work environment.

By not removing all of the graffiti, the warehouse became a “hostile, humiliating and offensive environment for him,” the tribunal ruled. While presiding over the case, Judge Hughes acknowledged that the word “slave” could have various interpretations, including a possible reference to machines replacing human labor. However, he emphasized that in an English-speaking context, most people “will probably first think of the enslavement of Black people by white people,” he said.

The tribunal acknowledged that ruling in favor of the complainant might appear “harsh,” but emphasized that the use of such a highly charged term subjects the company to serious consequences.

Maryland College, HBCU, Veterinarian School

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 6, 2025

Pet Dogs Are Now Recognized As Family Members In New York

Nan DeBlase sued a man for damages after witnessing her son's dog killed when he drove past a stop sign

Pet dogs are typically viewed as family members to some people, and now, after a recent New York judge’s ruling, so do the courts.

According to The New York Post, a Brooklyn judge ruled in favor of Nan DeBlase, who sued a driver who ran over her son’s pet dog in 2023 for emotional distress after she witnessed the pet’s death. In most cases, pets are considered possessions, but Supreme Court Judge Aaron Maslow stated that DeBlase is entitled to damages due to what she went through when she saw the driver, Mitchell Hill, mow down her pet dachshund, Duke.

The incident took place on July 4, 2023, when DeBlase was walking her son, Trevor’s, dog. She was walking with Duke when Hill went through a stop sign, hitting the dog as Nan jumped out of the way.

“It is reasonable for a jury to conclude that witnessing Duke being crushed led to emotional distress that goes beyond that which is generally felt by the loss of mere property,” Maslow wrote in his decision in June.

“This Court fails to see why a beloved companion pet could not be considered ‘immediate family’ in the context of the zone of danger doctrine under the fact pattern presented by Plaintiffs.”

When the tragedy took place, Trevor posted about the incident on his social media account.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trevor DeBlase (@trevdeblase)

Nan took Hill to court to recover damages after challenging an “antiquated” law that only allowed them to sue Hill for the market value of Duke, plus medical costs — roughly $2,000.

“Since Nan DeBlase was tethered to Duke at the time of the accident,” Maslow’s decision read, “it is proper for her to recover damages for emotional distress resulting from witnessing Duke’s death and fear for her own safety, all due to Defendant’s negligent, indeed reckless, operation of his vehicle.”

DeBlase will have to appear in court once again to learn how much the family will recover for the incident.

Pastor, Houston, sexual assault, Keion Henderson

by Mitti Hicks

August 6, 2025

Black Churches Can Apply For Grant To Preserve African American Heritage

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation says grants range from $50,000 to $500,000.

Black churches nationwide can now apply for tens of thousands of dollars in grant money to preserve their historic buildings. The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that the application period is officially open for its Preserving Black Churches grant program.

The $60 million national initiative is dedicated to uplifting historically Black churches and the communities that preserve this vital history, according to a news release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Historically Black churches or congregations are eligible to apply. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000. Churches can use the money to redesign and strengthen their historic preservation efforts.

According to the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, eligibility for the program is limited to sites of historical significance to African American heritage. Some examples include active congregations in historic buildings that are at least 50 years old, as well as churches designed by Black architects and builders. Black churches that repurposed over the years for arts and cultural programming are also encouraged to apply.

The Significance of Preserving African American Heritage in Black Churches

Black churches are significant to preserving African American heritage because they have served as places of community, resistance, education, and refuge for African Americans throughout history. In addition to spirituality, Black churches remain a powerful force for collective identity and often are the foundation for political progress.

Ever since President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would cut off federal funds for K-12 schools, he claims that it would indoctrinate students based on “discriminatory equity ideology.” Educators and civil rights advocates worry that African American history will be watered down. In Florida, for example, state leaders banned AP African American studies. Also in Florida, educators are wrongly teaching students that Black people benefited from slavery because it taught those enslaved “useful skills.”

Black churches will fill that gap in preserving African American history.

For complete eligibility details and to begin your application, visit the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund’s website.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 6, 2025

Former NFL Player, LeShon Johnson, Convicted Of Dog-Fighting Charges

He faces up to five years in prison

A former NFL player, LeShon Johnson, has been found guilty by a jury on dogfighting charges in Oklahoma.

According to the Department of Justice, the former running back was convicted on six felony counts of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act’s prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals to be used in fighting ventures. The government arrested the 54-year-old Johnson in October after federal agents seized 190 pit-bull-type dogs in what they described as a major dogfighting kennel in Oklahoma. A date has not been scheduled for his sentencing yet.

Johnson is facing a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.

“This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals, and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a written statement. “This case underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting animals from abuse — 190 dogs are now safe thanks to outstanding collaborative work by our attorneys and law enforcement components.”

In March, an indictment was unsealed about Johnson’s operation of “Mal Kant Kennels.” He was accused of breeding and trafficking “champion” and “grand champion” dogs and their offspring for fighting. The 190 dogs that were taken from his property made it the largest number ever seized from one person in a federal dogfighting case.

Johnson had a prior state conviction for dog fighting in 2004.

“The FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting,” said Director Kash Patel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, those who continue to engage in organized animal fighting and cruelty will face justice.”

The United States Marshals Service cares for dogs that are seized in dogfighting cases through its asset forfeiture program.

Johnson played in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and the New York Giants in the 1990s.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 6, 2025

Minneapolis Considers Renaming Street In Honor Of State’s First Black Woman Lawyer

The street would be named after a woman who advocated for housing equality in the city.

City officials in Minneapolis are considering renaming a street after Minnesota’s first Black woman lawyer.

Local leaders want to rename Edmund Boulevard to honor a historical figure, Lena Smith. According to MPR News, a city planning commission voted to approve the recommendations Aug. 4. Now, a proposal will go before the Minneapolis City Council to change the street’s name to Lena Smith Boulevard.

“We have neighbors who are a part of the BIPOC community that live on Edmund Boulevard, and they don’t want to raise their kids on a street that honors a man who did not believe that they should be there,” explained council member Aurin Chowdhury.

The street, which spans 14 blocks, is currently named after Edmund Walton. Walton was a real estate developer in the early 1900s who established racially restrictive covenants. Walton made sure that the street was exclusively for white people through legal means that forbid the sale of property to nonwhite people, as confirmed by the University of Minnesota’s Mapping Prejudice webpage.

Smith, however, represented African American homeowners who bought homes in the area. Chowdhury considers this poetic justice for those disenfranchised by Walton’s racist efforts.

“Her contributions in addressing the systemic and racial disparities of segregation was kind of a perfect one-to-one, and also her history is one that I feel like has not been uplifted and made visible in the way that I think it should be,” added Chowdhury.

While few oppose the ethical reasons for the name change, some worry about the logistics involved in doing so. Between removing signs and changing addresses, some residents expressed their concerns about the immediate fix.

Minneapolis officials confirmed 107 residential and commercial units would need address changes. However, they have emphasized that the staff and services would work to ensure their efficiency. Others are willing to deal with any potential setbacks if it means the street name will symbolize equality.

“Although I do understand that a name change could be inconvenient, there is nothing more inconvenient than being denied the opportunity to purchase a home for your family because of the color of your skin,” explained local business owner Fredrick DuBose.

The Minneapolis City Council will hear the proposal next month, with a final vote expected to occur shortly after.