by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 6, 2025

Katt Williams To Serve As On-Course Correspondent For PGA Tour Live

Katt Williams is set to cover the FedEx St. Jude Championship at PGA Tour Live.

Katt Williams is gearing up to show off his love for the game of golf when he serves as an on-course correspondent for PGA Tour Live.

Taking place Aug. 7 to 10 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, Tennessee, Williams will team up with ESPN analyst Michael Collins to provide coverage of the widely followed golf tournament. This marks a step up from his previous guest appearance with Collins, where he joined for a few holes during the 2024 Tour Championship.

“The thing that I like about golf is that it permeates so many different parts of your life,” Williams told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s not like it fixes everything, but it gives you a new parameter for things. The first four holes not going to your liking? It has the ability to ruin the day, but it doesn’t have to. You can fix this front nine, you see? And level this front nine out to where you can still have a good 18.”

Known for proudly showing off his athletic prowess, the Friday After Next star shared his confidence in his golf swing and the “toxic positivity” he gets out of the game.

“I’m to the point where I don’t even really have bad shots. You know what I mean? Like if I aimed right, and I meant for the ball to go right, but the ball went left — where I am in my journey, I feel like the ball knows better than me, and that that must be the angle that I must need to take this at (the pin), and that’s why it went over there — not I made a mistake and shanked it, and it went over to the right,” Williams shared. “I don’t even look at it like that, and because that’s the way it is in golf, that’s the way it is in my real life. It’s almost toxic positivity. I know that that happened because I didn’t keep my head down, and I’m just going to try to make sure that I keep it down (the next time). It takes away a lot of the pressures of doing poorly, because you’ve got so many opportunities to do a better job.”

The top 70 golfers will compete at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, with only 50 advancing to the BMW Championship and 30 moving on to the Tour Championship to battle for the title. The overall playoffs champion will walk away with a $10 million bonus, while the total prize pool across all events reaches an impressive $100 million.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 6, 2025

Klarna And Afterpay Will Not Share Buy Now, Pay Later Data With FICO

Top Buy Now, Pay Later companies state they will not cooperate with FICO's plan to include BNPL data into its credit score considerations.

Klarna and Afterpay will not cooperate with new FICO data policies if their consumers are penalized.

The two platforms have stated that they refuse to cooperate with FICO’s new initiative to include Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loan data into its credit scoring consideration, The Wall Street Journal reported. Both Klarna and Afterpay allow consumers to purchase goods by paying in installments. Thus, the option to defer full payment heavily benefits low-credit, no-credit, and lower-income consumers. Adverse effects on the company’s consumer base could lead to a decline in usage.

In a statement to PYMNTS, a Klarna spokesperson confirmed the company’s goal to protect its customers.

“For years, we have supported credit reporting that benefits consumers — that’s why we share BNPL data in the U.K. and report our term loans in the U.S., making it visible to consumers but excluded from credit scores,” the statement said. “While the U.S. credit reporting framework doesn’t reflect how short-term BNPL products are used, we look forward to a system where these products can contribute positively to consumers’ credit standing.”

On July 23, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on the initial change to the FICO terms. The company frames the change as a benefit to consumers. FICO Vice President Julie May states that the change to FICO Score 10 BNPL and 10T BNPL will provide “inclusion” for low-credit borrowers.

“Buy Now, Pay Later loans are playing an increasingly important role in consumers’ financial lives,” said May. “By expanding our FICO Score 10 Suite with new models designed to incorporate BNPL data, we’re enabling lenders to more accurately evaluate credit readiness, especially for consumers whose first credit experience is through BNPL products. This innovation also supports our mission to expand financial inclusion by helping more consumers gain access to credit.”

The change to the policy will consolidate all BNPL purchases together as one loan. Timely payments can help boost consumer credit scores. Missing a payment will negatively impact your payment history.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 6, 2025

Mathew Knowles Scolds Beyoncé’s Choreographer Over Stolen, Unreleased Material

Mathew Knowles says Beyoncé’s choreographer would be in "hot water" if he were still around.

Mathew Knowles may no longer manage his daughter Beyoncé’s career, but he made it clear that if he did, her choreographer would be in “hot water” over the unreleased material that was recently stolen from his car.

Knowles, who previously managed Destiny’s Child and guided Beyoncé through the early years of her solo career, appeared on The Don Lemon Show on Aug. 1, where he addressed the July 8 break-in at the Atlanta stop of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour. While in the city for her tour stop, her choreographer, Christopher Grant, experienced his rented Jeep Wagoneer being broken into, and unreleased Beyoncé material was stolen.

In addition to taking Grant’s clothing, luggage, and high-end headphones, thieves made off with unreleased Beyoncé music, show layouts, and past and upcoming set lists. It’s a situation, Knowles says, that would have been handled differently if he were still around.

“The choreographer had better be glad that I’m not still managing her, cause he would be in hot water,” Knowles said. “First of all, why did he have a hard drive with all her music as a choreographer? And if he did have it, why didn’t he secure it? You never ever would leave anything like that in a car.”

Adding to the tour’s hiccups, Knowles spoke about the June 28 show, where a car prop malfunction left Beyoncé leaning awkwardly in the elevated vehicle as it hovered above the crowd. He praised his daughter and her team for the professionalism and grace with which they handled the unexpected moment.

“Beyoncé’s such a professional and her team is so professional,” Knowles said. “Nobody panicked, and she told them with a stern voice to let her down. They realized they were wrong. They handled it very, very well.”

The proud father keeps a close watch on his daughter’s continued success since ending their professional relationship in 2011. Since stepping away from managing Beyoncé, Knowles has shifted his focus to mentoring others, working as a motivational speaker, and serving as a guest lecturer on topics like entrepreneurship and the entertainment industry.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 6, 2025

Black College Grad Announces Run For Mayor Of Metro Atlanta City

Sam Foster wants to bring modern leadership to the city of Marietta.

A recent college graduate has announced his candidacy for mayor of Marietta, a city located in the Metro Atlanta area.

Sam Foster moved to the area in 2019 to attend school at nearby Kennesaw State University. While matriculating, he grew fond of the area and its people. However, he noticed some systemic issues that stunted its growth.

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Since graduating with his Bachelor’s in Information Technology in 2022, Foster has remained a part of the Marietta community. He led a local nonprofit and attended city council meetings. He also helped residents stay connected and active through a communal bike ride.

“A new Marietta is possible, and it’s going to require new ideas,” shared Foster in his official campaign video. “Our community is ready for a vision that will build a Marietta that works forever. Leadership requires the courage to listen, the vision to lead, and the commitment to deliver.“

On his campaign website, he aims to tackle housing affordability. His plans, if elected mayor, also include fixing the streets for pedestrians and bike riders, as well as protecting green spaces while introducing fair taxes.

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“We are dealing with a housing affordability crisis that isn’t being treated with the urgency it demands,” added Foster in another video. “With no clear vision for the future and a desire to maintain the status quo, it’s time for a new Marietta. One with fresh ideas, led by someone who is ready to invest in our city and deliver on the promises that we failed to fulfill for decades. Our community is ready for a vision that will build a Marietta that actually works forever.”

He also wants to invest in supportive housing and low-barrier services, as well as mental health services for unhoused people. Furthermore, he hopes to instill greater trust between residents and the local leaders they elect. As a modern leader, Foster wants Marietta to live up to its potential with a bold vision for the city.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 6, 2025

Henrietta Lacks Honored With A Mural, Completed By Baltimore Community

Shawn Berkins and the Baltimore community honored the driving force behind modern scientific research during a Henrietta Lacks Paint Day.

Artist Shawn Berkins and Baltimore residents honor Henrietta Lacks during the Henrietta Lacks Community Paint Day.

In July, residents gathered to assist in the completion of the mural. Alongside Berkins, the community members assisted in bringing Henrietta’s story and image to life. The center of the mural features Lack’s face and was installed near Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Berkins spoke to WMAR Baltimore about the significance of bringing light to Lack’s story.

“We can bring awareness to her whole story about her immortal cells and how she’s been able to impact the world on a global stage,” Berkins said.

Nosreme Baltimore organized the commission that began in 2017. The organization sought to honor one of the driving forces behind modern medicine. It also attempted, and succeeded, in bringing the Baltimore community together to join the initiative.

Ariana Parish, executive director of Nosreme, noted the community’s proximity to Johns Hopkins, which also serves as a research institute. She believes the location is a fitting place to memorialize Lacks and educate others about her contribution to medicine.

“How can we do something that honors Henrietta Lacks in this neighborhood … we’re in the medical campus area,” said Parish.

Organizers say a formal unveiling event is planned for late September. In the meantime, the mural remains a powerful daily reminder of a Baltimore woman whose life had global implications and whose memory is finally celebrated.

Lacks’s cells, harvested without her consent in 1951, became the first immortal human cell line, the HeLa Cell, which is crucial to polio vaccine development, cancer research, and more. However, Lacks did not consent to the unethical testing. Though widely used in labs, Lacks never received recognition or compensation for decades.

The immortal HeLa cells have been used in multiple scientific research studies since 1951. As a result, descendants of Lacks have launched litigation against multiple pharmaceutical companies that have profited from the use of her biological property.

FAMU, Florida A and M University, FAMU Board Of Trustees, Dubious Donation

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 6, 2025

FAMU Board Of Trustees Points To Chair And Leadership Issues In New Self-Evaluation

The Board did not sugarcoat any of its issues it needs to work on for next year.

Florida A&M University’s Board of Trustees has released a new statement as part of its self-evaluation, revealing trouble within the group.

The Board of Trustees shared the self-evaluation with the public, which detailed its concerns regarding leadership, communication, and its former interim president. According to WCTV, the board scored itself lower in almost every category as compared to last year.

The document detailed how the Board has lowered its approval of how it operates. One category, on governance and leadership, dropped significantly to an average score of 2.1 out of 5: “The Board operates as a cohesive unit and strives toward a shared vision.” The majority of board members marked their responses toward the statement as “below average.”

Out of five statements regarding their effectiveness and actions in the best interest of FAMU, only one category, regarding participation in the decision-making process, held a higher performance average. The others, which included effectively working with clear responsibilities, remaining independent from outside stakeholders, and even the chair’s leadership, received lower average ratings.

The Board also acknowledges that FAMU faculty have been “systematically excluded” from key decision-making, with the issue reportedly worsened by the chair’s leadership. With calls for better leadership, they deemed their current model “not reflective” of what the university deserves.

“The leadership model currently in place is not reflective of the inclusive, transparent, and principled governance that our University deserves,” detailed the evaluation. “Faculty remain committed to advocating for fairness, shared governance, and the betterment of our institution, and we call upon the Board to do the same.”

The document added, “Due to a lack of proper leadership, the board functions at a low level and cannot move the university forward in a positive manner.”

However, the Board continued to “drag” itself during its self-evaluation, with members giving low scores in policy implementation and approach, as well as institutional sustainability. They further criticized the board chair for failing to improve relations between members, as well as a “troubling absence of accountability” among administrators, which they also attribute to the chair.

While the Board noted some positives about its work, including the selection of a new president and a successful budgetary process, members had mixed reviews regarding the past year’s interim president, Timothy J. Beard.

“President Beard created a culture of trust, mutual respect, and accountability, especially among [the] senior leadership team,” wrote Trustee Kristin Harper.

However, another trustee, Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons, sharply disagreed. Gibbons called Beard “a complete embarrassment and “the most ineffective leader I have seen in a long time.”

They also subtly referenced how the controversial presidential search led to rumors surrounding how the Board lets “external political pressures” influence its decisions. The University’s appointment of Marva Johnson, who also has the support of Florida’s MAGA-affiliated leadership, sparked backlash among the HBCU community.

“There has been ongoing concern and hearsay regarding the influence of external political pressures on how certain Board members cast their votes. If these claims are unfounded, it’s important that we remain transparent and unified to dispel any misconceptions.”

Now dealing with bouts of mistrust, the Board of Trustees says it must course-correct to assure stakeholders, faculty, and students that it serves in the best interest of FAMU.

It added, “However, if there is truth to them, we must address it directly and take steps to ensure that our decision-making remains rooted solely in what is best for the university and those we are here to serve. We need to address the issue of trust, with each other, and with key stakeholders.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 6, 2025

Latto Has Them Apple Bottom Jeans In New Brand Collab For Album Anniversary

Latto revealed a 16-piece collection with Apple Bottoms to delight fans.

Latto is switching her “Georgia Peach” for some Apple Bottoms. The rapper has donned the iconic denim amid her Sugar Honey Iced Tea album anniversary.

As she celebrated the one-year release of her Southern-inspired album, Latto kicked off the festivities with the new brand partnership. Latto shared on social media about the venture, featuring the honey-blonde entertainer in the famous jeans. The Jasmine Brand re-shared the images on its Instagram.

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The collaboration also comes with an exclusive collection of Apple Bottoms and couture curated by the “Big Mama” rapper. Comprised of 16 pieces, the collection ranges from velour track suits to t-shirts and buckle belts.

Some of the designs even feature Latto’s favorite cheetah pattern, including a tracksuit, chiffon scarf, pants, and baby tee. Prices also range from $30 to $100, offering affordable styles to her fan base.

“Blending Latto’s signature style with iconic Y2K fashion, this collab brings a fresh take on the looks that made Apple Bottoms a hip hop staple,” the company described on its website.

Latto released her third studio album on Aug. 9 of last year. The LP, which featured hits such as “Big Mama” and “Put It on da Floor,” debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200. The certified Gold album also coincided with her Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour, which held 30 shows across North America and Europe.

The move also comes as Apple Bottoms marks its reemergence in the streetwear scene as a Black-owned fashion brand. As the clothing line rolls out its relaunch, partnering with a modern hip-hop star like Latto will help draw in a new generation of fans for the popular 2000s brand.

As Latto continues to make her mark in rap music, she is now part of the Apple Bottoms family as it regains its throne in the fashion industry.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 6, 2025

Florida Community Shocked By ‘Awkward’ MLK Jr. Statue, ‘It Doesn’t Look Like Him’

Winter Park, Florida, locals are scratching their heads over the design of a new MLK Jr. statue.

A Florida community is expressing its disappointment following the unveiling of a costly Martin Luther King Jr. statue locals are calling “awkward.”

Winter Park, Florida, came together last month for the unveiling of “Ripple,” a larger-than-life-size bronze statue honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., WESH reports. The new statue is a joint project of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Parks & Recreation Department, in partnership with the MLK/Shady Park Planning Committee, to dedicate Unity Corner within Martin Luther King, Jr. Park.

What was intended to be a proud moment for the city instead left many residents shocked and let down by the design of the bronzed civil rights icon.

“I was a little. I don’t know, shocked. It didn’t look quite like I thought it would or thought it should,” Winter Park resident Jordan Chew said.

“On one side, oh yeah, I like it. On the other side, it doesn’t look like him,” added Nora Koenecke.

Jonathan Blount, co-founder of Essence Magazine, spoke directly with Winter Park Commissioners about the “awkward” statue that he says falls short of the community’s expectations.

“His feet was too big, his head was too big. His arm was too big and it looked really like a caricature of Dr. King and really didn’t look anything like him,” Blount said.

Sculptor Andrew Luy, of Huntsville, Alabama, designed the statue, explaining that its deeper meaning is reflected in its name, “Ripple.”

“Just as a single drop of water creates multiple expanding waves, so too does Dr. King’s influence,” Luy said, according to the city’s Facebook page.

He says he didn’t receive any criticism from the King family after receiving their approval to design the statue.

“I didn’t have direct contact with the King estate, but from what I heard, they were very happy with the representation of the sculpture of Dr. King,” Luy said.

The city describes the statue’s outstretched hand as a nod to the iconic gesture Dr. King often made while speaking, symbolizing his calm and peaceful presence. The city chose to honor the families who once lived on the land where the park now stands by inscribing their names into the black granite memorial walls below the statue.

Winter Park Mayor Sheila DeCiccio acknowledged the community’s concerns, but is unsure what steps can be taken, given the significant investment already made in the project.

“Maybe it didn’t come out the way everybody had hoped it would,” DeCiccio said. “I hear what you’re saying, don’t know what we can do at this point. It was a very big investment.”

Boosie, Boosie Bash, Calib Wilson, Southern University

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 6, 2025

Boosie Accepts Plea Deal For Gun Charge

The Baton Rouge rapper stated that he was "tired of fighting."

Recording artist Boosie has accepted a plea deal in a case in which he was initially charged in June 2023 with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The Louisiana rapper informed his fans on social media that he had taken the deal after assuming that he had previously escaped punishment. He told his followers on X that he thought the case was over and that he was “TIRED OF FIGHTING.” He stated that he talked to his family, and it was the right decision for him to accept the plea deal. He also asked people to purchase his recently released album, Words of a Real One.

https://twitter.com/BOOSIEOFFICIAL/status/1952414668519034897

According to Billboard, the rapper is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 26. No details were revealed on what Bossie’s sentence may be or what charges he may be pleading guilty to. In June 2023, he was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm after authorities saw a weapon tucked into his waistband in an Instagram video. He was previously convicted in 2011 on drug charges, making him a felon.

In July 2024, a federal judge dismissed the case after questions surrounding a Second Amendment issue on whether nonviolent felons can be charged with this type of gun possession. However, prosecutors refiled the case after making some changes.

After President Donald Trump was elected to office in November, Boosie took to social media to request a pardon on his gun charges—no word on whether Trump even received a request or had any discussions about doing so.

Boosie is currently out on a $100,000 bond.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 6, 2025

New Report States Gen-Z Prefers Hybrid Schedule Over Fully Remote Work, Craves In-Person Connection

Gen-Zers are afraid they are not gaining enough professional development skills through a screen.

A new report has revealed a preference from Gen-Z employees that may come as a shock.

Gallup has reported that Gen-Z employees do not want a fully remote workplace. Instead of the new-age Zoom calls, they would rather connect with colleagues through in-person meetings.

Gen-Z prefers not to have a fully remote setup more than other generations, such as millennials and baby boomers. Findings from Gallup’s survey concluded that only 25% of Gen-Z workers liked an entirely remote schedule. This number differed significantly from other generations, where 35% of workers within these age ranges said they would never come into the office.

Some may find these results surprising, especially as Gen-Z seems more digitally inclined than its predecessors. They can troubleshoot a Zoom call and message easily on a Slack channel, making the virtual day seamless.

“You might think that [Gen Z] just would have an automatic preference for remote work, because they can do a lot of things digitally,” explained Jim Harter, chief scientist of workplace management and wellbeing at Gallup, to CNBC.

However, an entirely virtual work environment can come with its drawbacks. As Gen-Z enters the workforce, concerns about how remote work can hinder their career advancement have taken a toll.

Establishing key relationships with higher-ranking professionals in the office can be harder online, and Gen-Z has already started to notice. Gen-Z employees understand that its easier to forge these relationships through in-person encounters than a screen.

There are so many things that happen in-person that you can’t schedule for on Zoom calls: random conversations, solving problems, quickly asking for advice,” added Harter. “All of us that have experienced it know the difference.”

Instead, the majority of this age group vastly prefer hybrid work at 71%. With the highest percentage for this work preference among all generations, this group views this option as the best of both worlds. They still widely reject entirely in-person work, with only 6% of Gen-Z workers wanting that option.

Hybrid flexibility includes some remote days, with mandated in-office times. With this, employees can still work from the comfort of their home while building those crucial relationships for advancement. However, hybrid days cannot guarantee that early career employees will receive everything they need to develop. Ensuring this occurs remains up to the initiative of upper-level management.

Another potential reason for this preference could stem from loneliness. As many Gen-Zers were the first to experience remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, this lack of interaction stemming from school days has increased bouts of loneliness. Harter says that the need for “in-person connection” may drive this push for hybrid work options.

The study also confirmed that 1 in 5 employees, and especially those under 35, have experienced significant loneliness. Having all employees in the office on hybrid days can help boost necessary interaction on all levels of a company.