Grand Kru County Native Monica Swen Crowned Miss Earth Liberia 2025
Miss Liberia 2025 shares her plan to launch a sanitation team to address the country's drainage issue.
Liberia has a new “Queen” in the country after 23-year-old Monica Swen of Grand Kru County was crowned Miss Earth Liberia 2025.
Swen was crowned on Aug. 2 during the seventh annual Miss Earth Liberia pageant, where she represented the element ‘Sun,’ the Liberian Observer reports. The national competition, which determines Liberia’s delegate for the international Miss Earth stage, ended with outgoing queen, Mary W. Kermon, passing on the crown to Swen.
As part of her victory, Swen received a Chevrolet Malibu valued at approximately $9,000, along with undisclosed ambassadorial deals. She impressed the judging panel with her African fabric swimsuit and a show-stopping evening gown, beating out Beyons T. Nimely, who placed as first runner-up, and Dorcas G. Worlobah, who finished as second runner-up..
During the Q&A segment, Swen joined the two runner-ups on stage to share her sustainability vision for Liberia as the newly crowned Miss Earth. Her response was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, including actor and producer Gregory Artus Frank Jr., legal counselor Tupee Enid Taylor, philanthropist and politician Alice T. Baysah, Magic Group of Companies CEO Mamud Dabor, and Liberia Football Association’s third vice president, Jodie Marian Reid.
“I will set up a sanitation team, which will include my fellow contestants, to carry out sanitation awareness within the environment,” Swen said. “I believe that each of us here faces sanitation problems in our environment, and I need them to share their thoughts with me on this journey.”
A sophomore studying Banking and Finance at the Adventist University of West Africa, Swen will now represent Liberia in the global Miss Earth competition. As the newly crowned Miss Earth Liberia, Swen will now take on a role that aligns with the pageant’s mission of empowering women through environmental advocacy.
In a recent radio interview, she shared her passion for addressing Liberia’s drainage problems and urged citizens to take greater responsibility in keeping the streets free of trash.
“Whenever it rains in my community, I notice water flowing on the road, all because of a poor drainage system,” Swen said.
“Our drainage systems in our community are few, but we, as a people, need to take good care of the few we have by not allowing dirt to start clogging these drains. We Liberians have to take care of our own and keep it clean. Cleaning our drainage is everyone’s responsibility.”
Conservatives Go After Texas Roadhouse For Using DEI In Hiring Practices
Texas Roadhouse is facing a civil rights lawsuit for upholding its DEI practices.
A conservative legal group is targeting Texas Roadhouse in a civil rights lawsuit, accusing the restaurant chain of hiring based on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices.
America First Legal (AFL) filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, accusing Texas Roadhouse of violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York Post reports. AFL alleges that the company considers race and gender when selecting members for its Board of Directors, monitors employees’ race, gender, and ethnicity, and exposes the business to “reputational risk” because of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
“The evidence demonstrates that the Company’s hiring, promotion, and recruitment practices violate state and federal law,” the complaint states. “The evidence also demonstrates that the Company has prioritized unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and policies over shareholder value.”
AFL accuses Texas Roadhouse of acting with an “inappropriate disregard of your fiduciary duties to Texas Roadhouse and its shareholders.” However, in response to the lawsuit, Texas Roadhouse shared a chart in its 2024 10-K annual report detailing the percentages of employees and managers who are women or people of color.
The report states that the company considers DEI factors like gender and race when selecting nominees for its Board of Directors, alongside other criteria such as board experience and financial expertise. It also highlights professional development initiatives focused on identity, including a Women’s Leadership Summit and an African American Leadership Summit.
Texas Roadhouse emphasized its commitment to “attracting, retaining, engaging, recognizing, and developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our guests.” But AFL argues that the company is acting with an “inappropriate disregard of your fiduciary duties to Texas Roadhouse and its shareholders.”
“Texas Roadhouse’s policies are a relic of an era where DEI contaminated American culture with the false belief that good intentions make discrimination okay,” AFL Counsel Will Scolinos said in a statement.
Texas Roadhouse joins Cracker Barrel as targets of AFL’s civil rights lawsuits. AFL’s legal challenges against companies supporting DEI practices align with President Donald Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders, which prohibit federal agencies from contracting with firms that implement DEI policies. Companies like Target, Amazon, Disney, and Facebook have faced criticism for scaling back their DEI efforts. In contrast, others, like Costco and Apple, continue to resist shareholder pressure to abandon their initiatives.
NCAT’s ‘Greatest Homecoming On Earth’ Game Sells Out In Hours For Second Year In A Row
The game and its additional tailgate have already sold out of all tickets.
North Carolina A&T University’s “Greatest Homecoming On Earth” signature game has already sold out…again.
Tickets went on sale the morning of Aug. 4 and were completely sold out, with over 21,000 seats sold within hours. All categories of seating, including premium reserved and Game Day Tailgate, have been taken. The football game will take place on Oct. 11 at Truist Stadium against South Carolina State.
The sold-out game will also bring in hefty funds for the school, with reserved tickets priced at $65 and general admission starting at $50. However, to participate in the tailgate, ticket-holders need to purchase an additional pass.
NCAT’s homecoming, colloquially known as “GHOE,” is seen across the HBCU community as one of the best events of the season. Fans, students, and alumni will travel to Greensboro to take part in the week-long festivities.
According to HBCU Gameday, the game will also host a former MEAC conference rivalry between the two HBCUs. NCAT also previously announced dynamic pricing for home games against its rivals, like the Bulldogs. While NCAT currently plays in the Coastal Athletic Association, the game will revitalize a long-time rivalry to boost the homecoming energy.
The Homecoming game will also celebrate the second year of selling out. Furthermore, the Aggies hope to improve upon last season’s record. The only win of their previous season came from their Homecoming match.
HBCU football remains a pivotal part of the homecoming experience, especially for NCAT. The tailgate portion has already sold out, prompting more expected attendees to buy in early or risk missing out. The game and its surrounding activities will include performances by the Blue and Gold Marching band as well as a classic HBCU fellowship.
NCAT also expects to break last year’s attendance record, where it saw over 131,000 Aggies, fans, and spectators on campus. As the game and its highly anticipated tailgate make up a significant part of the occasion, the HBCU continues to establish itself as a homecoming worth seeing at least once.
Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses In Charlotte During National Black Business Month
Black-owned businesses are booming in Charlotte—and this August, they’re taking center stage as the city celebrates National Black Business Month with pride and powerful community impact.
As August ushers in National Black Business Month, entrepreneurs across Charlotte, North Carolina, are taking the opportunity to reflect on the significant role these businesses play in shaping the Queen City’s economy and culture.
As reported by WCNC, Kevin Kelley, owner of the popular Kitchen + Kocktails restaurant, sees the month as more than just a celebration—it’s a recognition of enduring contributions.
“August being Black Business Month is a fantastic thing, and I think so, because African Americans have played such an important part in the success of Charlotte and beyond,” Kelley said.
The impact of Black-owned enterprises extends nationwide. With more than 3.1 million Black-owned businesses across the U.S., these ventures are driving innovation, fueling economic growth, and creating spaces for professional and cultural empowerment.
For Oye Lola Diya, who works at fashion boutique Nyoni Couture, Black ownership means personal and professional fulfillment. “Black-owned businesses are important for people like myself because I have a space where I can really be truly, authentically ambitious and motivated, and they like that because it works for the business,” Diya shared.
Kelley echoed the importance of community building through business. “We make sure that we focus on the food, the drinks, but also the vibe too… we’ve been able to hire 100 people, we’ve been able to serve a substantial number of people as well, so this community means a lot to us,” he said.
The growth of Nyoni Couture exemplifies the rise of Black entrepreneurship beyond local roots. “This whole vision is created by a Black man and his name is Nyoni as well, and he’s been able to start here and expand,” Diya said. “To be able to start in Charlotte as a flagship store, have another store in Atlanta, have another store in Houston—these are popular locations where Black people are succeeding and they’re on the rise.”
For Kelley, Diya, and many others, honoring Black-owned businesses goes beyond August. It’s about long-term investment, cultural pride, and community advancement. “Highlighting businesses that African Americans have invested in, sacrificed for so that the entirety of Charlotte can be served, is a positive thing,” Kelley concluded.
Bill Collins, 1st Black Football Captain For University Of Colorado, Dead At 76
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, seven children, and 21 grandchildren
Former University of Colorado Boulder football player Bill Collins, the school’s first Black football captain, has passed away at the age of 76.
The school announced that Collins passed away in Dallas on July 31 after a long battle with cancer. While playing at CU, he was one of three captains on the team during his tenure on the 1969 team. Racism was still rampant during that time, and at the start of a game against Alabama, which had no Black players, the Alabama team tried to intimidate Collins when he appeared with his co-captains for the coin toss, sending all 40 players (all white) on the team to meet them midfield.
“Bill Collins was a great teammate and friend during our time at CU and after,” said teammate and College Football Hall of Famer Bobby Anderson. “Bill took that courageous walk to midfield for the coin toss by himself when Alabama had sent out the entire 40-some all-white players to represent them that no one associated with our team will ever forget.”
That incident occurred during his senior season, when he earned second-team All-Big Eight honors. He was also awarded the conference’s player of the week in the team’s 35-14 victory over Tulsa when they opened the season at Folsom Field. As a defensive tackle, he recorded 23 tackles (7 unassisted), which was a school record at the time.
During his career at CU, he had 167 tackles (57 solo, 11 for losses with five quarterback sacks) and eight pass deflections in 25 games.
Collins is survived by his wife of 45 years, Esther D., seven children, daughters Tammy Franklin Kirk, Da’Vidra West, Tamara Collins, Dawn Wilburn, Kimberly Tripp (Derrick), Celeste Howell (Keith) and son William “Bill” III (Novelette), 21 grandchildren: Kerrion, Carrington (Maxx), Caziah (Alena), Kennedy, Micah, Brandon, Andrew, Imani, Derrick II, Kelise, Gideon-Michael, William III, Caleb, Stephen-Gabriel, Evadney, John-Alan, Dylan, Kendyl, Kason, Kenzlie, Keith III and two great-grandchildren (Shiloh and Levi Noelle).
There is a scheduled viewing on Aug. 6 from 3-8 p.m. (CDT) at Evergreen Funeral Home (6449 University Hills Blvd., Dallas, TX 75241). The celebratory service will take place Aug. 7, with viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The celebration of life will be at the Oakcliff Bible Fellowship, 1660 West Camp Wisdom Road, Dallas, TX 75232. Cards and gifts can be sent to 1201 Frost Hollow Drive, DeSoto, TX 75115.
An Aug. 4 notice posted to the Federal Register announced a 12-month pilot program that would require travelers from countries with high visa overstay rates and weak internal document security to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 when applying for a visa, AP reports. The move could make the visa process unaffordable for many amid declines in international tourism to the U.S. due to criticism of the country’s current policies being unwelcoming to tourists.
The proposal is part of the Trump administration’s continued efforts to tighten visa requirements. Along with the suggested bond, the State Department also revealed that many individuals seeking to renew their visas would now need to complete an in-person interview, an extra step that wasn’t required before. Additionally, the department is pushing for a rule that would require Diversity Visa Lottery applicants to hold valid passports from their country of citizenship.
A preview of the bond proposal states that the pilot program would go into effect 15 days after its official publication. The countries that will be impacted will be revealed once the program launches. The measure, which can be waived depending on the individual’s situation, is intended to protect the U.S. government from financial responsibility if a visitor fails to comply with the conditions of their visa.
“Aliens applying for visas as temporary visitors for business or pleasure and who are nationals of countries identified by the department as having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient, or offering citizenship by investment, if the alien obtained citizenship with no residency requirement, may be subject to the pilot program,” the notice said.
The bond requirement would not apply to travelers from countries in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows visits for business or tourism purposes for up to 90 days. Most of the 42 participating nations are in Europe, with others located in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
The new proposal marks the first time the State Department could enforce such a bond policy, despite historically opposing it due to the complexity of the process and concerns about how it might be perceived by the public.
Georgia Farmers Market Week Encourages Shoppers To Buy Local Across State
The week will include partnerships with agri-focused nonprofits and a map to help shoppers buy local.
Georgia Farmers Market Week is here, coinciding with the national celebration of small farmers.
The state’s Department of Agriculture announced a new initiative to encourage shoppers to buy locally across the state. From Aug. 4 through 10, Georgians can take part in the homegrown venture to support these local markets and vendors.
The Georgia Agriculture Commissioner, Tyler J. Harper, says these investments aim to bolster local food systems and rural economic development. Harper hopes the week will spark a year-round drive to connect and source food from these sites.
“I’m proud to declare this week Georgia Farmers’ Market Week, and to highlight the important role farmers markets play in supporting our state’s #1 industry, farm families, and agribusinesses across Georgia,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper, in a press release on the Department’s website. “Agriculture is the bridge that connects urban Georgia and rural Georgia together as one, and if you visit your local farmers market this week, you will see that firsthand. We’re committed to helping strengthen farmers’ markets across Georgia for farmers and consumers alike.”
The Department will launch an interactive farmers market map to help shoppers find and source these local vendors. They have also initiated a partnership with Generation Gap, a nonprofit that focuses on amplifying and supporting farmers’ markets, furthering its mission in this new venture. It will provide direct marketing support and technical assistance to these markets to boost customers’ awareness.
“Farmers markets are more than just places to buy produce—they are platforms for community resilience, economic mobility, and local culture,” said Generation Gap Director Sagdrina Brown Jalal. “I’m excited to partner with the Department of Agriculture to help ensure that markets across Georgia have the tools they need to grow and sustain themselves.”
The Farmers Market map will also include markets partnered with the Georgia Grown program. The organization helps local agribusinesses thrive through agritourism, while establishing relationships with producers, distributors, and consumers.
With agriculture as Georgia’s No. 1 industry, this news also supports small Black farmers in the area. According to the Georgia Farm Bureau, 2022 data confirmed that 2,7000 of local farmers identify as Black. As they represent a significant portion of the diverse farmers in the state, these initiatives will further support their agribusinesses in achieving sustainable futures.
Former Haitian Senator Arrested For Allegedly Working With Gangs To Attack Wealthy Area
A former Haitian Senator was arrested for allegedly financing gang activity.
Police in Haiti have arrested Nenel Cassy, a former senator accused of conspiring against the state by financing criminal organizations.
Heavily armed guards wearing ski masks arrested Cassy on Aug. 2, while he was dining at a restaurant in Port-au-Prince’s wealthy district, Petionville, NBC News reports. His arrest follows months of allegations from Haitian police, who claim he supported gang members involved in a deadly February assault on Kenscoff, a community located about six miles outside the capital and home to many of Haiti’s elite.
Kenscoff had largely remained untouched as the government grapples with losing control of various neighborhoods and villages to gangs. But since February, the area has become a new target, with gangs pushing to claim even more territory from the Haitian government.
In 2023, the U.S. State Department designated Cassy as a corrupt actor. Shortly after his arrest, armed men kidnapped nine staff members from an orphanage in Kenscoff around 2 a.m., according to Mayor Massillon Jean. Among those taken was a foreign national whose citizenship has not yet been confirmed. The orphanage, operated by Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH), an international charity with offices in Mexico and France, provides shelter for approximately 240 children.
NPH has said that seven staff members and one youth were taken, with one of the taken staff members being a foreign national. In response, the organization announced it will temporarily close the two hospitals it operates in Haiti until those taken from the orphanage are safely returned.
The latest attack adds to the escalating wave of gang violence gripping the nation. According to the United Nations, gangs now control at least 85% of Haiti’s capital, with previously peaceful communities increasingly falling under threat.
The United Nations reports that over 5,600 people lost their lives in Haiti last year, with gang violence displacing more than 1 million people in recent years. Between April and June of this year, 185 kidnappings were recorded, part of what the UN describes as a tactic used by gangs to “subjugate” residents in the areas they control.
Mercedes-Benz Expands West African Footprint With Truck Assembly Plant In Senegal
Mercedes-Benz is launching a truck assembly plant in Senegal that promises jobs and industrial growth.
German automotive juggernaut Mercedes-Benz is ramping up its investment in Africa with plans to open a truck assembly plant in Senegal, a move seen as a major boost to the region’s industrial and economic development.
The upcoming facility, which is expected to launch its first production line by the end of 2025, is part of a three-way collaboration between the Senegalese government, Mercedes-Benz, and Global Truck Systems (GTS).
Initially, the plant will focus on assembling military trucks for the Senegalese armed forces, with future plans to include civilian and commercial vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz is establishing a truck assembly plant in Senegal to support West Africa's automotive industry.
The initiative is to assemble military vehicles initially and later expand to civilian trucks, creating jobs and bolstering the local economy.
— Business Insider Africa (@BusInsiderSSA) August 4, 2025
“An initial assembly line will be operational by the end of 2025. Several hundred jobs will be created during the initial phase, with a target of several thousand in the long term,” said Jan Weber, commercial director of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, during an interview with Senegal’s national broadcaster RTS.
The announcement from Business InsiderAfricacomes after a high-level meeting between Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and a Mercedes-Benz delegation led by CEO Franziska Cusumano.
Under the agreement, Mercedes-Benz will provide Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits, allowing for the local assembly of trucks. This model reduces import dependency while simultaneously developing local manufacturing capabilities.
The initiative dovetails with Senegal’s broader strategy to industrialize its economy, attract foreign investment, and create skilled jobs. It also positions Dakar—a key logistics hub—as a central node in West Africa’s growing automotive ecosystem.
Mercedes-Benz emphasized the long-term vision of the project in a company statement: “The objective is to provide high-quality conditions for locally assembled vehicles, including long-term service support. With the commitment of Daimler Truck, the two local partners can create new jobs on site and thus contribute to the country’s value creation and economic development.”
Africa’s commercial vehicle market has been experiencing robust growth, driven by infrastructure projects, urbanization, and increasing intra-regional trade. The German automaker already maintains strong operations in South Africa, where Daimler Truck Southern Africa employs around 300 people at one of the company’s largest facilities outside Germany. It also has assembly partnerships in Egypt and Algeria.
By bringing operations closer to West Africa’s emerging markets, Mercedes-Benz is not only supporting regional development but also strengthening its position in a rapidly expanding global logistics sector.
Tap Into These Upcoming Back‑To‑School Drives In Your City
The school year has officially kicked off
The school year is about to officially kick off, and with the current economy and unemployment affecting many families, the cost of school supplies can be a real financial strain. Fortunately, there are events happening across the country that can help ease the burden. Back-to-school drives are popping up in cities everywhere. Supplies, services, and support are available for kids of all ages. If you’re scrambling to find backpacks, notebooks, or some good community support, these events are worth checking out. They can make a difference in helping your kid get off to a good start this year, and it’s a way to take some pressure off this time of year. Just thinking about getting everything your kids need for school can be overwhelming, so anything that makes it easier is a plus. Find a back-to-school drive near you.
End of Summer Bash: Back‑to‑School Finale
Get ready for the End of Summer Bash, a back-to-school party that’s going to be a blast. Dreams for Darrius Inc. is hosting the event. It’s happening on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Mozley Park in Atlanta, from 12 PM to 5 PM. Swing by and get some goodies, including backpacks and school supplies. There will be music, food, and all sorts of entertainment to keep you occupied. It’s free to get in, but remember to snag a ticket here.
Gear Up for Greatness: Back2School Bash
The StoreHouse, the country’s first Black-run food bank, is throwing an event called Gear Up for Greatness. Back2School Bash is a space where kids can get ready for school and connect with the community. Mark your calendars for Sunday, Aug. 17. It runs from 2-5 PM at G. James Gholson Middle School. If you’re in the DMV area, you should check it out. The organization is offering backpacks, school supplies, and fresh food. There will be help with access to education and support programs.
New York Restoration Project Backpack & School Supply Giveaway
Backpack and school supply giveaways are happening in New York City. This year, the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) is stepping in to help kids get ready. It’s all part of the NYRP Ready for Learning initiative, which aims to make sure students have what they need to succeed in the school year. They’re giving out backpacks and school supplies at community gardens in several neighborhoods across the city. Distributions will happen throughout August:
Staten Island: Westervelt Community Garden, Aug.10
Bronx: Grover Street Community Garden, Aug. 16; Target Bronx Community Garden and Creston Avenue Playground, Aug. 30; Eastchester Road Community Garden, Aug. 31
Queens: 50 Cent Community Garden, Aug. 17
Brooklyn: Essex Street Community Garden, Aug. 22; McCleod’s Community Garden, Aug. 23; Bed-Stuy Community Garden, Aug. 29
On Aug. 9, the BE Impactful Foundation will host its event called Back to School Daze at the Houston Texans YMCA on Griggs Road in Houston. The org is kicking off at 11 AM. The Back to School Daze mission is to equip students and their families with the basics needed for school. There will be all sorts of activities going on.
Back‑to‑School Backpack Drive‑Thru Rally & Rally Day
In South Bend, Indiana, on Sunday, Aug. 9, the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church is hosting its Back to School Backpack event from 10 AM to 12 PM. The back-to-school drive is operated through a drive-thru where families can pick up backpacks and school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis. That’s not all. After the drive-thru, they’ve got a bunch of fun activities planned from 12 PM to 4 PM. Think kids’ games, activities for parents, and even vouchers for haircuts.
Balance It Out Back 2 School Drive: School Supplies Giveaway
Balance It Out Taxes & Bookkeeping LLC, a Memphis-based, Black-owned business, is putting on a back-to-school drive and giving away school supplies to kids who need them. It’s going down on Saturday, Aug. 9. The fun starts at 12 PM and wraps up at 3 PM. Parents can swing by Cornerstone Prep Lester, located at 320 Carpenter Street, and drive right through to pick up a backpack filled with all the school essentials. No fuss, no muss.
Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway and Resource Fair
The folks at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit are hosting a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway and Resource Fair. It’s happening on Saturday, Aug. 23. The event kicks off at 10 in the morning and wraps up at 3 in the afternoon. Mark your calendars if you’re in the area. It’s definitely worth checking out. Just head to 2080 West Grand Boulevard. They’re giving out items for kids going to school, including backpacks, school supplies,, and even uniforms. You can also grab some food. Check out what local vendors have to offer. To make it a bit more exciting, there are raffles, too.
Racial Justice Network Back to School Giveaway
The Racial Justice Network is kicking off the school year with a bang. They’re hosting a Back to School Giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 16. The drive is happening from 1 pm to 4 pm at Sanctuary Covenant Church, located at 2018 Aldrich Ave N in Minneapolis. The drive will have school supplies, books, and even food available.
On Saturday, Aug. 16, the city of Petersburg, Virginia, is hosting an event called Fill A Backpack at the Progress Index Building on Franklin Street from 12 to 4 PM. Progress Index is teaming up with community groups to make this backpack drive happen. The goal is simple: give away free school supplies to kids from kindergarten all the way to grade 12. If you want to get a backpack, just make sure to sign up in time.
