by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 31, 2025

Lil Baby Gifts Thousands Of Students At 5th Annual Back To School Fest In Atlanta

The event took place July 26 at West End Production Park

Recording artist Lil Baby gave back to his community, hosting his fifth annual Back to School Fest at West End Production Park for thousands of families.

The Atlanta native and his nonprofit organization, The Jones Project, gifted over 4,000 families with much-needed supplies to help send children back to school and alleviate the pressure on those who cannot afford certain items. Many sponsors and partners also came out to support the efforts of “The Bigger Picture” rapper.

J.McCallister Events, The Jessie Rose Project, The Athlete’s Foot, Fanatics, Slim & Husky’s Pizza, Zaxby’s, and Dr. Bombay assisted in providing thousands of students with complimentary items, including school supplies, uniforms, backpacks, shoes, wellness kits, exclusive Fanatics-branded gear, and more.

Lil Baby’s 5th Annual Back To School Fest! @whamcbfw4 pic.twitter.com/eobFewM2IJ

— 📸 (@alexxshotthat) July 30, 2025

Attendees were able to enjoy themselves inside a warehouse that was transformed to provide the families with space to enjoy themselves and the activities there. Kids got the chance to enjoy the carnival rides, various games, face painting, and a bounce house. There were also free haircuts and braiding services given.

City leaders from Atlanta attended the event to show support for the rapper and his nonprofit, including Atlanta City Council members Andrea Boone, Michael J. Bonds, and Marci Collier Overstreet, as well as Eshe Collins, a civil rights attorney and board member of the Atlanta Board of Education.

The Atlanta Voice got the opportunity to speak to Lil Baby at the event.

“It means a lot to be able to come back and give back, because I know so much comes behind not having shoes and school utensils and stuff for school, because that be a lot of kids’ reason to steer off,” Lil Baby told the media outlet.

He stated he felt good knowing that with the efforts of his event, that’s one less thing parents don’t have to worry about.

“To know that the parents don’t have to stress about this part makes me feel good,” said Lil Baby.

by Kandiss Edwards

July 31, 2025

Atlanta’s Cascade Road Business Owners Say 3-Year Construction Is Hindering Revenue

After three years of construction on Cascade Road, local business owners are fed up with detours that divert and discourage patronage.

Business owners on Cascade Road are speaking out about the years-long construction project impeding their businesses.

Business owners say the delays and poor planning are hindering customer access and are playing a major part in declining revenue. On July 29, concerned citizens and business owners met to discuss the disturbance.

Trinket Lewis, owner of MoreLyfe Juice Co., said her sales dropped from nearly 950 customers a month in 2023 to just 380 now. Trinket blames detours near I‑285 for blocking what used to be robust lunch traffic.

“We’re averaging about a 72% drop daily,” she told Atlanta News First.

J.R. Crickets owner Trent Floyd says that after a million-dollar investment in his restaurant, patronage is at a standstill. Floyd hoped for an increase in customers as the neighborhoods on Cascade Road are flourishing.

“That momentum came to a screeching halt… It’s critical for the corridor’s vitality,” Floyd told the Atlanta Voice.

Councilmember Marci Collier Overstreet was vocal in her support of the local business community.

“These are not minor inconveniences—they are critical issues with real economic consequences for your livelihoods and our community’s cultural and commercial fabric,” Collier Overstreet wrote in an open letter.”

She continued, “I have advocated for Invest Atlanta to explore the provision of emergency grant funding—not loans—to support Cascade business owners during this time,” she noted. “Immediate financial relief can provide a vital bridge to ensure your businesses survive the temporary disruption and continues to thrive once construction is complete.”

Despite a $21 million investment plan approved in August 2021, the project has become a symbol of poor planning. Sidewalks were built too wide, and street lanes too narrow, failing to accommodate fire trucks and forcing redesigns that added months of delay—the initial design called for road resurfacing, traffic signal upgrades, and extended sidewalks.

Invest Atlanta has dispersed zero grants to date despite promises, Collier Overstreet confirmed. As a result, many business owners now wonder if Cascade Heights will survive. The roadwork has no foreseeable end date. Currently, business owners and residents alike will face disruptions. Additionally, they deal with uncertainty about the future of the local economy.

Swing by Cascade Road now, and instead of foot traffic, you’ll see dusty sidewalks and rows of “Closed” signs.

Taylor Edwards, gamecocks, TSU, Tennessee state university

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 31, 2025

Raiders Reportedly Cut Christian Wilkins After Kissing Teammate

According to ESPN, that was not the only reason Wilkins was cut after just one season in Las Vegas.

The NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders cut Christian Wilkins partially because he kissed a teammate.

The NFL team released a statement July 24 confirming Wilkins’ release. But four days later, ESPN reported that he kissed a teammate on the head inside the team meeting room.

Although Wilkins reportedly intended the gesture to be “playful,” a source shared that the teammate found it inappropriate and took offense.

After an investigation, Wilkins was cut from the team.

“We have decided that it is in the best interests of the organization to move on from Christian Wilkins, and he has been informed of his release from the team,” the Raiders said in a statement shared on X. “This franchise has a Commitment to Excellence on and off the field.”

pic.twitter.com/WV0sKoG7oQ
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) July 24, 2025

Sources told ESPN that the kissing incident wasn’t the sole reason for Wilkins’ release. After joining the Raiders in 2024, Wilkins suffered a foot injury in October and underwent surgery. When the team recommended a second procedure, Wilkins refused.

As a result, the Raiders voided the remaining $35.2 million in guaranteed money from his four-year, $110 million deal, which initially included $84.75 million guaranteed. In response to his release, the NFL Players Association has filed a non-injury grievance on Wilkins’ behalf.

“With no clear path or plan for future return to play from Christian, this transaction is necessary for the entire organization to move forward and prepare for the new season,” the Raiders said in a press release.

Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler addressed the situation, saying the team has “moved on” and offering a brief, general statement about the importance of mental health.

“Whatever you’re going through as a person, athlete, non-athlete or whoever… Whatever your struggle is, if you’ve got something going on in life, just talk to somebody. Get some therapy. Somebody out there in this world will hear you out,” he said.

Before signing with the Raiders, Wilkins spent five seasons with the Miami Dolphins, where he recorded a career-high nine sacks in 2023. In 2024, he collected 17 tackles, two sacks, and six quarterback hits in five games before his season-ending surgery.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 31, 2025

Memphis Charter School Bans Jordan Sneakers

The Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering banned Jordan sneakers ahead of the new school year.

A charter school in Memphis, Tennessee, is clearing up any confusion it caused students and parents with its recent ban on Jordan sneakers.

The Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering took to Facebook on July 28 with an update on a new dress code policy change that barred students from wearing the iconic kicks. The school clarified that only black casual or black dress shoes will be permitted moving forward.

“We sincerely regret any confusion or disappointment caused by our recent post regarding Jordans. Our current uniform policy requires all scholars to wear black casual or dress shoes to maintain a consistent and uniform look,” the school said.

The school says the ban stems from Jordan sneakers frequently being involved in previous dress code violations.

After backlash from students and parents over the ban, the charter school said students can voice their concerns when the new school year begins.

“However, we deeply value the voices of our students and families, and we recognize the importance of personal expression and comfort. As such, we will revisit this policy with our scholars at the start of the school year,” the school said. “We are committed to ensuring that shoe choice does not become a barrier to education or belonging.”

Parents flooded the comments with support for the Jordan ban, arguing that students should prioritize education over fashion. Others viewed the policy as a way to protect less fortunate kids from being bullied over their clothing.

“Stand on business!! Dress shoes, worried about some Jordans, need to be worried about them books,” one person wrote.

“Sticking to the policy of the dress code may make some others feel some type of way, but the ones who are less fortunate get bullied, and these boys will fight over a pair of shoes and take their shoes,” added someone else. “If everyone is wearing the same type of shoe, there’s not as much bullying going around.”

Atlanta Georgia, education, Super Bowl LXII, Atlanta Wine and Jazz Festival, Build-to-rent

by Jameelah Mullen

July 31, 2025

Atlanta Races To Shelter 400 Unhoused People Ahead Of World Cup Kickoff

Atlanta will host eight World Cup matches beginning June 15, 2026.

Atlanta and its agencies have joined forces to implement their plan to “eliminate” homelessness before next summer’s World Cup. The city and its partners aim to house more than 400 people who live on the streets of downtown Atlanta.

The city initially offered housing to 14 people who had been sleeping in tents at the Old Wheat Street Encampment in downtown Atlanta. But after discovering twice as many people were living there, they agreed to help seven more.

“Whether or not these were residents at one time, we rallied the requisite amount of housing that we could for the individuals that were known to us,” Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for HOME, an organization that provides services to Atlanta’s homeless community, told The Associated Press. “The additional names were brought at the last minute and we’re trying to rally like we do for everybody in our system an appropriate resource for them.”

However, the city and its partners face many challenges, including long waitlists for city-funded housing. Also, unhoused people are less likely to have documentation like IDs and Social Security cards because they often need an address to get these documents. Activists have criticized the city for policies that usually make it hard for unhoused residents to get help.

In January 2025, as city officials tried to clear the Old Wheat Street encampment, an Atlanta Department of Public Works vehicle fatally hit 46-year-old Cornelius Taylor while he was sleeping in his tent. The incident sparked public outrage, prompting the city to halt the project.

Tim Franzen, a member of the Justice for Cornelius Taylor Coalition and a critic of Atlanta’s housing policies, told the Associated Press that the city is unprepared to implement its plan to provide shelter for the homeless community.

“There’s been months to prepare for this. There’s not a real plan,” Franzen said. The World Cup tournament is expected to attract over 300,000 visitors. The Metro Atlanta Chamber estimates an economic impact exceeding $500 million.

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 31, 2025

UfarmX Founder Alexander Zanders Turns 100 Acres Into Fintech, Leads African Agriculture

By operating in Nigeria, Senegal, and Liberia -- and plans to expand into Ivory Coast and Kenya -- more than 1,000 farmers use the UfarmX platform.

Fintech entrepreneur and founder Alexander Zanders decided to be proactive when the world shut down due to COVID-19 by selling his crypto holdings in exchange for 100 acres of Nigerian farmland to help farmers have access to credit and scale their products, AfroTech reports.

He launched his company, UfarmX, in 2020, after his journey of trading mobile devices led him to Africa, where he learned about innovation through direct, on-the-ground experience. But he didn’t come from a farming background. The Baltimore native graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia, where he founded an export company during a global shift in the supply chain. Trading devices in Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, and the Dominican Republic introduced him to cryptocurrency, back when Bitcoin was only $10.

However, when his daughter was born in 2015, his priorities shifted. “I always tell people I did what any rational person would do when the world feels like it’s ending,” he said. “I started farming.”

After being inspired by a trip to Moultrie, Georgia, where he witnessed Black laborers picking cotton by hand, he wondered why laborers in Africa were still doing the same. “I started asking why Africa, with all this arable land and talent, was still exporting raw goods for pennies and importing finished goods at a premium,” he said during his travels to Africa between 2016 and 2019.

“The math didn’t make sense.”

UfarmX became more important after Zanders learned banks have a hard time trusting farmers, limiting them with the proper resources they need. “Banks don’t trust farmers. No data. No collateral. No credit history. So they get nothing,” Zanders said. But, with the use of AI, proprietary software, and field-level insights, UfarmX has bridged a gap for farmers to receive more financial access with live-action data to build credit profiles.

The platform takes photos of each farmer, then logs their GPS coordinates to track input history, crop cycles, and smartphone use.

According to FoodTank, low levels of production are often attributed to the lack of technology in sub-Saharan Africa, which is linked to the limited use of technology. Zanders and UfarmX stepped in to help the demographic advance by employing local agents, described as youth who are a little more familiar with new tech and how it can serve the community. “This model allows us to overcome both technological and trust barriers,” the fintech founder explains.

“By leveraging the social capital of these agents, we can build trust more easily with farmers who might be skeptical.”

The formula works as Fatoumata Mballo, a farmer from Senegal, witnessed her crops drop thanks to a rainy harvest season, but using UfarmX has turned things around. The company helped Mballo by analyzing regional data and found that post-harvest losses are common in her area.

By operating in Nigeria, Senegal, and Liberia — and plans to expand into Ivory Coast and Kenya — more than 1,000 farmers use the platform and have the ability to purchase necessities like seed and fertilizers with UfarmX’s “Buy Now, Pay Later” functions. Boasting that the platform is self-funded, Zanders says he learned that numbers are the most important, but more so about the impact it makes in people’s lives.

“It’s not just data — it’s dignity,” he said.

“We’re not just handing out loans. We’re building infrastructure for the people who feed the world.”

by Ahsan Washington

July 31, 2025

Black-Owned Children’s Wear Brands For Back-To-School Shopping

These Black-owned brands are your go-to for children's wear needs

The start of a new school year is just around the corner, and back-to-school shopping is in full effect. These Black-owned brands are your go-to for children’s wear needs. These designers showcase trendy and stylish clothing options for a range of age groups. They cover the bases for essential school attire. BLACK ENTERPRISE did the research—each brand is highly regarded in both parenting and fashion circles for its products and influence.

Candid Art

Candid Art was established in 2011 in Oakland, California, by Candice Cox. Candid Art is a brand that specializes in lifestyle products featuring Afro-modern designs and hand-drawn patterns. The brand offers a range of quilted jackets and jumpsuits, alongside various accessories and more offerings for customers to enjoy. The creation of Candid Art Kids represents a celebration of creativity, providing children with a means to express their cultural identity through fashion choices.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFTStGCTtKH/?igsh=MXhyNms4NnNmeDg2aA==

Kamso

Seyi Sokoya heads Kamso, a UK-based company established in 2019. Kamso specializes in children’s clothing for ages 0 to 12 years old. Clothing is crafted from sourced Ankara and organic cotton materials in Nigeria. Their product line features a range of tunics, jumpsuits, and outerwear. Kamso incorporates responsible manufacturing practices and gender-neutral African-inspired designs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFnn1RXo-Cs/?igsh=MThxc3N6NHI3YTd4MA==

Kido Chicago

Founded in 2016 in Chicago by Keewa Nurullah and Doug Freitag, Kido Chicago is a brand that spreads positivity with its clothing. Kido carries a range of items, including tees and accessories featuring messages such as “Future Leader” and “Put on the Positive!” The core mission of Kido Chicago is to inspire children and the local community through their apparel collection inspired by the history of Black Wall Street.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_YZP-LAsOd/?igsh=MTVvZTd4MXR4dWFkYQ==

Ade + Ayo

A company called Ade + Ayo was established in 2020 in Oakland, California, by Temidayo Odusolu, who later welcomed Ezi Jemie on board. Ade + Ayo specializes in creating children’s clothing with designs inspired by Nigerian and West African influences. Their collection features onesies, tops, and bottoms. A key goal of Ade + Ayo is to address the lack of diversity in mainstream children’s apparel by encouraging families to embrace their cultural identity and share their unique stories with others.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DD-ModmyBDI/?igsh=bGF2OWo0cmJpbmd5

Cozy N Cute Kids Boutique

Cozy N Cute Kids Boutique was established in 2019 by Priscilla Wesson. The brand features a collection of graphic sets and dresses, along with accessories that cater to babies up to tweens. Its goal is to celebrate individuality and style while championing Black women in the fashion industry and to ensure that each child’s ensemble reflects their personality.

https://cozyncutekidsboutique.com/pages/about-us

Miles and Milan

Shennel Fuller started Miles and Milan as a brand that focuses on basic essentials such as t-shirts and joggers for children in a color scheme and style that is minimalistic. Oprah recognized Miles and Milan for providing modern parents with fashionable, yet timeless options, free from the typical stereotypes often associated with kids’ clothing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cur3mU5R2Z5/?igsh=ZmFxdmVqNTdocG81

Le Petit Organic

Le Petit Organic, originally known as Le Petit Elle, was founded in 2016 by Sanjay in New York City. The brand provides a variety of vintage-inspired clothing, such as dresses, rompers, and tees that are made from eco-friendly materials. The distinct combination of designs with a commitment to the environment makes Le Petit Organic an ideal option for families looking for both fashion and sustainability initiatives.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CKsPTj_n6DB/?igsh=MWFtbGV2cm9rZWpxcw==

Bodycam Footage,kids , Stolen Vehicle Chase

by Kandiss Edwards

July 31, 2025

Louisiana Businesswoman Arrested For Medicaid Fraud

Taylor is accused of stealing millions through Medicaid fraud. She allegedly owns six businesses that generate more than $9.5 million.

Louisiana woman, Candace Taylor, was arrested in Slidell for Government Benefits Fraud, according to the state’s attorney.

Taylor is accused of stealing millions through Medicaid fraud. Authorities claim Taylor, who resides in Slidell, allegedly owned six businesses that generated more than $9.5 million during that span.

The state’s attorney’s office says she applied for Medicaid under the alias, “Candace Sailor.” In the 2019 application, she claimed a biweekly income of $1,900 with no dependents. That application was denied. Subsequently, she filed under the same alias a second time. This time, she was allowed to enroll and was approved for benefits despite name and dependent irregularities.

“In 2024, just two months after the purchase of the Lamborghini, Taylor contacted LDH to renew her Medicaid benefits. She falsely declared employment with a business, alleging an income of $4,000 per month, while omitting the fact that she was the business owner, according to arrest records. Agents also saw several social media posts made by Taylor on Facebook and Instagram highlighting her luxury acquisitions.”

Taylor was dubbed the “Medicaid millionaire” by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office after investigators determined she underreported her actual income to qualify for Medicaid from 2021 through 2024.

https://twitter.com/AGLizMurrill/status/1950319078574624963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1950319078574624963%7Ctwgr%5E31fff126dd508a8c8ea9c8769ec85bce4fde6e22%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wwltv.com%2Farticle%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fslidell-woman-accused-of-hiding-millions-in-medicaid-fraud-case-arrested-by-state-agents-louisiana-attorney-general%2F289-43ee1aa5-514d-43f8-a8c2-a98f33cdca1a

Prosecutors allege Taylor used fraudulently obtained Medicaid funds to make luxury purchases, including: a $13,000 2022 Lamborghini Urus, a $100,000 wire transfer, $45,000 in Audi car payments, Property acquisitions, high-end jewelry, and cosmetic procedures. Investigators also reported that Taylor displayed her wealth on multiple social media platforms.

“From 2021 through 2024, Ms. Taylor continued to transfer tens of thousands of dollars between her personal and business accounts, with personal inflows consistently exceeding the eligibility thresholds for Medicaid,” according to the affidavit.

She was arrested after the Louisiana Department of Health received a tip. The anonymous tip led to an investigation by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. Taylor now faces charges related to fraudulent eligibility claims and potential restitution to the Medicaid program.

Knowingly falsifying income or household information to qualify for Medicaid carries heavy penalties. These include up to five years in prison, restitution, and fines up to $20,000.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 31, 2025

Are LeBron James And Maverick Carter Looking to Form A Rival Basketball League?

The two business partners reportedly met with the European agent of Nikola Jokić, Miško Ražnatović, to discuss forming a new league.

A recent social media post featuring LeBron James, his business partner, Maverick Carter, and the European agent of superstar center Nikola Jokić, Miško Ražnatović, chilling on a boat, is (re)spurring a rumor that a new basketball league is being developed.

Ražnatović posted the photograph of the three of them: “The summer of 2025 is the perfect time to make big plans for the fall of 2026!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Miško Ražnatović (@misko4raznatovic)

Front Office Sports reported that the conversation centered around the formation of an international basketball league. There have been reports that a group of investors is seeking to raise $5 billion for the league was being advised by Carter.

Reports of such a league and have been in the news for months.

In January, Bloomberg reported that the league would compete with the NBA. Ite would feature six men’s and six women’s teams playing in eight cities around the world. Teams would stay two weeks in each city, according to sources.

UBS Group AG and Evercore Inc. are on board to help raise the money, along with people like Skype co-founder Geoff Prentice, former Facebook executive Grady Burnett, and the investment firm SC Holdings, which is led by co-founders Jason Stein and Daniel Haimovic.

The Financial Times reported earlier this year that the new league would be patterned after Formula One. The new basketball league is looking to poach NBA players by offering them equity in the league, similar to how the new women’s basketball league, Unrivaled, operates. (Unrivaled, though, does not compete directly against the WNBA.)

No information has come out of Carter’s camp to deny or confirm the meeting between the three heavyweights.

T.I., Rapper, Tip Harris, run up on, change your life, woman, rappe

by Kandiss Edwards

July 31, 2025

T.I. Files Response To ‘Situationships’ Lawsuit

On June 18, Featherstone Entertainment, founded by Cylia Senii, filed suit in New York claiming T.I. lifted the name of her web series.

Clifford “T.I.” Harris Jr. has filed a response in an ongoing trademark infringement lawsuit over his new film Situationships.

On June 18, Featherstone Entertainment, founded by Cylia Senii, filed suit in New York claiming T.I. lifted the name of her web series. The series debuted on YouTube in 2016. Senii’s Situationships later streamed on BET Digital, Amazon Prime and Tubi.

Now, the rapper and his production company, Grand Hustle Films, have responded to the trademark dispute filed in the Southern District of New York. T.I.’s legal team contends the title is too generic for trademark protection. They assert Senii has not established exclusive ownership or sufficient recognition of the brand.

Attorneys also questioned the choice of venue, proposing that Georgia is more appropriate given the location of parties and witnesses.

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction barring Grand Hustle Films from promoting, distributing, or using the title Situationships while the case proceeds.

T.I. maintains the title was not actively being marketed, nor was it concretely established as the final name of the film.

Clifford “T.I.” Harris Jr. and Tameka “Tiny” Harris are being sued by Cylia Senii, who claims their new film Situationships infringes on her web series of the same name. https://t.co/2mB0K88pSe pic.twitter.com/BOBFulxCnR
— Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) June 24, 2025

Senii’s complaint alleges the defendants are “engaging in a common scheme and effort to take advantage of the public’s association of Featherstone’s ‘Situationships’ brand by marketing their own film and entitling it ‘Situationships.’”

She also claims that other versions of her series were in the works between 2019 and 2024 and that she was developing television and film projects associated with the name. T.I.’s team proceeded with similar plans despite being aware of her work.

Senii is seeking financial damages and a court order preventing the film’s release under the contested name. T.I. and Grand Hustle Films have yet to issue a public comment.

No release date has been announced for the film, which T.I. wrote. He will also direct and star in the project.