Stefon Diggs, court, not guilty
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 15, 2025

Reignited Partnership: Stefon Diggs And ASICS Kick Off Second Exclusive Footwear Line

The limited-edition GEL-DS TRAINER™ 14 was released October. 14

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs and ASICS have just released their latest collaboration, the limited-edition GEL-DS TRAINER™ 14.

The wide receiver posted a video of a seemingly young Stefon playing in ASICS as a child, lacing up his sneakers en route to the field to play football. While the other kids are on the field, young Stefon is seen making moves that will take him to the NFL. As the video clip proceeds, a young mother pulls up to pick up the young boy, who is now wearing a pair of ASICS and being verbally disciplined about getting his “play shoes” dirty.

The clip ends when the mother and son are in the house, and Diggs pulls up to deliver what is most likely a pair of ASICS.

“‘These are your play shoes’.. A reminder from my mom that stuck with me forever .. I’m so excited to bring that story to life and share it with the world… Oct 11 ❗️”

Diggs handled the concept and creative direction, as the shoe was released on Oct. 11.

“This project is bigger than a shoe… It’s my story,” Diggs said in a written statement to Complex. “My mom has always been the voice in my head keeping me grounded, and you see that in the details, right down to her handwriting on the tongue: ‘These are your play shoes.’ ASICS trusted me to lead the creative, and we built something that feels like home—clean, sharp, and full of little nods to my childhood. Seeing the design and the campaign come to life is a thank-you to her and to everyone who helped shape me. I’m grateful to ASICS for believing in my vision and building this with me.”

The ASICS GEL-DS TRAINER™ 14 is available on the brand’s website.

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breastfeeding
by Ahsan Washington

October 15, 2025

Tap Into This Resource Guide For Breast Cancer Survivors

There’s an urgent need for resources that are tailored, well‑funded and culturally competent for Black women.

In 2025, the breast cancer mortality rate for Black women remains 40% higher than that of white women, underscoring an urgent need for resources that are tailored, well‑funded, and culturally competent.

Eight institutions are deeply rooted in the Black community: two Black‑led organizations that provide grants to women navigating breast cancer; three research institutes focused on advancing science for women; and three groups that prioritize therapy and mental‑health support for Black survivors and their caregivers.

BLACK ENTERPRISE highlights each institution’s purpose, how it operates, and why it matters, so readers from coast to coast can tap into the support many Black women rightly deserve.

Financial Assistance for Black Breast Cancer Survivors

Sisters Network® Inc. – Karen E. Jackson Breast Cancer Assistance Program 

Sisters Network® Inc.’s Karen E. Jackson Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP) provides financial aid up to $350 for housing and utility expenses to Black breast cancer survivors actively undergoing treatment. It also offers access to 3D mammograms for uninsured women through partnerships with leading mammography screening facilities.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKP9o1pSnpq/?igsh=ZGNhanI0cGx6cjZ1

Keep A Breast Foundation – Give Back Grant

The Keep A Breast Foundation’s Give Back Grant is for women of color diagnosed with breast cancer by offering a boost up to $500 to help offset costs throughout treatment and beyond. Acknowledging the hurdles this community faces within the healthcare system, the grant operates nationwide. The foundation places an emphasis on supporting BIPOC communities.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPPGZkUERQU/?igsh=Mzdvc2tnZDhkNzRj

Research Initiatives Focused On Black Breast Cancer Survivors

Women’s Circle of Health Follow-Up Study

The Women’s Circle of Health Follow‑Up Study is an ongoing investigation in New Jersey that scrutinizes how obesity and its associated comorbidities affect breast‑cancer survival and the everyday quality of life of women. By homing in on the obstacles Black breast‑cancer survivors confront, the project aims to tackle health disparities.

Dr. Lucile Adams-Campbell, Epidemiological Research

Dr. Lucile Adams‑Campbell, an epidemiologist, heads a research agenda that probes how lifestyle tweaks might blunt disease risk breast cancer, among African‑American women. The project’s purpose is to sculpt community‑focused strategies that could temper cancer risk via habit changes within the Black community. She pursues this work out of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Dr. Bonnie (Bo) Qin, Breast Cancer Survivorship Research

Dr. Bonnie Qin is a researcher in Breast Cancer Survivorship Research at the Rutgers Cancer Institute in New Jersey. The research explores the impact of lifestyle patterns, social determinants of health, and inflammatory mechanisms on breast cancer survivorship among Black women. The research aims to identify factors influencing long-term health outcomes and develop targeted interventions for Black breast cancer survivors.

Mental Health Resources for Black Breast Cancer Survivors

TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance—“Pink Table Talk”/Support & Awareness + Mental Health Resources

TOUCH, a Black‑led advocacy organization runs a recurring series called “Pink Table Talk” that delves into mental health issues, survivorship challenges, and emotional resilience. They also maintain a “BlessTie Resources” hub packed with mental health links. The talks, which take place weekly or monthly, reach Black women nationwide via virtual channels such as social media feeds. In these forums, TOUCH creates an attuned space where survivors can share their stories and begin to heal and connect with mental health referrals. They also unveiled Black TNBC Sanctuary, a resource hub delivering mental health support and integrative care services specifically designed for patients with breast cancer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPUDf97kx_p/?igsh=MWEzMzI5dmszaDVneA==

African American Breast Cancer Alliance—Online Support Group (SMIS: Sisters & Misters In Survival

The African American Breast Cancer Alliance (AABCA) offers support to patients and survivors through its web‑based circle SMIS (Sisters & Misters In Survival). Inside SMIS folks can speak candidly with peers, tap into outreach and join support circles. Sessions swing between Zoom calls and where geography permits, in‑person gatherings. AABCA’s nationwide web of chapters keeps the in‑person meet‑ups humming. Emotional and psychosocial support provide a lifeline when confronting a cancer diagnosis and peer groups step in to break down isolation, swap coping playbooks, and point members toward mental health professionals.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPWiottjweC/?igsh=NW9kamt3eGttYWp2

Carrie’s TOUCH (mental health + peer support app/counseling referrals for Black survivors)

This nonprofit humanizes the breast cancer experience of Black women and men. It offers mental health resources, support group matching, low-cost therapy referrals, survivor stories, and a mobile app for emotional wellness services. Founded nearly 20 years ago, Carrie’s TOUCH is active nationally through its app, online, and via local partnerships. It bridges the gap between mental health platforms for Black breast cancer survivors by curating resources, matching users to culturally competent therapists, and fostering community.

RELATED CONTENT: 8 Apps That Can Help Navigate Breast Cancer Care

UK, Black History Month
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 15, 2025

UK Comes Together For Black History Month Celebrations, ‘Black History Should Be Taught All The Time’

UK hosts a series of Black History Month-themed events throughout the month of October.

Across the United Kingdom, communities are coming together this October to honor Black History Month with events celebrating art, education, and culture throughout the diaspora.

On Oct. 13, the exhibition “Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music” opened in Bristol, offering a free celebration of five centuries of Black musical influence in Britain. Running through Oct. 31 at St. Paul’s Learning Centre, the exhibition explores the people, places, and genres that have shaped the nation’s rich and evolving soundscape.

It’s one of several themed events in cities like Bristol and Somerset celebrating the diverse Black cultures that have shaped Britain’s rich heritage.

“It’s very important to know where we are coming from and where we are going,” Glen Crooks, owner of Glen’s Kitchen at St. Paul’s Learning Centre in Bristol, told the BBC. “Black history should be taught all the time, not just in a month.”

Born in Jamaica, Crooks moved to England as a child in 1967 and remembers growing up unaware of prominent Black civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King and Paul Bogle. Witnessing the evolution of the UK’s Black History Month since its start in 1987 serves as a nod to Crooks and many others on just how far Black Brits have progressed in the country.

“We are coming from a long, long way from slavery. As Black people, we’ve been through a lot, but we still come out strong,” he said.

Other Black History Month events in Bristol include the Bristol Bus Boycott X, an immersive pop-up exhibition commemorating 60 years of the 1965 Race Relations Act, celebrating local heroes and sheroes; the Somali Week Festival; and the Voices of Resilience rap and poetry workshop, among many others.

In Somerset, locals can take part in a showcase of powerful images from London-based visual activist Wayne Campbell. His “Celebration of Demonstration” on display at the newly opened Shoemakers Museum in Street showcases the more than 100 protests he’s photographed around the world since his start following the death of George Floyd.

“Education is key,” Campbell said, noting how in more rural areas, “if there are people willing to learn and understand about sections of society they weren’t aware of in the past, that’s great.”

Other Black History Month events in Somerset include the Caribbean Experience, featuring reggae vinyl and discussion; the Yeovil Literary Festival, highlighting Paterson Joseph’s Stories from Black History: Ten Children Who Changed the World, a literary event for schools, children aged 9+, and history enthusiasts; and the Tapestry of Black Britons display at Yeovil Library, running through November.

Florence Nyasamo, founder of Lives of Colour in Cheltenham, emphasized that Black History Month is vital for celebrating the local community. This year’s events build on Nyasamo’s 2024 initiative, which launched a year-long program of educational activities, including student debates on race, equity, and inclusivity in council decision-making.

“The focus is always in the past, Martin Luther King, Mandela, but what about the spaces we live in?” Nyasamo said. “What contributions are communities making? Because this is what will make this visible and why this conversation is important.”

RELATED CONTENT: New York Celebrates International Underground Railroad Month, Honors Harriet Tubman’s Iconic Legacy

This Is It, Soul Food, restaurant, out of business,
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 15, 2025

This Is It, the Historic Houston Soul Food Spot Enjoyed By Beyoncé and Jill Biden, Closes

The restaurant has shut down its flagship location as it re-brands other storefronts.

This Is It, the famous soul food hotspot in Houston that hosted Beyoncé and former first lady Jill Biden, has shut down its flagship locatio in the Third Ward after six decades.

The restaurant cooked its last meals on Oct. 12.

“Thank you to every guest who walked through our doors, every vendor who stood by our side, and every neighbor who cheered us on through the years. To the city of Houston and the communities near and far who made This Is It Soul Food a place of warmth, connection, and tradition, your trust, your stories, and your unwavering support gave us strength,” wrote the restaurant owners.

The restaurant was heralded in and beyond Houston. Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland frequently patronized the eatery during their early years in Destiny’s Child. In August 2024, Rowland even spotlighted the restaurant with Pepsi’s Local Eats campaign, with her own memorable meal named after her, per People.

Famous patrons, including Jill Biden, have made This Is It a household name, which has since allowed its owners to branch out into new locations and ventures.

The restaurant added, “For over 66 years of business, we have cherished the memories and lessons each season brought. As we close this chapter, we carry with us the memories of shared meals, celebrations, and the enduring spirit of family. From the heart of Fourth Ward to the historic 3rd Ward, we now say goodbye, and we look forward to focusing on growth, rebranding, and innovation at our Humble location. We are grateful for the communities we’ve served across Houston and beyond, and we remain thankful for the relationships that sustained us.”

This is It’s other location in Humble, Texas, remains open for soul food lovers to dig in.

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Here’s What’s On The Agenda For 2025 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit For Men
by Kandiss Edwards

October 14, 2025

Here’s What’s On The Agenda For 2025 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit For Men

The 2025 XCEL Summit for Men will feature guests, giveaways, networking opportunities and more. Check out some of the events.

The 2025 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit For Men is “Made For Men. Built For Impact.” The summit will take place Oct. 15–17 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, featuring a packed schedule of leadership intensives, coaching, and networking designed to empower Black male professionals and entrepreneurs.

Oct.15 

After arrival and check-in, the events begin. Attendees will have access to the XCEL Showcase & Lounge. A few highlights during the lounge session are sponsor giveaways, interactive games, and a cash bar. That evening, the 35-and-under crowd will gather for a targeted networking session led by Ramon Ray, founder of CelebrityCEO.com, followed by a welcome reception.

The XCEL Awards gala caps the night, with honorees Larry Fitzgerald Jr., John Hope Bryant, George C. Fraser, Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Troy Taylor and Robert Smith. Each man of excellence will be honored for their contributions to the Black community and professional success in the business community. Emmy-winning journalist Ed Gordon will emcee events.

 
 
 
 
 
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Oct. 16

While enjoying a catered breakfast, BE CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. will give opening remarks, setting the intention for the day ahead. Following, Graves and Hope Bryant headline a fireside chat on business, wealth building, and community; a call to action to embrace and advance financial inclusion and wealth creation as the civil rights issue of our time.

Attendees can also choose among multiple deep-dive workshops:

Negotiating Your Compensation and Leveraging Your Performance Review — Strategies for salary growth and promotion readiness

Intro to P&L Management — Understanding profit and loss to make informed decisions

AI: Friend or Foe for Your Career? — Integrating artificial intelligence into leadership without losing the human touch

Executive leadership coaching (JPMorgan Chase) and financial coaching (Fidelity) run concurrently. The midday luncheon, A Call-To-Action for Men of Excellence, features Gordon moderating a discussion on civic engagement, economic empowerment, and legacy-building. Afternoon barbershop-style debates will tackle current events and cultural issues, ending with cigars and cognac by the pool.

 
 
 
 
 
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Oct. 17

Grab breakfast and settle in for a fireside chat with investor Robert Smith. Actor and activist David Banner and actor Blair Underwood join Alfred Edmond Jr. for a dialogue on media influence, personal branding, and purpose-driven careers. Workshops will address financial planning for high earners, mental health resilience, AI tools for career ROI, optimizing health and longevity, and navigating international assignments.

Coaching sessions continue until the summit closes with a panel on global career opportunities and mobility.

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Hollywood Walk Of Fame, star, actor, singer Prince, stage play, film, 40 year,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 14, 2025

‘Purple Rain’ Musical Finalized Ahead Of Minneapolis Premiere And Broadway Debut

The Purple Rain musical is set for its pre-Broadway debut in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis.

The cast and crew of the inaugural Purple Rain musical are ready for its Oct. 16 premiere in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis.

Kris Kollins, a multi-instrumentalist with a wide vocal range, makes his theatrical and acting debut as the iconic Prince character, The Kid. Like Prince before Purple Rain, Kollins has never acted professionally. He stars opposite Rachel Webb, a soulful Broadway performer known for playing the title role in & Juliet, who takes on the role of Apollonia, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Together, they perform hits from the classic 1984 musical film in the first-ever stage adaptation, produced by Tony winner Orin Wolf and featuring Pulitzer- and Tony-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Tony-winning arranger Jason Michael Webb, and Tony-nominated director Lileana Blain-Cruz. Longtime Prince bandmates Bobby Z and Morris Hayes join as music advisers.

“It’s going to be a party, I’m excited,” Blain-Cruz said.

Blain-Cruz delved deeply into the film and Prince’s live performances throughout his vibrant career, eager to bring his unique energy to the stage. The stakes are high, especially as Jacobs-Jenkins calls Prince the “Mozart of our time,” intensifying the “pressure” they feel to honor his legacy accurately.

“We heard through various people that at the end of his life he was actually considering making a musical; he loved the theater, you know, so I feel like in some ways this is the theatre trying to love him back or something,” Jacobs-Jenkins said.

For Webb, an award-winning director, composer, lyricist, musical director, producer, and arranger overseeing music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations for the musical Purple Rain, was a natural fit. Drawing on his acclaimed work in theater, film, and television, including Choir Boy (2019), MJ the Musical (2022), and Kenny Leon’s Much Ado About Nothing, Webb says arranging the show was straightforward, as Prince had already laid the groundwork in the original film and album.

“The truth and the love of Prince’s music is so powerful that it is going to be the driving force,” Webb said.

Webb won’t reveal which songs will feature at the premiere, as choreographer Ebony Williams notes the team is still in the creative process and may swap numbers based on audience feedback.

“We’re still in the process, so like an audience could come one night and hear a song and maybe the next night if it didn’t feel like it affected the audience in the way that we thought, and if we hear criticism from the audience, maybe we might change that, you know, we’re still in process,” Williams said.

Previews for Purple Rain begin on Oct. 16, leading up to the official opening on Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the State Theatre. Preview tickets are priced from $88 to $491, while tickets after Nov. 5 range from $93 to $522.

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ohio, barber, STYLESVILLE, Fred and Ollie Carter, Nelly
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 14, 2025

San Fernando Valley Barbershop Given Landmark Status

StylesVille Barbershop & Beauty Salon is the oldest black-owned barbershop in the San Fernando Valley area

StylesVille Barbershop & Beauty Salon, the oldest black-owned barbershop in the San Fernando Valley area, has been given landmark status by the city of Los Angeles.

According to The Los Angeles Times, the barbershop, initially opened in 1957 by Freddie and Ollie Carter in the Pacoima section, was designated a historic cultural monument when it obtained landmark status in Los Angeles County.

“We are marking and permanently protecting Stylesville and documenting its rightful place in history as the oldest Black-owned business in the city of Los Angeles,” Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents Pacoima, said while announcing the proclamation. “I’m incredibly proud to be here to help celebrate this moment with the entire family, and with our proud community that wants to continue to uplift these voices each and every day.”

Nella Carter, the 75-year-old daughter of Fred and Ollie, stated that her parents moved the shop from its original location, which was across the street, to the current location in 1977. Before Stylesville made its debut, it was a jukebox joint named the Dew Drop Inn. After purchasing the spot, they turned it into a beauty salon. Years later, the Carters bought the building next door and turned it into a barbershop.

Nella told the media outlet that there is only one other business still there from when the Carters started StylesVille: a pawn shop up the street. Although still around, it is not run by the original owner.

Fox 11 Los Angeles reported that Ollie now runs the place with her grandson, Gregory Faucett, who is the head barber at StylesVille.

“Everybody knows about StylesVille. We’ve been here too long. And it’s been a good thing; it has not been a bad thing. Everything about StylesVille is good.” 

“If these walls could talk. I got stories for you, but that’s just like when you go to your therapist, they keep everything to themself, so I don’t tell nobody’s business.”

The shop is located at 13161 Van Nuys Boulevard.

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MLK, BAM EVENT
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 14, 2025

Man Arrested For Vandalizing Dr. Martin Luther King Center In Atlanta, Breaks ‘Eternal Flame’ Site

A 26-year-old Black man named Brent Jones has been charged for damaging the property.

Several parts of Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic burial site in Atlanta have been vandalized.

The monument, holding the tomb of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, has been a mainstay in the Atlanta neighborhood where the famed civil rights leader grew up. However, a 26-year-old Black man named Brent Jones recently trespassed and allegedly damaged the property. Police swiftly arrested Jones for reportedly vandalizing the historic site.

According to WSB-TV, police say Jones urinated in the pools of water surrounding the tombs while stomping and breaking the Eternal Flame. Jones now holds charges of public indecency, trespassing, criminal damage, and obstruction.

The King Center, formally known as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, has provided educational programming, tours, and events for visitors across the world. As the host site for Dr. King’s life and legacy, the center promotes the late activist’s values of racial justice and equality, while also paying homage to his wife’s efforts for long-lasting change.

The King Center released a statement on the act of vandalism, calling it a “minor incident” that will not thwart its effort to spread King’s message of peace and tolerance.

“The King Center is aware of a minor incident that occurred near the Eternal Flame,” detailed the center. “While there was minimal damage to the Eternal Flame and the surrounding area, the King Center remains fully open to visitors. The Eternal Flame still burns with love, and we continue to welcome everyone with open arms and gratitude for the incredible support of our beloved community. The dream lives on.”

The King Center has remained open despite the MLK Jr. Historic Park’s closure in the midst of the government shutdown. Although a part of the Park’s offerings, it remains its own non-profit, and thus is still open for visitors to learn more about King’s activism.

As for Jones, he remains in custody at Fulton County Jail.

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David Banner
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 14, 2025

David Banner To Speak At BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit For Men

The rapping businessman is just the latest who will join Black men October 15-17 in Orlando

With the upcoming XCEL Summit For Men set to impact the business community, it’s been announced that Atlanta-based recording artist, entrepreneur, and activist David Banner will take the stage in Orlando, bringing his brand of realness and direct-speaking style to the conference.

The outspoken rapper is known for being unapologetic in his words and opinions on topics such as politics, the hip-hop community, his approach to social issues, and any subject that crosses his mind. In a recent discussion with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, Banner mentioned that someone told him that he would` not do business with unfaithful men.

“He said, ‘I don’t do business with men who cheat on their wives,’” he told Sharpe. He stated that he adopted that mindset for his business endeavors. That mindset and the straightforward way he speaks make him the perfect speaker for the XCEL Summit For Men.

The educated businessman is just one of many esteemed speakers who will bring energy and excitement to the summit’s attendees. Speakers include Ed Gordon, Dr. Philippe Douyon, Tim Cooper, Alfred Edmond Jr., and Earl G. Graves Jr., along with XCEL honorees, John Hope Bryant, Larry Fitzgerald, Dr. George Fraser, Rev. Dr. Franklyn Richardson, Troy Taylor, and Robert F. Smith.

“The XCEL Summit For Men is the nation’s leading conference dedicated to elevating and empowering Black men–celebrating their excellence through the XCEL Awards and equipping them with the tools to thrive at every level of leadership, from entry-level to the C-suite,” reads the event website.

The summit will be held at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress from Oct. 15 to 17. 

The purpose of the XCEL Summit For Men is to elevate and empower Black men as a valuable and necessary pool of talent for the success of companies, industries, communities, and the nation. The XCEL Awards will highlight some of the nation’s top Black men who excel in various areas, ranging from business and technology to sports and the arts.

RELATED CONTENT: XCEL Summit For Men 2025 – About

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Trump, ballroom, DC Hillbillies
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 14, 2025

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Blasts Stephen A. Smith’s Critique of Outspoken Black Women Via Retweets

Colleagues and media personalities like Angela Rye and Tiffany Cross had Crockett's back, saying that Smith needs to do some self-reflecting.

Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett is seemingly responding to outspoken ESPN and radio personality Stephen A. Smith after his viral commentary calling her out for her continuous criticism of President Donald Trump; however, she isn’t surprised. 

Smith stirred up controversy by speaking on Crockett during a segment of his Sirius XM radio show, Straight Shooter With Stephen A., saying he was tired of how the lawmaker expresses herself when it comes to the continuous jabs at Trump. “But how Jasmine Crockett chooses to express herself, I’m like, ‘Is that gonna help your district in Texas?’ Aren’t you there to find a way to get stuff done, as opposed to just being an impediment to what Trump wants? How much work goes into that?” Smith said. 

After circulating on X and other social media platforms, several colleagues, fans, and Texas voters pushed back on the sports analyst’s hot takes, rallying around the Congresswoman for openly expressing her take on the demise of U.S. leadership. Crockett let the world know how she felt about Smith’s comments without even saying his name. 

She reposted commentary from other outspoken Black women like social justice activist Tamika Mallory, creating a narrative that the sports personality often targets Black women. “It’s no longer a difference of opinion. Stephen A. Smith’s actions are intentional,” Mallory wrote in an Instagram post, tagging Crockett. 

“At what point will you lead the charge to TURN HIM OFF?!”

On an episode of the Native Land Pod, hosts Angela Rye, Andrew Gillum, and Tiffany Cross claimed Smith has “little d*** energy” for always coming at Black women. Gillum said he needs to deal with his “Black woman issues,” aligning it with self-hate. Guest host Bakari Sellers supported the hosts’ thoughts, saying, “I’ve never seen a clip of him where he actually praises a Black woman.”

Rapper of the legendary Geto Boys rap group, Willie D, also clapped back at Smith’s commentary, catching Crockett’s attention by reposting with a praying hands emoji. “Stephen A. Smith taking shots at Jasmine Crockett ain’t just messy, it’s weak,” Willie D said, according to Vibe.

“Dude is sitting on one of the biggest mics in America, and instead of using it to uplift, he’s tearing down a Black woman who’s out here putting in real work. That ain’t critique, that’s betrayal. Jasmine Crockett ain’t the problem.”

Smith has been getting pushback from different directions — one for his sudden rise in political commentary — and another for taking unprecedented jabs at some of sports’ most iconic players after giving “advice” to tennis superstar Serena Williams’s husband about her performance at the 2025 Super Bowl alongside Kendrick Lamar, her husband, Alexis Ohanian, schooled Smith on why he isn’t too focused on his advice. “I was gonna ask, ’cause, you hadn’t been married before, right?” the Reddit founder said. 

“’Cause I give advice to plenty of founders who want to build billion-dollar companies. And the reason I do that is because I build billion-dollar companies, so I generally try to stay in my lane.”

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