Breast cancer
by Ahsan Washington

October 7, 2025

Beyond Awareness: 7 Black-Owned Businesses Aiding The Breast Cancer Community

Breast‑cancer journeys often involve seeking a plethora of treatment and recovery aids

Breast cancer journeys often involve seeking a plethora of treatments and recovery aids, including comfort garments, wigs, and skincare. For individuals trying to identify items that address changes in hair texture, challenges with skincare, and other specific healing needs that might be helpful during and after breast cancer treatment, it can be especially daunting. A growing number of Black-owned businesses are stepping into the space for breast cancer care items, delivering dignity and tailored products. Discover these Black-owned retailers that offer valuable items for individuals navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. 

Cherry Blossom Intimates

Cherry Blossom Intimates, a boutique located in Glenarden, Maryland, creates custom prosthetics, bras, lingerie, shapewear, and other intimate pieces for breast cancer survivors. Since opening its doors in 2019, Cherry Blossom Intimates has been serving the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, offering both a welcoming storefront and a stocked online shop. Its founders set out to design garments that respect the shapes and skin tones of women after surgery, aiming to preserve dignity, comfort, and self-confidence throughout and after the treatment process. In 2020, Cherry Blossom Intimates secured over $12 million to expand access and scale up.

Coils to Locs

Coils to Locs, an enterprise birthed by Dianne Austin, retails wigs for women who have been impacted by hair loss as a result of chemotherapy to treat breast cancer. Coils to Locs serves the afro‑textured demographic. They have wigs with coils, tight curls, and loc textures, making sure the wear is seamless. After Coils to Locs’ winter‑2019 debut, the brand has stretched its reach into niche medical hair‑loss boutiques nationwide. Austin’s own breast cancer journey in 2015 led her to design a wig line that could genuinely echo her hair. 

Nature Girl Cosmetics

Nature Girl Cosmetics is a Black-owned brand founded by Charisma Declouet, who is also a breast cancer survivor. Nature Girl Cosmetics offers vegan, non-toxic makeup and beauty products. While not a direct supplier of surgical bras or wigs, their products appeal to women seeking safer skincare and cosmetic options during or after treatment. The brand, which gained attention in 2023, sells its products online nationwide and focuses on the clean beauty market. Declouet’s personal experience with cancer motivated her to create safer, health-conscious beauty options for vulnerable women.

Shades of Melanin Hair

Based in Texas, Shades of Melanin Hair is a boutique specializing in wigs and extensions designed for textured hair. While not a medical supplier, its line serves women confronting hair loss, specifically those undergoing chemotherapy who want wigs that mimic the texture of Black hair. The brand debuted in 2019 and ships its products nationwide. Founder Katrina Scott launched the venture after witnessing a family member’s battle with breast cancer and recognizing how hard it is for Black women to find wigs that honor both their hair’s natural curl pattern and cultural identity.

WellCapped

Founded by Black‑female entrepreneurs Shante Frazier and Lauren Mitchell, WellCapped delivers a wig‑subscription and rental experience. Customers can borrow premium human‑hair wigs on a trial basis, while chemotherapy patients qualify for complimentary memberships. The service runs online. Wigs ship nationwide. WellCapped’s mission is to ease the strain of wig ownership, grant users the flexibility to switch styles at will, and extend dignity and support to anyone undergoing treatment.

Love & Nudes (Stage Zero Collection)

Based in Toronto, Canada, and owned by Chantal Carter, Love & Nudes is a fashion lingerie and underwear brand that puts inclusivity front and center. Their Stage Zero series, a bra collection conceived as a breast cancer awareness initiative, visually maps the manifestations of the disease on deeper skin tones, effectively serving as an early-detection cue. Debuted in 2023, the range and its associated educational push have since spread throughout North America. The series tackles a public health gap that reveals the lack of Black and brown women represented in medical textbooks and photographs that illustrate symptoms on skin. 

PillowScript

PillowScript, a brand founded by Dihandria Bright, designs specialty pillows, including hypoallergenic options. Though rarely spotlighted, pillows serve as a comfort tool for positioning and pain relief and are extremely useful post-mastectomy and during breast cancer treatment. Since its 2021 launch, the brand has secured placements, attracted press, and now ships nationwide.

RELATED CONTENT: Breast Cancer Mortality Rates Decrease For Black Women But Inequity In Care Persists

nfl, draft, black quarterbacks
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 7, 2025

SIAC Suspends 20 Football Players From Fort Valley State, Central State, After On-Field Brawl

The conference also suspended the head coaches of both teams

Following a brawl that occurred after a football game between Fort Valley State University and Central State University on October 4, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) announced that 20 players and the head coaches of both schools have been suspended.

The SIAC levied punishments due to the dispute and stated that, following an investigation, both universities had violated the league’s code of ethics and conduct by engaging in acts of unsportsmanlike behavior. The conference indicated that it has a zero-tolerance policy for acts deemed unsportsmanlike.

“Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct have no place in intercollegiate athletics or within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference,” said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman, Ed. D. in a written statement. “I am extremely disappointed that this event has overshadowed what was otherwise a very competitive football game.”

Nine students from Fort Valley State were suspended, while 11 from Central State were penalized for their roles in the incident. The two head coaches for the school were also suspended. Both schools were also fined, but the amount of the fine was not disclosed.

Fort Valley State released a statement via social media, apologizing for the behavior of its players during the incident between the teams.

“We extend our sincere apologies to the Fort Valley State University community, as well as CSU, their student-athletes, coaches and fans. The actions that took place do not reflect the values of sportsmanship, integrity and respect that we uphold as an institution, athletic program and conference.

“We do not condone behavior that falls short of these standards, and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that our student-athletes understand the importance of representing the University with Wildcat pride and professionalism on and off the field.”

Fort Valley was recently in the news for an alleged hazing incident that led to two students being arrested. The school ultimately lost to Central State by a score of 18-14.

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LeBron James, Kids Picture book, 'I Am More Than', I promise school
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 7, 2025

LeBron James Announcement For ‘The Second Decision’ Spikes Ticket Prices For Lakers Last Home Game Of The Season

'The decision of all decisions.'

Future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James is about to start his 23rd season in the NBA, another record-breaking feat for the Los Angeles Lakers forward. However, a recent announcement on social media, labeled #TheSecondDecision, has sparked a surge in ticket prices for the Lakers’ last game of the season.

The post has caused speculation that this might be LeBron’s final hurrah as a professional basketball player. This led to sports fans believing that, if that is the announcement, then the last game of the Lakers’ regular season for 2026 — against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena, taking place April 12, 2026 — could be the last game of LeBron’s career.

LeBron has teased that the announcement will be made on Oct. 7 at 12 p.m. EST.

The video clip attached to the post is reminiscent of the time he became a free agent for the first time (he was drafted by his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers), and with speculation of where he would land, it led to the basketball player and ESPN making it a big televised production that was labeled The Decision. It was then, in 2010, that he told the world that he was taking his talents to South Beach to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat team.

https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/1975258187046789292

According to ESPN, the social media post has caused the price of tickets for the last home game for the Lakers to skyrocket in anticipation of the milestone, if he were to announce his retirement from the game.

Before LeBron posted that announcement on social media, the lowest price for one ticket for that game was listed at $82, according to Vivid Seats. After word got out, that amount shot up to $850 for a single ticket.

For a pair of tickets to be purchased together, the lowest cost of admission is now $760.

The Lakers will start their regular season on Oct. 21 against their Western Conference rival, the Golden State Warriors, at Crypto.com Arena.

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debt management, cut expenses
by Mitti Hicks

October 6, 2025

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Will Impact Your Credit. Here’s What To Know

FICO recently announced that it will begin factoring BNPL information into its credit scoring model this fall. Experian also announced it will add data from Affirm.

After a ton of back and forth and some speculation, the freedom of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services will finally impact your credit score.

BNPL is an appealing payment option for Americans because it allows consumers to spread out the cost of a purchase over multiple payments. According to Money Wise, an overwhelming majority of Americans (86%) say they trust BNPL as a payment method, and three out of four users trust BNPL more than credit cards.

In the past, credit bureaus didn’t consider BNPL until now.  FICO recently announced that it will begin factoring BNPL information into its credit scoring model this fall. Experian also announced it will add data from Affirm.

How Will Buy Now Pay Later Impact Credit

More than 30% of Americans have reportedly used a BNPL service. In 2024 alone, more than 86 million Americans used a BNPL service, up from nearly 50 million in 2021.  Analysts predict that over 91 million American consumers will use a BNPL loan or service by 2025.

With FICO and Experian planning to factor in BNPL, this means late payments will impact your score now. It’s unclear at this time if using a BNPL will help your score.

FICO scores range from 300 to 850, and the five main contributing factors are payment history, credit utilization, credit length, credit mix, and the number of hard inquiries.

There are two main types of BNPL plans, according to the Consumer Protection BC. There are equal payment plans, which means you make minimum payments by set dates until the full balance is paid off. There are also Deferred payment plans, which means consumers must pay the full balance by a certain due date with no set payment amounts.

Like credit cards, it’s important to be responsible when using BNPL. Pay your bills on time and in full, and avoid taking out multiple bills at once. People fall behind simply by forgetting a payment is due.

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

SPENCER HAYWOOD
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 6, 2025

Spencer Haywood Says He Missed Out On Billions By Selling Nike Stock

Haywood said he cashed out in 1973.

The first basketball player to rep Nike, Spencer Haywood, said his agent sold his stake in the company way too early, resulting in him missing out on a massive windfall.

On a recent episode of All the Smoke, Haywood said before Nike became the behemoth it is today, his representative, strapped for cash, convinced him to sell his shares thinking the brand wouldn’t be worth that much.

Nike’s founder, Phil Knight, asked the Seattle SuperSonics star if he would wear the sneakers on the court. Haywood agreed. but Knight offered Haywood stocks instead of cash, as Nike was still a startup company.

“First of all, I was young, too. And I’m thinking, livestock?” What kind of stock? What stock? What are you talking about?”

Haywood said his agent convinced him sell his stake back to Nike.

“So I get the stock and my boy, that I let do the negotiation, he was struggling, you know have them bills taken care of,” Haywood said on the podcast. “So he was like, convincing me that the shoe is never going to work because, look at what happened. Because when I was walking, running down the floor, guys would come behind me and pop my shoe off…It was new. It was a running shoe.

“So I said, “OK, man. I’ll give you the power of attorney. Let me just go play. I got to play. I got to focus on this game now because this is my chance. When I came back, he had sold that s**t. He said, ‘Man, I got the cash right here: $100,000.’”

Co-host Matt Barnes asked Haywood how much the stock would be worth today.

“It was up around $2.7 billion,” the NBA Hall of Famer replied.

RELATED CONTENT: Nike Announces ‘Virgil Abloh: The Codes’ Exhibit Taking Place In Paris

Australia, right to disconnect, work-life balance
by Mitti Hicks

October 6, 2025

U.S. Workforce Is In A Leadership Crisis As Workers Avoid Advancement

This study comes at a time when companies face increasing turnover, rising workplace toxicity, and a shrinking pipeline of future leaders.

A recent study has revealed that the U.S. workforce is in a leadership crisis. Research from Express Employment Services, in partnership with The Harris Poll, found that workers are no longer interested in supervisory or managerial roles.

This study comes at a time when companies face increasing turnover, rising workplace toxicity, and a shrinking pipeline of future leaders. Researchers say, “The Harris Poll reveals a troubling disconnect between what supervisors need and what employers provide.”

The research shows that more than half of the surveyed job seekers who are or were managers said they left or plan to leave their roles because they lack fulfillment or advancement opportunities. Even more astounding is Gen Z, who responded they would rather “develop their individual expertise” than manage employees.

“Supervisors are saying, ‘No more.’ Future leaders are saying, ‘No, thanks,'” said Bob Funk, Jr., CEO, president, and chairman of Express Employment International. “The result? A vicious cycle that decreases effectiveness, breeds toxicity, and weakens the workplace. The companies that come to terms with the situation and start implementing solutions will be the ones that succeed in this reshaped economy.”

Leadership Crisis: A Look Inside The Data

When examining the key findings, it’s clear that workers feel their employers are not equipping them with the necessary resources to succeed in supervisory roles. In addition to more than half of supervisors making plans to leave over lack of fulfillment, other key findings include:

  • 86% of hiring managers believe supervisors have the tools they need, but only a third offer training on critical skills, such as conflict resolution or giving feedback.
  • 72% of hiring managers admit their companies should be doing more to support supervisors.
  • Nearly 3 in 4 Gen Z professionals say they’d rather develop individual expertise than manage people.

According to Express Employment Services, companies should build real-world leadership training programs and create peer and mentorship networks. Companies could also invest in mental health and work-life balance, along with recognizing leadership behaviors—not just outcomes.

RELATED CONTENT: Leading Through Uncertainty: Showing Up When the World Shifts

birthday, 107
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 6, 2025

Mother Calls Out Teacher For Adding ‘Monkey’ Reference To Black Son’s Birthday Song

A mother is raising concerns after a teacher used the word ‘monkey’ while singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her son.

A mother is speaking out after a teacher used the word “monkey” in her 6-year-old son’s birthday song.

Desarae Prather, mother of 6-year-old Legend Whitaker, was outraged after receiving a video from her son’s teacher at Floral Avenue Elementary in Bartow, Florida, showing the version of ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to her Black son, 11 Alive reports.

“Happy Birthday to you. You live in the zoo, you look like a monkey, and you smell like one too,” the teacher can be heard singing.

“I automatically said, ‘That’s unacceptable.’ And I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” Prather told 10 Tampa Bay News in a clip shared online.

https://twitter.com/SeeRacists/status/1973861685644701788

Prather said she went straight to the principal after the teacher sent her a video of the moment.

“I don’t like stuff like that,” Whitaker said, adding that the song hurt his feelings.

She highlighted the racist history of the word “monkey” and explained why its use in a school setting is deeply upsetting.

“My skin is boiling. I don’t even like racism, and to know where we come from, and our ancestors, and for us to be labeled like that, because when they call us, ‘Monkey,’ they’re saying we’re ugly; we act like monkeys,” Prather said. “Those are remarks I don’t like it at all.”

In a letter to the school board, Prather demanded an apology, immediate disciplinary action, and counseling for her son. After receiving no response, she went to the school in person and was informed that an investigation is underway to review the incident.

“No child should have to go to school and feel like they can’t confide in an authority figure without them calling them racial slurs, and that goes for any kid, not just my child,” Prather said. “Now I have to seek counseling for him because he was crying for not to be back in her class or even go back to that school.”

Following the incident, Prather said her son is too upset to return to school, fearing his classmates will call him a “monkey.” Although he was moved to a different classroom after the incident, he hasn’t gone back, and Prather now plans to transfer him to a new school.

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Deion Sanders
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 6, 2025

Deion Sanders Admits Leg Is ‘Hurting Like Crazy,’ Suspects More Blood Clots

'I’m not getting blood to my legs. That’s why my leg is throbbing.'

After several years of good fortune as a college coach, it seems that things have not been that great for Colorado Buffaloes football’s head coach, Deion Sanders, as he announces that he thinks he has more blood clots in his leg.

According to USA Today Sports, after the Buffaloes’ latest defeat, Sanders admitted after the game that he is “hurting like crazy,” as his leg has been in pain recently. He stated he plans to see a doctor about it. His team suffered a loss to Texas Christian University, 35-21, on Oct. 4.

Sanders revealed over the summer that he had bladder cancer that is in remission. His health struggles in recent years also include poor circulation, leading to two of his toes being amputated in 2021 while he was still coaching Jackson State University. He spent 23 days in the hospital during the 2021 season.

In 2023, he took to social media to inform his followers that he had a big blood clot removed from his thigh and also had some below his knee taken out.

Now, it seems as if some of those problems have re-emerged for the NFL Hall of Famer.

“I think I got more blood clots,” Sanders told reporters. “Cat’s out of the bag, all right? I think I got more blood clots. It don’t make sense. I’m hurting like crazy.”

The coach was seen during the game taking a seat while he had one shoe off on the sideline.

“So that’s what’s going on. I’m not getting blood to my legs. That’s why my leg is throbbing. Sorry to get that out, but thank you for noticing.”

The team has been struggling this season, sporting a 2-4 record thus far. This is Sanders’ first season not coaching his sons, Shedeur and Shilo. Sheduer is a member of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL, while Shilo was cut in the preseason after suiting up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

RELATED CONTENT: Deion Sanders Expects Accountability From Players

Tubi
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 6, 2025

Nigerian-American Creator Wins Tubi’s Inaugural Stubios Greenlight Contest

Rosemary Idisi’s original horror film "Glamping" will premiere on Tubi on Friday, Oct. 24.

Nigerian-American actress, writer, and producer Rosemary Idisi has won Tubi’s inaugural Stubios Greenlight Contest, the streaming platform announced on Oct. 3.

Her original horror/thriller film, Glamping, will premiere on the platform on Friday, Oct. 24.

Idisi received the most fan votes in Tubi’s first-ever contest, part of the platform’s new fan-driven creator studio designed to support aspiring filmmakers and their audiences.

“I’m passionate about bringing diverse characters to life on screen, especially in genres where we haven’t traditionally seen ourselves,” said Idisi. “Stubios gave me the access, mentorship, and community support that young filmmakers like me rarely receive. I can’t wait to bring GLAMPING to a broader audience.”

“Just a Nigerian girl with big dreams and stories to tell,” she gushed on X.

https://twitter.com/rosemaryidisi/status/1974240150088536286

Initially a short film, Glamping follows a seemingly perfect weekend getaway in Big Bear that turns horrifying when a masked killer targets aspiring influencer Olivia and her group of friends. The feature film expands on Idisi’s original short by diving deeper into the characters’ backstories to heighten suspense and see a more diverse representation of survival tactics in a traditional horror film.

The contest comes on the heels of Tubi’s 2024 launch of Stubios, part of Tubi for Creators. Stubios is a fan-driven creator studio that supports aspiring filmmakers with funding, mentorship, and a direct path to premiere their original long-form content on Tubi.

By giving creators greater control, Tubi seeks to bridge the gap to Hollywood, expand its audience, and champion underrepresented voices in media.

“At Tubi, we champion untold stories—and Rosemary’s genre-defying vision for Glamping is exactly that,” said Adam Lewinson, chief content officer at Tubi. “Congratulations to Rosemary for winning the Stubios Greenlight Content, and we’re thrilled to help bring her storytelling to Tubi, where stories truly find their audience.”

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Theresa Randle, arrest, domestic violence
by Mary Spiller

October 6, 2025

Charlotte School Bus Driver Charged With Sexually Assaulting Teenage Boys

Leetwain Darrell Tate, known as “Ms. Sharon,” was arrested after investigators said he lured teenage boys to his home and assaulted them.


A Charlotte school bus driver who went by the name “Ms. Sharon” has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault involving teenage boys, according to police. Leetwain Darrell Tate, 48, was taken into custody Sept 30 by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Tate faces two counts of statutory rape and six counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor. Investigators say the alleged victims are boys aged 14 and 15, though authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by WCNC, one of the teens reported that Tate offered him money in exchange for sexual acts. The minors were found staying at Tate’s home, which police believe was where the assaults occurred. Officials emphasized that none of the alleged incidents took place on school property or during Tate’s work hours as a bus driver.

Tate had been employed by Sugar Creek Charter School in Charlotte, where he drove school buses. The school suspended him after learning of the investigation, and his employment was officially terminated on September 30.

Tate is currently being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail on a $1 million bond. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as they work to identify any additional victims.

“I appreciate the work of the Crimes Against Children unit for their serious investigation, as well as the courage of these juvenile victims who came forward in this case,” Lt. Corey Geohagen said during a following press briefing.

“This is, by no means, easy for the victims to relive the terrible crimes committed against them, but their courage led to the arrest of a violent criminal. In many cases, crimes against children are never reported. Fear, shame, or threats of an abuser keep the victim silent, meaning there’s always a chance that more victims are suffering, suffering in silence.”

Residents of Tate’s neighborhood expressed shock following the arrest. “It’s pretty disturbing that it is so close to home and you are just shocked,” neighbor Tony Sanders told WCNC. “Fourteen- or 15-year-olds can be so impressionable at that age. To think someone would take advantage of that is very alarming.”

Police have urged anyone with information about Tate or possible victims to contact Charlotte-Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers.

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