The voyage includes stops in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
The Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise (WTJRC), co-founded by four-time Grammy winner Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a sold-out voyage from Oct. 27-Nov. 1. The Norwegian Joy will host more than 60 artists spanning reggae, dancehall, and comedy.
The robust lineup is anchored by brothers Damian and Stephen Marley, who will perform a special set as the conclusion of their 2025 Traffic Jam Tour. The cruise will also feature the third generation of the Marley family: Yohan, Skip, Mystic, and YG Marley.
The roster is packed with legends of the genre. Dancehall icons Shabba Ranks and Super Cat are scheduled to return, alongside roots legends Sizzla and Capleton. Fans will also see performances from crossover star Shenseea, the velvet lover’s rock of Tarrus Riley, and party anthems from Baby Cham. Roots reggae will be represented by Junior Reid, Louie Culture, Warrior King, and Mortimer.
Adding a new element, comedian Dale Elliott will deliver the cruise’s first-ever stand-up comedy shows.
Co-founder Dan Dalton noted the significance of the event. “Over a decade ago, Damian and I set out to create a cruise that brought Jamaica to the world in a way no one had seen before. This year feels like history in the making, celebrating our 10-year milestone among family, friends and fans.”
Beyond the concerts, the cruise offers a full immersion into Jamaican culture, with passengers enjoying authentic island cuisine, Nyabinghi drumming sessions, meditation, yoga, and dancehall classes. The voyage includes stops in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
The specially organized SoundClash at Sea will feature past champions and legendary sound systems, including Stone Love (Geefus), David Rodigan, King Jammy, Renaissance Disco, and Kingston 12 HiFi. Organizers have also confirmed that the cruise will return for its 11th year, with 2026 tickets to be announced soon.
Kyren Lacy’s Attorney Releases Video That Appears To Clear His Name
The Louisiana Democratic Party is calling for an independent investigation into the accusations levied at Lacy by police.
On Oct. 3, the late Kyren Lacy’s attorney produced video evidence that allegedly directly contradicted the claims of authorities in Louisiana, including the Louisiana State Police, which accused Lacy of negligent homicide and felony hit-and-run relating to a crash that occurred on Dec. 17, 2024.
According to Reuters, Matt Ory, Lacy’s attorney, stated in a voiceover of surveillance video that his client was so far behind the crash that charging him with the crimes the authorities did was a gross miscarriage of justice.
“We know from data that Kyren Lacy did in fact pass four cars; there’s no disputing that. Further north, Kyren Lacy passed four cars,” Ory said in the video. “However, he was back in his lane of travel, 92.3 yards — back in his lane — behind (the car that occupied the man killed in the crash). … He’s 72.6 yards behind the vehicles at the time of impact. Key word, behind the vehicles. That is not how this story was ever painted. Never.”
According to USA Today, in February, Ory also noted that his former client was innocent of the charges he had been facing.
“The collision that resulted in the death of Mr. Herman was not caused by Mr. Lacy’s actions,” Ory said at the time. “The accident occurred directly in front of him when a second vehicle in the oncoming lane crossed the centerline and collided with Mr. Herman’s vehicle, in which he was a passenger.”
He continued, “It is crucial to emphasize that Mr. Lacy did not cause or contribute to the crash. There was no suspicion of alcohol or drug use involved. Furthermore, contrary to some media reports, Mr. Lacy never ‘returned’ to the scene of the accident.”
Despite this alleged evidence showing that Lacy was nowhere near the accident when it occurred, the Louisiana State Police stood by their initial assertion that Ory’s client committed the crimes they accused him of.
According to WVLA Baton Rouge, notably, Ory praised the district attorney who ordered an independent investigation into the crash, instead of relying solely on the police report, which contained discrepancies.
“This is exactly the kind of leadership we should expect from our District Attorney: a commitment to justice, regardless of external pressure or any narrative being pushed,” Ory wrote in a statement. “Her decision to independently verify the facts ensured that the investigation was thorough and properly handled.”
In addition, the Louisiana Democratic Party is calling for an independent investigation into the accusations levied at Lacy by the police and some media members, and it notes in its statement that justice is about getting to the truth, not necessarily simply finding a scapegoat to punish.
“Mr. Lacy, like any citizen, deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness under the law — not subjected to baseless allegations that tarnish reputations before the facts are known. The Louisiana Democratic Party condemns in the strongest possible terms any effort by law enforcement officers to misuse their authority or misrepresent the truth,” the statement reads.
It continued, “Furthermore, with collaboration and approval from the Lacy Family, we are calling on members of the Louisiana Legislature to introduce and pass “The Lacy Law” during the upcoming legislative session — a reform designed to prevent false reporting and wrongful accusations by law enforcement officers. This legislation must include strict penalties for officers or agencies found to have deliberately fabricated or misrepresented evidence, as well as measures to protect citizens’ rights and restore public confidence in our justice system.”
As the Southern Poverty Law Center noted in an expansive 2023 report on Louisiana’s criminal justice system, it is plagued by a power imbalance and lack of diversity that often leaves the families of victims with little to no recourse in seeking justice.
“As in other states across the Deep South, the system is in many ways a legacy of 150 years of slavery and nearly a century of Black Codes and Jim Crow segregation, under which states enacted laws designed specifically to criminalize Black people,” the report notes.
It continued, “This kind of official neglect is not the worst part of the white-heavy power structure outlined in Out of Balance. Louisiana’s history of police abuses is long and well documented, and Black people are usually on the receiving end.”
Vice President Kamala Harris Presented Highest Honor By NAACP
'I am deeply honored to receive the Spingarn Medal — an award whose legacy reflects the brilliance, sacrifice, and determination of generations who paved the way for progress,' said Harris.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris was bestowed with the NAACP’s highest honor when they presented her with the 2025 Spingarn medal.
The award was given to Harris Sept. 30 at a special dinner that took place in Los Angeles, Calif. It was given to her by NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Leon W. Russell.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Spingarn Medal — an award whose legacy reflects the brilliance, sacrifice, and determination of generations who paved the way for progress,” said Harris. “To be counted among its recipients is profoundly inspiring. That it comes from the NAACP, one of our nation’s oldest and greatest champions of freedom and equality, makes this honor all the more meaningful.”
Vice President Harris joins other distinguished winners of the Spingarn medal, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and W.E.B. Du Bois. The medal is given to an individual for their contributions to justice, equity, and public service.
“It is a true privilege to recognize Vice President Kamala Harris as this year’s Spingarn Medal recipient,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “Her trailblazing leadership and unwavering commitment to justice embody the very essence of this honor. As the first woman and the first Black American to serve as Vice President, her legacy of breaking barriers and championing equity will inspire generations to come.”
The 49th Vice President of the United States released her latest book, 107 Days, on Sept. 23. This is Harris’ first book since she released The Truths We Hold: An American Journey. She also penned a children’s book the same year, “Superheroes Are Everywhere.” She wrote her very first book 10 years before that, Smart on Crime.
Last month, she was at her alma mater, Howard University, for an unannounced stop as part of her 18-city book tour.
Trill Burgers And ChòpnBlọk Cook Up A West African Smashburger Collab In Houston
ChòpnBlọk will also be celebrating its second anniversary.
ChòpnBlọk’s unique application of West African flavors recently landed the Houston restaurant a spot on The New York Times’ coveted “Best 50 Places To Eat In America;” it was the only restaurant in Houston to earn that honor.
Trill Burgers began as a pop-up shop in 2021, and after its rampant success, in 2023, founder Bernard James Freeman (best known as rapper Bun B) went into the brick-and-mortar business for himself.
Later this month, the two restaurants will collaborate on what is undoubtedly an expansion of chef Ope Amosu’s vision of how West African flavors can be utilized in various styles of food, even a smashburger concept like Trill Burgers.
On the evening of Oct. 9, 9-11 p.m., while DJs play Afro-soul music, Amosu’s Montrose restaurant will sell dishes like suya-spiced sliders, a take on his suya steak skewers, which he modified by swapping out chunks of meat for ground meat which will be mixed with peanuts, pepper, garlic, ginger and onion for a patty with an intense flavor explosion.
Later, on Oct. 23, ChòpnBlọk will go to Trill Burgers’ South Shepherd Drive location for another night of West African riffs on burgers and tenders; the collaboration between the two restaurants marks ChòpnBlọk’s one-year anniversary at its Montrose location.
Priya Krishna, a New York Times food reporter who was one of two interim restaurant critics when she reviewed Amosu’s restaurant, noted that it was a breath of fresh air in the culinary industry writ large, but particularly in the fast-casual space.
“In a world of sad salads shoveled out of cardboard, ChòpnBlọk is a delightful antidote to the slop bowl era,” Krishna wrote.
As The Houston Chronicle reported, while the restaurant’s popularity and national acclaim has been a bit of a whirlwind over the last few years, Amosu’s journey to opening the brick-and-mortar incarnation of his restaurant in 2024 has involved a series of pivots.
More than 10 years ago when Amosu was pursuing his MBA from Rice University, he enrolled in a class on hip-hop and religion, taught by Professor Freeman. Freeman noted to the outlet that at the time they met, both men weren’t really looking at careers in the culinary industry.
“Neither of us were looking at a future in food… I was already in my career. Ope was considering other things at the time. And here we are. Our paths have crossed again, which is amazing to me,” Freeman said.
According to KHOU, Amosu’s childhood was, itself, a series of pivots, as he grew up the son of two immigrants who raised him in London, Nigeria, and Southwest Houston. Originally, his plan was to pursue a career in oil and gas, but eventually, after he got his degree from Rice, he decided to make a change.
From pop-up dinners to a nationally recognized restaurant, Opeyemi Amosu ’14, has made ChòpnBlọk a Houston sensation, blending culture and cuisine. Today, we celebrate Nigerian Independence Day, carrying forward a vision rooted in heritage and innovation. https://t.co/PkVbIRxXTapic.twitter.com/SyE8FRyrTX
“Me having like, a Rice MBA and doing the corporate thing and then saying, you know what, I think I’m gonna pivot,” the decision, he said, puzzled his parents. “If you know anything about my culture and Africans, we are very… animated. Right. So I got all of that.”
ChòpnBlọk started in earnest when Amosu decided to study with West African home cooks while he worked his traditional day job and another night job as a prep cook and dishwasher at Chipotle. Once he felt he was ready, he took his talents to a food court where he built up a clientele until he made another pivot to a brick and mortar restaurant.
According to Amosu, “We have the most diverse dining room in the entire city,” no small claim in one of the country’s most diverse cities.
Around the same time that Amosu was going through the process of laying the groundwork to transition from a food court to a brick-and-mortar establishment, Freeman launched
Amosu also still maintains a spot in downtown Houston’s food hall, Post Market, where a chance encounter reunited him with his one-time college professor who, like nearly everyone else that tries his food, immediately became a fan of it.
“I was like, ‘This is crazy,’” Freeman recalled. “And then we tried the food, and the food was amazing.”
2 Dead, 14 Injured In Montgomery, Alabama, Shooting
'This is not acceptable. This is not normal,” said Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys. “We will not rest until we put the people involved in jail.'
A deadly incident after a football game between Tuskegee University and Morehouse College has reportedly left 14 people injured and two dead, according to police officers in Montgomery, Alabama.
According to WSFA, a shooting took place around 11:30 p.m. in downtown Montgomery in an area that had thousands of people gathering after multiple events taking place in the area. Police officials confirmed that the disturbance left two people dead, one a woman, but the second person was not identified. Out of the injured individuals, two of them were juveniles, with one who is listed in life-threatening condition. There are a total of three victims who remain in critical condition, while nine others were reported to have had non-life-threatening injuries, the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) said.
“To have a heinous event like this take place prior to midnight in a busy part of our entertainment district is reckless and selfish,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed. “You don’t care about your life? Go jump off a bridge. You don’t pull out a gun and shoot in a crowd of people.”
The area was full of revelers after several events had taken place, including the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic, the Alabama National Fair, and Alabama State University’s homecoming game.
Mayor Reed stated that the shooting happened with “police units within 50 feet of both sides.”
Baptist Medical Center South confirmed that seven of the shooting victims were treated, and a hospital spokesperson said one of the patients died, three are still in critical condition, two are listed in stable condition, and one was treated and left the facility after care.
An investigation is taking place, as neither a motive nor suspects have been identified at this point.
“This is not acceptable. This is not normal,” added Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys. “We will not rest until we put the people involved in jail.”
Graboys also stated that several people have already been brought in for questioning, as some of the guns recovered in the shooting had high-capacity magazines.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are assisting the MPD in the investigation.
Killer Mike, Career Power Moves, And Influence For Change: Inside The 2025 National Black MBA Conference
Overall, the 2025 National MBA Conference in Houston proved to be a valuable experience for all participants.
The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) held its 47th Annual Conference and Exposition in Houston, Sept. 24-26, at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Under the inspiring theme “TRANSFORM,” the NBMBAA conference provided business professionals, students, and thought leaders with a unique opportunity to network, learn, and collaborate. Held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, the event brought together over 2,000 participants to explore the latest trends in leadership, technology, and diversity in business. With keynote speakers like Don Thompson, former McDonald’s CEO; activist and scholar Mark LaMont Hill; former Senior Advisor to President Obama, Ashley Etienne; and more, the conference gathered hundreds to hear the gems dropped by these prestigious speakers.
Each day of the conference focused on a specific theme: Leadership on Sept. 24, AI and Technology on Sept. 25, and Wealth Building on Sept. 26, and BLACK ENTERPRISEwas there speaking with conference officials and attendees alike.
“This year’s conference represents the very best of what NBMBAA stands for—connection, innovation, and legacy,” said Orlando Ashford, Interim CEO of the National Black MBA Association. “By anchoring our programming in transformative leadership and future-forward thinking, we’re ensuring our members are not only prepared for what’s next—they’re leading it.”
Networking was a key feature of the event, with over 100 companies participating in the MBA Career Fair. The fair offered access to job opportunities in industries ranging from consulting to technology and energy. In addition, the Career Development Center provided personalized coaching on resume building, interview skills, and navigating the competitive job market. These opportunities gave attendees a chance to connect directly with leading employers and explore new career pathways.
“As chairwoman, I can confidently say ‘TRANSFORM 2025’ embodies the NBMBAA’s unwavering commitment to empowering our members,” said Leslie Coleman, chairwoman of the National Black MBA Association Board of Directors.
A major theme the conference was focused on was influence — and using it in a positive way. In a candid conversation, rapper and activist Michael “Killer Mike” Render joined CNBC’s Frank Holland to discuss the intersection of culture, economics, and social activism. Render, a longtime advocate for economic empowerment within the Black community, shared insights on using influence for social good and creating sustainable impact. The discussion highlighted Render’s role in shaping conversations about financial literacy, social justice, and the future of Black entrepreneurship.
Workshops and breakout sessions offered practical insights into a variety of topics, including sustainable business practices, leadership development, and global supply chain management. These sessions provided actionable strategies that attendees could apply to their careers and organizations, helping them stay competitive in an ever-changing business environment.
Conference attendee and local Houston entrepreneur Tiffany Jones reflected on the NBMBAA conference, saying, “This was my first time at the conference and definitely won’t be the last. Between the panels and the career expo- I walked away with more than words. I walked away with business resources, new connections, and tangible advice on how to improve my future both financially and personally.”
Overall, the 2025 National MBA Conference in Houston proved to be a valuable experience for all participants. By combining cutting-edge discussions, career development opportunities, and meaningful networking, the conference reinforced its role as a major platform for shaping the future of business leadership.
Jazzmin Bethel, Assistant Director of Brand Marketing for Northwestern Mutual, reflected on the partnership with the conference. “We are truly energized by our participation in the National Black MBA Association conference and honored to lead our sponsored session on creating wealth and legacy. This platform allows us not only to share critical financial strategies but to partner with emerging leaders in crafting a future defined by generational impact. Together, we are building legacies that last, and we’re so happy to have BLACK ENTERPRISE here with us as well.”
Add It to Your Grocery List? Costco Now Selling Ozempic And Wegovy For Half Price
The deal will be for Costco members who pay for the medications without insurance coverage.
As part of its new partnership with Danish drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk, Costco will offer GLP-1’s like Wegovy and Ozempic to its members who pay for the medications without insurance coverage at a deep 50% discount through its Costco Member Prescription Program.
The medications will run Costco members $499 for a four-week supply of pens, but like any other pharmacy, they are required to have a prescription for the drug from their doctor in order to have it filled.
As People Magazine reported, an additional 2% discount is available for both Costco Executive Members and Costco Citibank Visa cardholders, which, like any offer from a credit card company, is subject to the applicable terms of the cardholder agreement.
As Dave Moore, executive vice president, U.S. Operations of Novo Nordisk Inc., told the outlet, “Our collaboration with Costco is another step forward by Novo Nordisk in making real Wegovy and Ozempic easier to access and afford — right where people already shop.”
He continued, “By partnering with one of the country’s most trusted retailers, we are meeting people where they are and connecting them to real, FDA-approved medicines in our premium pen devices with our $499 self-pay offer. Everyone deserves care that’s simple, reliable, and within reach — and we’re proud to lead the way in helping make that a reality.”
People reached out to Costco for more information about the program, but did not receive a response before their story ran.
While similar, the two drugs have been approved for different treatments, although both are Semaglutide medications — which basically work as appetite suppressants. Wegovy has been approved for use as a weight loss aid, while Ozempic was initially developed and is still approved for use as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes.
As such, Ozempic is generally approved by most insurance companies, but may be subject to a prior authorization, while Wegovy will generally not be approved unless it is prescribed for what is referred to as a therapeutic use for the treatment of obesity.
The rise of GLP-1’s, considered by some in the medical community as the next “wonder drug” due to the wide range of potential applications beyond weight loss and diabetes treatment, has also come at a considerable cost to the public. As Moore alluded to, counterfeit versions of the highly demanded drugs have made people sick.
As the FDA noted in its advisory to the public, drugs that are not FDA-approved carry additional risks for patients, noting that as of July 31, it has received 605 reports of adverse events (a bad reaction to ingesting a drug) associated with compounded semaglutide and 545 adverse events related to compounded tirzepatide.
Per their advisory, the “FDA is aware of counterfeit Ozempic marketed in the U.S. Counterfeit drugs claim to be authentic, but could contain the wrong ingredients, contain too little, too much or no active ingredient at all or other harmful ingredients, and are illegal.”
Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician-scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital, indicated that this development represents a larger problem with how body image is read onto others in America.
“I think the conversation is definitely missing the Black community. We hear the privileged white voice in the community because that’s usually who can afford it and who gets the access and care. With obesity, we do blame people because we think…the right way is diet and exercise. We have this moral code that we espouse that people have to use. We are not lazy Black people. We care about our disease. We care about our health,” Stanford told the outlet.
Music Producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Honored By Living Legends Foundation
'We’re just two guys who like to make music. You all are the ones who made them hits,' Lewis said.
At the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the Living Legends Foundation, the organization presented awards to legendary songwriters and producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, along with several other esteemed individuals, in Atlanta, Oct. 3.
According to Billboard, the production team of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis was honored for their musical contributions when they received the Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award at the event that took place in Atlanta at Flourish by Legendary. The organization was created to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of individuals who have made their mark in the radio, music, and entertainment industries.
Upon accepting his award, Jam said, “Ray Harris was so instrumental early in our careers with literally the first record that we did at SOLAR Records, which was ‘Wild Girls’ by Klymaxx. So to get an award from him with his name on it is absolutely amazing.”
Lewis chimed in by saying, “We’re just two guys who like to make music. You all are the ones who made them hits.”
Others recognized that night included National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) president/CEO James L. Winston, who received the Chairman’s Award, Zelma Redding, widow of soul legend Otis Redding, and president/founder of the Otis Redding Foundation, who was given the Legacy Award, and the Impact Award was presented to Quality Control Music’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Chief Executive Officer, Pierre “P” Thomas.
The Living Legends Foundation reached a milestone by presenting six awards to female executives for the first time. RCA Records head of promotion, Samantha Selolwane (Music Executive Award); Right On! Digital Founder, Cynthia Horner (Media Icon Award); iHeartMedia Chicago VP of programming, Kashon Powell (Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award); nationally syndicated radio host DeDe McGuire (DeDe in the Morning; Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award); broadcast and music industry executive Carole Carper (Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award); and West Entertainment Services CEO Louise West (Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award) were all recognized for their contributions to the industry and the culture.
Ghana’s President Calls For Action On Reparations By UN
Ghana’s president, John Dramani Mahama, recently called for the UN to take action on reparations for the African diaspora.
In April 2025, during the fourth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, speakers called for stronger collaboration among governments, civil society, and regional organizations to create a global framework addressing reparations for the lasting impacts of colonialism, enslavement, apartheid, and genocide from the 16th to 19th centuries. The conversation advanced on October 3 at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, where plans were announced to formally submit the first motion demanding reparative justice for these historical injustices against Africa and the African diaspora.
According to Capital B News, the effort, which is being spearheaded by Ghana’s president, John Dramani Mahama, will focus on creating and endorsing concrete U.N.-backed compensation for the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Africans and people of African descent. If it is successful, it could open the door for action on the front of reparations in the United States. That particular issue has been long regarded as a longshot because of the lack of political will to undertake a serious redress of the harms visited on Black Americans by the United States government.
As Mahama noted in his address, “Reparatory justice is not about pity. It is about recognition, responsibility, and restitution. The descendants of Africa deserve the dignity of acknowledgement and the fairness of redress. We demand reparations for the enslavement of our people and the colonization of our land that resulted in the theft of natural resources, as well as the looting of artifacts and other items of cultural heritage that have yet to be returned in total.”
Mahama concluded, “We must demand reparations for the enslavement of our people and the colonization of our land that resulted in the theft of natural resources.”
GHANA PRESIDENT DEMANDS SLAVE TRADE REPARATIONS
Pay up now for the transatlantic slave trade—that was Nana Akufo-Addo's message this week to the affluent north at the UN General Assembly. In a no holds barred speech, the Ghanaian president said:
The calls for reparations, specifically on the international stage, are not new. In 1964, in a speech delivered to the African Summit Conference, Malcolm X called upon African leaders to make the problems faced by Black Americans their problems because the conditions of people of African descent in America were inextricably linked to the conditions of Africans on the continent.
As Malcolm X said towards the close of his speech, “In the interests of world peace and security, we beseech the heads of the independent African states to recommend an immediate investigation into our problem by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.”
BREAKING: The UN's human rights chief called for reparations for slavery and colonialism.
The council is holding a rare debate on U.S. racism and police brutality, after the "gratuitous brutality" of #GeorgeFloyd's killing. pic.twitter.com/RlmOwcBx1l
More recently, notably after the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor during the summer of 2020, the concerns Malcolm X outlined in his speech, specifically those connecting American racism and police brutality as concerns of human rights, were again raised at the United Nations by its then-human rights chief, Michelle Bachlet, during a session on systemic racism and police brutality, during which time she called for reparations for slavery and colonialism.
After this, the momentum for the redress of the harms inflicted on Black people worldwide, but particularly in the United States, only accelerated. The following year, the UN called for a global reparations program for people of African descent to repair the harms of slavery. In 2023, Mahama’s predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo, noted to the UN General Assembly that the vast wealth of both the United States and the United Kingdom was built on the “blood and horrors of the transatlantic slave trade.”
Ghana’s motion focuses on direct financial compensation, restoring plundered environments in Black communities, and the return of cultural property. All of which, at various points, have been held up as examples of what redress for enslavement and the subsequent inequality imposed on Black Americans could look like.
Ike Turner Jr., Son Of Ike Turner, Dies At 67 Of Kidney Failure
The news of Turner's death was confirmed by the niece of music icon Tina Turner, Jacqueline Bullock.
Ike Turner Jr., the son of Ike Turner, the music producer and executive whose definitive public image is likely owed to the star performance of Lawrence Fishburne in the seminal biopic turned Oscar darling What’s Love Got To Do With It? died on Oct 5, at the age of 67 after succumbing to kidney failure.
As TMZ reported, the news of Turner’s death was confirmed by the niece of music icon Tina Turner, Jacqueline Bullock, who told the outlet that Ike Turner Jr. had battled “severe heart issues for years” in addition to recovering from a stroke he suffered in September.
Although Turner was not Tina’s son, he did briefly work for her as a sound engineer after she was able to escape her abusive marriage to his father, but over time, the two drifted apart. The younger Turner was the biological son of Ike Turner and Lorraine Taylor, and later won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2006 as a producer of his father’s album Risin’ With the Blues.
According to Cleveland.com, Bullock noted in a statement announcing Turner’s death that she regarded him as more of a brother than a cousin. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my cousin, Ike Turner Jr. ‘Junior’ was more than a cousin to me, but rather a brother, as we grew up in the same famed household together.”
According to the National Kidney Foundation, Black Americans are more than 3 times as likely to have kidney failure compared to white Americans due to the prevalence of economic, structural, and social determinants of health that have disproportionately impacted Black Americans.
As they note, the way in which kidney disease was traditionally diagnosed also served to help underestimate the severity of the disease among Black populations, which in turn, delayed important interventions to help preserve kidney function.
As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, in 2024, when a racially biased test and healthcare algorithms were adjusted, 14,000 Black people on the national kidney transplant list were moved up in an effort to help compensate for the systemic disparities.
According to J. Kevin Tucker, MD, like Sickle Cell Disease, the APOL1 risk alleles that often predict a person’s susceptibility to kidney failure were initially developed to protect people of African descent from other diseases. In this case, it was a particular parasite that causes African sleeping sickness, in much the same way that mosquitoes are known carriers of malaria, which sickle shaped red blood cells evolved to combat.
However, he also noted that, “While we now understand more about the genetics and biology of kidney disease in African Americans, they play a relatively minor role in their excess risk. Social determinants of health, race, and racism are equally — if not more — important in explaining the excess risk of kidney disease in African Americans relative to white Americans.”
