Jacques Curtis, Shaw
by Daniel Johnson

October 5, 2025

Jacques Curtis’ Tenure At Shaw University Ends, Tainted By Allegations And Scandal

Jacques Curtis was head coach of the Shaw University women’s basketball program.

In a short press release announcing Jacques Curtis’ sudden retirement and Lou Hamilton’s appointment as interim head coach of the Shaw University women’s basketball program, the university did not address the alleged reasons behind Curtis’ resignation or the recent allegations surrounding the program. Instead, it highlighted his career achievements, including 400 wins, nine CIAA titles, 11 NCAA tournament appearances, and a Division II National Championship.

As HBCU Gameday reports, in April 2025, Kiara Shepherd, a senior guard, posted a video to her TikTok account that contained allegations of inappropriate behavior directed toward the student-athletes Curtis was supposed to be teaching and coaching.

Shepherd also indicated in her video that she had filed a complaint with the Raleigh, North Carolina-based university earlier in the year. As is often the case when a whistleblower comes forward, her allegations inspired other athletes to come forward about their experiences under Curtis’ tenure.

“I just want to let y’all know I’m not trying to bash anybody,” Shepherd said in her video. “I’m not trying to ruin nobody’s career. I’m just saying exactly what happened.”

She continued, “All I’m just trying to do is bring awareness. I’ve already went to the school, I’ve already went to HR. I’ve already tried to pinpoint and get in contact with who I need to contact. School’s not doing nothing about it. I have no choice but to bring it on social media, which I did not want to do.”

“It’s been really hard to just kind of focus and just do my schoolwork, but it’s just like this has been pounding in the back of my mind. And everybody is just like, well, just let it go … I just wish that …I can’t. I can’t,” Shepherd explained.

Alliyah Chaplin, a guard who played for the university during the 2023-2024 season, is one of the former players who came forward with similar accounts of abuse and inappropriate behavior while the program was under the direction of Curtis.

In addition, the two players have informed various media outlets that they have been in contact with players who have played for the team since as far back as 2013, who have described similar situations.

“I experienced a man who takes advantage of his position and he has people behind him,” Chaplin told CBS 17. “I want [the school] to look into it. I want them to do something about it because we can’t keep going through that.”

She continued, ”There is no reason why the same thing is being said over and over again, year after year, with the same, with different teams. The roster is almost clear every single year. Everybody is leaving. Everybody is transferring.”

Although the school has acknowledged an impending meeting with Shepherd, which is only officially to address her concerns, it also noted in a statement on its website that “Shaw University is aware of recent allegations that have surfaced online. The university takes any allegations of misconduct seriously. The university has no further comment at this time.”

Frantaisa Springs, who was an equipment manager with the team during the 2018-2019 season, indicated to ABC 11 that abuse thrives in silence.

“I just witnessed like, emotional abuse, yelling for no reason, and just like mistreatment.” Springs, who had not previously come forward, was motivated by others sharing their experiences, recalled. “I’m glad everybody’s speaking up about it because if you’re not going to speak out about it, it’s just going to keep going on and on and on.”

Yet another former player, who asked ABC 11 to remain anonymous, remarked to the outlet off-camera that the abuse in the program goes back to at least 2005.

“I was surprised different players are now coming out from previous years all the way from 2005 to (2007),” per the alum’s comments to the outlet, they know of at least 11 former players who have described conduct similar to Shepherd and the others. That alum is now assisting with the legal process. The alum is “shocked” and “stunned” by the way it has played out so far.

Back in 2006, Dolmesha Stallings, a former assistant coach under Curtis, filed a complaint with Shaw University and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), stating to WBAL News that he sexually harassed her from the time she started working in that position in June 2003.

“There was some physical, but it was more so just verbal, lots of inappropriate language, lots of inappropriate telling of jokes — sexual nature…I’d give back the championship ring just to take this year back,” Stallings said.

“He’s a married man. I have a fiancé. I told him, ‘You’re my supervisor. Don’t mix business with pleasure, and you know you’re making me uncomfortable,” she recalled.

She continued, “There are numerous women who have come to me and commended me for stepping up and having the courage to say something where they weren’t able to, so I know there are others.”

RELATED CONTENT: Former University Of Wisconsin Women’s Basketball Players Sue Ex-Coach, Alleging Mental Abuse

accident, livestream, tiktok
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 5, 2025

Fox Sports Analyst Robert Griffin III Okay After Car Accident In Texas

'Thankful to God that my wife and kids are safe,' Griffin said.

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III revealed in a social media post that he and his family were involved in a car accident Oct. 3.

The former Washington Redskins player, who is currently a college football analyst for the Fox Sports network, posted a photo of the wrecked vehicle showing the front of the car smashed in on a highway in Fort Worth. The car ricocheted off a highway divider several times, according to Griffin, resulting in both front tires being blown. He did confirm that although his wife and children were in the car with him, everyone is safe.

“Just got in the worst car accident of our lives with my wife and kids in Fort Worth, Texas. Scary crash, ricocheted off the highway divider multiple times, and blew both front tires. Thankful to God that my wife and kids are safe.

According to TMZ Sports, the sports analyst was in Fort Worth to work the TCU versus Colorado football game for Fox Sports.

The media outlet received confirmation from the Fort Worth Police Department that three other vehicles were also involved in the accident, which occurred at 11:48 a.m. CT. There was also one person who got injured and was taken to the hospital.

“Upon arrival, officers located three of the vehicles that were involved; the other had left the scene before officers’ arrival,” the department said in a statement. “Medical personnel made the scene and transported an occupant to a nearby hospital with unknown injuries.”

“This accident is being investigated.”

Griffin played for three NFL teams—the Redskins, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore Ravens—during a career that spanned from 2012 to 2020.

RELATED CONTENT: Comedian Tracy Morgan Speaks About Car Accident

Amtrak, historic black town
by Kandiss Edwards

October 5, 2025

Amtrak Offers Half-Price Fares To Visit Historic Black Town

Amtrak will once again run special trains to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Tulare County, California.

Amtrak will once again run special trains to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Tulare County. The trip connects travelers to the only California town founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. 

The Oct. 11 trip will mark the 49th anniversary of the park’s creation. The journey to Colonel Allensworth began as a partnership between Amtrak and California State Parks in 2018. 

The upcoming celebration will feature live music, dancing, and food vendors. Additionally, guided tours of the historic schoolhouse, church, and library are available. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Amtrak’s San Joaquins line will operate three northbound and three southbound trains for attendees, according to a California State Parks press release.

Colonel Allen Allensworth, a formerly enslaved man and U.S. Army chaplain, co-founded the town in 1908. He hoped the town would become a model for Black economic independence and self-governance. Although floods, drought, and economic isolation forced its decline, the site was later restored as a state historic park to preserve its legacy of resilience and community-building.

Amtrak offers travelers a 50% discount on the day of the event. Routes will connect to cities including Bakersfield, Oakland, Sacramento, Modesto, Merced, and Fresno. Visitors arriving by car or bus will pay a small entry fee: $10 for a car, $50 for a small bus, or $75 for a large bus.

The annual trip has become a key cultural event in the Central Valley, with each year’s observance honoring a milestone in Black history. Some excursions have coincided with Juneteenth or Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Both occasions align with the park’s broader mission of education and remembrance.

Attendance has grown steadily since Amtrak began the partnership. Ridership rose from 97 participants at the first event to more than 500 travelers during this year’s Juneteenth celebration. The 49th-anniversary celebration is expected to draw visitors from across the state, cementing the legacy of Colonel Allensworth as a symbol of Black achievement.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross’ Sets Viewership Record On Roku, Leading To Another Season

Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, Shark Tank
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 5, 2025

Sharks And Business Leaders Feed Hungry Entrepreneurs At Inaugural Clover x Shark Tank Summit

Hungry entrepreneurs got their fill at the first-ever Clover x Shark Tank Summit in Las Vegas.

Eager entrepreneurs and small business owners gathered for inspiration and industry insights from top sharks and business leaders at the first-ever Clover x Shark Tank Summit.

Hosted by Clover Chief Empowerment Officer Tabitha Brown at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, the inaugural conference marked the culmination of 17 seasons of “Shark Tank,” spotlighting the next generation of innovative business leaders. Past and present Sharks took center stage for panels, live pitches, and info sessions designed to equip small business owners with the inspiration and motivation to thrive in today’s challenging economy.

Among the featured Sharks were Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Daniel Lubetsky, Robert Herjavek, along with next-gen guest Sharks Allison Ellsworth and Rashuan Williams. They were joined by top business and investment leaders who shared their expertise in in-depth discussions covering everything from branding and marketing to harnessing the industry-shifting power of AI.

Attendees listened intently as small business owners from across the country gathered to fill gaps in their business models and connect with fellow founders who understand the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

“I came to learn the numbers,” said Jazzmonae Lockett, the owner of Zion’s Crown hair care.

Lockett created her haircare line after developing a regrowth oil to treat her postpartum hair loss. Initially targeting moms, she soon discovered a wider market among those with alopecia and others experiencing hair loss. As Zion’s Crown grows, she’s seeking guidance on managing finances and data to sustain momentum.

“Shark Tank” fanatic Rashawnda Wright was inspired to start a business after years of watching the show. When her daughter struggled to fit her graduation cap over her natural hair, Wright created Cap Creations—custom inserts that let people with diverse hair wear caps comfortably and stylishly. Although she hasn’t yet landed a spot on “Shark Tank,” attending the summit gave her a chance to connect with the Sharks and gift Tabitha Brown one of her patented inserts.

The summit kicked off with high energy as “Earn Your Leisure” Founders and hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Billings opened with a live podcast featuring “Shark Tank” OG Robert Herjavec. The conversation centered on the ROI of investing in yourself, and allowed Herjavec to reflect on his own journey and how self-belief wasn’t always his strong suit. He realized this during a dinner with fellow Shark Mark Cuban, who revealed he knew at just 12 years old that he would one day be wealthy and own a basketball team.

“I remember how much that affected me because when I was 12 years old, I just didn’t want to be poor,” Herjavec, a Croatian native, told the crowd. “This mindset of fear was what I had to change. If you’re going to build a great business, or do anything in life, you have to have the ability to believe in yourself.”

That same belief and determination are essential for blocking out fear as an investor. “During economic downturns or uncertain times, many people pull back on investing due to reduced purchasing power, heightened risk aversion, and job security concerns. But success ultimately comes down to mindset and the depth of research put into a business or sector when navigating turbulent financial waters,” Bilal says.

“I think that you really have to focus on what’s important right now like you know there’s a lot of fear in the economy, there’s political uncertainty, there’s a lot of unrest in the world that we live in, in our country, but stay focused on what’s important stay focused on your goal,” Bilal told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Focus on the industry. Focus on the fundamentals of a company. Focus on the leadership of a company and try to block out the outside noise because there’s a lot it’s a lot going on right now.”

The Swim With Your Pack panel on Day 2 of the summit brought together Jay Bailey, president and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE); Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Dr. Key Hallmon, social entrepreneur, author, and speaker, to highlight the critical role community plays in a business’s strategic vision.

At the Russell Center, community is the foundation. Its model of supporting Black-owned businesses has fueled economic growth in Atlanta through revenue growth, job creation, and wealth-building among its stakeholders. Backed by undeniable data and a global diaspora, Bailey challenges the idea of categorizing Black business owners as a “minority.”

“When you look at a global marketplace, when I go to South America, they look like me. When I go to the Caribbean, they look like me. When I go to Africa, they certainly look like me. A lot of Canada, they look like me,” Bailey told BE in an exclusive post-panel chat. “When I go to Europe, they look like me. They’re parts of Asia that look like me. There’s a global diaspora, so you know I tend to say there’s nothing minor about us.”

Bailey continued. “They may say minority, but there’s nothing minor about us. There’s this opportunity for upside. If you look at all the data metrics that show the browning of the globe, it’s just smart business. And I think if you want to look at business over the next 10-20 years, you’ve got to account for those that used to be called underrepresented. They used to be called minorities because that demographic is changing rapidly.”

Rashuan Williams wrapped up Day 2 with a high-energy power session, guiding attendees through “startup school” with lessons on everything from crafting a first pitch deck to mastering the venture capital landscape. The dynamic guest Shark ended by investing $1 in every attendee as a symbolic reminder that they already hold the tools needed to become self-made multimillionaires like himself.

Speaking with BE after the session, Williams broke down the FITT Test he relies on when deciding where to invest—an approach that has guided his funding of more than 170 businesses, including early bets on Robinhood, Coinbase, Casper, Ring, PillPack, Lyft, and Dropbox. The FITT Test begins with the Founder (F), ensuring they’re the most qualified person to lead the venture. Next is Integrity (I), confirming he’s partnering with the right individual and not a “scammer.”

“A lot of people come up with an idea, raise money, shut it down the next day, and launch another idea,” Williams said. “You’re seeing that happening a lot, right? So I need somebody with integrity who’s going to stick in and then do the hard thing for a long time and not waste my money.”

Next is Team (T)—the group a founder has built and retained over time. For Williams, if a founder can’t keep their team committed, why should he invest? The final T stands for Traction, measuring how much a founder can accomplish with limited resources. During his power session, Williams, a Chicago native, likened it to a single mom on welfare who stretches every small paycheck to provide for her family.

“You need to be able to see whether or not a person can get traction based on the very little that they do have,” he said.

The three-day Shark Tank Summit wrapped with The Final Pitch, where three small businesses vied for investments from Sharks Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, and Tabitha Brown. Contestants included Sweet Encounter Bakery, known for its gluten- and nut-free cupcakes; Mended Textiles, a social impact brand empowering survivors of modern slavery; and Plant Zaddy, a plant therapy company promoting wellness through greenery.

Each founder had 90 seconds to pitch and faced over eight minutes of Shark scrutiny before a crowd of thousands. In the end, Clover declared all three winners, awarding each a $35,000 check to grow their businesses. Watching 17 seasons of “Shark Tank” culminate in the first-ever summit was a proud moment for Daymond John, who said he hopes to see a live taping of the show at a future event.

“Actually, real-time broadcast of all those that come out in the top, top, top, and get to sit in front of us for real-time action,” John told BE. “I mean, we did it live before on ABC, but for people to see it in real-time. I want to see an audience of 5,000 people quiet. Hear a pin drop. To see somebody put their absolute dreams right on the line.”

RELATED CONTENT: Backtalk with Daymond John

Alfonso Ribeiro, Tyra Banks, Dancing With The Stars' '
by Kandiss Edwards

October 5, 2025

Alfonso Ribeiro Says Tyra Banks Was ‘Setup For Failure’ During ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Stint

Alfonso Ribeiro says that Tyra Banks stepped into the position under circumstances that made success difficult. 

Alfonso Ribeiro, co-host of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” says Tyra Banks was not given the tools needed to thrive in her role.

Ribeiro believes Banks’s time leading the long-running dance competition show was hampered by timing and structure rather than her performance. Speaking in a new interview with Parade magazine, he said that Banks stepped into the position under circumstances that made success difficult. 

“Unfortunately for Tyra, she came onto the show during COVID,” Ribeiro said. “And not having the ability to connect with the celebrities and with the pros, how do you do that? It was always a two-person job. It became a one-woman show.” 

Banks joined DWTS in 2020, becoming both host and executive producer after longtime emcee Tom Bergeron and co-host Erin Andrews departed. The season was filmed under strict pandemic protocols. Social distancing measures limited audience interaction and behind-the-scenes contact between talent and crew.

Ribeiro, who began co-hosting with Banks in 2022, said she inherited a show from a seasoned host and was severely limited in her presentation.

“You’re following Tom Bergeron, the best host on television, right? You don’t have a co-partner … it’s just you,” he said. “Everything about her first two seasons was a setup for failure.” 

Despite the challenges, Ribeiro emphasized that there was no personal conflict between them. 

“At the end of the day, I was friends with Tyra. I still am friends with Tyra, and I respect Tyra immensely,” he said.

Banks left the show in 2023, saying she wanted to focus on her business ventures and creative projects.

“I feel it’s really time for me to focus on my business and my entrepreneurship and also producing more TV—but behind the scenes,” Tyra told TMZ. “I think it’s time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor…From the ballroom to the boardroom!”

Ribeiro remained in the hosting role after Banks’ departure. He was later joined by former “Dancing With the Stars” dancer Julianne Hough.

RELATED CONTENT: Alfonso Ribeiro Doesn’t ‘Need Or Ever Want’ To Work With Tyler Perry Again

CEO OF e.l.f. Beauty Says ‘Diversity Is Key’ To Brand’s Success
by Kandiss Edwards

October 5, 2025

CEO OF e.l.f. Beauty Says ‘Diversity Is Key’ To Brand’s Success

Tarang Amin, e.l.f. Beauty CEO, is reaffirming his company’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Tarang Amin, e.l.f. Beauty CEO, is reaffirming his company’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

As the Trump administration continues to target “radical DEI policies,” Amin is speaking out about the effectiveness of a diverse workforce. In a recent CNN interview, Amin dismissed the criticism as “rhetoric without the actual facts” and said that inclusion is a foundational pillar in the growth of his company over the past 21 years.  

“We serve a community that’s incredibly diverse, and our team reflects that,” Amin said. “Our diversity is a key competitive advantage in terms of our results.” 

The CEO added that e.l.f.’s approach is business-driven, designed to reach a broader customer base and ensure the brand mirrors its audience.

The comments came days after Trump criticized corporations that maintain DEI programs. Trump says DEI “divides Americans” and “undermines merit-based performance.” 

Headquartered in Oakland, California, e.l.f. Beauty has become one of the fastest-growing mass-market cosmetics companies in the United States. Forbes reports that e.l.f. Beauty employee demographics consist of “74% women, over 40% diverse, and over 72% millennial and Gen Z.” It also collaborates with organizations that promote career pathways for underrepresented communities in marketing, technology, and product design. 

Amin told CNN that diversity is not a political stance but a reflection of who the company serves. “We’re proud to stand for inclusion,” he said. “It’s not new for us. It’s part of our DNA.” 

Many correlate that e.l.f. Beauty’s stance and inclusive branding have contributed to its recent success. The company’s net sales increased 22% last fiscal year, outpacing those of other major beauty firms. e.l.f. Beauty experienced nine consecutive months of growth in the last quarter of 2024 and grew revenue by 40% to $980.9 million. The company’s success earned it recognition as one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies” for 2025. 

Amin said that e.l.f. will continue investing in programs that reflect its consumer base. “We’ve built a brand that’s accessible, affordable, and authentic,” he said. “That’s what drives our success.” 

RELATED CONTENT: The Fearless Fund Re-Emerges After Anti-DEI Settlement And Goes Global

California Teacher, Racist, Ableist Image, Black Child
by Kandiss Edwards

October 4, 2025

California Teacher On Leave After Sharing Racist, Ableist Image Of Black Child

Long Beach, California, teacher John Solomon denies the allegations, claiming his phone was hacked.

John Solomon, a teacher in the Long Beach Unified School District, has been placed on administrative leave after allegedly sharing a racist and ableist image of a Black child.

The image depicted a young boy wearing an ankle monitor and was shared in a group chat with members of the Teachers Association of Long Beach (TALB). The image was captioned “My First Ankle Monitor” and included commentary from Solomon suggesting “runners,” a term used to mock special education students, should wear the device.

Solomon, who teaches at MacArthur Elementary School in Lakewood and also serves as secretary for the TALB, has denied the allegations, claiming his phone was hacked. An internal union commission found that explanation to be “not credible,” the Long Beach Post reported. Members of the bargaining team report that the image was traced to Solomon’s number and that multiple recipients preserved screenshots of the message.

Solomon’s attorney called the accusations defamatory and indicated he may pursue legal action due to the Union’s public sharing of investigation details. Union records show that Solomon earlier resigned from the bargaining committee but has refused to relinquish his role as secretary. The executive board reportedly lacks the authority to remove him without a petition or his resignation. 

The Long Beach Post reports on the discourse surrounding the incident at a recent TALB meeting. Teacher Manar Totonji urged colleagues to sign a recall petition, citing the alleged message as “repugnant and racist.” Tonoji believes it is in TALB’s best interest to fully sever ties from Solomon and his actions.

“There’s collective disgrace and shame that we need to separate ourselves from,” Totonji said.

Totonji said removing Solomon is necessary for union leadership to uphold accountability and trust. In order to circumvent the need for Solomon’s resignation, a quarter of the union’s 3,700 members would need to sign the petition, triggering a special election.

Local elected officials have also weighed in on the controversy. State Sen. Lena A. Gonzalez posted a statement on Instagram urging the Long Beach School District to conduct its own investigation. The district previously claimed that Solomon’s actions as a TALB member were outside the scope of their powers.

“Racist, disparaging comments about any child in our Long Beach schools should never be tolerated. But learning about the racist text and photo shared by an LBUSD teacher, who is supposed to have the trust of colleagues, students, and parents, is horrendous.”

The TALB three-member investigative commission concluded that Solomon’s defense lacked credibility, noting that the message originated from his number and that he continued sending messages from that same number. The commission found that the evidence supporting Solomon’s claim of hacking was weak and inconsistent.

RELATED CONTENT: Alleged Proud Boys Member Admits to Racist, Violent Threats Against Black Philly Residents

Noose, lynching, deep south, report
by Daniel Johnson

October 4, 2025

Kaepernick-Funded Autopsy Reportedly Finds Trey Reed Didn’t Die by Suicide — Family Attorney Ben Crump Hasn’t Confirmed

Although unconfirmed by Reed's family, a new cause of death claims spread online.

According to an update to a report from The Chicago Crusader, activists who are working with the family of Demartravion “Trey” Reed and a verified source who is not authorized to comment publicly, the independent autopsy commissioned by Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative, which has not yet been released to the public, will confirm what Black people already instinctively suspected: Reed did not die by suicide, as the Cleveland (Mississippi) Police Department initially alleged.

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, after Reed’s family and civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump challenged the initial ruling that the Delta State University student died by suicide on Sept. 15 and demanded transparency and a thorough investigation, Colin Kaepernick’s organization stepped in to fund an independent autopsy to uncover the truth.

Per a report from the Mississippi Clarion-Ledger, although the official autopsy has not yet been released to the public, some of the initial commentary and rumors around his death, amplified on social media, connected his death with the death of a white homeless man, Cory Zukatis, whose death was also ruled a suicide.

As they noted, the Southern Poverty Law Center found that there have been at least eight suspected hangings of Black men and teens in Mississippi since 2000. Like Reed’s case, local authorities have ruled that these deaths were self-inflicted, that is, death by suicide, while their families cast doubt on the official narrative, given the historical context of lynchings in Mississippi and other Southern states.

Part of the reason for the rampant speculation and conspiracy theories being spread online can be traced to a podcast, wherein Krystal Muhammad, the chair of the New Black Panther Party, asserted in a conversation with rapper Willie D that Reed’s mother talked to her about what is reportedly in the autopsy report.

It should be noted that both the Southern Poverty Law Center and the original Black Panther Party have denounced the “New” Black Panther Party and said that it bears no association with the original group.

In addition to this, misinformation about Reed’s death spread after the initial autopsy was released. A person behind an account who claimed to be Reed’s cousin alleged that he had injuries, specifically broken bones, that would have made death by suicide physically impossible. Although the creator deleted those videos, they had already gone viral online.

As Terry Wilson, the founder of the Idaho chapter of the Black Lives Matter Grassroots chapter, told the Crusader, the response from Black Americans is rooted in a shared historical memory and context. “This sophisticated machinery of racial terror is just a fascist strategy that relies on overwhelming force from multiple directions, including misinformation, intimidation and threats,” Wilson said. “I think we’re witnessing a coordinated campaign of disappearances, lynchings and state sanctioned killings that target Black, Brown and Indigenous communities.

He continued, “We need to address this method of ‘lynchings by suicide’ which is their way to rationalize, from a medical standpoint, their feelings. I think this is sort of a death rattle for white supremacy, because they’re relying on almost every structural institution in order to justify or cover up the actions of folks.”

However, according to The New York Times, the 20-year-old Delta State student, Jy’Quon Wallace, who happened upon Reed’s body, while he is sympathetic to the family of Reed, absent the release of the second independent autopsy, he isn’t inclined to automatically tie Mississippi’s past to the body he found.

“We’re just trying to look out for one another. A lot of people are trying to use this situation to kind of make it seem like it’s racially motivated. There’s a lot of signs pointing to this as not a racially motivated situation. When that whole story comes out, if it does come out, then it may give some people clarity. It may not. That’s not up to us,” Wallace told the outlet.

Mississippi’s Republican Gov. Tate Reeves took a similar tack in his response to the incident, noting in his official statement, “Speculation from people who have no facts or evidence has dominated online conversations and even some national mainstream media outlets in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy,” to Gov. Reeves, the response “represents a sad state of affairs in today’s social media driven world.”

Perhaps this was always going to be the route that a suspicious death in Mississippi took, regardless of rumors fueled by social media, or the incident’s timing, following the attempt by the right to sanitize the legacy of Charlie Kirk, a white nationalist, after he was allegedly killed by Tyler Robinson, who had reportedly become disillusioned by Kirk’s beliefs.

Michael Peeler, Delta State University’s Director of Public Safety, and the second officer who arrived at the scene of Reed’s death, acknowledged that an independent investigation of Reed’s death could draw a very different conclusion from the original statements from the police department, but noted that whatever the conclusion, he believes that it will be based on facts.

“Once the investigation is over, then folks can see for themselves. I’m not a fortune teller, but I can tell you that they will see the facts,” Peeler told the New York Times.

RELATED CONTENT: Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative To Pay For Independent Autopsy Of Trey Reed

Gullah Geechee Culture, parade
by Daniel Johnson

October 4, 2025

Hilton Head Island Launches Website, App To Showcase History Of Its Gullah Geechee Community

There are already plans to expand the app's initial roster of seven locations around historic Hilton Head Island.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, Georgia’s Gullah Geechee community recently won a legal victory in its battle against McIntosh County officials, citing their fears of displacement and the erosion of Sapelo Island’s culture and history. On the heels of that victory comes another for South Carolina’s Hilton Head Gullah Geechee community, delivered through the launch of a website that digitally preserves its history and culture.

According to WSAV, on Oct. 2, Hilton Head leaders revealed the website and a mobile app, which they believe will allow visitors to the Island and others who are interested in the history of its Gullah Geechee community to learn more about their culture as well as the various businesses owned by Gullah Geechees across the Island.

The website, New Experience Gullah, was the focal point of a launch event hosted by the Gullah Geechee Historic Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation, but the companion app, built to allow an immersive experience of the Island’s historic landmarks like the Old School House Park, historic Mitchelville, Driessen Beach Park, and the Simmons Fishing Camp through scanning QR codes at physical locations, had ample time to shine as well.

“Technology is ever expanding and ever advancing and so the only way we can keep us is to make sure we have a footprint in that digital space. And so, this represents us being able to interact and launch in that digital space and provide opportunities for businesses to have advertising and such in that digital platform,” Thomas Boxley, the executive director of the GGHNCDC, told the outlet.

Per the National Park Service, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, which is managed by the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, was established to call attention to the historic and cultural contributions of the Gullah Geechee people, a group of people who have traditionally resided in the coastal areas and the sea islands of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

According to their entry, “Because their enslavement was on isolated coastal plantations, sea and barrier islands, they were able to retain many of their indigenous African traditions. These traditions are reflected in their foodways, arts and crafts, and spiritual traditions. They also created a new language, Gullah, a creole language spoken nowhere else in the world.”

As he previously asserted in a Sept. 25 press release announcing the event, Boxley believes that the Gullah Geechee community’s story needs to be preserved in as many formats as possible.

“A part of our strategic action plan for the Town of Hilton Head Island and the CDC is to preserve the Gullah Geechee culture that is prevalent throughout the Island’s historic neighborhoods,” Boxley stated.

To that end, per the press release, there are already plans to expand the app’s initial roster of seven locations around historic Hilton Head Island. Boxley and a team from Solaos Inc., a Tulsa, Oklahoma-based technology firm, worked for over a year to develop and deliver an application that honors Gullah culture, promotes Gullah-owned businesses and events, and attracts visitors. Additionally, the firm employed several high school students from Hilton Head as research assistants on the project.

“Their contributions not only enhanced the authenticity of the content but also provided meaningful educational opportunities,” Boxley added. “Students had the chance to deepen their understanding of the history and culture of their community while gaining practical experience with advanced technology used in visual storytelling. These are skills they can continue to build on in their high school and college studies.”

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Tony! Toni! Toné!, D'Wayne Wiggins, Children, Estate
by Daniel Johnson

October 4, 2025

Kim Scott, Cleveland’s City Planner, Faces Allegations Of Felony Theft And Falsifying Documents

Scott is being placed on unpaid administrative leave while the criminal case is ongoing.

Kim Scott, the chief city planner for the City of Cleveland, spent the morning of Oct. 3 in front of a judge after her earlier arrest two days prior on a charge of fifth-degree felony theft, stemming from allegations that she falsified a marriage license and a death certificate to receive time off granted by the Family and Medical Leave Act. (FMLA)

As Cleveland 19 reports, Sanaa Malik, whose father, Farid Malik, died in June, is broken over what she describes as a betrayal of the trust placed in her by Malik’s actual widow, her mother, Sauda Malik.

“What is the city of Cleveland doing? How did they allow this to happen? She’s (Scott) a thief and a cheat. My mother trusted her. My father trusted her and she betrayed their trust,” Malik told the outlet.

Scott’s attorney, who the outlet did not identify, wants the court to consider her otherwise clean record and give his client the opportunity to bond out of custody.

“She is 67. She has no prior history, lifelong ties to the community. She has worked at the city of Cleveland for almost 20 years. So I am asking for a personal bond,” he told the court.

That arrangement does not appear to be to the liking of Sanaa Malik, who maintained in her comments to the outlet that, “I want to see her go to jail for forging FMLA. I hope that justice will be served.”

According to WKYC, Scott was entrusted with power of attorney by Farid Malik before his death, a designation that allows broad control of a person’s finances, and in certain cases, allows them to make healthcare decisions on behalf of someone who can’t make them for themselves.

As Sanaa told the outlet, Scott abused that power for her own ends and bristled when called to account for it. According to Sanaa, Scott was someone whom she formerly referred to as an auntie.

“She was there 24/7,” Saana Malik recalled. “My father said, ‘I gave her power of attorney to help out in case you can’t get here and I need something done.’ Kim’s words were, ‘Well, I didn’t think it was necessary. Oh, I don’t have to answer anything! Very arrogant, very belligerent. It was a money grab. If Kim would’ve put her name on the death certificate, she could’ve gone to his union and got his pension.”

As reported by Cleveland.com, City of Cleveland spokesperson Sarah Johnson indicated that Scott is being placed on unpaid administrative leave while the criminal case is ongoing. Per city policy, the city’s employees are placed on leave while any cases involving them are pending in the legal system.

On July 7, Cleveland police were notified of an alleged fraud attempt when a woman, most likely Sanaa Malik, based on Cleveland.com’s account, told them that she had found fraudulent documents related to the affairs of her mother, including a death certificate that was allegedly signed by a city official and a falsified marriage certificate.

In addition, the woman told them that Scott, whom she identified as her mother’s “best friend,” had posed as Farid’s wife, using forged and fraudulent documents to do so. Scott was originally accused of falsifying FMLA documents and stealing 117 hours of paid leave from the City of Cleveland via an arrest warrant that was issued on May 27.

Following her arraignment, Scott is expected to return to court on Oct. 15 for a preliminary hearing, but as Malik told News 5 Cleveland, she isn’t interested in anything but justice for what she alleges Scott did to her family.

“That’s stealing and you’re stealing from an elderly man and an elderly woman who helped you,” Saana told the outlet in a phone interview. “Justice for Sauda. That’s what I want, you know, that’s the rallying cry that we have now. Justice for Sauda.”

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