Southern University Expels Omega Psi Phi Fraternity After Hazing Death Of Student Caleb Wilson
A university investigation found the fraternity responsible for Wilson’s death during a violent initiation ritual.
Southern University has officially removed the Omega Psi Phi fraternity from its campus following the hazing death of student Caleb Wilson. The expulsion was made public on July 18, although university officials stated that the decision had been in effect since April 24.
According to a university spokesperson, the school’s Division of Student Affairs found the fraternity responsible for the incident that led to Wilson’s death and took disciplinary action against the Beta Sigma chapter.
As a result, the fraternity is no longer recognized as a student organization at Southern University and must remove all associated symbols from campus. That includes fraternity plots, benches, monuments, trees, and any other items marking Omega Psi Phi’s presence.
According to WAFB, the move follows the death of 20-year-old Caleb Wilson, a mechanical engineering major and talented trumpet player in Southern’s renowned Human Jukebox marching band.
Wilson collapsed during a hazing ritual at a Baton Rouge warehouse and later died from his injuries.
Initially, fraternity members told authorities that Wilson had been hit while playing basketball at a park. They dropped him off at the hospital wearing only socks and sweatpants. However, the truth later emerged that Wilson had been repeatedly punched in the chest during a fraternity ritual.
Three fraternity members — Caleb McCray, 24; Kyle Thurman, 25; and Isaiah Smith, 29 — were arrested in connection with the hazing. All three face charges of criminal hazing, while McCray also faces a manslaughter charge for allegedly delivering the fatal blows.
Police say the pledges were lined up and punched four times in the chest while wearing black boxing gloves, which were later recovered from the warehouse.
Isaiah Smith, who was the chapter’s dean of pledges, was responsible for organizing the recruitment events, including the ritual that led to Wilson’s death. His father, Todd Smith, was leasing the Woodcrest Drive warehouse where the hazing took place for his business, California Hardwood Floors.
The university has not issued further comments but confirmed that the fraternity has lost all privileges and must completely dismantle its presence on campus.
Pardlo was one of the lead vocalists that powered the Grammy-nominated 2000's R&B group City High.
Robbie Pardlo, one of the lead vocalists who powered the Grammy-nominated R&B group City High in the 2000s, died on July 17 in Willingboro, New Jersey, surrounded by his friends and family at the age of 46.
According to TMZ, a representative for Pardlo confirmed to the outlet that the news of the singer’s death is legitimate. At the time of writing, no cause of death has yet been identified as his family is currently mourning his loss and making memorial and tribute arrangements.
Claudette Ortiz, Pardlo, and Ryan Toby, the members of City High, achieved breakout success after their first single, “What Would You Do?” from the group’s debut and only album, 2001’s “City High,” gained massive airplay on radio stations across the country.
The group followed this effort up with another hit, “Caramel,” which featured the First Lady of The Ruff Ryders, Eve, all of which garnered the group a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group in 2002.
According to NJ.com, all three members of the group were natives of Willingboro and graduates of Willingboro High School. City High was originally signed through Wyclef Jean’s Interscope subsidiary, Booga Basement, which he operated in conjunction with his cousin, producer Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis. The pair produced “What Would You Do?” a song that discussed themes of poverty, sex work, drugs, and child sexual abuse.
Following the dissolution of City High in 2003, Pardlo joined another R&B group, a quartet called First Take, during which time he collaborated with legendary acts like Whitney Houston, whom he and his groupmate, Toby, also sang backup for before forming City High, and Lil Kim.
On social media, after news of Pardlo’s death began to spread, so did the tributes to him, and some recalled Pardlo’s appearance on the A&E program “Intervention,” a show where loved ones stage an intervention in hopes of redirecting a person away from addiction.
On the show, Pardlo and others chronicled his battle with alcohol addiction and abuse. Following the episode, as Billboard reported in 2010, Pardlo responded positively to the efforts of his family and decided to go on a journey of sobriety.
Pardlo is survived by his wife, Anika Pardlo, his children Lyric and Chord-Andrew Pardlo, his mother, Marion Pardlo, his brother, writer and poet Gregory Pardlo, who won a Pulitzer Prize in 2015 for his book “Digest,” and his aunt, Cynthia Boyer.
Carlos King Breaks Silence On ‘RHOA’ Exit–Had Calling To Build His Own Reality TV Empire
Carlos King debunks any rumors surrounding his departure from the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta.'
Reality TV producer Carlos King is shedding light on his long-talked-about departure from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” which he says came after receiving a calling toward “something bigger.”
While celebrating the season 10 premiere of his hit OWN reality series “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” at Atlanta’s Forum Cocktail on July 16, King reflected on his television journey post-Bravo. Addressing long-standing rumors that he was fired from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” over the infamous Phaedra Parks vs. Kandi Burruss scandal in season nine, King clarified that he wasn’t let go; he chose to leave to launch his own production company, Kingdom Reign Entertainment, which went on to create the “Love & Marriage” franchise.
“I give all the credit to God,” he told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Because for me, it’s not every day you can say as a Black producer you get to work on a big show like‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta,’that’s a part of another big franchise. But to leave the show because you felt that God was calling you to do something bigger.”
King enjoyed major success during his time at Bravo, producing seasons 6 through 9 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, along with 23 episodes of ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’ and spin-offs featuring Kim Zolciak and NeNe Leakes. His extensive producer credits also span BET, MTV, and OWN, where he went on to create hit series like the ‘Love & Marriage’ franchise and Belle Collective.
That vision of “something bigger” pushed King to step away from his role at Bravo and launch his own company, which has since blossomed into a full-blown empire. From his hit reality series to his highly-viewed podcast “Reality with the King,” where he interviews the stars behind TV’s most buzzed-about moments, King’s hustle continues to pay off in a big way.
“What a lot of people, I don’t think, understand is when I left‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” I created this show [LAMH] and then this show became a franchise. So that’s unheard of in this business,” he said.
Season 10 of King’s “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” premieres July 19 at 8 pm ET on OWN.
Mathew Knowles Tapped By Prairie View A&M To Lead New Entrepreneurial Program
Mathew Knowles is the university's Inaugural Executive-in-Residence.
Prairie View A&M University, one of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), has announced the launch of a new Presidential Executive-in-Residence Program—and it’s kicking off with a familiar name: Dr. Mathew Knowles.
Knowles uses the “Dr.” title because he earned a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Cornerstone Christian Bible College in 2022.
Knowles, the acclaimed music executive behind Destiny’s Child, and Beyoncé’s father, will be the inaugural Executive-in-Residence for the 2025–2026 academic year. The program aims to bridge academic instruction with real-world experience, particularly in entrepreneurship, branding, media, and storytelling.
“This is about more than bringing a marquee name to campus,” the university said in a statement. “It’s about redefining the classroom experience and preparing students to lead industries—not just join them.”
According to HBCU Gameday, Knowles will lead four master classes over two semesters in collaboration with the university’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Department of Languages and Communication.
Sessions will cover topics like branding, strategic visibility, narrative building, and transitioning from a solopreneur to a full-scale entrepreneur.
Students can take classes such as: “From Solopreneur to Entrepreneur” and “Strategic Visibility: Brand, Business, and the Power of the Narrative.”
In addition to teaching Prairie View A&M University students, Knowles will also conduct faculty development sessions designed to help instructors weave entrepreneurial thinking and storytelling into their lesson plans.
This isn’t the Knowles family’s first significant connection to HBCUs.
Beyoncé famously paid homage to HBCU culture in her Homecoming Coachella performance and has backed up her admiration with financial contributions, including a donation to Texas Southern University’s band program.
Mathew Knowles’ new role at Prairie View A&M extends that legacy into academia.
Known for his business savvy, Knowles has overseen more than $100 million in company exits and has formed partnerships with major brands like L’Oréal and Samsung. He is also a recipient of the National Speakers Association’s prestigious Master of Influence Award.
“His presence on campus marks a powerful statement about the future of HBCU education,” the university said. “By integrating entrepreneurship, culture, and academic excellence, we are preparing our students to lead with impact.”
With this new initiative, Prairie View A&M University continues to position itself to use cultural icons, business strategy, and academic rigor to inspire the next generation of students.
Tuskegee University’s New Aviation Program Takes Flight
Tuskegee University is reviving its historic ties to aviation with the launch of a new Aviation Science program.
Tuskegee University is charting a new course for students with the launch of its Aviation Science program — a major that’s already helping students take flight.
“Flying was amazing,” Tuskegee student Willie Murdock, who recently completed his first solo flight, told WSFA. “I felt nice and confident. I wasn’t nervous at all. Just the feeling when you take off nice and smooth. It’s a wonderful feeling.”
According to WSFA, the new program, based at the historic Moton Field — home of the historic Tuskegee Airmen — aims to prepare students to earn their FAA commercial pilot certificate.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps, trained at Tuskegee Institute during World War II.
For Murdock and his Tuskegee classmates, it’s not just about flying planes, but also about continuing a powerful legacy.
“It’s extremely humbling,” Murdock said.
“It’s excellent to walk in the footsteps of giants like them. It reminds me I’m doing something much bigger than myself.”
Dr. Javed Khan, who leads the Aerospace Science Engineering Department, said the program marks an exciting new chapter for the university.
“We’re finally able to reignite the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen,” he said. “We just launched our Aviation Science Program.”
For fellow student Vontasia Smith, taking her first solo flight was a powerful milestone in a field where Black women remain vastly underrepresented.
“They really do prepare me for this moment. I have a great instructor,” Smith said. “So far I’ve learned the principles of the aircraft, how lift works, and things like that.”
Smith is especially proud of the example she’s setting. “It’s important for me to continue the legacy,” she said. “Also, being an African American female, it’s exciting to me to be that .1% contributing to help us grow as a society.”
With its first cohort now flying solo, the program has sparked widespread interest. According to Tuskegee University, the waitlist for Aviation Science is already growing.
Shannon Sharpe Reaches Settlement In $50M Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Hall of Famer and ESPN personality Sharpe resolved the lawsuit filed earlier this year, with both parties agreeing to dismiss the case.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has resolved a lawsuit that accused him of sexual assault, with both parties agreeing to dismiss the case, according to a statement from the plaintiff’s attorney on July 18.
“All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice,” attorney Tony Buzbee announced on July 18 on X.
JANE DOE V. SHANNON SHARPE
On April 20, 2025, The Buzbee Law Firm filed a complaint in Nevada making several allegations against Shannon Sharpe on behalf of our client. Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship. After protracted and respectful…
Filed in April in Clark County, Nevada, the lawsuit accused Sharpe of raping a woman — identified only as Jane Doe — during a nearly two-year relationship that began after they met at a Los Angeles gym in 2023. The complaint sought $50 million in damages. The woman, who was 20 at the time they met, alleged Sharpe assaulted her in October 2024 and again in January.
As reported by The New York Times, 57-year-old Sharpe denied the claims, calling them “false and disruptive” when the lawsuit first became public.
He stepped away from his ESPN duties on April 24 but stated he intended to return in time for the NFL preseason.
Attorney Buzbee stated that the resolution was reached after extensive dialogue.
“Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship,” Buzbee said. “After protracted and respectful negotiations, I’m pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution. All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed.”
No further details about the settlement terms were disclosed.
Sharpe, a former tight end, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 after a 14-season career in the NFL with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens. He retired holding records for receptions (815), receiving yards (10,060), and touchdowns (62) by a tight end, all of which have since been surpassed.
Since retiring, Sharpe has remained a prominent figure in sports media, co-hosting “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap.” He joined ESPN in 2023 after leaving FS1’s “Undisputed.”
Shields spent her day in College Park working with aspiring fighters and promoting youth fitness and mentorship. The city officials presented her with a special proclamation acknowledging her achievements and community impact.
Shields spent her day in College Park working with aspiring fighters and promoting youth fitness and mentorship. The city officials presented her with a special proclamation acknowledging her achievements and community impact.
Though originally from Flint, Michigan, Shields expressed her gratitude at being chosen for the award. She stated, the proclamation serves as a sign that she has been adopted into her new residence and is embraced the same as she is in Flint.
The boxer visited the park, where she spent time with young athletes learning the fundamentals of boxing. The city of College Park posted highlights of the event to Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, the city thanked the Olympian for her appearance.
Parents and coaches watched as Shields showed proper stance, punching, and boxing techniques. She spent time in the ring and took photos with campers, offering individual encouragement and sharing her journey.
Shields said youth empowerment is one of the many reasons she was drawn to the event. The champion believes positive role models are necessary in child development.
The event was hosted by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, which runs the summer boxing camp at Phillips Park. This year’s camp has drawn over 50 participants ages 8 to 15. The camp includes afternoon conditioning drills, ring training, and character-building talks led by local coaches.
City officials say Shields’ presence has energized the program and reinforced the city’s broader efforts to engage children in positive after-school activities.
“Her visit highlights the power of sport to bring communities together,” said one park organizer.
College Park is one of many communities using sports camps to promote youth development and healthy living in Atlanta. Shields’ visit follows recent appearances by other professional athletes at city-run programs, aiming to inspire the next generation.
Brunson Cooper, CEO Of Corenic Construction, Talks Success As An Industry Leader
Brunson Cooper is the CEO of Corenic Construction, and his team consists of 50+ full-time staff who have collectively completed over 1,000 projects since its inception in 2009.
The company’s motto is: “A Commitment Made. A Commitment Delivered.” This has remained true for over 15 consecutive years. Brunson Cooper is the CEO of Corenic Construction, and his team consists of over 50 full-time staff members who have collectively completed more than 1,000 projects since the company’s inception in 2009. As a result, they have sound financial stability. Corenic has quickly become known in the market as a firm that delivers on time, every time! From a vast spectrum of lobby renovations to full-floor tenant improvements, Corenic has the expertise and the desire to creatively build beyond its clients’ expectations.
As for Cooper, building and nurturing relationships is a driving force in his life—a value instilled in him by his father, after whom he’s named. Without deliberately taking time to foster key relationships, he’d never be doing what he does today: owning and operating his own construction company, D.C.-based Corenic Construction. Black Enterprise caught up with him to talk about the evolution of entrepreneurship and his role as a trailblazing leader of his multimillion-dollar company.
Black Enterprise: What keeps you inspired as a visionary leader today?
Cooper: The opportunity to provide a place where people can see themselves developing their career without judgment or criticism.
BE: What are some of Corenic’s most recent awards and recognitions?
Cooper: Awarded FSC First Small Business of the Year Award
Ranked No. 21 for the Washington Business Journal (Businesses Ran By People of Color)
Ranked No. 34 for the Washington Business Journal (Largest General Contractor)
Ranked No. 31 for the Washington Business Journal (Most Diverse Business)
BE: Since your company’s inception in 2009, how has the company evolved?
Cooper: We’ve grown from receiving our first check in 2010 for $17,000 to finishing out last year around $68 million. In the beginning, the type of work we provided for our clients was small carpet and paint projects, working with our clients to really get what they needed. Then, growing from interior and retail projects to small-based buildings to larger building repositioning projects to doing rec centers, car dealerships, schools, and presently one of our largest projects, the renovation of the Baltimore Ravens Stadium.
One of the biggest things for us as a company is that our service has been No. 1, the same as it has been from the beginning, really making sure we understand our clients and treat them the way they want to be treated. We want our clients to say that we make their life easier—that’s the goal of our service.
BE: What is the latest construction project you’re working on?
Cooper: We’re working on the Baltimore Ravens stadium, a three-year project. Additionally, we are working on the Suitland High School project, which is the largest high school project in Prince George’s County, where we serve as a joint venture (JV) partner. Individually, we’re working on a recreation center in Baltimore as well as on multiple JPMorgan Chase banks, and interior renovations for DGS in Washington, DC, and multiple nonprofits in the DC region. Also, we’re working with some of the local universities and healthcare entities like Children’s Hospital, George Washington University, and other seed projects.
BE: As a founder and CEO, what is your business philosophy? What keeps you grounded in success?
Cooper: Staying humble and understanding that there is always someone who could be better than you. It’s important to always hone your skills and stay strong in what you’re doing. Never stop learning; never stop being a sponge, and always giving back. As quickly as someone gives you information, you should share that information with others.
In regard to the business itself, I look at the people who work with me. They have a choice to work at this company. Therefore, I have the responsibility to ensure that they can grow and be all that they can be. The way I treat my clients is the same way I treat my employees and contractors.
I feel that I am a connector of great clients, connecting them to great people, along with great subcontractors. I’m a connector in that sense. I make it my business to solve problems and provide turnkey solutions for my clients.
BE: What does the future look like for Corenic in the next 5 years?
Cooper: In the next five years, our goal is to expand our footprint. We’re currently in the mid-Atlantic region and Pittsburgh. Our expansion goal is Richmond, the Carolinas, and Florida. Our company is looking to grow threefold over the next 3-5 years.
BE: Who is your mentor/coach, and why?
Cooper: I have two mentors. One is Thomas Moorehead, who used to own Moorehead Industries. He was essentially the first African American dealership owner of Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and other luxury brands.
The other mentor is Henry Gilford, who owns Gilford Corporation. Both of these gentlemen have really opened doors for me. Moorehead, with the ability to say, “Hey, I choose you to do this work because I believe in you.” I was afforded opportunities that most contractors would envy. And for him to have the people who work for me to utilize their skillset to accomplish building spaces like that for him is incredible and truly humbling.
From a business perspective, I gleaned from how they ran businesses and created an empire. Gilford opened up the doors in the general contracting space. Even though he’s no longer in business, he was instrumental in opening doors and helped me build the company I have now.
ACA Premiums Set To Rise In 2026 For Millions Without Congressional Action
A permanent extension would have cost $335 billion over the next 10 years but was left out of the policy law section of Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill."
Research indicates that insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are likely to go up by 75% in 2026, unless Congress steps in and does something about it, NPR reports.
Data from KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group, found that the subsidies the Biden administration had dramatically decreased the cost of will be nonexistent in 2026, as the cost of premiums is expected to increase. Policyholders who were once paying $60 a month for their health insurance will be looking at a $105 monthly payment next year. Researcher Cynthia Cox points the finger at insurance companies for focusing more on federal policy instead of the rising costs of prescription drugs or hospital charges. “These filings are usually hundreds of pages filled with math and equations,” Cox explains.
“But sometimes they also add this narrative to explain why they’re raising their premiums. Pretty much every insurance company is talking about the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits in the ACA markets.”
The ACA marketplace — also known as Obamacare — is where a majority of people who don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare or who aren’t insured through their employers go for affordable health insurance. The popular system hit a record level of enrollment with 24 million in January 2025, resulting in the uninsured rate reaching its lowest level ever.
However, for things to remain constant, it will take Congress to extend the enhanced subsidies, meaning President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled House would have to support the platform created by former President Barack Obama. Highly unlikely, the Republican Study Committee’s 2025 fiscal budget felt enhanced subsidies “only perpetuate a never-ending cycle of rising premiums and federal bailouts, with taxpayers forced to foot the bill.”
In 2024, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) put pressure on Congress to reject the extension, claiming subsidies “hide the unsustainable skyrocketing cost of Obamacare.” But research shows there are a number of GOP-led states like Georgia and Texas that have “seen a tremendous amount of growth in their ACA marketplaces.”
According to CBS News, a permanent extension would have cost $335 billion over the next 10 years, but it was omitted from the policy law section of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” signed by Trump on Independence Day. While insurance brokers claim both Republican and Democratic lawmakers are looking for loopholes to avoid increases, insurance agencies are preparing for mass enrollment losses. “There will be sticker shock,” Josh Schultz, strategic engagement manager at Softheon, an insurance consulting firm, said.
An estimated 8.2 million people under ACA insurance will become uninsured if lawmakers don’t step in. Policyholders will learn about their new premium prices in late fall 2025, with ACA open enrollment beginning Nov. 1.
Anti-Trump Protestors Honor Late Rep. John Lewis For ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ National Day Of Service
Protests were held July 17, honoring the memory of the late congressman and civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis for "Good Trouble Lives On" national day of action.
Protestors honored the memory of the late congressman and civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis by protesting President Donald Trump’s controversial policies in the streets for “Good Trouble Lives On” national day of action held July 17, NBC News reported.
The peaceful protests and events were held along streets, courthouses, and other public spaces in cities throughout the U.S., including cities targeted by Trump ICE raids like Atlanta and St. Louis, Missouri. Organized by a coalition of nonprofits like Public Citizen, co-president Lisa Gilbert said, given the state of the political climate, showcasing the grievances of the country on a national day of action is necessary. “We are navigating one of the most terrifying moments in our nation’s history,” Gilbert said.
“We are all grappling with a rise of authoritarianism and lawlessness within our administration … as the rights, freedoms, and expectations of our very democracy are being challenged.”
NOW | Hundreds of people rallying in Annapolis right now chanting “No Kings in America.” This is part of the “Good Trouble Lives On,” national day of action. It’s in honor of Civil Rights Leader & Congressman John Lewis. More on @wbaltv11 at 10/11 tonight. pic.twitter.com/REZPL0mg66
Lewis, who was the youngest and last survivor of the Big Six civil rights activists — a group led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr — passed away in 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Efforts from King and Lewis led to then-President Lyndon Johnson pressing Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act in 1965, just days after Lewis and 600 protesters were beaten by police while crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, a day now known as Bloody Sunday.
Before his passing, Lewis was able to commemorate the 1965 voting rights marches. “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America,” Lewis said.
5 years ago today, the great civil rights activist and representative, John Lewis passed away. Today, let us honor and remember him. Let us recommit to getting in “good trouble.” To standing up for what is right. For speaking out against hate. To fighting for what matters. To… pic.twitter.com/dUa7Difr6f
The “Good Trouble Lives On” protests are added to the growing protests across the country amid Trump’s policies. In early July 2025, federal law enforcement and protestors engaged in a tense standoff due to a chaotic raid and arrests of immigrants on two Southern California marijuana farms, resulting in one farmworker dying after falling from a greenhouse roof, according to The Associated Press.
As demonstrators labeled Trump as a dictator and wannabe king for honoring his birthday with a military parade, “No Kings” demonstrations launched protests with millions of people marching in cities like New York and Charlotte. Thousands of people took over the streets of Los Angeles in early June 2025 after Trump sent the National Guard against them for taking a stance against illegal deportations.
Members of Congress like Rep. Raphael Warnock took to social media to remember their legendary colleague, saying he hoped Lewis’s memory prompts everyone to “continue getting into #GoodTrouble.”
