rodeo, Houston
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 15, 2025

ATL Fans Fed Up With ‘Dukes And Boots’ Festival, Attendees Calling Trail Ride A ‘Scam’

The festival did not match many expectations of a Black trail ride.

Atlanta did not show out at the “Dukes and Boots” festival, where frown lines seemed more popular than line dancing.

What was supposed to be a day of Black country excellence reportedly turned out to be sweaty and unorganized. While many traveled to the Atlanta event to put their boots on the ground, some left feeling discontent. The Neighborhood Talk re-shared footage of audiences not enjoying the trail ride. A “trail ride” is a Black southern celebration that typically features horseback riding, line dancing, and live music..

Audience members did appear to appreciate Pleasure P and Lloyd taking the main stage at the event, which took place at EchoPark Speedway in Metro Atlanta. Other attendees called the entire festival a “scam” for the organizers’ apparent treatment of ticketholders.

One TikToker explained several issues getting into the event. The social media user noted how there was not ample shade to protect attendees from the heat. She also explained that parking felt too far from where the festival took place.

Furthermore, the TikToker felt that the expectations of a trail ride experience did not match the reality.

“Once you get they literally had nothing. Nothing fun…just tacos and vibes,” shared the content creator. “…I did not see not one man on a horse which really made me mad because I thought I was about to find the cowboy of my dreams.”

Those who were a part of the event’s services also expressed their disappointment. A vendor for Dukes and Boots posted a video sharing how they were placed away from the actual festival and potential customers.

The festival’s location was partly to blame, as the race track allowed heat to permeate through the festival. Fans also noted that they were not allowed to bring blankets or outside food to make the party their own, which is also customary for a traditional trail ride.

The experience was intended to celebrate Black southern culture, particularly as cultural phenomena like the “Boot on the Ground” dance and Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album have made Black country music mainstream. However, Atlanta fans felt that the “Dukes and Boots” festival missed the mark.

RELATED CONTENT: 803 Fresh Has His ‘Boots On The Playground’

Beyoncé, flowers, fan, Tyler Fabregas
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 15, 2025

Car Thieves Break Into Beyoncé Team Vehicle, Jacks Singer’s Unreleased Music

The incident now has some sensitive information regarding the singer at risk.

Local thieves reportedly broke into a vehicle belonging to Beyoncé’s dance team while the singer performed in Atlanta.

The thieves left with a bunch of the Beyoncé’s confidential property, including hard drives that held unreleased music. According to 11Alive, the incident happened two days before the singer kicked off her four-day stint in Atlanta for her Cowboy Carter tour.

The break-in occurred July 8 as the vehicle’s drivers, a choreographer and dancer for the R&B superstar, parked at a local food hall. The team members left their Jeep Wagoneer at approximately 8 p.m. that evening, keeping it in the parking deck for about an hour.

However, the two returned to find the SUV’s back window busted open with two suitcases missing. The suitcases reportedly held the hard drives filled with the singer’s plans, including the music watermarked with “Beyoncé.” The suitcases even included past and future set lists as well as footage plans for the tour. It also held the victims’ personal items such as two laptops and designer sunglasses.

The police report detailed that the thieves took off with “personal sensitive information” regarding the Grammy winner. While the theft happened right before the singer took the stage at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz stadium, Beyoncé remained expectedly mum on the unfortunate incident.

Atlanta police have already issued an arrest warrant, but have yet to take the undisclosed perpetrator into custody. Their identity has also been kept under wraps. However, Atlanta police have reminded drivers to stay aware and prevent car theft through their “Clean Car Campaign.”

“We know quick stops can turn into costly mistakes. It only takes seconds for a thief to spot valuables and break in,” said the APD in a news release. “Take your bags, phone, and anything important with you every time you leave your car. Don’t give criminals an easy win.”

Despite the setback, Beyoncé kept the rodeo rolling as she completed all four shows at the stadium through July 14. Her husband and frequent collaborator, Jay-Z, also made a special cameo on stage for the final two nights.

RELATED CONTENT: Saddle Up, Atlanta! Here’s All That’s Going Down In Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Weekend

renter, NFCC
by Ahsan Washington

July 15, 2025

10 Black Nonprofits To Support On Social Media Giving Day

Social Media Giving Day clears a path, making it more accessible to support. Here are 10 Black-led nonprofits to donate to. 

Millions of us scroll, like, and share on social media regularly as it has become a normal activity in our daily lives. However, there’s an opportunity to use all those hours we spend online to do something meaningful. July 15 is Social Media Giving Day. 

This philanthropic day, which began in 2013, reminds us that our online interactions can serve a far greater purpose than mere entertainment consumption. We can use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok to shine a spotlight on important causes, get people excited, and even raise money for Black nonprofit organizations that really need it.

Many Black-led nonprofits operate with limited funding and resources to effect positive change within underserved communities that often lack essential services. These organizations address critical issues, including mental health, social, reproductive, and environmental justice; youth empowerment; and economic advancement. 

Social Media Giving Day clears a path, making it more accessible to support. Here are 10 Black-led nonprofits to donate to. 

Anderson Center for the Arts

Founded in 2018, the Anderson Center for the Arts serves as a multifaceted cultural hub in unincorporated East Harris County, near Houston. The organization is led by its Founder and Executive Director, Michelle L. The center offers an extensive array of arts and culture support programs through the work of Houston native Bonton, a seasoned educator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. This organization provides artist studio residencies with financial support, offering free arts education, camps, and rental spaces for performances and events, while also backing community-focused art installations and public theater shows. The center delivers essential arts access to East Harris County’s underserved areas while boosting Black creatives, which drives community growth and development.

The Brotherhood Sister Sol

BroSis emerged in 1995, through the collaboration of Khary Lazarre-White and Jason Warwin, to support Harlem’s youth. BroSis operates with approximately 43 full-time staff members to deliver diverse programs, including after-school and summer leadership activities, rites of passage, and college and career wellness support. The organization has initiated environmental projects, such as the Frank White Memorial Garden, and community organizing initiatives, in addition to providing training for educators and youth workers. Through their dedication to empower youth as change agents, they have achieved measurable results. 

Nebraska Black Women United

Nebraska Black Women United began its journey in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2007, thanks to Carmen Tapio’s efforts, and she continues to serve as its president and advocate. The NBWU organizes numerous professional development activities, including “Financing Your Future,” along with mentorship opportunities and business resource-sharing programs to foster community building. Through the establishment of leadership pathways and economic opportunities, the organization aims to elevate the status of Black women in Nebraska.

Springboard to Opportunities

Established in 2013 by Dr. Aisha Nyandoro, Springboard to Opportunities is a resident-driven entity that provides financial services designed to help people overcome obstacles. The primary programs it operates encompass coaching, emergency cash assistance, tax preparation, and financial advocacy. The Magnolia Mother’s Trust program delivers $1,000 monthly support to Black mothers, and its six-year-old initiative has gained national recognition through accolades such as the TIME100 and Heinz Award. Springboard to Opportunities established a groundbreaking guaranteed income program for Black mothers, which led to their national acclaim.

African American Leadership Forum

The African American Leadership Forum (AALF) emerged in Minneapolis through the collaborative efforts of Gary Cunningham and his colleagues in 2006. Adair Mosley currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer. AALF provides a range of services, including policy advocacy, leadership training, grant-making, and community-building, across six systemic impact areas. The organization concentrates its efforts on funding and supporting Black-led initiatives across Minnesota. 

Inner‑County Outreach

The establishment of Inner-County Outreach (ICO) in Aberdeen, Maryland, occurred in 1986 through the efforts of Pastor Nathaniel Johnson, along with members of Aberdeen Bible Church. The organization continues to uphold its faith-based leadership while providing various services to support vulnerable families in Harford County. The range of services they provide encompasses affordable housing referrals, a food bank, tutoring programs, summer camps, counseling, and mental health support. ICO functions as a foundational support network for Black families within the region

Deep South Center for Environmental Justice

The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) emerged in 1992 through the efforts of Dr. Beverly Wright. The organization strives to combat pollution disparities throughout the Cancer Alley area while simultaneously developing future leadership talent. The DSCEJ presents an array of services, including community air and water monitoring, environmental health training, and GIS mapping, while also engaging in policy advocacy and providing student internships and EJ Communiversity education. 

Black United Fund of Illinois 

The Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI), a Chicago-based entity, was established in 1985 through the efforts of Henry L., in partnership with Rep. Bobby Rush. Currently, Carolyn Day serves as the executive director. BUFI implements a range of programs that provide financial support to Black-led nonprofit organizations and assistance to local small enterprises. A Safe Passage student safety initiative operates alongside an entrepreneurial/business center in South Shore, while junior mentorship programs through Upward Bound are also offered. The extensive reach of BUFI is evident through its operation of over 450 local initiatives, which generate approximately $2.5 million in revenue.

Silence the Shame

Shanti Das established Silence the Shame around 2015 in Atlanta. As CEO, Das delivers mental health workshops, along with peer support groups and stigma awareness campaigns, including National Silence the Shame Day, through corporate partnerships and City of Atlanta seminars. The objective of their mission involves leading initiatives for mental health advocacy that respect cultural nuances within Black communities. Through their robust Instagram activity combined with city outreach initiatives, they demonstrate readiness for both social media interaction and community involvement.

Black Women for Wellness

Black Women for Wellness operates as a nonprofit entity based in Los Angeles and has spent nearly 30 years working to empower Black women through health equity initiatives. The organization, which was founded in 1997 through the efforts of local mothers and activists, continues to operate under executive leadership. Black Women for Wellness offers a range of services, including reproductive justice efforts, chronic disease prevention, and nutrition and fitness programs. The organization also provides sexual health education and engages in policy advocacy and community wellness initiatives, such as Sister in Motion.

RELATED CONTENT: Kyrie Irving Donates $50K To Fundraiser For Tamir Rice Foundation

economic, Retirement, Savings, retirees, COLA, social security, contribute, IRA, IRS, payments, cost-of-living adjustments, contributions, boomers
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 15, 2025

Promoted But Panicking? Here’s How To Silence Imposter Syndrome

Doubting your crown doesn’t mean you didn’t earn it

Dear Fairygodmentor,
I was recently promoted, but I can’t shake the feeling that I don’t belong in this role. How do I overcome impostor syndrome?
– Doubting My Crown


Dear Doubting My Crown,

Congratulations on this new promotion! What a wonderful testament to the hard work, knowledge, skills, and abilities you’ve showcased to reach the next level in your career.  

This is a time to celebrate and recalibrate. And of course, your Imposter Syndrome monster has come to rear its ugly head again. She doesn’t belong here; she’s not invited to this party!

Firstly, please take a pause for the cause and celebrate how far you’ve come. I want you to think back to your first day of work. Remember the butterflies you had about doing the job for which you were hired? Those butterflies are just a reminder that you care and want to do a great job. Can you recall the challenges that you struggled with surrounding learning the job? Remember navigating the personalities and departments you worked with and understanding how to rock that role?

I bet you had the same kind of self-doubt back in the day. Your mind was swimming with worries that you weren’t doing a great job when everyone else was giving you evidence to the contrary. All signs were pointing to “Yes” when you finally took off your training wheels of worry and started cruising the road to career success. I bet you even started teaching other new people how to do things you seem to do so easily.

This newest career milestone is no different than your first day. Yes, the stakes are higher because you were promoted. And now with this new role, you feel like 2Pac singing “All Eyez On Me.” You may feel like everyone has you under a microscope. And yes, folks are watching you.  

Let me give you a little insider tip from being a hiring manager. We want you to be the one. The one who possesses all of the job’s requirements. The one whose past performance helps us predict future success. The one who was able to articulate their success and future wins for the business.  

You most certainly belong in this new role. You are the one. They wouldn’t have promoted you if they didn’t think you were the best candidate for the job.

Now, your next assignment is to own your role. You are the one. It’s perfectly OK to walk into that office or your next teleconference with your head held high, crown straight, and marinate in the confidence that you are the one. The learning curve may be steep, but you’ve done it before and you’ll do it again. Give yourself the space and grace to learn and showcase the magic that you possess. 

The next time your Imposter Syndrome Monster starts creeping back into your consciousness–– get those butterflies in formation, tell that monster to go away, because ain’t nobody got time for that today–you have important work to do because you earned it.

You got this!

Yours truly,

Your Fairygodmentor®

About Joyel Crawford:

Joyel Crawford, Fairygodmentor, Ask Your Fairygodmentor, Column, peer to mentor, manager, peer
(Photo: Kirsten White Photography)

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

Have a question for Your Fairygodmentor®?

Submit your career and leadership questions, whether it’s about navigating a micromanager, setting boundaries, negotiating for a raise, or handling burnout. Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!

RELATED CONTENT: Elevating Your Excellence: Tamika D. Mallory Is The Contemporary Voice Of The People 

Gervonta Davis
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 15, 2025

Gervonta Davis Arrested On Domestic Violence Charges In Florida

Davis is facing a misdemeanor battery charge and is slated to return to court July 29

Domestic violence charges have been levied against WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis after he was arrested on an alleged assault against a former girlfriend in Florida.

According to ESPN, the boxer was taken into custody July 11 in Miami Beach, stemming from an accusation of domestic violence, drawing a misdemeanor battery charge for the incident. He was transported there by the Doral Police Department. The 30-year-old was taken to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with a $10,000 bond but was released. He is slated to return to court July 29.

The arrest comes nearly a month after he allegedly assaulted the mother of two of his three children on Father’s Day outside of her home in Doral, according to an incident report by the Doral Police Department.

According to an incident report, Davis’ former girlfriend, who is also the mother of two of his children, told police officers that the two engaged in a verbal altercation over “personal matters and Gervonta having insecurities about the sexuality of their son.” On June 15, after the boxer arrived at her residence to pick up their children, the situation was elevated, and after he placed both children in his car, he allegedly punched her “on the rear of her head with a closed fist” and also slapped her in the face.

She retrieved the children, which angered Davis even more. She stated that he revved the engine of his car in a threatening manner, but she was able to extricate herself from the situation without further incident. She went to the local hospital for medical treatment.

The report also stated that there had been “approximately 10” undocumented physical altercations between the two of them.

Davis has had issues with the law previously that have included domestic violence. In December 2022, he was arrested after he allegedly hit a woman with a “closed-hand type slap.” The charges were later dropped.

It was reported earlier this year that Davis is slated to fight Aug. 16 in Las Vegas for a rematch with Lamont Roach. The last bout between the two ended in a majority draw in favor of Davis.

RELATED CONTENT: Gervonta Davis, Lamont Roach Rematch Set For August 16 In Las Vegas

Supreme Court, Trump, NIH funding,DEI
by Mitti Hicks

July 15, 2025

Supreme Court Green-Lights Trump’s Plan To Disrupt The Education Dept.

The ruling lifts a lower court’s ruling that had indefinitely paused action

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that President Donald Trump can proceed with his plan to gut the Department of Education and carry out mass layoffs. It’s another win for Trump, thanks to the conservative majority on the high court.

The ruling lifts a lower court’s ruling that had indefinitely paused Trump’s plan. The Supreme Court’s decision put that ruling on hold as legal challenges continue to play out.

Within two hours, the Education Department sent notices to employees indicating that it will resume shrinking the department immediately, CNN reported. Nearly 1,400 employees could be laid off.

“The Department appreciates your service and recognizes the difficulty of the moment,” read a notice sent to some employees. Some of the Education Department staff who received the notices are those who were laid off in April before a federal judge intervened. The lower court blocked his effort by highlighting that the Education Department was created by Congress and should only be dismantled by Congress.

The notice continued, “This RIF action is not a reflection upon your performance or conduct and is solely due to agency restructuring, as described in previous correspondence.”

The department told employees they would be let go on Aug. 1.  

Liberal Judges Call Majority’s Decision ‘Indefensible’

The Supreme Court’s decision was split 6-3, with the three liberals on the court ruling against it. In a scathing dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court’s senior liberal member, wrote that he colleagues made an “indefensible” decision to let Trump proceed with taking part in an agency that should be dismantled only by Congress.

“The majority is either willfully blind to the implications of its ruling or naive, but either way, the threat to our Constitution’s separation of powers is grave,” Sotomayor wrote.

Trump praised the high court’s decision on Truth Social.

“The United States Supreme Court has handed a Major Victory to Parents and Students across the Country by declaring the Trump Administration may proceed on returning the functions of the Department of Education BACK TO THE STATES,” Trump said, thanking the Supreme Court for their decision. “Now, with this GREAT Supreme Court Decision, our Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, may begin this very important process.”

According to McMahon, the cuts will “promote efficiency and accountability” and return education to the states.

RELATED CONTENT: Education Department Dismisses Thousands Of Civil Rights Complaints Within Months

Obama and Trump
by Sharelle B. McNair

July 15, 2025

With No One Else To Blame For ‘Nonexistent’ Jeffrey Epstein List, Trump Points The Fingers At Obama 

Once avid Trump supporter Candace Owens called the accusation against Obama “outright embarrassing.”

The now “nonexistent” Jeffrey Epstein files, which were once claimed to be on the desk of Attorney General Pam Bondi, seemingly have the MAGA clan in disarray, causing President Donald Trump to point the finger of blame at former President Barack Obama. 

In a bizarre Truth Social post, Trump says the files, that once existed and now allegedly don’t, were created by “Obama, Crooked Hilary, and the losers and criminals of the Biden administration. Several MAGA loyalists have called for AG Bondi to resign after the Justice Department and the FBI released a memo claiming there was no evidence of a list of powerful men Epstein allegedly had of those who participated in his underworld of sex trafficking and pedophilia. Even once avid Trump supporter Candace Owens called the accusation “outright embarrassing.” 

However, Trump isn’t seeing the issue, since the list was allegedly curated by the first Black president of the United States. “Whats going on with my ‘boys’ and in cases, ‘gals?’ They’re all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi who is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!,” Trump wrote. “We have a PERFECT administration, the talk of the world, and ‘selfish people’ are trying to hurt it, all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein. For years, it’s Epstein, over and over again.” 

While investigating a video from the prison where the disgraced former financier was last seen, Bondi also claimed it was confirmed that Epstein died of suicide, but was questioned about a minute missing from the footage. 

Rumors of the MAGA movement’s downfall were fueled after Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino mentioned thoughts of resigning, according to CNN, and then failed to show up for work on July 11. 

Social media reposted a video of Bondi telling Fox News anchors that the files were all on her desk in February 2025. When asked about the context of the files, she said she hadn’t seen anything yet. 

https://twitter.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/1942049072392683621

While several conservative dignitaries have put a side-eye to the report, social media users have turned on Owens, who in recent months has backtracked on her support of Trump. “Wait- the files were with a corrupt DOJ for last 4 years, and you DON’T believe they could have been altered and fabricated to muddy the waters? What happened to you, Candace?” one X user wrote. 

Others were holding her accountable in the comments section, saying that she is one of the reasons Americans have to deal with such issues because Owens and others voted for him.

RELATED CONTENT: Donald Trump’s Approval Ratings Among Black Voters Slipping

Nicole A. Elam, leadership, national banking
by Black Enterprise

July 15, 2025

Leading Through Uncertainty: Showing Up When the World Shifts

The biggest myth about leadership is that we’re supposed to have all the answers.

Written By Nicole A. Elam, Esq.

What I’ve learned — over two decades in corporate affairs, government relations, and now as the CEO of the National Bankers Association — is that leadership isn’t about having a perfect playbook. It’s about being present, especially when the world feels uncertain.

I live in Washington, D.C., where uncertainty currently pulses through every corridor of power. Capitol Hill is buzzing with anxiety, regulators are shifting their tone, and my inbox has messages from bank leaders across the country looking for stability.

As the youngest CEO in our Association’s nearly 100-year history, I’ve been in rooms where I didn’t have all the answers, but I never let that stop me from leading. I showed up anyway — and that made all the difference.

When I stepped into this role in 2021, it was during a national reckoning on race, an ongoing global pandemic, and economic turbulence. People were not just looking for policy — they were looking for presence and leadership that steadies the ship.

Since joining the National Bankers Association, I’ve led a transformational overhaul. We elevated the visibility and viability of minority banks and brought in new partners, from Wall Street to the White House, and created seats at the table for institutions that had long been ignored. We launched the National Bankers Association Foundation, increased revenue by 79% and expanded programming by 130%.

Here’s how I stay grounded — and help my team do the same — when the future feels unclear.

Here’s how I lead in real time:

1. Be Calm: Regulate Yourself First

Your energy is contagious. I start every morning with instrumental music, prayer, and reflection. Before tough conversations, I take 10 seconds of silence. I speak slowly, breathe deeply, and listen longer.

I learned this in the trenches — when my phone was the emergency line and I was navigating calls from CEOs, reporters, and regulators all in the same hour. Matching the chaos doesn’t calm the room. Presence does.

2. Be Clear: Say What Matters Most

In moments of uncertainty, clarity becomes currency. I don’t just set priorities — I also set boundaries. My team knows what we are *not* doing.

We repeat key messages until they stick. We name the facts, even when they’re uncomfortable. People don’t resist change as much as they resist confusion.

3. Be Celebratory: Shine a Light on Progress

Leadership in chaos means celebrating what’s working. We name wins in meetings. We send shoutouts. We thank each other often.

One of my favorite leadership phrases is: “I see you.” Because when people feel seen, they show up stronger. That’s how we built the NBA Foundation from idea to institution.

4. Be Consistent: Lead With Values, Not Just Strategy

Plans shift. Pressure mounts. But your values? They anchor everything.

Even as our strategy has evolved — launching new initiatives, responding to new policy threats — we’ve remained rooted in one mission: to strengthen and grow minority banks.

That consistency built trust with our member institutions. That trust fueled our growth.

5. Be Communicative: Talk More Than You Think You Need To

In uncertainty, silence feels like abandonment. I check in with my team more than ever. I don’t just talk business — I ask, “How are you, really?”

We host All Hands meetings, leave room for questions, and create space for emotion. Because people perform better when they feel seen, heard, and supported.

No one thrives in chaos. But how we lead through it — that’s the real legacy. So I over-communicate with empathy, and follow up with clarity.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be someone your team can count on.

Be calm. Be clear. Be celebratory. Be consistent. Be communicative.

That’s leadership.

RELATED CONTENT: Elevating Your Excellence: Derrick Johnson Is A Stalwart Leader Forging New Pathways For NAACP And Racial Equity

Nicole A. Elam, Esq. is the President and CEO of the National Bankers Association, where she led a historic transformation in her first year, including a 79% increase in revenue, 130% growth in programming, and 510% boost in media reach. She is a seasoned public affairs strategist, former JPMorgan Chase executive, and trusted voice on economic equity, financial inclusion, and values-driven leadership.

Columbus NAACP Branch, Closure
by Sharelle B. McNair

July 15, 2025

Letitia James, Loretta Lynch Give Insight As Black Women Surviving Trump’s America During NAACP Convention 

Both Lynch and James touched on the climate of the current administration, warning Black women in the audience on how U.S. legal systems are use them as a target.

Two of President Donald Trump’s most vocal critics — New York Attorney General Letitia James and former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch — took center stage at the NAACP Convention Empowerment Brunch in Charlotte to highlight the disparities faced by Black women as the Trump administration continues to push policies against them, according to the Charlotte Observer. 

Both Lynch and James touched on the climate created by the current administration, warning Black women in the audience about how U.S. legal systems are using them as a target and how close the country is getting to becoming a nation of fascism. Lynch said the president is making a “bold, naked grab to literally rewrite the Constitution” during a panel moderated by Eboni K. Williams after asking the dignitaries about their thoughts on the executive order threatening to end birthright citizenship protection. “That is how fascism has always started,” the former AG said.

“Going after the least powerful members of society, people who do not have the ability to vote, and making sure they never get it.”

As Lynch labeled the order as “an attempt to unravel what knits this country together by the stroke of a pen,” James highlighted that the order is null and void since it hasn’t been held up in three lower courts — and the fact that “the president doesn’t use a pen, he uses a Sharpie” to sign official documents. 

While both historymakers aren’t shy about their thoughts toward the indicted president, Trump has constantly pushed back against them, using racist rhetoric and enabling his MAGA fans. 

When James famously took Trump to court for a civil fraud trial between October 2023 and January 2024, he was reportedly triggered by her presence, particularly by James’s “smirking” in court during the trial. “Racist A.G. Letitia James is smirking all day long from her seat in Court,” Trump wrote. “You have a (Trump-Hating!) Attorney General who’s seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages when not a single penny was lost by these banks, and that’s part of this (Unconstitutional!) Law,” he once wrote on his Truth Social app. 

“You can see from the reaction of A.G. James, every morning from that seat, that she is enjoying this, enjoying it a bit too much.”

Lynch, who once went toe to toe with Trump after he accused her of being involved with Hillary Clinton’s private email server scandal, encouraged those in the audience to take on a sense of community while surviving this new America. She says the focus should be on being familiar with local leaders and their values well before heading to the voting booth. 

The NAACP has been pushing the narrative for decades while still being a pillar of holding leaders in the White House and local municipalities accountable. In addition to not inviting Trump to the convention — holding the title as the first president to not receive an invitaton — the civil rights organization has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education for putting anti-diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in place to  “intentionally” discriminate against Black students, according to The Grio. President Derrick Johnson called out the hypocrisy after the government made several claims that systemic racism no longer exists. 

The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., in April 2025, addressed threats from the DOE to withhold federal funding from school districts if they fail to eliminate programs and curricula deemed to be designed to promote racial diversity, equity, and inclusion.

RELATED CONTENT: NAACP Rallies Behind North Carolina Principal Being Placed On Leave Prematurely

×