by Sharelle B. McNair

September 26, 2025

Rep. Billy Long’s Auctioneer Skills Resurface Online, Hilariously Drown Out Laura Loomer During 2018 Hearing

Old clip of the MAGA activist being drowned out by former Congressman Long goes viral.

While far-right political activist and MAGA loyalist Laura Loomer continues her attempt to embarrass Black leaders on social media, an old clip of her being drowned out by former Missouri Congressman and auctioneer Rep. Billy Long has resurfaced on social media, drawing comical commentary.

In 2018, Loomer stood up to protest a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, accusing former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey of attempting to push the midterm elections in favor of Democrats, according to CBS News. Shortly after she stood up, Long used his professional auctioneer skills to drown her out, auctioning off the iPhone she held in her hand.

His “and I yield back” once Loomer was escorted out caused the room to erupt in laughter. “Somehow I think our auctioneer-in-residence is going to get tweeted about today,” Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) can be heard saying.

Remember the time Rep. Billy Long babbled like an auctioneer in order to drown out Laura Loomer? pic.twitter.com/7tiDpJhUVJ
— Azi™️ (@Azi) August 8, 2025

This month, Loomer has taken to social media to berate leaders of Congress including Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) and Illhan Omar (D-MN) following their sentiments on the resolution vote to honor slain conservative advocate Charlie Kirk. She made headlines by referring to Crockett as a “ghetto Black b****” on social media in a response to a clip on CNN.

However, in this flashback, she is the butt of the joke with Long being celebrated for his past actions.

“Billy Long silencing Laura Loomer with his auctioneer voice is the kind of poetic justice we didn’t know we needed,” @jp_swede said on Threads.

Another user questioned how audience members were able to contain their laughter for so long. “Its the “I yield back” for me. How that room contained itself for so long is also fun,” @hypernatremic_medic said.

But another user rained on Long’s parade with allegations that he may be a part of the MAGA tribe as well.

Long was in the news back in August 2025 after being ousted from his position as IRS Commissioner by the Trump administration just two months after being hired for the job. NPR reported the former auctioneer was added to the post with little experience in tax administration and was eyeing a position as ambassador.

“It is a honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland,” Long said. “I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda. Exciting times ahead!”

Gabrielle Union, actress, Hollywood, Black actresses, award

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 26, 2025

Gabrielle Union Receives Entrepreneur Impact Award, Credits Business Success To ‘The Power Of The Pivot’

Union shares the secret to her business success while accepting Variety's Entrepreneur Impact Award.

From beauty and fashion to food and baby care, on top of her acting career, Gabrielle Union-Wade knows the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and exactly when it’s time to pivot.

On Sept. 25, actress and entrepreneur Gabrielle Union took center stage at the Variety Entertainment and Technology Summit in Los Angeles, where she received the inaugural Entrepreneur Impact Award and revealed the key to her business success.

“It’s the power of the pivot,” Union said, as captured by Variety. “When it’s not working or it doesn’t sit right in my soul, I’m losing sleep. It’s wrong. I have to pivot, and there’s no shame in my game. I didn’t like it; it did not work for me. I’m going to try again.”

Union earned the honor for her achievements with Proudly, the sustainable baby care line she co-founded with husband, Dwyane Wade, in celebration of their daughter, Kaavia James. Created for infants of color, the hypoallergenic line launched exclusively in partnership with JCPenney, the retailer’s first dedicated expansion into baby apparel.

Beyond Proudly, Union also founded Flawless by Gabrielle Union, co-founded Bitsy’s snacks, launched a fashion line with New York & Company, and invests in other ventures as an angel investor. Accepting the Entrepreneur Impact Award, she credited her drive to uplift underserved communities as the foundation of her business journey.

“All I wanted to do was to help and ensure I covered the most vulnerable while centering the needs, wants, desires, and fears of folks who have been historically marginalized,” Union said. “When I do that in my arts and entrepreneurship, my soul sings. That’s what it all boils down to.”

With starring roles in cult classics like “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Bring It On,” “She’s All That,” and “Deliver Us from Eva,” Union has long understood the influence of her platform and how to use it to speak truth to power while uplifting marginalized communities. Union later reflected on the moment she first recognized her influence during the press tour for the 2003 film “Bad Boys II.”

“While I had that microphone in my hand, I knew I could speak truth to power and make real change,” she said. “That was the first time I was like, ‘Wow, people are listening to me, they’re printing what I’m saying, and it’s traveling around the world. So I should say something of substance that helps more than just me.’”

RELATED CONTENT: Gabrielle Union’s Fashion Facts

Enterprise, EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Age discrimination

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 26, 2025

Enterprise Car Leasing To Pay $1.8M In Age Bias Case For Refusal To Hire Workers Over 40

Roughly 15% of applications the company received were from applicants aged 40 or over but represented under 3% of hires.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Enterprise Leasing Company of Florida, LLC will pay $1.8 million in addition to non-monetary relief, in an effort to settle an age discrimination lawsuit after being accused of not hiring employees over the age of 40, WFLA reported.

The federal suit alleges Enterprise Leasing, operating National, Enterprise, and Alamo car rentals in Florida, denied employment for candidates aged 40 or older for its management trainee position dating back to approximately 2019 to present day. Roughly 15% of applications the company received were from applicants aged 40 or over but represented under 3% of hires. In a statement, EEOC Regional Attorney Kristen Foslid said employers can’t deny employment due to age. “Over a third of the adult workforce in the United States is age 50 or older,” Foslid said.

“Employers cannot overlook qualified applicants simply because of their age.”

The EEOC said they have worked with more than 125 witnesses who could testify to being asked how old they were or when they graduated during the interview process where Enterprise hiring officials told them they were seeking candidates fresh out of college. Statements discouraged candidates from continuing the interview, in addition to them being subjected to other age-related comments.

Miami EEOC District Director, Evangaline Hawthorne, feels Enterprise is at a disadvantage, as the designated age group can bring experience to the table. “Workers in this protected age group bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the workforce and can contribute to organizational success,” Hawthorne said.

“This settlement reflects the EEOC’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals have equal access to employment opportunities, regardless of age.”

As part of the settlement, Enterprise will provide monetary relief to applicants affected by discriminatory practices, in addition to implementing a three-year consent decree. According to Tampa Free Press, the company must create and embed new Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) policies and provide training on age discrimination on a yearly basis. The company also must establish a robust bi-annual reporting system in order to give the EEOC concrete data on its hiring decisions in an effort to push a narrative of transparency.

To make sure issues of age discrimination don’t occur again, the settlement requires Enterprise to conduct mandatory investigations into additional complaints and create an ethics hotline for applicants and employees to report discrimination complaints.

Get Groomed: 7 Black Brands That Center Men’s Cosmetic Care

by Ahsan Washington

September 26, 2025

Get Groomed: 7 Black Brands That Center Men’s Cosmetic Care

Black men have historically faced unique skin challenges

Black men have historically faced unique skin, hair, and grooming requirements and issues that go frequently overlooked by the mainstream beauty industry. According to Rolling Out, Black individuals spent $9.4 billion on the beauty industry in 2023, and were projected to reach a valuation of $10.2 billion in 2024. However, 45% of Black men express a lack of representation in cosmetic products made specifically for them, Black Beauty Roster reported.

Fortunately, there are companies that cater to the cosmetic and grooming needs of Black male consumers. These seven Black-owned and Black-founded brands have developed products specifically designed for prevalent concerns such as razor bumps, hyperpigmentation, textured hair, and sensitivity.

1) Bevel

Bevel, founded by Tristan Walker, is a grooming line offering shaving systems, skin, hair, body, and beard care for men, especially those with coarse or curly hair and melanin-rich skin. Key focus is reducing razor bumps and irritation. Founded in 2013, Bevel expanded to include hair, body, and skin lines and wider retail distribution.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Quhlml3_O/?igsh=NjVxOXg0ZGZjZ3hz

2) Frederick Benjamin Grooming

Frederick Benjamin Grooming, created by Michael James, provides natural grooming and haircare products specifically for men of color. The range includes shaving essentials, beard care, hair styling products, and scalp treatments, addressing issues like dry scalp, coarse hair, and razor bumps. Located in New York City, Frederick Benjamin Grooming offers its products online and in retail locations, addressing the demand for clean-ingredient grooming solutions designed for textured hair and common irritation challenges faced by men of color.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzTqOoeuAiT/?igsh=dXdmZW05a2NqN2Nw

3) H.I.M-istry Naturals

H.I.M-istry Naturals, created by Darnell Henderson, is a men’s grooming brand providing natural and organic products for skin, shaving, beard, and body care. Designed to tackle acne, dryness, early aging, razor burn, and ingrown hairs, these products specifically serve men with textured skin and hair. Initially launched as a spa in South Florida, the brand grew and established significant retail partnerships in 2021.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DETmcY2y8XS/?igsh=eXQ5cmZlNHR2dHJl

4) Tracaris

Tracaris, a relatively new, independent brand based in New York, is serious about redefining masculinity and beauty for Black men. The brand offers luxury/indie skincare products (e.g., Hydrating Radiance Serum, Botanical Rose Toner) designed to shield skin from environmental stressors and suitable for all skin types, particularly melanin-rich skin. Tracaris products are available through its website and select boutique channels. The brand is dedicated to addressing the unique skin concerns of Black men while challenging norms related to masculinity and beauty.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwDTDTsLm1D/?igsh=MTlnaHpybGI0MTNieQ==

5) BLK/OPL (Men’s Grooming Collection)

BLK/OPL (Men’s Grooming Collection), a renowned beauty brand aimed at women of color, is now expanding into men’s grooming with a new collection that tackles razor bumps and post-shave hydration, specifically crafted for “melanin-rich” skin. Launched in 2025, the collection will be available through BLK/OPL’s channels and potentially broader beauty retail in the US. This extension is designed to cater to the unique needs of Black men, who have often been overlooked in the beauty aisle regarding products for melanin-rich skin.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNOBi-rtxFm/?igsh=MTg1NHBhcjJhbnRkaA==

6) Epilogic

Epilogic, created by Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton, is a skincare line designed specifically for Black and brown skin. It tackles hyperpigmentation, sensitive skin, and steers clear of unnecessary additives that may lead to irritation. Epilogic operates out of Brooklyn, New York, and can be found online.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DL5NdoBufBP/?igsh=MXI0bmNycWZvMmFyZQ==

7) Scotch Porter

Scotch Porter, established in 2015, is a brand that offers beard, hair, face, and body products made from clean ingredients. Founded by Calvin Quallis, the company seeks to deliver grooming essentials for men of color while encouraging wellness and self-care.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGWTds-SNjM/?igsh=MTY1cHlrajM3cTBsdw==

by Kandiss Edwards

September 26, 2025

Serena Williams Criticizes Cotton Decor At Hotel: ‘Doesn’t Feel Right’

The tennis legend discovered a cotton plant decoration that she said stirred deep discomfort.

Serena Williams spoke about an uncomfortable experience she had during a recent hotel stay in New York City.

The tennis legend discovered a cotton plant decoration that she said stirred deep discomfort, given the history attached to the material. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, shared her reaction on Instagram earlier this week. She posted a short video showing a vase of cotton stalks at an unnamed hotel and asked her followers directly about their feelings.

“Alright, everyone. How do we feel about cotton as decoration?” she asked her Instagram followers.

In the same video, Williams examined the stems more closely. She remarked that the buds resembled “nail polish remover cotton,” and physically cringed while touching them.

Williams added her personal feelings about the decorations, “Personally for me, it doesn’t feel great.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Onsite!® (@its_onsite)

Williams’ comments quickly sparked responses from detractors. Many were harsh.

On Instagram, many pointed out that the mother of two was married to a white man. For that reason, she should not have an opinion about the matter.

@munchiemunchh wrote: You offended by cotton but married the offspring of slave masters who had your ppl picking it.

@jstshay concurred: Girl you procreated with a yt man whom you married. You shouldn’t feel nothing.

Other commenters attacked Williams’s physical appearance, making a correlation to her blond hair, makeup, and facial features.

@sip.dis.kola commented: But her makeup is 3 shades lighter than her complexion

The imagery, tied to cotton harvesting in the U.S. South, has long evoked painful memories of slavery and forced labor for many Black Americans.

The hotel has not publicly addressed Williams’s remarks. As one of the most decorated athletes of all time, Williams has consistently used her platform to shed light on issues affecting women, families, and communities of color.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 26, 2025

Atlanta Man Flips Out After Refusing To Be Searched By Male TSA Employee

'I'm not allowing them to elect the person that they want to elect because I want to elect the person. But I don't want no man touching me.'

A chaotic scene took place at an airport when an Atlanta man refused to allow a male Transportation Security Administration employee search him as he walked through security, while requesting that a woman do the task because he did not want a man “touching” his ass.

The Neighborhood Talk posted the video clip to its Instagram account as the scene takes place. The man, who identified himself as David Dyers, was upset that a man had to search him, which is typically done at airports. Instead, he protested because he didn’t want “no man touching my ass!” he expressed to a woman TSA employee.

“I don’t want no man touching me right now. That’s the whole issue. But since I don’t want no men touching me, they got a problem with that. So can you search me, or can a woman search me? It doesn’t even matter,” he said.

As he continues to protest the matter, the woman TSA employee tries to explain to him that he will get searched, as that is the only way he can be allowed to fly to his destination in Atlanta. However, Dyers continues to state that no man is touching him and that he is “allowing” TSA to do their job, but he is not allowing the person they “elect” to perform the duty, again insisting that the person he “elects” can’t be a man.

“I’m not allowing them to elect the person that they want to elect because I want to elect the person. But I don’t want no man touching me. So what’s the issue with that?”

As other airline officials are summoned to the scene, the TSA agents show extreme patience in trying to get Dyers to calm down and allow the male TSA agent to do his job so he can get through security.

The woman explains to the other official that they are not trying to hold him or even prevent him from going through, but he can’t decide who pats him down.

After finally relenting and saying that he would allow the man to search him, he, once again, lodges his complaint and rehashes his argument. The clip ends as he seemingly goes through the security protocol, rather than being possibly arrested or prevented from boarding his departing flight.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 26, 2025

BLACKWEEK To Hit New York City

The second annual economic forum and marketing conference takes place Oct. 6 - 9.

BLACKWEEK will touch down Oct. 6 at Spring Studios in the Tribeca section of Manhattan and wrap up on Oct. 9.

“Welcome to the Culture Economy” is this year’s theme for the economic forum and marketing conference, which is focused on “unlocking the economic potential” of individuals in the Black culture who identify as consumers, founders, executives, and creators.

Esteemed individuals appearing and speaking at the forum and festival, include Charlamagne Tha God, Don Lemon, Dollie Bishop, Will Lucas, Joy-Ann Reid, Kenan Thompson, and Lena Waithe.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BLACKWEEK (@blackweekofficial)

The founders of BLACKWEEK are Joe Anthony, CEO/founder, Hero Collective; Walter T. Geer, CCO, Innovation North America; Monique Nelson, executive chair, UniWorld Group; Dabo Che, founder, CHE Creative; Andre Gray, CCO Havas Lnyx; Gabrielle Shirdan, founder, Kitchen Table; and Adan Romero, EVP, ECD of Razorfish (Publicis).

“We founded BLACKWEEK to bring together the most dynamic executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders for real conversations about how cultural innovation is good for business,” the founders wrote on its website.

The event will also offer several film screenings from independent filmmakers, including feature shorts, documentaries, and feature-length films, as well as performances from up-and-coming music artists.

Executives, creators, investors, entrepreneurs, and others will also have an ample opportunities to network and exchange ideas and solutions. Plus, there will be various presentations, meetings, panels, and get-togethers.

For more information and to check out the schedule, click here. Tickets start at $599 for a conference pass that “provides access to the core conference experience, including all BLACKWEEK programming and on-site networking opportunities.” There is a 25% discount for women due to the systemic wage disparities that continue to affect women, especially Black women, in the workforce.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 26, 2025

New York City Commuters Will Hear Cardi B’s Voice While Riding Subway

'Ride safe, keep it cute, and keep it moving.'

New York City commuters will hear the voice of Cardi B., even if they don’t purchase her latest album, “Am I the Drama?” as the Bronx-bred recording artist has recorded some public service announcements for the New York City transit system.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the country’s largest transportation system, serving a population of over 15 million people, has informed its riders that the woman named Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, a former reality TV star, has recorded messages that will be heard throughout the subway system. The “Bodak Yellow” recording artist, who came out the gate in 2017 with a Billboard No. 1 single, will be directing commuters to do the right thing as they travel through the subway.

“Hey, New York! It’s Cardi B., I’m here at the MTA recording some PSAs you’ll be hearing in the subway stations.

“We’re walking here! Steps are for stepping, not sitting.”

“Move it, bucko!”

“These trains don’t move without you, so make sure you pay that fare and keep it real.”

“Stop subway surfing!”

“Ride safe, keep it cute, and keep it moving.”

“Okurrrr!”

“Love you guys!”

We teamed up with NYC’s own @iamcardib on PSAs that will play in subway stations across our system. pic.twitter.com/Kie7b7L2q0

— MTA (@MTA) September 23, 2025

Cardi, who is never afraid to speak her mind, recently hit the Billboard charts with another No. 1 album after her latest project was released Sept. 19. With a tie-in promotion with retailer Walmart, the album created a new Guinness World Record when the company made 176 drone deliveries in one hour.

“I can’t even believe this getting my album from my album has been literally flying off the shelf from Walmart, because Walmart has been delivering my album in drones in the Fort Worth part of Dallas, Texas. . .I’m so thankful because we even broke the most deliveries in one hour.”

We really just broke a Guinness world record 😩 pic.twitter.com/COVsqTRBSl

— Cardi B (@iamcardib) September 19, 2025

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Am I the Drama?’ Soars: Cardi B Breaks Guinness Record With Drone Album Deliveries

by Kandiss Edwards

September 26, 2025

Power Play: Louisiana Parish Scrutinizes Meta’s Impact On Utility Costs

Under the contract, Meta will pay only half of the plant construction.

A rural stretch of northeast Louisiana is now at the center of a fierce debate involving Meta.

Richland Parish is questioning the cost in relation to infrastructure and public risk as Meta builds one of the world’s largest data centers. The facility requires a $3 billion upgrade to the region’s electric grid. Critics warn that the state and its residents may ultimately bear a significant portion of the cost, according to the Associated Press.

Once active, the multibillion-dollar Meta facility will demand more electricity than New Orleans, the state’s most populous city. To make that possible, power company Entergy, in partnership with Meta, will construct three gas-fired power plants. Each plant is capable of producing 2,262 megawatts of energy. The company will also build a $550 million transmission line. Much of that infrastructure is being constructed under confidentiality arrangements that shield cost details and future liabilities.

Under the contract, Meta will pay only half of the plant’s construction costs. The full scope of the project will take 15 years. While the mega corporation will pay any costs associated with project overrun, Entergy and the state will still bear responsibility for maintenance, operation, and the transmission line. Because nondisclosure agreements prevent complete transparency, consumer advocates have been unable to audit the estimates or test how costs will be allocated if Meta leaves or renegotiates terms.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the plan in August, with some concessions aimed at protecting consumers. However, dissenters remain skeptical. Devante Lewis, a Richland Paris commissioner, vehemently opposes moving forward with so little information.

“There’s certain information we should know and need to know but don’t have,” Lewis said.

Adding further tension, Meta was granted sales tax exemptions under a 2024 law. The exemption raises concerns about lost public revenue even as new power plants are being built on public credit. Critics and residents worry that if Meta fails to renew its contract or faces financial difficulties, the plants may become a financial burden on the rural farming community of only 20,000 residents.

As local businesses and residents weigh the possibility of new jobs against infrastructure risks, Louisiana’s deal is increasingly seen as a test case in how much power Big Tech should have over local energy futures.

by Kandiss Edwards

September 26, 2025

Jackson State University Jumps 6 Spots In HBCU College Rankings

Jackson State has risen from its No. 21 ranking in 2024.

Jackson State University has earned its highest spot in nearly a decade on U.S. News & World Report’s list of top historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Jackson State has moved to No. 15 in the 2026 edition of Best Colleges. This marks a six-spot leap from last year’s No. 21 position. The acceleration reflects the university’s progress in retention, graduation outcomes, and faculty resources. For JSU leaders, the new ranking is more than a number. University leaders note the school’s position as a recognition of the work to sustain academic rigor and open doors for students from diverse backgrounds. In a statement, Interim President Denise Jones Gregory, Ph.D., said the ranking affirms the university’s mission.

“To be recognized as one of the top 15 HBCUs in the nation while also ranking among the strongest universities for social mobility shows that Jackson State is excelling in both academic quality and student success. This recognition affirms that JSU is setting The Standard in higher education and will continue advancing opportunity and excellence for the students and communities we serve,” Jones Gregory wrote.

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A post shared by Jackson State University (@jacksonstateu)

JSU also earned a tie for No. 65 in Social Mobility among all national universities. That category measures how effectively colleges serve students from underserved backgrounds who receive Pell Grants. Nearly 70% of JSU’s undergraduates are Pell recipients, a marker of economic need, making designation especially meaningful for the institution.

Faculty and staff credit programs, such as expanded academic advising, student support initiatives, and research opportunities, can help boost retention rates. Additionally, the university emphasizes its soaring community engagement.

“Rankings are only one measure, but they tell a story about progress,” said Preselfannie McDaniels, Ph.D, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Our focus on advising, mentoring, and academic support is helping to strengthen student outcomes while positioning more students to complete their degrees. That is the real success behind these numbers.”

For alumni and supporters, the climb in rankings is seen as momentum toward restoring JSU’s stature as one of the South’s flagship HBCUs. While challenges remain, such as securing more state funding and maintaining facilities, the latest recognition has energized the campus ahead of homecoming season.