by Kandiss Edwards

July 12, 2025

Venus Williams Set For Tennis Comeback At DC Open

This will be the 45-year-old’s first official match in more than a year.

Tennis legend Venus Williams will return to professional tennis at the Mubadala Citi DC Open.

The event is set to take place from July 21 to 27 in Washington, DC. The tennis icon, now 45, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, accepted an invitation to compete in the main draw as a wild card, the Women’s Tennis Association announced. This will be the 45-year-old’s first official match in more than a year. Williams last appeared on the WTA circuit at the Miami Open in March 2024.

The Olympian has been listed as inactive on the WTA’s official website. She spoke about her excitement to return to the fold and her love of DC.

“There’s something truly special about DC: the energy, the fans, the history,” Williams stated in a press release from the tournament organizers. “This city has always shown me so much love, and I can’t wait to compete there again.”

Mark Ein, chairman of the Mubadala Citi DC Open, talked about the excitement surrounding Williams’s return.

“She has inspired people around the world with her accomplishments on the court and her visionary impact off the court,” Ein said. “I know how much it means to our DC fans and community to be able to watch her compete in person this summer.”

A legend returns ✨ @Venuseswilliams will make her first appearance in DC since 2022!#MubadalaCitiDCOpen pic.twitter.com/lLa6LCnG7B
— Mubadala Citi DC Open (@mubadalacitidc) July 11, 2025

Her last Grand Slam appearances were in 2023, where she exited early at both Wimbledon and the US Open. The upcoming DC Open, a WTA 500 event, will offer Williams the opportunity to compete against top-tier players. Other notable players expected to participate include Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka, and Emma Raducanu.

Off the tennis court, Williams continues to expand her career options. It was recently announced that Venus will host a new podcast on X alongside her champion sister, Serena Williams. The “Unfiltered Truth” podcast is set to launch in August 2025. There has been some controversy surrounding the sisters’ use of the Elon Musk platform to host their podcast.

Venus and Serena promise open and candid discussions about all topics, as well as interviews with “visionaries, creators, and rulebreakers.”

Quincy Wilson, Olympics, Track, mens 4 x 400, mens, Richardson, Paris olympics, track and field

by Mary Spiller

July 12, 2025

From Sprinter To CPA Partner: Durran Dunn Talks Discipline & Paying It Forward

Durran Dunn sat on a recent episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast with Neil Amato.

Before becoming a partner at Bennett Thrasher and a respected voice in accounting, Durran Dunn was a track athlete and an anonymous crowd favorite at Atlanta Braves games, where he entertained fans as a full-body-suited mascot known as “The Freeze.” But according to a July 9 episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Dunn’s path to professional success wasn’t always clear or conventional.

Hosted by Neil Amato, the recent episode featured a discussion on Dunn’s journey from being a collegiate sprinter to working in accounting.

“I didn’t know what a CPA was until my senior year of college,” Dunn admitted.

“I didn’t grow up around the profession. I just checked the accounting box on the list of majors because it was at the top. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.”

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Dunn’s early life included dramatic transitions—from the Caribbean to New York and later to Mississippi, where he earned athletic and academic scholarships to the University of Southern Mississippi. There, Dunn pursued accounting while running track.

“I was doing 21 credit hours a semester while competing in the 100m, 200m, 4×100, and 4×400 relays,” he explained to host Neil Amato. “I didn’t even know you could change your major. I was just all in.”

That same discipline carried over into his professional life. Now a leader in Risk Advisory Services, Dunn focuses on internal audit, compliance, ESG readiness, and business problem-solving.

“You can’t outwork me,” Dunn told Amato. “I’m probably not the smartest or most talented, but I’ll get it done.”

Dunn credits much of his professional philosophy to his athletic background.

“Everything about preparing for competition—training, focus, execution—applies directly to business,” he said. “I believe optimal results come from being fully present in the moment.”

Beyond his career, Dunn is committed to mentoring young professionals, especially students who, like him, may not initially be aware of the opportunities within the accounting field. He opened up on the Journal of Accountancy Podcast to highlight that a major point of ambition for him is to be a mentor.

“I go into high schools and talk to students who don’t even know what a CPA is. The profession found me, and I want to pay that forward,” he said. “It saved my life.”

Dunn also emphasized the importance of diversity in the field. “There’s a lot of talk about getting more diversity into the pipeline. I believe we have to start early—with awareness and access,” he stated.

For Dunn, lifelong learning remains essential. “I’m a student of everything I touch,” he said. “Even now, as a partner, I’m still learning every day. That mindset will take you far—no matter what path you choose.”

Dunn left Amato with a piece of advice to end the interview.

Dunn advised, “Be disciplined, solve problems, communicate well, and always be learning.”

Dunn’s hard work has been paying off in recent years. The former Jamaican sprinter was honored in 2024 by Forbes’ inaugural list as a member of the top 200 certified public accountants.

More recently, Dunn launched his first official website on July 1. The site showcases clips of his motivational speaking work, media appearances, and testimonials.

Through the site, organizations can book Dunn for both speaking events and breakout sessions.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLkVhkWMEB_/?igsh=NXI2OThkZzVzMHR5

Dunn wrote of the website launch, “This has been a divine project rooted in my mission to inspire, empower, and challenge individuals and organizations to push beyond limits and lead with purpose. Whether you’re planning a conference, corporate retreat, student event, or leadership summit – I’m here to deliver a message that moves people and drives action.”

RELATED CONTENT: Modern CPAs Need To Learn Strategy

College dorm, Move in, Undergrad, school, Dorm room, hbcu, Mizzou, Camp HBCYouth

by Kandiss Edwards

July 12, 2025

SpelHouse Alums Support The Next Generation With ‘Camp HBCYouth’

Spelman and Morehouse alums, Reagan Fresnel and Brian Wright, are introducing students to higher-ed through “Camp HBCYouth.”

HBCU alums are giving Atlanta campers an early taste of college life at an HBCU-led summer camp, Capital B Atlanta reported.

Camp HBCYouth was designed to spark interest in historically Black colleges and enhance academic skills. The program offers affordable access and “camperships” for underserved families, said Reagan Fresnel, founder and Spelman alum.

Fresnel recalled attending a summer program at Morgan State and wanting to bring that experience home. Along with Morehouse alum Brian Wright, that is exactly what she did.

“Only 5% of Black children attend summer camp, so we are carving out space for our students,” Fresnel said to Capital B Atlanta.

She described the camp as a pipeline into HBCUs. HBCYouth strives to instill college values like legacy, community, and excellence in students early in life. To that end, the camp currently serves elementary school students.

Camp counselors are current HBCU students or graduates. At a July 3 field day held at Morehouse’s football stadium, campers took part in tug-of-war, water games, and football training led by NFL cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. of the Falcons, sponsored by his foundation.

At the West End Spelman campus on July 9, elementary-aged girls painted a mural under the guidance of HBCU students. The camp integrates STEAM, Black history, wellness, sports, and academic enrichment aimed at preventing summer learning loss. Campers received lessons in budgeting, literacy, and tennis lessons licensed through a partnership with the USTA. Each site serves 60 to 70 children, and organizers say nearly 1,000 students have participated since the program began.

Lauren Reed, Camp HBCYouth’s director of marketing, said that hiring HBCU students provides younger campers with mentors who look like them and reflect college success.

“We want them to see people they can look up to,” she said. Spelman senior Skylar Sanford, working as a counselor, said she saw her role as mentorship and sharing joy.

Supported in part by Walmart and Amazon Access, Camp HBCYouth also offers meals to combat food insecurity and maintains a tuition of around $250 per week. Fresnel said the founders are exploring expansion to all HBCUs, extending programming from elementary to high school age to build a sustained pathway into college.

Founded in 2021 by Spelman alums Fresnel and Wright, Camp HBCYouth offers a seven-week day camp on four HBCU campuses—Spelman, Morehouse, Tennessee State, and Clark Atlanta.

Atlanta’s robust HBCU presence—driven by the Atlanta University Center, the nation’s largest HBCU consortium—provides a rich cultural backdrop for this initiative . Camp HBCYouth aims to reinforce that legacy and ensure Black youth have early exposure to environments that reflect their potential and aspirations.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 12, 2025

Queen Latifah, Danielle Brooks, Fawn Weaver Named 2025 Honorary Members Of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Queen Latifah has been announced as the newest Honorary Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. added a powerhouse group of Black women public figures to its 2025 Honorary Member class.

The newest Devastating Divas of DST were announced on July 9 at the organization’s 57th National Convention and include multifaceted award-winning actresses Queen Latifah and Danielle Brooks, business mavens Fawn Weaver, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Toni Townes-Whitley, renowned political strategist and analyst Donna Brazile, and sports trailblazers Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Swintayla “Swin” Cash. With the new members spanning entertainment, business, education, politics, sports, and advocacy, they further strengthen Delta’s legacy of honoring women who exemplify excellence and drive impact on a national and global scale.

“This year’s class of Honorary Members represents a powerhouse group of barrier-breaking women across politics, entertainment, business, sports, and social impact,” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes said in a statement captured by Stock Titan.

“From a trailblazing political strategist to an acclaimed actress and vocalist, a legendary Olympic athlete to a pioneering tech executive, these women embody excellence, service, and the unwavering pursuit of justice and equity. Their collective influence spans boardrooms, stages, and grassroots movements — each one a force in her field and a reflection of Delta’s enduring mission.”

https://twitter.com/Holly_Lawson713/status/1943154021856129484

Honorary Membership is one of the highest honors bestowed by many Black sororities. For Delta Sigma Theta, it’s reserved for trailblazing women whose impactful work has made extraordinary contributions to society. Each honoree is carefully selected based on how well she embodies the Sorority’s core principles of Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service, and Social Action, as well as how her work aligns with Delta’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement.

After announcing the sorority’s newest members, many members of the organization joined in welcoming the “phenomenal trailblazers into our beloved sisterhood with immense pride, joy, and unwavering sisterly love,” DST wrote in an Instagram post.

“The Honorary Members… another line of class & culture! Welcome to the sisterhood!❤️🤍,” one member wrote.

“We got the QUEEN! And Danielle and Fawn! ❤️ Oh to be a devastating DIVA of DST! 🔺🐘,” added another.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 11, 2025

Winnie Harlow Makes History As First Person With Vitiligo Honored With A Madame Tussauds’ Wax Figure

Winnie Harlow is making history for the vitiligo community.

Winnie Harlow has made history as the first person with vitiligo to be honored with a wax figure at Madame Tussauds, marking a major milestone for the vitiligo community.

The acclaimed supermodel unveiled her wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York on June 25 in celebration of World Vitiligo Day. From her slender frame and iconic smize to her stunning golden-brown hair and dazzling diamond engagement ring from NBA fiancé Kyle Kuzma, Madame Tussauds nailed every detail in crafting her wax figure.

She later took to Instagram to express her excitement and gratitude for the meaningful tribute.

“What a dream come true 🥹🤍✨ The First Wax figure with Vitiligo!!” she wrote.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ♔Winnie Harlow♔ (@winnieharlow)

After finding fame following her debut on Cycle 21 of America’s Next Top Model, Harlow has become a powerful voice for the vitiligo community and a champion for skincare awareness. Her wax figure at the iconic Madame Tussauds stands as a testament to her ongoing advocacy and impact.

“I don’t cry a lot, but I love to cry,” Harlow told Essence. “I’ve cried three times already, and I’m so grateful for that, happy tears.”

Reflecting on how the moment represents not just a milestone in her personal journey but a powerful celebration for the entire vitiligo community, Harlow likened her wax figure to a “landmark” that packs a powerful message.

“I feel like this is a landmark for confidence, for standing in yourself and your purpose, and I’m really honored to be able to come here and see me in life form,” she said.

From modeling to fashion and launching her inclusive skincare line, Cay Skin, Harlow took a moment to reflect on how it’s been to see many of her dreams come to life.

“So many people look up to me for representation, but truly, I’m still that little girl who wanted to see herself on a billboard, who wanted to see herself on a cover,” she said. “Through the work I’ve done as a model and entrepreneur, I’ve been able to create the kind of community I once longed for—not just for others, but for myself too.”

by Kandiss Edwards

July 11, 2025

‘Freak Off’ Participant Apologizes For His Role In Cassie’s Trauma

A male escort and participant in Diddy’s “freak offs” is publicly apologizing for his part in facilitating Cassie Ventura’s trauma.

A male escort is apologizing for his role in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura’s, exploitation.

The male escort, identified as “Don,” expressed his ignorance of Ventura’s turmoil. During the trial, Ventura gave testimony about sex acts she participated in with escorts, called “freak offs.” Don was one of those escorts. Yet, he did not know Ventura was sometimes an unwilling participant. In an interview with People, he expressed his heartfelt apologies.

“I would do everything in my power to explain how sorry I was that I was a part of a situation that she’s going to view as a nightmare for the rest of her life,” he told the publication. “I wish I had some type of inkling of what was actually going on so that I could not be a participant.”

The participant in the freak-off says that Ventura was not the only one of Diddy’s women with whom he was involved. On the stand, Ventura and a woman identified as “Jane” professed their willingness to engage in sexual activities to make the mogul happy. Yet, they claim Combs also used nefarious means to coerce them, including violence and blackmail. However, Don says as a family member and man with multiple women in his life, he feels complicit in their trauma.

“Even though in my experience they seemed as willing participants, I know that there’s a difference between going through what you went through in private and then putting on a good face for your partner because this is what your partner is enjoying — and you want to bring that type of joy to [your] partner, but it may not be something that you’re necessarily comfortable with,” he told People.

The violence against Ventura has been proven. Before Combs was put on trial for sex trafficking and racketeering, 2016 security footage of the rapper violently attacking Ventura surfaced. The prosecution used the footage of the assault to emphasize Combs’s violent tendencies. However, the violence, along with Cassie and Jane’s testimony, was not enough to convince a jury to convict.

On July 2, Combs received a split verdict on his charges. While exonerated on the trafficking and racketeering charges, he was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

He is currently being held in custody while awaiting sentencing on Oct. 3.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 11, 2025

Druski Leads Snipes Back-To-School Campaign Alongside His Comedy Collective

Druski brings his signature character-driven comedy to SNIPES’ new back-to-school campaign.

Druski is bringing his comedic flair to a new campaign that’s all about getting kids back to school with a smile.

The actor, comedian, and social media star teamed up with global sneaker and streetwear giant Snipes for its back-to-school campaign, “Style is in Session.” As part of the multiplatform campaign, Druski stars in a branded content series where he’ll bring his signature humor to various school roles, from an over-the-top principal to a no-nonsense gym coach, all while spotlighting Snipes’ latest styles and affordable price points, all in one place.

To keep the campaign true to Druski’s brand and resonate with his 22 million social media followers, the Coulda Been Records founder enlisted a few familiar faces from his comedy crew. Navv Greene steps in as the cafeteria and hall monitor, The Ugliest Rapper Alive plays the rebellious student, Chris Too Smoove dishes out style commentary, and Lou Young takes charge as the detention supervisor.

“I enjoyed working with SNIPES on this campaign,” Druski said in a statement. “It was a collaborative approach on the creative where they gave me the freedom to interject personalities from my world into the content, which helped to organically connect the two spaces. It was entertaining to play various school characters while highlighting SNIPES in a fresh way. I look forward to continued work with SNIPES as they’ve shown they are authentic and true to the culture.”

The digital-first campaign will go beyond social media, bringing real-world impact through exclusive community events, giveback initiatives, in-store and online deals, and back-to-school meet-and-greets with Druski. It’s all part of an effort to create authentic connections between fans, SNIPES, and Druski while spotlighting top product categories like backpacks, footwear, and accessories during one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year.

“This isn’t just another back-to-school campaign,” said Kelley Walton, SNIPES USA CMO. “We’re creating buzzworthy, snackable, and shoppable content that speaks to our consumers in an authentic and relatable way. Druski’s connection with our core audience makes him the perfect partner to elevate our brand energy and reinforce us as cultural leaders in sneakers and streetwear.”

“Day One,” the first installment of the “Style is in Session” campaign, debuted on July 7. A follow-up titled “Final Bell” is set to drop later this summer, with the full campaign capturing the entire back-to-school shopping journey.

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 11, 2025

Shareholders From 30 Major Corporations Vote Unanimously Against Anti-DEI Policies

Catalyst CEO Jennifer McCollum says the data proves just how important DEI is to company culture and the market value as some companies with anti-diversity policies represent more than $13 trillion.

The anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies don’t appear to be working for a number of major corporations, as data shows their shareholders are going against the embedded anti-DEI practices, AfroTech reports.

Data from the nonprofit Impactivize revealed anti-DEI proposals from big-name corporations, including Costco, Mastercard, Levi Strauss, McDonald’s, Walmart, and Coca-Cola, failed by wide margins as shareholders rejected the claims. The majority of votes came in between 98% and 99%. Nancy Levine Stearns, founder of Impactivize, says the numbers speak loud and clear about where the shareholders stand. “Shareholder voting margins send a clear message: Investors understand that diversity is good for business,” Levine Stearns said.

“The overwhelming tallies are significant, corporate governance experts told me.”

Several companies followed suit with President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order, terminating DEI initiatives throughout federal agencies. Companies like Target and Tractor Supply Co. took the order as a call to dial back on their DEI practices that helped their companies grow in revenue and support. Target suffered after its announcement resulted in a 40-day boycott curated by civil rights and religious leaders Rev. Al Sharpton and Jamal Bryant.

Merck CEO Rob Davis labeled diversity and inclusion as a “strategic imperative,” while Jennifer McCollum, president and CEO of research firm Catalyst, says the data proves just how important DEI is to company culture and market value, as some companies with anti-diversity policies represent a market value of more than $13 trillion. “Inclusion has never been a liability — it’s a competitive advantage and a business imperative,” McCollum said. “The data proves that organizations committed to opportunity and fairness will outperform peers, retain talent, and build lasting trust.”

The Trump administration deemed DEI as “illegal,” which was another reason corporations moved their policies to non-existent. Nearly 16 state attorneys general threatened lawsuits against businesses that failed to stand firm and comply with both federal and state laws. But legal experts say companies — both large and small — don’t need to do anything since it’s very much legal. “DEI isn’t illegal, and it’s not going anywhere,” attorney and Impactivize advisory board member Jon Hymanan highlighted, according to Yahoo Finance.

“Companies backing away from DEI aren’t protecting themselves—they’re setting themselves up to fall behind.”

“To preserve the social fabric of a nation founded on the principles of equality, justice, and liberty, I encourage you to stand firm as well.”
Prior to shareholders holding companies accountable, some corporations never touched their DEI initiatives, instead enhancing them. Companies like Costco Wholesale and e.l.f Beauty saw an increase in foot traffic, which resulted in a massive increase in revenue.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 11, 2025

Harlem To Recognize Fatman Scoop By Co-Naming A Street After Popular Recording Artist

The corner of 109th Street and 5th Avenue will be co-named Isaac "Fatman Scoop" Freeman III Place

A Harlem street corner will be renamed in honor of one of its hometown heroes, Isaac “Fatman Scoop” Freeman III, in August.

The Freeman Family has announced that the Harlem recording artist, who died while performing on a Connecticut stage last year, will be honored with the co-naming of a street on the corner of 109th Street and 5th Avenue. The ceremony will take place on Aug. 9, at 2 p.m., as the street will be co-named “Isaac ‘Fatman Scoop’ Freeman III Place.”

The ceremony is being done in partnership with NYC Council Member Dr. Yusef Salaam and the Forever Fatman Scoop Foundation.

“Scoop has always represented Harlem with pride,” said his brother, Kendell “Sav” Freeman. “This co-naming is a tribute not just to his artistry but to his ongoing commitment to uplifting the community that raised him.”

The ceremony is expected to bring together friends, family, local leaders, and community members in a celebration of legacy, culture, and Harlem pride. The event is open to the public.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Corner of 109th Street & 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10029

The popular recording artist got his start in the entertainment industry by promoting records for Tommy Boy Records, even being featured in promotional ads before he was known for his booming voice and the ability to hype crowds. He released a record, “Be Faithful,” in 1999, that can still be heard on radio stations and clubs around the world. He was also a featured artist on two songs in 2005, “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott and “It’s Like That” by Mariah Carey.

On the day he collapsed, Scoop released two records, Bingo Players and Disco Fries, “Our House” and “Let It Go” with Dyce Payso. The video for “Let It Go” came out on Aug. 30, 2024.

The 56-year-old Scoop was performing at the Green and Gold Party in Hamden, Connecticut, on Aug. 30, 2024, when he shouted one of his signature catchphrases and collapsed. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The official cause of death was listed as hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a spokesperson for the Connecticut medical examiner’s office told ABC News.

by Kandiss Edwards

July 11, 2025

Chaka Khan Did A ‘Sweet Thing’ At Her Granddaughter’s Wedding

Chaka Khan took a break from her iconic 'Queen's Tour' to participate in her granddaughter's wedding as a flower girl.

Chaka Khan, an iconic singer and family woman, shared a heartwarming, intimate moment with fans.

The singer revealed via Instagram that she was the honorary flower girl at her granddaughter, Daija Jade Holland’s, wedding. Khan walked down the aisle in a white gown adorned with golden patterns, alongside a young ring bearer. The Chaka Khan and Rufus singer’s Instagram celebrated the sweet gesture with a caption acknowledging the moment.

“A beautiful family moment worth celebrating 💐💜Chaka Khan’s granddaughter, Daija Jade, recently tied the knot — and Chaka was right there to witness the joy, love, and magic of the day. Even more special? Chaka stepped into the role of honorary flower girl for the ceremony. Congratulations to the radiant newlyweds!” the caption read.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chaka Khan 💋 (@chakakhan)

Chaka Khan’s connection with Daija Jade is particularly meaningful. The I’m Every Woman crooner gained custody of her granddaughter when Daija was just nine years old. Also, the grandma and granddaughter duo share a birthday, making their bond even more unique.

Khan has often spoken candidly about this experience, stating that raising Daija later in life felt “meant to be,” as it allowed her to be a more effective and present mother figure than she had been in her earlier years. Over the years, the two-time divorcee and teen mom has admitted to struggling with drug usage. Furthermore, she spent years working in the demanding entertainment industry.

“There’s a lot of things I missed as a young mom, because I was too busy growing up myself,” Khan told The Guardian in 2017. “I’m better at it now. I adopted my granddaughter — my son’s daughter — when she was nine. She’s just turned 16. Becoming a mother again later in life was meant to be.”

While taking time to fulfill grandma and flower girl duties, Khan is also on a national tour. The “Sweet Thing” singer is allowing fans to experience her greatness live. Those interested will have several opportunities to see her on tour in late 2025. She is scheduled to perform across various cities in the United States as part of The Queens: 4 Legends 1 Stage tour, which also features Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

September 19 2025: Greensboro NC at First Horizon Coliseum
September 20 2025: Atlanta GA at State Farm Arena
September 21 2025: Memphis TN at FedExForum
September 25 2025: Newark NJ at Prudential Center
September 27 2025: Milwaukee WI at Fiserv Forum
September 28 2025: Detroit MI at Little Caesars Arena
October 3 2025: Washington DC at Capital One Arena
October 4 2025: Atlantic City NJ at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
October 5 2025: Cleveland OH at Rocket Arena

For more information about Chaka Khan’s tour dates and to purchase tickets, you can visit her official website, Live Nation, and Ticketmaster.