by Jameelah Mullen

September 19, 2025

Women Say Travel Company Owner Owes Them Thousands For Luxury Trips That Never Happened

A group of Atlanta women say a dream vacation turned into a nightmare.

Women say they they paid thousands for luxury trips through Atlanta-based travel company Divas of Distinction only to arrive at various destinations to find they had no hotel reservations, transportation, or any planned activities.

“It was a nightmare,” Katrina Wilson told WSBTV investigative reporter Ashli Lincoln. “The address she gave us.. it was nothing like what was advertised.”

Wilson and other travelers expected to stay at a 5-bedroom estate in New Orleans, but upon arriving, learned the travel company had never booked the property. One victim said a property manager mistakenly let her in, which put her in harm’s way.

“I’m in there taking a shower, which is very dangerous, because I’m in someone’s property where I’m not supposed to be,” Angela White told WSBTV.

According to the victims, company owner Quneil Rayside promised luxury travel experiences to destinations such as Dubai and Costa Rica. Cheyne Rittenberry said she paid Rayside for a trip to Dubai before discovering that the travel company had not made any hotel arrangements.

Many of the women shared that they felt a personal connection with Rayside, who described the group as a “sisterhood.”

“She’s good at what she does. She knows how to prey on you,” Wilson said.

According to court records obtained by WSB-TV, Rayside was evicted from her townhome in an Atlanta suburb in August. Landlords accused her of failing to pay $15,700 in back rent.

WSB-TV tried reaching out multiple times to Rayside, who did not respond.

According to the victims, Rayside also ran a party rental business, where a woman filed a claim that Rayside owed her $5,000.

Victims claim that collectively they are owed more than $30,000 by Rayside. Many say they have filed police reports and complaints with Georgia authorities.

The Divas of Distinction website was temporarily shut down, but it’s now back online with its homepage stating, “Coming Soon.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 19, 2025

Obama Calls Out The White House’s ‘Mistake’ In Sparking Division Around Kirk’s Death

Barack Obama calls out the messaging from political leaders in wake of Charlie Kirk’s death.

Barack Obama is weighing in on the growing divisions following Charlie Kirk’s death, criticizing the White House for what he called a “mistake” in trying to pin blame by identifying an enemy.

Speaking at the Jefferson Educational Society in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 16, the former president warned the nation is “at an inflection point” amid a surge of political violence, citing the recent assassinations of Charlie Kirk and Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, CBS News reports.

“Regardless of where you are on the political spectrum, what happened to Charlie Kirk was horrific and a tragedy… There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it,” Obama said. “The central premise of our democratic system is that we are allowed to disagree and have, sometimes, really contentious debates, without resorting to violence.”

Along with the rising political violence, Obama warned of “a host of larger trends that we have to be concerned about,” including leaders whose responses to Kirk’s assassination risk deepening national division.

“There’s been some confusion, I think, around this lately, and frankly, coming from the White House and some of the other positions of authority that suggest, even before we had determined who the perpetrator of this evil act was, that somehow we’re going to identify an enemy,” Obama said.

Though he didn’t name Trump, the 44th president’s comments came days after Trump blamed Kirk’s assassination on the “radical left.” Obama called the move a “mistake” that deepens America’s divisions.

“When I hear not just our current president, but his aides, who have a history of calling political opponents ‘vermin,’ enemies who need to be ‘targeted,’ that speaks to a broader problem that we have right now, and something that we’re going to have to grapple with – all of us,” he said.

“We’re going to suggest that somehow that enemy was at fault, and we are then going to use that as a rationale for trying to silence discussion around who we are as a country and what direction we should go. And that’s a mistake as well.”

Amid calls for a “divorce” between Republicans and Democrats from Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Vice President JD Vance, attributing Kirk’s death to “left-wing extremism,” Obama takes a different approach by reminding people about the “core values” of America’s democracy.

”Whether we’re Democrats, Republicans, independents, we have to recognize that on both sides, undoubtedly, there are people who are extremists and who say things that are contrary to what I believe are America’s core values,” he said.

“And I think at moments like this, when tensions are high, then part of the job of the president is to pull people together.” If not, then we land in a “political crisis of the sort that we haven’t seen before,” he added.

Obama continued to speak out after Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was canceled over his remarks on Trump’s response to Kirk’s death. Talking to X on Sept. 18, Obama called out the Trump administration for taking cancel culture to a “new and dangerous level” by having media figures fired or removed for saying things they don’t like.

This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent — and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it. https://t.co/gOjqFnGv0I
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 18, 2025

”This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent — and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it,” he added.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2025

Christian Louboutin Names Jaden Smith First Men’s Creative Director

'I want to continue the story, honoring the past while shaping the future through my own perspective.'

Jaden Smith will move to Paris to become the first-ever men’s creative director for Christian Louboutin.

Maison Christian Louboutin made the announcement in a social media post. The son of rapper/actor Will and actress Jada Pinkett-Smith will oversee the creation of four collections annually.

“Merging my vision with Christian’s comes quite naturally because we see the world in a very similar way. There’s a shared respect for creative freedom, and I think that’s why it works,” said Smith in a written statement. “I want to continue the story, honoring the past while shaping the future through my own perspective. It isn’t just a title—it’s a creative home. Christian has given me a place to explore, to learn, and to create freely. His legacy is built on hard work and joy, and I want to carry that forward.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Christian Louboutin (@christianlouboutin)

The two men met in 2019 and formed a relationship. The conversations between the two led to admiration of each other’s visions, and now, as the creative director, Smith will flex his creative muscle for the popular fashion brand.

“When I first met Jaden, I saw in him a natural fit for the Maison. His world is rich and multidimensional, his style and cultural sensibility are inspiring, and his curiosity and openness are remarkable. I felt that with his creative direction, our men’s collection would evolve in an exciting and dynamic way. He feels like the perfect addition to our creative team, and I am truly looking forward to having fun working with him on our men’s collections,” Louboutin said.

Maison Christian Louboutin is pleased to welcome Jaden Smith as the first Men’s Creative Director.

“When I first met Jaden, I saw in him a natural fit for the Maison, his world is rich and multidimensional, his style and cultural sensibility are inspiring and his curiosity and… pic.twitter.com/PFfUbXPG4J
— Christian Louboutin (@LouboutinWorld) September 17, 2025

Jaden’s first collection with the company will take place during Men’s Fall/Winter 2026 Paris Fashion Week in January 2026.

by Ida Harris

September 19, 2025

ONE Musicfest Tickets Pop Out On Costco Shelves

Apparently, membership has its privileges

With just about a month left until ONE Musicfest returns to Piedmont Park in Atlanta, one-day ticket sales for the Southeastern region’s most notable music festival can be purchased at Costco Wholesale Stores.

J. Carter, the founder of ONE Musicfest, shared an image of event tickets on the shelves of the popular box store, retailing at $149.99 for general admission. The coveted ticket was packaged in a decorative design bearing the ONE Musicfest logo and attention-grabbing graphic.

“Membership has its privileges,” Carter’s Instagram caption read. “Catch your @onemusicfest one-day tickets at Costco’s while supplies last.”

Social media users were fascinated by the display, which featured ONE Musicfest tickets stocked between gift cards and postage stamps, and on the shelf like any other products and goods found in a convenience store.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by J Carter (@jcarterology)

Atlanta native and former music executive Shanti Das called the initiative “incredible marketing.” The general response among IG users is that the partnership is “fire,” with Atlanta radio personality Frank Ski and music producer Ray Daniel co-signing and leaving flame emojis in the comment section.

Costco’s ticketing partnership isn’t new. The retailer sells tickets for a multitude of activities, including concerts, music festivals, and sporting events.

ONE Musicfest boasts an exquisite lineup for 2025. The two-day festival takes place on Oct. 25-26 and features acts that will entertain thousands of multigenerational festivalgoers.

Headliners not only include Atlanta’s own musical royalty: Future, The Dungeon Family, and Ludacris—but megastars Mary J. Blige, Doechii, The Roots, Busta Rhymes, and Marvin Sapp. Also slated to perform are several heavy-hitters: Clipse, Jazmin Sullivan, Kehlani, and Ari Lenox. The event plans to feature the “World’s largest trail ride set.”

Concertgoers are in for a musical treat, and Costco cardholders can purchase those tickets online or in-store.

by Kandiss Edwards

September 19, 2025

Living Single Star Erika Alexander Says Ari Lennox Colorism Claims Are ‘Valid’

Alexander believes that hindsight is 20/20.

Erika Alexander is co-signing Ari Lennox’s claims of colorism in ’90s entertainment.

Alexander’s commentary came while promoting her podcast, ReLiving Single, which is centered on her successful ensemble sitcom, Living Single, on the Higher Learning podcast. When asked about Lennox’s criticism of colorism in ’90s television, Alexander agreed the criticism is “valid.”

Alexander reflected on how portrayals of Black characters in the ’90s were sometimes predicated on skin tone. She noted that darker-skinned actresses often received supporting or stereotyped roles, while lighter-skinned actors tended to receive more visibility and lead parts.

“Colorism was real & hindsight shows some jokes hit differently,” she said.

She emphasized that this isn’t about laying blame. Instead, Alexander stresses the importance of continued conversations around past missteps so the industry can do better going forward.

“We talk a lot about colorism, and we all suffered from it,” she said, urging that admitting the reality can help shape more thoughtful portrayals today.

Ari Lennox said some jokes on 90’s sitcoms were colorist and harmful. We asked Erika Alexander of “Living Single” if Ari had a point. Her answer might surprise you. pic.twitter.com/XFSsgjQBXv
— Van “Not Going Anywhere” Lathan Jr (@VanLathan) September 16, 2025

Lennox’s initial observation was that ’90s Black media was rooted in shade and color bias. Her specific grievance came from the popular show Martin.

“The thing that pissed me off about Martin was how much he was goin’ in on Pam,” Lennox continued. “Pam was so f**king beautiful and so fine, and I just feel like growing up as a chocolate girl, I don’t even know if I was able to understand the greatness of Pam because of what I was being fed.”

American singer Ari Lennox speaks out, saying Martin’s jokes about Pam’s looks still hit a nerve: “I’ll always feel a way about that. It’s disrespectful to dark-skinned women; she’s beautiful.”
pic.twitter.com/xsuQ1xrZvH
— Rain Drops Media (@Raindropsmedia1) July 29, 2025

Although Lennox’s claims garnered a mixed response, Alexander agreed. She states that many lessons remain to be learned.

The ReLiving Single podcast strives to unpack these issues, giving viewers behind-the-scenes perspectives on both nostalgia and the unintended harm of normalized biases.

As audiences grow more critical of how past media handled representation, voices like Alexander’s remind fans that progress in culture often arrives through examination, not erasure. Recognizing where things went wrong doesn’t negate the good that came from them. It opens a pathway for more authentic and considerate storytelling in the future.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2025

Detroit Pistons’ Tobias Harris Connects With Michigan State Housing Development Authority To Assist New Homeowners

'With this initiative, I’m focused on expanding access to homeownership so Detroiters can plant roots and build equity in the city they call home.'

In an effort to increase homeownership among Detroit residents, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has partnered with Detroit Pistons player Tobias Harris on his initiative to make homeownership more accessible to people residing in the Michigan city.

The MSHDA has announced its collective effort with the Tobias Harris Homeownership Initiative (THHI) to help more Detroiters gain homeownership with a new shared-appreciation mortgage pilot with Guild Mortgage and Homium. With this new program, more Detroiters will gain through a partnership between private capital and the state government.

“Homeownership is one of the most powerful ways to build stability and generational wealth,” said Harris in a written statement. “With this initiative, I’m focused on expanding access to homeownership so Detroiters can plant roots and build equity in the city they call home. This is just the start, and I look forward to working with others throughout Detroit’s business and philanthropic community to grow and sustain this important program.”

MSHDA will provide the initial funding for the pilot, along with grants from Harris, his former Pistons teammate Jon Leuer, Pistons owner Tom Gores, made through the program’s nonprofit partner, Realize Impact.

Through this initiative, qualified individuals will gain access to the mortgage product, with up to 40% of a home’s purchase price in down payment assistance (DPA) without adding any monthly debt. This allows new owners to forgo mortgage insurance, resulting in a lower monthly payment.

“This new partnership will help make the dream of homeownership a reality for more Detroiters, offering the kind of affordable support that leads to long-term housing stability,” said Amy Hovey, CEO and executive director of MSHDA. “We’re moving quickly to identify new partners and programs that can help lower costs and unlock opportunities for Michigan families.”

This program will be offered to qualified first-time homebuyers in select areas of Detroit.

For people interested in the program, more information can be found on the Tobias Harris Homeownership Initiative website.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2025

Taylor Townsend Apologizes For Insensitive Comments Over Food in China

'There is no excuse, there is no words. For me, I will be better.'

After being involved in a controversy while playing in last month’s U.S. Open, tennis player Taylor Townsend has now apologized for making disparaging comments about cuisine in China, where she is playing in a tennis tournament.

According to CNN, Townsend issued the apology on her Instagram Stories.

“I understand that I am so privileged as a professional athlete to be able to travel all around the world and experience cultural differences, which is one of the things I love so much about what I do,” she said on the platform. “The things that I said were not representative of that at all, and I just truly wanted to apologize. There is no excuse, there is no words. For me, I will be better.”

Townsend, who is currently in Shenzhen for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, made remarks regarding some of the food, which included turtle, bull frogs, and sea cucumber. The items that may not be what Americans are used to; in China, though, they are staples.

“This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen… and people eating this,” she said in one of her Instagram videos.

“Imma have to talk to HR… because what the hell… turtle and bull frog is wild,” was another statement folks were offended by as she stood next to a menu that listed the items.

Her impromptu food criticism, CNN observed, “sparked notable outcry on Chinese social media.” The hashtag “American tennis player criticizes Chinese food” was viewed millions of times on Weibo.

Townsend was on the good side of a controversy at last month’s U.S. Open, after Jelena Ostapenko told her after their match that she had “no class” and “no education.” She was applauded for how she handled the situation, which happened on national TV.

FAMU, Florida A and M University, FAMU Board Of Trustees, Dubious Donation

by Kandiss Edwards

September 19, 2025

FAMU To Honor Former President Frederick S. Humphries With Statue

The statue unveiling is scheduled for Homecoming week, Oct. 12-19.

Florida A&M University will unveil a statue of Frederick S. Humphries, one of its most respected presidents, during its Homecoming celebrations, FAMUAN reported.

The statue unveiling is scheduled for Homecoming week, Oct. 12-19. The campaign to honor Humphries began years ago. In December 2021, FAMU launched a fundraising campaign to raise around $350,000 to commission the statue. Humphries’ son, Laurence, a member, spoke about the achievement via Facebook.

“May this statue serve not only as a tribute to what my father achieved, but as an activation of enduring pride — a call to all of us to recommit ourselves to the institutions that shaped us. I encourage each of you to support FAMU or the HBCU of your choice, not only in words, but through your gifts, your presence, and your advocacy,” he wrote.

The statue will be unveiled during a public event on FAMU’s campus during Homecoming, expected to draw a large crowd. Supporters argue the statue is more than an art installation—it’s a long-overdue recognition of a president whose leadership helped shape FAMU’s identity.

Humphries served as FAMU’s eighth president from 1985 to 2001. He led the university during a period widely remembered as its golden age, a time marked by significant growth in enrollment, academic reputation, and public recognition. His leadership emphasized high standards in student achievement and a commitment to advancing the university’s national profile.

In a moment of gratitude, Laurence praised his father’s accomplishments. He acknowledged his pride in being raised by a man of honor. Laurence also gave thanks on behalf of those who benefited from Humphries’s tireless work.

“Dad, to stand before your likeness will be both humbling and overwhelming — a reminder of the vision you carried, the sacrifices you made, and the doors you opened for thousands. This statue is not just for you, but for every student whose life was changed, for every HBCU strengthened by your work, and for every dream you made possible,” he said.

CEOs, corporate America, Kamala Harrs, endorsement

by Mitti Hicks

September 18, 2025

Kamala Harris Reveals Tim Walz Was Not Her First Choice for Vice President

'But we were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man,' the former vice president writes in her upcoming memoir.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris wanted Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was her running mate during her 2024 run for the White House but declined to pursue the arrangement because it was too risky.

The Atlantic reported this news, from her highly anticipated book, 107 Days, on Wednesday. The book will be released on September 23.

Harris writes that Pete Buttigieg “would have been an ideal partner–if I were a straight white man.

“But we were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man,” Harris writes. “Part of me wanted to say, ‘Screw it, let’s just do it.’ But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk.

“And I think Pete also knew that—to our mutual sadness.”

Who Is Pete Buttigieg?

Buttigieg entered the national spotlight at the beginning of 2019 when he announced his candidacy to become the Democratic nominee for the 2020 presidential election.

It was a risky move for the then-mayor of South Bend, Indiana. He entered a pool of more than 20 Democratic hopefuls that included then-Senators Harris, Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

Buttigieg had no experience on the national level, unlike his counterparts, and was considered a “low-tier” candidate. As an openly gay man, political pundits said America was not ready for an openly gay president and a First Gentleman.

But he built an incredible coalition, and his ground game helped him narrowly win the first-in-the-nation caucuses in Iowa. He tied with Sanders for the most delegates in the New Hampshire primary. After placing fourth in the South Carolina primary, he dropped out on March 1, 2020. He later endorsed Joe Biden.

At 38, Buttigieg was the youngest candidate in the 2020 Democratic primary race, a veteran who had served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, including a six-month deployment in Afghanistan. He later became Secretary of Transportation.

Along with Buttigieg, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were all on Harris’ shortlist of running mates. Walz ultimately got the nod.

by Jameelah Mullen

September 18, 2025

Lori Harvey Opens Up About PCOS, Endometriosis, And Medical Bias Against Black Women

Listen to Black women.

Lori Harvey is speaking out about her years-long health struggles that doctors repeatedly ignored.

Harvey appeared on the SHEMD podcast with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney. The socialite shared that she experienced painful periods and other symptoms, which caused concern.

“I’ve been so frustrated. I’ve been going to my gynecologist because I’ve just been feeling like something’s off in my body,” Harvey said. “But every time I go to her, she’s like, ‘You’re fine, you’re fine, you’re fine. Nothing’s wrong.’ And I was like, ‘But I don’t feel fine. I feel like something is just off.’”

Harvey was right. The influencer found a doctor who finally listened to her. After a closer look, Harvey was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis, both of which can cause the symptoms she’d been experiencing.

The SKN owner said she experienced extreme weight changes, acne, facial hair, and painful menstrual cramps since she was a teen.

“My weight fluctuated like crazy,” she said. “I would diet for weeks, working out twice a day, and only eating carbs if I’m doing my second workout of the day. Then I’ll go on vacation for a week, eat a little bit of whatever I want, and I’ll blow up like crazy like I didn’t do anything for the past two weeks.”

Harvey said that after her diagnosis, she was prescribed Metformin, which helped stabilize her hormones and made her feel better. Aliabadi noted that if a woman like Harvey, who has public visibility, couldn’t get doctors to listen to her, it’s less likely they would listen to other women. Harvey agreed, stating that she felt “gaslit” by doctors who ignored her concerns.

According to a KFF study, 21% of Black women report being mistreated by a healthcare provider in situations where they believed race played a role. Among those who have been pregnant or given birth in the past decade, 22% say they were refused pain medication when they thought they needed it.