by Mary Spiller

July 5, 2025

Young Noble, Member of Tupac’s Outlawz, Dies At 47 In Apparent Suicide

Young Noble, a founding member of Tupac Shakur’s rap group the Outlawz, died, prompting an outpouring of grief from the Hip-Hop community.

Rufus Lee Cooper III, known to hip-hop fans as Young Noble and a longtime member of Tupac Shakur’s legendary rap group the Outlawz, has died at age 47. According to close associates, Cooper died by suicide on the early morning of July 4 in Atlanta.

The news was confirmed by fellow Outlawz member E.D.I. Mean, who took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking update.

“Today I got some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable. My brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning [July 4],” he wrote.

“Rest in Power Rufus Young Noble Cooper.”

Mean also urged the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

“I obviously am in no shape to talk about this right now so PLEASE give his family and I some time to process this. Mental illness is a real battle being fought by so many. CHECK ON YOUR FOLKS,” Mean concluded the post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLsrNLkBYeF/?img_index=1&igsh=MW5iN2VqMWRyMnB4NQ==

Young Noble’s death sent ripples through the hip-hop community, moving several artists and fans to express their grief online.

Layzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony shared his condolences on social media, writing: “RIP to my Thug Brother @young_noble just got the devastating news. I think of Edi and his whole family. My condolences to his family, wife, kids, friends, and fans. Rest up eternal bro. This mental health is a scary thing.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLs3c1uyICg/?igsh=MThnZTF1NWU2N2Fwdw==

Born in Sierra Madre, California, Cooper spent part of his childhood in New Jersey, where he met future Outlawz collaborators Hussein Fatal and Yaki Kadafi.

He returned to California in the mid-1990s, where he crossed paths with Tupac Shakur during the creation of the album “All Eyez on Me.” It was the fourth studio album by 2Pac and the final to be released during his lifetime. It was released on Feb. 13, 1996.

Young Noble made his first major appearance on Tupac’s posthumous album, “The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory,” featuring iconic tracks like “Hail Mary,” “Bomb First (My Second Reply),” “Life of an Outlaw,” and “Just Like Daddy.”

He later released a string of solo projects beginning with “Noble Justice” in 2002, followed by “Son of God” in 2012, “Powerful” in 2016, and “3rd Eye View” in 2019.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.

by Ahsan Washington

July 5, 2025

It’s National Bikini Day! Dive Into These Black-Owned Swimwear Brands

Pay homage to the itty-bitty, two-piece with Black-owned brands.

National Bikini Day pays homage to the itty-bitty, two-piece swimsuit that originated in 1946. Initially, bikinis were frowned upon because they covered very little, but today they are worn with much confidence. Thus, it’s the perfect time to highlight and support Black-owned swimwear brands.

These brands transform beachside and poolside fashion by bringing style and flavor to the moment. Check out these Black-owned swimwear brands and get ready to make the most of the summer.

Matte Collection

Under Justina McKee’s visionary leadership, Matte Collection stands out as an inclusive minimalist fashion brand. The brand’s wide swimwear range featuring thong bikinis and one-shoulder tops in numerous colors and skin tones, satisfies a diverse customer base. Shoppers can purchase Matte Collection products through its website. The combination of low prices and luxury makes it an ideal choice for budget-conscious shoppers seeking high-end products. Matte Collection provides everything you need for spontaneous beach trips and vacation wardrobe selections.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Matte Swim (@mattecollection)

Waydamin

Jayda Cheaves created Waydamin as a brand that embodies the “soft life” aesthetic, catering to women who maintain their style and confidence in all situations. Jayda Cheaves merges her entrepreneurial skills with social media influence to sell a distinctive style, featuring flirty boldness and body-hugging designs. The Waydamin collection showcases swimwear choices, including monogrammed two-pieces, with high-cut bikinis and bold prints. The brand’s pricing is accessible, with individual bikini pieces beginning at $40, while complete sets fall within the $80 to $100 range.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by WAYDAMIN (@waydaminbrand)

Riot Swim

In 2016, Riot Swim came into existence thanks to Monti Landers, a self-taught designer who created a line of elevated basics with rich textures and seamless designs. Riot Swim offers apparel in natural tones with body-sculpting technology designed specifically for the sophisticated and seductive woman. Customers can find products on the company website. Riot Swim swimwear defies fashion trends, making it an essential addition to your wardrobe. The price range for tops and bottoms begins at $50 each.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by RIOT (@weareriot_)

Hot Girl Summer

Megan Thee Stallion is a multifaceted rapper and entrepreneur who leads the Hot Girl movement with unapologetic flair. Her track “Hot Girl Summer” represents confidence and self-love. This fashion trend embraces a sexy and fearless design with its use of metallic fabrics, mesh materials, and thong cuts to create bold statements. These sets cater to all body types and are frequently launched as limited-edition releases on Megan’s official site. Price ranges for sets usually span from $16 to $28.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion)

Bfyne

Bfyne is a Nigerian-American brand that merges Afro-futuristic themes with high-fashion elements to create bold patterns and asymmetric cuts in its runway-ready bikinis. Bfyne’s swimwear collection can be found on its website and Instagram page. Sets range from $73 to upwards of $280.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BFYNE (@bfyne)

Nakimuli

Tennille McMillan owns Nakimuli, which operates out of Brooklyn and is recognized for its striking Afrocentric fashion design. This brand delivers bold Black swimwear with striking prints, high-waisted bottoms, and plus-size options that champion body diversity. Nakimuli’s swimwear collection can be found on its online platform, where it offers bikini sets priced between $50 to $120.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NAKIMULI 🌺 (nah•kim•u•lee) (@nakimuliinc)

ÖFUURË

Tehilah Abakasanga merges African-inspired patterns with contemporary shapes to produce a striking, vibrant, and majestic fashion style. Traditional African prints adorn ÖFUURË bikinis, boasting flattering cuts and versatile designs that allow for multiple styling options. Prices range from $37 to $130.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ÖFUURË (O-fu-ray) (@ofuure)

by Mary Spiller

July 5, 2025

Qantas Airline Announces Data Breach Impacting Up To Six Million Customers

Qantas has confirmed a major data breach potentially affecting up to six million customers, soon after the FBI warned that the cybercriminal group Scattered Spider had begun targeting the aviation industry.

Just days after the FBI issued a cybersecurity alert warning that the hacking group Scattered Spider had shifted its focus to the aviation sector, Australian airline Qantas has confirmed a data breach that could affect up to six million customers. According to a July 2 statement from Qantas, a cybercriminal infiltrated a third-party call center and gained unauthorized access to a customer servicing platform.

The compromised data includes names, email addresses, dates of birth, and frequent flyer details.

Qantas reports that no credit card or passport information was exposed in the data breach.

The airline stated that it acted promptly upon detecting the breach on July 1, contained the threat, and confirmed that its core systems remain secure.

“There is no impact to Qantas’ operations or the safety of the airline,” the company stated.

“We sincerely apologize to our customers and we recognize the uncertainty this will cause. Our customers trust us with their personal information and we take that responsibility seriously,” Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson expressed.

The breach occurred soon after the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a warning to the public that Scattered Spider was now employing social engineering tactics to compromise aviation networks.

Scattered Spider is a hacking group previously known for targeting retail and insurance companies.

“The FBI has recently observed the cybercriminal group Scattered Spider expanding its targeting to include the airline sector,” a spokesperson said.

Experts have raised concerns that such breaches disproportionately impact marginalized communities.

Marginalized groups, such as people of color, low-income families, veterans, immigrants, and individuals with disabilities, often rely heavily on services like healthcare and financial aid, all of which tend to be compromised in cyberattacks.

According to the Sustainability Directory, in healthcare-related breaches, for example, Medicaid recipients and other Black populations are frequently among the hardest hit.

Similarly, communities already facing economic instability are more susceptible to identity theft and credit fraud when their data is exposed.

Ross Brewer, vice president at cybersecurity firm Graylog and a Qantas frequent flyer, said the incident underscored the need for better digital protections.

“While it’s reassuring to know that no passwords, financial data, or identity documents were compromised,” Brewer said.

Brewer continued, “The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust logging and monitoring practices in cybersecurity.”

Former FBI cybercrime agent Adam Marrè, now with Arctic Wolf, emphasized the broader lesson: “This attack should serve as another reminder of the need for businesses to assess cyber defenses internally and across supply chains.”

He advised that consumers should remain vigilant and treat every communication from their airlines — such as Qantas — with caution.

Indian-American, slur,Stanley Thomas, Texas

by Mary Spiller

July 5, 2025

Indian-American Man Sparks Outrage After Repeatedly Using Racial Slur In Viral Video

A viral video showing an Indian-American man repeatedly using the N-word at a Dallas restaurant has sparked widespread outrage online, as he unapologetically defended his use of the slur by claiming to be “20 percent Black."

A video captured at Moxie’s, a restaurant in Dallas’ Uptown neighborhood, has ignited widespread outrage after an Indian-American man named Thomas was filmed repeatedly using the N-word in a disturbing exchange with a Black woman.

The clip, which has since gone viral, shows a man who identifies himself on camera as Stanley Thomas sitting at the bar at Moxie’s and repeating the racial slur on camera.

According to the woman who recorded the footage, Thomas had already used the word several times before she began filming.

When confronted, Thomas unapologetically doubled down.

“I say the N-word all the time,” he said, even offering to demonstrate multiple pronunciations of the slur. He then repeated it, deliberately emphasizing the hard “r” ending.

The woman filming warned him that the video would go viral.

Unfazed, Thomas responded with a thumbs-up, stating, “No, I’m proud,” before offering the name Stanley Thomas on camera.

Thomas attempted to justify his behavior by claiming to be “20 percent Black” and referencing the Siddi people, a minority ethnic group in India of African descent.

The woman dismissed the explanation, sarcastically offering to AirDrop the video so he could “post it with your fellow Indian friends and tell them how you said the N-word all the time, and you’re 20% Black.”

The video first surfaced on the X account ‘I Expose Racists and Pedos’, which later shared a screenshot of a Facebook profile allegedly belonging to Thomas.

https://twitter.com/SeeRacists/status/1940564779355295794?s=19

The profile allegedly identified him as a senior business analyst at Christus Health, a Texas-based Catholic healthcare nonprofit.

However, due to the video’s popularity, Christus Health swiftly denied any affiliation with Thomas.

“Thank you for bringing this to our attention. He is not an Associate of CHRISTUS Health. We do not condone this behavior, nor does it align with our mission and core values,” the organization posted across its social media platforms.

Online users were quick to say their piece on the incident.

One widely liked comment read, “On behalf of Indians worldwide, we do not claim him, and we don’t and should never say that word.”

Another user added, “Once again, freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences.”

Others noted the power imbalance often present in such encounters. “They always do it to women or kids, never the Black men,” one comment read. “Because racists and white supremacists are cowards.”

by Mary Spiller

July 5, 2025

Bystanders Step In To Stop Man Who Grabbed Woman On NYC Subway Platform

The viral TikTok captured a group of bystanders delivering street justice to the would-be kidnapper.

An encounter on a Brooklyn subway platform turned into a viral moment of vigilante justice after a group of bystanders intervened to stop a man named Fredrick Marshall, who was seen on video violently grabbing and attempting to kidnap a young woman on June 29.

According to the New York Post, the incident occurred around 9 a.m. Sunday at the Norwood Avenue J train station in Cypress Hills.

Police stated that 42-year-old Marshall allegedly followed a 20-year-old woman — who has since been identified as Alyssa Marie on TikTok — onto the Manhattan-bound platform, confronted her, and physically grabbed her when she tried to walk away.

Footage shared by TikTok user @nicabori5 has since gone viral.

@nicabori5
Deprabado intenta llevarse chica del metro queens New York 👮👮
♬ sonido original – nicabori5

Dressed in all white, Marshall can be seen in the video lunging at the woman as she yells for help. While bystanders watched, Marshall forcefully shoved her to the ground.

A group of men nearby sprang into action.

As Marshall allegedly tried to restrain the woman a second time, several bystanders rushed in to pull her away.
A scuffle followed, and the group of men punched and kicked Marshall, and one shouted, “I’m gonna f*** you up!”

The woman from the video managed to flee from the attacker. Alyssa Marie was visibly distraught and was seen on video crying as she called her mother.
EMS treated her at the scene for shoulder pain and minor injuries to her arms and stomach, according to the police statement.

Alyssa Marie wrote under the viral video, “I am glad to be home safe, thank you guys for the prayers.”

She stated that Marshall was a stranger to her.

Marshall, a Queens resident with no prior criminal history, was arrested at the scene.

Officers found a knife and a blackjack in his possession. Marshall was charged with multiple offenses, including third-degree assault, attempted assault, weapon possession, and harassment. Marshall was granted supervised release the following day.

The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office noted that the charges filed are not eligible for bail under current New York law.

Plato's Closet,, Dekalb County, Atlanta, eviction, merchandise,

by Keka Araújo

July 4, 2025

DeKalb County Plato’s Closet Eviction Leads To Public Scramble For Designer Merch

Videos circulating on social media showed numerous people gathering and actively scouring through the displaced merchandise.

An eviction at a Plato’s Closet location by DeKalb County’s Marshal’s Office on the morning of July 3 led to disarray in a shopping plaza, as social media videos depicted individuals sifting through merchandise removed from the store.

The incident occurred at the Plato’s Closet near Briarcliff Road and North Druid Hills Road, where eviction proceedings commenced around 9:30 a.m., according to officials.

While the Marshal’s Office stated that store staff cooperated throughout the eviction process and that items were removed, the scene outside the business told a different story. Videos circulating on social media showed numerous people gathering and actively scouring through the displaced merchandise.

Upon arrival at the scene, 11Alive crews observed the official eviction notice affixed to the store’s door. Items remained outside the premises, with some individuals seen with brooms, seemingly attempting to organize or collect what had been left behind.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CAITY FENDO| SPINDABLOCK | ATL (@spiiindablock)

Plato’s Closet operates as a franchise model, with each location independently owned and operated by local business owners. The chain is known for buying and selling gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories, offering cash on the spot for items, and promoting sustainable fashion by extending the life of clothing.

The company emphasizes its role in local communities and its commitment to providing affordable and convenient shopping options. Plato’s Closet is a registered trademark of Winmark Corporation, based in Minneapolis.

by Mary Spiller

July 4, 2025

Uber Driver’s Mid-Ride Knife Display Ignites Fear And Controversy

A North Carolina woman is speaking out after capturing her Uber driver waving a knife in front of her on video, prompting the rideshare company to permanently ban the driver.

A disturbing rideshare incident caught on camera has led to the banning of an Uber driver who was filmed casually showing off a knife while transporting a Black woman passenger in Charleston, North Carolina. The video, originally posted on June 27 by the rider—known on social media as @Xkhatukhu—went viral, sparking widespread concern for her safety and questions surrounding the relationship between Uber drivers and passengers.

“Today I was blessed to make it out alive,” Xkhatukhu wrote in the caption of the original post. The clip began by showing the driver, identified only as “Ethan,” holding a folding knife in his lap. At one point in the nerve-wracking video, the Uber driver flipped it open and began handling the blade with both hands, momentarily letting go of the steering wheel.

The rider, a behavioral health professional, chose not to confront the driver and instead discreetly recorded the ride from the back seat.

“I am here to help, but the help he needs, I don’t have that power,” Xkhatukhu later explained in the TikTok comments.
“I choose me every time… I would not have done anything differently, nor would I risk my life.”

Atlanta Black Star later reposted the video, and its popularity caught the attention of Uber.

The company responded directly in the post’s comment section, writing: “Rider safety is important to us, and we take situations like this very seriously. We have investigated this incident and have banned the driver from the Uber platform.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atlanta Black Star (@atlblackstar)

Uber’s safety policy strictly prohibits drivers working for the app from possessing weapons, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

While North Carolina permits the open carry of knives, the law restricts concealed carry and only exempts small pocket knives that are four inches or less in length.

Over 800 people commented on the viral post, with one writing, “That’s inappropriate on his part… I don’t care if he’s innocently fidgeting. NO ONE should take this lightly under any circumstances.”

Although Xkhatukhu has not indicated whether she plans to pursue legal action against the driver, she stated her goal with posting is to raise awareness.

“This is my story, and the point of my sharing is to tell everyone to be cautious and use their instincts,” Xkhatukhu wrote. “I did report him to officials… he has my address. I’m not playing around with this man.”

New Year’s Eve, Morris Brown AME Church, Freedom’s Eve, Watch Night Service

by Kandiss Edwards

July 4, 2025

Senior Citizens Scammed By Church Member Fight Back

Two men were swindled by their current church member. The men invested over $20,000. Two years have passed without a pay-out.

Two Cobb County senior citizens say a man they regularly see at church stole thousands of dollars from them in an investment scheme.

Edward Wright and Michael Roberson say that Gregory Johnson, a fellow congregant, roped them into an investment scam. Johnson made them promises of significant returns through his company, ARP LLC. Church members Wright and Roberson claimed his firm dealt in petroleum products.

Wright invested $23,000 after Johnson promised a “great return.” Roberson wired $27,000, recalling Johnson’s guarantee to double his money within two weeks. Additionally, Johnson promised the 67-year-old a luxury vehicle. More than two years later, neither man has received a return on their initial investment.

“I shouldn’t just sit back and do nothing because there could be other victims,” Roberson stated, expressing regret for not researching the company before handing over his funds. Bank statements confirm that both men transferred large sums to Johnson’s account.

Channel 2 Action News investigated ARP LLC and discovered the business was not registered with the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, a legal requirement for conducting business in the state. Wright filed a formal complaint with the state in 2022, prompting an official inquiry into the company.

When contacted by Channel 2, Johnson described the situation as “complicated” but insisted the men would be repaid “within a reasonable amount of time, within 30 days.” Pressed on why more than a year had already passed since the promised repayment, Johnson admitted he had no explanation.

The ongoing financial strain has taken an emotional toll on both men, who continue to encounter Johnson weekly at church.

“He shouldn’t be in church trying to take advantage of people,” Roberson remarked.

Wright, who also cares for his disabled son, highlighted the impact of the financial setback.

Roberson has initiated a civil complaint against Johnson. Court documents show Johnson contends he is not personally liable, asserting the agreement was solely with ARP LLC and not with him as an individual. Though, as Johnson’s LLC is not registered, he may indeed be held personally liable.

student loan forgiveness, fresh start program, idk, forgiveness, Connecticut student loans

by Keka Araújo

July 4, 2025

New Federal Bill Overhauls Student Loan Repayment, Limits Borrower Options

“These changes will result in a massive wave of defaulted student loans, leading to devastating financial consequences and a surge in private student loan lending."

A sweeping federal spending package, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 3, will significantly reshape how millions of Americans repay their student loans, introducing less generous options and imposing new restrictions on borrowing.

The legislation eliminates existing income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and curtails borrowers’ ability to defer payments during financial hardship, drawing sharp criticism from advocates who warn of increased financial strain.

The new law replaces current IDR plans with two primary options for new federal student-loan borrowers. The first, termed the Repayment Assistance Plan, will cap monthly payments at 1-10% of a borrower’s income, with a minimum fee of $10. This plan waives unpaid interest, and any remaining balance will be forgiven after 30 years. However, it is notably less generous than former President Joe Biden’s SAVE plan, which the bill abolishes. The SAVE plan offered forgiveness after 10 years for borrowers with original balances of $12,000 or less and reduced undergraduate loan payments from 10% to 5% of discretionary income. The SAVE plan, currently stalled in court, will be phased out, requiring its 8 million enrolled borrowers to transition to a new plan between July 2026 and July 2028.

The second repayment option introduced by the bill is a new standard repayment plan. Unlike existing fixed-term plans, this new structure will set fixed monthly payments throughout 10 to 25 years, with the repayment duration varying based on the borrower’s original loan balance.

Beyond repayment structures, the legislation also eliminates borrowers’ ability to defer student loan payments due to economic hardship or unemployment. The standard forbearance option will now serve as the sole avenue for delaying payments. Furthermore, the bill dismantles the Graduate PLUS program, which previously allowed graduate and professional students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance. While the Parent PLUS program remains in place, a new $65,000 lifetime cap will be imposed on these loans.

In a move aimed at addressing college accountability, the bill mandates that academic programs whose graduates do not earn more than the median income of high school graduates in their respective states will lose federal student loan eligibility. The legislation also extends the Pell Grant program to encompass shorter-term academic programs, a measure previously advocated by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.

Borrower advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers have strongly opposed the bill’s provisions. Sen. Elizabeth Warren stated that the legislation will inevitably lead to higher student loan payments for Americans. Natalia Abrams, president of the advocacy group Student Debt Crisis Center, condemned the bill, asserting that “this dangerous bill abandons millions of borrowers, leaving them with few, often inaccessible repayment options and deepening their financial insecurity.”

“These changes will result in a massive wave of defaulted student loans, leading to devastating financial consequences and a surge in private student loan lending.”

“Lawmakers have chosen to plunge their constituents into economic uncertainty by removing a majority of the remaining protections and programs that exist for Americans with student loan debt,” added SDCC Executive Director Sabrina Calazans. “If this bill is signed into law, students, borrowers, parents, and families will see a direct hit to their pocketbooks and, as a result, there could be a mass wave of defaults.”

Black live matter, pride, Baltimore, schools, public schools, ban, policy

by Ahsan Washington

July 4, 2025

8 Very Black American Ways To Celebrate Independence Day

The Fourth of July embodies independence and national pride like no other day in the United States. However, that freedom and pride weren’t meant for all Americans. Black Americans, who were enslaved, were not granted independence until 1865 through the Emancipation Proclamation. Nonetheless, American pride is also something that Black people can claim and celebrate in ways we see fit, considering that Black Americans have contributed significantly to the building of this country. Here are eight distinct and boldly Black ways to commemorate Independence Day.

Host a cookout with a cultural twist

Invite your family and friends to an unforgettable cookout event. Create a backyard BBQ experience by integrating Black-owned food brands with soul food staples and Afrobeats playlists for a vibrant cultural atmosphere. The cookout tradition stands as a deeply valued practice within the Black community where individuals gather to celebrate life and share stories in a secure setting while forging stronger bonds.

Shop and support Black-Owned businesses

Spend money with Black-owned businesses as a means of support. Take deliberate action today to buy Black products. You can source products through digital platforms, such as Official Black Wall Street, or physical pop-up events. The importance of economic freedom is on par with that of political freedom. Each dollar we spend represents an environment we desire to thrive in.

Reflect on Independence

Explore the concept of freedom through books and documentaries. The practice venerates ancestors and prompts us to reflect on our political history. Examine the principles laid out in the U.S. Constitution, such as liberty, independence, democracy, justice, and equal rights, and never forget.

Create a Juneteenth-inspired celebration

Juneteenth stands as its own distinct holiday, but why not keep it going? Visit Black-led cultural centers, museums, or research libraries, such as the Schomburg in Harlem, Auburn in Atlanta, or the Equal Justice Institute in Montgomery, Alabama. These locations celebrate Black History every day of the year.

Wear red, black, and green

Ditch red, white, and blue and opt for the Pan-African colors instead. The traditional stars and stripes symbolize independence that did not extend to enslaved Americans. The combination of red, black, and green is symbolic of Blackness, resilience, and strength.

Volunteer or give back

Engage in volunteer work or donation activities to support Black youth groups and family initiatives. People have the option to contribute to bail funds, engage in meal service, or support voter registration initiatives. Local nonprofits, community centers, and digital fundraisers. Why? One of our most esteemed practices is community service. The most genuine way to celebrate freedom is to support individuals who continue their struggle for liberation.

Enjoy a Black movie night

Host an evening of Black films in the comfort of your living room, backyard, or community theater. Black cinema is the gift that keeps on giving.

Celebrate Your Own Legacy

Go through old photos. Share and record oral histories, and honor your family’s story. Black people demonstrate resilience through our existence in a country that tries like hell to deny us. Creating our own happiness and joy is a revolutionary act. We don’t need Independence Day to prove or pay tribute to that—but, hey, why not?