Philly Twins Named Valedictorian And Salutatorian At Nation’s Oldest HBCU
(Photo: Governor Tom Wolf/Flickr)
by Kandiss Edwards

May 1, 2026

Philly Twins Named Valedictorian And Salutatorian At Nation’s Oldest HBCU

The Philadelphia natives said the news came as a "surreal" shock. 

Cheyney University, the nation’s oldest historically Black college, has announced that twin sisters Tia and Jasmin Criss will graduate at the top of their class as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

The Philadelphia natives, who built their academic foundation at the Philadelphia High School for Girls, said the news came as a “surreal” shock.  Tia and Jasmin say their primary focus throughout their four-year tenure was consistency and mutual support rather than competitive rankings.

“It’s sort of surreal,” Tia Criss told CBS News Philadelphia. “We weren’t trying to achieve valedictorian or salutatorian — it just happened that way.”

Born just three minutes apart, the sisters credit their parents for instilling the discipline that fueled their success in the classroom and on the tennis court. While they shared an identical drive for excellence, the twins are carving out distinct career paths as they prepare for the university’s May 9 commencement.

Tia, the valedictorian, intends to leverage her analytical skills in the insurance industry, while Jasmin, the salutatorian, plans to pursue a creative future in marketing or fashion. Both sisters will remain together this fall as they begin a Master of Business Administration program at West Chester University.

The milestone is marked by profound emotion for the family following the passing of their father, Lynn Criss III, in March. University leadership described the sisters’ journey as a personification of the HBCU experience, emphasizing that their achievement is a byproduct of dedication and community belief. Associate Dean of Students Dr. Lakiyah Chambers noted that the Criss twins’ dedication sets a high standard for future scholars at the historic institution.

“This is the product of working hard — dedication,” Associate Dean of Students Dr. Lakiyah Chambers told CBS News. “You see that in the Criss twins. It is an amazing story.”

RELATED CONTENT: Amid Protests, South Carolina Lt. Gov Says Trump Has ‘Done More For HBCUs’ Than Other Administrations

JPMorgan Chase Executive Accused Of Sexual Assault Of Her Male Employee
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - 2023/09/14: Marquee at the main entrance to JPMorgan Chase headquarters building in Manhattan. (Photo by Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images)
by Kandiss Edwards

May 1, 2026

JPMorgan Chase Executive Accused Of Sexual Assault Of Her Male Employee

Hajdini allegedly referred to the plaintiff using slurs such as "my little brown boy" and "Arab boy toy."

A high-ranking executive at JPMorgan Chase is accused of a sustained pattern of sexual assault, drugging, and racial harassment against a junior male subordinate.

The complaint, filed in New York County Supreme Court, names Lorna Hajdini as the primary defendant. Hajdini serves as an executive director in the bank’s prestigious Leveraged Finance division. The plaintiff, identified in court documents as “John Doe,” is a junior banker of Asian/Indian descent. He alleges that Hajdini utilized her senior authority to coerce him into “non-consensual and humiliating” sexual acts in 2024.

According to the Economic Times, the misconduct began shortly after the plaintiff joined Hajdini’s team in 2024. The lawsuit details a series of disturbing incidents in which Hajdini allegedly threatened to “ruin” the married junior staffer’s career if he did not comply with her sexual demands.

The 37-year-old senior executive reportedly told the victim, “I f***ing own you,” and explicitly warned him that his year-end promotion and bonuses were dependent on his sexual cooperation. The plaintiff alleges that Hajdini forcibly engaged in sexual acts against his will. She, at one point, mocked him as he cried. Additionally, the lawsuit claims Hajdini admitted to drugging the victim with the date rape drug Rohypnol (roofies) and Viagra.

The filing details other alleged instances of racially charged insults. Hajdini allegedly referred to the plaintiff using slurs such as “my little brown boy” and “Arab boy toy.” The racial language was also used to question whether the bank’s management would want a “brown boy” leading origination.

In 2025, JPMorgan Chase vehemently denied the claims, the Economic Times reported. The company asserts that an internal review found no evidence to substantiate the allegations. A spokesperson for the bank stated that “numerous employees cooperated with the investigation.” but claimed the plaintiff himself refused to participate or provide central facts to support his case.

The bank insists it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment. As of April 30, Hajdini remains employed by the firm according to reports. Following the public emergence of the lawsuit, Hajdini de-activated her professional social media profiles, including LinkedIn.

The plaintiff’s attorney, Daniel J. Kaiser, stated that his client has been “devastated personally and professionally” and is currently being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for emotional suffering, lost wages, and damage to his reputation.

RELATED CONTENT: It’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month And There’s An Anti-Rape Product Aiming To Protect Women

South Carolina state
photo credit: Attitude2000, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
by Kandiss Edwards

May 1, 2026

Salty Legislators Threaten SC State Funding After Lt. Gov. Pulled As Commencement Speaker

The university’s decision to disinvite the Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette has drawn a sharp and severe response from members of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

South Carolina State University (SC State) received threats against its funding after rescinding invitation to Lt. Governor Pamela Evette to serve as the keynote speaker for its upcoming commencement.

The university’s decision to disinvite Evette has drawn a quick and direct response from members of the South Carolina House of Representatives. In a formal letter addressed to Chairman Bannister, a group of legislators expressed their “deep concern” over the university’s move. Legislators characterized it as a capitulation to political pressure.

Members of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus denounced SC State President Alexander Conyers’s decision. The nine signatories hint that the university’s choice to disinvite Evette makes the intuition a “center of indoctrination where conservative views are not welcome.” Most significantly, the undersigned members have officially requested that all state funding for South Carolina State University be removed from the state budget. The legislators stated that if a sitting Lt. Governor is unwelcome and her safety cannot be guaranteed on a state-funded campus, it is “time to defund and reevaluate” the institution’s support.

“We are hereby requesting that no funding for South Carolina State University be included in the second version of the budget. There is no reason why state tax dollars should continue to fund a state institution where not all South Carolinians are welcome. If the Lt. Governor of South Carolina is unwelcome due to different political ideologies and an inability to keep her safe, it is time to defund and reevaluate,” the statement read.

The university had initially selected Evette to address the class of 2026, but the announcement was met with widespread demonstrations on the campus. Student protesters cited Evette’s political stances, specifically her opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices as reasons why she was not an ideal candidate to speak to the students of the historically Black university (HBCU).

President Conyers emphasized that the primary factor in the decision was the inability to guarantee a safe and celebratory environment for the graduates. The university noted that while it values free speech, the potential for significant disruption during the ceremony led to the conclusion that a change in speakers was necessary.

RELATED CONTENT: Amid Protests, South Carolina Lt. Gov Says Trump Has ‘Done More For HBCUs’ Than Other Administrations

Big Boi, Atlanta
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
by Kandiss Edwards

May 1, 2026

Original ‘ATLien’ Big Boi To Executive Produce 1996 Atlanta Olympics Documentary

We Ran The City also addresses the complexities associated with the Olympic games, including the displacement of local residents.

Atlanta native and Grammy-winning artist Antwan “Big Boi” Patton is set to executive produce a new documentary, titled Atlanta 1996: We Ran The City, which explores the cultural and social explosion of Atlanta surrounding the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.

The project, recently green-lit for production, aims to go beyond the athletic competitions to tell the story of how the 1996 Olympics served as a catalyst for Atlanta’s transformation into one of the cultural capitals of the world. Big Boi will serve as an executive producer for the film, which will guide viewers through the era when Southern hip-hop, entrepreneurship and Black political power intersected on a global stage, Deadline reported.  While the world focused on Centennial Olympic Park, the local community was experiencing a musical revolution led by the Dungeon Family, LaFace Records, and the rise of the “Dirty South” sound.

We Ran The City also addresses the complexities associated with the Olympic games, including the displacement of local residents and the long-term economic impact on the city’s historic Black neighborhoods. Through interviews with community leaders, athletes, and music icons, the film examines the dual reality associated with hosting the full Olympic event.

The documentary synopsis details some of the key figures involved in the evolution of the city during that time.

“From the relentless drive of Roderick Anderson, known as “The Terminator,” to the undercover exploits of Glen Cummings, and the high-stakes political landscape navigated by Mayors Bill Campbell and Kaseem Reed, each story reveals a unique facet of Atlanta’s rise. The narrative is enriched by the insights of Dr. Maurice Hobson, who provides a historical and social context to the city’s evolution.” 

A 2026 release of Atlanta 1996: We Ran The City would coincide with the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Games. 

RELATED CONTENT: Documentary Examines The Sale Of 272 Enslaved People To Save Georgetown University

Megan Thee Stallion, Klay Thompson
(Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
by Kandiss Edwards

May 1, 2026

Megan Thee Philanthropist Teams Up With Habitat For Humanity

Since its launch, the Pete and Thomas Foundation has focused on education, housing, supporting the elderly, and health.

Grammy-winner and philanthropist Megan Thee Stallion has announced her next charitable efforts through a new partnership between her Pete and Thomas Foundation and Habitat for Humanity.

The collaboration, unveiled on April 30, focuses on a significant housing initiative in her hometown of Houston, specifically designed to provide sustainable, high-quality housing for senior citizens and veterans in underserved communities. This initiative marks a deepening of the artist’s commitment to her “H-Town” roots, leveraging the resources of her foundation—named in honor of her late parents, Holly Thomas and Joseph Pete Jr.—to address the city’s affordable housing crisis.

The partnership aims to construct several new residential complexes that prioritize accessibility and wellness for the elderly. Megan, who has frequently spoken about the influence of her grandmother and her parents on her career, emphasized that this project is about giving back to the people who built the community. The initiative includes senior-centric designs with universal features that enable aging in place, such as walk-in showers and emergency response systems. Furthermore, a portion of the homes will be reserved for military veterans, and the developments will include community gardens to foster intergenerational connection.

Since its launch, the Pete and Thomas Foundation has focused on education, housing, support for the elderly, and health. This latest venture with Habitat for Humanity follows Megan’s previous efforts to provide relief after the Texas freeze and her ongoing mental health initiatives. Habitat for Humanity officials praised the partnership, noting that Megan’s involvement brings vital attention and funding to housing insecurity, allowing the organization to reach a new generation of donors and volunteers while providing safety and dignity for Houston residents for decades to come.

While Megan continues to build a lasting legacy through physical infrastructure in her hometown, she is also making waves in the world of high-stakes performance art. The Houston native recently made her highly anticipated Broadway debut in the hit musical Moulin Rouge! Her transition to musical theater further cements Megan’s status as a versatile, multihyphenate entertainer capable of dominating the charts, stage, and business.

RELATED CONTENT: Megan Thee Stallion Hospitalized During Performance of ‘Moulin Rouge!’

Ashlee Jenae, GoFundMe
Photo credit: GoFundMe, Wikimedia Commons, CCA
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 1, 2026

GoFundMe For Ashlee Jenae’s Family Surpasses $50K Goal As They Prepare Funeral Arrangements

The GoFundMe for the family of Ashlee Jenae has surpassed its $50,000 goal as they prepare funeral arrangements following the return of her body from Tanzania.

The body of American influencer Ashlee Jenae has been returned to her family after her sudden death in Tanzania, where she celebrated her 31st birthday with a proposal from her fiancé. After surpassing a $50,000 GoFundMe goal, her loved ones are now preparing for her funeral.

Jenae’s father, Harry Robinson, said her remains were returned to the family in New Jersey on April 24, but without her personal belongings, including her engagement ring, TMZ reports. He said the family is unsure if or when those items will be returned, believing they are still being held as the investigation remains active.

The family is now planning a funeral service in New Jersey for early next week and has received an outpouring of support through a GoFundMe launched after her death.

“As we grieve, we are also navigating an ongoing investigation and the challenges of being thousands of miles away while trying to bring Ashly home with dignity and seek answers,” Jenae’s parents, Harry Robinson and Yolanda Denise Endres, wrote on the campaign page. “This fund is in response to those asking how to help and will support travel costs, arrangements, and unexpected expenses during this time. Thank you for standing with our family.”

As of April 30, the fundraiser for Jenae, real name Ashly Robinson, had climbed to nearly $64,000, surpassing its $50,000 goal as support poured in following widespread media coverage. She and her fiancé, Joseph McCann, had checked into a hotel April 6, but she was found unconscious two days later and pronounced dead April 9. Staff at Zuri Zanzibar reportedly separated the couple into different rooms after an argument, though the reason remains unclear.

In the days before her death, Jenae shared moments from the trip, including her engagement. Authorities in Zanzibar have said she died by suicide, while her fiancé was questioned as a witness. Her sister, Alyssa Endres, said the family disputes that claim, describing Jenae as happy and excited about her future.

“She was so ready to take the next steps with who she thought was the love of her life,” she said. “She was so happy with the choices that she had made and in the places that she was. She was happy.”

The family has since ordered an independent autopsy, with results still pending. They say they’ve had limited contact with McCann and are working to obtain hotel surveillance footage in hopes of clarifying her final hours. They are also considering traveling to Tanzania to meet directly with officials as they continue seeking answers.

RELATED CONTENT: Shanquella Robinson’s Family To File Lawsuit Against Those Who Were Present At The Time Of Her Death

Side Hustles, Businesses
(Getty Images)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 30, 2026

Side Hustlers On Taskrabbit Can Earn Up To Six Figures A Year, CEO Says

Amid a cooling job market, Taskrabbit’s CEO is highlighting the platform’s strong earning potential for job seekers.

Amid a slowing job market, side-hustle platforms are seeing renewed demand, with some users earning as much as six figures annually, according to one CEO.

With the rise of AI, economic uncertainty, and high living costs, job seekers are facing a tough landscape. But Ania Smith, CEO of Taskrabbit, says the platform continues to offer a path to extra income. Since taking the helm in 2020, she has focused on better matching supply and demand, and has seen a recent graduate in New York City earn more than $200,000 in his first year on the platform.

“He was a student at NYU who was just graduating and didn’t yet have a full‑time job,” Smith shared with Entrepreneur. “He had heard of Taskrabbit, figured out how to mount TVs and knew Manhattan really well. Also, he got a mini scooter so he could get around quickly. Sometimes he could do two TV mountings an hour, sometimes even three, and he would group jobs close together. He made well over $200,000 on the platform, even in his first year. There are many success stories like that.”

Earnings on Taskrabbit vary by location and type of work, with different markets commanding different hourly rates. Smith said the U.S. average is around $50 an hour, while in places like New York City, it can reach about $55 an hour.

With multiple ways to earn on Taskrabbit, Smith says success ultimately comes down to a user’s skills and what they aim to get out of the platform.

“They can focus and become great at one category, or expand into multiple categories; they can focus on one geographic area or expand their area,” she said. “They can decide whether they want to do more jobs at a lower base rate, or fewer jobs at a higher base rate, depending on their skills. There are many ways to think about maximizing earnings on our platform.”

Amid a shifting U.S. job market — where growth is concentrated in sectors like healthcare and worker confidence is declining — side hustles are gaining traction again. An estimated 33% to 45% of Americans, or roughly 70–80 million people, rely on them to supplement income, with 44% saying they’re essential for financial survival. While many use the extra earnings (averaging $885 to $1,215 a month) to cover expenses, others put it toward savings or turning hobbies into businesses.

For those considering trying out TaskRabbit to earn extra income, Smith offered some advice.

“I would say first, sign up. Look on the platform and see the types of jobs that are available and the categories we provide services in,” she said. “Understand your skill set and think about how to best market yourself. We allow you to add photos and describe your skills. Be prompt in responding to job requests, be reliable so you’re there when you say you will, and set your hourly rate within the right range so people want your services. And then be good and courteous when you show up and do the job well.”

RELATED CONTENT: Minding Our Own Business: How Garveyism Imagined Pan-African Identity

The Upper Room:, Atlanta
Photo by Rachel Claire: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-people-drinking-cocktails-with-orange-4819717/
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 30, 2026

Black Woman-Owned Mocktail Brand Rebounds With New Investment After Co-Founder’s Death

Monica Cornitcher, founder of MEDASE Cocktails, shares how she rebuilt the business after a hiatus following her co-founder’s death from breast cancer.

MEDASE Cocktails is approaching one year since its relaunch following the death of co-founder, Inga Dyer, from breast cancer. Determined to honor her late friend, sorority sister, and business partner, Monica Cornitcher is opening up about how she rebuilt the business and is carrying the brand forward.

Launched in 2023, MEDASE Cocktails entered the growing non-alcoholic market, appealing to Gen Z, expectant mothers, and others seeking a sober social experience, AfroTech reported. The idea came from two Howard University alumni and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. sisters who reconnected in California and wanted alcohol-free options while socializing.

They self-funded the launch of the premium, organic, zero-proof brand — named after “medaase,” meaning “thank you” in Ghana’s Asante Twi — and debuted with two flavors: Hello Sunshine Margarita and Goodnight Moon Moscow Mule, developed with a Black female chemist. But just one year into launch, Dyer passed away from breast cancer, leaving Cornitcher to carry the vision forward.

After taking time to regroup, she has since relaunched the brand, continuing to honor her partner’s legacy.

“Do I keep moving on? There was also a lot of emotional things that I was going through around the death of a friend,” Cornitcher recalled of how she felt at the time Dryer passed. “Inga wasn’t the first person who passed in my life of cancer. Both of my parents passed of cancer, my brother passed of cancer… I had to sit with myself for a couple of months to figure out what am I gonna do? Am I gonna keep moving forward? And towards the end of the year, I said, ‘You know what? Let me pick myself up, brush myself off, and let me restart again.’”

In June 2025, Cornitcher relaunched MEDASE Cocktails with an expanded lineup, adding four new flavors rooted in a vision she and her late co-founder had outlined in a detailed 60-page plan.

“We had a very, very detailed end-to-end business plan… So it was not a surprise to me that our next flavors [were] gonna be a Jamaican Rum Punch, Lemon Drop, Old Fashioned,” Cornitcher said.

Just a year after its relaunch, MEDASE Cocktails is gaining momentum. Cornitcher is elated after securing a strategic investment to expand distribution, operations, and marketing, and help lower prices and position the brand for potential $20 million in annual sales.

With presence on Amazon, TikTok Shop, and its website, as well as in select retail locations and hospitality venues, MEDASE is in expansion talks with eyes on its key markets, including Chicago, Atlanta, the D.C. area, and Texas.

MEDASE is also targeting younger consumers through a student ambassador program and campus pop-ups, tapping into Gen Z’s growing interest in mocktails, with a full rollout planned for fall 2026.

RELATED CONTENT: Founder Of Black Woman-Owned Beverage Brand Debuts All-Natural Premium Cocktail & Mocktail Mixers

Serena Williams, cotton decor, hotel
(Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)
by Kandiss Edwards

April 30, 2026

Serena Williams Honored With Custom Lincoln Navigator Featuring Rose Design

The vehicle marks her nearly three-decade relationship with the flagship SUV.

Lincoln has unveiled a one-of-one bespoke Navigator for longtime brand ambassador and tennis icon Serena Williams, celebrating her nearly three-decade relationship with the flagship SUV.

The custom build, revealed April 29, was developed in collaboration with Galpin Lincoln and features “Perfect Rose” exterior paint. The shade is a shimmering, warm copper-pink finish that pays homage to Williams’ favorite flower. The vehicle is accented with Satin Rose Copper and Satin Obsidian details, including a custom heart-shaped petal rose emblem on the B-pillar and rear split gate.

The interior, designed to feel like a “warm, cozy hug,” introduces a “Clay Court” and “Afterglow” two-tone leather theme, nodding to Williams’ early-career success on clay surfaces. Intricate details include a subtle perforation pattern resembling a tennis ball on the seats, sheepskin carpeting, and hand-painted depictions of the Big and Little Dipper constellations on the center console, Detroit News reported.

In a deeply personal touch, the door sill plates are laser-engraved with Williams’ personal mantra, “Keep going,” alongside the birth years of her family members.

Williams, who famously purchased her first Navigator with prize money from her first major tournament win in 1998, worked closely with Lincoln Global Design Director Christine Park Cheng to ensure the vehicle reflected her evolution as an athlete, mother, and entrepreneur. Hidden storage areas, including the glovebox and center console, are lined in hot pink, a nod to her favorite color. The SUV serves as a symbolic celebration from the brand to its most prominent advocate.

Beyond her decades-long partnership with Lincoln, Williams has significantly expanded her footprint in the business world. BLACK ENTERPRISE covered one of Williams’ latest acquisitions in the sports world. A coalition of high-profile Black athletes and entertainers, including Serena Williams, Russell Wilson, and Ciara, has joined a growing list of investors backing the NFL’s new professional flag football league.

For investors like Wilson and Williams, this move further solidifies their status as major players in the sports business. The Wilsons already hold ownership stakes in the Seattle Sounders FC. At the same time, Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, are the principal owners of the Los Angeles Golf Club and investors in Angel City FC.

RELATED CONTENT: Serena Williams, Russell Wilson, And Ciara Latest Investors For Pro Flag Football League

TUPAC
Tupac Shakur (Photo by Steve Granitz Archive/WireImage)
by Kandiss Edwards

April 30, 2026

Mopreme Shakur Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit For Tupac’s Murder

Mopreme Shakur’s team argues that a "wall of silence" and investigative negligence prevented the family from seeking justice,

Tupac Shakur’s stepbrother, Maurice “Mopreme” Shakur, has filed a high-profile wrongful death lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court nearly three decades after a drive-by shooting claimed the life of the hip-hop legend.

The wrongful death lawsuit targets several individuals and entities involved in the tragedy. Mopreme alleges that recent developments in the criminal investigation, specifically the 2023 indictment of Duane “Keefe D” Davis, have provided the missing links necessary to hold parties civilly liable for the 1996 murder. Mopreme Shakur’s legal team argues that for years, a “wall of silence” and investigative negligence prevented the family from seeking justice, according to The Los Angeles Times.

The complaint alleges that the “complex conspiracy” to kill Tupac involved a larger network of individuals than previously acknowledged by investigators. It suggests that certain parties provided the resources and logistical support that allowed the shooters to carry out the ambush on the Las Vegas Strip and subsequently evade capture for nearly 29 years.

Wrongful death suits typically face strict statutes of limitations; however, Mopreme’s attorneys are invoking the “discovery rule.” They argue that the clock for filing should only have started when the new, critical evidence regarding the conspiracy was unsealed and made public following Davis’s arrest.

“This is about more than just a settlement; it is about a full accounting of the truth,” Mopreme Shakur said in a statement. “For 29 years, my family has lived with unanswered questions. The recent revelations in the criminal case have opened a door that we cannot, in good conscience, leave closed.”

The estate of Tupac Shakur is not listed as a primary plaintiff, as Mopreme is filing as an individual heir. While the criminal trial for Duane Davis is set to begin later this year, this civil suit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. Legal experts suggest the discovery phase of the lawsuit could force the disclosure of long-hidden records from the original Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigation.

RELATED CONTENT: Duane “Keefe D” Davis Thinks Diddy Could Be Key Witness In Tupac Murder Trial

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