Atlanta church, medical debt
(Photo: Andrew Patrick/Pexels)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 7, 2025

Pastor Tony Evans Ends Yearlong Absence, Reclaiming Pulpit After Undisclosed Moral Failure

Pastor and radio host Tony Evans has been reinstated at the church he founded after stepping down last year over an undisclosed sin.

Evangelical pastor and radio host Tony Evans has returned to the ministry at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas, Texas, one year after stepping down over an undisclosed sin.

Elders at the 11,000-member church announced on October 5 that Evans has been restored to ministry but will not return to a staff role, according to The Christian Post. His reinstatement follows a yearlong restoration process that included counseling with outside professionals, pastoral mentoring, and time away from the pulpit.

“As you know, this last year has been an extremely challenging time – a time of being separated from what I love most – the proclamation of God’s word,” Evans said in a video statement shared on YouTube. “A lot of that was due to my own fault, and I had to go through a period of repentance and restoration so that healing could take place.”

Associate Pastor for Outreach, Chris Wheel, welcomed Evans to the stage during a service billed as “Restoration Sunday,” where the congregation greeted him with a standing ovation and lively applause.

“In alignment with biblical principles and unanimous affirmation of the elder board, Dr. Evans has successfully completed this restoration journey,” Wheel said.

Evans, a former chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks, stepped down in June 2024 after 48 years of leading the church he founded in 1976. The veteran pastor admitted he had fallen short of biblical standards years earlier and deemed it a serious enough failure that required him to step away from ministry.

“A number of years ago, I fell short of that standard. I am, therefore, required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others. I have shared this with my wife, my children, and our church elders, and they have lovingly placed their arms of grace around me,” Evans said in his confession. “While I have committed no crime, I did not use righteous judgment in my actions. In light of this, I am stepping away from my pastoral duties and am submitting to a healing and restoration process established by the elders.”

During Sunday’s service, church leaders commended Evans for the humility and accountability he showed in addressing his moral failure.

“Dr. Evans acknowledged in a public statement falling short of God’s standard and a need to submit to the church’s discipline and restoration process,” Wheel said. “We are pleased to report that Dr. Evans has fully submitted to the church’s discipline and restoration process.”

Evans’ son, Rev. Jonathan Evans, is expected to be officially confirmed as the church’s new lead pastor soon. When his father confessed last year, Jonathan revealed that the family learned of his shortcomings just days before the public announcement and was told only what was shared with the congregation.

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(Photo: Public Domain)
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 7, 2025

Trump Says He’s Open To Extend Healthcare Subsidies With Democrats – But Shutdown Has To End First

The president said he is open to working with his Democratic colleagues as he wants to see a deal on the expiring subsidies for lower-income families in ACA, also known as Obamacare.

On day six of the 2025 government shutdown, President Donald Trump claimed he had a deal in place with congressional Democrats on healthcare policy extensions, as well as an agreement on expiring health insurance subsidies, to end the shutdown impasse, according to USA Today.

During a press conference in the Oval Office, Trump highlighted that “good things about healthcare” are taking place. “We have a negotiation going on with the Democrats that could lead to good things,” he said as blue-sided lawmakers have pressed Republicans to include the reversal of Medicaid cuts and extended subsidies in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), in the bill that would end the shutdown. 

The president said he is open to working with his Democratic colleagues, as he wants to see a deal on the expiring subsidies for lower-income families under the ACA, also known as Obamacare, perhaps even more so than his liberal counterparts. “We’re talking to the Democrats,” Trump said. 

“I’d like to see a deal done for great health care ‒ yeah. I’m a Republican, but I want to see healthcare, much more so than the Democrats.”

The president’s comments show some signs of hope for collaborative efforts, as negotiations between the feuding parties have been seemingly nonexistent for weeks leading up to Sept. 30 — the end of the federal fiscal year. If ACA subsidies are not renewed, premiums are expected to double the current cost. However, just after showing signs of collaboration, Trump slightly changed his tune on his Truth Social platform, demanding the reopening on Oct. 6. 

https://twitter.com/RonFilipkowski/status/1975339870550950302

Leaders on both sides of the aisle have given their take on the shutdown and the Obamacare extension. On X, Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene pushed a narrative that “all insurance is a scam” and how the Affordable Care Act affected her family, making it unaffordable. “As a matter of fact, the ACA made health insurance UNAFFORDABLE for my family after it was passed, with skyrocketing premiums higher than our house payment.

Let’s just say as nicely as possible, I’m not a fan,” she wrote in a lengthy post. 

https://twitter.com/RepMTG/status/1975337063697555652

Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren posted a video to X, speaking to a federal worker who was terminated from her post in early 2025. Warren, an avid outspoken critic of the Trump administration, is focusing on how the president is using the shutdown to harm government employees, saying they “deserve so much better.”

According to the Associated Press, Trump suggested that layoffs on the federal level were already underway. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claims that employees would be furloughed, meaning workers would not be able to report to work, but would be paid upon their return following the end of the shutdown.  

However, it appears that a decision is still pending, as leaders on both sides seem indifferent about the next steps. Democratic Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer says his colleagues are ready to work with the GOP to “reopen the government and end the health care crisis that faces tens of millions of Americans.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters, “There’s nothing for us to negotiate.”

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HBCU, Xavier University of Louisiana,
(Photo: 2C2K Photography, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
by Black Enterprise

October 7, 2025

HBCUs Still Matter: A Path To Social Mobility

HBCUs are well-equipped to provide students with the skills they need for today’s evolving economy.

Written by Dr. Reynold Verret 

As college tuition rises and the job market evolves, many recognize that many valued occupations do not require a four-year degree. Today’s most in-demand jobs – from electricians to nurses to solar installers – often require specialized training, not a traditional four-year degree. The Educational Data Initiative has reported that tuition and fees at private colleges have increased by over 180% in the past 20 years, far outpacing the rate of inflation. Tuition at public colleges more than doubled in the same period. While the nation’s largest tech companies once prized Ivy League applicants, some are now ignoring college transcripts and GPAs in favor of skills assessments. Among these massive cultural and economic changes, it’s understandable that many young people are asking the question: Is a college education really worth it? 

Staten Island, Former NYC School Superintendent, Education Department , Anti-White Discrimination Allegations, suicide, Black History
Photo by Stella/Getty Images

Yet, as more students grapple with the tradeoffs of pursuing a degree, HBCUs continue to demonstrate their value on all fronts. HBCU graduates have higher salaries than Black students from predominantly white institutions, report better mental health, and are less likely to develop chronic diseases over their lifetimes. Not to mention, at a time of significant challenges – both at home and abroad – HBCUs remain essential for the vitality of democracy and the pursuit of justice and equality. HBCUs excel at producing leaders and equipping students for the jobs of tomorrow – both of which drive social mobility.

HBCUs are well-equipped to provide students with the skills they need for today’s evolving economy. STEM jobs, from AI to medicine, are in high demand and offer competitive salaries. While HBCUs make up only 3% of the nation’s colleges and universities, they produce nearly 30% of Black graduates of science and engineering doctorate programs. These careers, whether in medicine or other creative fields, are not only well-compensated; they are also essential to society. 

HBCUs excel at cultivating future STEM leaders in large part because we provide a supportive classroom environment. These talented graduates are in high demand by the economy and society. Sadly, a significant number of public high schools attended by the majority of Black and Hispanic students do not offer STEM classes in calculus, computer science, or physics. Though no fault of their own, Black students often start college without the rich academic experiences afforded to their white peers. That’s where HBCUs, like Xavier, step up to the plate, providing an environment where Black students don’t just catch up, but excel to become academic equals. 

HBCU, Xavier University of Louisiana,
(Photo: 2C2K Photography, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

I am often reminded of a physician who, despite graduating at the top of his high school class in Chicago, struggled immensely during his first year at Xavier. He had not received the education necessary for the rigors of a university classroom. As is Xavier’s way, his professors stepped in to help, ensuring he had the support to succeed in the classroom and reach his goals. Now, he is a nationally recognized surgeon who has dedicated his life to fighting against healthcare disparities and creating pathways for those who will follow. His story is a powerful reminder that, with the dedicated support and nurturing environment of an HBCU classroom, talent will shine and potential will become purpose, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

HBCUs like Xavier do not only excel in STEM; they cultivate contributors and leaders across all sectors of the economy. Thus, 80% of Black judges, 50% of Black professors at predominantly white institutions, and 50% of Black members of Congress have graduated from HBCUs, including Xavier. Many of our nation’s most influential leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Toni Morrison, Spike Lee, Oprah Winfrey, Thurgood Marshall, and Kamala Harris, are all proud graduates of HBCUs.

As a result of great work at Xavier, 93% of graduates are employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation. While we’re proud of this success, our efforts to help students find employment are about so much more than just a first job – it’s about economic and social mobility. It is about lifelong careers. In June 2025, Xavier received a Carnegie Opportunity College or University (OCU) classification for our social mobility success and the superior earnings of graduates compared to their peers upon graduation. Xavier’s leadership is not unique. The average mobility rate for HBCUs is more than double the national average for colleges overall. In other words, HBCUs are successful in helping more low-income students transition into the middle class. HBCUs, whose designated purpose was to educate Black students and equip them with the skills necessary to excel in the workforce, have been enormous engines of social mobility for Black Americans. These graduates build communities and strengthen the nation.

Rising tuition and a changing job market have left many young people – especially Black students – doubting the value of higher education. And yet, an HBCU degree may be the most significant investment they can make. HBCUs prepare students for future careers, drive social mobility, and serve as the greatest example of what higher education can do – not just for graduates, but for all of us.HBCUs prepare students for future careers, drive social mobility, and serve as the greatest example of what higher education can do – not just for graduates, but for all of us.

RELATED CONTENT: Xavier University Surpasses $100M Fundraising Milestone

Breast cancer
(iStock)
by Ahsan Washington

October 7, 2025

Beyond Awareness: 7 Black-Owned Businesses Aiding The Breast Cancer Community

Breast‑cancer journeys often involve seeking a plethora of treatment and recovery aids

Breast cancer journeys often involve seeking a plethora of treatments and recovery aids, including comfort garments, wigs, and skincare. For individuals trying to identify items that address changes in hair texture, challenges with skincare, and other specific healing needs that might be helpful during and after breast cancer treatment, it can be especially daunting. A growing number of Black-owned businesses are stepping into the space for breast cancer care items, delivering dignity and tailored products. Discover these Black-owned retailers that offer valuable items for individuals navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. 

Cherry Blossom Intimates

Cherry Blossom Intimates, a boutique located in Glenarden, Maryland, creates custom prosthetics, bras, lingerie, shapewear, and other intimate pieces for breast cancer survivors. Since opening its doors in 2019, Cherry Blossom Intimates has been serving the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, offering both a welcoming storefront and a stocked online shop. Its founders set out to design garments that respect the shapes and skin tones of women after surgery, aiming to preserve dignity, comfort, and self-confidence throughout and after the treatment process. In 2020, Cherry Blossom Intimates secured over $12 million to expand access and scale up.

Coils to Locs

Coils to Locs, an enterprise birthed by Dianne Austin, retails wigs for women who have been impacted by hair loss as a result of chemotherapy to treat breast cancer. Coils to Locs serves the afro‑textured demographic. They have wigs with coils, tight curls, and loc textures, making sure the wear is seamless. After Coils to Locs’ winter‑2019 debut, the brand has stretched its reach into niche medical hair‑loss boutiques nationwide. Austin’s own breast cancer journey in 2015 led her to design a wig line that could genuinely echo her hair. 

Nature Girl Cosmetics

Nature Girl Cosmetics is a Black-owned brand founded by Charisma Declouet, who is also a breast cancer survivor. Nature Girl Cosmetics offers vegan, non-toxic makeup and beauty products. While not a direct supplier of surgical bras or wigs, their products appeal to women seeking safer skincare and cosmetic options during or after treatment. The brand, which gained attention in 2023, sells its products online nationwide and focuses on the clean beauty market. Declouet’s personal experience with cancer motivated her to create safer, health-conscious beauty options for vulnerable women.

Shades of Melanin Hair

Based in Texas, Shades of Melanin Hair is a boutique specializing in wigs and extensions designed for textured hair. While not a medical supplier, its line serves women confronting hair loss, specifically those undergoing chemotherapy who want wigs that mimic the texture of Black hair. The brand debuted in 2019 and ships its products nationwide. Founder Katrina Scott launched the venture after witnessing a family member’s battle with breast cancer and recognizing how hard it is for Black women to find wigs that honor both their hair’s natural curl pattern and cultural identity.

WellCapped

Founded by Black‑female entrepreneurs Shante Frazier and Lauren Mitchell, WellCapped delivers a wig‑subscription and rental experience. Customers can borrow premium human‑hair wigs on a trial basis, while chemotherapy patients qualify for complimentary memberships. The service runs online. Wigs ship nationwide. WellCapped’s mission is to ease the strain of wig ownership, grant users the flexibility to switch styles at will, and extend dignity and support to anyone undergoing treatment.

Love & Nudes (Stage Zero Collection)

Based in Toronto, Canada, and owned by Chantal Carter, Love & Nudes is a fashion lingerie and underwear brand that puts inclusivity front and center. Their Stage Zero series, a bra collection conceived as a breast cancer awareness initiative, visually maps the manifestations of the disease on deeper skin tones, effectively serving as an early-detection cue. Debuted in 2023, the range and its associated educational push have since spread throughout North America. The series tackles a public health gap that reveals the lack of Black and brown women represented in medical textbooks and photographs that illustrate symptoms on skin. 

PillowScript

PillowScript, a brand founded by Dihandria Bright, designs specialty pillows, including hypoallergenic options. Though rarely spotlighted, pillows serve as a comfort tool for positioning and pain relief and are extremely useful post-mastectomy and during breast cancer treatment. Since its 2021 launch, the brand has secured placements, attracted press, and now ships nationwide.

RELATED CONTENT: Breast Cancer Mortality Rates Decrease For Black Women But Inequity In Care Persists

nfl, draft, black quarterbacks
(Photo: Jean-Daniel Francoeur/Pexels)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 7, 2025

SIAC Suspends 20 Football Players From Fort Valley State, Central State, After On-Field Brawl

The conference also suspended the head coaches of both teams

Following a brawl that occurred after a football game between Fort Valley State University and Central State University on October 4, the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) announced that 20 players and the head coaches of both schools have been suspended.

The SIAC levied punishments due to the dispute and stated that, following an investigation, both universities had violated the league’s code of ethics and conduct by engaging in acts of unsportsmanlike behavior. The conference indicated that it has a zero-tolerance policy for acts deemed unsportsmanlike.

“Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct have no place in intercollegiate athletics or within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference,” said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman, Ed. D. in a written statement. “I am extremely disappointed that this event has overshadowed what was otherwise a very competitive football game.”

Nine students from Fort Valley State were suspended, while 11 from Central State were penalized for their roles in the incident. The two head coaches for the school were also suspended. Both schools were also fined, but the amount of the fine was not disclosed.

Fort Valley State released a statement via social media, apologizing for the behavior of its players during the incident between the teams.

“We extend our sincere apologies to the Fort Valley State University community, as well as CSU, their student-athletes, coaches and fans. The actions that took place do not reflect the values of sportsmanship, integrity and respect that we uphold as an institution, athletic program and conference.

“We do not condone behavior that falls short of these standards, and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that our student-athletes understand the importance of representing the University with Wildcat pride and professionalism on and off the field.”

Fort Valley was recently in the news for an alleged hazing incident that led to two students being arrested. The school ultimately lost to Central State by a score of 18-14.

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LeBron James, Kids Picture book, 'I Am More Than', I promise school
(Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 7, 2025

LeBron James Announcement For ‘The Second Decision’ Spikes Ticket Prices For Lakers Last Home Game Of The Season

'The decision of all decisions.'

Future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James is about to start his 23rd season in the NBA, another record-breaking feat for the Los Angeles Lakers forward. However, a recent announcement on social media, labeled #TheSecondDecision, has sparked a surge in ticket prices for the Lakers’ last game of the season.

The post has caused speculation that this might be LeBron’s final hurrah as a professional basketball player. This led to sports fans believing that, if that is the announcement, then the last game of the Lakers’ regular season for 2026 — against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena, taking place April 12, 2026 — could be the last game of LeBron’s career.

LeBron has teased that the announcement will be made on Oct. 7 at 12 p.m. EST.

The video clip attached to the post is reminiscent of the time he became a free agent for the first time (he was drafted by his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers), and with speculation of where he would land, it led to the basketball player and ESPN making it a big televised production that was labeled The Decision. It was then, in 2010, that he told the world that he was taking his talents to South Beach to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat team.

https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/1975258187046789292

According to ESPN, the social media post has caused the price of tickets for the last home game for the Lakers to skyrocket in anticipation of the milestone, if he were to announce his retirement from the game.

Before LeBron posted that announcement on social media, the lowest price for one ticket for that game was listed at $82, according to Vivid Seats. After word got out, that amount shot up to $850 for a single ticket.

For a pair of tickets to be purchased together, the lowest cost of admission is now $760.

The Lakers will start their regular season on Oct. 21 against their Western Conference rival, the Golden State Warriors, at Crypto.com Arena.

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debt management, cut expenses
(Photo: wayhomestudio/freepik)
by Mitti Hicks

October 6, 2025

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Will Impact Your Credit. Here’s What To Know

FICO recently announced that it will begin factoring BNPL information into its credit scoring model this fall. Experian also announced it will add data from Affirm.

After a ton of back and forth and some speculation, the freedom of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services will finally impact your credit score.

BNPL is an appealing payment option for Americans because it allows consumers to spread out the cost of a purchase over multiple payments. According to Money Wise, an overwhelming majority of Americans (86%) say they trust BNPL as a payment method, and three out of four users trust BNPL more than credit cards.

In the past, credit bureaus didn’t consider BNPL until now.  FICO recently announced that it will begin factoring BNPL information into its credit scoring model this fall. Experian also announced it will add data from Affirm.

How Will Buy Now Pay Later Impact Credit

More than 30% of Americans have reportedly used a BNPL service. In 2024 alone, more than 86 million Americans used a BNPL service, up from nearly 50 million in 2021.  Analysts predict that over 91 million American consumers will use a BNPL loan or service by 2025.

With FICO and Experian planning to factor in BNPL, this means late payments will impact your score now. It’s unclear at this time if using a BNPL will help your score.

FICO scores range from 300 to 850, and the five main contributing factors are payment history, credit utilization, credit length, credit mix, and the number of hard inquiries.

There are two main types of BNPL plans, according to the Consumer Protection BC. There are equal payment plans, which means you make minimum payments by set dates until the full balance is paid off. There are also Deferred payment plans, which means consumers must pay the full balance by a certain due date with no set payment amounts.

Like credit cards, it’s important to be responsible when using BNPL. Pay your bills on time and in full, and avoid taking out multiple bills at once. People fall behind simply by forgetting a payment is due.

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SPENCER HAYWOOD
PHOTO CREDIT: U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Kenny Kennemer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 6, 2025

Spencer Haywood Says He Missed Out On Billions By Selling Nike Stock

Haywood said he cashed out in 1973.

The first basketball player to rep Nike, Spencer Haywood, said his agent sold his stake in the company way too early, resulting in him missing out on a massive windfall.

On a recent episode of All the Smoke, Haywood said before Nike became the behemoth it is today, his representative, strapped for cash, convinced him to sell his shares thinking the brand wouldn’t be worth that much.

Nike’s founder, Phil Knight, asked the Seattle SuperSonics star if he would wear the sneakers on the court. Haywood agreed. but Knight offered Haywood stocks instead of cash, as Nike was still a startup company.

“First of all, I was young, too. And I’m thinking, livestock?” What kind of stock? What stock? What are you talking about?”

Haywood said his agent convinced him sell his stake back to Nike.

“So I get the stock and my boy, that I let do the negotiation, he was struggling, you know have them bills taken care of,” Haywood said on the podcast. “So he was like, convincing me that the shoe is never going to work because, look at what happened. Because when I was walking, running down the floor, guys would come behind me and pop my shoe off…It was new. It was a running shoe.

“So I said, “OK, man. I’ll give you the power of attorney. Let me just go play. I got to play. I got to focus on this game now because this is my chance. When I came back, he had sold that s**t. He said, ‘Man, I got the cash right here: $100,000.’”

Co-host Matt Barnes asked Haywood how much the stock would be worth today.

“It was up around $2.7 billion,” the NBA Hall of Famer replied.

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AI, right to disconnect, work-life balance, RTO
(Photo: Thirdman/Pexels)
by Mitti Hicks

October 6, 2025

U.S. Workforce Is In A Leadership Crisis As Workers Avoid Advancement

This study comes at a time when companies face increasing turnover, rising workplace toxicity, and a shrinking pipeline of future leaders.

A recent study has revealed that the U.S. workforce is in a leadership crisis. Research from Express Employment Services, in partnership with The Harris Poll, found that workers are no longer interested in supervisory or managerial roles.

This study comes at a time when companies face increasing turnover, rising workplace toxicity, and a shrinking pipeline of future leaders. Researchers say, “The Harris Poll reveals a troubling disconnect between what supervisors need and what employers provide.”

The research shows that more than half of the surveyed job seekers who are or were managers said they left or plan to leave their roles because they lack fulfillment or advancement opportunities. Even more astounding is Gen Z, who responded they would rather “develop their individual expertise” than manage employees.

“Supervisors are saying, ‘No more.’ Future leaders are saying, ‘No, thanks,'” said Bob Funk, Jr., CEO, president, and chairman of Express Employment International. “The result? A vicious cycle that decreases effectiveness, breeds toxicity, and weakens the workplace. The companies that come to terms with the situation and start implementing solutions will be the ones that succeed in this reshaped economy.”

Leadership Crisis: A Look Inside The Data

When examining the key findings, it’s clear that workers feel their employers are not equipping them with the necessary resources to succeed in supervisory roles. In addition to more than half of supervisors making plans to leave over lack of fulfillment, other key findings include:

  • 86% of hiring managers believe supervisors have the tools they need, but only a third offer training on critical skills, such as conflict resolution or giving feedback.
  • 72% of hiring managers admit their companies should be doing more to support supervisors.
  • Nearly 3 in 4 Gen Z professionals say they’d rather develop individual expertise than manage people.

According to Express Employment Services, companies should build real-world leadership training programs and create peer and mentorship networks. Companies could also invest in mental health and work-life balance, along with recognizing leadership behaviors—not just outcomes.

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birthday, 107
Photo by lil artsy/pexels
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 6, 2025

Mother Calls Out Teacher For Adding ‘Monkey’ Reference To Black Son’s Birthday Song

A mother is raising concerns after a teacher used the word ‘monkey’ while singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her son.

A mother is speaking out after a teacher used the word “monkey” in her 6-year-old son’s birthday song.

Desarae Prather, mother of 6-year-old Legend Whitaker, was outraged after receiving a video from her son’s teacher at Floral Avenue Elementary in Bartow, Florida, showing the version of ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to her Black son, 11 Alive reports.

“Happy Birthday to you. You live in the zoo, you look like a monkey, and you smell like one too,” the teacher can be heard singing.

“I automatically said, ‘That’s unacceptable.’ And I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” Prather told 10 Tampa Bay News in a clip shared online.

https://twitter.com/SeeRacists/status/1973861685644701788

Prather said she went straight to the principal after the teacher sent her a video of the moment.

“I don’t like stuff like that,” Whitaker said, adding that the song hurt his feelings.

She highlighted the racist history of the word “monkey” and explained why its use in a school setting is deeply upsetting.

“My skin is boiling. I don’t even like racism, and to know where we come from, and our ancestors, and for us to be labeled like that, because when they call us, ‘Monkey,’ they’re saying we’re ugly; we act like monkeys,” Prather said. “Those are remarks I don’t like it at all.”

In a letter to the school board, Prather demanded an apology, immediate disciplinary action, and counseling for her son. After receiving no response, she went to the school in person and was informed that an investigation is underway to review the incident.

“No child should have to go to school and feel like they can’t confide in an authority figure without them calling them racial slurs, and that goes for any kid, not just my child,” Prather said. “Now I have to seek counseling for him because he was crying for not to be back in her class or even go back to that school.”

Following the incident, Prather said her son is too upset to return to school, fearing his classmates will call him a “monkey.” Although he was moved to a different classroom after the incident, he hasn’t gone back, and Prather now plans to transfer him to a new school.

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