by Kandiss Edwards

August 28, 2025

Inaugural HBCU Hoops Invitational Is Coming To Disney

Disney World will host the first-ever HBCU Hoops Invitational from Dec. 4-7 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The event will feature eight HBCU teams. This includes four men’s teams from Florida A&M University, Tuskegee University, Florida Memorial University, and Barber-Scotia College. Additionally, the invitational will host four women’s teams: Bethune-Cookman University, Hampton University, Edward Waters University, and Cheyney University. Teams will compete in a single-elimination format and crown inaugural champions in both brackets, according to Walt Disney World Resort.

The nonprofit organizing the event, HBCU Hoops Global, Inc., aims for more than on-court competition. The tournament will include a college admissions fair, scholarships, academic assistance, and year-long career development opportunities.

“The HBCU Hoops Invitational is far more than a basketball tournament—it’s a powerful celebration of heritage, excellence, and the limitless future of HBCU athletics,” said Haywoode Workman, vice president of HBCU Hoops Global and a former NBA referee.

https://twitter.com/GoFmuLions/status/1956361838565708005

Disney is also embracing the event with enthusiasm. Disney’s Director of Sports Planning and Development, Jorge Senior, invites all sports fans to be a part of the celebration.

“We are excited about the opportunities to bring thrilling, family-friendly events to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and this HBCU Hoops Invitational adds to our lineup of high-caliber youth and college events,” said Senior in the press release. “If you’re a college basketball fan, there’s no better place to be during the holidays than at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.”

Florida A&M’s participation in the event will draw attention. The school recently hired Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward as head coach. Ward boasts multiple appearances in the NCAA Division I tournament. On the women’s side, Cheyney University carries historic weight as the only HBCU to reach the NCAA Division I Final Four in 1982.

Tickets are now on sale at hbcuhoops.org. Hopefully, the partnership marks the beginning of a new tradition, one where the community comes together to spotlight the next generation of HBCU excellence.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 28, 2025

Gloria Gaynor’s MAGA Donations Surface After Trump Names Her Kennedy Center Honoree

Gloria Gaynor has donated thousands of dollars to Republican candidates in recent years, records show.

President Donald Trump’s choice of Gloria Gaynor as a Kennedy Center honoree has spotlighted her donations to Republican politicians.

The “I Will Survive” singer was personally selected by Trump earlier this month to receive a prestigious Kennedy Center honor.

.@POTUS announces @gloriagaynor as a 2025 Kennedy Center Honors nominee pic.twitter.com/YPztXwvCeZ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 13, 2025

Gaynor, 81, has donated nearly $22,000 to right-wing candidates and conservative organizations since 2023, according to The Independent.

“My hope is that in accepting this honor, I can continue with the inspirational phenomenon that began with ‘I Will Survive,’” Gaynore said in a statement to the Daily Mail, confirming her acceptance of the honor.

“Sharing my music and art on a global level to provide encouragement, hope, empowerment, inspiration, understanding, and unity is the core of my purpose.”

With Gaynor’s 1978 disco classic becoming an LGBTQ+ anthem, many questioned whether she would attend the Dec. 7 ceremony. After she confirmed her acceptance, attention quickly turned to her past political contributions.

Records obtained by MeidasTouch under Gaynor’s real name, Gloria Fowles, indicate she made few political donations until 2016, when she gave $235 to Republican Ben Carson. She did not contribute during the 2020 election but ramped up her Republican support in 2023-2024, donating multiple times to right-wing candidates and groups, totaling nearly $22,000.

Gaynor’s donations to GOP figures include $2,160.57 to House Speaker Mike Johnson, $476.18 to Texas Senator Ted Cruz, $114.10 to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, $1,219.14 to Vivek Ramaswamy, and $1,190.53 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Other contributions the singer has made include support for political action committees, such as New Journey PAC, which targets Black voters in support of MAGA candidates, including Trump and Byron Donalds.

In this year’s Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, Gaynor will join George Strait, KISS, Sylvester Stallone, and Michael Crawford. Trump will host the event.

by Mitti Hicks

August 28, 2025

Most Remote Workers Were Ordered Back To The Office. They’re Still Working From Home

Before the pandemic, remote work was hardly a requirement, as the five-day workweek was the norm. However, when millions were forced to work from home, people found solace in avoiding long commutes and in-office politics.

More employers are ending remote work arrangements and calling their staff back into the office. Even with the orders, that doesn’t mean they’re complying. New research indicates that an increasing number of people are defying company expectations by working from home.

According to Brian Elliott, the CEO of Work Forward and publisher of the Flex Index, the average number of days employees are required to be in the office rose by 12% over the year. Attendance, however, increased by only 1% to 3%.

“The harsh return to the office mandate is like the law against jaywalking. It exists, everybody knows about it, and nobody obeys it because it makes little sense,” Stanford University Economics Professor Nick Bloom, who studies remote work, told USA Today.

Before the pandemic, remote work was hardly a requirement, as the five-day workweek was the norm. However, when millions were forced to work from home, people found solace in avoiding long commutes and in-office politics.

Why Employees Are Attracted To Remote Work

According to an August 2020 Upwork study, the average American who was able to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic saved approximately $2,000 between March and August 2020 by not commuting to work. This represented a total savings of over $90 billion for all remote workers during that period.

It wasn’t just money but time. Remote workers saved an average of 49.6 minutes per day from not commuting. The most significant time savings were achieved in the nation’s capital and New York City, where workers spend an average of 70 minutes or more per day commuting to work.

There was a consensus that people felt a better work-life balance when working from home (WFH). Employers, however, argued that WFH hurt collaboration and innovation from in-person interactions.

As more companies mandated that employees return to the office, employees voiced their frustrations. Many said that the long commutes actually increased stress, reduced productivity, and hurt family budgets, as reported by USA Today.

Not all is lost as companies demand that people return to the office. Studies consistently show that employers will have to offer remote and hybrid options to attract and retain top talent.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 28, 2025

SHOCKER! Study Says Working From Home Makes People Happy

A four-year study by the University of South Australia has found that remote work benefits productivity and keeps employees happy and healthy.

A four-year study by the University of South Australia tracking participants’ physical and mental well-being has found that remote work not only benefits productivity but makes employees happier and healthier.

The study also suggests flexible work arrangements foster improved sleep, better eating habits, and stronger work-life balance.

According to the study, people working from home slept an average of 30 minutes longer each night. Additionally, employees can prepare healthier meals and engage in more physical activity daily. The study also found that remote work reduced stress levels by cutting commuting time and offering employees greater autonomy.

Dr. Daniel Caprar, one of the lead researchers, said the project aimed to examine remote work beyond productivity metrics.

“Working from home is not a one-size-fits-all approach and appears best positioned as one choice among many to support a better, more inclusive, and flexible work environment,” Caprar told My Modern Met.

The research carries broader implications for workplace policy. In Canada, the Evidence Network summarized the findings, noting that working from home boosts employee autonomy and reduces the risk of burnout. A study conducted by Nature found that 75 percent of hybrid workers reported feeling less burned out, and many noted improvements in their sleep, diet, and overall well-being.

BLACK ENTERPRISE also reported on how the shift has particular resonance for workers of color, who often report that flexibility eases stress tied to workplace inequities. For companies, the report suggests that hybrid or remote options could help attract and retain talent while fostering a healthier staff environment.

The study concludes that remote work should remain a permanent part of employment models. While not without challenges, the data suggest it offers a pathway toward workplaces that are both more humane and more productive. As the workplace continues to evolve, work-from-home options may be central to long-term employee health and productivity.

Drake, rapper, drake curse, super bowl bets, betting, gambling

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 28, 2025

Queens Woman Arrested For Wrecking Drake’s OVO Manhattan Boutique

Shauna Stoner allegedly caused more than $23,000 damage in the store and claims that Drake stole some of her designs.

A 31-year-old woman from Queens was arrested Aug. 27 after allegedly thrashing the boutique of Canadian rapper Drake’s OVO (October’s Very Own) brand in the NoHo neighborhood of Manhattan.

According to Page Six, Shauna Stoner, was seen breaking items in the store with a hammer before she calmly left. Police estimate that she created $23,000 worth of damage at the high-end store. She was charged with suspicion of criminal mischief and arson.

A video clip on TMZ showed Stoner in the act—albeit at a distance. The video, taken outside, revealed the windows on the store’s doors had been cracked, and shows her lifting what appears to be a large item and crashing it into other items. She walked out with a pink bag, looking back at the OVO store, as if nothing had just taken place.

Later in the video, three police officers head down the block toward Stoner; someone on the street informed them of her location. As they approach her, she is seen with her hands behind her back, anticipating the arrest. She talks to the cops. Before she is taken away in a squad car, she apparently explains why she went on her rampage.

“It was just to cut up his clothes that he stole. My designs!” she blurted out. Stoner work a black bra as a top. She had entered wearing a jean jacket.

Page Six reported that Stoner entered the store around 4:35 p.m. and began spraying paint across the merchandise. She turned over racks of clothing, while tearing items from the store hangers, before she used a hammer to smash the windows around the store.

A source told Page Six that Stoner has no connection to the store.

Annunciation Catholic School,, Minneapolis, school, shooting

by Jameelah Mullen

August 28, 2025

2 Children Dead, 17 Injured In Minneapolis School Shooting

Following the tragedy, activists are calling for stricter gun control laws.

A shooter fired through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic School, killing two children and injuring 17 others, most of whom were students at Annunciation Catholic School. The Aug. 27 shooting occurred during the students’ first week of classes.

The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Westman graduated from the school in 2017.

Police say Westman shared a “manifesto” on YouTube that is currently under investigation. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told KSTP News that investigators believe Westman did, in fact, post the video.

YouTube removed the video, which showed an arsenal of guns and what appears to be a handwritten four-page manifesto.

“I have wanted this for so long. I am not well. I am not right. I am a sad person, haunted by these thoughts that do not go away. I know this is wrong, but I can’t seem to stop myself. I am severely depressed and have been suicidal for years. Only recently have I lost all hope and decided to perform my final action against this world,” the letter reads in part.

At the end of the manifesto, Westman requests prayers for the victims’ families and friends. The shooter used three guns, all of which were purchased legally.

The Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Blaise Cupich, called on the government to take steps to protect citizens’ safety through gun control measures.

“The facts are clear. Guns are plentiful and common sense attempts to limit their availability have been largely rejected in the name of a freedom not found in our constitution,” Cupich said in a statement.

“Cutbacks in funding for healthcare and social service programs will only exacerbate a national mental health crisis and increase alienation,” he wrote. “We therefore pray for those who hold the power to make the safety of our people a national priority.”

The shooting marks the fourth fatal shooting in Minneapolis within 24 hours, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. The U.S. has seen at least 44 shootings at K-12 schools in 2025, CNN reports.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 28, 2025

Taylor Townsend Tells Jelena Ostapenko To ‘Learn How To Take A Loss’ After Being Told She ‘Has No Class’

Taylor Townsend claps back after opponent Jelena Ostapenko claims she has "no class" and "no education."

Taylor Townsend is being applauded for how she handled a heated post-game exchange with opponent Jelena Ostapenko after allegedly being told she has “no class” and “no education.”

The tennis star became the talk of the town after her Aug. 27 victory over Ostapenko, which secured her spot in the third round of the U.S. Open. Following the match, a now-viral clip captured by ESPN shows the two exchanging words after their post-match handshake.

Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko got in a heated interaction after their second round match at the US Open.

Townsend is on to the third round. pic.twitter.com/cOIYzoyfmG
— ESPN (@espn) August 27, 2025

From another angle, Townsend is seen ending the heated exchange by telling Ostapenko to “learn how to take a loss better.” She then turns to the crowd, hyping them up as they erupt in cheers and applause—following an onslaught of boos directed at Ostapenko.

https://twitter.com/sluggahjells/status/1960868322838299064

When speaking with a sideline reporter after the exchange, Townsend detailed the exchange and how Ostapenko allegedly berated her following her loss.

“People get upset when they lose, and some people say bad things,” Townsend said. “She told me I have no class, I have no education, and to see what happens when we get outside the U.S. So I’m looking forward to it.”

Bringing it back to the game, Townsend credited Ostapenko for playing well in the early half of the game, and cites how it only motivated her to play harder, something someone with “class” would do.

“She was playing really well at the beginning, and you know, when she was playing well, I didn’t say anything,” Townsend said. “And so that just shows class. I mean, sometimes people are playing too good, and you have to just take it. But I turned it up another level, and that’s what I’m most proud of today.”

https://twitter.com/espn/status/1960840133281788001

After facing backlash and accusations of racism, Ostapenko responded on her Instagram Story, dismissing the claims while doubling down on her stance that Townsend’s behavior during the match was “disrespectful.”

“I was never racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world,” she wrote.

Ostapenko, a native of Riga, Latvia, and winner of the 2017 French Open, argued that Townsend held the home-court advantage competing in the U.S., while she did not, coming from what she described as a “small country.”

“There are some rules in tennis and unfortunately, when the crowd is with you, you can’t use it in disrespectful way to your opponent,” Ostapenko said. “Unfortunately for me, coming from such a small country, I don’t have that huge support and a chance to play in homeland.”

Jelena Ostapenko responds on IG to people calling her a racist after her & Taylor Townsend’s argument at U.S. Open

“I was NEVER racist in my life and I respect all nations of people in the world, for me it doesn't matter where you come from.” pic.twitter.com/nE5y3nQM9F
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 28, 2025

In her post-match press conference, Townsend expressed pride in her performance, saying she “let my racket talk.”

The win marked a major upset, as Townsend, best known as a WTA doubles standout, is currently ranked No. 139 in singles. She became the lowest-ranked American woman to defeat a former Grand Slam champion at a major since Kristie Ahn, who coincidentally beat Ostapenko at the 2019 U.S. Open. Next, Townsend faces a tough third-round test against No. 5-ranked Mirra Andreeva on Aug. 29.

by Ahsan Washington

August 28, 2025

10 Historically Black College And Universities With The Lowest Tuition

The cost of college puts a lot of pressure on students and their families.

The cost of college can put significant pressure and financial strain on students and their families. Take, for instance, the 2023-24 school year. On average, students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) paid approximately $12,007 if they were in-state residents and $15,878 if they were out-of-state residents. That’s not even counting the cost of living on campus or the expense of buying books and supplies. Here’s the thing: HBCUs that keep their tuition low are game changers for students. They’re providing access to education for people without breaking the bank. Here are 10 HBCUs that have affordable tuition for college students.

West Virginia State University

Tuition for West Virginia State University, located in Institute, West Virginia, is $4,664 for in-state students and $5,892 for those out of state. The school has an enrollment of 3,500 students, making it the cheapest four-year public Black college in its area.

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Hinds Community College

Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi, is a deal. It’s huge, actually, with an enrollment of 15,894 students. What’s more, it’s also remarkably affordable. Tuition for in-state students is $2,060, while out-of-state students pay $4,660. That’s a plus for a college of its size.

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Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University, located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is a gem for students seeking to earn a four-year degree without depleting their savings. The in-state tuition rates are surprisingly low, making it an attractive option for those who want a quality education at a fraction of the cost. With approximately 5,700 students enrolled, Fayetteville State offers a personalized learning experience, enabling students to focus intensely on their studies and achieve their academic goals.

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Denmark Technical College

Located in Denmark, South Carolina, Denmark Technical College provides affordable options for those looking to pursue a two-year degree in the heart of the Low Country. With an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students, the campus has a distinctly intimate feel. For South Carolina residents, the tuition is $2,590. Out-of-state students can expect to pay $4,870.

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Bishop State Community College

Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Alabama, is a standout school for its affordability. Tuition for in-state students is $2,700; for out-of-state students, it is $4,830. This community college has a student body of 3,598.

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St. Philips College

Tuition at St. Philips College in San Antonio, Texas, for in-state students is $2,280, while out-of-state students pay $4,560. With over 10,600 students enrolled, St. Philips provides a blend of traditional size along with value.

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Simmons College of Kentucky

Simmons College of Kentucky, which calls itself an “institution of biblical higher education,” is located in Louisville. In-state tuition is just $2,655, and the best part is that out-of-state students pay the same rate. Around 400 students are enrolled.

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Shorter College

In North Little Rock, Arkansas, you can get an education without breaking the bank. For Arkansas residents, the in-state tuition is $2,238, while out-of-state students pay a slightly higher rate of $2,328. With an enrollment of 320 students, this small college packs a punch, offering students from all over the chance to take advantage of remarkably low tuition rates.

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J.F. Drake State Technical College

J.F. Drake State Technical College in Huntsville, Alabama, has one of the lowest tuition rates among HBCUs. Its enrollment is roughly 1,258 students. For in-state students, the cost is $2,052, while out-of-state students pay $2,700.

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Coahoma Community College

Coahoma Community College, located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, stands out for its relatively low tuition, which has been highlighted by many U.S. media outlets for its value. Students from the state pay $2,100 while those from out of state pay $5,000. The college has an enrollment of 2,565 students.

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Wallace peoples, reform alliance, Wallo267, CMO, Chief marketing officer

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 28, 2025

Twitch Streamer, Raud, Gives Credit to Wallo267 For Giving Him Sound Business Advice

'I got a lot of the knowledge on how to treat your sponsors and show them that love and get into a new deal and re-up with them'

Philadelphia streamer Raud credits podcast host Wallo267 for helping him navigate his relationships with his sponsors as he continues to succeed in business.

In a recent conversation with AFROTECH’s Brand Manager, Will Lucas, for the “Black Tech Green Money” podcast, Raud talked to Lucas about the streaming business and how he has been able to propel his business through that platform. He has grown his platform over the years and recently took part in Kai Cenat’s Streamer University, taking tips from one of the top guys in the industry, whom Raud considers a “genius.” The university held classes over a weekend at the University of Akron in Ohio earlier this year.

During the episode, the two men spoke specifically about obtaining sponsorships from brands and how Raud goes about getting their attention to get some of those sponsorship dollars for his streaming services. He secured his first endorsement deal from Shopify, which offered him $1 million to share with his supporters.

“Once you show a company like, ‘Hey, this is what I could do for you and these are my numbers’ — and a lot of times they’re not looking for us. So you’ve got to go to the face and say, ‘Yo, this is what it is.’”

He stated that he had to learn how to make it work to grab their attention. Putting together a package demonstrated his professionalism, while he received some great advice from “Million Dollaz Worth of Game’s” host, Wallo267, who advised Raud on how to treat sponsors, emphasizing the importance of showing gratitude for their business.

“You thank your sponsors overly, you overly thank your sponsors, and I got a lot of the knowledge on how to treat your sponsors and show them that love and get into a new deal and re-up with them from my mans Wallo,” Raud told Lucas. “So shout out, Wallo.”

by Mitti Hicks

August 28, 2025

NAACP Suing Texas Over Congressional Map It Says Strips Black Voters of Power

NAACP President Derrick Johnson says Texas state leaders are on a mission to reduce the members of Congress who represent Black communities.

After a weeks-long showdown between Texas Democrats and Republicans over the state’s proposed redrawn congressional maps, the NAACP is now suing the state. In a news release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the NAACP is accusing Texas state leaders of engaging in racial gerrymandering to prevent Black voters from electing candidates of their choice.”

The NAACP is joining the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in a lawsuit that names Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson as defendants, according to The Guardian.

“The state of Texas is only 40 percent white, but white voters control over 73 percent of the state’s congressional seats,” Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, wrote in a statement. “It’s quite obvious that Texas’s effort to redistrict mid-decade, before next year’s midterm elections, is racially motivated.”

Johnson says Texas state leaders are on a mission to reduce the members of Congress who represent Black communities.

According to the Texas local chapter of NAACP, organization leaders say that since the Voting Rights Act was adopted, Texas leaders have consistently discriminated against Black and brown people when it comes to redistricting and drawing congressional maps.

“We now see just how far extremist leaders are willing to go to push African Americans back toward a time when we were denied full personhood and equal rights,” said NAACP Texas President Gary Bledsoe.

NAACP Calling on Blue States To Intervene

As the NAACP gears up to sue Texas, the organization is calling on blue states to immediately pass new, constitutionally sound redistricting laws and electoral maps in response to Texas.

“We must counter Texas’s unconstitutional move and ensure that if all else fails, Black Americans still have a voice in Congress,” said Johnson.

So far, California is fighting back. The state’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom, recently signed legislation that calls for a special election to redraw the state’s congressional maps in November. Newsom led the campaign in direct response to Texas, where lawmakers pushed President Donald Trump’s agenda to secure five additional House seats from the state, which would likely benefit Republicans.

In California, if voters decide to redraw the map, Democrats could win five more U.S. House seats in the Midterm Election.