'Grey’s Anatomy’, James Pickens Jr.,Prostate Cancer

Funky Dineva Reveals Prostate Cancer Diagnosis, Cancels Talk Show, ‘Early Detection Is The Key’

Funky Dineva is taking a transparent approach with his health journey after disclosing his stage 1 prostate cancer diagnosis.


Quentin Latham, better known as Funky Dineva, is taking a transparent approach with his health journey after disclosing his stage 1 prostate cancer diagnosis.

The popular pop culture commentator shared the news on Instagram on Nov. 25 through a video posted on Threads, explaining that after 12 biopsies, his urologist confirmed he is in the early stages of prostate cancer.

“Early detection is the key!! Have all the guys in your life stay up on their bloodwork and exams!” he captioned the post.

“I’m sharing this information for educational purposes and not for sympathy,” Funky Dineva declared in the video. “I have stage 1 prostate cancer. They did 12 biopsies, and two of them came back cancerous, one of them came back suspicious or inconclusive.”

Although the news was difficult to share, Funky Dineva noted a positive outcome: the cancer was detected early, giving him a strong chance of preventing it from spreading further.

“It is very, very early. He mentioned something about a Gleason score and that mine was really, really low.”

Funky Dineva shared that he underwent bloodwork for genetic testing to determine whether the cancer is slow- or fast-growing. He also discussed treatment options such as radiation, experimental medication, and “robotic surgery,” which he told his doctor he would prefer to undergo sooner rather than later.

“I have an appointment on Dec. 8 with the robot doctor to set up to get it removed.”

Funky Dineva posted a photo of the pamphlet he received to learn more about his diagnosis, noting that he plans to review it closely. He closed his message by telling fans, “Don’t cry for me, Argentina,” assuring them he’ll be OK even though the news has been tough to process.

“I’m about to take a nap, and I’ll be fine,” he said.

However, just hours after revealing his diagnosis, Funky Dineva shared another update on Threads, announcing that his beloved YouTube talk show has been canceled as he navigates his health battle.

“After receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis today, I don’t have it in me to sit up in y’all face a cackled about a bunch of sh*t that doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of life,” he wrote. “I’m in my room, in the dark, under the covers. I’m depressed, but I’m also fine. I’m giving myself permission to go through the process. For right now, laying quite in the dark is where I need to be. Thanks for understanding.”

Research shows that Black men face disproportionately high rates of prostate cancer, with nearly double the incidence and 2.3 times the mortality rate of white men. They are often diagnosed younger, with more aggressive disease, and at later stages, leading to fewer treatment options and higher death rates.

Despite these challenges, Funky Dineva’s supporters flooded his comments with encouragement and shared stories of family members of various ages who successfully beat prostate cancer thanks to early detection.

“It’s shocking news but very treatable friend,” they wrote. “My ex husband got diagnosed at 35! Had it removed and is cancer free and yes, it regained working hence why we’re no longer married. Same with my Brother in law who got diagnosed three yrs ago. He is now cancer free. Sit with your feelings BUT then act like you know you don’t walk alone.”

“My 80 dad, was diagnosed a year ago. He completed his treatment and he’s now cancer free. God is a healer,” added someone else.

RELATED CONTENT: Funky Dineva & Al Reynolds Talk ‘Tea G-I-F’ New Season, LGBTQ Representation and More

Alabama,Prairie Restoration Program Aimed at Reviving, Black Belt Ecosystems

Alabama Launches $17.5M Black Belt Prairie Initiative To Restore Vanishing Grasslands And Rebuild Wildlife Populations

Inspired by a Hale County farm that became a national birding destination, a new $17.5 million initiative seeks to help landowners restore disappearing grasslands across the state.


When Christopher Joe’s father asked his children in 2018 to imagine new possibilities for their family’s 200-acre farm in Hale County, Joe began thinking beyond cattle. After reaching out to conservation specialists and birding groups, including Alabama Audubon, he realized their land could serve a different purpose.

“I’m playing on the farm,” he said. “I’m just trying to do my part.”

According to AL, today, that vision has transformed The Joe Farm into one of the most sought-after stops for birdwatchers visiting Alabama’s Black Belt. It’s now a highlight of the annual Black Belt Birding Festival, where visitors gather to watch Mississippi kites swoop through the sky. Joe, who works with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), helped revive bird populations on the property by restoring patches of native prairie — habitat that once stretched across the region.

A new statewide effort aims to help other landowners do the same. In November, the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee, partnering with the Alabama Wildlife Federation and NRCS, launched the Alabama Black Belt Prairie Initiative, a program that will distribute millions in grants to restore native grasslands on private property.

The goal is to bring back roughly 8,000 acres of prairie, according to committee assistant executive director Ashley Henderson. She said that decades of land-use changes have erased much of the original ecosystem. “When you start changing things, then you start losing species, both plant and animal,” she explained. “A lot of times, people want to restore the habitat, but they don’t know what to do.”

Before European settlement, the Black Belt was a mosaic of bunch grasses, flowering plants such as purple coneflower and black-eyed susans, and wide-ranging wildlife — from bobwhite quail and wild turkey to herds of bison. But the nutrient-rich soil that defined the region also made it prime cotton country, and large prairie landscapes gradually disappeared. The Southeastern Grasslands Institute estimates that more than 90% of the Southeast’s grasslands have vanished since that period.

The losses have had steep consequences for wildlife. Scot Duncan, executive director of Alabama Audubon, noted that prairie-dependent birds are declining faster than any other avian group in the region.

With $17.5 million allocated for grants, the new initiative will support projects ranging from quail habitat restoration to cattle-grazing practices that protect native grasses. Landowners can be reimbursed for up to 85% of project costs.

Joe’s family continues to raise cattle, but eco-tourism has brought more than 1,000 visitors to their property, including students from across Alabama. With new grants supporting a classroom facility and wetland restoration, Joe says the land is now largely self-sustaining. “If you see it, it’s been here,” he said. “We don’t have to do much to keep it going like this.”

RELATED CONTENT: Help The Black Farmer’s Index Combat Food Insecurity And Agricultural Inequity

Michelle Obama, former first lady, election, presidential, 2024

Michelle Obama Says East Wing Demolition Left Her “Confused” About What the Nation Values

The former First Lady reflects on the meaning behind the White House changes ordered by former President Trump and what they signal about America’s identity.


Former First Lady Michelle Obama is sharing her candid reaction to watching the East Wing of the White House — the side that historically houses the First Lady’s offices — being torn down as part of a renovation project ordered during Donald Trump’s presidency.

Speaking on The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast on Nov. 25, Obama said the images of demolition stirred emotions that went far beyond personal attachment. Trump authorized the removal of the East Wing, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, and other areas to make room for a proposed $300 million ballroom.

Host Jamie Kern Lima asked Obama what it felt like “in your body” to witness the East Wing being dismantled. Obama responded that the moment carried national, not individual significance. “It’s not about me, it’s about us and our traditions and what they stand for,” she said. She added that she experienced “confusion because I’m like, ‘Well, who are we? What do we value and who decides that?”

Obama explained that the broader political climate has led her to reflect on the country’s shared norms and expectations. “That’s the thing that’s going through my head a lot lately — ‘Who are we? What are the rules?” she said. It wasn’t the destruction of a building that troubled her most, she continued, but the uncertainty around the nation’s guiding principles. “I think I felt a loss for us as a nation.”

Still, she made clear she did not view the demolition as a personal slight. “Personally, you know, that’s not our house,” Obama emphasized. “That’s the People’s House.”

The White House confirmed in October that the demolition was underway. At the time, spokesperson Davis Ingle defended the project, saying it reflected President Trump’s commitment to “historic beautification of the White House” and emphasized that no taxpayer funds were used.

The decision has drawn criticism from others, including former First Lady Hillary Clinton, who posted on X, “It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it.”

As reported by People, the current East Wing dates back to 1942, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. With the project ongoing, First Lady Melania Trump and her staff have been relocated during construction.

Obama, who served as First Lady from 2009 to 2017, said she is continuing to reflect on what these symbolic changes mean for the country’s future — and what they reveal about the values Americans still hold in common.

RELATED CONTENT: Campbell’s VP Slammed In Lawsuit After Alleged Racist, Classist Rant About Coworkers And Products

Braid Appointment,Birmingham Salon Owner, Arrested

$200 Braid Appointment Ends In Chaos: Birmingham Salon Owner Arrested After Woman Says She Was Locked Inside

A viral video shows a client alleging she was held against her will and assaulted after refusing to pay an unexpected charge at a local braiding shop.


A Birmingham woman says what was supposed to be a simple hair appointment spiraled into a frightening confrontation that ended with police intervention — and a viral video viewed more than a million times.

Jessica Odom shared her account online after visiting Mama Gifted Hands, a Birmingham braiding salon where she had booked an appointment for boho knotless braids. Odom told WVTM she had confirmed the $200 price, the style, and the appointment details in advance and arrived excited for a fresh look.

The incident caused the salon owner and two of her employees to be arrested on kidnapping and assault charges, WVTM reported.

At first, she said, the experience seemed promising. But once the braids were finished and she attempted to pay and leave, the situation abruptly shifted.

According to Odom, the stylist demanded an extra $50 for using human hair, a charge she says she never authorized.
“I just wanted to get my hair done and go home,” Odom told WRBC. She remembered the stylist trying to renegotiate the fee, saying, “She told me to just give her $30, and I can leave — or if not, go sit in the chair and we’ll cut the hair out.” Odom said she refused, telling staff, “I paid your $200, I’m leaving.”

That’s when things escalated. Odom alleges the salon owner locked the front door and physically blocked her from exiting. “I got locked in the building, and I was told that I could not leave and that the service I received was actually $250,” she said. She also claims her hair was forcibly grabbed and pulled, causing some of her natural hair to be ripped out.

Odom says the ordeal lasted between 30 and 40 minutes before police arrived. She told WVTM that once officers reviewed surveillance footage, they informed the owner that she was the aggressor, not the client.

Odom says the staff then insisted they would remove the human hair pieces if she wanted the additional charge dismissed.

Throughout the incident, Odom recorded portions of the encounter on her phone. “I did not try to escalate the situation,” she said. “I just tried to de-escalate… I feared for my life, honestly.”

Her story has ignited widespread discussion online, particularly among Black women who view salon visits as a trusted space. In recent years, however, rising reports of conflicts, surprise fees, and unprofessional behavior have sparked ongoing conversations about safety and accountability in beauty businesses.

What should have been an ordinary styling session, Odom said, instead turned into a reminder that even familiar spaces can carry unexpected risks.

RELATED CONTENT: 24-Hour African Braiding Shop Goes Viral

NYPD, Sean Bell, film, Eyes In 'Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story'

New Film Revisits NYPD Killing Of Sean Bell Through Fiancée’s Eyes In ‘Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story’

On Nov. 25, 2006, undercover NYPD officers fired a total of 50 rounds into the car carrying Sean Bell and his friends.


A new film, Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story, brings the 2006 killing of Sean Bell by New York City police back to the forefront of the police brutality discourse.

The film is slated for a Nov. 28 release and focuses on the perspective of Nicole Paultre-Bell, who was Bell’s fiancée and the mother of his two children. Paultre-Bell reveals how she turned her private grief into a powerful, public movement after police bullets claimed Bell’s life hours before their wedding.

“With this movie, I am pleased to share my journey—a journey of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of justice,” Paultre-Bell said in a statement. “This movie retells my story of finding strength and fighting for accountability after the tragic loss of my husband-to-be and the father of my children. This is a collective experience shared by countless survivors—those who have lost loved ones to senseless violence and those who have fought tirelessly for accountability and civil reform. It’s a story of the strength that resides within each one of us, a strength that propels us forward even in the darkest of times”

On Nov. 25, 2006, undercover New York Police Department officers fired a total of 50 rounds into the car carrying Bell and his friends outside a Queens club. The 23-year-old, who was unarmed, died instantly. His friends, Trent Benefield and Joseph Guzman, suffered severe injuries.

The officers in the shooting were absolved of all criminal charges in 2008. Refusing to let the injustice stand, Paultre-Bell channeled her heartache into an unwavering pursuit of systemic change. The film chronicles her decision to move beyond victim status as Paultre-Bell confronts the failures of the justice system. She is actively dedicating herself to being an example of resilience in the face of devastation.

After the theatre release, Aftershock: The Nicole P. Bell Story will be available on digital streaming platforms on Dec. 15. The goal to bring this powerful and emotional true story to a global audience and continue the conversation surrounding police brutality, grief, and strength in the aftermath of tragedy.

RELATED CONTENT: Injustice Served: Cops Pay $15 Fine After Black Man Paralyzed In Connecticut Police Van

Bahamas, parliament, Rick Fox

Former NBA Champion Rick Fox Launches Bid For Parliament In the Bahamas

The ex-Laker says he wants to bring transparency, economic modernization, and renewed opportunity to the Bahamas.


Rick Fox, the former NBA star best known for helping the Los Angeles Lakers secure three championships, is stepping into Bahamian politics. Fox announced this week that he intends to run for a parliamentary seat in the Bahamas during next year’s general election, as reported by ESPN.

His announcement comes at a turbulent moment for the island nation. Officials are grappling with a series of corruption controversies involving public figures, rising concerns about irregular migration, and continued rebuilding efforts from Hurricane Dorian — the catastrophic Category 5 storm that ravaged the archipelago in 2019.

Fox revealed his plans in a statement posted to Facebook on Nov. 24, saying he hopes to address frustrations he has heard echoed across the country. “You’ve shared that you want more transparency, a modern economy that prioritizes affordability and security,” he wrote, adding that Bahamians deserve “a country where opportunity is our reality, not just a promise.”

Although widely known for his basketball accomplishments, Fox’s background stretches beyond sports. Before retiring from the NBA, he began developing interests in entertainment and later became a prominent figure in esports. In 2015, he co-founded the gaming organization Echo Fox and secured a team slot in the North America League of Legends Championship Series, one of the world’s most competitive esports leagues. He has since moved on from the organization but remains one of the earliest mainstream sports figures to publicly invest in the gaming industry.

Fox’s ties to the Bahamas run deep. He was born in Toronto to a Canadian mother and a Bahamian father but spent much of his childhood on the islands, where he says he formed his sense of identity and community. Those connections, he explained, are part of what motivated him to enter public service at a daunting moment for the nation.

Drafted by the Boston Celtics with their 24th pick in the 1991 NBA Draft, Fox played six seasons in Boston before joining the Lakers, where he became a reliable presence during their dominant early-2000s championship run. Now, instead of the hardwood, he is aiming for a seat in the legislature as he pitches himself as a leader focused on reform and opportunity.
Fox’s candidacy adds a high-profile name to what is expected to be a fiercely contested election cycle. Whether voters will embrace the former athlete’s move into politics remains to be seen, but his entry has already drawn significant national and international attention.

RELATED CONTENT: Rick Fox Combatting Climate Change With Green Concrete

ESO Artisanal,Thanksgiving,

Black-Owned Seasoning Brands To Spice Up Your Holiday Table

Black-owned seasonings brands bring both flavor and meaning to holiday dishes.


Holiday cooking vibes continue as families gather in their kitchens to prepare traditional and non-traditional holiday meals, which require equal attention to both flavor and food preparation. Black-owned seasoning brands are transformational in creating flavor palettes, using bold cultural blends to elevate home cooking on any level. The following list showcases the creators of several Black-owned spice brands. These seasonings bring both flavor and meaning to holiday dishes while supporting Black entrepreneurship, whether you want to create traditional soul food or try new taste combinations.

BB’s Season All

Billy Brown, a former medical engineer, founded BB’s Season All to create health-conscious all-purpose seasoning blends. The blends, available in almost 500 retail locations throughout the U.S., including H-E-B stores, have low sodium levels, contain no carbohydrates or calories, and are suitable for keto, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Brown aims to deliver bold taste experiences while maintaining nutritional benefits. The brand experienced significant growth during recent years through its expansion into mass retail markets.

https://www.tiktok.com/@naspora/video/7372288358598331691?_r=1&_t=ZP-91hEFD0ROlL

Feisty Spices

Erica Gillespie established Feisty Spices to create organic low-sodium seasoning blends that draw from her Southern cooking traditions and Ghanaian heritage. The seasoning blends consist of Collard Greens Spice, Chitterlings Spice, Soul Food Sunday, Sassy Sazon, Lemony Lemon Pepper, and Garlic & Herbs. The brand sells its products through Walmart stores in the U.S. and Mexico, Amazon, and its website. Feisty Spices started its operations in 2020 and has grown to sell its products in major retail stores.

https://www.tiktok.com/@feistyspices/video/7384251443152244010?_r=1&_t=ZP-91hEbJB4dbS

Station 1923

Station 1923 operates as a husband-and-wife team from South L.A., providing small-batch all-in-one rubs and seasonings that eliminate the need for multiple spices. Their product lineup features Spice blends, including Black People Spaghetti Seasoning, as well as Creole Smoke, Maple Cinnamon, Sweet, and Citrus Herb. Their online store delivers products throughout the United States to simplify home cooking by offering authentic global herbs and spices that contain no preservatives, dairy, or gluten. The brand experienced increased popularity in recent years due to its popular “Holiday Cooking Essentials Pack.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@station1923/video/7434992608113478958?_r=1&_t=ZP-91hExL8DBuh

John Henry’s Food Products

John Henry’s Food Products operates as a family-owned business in North Houston, Texas. The brand offers multiple seasoning optionsincluding blackening rub, jerk chicken seasoning, steakhouse blend, gumbo mix, and bean seasoning. The brand, which has served President George H.W. Bush’s inauguration, combines traditional values with quality products and community ties to represent Southern and Creole culinary traditions through its nationwide wholesale and retail distribution. 

@rashadeatstheworld

Hey yall! Foodies get PR too! Exceot instead of #makeup and #skincare we get stuff to eat! Lol this time i got somw pices and sauces from John Henry @Moelifendrinks and Ragin Cajun. Im ready to COOK bow! #fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #foodie #unboxing #foodtiktok #recipesoftiktok #recip

♬ original sound – Rashad Eats the World

A.L.L. Seasoning 

A.L.L. Seasoning, LLC  (A Little Love Seasoning) operates in North Carolina to produce West Indian-fusion spice blends that enhance natural flavors through straightforward bold flavor combinations. Customers can buy their products mainly through their website. The founders make flavor accessible with the brand’s Caribbean profile. A.L.L. Seasoning expanded its reach through online sales and backing from local communities.

@allseasoning20

I’m usually against oven baked bbq chicken but this was really good! Season up the boneless chicken thighs with #CarolinaHeat then baste with your favorite barbecue sauce. . #fyp #tiktokfoodie #wingtok #tiktokfood #chefsoftiktok #tiktokchef #foryoupage

♬ You Don’t Ignore (Too Late) – Petit Biscuit

Dooky Chase’s Spices

The historic Black-owned New Orleans establishment Dooky Chase inspired the new spice line, which includes Gumbo, Fried Chicken, Seafood, and Meat seasonings. Home cooks can now access these spices through their official site and Instagram links to experience the soul food flavors of Leah Chase’s historic restaurant, right in their own kitchens.

https://www.tiktok.com/@hungryhomegirl/video/7424707922065755435?_r=1&_t=ZP-91hJzEAQsxj

Tabitha Brown × McCormick

McCormick partnered with Tabitha Brown to develop a collection of salt-free vegan seasoning blends. Brown delivers colorful plant-based flavors to home cooks while eliminating salt from their dishes. The partnership began in 2021 and expanded in 2023. The blend selection includes Sunshine All-Purpose, Very Good Garlic, Like Sweet Like Smoky, Taco Business, and Burger Business. Customers can purchase these products through McCormick’s website and major retail stores. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@iamtabithabrown/video/7223444782335659310?_r=1&_t=ZP-91hK8kCWw98

Rodney Scott BBQ Seasonings

The Rodney Scott BBQ Seasonings collection by Good & Gather and Rodney Scott brings the legendary pitmaster’s whole-hog barbecue flavor to home cooks. The partnership started in 2022. The seasoning collection features Smoky Sweet Chile Hickory, Green Chile Lime Citrus, Carolina Fire Chile, and Garlic Butter Pepper Herb. You can purchase the seasonings through The Spice House and Rodney Scott’s website and in-store at Rodney Scott BBQ’s many locations across the South

RELATED CONTENT: 8 Non-Traditional Ways To Spend Thanksgiving Day

funeral home, identity theft

Houston Funeral Home Under Investigation For Alleged Identity Theft

The funeral home has recently had its business license revoked as well.


A Houston funeral home is under investigation after multiple people accused it of identity theft. Police also state that the place of business had its license revoked recently.

According to KHOU, the venue, A Community Funeral Home, has had multiple families state that their deceased loved ones’ identities were stolen, and there was fraudulent use of credit and charge cards and accounts. The Houston Police Department (HPD) also stated that during the investigation of the claims, it was discovered that the funeral home was operating without a license.

Upon discovering that revelation, the HPD issued a search warrant.

When police officers arrived to enforce the warrant, an active funeral was underway. Police had to find another person to officiate the ceremony so they could proceed with the search of the establishment.

“When they served the search warrant, they collected financial records and computers and that kind of stuff,” HPD Lt. Larry Crowson said.

The Texas Funeral Service Commission said the business license expired on Aug. 31.

The business owner has not been charged and was released pending further investigation.

While searching the funeral home, investigators did not find any other bodies, but did find several cremated remains. Police are working to identify the remains so they can contact the families to have them returned to them.

“This is a financial crime. Those can be very in-depth investigations. You know, you have to do basically an accounting investigation of where the money went and what kind of records were used. So, it could take a while to investigate exactly who was responsible for the identity theft,” Lt. Crowson said.

Court records reveal that, in August, the funeral home owner was charged with forging a fraudulent lien agreement. Allegedly, a signature was forged to perform construction on the property and to avoid eviction. The owner was arrested in early November and is scheduled to appear in court in January on a misdemeanor forgery charge.

RELATED CONTENT: Funeral Worker Arrested For Castrating Corpse Of Sex Offender

Social Security, Scam, Hackers

Changes Underway For Social Security Recipients—Here’s What To Know

The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% COLA increase for 2026 to mitigate rising costs of healthcare, housing, and groceries.


Within the next few weeks, Social Security recipients will see changes to how they receive benefits and to the cost-of-living adjustment.

For starters, millions of recipients will soon receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% COLA increase for 2026 to mitigate rising costs of healthcare, housing, and groceries. This is slightly higher than the 2.5% increase in 2025.

According to Grada 3, recipients who receive under $2,008 per month will see an additional $56 per month starting in January, but some will see their benefits before.

The increase comes after two-thirds of Americans (67%) say they now live paycheck-to-paycheck, according to PNC’s Financial Wellness in the Workplace Report. That’s a four percentage point increase from 2024. According to a report from eMarketer, the biggest hurdle is that wages are simply not keeping up with the cost of living.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that wages in the private sector increased by 23.3% but household expenses have grown faster. Grocery prices have increased by 24.7%, housing costs by 28.2%, and energy costs by 43.3%.

People who receive Social Security benefits on the 1st of each month will see the increase on Dec. 31, and others will see the rise in mid-to-late January, depending on their birth date.

Social Security Going Digital With Very Few Exceptions

The U.S. government is transitioning from paper checks to electronic payments. According to Life Central, the federal government is switching to electronic payments because they are faster, safer, and cheaper. Recipients will receive money directly to their bank accounts or through the Direct Express® debit card. Social Security Administration officials also say going digital helps reduce fraud and saves on postage compared to checks by mail, which are costly and more susceptible to fraud.

There will be some exceptions. Senior citizens who struggle with technology, recipients in rural communities without nearby banks or poor internet, and people who don’t have bank accounts or a smartphone will continue to receive a check. Anyone who needs a paper check must request a waiver by contacting the U.S. Treasury’s payment center.

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CIARA, CO PARENT, FUTURE

Ciara, Kehlani, Olandria Carthen, Normani Honored At Femme It Forward ‘Give Her Flowhers Gala’

The event featured plenty of heartfelt moments among the honorees.


Femme It Forward hosted its 4th annual Give Her Flowhers Gala at the Beverly Hilton on Nov. 21, honoring Ciara, Kehlani, and other influential women for their impact on the community through entertainment, Billboard reports.

The event, celebrated the power of women and sisterhood, featured plenty of heartfelt moments among the honorees.

One of the evening’s standout moments came from Teyana Taylor, who started the gala by presenting her mother, Nikki Taylor, with The Queens Raising Queens Award. The younger Taylor, a multi-hyphenate and mother of two, thanked her mom for the example she set.

“I am the mother I am today because you are the mother you chose to be,” she said.

Other honorees included former Chairwoman of Epic Records, Syliva Rhone, who accepted the inaugural Sylvia Rhone Legacy Award; Ravyn Lenae, who received The Fem Z Award recognizing Gen Z artists shaping the next generation; Gail Mitchell, Billboard’s Executive Director of R&B/Hip-Hop, who was honored with the Mentor Excellence Award for her 26-year legacy of supporting artists and promoting inclusive storytelling in music media; and Mariah The Scientist, who earned The Bloom Award for her artistic achievements and creative growth.

Jhené Aiko praised her mother, daughter, and sisters, who presented her with The Glow Getter Award, with a heartfelt speech. “This year, they pulled me out of some really dark places,” she said. “They sat by my side when I couldn’t get out of bed.”

Kehlandi accepted The Alchemist Award from fellow Bay Area artist Goapele. Love Island star Olandria Carthen received the Self-Love Award, dedicating it to “any woman who has ever questioned her worth,” while Normani accepted The Femme It Forward Award from Ryan Destiny, highlighting the importance of community in her career journey.

“The Femme It Forward award fills me with immense gratitude because it speaks to humanity and who we are as people beyond anything else,” she said. “Philanthropy is never the work of one individual—it’s a shared effort built by communities, mentors, friends, and everyone who believes compassion is a force capable of real change.”

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