by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 20, 2026

Exclusive: Shaq Drops Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS, Gummies With Game

'I wanted to come up with something different.... I wanted to create a candy that you could play with before you eat it.'

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has gone down as one of the greatest centers of all time to have bounced a ball on the basketball court. Post-playing days, he is slowly emerging as one of the greatest entrepreneurs ever to own multiple businesses. The TNT analyst has recently introduced Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS, his latest product from his partnership with The Hershey Company.

Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS comes with three crunchy gummy balls in watermelon, strawberry, and orange flavors. As an added bonus, a chewy, sour mango ring is also included. With his record-playing days behind him, his focus has been on building an empire that can rival anyone, especially when it comes to the sports world.

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A post shared by Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies (@shaqalicious_official)

BLACK ENTERPRISE got the opportunity to speak with, according to Shaq himself, the “world’s biggest kid” about the new product and how his mindset helps him succeed in the business world.

The gentle giant (now that he doesn’t have to play ball anymore) started his alliance with The Hershey Company in 2024 when he introduced the Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies to the world. He stated that he visited Hershey, Pennsylvania, “so many times,” to make sure the product reached a point that it was ready for public consumption, that, even though the gummies may have been good, he had his game face on in the same way he did while playing with the legendary Kobe Bryant.

“When I’m dealing with the young scientist that’s making the candy, I go on basketball mode. Same thing I did with Kobe Bryant, ‘You great, but I’m not gonna tell you you’re great.’ So maybe you’re pushing yourself to do a little more, so, yeah, I’m eating them, and I’m like, damn, this is good, but I can’t tell them what’s good. ‘I don’t like it.’ And that’s just a test to see if he can come up with something better. So, a couple weeks later, uh, it’s close, but I don’t like it, and, like, the young kid, he wasn’t soft, like, he took pride in his work.’

That mentality forced the young scientist to strive harder to make the “world’s biggest kid,” content with the product. After six or seven tries, he hit the mark, and the gummies were released with Shaq’s satisfaction. The world agreed as it became a successful launch, even winning several awards in the process.

Although it was Shaq’s first product with Hershey, he didn’t have a specific number goal, but he knew it had to be a great working relationship to be deemed successful.

“I learned a long time ago that when you focus on a relationship, everything else will fall in place. I never come in and say, I’m gonna sell 20 million bags. For me, a thousand bags is successful. But, business-wise, if you got the right partner, you got the right distribution, you got the right location in the stores, you got the right marketing behind it. People will see it.”

So, this time around, it had to be a different offering.

“I wanted to come up with something different. And so we came up with the Shaq SLAM. There’s, like, a play on slams, and there’s three little gummy balls with a sour ring, and, you know, I wanted to create a candy that you could play with before you eat it.”

He also explained why he decided to do a deal with a company better known for its chocolate to launch a gummy product. Growing up on Hershey products made it easier for him to become a partner with the popular brand. Loving the candy as a child and into adulthood just made it seem right.

“I grew up on Hershey’s on all their candies, and I love all their candies. So, you know, the fact that they are doing this venture with me.  You know, it’s like, they’re putting me on their team. I can’t let them down, so, you know, I knew we were gonna be successful, but I don’t look at success in numbers, even though the numbers are great. “

But, inquiring minds want to know why he went with gummies when it could have been chocolate, hard candies, or anything else?

After looking at the many categories of offerings the company presented, the CEO asked him what he wanted to choose before he left the initial meeting.

“Man, I used to love gummies growing up in Germany. ‘He’s like, That’s what we’re gonna do.'”

And the rest is history!

job, career, restructuring, Fairygodmentor

by Black Enterprise

January 20, 2026

What to Do When Your Job Is Restructuring In 2026

For Black professionals — especially those who’ve already had to navigate glass cliffs, limited advancement, and constant proving of ourselves — job uncertainty hits differently.

Dear Fairygodmentor®, My company recently announced that 2026 is a “rebuild year.” They’re reorganizing teams, cutting budgets, freezing promotions — and everyone’s walking on eggshells. I’m worried about job security and not sure how to stand out without overworking. How do I protect my career during a transition like this?
— Rebuild Season Nervous

Dear Nervous,

When a company says they’re entering a “rebuild year,” it often feels like code for:

“We’re changing things…and your role may or may not make it. May the odds be ever in your favor!”

And for Black professionals — especially those who’ve already had to navigate glass cliffs, limited advancement, and constant proving of ourselves — job uncertainty hits differently.

But here’s the good news: A rebuild year doesn’t have to be a threat. It can actually be a strategic window for you to reinforce, reintroduce, and re-energize your professional value.

Here’s how to move smartly — not fearfully — through this season:

1. Get Crystal Clear on the New Priorities

Don’t guess what leadership wants — Show Your Ask!
Try questions like:

• “What does success look like this quarter?”

• “What are the biggest challenges we’re rebuilding to address?”

• “Would you like to hear a few ideas I have for our team’s success?

Alignment is your first layer of protection. And I say this often, but leaders don’t just seek problems, they create solutions. That last bullet item is a way for you to shine a light on your ability to strategize and stay visible. Show your value. I’ll get into more of this in a bit.

When you know the mission, you can position yourself as essential to it.

2. Make Your Value Visible — Not Just Valuable

Don’t fall for that old adage “If you work hard – your hard work will speak for itself.” It doesn’t. As I say in my book, Show Your Ask, “It’s one thing to know your value, it’s another thing to show it.”

During rebuild years, visibility is currency.

Share your wins. Document your results. Send periodic updates on progress.

I’m going to keep saying this over and over again, it’s not bragging — it’s branding.

When leaders know your impact, they’re more likely to preserve your job when the org chart shifts.

3. Strengthen Key Relationships

Rebuild seasons rely on collaboration, trust, and reputation. Communication breaks down, and self-preservation builds up.
This is the time to:

• reconnect with partners

• build alliances

• volunteer for visibility-building projects (not burnout builders)

• nurture relationships with decision-makers

You want people mentioning your name in rooms you’ll never enter saying, “We need them.”

4. Be Ready and Stay Ready

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile regularly. Not because you’re leaving your job immediately — but because you should always have options.

An updated resume is emotional insurance.

It reminds you:
You are employable.
You are talented.
You are not trapped.

Options build confidence. Confidence shapes performance.

5. Pay Attention to Whether This Rebuild Includes You

Sometimes companies rebuild around you. Other times…they’re making decisions that shrink your role, erase responsibilities, or redirect influence.

Be aware of the following:

• decreasing authority

• vague feedback (this is a big one, push for specifics!)

• removed responsibilities

• unclear future plans for your team

If you’re seeing this happen to you, it may be time to prepare for your own rebuild — one that centers your growth, not the company’s survival.

Nervous, the economy may be unpredictable, but your career strategy doesn’t have to be. A rebuild year is not just the company’s moment to reorganize. It’s your opportunity to reinforce your value, expand your visibility, and ensure that whatever happens — you remain in control of your professional story.

You’re not powerless. You’re preparing.

With strategy and confidence,
Your Fairygodmentor®

About Joyel Crawford:

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

Have a question for Your Fairygodmentor®?

Joyel Crawford, fairygodmentor, contributor — (Photo: Kirten White Photography/BE)

Submit your career and leadership questions, whether it’s about navigating a micromanager, setting boundaries, negotiating for a raise, or handling burnout. Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!

by Ahsan Washington

January 19, 2026

Almost 6 Decades After His Death, 10 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes That Still Matter In 2026

These 10 MLK quotes matter now more than ever in 2026.

The King holiday marks 58 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. In the current political climate, the Rev. Dr. King’s words hit hard with as much impact today as they did during his fight for racial equity and inclusion during the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King’s words continue to guide the moral understanding of modern-day struggles and political polarization.

Dr. King’s speeches are a living commentary of America’s ongoing fight for racial and economic justice. His words are a guiding light for the nation to take collective responsibility in reclaiming and redefining democracy as its identity.

These King quotes remain highly relevant in 2026.

“I have a dream…”

At the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. presented his vision of racial justice and equality on Aug. 28, 1963. The defining call for a nation judged by character, not skin color, continues to shape America’s struggle over race relations and civil rights policy debates.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote this statement on interconnected justice in his Letter from Birmingham Jail on April 16, 1963. The quote is widely used and maintains importance today in fighting local and global injustice.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that…”

The statement from Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 book, Strength to Love, declares that only light can dispel darkness, while darkness cannot do so. During the period of racial violence and political opposition, King maintained his nonviolent philosophy, as expressed in this powerful statement. The quote continues to serve as a potent reminder for movements and leaders to seek justice through moral clarity in our current age of online hostility, political extremism, and social fragmentation.

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

King frequently used this expression to resist slow-moving civil rights legislation. Its significance lies in its criticism of lawmakers and corporations that delay accountability despite urgent racial equity and climate justice needs.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

The quote that King delivered at the peak of the Civil Rights Movement directly addresses the ethical consequences of remaining indifferent. The statement remains relevant in 2026 because it inspires activists to encourage people to participate in political change while resisting silence in the face of injustice.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

King used this metaphor in his sermons to describe the uncertain conditions experienced by people who opposed established power systems. The quote now appears regularly in leadership, entrepreneurship, and social justice spaces, highlighting the determination required to fight for equity without guaranteed results.

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”

When civil rights activists faced violent opposition, King stated, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend,” from his theological and philosophical teachings on nonviolence. The statement serves as a reminder in 2026 because lasting change requires reconciliation rather than retaliation.

“If you can’t fly, then run… but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

During the 1960s, King said, “If you can’t fly, run. But keep moving forward,” in his rallies and speeches to emphasize the need for persistence in the face of fatigue and opposition. The quote establishes that all forward movement remains essential because we now face gradual progress alongside frequent barriers.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort…”

In his 1963 book, Strength to Love, Martin Luther King Jr. makes a strong case for the importance of genuine character in tough times.

I’ve been to the mountaintop…”

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his final speech on April 3, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, one day before his assassination. In 2026, this address is a chilling reminder that progress often came with sacrifice.

retirement, disabled, veterans, Major Richard Star Act

by Mary Spiller

January 19, 2026

Disabled Veterans Push For Passage Of Major Richard Star Act To Restore Full Retirement Benefits

Combat-wounded former service members say current policy denies them earned military retirement, despite lifelong, service-connected injuries.

Two Army veterans, Lyle Allen and Chad Rogers, say they are among thousands of disabled service members nationwide who feel they have been shortchanged by the federal government after their careers were cut short by combat-related injuries. Allen and Rogers are now urging Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act, a bipartisan bill they say would correct what they view as a long-standing injustice in how disabled veterans are compensated with retirement benefits.

Both men are disabled, members of the Wounded Warrior Project, and former high-ranking sergeants who expected to spend decades in uniform before their injuries forced them out of the Army.

The proposed legislation would eliminate a policy that prevents certain combat-disabled veterans from receiving both military retirement pay and Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation. Under current rules, veterans medically retired with fewer than 20 years of service must often choose between the two benefits.

“We are eligible for all the benefits except our retirement,” Rogers said in an interview, according to Military. “So, we are retired without retirement.”

Allen echoed that frustration, describing the policy as discouraging and unfair. “In the military, it’s just a disability; you can’t collect workman’s comp or your retirement after you get injured,” he said.

The bill is named for Major Richard Star, an Army officer who died in 2021 after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. Star had been deployed to Iraq, where he was exposed to toxic burn pits believed to have contributed to his illness. While undergoing chemotherapy, Star was informed by the Department of Defense that he was not eligible to receive both retirement pay and disability benefits — a decision that galvanized advocates pushing for reform.

Rogers and Allen say they encountered similar resistance when they sought compensation after leaving the service. Both men planned long-term military careers but were forced to medically retire due to injuries sustained overseas.

Allen spent 14 years in the Army as a combat engineer. His life changed permanently after his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device during a deployment in Iraq. “I was driving a five-ton vehicle, we got hit by an improvised explosive device,” he said. “I don’t remember too much… I am 100 percent disabled, service-connected.”

Allen has also received a “total and permanent” disability rating from the VA, meaning his traumatic brain injury is not expected to improve.

Rogers’ injuries stem from chemical exposure during his deployment. “It ended up being chemical exposure while I was in theater,” he said. “There were places that I would go into, and the air would taste weird, or the air would burn your skin.”

Both veterans come from military families, with grandfathers who served in World War II. Rogers said his goal when enlisting was to serve at least 20 years. “The goal was 30 years,” he said.

Supporters of the Major Richard Star Act argue it would provide long-overdue relief to combat-wounded veterans and protect future generations. “This just doesn’t affect myself personally; this affects our future generation as well,” Allen said.

While the bill has garnered widespread bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, its cost remains a major obstacle. Previous versions failed due to funding concerns. Even so, advocates say the measure represents a fair and necessary correction for those who sacrificed their health in service to the country.

Nielsen, ratings, tv, content, diverse black content, diverse

by Ahsan Washington

January 19, 2026

Honoring Dr. King Through Film: What To Watch On MLK Day

These films celebrate and remember the leader who questioned America’s racial identity

For the past years, the nation has observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day to celebrate and remember the leader who questioned America’s racial identity and ethical practices and transformed civil rights globally.

Cinema allows us to experience Dr. King’s message deeply through drama and documentary, highlighting key moments and themes. Through these films, viewers can understand and visually process the difficulties, courage, and complex nature of the civil rights movement while learning about King’s fight and its modern-day significance.

Selma (2014)

The film Selma, directed by Ava DuVernay, focuses on the crucial 1965 Selma to Montgomery march which fought for Black American voting rights. The film shows the brutal resistance activists endured while depicting Dr. King’s journey. The film uses David Oyelowo’s controlled performance to connect the historic fight for the Voting Rights Act with modern discussions about ballot access and racial equality in America.

King in the Wilderness (2018)

The Emmy-winning HBO documentary presents a candid portrayal of King’s final two years. King in the Wilderness uses archival footage and new interviews with close associates to document King’s growing activism, which extended beyond civil rights to include opposition to the Vietnam War, economic inequality, and structural racism. The audience sees King’s vision during the same period when his growing unpopularity sparked intense resistance.

Boycott (2001)

The Peabody Award–winning HBO drama Boycott transports viewers to Montgomery in 1955, which served as the birthplace of the modern civil rights movement. During the citywide bus boycott that started after Rosa Parks’s arrest, Jeffrey Wright plays the role of a young Dr. King becoming a leader. Through a combination of dramatic reenactment and detailed character studies the film shows how grassroots determination started mass protest and turned King into a national figure from his pastoral role.

MLK/FBI (2020)

The documentary from director Sam Pollard received critical acclaim for its investigation into the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s surveillance and harassment of Dr. King during the 1950s and 1960s. MLK/FBI uses newly declassified material and expert interviews to show how the government tried to discredit King and the civil rights movement while demonstrating that justice activists encountered both institutional barriers and street violence.

The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306 (2008)

The short documentary which received an Academy Award nomination, shows viewers the events of April 1968 in Memphis, when Dr. King was fatally shot on the Lorraine Motel balcony. Through the perspective of Samuel “Billy” Kyles, who stood near King at the time of assassination, the film combines personal testimony with historical context to pay tribute to King’s last mission for the sanitation workers strike.

by Mary Spiller

January 19, 2026

Ray J Grows Up After Turbulent Year, Promises Major Personal Shift

The singer described 2025 as a “crash out campaign,” thanked his family and fans for support, and stated that a new chapter is beginning.

Ray J is signaling a turning point after a year marked by controversy, health scares, and public scrutiny, saying he is entering a new phase of his life with a renewed sense of accountability and gratitude. In a video shared to Instagram on Sunday, Jan. 18 — one day after celebrating his 45th birthday — the R&B singer addressed fans directly, reflecting on what he described as an especially difficult period.

“Thank y’all for the love today, man. God is good. Something’s new, something’s gonna change this year,” Ray J said in the nearly two-minute clip. He went on to thank supporters for both encouragement and criticism, adding, “Last year was a crazy year, it was a ‘crash out campaign.’ It was intense, but God made it through and put us in the right position.”

Ray J emphasized that he is committed to moving differently in the future. “I promise y’all, this is gonna be a really, really different wave that we on now,” he said. “All jokes aside, I love y’all, and I appreciate y’all, thank you.”

The singer also credited his family for standing by him during what he called a critical time. “Thank you to my family too — my mom, my dad, my sister — for having my back,” he said. “My sister came through for me, man, I needed her.”

In the video’s caption, Ray J expanded on the struggles he said defined the past year. “I walked through a season meant to break me,” he wrote. “Jail, sickness, silence, and loss all at once. I take full accountability for my mistakes. God still spared my life when I didn’t deserve it. That alone humbles me.” He added, “My family covered me. Your prayers carried me.”

Ray J also referenced health challenges that forced personal reflection. “My health forced me to put the bottle down and face myself,” he wrote, thanking both supporters and critics. He concluded the post with a message about his children: “I love you — ON GOD — I miss my kids so much. I will be with you soon.”

His sister, Grammy-winning singer Brandy, publicly responded in the comments, offering encouragement. “I love you so much, bro, and I’m here for you until the end — and after that,” she wrote, adding, “God Bless you and your journey. We will get through everything together! #sis.”

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While Ray J did not outline specific incidents in the video, his comments come after a year filled with headlines. In 2025, he faced legal issues stemming from a domestic dispute with his estranged wife, Princess Love, made inflammatory claims about fellow artists, and drew criticism for erratic behavior during livestreams. He also made controversial public statements about his personal life and interactions with other celebrities.

More recently, Ray J was hospitalized in Las Vegas after experiencing pneumonia and heart-related symptoms. TMZ reported that doctors performed X-rays and an echocardiogram.

Now, Ray J says he is focused on healing and change, suggesting that the year ahead will look very different from the one behind him.

by Mary Spiller

January 19, 2026

Conservatives Target Don Lemon for Investigation Following ICE Protest at Minnesota Church Service

The former CNN anchor faces backlash from MAGA activists following a livestreamed protest at a St. Paul church.

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is facing calls for his arrest and a federal investigation after participating in livestream coverage of a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, drawing swift condemnation from conservative activists and senior Trump administration officials.

The incident occurred Jan 18 at Cities Church, where demonstrators entered during worship services to protest the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota. Protesters also demanded justice for Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot earlier this month by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis.

Lemon, now an independent journalist, was livestreaming while interviewing protesters outside the church before following them inside as chants of “ICE out” echoed through the sanctuary. Demonstrators accused church leadership of cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

“This will not stand,” protest organizer Nekima Levy Armstrong told Lemon ahead of the disruption. “They cannot pretend to be a house of God while harboring someone who is commanding ICE agents to terrorize our communities.”

Instagram user rissasofar added context to the church protest. She stated in an Instagram video that the Minnesota protesters “went to the church to shut down its service because they discovered that one of its lead pastors, David Easterwood, is actually an ICE agent.”

The Instagram user stated, “We’ve got thousands and hundreds and thousands of people that we can ask that right now as ICE agents continue to violate the laws and break into their homes and start yelling at them and then, you know, kidnapping them and stuff. But I digress. Don, thank you so much for the incredible work that you’re doing, for all the boots-on-the-ground journalism that you’re doing. Minnesota, we see you. We are so proud of you. Keep your foot on their necks. Flip those tables. Hold everyone accountable. Spread the story. Spread the news.”

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The protest prompted many worshippers to leave the building. One congregant expressed anger over the disruption, saying, “These people have come into our house, and they’ve interrupted our worship. Everybody’s gone home, their point has been proven worthless, and so, in the end, I think they lose. I feel violated, I feel interrupted, I feel angry.”

Lemon also spoke briefly with one of the church’s pastors, who said the protesters had refused to engage in dialogue.

“No one is willing to talk. I have to take care of my church and my family,” the pastor said, asking Lemon to leave.

The outspoken journalist noted that police officers remained outside the church but did not intervene.

Video clips of the incident circulated widely online, fueling outrage among conservative commentators. The MAGA Voice account called for Lemon to be investigated by the FBI and Department of Justice, while influencer Benny Johnson claimed the journalist’s actions amounted to “not just an obscene violation of the FACE Act — it’s likely a hate crime.”

Johnson and others referenced the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994, which makes it a federal crime to use force, intimidation, or obstruction at reproductive health facilities and places of worship. Right-wing figures, including Matt Walsh, Will Chamberlain, and Baptist minister Paul Chappell, echoed similar calls.

“We condemn the actions of Don Lemon and the group of activists who stormed Cities Church today in St Paul, Minnesota, in clear violation of the FACE Act,” Chappell wrote. “Christians everywhere should demand that the Department of Justice arrest those who participated.”

She continued to comment on the protest’s dissenters, particularly one man who asked Lemon, “How would you like it if I went into your house and started yelling?”

The Trump administration has since acknowledged the incident. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon shared footage of the protest and announced that the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division was “investigating the potential violations of the federal FACE Act by these people desecrating a house of worship and interfering with Christian worshippers.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi later added, “I just spoke to the pastor in Minnesota whose church was targeted. Attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law.”

She warned that if state officials fail to act, the DOJ “will remain mobilized to prosecute federal crimes and ensure that the rule of law prevails.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced that message, stating, “President Trump will not tolerate the intimidation and harassment of Christians in their sacred places of worship.”

Not all officials shared that view. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a Democrat, publicly thanked Lemon earlier that day for “being on the ground in Minnesota to help lift up this fight for truth and fairness,” underscoring sharp divisions between federal and local leaders.

The protest unfolded amid heightened tensions in Minnesota after Trump deployed 3,000 ICE agents as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Demonstrations intensified following Good’s killing, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demanding federal agents “get the f*** out of Minneapolis.” Trump has since threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, while Gov. Tim Walz has placed the National Guard on standby.

Mayor Jacob Frey: I have a message for ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/62JLyuf6kQ
— Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) January 7, 2026

by Mary Spiller

January 19, 2026

Nightmare Ride: Two Arrested In Boynton Beach After Uber Driver Kidnapping And Wild Crime Spree

Police say suspects forced driver to travel across Palm Beach County for hours while attempting to use stolen credit cards.

Boynton Beach police have arrested two suspects accused of kidnapping an Uber driver at gunpoint and forcing the victim to drive them around Palm Beach County for nearly two hours while they attempted to access stolen credit cards. Police identified the primary suspect as 20-year-old Isaiah Thurston.

According to the Boynton Beach Police Department, the incident occurred on Friday, Jan. 16, after an Uber driver picked up what appeared to be a routine ride request near the Catalina Center in Boynton Beach. Officers said the situation quickly escalated once the passenger entered the vehicle.

Investigators said Thurston was dressed entirely in black and wearing a ski mask when he allegedly pressed a firearm into the driver’s back. Authorities said the suspect then ordered the driver to cancel the ride and summoned a second individual, later identified as 24-year-old Jakeria Riley.

The victim told officers the two suspects forced them to continue driving through several cities, including West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach. During the nearly two-hour ordeal, police said the suspects attempted to withdraw money from ATMs using multiple credit cards believed to be stolen.

Investigators said the driver remained under threat during the drive and complied out of fear for their safety. Police reports indicate the suspects eventually fled once the vehicle returned to Boynton Beach, according to WPBF.

Following the victim’s report, detectives launched an investigation that led them to a Courtyard Marriott hotel in the area. Authorities located Thurston and Riley nearby and took both into custody.

During a search, officers said Riley was found in possession of cocaine and several credit cards not belonging to her. Police did not immediately disclose whether the ATM withdrawal attempts were successful.

The couple was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on multiple charges, including kidnapping, armed robbery, possession of a controlled substance, violation of probation, and resisting arrest.

Police records show additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues. Court records indicate Riley appeared before a judge on 18 January, where no bond was set. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Thurston declined to appear in court on Sunday, and his initial appearance was postponed. He remains in custody.

Police have not released the name of the Uber driver, citing safety and privacy concerns. Authorities say the case remains under investigation and are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Boynton Beach Police Department.

No injuries were reported, but officers described the incident as a serious and dangerous crime involving the use of a firearm.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 19, 2026

LeBron James’ ‘Honor The King’ Nike Shoe Inspired By Memphis Hotel Where MLK Was Assassinated

The shoe's colorway pays tribute to the Memphis hotel where King was assassinated, now the National Civil Rights Museum.

LeBron James has revealed his new Nike shoe paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King.

The “Honor The King” sneaker, revealed as part of the Nike LeBron 23 collection, honors King as well as the Memphis hotel where he was assassinated. Upon Dr. King’s death, the Lorraine Motel has become a symbol of continued hope and resilience within the Civil Rights movement.

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A post shared by Move the Culture (@unapologeticallymemphis)

Now, a new symbol in the sneakerverse has arrived ahead of MLK Day. Recognizing another “King,” the sneaker has a bright teal colorway, evoking the same colors of the famed motel, as reported by Kicks. It primarily features the iconic teal color, with accents of gold on the sneaker’s tongue with an accompanying golden Nike check. The shoe also boast an “EQUALITY” featured alongside its heel, reminding purchasers of the shared value of both “Kings.”

James is a long-time supporter of the cultural institution and national landmark. Now, the NBA champion further honors the motel’s significance to Black and American history with the coveted sneaker.

On the surface I get this seems in poor taste, but remember this is now the location of the National Civil Rights Museum. If they tell the story from THAT angle, it could land more softly. https://t.co/sX3R2ZxFTW
— Kari (@SneakerPhetish) January 13, 2026

During its original operations, the motel served Black Americans during the time of segregation, hosting Dr. King as he conducted what would become his final speech. Since then, it has transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum to honor Dr. King’s legacy, further highlighted through this shoe.

However, the shoe has another personal note from James, also nodding to his acclaimed 51-point game against the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008. As part of the Nike LeBron 23 collection, which recognizes James’ 23 seasons in the NBA, each design will mark a storied part of James’ monumental career in professional basketball and beyond.

According to Sneaker Bar Detroit, fans of James and sneakerheads will have to wait a little bit longer to cop the historic shoe. The outlet stated that the “Honor The King” sneaker will come at the end of Black History Month, with an expected date of Feb. 24.

by Mitti Hicks

January 19, 2026

Mortgage Rates Fall To Lowest Level In Over Three Years, Data Shows

As of Jan. 15, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.06%, down from 7.04% the year before.

It appears that relief is on the horizon for prospective homebuyers as mortgage rates continue to decline. The average rate on a conventional mortgage in the U.S. has dropped to 6.06%, the lowest level in more than three years, according to Freddie Mac.

As of Jan. 15, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.06%, down from 7.04% the year before. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.38%, down from last week’s 5.46%. It’s also down from 6.27% last year.

“The impacts are noticeable, as weekly purchase applications and refinance activity have jumped, underscoring the benefits for both buyers and current owners,” the lender said. “It appears that housing activity is improving and poised for a solid spring sales season.”

Homeownership Bleak For Americans Despite Drop In Mortgage Rates

While mortgage rates are dropping for Americans, homeownership is another story as people grapple with affordability. A report from Attom found that median-priced homes are less affordable than usual in 99% of the 594 counties for which sufficient data were available, CBS News reported. The national average for home prices sits around $365,000, a record high.

“Many Americans were priced out of buying a home in 2025, and affordability remains worse than historic norms in most markets,” Rob Barber, CEO of Attom, told CBS News.

Prospective homebuyers face an uphill battle as record-high prices continue to outpace wages and a severe housing shortage. According to the National Mortgage Professional, the typical household earns $83,853 per year, which is nearly 30% less than the $115,454 needed to afford the median-priced homes. This also renders potential buyers “cost burdened” by pushing them above the 30% threshold, with 41.3% of their earnings spent on housing costs.

Redfin Senior Economist, Elijah de la Campa, told the outlet that buyers need to spend 30% or less of their income on their monthly housing payment for a home to be considered “affordable” on the platform.