by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 15, 2026

Long Overdue! College Park Honors City’s 1st Black Championship Basketball Team

The 1969 Eva L. Thomas Bearcats Championship Basketball Team was the first Black basketball championship team in Georgia

The City of College Park has honored the first Black basketball high school championship team in Georgia, the 1969 Eva L. Thomas Bearcats Championship Basketball Team.

According to WSB-TV, the ceremony took place on April 11, nearly 60 years after the team won the championship. City officials and county leaders joined members of the team. Fulton County Chairman Rob Pitts, NBA Champion Josh Powell, and City Manager Michael Hicks, along with their family and friends, witnessed the ceremony.

“For 57 years, these distinguished athletes were denied the recognition they so rightfully deserved due to the injustices of the era,” the city said in a written statement.

According to Atlanta News First, one of the team’s players, Michael Majeed, attended the special event and spoke to the outlet.

“Eva Thomas was a home for us, a home away from home,” Majeed said. “We were the first Black high school to play in that coliseum, and when we got there, we were met with a lot of hostility.”

He told the media outlet that they weren’t properly recognized when they initially won the title.

“The superintendent of the schools came to our school and handed us a small piece of paper saying they appreciated what we had done. He stayed there five minutes.”

As Majeed looked at old pictures of the team, he reminisced about the team’s achievements.

“That was one of the greatest accomplishments that I and my teammates have ever done,” he said.

This is the second time that the former Bearcats have been recognized for their achievement.

The team was also recognized six years ago during the city’s second annual Black History Month Celebration titled “Stand Up and Stand Out,” according to 11 Alive. At the event, the team members received a special proclamation from the city. The ceremony took place Feb. 8, 2020. The entire Bearcats’ championship roster was there to accept their awards and received a standing ovation from the attendees.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rainbow coalition, Black men xcel

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 15, 2026

Aggies Honor The Late Rev. Jesse Jackson With A Day of Service

To celebrate National Volunteer Month, Chancellor James R. Martin II proclaimed April 23 as the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. ‘64 Day of Service.

North Carolina A&T State University, home of the Aggies and alma mater of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, is honoring him with a university-wide Day of Service scheduled for April 23.

To celebrate National Volunteer Month, Chancellor James R. Martin II proclaimed the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. ‘64 Day of Service, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Martin called on Aggies near and far to participate in meaningful acts of service, civic engagement, and community uplift to pay homage to the distinguished alumnus and civil rights leader, referring to him as “an incredible representation of service.” “He served this university, he served the country, he served the world, and we have an opportunity on that day to remember him, but to also do what Aggies do, which is make the world better,” the new chancellor said.

“As a university, our job is to make our region, our state, and our nation better, but that begins with service.”

To honor the Aggie and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, who passed away during the 2026 Black History Month celebration, the day will kick off with a program titled “From Vision to Action: Honoring a Legacy Through Service,” at the Reflecting Pool across from the Student Center on campus.

Featuring remarks from campus department representatives, the program will uplift numerous aspects of Jackson’s experience during his days as a student at A&T, graduating in 1964, in addition to honoring his lifelong commitment to advancing human dignity, social justice, and opportunity while inspiring generations of new Aggies, known to lead with purpose, resilience, and social responsibility.

Jackson was known for his work in social responsibility and justice following the 1968 assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His work took place away from the campus in Greensboro, leading him to pen famous pleas such as “keep hope alive” while running for president twice, and to give speeches that captured the hearts of advocates and elected politicians.

After the program, volunteers will disperse to their designated service sites, including the Aggie Source Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity, to do gardening, a “plant-to-pantry” initiative, and create greeting cards for the United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Family Success Center.

Alum chapters across the country also have host projects scheduled with their communities, in addition to initiatives and organizations such as Nourish the Block at the University Farm, Food Recovery Network, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and Greensboro Beautiful Campus Clean-Up, which are supported by the chapters.

A&T is on a hot streak with eye-opening announcements. As the Class of 2026 prepares for graduation, the HBCU announced recent Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame inductee Queen Latifah as the keynote speaker for the university’s May 9 undergraduate commencement ceremonies, where close to 2,000 undergraduate students and roughly 350 graduate students are scheduled to walk the stage, according to HBCU Game Day.

Alumna Dr. Nia Danielle Banks is also scheduled to speak at the May 8 graduate student ceremony. The esteemed plastic surgeon walked the stage to earn her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the school before continuing her medical and surgical training at Johns Hopkins University.

by Ahsan Washington

April 14, 2026

Happy Birthday To Motown Records On Its 67th Anniversary

Check out the top 10 most influential Motown hits

It is incredible to look back at how Berry Gordy Jr.’s vision, starting on April 14, 1959, fundamentally integrated the American airwaves. That vision rendered a historic sound engineered by Motown Records, headquartered at Hitsville recording studio located at 2648 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan. Key songwriters for the label in its heyday were Ashford & Simpson, Holland–Dozier–Holland, and the incomparable Smokey Robinson.

Motown’s success was not just artistic; it was a statistical powerhouse. At its peak in the 1960s, the label had a “hit ratio” (the percentage of records released that made the charts) of nearly 75%, whereas the industry average was closer to 10%. By the end of the 1960s, Motown was the largest Black-owned enterprise in the United States, grossing $20 million annually by 1966 (equivalent to over $190 million today).

Top 10 Most Influential Motown Hits & Artists

1) “Please Mr. Postman” (1961) – The Marvelettes

This was the spark that ignited the Motown Sound on a national scale. It became the label’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that a Black female group from Inkster, Michigan, could dominate the pop charts.

2) “Baby Love” (1964) – The Supremes

The Supremes are statistically the most successful American vocal group of all time. “Baby Love” was the second of 12 No. 1 hits they would achieve, a record for any American group that still stands.

3) “Dancing in the Street” (1964) – Martha and the Vandellas

A Top 10 hit that evolved from a summer party anthem into a cultural touchstone. Recorded at Hitsville U.S.A., it became an unofficial rallying cry for the Civil Rights movement.

4) “My Girl” (1964) – The Temptations

Written and produced by Smokey Robinson, this became The Temptations’ signature song and their very first No. 1 hit, defining the “romantic soul” genre.

5) “The Tracks of My Tears” (1965) – Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

Often cited by critics as one of the most perfectly written songs in history, this track exemplified Motown’s shift toward introspective, sophisticated songwriting.

6) “Reach Out I’ll Be There” (1966) – Four Tops

A global No. 1, this track utilized the operatic, commanding vocals of Levi Stubbs to cement Motown’s dominance on the international charts and the UK music scene.

7) “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (1968) – Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s version stayed at No. 1 for seven weeks and became Motown’s biggest-selling single of the 1960s, showcasing a darker, more cinematic production style.

8) “I Want You Back” (1969) – The Jackson 5

This debut single sold 2 million copies in just six weeks. It kicked off a historic run where their first four singles all reached No. 1—a feat never before accomplished by any group.

9) “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (1970) – Diana Ross

This sweeping, orchestral production solidified Diana Ross’s status as a solo superstar after she departed from The Supremes, reaching No. 1 and becoming an enduring pop anthem.

10) Songs in the Key of Life (1976) – Stevie Wonder

Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, it was only the third album in history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and won the Grammy for Album of the Year.

Zion Williamson, lawsuit, rap, domestic violence

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 14, 2026

Zion Williamson Falls Short Of NBA Playoffs 7 Seasons In A Row

'I haven’t experienced the playoffs, and it’s something that I would love to experience.'

New Orleans Pelicans player Zion Williamson has been in the NBA since 2019 and has yet to set foot on the basketball court in the playoffs. He is yearning to participate and will try something different in the offseason.

According to Athlon Sports, the former Duke player, who was once hailed as the future face of the NBA while still in college, is disappointed to have never experienced postseason play. Although the Pelicans have reached the playoffs twice since he was drafted, he has not played due to injuries. Williamson is the only player in the league who has been there for more than five years who has yet to play in a postseason game.

During his season-ending exit interview with the team, he said, “I do want to experience the playoffs. I haven’t experienced the playoffs, and it’s something that I would love to experience.”

The knock on Williamson is that he is always injured, and when not, he carries too much weight to be as effective as he could be. But this year, he played in 62 games, the most he has played since the 2023-24 season. That year, he appeared in 70 games. The typical NBA season is 82 games. His stats for the season were 21 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 60%.

He does hope to do better and has vowed to reach out to former NBA players during the offseason in preparation for next season.

“Using my resources to reach out to other Hall of Famers, reach out to other championship players, reach out to greats, and see what their journey was like. Because I would like to play in the playoffs.”

“It’s frustrating getting up here every year and not being in the playoffs,” he said. “And I take my responsibility in that. I’ve definitely held myself accountable. So, it’s time to start taking different approaches, gaining what knowledge I can, and working on different things.”

Zion Williamson during his exit interview: "I want to experience the playoffs…It's frustrating getting up here every year and not being in the playoffs. And I take my responsibility in that"

Video via: https://t.co/S65FNxvBXW pic.twitter.com/SoLvH4JZIs
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 13, 2026

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 14, 2026

Surgeon Accused Of Knowingly Buying Stolen Vehicles For Rental Car Side Hustle

The allegedly deceitful doctor was a well-known surgeon in the Warner Robins area.

A Georgia surgeon allegedly bought stolen vehicles for a rental car side hustle.

Local law enforcement arrested Patrick Narh-Martey on April 10 in connection with the alleged scheme, as reported by 13WMAZ. Narh-Martey is a registered surgeon at the Emory Healthcare facility in Warner Robins.

However, when he wasn’t operating on patients, the doctor was covering up stolen cars to use as rental vehicles. To run his side hustle, Amanor Enterprise LLC, prosecutors claim, he stole the cars and then altered their VINs.

Now, the detained physician faces 11 counts of theft by receiving stolen property and eight counts of possessing a car with altered VINs. He reportedly did not work alone, conspiring with others to conduct the criminal car-rental scheme.

The incident report further detailed how many cars were illegally in his possession. Narh-Martey reportedly purchased 13 stolen vehicles across various states from North Carolina to Illinois. None of the vehicles came from Georgia.

According to the Middle Georgia Surgical Institute, Narh-Martey is a board-certified internal medicine physician. Known for his work in medical education, research, and communal wellness, he became a beacon of health expertise in the Warner Robins community.

“His holistic approach to healthcare emphasizes the importance of fostering strong doctor-patient relationships built on trust, empathy, and open communication, ensuring that each patient receives personalized attention and comprehensive treatment tailored to their unique needs,” wrote the webpage.

Now, the acclaimed doctor is at the center of an ongoing investigation into the stolen-vehicle scheme.

Ahead of his recent arrest, Narh-Martey came in contact with authorities before this issue in 2021. However, instead of becoming a suspect, the Georgia surgeon was listed as a victim in a case regarding a stolen vehicle from Florida.

A Houston County tag office employee reported a car title as potentially fake, leading police to reach out to Narh-Martey. He reportedly lied to police about where he purchased a 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat. He told authorities that he paid $44,500 for the vehicle on Facebook Marketplace.

It was not until years later that the police uncovered Narh-Martey’s ruse. Now, he faces not only jail time but a hit to his medical career as well. The news outlet confirmed that his page on the Warner Robins medical center’s website has been removed in light of the charges.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 14, 2026

FAMU And FSU Omegas Join George Clinton On Stage For Legendary ‘Atomic Dog’ Performance

George Clinton invited members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. to join him on stage at his inaugural P-Funk Festival for a legendary performance of "Atomic Dog."

George Clinton took the stage for his inaugural P-Funk Fest in Tallahassee, Florida, where he was joined by members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., for a legendary high-energy performance of his Billboard No. 1 hit “Atomic Dog.”

On April 11, Ques from Omega Psi Phi’s Florida A&M University’s Upsilon Phi Chapter and Florida State University’s Chi Theta Chapter joined George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic for a standout performance of “Atomic Dog” at the first of what’s expected to become an annual musical celebration, HBCU Game Day reports.

“One of my prophytes alerted us that Mr. Clinton wanted us to perform Atomic Dog with him at this festival,” said Cole Bigelow, a junior at FAMU and president of the Upsilon Psi Chapter. “I was so happy to not only see him perform some of his other songs, but have a chance to step as well. It was crazy. I can only say he is iconic, and it was an honor to be on stage with him.”

Released in 1982, Clinton’s “Atomic Dog” quickly became the unofficial anthem of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. During a 2021 interview, Clinton recalled how just weeks after its release, members of the fraternity’s Alpha Chapter in Washington, D.C. introduced him to their signature stepping to the track—an experience that helped cement its lasting cultural connection.

Since then, the song has been deeply woven into the fraternity’s identity and remains a staple across HBCU and Divine Nine culture.

Over the years, Clinton often invited local chapters of Omega Psi Phi to join him on stage during performances of “Atomic Dog”, creating a signature moment between the two. The tradition came full circle when Clinton was inducted as a lifetime member in 2020 alongside D.L. Hughley and Anthony Anderson.

Now, with the launch of P-Funk Fest, the moment could become an annual celebration.

TED Talks, Brooklyn, comedy show, Black-Owned Comedy Venue, black music

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 14, 2026

Maryland Passes New Law To Restrict Prosecutors From Using Rap Lyrics In Criminal Cases

Maryland's new PACE Act makes it the third state to pass laws restricting prosecutors' use of rap lyrics in criminal cases.

Maryland has passed a new law as part of a nationwide effort to limit prosecutors‘ use of rap lyrics in criminal cases.

Passed April 9, Maryland’s Protecting Artists’ Creative Expression (PACE) Act restricts when prosecutors can use rap lyrics as evidence, Billboard reports. Under the new law, lyrics and other creative works can only be admitted if a judge determines they meet strict standards—including proving they were intended as literal statements tied to the case.

The law, expected to be signed by Gov. Wes Moore, is part of a broader push to curb the practice, which critics argue undermines free speech and can bias juries—pointing to recent cases involving Young Thug and Lil Durk, where lyrics were used in indictments.

“The passage of the PACE Act in Maryland marks an important victory for music creators,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Silencing any genre or form of artistic expression is an attack on creative freedom.”

While the law, also known as House Bill 687, doesn’t ban the use of lyrics in criminal cases, it requires prosecutors to prove—by a preponderance of the evidence—that the lyrics are relevant. Judges must determine that they were intended as literal statements, directly tied to the case, and material to a disputed fact before they can be admitted.

Maryland becomes the third state to curb the practice, following a 2022 law in California and similar limits in Louisiana. New York has considered comparable measures, while federal legislation has been introduced multiple times in Congress.

Music industry veteran Kevin Liles, chairman of the Free Our Art campaign, advocated for the Maryland bill and hopes its passage encourages other states to address what he calls the “growing weaponization of creative expression in courtrooms across America.”

“As a kid growing up in Baltimore, music found me and hip-hop saved my life,” Liles said. “When this bill is signed, we’re turning our attention to New York State next, and we hope to have two bills passed this year.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 14, 2026

Louisiana State University’s Flau’Jae Johnson Traded On WNBA Draft Night

After being selected at No. 8 by the Golden State Valkyries, she was traded to the Seattle Storm

In an unexpected move at the 2026 WNBA Draft, Louisiana State University’s Flau’Jae Johnson was traded shortly after being drafted with the No. 8 pick by the Golden State Valkyries.

The Seattle Storm announced that it traded the draft rights of the No. 16 overall pick, Marta Suarez, and the team’s 2028 2nd round pick to the Valkyries in exchange for the draft rights to Johnson. The team welcomed her via a social media post.

https://twitter.com/seattlestorm/status/2043851977910812710

“Flau’jae is one of the most dynamic, creative, and explosive players in this draft, and we’re excited to get another first-round pick to select her,” said Storm General Manager Talisa Rhea in a written statement. “Her playmaking, ability to score in multiple ways, and energy on both ends of the court will impact our team immediately. We can’t wait for Flau’jae to get to Seattle.”

Johnson just completed her collegiate career, during which she won an NCAA Championship as a freshman in 2023. She averaged 11 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, and was named the 2022–23 SEC (Southeastern Conference) Freshman of the Year, as well as being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team as the starting shooting guard. She ended her career at LSU, averaging 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 46.5% shooting from the field during her senior year. She scored in double digits 27 times, including nine games with more than 20 points.

This past season, Johnson was named First-Team All-SEC and Third-Team All-American. In her four years, she achieved numerous accolades, including being named a Third-Team All-American in 2025, First-Team All-SEC (2025), and Second-Team All-SEC (2024). She became the sixth LSU player to score more than 2,000 career points.

Before attending LSU, the Georgia native played at Sprayberry High School in Marietta and was a 2022 McDonald’s All-American who finished her high school career as Sprayberry’s leading scorer.

by Janee Bolden

April 14, 2026

New Edition Wins Fan Vote But Misses Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction

New Edition led the 2026 Rock Hall fan vote but won't be inducted this year.

Despite overwhelming fan support, New Edition will not be part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

The iconic R&B group, widely credited with shaping the modern boy band blueprint, secured the top spot in this year’s fan vote with more than one million votes. However, when the final inductees were announced, New Edition’s name was notably absent from the list.

This year’s class includes Phil Collins, Sade, Oasis, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Luther Vandross, and the Wu-Tang Clan, reflecting a wide-ranging mix of genres and eras.

Additionally, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons will receive the Early Influence Award, which honors artists whose music and performance styles have directly shaped and evolved rock ‘n’ roll and its cultural impact.

For many fans, New Edition’s exclusion from the 2026 Rock Hall of Fame class may come as a surprise, but the fan vote has never guaranteed induction.

Rock Hall President and CEO Greg Harris explained that the vote allows fans the chance to participate, “but it counts for only one single ballot in the grand scheme of things.”

“The idea is that the fan vote can be weighted because you have a lot of social media followers, a large, contemporary fan base,” Harris said. “And it makes it a challenge for artists that maybe are no longer active and don’t have that same type of following.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s selection process combines fan input with votes from a larger body of industry professionals, historians, and artists, limiting its overall impact on the final decision. Historically, most top fan vote finishers are inducted, but there have been notable exceptions. New Edition now joins a short list of artists who won the public vote but did not make the final cut.

New Edition’s absence from the 2026 class has reignited conversations about how the Hall evaluates influence, particularly when it comes to R&B and Black music.

Formed in Boston in the late 1970s, the group helped define a generation of performers and directly influenced acts like New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, and *NSYNC. Their cultural imprint extends far beyond chart success, shaping the business and performance model for groups that followed.

by Janee Bolden

April 14, 2026

Whoopi Goldberg Launches Publishing Imprint With Blackstone To Spotlight New Voices

The EGOT winner is expanding her business portfolio with a new imprint focused on amplifying diverse authors and stories.

After decades of building a career in entertainment, including publishing more than a dozen books of her own, Whoopi Goldberg is adding publishing executive to her résumé.

The Oscar-winning actress has launched a new publishing imprint, WhoopInk, in partnership with Blackstone Publishing, with a mission to bring fresh and diverse voices to the marketplace.

“I am personally looking forward to finding new authors, working with established authors, and bringing influential voices into this curated imprint,” Goldberg said in a statement Monday.

According to the announcement, Goldberg will play an active role in the imprint, contributing to everything from cover design to marketing and promotion.

The move positions Goldberg alongside a growing number of high-profile creatives, including Reese Witherspoon, John Legend, and Sarah Jessica Parker, who have all launched their own imprints or literary initiatives in recent years.

One of the first authors under WhoopInk will be Rick Bleiweiss, a Blackstone executive who worked on Goldberg’s bestselling memoir “Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me.” The imprint is expected to publish the next installment in his mystery series “Pignon Scorbion & the Barbershop Detectives.”

The longtime co-host and moderator of “The View” also plans to release new work of her own through the imprint, including a follow-up to her memoir “Bits and Pieces,” and a collaboration with longtime business partner Tom Leonardis.

Goldberg’s move into publishing is the latest chapter in a long-running pattern of entrepreneurial expansion. Over the years, she has consistently leveraged her platform to build businesses that center both purpose and underserved audiences.

One of her most notable ventures includes her early entry into the cannabis space with Whoopi & Maya, a medical cannabis company launched in 2016 that focused on providing relief for menstrual discomfort. As previously reported, the brand helped establish a niche market within the industry before ultimately shutting down in 2020 amid shifts in the business and regulatory landscape.

More recently, Goldberg has continued to explore opportunities in the cannabis sector. In 2025, she partnered with Pure Genesis to launch Whoop-Tea, a hemp-derived THC beverage designed to offer a more social and accessible alternative to alcohol. The collaboration reflects her ongoing interest in wellness-focused products and culturally driven consumer experiences.

With each new venture, Goldberg continues to position herself not just for growth, but for long-term influence across industries where culture and commerce intersect.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘I’m Getting Dragged’ Whoopi Goldberg Explains Her Appearance In The Epstein Files

Long Overdue! College Park Honors City’s 1st Black Championship Basketball Team

Aggies Honor The Late Rev. Jesse Jackson With A Day of Service

Happy Birthday To Motown Records On Its 67th Anniversary

Top 10 Most Influential Motown Hits & Artists

1) “Please Mr. Postman” (1961) – The Marvelettes

2) “Baby Love” (1964) – The Supremes

3) “Dancing in the Street” (1964) – Martha and the Vandellas

4) “My Girl” (1964) – The Temptations

5) “The Tracks of My Tears” (1965) – Smokey Robinson and the Miracles

6) “Reach Out I’ll Be There” (1966) – Four Tops

7) “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (1968) – Marvin Gaye

8) “I Want You Back” (1969) – The Jackson 5

9) “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (1970) – Diana Ross

10) Songs in the Key of Life (1976) – Stevie Wonder

Zion Williamson Falls Short Of NBA Playoffs 7 Seasons In A Row

Surgeon Accused Of Knowingly Buying Stolen Vehicles For Rental Car Side Hustle

FAMU And FSU Omegas Join George Clinton On Stage For Legendary ‘Atomic Dog’ Performance

Maryland Passes New Law To Restrict Prosecutors From Using Rap Lyrics In Criminal Cases

Louisiana State University’s Flau’Jae Johnson Traded On WNBA Draft Night

New Edition Wins Fan Vote But Misses Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Whoopi Goldberg Launches Publishing Imprint With Blackstone To Spotlight New Voices