Executive order 14236, minimum wage, President Trump, federal contractors, hourly workers

by Keka Araújo

May 23, 2025

Trump Rescinds Federal Contractor Minimum Wage Hike, Disproportionately Harming Black Workers in Key States

Labor advocates and progressive groups have criticized the move as an attack on working-class individuals, particularly when rising living costs are already a significant concern.

President Donald Trump has rescinded a key Biden-era executive order that had raised the minimum wage for federal contractors to $17.75 per hour, a move that labor advocates warn will negatively impact hundreds of thousands of low-wage workers, with a particularly significant effect on Black workers, especially in states where Black Americans constitute a large share of the federal workforce.

The rescission, enacted through Executive Order 14236 on March 14, effectively undoes Executive Order 14026, signed by President Joe Biden on April 27, 2021, which had gradually increased the minimum wage for federal contract employees.

The now-revoked Biden order, which had been in full effect since January 20, 2022, raised the minimum wage for these workers and directed the Secretary of Labor to make future adjustments to keep pace with inflation.

As of January 1, this had resulted in a minimum wage of $17.75 for those employed by private companies and nonprofits contracted by the federal government. While raising the federal minimum wage for all workers requires Congressional action, the Department of Labor has the authority to set higher wage standards specifically for federal contractors. These contractors encompass a broad spectrum of workers across various industries, from janitorial and food service staff to IT professionals.

Estimates from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) in 2021 projected that approximately 1.9 million individuals, including construction workers, held federal contract jobs in 2022. Around 390,000 workers, representing about one-fifth of the entire federal contract workforce, were expected to see their wages rise due to Biden’s Executive Order 14026. The EPI further estimated that these workers would collectively experience a $1.2 billion increase in pay.

Advocates for the higher minimum wage argue that it ensures taxpayer dollars support jobs that offer a living wage, rather than incentivizing a “race to the bottom” where contractors compete by providing the lowest possible pay. They also point to research suggesting that minimum wage increases lead to lower employee turnover, improved worker performance, and increased efficiency.

For example, a 2021 study by Krista Ruffini indicated that minimum wage hikes in nursing homes correlated with better worker performance, reduced inspection violations, fewer preventable health conditions, and lower resident mortality.

Trump’s rescission of Executive Order 14026 is poised to reverse these gains for approximately 390,000 low-wage federal contract workers entitled to at least $15 per hour under the regulation. Should the Trump administration fully dismantle this rule, the minimum wage for these contractors would likely revert to the level set by the Obama administration in 2014, which was $13.30 per hour. Alternatively, if the administration were to eliminate the higher minimum wage for federal contractors, those working in states without a higher minimum wage could see their minimum wage fall to the current federal minimum of just $7.25 per hour.

Trump’s Executive Order 14236, “Additional Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions,” directly revoked Executive Order 14026. Following this, the Department of Labor announced it would cease enforcing the Biden-era order and its implementing rule, initiating steps to rescind 29 CFR part 23 officially.

Labor advocates and progressive groups have criticized the move as an attack on the working class, particularly when rising living costs are already a significant concern. They argue that the gross decision grants private sector companies with government contracts the freedom to reduce the wages of hundreds of thousands of employees. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2022 provides context for the impact of minimum wage policies. That year, about 2 percent of Black hourly workers earned the federal minimum wage or less.

Disproportionate Impact on Black Workers

The rescission of the federal contractor minimum wage is anticipated to disproportionately affect Black workers, who historically have found more equitable job opportunities in the public sector compared to the private sector.

Data highlights that while 18.7% of all federal workers are Black, their representation is significantly higher in certain states. The Black worker share of state and federal employment is highest in Georgia (43.8%), Louisiana (37.6%), Mississippi (34.8%), and Tennessee (34.6%). The repeal of the $17.75 minimum wage for federal contractors in these states, where a substantial portion of the federal workforce is Black, could have a particularly pronounced negative economic impact on Black communities.

The EPI’s earlier analysis of the $15 minimum wage for federal contractors indicated that a significant percentage of those who would receive a wage increase were workers of color, including many Black workers, often in lower-wage service sector jobs within federal contracting. The rollback of this wage floor threatens to disproportionately harm these workers and potentially widen existing racial disparities in income and wealth.

The Trump administration claims its policies prioritize American workers. Yet, rescinding the federal contractor minimum wage follows a pattern of decisions that undermine wage standards for working-class individuals.

Labor advocates contend that this move contradicts claims of supporting American workers, leaving many vulnerable to potential pay cuts. The existing wage protections under the Service Contract Act (SCA) and the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) may not adequately compensate these workers, as their wage levels can be lower and are not always regularly adjusted for inflation.

The repeal also introduces uncertainty for contractors and instability for the affected workforce.

Trump’s decision to rescind the executive order raising the minimum wage for federal contractors is expected to disproportionately harm Black workers, particularly in states with a high percentage of Black federal employees.

The rollback threatens to lower wages, reduce financial security, and potentially exacerbate racial economic disparities, raising concerns about the administration’s commitment to equitable economic opportunities.

tariffs, price hikes, Walmart, shopping,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 23, 2025

The People’s Union Organizes Boycott Against Walmart’s ‘Corporate Greed’

The People's Union launched its second nationwide blackout against Walmart.

The People’s Union is launching a second nationwide boycott against Walmart to combat the retailer’s “corporate greed.”

On May 20, People’s Union Founder John Schwarz took to Instagram to urge shoppers to boycott Walmart from May 20 to 26. The grassroots group behind the one-day economic blackout on Feb. 28 is now calling for a week-long boycott of Walmart, Sam’s Club, and affiliated brands like Great Value and Equate.

The latest blackout comes in response to Walmart’s planned price hikes that the retailer has tied to Trump’s tariffs.

“Because after all the record profits, all the tax loopholes, all the corporate greed, Walmart now once again wants to raise prices,” Schwartz said in the video. “But this time, because of the tariffs, as if they’re not already raking in billions, as if they can’t absorb the cost. As if you and I should carry this burden.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Schwarz (@theonecalledjai)

Since Feb. 28, the People’s Union has held weekly boycotts, targeting companies like Amazon and Nestlé. The group plans to continue these actions through July 4, when it will escalate with longer campaigns. These efforts run alongside separate protests by other organizations against retailers like Target, criticizing their rollback of DEI initiatives.

Target has faced significant profit losses amid ongoing boycotts. Coupled with the impact of Trump’s tariffs, the company has revised its full-year outlook, now projecting a slight decline in net sales, which is a backtrack from its earlier projections.

Walmart’s price hike announcement was met with criticism from the president, who took to social media to tell the mega-retailer to “EAT THE TARIFFS.”

Wait a minute… Trump’s mad that Walmart is blaming tariffs—that he implemented—for higher prices… and says the real issue is they don’t want to eat the cost?

So the problem isn’t the tariffs. It’s that corporations won’t sacrifice their profits to cover for his economic… pic.twitter.com/ZmQxdoNIjL
— Agent Self FBI (@RetroAgent12) May 17, 2025

In response to the latest boycott, Walmart reissued a statement released during The People Union’s first boycott in April.

“As one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country, not only do we pay our fair share, we are an economic force multiplier strengthening communities nationwide through job creation, supplier growth, and over $1.7 billion in cash and in-kind donations last year,” the statement read. “We remain dedicated to earning the business of all Americans and giving our time and resources to causes that uplift and unite communities who rely on us every day.”

The People’s Union has future boycotts planned throughout June into July:

June 3-9: Target
June 24-30: McDonald’s
July 4: Independence Day Blackout

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 23, 2025

New Kingston Honors Jamaica’s Iconic Rum With Launch of Appleton Estate Rum Museum

There's an immersive new way to enjoy the rich taste and cultural legacy of Jamaica's Appleton Estate Rum.

Residents and tourists in Jamaica can now dive into the rich legacy of the island’s most iconic rum with the debut of the Appleton Estate Rum Museum.

The Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience was given new life on May 20, when J Wray and Nephew Limited announced the grand opening of the Appleton Estate Rum Museum, the Jamaica Observer reported. Situated at 23 Dominica Drive, the museum offers a one-of-a-kind “edutainment” experience that blends education and entertainment for an immersive journey through the iconic brand’s storied history.

“This is a pop-up immersive space where persons can come in and learn about the brand credentials, the history and the rum creation process of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum,” Dominic Bell, J Wray and Nephew Limited’s communications manager, said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Appleton Estate Jamaica (@appletonestateja)

Inspired by the acclaimed Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival, the newly opened museum celebrates Jamaican excellence in rum-making. Seasoned rum enthusiasts and curious visitors will get an in-depth exploration of centuries of tradition, masterful craftsmanship, and rich cultural storytelling of Jamaican rum history.

Hands-on exhibits will take guests on a journey through every step of rum-making, from the precise craft of distillation to the aging in oak barrels, all with the goal of garnering new appreciation for Appleton Estate. The museum highlights the versatility of their rum and what makes the brand unique in flavor, quality, and heritage.

“We have been crafting this brand from 1794 and exporting it to the world since then. It’s one of the top-selling spirits globally, and we’ve always said, how do we further communicate and involve the public in that of our own Jamaican experience, and that is what we are doing here now.”

“This museum represents far more than just a timeline of our achievements. It’s a dynamic space where visitors can feel, taste, and understand the soul of Appleton Estate. It’s about connecting with Jamaica’s rum legacy and welcoming a new generation into the world of Appleton through an experience that’s both educational and fun.”

Salary, expectations, California, financial, embezzlement scam limitations, money, Black women, taxes, deductions, e file, turbo tax, moving expenses, money mindset, Georgia

by Kandiss Edwards

May 23, 2025

Georgia Woman Bagged For Embezzling $500K From Local Business, Police Looking for Second Suspect

Dunwoody (GA) Police Department is still searching for Nicole Allen, who allegedly helped embezzle $500,000 from a local business.

Police in Dunwoody are searching for Nicole Allen, who is accused of helping a former employee embezzle nearly $500,000 from a local Georgia business over a two-year period.

According to an April 29 report from Rough Draft Atlanta, Felicia Kelley was arrested and charged with “computer forgery” and “theft by deception” after allegedly manipulating payroll and vendor payments while employed by the unnamed business. An arrest warrant has also been issued for Allen, who investigators say was a co-conspirator

Police say the embezzlement occurred in Georgia between May 2022 and August 2024. The scheme came to light in December 2024, when company leadership noticed irregularities in their financial records and launched an internal audit. The audit revealed approximately $500,000 in unauthorized transactions.

Kelley, who was responsible for managing payroll and paying company vendors, allegedly created altered spreadsheets that appeared legitimate while diverting company funds for personal use. According to police, Allen assisted Kelley in covering up the discrepancies.

The business, which has not been publicly named by authorities, reported the findings to Dunwoody police, prompting a criminal investigation. Detectives say they identified both women as key suspects through a review of financial documents, emails, and internal systems.

As of May 22, Kelley has been taken into custody, while Allen remains at large. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information on Allen’s whereabouts to contact the Dunwoody Police Department.

Neither suspect has made a public statement, and no trial dates have been announced. It is also not yet clear whether additional charges or further arrests are expected in the case.

This remains an active investigation.

Anyone with information about Nicole Allen’s whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Robert Ehlbeck at 678-382-6925 or Robert.Ehlbeck@dunwoodyga.gov.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 23, 2025

Venus Williams Leads WTA Stars Earning College Degrees At Indiana University East

Venus Williams led the pack when she became the first professional tennis player to graduate from the Indiana University East.

Venus Williams is breaking barriers beyond the court, paving the way for a new wave of professional tennis players earning college degrees through Indiana University East (IUE).

The decorated tennis champion, a former world No. 1 in both singles and doubles, was the first to earn a college degree through a partnership between the WTA, the Women’s Tennis Benefit Association, and Indiana University East, Forbes reported. Since receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in August 2015, Williams has inspired a wave of WTA players to follow suit and reshape how female athletes prepare for life after tennis.

Kayla Day, the 2016 U.S. Open junior champion, is the latest WTA standout to graduate from Indiana University East, earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology as part of the Class of 2025. Since Williams first enrolled back in 2011, 24 WTA players have completed their degrees through the program, including 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens, Caroline Dolehide, Cici Bellis, Irina Falconi, Christina McHale, and Marie Bouzkova.

Williams earned over $42 million in prize money throughout her tennis career, which she strategically invested in a range of business ventures. These include her activewear brand Eleven; her interior design company, V Starr Interiors; a minority ownership stake in the Miami Dolphins; and the launch of her AI design platform, Palazzo, in 2024.

After enrolling in The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2007, the Compton native returned to college in 2011 to expand her influence from the court to the boardroom, choosing a business-focused academic path.

“It was always my dream to have a business degree, and I ended up going to art school so many times, but in the back of my head, I felt like I needed the tools to be a better leader, to be a better planner, to be better at all of the things I wanted to do in my businesses because I’m so hands-on,” Venus said in 2015.

The WTA’s partnership with IUE is tailored to accommodate the demanding schedules of professional athletes. With rolling admissions and eight-week course sessions offered year-round, including between semesters, players can continue their studies without interrupting their careers.

Academic advisors are even available via FaceTime to support athletes during the European clay-court season. While the players must meet the same academic standards as any student, they have the flexibility to celebrate their graduation through virtual or off-campus ceremonies that honor their dedication, pride, and accomplishment.

“Student-athletes have proven to be better students because of the discipline, you know, the routines they have,” said IUE Chancellor Dennis Rome. “This translates over into real-life successful practices that will help them advance in work and careers and family and everything. So it’s that type of student demographic that really enhances institutional enrollment and retention.”

With several success stories now in place, Venus Williams stands as a trailblazer for the WTA-IUE partnership, becoming the first professional athlete to graduate from the program tailored for players. Her milestone reinforces her legacy of championing education and empowerment for women in sports. The IUE collaboration is just one of many WTA initiatives aimed at supporting the personal and professional growth of female athletes.

Thompson Hospitality, Leadership, Milk and Honey, Entrepreneurship, Restaurant Industry

by Daron Pressley

May 23, 2025

Thompson Hospitality Grows Restaurant Portfolio Despite Economic Challenges

In an era when many in the restaurant industry are scaling back due to economic uncertainty and shifting consumer habits, Thompson Hospitality Group is doing the opposite—growing with intention, fueled by purpose, and rooted in a customer-first approach.

According to the National Restaurant Association’s State of the Restaurant Industry  2025 Report, Consumers plan to continue spending in their local restaurants, pushing industry sales nationwide to a projected $ 1.5 trillion.

As the largest Black-owned restaurant group in the United States, Thompson Hospitality is redefining the dining landscape by doing what many in the industry overlook—listening closely to its customers and letting their voices drive business decisions. Through rigorous customer research, direct feedback, and a commitment to evolving tastes, the brand continues to innovate, expand, and thrive despite the unpredictable nature of today’s economy.

At the heart of Thompson Hospitality’s success is its dynamic restaurant division, Thompson Restaurants, which continues to expand its footprint and brand influence. The group’s recent announcement of the newest Milk & Honey location in Charlottesville, Virginia, underscores the brand’s commitment to bringing bold, Southern-inspired cuisine to new communities.

A Taste of Growth in Charlottesville

Thompson Restaurants recently added to its portfolio with the opening of Milk & Honey in Charlottesville, VA, marking the 14th location under Thompson Hospitality’s growing restaurant portfolio. This expansion into Charlottesville, Virginia, is significant. The city became the center of national attention in 2017 following the tragic and racially motivated Unite the Right rally, which resulted in violence, the death of Heather Heyer, and a sobering reminder of the deep divisions that still exist in America. The imagery of white supremacists marching with torches on the grounds of the University of Virginia shook the nation and left a lasting scar on the local community.

Against this backdrop, the opening of a Black-owned, Southern-inspired restaurant brand like Milk & Honey holds powerful significance.

By establishing a vibrant, upscale dining experience that celebrates Southern flavors, Black culinary traditions, and community gathering, Thompson Hospitality is helping reshape the narrative of a city once marred by hate. Milk & Honey’s arrival symbolizes the progress of Black ownership thriving in a space where inclusion and representation are needed now more than ever.

“We see that Southern cuisine is underserved in Charlottesville, and we are excited to fill that void with our fan-favorite menu items,” said Alex Berentzen, COO of Thompson Restaurants. “This is about more than just food—it’s about creating a positive space rooted in culture, hospitality, and excellence.”

A Commitment to the Customer

Even amid industrywide challenges—rising costs, staffing shortages, and shifting consumer behaviors—Thompson Hospitality’s north star remains its customers.

“Our No. 1 priority is the guest experience,” said Fatiu. “We’re focused on listening to our customers, understanding what they want, and making sure that customer service is a focal point in every aspect of our business operations.”

This commitment is more than words—it’s a strategic approach that shapes the company’s expansion plans, menu innovation, and day-to-day operations. From front-of-house training to kitchen execution, every touchpoint is built with the customer in mind.

“There’s a complete understanding throughout our team that serving our customers and providing the highest quality food and experiences will continue to drive our business forward,” Fatiu added.

Unlike many large restaurant groups that rely heavily on top-down decision-making, Thompson Hospitality champions bottom-up insights. The group leverages customer data, feedback loops, and dining trends to inform everything from menu design to service enhancements. This data-driven, people-powered model has allowed the company to continuously refine and personalize the dining experience, making each location uniquely tailored to its community.

A Legacy of Leadership and Impact

Founded in 1992 by Warren Thompson, Thompson Hospitality began as a food service management company and has since grown into a multifaceted enterprise with operations spanning restaurants, catering, facilities management, and hospitality services. Despite its impressive size, the company remains rooted in a family business ethos, prioritizing integrity, quality, and community.

As the company grows, so too does its impact. Thompson Hospitality continues to be a beacon for Black entrepreneurship and ownership in a historically lacking diversity at the top. Its ability to scale while staying true to its roots offers a powerful blueprint for success in the modern economy.

Whether through the flavorful expansions of Milk & Honey or the group’s broader efforts to reimagine dining across the country, one thing is clear: Thompson Hospitality is not just navigating the future of food—it’s leading it.

While others are playing it safe, Thompson Hospitality is boldly expanding, bringing people together, and delivering experiences as rich in culture as they are in taste.

Popular retailer Target admitted that pushback from slashing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives resulted in a significant plunge in its first quarter sales, dropping more than 7%, Yahoo Finance reports.

The sales announcement came on May 2, revealing a 3.8% year-over-year decline for same-store sales compared to the 3.7% drop from 2024. Target’s CEO Brian Cornell blamed the decline on incoming concerns surrounding tariffs in addition to the DEI drawback. “While we believe each of these factors played a role in our first quarter performance, we can’t reliably estimate the impact of each one separately,” Cornell said.

In January 2025, shortly after President Donald Trump took office, the company said it would dial back on its “Belonging at the Bullseye” strategy that targeted hiring and supplier diversity goals. The changes also eliminated Target’s participation in external diversity-focused surveys such as the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

In addition to other companies that scrapped DEI policies like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Amazon, Target, known for its popular Black Beyond Measure Campaign highlighting collaborations with influencer Tabitha Brown, was the focus point of the advocacy group Black Wall Street Ticker, who called for a 40-day “corporate fast” from spending any money at stores between March 5 and April 17.

Protest efforts were supported by community leaders like Atlanta’s Rev. Jamal Bryant and civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, who called for Black consumers to stop spending with the retailer. Bryant said Black customers saw Target as “a friend” since it was once an advocate for DEI programs after George Floyd was killed by a police officer miles outside of the company’s Minneapolis headquarters in 2020. “They hear me. The cash register hears me. Power concedes nothing without a demand,” Bryant said, according to CNN.

“We saw (Target) as a friend. They championed diversity. So, we were in shock and awe when they reversed what is their stance and position.”

Sharpton met with Cornell in April 2025 amid the controversy, with the CEO requesting the face-to-face encounter. The National Action Network founder asked Cornell to confirm the company’s commitment to the Black community and working with Black-owned businesses in the future. “I said, ‘If [Cornell] wants to have a candid meeting, we’ll meet. I want to first hear what he has to say,” Sharpton said.

He came out of the meeting, calling the conversation “constructive and candid.”

While companies like Target and Walmart saw extreme consequences from DEI elimination, including pushback from their own shareholders, companies like Costco, which stood firm on its DEI support, saw an uptick in revenue and foot traffic.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 22, 2025

West African Countries Unite To Break Aviation Barriers With Launch Of The Single African Air Market

Africa is uniting to transform the future of air travel across the continent.

Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Conakry, Cape Verde, and Gambia have come together to break barriers in the aviation sector with the launch of the groundbreaking Single African Air Market.

The newly announced Single African Air Market (SAAM) is set to dismantle long-standing barriers in Africa’s aviation sector with a focus on elevating the continent’s role on the global aviation stage, Travel and Tour World reports. Driven by the strong leadership of Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Conakry, Cape Verde, and Gambia, this ambitious initiative seeks to create a more connected, competitive, and streamlined air travel network across Africa.

The 18th plenary session of the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) concluded in Abuja on May 22, as West African nations came together with a unified goal of improving the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). With momentum building, the rollout of SAAM is poised to transform the future of air travel across the continent.

Africa’s air travel sector faces major challenges, including high costs and limited connectivity, with only 19% of the continent’s 1,431 country pairs having direct air service. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), improved connectivity among just 12 key countries could create 155,000 jobs and add over $1.3 billion to GDP. Additionally, the African Union Commission (AUC) suggests that full SAATM adoption by the East African Community could generate 2.8 million more passengers, $267 million in fare savings, and contribute $590.9 million to GDP annually.

That’s where SAAM steps in to close the gaps. This transformative initiative is set to lower travel costs, boost connectivity, and enable smoother air travel across Africa.

Over the three-day session in Abuja, aviation leaders reaffirmed their commitment to aligning national policies with SAATM’s updated framework, working to embed its principles into regulatory systems and usher in a new era of accessible and efficient air travel across the continent. As part of the African Union’s broader Agenda 2063 vision for a fully integrated and self-sustaining Africa, SAATM aims to break down travel barriers and offer airlines greater freedom to operate across borders, serving as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.

Atlanta Dream, naz hillmon, WNBA, Basketball, Season Ticket

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 22, 2025

Atlanta Dream Registers Its 1st Victory Of The New Season

Along with Howard's 20 points, Brittney Griner added 21, while Brionna Jones contributed 19 points and Allisha Gray had 16 points

The Atlanta Dream won its first game of the season when Rhyne Howard hit the go-ahead free throw with 9.1 seconds on the clock to emerge victorious over the Indiana Fever.

According to The Associated Press, the Dream, who lost their first game of the new season, withstood a fourth-quarter challenge from Caitlin Clark and the Fever to pull off the victory by a score of 91-90, evening their record at 1-1. Brittney Griner scored 21 points in her second game with her new team.

Brittney Griner and Rhyne Howard came up BIG for the Atlanta Dream to give them their first win of the season 🔥

B. Griner: 21 PTS, 8 REB, 61.5 FG%
R: Howard: 20 PTS, 4 3PM, GAME WINNING FREE THROWS! #WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/gv5J6Z1pwg

— WNBA (@WNBA) May 21, 2025

Before the victory was sealed, Clark hit two deep three-pointers as the Fever started a rally that fell short near the end of the game. Her stat line for the match was 27 points and 11 assists.

Griner had plenty of help from her teammates in sealing the victory on Indiana’s home basketball court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Howard scored 20 points while making four three-point shots, while Brionna Jones contributed 19 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. Allisha Gray had 16 points and six assists.

The Fever made a valiant comeback but came up short after trailing the Dream with a 76-65 deficit when the fourth quarter began. With 21.7 seconds left in the contest, Aaliyah Boston hit a free throw to take the lead 90-89 before Howard connected on her free throws to shut the door on the Fever.

The loss also evened their record to 1-1, as Boston and Kelsey Mitchell each scored 24 points.

The Dream and the Fever are slated to mix it up again, moving the matchup to Atlanta on May 22 at the State Farm Arena.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Ari Lennox will also hit the court when she performs at halftime.

Georgia High Schooler, College Scholarships, Graduation, honorary doctorate speaker

by Kandiss Edwards

May 22, 2025

Smith College Commencement Speaker Has Honorary Doctorate Revoked For Plagiarism

Evelyn Harris, Smith College's 2025 commencement speaker, plagiarized portions of her speech leading to the return of her honorary doctorate.

Evelyn Harris, a musician and former member of the a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock, has returned her honorary degree.

Smith College awarded the degree after the musician delivered the college’s commencement speech on May 18. The plagiarism was discovered a few days after the ceremony. Harris acknowledged merging large portions of past commencement speeches into her address. Harris did not provide proper attribution. Consequently, the lack of attribution violated the college’s standards of academic integrity.

Smith College posted a letter addressed to the school community. President Sarah Willie-LeBreton stated, “I must share with you, however, that it has come to our attention that one of our honorary degree recipients—musician Evelyn M. Harris—borrowed much of her speech to graduates and their families from the commencement speeches of others without the attribution typical of and central to the ideals of academic integrity.”

Willie-LeBreton explained that Harris was direct and honest about including previously written excerpts. The singer voluntarily relinquished the honorary degree during discussions with the college admin following the ceremony.

The college plans to update the graduation highlights posted on its website to reflect the change. Other honorary degree recipients at the ceremony included Harvard professor Danielle Allen, public health official Rachel Levine, and writer Preeti Simran Sethi.

Harris, who has long been active in the Western Massachusetts music scene, has not issued a public statement following the incident. Smith College officials have indicated that commencement materials on the college’s website will be updated to reflect the change.

Smith College’s commencement speaker is not the only reason the institution is in the news. The college’s decision to award an honorary degree to Dr. Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender four-star admiral, during its May 2025 commencement ceremony has sparked significant controversy.

Critics argue that honoring Levine, a transgender woman, at a historically women’s college undermines the institution’s commitment to women’s rights. Supporters of the college’s decision highlight Levine’s accomplishments in public health and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, viewing the honor as a reflection of Smith College’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.