by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 22, 2025

Proud Father Jadakiss Celebrates Daughter’s Graduation From Morgan State University

The rapper's daughter, Jaidyon completes her degree at the HBCU

Yonkers wordsmith Jadakiss is the proud father of a Morgan State University graduate.

The former Bad Boy recording artist took to his social media page to acknowledge and congratulate his daughter, Jaidyon, for graduating from the famed HBCU.

“Congratulations to my beautiful Daughter @itsjaixo For Graduating from @morganstateu“

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A post shared by JADAKISS (@jadakiss)

There is no word on what she studied at Morgan State or what her degree is, but Jadakiss, known as one-third of the hip-hop group The Lox, is a successful businessman and already has a family business with his father and Jaidyn’s brother. Jadakiss, real name Jason Phillips, opened Kiss Cafe with his father, Bob Phillips, and son, Jaewon Phillips.

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A post shared by Kiss Café Coffee (@kisscafecoffee)

And speaking of business, Jadakiss has just launched a podcast with fellow hip-hop recording artist Fat Joe, according to Billboard. The show is titled simply Joe & Jada. The podcast is produced by Colin Cowherd’s The Volume and Roc Nation, and the two rappers will discuss topics involving music, sports, and culture.

“I’m looking forward to teaming up with Joe on this podcast and showing another side of my personality,” Jadakiss said. “We’ve been friends for a long time, so we have the right chemistry and foundation to make this a really special show. Everyone is finally going to get to hear what we debate and discuss all the time behind the scenes.”

If you happen to be in the Jersey City, New Jersey, area on June 19, you can catch Jadakiss as a headline performer, along with Mario, at Liberty State Park at The Third Annual All About Us Festival. The performances will take place from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. and feature many activities celebrating freedom, Black culture, and family on the Juneteenth holiday. You can get tickets on the All About Us Festival website.

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 22, 2025

South African President Keeps Cool As Trump Pushes Bold Claims Of ‘White Genocide’

The meeting came weeks after the U.S. admitted white South African refugees - while shipping refugees of other ethnicities out.

Things took a familiar wrong turn as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sat calmly while President Donald Trump pushed false claims of “white genocide” during an Oval Office meeting, NBC News reported.

Ramaphosa kept his cool while calling Trump out on the U.S. decision to admit only white South Africans as refugees while pushing against immigrants from other countries. The 47th president baselessly pushed a narrative of genocide against white people in South Africa, which Ramaphosa and other South African leaders have denied. Ramaphosa took the time to calmly school Trump on people who may have been killed, and how they are not only white. “The people who do get killed, unfortunately through criminality, are not only white people,” he said.

BREAKING: After Trump allows only a group of all white people from South Africa to become refugees here in America, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa calls Trump out on his lies.

“The people who do get killed, unfortunately through criminality, are not only White people.… pic.twitter.com/iz5V8FHmDK
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) May 21, 2025

Trump’s claims have been supported by DOGE director and Tesla founder Elon Musk, whose feelings about the country’s racial equity laws resulted in the U.S. admitting white South African refugees — while shipping refugees of other ethnicities out.

Musk was present for the meeting, along with Vice President JD Vance, and other members of the Trump cabinet. Collectively, Trump and the X owner forced Ramaphosa and other South African leaders and reporters present to watch a montage of clips, including videos of people allegedly discussing “cutting the throat” and shooting white people.

While Ramaphosa denounced the language heard in the clips, saying it’s “not government policy,” the country’s minister of agriculture said that multiple people included in the montage were members of minority parties that are not in the country’s ruling coalition. “We have a multiparty democracy in South Africa that allows people to express themselves,” the minister said.

https://twitter.com/jimstewartson/status/1925231497075900467

The tense engagement was compared to that of a February 2025 meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Trump and Vance attacked him over the war. However, South African leaders and reporters had mixed reviews, some praising Ramaphosa, who is a protege of Nelson Mandela, for staying calm under increased pressure, but others wanted more.

According to NPR, Ramaphosa himself was preparing for the worst. “I know that many South Africans were filled with concern and fear that we will have a ‘Z’ moment,” the president said during a press briefing. “And all that did not ensue.”

He seemingly apologized to South African reporters who had traveled to Washington, D.C., to witness some drama but received the opposite. One reporter claimed to be satisfied with the dramatics, while another said Ramaphosa deserved a drink.

by Mitti Hicks

May 22, 2025

Investigation Found CDC Health Warnings Have Decreased As Disease Outbreaks Increase

As the nation’s top health protection agency, the CDC's mission is to save lives and protect people from health threats. It does this through critical science research and health information. However, an investigation found communication to the public on its platforms have either gone silent or have not been updated regularly like before.

An investigation by NPR reveals that health warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have decreased amid outbreaks nationwide.

As the nation’s top health protection agency, the CDC aims to save lives and protect people from health threats through critical scientific research and health information. However, as NPR points out, communication to the public on its platforms has either gone silent or has not been updated regularly like before.

“Public health functions best when its experts are allowed to communicate the work that they do in real time, and that’s not happening,” Kevin Griffis, the former director of communications at the CDC until March, told the publication.

He says people’s lives could be at risk without the critical health updates.

What Has Changed At The CDC

Before President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the CDC managed most of its communication through social media platforms and newsletters. Staff communicated health messages daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly through its network of 150 newsletters on topics including diabetes and food safety.

After President Trump’s inauguration, the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, instructed the CDC to change its communication. The Trump administration sent directives to HHS that halted communication at the National Institutes of Health, the FDA, and the CDC until further notice, NBC reports.

How Americans Are Impacted By the CDC’s Change in Health Warnings

Social media is one of the fastest and effective ways for the CDC to disseminate information. Doctors, scientists, and researchers were allowed to update platforms quickly. The CDC has a following of over 13 million people on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

According to NPR’s investigation, some publications that have gone silent include the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and the weekly publication on disease outbreaks. This comes amid a historic rise in measles cases in some parts of the U.S., salmonella, listeria, and hepatitis A and C.

HHS approval is now a requirement for posting, but CDC employees told NPR investigators that health department officials are not accepting their content for social media.

However, Director of Communications at HHS Andrew Nixon says that the CDC staff is spreading false rumors.

When looking at the CDC’s social media account, the last post on its main Facebook page is a reel about germs and humidifiers on March 31, at the time of this report.

On X, the last post on May 14 discussed preliminary data showing a decline in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024. The post before that responded to a news story on May 3 about inaccurate reporting.

by Kandiss Edwards

May 22, 2025

803 Fresh Has His ‘Boots On The Playground’

803 Fresh took time out of his busy schedule to perform "Boots on the Ground" at local South Carolina elementary schools.

Viral sensation and singer Douglas Furtick, known as 803Fresh, is visiting local South Carolina schools to find out “Where dem fans at?”

Furtick visited John P. Thomas Elementary School and Candor Elementary in Richland County to perform his hit single “Boots on the Ground.”

The John P. Thomas performance was part of the school’s fifth-grade spirit week celebration. In recognition of his contributions, the school presented 803 Fresh with a Community Service Award, WACH Columbia reported.

Furtick and his record company, Snake Eyez Music Group, reposted an announcement on social media thanking the schools for their welcome.

“This is what it’s all about! We at Snake Eyez would like to thank John P. Thomas Elementary & Condor Elementary for your warm hospitality and appreciation towards 803Fresh and our entire team! Moments like this are priceless, and we’re extremely grateful and honored.”

In honor of the song’s influence, South Carolina declared May 1 as Boots on the Ground Day.

Boots on the Ground, released in December 2024, gained viral popularity. The song has taken off as line dancing has become a popular trend on TikTok. Multiple TikTok challenges have been associated with a country line dance choreographed by Jaterrious Trésean. The song’s official video was filmed at South Carolina State University. The video featured South Carolina State’s marching band. Furtrick debuted the Boots on the Ground visuals on the Sherri Shepherd Show, May 15.

Multiple communities are embracing Boots on the Ground and have been featured in events ranging from high school graduations to celebrity events. Notably, Beyoncé has begun performing a snippet of the song on her Cowboy Carter Tour.

Former first lady Michelle Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris have also taken turns performing the accompanying line dance. 803 Fresh is winning in music, free promotion, and life.

LIL KIM, memoir, edits are finally done, 30 years, rapper, artists hip hop

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 22, 2025

Lil Kim Confirms Delay Of Annual Notorious B.I.G. Dinner For ‘Something Truly Special’

“We’re honoring Mama Wallace and B.I.G. in a major way, so stay tuned for the updated save the date," Lil Kim said on Instagram.

Lil Kim’s annual Notorious B.I.G. Dinner honoring the late rapper is on hold. But don’t worry: it’s coming back in a big way.

The event was supposed to take place May 21, Biggie Smalls’ birthday, in New York City. Lil Kim, his lover and advocate, shared the news on Instagram.

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A post shared by Lil' Kim (@lilkimthequeenbee)

“Today we celebrate my king… the King of New York—the one and only @thenotoriousbig 🖤 The late, great Ms. Voletta Wallace raised a legend, and his legacy lives on forever,” wrote Lil Kim. “Every year, we bring the love and energy together at our annual B.I.G. Dinner. This year, we’re pushing it back just a bit—but it’s still happening, and we’re planning something truly special.”

Attendees, including loved ones and current legends in hip-hop, like Fat Joe, will have to wait to honor the hip-hop king. The Notorious B.I.G., who died in March 1997, would have turned 53. His mother died in February. Voletta Wallace was 72.

“We’re honoring Mama Wallace and B.I.G. in a major way, so stay tuned for the updated save the date,” Lil Kim added. “For tickets and sponsorship info, tap in with @alyiv. Long live B.I.G. Happy birthday to the greatest to ever do it. 👑 #BIGForever”

The “Crush On You” rapper has remained steadfast in honoring Notorious B.I.G.’s legacy since his death. Fans flocked to her comments to applaud her continued efforts.

“Kim, the definition of loyal,” exclaimed one commenter. “She’s proven that so many times in so many situations.”

Another added, “This is beautiful. One thing about Lil Kim is that she always held her man Biggie down and kept the Legacy going. Salute to you, Queen.”

Lil Kim and Biggie dated for three years until his death and were frequent collaborators, including the 1995 hit, “Get Money.”

Emory University Hospital Midtown Atlanta, Credit card, credit care

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 22, 2025

Nonprofit Hospital Encourages Patients To Open Medical Credit Cards To Cover Surgeries

CareCredit has faced accusations of predatory lending.

Patients at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta are reportedly encouraged to open medical credit cards to pay for their surgeries.

One patient called it “unconscionable” as these cards often come with high-interest rates, preying on vulnerable families that may not be able to afford these procedures otherwise, and have troubled patients.

“It is inappropriate,” Emory Healthcare patient Elizabeth Burns expressed to WSB-TV.

Burns first noticed the option to apply for the medical credit card when she went online to check on her surgery bill. There, she noticed CareCredit as a payment method.

She saw the option pop up again as payment for a follow-up appointment. She felt pressured to make an account with the credit company, as it was the only payment option on the screen.

However, Emory’s status as a nonprofit, tax-exempt hospital requires it to provide charity care. Patients can also seek zero-interest payment plans with the medical center.

Despite this, Burns did not see either option promoted on her account. If one decides to apply for a medical credit card, this also disqualifies them for charity care. This fact remains relatively unknown to most patients.

Furthermore, CareCredit already faces predatory lending accusations, with rates around 32.99% once promotional rates expire. It also received a class action lawsuit filed in New York last August, as reported by Time. The legal filing argued that this high rate violated New York’s usury laws.

According to the Lown Institute, Black people also have a higher risk of obtaining medical debt and its consequences. The Commonwealth Fund reports that 1 in 3 Black people have overdue medical bills, as opposed to 1 in 4 for their white counterparts.

Emory responded to the allegations that it allegedly wrongfully promoted payment options. While the statement did note that interest-free payment plans are available, it did not mention charity care as a method.

“Emory Healthcare offers patients a number of flexible payment options for paying health care bills that are not fully covered by insurance, or if they are uninsured,” shared the hospital with WSB-TV. “These include: payment cards, ACH transactions/electronic money transfers, interest-free payment plans through Emory, or interest-free payment plans during promotional periods through CareCredit. Individuals agree upon a designated length of time for payment when signing up for the latter two options. Patients can also contact Emory Patient Financial Services to discuss financial assistance options. Our goal is to provide patients with choices for bill payment that may work best for them and their families.”

LeBron James, Kids Picture book, 'I Am More Than', I promise school

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 22, 2025

Proud Buckeye LeBron James To Receive Honorary Degree From Ohio State University

James will receive a Doctor of Public Service degree for his contributions on and off the court.

LeBron James, a native of Akron, Ohio, will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Ohio State University, The Columbus Dispatch reports.

Congrats to Lebron James on earning an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from Ohio State
Dr. Lebron James ‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/cq91IlqqvQ

— NATIONAL CHA❌PION Barstool Ohio State (@BarstoolOSU) May 20, 2025

According to notes from the May 21 meeting of Ohio State’s Board of Trustees: “Born in Akron, Ohio, LeBron Raymone James Sr. is a professional basketball player with a dedication to community engagement and improving the lives of children and families through education, opportunities, and community resources. Just as he’s elevated the game of basketball, LeBron has redefined philanthropy to create a revolutionary model for community building in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.”

James’ creation of the LeBron James Family Foundation in 2004 was also another reason the board considered him for his honor as was his “I PROMISE Program,” which gives more than 1,600 students and their families an avenue for success in and out of school.

“With his trail-blazing achievements in sports, business, and philanthropy, James has established himself as one of the most influential figures in the world,” the resolution reads.

James famously skipped college and declared for the NBA Draft in 2003 before the NBA made it a requirement for anyone who declares for the draft to attend at least one year in college.

The basketball legend has been a great supporter of Ohio State. He has an honorary locker in the men’s locker room and has gifted both the men’s and women’s basketball teams with customized sneakers. Value City Arena also has a wall that displays James’ sneakers that have been given to the program over the years.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 22, 2025

‘Cash-Stuffing’ Took This TikTok Star To Financial Success Through ‘Baddies And Budgets’ Platform

Jasmine Taylor has found success through her multimillion-dollar business "Baddies and Budgets."

A TikTok influencer who found success with her finance tips is sharing more through her “Baddies and Budgets” platform.

Jasmine Taylor knows how to budget and has taken this expertise to help others through her cash-stuffing business. She is helping a generation of bad spenders fix their habits through money courses, budget supplies, and more resources. Especially as the economy reels from inflation and tariffs, staying financially afloat remains a priority.

“One of the biggest mistakes I see people make, especially when prices rise, is just trying to wing it,” explained Taylor to CNBC. “In reality, inflation makes it more important to have a plan, so that’s why we always tell people to give your money a job.”

Taylor’s financial resume is already impressive. She climbed her way out of $60K in student loans with another $9K in medical and credit card debt. She found resolve through “cash stuffing,” using physical cash to stay within one’s monthly budget.

Taylor documented her journey through TikTok, paving the way for her “Baddies and Budgets” business. The lucrative venture brought in $2.2 million last year.

@baddiesandbudgets
If you’re in your “between blessings” era… you’re not alone. There is no shame in transforming your finances. No shame in pulling dollars out the oven or the fridge if that’s what it takes. No shame in starting over, starting small, or starting late. Shame keeps you broke. But creativity? Intentionality? A little humor? That’s what builds a future. So if you’ve ever felt embarrassed by how you save or where you are financially—don’t. This is your sign to keep going, sis. You’re not broke. You’re becoming.
♬ original sound – Baddies and Budgets

Taylor now encourages her audience to play defense against a turbulent economy. She wants her clients to take control of things they can dictate, which is their own pockets. To the entrepreneur, every dollar has a designated purpose and should be used as such.

“[Budgeting] helps you to stay in control, even when the economy is out of control, because you really know where every dollar is going, and you can adjust accordingly,” she says. “We may have to cut back on subscriptions if we can’t afford groceries, but you don’t understand that if you don’t see the numbers.”

Taylor believes in zero-based budgeting, setting limits for each category of expenses. This plan accounts for every dollar one brings in each month to adjust each as needed.

“People hear budget and they think that it means that you have to say no to everything, but we teach the opposite,” she says. “It’s about giving yourself permission to spend on what matters and ditching what doesn’t.”

Taylor says that strict budgeting actually allows for more freedom to dictate where one’s money should go. One can move designated money around to accommodate changes in lifestyle or an increase in cost for items like groceries. Her methods promote financial stability and ensure that one can find hope even in the most dire financial situations.

Jadakiss, Mario, All about us festival? Juneteenth

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 22, 2025

All About Us Festival Brings Jadakiss, Mario, And More To Celebrate Juneteenth In Jersey City

All About Us' flagship event honoring Juneteenth returns.

The All About Us Festival returns for its third year of celebrating freedom, Black culture, and family this Juneteenth.

The June 19 festivities, taking place in Jersey City’s Liberty State Park, will feature headlining performances by Mario, Jadakiss and other legendary acts to highlight generations of music. The festival will offer activities for all ages, blending the throwback performances with innovative experiences to delight families.

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A post shared by All About Us Festival (@allaboutusfestival)

The All About Us Festival’s founder, Shannon Mitchell, hopes to bring even more excitement this year. She aims for the space to evoke feelings of freedom and togetherness, rightfully on the holiday that honors the emancipation of enslaved Black people in America.

“From the moment you walk in, it’s going to feel like joy,” explained Mitchell in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “We created this space to remind us of what freedom looks like—being together, being seen, and celebrating who we are. Black history is American history, and this day is for all of us.”

The festival will provide a holistic experience for attendees while including kid-friendly fun and wide-ranging Black musical guests. The event will also feature a marketplace for Black entrepreneurs and brands to showcase their products, as well as host interactive exhibits and installation while keeping education at the forefront.

However, All About Us goes beyond a festival, but a movement to amplify and support Black culture through communal events and initiatives. By championing education, art, and advocacy in its programming, its flagship festival continues to grow in attendance and impact.

Although their festival takes place on the Juneteenth, All About Us also aspires to support of Black Americans through workshops, partnerships with educational organizations, and uplifting grassroots movements year-round.

“Rooted in community, empowerment, and sustainability, we strive to create experiences that bring people together, foster meaningful connections, and drive lasting change,” shared the organization on its website.

All About Us Festival takes place from 12pm-8pm, with tickets still available now. For those with littles, kids under 12 receive free admission.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 22, 2025

Southern University Students Win Emmy for ‘The Hidden Sport’

Loren Sullivan, Verbon Muhammad, Sydney Cuillier, Ashley Lovelace, and Eric White were on hand to receive the 2025 HBCU Sports Emmy.

Filmmaking students from Southern University and A&M College were recently honored for their work on The Hidden Sport, a documentary short.

Loren Sullivan, Verbon Muhammad, Sydney Cuillier, Ashley Lovelace, and Eric White, known as “The Dream Team,” were awarded the 2025 HBCU Sports Emmy at a May 20 ceremony in New York City.

“This isn’t just a win—it’s a call to action to invest in the arts,” said Sullivan, a senior from Chino Hills, California, who is majoring in mass communication.

Sullivan is a member of the Human Jukebox Media Team. The other filmmakers are recent graduates of Southern University. Cuillier, Lovelace, and White are former Office of Student Media members, while Muhammad is a former member of the Human Jukebox Media Team.

The Hidden Sport highlights the legacy of the school’s “Human Jukebox” Marching Band and its impact on sports and athletics at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The documentary was submitted as an entry for the Emmy Awards as part of a $40,000 national HBCU sports broadcasting grant competition sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company and the Foundation of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

The filmmakers stated that they plan to create scholarships for Southern University students and donate a portion of the grant to the Human Jukebox and the Southern University Department of Mass Communication.

The documentary will be available on YouTube later this summer.

The school also announced that the Southern University School of Nursing celebrated the largest class of doctoral nursing students in its history. Twelve students earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, and two students received a Ph.D. in nursing. Graduate Darryl Davis was the first male to earn a doctorate through the DNP program.