RAPPER, KEHLANI,, ISRAEL,, PALESTINE, NONAME

Noname’s SummerStage Show Canceled Week After Jittery NYC Officials Axe Kehlani’s Performance

The show was canceled without explanation


Noname will no longer perform at New York City’s SummerStage show. The announcement comes a week after city officials removed Kehlani from the lineup over unclear security concerns.

Noname hoped to perform at the annual concert series in Central Park to celebrate Juneteenth. However, Hellgate confirmed that the June 18 show, with R&B artists Ravyn Lenae and Fana Hues, was scrapped by the concert organizers on Ticketmaster.

According to Rolling Stone, the ticketing site did not provide an exact reason.

The news has sparked concern following another vague cancelation of outspoken artist Kehlani. She was also scheduled to perform for the SummerStage Pride show in June.

Produced by the City Parks Foundation, SummerStage organizers heeded Mayor Eric Adams’ warning that Kehlani’s appearance would raise “safety concerns.” The mayor’s administration referenced Kehlani’s removal from Cornell University’s Slope Day festival over her alleged anti-Semitic and anti-Israel comments and content.

Kehlani, who has publicly called out Israel’s acs in the war against Hamas, took to social media to emphasize that her advocacy for Palestinians does not equate to Jewish hate.

“I am not antisemitic nor am I anti-Jew,” and “I am anti-genocide, I am anti the actions of the Israeli government, I am anti an extermination of an entire people, I’m anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women… that’s what I’m anti.” 

As for Noname, the mayor’s office claims it did not have a say in her cancellation, pointing fingers at Live Nation, which coordinates bookings for the event.

Noname is another artist who has never sat silent on social issues. The socialist-leaning rapper from Chicago, through her Noname Book Club, has featured many books on the Israeli occupation of Palestine, including The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi and Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Davis.

In 2021, Noname also called out the United States’ financial backing of Israel to support its military efforts.

“If you don’t understand settler colonialism, annexation and ethnic cleansing, fine,” Noname tweeted in 2021, per Business Insider. “But understand you are helping the U.S. fund it with your taxes. We give billions to Israel so they can continue to murder, and murder, and murder. Celebs pay the most in taxes and the most quiet.”

RELATED CONTENT: Haitian Heritage Month: 12 Inspiring Facets Of A Revolution That Forged Freedom

trump, black pastor

Episcopal Church Ends 40-Year Resettlement Relationship With U.S. Government Over White South African ‘Refugees’

The Episcopal Church has a long history of advocacy against South Africa


The Episcopal Church has ended a nearly 40-year relationship with the federal government, citing moral opposition in refusing to resettle white Africans from South Africa classified as refugees by the Trump administration, NPR reports.

Presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe, revealed the church received a letter in early May 2025 that under the terms of a federal grant, Episcopal Migration Ministries was “expected to resettle white Afrikaners from South Africa whom the U.S. government has classified as refugees.”

Rowe said that crossed a line, highlighting its leaders, like the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, as vocal opponents of apartheid in South Africa.

“In light of our church’s steadfast commitment to racial justice and reconciliation and our historic ties with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, we are not able to take this step,” Rowe wrote. “Accordingly, we have determined that, by the end of the federal fiscal year, we will conclude our refugee resettlement grant agreements with the U.S. federal government.”

The church has a long history of advocacy against South Africa, altering its financial holdings there in 1966 and in the 1980s. The group even voted to stop companies from doing business in South Africa.

While it will support immigrants and refugees in other ways, including offering aid to those who have already been resettled, Rowe said Episcopal Migration Ministries will “wind down all federally funded services by the end of the federal fiscal year in September.” 

The announcement came after the first group of white South Africans landed in the U.S. on May 12, according to The Hill.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce claimed in a statement that the refugee group faced grave racial discrimination in South Africa, projecting that the move was needed to safeguard victims of racial discrimination.

“No one should have to fear having their property seized without compensation or becoming the victim of violent attacks because of their ethnicity,” Bruce said. “In the coming months, we will continue to welcome more Afrikaner refugees and help them rebuild their lives in our great country.” 

However, the South African government—and white religious leaders—said otherwise and condemned the Trump administration’s discrimination claims.

“The stated reasons for [Trump’s actions] are claims of victimization, violence, and hateful rhetoric against white people in South Africa along with legislation providing for the expropriation of land without compensation,” a letter from religious leaders, including an Anglican priest. “As white South Africans in active leadership within the Christian community, representing diverse political and theological perspectives, we unanimously reject these claims.”

Rowe pointed out concerns about how fast President Donald Trump switched gears for a certain group of refugees.

In January 2025, he signed an executive order that paused the refugee program and stopped payments to organizations that assisted with resettlement processes.

“I want to be very clear about why we made this decision—and what we believe lies ahead for Episcopal Migration Ministries’ vital work,” Rowe said. “It has been painful to watch one group of refugees, selected in a highly unusual manner, receive preferential treatment over many others who have been waiting in refugee camps or dangerous conditions for years. 

“I am saddened and ashamed that many of the refugees who are being denied entrance to the United States are brave people who worked alongside our military in Iraq and Afghanistan and now face danger at home because of their service to our country.”

RELATED CONTENT: Authoritarian Overreach? Trump’s Homeland Security Arrests Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka After Protesting Secret ICE Facility

Lincoln Navigator

Lincoln Navigator Returns With Grace And Vigor, Will Black Car Buyers Be Sold?

The Navi became a status symbol during the 'bling era' of hip-hop in the late '90s


Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins

The Lincoln Navigator (Navi) broke ground when it debuted in 1997 as the brand’s first premium full-size SUV, arriving a year before its longtime competitor, the Cadillac Escalade. It didn’t take long for the Navi to become a status symbol during the “bling era” of hip-hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with icons like Jay-Z and Missy Elliott name-dropping the stately SUV in their songs. The Escalade took over the segment while remaining relevant today. With all things considered, the all-new 5th-generation Lincoln Navigator has no choice but to become a success story and take back the throne. 

San Diego’s desert landscapes, rolling hills, manicured landscapes, and citrus groves became the backdrop for the media drive of the Navi’s comeback story. Though the redesign is graceful and invigorating, the thoughtful experience once inside will take your breath away, whether positioned in the driver’s seat or any of the passenger chairs. Lincoln designers reminded us that its customers are not looking for flamboyancy like the Range Rover; they prefer modest styling but overflowing amenities, on which this vehicle bases its foundation. 

“Navigator is the flagship of the Lincoln brand and represents our ultimate expression of sanctuary,” said Dianne Craig, president of Lincoln. “The all-new Navigator is more than just a vehicle; it can become a home away from home and a third space that rejuvenates clients in an entirely new way on and off the road.”

For 2025, the Navi underwent significant updates and interior enhancements. The well-appointed utility vehicle offers heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a 48” panoramic and multifaceted backlit LCD screen, standard Panoramic Vista Roof, the Lincoln Split Gate, and a powerful 28-speaker (8 in the suede headliner) Revel Ultima 3D sound system. 

Also new is Rejuvenate Mode, which transforms the cabin into a space of serenity by adjusting the seat into a relaxing position and turning on the massaging feature, toning down climate control, playing nature-themed music, and dimming the lighting for a soothing, driver-friendly experience. I first became familiar with Lincoln Rejuvenate on the Nautilus last year and found it refreshing, especially the massaging chairs and Lincoln Digital Scent. Mystic Forest was my favorite aroma.

For the day, I was assigned a Black Label edition, which has become the epitome of the brand for a decade. Navigator Reserve is the entry model and starts at $99,995. Both can be selected in an extended “L” variant, and all four trims are powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that distributes 440-horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the engine might come off as small for such a large vehicle but it is just as impressive as a V8. My only issue was the console placement of the shift tabs utilized in manual mode. It’s such an odd place and mechanism for shifting. I”m not sure why Lincoln didn’t go with traditional paddle shifters. One reason could be the small octagonal-shaped Wollsdorf leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel. 

An adaptive suspension and 4WD are also standard, as well as 22″ rims; 24s are available in high-gloss Ebony or Luster Nickel aluminum. The Black Label steps up to base 24s, which are lovely in Lincoln’s Radiant Copper finish. A Jet Appearance Package blacks out key elements like the unique wheels, molding, grille, front bumper fascia, roof rack, and Lincoln badging. The illuminating light bar that crosses the Lincoln grille is another keystone of the redesign. After driving through the mountains, we stopped for a picnic-style lunch. The dessert ensemble was served in an inviting presentation using the available Cargo Tailgate Manager. Perfect for caterers hosting outdoor culinary events, its table and multi-level storage sections can be set up for various food trays. 

Back in our $133,000 (MSRP plus options) Crystal White Metallic Navigator Black Label, we relished the enlightening moments and digital engagements. Think of Lincoln Black Label as the Johnnie Walker Blue of scotch whisky or the Tiffany & Co. of jewelry. The defining upgrade package is exquisite, sumptuous, and alluring. Inside, it outlines opulent touches like Radiant Copper speaker grilles and metal inlays, a crystal-inspired circular volume controller, diamond-patterned seat perforation, and signature 30-way Perfect Position Seats. I’m sure 23-time Grand Slam winner and Lincoln brand ambassador Serena Williams also appreciates these niceties. 

At a press drive, media guests were delighted by the exciting digital technology as the automaker continued to meet driver needs from a conscious mindset. The Lincoln Digital Experience keeps you just as engaged with information and entertainment as it does with relaxation. 

For example, you can stream videos and play games when the vehicle is in park, tap into Google Assistant for voice-activated commands, connect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, or download and engage with Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeartRadio. Yet, I am not a fan of digital controls for setting the temperature or adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors. Let’s please keep the physical dials and knobs intact. 

A sanctuary for the senses, Lincoln is heading into an era that celebrates the work of human ingenuity. The rear occupants will equally enjoy the new Navi. Available Second-Row Power Tailor Seats offer massaging, heating, and ventilation, a 5.8″ touchscreen controls audio and climate, and the Lincoln Play rear entertainment system lets passengers stream content while on the move. 

When you ascend the luxury ladder and enter the Lincoln family, there is no higher accolade than the grandiose Navigator. The new three-row luxury SUV evokes the original DNA that brought it to prominence from a strategy incorporating an XL body frame, stylish wheels, a dominant grille, and powerful road presence. 

From an American-made perspective, the “Power of Sanctuary” lies within Lincoln’s family of luxury SUVs, including the Aviator, Corsair, Nautilus, and Navigator. It is brilliant and daring, especially the Black Label. Indeed, I vicariously absorbed the benefits of becoming a member while admiring the mindset of those who venture down the path of the high life.

RELATED CONTENT: Can Cadillac Win Back Black Consumers As It Expands Into The Electric Vehicle Era?

TORY, LANEZ, mugshot, Megan, prison

Disgraced Rapper Tory Lanez Stabbed 14 Times In Prison Altercation

'Despite being in pain, he is talking normally, in good spirits, and deeply thankful to God that he is pulling through'


Daystar Peterson, known to the world as Tory Lanez, was stabbed 14 times in a prison fight and is currently recovering at a local hospital.

According to ABC News, the Canadian rapper, who is presently serving a 10-year sentence after he was convicted of shooting fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion, was attacked and stabbed multiple times by a fellow inmate at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi. The incident took place on May 12, around 7:20 a.m. local time.

A message was left on his social media account, assuring fans that he survived and is recuperating after his lungs collapsed and he was placed on a breathing apparatus.

“Tory was stabbed 14 times–including seven wounds to his back, four to his torso, two to the back of his head, and one to the left side of his face. Both of his lungs collapsed, and he was placed on a breathing apparatus. He is now breathing on his own. Despite being in pain, he is talking normally, in good spirits, and deeply thankful to God that he is pulling through. He also wants to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support.”

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @torylanez

Officials at the correctional facility have stated that the Investigative Services Unit and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office have launched an investigation into the stabbing. A spokesperson responding to the incident indicated that staff took action immediately, and Tory was taken to an outside facility for care.

“Staff immediately responded, activated 911 and began medical aid. Peterson was subsequently transported to an outside medical facility for further treatment,” the spokesperson said. No details were released on his current condition, and no motive or reason was given for the attack, nor have any suspects been officially named.

After attending a party with Megan, her friend, and a bodyguard on the night of July 12, 2020, Megan was shot, and she stated that the Canadian rapper was at fault. He was charged in October 2020 with one felony count each of assault with a semi-automatic firearm (personal use of a gun) and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle. When the trial took place in 2022, a jury found Tory guilty on Dec. 23, 2022, of three charges for shooting Megan in both feet in a dispute between the two.

He has appealed the verdict.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Sinners’ Not-So-Subtle Nod To Voodoo Is Just One Way Ryan Coogler Connects The Diaspora

Boosie, Boosie Bash, Calib Wilson, Southern University

Rapper Boosie Badazz Receives Two Honorary Doctorate Degrees From Florida HBCU

The Florida-based Christian university bestowed two honorary doctoral degrees to the rapper


Dr. Boosie Badazz is officially in the building.

The Louisiana rapper received two honorary doctorate degrees from Kingdom Heritage University—one in music composition and the other in music management—for his long career in hip-hop.

Boosie attended the May 10 commencement ceremony and went viral for this unexpected moment. The Neighborhood Talk reposted footage of the big day.

“They also named the music class at the college after me,” the 42-year-old, whose real name is Torence Ivy Hatch Jr., said. “What don’t kill you only makes you stronger. Dr. Hatch, I’m bout to get some business cards made. All this is God’s plan.”

The honor shocked the public, especially as the rapper is a constant face on social media. However, the Florida-based Christian university expressed its adoration for Boosie and his journey thus far.

“We are here to honor you. Your pain has not been wasted. Platform has a purpose. Your legacy is just beginning. We know your name as Lil Boosie. Heaven will now know you as Dr. Hatch,” Bishop Dr. Michael Bates Sr. said during the ceremony.

“I just want to say thank you. I really appreciate it…I ain’t never been gave anything like this. So I really appreciate it,” the rapper responded.

Boosie, a polarizing figure in hip-hop, has tried to do right by his hometown by establishing a local scholarship. Although the effort, meant to honor slain Southern University student Caleb Wilson, failed due to miscommunication with Wilson’s family, Boosie still tries to uplift his Baton Rouge community and its youth.

Despite his currently unclear terms with the Louisiana HBCU, Kingdom Heritage University has welcomed Boosie with open arms.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Sinners’ Not-So-Subtle Nod To Voodoo Is Just One Way Ryan Coogler Connects The Diaspora

Pollman Tours, kenya,,Aliko Dangote,tourism

Aliko Dangote-Backed Firm Acquires Kenya’s Oldest Tour Operator, Betting On Tourism Growth

The deal underscores significant private equity confidence in the future of Kenya’s tourism sector, a key contributor to the national economy


Africa Travel Investments, a tourism-focused firm with financial backing from Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, has acquired Pollman’s Tours and Safaris, Kenya’s oldest tour operator. The deal underscores significant private equity confidence in the future of Kenya’s tourism sector, a key contributor to the national economy.

The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) had previously approved Africa Travel Investments’ acquisition of 100% of Pollman’s issued share capital. 

According to a CAK statement, “With regard to the proposed transaction, post-merger, the market share of the merged entity will not change as the target and the acquirer is not in similar business and therefore the structure and concentration of the markets for tour operators in Kenya will not be affected.” 

This acquisition follows a February investment by Alterra Capital, a private equity fund supported by both Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual and chairman of Dangote Cement, and American billionaire Dave Rubenstein, into ARP Africa Travel Group, the parent company of Pollman’s. According to the CAK, the merger will not impact the competitive landscape of Kenya’s tour operator market, which include Bonfire Adventures and Bountiful Safaris.

The regulatory body also determined that the acquisition would not negatively affect jobs or the competitiveness of smaller businesses within the industry. 

The CAK stated, “The authority also concluded the deal poses no threat to jobs or small business competitiveness, two of the key public interest concerns under Kenyan merger law. The parties indicated no employment losses would result from the acquisition.”

According to Forbes, the Nigerian mogul is worth $23.2 billion. Dangote’s extensive business empire includes Dangote Cement, the continent’s largest cement producer with operations spanning 10 African nations. His investments also extend to fertilizer production in Nigeria and the recently operational Dangote Refinery.

The acquisition of Pollman’s by a Dangote-backed entity signals a diversification into Kenya’s promising tourism market.

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South African President Shuts Down US Asylum Claims: ‘They Don’t Like Change’

South African President Shuts Down US Asylum Claims: ‘They Don’t Like Change’

Dozens of white South Africans arrived at Washington-Dulles International Airport on a taxpayer-funded flight on May 12. President Ramaphosa goes on to say the white South Africans admitted into the United States are resisting change.


South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is shutting down asylum claims from the United States. While President Donald Trump’s administration has shut down refugee admissions and rescinded thousands of people who were granted entry to the United States for humanitarian protections, the administration admitted 59 white South Africans as “refugees” on Monday.

Dozens of white South Africans arrived at Washington-Dulles International Airport on a taxpayer-funded flight Monday. President Trump has made wild claims that white South Africans are victims of “genocide.” President Trump’s administration granted them “refugee status,” and they are on the fast track to becoming U.S. citizens.

However, during a panel discussion at the Africa CEO Forum, President Ramaphosa dismissed the claims of American right-wing leaders.

“Those people who are being enticed to go to the United States do not fit the definition of a refugee,” he says. “A refugee is someone who has to leave their country out of fear of political, religious, or economic persecution.”

President Ramaphosa went on to say that the white South Africans admitted into the United States are resisting change.

“We’re the only country on the continent where the colonizers came to stay, and we have never driven them out of our country,” he adds. “There’s a fringe grouping that does not have a lot of support. [The group] is anti-transformation and anti-change. They would actually prefer South Africa going back to Apartheid type of policies.”

Episcopal Church Says It Won’t Help Resettle White South Africans

The Trump administration’s preferential treatment of these refugees has angered civil rights groups, immigration advocates, and even religious organizations.

The Episcopal Church’s migration service is refusing a federal government directive to resettle white South Africans granted refugee status. According to the Associated Press, the church cites its “commitment to racial justice and reconciliation” as the reason behind its refusal.

“In light of our church’s steadfast commitment to racial justice and reconciliation and our historic ties with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, we are not able to take this step,” said Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe.

Rowe also announced the church is ending its refugee resettlement grant agreements with the U.S. federal government. He says the church will conclude the contracts by the end of the fiscal year.

“It has been painful to watch one group of refugees, selected in a highly unusual manner, receive preferential treatment over many others who have been waiting in refugee camps or dangerous conditions for years,” said Rowe.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Sinners’ Not-So-Subtle Nod To Voodoo Is Just One Way Ryan Coogler Connects The Diaspora

Texas Corrections Officer, Chicken Wings,

Wrongfully Jailed Black Man Fights to Give Another Chance To Louisianans Imprisoned by Split Juries

Jermaine Hudson was found guilty by split jury in 2001.


After spending over 20 years in a Louisiana prison for a crime he didn’t commit, a Black man and the white man whose false testimony helped convict him are advocating for a bill that would let inmates convicted by split juries the opportunity to request a retrial.

In 2001, Jermaine Hudson was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 99 years, despite two jurors doubting the testimony of 20-year-old Bobby Gumpright, who claimed Hudson was the robber. He was found guilty by a split jury, a practice the U.S. Supreme Court later ruled unconstitutional, citing its racist Jim Crow origins.

Now, the two unlikely friends are working together, the Associated Press reports.

“I couldn’t change the past, but I could refuse to live the lie any longer while injustice continued,” Gumpright told lawmakers after confessing his lie in court over 20 years later. “Louisiana can’t change the past. But Louisiana can refuse to let its injustice live on.”

In 1999, Gumpright was 18 and battling drug addiction when he lied about being robbed on his way home from work when his father asked why he had no money. When he testified in 2001, he told the court he was “110%” confident Hudson was the robber.

The guilt weighed on him for years, but it wasn’t until 2021, just as Hudson was about to accept a plea deal for time served, that Gumpright, then in a drug treatment program, finally admitted he had lied. Hudson was finally released after spending 22 years in prison on a wrongful conviction.

In 2018, Louisiana voters abolished non-unanimous jury convictions, two years before the Supreme Court’s ruling. At that time, around 1,500 people were imprisoned in Louisiana due to split jury verdicts, with about 80% of them being Black and many serving life sentences.

Despite the ruling, Louisiana’s Supreme Court rejected retroactive application, leaving individuals like Hudson with limited legal options or hoping for a miracle. Upon his release, Hudson chose not to harbor resentment toward Gumpright. Instead, he reached out.

“I’m not the type of man to hold grudges or to hate anyone,” Hudson said. “I have a forgiving heart. And in order for me to really move on, I forgave him, because I understood what he was going through.”

The measure failed last year, but a legislative committee supported a similar bill in April. It now needs approval from the governor, House, and Senate, and could be debated this month.

RELATED CONTENT: Sinners’ Not-So-Subtle Nod To Voodoo Is Just One Way Ryan Coogler Connects The Diaspora

midwife, midwifery, Mother's Day, Elaine Welteroth

Elaine Welteroth Celebrates Mother’s Day With A Mission To Expand Access To Midwifery

Elaine Welteroth’s birthFUND hosted a Mother’s Day celebration focused on advancing birth equity.


Elaine Welteroth’s birthFUND celebrated Mother’s Day by hosting a family-friendly soiree focused on making midwifery care more accessible.

On May 11, the former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief hosted birthFUND’s second annual fundraiser, the “Mother’s Day Party With a Purpose.” The event, designed to celebrate parents and raise awareness about the urgent fight for birth equity, embraced the movement’s community-first approach, welcoming LA families of all backgrounds for a day filled with play, relaxation, and meaningful connection.

“I felt compelled to make a difference around this issue when I personally experienced just how broken this maternal healthcare system is,” Welteroth told attendees. 

“I say this as somebody with more resources than most Black women who look like me, and I still was scared for my life. So I understand this issue so intimately, and I had the opportunity to meet midwives, Black midwives at Kindred Space who changed my life.”

Celebrity mamas stepped out in the suggested “elevated picnic” dress code to celebrate alongside fellow mamas, papas, and little ones who enjoyed face painting, an on-site playground, and plenty of goodies. Among the famous faces who came out to support the soiree were Kelly Rowland, Sophia Bush, Victoria Monét, Karamo Brown, Tika Sumpter, Jeannie Mai, Jennie Garth, Storm Reid, Chanel Iman, and more. 

This wasn’t just a star-studded affair; Welteroth ensured guests rolled up their sleeves for a good cause. With support from sponsor Bobbie, an “Advocacy Corner” invited attendees to sit down, learn about maternal health and midwifery, and find ways to get involved with birthFUND’s mission to support moms in need.

To keep the mission going, Welteroth encouraged guests to take action by reaching out to 10 friends to form a birth funding circle, each one helping connect a mom in need with a doula or midwife.

“Each of you [has] the opportunity to start a birth funding circle, which is our heartfelt call to action,” Welteroth said. “It is the root of how we started birthFUND.”

Since its launch in 2024, birthFUND has raised over $3 million to expand access to quality, life-saving maternal care nationwide. During a special fundraising moment, Welteroth was joined by her husband, Jonathan Singletary, Karamo Brown, and 4Kira4Moms Founder Charles Johnson, a powerful trio of Black men standing in solidarity to highlight the maternal health crisis and the urgent need for accessible, safe care.

“My wife Kira passed away giving birth to our second son, Langston, nine years ago,” Johnson shared. “And for the past nine years, along with amazing friends like Elaine, we have been on a journey to make sure that every family receives the safe, dignified birthing experience they deserve.”

After one year and two successful fundraisers, birthFUND’s mission is going strong. The Mother’s Day event showcased its ongoing commitment to maternal health and supporting families at every stage, from pregnancy to parenthood.

Those who want to support birthFUND can create their own birthFUNDing Circles, contribute online, or via @birthFUND on Instagram.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Sinners’ Not-So-Subtle Nod To Voodoo Is Just One Way Ryan Coogler Connects The Diaspora

Mid-section of woman holding mortarboard

Mother-Son Duo Graduate From HBCU Together In Incredible Feat Of Determination

The duo will walk the same stage to receive their secondary degrees at NCCU.


A mother and son duo will become HBCU graduates together as part of North Carolina Central University’s class of 2025.

The remarkable feat is a culmination of determination and resilience from both Tamika Stanton and her son, Tomantae Stanton-Jones, who she became pregnant with at just 15-years-old. Stanton-Jones’s parents were classmates at Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina.

“This is a story for everyone to see,” said Stanton-Jones’ father, Leniel Jones, to ABC11. ” We were young. She was 15. I was 16. And he had every reason to not be where he is right now. And he didn’t let that happen…And she didn’t let that happen. It’s never too late.”

With grit and perseverance, Stanton did not let an unexpected pregnancy limit her academic ambitions. While embracing new motherhood, Stanton continued her educational journey, later obtaining her bachelor’s degree at the HBCU.

“Being in high school and pregnant was very challenging for me. It was my first real adult decision,” Stanton recalled.

Now, she will walk on the same stage as her son to receive her Master’s degree in social work, becoming a “Double Eagle” at NCCU. As for her son, the summa cum laude honoree has graduated from the HBCU’s law school.

Their journeys to academic achievement were not easy. Jones’ family moved to Connecticut, where legal troubles surrounded the young father. He served a three-year sentence in prison, forcing the two to never meet until Stanton-Jones turned 8. However, he supported his son as a determined co-parent.

When I came home, that’s when I really wanted to be in his life,” Jones explained. “I was young, so I wasn’t thinking as far as how important it was.”

Their commitment to raising their child led to his acceptance into UNC Chapel Hill as a Gates Scholar. His matriculation in undergrad also inspired Stanton to continue her own studies at NCCU.

“My ultimate goal was to be finished before he finished school because I was like, ‘Oh, he is killing it. I got to show him that I can do it,'” she said.

Now, the unbroken family of three has found success in their endeavors. Jones also own multiple restaurants while running a nonprofit for at-risk youth. As for the proud son, he remains in awe of how hard his mother has worked to obtain two degrees.

“It’s been a long journey. I’d say I’m super proud of my mom,” shared the law school grad.

While the duo celebrate their achievement, they provide hope for other families like them to strive for greatness no matter the journey.

RELATED CONTENT: North Carolina Central University Launches 1st Of Its Kind Artificial Intelligence Institute

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