tariffs, price hikes, Walmart, shopping, — (Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

by Kandiss Edwards

August 23, 2025

16-Year-Old Boss Inks A ‘Fresh’ Deal With Walmart

Joshua Danrich is a teenage businessman on the rise who just signed a deal with Walmart for his “Mr. Fresh” air fresheners.

Joshua Danrich is a teenage businessman on the rise. The young entrepreneur just signed a distribution deal with Walmart for his “Mr. Fresh” air fresheners.

Joshua and his mother, Shay Danrich, recently inked a deal to bring their natural, oil-based “Mr. Fresh” air fresheners to Walmart’s automotive departments worldwide. The 16-year-old pitched his idea at Walmart’s Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas. Joshua introduced his idea to five departments. His business acumen and courage landed him a same-day deal. Joshua and Shay spoke with the St. Louis American about the monumental deal.

“I’m the only kid in the world with my own air fresheners in Walmart,” Joshua said.

His products are already available across Missouri and in select Walmart stores in Illinois. Soon, they’ll hit shelves everywhere Walmart sells auto merchandise.

Mr. Fresh brand is a family affair, as Joshua’s partner in business is his mom. Together, they’ve grown Mr. Fresh from sketches that were born of Joshua’s love of luxury sports cars into a thriving brand. The name stands for “Faith to Rescue Every Son from Hurt.”

The company’s mission is not only to sell merchandise but also to support emotional well-being, especially for Black boys.

@mrfreshglobal
3 Tips To Start a Business – LOCK IN PEOPLE BE READY STAY READY!!!! #3tips #mrfresh #mrfreshairfresheners #startbusiness 100.3thebeat #podcast #joshuadanrich
♬ original sound – MrFreshAirFresheners

Luckily for the pair, they enlisted the assistance of the legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s Microenterprise Program. The legal offices helped guide and advise them every step of the way. From business formation and trademarks to contracts and liability, the family credits the organization for helping turn their idea into a branded business.

“This shows young people—especially young Black boys—that their ideas matter, and they can achieve things they never imagined,” said Shay Danrich, reflecting on the opportunity.

Joshua added his own advice, “Never give up on your dreams, no matter how big they seem.”

Joshua’s deal isn’t just entering a store; it’s stepping onto a global stage. Walmart operates over 10,750 stores worldwide across 19 countries and welcomes around 255 million shoppers weekly. That means Mr. Fresh will now be discovered by more people in one week than many brands see in a year.

The Weekend — photo credit: Kayla Johnson from Seattle, United States, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Jameelah Mullen

August 22, 2025

The New WAY Campaign Empowers Youth At The Weeknd’s “After Hours Til Dawn” Tour

The New WAY (Who Are You?) culture campaign, an initiative to empower youth to redefine career success, partnered with The Weeknd’s “After Hours Til Dawn” tour for its Atlanta stop at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The campaign is a partnership between Stand Together, a philanthropic community created to address issues like racial and socioeconomic disparities, and No More Dream Studios. The project aims to empower youth to explore career options through a non-traditional approach.

“No More Dreams Studios exists at the intersection of entertainment and creativity, and we’re proud to partner with Stand Together to help young people and society at large imagine what career success can look like,” La Mar Taylor, creative director and founder, XO Records and No More Dreams Studio, said in a press release.

“This partnership allows us to break down outdated narratives around education and achievement, and instead, uplift stories of passion, purpose, and possibility.”

Ahead of the Aug. 21 show, concertgoers had the chance to visit the WAY station video booth, which urged visitors to reflect on what makes them unique. The campaign also features inspiring video messages from WAY influencers, such as rapper Killer Mike. The video includes Melissa Proctor, executive vice president and CMO of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena; Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group and tech innovator; and Iddris Sandu.

Colette Weintraub, head of Stand Together Music, Sports & Entertainment, explained the importance of the WAY campaign, which encourages youth to think beyond traditional norms.

“The prevailing belief in society has many believing there is one path to success, and success looks a certain way. WAY is intended to give people social permission in a time when there is a lot of social pressure. We want people to know they can define their own pathways to success, and there is more than one pathway. Most importantly, what success looks like is up to you,” Weintraub stated.

Each U.S. tour stop features a “WAY Station” video with upcoming concerts in Tampa, Houston, San Antonio, and Indianapolis. The tour makes its final stop in New York City on Sept. 27.

RELATED CONTENT: Toronto Honors The Weeknd With Key To The City

Snoop Dogg, brother, Death Row — (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for MTV/Paramount Global)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 22, 2025

Snoop Dogg Named LA Community Chairman For 2026 FIFA World Cup

Los Angeles has named hometown legend Snoop Dogg as an ambassador ahead of hosting matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Unsurprisingly, Los Angeles native Snoop Dogg will take center stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in his hometown.

On Aug. 12, the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC) announced Snoop Dogg as the official Los Angeles Community chairman for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In this role, the Long Beach legend will serve as a lead ambassador for the Host Committee’s community engagement and legacy initiatives, where he’ll take part in major events that encourage fans around the world to kick off their World Cup journey in Los Angeles.

“It’s an honor to step up as the Community Chairman for the City of Angels as we get ready for the biggest game on the planet,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement. “We’re going to bring the world together. West Coast style –- unity, respect, and a whole lotta love for the beautiful game. LA, let’s make history in 2026!”

Snoop’s ambassador role comes as Los Angeles takes center stage in hosting the world’s largest single-sport event, reflecting how the hip-hop icon has carried the city on his back throughout his 30-plus-year career.

As the official ambassador, Snoop will “engage the local community to help deliver a legacy that will positively impact the Los Angeles region well beyond the final match,” the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission announced.

FIFA also shared the news and more details of how Snoop will be “repping the city, attending key events, and making sure the tournament leaves a lasting legacy for communities across L.A.”

https://twitter.com/LosAngelesFWC26/status/1955363369789390984

Arriving in Los Angeles in 2026, the FIFA World Cup will feature eight matches at SoFi Stadium, including the U.S. Men’s National Team opening game, and 39 days of fan engagement throughout the region. The event’s focus on sports aligns with Snoop’s work in local youth athletics, where he blends entertainment and sports to unite fans from across the globe.

“Snoop Dogg is more than a global icon. He embodies all that is Los Angeles, and his deep roots in the community and passion for uplifting the next generation make him the perfect ambassador as we prepare to welcome the world in 2026,” said Kathryn Schloessman, president & CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and CEO of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee. We’re honored to welcome him as our Community Chairman, supporting this major event that is going to deliver significant impact to our region and be a major source of civic pride for Angelenos.”

Vivian Ayers Allen, Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, NASA — (Photos from left: Library of Congress Life, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; Sharon Graphics/Flickr; Brian Stukes/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 22, 2025

Debbie Allen And Phylicia Rashad’s Mother, Vivian Ayers, Dies At 102

Vivian Ayers Allen, acclaimed poet and playwright and mother of Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen, has died at the age of 102.

Vivian Ayers Allen, celebrated poet, playwright, and mother of Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen, has passed away at 102.

On Aug. 20, Allen shared the sad news on Instagram, posting a heartfelt tribute to her late mother that featured a video montage of family photos set to Stevie Wonder’s “Golden Lady.”

“Mommie, you have transformed into that cosmic bird Hawk that lives and breathes Freedom,” Allen wrote. “We will follow your trail of golden dust and continue to climb higher. We promise “to be true, be beautiful, be Free.”

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A post shared by Debbie Allen (@therealdebbieallen)

The celebrated choreographer and founder of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy signed off the post with her name, her siblings’ names, and other family members. She also gave a shoutout to “all the Turks in our family,” a nod to the affectionate nickname “MaTurk” that her family used for Ayers.

Ayers lived a life devoted to scholarship, arts, and culture, passions she eagerly shared with her four children. A graduate of the Brainerd Institute, she became the founding director of the Brainerd Institute Heritage after Phylicia Rashad purchased the 12-acre property where the institute once stood in 1999. Ayers’ distinctive poetry style earned her a Pulitzer Prize nomination, a place in Langston Hughes’ 1964 collection New Negro Poets, USA, and praise at NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, where enlarged renderings of her 1952 poem “Hawk” are displayed.

While residing in Texas, Ayers became the first African American faculty member at Rice University, and later moved to Mexico, where she studied Greek literature, Mayan culture, and Mesoamerican math and astronomy. In the 1980s, after relocating to New York, Ayers founded the ADEPT New American Museum of the Southwest in Mount Vernon, where she organized community arts projects and highlighted Black and Indigenous artists.

Her collaborations included a performance with Jimmie Durham and Muhammad Ali in Durham’s My Land. Over her lifetime, Ayers received honors from the National Council of Negro Women, the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, and was awarded a Medal of Honor by Winthrop University in 2008.

In 2023, Ayers celebrated her 100th birthday with a party at the Brainerd Institute, where Phylicia Rashad read Hawk, accompanied by the Claflin University Choir. Another celebration at the Rhimes Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles featured readings and performances by an A-list lineup, including Angela Bassett, Jesse Williams, Alexis Floyd, Cory Henry, and her daughter Debbie Allen.

Ayers’ passing comes just weeks after she celebrated her 102nd birthday with her family, who organized a special jazz concert in her honor.

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A post shared by Debbie Allen (@therealdebbieallen)

film, Kobe Bryant — Kobe Bryant in 2012 (Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 22, 2025

Phil Ivey Takes Opportunity To Flip Sale Of Game-Worn Kobe Sneakers

The professional poker player was seen at Sneaker Con in Las Vegas

Professional poker player Phil Ivey gambled with a vendor at Sneaker Con in Las Vegas last month, when he brought a pair of game-worn sneakers from basketball legend Kobe Bryant.

According to Poker News, instead of accepting an offer for the Kobes, Ivey took a chance on either losing them to the shoe collector or gaining some cash for the sneakers in an eventual coin flip. The person sitting at the table at the convention was Chase Young, who has a YouTube channel called Culture Kicks.

Ivey is an 11-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner and is used to being in high-stakes situations throughout his career, so an episode like this is unlikely to rattle him. He approaches the table with another gentleman who was acting as Ivey’s broker. He presented the sneakers and informed Young that it was a pair of game-worn shoes by Kobe Bryant, without providing any certified proof, but assured him of the authenticity of the footwear. Typically, most buyers and auction houses require some type of certification, often requesting photos when negotiating a sale for a valued item, specifically with sports collectibles. Evidently knowing the gentleman, Young took him at his word.

The coin flip opportunity was offered, with Ivey taking a chance on losing the sneakers for a total of $0. Yet, if he wins the coin toss, he wants $50,000. Young, questioning the worth of the sneakers, was told they were worth $20,000 to $25,000 if they were sold normally. Obviously, feeling lucky, he decided to offer $40,000, but Ivey asked for $45,000, and Young offered $42,500, along with two baseball caps. That became the wager.

Ivey tells Young, “If you win, you take it for free. I’m rooting for you. Honestly, I really want you to win.”

After calling tails, Ivey emerged victorious and gained an even better deal than he would have received if he had just sold him the sneakers.

You can view the video below:

Kanye, West, samplee, Ye, Vultures 1 — Photo by MEGA/GC Images

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 22, 2025

Ye Launches New Cryptocurrency YZY Token

Ye adds his name to the expanding roster of celebrity-backed digital currencies.

Ye is throwing his hat into the digital currency space with the launch of his own cryptocurrency, the YZY Token.

Taking to X on Aug. 20, Ye unveiled his new Yeezy Money platform and YZY Token memecoin, which launched with massive gains before being accused of insider trading.

“YEEZY MONEY IS HERE,” Ye wrote over a screenshot of a text message. “A NEW ECONOMY, BUILT ON CHAIN.”

He followed up with a short video announcing the official Yeezy Token, along with another link to its website. Soon after, however, a community note flagged the launch with concerns of insider trading.

“Worth noting that Mikey Shelton, a developer behind this token, has openly bragged about insider trading of it on his Instagram,” the message states.

After the announcement, the token’s value skyrocketed nearly 6,800%, briefly hitting $3.16 in early trading and receiving a $3 billion market cap from trackers. However, following its meteoric surge, the token’s value tumbled below $1, sparking widespread doubt about the sustainability of celebrity-backed, centralized crypto projects, which are often criticized as “pump-and-dump” schemes.

YZY Money, a Solana-based memecoin tied to Ye, is part of his broader YZY ecosystem, which also includes the YZY token, a Ye Pay transaction processor, and a YZY Card for spending YZY and USDC globally. Initially, 70% of the token supply was slated for Ye, 10% for liquidity, and 20% for a public sale; however, later reports revealed that he controls a staggering 87% of the total supply, a concentration that fueled wild price swings and drew criticism.

Insiders claim that the YZY Token’s allocation structure was modeled after Donald Trump’s TRUMP token, which reportedly inspired Ye’s entry into crypto. The move has stirred controversy, especially given Ye’s past statement that “coins prey on the fans with hype.”

Market experts continue to warn about the dangers of celebrity-backed tokens, which have the potential to distort market behavior through manipulative tactics like pump-and-dump schemes. Ordinary investors typically end up paying the price when major holders issue dramatic sell-offs. Ye’s $30 million infusion into liquidity pools has raised questions about market integrity and the ethical responsibilities of those leading the ship.

Emory Health — photo credit: Harrison Keely, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 22, 2025

Former Emory Healthcare Employees Sue Over Mass Layoffs

As part of Emory University, the company is known as one of the most comprehensive academic health systems in Georgia, hosting 11 hospitals and over 500 locations.

A former employee cited workers’ rights being violated in a class action lawsuit against Atlanta’s Emory Healthcare after laying off dozens of employees, Atlanta News First reports.

More than 500 full-time workers in the financial services and revenue cycle department received pink slips in early August 2025, and the suit claims the move violated the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which provides protections for employees during mass layoffs.

The suit alleges that employees weren’t given the required 60 days’ advance notice in writing. Instead, employees were given severance agreements that offered payments but required them to sign away their back pay claims. Under the WARN Act, companies that fail to give employees 60 days’ notice during a mass layoff are ordered to provide back pay and other benefits. “Emory’s conduct demonstrates a willful attempt to circumvent WARN Act requirements and deprive employees of their statutory protections,” the lawsuit reads.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the face behind the suit is Paulette Simmons. The former employee recalls receiving a severance letter dated Aug. 12 announcing her immediate termination. The letter offered her a lump-sum payment based on her wages, but she had to agree not to sue, in addition to other things. “The severance payment constitutes value to which you are not already entitled,” the letter says.

However, Emory argues no implications of the WARN Act due to the limited number of employees. The company said the “difficult” decision for layoffs only affected 232 out of its 29,5000 employees, which is 1% of the workforce. “A mass layoff occurs if the employment losses at a single site of employment represent at least 33% of the total active workforce, excluding any part-time employees. Neither of these options came into play at Emory Healthcare,” an Emory spokesperson said in a statement.

“We remain committed to supporting the individuals who are leaving us with needed resources throughout this career transition. We express our sincere gratitude for the hard work and contributions these employees brought to our team.”

As part of Emory University, the company is known as one of the most comprehensive academic health systems in Georgia, hosting 11 hospitals and over 500 locations. Simmons is calling on the court system to declare that Emory Healthcare violated the WARN Act and wants affected workers to be certified as a class in an effort to receive equal compensation.

Other states, such as Ohio, have made moves to ensure employees are protected during mass layoffs, which can come at any time. Gov. Mike DeWine added a new section to House Bill 96 that includes a “mini” state WARN Act, guaranteeing employers provide workers with 60 days’ notice whenever layoffs or plant closures occur.

Claire's, CEO, — Malcolmxl5, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

by Jameelah Mullen

August 22, 2025

Baby Boss: 18-Year-Old CEO Secures Nationwide Deal With Claire’s

GaBBY Bows will soon be available at 600 stores nationwide.

Eighteen-year-old entrepreneur Gabby Goodwin has landed a partnership with accessory giant Claire’s, which will now feature her product line, GaBBY Bows, in stores nationwide.

GaBBY Bows is a hair accessory brand created for textured hair. With her mother’s help, she started the business at just seven years old. Over 10 years, GaBBY Bows has been sold in all 50 states and 15 countries, earning the young entrepreneur a six-figure income while she was in sixth grade. The business announced its new partnership with Claire’s on Instagram.

“BIG NEWS: GaBBY Bows are now in 600 Claire’s stores nationwide!!”

“This has been a dream in the making—and we need your help to keep it going! Head to your local Claire’s and clear the shelves. “

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A post shared by GaBBY Bows – Confidence®️ by Gabby Goodwin (@gabbybows)

The self-proclaimed “CEO of confidence” recognizes potential challenges, such as Claire’s financial struggles. The retail giant, known for its affordable accessories, has filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time since 2018.

Claire’s announced its plans to sell its North American stores to a private equity firm, Ames Watson, in an effort to lessen the financial impact.

“As we continue through our restructuring proceedings, our team has worked tirelessly to explore every option for preserving the value of the Claire’s business and brand,” said Chris Cramer, CEO of Claire’s, in a press release.

However, Goodwin, who previously partnered with Target and Walgreens, remains optimistic about the collaboration with Claire’s and has requested support from followers.

“We had many hurdles, including increased tariffs that forced us to cancel manufacturing orders, lose a manufacturing partner, and change bow colors. But we did it,” Goodwin wrote on Instagram. “So despite the economic challenges now facing our new retailer, we will celebrate this dream deal,” the entrepreneur wrote.

“I need your support, and I need it now. I honestly don’t know how much time we will have with this opportunity.”

Additionally, Goodwin launched her first children’s book, Naturally Me, at the Confidence Salon. Released May 27, 2025, the book empowers Black girls to embrace their natural hair confidence. Visit the GaBBYs Bows Website to find a retailer near you.

Howard University, HBCU. tailgate, homecoming, celebration, canceled, cancellation — WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 25: A student at Howard University campus walks past a digital screen in Washington, D.C., Monday, October 25, 2021. (Photo by Salwan Georges/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 22, 2025

Howard University President Ben Vinson Out After 2 Years

Howard University announced the departure of President Ben Vinson as the prestigious HBCU begins its fall semester.

Howard University President Ben Vinson is stepping down after serving two years as head of the esteemed HBCU.

Board Chair Leslie Hale announced his departure during a virtual meeting with staff and faculty on Aug. 22, naming former President Wayne Frederick as interim leader while a nationwide search for a new president gets underway, Biz Journals reports. Following the meeting, the school took to social media for an official announcement.

“Howard University Board of Trustees announced a leadership transition and extends its sincere appreciation to President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., as he steps down as the University’s 18th president,” the school tweeted. “The Board of Trustees announced President Emeritus Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D., to serve as interim president until a national search is completed. We look forward to continuing to build on Howard’s upward trajectory and positive momentum.”

Howard University Board of Trustees announced a leadership transition and extends its sincere appreciation to President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., as he steps down as the University's 18th president. The Board of Trustees announced President Emeritus Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D., to… pic.twitter.com/8NDKEYsvyv
— Howard University (@HowardU) August 22, 2025

News of his exit comes as Howard students kicked off the fall semester, adding to the suspicion surrounding the timing of the announcement.

“What happened?” one X user asked.

“What!!! Didn’t he just get appointed?” added someone else.

Vinson stepped into the role at Howard in 2023 after serving as provost at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and holding leadership positions at George Washington University and Johns Hopkins University. His presidency marked a period of growth, with rising student enrollment and increased donations.

Under his leadership, Howard became the first HBCU to earn Research 1 (R1) status from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation, the highest level of research recognition for U.S. universities. His tenure also saw a landmark $175 million gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies in August 2024 to support Howard’s medical school, advanced plans for a new research hub near campus, and traction on a $650 million acute-care facility to replace its existing hospital.

Vinson’s exit comes at a time when higher education faces mounting pressures, including intensified competition for students, rising costs, and looming threats to research funding and federal support under the Trump administration. Under the administration’s proposed 2026 budget, Howard’s federal allocation would be cut by $64 million, dropping from $304 million in 2025 to $240 million in 2026.

social media, employees, office, guidelines, policies, triller — (Photo: PeopleImages/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 22, 2025

SPILL Calls Out Global Advertising Agency For ‘Misappropriating’ Its Brand

SPILL is calling out 72andSunny ad agency for the alleged "attempted theft" of their brand.

The creators of SPILL are pushing back after global ad agency 72andSunny launched a UK news platform that appears to copy the Black-owned app’s name, branding, and target audience.

On Aug. 21, SPILL Chief Growth Officer Kenya T. Parham called out 72andSunny on LinkedIn after the agency announced SPIL*, a Gen Z news platform in Europe, “built from scratch” by its Amsterdam team. The post was quickly deleted after SPILL users flooded the comments with backlash over the striking similarities, prompting Parham to slam the agency for what she called an “attempted theft.”

“They tried it, we clocked it, and instantly. And thank God the culture always keeps receipts,” Parham said in a video explaining the controversy.

She went on to note how the post no longer exists because 72andSunny removed it due to “getting cooked in the comments so bad,” Parham said.

“But thankfully, we’ve got the receipts,” she added.

With video playing behind her, Parham showed 72andSunny’s since-deleted post, which advertised SPIL* as a platform “made for young people, by young people” that offers “diverse perspectives” on today’s news and information.

“Interesting choice of words,” Parham said, also noting their claim of building SPIL* “from scratch.”

She followed up by highlighting SPILL’s 2023 launch and rapid rise as a successful Black-owned social media platform, which includes securing financial backing from notable figures such as Kerry Washington.

“We went number one in the Apple App Store in July 2023. We’re actually the only Black-owned app to ever be number one in the social section,” Parham explained.

Along with being featured in numerous major news outlets like Fast Company, Mashable, TechCrunch, Business Insider, CNN, and Inc., SPILL was also recognized as Apple’s App of the Day in the App Store. Given that visibility, it’s hard to believe a global ad agency wouldn’t have known about SPILL before launching a nearly identical platform name, just swapping the second “L” for an asterisk.

Parham also pointed to SPIL*’s website, noting what she described as clear replicas of SPILL’s branding — from the font style to the bright colors on a black background and even the animated captions.

“What you’re seeing now is a screen recording of the website that 72 and Sunny put up for their cultural misappropriation of our platform,” Parham said. “A simple search on the internet would have shown you that not only does the spill app already exist, but we are already servicing diverse communities.”

Parham said the situation underscores the importance of platforms like SPILL and the representation they provide for marginalized communities.

“We started building Spill in 2023 because we were tired of seeing Black, brown, and queer creators having their trends co-opted and stolen without proper credit,” she said. “And we know we need safe spaces now more than ever before to gather online.”

Parham closed by sarcastically thanking 72andSunny for inspiring SPILL’s creators to launch their own agency, which they’re jokingly calling “69andShady.”

“So thank you, 72and Sunny. I think we’re going to create our own agency. Go to 69andshady.com to learn about the future of social media,” she quipped.