Baltimore Community Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Circle Scores $1M In Effort To Support Residents — https://nappy.co/photo/m6HyKoafUkwFpNLE3koQs

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 22, 2025

Baltimore Community Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Circle Scores $1M In Effort To Support Residents

Data showcases just how much Black households support aligning organizations and causes, giving 25% more of their annual income in comparison to white households.

During Black Philanthropy Month, the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) celebrated its Black Philanthropy Circle (BPC) reaching $1 million in grants toward nonprofit organizations that support Black residents and communities, according to a press release.

As a donor-advised fund started in 2022 supporting Black-centered nonprofits for industries including arts and culture, education, economic welfare, community organization, environmental, human services, and health and wellness, BPC exceeds contributions with voting members committing $10,000 year after year to the BPC Fund — supporting a goal of $250,000 in awarded grants each year. Data shows giving circles throughout the U.S. host members that contribute just under $500 each, and the average charitable U.S. donor is listed as being 64 years old.

The age demographic of the group’s donor base is just shy of 45 years old.

Thanks to the thoughtful givers, 10 Baltimore nonprofits were named 2025 grant recipients. The list includes Arts Everyday, Inc., Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust, Inc., Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women, Black Women Build (Baltimore), Eastside Uplift, Inc., Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, Inc., HeartSmiles Inc., Innovation Works Baltimore, Open Works, Inc., and Parks & People Foundation.

Co-founder of the Black Philanthropy Circle, Alicia Wilson, says BPC continues to prove Charm City’s “rich history of Black philanthropy.” “The power of the Black Philanthropy Circle is the pooling of our funds together to support Black-led nonprofits and those that impact the Black community,” the vice president for civic engagement and opportunity at Johns Hopkins University said.

Data from Forbes highlights the significant support African American households provide to aligning organizations and causes, allocating 25% more of their annual income compared to white households. The estimated total is $11 billion per year, making African Americans one of the largest giving groups in the U.S. and a powerful voice in supporting causes they care about.

“This milestone accomplishment by Black Philanthropy Circle is an undeniable example that Black success and wealth thrive in Baltimore and enable investment in Baltimore,” said BCF’s president and CEO, Shanaysha Sauls.

“BCF is proud to partner with this growing community of dedicated Baltimoreans whose values and culture are reflected in their collective generosity.”

Jaylen Brown BIG3 — BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 29: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on before game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 22, 2025

Baller Jaylen Brown’s Dad Arrested For An Alleged Stabbing In Sin City

He is being charged with attempted murder for an incident that took place in Las Vegas

Quenton Marselles Brown, the father of Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, was recently arrested for attempted murder in Las Vegas.

According to KSNV, the 57-year-old patriarch, who goes by his middle name, Marselles, was booked Aug. 21 for allegedly stabbing someone at All American Park. The two engaged in an altercation after Marselles hit the driver’s side door, which led to tempers flaring. The girlfriend of the stabbing victim told police officers that they were sitting in their vehicle, and when Marselles parked right beside them, he got out of his car on the passenger side, and he hit the driver’s door, setting off the confrontation.

The stabbing victim got out of his car to check to see if there was damage, and Marselles remarked that “it was just a bump,” and allegedly called the man a “b**ch a**.” That set the boyfriend off as he hit Marselles’ side mirror in response to his comments. That move supposedly elevated the situation, causing Marselles to ask him “if he wanted to go,” to which the victim stated that he wanted to.

A witness to the attack stated that Marselles swung his weapon at the victim 25 times.

An attorney for Marselles, Arnold Weinstock, claimed that his client stated that the victim had a gun and struck him with it during the altercation. His bail had been set at $300,000.

The boyfriend turned his back and Marselles “briskly walked after him while producing [an] unknown object from his right side,” according to the victim’s girlfriend. The boyfriend was stabbed several times as she stated that Marselles “swung his arm in a straight stabbing motion and struck [the boyfriend] in his back.” After trying to fight back, the victim went back to the car, and then they drove to a nearby pharmacy, where they waited for an ambulance to arrive.

The judge set a bail of $300,000 for Quenton Marcelles Brown. He’s charged with attempted murder after a stabbing yesterday. Here’s what his attorney is saying: @News3LV pic.twitter.com/vwGWKp4BDq
— Jane Davenport (@reporterjanedav) August 21, 2025

The victim suffered stab wounds to his back, upper right clavicle area, and left hand, plus a broken right rib that might need surgery. He was listed in critical condition.

Police officials said that when Marselles was arrested, he told them that the altercation was “over a door ding.”

“He spontaneously uttered that this was all over a door ding without being asked any questions by Patrol officers,” the police report stated.

by Jameelah Mullen

August 22, 2025

‘Leave Me Alone’ Missing Texas Woman Found In ‘Lost Tribe’ In Scotland

She is safe... or is she?

A Texas woman reported missing by her family has been found alive. Kaura Taylor is a member of a “lost African tribe” who resides in a forest near Jedburgh, Scotland.

Taylor took to social media to reveal that she is a member of the Kingdom of Kubula, a tribe of Hebrews expelled from Scotland by Queen Elizabeth I more than 400 years ago.

The group includes 36-year-old King Athene 36, whose birth name is Kofi Offeh, his wife, Queen Nandi, a mother of seven, whose legal name is Jean Gasho, and Taylor, who now goes by Asant, identifying as the “inferior mistress” and “surrogate to the Queen.”

Taylor recently posted a video from the camp where she sent a message to her followers and the authorities.

“To the U.K. authorities, obviously, I am not missing. Leave me alone. I’m an adult, not a helpless child.”

In the video, Taylor addressed “ the woman who is posing as her loving mother” and claimed that she was the victim of childhood sexual abuse.

Authorities served the tribe eviction notices and burned down their tents, but the tribe’s king states that it “rejects” the law.

“We follow the laws of the creator—everything belongs to the ones who made it,” said the tribe’s King.

“Many people do not have the eyes to see and the ears to hear,” King Athene said in a video posted to social media. “They see things and they judge without understanding. This includes the government of Great Britain, who say that culture and religion is tolerant in Great Britain, but the Kingdom of Kubala has suffered trials and tribulations at the hands of authorities, who do not understand or tolerate. But the Kingdom of Kubala cannot be destroyed, for we are helped by the creator of the heavens and the earth, our God. Until then, no one will be able to destroy the Kingdom of Kubala.”

It is unclear when exactly Taylor left the United States and how she met the couple.

Johnson C. Smith teams compete in the 2024 BE Smart HBCU Hackathon.

by Ashlei Stevens

August 22, 2025

The 2025 Black Enterprise Smart HBCU Hackathon: A Decade Of Building Black Tech Excellence

The 2025 BE Smart HBCU Hackathon returns for its 10th year and will be bigger and more impactful than ever.

The 2025 BE Smart HBCU Hackathon returns for its 10th year and will be bigger and more impactful than ever. Hosted by BLACK ENTERPRISE and presented by American Airlines, the Hackathon is an all-expenses-paid coding competition featuring students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), showcasing their computer science skills and competing for top-notch jobs and internships in the emerging technology field.

The Hackathon returns to Charlotte, Nov. 5 – 8, 2025, where the mayor of The Queen City will be joining to greet students from more than two dozen HBCUs. The competition will feature 300 students this year, from up to 30 HBCUs – more than ever in years past. Registration is now open through Sept. 15 at blackenterprise.com/hackathon.

Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE, is eager to invite HBCUs to register to compete as the Hackathon celebrates 10 years of innovation, elevation, and execution.

Competitors must be junior or senior computer science, computer engineering, and cybersecurity majors who form teams to develop technical solutions to solve real-world challenges. A panel of judges examines each team’s application impact, technical complexity, and user-friendliness while also rating teams on their pitch and presentation skills. A suite of prizes is offered for winners, including AAdvantage miles from American Airlines, savvy digital devices, and useful tech gear.

Sponsors for the 10th annual BE Smart Hackathon also include The City of Charlotte, Fidelity Investments, McDonald’s, Manulife John Hancock, NASCAR, Nationwide, PepsiCo, Toyota, Verizon, and Visa. This marks the largest Hackathon sponsor pool to date.

“I also want to take the time to applaud all of you for your unwavering commitment and partnership in our creation and expansion of platforms to showcase diverse talent and offer opportunities to future tech innovators and business leaders,” Graves said to partners and participants last fall. “I am so proud of our BE Smart Hackathon and its participants. It has met its goal of providing a showcase for HBCU students to display their technical expertise and gain exposure to the top companies in global business.”

Source: **The 2024 winning Hackathon team was Protege, comprised of Spelman College seniors.**

The 2024 winning team was Protégé, comprised of Spelman College seniors Brianna Bray, A’laysia Miller-Chambliss, Morgan Lee, and Jasmine Singleton. The winning team received 100,000 AAdvantage miles from American Airlines, a MacBook Air, and a DJI Drones Mini 4 Pro.

Other top winners from last year included teams from Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama, who won second and third places, respectively. Receiving the judges’ highest technical score was Morgan State University, which is also the only HBCU to participate in all of the past nine years of the Hackathon.

Hackathon participants are truly living up to this year’s theme: “Built Different. Built Brilliant.” Join in on year ten of elevating excellence and register by Sept. 15 at blackenterprise.com/hackathon.

Patty Kotero, better known as Apollonia — photo credit: © Glenn Francis, www.PacificProDigital.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Kandiss Edwards

August 22, 2025

Apollonia Fights To Stop Prince Estate From Trademarking Her Name

Patty Kotero, known as Apollonia, has formally asked a federal judge to confirm her rights to the name she’s used professionally for decades.

Actress and singer Patty Kotero, better known as Apollonia, has formally asked a federal judge to confirm her rights to the name she’s used professionally for decades.

In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, Kotero seeks a court declaration that she owns the “Apollonia” trademark. Kotero intends to stop R&B legend Prince’s estate, Paisley Park Enterprises, from canceling her trademark registrations. She says the estate filed its own application for “Apollonia” in June and sought to wipe out her existing claims.

“In fact, Prince himself consented to and encouraged Apollonia in her professional endeavors as ‘Apollonia,’” the filing states per Reuters. “There is only one Apollonia, and Apollonia is the source of the goods and services provided under this name.”

Kotero’s lawsuit reveals that neither Prince nor any of his representatives raised concerns about her using the name while he was alive. She argues that the established use of her legacy moniker should stop any late claim from being valid. Without court intervention, she explains, the estate could force her to stop using her well-known stage name or bring a trademark infringement suit against her.

Her team says this is more than a branding issue. The use of “Apollonia” is her identity, her career, and her livelihood.

Apollonia Kotero’s connection to her stage name dates back to 1984, when Prince cast her as his co-star in Purple Rain. Additionally, the star introduced her as the lead singer of Apollonia 6. From that moment, “Apollonia” became more than a screen credit. The name became her professional identity. The stage name is tied to her music, acting, and decades of live performances. She’s continued to record, tour, and make public appearances under the name for over 40 years. During these years, she carved out a career independent of Prince’s estate.

The case, Kotero v. Paisley Park Enterprises, is now before the Central District of California and waiting for initial court action. So far, neither the estate nor Sony Music has offered a response.

Big Boi, Atlanta — Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 22, 2025

Big Boi Announces Limited-Edition Washing Machines That Play ‘So Fresh, So Clean’ After Each Cycle

Big Boi's new partnership give five lucky fans a chance to win limited-edition washing machines that play "So Fresh, So Clean."

Big Boi of Outkast has teamed up to launch a line of limited-edition washing machines that play one of the duo’s chart-topping hits at the end of each wash cycle.

Whirlpool, the home appliance giant, managed to tap Big Boi for a special giveaway of five limited-edition front-load washers that play the iconic hit “So Fresh, So Clean” after each cycle. These unique washers are made to add the wow factor to any home with their matte black finish, swarm of hand-placed crystals, and a certified “fresh and clean” badge personally signed by Big Boi.

“They called up and was like, you know, the kings of ‘so fresh, so clean’ and the washing machine kings need to get together,” Big Boi told The Blast of the partnership.

“We are on theme, we are on code, we got the same mission — to be the cleanest that we can be and the freshest we can be, and they was like, we want to put your song on the new Whirlpool washing machine. I thought it was just a chime, but they have the original track playing at the end of the wash cycle, so I was like, oh man, that’s dope, I gotta do it.”

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A post shared by Big Boi (@bigboi)

Big Boi showcased a demo for the partnership and giveaway on Instagram, giving fans a peek at some of his rare collectibles, including the checkered suit from the “The Way You Move” video and his pet owls, Hootie and Hoodini. He then walked over to the limited-edition Whirlpool washers and demonstrated how they play his and André 3000’s 2000 hit from their Grammy-winning Stankonia album after each cycle.

“I think the rarest has to be this,” Big Boi said, pointing to the washers. “Whirlpool made me my own washing machine.”

Now, a few lucky fans can win one of five washers just like Big Boi’s from Aug. 19 to Sept. 23, 2025. To enter, follow @WhirlpoolUSA on Instagram, like the Sweepstakes post, and comment #whirlpoolsofresh. Tagging a friend earns an extra entry. Winners will be notified via Instagram DM.

For those who want the regular Whirlpool Smart Front Load Washer with FreshFlow Vent System, it’s available in stores and online, just without the music feature.

Former Top NYC Aide Ingrid Lewis-Martin Accused Of Taking $75K Bribes In New Corruption Allegations

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 22, 2025

Former Top NYC Aide Ingrid Lewis-Martin Accused Of Taking $75K Bribes In New Corruption Allegations

Prior to stepping down from her role in December 2024 amid Adams being charged with corruption, Lewis-Martin and her son were accused of accepting a bribe in exchange for a $100,000 Porsche loan.

Former chief adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, is in hot water as she is facing additional corruption charges following accusations that she used her stature in the city government to secure more than $75,000 in bribes, The New York Times reports.

Lewis-Martin is accused of cashing in on numerous schemes, including trading renovation approvals for thousands of dollars in catered events at Gracie Mansion and City Hall, and fast-tracking permit approvals for a karaoke bar set in Queens in exchange for $50,000 for her son. She was also promised a spot on a television show. “Lewis-Martin consistently overrode the expertise of public servants so she could line her own pockets,” district attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.

“While she allegedly received more than $75,000 in bribes and an appearance on a TV show, every other New Yorker lost out.”

The former aide and her son, Glenn D. Martin II, weren’t the only ones named in the new indictments. Other NYC dignitaries with ties to Adams, who is gearing up for a reelection bid, are accused of corruption charges, such as former New York state senator turned deputy commissioner for real estate services, Jesse Hamilton, and avid Adams supporters, siblings Gina and Tony Argento, who run Broadway Stages, a prominent soundstage company.

Lewis-Martin allegedly took $2,500 from the Argentos in exchange for convincing city transportation officials to terminate plans to redesign McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn, according to ABC News.

After announcing the former aide will face conspiracy and bribery charges, Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber released a statement saying the accusations highlight a pattern of power abuse. “New York City officials and employees have a duty to serve the public fairly and equitably, and the vast majority fulfill that sacred responsibility each and every day,” Strauber said.

“Today’s Indictments, however, allege that the Mayor’s former Chief Advisor, at times in concert with the Deputy Commissioner for Real Estate Services in the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, repeatedly and persistently abused her senior government position to enrich herself and her family.”

Before stepping down from her role in December 2024 amid Adams’ being charged with corruption, Lewis-Martin and her son were accused of accepting bribes to help two businessmen with construction plans in exchange for a $100,000 loan to purchase a Porsche.

While Lewis-Martin’s lawyer Arthur Aidala pushes his client’s innocence, stating she “has broken no laws, and she is not guilty,” Adams spokesperson Kayla Mamelak Altus released a statement to assure the mayor “was not involved in this matter and has not been accused of or implicated in any wrongdoing.” “Ingrid Lewis-Martin no longer works for this administration,” she continued.

Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, card — photo credit: Kobe Bryant, Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 22, 2025

Upper Deck Basketball Card Featuring Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan Expected To Auction For Over $6M

It will be the most expensive basketball card bought at an auction

An Upper Deck basketball card featuring two of the greatest NBA players of all time, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, is slated to break an auction record by the time the bidding ends.

Heritage Auctions has listed a 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs Card with the signatures of Jordan and Bryant, which is expected to eclipse the nearly $6 million price paid for a 2009-10 National Treasures Steph Curry Logoman Autograph card. The latest bid is already at $5.75 million with two days to go. The auction ends Aug. 23.

Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan Basketball Card Expected to Sell for $6M https://t.co/0U1P3hiKhM pic.twitter.com/QOld2zQSTI

— TMZ (@TMZ) August 16, 2025

The Curry basketball card was auctioned for $5.9 million in a private sale to an investment fund almost five years ago, in July 2021.

Mike Provenzale, production manager at Heritage Sports, spoke to WFAA about the auction that will set the highest price ever paid for a basketball card.

“Yeah, I’ve actually lived with this card for the last month, you could say,” Provenzale told the media outlet. “We had it on display at our convention in Chicago, and then in our office in Beverly Hills, then our office in New York, and now it’s going to be on display here in our office in Dallas.”

Provenzal explains that it is the only Jordan/Bryant dual Logoman ever made, so the rarity of the item is what makes it so valuable.

“For modern cards, what has become incredibly valuable is the game-used patch from the athlete and an autograph on it, and then they would make a limited amount,” he stated. “This is a one of one, and it’s the only Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant dual Logoman ever made. So it’s the only one that will ever exist.”

Although this sale is expected to be a record for a basketball card, Provenzale says it is still far below the record $12.6 million fetched for a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card that was sold by Heritage in 2022.

overdraft fees, banks, bank fees — Photo by Drazen Zigic/Getty Images

by Kandiss Edwards

August 22, 2025

Two Major Financial Institutions Merge To Serve The Greater South

A merger this fall will unite two southern institutions, Atlanta’s 1st Choice Credit Union and HOPE Credit Union of Jackson, Mississippi.

HOPE Credit Union announced the merger via press release, July 30. The move is aimed at boosting financial access in historically underserved communities across the Deep South. Once completed this fall, the merger will expand HOPE’s reach into urban Georgia. The merger will add 1st Choice’s assets and members to its existing footprint spanning Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The combined institution will support new mortgage and business lending roles and deepen ties with healthcare systems and HBCUs.

HOPE CEO Bill Bynum emphasized the aligned mission and the value the company hopes to bring to more Georgia cities.

“We are really excited about the opportunity to be a part of the Atlanta community. … We feel like we can add value to those efforts and work in partnership with others who share our commitment to economic prosperity and inclusive economic mobility.”

He added that while partnership discussions had spanned years, financial strains at 1st Choice prompted the decision to merge.

“There are other organizations that are serving … historically under-resourced people … and we feel like we can add value … and work in partnership” to strengthen community-level financial support,” Bynum said.

For members of 1st Choice, branches at Grady and Sweet Auburn locations will remain open under the new name, Hope Credit Union. Operations will not be jeopardized as all staff will be retained.

“1st Choice was founded in 1946 as Hospital Authority Credit Union to improve the financial health of Grady Hospital employees, their families and our neighboring communities,” said Billy Wright, Chief Financial Officer at Grady Health System. “We look forward to partnering with Hope Credit Union to continue and expand this 79-year legacy.”

When 1st Choice Credit Union first opened its doors nearly 80 years ago, it primarily served employees at Grady Health System. Since then, its reach has expanded beyond the hospital walls, with branches rooted in Grady Memorial and Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn community. With more than 8,000 members and long-standing partnerships with institutions like Morehouse and Emory Schools of Medicine, the credit union has functioned as a neighborhood financial anchor. Consequently, HOPE Credit Union sees Atlanta as a natural extension of its mission.

HOPE Credit Union, founded in 1994, has grown to become one of the nation’s largest Black- and woman-owned financial institutions. The institution manages nearly $739 million in assets and serves more than 40,000 members across the six states.

Young Dolph, Rap — Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 21, 2025

Man Accused Of Organizing Young Dolph’s Murder Acquitted By Memphis Jury

The alleged mastermind of Young Dolph's 2021 murder was cleared of all charges.

The man accused of orchestrating the fatal shooting of Memphis rapper Young Dolph has been acquitted on all charges.

Govan Hernandez was acquitted Aug. 21 of felony charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, Local Memphis reported. The verdict came after a three-hour jury deliberation on day three of the trial into the November 2021 killing of Young Dolph, real name Adolph Robert Thornton Jr.

Speaking with reporters after the verdict, Govan thanked those who didn’t “shy away from him” and maintained his innocence.

“Thank you to the jury for getting this right and getting my life back,” Govan said. “I knew in my heart I was innocent. Without God, I don’t even think I would have made it this far. I’m just happy to be free.”

While Govan, 45, was not accused of killing Young Dolph, prosecutors argued that he directed the two men who did. One of the shooters even testified that Govan hired him to carry out the shooting in exchange for a $10,000 cut. However, the jury was not convinced and acquitted Govan of all charges early Thursday.

During the trial, Govan’s defense attorneys criticized the police investigation and questioned the credibility of cellphone records showing his communication with the shooters. They argued there was no direct evidence connecting him to Young Dolph’s killing.

“Thankfully, the jurors listened; they saw the holes in the case,” said Govan’s lawyer, Manny Arora.

Young Dolph was back in his hometown to hand out Thanksgiving turkeys when he was fatally shot outside his favorite bakery, Makeda’s Homemade Cookies. During the trial, Cornelius Smith Jr., who admitted to being one of the two gunmen, testified against Govan, claiming he hired him and Justin Johnson to carry out the hit.

Smith, who was called a “pathological liar” by Dolph’s attorney, had also been the key witness against Johnson, who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2024 after being identified as the second shooter. Smith has been charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He has pleaded not guilty, and a trial date has yet to be set.