by Sharelle B. McNair

May 2, 2025

Byron Donalds Doesn’t Think The US Still Has A Systemic Racism Problem

Donalds feels the country is getting as close to meritocracy more than ever.

Florida Rep. Byron Donalds sat down on the Full Send Podcast to give his take on where America stands with systemic racism, claiming it doesn’t exist anymore.

The Black Republican congressman projected his thoughts on racism in America after host Kyle Foregeard asked him if America still has a problem with racism, which the conservative lawmaker said, “no.” “No. I think that the country did. I mean, that’s obvious. We definitely did, but I don’t think so anymore,” Donalds said.

As a follow-up to his answer, Donalds said he feels the country is getting as close to meritocracy, which by definition is “government or the holding of power by people selected on the basis of their ability,” more than ever. He feels systemic racism is a thing of the past given different industries, and used boxer Logan Paul, who used to be an influencer, as an example.

“We are as close to meritocracy as we’ve ever been in America. And I think you’re starting to see that in all frames of life. You’re seeing it in business, you’re seeing it in politics, you’re seeing it in sport and entertainment, but really in entertainment,” the congressman said.

“I think podcasting, influencing…if that’s not meritocracy then I don’t know what is.”

Social media users jumped in as clips started to circulate, calling Donalds a “token.” Some pointed out the hypocrisy, as he was once looked at as a shoe-in for President Donald Trump’s cabinet but was overlooked. “Says the man who was not picked for Donald Trump’s cabinet,” @noelissaks said.

says the man who was not picked for donald trumps cabinet .
— Noel Issaks (@noelissaks) May 1, 2025

Those who have been following Donalds while he was campaigning for the president shouldnt be too taken aback by his comments. The lawmaker has been outspoken about his feelings toward the relationship between America and its Black citizens.

During a Black voter outreach event called “Congress, Cognac, and Cigars” in Philadelphia in 2024, he received major backlash for suggesting Black families were more unified and better off during the Jim Crow era — a period riddled with racial segregation. “During Jim Crow, the Black family was together. During Jim Crow, more Black people were not just conservative – Black people have always been conservative minded – but more Black people voted conservatively,” he said.

Now, his focus is on securing the governor seat for the Sunshine State but he may have to convince some angry voters that he is the man for the job first. Donalds’ constituents don’t seem to be too happy with his work on Capitol Hill. During a recent town hall meeting, things got ugly when, according to CNN, his responses to questions about Elon Musk and the moves of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) were met with boos.

Doctoral Student, 83-Year-old Woman, Harvard

by Mitti Hicks

May 2, 2025

Harvard Professors Pledge To Pay Cut Amid Lawsuit Against Trump Administration

The Ivy League school’s president, Alan Garber, said the federal funding cuts would be detrimental to the school as a significant portion of the money goes toward medical and scientific research.

Harvard University professors are pledging to take a temporary pay cut as the university files a lawsuit against the Trump administration.

At least 84 senior faculty staff members have pledged to donate 10% of this year’s salary to contribute to “the university’s financial resources while it legally contests these attacks.”

Government professor Ryan Enos told CBS News that the commitment would add up to an estimated $2.5 million.

The pledge comes as the university responds to the Trump administration’s decision to freeze billions of federal funding.

Harvard Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration

In an unprecedented move, Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for freezing $2.2 billion in federal funding. The Trump administration said it plans to suspend another $1 billion in grants. President Donald Trump even suggested that the university should lose its tax-exempt status.

The lack of funding is twofold. First, the Trump administration said it would review the $9 billion in grants and contracts with Harvard as it investigates alleged antisemitic incidents on campus. The administration followed up with a letter demanding that Harvard end DEI policies and make other changes. Harvard would have to follow these demands if leaders wanted federal funding to continue. The university made some changes due to the back and forth with the current administration.

Harvard University announced it is renaming the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging to “Community and Campus Life.”

The university is still pushing back with a lawsuit.

“The gravy train of federal assistance to institutions like Harvard, which enrich their grossly overpaid bureaucrats with tax dollars from struggling American families, is coming to an end,” the Trump administration said in response to Harvard’s lawsuit.

The Ivy League school’s president, Alan Garber, said the federal funding cuts would be detrimental to the school as a significant portion of the money goes toward medical and scientific research.

“The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,” Garber said.

Last month, former President Barack Obama, a Harvard University alumnus, backed the school’s decision to oppose President Trump’s demands.

“Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions – rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect,” he said on X. “Let’s hope other institutions follow suit.”

Khalid Kamal, mayor, Kobi, racist, messages, investigation, south Fulton

by Kandiss Edwards

May 2, 2025

Georgia Mayor Khalid Kamau Says Farewell To South Fulton After A Slew Of Controversies

The South Fulton Mayor delivered his final State of the City address

South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau delivered his final State of the City address on the evening of May 1, marking the city’s eighth anniversary and signaling the end of his tenure.

During his farewell, Kamau chose not to address those controversies directly. He instead focused on the city’s progress. He also emphasized his personal growth as a leader. Speaking at the Southwest Arts Center, Kamau, also known as Mayor Kobi, reflected on his time in office and emphasized the importance of civility in political discourse.

Reflecting on the city’s identity, Kamau highlighted South Fulton’s status as the Blackest city in America. Nearly 92% of South Fulton’s residents are Black.

“I really think that a lot of what distinguishes us from Atlanta is that a lot of what you hear about Atlanta being this Black mecca and this center of Black excellence a lot of that is actually South Fulton.”

In closing remarks Kamau expressed hope for the city’s future.

“A more noble city lies on the other side of these troubled waters. Do not fall victim to the post-traumatic slave narrative that Black people cannot rightly govern.”

Kamau announced last week that he would not seek reelection. The mayor cited the low mayoral salary of approximately $47,000 as insufficient compensation for the demands of the role. He revealed that the low pay had forced him to sell his mother’s house and rely on food stamps. Despite proposing a salary increase to $85,000, the city council did not approve the raise.

His decision not to run for a second term follows a series of controversies, including allegations of unauthorized expenditures totaling around $26,000 on a city-issued purchasing card. These expenses encompassed international trips and office enhancements, such as a mural and a pool table.

As the city prepares for its next election, three candidates have announced their intentions to run for mayor: former Mayor Bill Edwards, Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs, and Navy veteran Kelvin Davis. Each candidate has expressed a commitment to restoring integrity and transparency to the city’s leadership.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 2, 2025

Tyrese Haliburton’s Dad Deaded From Pacers Games After On-Court Confrontation With Giannis Antetokounmpo

The front office informed John Haliburton of their decision and he agreed with them

After Tyrese Haliburton‘s father had a confrontation with Milwaukee Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo after the Indiana Pacers won a playoff series, the Pacers have decided that John Haliburton will not attend any more games, home or away, at the moment.

According to USA Today, John approached Giannis on the basketball court after his son Tyrese scored what would be the winning shot of the contest. The proud father is seen on video waving a towel with his son’s face on it while seemingly yelling at the opposing center. Someone who saw the interaction rushed over and stopped John, as Giannis stood in disbelief, and the home crowd went wild in celebration.

Here’s another angle of Haliburton’s dad and Giannis. This is insane behavior by an old ass man.

Watch the guy in the black jersey initially sitting down in a chair with the towel on the baseline pic.twitter.com/4ldMy1Oxke

— sqr (@squaresense) April 30, 2025

John was sitting in a courtside seat at the Pacers’ home court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

He later publicly apologized for his action via social media.

I sincerely apologize to Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Pacers organization for my actions following tonight’s game. This was not a good reflection on our sport or my son and I will not make that mistake again.

— John Haliburton (@PapaHaliburton) April 30, 2025

Although the apology was issued, the Pacers front office met with Haliburton’s dad and decided he would not be allowed to attend any of the Pacers’ upcoming games. The team advanced in the playoffs to play against the top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers’ vice president of basketball communications and media relations, Michael Preston, confirmed the decision.

BREAKING: Tyrese Haliburton’s father John will not attend Indiana’s home and road games for the foreseeable future, per @ShamsCharania.

Haliburton was involved in an on-court incident with Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo following the Pacers win on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/Yl8a8DWFO6

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 1, 2025

Giannis did accept the apology, as the two did speak before leaving the court, but he also had this to say after the incident:

“I’m happy for him, I’m happy for his son, and I’m happy that he’s happy for his son. That’s how you’re supposed to feel. But coming to me and disrespecting me and cursing at me, I think, is totally unacceptable, totally unacceptable.”

Tyrese also stated that he didn’t agree with the actions of his father.

The next game for the Pacers will take place May 4 in Cleveland.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 2, 2025

Starter Partners With BIG3 To Produce Uniforms, Gear For Teams

BIG3 CEO Ice Cube said, 'I lived my entire life in STARTER – from my first STARTER jacket when I was 16 years old to the Dodgers jacket I wore last fall.'

The BIG3 announced a partnership with an iconic sports apparel brand, Starter.

The Ice Cube-helmed 3-on-3 basketball league will rely on Starter to create uniforms, sideline gear, and warmups for the teams, as well as merchandise that fans of the BIG3 can purchase in support of the league. Now that the league is city-based, fans can expect to have items that represent their favorite city and/or team.

“This partnership is a dream come true,” said BIG3 CEO Ice Cube in a written statement. “I lived my entire life in STARTER – from my first STARTER jacket when I was 16 years old to the Dodgers jacket I wore last fall. Working with such an iconic brand is not only a personal triumph but a huge accomplishment for the BIG3. There is so much harmony between our brands – we are both on the cutting edge of our game while honoring and championing the nostalgia of the past. Beyond the design synergy, STARTER is also committed to providing our fans and players alike with the best possible materials. This partnership is beyond a natural fit, it’s really a no-brainer, and I couldn’t be more pleased to be working with the dedicated team at STARTER to take the look of the BIG3 to the next level this year.”

Starter will also produce game-quality jersey replicas, which is a first for the league. Fans can also expect to purchase limited-edition merchandise and capsule collections for various BIG3 events throughout the season.

Mike Dugan, President of Starter Uniforms Division, also praised the collaborative effort with the BIG3.

“For STARTER, the connection with Ice Cube and the BIG3 feels like destiny. From iconic moments in our jackets to now partnering with his groundbreaking 3-on-3 league, this is a true full-circle moment. This partnership represents a powerful fusion of classic sports legacy and modern entertainment. Together with the BIG3, we’re set to create apparel that resonates deeply with today’s sports enthusiasts, bringing back STARTER’s signature bold style within the league’s innovative framework. We’re eager to unlock the immense potential of this collaboration and create even more unforgettable experiences for BIG3 players and fans this year.”

Ice Cube will also be launching a limited-edition Starter line, which, to the rapper, is a “personal triumph” and “a huge accomplishment for Big3.”

The BIG3’s upcoming season starts June 14 and is slated to end Aug. 24, with all games being broadcast on CBS.

self deport, Haiti, Photojournalist Dieu-Nalio Chery

by Stacy Jackson

May 2, 2025

Couple Fears Return To Haiti War Zone If Judge Rules In Favor Of Trump’s Order To End Immigration Program

Immigrants fear they may have to return to gang and political violence in Haiti due to Trump's order to end the CHNV Humanitarian Program.

With gangs taking over more than 90% of Port-au-Prince, hundreds of thousands of Haitian immigrants may be returning to a land of chaos if a judge rules in favor of the Trump administration’s executive order to end the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela Humanitarian Sponsorship Program.

The humanitarian parole program, established under the Biden administration, has permitted more than 500,000 people to enter the U.S. under temporary legal status. According to NBC News, immigrants like 28-year-old Kevinson Jean may be prompted to return to face Haiti’s heavy gang violence and political turmoil if President Donald Trump’s executive order, which was supposed to take effect April 24, is approved.

The Trump administration labeled the program as a “broad abuse” of the immigration parole system, along with the Department of Homeland Security’s perspective of the program as an “unlawful scheme.”

The security and humanitarian crisis in Port-au-Prince resulted in 60,000 people fleeing in February. In Jean’s own experience, he was held at gunpoint for cash he collected from a job with the nonprofit Christian ministry Hills of His Grace. The 2021 incident prompted him and his wife, Sherlie, to apply for the CHNV Humanitarian Sponsorship Program with the help of Hills of His Grace founder Kimberly Snelgrooves and Pastor Joshua Light of First Baptist Church Panhandle. The gangs have a significant presence in Haiti, according to Haitian human rights activist Pierre Esperance.

“They have guns…They attack whenever they want. They set fire to whatever they want,” he said. “The police have been weakened, and the government has collapsed.”

Gang violence in Haiti escalates as Delmas 30 residents face relentless attacks. Armed groups have terrorized the area, forcing many to flee. Here’s what you need to know about the worsening crisis and its impact. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/tSTNz42eEj
— Haitian Times (@HaitianTimes_) February 26, 2025

Earlier in April, Trump stated that if Jean and his wife Shirley entered the U.S. legally, then he “is going to be in good shape” to stay. However, Jean said he received a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services prompting him to self-deport. The couple is worried they lack the means to even return to Haiti and fear the possibility of being sent to a third country like El Salvador without knowing the language or culture.

Earlier this month, Trump’s order to revoke the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela Humanitarian Sponsorship Program was temporarily blocked by a judge. The Trump administration has appealed the ruling and now awaits a decision by the First Circuit Court.

SOUTHERN,, ALABAMA,, EMMY NOMINATION,. COLLEGE

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 2, 2025

Two HBCUs Receive Emmy Nominations For Films Depicting Campus Life

Southern University and Alabama A&M earned Emmy nominations for films showcasing HBCU culture.

Students from two historically Black colleges received Emmy nominations for films that highlight different aspects of HBCU culture.

Southern University and Alabama A&M University received Emmy nominations for showcasing everything from their iconic marching bands to the intense passion and grit behind HBCU football rivalries, HBCU Game Day reported. Southern’s “Dream Team” — Verbon Muhammad Jr., Ashley Lovelace, Sydney Cuillier, Loren Sullivan, and Eric White — earned an Emmy nomination for The Hidden Sport, a documentary offering a powerful glimpse into the grit, passion, and discipline of the university’s legendary Human Jukebox Band.

“We wanted to shed light on the time, the effort, the dedication these musicians invest,” Cuillier said. “They practice just like athletes — that’s where the name ‘The Hidden Sport’ was born.”

The Emmy-nominated film was made in part through the Coca-Cola HBCU Grant, a $40,000 grant recognizing a student or students enrolled in an HBCU’s journalism or media production program with a focus on sports broadcasting. The Dream Team announced the documentary in April and teased its Summer 2025 release.

“What if the loudest part of the game was the most overlooked?” an Instagram post read. “The Hidden Sport — a story of rhythm, resilience, and redefining what it means to be an athlete.”

The documentary also honors the memory of late band member Caleb Wilson and Coach Sean Wallace, celebrating their enduring legacy at the university. After months of hard work, the students completed the project in March 2025. If they win, the team plans to establish a scholarship and donate proceeds to support the Human Jukebox Band.

Supporters left comments expressing their pride in the film, with some even suggesting that Southern University consider adding a film major to its program offerings.

“At this point, do we need a film studies major?” one person wrote.

“LETS GGGGGOOOOO!!!! Raising the bar per usual!” added someone else.

Alabama A&M University also scored an Emmy nomination for the 2024 video series A Bulldog Family. Nominated in the Branded Content – Short Form Content category, the scripted series spotlights the Magic City Classic, the most traditional HBCU football rivalry. Featuring five AAMU student actors, the campaign garnered over 1 million views and significantly enhanced the university’s presence on social media and throughout Alabama.

“This was about sharing our story and putting a spotlight on a tradition that defines our university,” said Aaron Thompson, Assistant VP of Marketing.

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Luka Doncic,Luka Dončić, mural, Kobe Brryant

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 2, 2025

Luka Dončić Donates $5K To Restore Kobe Bryant Mural

One of the first Kobe and Gigi Bryant murals was vandalized in Downtown Los Angeles

After news broke that a mural created in tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter was vandalized, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to restore the painting. Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Dončić then donated $ 5,000 to the cause.

An Instagram account, @kobemural, recently posted that a mural created for the Lakers legend and his daughter was vandalized, and a fundraiser was launched to garner donations, with a goal of $5,000.

“Unfortunately, one of the first Kobe and Gigi murals has been vandalized in Downtown Los Angeles,” the message stated.

The message was updated to inform everyone that Doncic had met the fundraising target to restore the mural.

“🚨 For those who missed our most recent post, @lukadoncic has generously donated the money to help restore the Kobe and Gigi mural. 💜💛

“We’re sharing to bring awareness to the community of fans here in LA, and around the world, who respect and appreciate artists and their mural tributes.

“Original mural by @sloe_motions located at 1361 Main St, Los Angeles”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kobe & Gianna Bryant Murals (@kobemural)

The Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers’ superstar issued a statement explaining why he donated the money to the fund.

“Kobe is L.A. He and Gigi mean so much to this city, to the Lakers organization, and to me personally,” Doncic said. “I’m happy to do anything to help make sure he and his daughter are honored.”

Doncic was traded to the Lakers earlier this season from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade for former Lakers center Anthony Davis. He and the team were just eliminated from this year’s NBA Playoffs when they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Bryant played his entire career with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships, becoming a two-time Finals MVP, and earning the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player award. He made the All-Star team 18 times and became the youngest player to reach 30,000 points. In his final game before retiring in 2016, he scored an NBA season-high 60 points. The 41-year-old basketball legend died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others on Jan. 26, 2020.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 2, 2025

Brian McKnight Sues Jaguar Wright For Accusing Him Of Abusing His Ex-Wife And Prostitutes

Brian McKnight is taking legal action against Jaguar Wright for her salacious claims of abuse.

Brian McKnight is taking legal action against Jaguar Wright for her claims accusing him of abusing his ex-wife and sex workers.

In the newly filed lawsuit, McKnight accused Wright of spreading damaging and salacious allegations online, including claims that the Grammy-nominated singer hired and mistreated prostitutes during sexual encounters, TMZ reported. The “Anytime” singer also denied Wright’s claims that he was abusive toward his ex-wife, Julie McKnight, who Wright says is her cousin.

Not only did McKnight deny the abuse claims, but he also said he was never aware of Wright’s alleged family ties to his ex-wife. McKnight is going after Wright for damages.

This isn’t the first time Wright’s controversial claims against celebrities have landed her in hot water. Last October, Piers Morgan was forced to apologize after conducting an on-air interview with Wright on his Uncensored show, during which she referenced Sean “Diddy” Combs while accusing Jay-Z and Beyoncé of having multiple “victims.”

“For four years I’ve been screaming not just Diddy, but Diddy and Jay-Z are monsters,” Wright said.

Morgan followed up after the interview and offered an on-air apology to the Carters after Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s lawyers contacted him to confirm that Wright’s claims “were totally false and have no basis in fact.”

“Well, Jaguar, unexpectedly, made several serious allegations about Jay-Z and Beyoncé during that interview,” Morgan explained. “As I said in the moment, they were not present to respond or defend themselves, but now they have. We had lawyers contact us to say that those claims were false and have no basis in fact, and we’ve therefore complied with a legal request to cut them from the original interview.”

After Morgan’s apology, Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s attorney Alex Spiro explained why it was the smart thing to do.

“I think he made the wise choice and acted accordingly,” Spiro said. “It didn’t just harm the Carters. What he did, effectively, was to drown out the voices of actual victims in an ongoing case, in an ongoing investigation. And that was that was too much for me.”

by Ahsan Washington

May 2, 2025

9 Stress-Reducing Practices To Maintain Mental Health

No chill pills involved.

April is the designated month for stress awareness, but it doesn’t mean we let go of stress-reducing practices. We can’t let it end without talking about the effects stress has on your mental and physical well-being as we transition to May and lean into Mental Health Month. BLACK ENTERPRISE has identified nine ways to reduce stress through body and mind—with no “chill pills” involved.