by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 2, 2025

Pharrell Williams Says The 2025 Met Gala Will ‘Celebrate The Color Black’

Pharrell Williams is excited for the world to see the "power" of all things Black at this year's Met Gala.

With the 2025 Met Gala just around the corner, co-chair Pharrell Williams says this year’s event, centered on the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” will be a full celebration of Black excellence, from culture to color.

Williams appeared on The Run-Through With Vogue podcast on April 29, where he teased what the public can expect from this year’s Met Gala, scheduled to take place on May 5.

“It’s going to be a very impactful, beautiful night where we celebrate the color Black,” the music and fashion mogul said. “We celebrate the things that come from that color. We celebrate the mentality. We celebrate the plight. We celebrate the progress and the success. And we celebrate the potential.”

This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” draws inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. Williams will co-chair the event alongside actor Colman Domingo, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, and LeBron James, who will be an honorary co-chair.

Williams, the menswear creative director for Louis Vuitton, hopes the “power” behind the theme comes through in the photographs.

“We see it in all different forms, right? From authors to architects to artists to academics and to athletes, all A words. But, yeah, that’s what that night is all about. It’s like the best of the best, top of the top,” he said.

“That’s what that night is going to be, the manifestation of using the platform to celebrate us and all of our enthusiasts,” Williams added. “That means people who are not necessarily Black, but just, like, enthusiasts of the Black culture and enthusiasts of the Black color and enthusiasts of everything that has something to do with Black and Brown.”

The 2025 Met Gala is set for May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with Teyana Taylor, La La Anthony, and Saturday Night Live’s Ego Nwodim hosting Vogue’s fifth annual red carpet livestream. The coverage kicks off at 6 p.m. ET and will stream across Vogue’s digital platforms, including TikTok and YouTube.

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 2, 2025

Morris Brown College Offers ‘Heartfelt Invitation’ For Limestone University Students To Enroll After Closure Announcement

Morris Brown's president offered students “an opportunity for acceptance of your transfer credits and to work closely" with them for a smooth transition.

Morris Brown College offers enrollment to students of Limestone University following the school’s closure announcement at the end of the Spring 2025 semester, amid significant financial difficulties.

In a letter obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Dr. Kevin James, president of the Atlanta-based HBCU, extended a “heartfelt invitation” to all Limestone students who wish to continue their academic education. “To every Limestone student wondering what comes next, we want you to know that you are not alone. Morris Brown College is here for you,” James wrote.

“We are extending a heartfelt invitation to all Limestone University students to consider completing your academic journey with us.”

He continued to offer students “an opportunity for acceptance of your transfer credits and to work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition, minimizing disruption to your education” for what James describes as “Atlanta’s most affordable Historically Black College and University.” As the HBCU knows first-hand what it’s like to experience financial hardship, the letter highlights the importance of fighting for a bright future. “Morris Brown College intimately understands what it means to fight for a future, to honor a proud history, and to seek a path forward when the road feels uncertain,” the leader continues.

Limestone, located in Gaffney, South Carolina, sent an email to students revealing the Board of Trustees decided to close its doors, resulting in the end of in-person and online classes, according to WIS 10. After the board announced a need for $6 million in funding to stay afloat, over $2 million in donations poured in; however, some of these donations will be returned.

State and city leaders expressed sorrow after hearing the school was closing. Gaffney Mayor and Limestone alum Lyman Dawkins III voiced concern about how the closure will affect the city of Gaffney economically.

“I am worried about the economic impact this loss will bring on our city and county. Limestone has been a cornerstone of our city for nearly 180 years,” he wrote.

“From providing jobs and housing to supporting local businesses and downtown, the college’s role in our economy has been undeniable. Its closure will affect us in more ways than we can fully grasp right now.”

South Carolina’s 5th District Congressman Ralph Norman called the closure “a devastating loss” to the community while highlighting it as a “wake-up call on the importance of financial transparency and long-term planning in higher education.” “Our students and communities deserve better,” Norman said in a statement.

Norman isn’t wrong in his views, as students revealed feeling betrayed by the announcement. “It’s horrible, and the whole fact that no one even came out to talk to us in person,” student Giselle said. “Just an email is just a lack of respect in my opinion.”

Football player Dashawn “DJ” Gamble took to X to market himself as available on the transfer portal. “Due to Limestone University closing down, I will be entering the transfer portal. DMs open. Corner/Safety. Three years of eligibility remaining,” he wrote with corresponding videos and pictures.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 1, 2025

St. Thomas Carnival Brings Shabba Ranks, Beenie Man, Pressure And More

No passport needed.

The 73rd Annual St. Thomas Carnival is in full swing, celebrating Caribbean food, history, culture, and one of its most significant components: music. This year’s entertainment features a multicultural, star-studded lineup that provides something for carnival-goers of all ages.

St. Thomas Carnival’s Village Nights features six free concerts at the Fort Christian Parking Lot from April 28 to May 3, 2025. The concert series kicked off with a performance by international dancehall star Shabba Ranks. Other notable artists will soon take the stage, offering a musical smorgasbord that includes reggae, soca, dancehall, and Latin-infused sounds. The lineup will consist of U.S. Virgin Islands natives Pressure Busspipe, Adam O, Th3rd, and Star Martin, who recently became the first female artist from the Virgin Islands nominated for a Caribbean Music Award.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Star Martin | International Singer ✰ ✰ ✰ (@officialstarmartin)

Legendary dancehall artist Beenie Man will perform on May 1. The “Who Am I” singer visited the island earlier this year for the first time in a decade after his U.S. travel visa was reinstated following a 10-year travel ban to the U.S.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by King Beenie Man (@kingbeenieman)

Rounding out the Caribbean musical melting pot will be the Dominican bouyon band Triple Kay, merengue artist El Blachy, and Trinidadian soca artist Voice.

The DJs will keep the party going between musical sets. Team DJ Reg and DJ Avalanche will represent the Virgin Islands, while Bronx native DJ Whutever will bring some musical flavor from the mainland.

“These annual celebrations are so special because they showcase the best of Caribbean culture and honor the shared heritage and rich traditions that unite us all,” USVI Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull said in a press release, “Our goal every year is to authentically highlight Caribbean artistry and talent for everyone experiencing the festival.”

Located approximately 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands are territories of the United States, comprising three main islands: St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico do not require a passport. Non-U.S. citizens should follow the same travel requirements as those entering the mainland United States.

Richmond Mayor Pauses P-Card Program As Report Reveals Accusations Of Abuse

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 1, 2025

Richmond Mayor Pauses P-Card Program As Report Reveals Accusations Of Abuse

The reset will include department directors will no longer have P-cards issued to allow them to focus on approving purchases.

Richmond, Virginia, Mayor Danny Avula announced the city’s procurement card program, also known as the p-card program, will be paused and called for a “reset” after accusations of abuse, 6 News Richmond reported.

In a statement, Avula, the city’s first immigrant and Indian mayor, said the number of city p-cards will be reduced by more than 80%, from 320 to approximately 60, by May 9. As the p-cards are known as credit cards for staff to make smaller and efficient purchases, the mayor said the next few months will be used to reset and review after reports revealed areas of program weakness, including examples of alleged waste, fraud, and abuse. “P-cards are a best practice, but Richmond’s p-card program needs a reset. So, today, I’m turning off the vast majority of p-cards and placing new purchasing restrictions on the remaining cards,” Avula said.

“We’ll take the next few months to reassess, retool, and reboot the program in an effective way that really serves Richmonders.”

Results from a 2024 investigation by a Richmond government watchdog agency highlighted that the city’s then-General Registrar and his department were cited with 25 counts of waste, fraud, and abuse. It also found that nearly $500,000 in public funds was wasted through purchases that violated city policies.

A Richmond spokesperson revealed that the only allowed purchases should be those where public health, safety, and critical services would be disrupted if not allowed, or where no other payment methods exist.

“The reset will last at least 60 to 90 days during which the Department of Procurement Services (DPS) will redesign and then relaunch the p-card program,” the statement continued.

City leaders, including 4th District Councilmember Sarah Abubaker, celebrated Avula’s actions, but hope that’s not where it ends. “Here we are sort of in reaction to something happening as opposed to proactively thinking through what accountability and transparency look like,” she said, according to 12 On Your Side.

“There’s no accountability. If we’re not punishing people for fraudulent use of p-cards, and we’re not giving proper training or punishing the people who actually do the oversight of the p-card system and approve these, then it’s just sort of a reset of the same system.”

The city’s Department of Procurement Services, under the leadership of Rene Almaraz, hired the Institute for Public Procurement to assess the program and provide a report. Almarez said the team is “absolutely committed to creating the most efficient procurement p-card program possible.”

Other reset changes include the prohibition of Amazon purchases, except mission-critical food items or citizen-supporting programs such as summer food programs or after-school programs. Department directors will also no longer issue p-cards, allowing them to focus on approving purchases.

by Jameelah Mullen

May 1, 2025

ViaDerma Sponsors African Military Games And Showcases Innovative Wound-Healing Drug

ViaDerma CEO says it's a “great honor” to support the event.

ViaDerma, a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company, was a major supporter of the African Military Games, a multi-sport event for military athletes from across the continent, held in Abuja, Nigeria, in November 2024. The company not only provided financial support but also supplied its wound-healing drug, Tetracyte, to the athletes participating in the games.

Dr. Christopher Otiko, CEO of ViaDerma, spoke about the company’s role at the event.

“Being part of the African Military Games is a great honor and an excellent platform for us to demonstrate the effectiveness of Tetracyte, our flagship wound-healing drug,” he told The Daily Independent.

Otiko, a Nigerian-born podiatrist known for his research in wound care management, stated that he developed the drug after performing several amputations on patients with untreated diabetes.

“It was a depressing task,” he told Biospace. “Usually, once a patient loses a limb, this transfers more weight onto their surviving foot, which causes more pressure and a new wound, and they end up losing the other one.”

Otiko said that although amputations save lives, they often result in a poorer quality of life.

“I had to create a drug that could penetrate the skin so that you can apply the medication right on the foot and prevent wounds from getting to the point they lead to amputations.”

Otiko noted that although many African soldiers already use the drug to treat wounds and infections, the company aims to provide access to Tetracyte for a broader range of people across the continent.

Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, expressed his gratitude to the pharmaceutical company for its support. “ViaDerma was an invaluable sponsor and made significant contributions to the success of the event,” he told The Sun Nigeria.

The African Military Games is an event that aims to promote cultural diversity and strengthen relationships and camaraderie among African nations.

Over 2,000 athletes representing 44 countries competed in the games. They competed in 19 sports, including archery, cycling, boxing, golf, volleyball, soccer, and karate.

FAMU, Florida A and M University,DI, Black History Month

by Kandiss Edwards

May 1, 2025

FAMU’s Youngest 2025 Graduate Will Cross The Stage This Spring

Curtis Lawrence the lll exemplifies educational excellence.

Curtis Lawrence III made headlines in 2021 as the youngest student to enroll at HBCU Florida A&M University, at age 16. Now, he is set to graduate this spring at 20 years old. He will receive his bachelor’s degree in biology, graduating Summa Cum Laude, Tallahassee Democrat reported.

Lawrence’s academic journey at GAMU included a rigorous course load. He participated in classes at Florida State University and was involved in various campus activities. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in biology at Villanova University as a Presidential Fellow. He aspires to have a career in academia, focusing on ecology and evolutionary biology.

Lawrence, a Washington D.C. native, began his college journey even earlier. He enrolled at George Washington University at the age of 14, having skipped his junior and senior years at Schools Without Walls High School. He later chose the famed HBCU over offers from institutions like Yale and Harvard, amassing over $1.65 million in merit scholarships.

Reflecting on his time at FAMU, Lawrence said, “The four years that I’ve been here, I’ve done a lot, and I’ve changed a lot as a person, and I’m prepared to go on to the next chapter.”

His parents, Curtis Lawrence Jr. and Malene Lawrence, expressed immense pride in their son’s achievements.

“We’re incredibly proud of his persistence and consistent dedication to excellence,” said Curtis Lawrence Jr. “His journey is a reminder that with faith, hard work and support, extraordinary things are possible.”

Lawrence’s brother, Corey, is also attending FAMU and is expected to graduate in two years, continuing the family’s educational legacy.

FAMU’s commencement ceremonies are scheduled for May 2-3 at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center.

Lawrence’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to many. His journey exemplifies the impact of dedication, support, and a commitment to excellence.

by Stacy Jackson

May 1, 2025

Unveiling Of New Statue Kicks Off Dawn Staley Month in South Carolina

Staley hopes the statue moves young girls to look her up and learn about everything she has accomplished on and off the basketball court.

It’s Dawn Staley Month in Columbia, South Carolina, and the city kicked off the celebration Wednesday with an unveiling of a statue honoring the iconic women’s basketball coach.

The new statue now meets guests in front of the Colonial Life Arena, home of the Gamecocks’ women’s basketball team. According to a press release, the April 30 unveiling of Staley’s statue took place at 4 p.m. next to the University of South Carolina Pastides Alumni Center at the intersection of Senate Street and Lincoln Street. The statue represents the legacy of the Gamecocks’ head coach, whose impact has extended beyond the court.

“This tribute celebrates not only her championship legacy as a coach and player, but also her unwavering commitment to leadership, community empowerment and uplifting future generations,” the press release read. “Dawn Staley’s influence continues to inspire both on and off the court, and this statue stands as a lasting symbol of excellence, resilience and pride for Columbia and the entire state of South Carolina.”

Hang it in the Louvre ✨ pic.twitter.com/EoOcMnj8qv
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) April 30, 2025

The statue is a collaborative effort between the City of Columbia, community partners, and the Gender Diversity Arts Initiative, Statues for Equality. Staley stood in front of her newly unveiled statue on Wednesday to thank the mayor, her family, Gamecocks coaches, players, staff, devoted fans, and everyone who contributed to the special event.

“This honor is an interesting one for me,” she said in her speech, posted on the Gamecocks YouTube channel. “If I’m being completely honest, having a statue in my image was never a goal or even a thought.

Staley’s statue is located half a mile from the A’ja Wilson statue, and the three-time national title-winning coach confessed that she wanted Wilson’s to be the “only one.” She spoke about the importance of women’s representation in sports and the world. Her hope for the statue is that young girls will be inspired by the things she’s done with basketball and beyond.

“I hope she sees that I was a champion for equity and equality, and that in my own way, I pushed for change, that I stood proudly in the space called on me to inhabit, not as someone perfect or extraordinary, but as a regular girl who used her gifts to open doors so other girls wouldn’t have to knock as hard.”

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the professional athlete became the highest-paid women’s basketball coach in January after she scored a record $25 million deal. Following the Gamecocks’ recent national title win, the off-season will be filled with meet-and-greets for Staley, who announced her “Uncommon Favor” book tour in April. The May book tour has already been scheduled for stops in New York, Pennsylvania, and the Gamecocks’ home in South Carolina.

SC, it’s official – my book tour is coming home! Join me in Columbia (and Philly and NYC) to talk about Uncommon Favor!

Register to attend at the link in bio. I can’t wait to see you there!
@booksamillion, @unclebobbies, @bnfifthavenue, @AtriaBooks, @SimonAndSchuster pic.twitter.com/QuViaA4Fav
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) April 29, 2025

by Kandiss Edwards

May 1, 2025

Ryan Coogler Went From $200K Film School Debt To Billion-Dollar Box Office Sales

A director with over $2 billion box office sales, Ryan Coogler reflects on having massive debt as a creative.

Ryan Coogler discusses his substantial student debt while directing blockbuster films.

Coogler is an acclaimed director, with films such as Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther captivating audiences. His latest offering, Sinners, is dominating the box office. The genre-defying vampire drama set in 1930s Mississippi has garnered critical acclaim and achieved significant box office success. The film grossed over $175 million worldwide in its first 2 weeks in theatres.

Yet, the billion-dollar-grossing director has not had an easy road to success. Early in his career, he faced substantial financial hurdles. He’d amassed $200,000 in student debt while attending the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Reflecting on this period on the WTF With Marc Maron Podcast, Coogler revealed, “I was always 200 grand in debt for film school. It was bad,” he said. “We don’t come from no money.”

Cinema is Michael B. Jordan x Ryan Coogler pic.twitter.com/nteTrNRPjc
— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) April 24, 2025

Despite these obstacles, Coogler’s dedication to storytelling and his unique vision propelled him forward. Sinners, co-written and directed by Coogler, showcases his commitment to blending genres and exploring complex themes. Coogler’s wife, Zinzi Coogler, served as a co-producer, and the film features a score by longtime collaborator Ludwig Göransson.

The film’s success is further amplified by Coogler’s innovative deal with Warner Bros., which includes a first-dollar gross arrangement. This agreement ensures Coogler receives a percentage of the film’s revenue from the outset.

Sinners has been lauded for its originality, with critics highlighting its blend of horror, drama, and Blues music. The film’s minimal second-week drop of 6% is a rarity in the industry.

Coogler’s journey from significant student debt to directing a major box office hit underscores his resilience and commitment to the craft of storytelling. His success with Sinners not only cements his status as a leading filmmaker but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists.

WNBA, 2024 Season, Basketball, DICK BARNETT, BIG3

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 1, 2025

WNBA Teams Have Started Waiving Players Before First Preseason Games

The Las Vegas Aces and the Connecticut Sun released several players leading up to the start of the WNBA season.

The next WNBA season is set to start on May 15, and the first preseason game is scheduled for May 2. However, some of the women hoping to make the roster for the season have already been cut before the first contest.

According to SB Nation, as teams look to finalize their rosters in preparation for a championship run at the end of the season, two teams have already cut players without the opportunity to observe their performance in an actual game.

The Las Vegas Aces have sent two players packing about a week before the first preseason matchup. The first person cut from the team was Elena Tsineke on April 24. Although she was drafted in 2023 by the Washington Mystics, she has yet to make it to the regular season with any WNBA team. This may not be her year either. Several days later, on April 30, the team waived Jordyn Jenkins to begin trimming their roster for the 12-woman squad they will have for the start of the season.

The Connecticut Sun brought out their scissors this past weekend when the team waived Morgan Maly on April 26. The team signed her to a rookie-scale contract the previous week. Two days later, the Sun made two more roster moves when they waived Mya Hollingshed and Abbey Hsu.

All teams must finalize their rosters by 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 15. The season officially begins on Friday, May 16, and will run through the summer until Sept. 11.

According to the WNBA, this year marks the highest number of games teams will play, with a record 44 games.

The preseason starts on May 2 with a doubleheader airing on the ION network, featuring the debut of this year’s No. 1 Draft Pick, Paige Bueckers, who the Dallas Wings selected. She and her new team will face off against the Las Vegas Aces at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on the University of Notre Dame’s campus.

The second game will feature the Chicago Sky playing against the Brazilian Women’s National Team. The match will be played at LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Angel Reese’s alma mater, and Sky’s second-year player.

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 1, 2025

Nelly Stands 10 Toes Down In Support Of Donald Trump’s 1st 100 Days In Office

The “Country Grammar” rapper described himself as a "glass half full type of guy” while pushing for American voters to embrace Trump and his leadership.

Despite the initial backlash for performing at the 2025 Inauguration, rapper Nelly called for others to act in the spirit of unity during an interview with Fox News Digital as President Donald Trump celebrated 100 days in office.

The “Country Grammar” rapper described himself as a “glass half full type of guy” while pushing American voters to embrace Trump and his leadership.

“I’m all for everybody staying positive about any and everything,” Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., said. “I’m a glass half full type of guy. I’m more empowered by bringing people together and making sure that we all get what we need, when we need it and why we need it.”

Nelly defended his Liberty Ball inauguration performance with an interview with fellow artist Willie D, saying his respect for the office of president led him to perform. He claims it doesn’t matter who sits in the Oval Office. “It doesn’t matter who is in office. The same way that our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, have to go to war and have to put their life on the line for whoever [is] in office,” he said.

“So, if they can put their life on the line for whoever [is] in office, I can damn sure perform for whoever [is] in office.”

As social media users attacked his stance, accusing him of doing it just for the money, Nelly answered, revealing that it wasn’t the case. “I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this ’cause it’s an honor. I respect the office,” he said at the time, according to Billboard.

However, the damage was already seemingly done. During the Grammys weekend in February 2025, singer Janelle Monae went viral when a video from an after-party showed her calling the Grammy-winning artist a “sell-out,” being supported by Anderson.Paak. “F*ck you, Nelly, you sold out,” she rapped.

https://twitter.com/ArtOfDialogue_/status/1886454256628023372

It didn’t seem to faze him as he labeled his inauguration performance an “honor” and pushed that politics did not influence his decision-making. “The politics, for me, is over. He won! He’s the president. He’s the commander in chief of what I would like to say is the best country in the world,” Nelly continued.

“Now we look to the president to step up, serve, and lift us all.”

The “Hot In Herre” artist isn’t shy about his love for the country, as the St. Louis native was born on a military base. In addition to his father, Nelly comes from a heavy military family. An unidentified source close to the artist revealed that his aunts and uncles “all served in the military for our democracy and the right for us all to vote.”