Atlanta Hawk, Magic City, T.I., State Farm Arena

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 10, 2026

NBA Shuts Down Atlanta Hawks ‘Magic City Night’ After Concerns From Basketball Community

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the league's decision to scrap the event.

The NBA has officially intervened to end the Atlanta Hawks’ upcoming “Magic City Night” amid concern from various members of the basketball community.

The NBA released a statement on March 9 regarding its decision to cancel the themed event. Taking place March 16, the game was a nod to the famed Atlanta strip club, Magic City, as the Hawks played against the Orlando Magic. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver explained the rationale behind canceling the highly anticipated event.

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/jzbUW8t73Y
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 9, 2026

“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale,” wrote Silver. “While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees. I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”

The game’s theme caused an uproar throughout the basketball community, with some deeming the team’s celebration of a strip club inappropriate for the league. Magic City Night meant to highlight Atlanta culture at large, including the club’s specialty, “Lou Will” lemon pepper wings, a special themed hoodie, and a performance by T.I. However, others found that it recognized an industry that is often harmful to women.

While Silver also mentioned complaints from stakeholders and fans, former and current NBA players also publicly condemned Magic City Night. Luke Kornet, a forward for the San Antonio Spurs, initially sparked debate after writing a letter asking the Hawks to cancel the theme, citing that it perpetuates disrespect towards women. Former Hawks player Al Holford chimed in to agree with Kornet’ss concerns.

However, supporters of Magic City Night emphasized how the themed game is more about celebrating the city and its cultural institutions that influence pop culture. They argued that the criticism and cancellation represent a misunderstanding of how Atlanta and Magic City influenced hip-hop and Black Culture.

One naysayer of the league’s decision called it “dramatic,” especially given that the theme would not explicitly promote strip dancing.

kids don’t even know what Magic City is. so unless strippers were performing at halftime — this is mad dramatic of the league. people upset over hoodies and chicken wings? lol https://t.co/GT5UfAepd3
— Ashley Nicole Moss (@AshNicoleMoss) March 9, 2026

The theme had also skyrocketed attention and ticket sales for the Monday night game, as the Hawks used this event to bring more fans out. In response, the team noted their disappointment, but ensured that a celebration of Atlanta would happen regardless.

pic.twitter.com/ARpFImHcaQ
— Atlanta HaWWWWWWks (@ATLHawks) March 9, 2026

“As a franchise, we remain committed to celebrating the best of Atlanta — with authenticity — in ways that continue to unite and bring us all together,” wrote the franchise.

While the game will no longer proceed as Magic City Night, fans who already bought tickets can still expect a performance by T.I. Attendees can also grab wings, though it’s unclear whether they’ll be from the strip club’s famed kitchen. As for the coveted Magic City peach hoodie, only those who pre-ordered it will still receive it, as no club promotion will appear at the game.

by Mitti Hicks

March 10, 2026

New Lawsuit Demands Department Of Education Forgive Student Loans Under Key Repayment Plan

The lawsuit stems from an ongoing battle between student loan borrowers and Republican-led states.

Student loan borrowers are demanding that the Education Department start forgiving student loans and offer affordable monthly payments under the income-driven repayment plan. In a new lawsuit filed on behalf of student loan borrowers, lawyers are accusing the federal government of refusing to follow the law. The lawsuit stems from an ongoing battle between student loan borrowers and some states.

The SAVE Plan is an income-driven repayment program that lowers monthly payments for borrowers and prevents unpaid interest from causing loan balances to balloon. According to the Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC), income-driven repayment plans are designed to ensure that student loan repayment remains affordable.

However, SAVE Plans have been blocked for more than a year and a half due to legal challenges brought on by Republican-led states. But in February, a federal district court in Missouri dismissed the main lawsuit against the SAVE plan and refused to reconsider or pause that ruling, according to Forbes.

Student Loan Borrowers, Advocates Demand Access To Affordable Repayments

In the days following the dismissal, borrowers reached out to the Education Department to request SAVE Plan benefits. Student loan borrowers and advocates argue that the SAVE Plan is no longer blocked and the Education Department has a legal obligation to reopen the plans.

“Millions of borrowers have already waited years for repayment terms that the law requires,” said Austin Hinkle, Managing Partner of Public Goods Practice, the law firm representing student loan borrowers, in a statement. “Today, they are eligible to have their loans cancelled, but the government simply refuses to do it.”

As SDCC pointed out, the difference between SAVE and other repayment programs can amount to thousands of dollars in additional costs each year and additional years of repayment. SDCC leaders said the Trump administration is giving borrowers the “run around” and denying access to the “most affordable payment plan in history.”

“The number one question we receive during our student loan workshops is what borrowers should do if they are enrolled in the SAVE program,” said Natalia Abrams, President and Founder of the Student Debt Crisis Center. “Today, these borrowers remain in prolonged uncertainty due to nearly two years of administrative forbearance.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 10, 2026

Duane “Keefe D” Davis Thinks Diddy Could Be Key Witness In Tupac Murder Trial

Duane “Keefe D” Davis is reportedly hoping Sean “Diddy” Combs will testify in the upcoming Tupac Shakur murder trial.

Duane “Keefe D” Davis reportedly believes Sean “Diddy” Combs could serve as a key witness in the upcoming murder trial connected to the killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur.

Nearly three years have passed since Davis was indicted in connection with the 1996 killing of the rapper, a development that followed decades of frustration for those seeking justice in the case. As the trial approaches, Davis reportedly believes Combs could be a key voice in helping his defense, the NY Post reports.

According to a source close to Davis, his attorney, Michael Pandullo, is confident Combs would back the argument that Davis’ past claims about orchestrating Tupac’s murder were fabricated in his pursuit of “fame and fortune.”

“Duane has made his feelings clear –- if Diddy is a witness or makes a statement denying what he told cops, then that helps him hugely,” a family friend said. “Another factor is that this case will be a jury trial, and there is a suspicion that celebrities are often seen preferentially. So if Diddy backed up this story, it would help immensely.”

Davis has long alleged that Combs, who is currently serving a four-year sentence after being convicted on two counts of violating the Mann Act, once offered $1 million to have Tupac Shakur killed. In 2007, Davis gave Los Angeles police a lengthy interview in which he confessed to being involved in Shakur’s fatal shooting near the Las Vegas Strip.

He claimed the attack was retaliation after his nephew, Orlando Anderson, was beaten by Shakur, Suge Knight, and other associates earlier that night. At the time, police said Davis was a leader in the South Side Compton Crips and had orchestrated the revenge plot. Davis later detailed his alleged role in the case in his 2019 memoir “Compton Street Legend,” where he wrote about rising through the ranks of the notorious street gang and again repeated claims that Combs had offered up to $1 million for Shakur’s murder.

On Sept. 29, 2023, 27 years after Shakur’s death, Davis was arrested and indicted by a grand jury on a charge of first-degree murder. His attorney believes that if called to testify, Combs would likely deny the allegations and label Davis’ claims as false, something the defense hopes could ultimately help Davis beat the murder charge.

CHARLIE WARD, FAMU, basketball, head coach

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 10, 2026

FAMU Basketball Head Coach Charlie Ward Gives Thoughts After Recent ‘Saving College Sports’ Roundtable

The former two-sport student-athlete participated in a President Donald Trump-led roundtable

Former New York Knicks point guard and current Florida A&M University (FAMU) men’s basketball coach Charlie Ward was recently invited to participate in a President Donald Trump-inspired roundtable titled “Saving College Sports,” which included more than 50 others regarding the impact of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals student-athletes are signing. Critics feel that recent deals and students being given a chance to make money for themselves while in college have caused a problem, since colleges are no longer allowed to exploit players as they did in years past.

According to HBCU Sports, Ward was among politicians, school representatives, and officials who want to curb students’ use of the system for their own benefit. He was the only person from an HBCU invited to attend the meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C. Ward played two sports (football and basketball) while attending Florida State and became the first and only athlete to win a Heisman Trophy (in 1993, for college football’s best player) who ended up playing his career in the NBA.

Now, as a head coach at FAMU, Ward discussed his appearance at the White House on Fox & Friends and how he feels NIL deals should be formulated for the future.

“It was amazing to be in the room with a lot of heavy hitters in the sports industry,” Ward told the media outlet. “Sometimes you just want to be a fly on the wall — and I definitely was. There was a real sense of urgency to get something done for the future of college sports, particularly when it comes to governance, NIL, rev share, and the transfer portal.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: “This is out of whack.”

He then cites players asking coaches for more money and threatening to transfer as issues in the sports. pic.twitter.com/0JXuU9qjPY
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) March 6, 2026

President Trump has stated he would sign an executive order, citing that NIL agreements require federal legislation to restore order in the college ranks regarding student compensation for their NILs.

“I will have an executive order within one week, and it will be very all-encompassing,” Trump said. “And we’re going to put it forward, and we’re going to get sued, and we’re going to see how it plays, OK, but I’ll have an executive order, which will solve every problem in this room, every conceivable problem, within one week, and we’ll put it forward. We will get sued. That’s the only thing I know for sure.”

Ward feels that revenue sharing with athletes differ than the NIL deals they are currently signing.

“First, we’ve got to decipher that NIL and revenue share are totally different. True NIL is what we see when athletes like Arch Manning do commercials or partner with national brands — that’s legitimate marketing value. Some players also make money through social media deals, and that’s another form of NIL. But it’s only a small segment of athletes who are involved at that level.”

The FAMU head coach wants to see a system that is similar to the pros when it comes to a cap structure. He wants a system that will also benefit smaller schools like his so they can be as competitive as the bigger schools to recruit players.

“I’ve always said, if you cap the rev share, it’s just like the NBA or the NFL,” Ward said. “You have a luxury tax. If a school goes over the amount, then put it in a fund. Being from Florida A&M, a smaller university in Division I. I say let that money trickle down to us.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 10, 2026

Quentin Tarantino Criticized For ‘Racist and Creepy’ Use Of The N-Word In His Movies

Quentin Tarantino is facing accusations that he has been given a “hall pass” to use the N-word in his films, something one white actress calls “racist and creepy.”

Spike Lee has long criticized Quentin Tarantino for his use of the N-word in his movies, and now a white actress who appeared in one of his acclaimed films is also speaking out, calling the filmmaker’s repeated use of the controversial word “racist and creepy.”

Rosanna Arquette, who played the wife of Eric Stoltz’s character in Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction, recently spoke about the acclaimed flick, saying that while she considers the Oscar-nominated film “iconic” and “great,” she believes Tarantino has been given a “hall pass” when it comes to using the word in his work.

“It’s iconic, a great film on a lot of levels,” she told The Times U.K. “But personally, I am over the use of the N-word — I hate it. I cannot stand that he [Tarantino] has been given a hall pass. It’s not art, it’s just racist and creepy.”

In Pulp Fiction, Tarantino faced criticism for writing himself into a scene as the character Jimmie, who repeatedly uses the N-word while speaking to Jules Winnfield and Vincent Vega, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta. The filmmaker’s decision to include the slur multiple times, particularly through a white character he played himself, has long fueled debate and drawn criticism.

Spike Lee has long criticized Tarantino for his frequent use of the N-word in his films. After the release of Tarantino’s 2012 movie Django Unchained, which stars Jamie Foxx as the enslaved protagonist Django, the film drew attention for its repeated use of the slur by both Black and white characters. Lee publicly condemned the film, telling Vibe magazine that “it’s disrespectful to my ancestors. That’s just me… I’m not speaking on behalf of anybody else.”

The Academy Award-winning BlacKkKlansman director had previously raised similar concerns about Tarantino’s “excessive use of the N-word” following the release of the 1997 film Jackie Brown, which starred Pam Grier.

“I have a definite problem with Quentin Tarantino’s excessive use of the N-word,” Lee said at the time. “And let the record state that I never said that he cannot use that word — I’ve used that word in many of my films — but I think something is wrong with him.”

However, Tarantino has not only defended his use of the term in his films, but he also used the word while speaking to reporters after winning the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay for Django Unchained.

“If someone’s out there actually saying it when it comes to the word “ni–er,” that, the fact that um, I was using it in the movie more than it was used back in the antebellum South, in Mississippi, in 1858. Well, then they might have a, you know, feel free to make that case,” Tarantino told a stunned crowd of reporters. “But no one’s actually making that case. So, in other words, what they’re actually saying is I should soften it. They are saying I should lie. They’re saying I should white-wash. They’re saying I should massage. And I never do that when it comes to my characters.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 10, 2026

Michael Jordan Does Not Participate In ‘The GOAT’ Conversation

NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan is returning March 15 to give us the latest

NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan is returning March 15 to give us the latest MJ: Insights to Excellence on NBC, where he discusses his place among “who is the greatest NBA player” arguments, which is often debated by basketball fans. Whether it’s him, Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, or even Bill Russell, he states that the conversation about being “The GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)” just doesn’t exist with him.

After the current NBA season opened with the news of Jordan joining the network as a “special contributor” to NBC Sports, people were excited to hear what the former Chicago Bulls great would have to say. Although disappointed to find out it would be pre-recorded conversations, fans were still excited to hear from him, as he rarely gives interviews.

Now, Sports Illustrated reported that he will embark on the whole “GOAT” talk with the next segment.

Apparently, that conversation will have to be left to us regular fans who argue it on an almost daily basis, with the consensus being Jordan, depending on the birth years of the people talking about it. However, for Jordan, we can have that conversation.

“The ‘GOAT’ term is never gonna be something that I ever will get high or low about. It just doesn’t exist with me. I never played against Oscar Robertson or Jerry West. Would’ve loved to,” he stated.

He did say that he would have loved to play against the other greats during their prime, but it’s important to note that the players mentioned before anyone else paved the way for those players to be considered the greatest.

“And I actually learned from them. And we paved the way for the Kobes and the LeBrons, right? And to me, that’s the beauty of the game of basketball, that a player, after a previous player, has evolved the game further. But don’t then … now use that against the players that actually taught you the game or that you learned from. That’s why I have a tough time [with the GOAT talk]. Look, I would have loved to play against LeBron and Kobe in my prime. … But we’ll never be able to know that.”

Jordan also touched on other subjects, including international basketball, the Olympics, and related matters.

Michael Jordan discusses Olympic basketball and the Goat debate in the latest installment of MJ: Insights to Excellence. pic.twitter.com/LAO5Dbq8hU
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) March 8, 2026

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 10, 2026

Black, Middle Class New Yorkers Feel New Tax-Hike Plan Makes Them A Direct Target

"“It doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, yellow, green, or purple! it doesn’t matter! If you fall into a certain category, your family is gonna be affected, and it is so unfair."

Several Black, middle-class New York City residents are speaking out against the Democratic Socialists of America’s proposed plan for tax hikes, saying it would cost them the years they spent financially building, the New York Post reported.

The proposal includes higher taxes for individuals who make more than $300,000 in addition to taxing on inheritances over $250,000. Lorraine Smith-Singleton of Jamaica, Queens, feels it would hurt the Black residents who spent decades building retirement accounts, paying off homes, and estate planning to benefit loved ones. “The reason you invest is to acquire wealth with the hopes of putting it towards your legacy, for your family — and this will greatly affect my family,” the retired 77-year-old nurse said.

Laurelton, Queens resident and 58-year-old consultant James Chavis called the plan “feels un-Democratic” and “extremely unfair.” “As an African-American homeowner, I think it’s extremely unfair to most middle- and upper-middle-class New Yorkers to raise taxes, especially when incomes are not increasing in our current economic environment,” Chavis said.

”The super-rich manage to skirt the tax by whatever means, and the middle-class continually carries the burden. It’s the reason that so many have chosen to leave the State of New York and New York City.”

Democratic leaders like New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins have continued to push the plan to increase taxes on the state’s wealthy and corporations, going against Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is against the idea. Despite pushback from the niche demographic, Stewart-Cousins calls it a “robust progressive and corporate tax proposal,” with a “version of a millionaire’s tax.” “I think I’ve said repeatedly that we are certainly trying to meet the moment, and revenue raisers will certainly be part of our package,” she said, according to CBS News.

All eyes are on Hochul after her record $260 billion state budget proposal failed to include any income tax raises, despite pressure from Big Apple Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has continuously called on the state to “tax the rich.” Democratic Socialists of America’s “Tax the Rich” campaign co-chair Batul Hassan said she needs to pick a side. “This will be Hochul’s tax on homeowners if she refuses to choose a side and tax the super rich,” Hassan said.

Without support from the state, Mamdani claims he will have no choice but to raise property taxes by 9.5% and raid the city’s reserves. While Smith-Singleton is in favor of his “millionaire tax” plan, she feels it shouldn’t be at the expense of working New Yorkers — regardless of race. “I favor taxing the rich — the super-rich, but I’m not in favor of taxing middle-class working people. I own two properties, and I intend to give whatever’s left to my children, not the government,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, yellow, green, or purple! it doesn’t matter! If you fall into a certain category, your family is gonna be affected, and it is so unfair. We already pay more taxes now than what we should be. Everything is sky high.”

But it seems a majority of New Yorkers are on Mamdani’s side as a Siena poll shows 62% of residents are in favor.

by Ahsan Washington

March 9, 2026

Remembering The Notorious B.I.G. On The Day Of His Untimely Death

Biggie’s death happened just six months after Tupac Shakur's death during the mid-1990s

On March 9, 1997, hip-hop lost one of its most influential voices, Christopher Wallace, also known as “The Notorious B.I.G.” or “Biggie,” in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. The 24-year-old Brooklyn rapper had attended a party at the Petersen Automotive Museum when a vehicle approached the SUV he was traveling in while stopped at a red light and fired shots. The shooting occurred shortly after midnight. The Notorious B.I.G. died at 1:15 a.m. despite receiving emergency surgery.

Biggie’s death happened just six months after Tupac Shakur’s death during the mid-1990s East Coast-West Coast rap beef. The murder case remains unsolved after three decades of police investigation.

The release of the docuseries Sean Combs: The Reckoning brought the case back into public discussion, as it examines the theories about Wallace and Shakur’s deaths. Interviewees state that industry conflicts and Wallace’s decision to visit Los Angeles created dangerous circumstances for the beloved rapper.

The unresolved murder of Biggie continues to linger as one of the most enduring unsolved crimes in hip-hop history. B.I.G. remains one of the most influential hip-hop lyricists. During his short career, Biggie gave interviews that reveal his experiences as a rising artist who dealt with stardom, his criminal past, and the competitive nature of the music business. Through interviews that capture his thoughts at the height of his career, his voice and cultural impact continue to thrive.

Rare 1994 Interview – Biggie Explains His Path Into Rap

In this rare 1994 interview, Biggie shared his unique approach to achieving success in the rap industry. He shares his reasons for joining Bad Boy Records and talks about the steps he took to create his debut album, Ready to Die. Sean “Diddy” Combs’ mentorship helped Wallace transform from a Brooklyn street hustler into a hip-hop legend, as revealed in this interview.

1994 Behind-the-Scenes Interview – The Making of “Warning”

During the filming of the music video for his debut album single, “Warning,” The Notorious B.I.G. gave an interview to the media. The rapper revealed during this interview that the song’s storytelling method originated from real-life incidents and neighborhood stories. The real-life experiences that influenced him created the hard-hitting storytelling approach that defined his debut album “Ready to Die.”

The Dog House Radio Interview (1997) – Biggie Talks Security Concerns

On March 5, 1997, Biggie appeared on The Dog House, which aired on San Francisco station KYLD (Wild 107). The interview served as a promotional event for his Life After Death album. During this interview, Wallace spoke about the additional security measures he put in place because of his fame, which revealed the state of hip-hop security at the time. The interview took place only four days before the deadly shooting in Los Angeles.

Rap City Interview (1997) – Biggie Discusses Life After Death

The Notorious B.I.G. discussed life and death and the effects of Tupac Shakur’s murder during his 1997 Rap City interview. Joe Clair interviewed Biggie during which they discussed the upcoming Life After Death album, his artistic growth, and his thoughts about the hip-hop environment after Shakur’s death. People consider this one of the last television interviews Wallace gave before he died.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 9, 2026

George W. Bush Is Invited To The Opening Of The Obama Presidential Center, Trump Not Invited

Much like his legendary 2008 presidential campaign, the former president continues to push the narrative of “hope” to the American people, highlighting the feeling visitors may feel upon arrival.

The guest list and date for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center have been set and there is a prominent name missing.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 18, with the public opening scheduled for June 19, known as Juneteenth. People reported that the guest list includes former Republican President George W. Bush, but not President Donald Trump.

The March 7 announcement came from the first Black President and First Lady via Instagram, holding importance as the anniversary of the civil rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, and with increased anticipation since the project’s September 2021 Chicago groundbreaking. In the post, Obama reminisced about some words visitors will see when they look up. “When visitors look up at the Obama Presidential Center’s Museum building, they’ll see three words: ‘You are America.’ Those words come from a speech I gave in Selma on the 50th anniversary of the March across the Edmund Pettus Bridge,” he said.

“They’re meant to honor the men and women who came before us, and to inspire the next generation to be messengers of hope.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Barack Obama (@barackobama)

While Trump isn’t invited to the opening center, he’s not banned from ever making a visit. Former Obama White House adviser and Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett said he’s welcomed to visit. “As I said, this is really a chance for us to celebrate with the people who joined President Obama on this journey, the ordinary people who did extraordinary things,” Jarrett said, according to Fox News.

“So, no, but I will say, I hasten to add, that after we open to the public, should President Trump want to come and tour the center, President Obama would be delighted for him to do so.”

Much like his legendary 2008 presidential campaign, the former president and Illinois state leader continues to push the narrative of “hope” to the American people, highlighting the feeling visitors of the presidential center, featuring a museum, new library branch, and more, may get upon arrival. “It is easy to look around right now and feel like the challenges we face are simply too big. But hope is not about ignoring the hard stuff,” Obama said.

“It is that thing inside us that insists something better awaits if we are willing to work for it.”

The center pays homage to the couple’s public service legacy and their love story. Michelle Obama referred to it as “a way of giving back to the community that has given us so much. “But it’s more than that, too. It’s a tribute to the big-hearted, open-armed people and communities who have defined this city — and buoyed our family through thick and thin,” the best-selling author wrote.

“It’s a launchpad for the next generation of young leaders who are going to change the world.”

Tickets will be available in May, with pricing aligning with other Chicago cultural institutions.

Social media users celebrated the opening, thanking and missing the Obamas leadership and announcing plans to visit.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 9, 2026

Tiffany Haddish And Jason Lee Team Up For ‘Read Across America’

Read Across America Day was established in 1998 by the National Education Association

Award-winning actress, comedian, and author Tiffany Haddish joined Vice Mayor Jason Lee in Stockton, California, on March 2, in celebration of Read Across America.

Vice Mayor Lee visited August Knodt Elementary School in Weston Ranch, while Haddish read to students at Aspire Secondary Academy in Sierra Vista. Lee and Haddish spent their time reading Haddish’s children’s book, Layla, The Last Black Unicorn to students. The story follows the journey of a unique Black unicorn who struggles to fit in at school before she realizes that what may make her different from others is ultimately her greatest strength.

After a successful day getting to know the students and educators of South Stockton, Haddish and Lee delivered books to Van Buren Library, Maya Angelou Library, and Weston Ranch Library, expanding children’s access to new reading materials beyond their classrooms.

“In a time when so many of our children are navigating identity and belonging, stories like Layla remind them that being different is not a weakness — it’s a superpower,” Lee in said a press release.

“When we put books in a child’s hands, we put possibility in their future.”

Haddish, best known for her work as a stand-up comedian and lead actress in Girls Trip, started writing and publishing books nearly a decade ago. Layla, The Last Black Unicorn takes inspiration from Haddish’s first book, a memoir titled The Last Black Unicorn. It is Haddish’s first of seven published works and takes us through her challenging upbringing. Readers are told deep, intimate stories from her life while experiencing her contagious personality. In Layla, The Last Black Unicorn,” similarities are drawn between Haddish and Layla—two unique beings realizing the power they have stored in themselves.

Read Across America Day was established in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and is observed March 2, to honor the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss. Its goal is to encourage children to read and develop strong reading habits that will give them lifelong support.