tasha Lawson, tee'Andrick, mother, son, Georgia

Black Mother Dies Of ‘Broken Heart’ Days After Finding Son Dead In Bedroom After Returning Home

The mother died nearly 11 days after finding her son dead in his room.


A Black mother in south Georgia reportedly died from a “broken heart” days after finding her son beaten to death in his bedroom.

According to Fox 12, Tasha Lawson found her son, Tee’Andrick, dead in his room on April 2. The family believes the 20-year-old was assaulted by two men who broke into the Hazelhurst, Georgia, residence while his mother was out of town.

Upon finding her son, Lawson died just 11 days later, on April 13, from apparent heart issues. Officials determined her cause of death to be from natural causes, specifically “aortic dissection rupture, hypertensive, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.” She died while receiving medical treatment for her condition at Waycross Hospital.

However, her family believes the doting mother died of a “broken heart” over her son’s untimely death. Now, their loved ones must deal with the unexpected loss of Lawson and her son.

The family has since launched a GoFundMe to help clean Tee’Andrick’s room and pay Lawson’s unanticipated funeral expenses. The page emphasized how close the duo were, and how the young man’s death triggered his own mother’s health decline.

“With broken hearts, we share the tragic loss of Tee’Andrick Lawson, a loving, funny, and free-spirited young man whose life was taken far too soon in a senseless act of violence. He was the kind of person who lit up every room — full of laughter, energy, and warmth.”

The description added, “Tee’Andrick and his mother were inseparable. Their bond was deep and unbreakable — best friends who did everything together. The pain of losing her son was too much for her heart to bear, and just days later, she passed away from sheer heartbreak.”

While authorities continue to investigate the case, the family believes the foul play stemmed from a hate crime. The family claimed that Tee’Andrick’s sexual orientation led to the home invasion and fatal assault.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, an FBI report on 2023 crime data revealed attacks based on sexual orientation rose 23% from the previous year. However, Black members of the LGBTQ+ community also face disproportionate rates of assault. The Williams Institute at UCLA also released a study that showed 44% of this demographic experienced physical or sexual assault.

The family continues to await justice for Tee’Andrick’s murder as they grieve the double loss.

NYC mayor Eric Adams, trial, Trump,

Top 3 Prosecutors Resign From Eric Adams’ Corruption Case After DOJ Asks To Admit ‘Wrongdoing’ 

The same lawyers were part of a DOJ group that refused to sign off on Adams’ bribery case dismissal in February


Three federal prosecutors who worked on New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ corruption investigation chose to resign, while on administrative leave, rather than agreeing to any wrongdoing from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as a precondition for their return, ABC News reports. 

In a stern letter to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, the prosecution trio, comprising of Celia V. Cohen, Andrew Rohrbach, and Derek Wikstrom, accused him of pressuring them to falsely express regret and admit some wrongdoing.

“The Department placed each of us on administrative leave ostensibly to review our, and the Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney’s Office’s handling of the Adams case,” the letter read. “It is now clear that one of the preconditions you have placed on our returning to the Office is that we must express regret and admit some wrongdoing by the Office in connection with the refusal to move to dismiss the case. We will not confess wrongdoing when there was none.”

The same lawyers were part of a DOJ group that refused to sign off on Adams’ bribery case dismissal in February 2025. They were placed on leave shortly after for an investigation.

“We have served under Presidents of both parties, advancing their priorities while pursuing justice without fear or favor,” the prosecutors wrote. “The role of a career prosecutor is not to set policy. But a prosecutor must abide by the oath to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States and the rules of professional ethics set by the bar and the courts. Now, the Department has decided that obedience supersedes all else, requiring us to abdicate our legal and ethical obligations in favor of directions from Washington. That is wrong.”

The shakeup adds to a growing list of a chaotic battle between the Southern District of New York and the nation’s capital.

Then-acting U.S. attorney Danielle Sassoon resigned in February 2025 after suggesting DOJ leadership, including ​​acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, was aware of a quid pro quo deal with Justice Department officials to have Adams’ case dismissed in exchange for helping the administration

Jay Clayton, a former Securities and Exchange Commission chair, took over the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York as its interim leader.

President Donald Trump installed the lawyer following Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) announcement that he would block the process through which Clayton could be confirmed.

In early April 2025, a federal judge agreed with the DOJ’s motion to dismiss the mayor’s indictment but declined to accept the request to dismiss the case altogether, instead allowing prosecutors to revive it at a later date. The judge said the decision would “create the unavoidable perception” that Adams was beholden to the federal government.

In addition to Sasson, Cohen, Rohrbach, and Wikstrom’s resignation, five other DOJ officials resigned from their offices in protest, and several top Department of Justice officials refused to participate in the case’s dismissal.

RELATED CONTENT: Uncertainty Surrounds Suge Knight’s Retrial Amid Lawyer’s Attempt To Withdraw From His Case

Cousinz Festival, Pusha T

Jeezy, T-Pain, Lil’ Kim To Headline Second Annual Cousinz Festival In Norfolk

The festival will take place August 30 at Norfolk Scope Grounds.


The Cousinz Festival has announced it performers for this year’s event.

The second annual event, scheduled for August 30 in Norfolk, Virginia, at Norfolk Scope Grounds, will feature headliners Jeezy, T-Pain, and Lil’ Kim and sets by New York City DJs DJ Clue and DJ Envy.

“We had an idea for our hometown, and it really came to life,” Clipse group member and festival co-founder Pusha T said, according to WAVY. “Last year set the vibe, tone, and energy for Cousinz, and knowing that each year will bring something different, we wanted a lineup that reflected how we feel when we hop in our cars in the Summertime. Having Jeezy do a special performance of his
hit TM 101 albumsomething the fans have been asking for years–is crazy to be happening in Norfolk. Lil’ Kim is a rap legend and T-Pain keeps the energy high all the time.”

Other acts performing include: Backyard Band, tour and daytime TV DJ, DJ Boof, DJs Izzy The DJ, DJ DC, and Been Blackin. The house DJ will be DJ Diamond Kuts. Comedian and actor Chico Bean and radio host and media personality Dominique Da Diva will serve as hosts.

Attendees can also enjoy culinary treats with the Stormy Blue Food Truck Experience.

On Friday, April 25, Cousinz, in partnership with The Waterside District, will host the Cousinz Community Engagement Kick-Off Conversation. The panelists will be the co-founder of the festival, recording artist Fam-Lay; Antonio Dowe of Cousinz Festival; Sean Washington of the City of Norfolk; and Suyapa Marquez of Dominion Energy.

The event begins at 4 p.m. at The Market at Waterside. A mixer will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m

“Cousinz is bigger than music: it’s about community engagement,” said Fam-Lay. “What made Cousinz special last year was that we were able to partner with local businesses to change people’s lives. We awarded scholarships to five Norfolk State University students through the Hold The Door initiative, and we also partnered with Dominion Energy to upgrade a Norfolk resident’s home. When we say Cousinz is a movement, we mean that. Family–whether by bloodline or by community ties–supports one another. We’ll be activating the community again this year through different pop-ups and experiences.”

Ticket sales for Cousinz will begin with a locals only on-site pre-slle on Friday, April 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Waterside District in Norfolk.

General online pre-sale for previous Cousinz Festival ticket purchasers begins Monday, April 28 at 10 a.m. through Wednesday, April 30 at 11:59 p.m. on www.cousinzfestival.com.

General public online sales begin Thursday, May 1 at 10 a.m.

RELATED CONTENT: Uncertainty Surrounds Suge Knight’s Retrial Amid Lawyer’s Attempt To Withdraw From His Case

Pastor Jamal Bryant, Black Friday, Black Business Maket

Pastor Jamal Bryant Uplifts Black Business With The Bullseye Black Market

New Birth Missionary Baptist continues its quest to hold corporations accountable.


Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is expanding his campaign to defend diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in corporate America by launching the “Bullseye Black Market,” a pop-up marketplace designed to uplift Black-owned businesses.

The event will take place at the Samson Health & Fitness Center on the church’s Stonecrest campus and will feature local vendors, food trucks, and empowerment workshops for small business owners, WSBTV reported. Church officials say the effort is part of a broader initiative to promote economic justice and resist corporate cuts on DEI initiatives.

BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on Bryant’s call for an economic boycott of Target during the 2024 Lenten season. The campaign encouraged 100,000 Black consumers to boycott Target for 40 days, and included appeals to divest from the retail giant’s stock. The effort followed widespread media reports that Target and other large corporations were scaling back DEI programs amid growing political and shareholder pressure.

“We’re not just consumers — we’re a community with power,” Bryant said. “When companies turn their backs on the values they once stood behind, we respond by building something better. The Bullseye Black Market is both protest and progress.”

Bryant’s boycott gained national attention as shoppers began reconsidering their spending in light of corporate DEI reversals. Target also experienced a decline in foot traffic during the protest period; however, the company has not publicly commented on any direct link to the campaign.

New Birth is not new to political and faith-based activism. Under Bryant’s leadership, the church has mobilized around voting rights, vaccinations, and economic empowerment — using its platform to galvanize both local and national action.

Church organizers say the Bullseye Black Market is open to the public and will be a recurring event. For more information on vendor registration or event schedules, visit newbirth.org.

RELATED CONTENT: Pastor Jamal Bryant Says Infidelity Ended First Marriage

FDA, dyes, food, color

The FDA Eliminates Key Staff Overseeing Food Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is rolling back America's food safety programs.


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has significantly reduced oversight for food safety, suspending integral inspection protocols and firing what some say are essential employees. 

These actions raise alarms about the FDA’s ability to regulate and protect America’s food supply. In April 2025, the FDA halted its Proficiency Testing Program under the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN), which regulated and maintained consistency across testing laboratories. This suspension, which affects 170 testing laboratories, is effective until Sept. 30 and is attributed to substantial staff reductions at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The changes include the reduction of critical personnel such as microbiologists and chemists, Reuters reported. 

The outlet also claims to have reviewed internal documents circulating throughout the agency. 

“Unfortunately, significant reductions in force, including a key quality assurance officer, an analytical chemist, and two microbiologists at FDA’s Human Food Program Moffett Center have an immediate and significant impact on the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) Proficiency Testing (PT) Program,” says the email sent on Tuesday from FERN’s National Program Office.

Compounding the issue, the FDA has not met its mandated inspection targets since 2018. The Food Safety Modernization Act requires the agency to inspect high-risk domestic food facilities at least once every three years and non-high-risk facilities at least once every five years. However, from 2018 to 2023, the FDA conducted an average of 8,353 domestic inspections annually, falling short of these requirements.​

These staffing cuts follow a mass layoff initiated by newly appointed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The severance of key employees appears to impact administrative and scientific roles crucial to food safety operations. Despite assurances that frontline inspectors would remain unaffected, dismissing support staff has impeded the FDA’s capacity to conduct thorough inspections and communicate safety alerts.

The reduction in inspections and staff has coincided with a rise in foodborne illnesses. In 2024, confirmed cases increased by 25%, according to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. Critics argue that diminished transparency and oversight may lead to delayed outbreak responses. NBC reported on the FDA’s handling of a deadly E. coli incident linked to contaminated lettuce, where the agency chose not to disclose the affected producer or retail locations.​

These developments have prompted concerns among food safety experts about the FDA’s ability to fulfill its mission. The resignation of Jim Jones, head of the FDA’s food division, in protest over the staff cuts underscores the seriousness of the situation.​

As the FDA grapples with these challenges, the safety of the U.S. food supply remains a pressing concern, emphasizing the need for robust oversight and sufficient resources to safeguard public health.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Threatens Federal Program With ‘No Additional Funding,’ That Could Leave 60K People Homeless

fund, SCFU, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Social Change Fund United

Social Change Fund United Announces Los Angeles Initiative To Help Small Businesses

The initiative, co-founded by Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul, has announced a collaborative effort with Stackwell and the National Basketball Players Association Foundation (NBPA Foundation)


The Social Change Fund United (SCFU), an initiative co-founded by two NBA Hall of Famers, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade, and a future Hall of Famer, Chris Paul, announced a collaborative effort with fintech platform Stackwell and the National Basketball Players Association Foundation (NBPA Foundation).

The SCFU Visionary Ventures Program was initiated to help small businesses in Los Angeles succeed in historically under-resourced communities. It will begin in the LA area, with plans to expand nationwide.

“The Visionary Ventures Program represents our commitment to creating change in underserved communities,” said Anthony, Paul, and Wade in a joint written statement. “By partnering with Stackwell, we’re offering holistic financial education and development resources to help businesses thrive, particularly during these challenging times as our community works to rebuild from the wildfires.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stackwell (@stackwellcap)

This is the first time SCFU has partnered with a fintech platform and will utilize Stackwell’s track to assist businesses in achieving long-term financial stability. The Visionary Ventures Program is supported by NBA players CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton and WNBA stars Natasha Cloud and Candace Parker. An executive team comprised of Creative Arts Agency (CAA) executives Callie Curry and Hillary Thomas serves on the advisory board.

Small businesses in Los Angeles can download the Stackwell App and visit the Community Hub to learn more about eligibility requirements.

Trevor Rozier-Byrd, founder and CEO of Stackwell, said, “This is a critical moment for LA. When we show up for LA small business owners, they can show up for their community. That’s why we’ve teamed up with SCFU and the NBPA to launch Visionary Ventures. We’ve built this program using Stackwell’s program-building playbook, which has proven to drive incredible results. We’re so excited to work with our partners because they share our passion for supporting communities through the power of investing.”

RELATED CONTENT: Uncertainty Surrounds Suge Knight’s Retrial Amid Lawyer’s Attempt To Withdraw From His Case

Beyoncé, Billboard Country Albums Chart, Cowboy Carter

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Earns Special Recognition in New People Magazine Collector’s Edition


After a year of watching all the fanfare surrounding Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, which includes her first Album of the Year Grammy, People Magazine decided to celebrate Queen Bey’s country debut with a special collector’s edition.

The new issue, now on sale at newsstands and Amazon, includes over 125 photos reflecting on Beyoncé’s journey to securing 35 historic Grammys, images from her 2023 Renaissance world tour, and promotion for her Cowboy Carter tour kicking off on April 28. The Beyhive will also receive recognition through a special issue, featuring personal accounts from select members.

https://twitter.com/BeyLegion/status/1909306915181511115

Beyoncé secured her historical title as the most decorated artist in Grammy history in February when she won three Grammys for Cowboy Carter, bringing her total Grammy wins to 35, surpassing the previous record holder, conductor Georg Solti, who had 31 wins. The “Texas Hold’ Em” singer took home Grammys for Album of the Year, Best Country Album, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Miley Cyrus.

It was her first Album of the Year win after years of being snubbed. It came on the heels of her husband, Jay-Z, accepting the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award in 2024 and scolding the Recording Academy for not awarding his wife an Album of the Year title.

While finally accepting the award two months ago, Beyoncé dedicated her win to Linda Martell, the first Black female country singer, with whom she had collaborated on Cowboy Carter. It aligned with the album’s theme of reclaiming the Black history tied to country music and shining a light on those who might be overlooked in the genre.

When announcing the album last year, Beyoncé shared that Cowboy Carter was “born out of an experience I had years ago, where I didn’t feel welcomed.”

“But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of country music and studied our rich musical archive,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives educating on our musical history.”

People‘s special Cowboy Carter edition is on sale now as the Beyhive gets ready for a Cowboy Carter takeover kicking off next week.

RELATED CONTENT:

Microschool, student, classroom, four-day. school week

Dilemma, Dilemma: 4-Day School Week Poses A Problem For Parents With 5-Day Work Schedules

Teachers are returning to the profession and delaying retirement, but parents are growing increasingly frustrated.


An increasing number of U.S. school districts are transitioning to four-day school weeks, aiming to address teacher shortages, reduce operational costs, and alleviate student burnout. While this model offers certain advantages, it also presents challenges, particularly for working parents whose schedules do not align with the shortened school week.​

As of 2024, nearly 900 school districts nationwide have adopted a four-day week, a significant rise from just over 100 in 1999, according to the Associated Press. This shift is most prevalent in rural areas, where districts aim to reduce transportation costs and attract educators by offering a more flexible schedule.​

In Floresville, Texas, the Independent School District will implement a hybrid four-day week starting in the 2025–2026 academic year. The decision follows a survey that indicated 68% of staff, parents, and students supported the change, provided that childcare was available on the extra off day. The district plans to offer childcare and meals on most Fridays when school is not in session.​

The district also reduced student days from 169 to 164 and teacher days from 187 to 178. Officials stated the move is meant to enhance work-life balance for educators while maintaining instructional hours by extending the remaining school days.

However, the transition poses difficulties for parents working traditional five-day weeks. Managing childcare on the additional day off can be challenging and costly. While some districts provide subsidized care, availability and affordability vary.

Despite these concerns, many parents appreciate the benefits of a four-day week, such as increased family time and reduced stress for students. Surveys indicate that 70% to 80% of parents in districts with four-day weeks support the model, citing improved morale and attendance.

Nonetheless, some districts, like Middletown, Connecticut, have opted to maintain a five-day schedule, citing concerns over childcare, after-school activities, and the potential impact on student learning. Officials emphasize the importance of stability and the challenges a shortened week could pose to families and educational outcomes.

As the debate continues, the four-day school week remains a complex issue, balancing educational benefits with the practical needs of families and communities.

RELATED CONTENT: Nurse Schools Misguided And Misinformed White Coworker That ‘DEI Is Not A Synonym For Black’

YFN Lucci, Golden Bunny Bash, Easter

YFN Lucci Gives Back To ATL Youth At The 2nd Annual ‘Golden Bunny Bash’

The event marked the rapper's first public appearance since his release from prison.


Rapper and entrepreneur YFN Lucci uplifted Atlanta’s youth on Easter with his second annual Golden Bunny Bash.

The Easter celebration marked the rapper’s first public appearance since his release from prison in January. Lucci used his return to the public eye to spread awareness of his organization and give back to his hometown.

Lucci’s nonprofit, Well Wishes Community Organization, partnered with another local community resource, The Blessing All Neighborhood Kids (B.A.N.K.) Foundation to bring the Golden Bunny Bash back for another year. Over 650 children and their families got to celebrate with one another on the Christian Holiday, which took place April 20.

“Being back in my community, seeing these kids smile—this is what matters most to me,” shared YFN Lucci in a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Atlanta raised me, shaped me, and supported my dreams. Everything I do is about showing the community that someone who walked these same streets cares about their future and believes in them.”

While at The Bank Event Center, families engaged in scavenger hunts while listening to live music courtesy of DJ Lavish Lee. In a personal touch, Lucci’s four children also designed activations for the snacks and activities held at the bash. From “Justice’s Pop It Popcorn Station” to “Honest’s Eggstravagant Face Painting,” the event emphasized the importance and inclusion of family at every step.

My kids are my world, and I want them to understand that true success isn’t measured by what you have, but by what you give,” explained the 34-year-old. “I’m teaching them that being a support system for others isn’t optional—it’s our responsibility. When they see me organizing these
events and connecting with our community, they’re learning lessons that no amount of success or money could teach them.”

In May 2021, Lucci, alongside 11 others, faced a 105-count RICO indictment filed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. He accepted the plea bargain for the racketeering and other charges in January 2024, receiving a sentence of 10 years in prison with 10 years probation, with his ongoing jail stint counting for time served. He was released from prison a year later.

Now, the newly-freed artist hopes to keep inspiring and uplifting his Atlanta community through other initiatives held throughout the year. As for his fans, they hope the “Everyday We Lit” rapper will also release a new project or single to begin his new era of music.

RELATED CONTENT: Formerly Incarcerated Married Couple Releases Oscar-Nominated Documentary ‘Time’ For Free

CHARLIE WARD, FAMU, basketball, head coach

Charlie Ward Hired As Florida A&M University Head Basketball Coach

He becomes the 16th head coach for the program


Former New York Knicks player Charlie Ward has been hired as the 16th basketball coach at Florida A&M University (FAMU).

Florida A&M University’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, Angela Suggs, made the announcement welcoming the Heisman Trophy winner to the school.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to join FAMU and serve as head coach of the men’s basketball program. I look forward to leading a Rattlers team that will be defined by our P.A.C.E. — Preparation, Accountability, Competitive Spirit, Commitment and Effort — as we continue the great legacy of FAMU Athletics,” Ward said in a written statement.

Ward is the first and only Heisman Trophy winner to play in the NBA. The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the best college football player.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for our men’s basketball program as we proudly welcome Charlie Ward—a true legend and exceptional leader,” said Suggs. “Coach Ward brings with him a championship mindset and a wealth of experience that will undoubtedly ignite a new level of inspiration and ambition in our student-athletes. His arrival is a game-changer for our program.”

Ward played his two-sport collegiate career at Florida State University. While playing at the school in 1991, he helped win the Metro Conference Championship by making the game-winning shot against Louisville. He is Florida State’s all-time leader in career steals (236) and ranks sixth all-time in assists (396). Two years later, as the quarterback for the football team, he became the school’s very first Heisman Trophy winner when he completed nearly 70% of his passes for over 3,000 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only four interceptions.

Ward won the Davey O’Brien Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and the Walter Camp Player of the Year. He is only the second college football player to win the Sullivan Award, recognizing him as the top amateur athlete in the nation.

The two-sport athlete did not get drafted by the NFL. He then set his sights on the NBA, where the New York Knicks selected him with the 26th overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft. He played in the league for 12 years with the Knicks, the Spurs, and the Rockets.

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Blocks ICE From Rikers Island Amid City Challenge

×