Viola Davis Receives Honorary Doctorate Of Fine Arts From American Film Institute
The EGOT recipient was especially honored to receive an honor from her peers in the industry.
Viola Davis has received her doctorate…again! The acclaimed actress has received an honorary doctoral degree in fine arts from the American Film Institute Conservatory.
Davis received the honor at the Conservatory’s Aug. 8 commencement at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The ceremony recognized Davis for her “contributions of distinction to the art of the moving image,” according to a press release.
Ahead of her conferral, Davis was introduced to the stage by another Black trailblazer in Hollywood, filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, who was chosen by the star and her husband, Julius Tennon, to direct 2022’s The Woman King. Tennon and Davis served as producers on the film.
“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness that is near being. The gift is that person who runs into the movie theater with the Sour Patch Kids, popcorn, and the Diet Coke, and they’re willing to not escape,” Davis said in her speech, according to Variety. “They’re willing to bring their loneliness, angst, shame of not feeling worthy, anxiety, depression, awkwardness, and mess. And the curtains open. The movie plays, and they’re reminded that they’re not alone.”
One of the most renowned actresses of her generation and an EGOT recipient, Davis is known for her iconic roles in film and television, such as The Help and How To Get Away With Murder.
“The purpose of the art is the same thing as the purpose of the artist,” she added. “You are creating stories so people do not feel alone. That they not only feel a connection with other people, but with themselves. And they know that as the story transpires, they can say that beautiful phrase, ‘Oh, it’s not just me.’”
Of this latest recognition, Davis noted that “it’s always especially potent when it’s given by your peers, I consider everyone that is in this profession—no matter how long they’ve been in it, known, unknown, faceless—my peers. They know the work. They know the artistry. It makes me feel capable. It makes me feel like my career and path have meant something to someone. It’s meant that I’ve created somewhat of a legacy.”
Davis also joins an esteemed list of honorary degree-holders from AFI, including Maya Angelou, Angela Bassett, and James Earl Jones.
Throwing Sex Toys At A BIG3 Game May Lead To More Than An Ejection
'Somebody doing that, man, should really be kicked up out the building and not allowed back in,' Ice Cube says.
With the WNBA having a sex toy problem this season, BIG3 co-owner Ice Cube is taking a stern approach to something similar happening at one of his games.
On a recent appearance on REAL 92.3 LA, the rapper and entrepreneur was asked about the issue the WNBA was having with dildos being thrown on the court during games and what would happen if that occurred at a BIG3 game.
“Somebody doing that, man, should really be kicked up out the building and not allowed back in. I don’t know what people think they could get out of that.”
But that wasn’t all.
“Not only put ’em out, but touch him up a little bit on the way out. Let him remember, let anybody who do some stupid s**t like this know that it’s going to be consequences and repercussions,” he said.
According to USA Today, the controversy stemmed from a group of crypto enthusiasts and traders who recently launched the Green Dildo Coin. They purposely went into several arenas with the intent to “disrupt” the games to bring attention to the meme coins.
“We didn’t do this because, like, we dislike women’s sports or, like, some of the narratives that are trending right now are ridiculous,” a spokesperson told USA Today. “Creating disruption at games is like, it happens in every single sport, right? We’ve seen it in the NFL, we’ve seen it in hockey, you know…fans doing random things to more or less create attention.”
There have been two arrests made related to these incidents, but the crypto spokesman said those people were not associated with the group. As of Aug. 7, there have been reports of as many as six games featuring dildos being thrown.
Former Windsor Village Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell Stirred Mixed Reactions After Returning To Church After Prison
Kirbyjon Caldwell returned to Windsor Village Church after completing a federal prison sentence for wire fraud.
Former Windsor Village Church pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell is stepping back into the public eye just days after completing a federal prison sentence for wire fraud, an event that has stirred both excitement and unease among his Houston congregation.
Caldwell, who turns 72 this week, is marking his reemergence with a ticketed birthday celebration featuring chefs, DJs, and other entertainment, followed by his first sermon at the church since his release. For nearly four decades, Caldwell led Windsor Village United Methodist Church, transforming it into one of the largest Methodist congregations in the country. Now, his return is sparking a deep discussion about forgiveness, accountability, and leadership.
Many of his supporters see him as a visionary who has repented and paid his debts. As reported by the Houston Chronicle, they credit him with spearheading major community projects and guiding the church through years of growth and expansion. But others—including former member Anthony Powell—remain skeptical.
Powell said he left the church in 2018 when Caldwell was indicted. “It’s very clear in their warm hero’s welcome that they’ve forgiven him,” Powell said, noting that he believes the celebration sends the wrong message.
Caldwell was convicted for his role in selling $3.5 million in worthless Chinese bonds to more than two dozen investors. In a recent interview, he insisted that he believed the bonds were legitimate at the time, even investing $500,000 of his own money. When he later discovered they were fraudulent, he said he repaid over $4 million—covering both principal and interest—with help from his wife’s earnings and his children’s inheritance.
“I earnestly thought they would get that return,” Caldwell explained. “Otherwise, I would not have put myself at risk like that.”
Federal prosecutors, however, argued that Caldwell ignored multiple warnings about the bonds’ lack of value. Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., who sentenced former pastor Caldwell, called the investment scheme “the classic get-rich-quick” play. Caldwell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in 2020 and served more than three years in prison before transitioning to home confinement.
Some of the victims say their losses went beyond finances. “We always thought of ourselves as quite intelligent,” one victim reflected. “It was a lot” to cope with the embarrassment and sense of betrayal from someone they trusted.
Under the terms of his denomination, Caldwell has surrendered his clergy credentials and cannot serve as senior pastor. However, he intends to remain active at Windsor Village as a lay minister, Bible study leader, and community developer. “Under the circumstances, it’s unfortunate that I am [in lay ministry],” he said. “But by the same token, I’m glad to be.”
While some see his return as a story of redemption, others believe it risks overshadowing the harm caused by his actions. Whether Caldwell’s reappearance will heal or deepen divisions in the congregation is uncertain. As Caldwell himself acknowledged, “The next few weeks will be a test.”
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OpenAI’s New GPT-5 Offers ‘Ph.D.-Level Expert’ Responses, CEO Says
Others are not so sure.
As OpenAI’s ChatGPT keeps turning everyday users into AI enthusiasts, the company has introduced its new GPT-5 model, capable of delivering expert-level results.
On August 7, OpenAI released GPT-5, the highly anticipated next generation of its growing AI technology, responsible for a global reshape of business strategy and culture as we know it, Reuters reports. Rolling out to all 700 million ChatGPT users, developers say GPT-5 delivers expert-level responses—especially in writing, health, and finance.
“GPT-5 is really the first time that I think one of our mainline models has felt like you can ask a legitimate expert, a Ph.D.-level expert, anything,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said during a press briefing. “One of the coolest things it can do is write you good instantaneous software. This idea of software on demand is going to be one of the defining features of the GPT-5 era.”
Demos at the press briefing showcased GPT-5’s expanded capabilities, from generating fully functional software from simple text prompts, known as “vibe coding,” to tackling complex coding, science, and math problems.
For the first time, users will have access to OpenAI’s test-time compute technology for more challenging prompts, which Altman called vital to the company’s mission of building AI that benefits all of humanity.
“We need to build a lot more infrastructure globally to have AI locally available in all these markets,” Altman said, noting that current AI investment remains insufficient.
GPT-5 combines multiple OpenAI models into a single platform, with ChatGPT selecting the best model to match each user’s prompt. But as with any new release, consumer reception will take time to settle, with many Reddit users since GPT-5’s launch labeling it a “disaster” and a “downgrade” from GPT-4.
“I wished that 4o would be more real about feedback but still humane, less sycophantic, better guardrails,” one Redditor wrote. “What I’ve seen so far of 5 seems to be a downgrade across the board for the most part.”
“It feels like a less intelligent Gemini now,” added someone else.
Memphis Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Raise Money To Help Local Woman Stay In Her Home
The woman had been surviving without power for a week until the brotherhood stepped in.
Members of a Memphis chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. have helped a local woman stay in her home.
Edna Jackson had run out of options when the Memphis Light, Gas, and Water company shut off the power in her home. Jackson was trying to raise the money to keep her utilities on before cooler temperatures allowed the company to cut them off over unpaid bills.
Jackson even contacted the local news source WREG about her quest to remain safely in her home. However, efforts on both ends failed to yield results. For a week, Jackson navigated a tricky situation in a house that felt unlivable without power.
“I have just been going through it because they have done turned my lights off, the water ain’t on,” said Jackson.
While Jackson could have relocated to a shelter, she would have had to give up her only companion, her dog. She did not want to lose the only thing she had, opting to struggle in her home until she found another way.
Her story caught the ears of Parrish Oglesby, a member of the Memphis alumnae chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. He gathered his brothers to raise money for the elderly woman, helping her secure the necessary amount and get her power back on within minutes.
While praised for the communal support, Oglesby says it’s a part of their fraternity’s mission. The chapter has been a chartered organization in the Memphis area since 1934. According to their website, their efforts extend not only to small acts of kindness. They also foster mentorship and tutoring of the city’s youth, as well as additional gifting events around the holidays.
“This is not something that’s new to us,” said Oglesby. “This is what we do… We are here to serve the public, in the public’s interest.”
However, another person also inspired this moment of good neighborliness. Oglesby thought about his own mother and how he would want someone to help her in the same way.
“If it were my mom, I would want somebody to step in for her,” said Oglesby.
Other neighbors have helped out Jackson in non-monetary ways as she fought to get by. She says this reliance on community has shown her that family can come from anywhere.
“You may not have the blood family to help, but you do have a family,” said Jackson. “I just want you to know that first and foremost… I am happy and I say, ‘Thank God.’”
Zohran Mamdani Visits Greater Allen A.M.E. Church To Rebuild Relationship With Black NYC Voters
The NYC mayoral candidate continues his push to rebuild with Black voters after losing that demographic in the June primary.
New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s recent visit to the Greater Allen A.M.E. Church in Southeast Queens highlights his push to strengthen ties with Black voters.
Mamdani won June’s Democratic primary, but failed to resonate with voters in low-income, Black communities. At the pulpit of the historic African Methodist Episcopal church, Mamdani delivered his message to a neighborhood that he hopes embraces him.
“I will govern with a simple goal: to make this city affordable and to make a good and dignified life possible for each and every New Yorker,” Mandani told the churchgoers, according to the New York Times. “And what I ask of you is to hold me accountable in that promise.”
While Mamdani, 33, a state assemblyman, beat out former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, preliminary results suggest that the Indian American struggled in lower-income neighborhoods with high Black populations compared to Cuomo.
In the city’s predominantly Black precincts, where over 80% of residents are Black, Mamdani received less than 30% of the vote. Across majority-Black precincts more broadly, his support reached only 42%.
Conversely, in gentrified parts of the city where the Black population declined most sharply between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, Mamdani secured more than two-thirds of the vote. These rapidly changing neighborhoods include central Harlem in Manhattan, where he visited with Rev. Al Sharpton shortly after his primary win, and Fort Greene and Crown Heights in Brooklyn.
One point of tension between Mamdani and some Black voters is his proposal to freeze rents in rent-stabilized apartments. When he mentioned the policy during his visit to Greater Allen A.M.E., it drew audible whispers and groans from parishioners, many of whom are homeowners.
At a recent meeting with Black business leaders, concerns were raised that such a freeze could hinder Black homeowners and developers from building generational wealth. For many landlords and developers, the fear is that Mamdani’s approach could further limit income from property ownership.
“They have a right to have a healthy skepticism,” Jumaane Williams, a public advocate and ally of Mamdani, said of Black voters. “If you hear somebody talking about ‘they’re trying to take your house’ and the little bit of that thing that you’ve earned from working hard and having your grandmother work hard, then you have a right to be scared about that.”
A growing wave of Black Democratic leaders, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, is rallying behind Mamdani, determined to ensure their communities are well-served if he becomes the city’s next mayor. Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, head of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, who previously backed Cuomo, endorsed Mamdani after his primary victory and accompanied him on a tour of Brooklyn’s Little Haiti.
“Once Black voters really get to know who he is, I don’t think it will take much for them to support him,” said Hermelyn.
A’ja Wilson Becomes 1st WNBA Player To Score 30 Points, Grab 20 Rebounds In A Game
The feat took place 2 days after she celebrated her latest birthday
Las Vegas Aces basketball player A’ja Wilson gave WNBA fans a great present when she became the first player in WNBA history to have a 30-point, 20-rebound double-double.
Wilson, who celebrated her birthday Aug. 8, gave a gift to herself as well as her fans when she scored 32 points, grabbed 20 rebounds, and dished out five assists in a 96-84 victory over the struggling Connecticut Sun. No one in the history of the women’s league has ever scored 30 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in one game, and it was fitting for the future WNBA Hall of Famer to do so in front of the team’s home fans at the Michelob ULTRA Arena.
The Sun, whose win-loss record is 5-25, was the fourth team to lose to the Aces during their recent four-game win streak. The Aces have improved their record to 18-14 with the win. Wilson had help from Jackie Young, who had 21 points and six assists, Jewell Loyd, who scored 12, and Dana Evans, who poured in 10 points coming off the bench.
Wilson has tied the Suns’ Tina Charles for the most 30-point, 15-rebound games with each totaling six games apiece. After having 30 games with 30 or more points, she is now tied for third place with New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart for the most 30-point games in WNBA history. Next on the list is former WNBA player Angel McCoughtry, who had 32 games. At the same time, the all-time leader in this category is former Phoenix Mercury player, Diana Taurasi, who retired with scoring 30 or more points in 54 games.
The feat took place after Wilson’s alma mater, South Carolina, announced that she would be inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame later this year. The ceremony will take place on Oct. 23, and she, along with five other honorees, will be celebrated during South Carolina’s football game against Alabama two days later, on Saturday, Oct. 25.
The Aces will try to extend their winning streak when they host the Liberty (20-11) Aug. 13, at home, at 6:30 p.m. PT.
Trump Announces Federal Law Enforcement Surge In D.C., Pledges Removal of Homeless Encampments, Despite City’s 30-Year Low In Crime
A federal takeover of the D.C. police force would be an extraordinary assertion of power.
President Donald Trump announced a significant federal intervention into the District of Columbia’s public safety and urban landscape, stating at a White House news conference that he would federalize the city’s police force and deploy the National Guard.
The move, described as a crime-fighting effort, also includes a campaign to remove homeless encampments across the nation’s capital. The move, described as a crime-fighting effort, also includes a campaign to remove homeless encampments across the city.
Real talk- though it’s purely speculative, the video below may be the reason why Trump’s trying to feign concern for D.C. residents’ public safety.
The announcement was made without prior coordination with the city’s leadership, according to TheWashington Post. A spokesperson for D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser’s office said the administration had not been briefed on any plans to deploy the National Guard to the city. A senior official with the D.C. police department, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, also confirmed that the administration had not consulted the department—the chief law enforcement agency for local crime—on how to best deploy these federal resources.
A federal takeover of the D.C. police force is an extraordinary assertion of power. Because Washington, D.C., is not a state, the federal government has authority to control city affairs, often overriding objections from local leaders and residents despite the 1973 Home Rule Act, which granted the city the right to elect its own mayor and council members.
The president’s move has immediately sparked a debate over federal overreach and local autonomy. Critics point to the city’s political status, arguing that a federal takeover of the police force would be an unprecedented use of power that undermines the very limited self-governance granted to D.C. residents. The lack of consultation with local officials raises questions about the operational effectiveness and legality of such a move. At the same time, the plan to remove homeless encampments without specifying where residents would be relocated has drawn concern from advocates and city officials alike.
In addition to the National Guard and D.C. police, the president’s directive will also involve agents from the FBI and other federal agencies. The FBI, which is dispatching agents from outside the city, including Philadelphia, stated that its agents would “continue to participate in the increased federal law enforcement presence in D.C., which includes assisting our law enforcement partners.”
While federal land is scattered across Washington, D.C., and local and federal law enforcement often cooperate, the U.S. Park Police and Secret Service typically handle street patrol. The FBI’s role in this operation would be a departure from its usual duties, with sources noting their potential support role during traffic stops. A White House official, speaking anonymously, said the Secret Service and the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division have also been directed to launch special patrols.
The president also focused on the city’s homeless population, pledging to remove encampments from parks and public spaces.
“We’re going to be removing homeless encampments from all over our parks, our beautiful, beautiful parks, which now a lot of people can’t walk on,” Trump said, calling the public grounds “very dirty.”
He continued, “We’re moving the encampments away, trying to take care of people. There are many places that they can go, and we’re going to help them as much as you can help, but they’ll not be allowed to turn our capital into a wasteland for the world to see.”
The unqualified commander-in-chief did not specify where the homeless individuals would be relocated.
Broadening his focus beyond the capital, Trump indicated he might impose similar plans in other major cities. “Other cities are hopefully watching this,” he said. “Maybe, they’ll self-clean up, and maybe they’ll self-do this and get rid of the cashless bail thing and all of the things that caused the problem.”
He continued, “They’re watching us today, and if they don’t learn their lesson, if they haven’t studied us properly, because we’re going to be very successful. I have zero doubt about that. If we need to, we’re gonna do the same thing in Chicago, which is a disaster. We have a mayor there who’s totally incompetent.”
Trump also said local law enforcement, under “proper leadership,” will “immediately begin massive enforcement operations targeting known gangs, drug dealers, and criminal networks, to get them the hell off the street, maybe get them out of the country, because a lot of them came into our country illegally.”
A White House official, in a statement, reiterated Trump’s commitment to the initiative. “We won’t get ahead of the President on any potential announcements, but the President has been clear that all options are on the table when it comes to making DC safe again.”
According to data collected by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and announced by United States Attorney Matthew M. Graves, total violent crime for 2024 is down 35% from 2023, reaching its lowest point in over 30 years. Specifically, homicides are down 32%, robberies are down 39%, armed carjackings are down 53%, and assaults with a dangerous weapon are down 27%.
“The strategy this Office began to employ shortly after I came into this role has been to work with our law enforcement partners to focus on the drivers of violence —those gangs or crews of people who are dealing drugs, protecting turf, committing carjackings and other robberies, all while armed,” said Graves. “It takes time to develop these investigations and prosecutions, but this is the fruit of that labor—a reduction in the violent crime—that D.C. is now seeing.”
Ofori Brothers’ Ginger-Infused Wine Brings Ghanaian History And Pride To Beverage Industry
Ofori Brothers offers luxury and Ghanaian pride in every pour.
Pouring a glass of Ofori Brothers is like taking a sip of Ghanaian history. The wine not only holds flavors of ginger, but also tells a story of a family that found success from the ground up.
According to their descendant, and the brand’s founder, Francis Kumi Arhin, the Ofori Brothers are credited with pioneering cocoa production in Ghana. Their entrepreneurship helped the West African nation grow as a leading producer of the crop.
The wine is a tribute to the visionaries and incorporates another native ingredient, Ghanaian ginger, in its making. Crafted in the Lake Erie region, the crisp Riesling boasts bright fruity notes. Combined with the spice and zest of the ginger, it creates a unique experience in each glass.
The dive into his ancestry led Arhin to this business idea. The partner engineer at YouTube took the time to learn about his heritage as much as the art of winemaking. The journey resulted in Ofori Brothers creating a wine that brings a taste of Africa to the U.S., while remaining true to its Ghanaian roots.
“[Ofori Brothers] is supposed to be a taste of tradition,” explained Arhin to BLACK ENTERPRISE. “What that means is that, by drinking it, you’re supposed to feel a sense of connection to something, maybe far away, but that still lives within you. And that’s how it feels for me.”
Launched in late 2024, the brand has since skyrocketed to new heights and acclaim. It was introduced to tastemakers within the fashion and media sphere at the 2025 Met Gala Black Excellence Dinner.
Then the hype carried over to NYFW, where it was the official wine partner for Tia Adeola’s 10th Anniversary Show. Deeply rooted in its cultural upliftment, Ofori Brothers featured at Kwasi Paul and Afrofuture’s Ghana Independence Day Celebration.
While word of mouth carries its unique story, the wine can also speak for itself. Ofori Brothers won the 2025 Crafted For Action Pitch Competition. The honor, bestowed by beverage industry leaders, comes with an $8,500 grant for expansion efforts.
Now, Ofori Brothers will continue to build upon its name and ancestral legacy, becoming the VIP sponsor at Sip & Slay NYC before heading to the Fine Wine Festival in September. As Ofori Brothers make space for a Black-owned and West African-inspired wine, Arhin emphasized the pride he feels in taking part in this historic legacy.
“I think it instilled me with a really deep-rooted sense of pride and connection. It made me feel like I was part of a story that was bigger than myself,” explained Arhin.
He continued, “And a lot of the values that the Ofori Brothers demonstrated went beyond just commercial success. It was also philanthropy…It was community engagement. A lot of these values are things that I aspire to do myself as a business leader in the future.”
As a solo founder with no outside capital raised, his nearly six-figure sales is a considerable feat. Selling out twice as fast as projected, the entrepreneur has ramped up production to meet demand.
As a Black-owned entity establishing its place in the premium wine sector, Ofori Brothers is a new staple for inclusive, culturally defined luxury.
“There’s this rising class of Black, middle-class professionals who are really engaging and indulging in experiences that are their own version of luxury,” emphasized Arhin. “Luxury doesn’t just have to be rooted in European antiquity. It could also be rooted in something that stems from a place as rich as Ghana.”
For those wanting a taste of African tradition, Ofori Brothers is now available to ship throughout the United States.
