Jay-Z, old west, black folks, book of Clarence, new testament, film, produce, movie, Reebok, super bowl — Photo by Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 9, 2025

‘The Book Of Hov: A Tribute to JAY-Z’ Limited Edition Sold For More Than $163K At Auction

The book was sold at Christie's for $163,800.

The JAY-Z exhibit, “Book of Hov,” at the Brooklyn Public Library was a great success when it emerged in the New York City borough in the summer of 2023. A limited-edition, autographed book centered on the exhibit was recently auctioned for $163,800.

Christie’s auction house posted on its social media account that a limited edition “Book of HOV: A Tribute to JAY-Z” book, one of only five published, was recently auctioned. The book was created in collaboration with the Brooklyn billionaire’s company, Roc Nation, Assouline, and artist Daniel Arsham. The book was inspired by the exhibit showcased from July 14, 2023, to Dec. 4, 2023, in celebration of the rapper’s birth.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Boardroom (@boardroom)

The Book of HOV exhibition featured never-before-seen photos, art, and ephemera from the Brooklyn-bred artist’s archives. Last December, it was announced on his 55th birthday that The Book of Hov: A Tribute to Jay-Z was being released. The 432-page publication was the book version of the 2023 exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library. It featured nearly 700 images across eight chapters, allowing readers to see key moments and artifacts from the 30-year career of the Politics As Usual lyricist. Those included outfits worn by JAY-Z, rare interviews, awards, and more.

The book went on sale with three premium editions: the Classic Edition was priced at $120; the Ultimate Edition at $2,000; and the aforementioned special limited-edition version. Each special edition came with a tri-fold design enclosed in a bronze slipcase created by Arsham.

With JAY-Z keeping himself busy with the many businesses he runs, people are clamoring to hear him on a record again after several appearances at his wife, Beyonce’s, Cowboy Carter Tour. There have also been rumors circulating that the rapper may grace the halftime field of the upcoming Super Bowl by performing at the halftime show—no word about whether either is true or even being considered by the veteran recording artist.

US Virgin Islands, Chicos conference — Harbor entry near the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Getty Images)

by Kandiss Edwards

August 9, 2025

The U.S. Virgin Islands Nominates A New Commissioner Of Tourism

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., of the U.S. Virgin Islands announced the nomination of Jennifer Matarangas-King for Commissioner of Tourism.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. of the U.S. Virgin Islands announced the nomination of Jennifer Matarangas-King to serve as the next Commissioner of Tourism. A native of St. Croix, Matarangas-King brings over 30 years of extensive experience in strategic communications and public affairs to the role.

Her deep understanding of the territory’s culture and a strong commitment to service align perfectly with the Department’s goals for growth. In a press release, Bryan expressed his confidence in Matarangas-King’s abilities.

“Tourism is more than our economy. It is how we tell our story to the world and create opportunities for the people of the Virgin Islands. Jennifer understands that.”

Building on Tourism Growth

Matarangas-King succeeds Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, who led the Department through a historic period of success. During Boschulte’s tenure, the U.S. Virgin Islands grew to be a top Caribbean destination, seeing record-breaking numbers in air and cruise arrivals.

The Department’s innovative marketing campaigns and groundbreaking partnerships in sports and entertainment helped the islands thrive. Approximately 927,000 tourists entered the islands. This figure marked a 15.9% increase from 2023, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported. This momentum led to the island’s economic recovery, increased visitor spending, and record-high collections for the Tourism Advertising and Revolving Fund.

A Vision for the Future

Matarangas-King has a clear vision for the future of tourism in the islands, with a background that includes public service. Furthermore, she has a long career in telecommunications, which brings a broad perspective to the position. Her previous roles, including serving as press secretary to Gov. Roy Schneider and a leadership position at Viya, aid her in navigating the complex position.

“Tourism is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape the future of these Virgin Islands,” Matarangas-King said. “It drives investment, fuels entrepreneurship, and celebrates our identity. I look forward to working alongside our tourism stakeholders and the incredible team at the Department to elevate our product, empower our people, and expand our reach as a premier Caribbean destination.”

With Matarangas-King leading the Department of Tourism, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John would be well-positioned for an exciting future.

Olympics, Carmelo Anthony, medal, gold — (Photo: Mark Runyon/flickr)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 9, 2025

Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade Will Present Carmelo Anthony At Upcoming NBA Hall Of Fame Ceremony

The induction ceremony will take place at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts, Sept. 6.

When former New York Knicks player Carmelo Anthony is enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September, he will have two fellow NBA Hall of Famers, Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson and Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, there to present him.

The NBA announced the presenters and honorees for this year’s induction ceremony, which will take place at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts, the “Birthplace of Basketball,” on Sept. 6.

Anthony selected Iverson, with whom he played when both were on the Denver Nuggets and one of his “Banana Boat” brethren (consisting of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul).

The new Hall of Famers were asked to pick other honorees who had been inducted before them to present them at the enshrinement ceremony. Iverson entered the Hall of Fame in 2016, while Wade was inducted in 2023.

Former Orlando Magic center, Dwight Howard, is also being inducted, and selected Boston Celtics great Robert Parish (2003), Atlanta Hawks’ Dominique Wilkins (2006), Knicks’ Patrick Ewing (2008), and Chicago Bulls’ Dennis Rodman (2011), to present.

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Announces 2025 Enshrinement Ceremony Presenters. (1/3) #25HoopClass pic.twitter.com/dJQalqELhV
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) August 7, 2025

Anthony was drafted by the Denver Nuggets and during his playing years, suited up for the Knicks, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets, the Portland Trail Blazers, before ending his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

During his only season of college basketball, he led Syracuse University to its first and only NCAA men’s basketball tournament championship. He then entered the 2003 NBA Draft, where the Denver Nuggets made him the third overall pick.

Anthony is among the most decorated players in the history of the United States Olympic men’s basketball team. In four Olympics, he won three gold medals and became the all-time leader in games played and rebounds while ranking second in points. He set the U.S. Olympic scoring record in 2012 with 37 points in a game against Nigeria.

The 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees and Presenters

Carmelo Anthony – Allen Iverson (Class of 2016), Dwyane Wade (‘23)

Micky Arison – Alonzo Mourning (‘14), Pat Riley (‘08), Dwyane Wade (‘23)

Sue Bird – Geno Auriemma (‘06), Swin Cash (‘22)

Danny Crawford – Tim Hardaway (‘22), Isiah Thomas (‘00)

Billy Donovan – Maurice Cheeks (‘18), Rick Pitino (‘13)

Sylvia Fowles – Katie Smith (‘18), Lindsay Whalen (‘22)

Dwight Howard – Patrick Ewing (‘08), Robert Parish (‘03), Dennis Rodman (‘11), Dominique Wilkins (‘06)

Maya Moore – Seimone Augustus (‘24), Geno Auriemma (‘06), Swin Cash (‘22), Tamika Catchings (‘20), Lindsay Whalen (‘22)

2008 USA Men’s National Team – Jim Boeheim (‘05), Chris Bosh (‘21), Jerry Colangelo (‘04), Jason Kidd (‘18), Mike Krzyzewski (‘01), Dwyane Wade (‘23)

pride, LGBTQ — Young multiethnic people with different sexual orientation and body types celebrating pride and protesting for equal rights for lgbt members - Milan|Lombardy

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 8, 2025

Black Lesbian Couple ‘Grateful To Be Alive’ After Alleged Racist Attack In Virginia

Police are investigating a possible hate crime involving a Black lesbian couple and three alleged white supremacists.

Authorities are investigating the details surrounding a Black lesbian couple’s near-fatal run-in with alleged white supremacists in Spotsylvania, Virginia, last month.

According to police, deputies responded to reports from a July 20 incident of a gun and vehicle crash involving Amylah Majors and Jamaria Gaskins, a married couple who were experiencing car trouble when they were targeted with racist slurs and threats from armed suspects, WUSA9 reports.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by the couple says they pulled over on Partlow Road in Spotsylvania County to inspect their vehicle after driving over heavy debris. However, instead of help, they were approached by two white men and a white woman who berated them with hateful, racist slurs and brandished weapons.

“As we tried to leave, all three of them jumped into vehicles and chased us down the road. One of them rode up beside us on a 4-wheeler and aimed a gun directly at my head through the driver’s window,” Gaskin wrote on GoFundMe. “In that moment, we truly believed we weren’t going to make it out alive.”

“They called us [N-words], told us we didn’t belong there, and one of them even exposed himself while screaming hate and slurs at us,” Majors added.

Majors said she woke up in the hospital with a fractured spine, broken clavicle, broken rib, severe concussion, and multiple head injuries that required staples. Both she and Gaskins are still dealing with the effects of their concussions.

“I am beyond grateful to be alive,” Majors said.

Following the incident, Mark Goodman, 59, was charged with indecent exposure after he was recorded exposing his backside to the couple. Elizabeth Wolfrey, 32, was charged with one count of pointing and brandishing a firearm. A third person recorded during the incident was not charged with a crime “at this time,” Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Maj. Delbert Myrick said.

The couple’s crowdfunding campaign, created to help cover medical bills from the crash and replace their totaled car, raised nearly $10,000 by Aug. 8. Goodman and Wolfrey were released on bail and are set to appear in court on Nov. 20.

The local NAACP has gotten involved in the incident as a possible hate crime.

“We are concerned and we’re definitely going to be requesting a more thorough investigation under the premises of a hate crime,” Spotsylvania NAACP President Pastor Mozett Petway said.

GloRilla, hip hop, sprite, anniversary, tour, lil baby — (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

by Kandiss Edwards

August 8, 2025

GloRilla Partners With Her Ex-Employer To Offer $4 Discount Meal Deals

GloRilla, once a drive-thru worker, is partnering with her former place of employment, Checkers and Rally's, to offer fans a discounted meal.

Rapper GloRilla, birth name Gloria Hallelujah Woods, is partnering with the fast-food chain Checkers & Rally’s to offer fans a special “Unbeatable Meal Deal.”

The Memphis-born artist, known for her hit tracks like F.N.F. and Tomorrow 2, is teaming up with the burger and fries joint to offer her supporters a budget-friendly meal deal. Woods is returning to her roots with this collaboration. In her teen years, the chart-topping rapper worked at Checkers & Rally’s. Her stint working the drive-thru was used as a setup in her promotional video.

On Instagram, she posted the video and a short message detailing what’s included in the $4 deal.

“Glo Da P ain’t ever steered you wrong — 4 items for $4?! Pick one (Cheese Double, Spicy Chicken, or Glo’s BBQ Jacked Burger), add fries, a drink, AND an apple pie. That’s a full plate for a lil’ price. Pull up NOW.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Glo Da P (@glorillapimp)

The move is on brand for the Memphis-born rapper who often finds ways to stay connected to her community, despite her superstar status. In a statement, GloRilla discussed her childhood history with the food chain.

“I grew up going to Checkers, so this partnership feels really authentic to me,” GloRilla said. “I’m excited to give my fans a meal that’s not only delicious but also easy on their pockets. It’s all about good food and good vibes.”

Checkers & Rally’s has a history of engaging with popular culture and recognizing the influence of artists like GloRilla. The brand also has a heavy presence in Glo’s home state of Tennessee. There are 14 locations across the state, five in Woods’s hometown of Memphis. This partnership not only offers a great deal for customers but also taps into the artist’s dedicated fan base, creating a buzz around the brand and the meal.

The “Glo’s Unbeatable Meal Deal” is available at participating Checkers & Rally’s locations nationwide for a limited time. This collaboration is another in a long line of musicians and fast-food brands joining forces. For GloRilla’s fans, or fans of the Checkers & Rally’s brand, it’s a chance to enjoy a meal at a great price.

Mayor Jerry Demings — Photo credit: Orange County, FL, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Mitti Hicks

August 8, 2025

Black Mayor Cooperates With ICE Due To Alleged ‘Threats’ From Florida Governor

Demings said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier threatened to suspend local officials from office without the agreement.

Orange County, Florida, Mayor Jerry Demings said that he signed an agreement to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to threats from Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier.

During a news conference Monday, Demings told reporters that his decision was made “under protest and in extreme duress.”

“Yes, I signed the damn thing because we really had to. We were put in a tough spot,” Demings said during the news conference. “I can’t let our entire board of county commissioners and myself be removed from office.”

Demings said he felt it was the right thing to do at the right time as DeSantis and Uthmeier threatened to suspend local officials from office. The agreement allows ICE to conscript local law enforcement, including correctional officers, to detain and transport people who are violating Florida immigration laws to federal detention facilities, NBC News reports.

ICE Immigration Enforcement Increases Beyond Florida

In Florida, DeSantis has exerted his executive power to suspend Democratic leaders who fail to comply with the Trump administration’s far-right agenda. DeSantis has already removed two Democratic prosecutors since 2022.

While Trump campaigned on fixing the immigration problem in the United States by getting rid of violent undocumented criminals, there are multiple reports of people with no criminal record being detained. Since Trump took office in January 2025, immigration enforcement has changed drastically. ICE agents have raided places that have historically been protected, such as courts, hospitals, schools, and churches.

According to an investigation by The Seattle Times, immigration enforcement has increased nationwide, with many of those arrested in Washington and nationwide not having a criminal record. Nationally, ICE’s monthly arrest average has more than doubled what it was in Biden’s last 16 full months, its investigation found.

New data, however, show that the majority of the country disapproves of the Trump administration’s handling of immigration. According to Brookings, overall attitudes about immigration have made a U-turn. Support for decreasing immigration has fallen by nearly half, to just 30%, and a record-high 79% now consider immigration to be good for the country.

students, programs, black male, NCCU, college, university — (Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 8, 2025

Trump Demands Admissions Data From Colleges And Universities In Latest Attack On DEI

Trump is demanding more admissions data from colleges to further crack down on DEI efforts.

Donald Trump is continuing to target diversity efforts with a new rule requiring colleges to report more admissions data to investigate race-based selections.

On Aug. 7, Trump signed a presidential memorandum that requires colleges and universities to provide expanded admissions data to the U.S. Department of Education, NPR reports. This move is the administration’s latest effort to determine if schools continue to consider race in admissions despite the Supreme Court’s 2023 ban on affirmative action.

“We will not allow institutions to blight the dreams of students by presuming that their skin color matters more than their hard work and accomplishments,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement. “The Trump Administration will ensure that meritocracy and excellence once again characterize American higher education.”

Colleges and universities participating in the federal student loan program have long been required to submit data on enrollment, graduation rates, and financial aid. However, the new memo demands more detailed reporting—not only on enrolled students but also on all applicants.

The administration believes this expanded data will help identify schools that may still prioritize race over academic merit in admissions. According to the memo, “the shortage of admissions data from universities—combined with widespread use of ‘diversity statements’ and other overt and subtle racial proxies—raises ongoing concerns about whether race is still influencing admissions decisions in practice.”

Trump’s directive arrives more than two years after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action programs at the University of North Carolina and Harvard, ruling that using race in admissions violates the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause. Conservative activists hailed the rulings as a major win, arguing that such policies discriminated against white and Asian students. Critics, however, maintain that race-conscious admissions helped marginalized communities address historical disparities in higher education.

This memo marks the latest move in Trump’s ongoing campaign against DEI efforts, following his return to the White House and a series of executive orders banning federal agencies from partnering with companies that support inclusion initiatives deemed discriminatory by Trump and conservatives.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Enrollment Drops At Some Elite Colleges

wheelchair, disabled — Photo by Walter Zerla/Getty Images

by Kandiss Edwards

August 8, 2025

Morgan State University Engineers ‘Autonomous Wheelchair’ To Aid Disabled Community

Morgan State University unveils an autonomous accessibility tool controlled by smartphone to increase mobility and inclusivity.

Morgan State University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), has unveiled an autonomous wheelchair to support the disabled community.

On July 31, developers and university leadership held a demonstration at the BWI Airport. The wheelchair traversed a guided path with a passenger on board, even passing through a security checkpoint. This technology has the potential to revolutionize mobility assistance. Furthermore, it offers a dignified and flexible option for travelers with mobility limitations.

The autonomous wheelchair is an enhanced version of the standard powered wheelchair. The updated accessibility tool includes cameras and LIDAR technology. This will allow the chair to be aware of its surroundings. Potential users can bring the chair to their location via a smartphone app. Once the user is seated, the chair will authenticate the user’s identity. Students or faculty will then input their desired location.

In a statement, Morgan State President David K. Wilson spoke on the significance of the innovation device.

“We believe integrating technology into mobility solutions can empower individuals, enabling them to navigate public spaces with ease and confidence. We’re proud of the innovative work being conducted within our research centers to address challenges and offer novel solutions that improve lives,” Wilson said.

https://twitter.com/MorganStateU/status/1951020752309719119

Researchers and students from Morgan State’s National Transportation Center and the Center for Equitable AI and Machine Learning Systems developed the system. Dr. Mansoureh Jeihani, a professor and director of the NTC and SMARTER Center, and Dr. Kofi Nyarko, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, oversaw the initiative. Their goal was to create a mobility solution that would grant individuals greater independence and make public spaces more inclusive.

The pilot program, which started with one wheelchair and has since expanded to three operational units, is a collaborative effort between Morgan State University and the Maryland Aviation Administration. The research team has also filed a patent application for the technology, with plans to continue refining the system to include enhanced obstacle avoidance and longer battery life.

Missing teen, Amoria Brown — Photo by IanMcD/Getty Images

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 8, 2025

Teen Goes Missing On Family Vacation In Florida After Leaving To Visit Distant Relatives

A family is offering a $25,000 reward to anyone with information about 18-year-old missing teen, Giovanni Pelletier.

The family of an 18-year-old North Carolina resident has been left heartbroken and is asking for help in locating the teenager who went missing while vacationing in Florida.

Giovanni Pelletier, 18, was last seen on Aug. 1 after meeting up with three cousins on his father’s side of the family, who picked him up in Englewood, Florida, to take the three-hour drive to Mims, Florida. However, 25 minutes after Pelletier left his mom, aunt, and mom’s fiancé in Englewood, he sent a text to his mom that read, “Help me.” It was the last time he was heard from, and now his mom and aunt are demanding answers.

“Somewhere along the ride, something happened,” his aunt, Desiree Pelletier, told ABC News.

The next morning, the teen’s mother noticed missed calls and messages from her son. Unable to reach him, she quickly contacted authorities. She also called the cousins who were with Pelletier, who revealed that the group had been smoking marijuana when the teen suddenly became erratic and pulled out a knife before exiting the vehicle.

The cousins said they were driving on I-75 when Pelletier, who is described as “smart, kind and full of life,” got out near SR-70. The Pelletier family says the teen was left abandoned on the side of the road in Bradenton, where his backpack and cellphone were later found. They also discovered he had texted his grandfather and another aunt, asking for help.

“It doesn’t make sense. Why would he say ‘Help me’ three different times to three people?” his aunt asked.

The family and authorities have spent the last week searching for Giovanni to no avail. Officials say they have received “many, many tips that unfortunately turn out to be inaccurate.”

“We love him and want him home, and we just want him to be OK,” his aunt said through tears. “As a family, we can’t function normally. We’re not doing well right now. We just want him home.”

The family has since launched a GoFundMe and increased their reward offer from $10,000 to $25,000 for anyone with information. The nonprofit We Are The Essentials also joined the search to locate Giovanni.

“They are obviously stressed,” volunteer and licensed private investigator Shelley Croft said. “They are missing their child, and she will go to the end of the Earth to find her child. I can’t blame her. It doesn’t matter how old your child is; everybody deserves those answers. They are desperate at this point and have actually increased their reward for his recovery or find to $25,000.”