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

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 4, 2025

More Than A Party: Carmelo Anthony Says Strip Clubs Were For Team Bonding

'You're going there to just relax and reset. You might have a drink, maybe some food.'

NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony shared in a recent discussion that when he and teammates went to a strip club, it wasn’t necessarily for the women, but more for bonding with each other off the court.

On a recent episode of the former New York Knicks player’s podcast, 7 p.m. in Brooklyn, which featured Atlanta producer and executive Jermaine Dupri, part of the conversation revolved around strip clubs. The producer was there to discuss his documentary, Magic City, based on the infamous Atlanta-based strip clubs that cater to many athletes, rappers, entertainers, and businessmen.

During the discussion, Anthony dispelled the notion that the entertainment at the club was always the primary reason for attendance, particularly during team outings. Using Magic City as an example, he stated that some of the excursions to the club were for teammates to bond, talk, and just relax with each other away from the basketball court.

There are times when players have to be out of the basketball mindset, especially if the team is experiencing a bad stretch of games or a losing streak.

“We’d go out to eat, have a good team outing—no girls, leave it alone,” he said.

“Everybody thinks you’re going there just to get lap dances or for that. No, you’re not going there for that nonsense. You’re really going to clear your mind,” he stated.

One thing that is associated with many strip clubs across the country is that the vibes and food are usually talked about when not discussing the women at the spots. Anthony also confirmed that notion when he admitted that “most clubs have the best food.”

“You’re going there to just relax and reset. You might have a drink, maybe some food. Honestly, most strip clubs have the best food—especially the good ones. You prefer going there because you get everything in one: music, food, good vibes.”

Watch the full interview below:

You’ll be able to see and hear more from Anthony when the upcoming NBA season starts, as NBC has hired him as an analyst.

William McNeil, Recording Police — (Photo: Oliver Helbig/Getty Images)

by Daniel Johnson

August 4, 2025

Motorist William McNeil’s Encounter With Police Sparks Conversations About Recording The Police

McNeil's lawyer Benjamin Crump said his client’s video offered the public a crucial alternate angle.

William McNeil’s decision to place his cell phone in a holder above his dashboard just before Florida police broke his driver’s side window during a traffic stop added a new perspective that challenges the officers’ body cam footage, prompting the police department to investigate their conduct.

McNeil is a young Black man whose video of his violent arrest by Jacksonville, Florida, police officers in February went viral. The video, recorded by McNeil himself from his dashboard camera, showed officers repeatedly punching and slamming him to the ground during a traffic stop. While some traffic-related charges were dropped, McNeil pleaded guilty the day after his arrest to driving with a suspended license and resisting an officer without violence.

McNeil is now planning to file a federal civil rights lawsuit against the police. Attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels have been retained to represent him in this case.

According to The Associated Press, McNeil’s decision to record the incident highlights the challenges of relying on a single source of video evidence. When only police bodycam footage is available, it may give a limited perspective. While videos of incidents like those involving George Floyd and Rodney King have raised awareness, they do not always guarantee legal justice. However, such recordings do provide victims or their families with an opportunity to share their own account of events.

Crump recently made clear in comments to the media that the fact that his client recorded from another angle gave the public another point of reference.

What happened to William McNeil Jr. should never happen during a traffic stop. He was punched, dragged, and dehumanized — not for committing a violent crime, but for asking questions. America, this treatment is far from acceptable! pic.twitter.com/kFzMq3e7b1
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) July 23, 2025

“We got to see firsthand and hear firsthand and put it all in context, what driving while Black is in America. All the young people should be recording these interactions with law enforcement. Because what it tells us, just like with George Floyd, if we don’t record the video, we can see what they put in the police report with George Floyd before they realized the video existed,” Crump said.

As Crump noted, there are some notable discrepancies between the police report and the video taken by McNeil.

According to McNeil’s lawyers, the officers pulled him over because his headlights should have been on due to bad weather. Moments after his video camera captured him asking what he did, an officer smashed his window, struck him as he sat in the seat, pulled him to the ground, and struck him six more times in his right thigh while he was on the ground.

The police report, however, did not document the punches to McNeil’s head, and McNeil’s arresting officer clinically described what happened to McNeil in his report: “Physical force was applied to the suspect and he was taken to the ground.”

McNeil went on to release his version of the arrest video in July, which went viral, prompting the sheriff’s office to open an investigation that is currently ongoing.

Another of McNeil’s lawyers, Harry Daniels, condemned the actions of the officers, offering up his assessment of what led to the situation as he praised his client’s poise in a stressful situation.

“On Feb. 19, 2025, Americans saw what America is. We saw injustice. You saw abuse of police power. But, most importantly, we saw a young man that had a temperament to control himself in the face of brutality,” Daniels said.

He continued, saying that the traffic stop was not only racially motivated, but “it was unlawful, and everything that stemmed from that stop was unlawful.”

Haiti, Hospital, Turkey, hair transpllant — Photo by The Washington Post/Getty Images

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 4, 2025

Black British Man Gets Mysteriously Sick And Dies During Hair Transplant Prep At Turkey Clinic

The clinic issued a statement confirming the patient passed all necessary testing before mysteriously becoming unwell.

A Black British man has died after getting mysteriously sick during his hair transplant at a clinic in Turkey.

Martyn Latchman traveled from his home in Milton Keynes, England, to Turkey for the hair transplant. The former teacher-turned-defense contractor traveled to Eastern Europe for the popular procedure. According to The Guardian, the transplant typically costs around $1,700.

However, the relatively safe medical trip turned fatal, as Latchman fell mysteriously ill during preparation for the procedure. He went to a clinic run by Dr Cinik, who claims to have completed the procedure successfully over 70,000 times, including for multiple soccer stars.

Once his health became in jeopardy, the 38-year-old man was transported to a nearby hospital. However, he died there hours later in the intensive care unit. Now, Turkey and the United Kingdom are investigating what happened.

The clinic stated it was “deeply saddened” by the death of their returning client. It disclosed that he had come in for a follow-up procedure after getting a transplant in 2024. The statement also shared that the clinic followed the necessary steps and tests to ensure Latchman could undergo the procedure.

“Prior to the second operation, all necessary medical evaluations and tests (including blood work, chest X-ray, ECG, etc) were carried out thoroughly and without omission, just as they were during the first procedure,” explained Dr. Cinik’s clinic. “These assessments were conducted under the supervision of an anaesthesiologist, and the patient was cleared for surgery.

The clinic also emphasized that Latchman’s medical emergency struck before the procedure began.

“However, before the hair transplant procedure began and during the preparatory phase, the patient unexpectedly became unwell for reasons that are still unknown.”

Hims, a telehealth company, detailed that deaths from hair transplant surgery remain extremely rare. They asserted that most complications, if any, stem from issues during and after the procedure itself.

Despite the loss, the man’s loved ones remember Latchman as an inspiring man. Before leaving the teaching profession, he served as an assistant headteacher at Goldington Academy in Bedford. His brother, Yashley Latchman, also expressed remorse for the death of his brother.

“Rest in Peace, my brother,” he wrote alongside a photo of the siblings working out. “You will forever be my source of inspiration and motivation. Thanks for everything. Will miss u loads.”

According to the U.K. Foreign Office, Latchman’s body was flown back to his native country as local law enforcement continues to share updates.

The clinic’s statement added, “All relevant medical documentation related to this incident has been submitted to the appropriate authorities, and judicial bodies are currently investigating the matter.”

Black farmer, family farm, Shelton Muhammad — Photo credit: courtesy of Shelton Muhammad

by Black Enterprise

August 4, 2025

Black Farmers Vs. White Supremacists: The Legacy Of Stealing Black Farms

Muhammad is asking the public to support his efforts

Originally published on BlackNews.com.

Shelton Muhammad, an African American farmer in Southampton County, Virginia, is calling for urgent public support to help protect his family’s farm from what he describes as a longstanding campaign of harassment, sabotage, and economic suppression led by individuals tied to white supremacist ideologies.

For over 15 years, Muhammad and his family have fought to maintain ownership of their small farm against what he says is a coordinated effort involving local agencies, legal entities, and individuals with deep institutional influence. He claims that members of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Farm Service Agency (FSA), local officials, and lawyers have taken strategic actions to economically destabilize his farm to seize it through legal and financial manipulation.

“Generations of Black farmers have had their land stolen or have been forced to sell through underhanded tactics,” Muhammad says. “We are determined not to let history repeat itself.”

Last year, the family’s main farming equipment was reportedly sabotaged, causing a 20-month operational shutdown and significant financial strain. Muhammad says that despite mounting legal and repair costs, the family was able to retain the land. However, he warns that another wave of sabotage has recently targeted their primary farming operation — the same one that generates revenue to cover the mortgage, pay taxes, and compensate family workers.

The family has received a proposed real estate tax payment plan from lawyers Muhammad believes are working to create conditions that would lead to default and force a court-ordered sale. “The plan is to make us break the payment terms and then rush our property into a forced sale through the courts,” he explained.

Before this latest setback, Muhammad had begun implementing an agribusiness program designed to help sustain Black-owned farms, provide affordable produce to local communities, and create a model of economic independence for other farmers facing similar challenges. He believes this program is a direct threat to those who wish to maintain systemic control over agriculture and land ownership in the region.

Now, Muhammad is asking the public to support his efforts by sharing his story and contributing to a fundraising effort aimed at restoring the farm’s operations, covering overdue real estate taxes, compensating workers, and expanding the agribusiness program.

“This is more than about just one farm,” Muhammad says. “It’s about protecting the legacy and future of Black farmers and standing up to the systems that continue to work against us.”

Donations can be made via a GoFundMe page to support the Muhammad family farm and the ongoing development of the agribusiness program. Community members and supporters are also encouraged to spread the word and help raise awareness of the challenges Black farmers face nationwide.

Black Business Month, Entrepreneurs, She Did That., Shopify — (Photo: RDNE Stock project/via Pexels)

by Daniel Johnson

August 4, 2025

Black Business Month Unfolds Amid Trump Policy Threats, Entrepreneurial Spirit Unbothered

In recognition of Black Business Month, there are events nationwide.

As National Black Business Month highlights the contributions and challenges of Black entrepreneurs, Capital B News reported in April that the Trump administration policies have created additional hurdles for Black-owned businesses. The report noted that the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has had a disproportionately negative impact on Black Americans, particularly business owners.

As the Florida Courier reports, a February memo from SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler proposed reducing the Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) designation target from 15% to the statutory minimum of 5%. Loeffler argued the change would benefit veteran-owned businesses. However, the SDB program has historically helped address barriers faced by Black-owned businesses, and the proposed reduction could limit their access to federal contracts and resources.

In June, Black Press USA reported that a proposed settlement to dismantle the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Program was nearing approval but was ultimately rejected by a federal court.

Despite the hostile environment for Black-owned businesses, they continue to push on, determined to thrive regardless of the obstacles placed in front of them.

In recognition of Black Business Month, the Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce will host its National Black Business Month Reception on Aug. 7. According to the event’s listing on Eventbrite, it will honor the contributions of Black-owned businesses across South Florida.

In Oakland, the East Oakland Youth Development Center held its 4th Annual Black Futures Ball on Aug. 2, an event that both celebrates the vibrancy of Oakland while raising money for the youth served by the center.

According to its CEO, Selena Wilson, the Ball helps the youth by “providing not only financial support but also a platform to amplify imagination, creativity, and radical vision. Inspired by works like Black Panther, Ironheart, and the new Superman, the Ball offers a space for attendees to dream boldly, dress boldly, and imagine liberating futures rooted in joy and Black excellence.”

On Oct. 4-5, CultureCon 2025, the largest creative festival for creative entrepreneurs, creators, and cultural influencers, is set to descend upon the Brooklyn borough and will feature community-building, hands-on workshops, a career fair, and immersive activations.

Entrepreneurs like Mississippi’s Kenesha Lewis are providing hope and changing the narrative in areas that are more associated with historical disenfranchisement than Black people thriving.

As she told NPR, “I’m really excited for the young people to walk in, and they say, who’s the owner, and they’re like, what? I had somebody do that to me. Our Black people are waking up; they know that they can do this. I think that we have helped them to understand that they can do this, they can succeed in this era.”

jobs report, Ask Your Fairygodmentor®, job, job loss, job advise — Cut out shot of unrecognizable young woman standing over her desk, packing a box with her belongings and office supplies after getting fired or quitting.

by Daniel Johnson

August 4, 2025

Black Jobless Rate Tops 7% As White House Defends Ouster Of Labor Data Official

It comes as little surprise that Brandon Weathersby, a spokesperson for American Bridge 21st Century, wants to hold Trump accountable for his claims about helping Black Americans

As the White House defended Donald Trump’s firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer over concerns that he could not trust her data, the numbers that Trump was implicitly denying are clear: Black unemployment is at its highest rate since the pandemic.

Although Black unemployment numbers are generally higher than the numbers for whites, the 7.2% unemployment rate is the highest since December 2021, a development that some economists have tied to his chaotic handling of tariff policies.

As Angela Hanks, the chief of policy programs at The Century Foundation as well as a former Department of Labor official during the Biden administration, told The Grio, the “chaotic nature” of Trump’s policies has had the effect of making “the economy less stable.”

She continued, “You can see how a tariff policy that’s on again, off again creates uncertainty for businesses, slows hiring, and will inevitably have a disproportionately negative effect on Black workers. Black workers are often last hired, first fired, and so when you see Black unemployment rising, it’s both concerning for Black workers, but it also tends to suggest something deeper is going on in the economy.”

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, Hanks’ comments echo previous commentary regarding Black women in the workforce.

Jessica Fulton, a senior fellow at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, noted last month that Black women often serve as early indicators of shifts in the broader economy.

Hanks, too, based on her comments, sees the problems facing Black workers as indicative of more troubling economic news to come.

Regarding Trump’s conspiracy theorist claim that the jobs numbers in the most recent jobs report were somehow manipulated, former Treasury Secretary under Bill Clinton, Lawrence Summers, said that his allegations made no logical sense.

“These numbers are put together by teams of literally hundreds of people following detailed procedures that are in manuals. There’s no conceivable way that the head of the BLS could have manipulated this number,” Summers said in an appearance on ABC’s “This Week.”

As bad as the latest jobs report looks, unfortunately, as Black Press USA reported in June, the true unemployment numbers are even more sobering.

According to the chair of the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity (LISEP), the true unemployment rate is actually closer to 25%.

“We are facing a job market where nearly one in four workers are functionally unemployed, and current trends show little sign of improvement,” said LISEP Chair Gene Ludwig. “The harsh reality is that far too many Americans are still struggling to make ends meet.”

Per their advanced calculations, which take more into account than the BLS statistics, the true unemployment rate of Black workers is 26.7%

With this context, it comes as little surprise that Brandon Weathersby, a spokesperson for American Bridge 21st Century, wants to hold Trump accountable for his claims about helping Black Americans.

“Trump says he’s ‘done more for Black Americans than anyone.’ If pushing Black unemployment to its highest level since 2021 is his idea of progress, we’d hate to see what failure looks like to him,” Weathersby told The Grio.

He continued, “Instead of delivering on his promises to the working class, Trump is handing out tax breaks to billionaires while Black unemployment climbs and good-paying jobs disappear. While Trump celebrates phony job numbers and lines the pockets of his ultra-rich donors, Black workers are paying the price.”

Lizzo, sampling lawsuit — Lizzo performs during the 2019 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/AMA2019/FilmMagic for dcp)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 4, 2025

Lizzo To Portray Sister Rosetta Tharpe In Upcoming Biopic, ‘Rosetta’

'I want to make Sister Rosetta Tharpe a household name as big as Elvis. When people talk about rock ‘n’ roll, it begins with her,' said Lizzo.

Recording artist Lizzo is set to make her movie debut in Amazon MGM Studios’ music biopic, “Rosetta,” the “Godmother of Rock and Roll,” Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and she discusses how she wants to make her a household name.

In an exclusive interview with Paper, the Grammy Award-winning musician shared her excitement about the upcoming project, in which she will star. She wants to incorporate her musical skills as a classically trained flutist, and she stated that she is learning to play the guitar for the role.

In the discussion, she informs the media outlet that she was approached about acting and is taking the opportunity to also produce the biopic outside of playing the lead role in the project.

“I’ve been approached about acting. I’ve gotten the opportunity to produce and star in the Sister Rosetta Tharpe film.”

She stated that she is excited for the chance to portray the rock and roll legend, as Tharpe “deserves to be canonized.”

“Rosetta” will also be her first major film role. Although she may receive accolades if she does a great job with her portrayal, she is not doing it for awards. She is hoping that, with her role in making this happen and her portrayal of Tharpe, she can help make her as big a name as Elvis.

“This is my first major film role, a starring role. It’s early days, but I’m learning guitar right now. She was the greatest guitar player of all time — I mean, she literally invented the electric guitar. I’m not doing it because I want an Oscar. I’m doing it, and I said this about The Big Girls Show. I’m not doing it to win an Emmy. I want to make Sister Rosetta Tharpe a household name as big as Elvis. When people talk about rock ‘n’ roll, it begins with her.”

Hitman Howie Tee, Hip Hop, Mickey Factz, NYU — Photo by Barthy Bonhomme: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-headset-hanging-on-black-and-gray-microphone-185030/

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 3, 2025

Pioneer Producer Hitman Howie Tee Dies At 61—Hip-Hop Heavyweights Reflect On His Lasting Legacy

He worked with artists like Special Ed, Chubb Rock, The Real Roxanne, U.T.F.O, and Color Me Badd.

Legendary music producer Howard Thompson, known to hip-hop fans as Hitman Howie Tee, has recently died.

According to AllHipHop, the Brooklyn-bred producer, who was born in England to Jamaican parents, was a pioneering music producer who recorded songs for the likes of other hip-hop pioneers, including Special Ed, Chubb Rock, The Real Roxanne, and U.T.F.O. No details were revealed on how he died. He was 61.

The music producer was also a DJ and a member of the hip-hop group, CDIII, which released two songs for Prelude Records, “Get Tough (1983)” and “Success (1984).” He soon began working with U.T.F.O.’s Kangol Kid and started working with a group, Whistle, who had a Top 20 Billboard R&B hit, “(Nothing Serious) Just Buggin’ (1986).”

After producing several records with Chubb Rock in 1987, “Rock N’ Roll Dude” and 1988, “DJ Innovator” and “I Feel Good,” he made a big splash with Chubb and another artist named Special Ed between 1989 and 1990 when both dropped classic singles like Special Ed’s “I Got It Made,” “Think About It,” “I’m The Magnificent” and “The Mission,” while Chubb released “Ya Bad Chubbs,” “Stop That Train,” and “Treat ‘Em Right.”

Thompson worked with a number of artists and scored one of his biggest hits, which landed on the New Jack City soundtrack, Color Me Badd’s “I Wanna Sex You Up,” in 1991.

BLACK ENTERPRISE was able to speak to some of Hitman Howie Tee’s longtime friends, and they had some things to say about the music producer.

Special Ed, who benefited immediately under the tutelage of Hitman Howie Tee, was very grateful for the opportunity afforded him by the producer.

“Howie Tee was one of the most generous and kind people that I know. He gave me a chance when I was too young to take a chance in this industry. I have always conducted myself in a way that would make him proud to be affiliated with me. When we were recording the album, he was expecting his oldest daughter, Nastasia, and that was always special to me. She is the same age as the album, ‘Youngest in Charge.’ With all the personalities and egos in the music industry, it was refreshing to work with someone as humble as Howie. He taught me how to produce music and use all kinds of equipment together to make songs. He was not just a producer, but a big brother and a mentor as well as an inspiration.”

Producer Pete Rock acknowledged Howie Tee for opening the door for fellow DJs and producers like him to make a career.

“He was a mentor to me since CDIII and opened up doors for new producers to shine. Thank you, Howie.”

DJ Wiz, original DJ for the hip-hop group Kid N’ Play, gave his thoughts on the influence of the hit-making producer.

“Howie Tee is one of the most influential DJ/producers of all time. His excellent song production created some of the most classic hits that stand the test of time. Howie was one of the best technical DJs skill-wise. He was underrated and deserves more acknowledgement from the hip-hop culture and community.”

Fellow Brooklynite, DJ Scratch, legendary DJ from EPMD, had this to say about his longtime friend and influencer.

“Howie Tee was Brooklyn’s first hip-hop super producer. Also, one of the greatest scratching DJs of all time. Howie was the template of what DJ Clark Kent & I wanted to become: DJs that can also produce hits. We looked up to him, we studied him & wound up meeting & becoming great friends with him. Til this day, you cannot play a classic Hip Hop event without playing something produced by Howie Tee. ‘I Got It Made’ by Special Ed, ‘Treat Em’ Right’ by Chubb Rock & the list goes on & on & on. God Bless Howie Tee & His Family.”

RELATED CONTENT: City High’s Robbie Pardlo Dies At 46

Rep. Billy Long, Laura Loomer — Photo by Dominik Gryzbon: https://www.pexels.com/photo/us-capitol-building-in-washington-dc-on-a-cloudy-day-31413785/

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 3, 2025

Illinois Rep. Danny Davis Won’t Seek 16th Term In Congress

'We’re not going to go away, but the time has come,' said Davis.

The Democrat’s Illinois representative, Danny Davis, has recently announced that this will be his last term in office.

According to The Associated Press, Davis will not be seeking reelection to Congress in the next election cycle. He represents a district that encompasses downtown Chicago, including large sections of the city’s South and West Sides, as well as inner-ring suburbs. Davis has been the district’s duly elected representative since 1996.

The 83-year-old politician has been a mainstay, having served 15 terms in office. He sits on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

“We’re not going to go away,” Davis told the media at a recent press conference where he was joined by his wife, local pastors, and congressmen on Chicago’s West Side. “But the time has come.”

Davis is just the latest politician to announce plans not to run for the same office in the next Illinois election. Other Illinois politicians had previously stated their intentions of withdrawing their names from upcoming elections.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky said she won’t be seeking a 15th term in the House, while Sen. Dick Durbin, the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, is forgoing a sixth term in 2026. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly are giving up their seats to make a run for one in the Senate.

Davis says that he wants to place younger heads into positions of doing well in upcoming elections, “who can grow into leadership.” He promises to campaign for younger politicians in 2026. He wants to ensure that “tyrants like Donald Trump” don’t eliminate the efforts he and others have made over the years with their attempts to take away the things that they have fought for over the years.

“There are efforts right now underway to try to diminish Medicare, Medicaid,” he said. “If those programs are seriously diminished, thousands and thousands and thousands of people will not have access to healthcare.”

Martha's vineyard film festival, Michelle Obama — Photo by Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images) Michelle Obama January 17, 1964 Chicago, Illinois History was made in 2009 as Michelle Obama became the first African American First Lady of The United States of America beside the 44th president Barack Obama. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/first-lady-michelle-obama Michelle Obama January 17, 1964 Chicago, Illinois History was made in 2009 as Michelle Obama became the first African American First Lady of The United States of America beside the 44th president Barack Obama. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/first-lady-michelle-obama

by Daniel Johnson

August 3, 2025

Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Fest Draws Michelle Obama, Rep. Crockett, And Cultural Changemakers

The Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival will feature a Who's Who of Black star power.

The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, which runs through Aug. 9, will feature a virtual who’s who of Black star power, from political heavyweights like former first lady turned podcast host Michelle Obama and Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Ayanna Pressley to auteurs like Spike Lee. The festival kicked off on July 31.

According to WROR, across the nine days of the festival, film premieres, podcasts, talk shows, fireside chats, and panel discussions are planned. It is also fitting that, on the 23rd annual film festival, a documentary film featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan was among the festival’s opening proceedings.

According to Deadline, “Unraveling George,” a documentary about civil rights leader, entrepreneur, and Hall of Fame coach George Raveling, premiered on Aug. 1.

The film, which was executive produced by another Hall of Famer, TNT Sports analyst Charles Barkley, is narrated by the film’s producer, Marlon Wayans, who portrayed Raveling in the 2023 film “Air.”

That film, a biopic, chronicled how Jordan ended up signing with Nike, a fledgling shoe company, in 1984, and changed the landscape of pop culture as well as Nike’s trajectory in the decades that followed.

Unraveling George Documentary Reveals Coach Raveling’s Societal Impacts Beyond Basketball – Sports Techie blog https://t.co/dSxMNM3lAC pic.twitter.com/bwR59F7NPk
— Bob Roble (@SportsTechieNET) August 1, 2025

As Michael Jeffery Jordan himself says in the trailer for the documentary film, “George Raveling is a mentor, a friend, and a confidant, and I would not be Michael Jordan without him.”

Additionally, the film festival will play host to a live episode of Michelle Obama’s podcast, “IMO,” on Aug. 9. Obama hosts the podcast alongside her brother, Craig Robinson. Joining the brother and sister for the special episode is multi-hyphenate star Teyana Taylor, whose latest film, “One Battle After Another,” heads to theaters on Sept. 26.

On Aug. 1, Spike Lee presented additional scenes from “Highest 2 Lowest,” his highly anticipated reinterpretation of the classic Akira Kurosawa film “High and Low,” which stars Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky. Alongside the film’s director, stars LaChanze, John Douglas Thompson, and Ilfenesh Hadera discussed the film.

On Aug. 5, Warner Bros. will present its keynote event, “Spotlight on Excellence: An EGOT Winner and Daytime Host, Jennifer Hudson,” a 60-minute discussion and Q&A session with Hudson, which will be moderated by People Magazine’s editor, Janine Rubenstein, and will discuss Hudson’s experience while creating “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”

On Aug. 7, U.S. Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Jasmine Crockett will join Rev. Al Sharpton for a fireside chat discussion focusing on “the power of joy as a political act, cultural anchor, and driving force behind justice, storytelling, and community transformation.”

The film festival will close with the second half of a discussion of a two-part documentary, presented by HBO Max, “Seen & Heard Part 2,” which highlights the importance and impact of Black creatives in the TV industry and features interviews with Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Shonda Rhimes.

The discussion will be led by actress and executive producer of the film, Issa Rae, as well as its directors, Giselle Bailey and Phil Bertelsen, and producer Montrel McKay. Rae premiered the second half of the documentary earlier this year at Austin’s SXSW (South by South West) Conference and Festival, where she noted that the dearth of Black-led shows is part of a vicious cycle.

“We wanted to make a comprehensive history and showcase, with evidence, that this is how they built the success of their networks on our backs, and we almost don’t have anything to show for it as a result. It’s tragic, and history repeats itself,” Rae said at SXSW.