by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2025

Spike Lee Reveals Allen Iverson And Kobe Bryant Were His Initial Picks To Star In ‘He Got Game’

Spike Lee reveals the two NBA stars who could've taken the Jesus Shuttlesworth role from Ray Allen.

Ray Allen is celebrated for his iconic performance in Spike Lee’s 1998 cult classic He Got Game. However, the NBA star wasn’t initially who Lee had in mind for the role.

During a recent appearance on The Jim Jackson Show, the Oscar-winning filmmaker revealed that Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant were his original picks for the role of Jesus Shuttlesworth—before ultimately casting Ray Allen.

Iverson was the first NBA star Spike Lee approached for the role. The School Daze director was drawn to Iverson’s boldness and swagger—traits that mirrored the Shuttlesworth character. However, with his focus on basketball and no acting experience, Iverson ultimately turned down the opportunity. Lee also noted that Iverson wanted the role without auditioning.

Lee approached Bryant next, who was beginning his rise to NBA stardom. Known for his maturity and poise beyond his years, Bryant’s growing fame and demeanor made him an ideal fit for the role. But like Iverson, he ultimately decided to prioritize his basketball career and passed on the opportunity.

“Because the role, really it really, you had to give your whole summer,” Lee explained how challenging it was for the NBA players to film. “Yeah, and you at the whole eight months you need to, you know, refurbish your body.”

Lee ultimately cast Ray Allen, a rising NBA guard at the time. Though he had no prior acting experience, Allen delivered a compelling performance, capturing both the athleticism of Jesus Shuttlesworth and the emotional complexity of his fractured relationship with his father, Jake Shuttlesworth (played by Denzel Washington).

The film went on to become a cult classic, celebrated for its powerful exploration of sports, family, and love. Its portrayal of a high school basketball phenom navigating the pressures of college recruitment while confronting deep-seated personal wounds struck a chord with audiences.

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

by Mitti Hicks

April 9, 2025

Democrat-Led States Push Back On Federal Government’s Threats To Cut School Funding Over DEI

State leaders in Minnesota and New York said they have no plans to comply with the Education Department’s order to gather signatures from local school districts certifying compliance with civil rights laws.

Some Democratic-led cities and states are pushing back on threats from the Trump administration to cut school funding over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

As the Associated Press reports, state leaders in Minnesota and New York said they have no plans to comply with the Education Department’s order to gather signatures from local school districts certifying compliance with civil rights laws, including rejecting what the administration deems as “illegal DEI practices.”

On Friday, New York’s education office challenged the federal government’s demand in a letter stating that the state has already provided assurances that it follows federal law and “no further certification will be forthcoming.”

According to the New York Department of Education, more than 2.4 million students are enrolled in the public school system for the 2024-25 school year. 15% of students identify as Black, 30% identify as Hispanic or Latino, and 3% identify as Multiracial.

Days later, Minnesota’s education chief sent a letter to the Education Department stating that the Trump administration had overstepped its authority and that DEI is not illegal.

“Threats to this funding without backing in law or established requirements put key programs at risk that students and schools depend on every day,” said Willie Jett, Minnesota’s education commissioner.

He added that the federal department “does not have the authority to unilaterally overrule the will of Congress” and that his letter served as Minnesota’s response to the Trump administration’s demands.

Minnesota’s most recent enrollment data shows that approximately 870,000 students enrolled in public schools for the 2022-23 school year. Nearly 12% enrolled in Minnesota schools identified as Black and a little more than 10% identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Leaders in California, the state with the largest number of public school students, enrolling close to 6 million students for 2023-24, and Vermont leaders, where there are nearly 83,000 public students enrolled for the 2022-23 school year, have directed school districts not to respond. Chicago’s mayor, where there are 320,205 students enrolled in public schools, has promised to sue over any school funding cuts over DEI.

The U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to state agencies on Thursday, stating that they must sign a document ensuring that both the state and local school districts follow federal anti-discrimination laws.

Federal education leaders have threatened to cut federal funding for any civil rights violations, which includes DEI practices that give an advantage to one race over another, according to the document.

Any schools that continue such practices were told they would be in “violation of federal law” and would face Justice Department litigation along with a termination of federal grants and contracts.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 9, 2025

Kid Cudi Places Calabasas Home On The Market

The Day 'n' Nite rapper is selling the property for $8.495 million

At a recent auction recording artist Kid Cudi held, fans were able to purchase items he owned over the years. Now, if you have enough cash, you can buy the rapper’s Calabasas home, which he has just put up for sale.

Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, is trying to sell his Los Angeles home in the Calabasas section of the county. The Day’ n’ Nite rapper is selling the property for $8.495 million, according to the price listed on Sotheby’s real estate site. According to The Robb Report, if he can get the advertised price, it would be above the $7.7 million he dished out for the property when he purchased it in 2021.

The listing states that the property is in a gated community in the hills of Park South Estates. It has six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, with a garage that can fit four cars. The amenities include a state-of-the-art home theater, a gym with a private bath, and a temperature-controlled wine room. The chef’s kitchen has two marble-clad islands and a formal dining room with an entertainer’s bar.

The master suite features a private balcony, lounge area, and dual walk-in closets. It also has “a spa-like bath with a soaking tub, glass-enclosed shower, and panoramic vineyard views.” Meanwhile, the other five bedrooms are on the second floor.

On the outside of the property, there is a lagoon-style pool and spa equipped with waterfalls, a sports court with a putting green, two covered patios, one with a fireplace and the other below a thatched-roof outdoor kitchen with a built-in BBQ, and a vineyard.

The talented entertainer isn’t just selling his property and belongings. He recently told Hube that he has a project he just recorded that should be released.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 9, 2025

Nicki Minaj Is Billboard Magazine’s Best Female Rapper Of All-Time

The Queens-bred emcee beats out the likes of Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Lil Kim, and Queen Latifah

Billboard has concluded that Nicki Minaj is the best female rapper of all-time.

Minaj became the first female rapper to have more than 100 Billboard Hot 100 hits when she achieved the feat in 2018l she has 149 records on this chart. With the highest-grossing tour for a female rapper also under her belt, the Pink Friday 2 World Tour, it’s hard to argue with the selection.

Here was the magazine’s case:

“Minaj quickly usurped the throne and stylistically rewrote the playbook for female rappers, while becoming an architect of pop music in the process. Whether she’s tapping into her storied rap personalities Harajuku Barbie, Roman Zolanski or Chun-Li, or just spitting as Onika, the story of rap can’t be told without Minaj – and she’s got plenty of ‘sons’ around the industry running through the doors she busted down.”

For almost 25 years, she has been spitting bars, but she is still in the game, sidestepping others looking to make their mark.

“@“ICKIMINAJ is No. 1 on Billboard’s 25 Best Female Rappers Of All Time list! Who else but the Queen of Rap? From her game-changing verse on “Monster” to rewriting the playbook for female rappers, Nicki’s influence is unmatched. With 149 #Hot100 hits, the highest-grossing tour by a female rapper, and a fanbase as loyal as they come, the road to the crown still runs through Gag City.”

”

Well deserved 👏 Nicki has worked HARD for the rap game & female rapper. Go Nicki 💗🦄

— Areais (@areaisww) April 7, 2025

While the top 25 list includes a number of commendable female rappers, here’s the top 10.

Nicki Minaj
Missy Elliott
Lauryn Hill
Lil Kim
Queen Latifah
MC Lyte
Salt-N-Pepa
Roxanne Shante
Eve
Foxy Brown

Billboard didn’t share the criteria involved in their decision-making process, but listeners will certainly have their opinions.

fashion, Cactus Jack, scholarship, Travis Scott, Ethos

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 9, 2025

Cactus Jack Design Ethos Fashion Scholarship Fund Recipients Unveiled At NYC Event

Each student received a $10,000 award from the Cactus Jack Foundation

At a New York City function on April 8, Travis Scott and his nonprofit organization, Cactus Jack Foundation, presented the most recent recipients of the Cactus Jack Design Ethos Fashion Scholarship fund.

The introduction occurred at the Annual Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) LIVE Gala at Glasshouse. The five students, the latest class of FSF and Virgil Abloh™M “Post-Modern” Scholars are also Cactus Jack Design Ethos Scholars: Jordan Dixon (Pensole College of Business and Design), Amaya Evans (Syracuse University), Bliss-Nurah Mack (Clark Atlanta University), Satchel Smith (Thomas Jefferson University), and Amanda Kerr (Savannah School of Art and Design), who were present at the function.

Each student received a $10,000 award from the Cactus Jack Foundation.

The scholarships will allow aspiring creatives to get educational opportunities in the fashion and design industries.

In attendance at the function were several influential figures from the fashion and creative industries, including Fear of God Founder and Creative Director Jerry Lorenzo, Macy’s Inc. Chairman & CEO Tony Spring, Favorite Daughter Co-founders Erin and Sara Foster, and also a performance by The Hoborees.

This event comes two weeks after the Cactus Jack Foundation launched the Cactus Jack Design Ethos 101 with the Fashion Scholarship Fund at the Houston Cactus Jack Community Action Week.

“At #cactusjackcommunityactionweek, we officially launched Cactus Jack Design Ethos 101 in partnership with @fashionscholarship fund at the @cact.us.design.center @TXRXLabs featuring a cactus jack @nike sneaker lab workshop with @spacecenterhouston and the opening of the ART.US art show featuring the works of Cact.Us Design Center students.”

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The initiative was unveiled at this year’s Cactus Jack HBCU Softball Classic. The program allows students access to Cactus Jack’s creative philosophy with hands-on workshops and a competition where several people will be blessed with scholarships and opportunities to work alongside the Cactus Jack team at the state-of-the-art Cact.Us Design Center in Houston.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 9, 2025

Barbie Announces LeBron James Doll, Making NBA Great the First ‘Kenbassador’

The doll features several nods to James' legacy on and off the court

Mattel, the company behind Barbie, is making a LeBron James doll, the inaugural Ken doll of a professional athlete.

The doll, created in partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF), will also commemorate James’ addition as the brand’s first “Kenbassador.”

Barbie recently celebrated its 65th anniversary.

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“Ken is Barbie’s longtime best friend and supporter,” said Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls, Mattel, in a press release. “We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken that celebrates LeBron as a role model, his icon status, lasting impact on culture, and dedication to setting a positive example for the next generation to reach their limitless potential.”

Lebron James, Kenbassador, Ken Barbie — (Photo courtesy of Barbie/Willy Lew)

James worked closely on the doll, from its taller stature than the standard “Ken” and a varsity jacket with patches referencing his Ohio upbringing, and his “23” jersey number and the “We Are Family” initiative for his foundation.

Under the jacket is an “We Are Family” t-shirt. The look also features Nike Terminator High sneakers, Beats headphones, sunglasses, a fanny pack, as well as a watch and his “I Promise” band.

While the Kenbassador doll pays tribute to James’ historic career in the NBA and as a global phenomenon, he explained the doll’s deeper significance.

“As a young kid, I was fortunate to have role models who not only inspired me but also showed me what’s possible through hard work and dedication,” James said. “Now, as an adult, I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to. That’s why partnering with Barbie to release the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is such an honor. It’s an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of role models who instill confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness.”

Barbie will also donate to the LJFF to help its mission of supporting underserved families and children in Akron, Ohio, through housing, education, job training, and more.

“For the LeBron James Family Foundation and the families we serve, this is so much more than a doll. It represents the reality that a kid from anywhere can make a difference,” said Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “We are incredibly honored to partner with
Barbie to continue inspiring the next generation and to celebrate LeBron’s unwavering commitment to his community by giving back through the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll.”

Barbie will also donate one copy of James’ I Am More Than children’s book to Save The Children for every LeBron Doll sold at Target from April 14 to 19. For those in the U.S., the Undefeated store in Los Angeles will also host an exclusive drop on April 12 for fans to snag signed dolls ahead of its official release date.

The doll, which retails for $75, will be available for puchase April 14 at Target, Amazon, Walmart and Mattel Creations.

Khalid Kamal, mayor, Kobi, racist, messages, investigation, south Fulton

by Kandiss Edwards

April 9, 2025

‘Mayor Kobi’ Says Eviction Notice from Apartment Is Politically Motivated

Mayor Kobi was served an eviction summons on March 19

The mayor of South Fulton, Georiga, Mayor Khalid Kamau, AKA “Mayor Kobi,” is facing eviction from his apartment, a move he contends is politically motivated.

Channel 2 Action News obtained Fulton County court documents indicating that Kamau was served a summons March 19 for $1,663.77 in unpaid rent for that month.

Residents of South Fulton have expressed mixed reactions to the mayor’s financial situation. “You can’t trust someone that can’t keep up their own finances and life to run the city,” neighbor Mlyk Williams said.

Conversely, another argued that personal matters should remain separate from professional responsibilities: “It has nothing to do with his function as a public official; that’s really his private life.”

In a statement to Channel 2, the mayor spoke about his eviction status and hinted that his recurring troubles may be politically motivated.

“I wasn’t expecting to need a legal team when I announced my re-election plans in January, but I guess that’s the way the political game is played now,” the statement read.

Mayor Kobi, who earns $47,000 annually in his part-time role, equated his financial challenges to those faced by many Americans. “I represent over 200 million Americans for whom an unexpected expense of $1,000 can mean financial catastrophe.”

In response to such housing challenges, Georgia enacted the Safe at Home Act, House Bill 404, in 2024. Signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, this legislation introduces protections for residents who face eviction and predatory housing practices:

Habitat Standards: Landlords are required to ensure rental properties are “fit for human habitation,” addressing issues like mold, pests, and non-functioning utilities.
Security Deposit Cap: Security deposits are capped at no more than two months’ rent.
Eviction Grace Period: Tenants are granted a three-business-day grace period to pay overdue rent before eviction proceedings can commence.
Utility Protections: Landlords are prohibited from disconnecting air conditioning prior to completing the eviction process.

These measures aim to provide Georgia renters with enhanced stability and protection in their housing situations.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 9, 2025

Tyla Shows Love To Her Fanbase In Pandora Jewelry Campaign

Tyla's new assortment of charms also include pieces to spell out "TYGER," a salute to her growing fanbase

Tyla is showing love to her “Tyger” fanbase in a new campaign for Pandora Jewelry.

The “Water” singer announced her role as the company’s brand ambassador through a photoshoot of jewelry she designed, which includes a not-so subtle nod to her fans.

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In one of the campaign photos, Tyla showed off her back featuring a necklace that spelled out “TYGER,” the member name of her loyal fanbase.

The “Pandora Styled By Tyla” collection also includes charms handpicked by the Grammy winner. The pieces not only symbolize her skyrocketing music career, but her South African childhood.

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One of the curated charms includes a cherry blossom, which connects to the music video for her chart-topping hit, “Water.” Another charm, a Shark Tooth Mini, represents her South African heritage that shines through her artistry.

“[Pandora] reminds me so much of home because my mom always made jewelry, and the birthstone charms remind me of the beads I used to have laying around in my house growing up,” said Tyla on the announcement, as reported by People. “Whenever our mother wanted us not to bother her, she’d give us a big container of beads and my sisters and I would make friendship bracelets all day… Now my Tygers can have matching friendship bracelets with me.”

As seen on Tylaf, the charms can also adorn hoop earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Fellow “Tygers” that want to show their love for the 23-year-old songstress can recreate the standout piece as well.

“Through this collaboration, Pandora and Tyla celebrate the power that jewelry holds to capture life’s most unforgettable moments, inspiring a new generation to embrace their unique stories in their own personal expression,” according to the release.

The specially curated charms are available online now at Pandora’s “Styled by Tyla” page.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 9, 2025

Baltimore’s ‘AFRAM’ Festival To Include Performances By Saweetie, Patti Labelle, And Juvenile At Juneteenth Celebration

Amerie, Vedo, and Teedra Moses will also hit the stage at the cultural and music festival.

Attendees at this year’s 2025 AFRAM Festival in Baltimore can expect to see some hit-maker performances at this year’s Juneteenth celebration.

Called “AFRAM,” the African American music, cultural, and arts festival will continue its legacy of celebrating Black heritage and community with a free two-day experience. Ahead of its June dates, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott unveiled the performers who will take the festival stage.

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Its 2025 lineup includes Saweetie, Amerie, Juvenile, and Patti Labelle, with the musical acts performing some of their hits to delight the crowds. Additionally, R&B crooners Vedo and Teedra Moses will round out the list of performers.

The festival will also uplift local talent on its Roots and Family stage, produced by the Black Arts District with sponsorship by the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA). For Mayor Scott, the lineup and programming commemorate the Black excellence AFRAM has historically spotlighted.

“We know what AFRAM is: it is a celebration of everything that is Black excellence,” said Mayor Scott in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “It’s one of the largest festivals on the East Coast dedicated to Black history and culture. We will continue having AFRAM, and because of the state of the world, we’re probably going to be more loud and even Blacker this year to remind everybody that no matter how hard they try to erase us from the history books, they can’t erase us.

The Baltimore AFRAM festival began in 1976 as part of the city’s Showcase of Nations. Since becoming an official Juneteenth celebration, it has emerged as one of the East Coast’s largest African American cultural arts events.

The event will also showcase local artisans, creatives, businesses, and organizations that are part of its vibrant Black community. Over 200,000 people are known to attend the festival, which encourages everyone to patronize Black entrepreneurs who help shape this diverse city.

“The countdown to AFRAM is on, and we could not be more excited about this year’s lineup and everything we have planned to uplift African American culture and the local Baltimore community,” added Baltimore City Department of Director Reginald Moore, whose program helps coordinate AFRAM. “With over 700 acres of historic Druid Hill Park as a backdrop, this year’s festival will be the ultimate summer destination. We’re grateful for the support of the Scott Administration, local vendors, strong partnerships, and most of all, the community, which shows up year after year, making this an annual tradition not to miss.

The AFRAM festival is from June 21 to 22 at Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park. More information is available on the festival’s website.

Dr. Africa Wallace, Eastern Cardiothoracic Surgical Society

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2025

Louisville’s Majority-Black West End Community Opens Its First Hospital In Over 150 Years

The predominately Black town of West End in Louisville, Kentucky, opened its first hospital in over 150 years.

Louisville, Kentucky’s majority-Black West End neighborhood, has welcomed its first local hospital in over 150 years.

Norton West Louisville Hospital, which began operations in November 2024, is already significantly impacting the local community. About 70% of the hospital staff are local residents, and their strong ties to the area have made the hospital a key connection point for all types of care.

“Empathy is something that is not practiced a lot anymore in healthcare,” Charles Ramsey, a hospital case manager and West End native, told CBS News. “I feel like if you have empathy for a person, you understand them better. That’s where the trust comes in.”

The town’s first hospital was the vision of Corenza Townsend, chief administrative officer for Norton West. Eight years ago, while working as a nurse manager at another Norton hospital, she pitched the idea to the corporation’s CEO, Russ Cox.

With the CEO’s support and Townsend’s determination, Norton broke ground in June 2022 and opened its doors in November 2024. In a predominantly Black community often affected by racial bias in healthcare, Townsend is committed to providing West End with the quality care it deserves.

“The life expectancy in West Louisville is about 12-and-a-half to 15 years different here than anywhere else in the city,” Townsend said. “That alone gives you reason enough to build a hospital in West Louisville.”

“We know that lack of transportation, lack of general education around healthcare, and then just bias in how people are treated in the healthcare system,” she added. “Our people in West Louisville are not getting the help that they needed.”

Building trust with the community is a top priority for the hospital, and Norton offers several features to reflect this commitment. Upon entering, visitors are greeted personally, and the hospital showcases art that resonates with patients.

Additional amenities include a bistro, valet parking, and a food bank. Ramsey runs a local partnership with Dare to Care, which serves as a safe space and is open to everyone.

“People are coming into this pantry, and we’re converting them to primary care patients,” Townsend said. “Or they’re coming in, and they’ve had ailments that needed to be addressed for years, and they never did, and we see them right in the emergency department.”