Alabama A&M, Deloitte. sports. athletics

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 8, 2025

Alabama A&M Athletics Partners With Deloitte’s U.S. College Athletics For 1st Of Its Kind Collaboration

The groundbreaking alliance will set AAMU’s athletics department for long-term success by enhancing fundraising capabilities and heightening the strategic vision.

The athletics department at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) announced a collaboration with Deloitte’s U.S. College Athletics, marking the first-of-its-kind partnership between the tax services company and a historically Black college and university (HBCU), HBCU Gameday reports.

Deloitte, AAMU athletics leadership, and university stakeholders will work closely together to align on strategic priorities that will assist in developing the department’s long-term vision and implementing a high-level action plan to highlight measurable progress. The partnership terms include the professional services firm reviewing and analyzing how Alabama A&M functions at the fundraising operations level and establishing plans to heighten future initiatives.

The groundbreaking alliance will set AAMU’s athletics department on the road to long-term success by enhancing fundraising capabilities and heightening its strategic vision. Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant calls it a “transitional step.” “As the first HBCU to collaborate with Deloitte in this capacity, we are proud to be leading the way. Deloitte’s expertise will help us sharpen our strategic vision, elevate our fundraising efforts, and ensure we are positioned for sustainable success,” Bryant said.

“This is a pivotal moment for our department, our university and our Bulldog family.”

The combined ideation of Alabama A&M University and Deloitte brands reveals a shared commitment to innovation, leadership, and excellence, in addition to ensuring the Bulldogs stay in the competitive lane, along with being prepared to navigate the evolving world of collegiate athletics. “We are honored to collaborate with Alabama A&M University Athletics through this historic alliance. At Deloitte, we believe in the power of strategic collaborations to drive meaningful change, and it is especially rewarding to support an institution with such a rich legacy and bright future,” Deloitte’s Manager, Core Business Operations, Government & Public Services, ShaVonne M. Cammack, said.

“Together, we will work to strengthen AAMU’s foundation for growth, innovation, and long-term success.”

The announcement is an additional milestone of firsts as the Huntsville-based HBCU celebrates 150 years of academic excellence. According to Inside AAMU, Dr. Teresa Merriweather Orok, AAMU’s Executive Director at the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Development, was selected as the president of the University Economic Development Association (UEDA), making her the first Black woman and the first representative from an HBCU to lead the organization in its 50-year existence.

The school is also scheduled to co-host UEDA’s 2025 Annual Summit in October, which is being billed as the first time an HBCU will host a national summit.

by Stacy Jackson

April 8, 2025

IRS Calls On Taxpayers To Claim Recovery Rebate Credit By April 15 Deadline

Taxpayers who failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns should have received payments by January 2025.

There is still time to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, but the IRS encourages eligible taxpayers to act now to avoid missing the April 15 deadline.

According to the IRS, individuals who missed claiming the refundable credit on their 2021 tax returns or have not filed yet may still qualify. The credit is available to taxpayers who never received one or more Economic Impact Payments, also known as stimulus checks. As previously noted by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the IRS announced in Dec. 2024 that it would automatically issue unclaimed payments of up to $1,400, which vary based on circumstance. Estimates from the IRS totaled around $2.4 million at the time of the announcement.

Automatic payments to individuals who failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns were scheduled for distribution by late January 2025 to the bank account provided by the taxpayer on their 2023 tax return. Other payments may have been distributed to the individual’s mailing address on file. Individuals receiving the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit will receive letters in the mail regarding the refund. Taxpayers who receive little to no income are still encouraged to file the 2021 return in case they may be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Separate from the refundable credit, the IRS announced in March that over 1.1 million people nationwide have unclaimed refunds for tax year 2021, totaling over $1 billion in refunds and a median refund amount of $781. “Under the law, taxpayers usually have three years to file and claim their tax refunds,” the IRS wrote in a March 11 release. “If they don’t file within three years, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.”

The IRS encourages taxpayers to file early as the April 15 deadline quickly approaches. “By missing out on filing a tax return, people stand to lose more than just their refund of taxes withheld or paid during 2021,” the IRS stated online.

The revenue service confirmed that most taxpayers have already received their Recovery Rebate Credit or Economic Impact Payments.

by Stacy Jackson

April 8, 2025

Martin vs. United States: Supreme Court To Review Federal Court Ruling Blocking Woman’s Lawsuit Over Wrongful FBI Raid

The Supreme Court will evaluate a part of the federal court's ruling that bars Martin and Cliatt from suing under a different avenue.

A 2017 FBI raid on a Georgia family’s home sparked a case that is now headed to the Supreme Court after agents barged into the wrong residence and held an innocent person at gunpoint.

It was October 2017 when FBI agents tore the doors off of Curtrina Martin’s home and handcuffed her then-fiancé, Toi Cliatt, at gunpoint inside her bedroom. According to Reason, Martin’s house was the wrong address, and her partner was not the man FBI agents were looking for. The raid was reportedly intended for Joseph Riley, a man who lived in a home one block away from Martin. In the case, Martin v. United States, the Supreme Court is evaluating a part of a federal court’s decision to bar Martin from her attempt to sue the government for the wrongful raid.

A ruling by the 11th Circuit stated the two houses “share several conspicuous features,” including their beige color and similar positioning of a large tree in the front. Raid leader Lawrence Guerra received immunity as judges stated it was difficult for FBI agents to “ascertain the house numbers on the mailboxes” due to how dark it was outside.

The federal court also blocked Martin and Cliatt’s attempt to sue under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which, according to The House, permits individuals to sue the U.S. government in a federal court for certain injuries or damages due to negligent or wrongful acts caused by federal employees. The 11th Circuit ruled that since the FBI had “discretion” in its preparation to carry out warrants, “some nexus with furthering federal policy,” and could “reasonably be characterized as complying with the full range of federal law,” Martin and Cliatt could not proceed with their claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

Although the Supreme Court will not reconsider the federal court’s conclusion, it will evaluate the part of the ruling that prevents Martin and Cliatt from pursuing a different possibility of obtaining legal assistance under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

In a Sept. 2024 YouTube video posted by the Institute for Justice, the family recalls the moments of the startling raid.

DC Young Fly, Shannon Sharpe, Shay Shay Media

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 8, 2025

YouTube Series ‘Hawks AF’ Featuring D.C. Young Fly Joins Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media

'We look forward to working with D.C. Young Fly and the Atlanta Hawks organization to bring their phenomenal content to an even wider audience,' Shannon Sharpe said

Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media has announced that it is adding the YouTube video series Hawks AF (And Friends) to its lineup of shows.

The show, hosted on the Atlanta Hawks YouTube channel, features comedian D.C. Young Fly as he talks to top entertainers, athletes, recording artists, and celebrities from the Atlanta area. The series just released its sixth show on April 8. Hawks AF joins other shows under the Shay Shay Media umbrella, which includes Club Shay Shay, Nightcap, The Bubba Dub Show, Humble Baddies, and Club 520, featuring former Hawks star Jeff Teague.

“As a Georgia native, I’ve seen firsthand how Atlanta has grown into a hub for sports, music and entertainment,” said Sharpe in a written statement. “Credit to the Hawks for capturing that cultural dialogue with Hawks AF. We look forward to working with D.C. Young Fly and the Atlanta Hawks organization to bring their phenomenal content to an even wider audience.”

The show debuted in November 2024 when recording artist J.I.D. joined D.C. Young Fly to discuss his beginnings in Atlanta on his way to becoming a rapper. The latest episode features Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, who reveals another gig he has when he is not on the basketball court.

“Shay Shay Media is the perfect partner to amplify Hawks AF. Club Shay Shay and Shannon Sharpe have authentically blended the worlds of sports, entertainment, and music with real storytelling. With D.C. as our host, we are doing something similar in Hawks AF but with a ‘True to Atlanta’ vibe,” said Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Proctor.

The Shay Shay Media community has more than 10 million followers, and in 2024, the content on its channel generated more than 10 billion YouTube impressions.

Hawks AF has already featured Joe Johnson, actress and entertainer Crystal Renee Haslett, and singer/songwriter Mariah the Scientist. Upcoming episodes include a sitdown with ‘the Human Highlight Reel,’ the legendary NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, and award-winning film producer Will Packer.

Episodes of Hawks AF are shot and produced by Hawks Studios. The concept for the show was developed by the Atlanta Hawks’ marketing and creative teams.

RELATED CONTENT: DC Young Fly Discusses Life Lessons & Loss

by Stacy Jackson

April 8, 2025

Loved Ones Celebrate Late Republican U.S. Rep Mia Love’s Legacy During Emotional Ceremony

During Monday's ceremony, loved ones and Utah leaders reflected on the late politician's life stories and her hopes for American leaders.

An April 7 ceremony gathered hundreds of loved ones with heavy hearts to honor late Republican politician Mia Love at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Institute of Religion in Salt Lake City, Utah.

According to the Associated Press, the entrance of the church was lined with American flags as attendees observed family photos and bouquets of red and white flowers. Her husband, Jason Love, stood before the crowd to reflect on stories of his wife and her “superpowers” as a mother. “She was an extraordinary mother, and she believed that the most important work she would do within her life was within the walls of her own home with her children,” Jason told ceremony attendees. “She always made it a special place for each of them to feel loved and to begin to achieve their full potential.”

Friends serenaded the crowd with a lineup of some of the former U.S. Rep’s favorite songs, which included Ed Sheeran’s “Supermarket Flowers.” Children of the late politician, Alessa, Abigale, and Peyton, read an op-ed published by their mother in the Deseret News, which expressed her wish for more unity among the nation. Cyndi Brito said her late sister was the best at everything and always made everyone feel important. A speech from her daughter’s elementary school Black History Month show read, “‘Mia Love played many roles and had many titles, but the most important role and the most important title that Mia Love played in my eyes was auntie.’”

Rep. Love was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2022. As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the former Utah mayor was surrounded by family in March as she died peacefully in her Saratoga Springs home at age 49. At the ceremony, Love’s close friend, Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, recalled Love’s request to family and loved ones to rally around her like a campaign team as she faced her cancer diagnosis. “This is a campaign, and we are going to win,’” Love said, according to Henderson.

“It’s been a week since my Sweetheart’s passing, and I miss her beyond words,” said Jason in a March 30 public invitation to celebrate the life and legacy of his wife.

Jason Love: It's been a week since my Sweetheart's passing and I miss her beyond words. I feel Mia's love for our children and her desire to leave them a stronger American when I watch this performance.https://t.co/5ElY1uLofU

On Sunday, April 6, Mia will lie in state from 5:30…
— Mia Love (@MiaBLove) March 31, 2025

Love’s political legacy commenced over two decades ago after she secured her seat on the Saratoga Springs City Council as a Black Republican and Mormon woman. She made history in 2009 after she became the first Black woman to serve as Utah’s mayor. Born Ludmya Bourdeau, she was the daughter of Haitian immigrants. Love blasted President Donald Trump in 2018 over his comments about Haitian immigrants and those from El Salvador and African nations. Love urged U.S. officials to lead with compassion and honesty.

Ahead of Monday’s ceremony, state leaders paid respects to the late politician Sunday evening during a visit to the Utah Capitol, where Love’s coffin was covered in a flag and positioned behind ropes in the building’s rotunda.

by Jameelah Mullen

April 8, 2025

Norfolk Mayor Announces New Initiative To Crack Down On Shoplifters

Mayor Kenny Alexander takes a jab at city prosecutors.

In his State of the City Address, Norfolk City Mayor Kenny Alexander expressed his desire for the city to hold shoplifters accountable. The Mayor described the perceived lack of prosecution for theft as “unacceptable.”

“In Norfolk, we intend to support businesses impacted by shoplifting by passing a city ordinance that enables the city to prosecute shoplifting,” Alexander said in his April 5 address. “Enforcing this crime under city code will allow Norfolk to take action where the Commonwealth has not,” the Mayor said.

Norfolk Commonwealth Attorney Ramin Fatehi, who was sitting in the front row during the Mayor’s address, responded to the mayor’s announcement. Fatehi stated that the Mayor’s claim that his office is not prosecuting shoplifters is “absolutely false.”

The Commonwealth Attorney stated that his office has prosecuted hundreds of shoplifting cases over the past year. Fatehi noted an 11% decrease in shoplifting in 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Fatehi said that his office lacks sufficient staff to prosecute misdemeanor crimes and has requested 10 additional prosecutors “for years.” Nonetheless, the city council has not approved hiring these extra staff members.

“The best thing to do is to provide the resources so that there are prosecutors in the courtroom so that business owners and police aren’t there to fend for themselves,” Fatehi told WAVY News.

When asked whether he viewed the Mayor’s remarks as a direct attack on his office, Fatehi responded affirmatively, stating that the Mayor has criticized him for years. He also suggested that Mayor Alexander’s critique was politically motivated. Fatehi will face John Butler in the upcoming Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney race. Alexander has publicly endorsed Butler.

During his address, the Mayor also shared updates about a significant city project: the redevelopment of Military Circle Mall, which has remained closed for over two years. Mayor Alexender announced that the city would construct a fitness center, a community library, and a mixed-use community center at the former mall’s site.

NAUPA, unclaimed, property, money, cash, welfare, wealth, millionaire, Game developer, hardship grants, united way

by Mitti Hicks

April 8, 2025

Trump Administration Criticized For Allegedly Withholding FEMA Funds From Blue States

Oregon claims that FEMA has frozen more than $120 million in disaster relief. Hawaii says the agency has failed to answer a $6 million request for aid to rebuild after devastating wildfires in Maui in 2023.

A federal judge condemned the Trump administration for violating his order to halt sweeping freezes on federal funding, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for at least 19 states.

In his ruling Friday, U.S. District Judge John McConnell said it seemed to be a “covert” effort to punish states with so-called sanctuary laws for immigrants, Courthouse News Service reports.

In March, Judge McConnell issued a preliminary injunction that favored the nearly dozens of states that sued the federal government over plans to pause state aid. McConnell said the federal government’s plan “fundamentally undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government” and ordered the Trump administration to end the funding pause immediately.

Weeks after the injunction, McConnell found the Trump administration breached the court’s order after 19 states, all with Democratic attorney generals, presented “undisputed evidence” that they were not receiving the congressionally approved FEMA funds.

Blue States Say They Have Yet To Receive FEMA Funding

Oregon claims that FEMA has frozen over $120 million in disaster relief. Hawaii says the agency has failed to answer a $6 million request for aid to rebuild after devastating wildfires in Maui in 2023.

However, the Trump administration responded by stating that FEMA is implementing a new manual review process for allocating funding, which it claims to be allowed under the court’s current injunction.

McDonnell, however, says the administration appears to be withholding the funds “covertly” under President Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order that says sanctuary states don’t receive federal aid.

“The states have presented evidence that strongly suggests that FEMA is implementing this manual review process based, covertly, on the president’s Jan. 20, 2025, executive order’ — ‘Protecting the American People Against Invasions,’” the judge said.

The judge has ordered FEMA to “immediately cease” its manual review process and comply with the original court order.

However, it doesn’t seem the administration will give the states the FEMA funding anytime soon.

“This is yet another example of an activist judge trying to obstruct President Trump’s agenda,” a Department of Homeland Security senior official told Courthouse News.

The spokesperson adds, “At the direction of Secretary Noem, FEMA has implemented additional controls to ensure that all grant program activity is consistent with law and does not promote fraud, waste, or abuse, as it has in the past. We will continue to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are being used wisely and for mission-critical efforts.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 8, 2025

Why Inc. Named Thomas Consulting Group (TCG) Among The Southeast’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Thomas says being listed by Inc. is an honor, proudly highlighting the accomplishment on the company’s website homepage.

New Orleans-based government services and social impact firm Thomas Consulting Firm (TCG) was listed at No.15 on Inc.com’s 2025 Regionals: Southeast List as one of Louisiana’s fastest-growing companies.

The accomplishment ranks the Black-women-owned-and-founded company among the most successful small businesses in the Southeast, including South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Puerto Rico, and Louisiana.

According to a press release from Cole Media, since opening its doors in 2013, TCG has provided change management and operational improvement services to cities needing assistance in solving complex challenges. Under the leadership of Founder and CEO Michelle L. Thomas, TCG has been labeled a leader in improving system processes and aligning operations, resulting in higher efficient government performance and focusing on periods of leadership transition and crisis, especially during transition or crisis.

Thomas says being listed by Inc. is an honor, proudly highlighting the accomplishment on the company’s homepage. “As part of the Southeast region’s most dynamic business segment, we are honored to be featured alongside other trailblazing companies driving growth and innovation,” Thomas said.

Inc.’s Regionals lists some of the most prestigious rankings of fastest-growing private companies in the region, and for good reason. Between 2021 and 2023, independent businesses like TCG showed a median growth rate of 114%, adding an additional 11,493 jobs and $8.1 billion to the regional economy. Thomas says the company is “equally proud to play a key role in boosting the regional economy,” highlighting how they did it. “We have diversified our client base and methodically expanded our services to cities and communities around the nation,” the leader revealed.

Working with Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses program to develop a growth plan, TCG came out on top of the list with 785% growth during the recorded period.

The company’s success within metro cities across the U.S. should be recognized, especially the successful transition of city mayors. Thomas was credited for her work in Newark, New Jersey, where she was tasked with steering the city’s budget through one of the worst economic crises in the city’s history. Clarion-Ledger reported that Thomas worked to cut the city’s deficit by $105 million, which was more than half.

Before starting TCG, Thomas was one of the highest-paid New Orleans City Hall officials while serving as deputy mayor of operations. Roles such as this sparked relationships with nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and city governments in Alabama, Pennsylvania, Texas, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana, working with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, the Orleans Parish School Board, Hinds County, and the Finance Authority of New Orleans.

Wallace peoples, reform alliance, Wallo267, CMO, Chief marketing officer

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 8, 2025

Wallo267 Seen Seemingly Helping Police Save Man From Jumping Off Bridge

A video has gone viral showing the podcast host talking to a man who looked like he was going to jump off a bridge

A video has gone viral showing Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast host Wallo267 seemingly helping police handle a potential suicide incident on a bridge.

In a video clip circulating via social media, a person in a car is seen driving by what looks like a man sitting on the bridge, apparently threatening to jump into the water. As the man in the vehicle passes by the scene, there is a police vehicle on the side, with two police officers and Wallo looking like they are trying to talk him down. The person filming the scene is heard acknowledging Wallo and saying, “Look at Wallo trying to save a man.”

No details have been released about the situation, and Wallo has not spoken about what happened.

However, his podcast partner and cousin, Gille Da Kid, posted the video on his social media account and commented on what was going on.

“He outside trying to stop people from jumping fake a&& negotiator 🤦🏾‍♂️ @wallo267 good job Lo 😂”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KING GILLIE (@gilliedaking)

Wallo, a former convict who has turned his life around, is known for reaching out to people to help them straighten out their lives. In a scene captured on video last year, the Philadelphia native was seen giving oft-troubled Florida recording artist Kodak Black some advice.

“Look at me, man,” he says to Kodak. “Listen: You special. Don’t ever doubt yourself, and you got them babies counting on you. Now, there’s gonna be times where you gonna doubt yourself, you gonna be in pain, but them babies counting on you. You got to be here.”

Wallo & Gillie trying to give Kodak Black some game. Will he listen ? pic.twitter.com/gPim9EwFaQ

— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) November 15, 2024

Wallo has also written a book documenting his troubles and path to redemption. He stated that he wrote Armed With Good Intentions to ensure that others can relate and follow a similar path.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 8, 2025

Will Stephen A. Smith Run For President?

'I’m officially leaving all doors open'

If an actor (Ronald Reagan) and a reality TV personality (Donald Trump) can become Presidents of the United States, can a sports analyst (Stephen A. Smith) follow the same path?

According to a social media post by the controversial ESPN host, he may be thinking about making the move for the 2028 general elections.

“Time to stop messing around. Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess. So I’m officially leaving all doors open.”

Time to stop messing around. Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess.

So I’m officially leaving all doors open https://t.co/n6BmAOKjiv

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 7, 2025

Smith, who has no issue commenting on any and everything through several platforms, posted a recent article by Barrett Media to his social media feed that covered a conversation he had at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show in Las Vegas. In the conversation, he stated that he has no desire to become a politician, but due to recent discussions with several people, he may have a change of heart.

The First Take host claims he’s been approached by other politicians and people on Capitol Hill about a foray into politics.

“Over the last few weeks, I’ve had no choice but to get more serious about it,” he stated. “I’ve been approached by people on Capitol Hill. I’ve been approached by people who are elected officials in office, whether it’s governors or mayors or what have you. People have legitimately, seriously asked me about it. I have no desire to be a politician, but I’ve decided that I’m no longer going to close that door. I’m gonna keep my options open. I’m going to entertain the possibility. If it comes in late 2026, 2027, where I look at this country and think it’s an absolute mess and there’s legitimate reason to believe … that I indeed have a legitimate shot to win the presidency of the United States. I am not going to rule it out.”