The service at House of Hope Baptist Church on the city’s South Side lasted more than five hours and blended fiery speeches, gospel music, and personal tributes to the man whose activism shaped American politics for more than six decades, The Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Among those paying tribute was Chicago native and NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas. During his remarks, Thomas drew a standing ovation when he declared that five presidents were in attendance, including Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris.
“I would also like to honor the five presidents who are sitting here today: President (Kamala) Harris, President (Hillary) Clinton, President Bill Clinton, First Lady Jill Biden, President Biden, and Chicago’s own Southside President Barack Obama,” Thomas said, USA Today reports.
The moment underscored the extraordinary political weight of those who gathered to remember Jackson, who died Feb. 17 at 84 after years of declining health. The longtime activist had battled serious neurological illness in his later years. Originally diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017, it was later confirmed that Jackson had Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a rare, fast-progressing brain disorder that affects movement, balance, and eye movement.
Former presidents Obama, Clinton, and Biden, as well as former Vice President Harris, all gave remarks. Throughout the ceremony, speakers recalled Jackson’s activism, from leading protests and boycotts to running historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988.
Thomas used his tribute to highlight Jackson’s profound impact on his own life and the broader Black community. He also compared the civil rights leader to another global icon of freedom.
Netflix And Meghan Markle End ‘As Ever’ Partnership
Meghan Markle's initial launch of 'As Ever' saw great success selling out in 1 hour.
Netflix has ended its partnership with “As Ever,” a lifestyle brand launched by Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
Markle’s brand was previously introduced under the name American Riviera Orchard and debuted with products such as jam, teas, flower sprinkles, and scented candles. Initially launched with support from Netflix’s consumer products division, the entities are parting ways. The decision follows the non-renewal of Markle’s lifestyle television series “With Love, Meghan,” which aired on Netflix as part of the partnership with Prince Harry and Markle’s production company, Archewell. Netflix frames the change as a natural progression.
“Meghan’s passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As Ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life,” Netflix said in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world.”
Meghan Markle’s brand As ever has cut ties with Netflix, who supported the Duchess of Sussex with the company’s launch.
“We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth and As ever is now ready to stand on its own,” a spokesperson said. “We have an exciting year ahead and can’t… pic.twitter.com/lvJwRr4TKs
The brand’s initial launch saw great success, selling out in one hour. However, the public interest was not enough for Netflix to continue the partnership. A spokesperson for As Ever expressed gratitude to Netflix for its support and said the brand remains in good standing and will continue introducing new offerings.
“As ever is grateful for Netflix’s partnership through launch and our first year,” a spokesperson for the brand told People. “We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth, and As Ever is now ready to stand on its own. We have an exciting year ahead and can’t wait to share more.”
Although the consumer product agreement has been severed, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex maintain a production relationship with Netflix through Archewell Productions. That agreement allows the couple to develop television and film projects for the platform. The lifestyle venture is one of several business projects Markle has pursued since she and Prince Harry stepped back from official duties as members of the British royal family in 2020.
HBCU-Educated Innovator Debuts AI Tool That Predicts Best Departure Times For Travelers
Ke’Shawn Alexander, a two-time HBCU graduate, used his STEM background to create SkySpot.
Meet Ke’Shawn Alexander, a two-time HBCU graduate who turned his lifelong passion for STEM into an AI-powered travel intelligence tool that gives travelers a single, optimized departure time recommendation.
A native of Washington, D.C., who now lives in Atlanta, Alexander says his love for travel was often complicated by the traffic-clogged highways leading to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, AFROTECH reports.
After spending countless trips calculating parking availability, TSA wait times, and traffic routes, Alexander used his STEM background to create SkySpot—an AI-powered trip-intelligence platform that tells travelers exactly when to leave for the airport to arrive at their gate on time with a single optimized departure recommendation.
“I’m combining traffic data, TSA variability, some airport data heuristics, and then the different transportation options to actually deliver that recommendation,” Alexander said of the new platform.
Building the app felt like a natural step for Alexander, who developed an early passion for STEM. His grandmother was a mathematician, and his uncle worked as a drafter for NASA. His educational background includes attending a STEM-focused middle school, earning a bachelor’s degree in general science from Morehouse College, and a second bachelor’s degree in engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Now with SkySpot, Alexander is showcasing his STEM expertise through a practical trip-planning platform that helps travelers determine whether it’s best to drive to the airport or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. The platform also integrates with Google Maps and Apple Maps, automatically pulling a user’s location and the airport’s coordinates to assist with navigation.
Adding to its features is a risk indicator that categorizes airport and traffic conditions as low, medium, or high. Using TSA data and real-time traffic APIs, the tool helps travelers gauge how busy conditions may be before heading to the airport.
“Right now, travelers rely on too many apps,” Alexander said. “You’re cycling through maybe three to four applications to figure out how to plan a trip, whether it’s going to Delta to get your ticket and look at your flight information, then going to Google apps or the ride share [apps] to get some other information. Then maybe ParkMobile, if you’re driving, you’re not parking on site. For me, it’s just offering people a way of convenience and a certainty that they’ll be able to get from their house to the airport on time.”
As part of the app’s beta launch, Alexander is introducing a limited rollout at major travel hubs, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, O’Hare International Airport, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
“We’re building a smarter way to get to the airport,” he wrote on LinkedIn. “SkySpot predicts your full journey from home → gate and tells you exactly when to leave.”
‘Deep Azure,’ Chadwick Boseman’s Early Play, Revived In London And In One-Night Howard University Production
Boseman's 2005 offering is being revived.
Deep Azure, a stage play written by the late Chadwick Boseman, is drawing attention to the Oscar-nominated actor’s early career in theater and playwriting.
Before achieving international recognition for film roles, including Jackie Robinson in 42 and King T’Challa in“Black Panther, Boseman built his artistic foundation in theater, writing, and directing plays.
Deep Azure, which debuted in 2005, is currently playing at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in London through April 11. For those stateside, Boseman’s alma mater, Howard University, is hosting a one-night showing on March 27.
Boseman wrote Deep Azure after the 2000 killing of Prince Jones, a Howard University student who was shot by a police officer in Maryland. Boseman knew Jones through the Howard community and later drew on the tragedy as inspiration for the play’s emotional themes.
In this UK premiere of Deep Azure by late Academy Award and BAFTA-nominated actor and writer Chadwick Boseman, experience a powerful story of love, grief and justice. Find Out More: https://t.co/e0HnAOaaSNpic.twitter.com/FZmPRly3nV
The play originally premiered at Chicago’s Congo Square Theatre Company in 2005. The story centers on Azure, a young woman grappling with grief after the killing of her fiancé, “Deep,” by a police officer. The narrative blends elements of spoken word poetry, hip-hop theater, and classical tragedy to explore grief, justice, and Black identity, according to Howard University.
The play reflects Boseman’s commitment to using the arts as a space for social commentary. The script moves between poetic monologues and musical elements, drawing on hip-hop rhythms and Shakespearean dramatic structure to tell its story.
Boseman studied directing at Howard before continuing his theater training in New York. While pursuing acting roles, he continued writing plays that addressed social justice themes and the experiences of Black communities.
Deep Azure is a reminder that Boseman’s influence extends beyond Hollywood. His early work on stage, much like his career, shows his deep commitment to exploring grief, justice, and community through storytelling.
Oprah Pulls Up To Paris Fashion Week With Gayle Looking Super Slim—But The Internet Zooms In On Her Walk
Winfrey has previously acknowledged using a prescription weight-management medication in the GLP-1 class.
A short viral video of media figures Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King walking together at Paris Fashion Week has ignited renewed online debate about celebrity weight loss and aging.
While the video of Oprah and Gayle is brief and uneventful, social media commentary quickly shifted from humor to, at some points, harsh discussions about their noticeably slimmer appearances. Additionally, onlookers noticed Oprah’s slow strides, prompting speculation about her health.
Much of the online reaction focused on Winfrey’s weight-loss journey, which she has discussed publicly in recent years. Some users speculated that medications such as GLP-1 drugs were responsible for the transformation, with comments discussing the medications commonly associated with rapid weight loss.
X user @MarcieAnde59695 wrote: “She’s lost a lot of muscle tone using those weight loss shots. She shuffles her feet. She ain’t got no energy to walk. But hey she looks thinner. plus, she’s in her early 70’s. Oprah getting old.”
@TheRealUncleGo2 commented: “She looks like she has a back injury, which explains the shuffling. She’s about 72. Could the Ozempic or whatever she’s been on for weight loss be doing a number on her neurologically?”
Winfrey has previously acknowledged using a prescription weight-management medication in the GLP-1 class. In discussing the treatment during a 2025 podcast appearance, she said the medication changed how she thought about food and hunger, explaining that it helped quiet what she described as a constant “food noise.”
“One of the things that I realized the very first time I took a GLP-1 was that all these years I thought that thin people just had more willpower, they ate better foods, they were able to stick to it longer, they never had a potato chip, and then I realized the very first time I took the GLP-1 that, ‘Oh, they’re not even thinking about it. They’re only eating when they’re hungry, and they’re stopping when they’re full,” Oprah said on an episode of The Oprah Podcast.
At the same time, other X users pointed out that Oprah and Gayle are no spring chickens. Oprah, 72, and Gayle, 71, have reached an age when appearances and body shape begin to change rapidly. Despite the use of GLP-1’s, both women are most likely to experience the normal effects of aging, including the loss of bone density, muscle mass, and estrogen, which can account for the slowed stride and physical changes.
@jannykmak reasoned: “Oprah is getting older….like many of us?”
@mcdanielrosie9 commented: “She looks different, her face is smaller, her lips thinner, she looks younger.”
@Robin_PD_ said: “She looks fantastic! Having had both knees replaced (2021) & taking weight-loss shots, I bet she feels better too! Not a fan, just making observations.”
@Alchemyajones She’s 72 and walking in heels that are 3 or 4”. I couldn’t walk in those!
Media Mogul Byron Allen Acquires Major Stake In Starz For $25M
The deal adds to Allen’s media portfolio, which includes The Weather Channel, television networks, and streaming platforms under Allen Media Group.
By Robert Hill
Media mogul Byron Allen has acquired a 10.7% stake in the entertainment company Starz, purchasing 1.8 million shares for $25 million.
The investment comes as Starz continues to operate independently following its separation from Lionsgate. The deal also adds to Allen’s media portfolio, which includes The Weather Channel, television networks, and streaming platforms under Allen Media Group.
Allen has previously shown interest in acquiring other major media properties, including a bid for Paramount while it was under Shari Redstone’s control. He expressed interest in Disney’s linear television networks after CEO Bob Iger proposed that they might no longer be central to the company’s strategy.
With Allen’s decision to expand his interests into Starz, he is gaining access to a platform that has attracted a large audience. Allen acquired a 10.7% stake through his investment firm and family office, Allen Family Capital.
He is acquiring his stake from Liberty 77, led by former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, for $25 million.
As reported by Variety, Allen Family Capital said it acquired 1,803,786 common shares of Starz at a purchase price of $13.86 per common share for aggregate consideration of $25 million. The deal gives Allen a 10.7% stake in Starz’s issued and outstanding common shares.
Starz separated from Lionsgate and now operates as an independent company. This separation was a mutual decision, as both companies wanted to become standalone businesses.
This premium entertainment network initially competed with cable networks like HBO and Showtime, but has shifted its focus to streaming services. Starz CEO Jeff Hirsch has a goal for the company: to pursue mergers to expand its digital strategy and help other networks.
As reported by Deadline, Hirsch has repeatedly signaled to Wall Street that Starz plans to actively pursue mergers and acquisitions, particularly after separating from Lionsgate. During a fall earnings call, he said the company could potentially act as a lifeline for what he described as “marooned linear networks.”
New Report Reveals 70 Suspected Modern Lynchings In The Deep South
The research draws inspiration from Ida B. Wells’ 1895 anti-lynching investigation, 'A Red Record.'
A new report says more than 70 suspected modern-day lynchings have occurred across seven Southern states since 2000, challenging the long-held belief that lynching ended decades ago.
The report, titled “A Crimson Record,” was produced by the civil rights organization Justice for Julius Action Network, often referred to as JULIAN. Researchers examined cases between 2000 and 2025 in Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama.
According to the report, investigators identified more than 70 suspected modern-day lynchings in those seven states, with Mississippi recording the highest number at 20 cases. The study reviewed deaths involving victims from marginalized communities and examined whether the circumstances surrounding those deaths reflected patterns historically associated with racial terror violence.
The research draws inspiration from Ida B. Wells’ 1895 anti-lynching investigation, A Red Record, one of the earliest documented efforts to catalogue racial terror killings in the United States. By referencing Wells’ work, the authors argue that racial violence did not disappear but instead became less visible in official records.
JULIAN Founder Jill Collen Jefferson said the report is meant to challenge the idea that lynching is solely a historical phenomenon.
“Lynching has never disappeared — it has adapted, hidden behind silence and indifference,” Jefferson said in remarks included in the report’s release.
The report points to several recent deaths cited by researchers as examples of cases that raised questions among families and community members. Among them are Tory Medley, who was found hanging from a tree in Mississippi in 2025, and Trevontae Shubert-Helton, a 29-year-old whose body was discovered hanging from a tree in North Georgia in 2024. The report also references the 2018 death of Willie Andrew Jones Jr., a 21-year-old found hanging from a tree in Mississippi.
Jefferson said A Crimson Record’s goal is to push for deeper scrutiny of suspicious deaths and greater public awareness about the historical and contemporary realities of racial violence.
“We have to be honest about the past and about the present,” Jefferson said, adding that the report is intended to encourage stronger investigations and accountability when suspicious deaths occur.
Florida Republican Leader Under Fire After Racist Group Chat Revealed
A racist group chat involving Miami-Dade County Republican Party members, including Secretary Abel Carvajal, sparks calls for his resignation.
By Robert Hill
A racist group chat involving members of the Miami-Dade Republican Party, including the party’s secretary Abel Carvajal, has sparked calls from GOP lawmakers for his resignation and expulsion from party leadership.
On March 4, The Miami Herald reported messages from the chat that contained repeated uses of racial slurs, including the n-word, along with antisemitic language and references to Nazi Germany.
The messages were linked to a group chat created by Carvajal. The group included several young Republican activists, such as Florida International University College Republicans Membership Director Dariel Gonzalez and FIU Turning Point USA Chapter President Ian Valdes.
Several lawmakers have condemned the messages and called for those involved to resign from leadership positions within the Miami-Dade Republican Party. Sens. Ana Maria Rodriguez, Ileana Garcia, and Alexis Calatayud issued a joint statement denouncing the language used in the group chat.
“Antisemitism and racism have no place in our society. We strongly condemn and find despicable the vile and unacceptable language that has been discovered in a group chat associated with the Miami-Dade County’s Republican Party Secretary,” a joint statement from Sens. Ana Maria Rodriguez, Ileana Garcia, and Alexis Calatayud reads, as reported byCBS News. “The statements made by those individuals clarify their moral and intellectual corruption and demonstrate a complete misalignment with core, shared American values.”
The lawmakers called for immediate consequences for those involved in the chat. They urged Carvajal to step down from his position in response to his actions.
Members in the group reportedly used the n-word over 200 times, along with other racial slurs and discussions surrounding destabilizing the leadership of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade County.
Other details within the chat displayed jokes about violent acts against African Americans.
As reported by The Floridian, participants frequently made jokes about extreme violence against Black people. The messages reflected disturbing fantasies about harming and even eliminating African Americans. Carvajal not only stayed in the chat but also participated in the conversation, sharing his own derogatory remarks and at times encouraging the discussion’s tone.
Rep. Juan Porras, R-Miami, who also serves on the Republican Executive Committee for Miami-Dade County, admitted that the language used in the chat crossed a line and that Republicans need to hold themselves accountable.
Carvajal admitted that he created the chat but denied responsibility for the messages shared. He also said that he had no plans to resign from his current position.
Welcome To Jamrock! Lost In Time Festival 2026 Solidifies Jamaica’s Iconic Reggae Legacy
Over the weekend of Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1, Lost In Time Festival 2026 transformed Kingston into a living soundtrack of modern reggae music, welcoming over 16,500 attendees across two vibrant days of music and culture at Hope Gardens. In its third staging, the festival hosted over 8,000 guests on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, marking continued growth and strong audience engagement for the annual event.
Across the weekend, fans experienced dynamic live performances across two stages alongside immersive cultural moments, reinforcing Lost In Time’s reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most thoughtfully curated music gatherings. What unfolded was a carefully constructed environment where Jamaica’s contemporary reggae movement met art, cuisine, fashion, and community under open skies.
Night One, headlined by Protoje, unfolded like a panoramic view of the island’s musical landscape. He brought out a multitude of surprise guests, including Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Koffee, Lila Iké, Romain Virgo, Alaine, Mortimer, and more.
Earlier in the evening, marquee performance sets from the soulful reggae star Lila Iké, the fearless storyteller Tanya Stephens, the silky-toned crooner Mortimer, the powerhouse vocalist Tessanne Chin, the neo-soul reggae singer Yeza, the conscious roots revivalist Iotosh, and the smooth reggae-fusion upcomer Joby Jay delivered a steady rhythm of soulful lyricism and live-band excellence, setting the tone for a weekend rooted in musicianship and message.
The weekend took on a heavier tone when Chronixx stepped onto the stage, ending a period of quiet and absence that had left the culture wondering when its most potent voice would return. His arrival felt like the final piece of the puzzle falling into place. As he moved through “Skankin’ Sweet” and “Spanish Town Rocking,”
The artist was so moved by the camaraderie and pride of “Lost In Time” that he took to Instagram to thank Proteje and other artists for “giving birth” to a Jamaican sound.
“To my beloved family in Jamaica. Thank you. You have given birth to a new kind of Jamaican music. Those who are not paying close enough attention will call it a return. Those who have a sense for art and beauty will feel it as a NEW BEGINNING. Love! And to my bredrin @protoje and his honorable family. Keep on rising to the top legend! To all the GREAT artists of Jamaica. You are my biggest inspiration when it comes to music. Thank you,” Chronixx penned on IG.
It was clear that the movement he started over a decade ago wasn’t just a trend, but had become the foundation for everything happening now. He sang with a raw, focused energy that commanded the 16,500-strong crowd, proving he is still the essential link between the foundation of the elders and where the youth are taking the music today. The general returned, y’all!
The climax of the opening night reached a fever pitch when the Marleys effectively shut down the venue.
The crowd erupted into near-pandemonium as the brothers joined Protoje for “At We Feet,” before launching into a selection that bridged heritage and modern mastery.
The energy culminated in a magical rendition of “The Mission,” but it was the closing anthem, “Welcome to Jamrock,” that had Kingston all the way turnt. As the first chords hit, the at-capacity crowd marched and danced in a collective trance, cementing the Marleys’ status as the standard-bearers of the culture on home soil.
“This is about more than just a concert; it’s about the preservation of the vibration,” said Protoje, speaking to reporters backstage. “We are creating a space where the history of our music meets the future of our people. Lost In Time is a reminder that our culture is timeless.”
The festival’s architecture was designed to immerse patrons in a multisensory experience. Beyond the main stage, the “Lost In Time Village” featured local artisans, traditional Jamaican cuisine, and a curated vinyl tent where selectors spun rare 45s, tracing the lineage of the music from Mento and Ska to the present day.
The 2026 lineup reflected a strategic diversity. High-energy performances from veterans were balanced by the raw, gritty lyricism of emerging “New School” artists. The inclusion of international guest appearances also highlighted the growing “ricochet” effect between Caribbean reggae and Afrobeats—a dialogue that has come to define the genre’s modern evolution.
Technologically, the festival showcased a leap forward for Jamaican live events. High-definition LED arrays and a sophisticated surround-sound system delivered clarity rivalling major international festivals. For many in attendance, the highlight was a synchronized light show during the headline set, which illuminated the ancient trees of the gardens in rhythm with the heavy “one-drop” basslines.
However, the event remained deeply rooted in the communal spirit of the “Government Yard.” Organizers emphasized sustainability by using solar-powered charging stations and a “zero-plastic” mandate for vendors.
“When we talk about ‘One Love,’ we have to talk about how we treat the land,” noted one festival organizer. “You can’t celebrate the music and ignore the environment that birthed it.”
The economic impact on Kingston was notable. Local hotels reported 95% occupancy, and the festival employed hundreds of residents. For a city often defined by its struggles in the international press, Lost In Time offered a counter-narrative of excellence, safety, and high-level production.
As the final notes of the Nyabinghi drums faded into the early morning mist of the Blue Mountains, the sentiment among the thousands of departing patrons was clear: the festival had succeeded in its mission to bridge the generational gap.
This latest iteration of the festival, conceptualized by founders LeAnn Ollivierre and Oje Ollivierre-also known as Proteje–successfully recalibrated the international festival standard for an audience in Kingston, the reggae capital. Drawing from years of navigating the global circuit, the duo has managed to transplant a world-class sensibility into the soil of Hope Gardens without sacrificing the raw, essential pulse of the Jamaican yard. However, the resonance of Lost In Time 2026 extended far beyond the stage lights.
It is important to note that in a poignant alignment of culture and crisis management, a portion of the proceeds is being funneled into Hurricane Melissa relief efforts via the Lost In Time Foundation and American Friends of Jamaica.
For the Ollivierres—both proud natives of St. Elizabeth, a parish that bore the brunt of the storm’s fury—this is not mere corporate social responsibility; it is a visceral, localized commitment to restoration. By leveraging the sheer gravity of 16,500 attendees and a lineup that meticulously bridges the gap between reggae’s architects and its new vanguard, the festival has effectively positioned Kingston as a preeminent creative capital—a place where the genre’s evolution is no longer just a broadcast, but a tangible, lived experience.
“The way we walk is right forward,” Protoje concluded, echoing a sentiment often heard in the streets of Trench Town. “We aren’t just looking back; we are carrying the torch into the next era.”
Disgraced Ex-Michigan Head Coach Sherrone Moore Takes Plea Deal
Moore pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges connected to an incident involving another university staff member.
By Robert Hill
Former Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore accepted a plea deal on March 6, pleading no contest to two misdemeanor charges connected to an incident involving another university staff member. The plea came the same day as his scheduled evidentiary hearing regarding his arrest warrant.
Moore entered no contest pleas to misdemeanor charges of misuse of a telecommunications device in the context of a domestic relationship and trespassing. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors agreed to drop a felony charge and two additional misdemeanor counts filed following the Dec. 10, 2025, incident.
He was accused of breaking into the Ann Arbor apartment of his lover and ex-assistant, Paige Shriver. He grabbed butter knives and kitchen scissors and threatened to kill himself.
Before the incident, the 39-year-old married Moore was fired hours earlier by University of Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel after officials determined he had violated school policy by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with Shriver.
Prosecutors agreed to drop the initial charges in exchange for Moore’s plea deal.
As reported by ESPN, “All the [initial] charges against Mr. Moore were not supported by facts of law,” Moore’s attorney, Ellen Michaels, said after the hearing. “The dismissal of those charges validates the concerns we raised about the investigation from the very beginning.”
Moore, a father of three, was the head football coach at the University of Michigan and had served in the role for two years. He joined the program in 2018 as a member of former head coach Jim Harbaugh’s staff, where he served as a tight ends coach before moving to offensive line coach and helping coordinate the offense in 2021.
Shriver also no longer works for the University of Michigan, as her contract expired Feb. 28 and was not renewed. The incident also sparked two investigations within the university’s athletics department: one examining Moore’s conduct and another reviewing the department’s culture.
