by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 7, 2026

Young Brother Duo Behind Growing Snack And Party Supply Business Captures Hearts In Connecticut

These 6- and 7-year-old brothers are winning over the Bridgeport, Connecticut, community with their growing snack cart and party supply business.

Meet Raymond and Raymere Clark, the 6- and 7-year-old brothers behind a growing snack and party supply business that’s bringing the Bridgeport, Connecticut, community together and gaining widespread support.

What began three years ago as a simple Connecticut snack cart has grown into Clark Boyz Snack Shop & Party Supplies, offering sweet treats alongside event essentials like a concession cart, cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cone machines, plus rentals including bounce houses, throne chairs, photo booths, and baby shower décor.

“All of our customers are loyal,” Raymond told the CT Post, noting they have about 50 regular. His favorite part of the business is “the trust we have with our customers.”

The brothers launched their snack shop in summer 2023 and now run it year-round, booking events like parties, baby showers, and community gatherings. Raymond, a second grader at Edison Elementary, said he and his younger brother Raymere, a kindergartner, got their start selling snacks at their grandfather’s store, Mattress King on Barnum Avenue.

Since then, the Clark Boyz have popped up across Bridgeport, serving concessions at events like Family Fun Day at the Beardsley Zoo, SingerCT’s Black History Movie Night, Mayor Joe Ganim’s Movie Night on the Beach, the city’s Juneteenth celebration, and First Thursday Fiesta at City Hall. By their second year in business, their mother, Joeleen Spain, said the boys expanded by adding more commercial machines to serve a larger customer base.

As a parent to two young entrepreneurs, Spain said she’s focused on teaching them independence so they can grow into leaders and understand the value of money.

“I want them to understand what investing in themselves looks like and believe they can do whatever they put their minds to,” Spain said. “They show me every day a bit more growth. Adding the ice cart was Raymere’s idea, so we saved for it. Our party supplies idea came from Raymond. We save to grow.”

As part of their 2026 expansion, Raymond and Raymere have added a Philly water ice cart to their business. Similar to Italian ice, the frozen treat that’s made with water, sugar, and fruit flavoring, the treat adds a refreshing new option that the family is excited to offer customers.

“It’s supposed to be better than Italian ice and a smoother taste,” Spain said.

The brothers were out front introducing their newest addition, pushing the Philly water ice cart along Palisade Avenue and Birdsey Street as they brought it to the Bridgeport, Connecticut, community ahead of Easter weekend. Raymond said all the money they earn from Clark Boyz is reinvested into the business, from purchasing inventory to maintaining and repairing their carts.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 7, 2026

Florida A&M University To Celebrate 50th Anniversary Of Sports Hall Of Fame With Seven Inductees

The ceremony will take place Sept. 18.

Florida A&M University will celebrate its 50th anniversary of enshrining student-athletes, coaches, and supporters by inducting seven individuals on September 18 in the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame.

The FAMU Sports Hall of Fame announces the 50th Anniversary Class

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/ZJSixHnBT1 #FangsUp
— Florida A&M Athletics (@FAMUAthletics) April 3, 2026

The inductees are: Judith Kibii (cross country and track & field), Leroy Long (men’s tennis), Williams Evers (football), Tyrone McGriff, Jr. (football), Sean Gilliam (baseball), Brandi Tatum-Fedrick (coach), and Ben Crump (supporter).

The ceremony will be hosted by fellow FAMU Sports Hall of Famer, Pam Oliver (Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame), who was inducted in 2016.

Expected to come out and welcome the 2026 inductees are these former FAMU Rattlers: Andre Dawson (1987 National League MVP), Marquis Grissom (multiple MLB Gold Glove winner), Rey Robinson (Olympic sprinter), Vince Coleman (National League All-Star), Greg Coleman (NFL punter), Henry “Killer” Lawrence (three-time Super Bowl champion with the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders), Albert Chester (two-time national championship quarterback), Natalie White (MEAC women’s basketball standout), Shaunta Pelham (MEAC track record holder), Waite Bellamy (FAMU’s all-time leading men’s basketball scorer), Mike Gillespie (two-time MEAC champion and NCAA Tournament winner), Clemon Johnson (NBA champion), and Terrence Woods (two-time NCAA three-point scoring champion).

Additional details surrounding the 50th anniversary celebration of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame will be announced next month

The Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame was the brainchild of athletic director Hansel E. Tookes, Sr, who launched it in 1976. It was started to recognize the very best in Rattler athletics.

In other FAMU athletics news, the school’s track and field program set two school records during at the 2026 Pepsi Florida Relays on April 3 and 4.

Janaree Kinchen set a new school record when the freshman clocked in at 11.15 seconds in the women’s 100 meters, while the women’s 4×100-meter relay squad, which includes Kinchen, Diandrenique Gaines, Arayana Ladson, and Kiersten Clark, broke the school record with a 43.65 in the preliminary round of the meet.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 7, 2026

New Study Suggests A 4-Day Workweek Is Better For Productivity Than Traditional 5 Days In Office

The study confirmed that employees are more efficient with less hours spent on the clock.

A newly released study suggests that a four-day workweek boosts productivity more than traditional five-day shifts.

A 2023 report by nonprofit advocacy group 4 Day Week Global shared these groundbreaking conclusions. Its findings determined that employees are just as productive on a 33-hour workweek as on a 38-hour allotment.

Fortune detailed the report’s results, which provided the first long-term assessment of reduced workweeks. The study found that workers maintained high levels of productivity even when working fewer hours.

4 Day Week Global examined employees in the U.S., Canada, Britain, and Ireland for an 18-month pilot study of one less day of work. During this timeframe, researchers observed that employees benefited from the switch, with reduced burnout and improved overall health.

Researchers also observed that a more streamlined work process eliminated nonessential meetings due to time constraints. This allowed workers to focus more on completing tasks, even at a faster rate. Essentially, workers did not need an extra five hours on the clock to complete their responsibilities. Instead, they became more efficient with the reduced time frame.

By omitting activities that detract from actual work, employees spent less time completing the most work. Given this, they could also reclaim more of their lives off the clock, with a stronger work-life balance aiding overall job satisfaction.

The companies included in this study also saw a boost in their own gains when employees worked fewer hours. Revenue reportedly increased by 15% over the 18-month period.

The news is a remarkable update for employees, especially amid the shift back to the office following the pandemic-induced remote work. Although the callback to in-person attendance has become polarizing across industries, news that a four-day workweek is optimal for both employers and employees could help ease these tensions.

However, the four-day workweek may not be the easiest to implement. Part-time workers and those already allotted certain hours may be concerned that it could negatively impact their schedules and pay, with many assuming that a universal four-day workweek is still a long way off.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 7, 2026

Pinky Cole On The Challenges Entrepreneurship Has On Marriage

“So oftentimes he was the supporting character in our empire but then the roles reversed and I became the supporting character in his. But that's the beauty of marriage,” Cole said.

Slutty Vegan Founder Pinky Cole is opening up about being married to another entrepreneur, Derrick Hayes, the founder and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, and the unspoken challenges it brings.

During an episode of the Earn Your Leisure podcast, Cole opened up about the challenge of being present in her marriage as Hayes’ success skyrocketed while hers was in trouble. “In the middle of losing it all, my husband, who has worked for the last 15 years to get here, finally gets his moment. So here I am as a wife, we’re newlyweds, I’m like ‘Hey, I’m here, I need your help, but he’s also getting his moment,” she said.

“So like he comes around me, I got the depressed energy on me, lets be honest…and he’s excited but now a part of him doesn’t want to be excited because if he’s too happy…cause in my mind he probably feels like if I’m too happy and I’m over here sulking in entrepreneurship trying to figure it out then it makes him look like a bad husband.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Earn Your Leisure (@earnyourleisure)

The new “Housewives of Atlanta” star touches on how being married as entrepreneurs is not a joke. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 Annual Business Survey, according to Yahoo! Finance, revealed that 297,778 businesses were owned and operated jointly by spouses, accounting for just over 10% of all U.S. for-profit businesses in 2021.

As the restaurant business owners admit to the challenges, especially with both brands being worth millions, Cole says one of the key elements of figuring it out is keeping their businesses “totally separate.” “Derrick makes millions in his business, I make millions in my business, but we keep our businesses totally separate. I don’t know what’s going on in his business, he dont know whats going on in mine, so when I met him, my business essentially….I had more visibility than he did,” she said.

“So oftentimes he was the supporting character in our empire, but then the roles reversed, and I became the supporting character in his. But that’s the beauty of marriage.”

Hayes seemingly supports Cole in all aspects of her life. As news broke that she was filing for bankruptcy and creditors were seeking to take over one of her houses, Cole was preparing to put more of her life into the mainstream, starring in the new season of the popular Bravo network show. Despite all the drama, the cheesesteak king settled in, calling himself a “Father 1st, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist” in his Instagram bio but adding his new title in support of his wife. “Welp… now I’m married to a Real Housewife of Atlanta. I ain’t winning another argument ever again. Pray for me. @pinkycole congratulations,” he wrote on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Derrick Hayes (@officialdhayes)

The comments section showed some support for her sentiments, while it seems others don’t see the value in having a supportive life partner. “She’s better than me cuz the way I woulda said eff that business and let my husband take care of me lmao what was Rochelle line on everybody hates Chris?” @allthingskiraj wrote.

Others saw the beauty in what she was saying. “I hope all of the anti-marriage / anti-relationship people see this. Marriage / relationships are a BEAUTIFUL THING when done with the right person. The two of you can move mountains together as a collaborative unit,” @totalbodiedbyapril said.

Cole feels the same. “Did it get hard? Yes. Did we have to learn the hard way on how we navigate when one partner in a relationship is going through a visual circumstance? It was incredibly tough…” she continued.

“My husband could be paying right beside me and as much comfort as he can give me and be there and supportive of me, nobody understands what it feels like when you’re literally fighting for your life, but you gotta show up and put a smile on your face.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 6, 2026

University Of Virginia Fires Embattled Women’s Basketball Head Coach

Amaka Agugua-Hamilton has been dismissed as head coach of the University of Virginia women’s basketball team following reports of an internal investigation.

Despite leading the Cavaliers to their first Sweet 16 since 2000, the University of Virginia fired women’s basketball head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton amid reports of an internal investigation and allegations of staff mistreatment, USA Today reports.

“Coach Mox” had one year left on her contract after leading Virginia to its most successful season in nearly 30 years. However, multiple sources—including an NCAA women’s basketball head coach, two assistant coaches, and an administrator who spoke anonymously—pointed to behind-the-scenes issues that contributed to the sudden decision.

The university has not addressed the allegations directly.

“Virginia Athletics announced today (April 4) Amaka Agugua-Hamilton will not return as head coach of the women’s basketball program,” read a statement from the university. “Agugua-Hamilton finished her four-year tenure at UVA with a 70-58 record, including a 29-42 mark in ACC play. A national search will begin immediately.”

Shortly after the news broke, junior forward Sa’Myah Smith revealed on social media that she plans to transfer, citing the “uncertainty” surrounding the program following the coaching change.

pic.twitter.com/s9cALj6uvd
— Sa'Myah Smith (@samyahsmith5) April 4, 2026

Star guard Kymora Johnson, who led the team with 19.5 points per game this season, has not yet announced her plans, but did repost Smith’s statement on her Instagram story. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, who starred for Virginia during its Final Four runs, said she was surprised to learn of Agugua-Hamilton’s firing.

“I don’t know what went wrong, but I think she had them on the right track,” Staley said. “I hope we get it together. We have a deeply rich tradition at UVA on this stage. We hope to get our team back there one day sooner than later.”

Agugua-Hamilton finished her fourth season at Virginia, where she led the program to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018 and steadily improved the team’s win total each year. The Cavaliers went 22-12 this season, including 11-7 in ACC play—their best conference showing since 2000. Prior to Virginia, she went 74-15 at Missouri State with two NCAA Tournament appearances.

Backed by significant investment from Virginia alumnus Alexis Ohanian, Reddit co-founder and husband of tennis star Serena Williams, the Cavaliers’ head coaching vacancy is widely seen by agents and coaches as the top opening in women’s college basketball this hiring cycle.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 6, 2026

Communities Debate ‘Colonial-Era’ Restrictions On Black Hair Throughout The Diaspora

Ongoing restrictions on Black hair across the diaspora are raising concerns about the persistence of colonial-era beauty standards.

Despite progress toward hair inclusivity for Black students and professionals, ongoing restrictions on natural Black hair are sparking widespread criticism across the diaspora over its roots in colonial-era norms.

From Kingston, Jamaica, to parts of Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda, disputes over natural Black hairstyles continue to emerge across the African and Caribbean diaspora, raising questions about how grooming standards rooted in colonial ideas of “neatness” still influence workplaces and schools today, the Guardian reports.

Recent incidents include a case at Ardenne High School in Kingston, Jamaica, where a mother said her teenage son was pulled from class after staff deemed his afro inappropriate. Similar policies persist in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda, where some schools require girls to cut their natural hair before enrolling.

Scholars say that despite independence from Britain, colonial-era attitudes toward grooming remain deeply embedded in institutions.

“Schools continue to be hyper-focused on maintaining strict and oftentimes discriminatory hair and grooming policies,” said Sint Maarten Minister of Education, Melissa Gumbs. “Many of these can be traced to subjugating colonial-era standards of appearance rather than providing a safe, dynamic, and innovative learning environment for students.”

Other incidents have surfaced globally, including in Trinidad and Tobago, where a student said he felt “embarrassed” after he and his classmates were barred from graduating because of their hairstyles. In the U.S., there are cases like Darryl George, who was suspended over his locs, and Damon Landor, a Rastafarian man suing a Louisiana prison for cutting his hair. In the U.K., students like Chikayzea Flanders and Ruby Williams have also faced pushback from schools over dreadlocks and afro hairstyles.

With hair discrimination rooted in the transatlantic slave trade and Eurocentric beauty standards, Verene Shepherd, professor emerita of social history at the University of the West Indies, said colonial-era attitudes still shape school policies today and disproportionately impact Black students.

“Afro-textured hair and Black hairstyles have for a long time been regarded as problematic by some people,” she said. “We have heard comments from children in schools that locs, twists, and other styles are not accommodated because of the view that there needs to be uniformity.”

In Jamaica, Shepherd said she has advised the government on creating non-discriminatory grooming policies, noting that “the Victorian gender order that defined post-slavery society has continued into the present.”

Michelle De Leon, founder of World Afro Day, said progress has been made in some countries, pointing to improvements in school hair policies and guidance from the U.K.’s equality watchdog aimed at preventing discrimination.

Other changes are emerging globally. In France, lawmakers have backed legislation targeting discrimination based on hairstyle, texture, or color, championed by MP Olivier Serva. In the U.S., California became the first state in 2019 to ban discrimination based on natural hairstyles through the CROWN Act—a measure since adopted by other states.

In the U.K., schools have also been able to sign on to the Halo Code since 2020, pledging to end discrimination against Black hairstyles. Campaigners are also calling for afro-textured hair to be recognized as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, which would extend protections against discrimination in areas like employment.

Some Caribbean nations have already taken action. Anguilla became the first to introduce a national hair-discrimination policy in 2022, and in 2023, Trinidad and Tobago implemented a school hair code allowing styles such as locs, afros, twists, and cornrows.

“While societies have evolved, the lingering perception that natural afro-textured hair must be controlled, altered, or hidden to be considered ‘acceptable’ still echoes within some institutional policies today,” Gumbs said. “We owe it to current and future generations to carve away the ugly remnants of that history.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 6, 2026

2 Groups Of Legal Scholars Side With Judge’s Ruling In Drake’s Defamation Lawsuit Appeal

The groups agree with Judge Jeannette Vargas' October 2025 ruling.

Two separate groups of scholars filed amicus briefs on April 3 in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit regarding the appeal of Drake’s defamation lawsuit against UMG Recordings.

The scholars said they agreed with the judge siding with the distribution label, citing that the Kendrick Lamar song, “Not Like Us,” constitutes protected opinion rather than actionable defamation,” and that the appeal by the Canadian artist should be denied.

According to Music Business Worldwide, the first brief, submitted by the Floyd Abrams Institute for Freedom of Expression at Yale Law School and Professor Lyrissa Lidsky, was prepared by the Media Freedom & Information Access Clinic, while the second one, was filed on behalf of a group of social scientists and legal scholars, represented by Jack I. Lerner of the UCI Intellectual Property, Arts, and Technology Clinic.

Both parties support the appeals court dismissing Drake’s appeal and affirming Judge Jeannette Vargas’ October 2025 ruling.

The Floyd Abrams Institute brief says that Drake consented to the back-and-forth response records when he dared Kendrick Lamar to respond to his diss tracks that preceded “Not Like Us.” Due to his actions, the allegedly defamatory statements make his lawsuit null and void under established defamation law.

“The challenger consented to the fight, and consent is a classic defense to an intentional tort. Defamation is also an intentional tort, and defamation claims are likewise foreclosed by consent,” the brief states.

The brief says that Drake specifically invited the lyrics he has challenged in court. Citing Drake’s song, “Taylor Made Freestyle,” released on April 19, 2024, he “specifically encouraged Lamar to ‘talk about him[—i.e., Drake—] likin’ young girls.’”

“It is difficult to imagine a clearer call-and-response,” the brief states.

The second brief says that the threat to free speech is the main driver of not allowing the appeal.

“Drake’s defamation claim rests on the assumption that every word of ‘Not Like Us’ should be taken literally, as a factual representation,” the brief says. “This assumption is not just faulty—it is dangerous.”

It also brings up Drake being against the very same reasoning he is using for the merits of the lawsuit, citing Drake’s participation in the “Protect Black Art” campaign, which states that rap lyrics should not be used against artists as evidence in court cases.

“Though Drake has previously acknowledged this danger publicly, he now paradoxically and problematically embraces it,” the brief reads.

Drake initially filed the defamation lawsuit against UMG in January 2025, which was dismissed in October 2025. The recording artist appealed the judge’s ruling in January 2026.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 6, 2026

American Travelers Who Accept Vouchers After Canceled Flights May Be Entitled To Full Refunds—Here’s How To Claim Them

Documentation and timeliness are crucial.

Recent research shows roughly one in five Americans who had a flight canceled in the past two years accepted a travel voucher—even though federal rules now require airlines to issue automatic cash refunds in most cases.

Under the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) finalized sweeping airline refund rules in April 2024, giving travelers a legal right to a cash refund if their flight is canceled, significantly delayed, or downgraded. But many travelers whose flights were canceled in recent years have opted for less, according to Altitudes Magazine.

Instead of vouchers, miles, or flight credits, travelers are entitled to full refunds. Here’s how to claim them.

Before contacting the airline or filing a complaint, gather key documentation to avoid delays or denial. This includes booking confirmation and ticket number, boarding passes (digital or physical), and any cancellation or delay notices with timestamps. Travelers should also collect receipts for out-of-pocket expenses like hotels, meals, or alternate transportation, along with the name and ID of any gate agent who offered a voucher. Keep a written record of any verbal promises made at the gate or over the phone.

It’s important to note that if a gate agent offers a voucher and a traveler signs an agreement accepting it, they may be giving up their right to a cash refund. Always read the terms carefully before signing. If you’re unsure, ask for time to review—or decline the voucher and request a cash refund instead.

Claiming compensation typically involves several steps, and following through on all of them can significantly improve your chances of getting a full refund. Start by requesting a cash refund directly through the airline’s portal within 24 hours, clearly citing DOT rules. If denied or ignored after a week, contact the airline’s customer relations department with a formal complaint. Next, file a complaint with the DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection portal, which requires a response and adds regulatory pressure.

If applicable, file an EU261 claim for flights connected to the EU. As a final step, you can dispute the charge with your credit card issuer if the airline still refuses a valid refund. The DOT requires airlines to process refunds within seven business days for credit card purchases and 20 days for cash or check. Missing these deadlines can be reported as a violation.

To maximize the claim, pay for flights with a credit card—chargebacks are the strongest tool if an airline delays or refuses a refund. Always screenshot key updates with timestamps, as timing can impact the case. Check the DOT Customer Service Dashboard before accepting alternatives, since airlines vary in what they offer for delays. Use third-party claims services like AirHelp or ClaimCompass selectively, as they take a percentage of payouts.

For faster results, consider filing both DOT and EU261 complaints (if eligible), creating more pressure on the airline to respond. Avoid common mistakes that can jeopardize your claim. Don’t sign voucher agreements without reading the fine print, as they may waive your right to a refund. File your claim promptly, as waiting too long can lead to denial.

Be sure to document the reason for the cancellation, especially if the airline cites “extraordinary circumstances,” and request written proof if needed. Don’t assume a rebooking cancels your eligibility for compensation, particularly under EU261. Also, check if the flight was a codeshare, as multiple airlines may share responsibility, which provides additional avenues to file a claim.

by Ahsan Washington

April 6, 2026

Autism Acceptance Month: Essential Organizations Supporting The Black Community

A new network of organizations has developed to serve the Black community.

As we observe Autism Acceptance Month this month the focus has shifted from visibility to a demand for systemic equity. For the Black community, this month is a call to bridge the “diagnosis gap.” While identification rates for Black children have reached a historic 1 in 27, they are still diagnosed an average of three years later than their white peers, frequently missing the critical window for early intervention.

With nearly 50% of Black autistic youth navigating co-occurring intellectual disabilities, culturally competent care is a necessity, not a luxury. Organizations like The Color of Autism Foundation and Autism in Black—hosting its 6th annual conference April 17—are leading the charge to dismantle these barriers.

A new network of organizations has developed to serve the Black community through advocacy and educational initiatives and culturally appropriate support services.

Autism in Black

Maria Davis-Pierre, a mental health professional and advocate, established Autism in Black to support Black autistic individuals and their families. The organization delivers culturally responsive advocacy alongside IEP support and parent coaching while providing trainings and expanding its digital community through toolkits and live expert sessions. The organization started as a response to persistent stigma and underrepresentation of Black individuals in autism discussions and has grown substantially during the recent surge in equity-focused dialogues. Through virtual programming and consulting services, Autism in Black connects clinical knowledge with lived experience to both reduce stigma and provide families practical strategies.

The Color of Autism Foundation

The Color of Autism Foundation operates as a national nonprofit organization founded by Camille Proctor, who educates and advocates and supports African American families who navigate autism. Through digital and in-person programming, the organization provides job readiness programs and self-advocate support and community town halls. Through its “inclusion by design” approach, the foundation makes sure that Black families receive priority autism services during adult transition and workforce readiness phases.

Black Autism Coalition

The Black Autism Coalition founded by Cynthia Laine is a community-driven organization which advocates for acceptance and empowerment while respecting Black and Brown families affected by autism through its advocacy initiatives and awareness campaigns and family-centered support systems. The coalition emerged from demands for autism advocacy that respects cultural differences and now serves communities of color through its partnerships and awareness initiatives. The organization’s focus on cultural acceptance transforms autism into a condition that needs understanding, equity and community-based support.

Autism Urban Connections

Jamie Upshaw established Autism Urban Connections after her son experienced delayed diagnosis which revealed systemic gaps in autism care. The organization holds caregiver support groups and training workshops and self-care initiatives and community events including Autism Awareness Fun Days. The Pennsylvania-based organization serves underserved and minority communities to resolve diagnostic delays and access gaps which constitute a major inequity in autism care early intervention.

The GAPS Society

The nonprofit GAPS Society supports Black and Brown families raising children with autism through community-building events and educational resources and advocacy initiatives to close service gaps. The organization exists as part of a fresh movement of grassroots autism advocacy groups and operates out of Georgia, to serve local communities through events. Through its accessible community programming, the GAPS Society works to eliminate the resource gap which exists in underserved Southern areas.

Black Autism Support Society

The Black Autism Support Society functions as a 501(c)(3) organization that tackles racial disparities in autism alongside systemic inequities. The organization delivers non-clinical support through its four pillars: social justice, family support, education, and spirituality. The society was created to reform established support deficiencies which exist in educational institutions, religious organizations, and justice system institutions. The organization’s comprehensive strategy acknowledges that effective autism support for Black individuals requires attention to cultural institutions and systemic factors beyond healthcare systems.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 6, 2026

Slain Florida Vice Mayor Was Sister Of Parkland Shooting Survivor Who Died By Suicide In December

Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer died in December, according to theGrio.

Nancy Metayer Bowen, the Coral Springs, Florida, vice-mayor recently found dead in her home by police on April 1, was the sister of Donovan Joshua Leigh Metayer, the Parkland school shooting survivor who died by suicide in December, theGrio reports.

Metayer Bowen’s husband, Stephen Bowen, was charged with murder after authorities found him in Plantation, Florida.

Local 10 News also obtained a police report detailing how Bowen told his mother he had experienced a panic attack the day before allegedly killing his wife. Bowen told his uncle that he “did something” to Metayer Bowen and that she was no longer alive. He disclosed that he shot his wife three times before sleeping in the downstairs area of their home. The police are currently investigating her death as a domestic violence incident.

Prior to her death, Metayer Bowen organized a GoFundMe to help her family as they grappled with her brother’s suicide. Since surviving the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School school shooting in February 2018, Metayer dealt with a years-long battle with schizophrenia and other mental health struggles.

The family released a statement on the slain vice-mayor, whose death has shaken the Coral Springs community.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nancy Metayer Bowen (@nancymetayerbowen)

“While many knew her as a leader and advocate, we knew her as a sister, a daughter, and a friend whose warmth and laughter filled every room,” Metayer Bowen’s family posted to her social media. “Her legacy will live on not only in the policies she helped shape, but in the countless lives she touched.”

Metayer Bowen was a beloved figure in Coral Springs, becoming the first Haitian American and the first Black woman to serve on the city commission. Before her death, she reportedly eyed a run for Congress.

The statement continued, “We are grateful for the outpouring of support and kindness during this difficult time. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her remarkable life and the lasting impact she leaves behind.”

The city of Coral Springs has launched a page on the investigation into her death. As for the sole suspect, Bowen remains in custody at Broward Main Jail.