• Arts and Culture

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 6, 2025

Essence Festival Defends Target Sponsorship Amid DEI Backlash

The festival had to address some attendee frustrations as well as the Target sponsorship.

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Amid reports of low ticket sales and disgruntled attendees, Essence Festival of Culture organizers explained why they had to keep their partnership with Target despite boycotts against the retailer.

The organizers addressed concerns over its ongoing sponsorship by Target while responding to another controversy surrounding its experiences. Attendees initially expressed their disappointment with the reintroduced Super Lounges that only allowed those with premium “VVIP” tickets inside.

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After admitting that they “missed the mark” on the exclusivity of the lounges, the post’s comment section aired out other frustrations as well. Fans had more to say about the Target sponsorship in particular. Many in the Black community have boycotted the retailer after its cutback on DEI programs and initiatives.

“Now that that’s settled…let’s talk about Target,” commented one Instagram user. 

Essence Festival did answer the comments, but kept things brief given their contractual obligations with the company. However, they did acknowledge “how it looks” to still hold a relationship with Target given the controversy.

The account responded, “let’s discuss for sure. We are on a multi-year sponsorship with Target. So we fully understand how it looks. Just wanting to speak to the contractual agreement.”

Target’s CEO, Brian Cornell, also released an statement on the platform’s website to affirm their company’s commitment to cultural upliftment, particularly through the festival.

“We at Target are grateful for our continued partnership with ESSENCE and extend our thanks to the team that brings this moment to life year after year,” wrote the CEO.

Cornell subtly addressed the boycotts plaguing the retailer with lower customer traffic and quarterly earnings. However, he thanked the Essence Festival and its overarching community for the honesty while asserting that Target is still amplifying Black owned-businesses.

“Over the past few months, you may feel like you’ve heard more about Target than you’ve heard from Target. And that’s fair,” explained Cornell. “I’ve been listening to our team, our partners, our guests and our communities; thank you for your honesty, your feedback and your patience. Let me be clear: our commitment to opportunity for all and inclusion is unwavering. These values are foundational to how we serve our guests, support our team and grow our business.”

Cornell then signaled their plans to complete their $2 billion investment toward Black-owned business as well as their Accelarator program for diverse entrepreneurs. The company aims to complete its $100-million pledge to Black led-organizations, in addition to tuition assistance and HBCU student supports.

However, Cornell did not discuss how Target will, if at all, continue to build upon these initiatives to further equity and inclusion, especially as the DEI cuts remain in place. As for Essence, the festival did not disclose if they will continue their partnership past this year.

RELATED CONTENT: The Lip Bar’s Target Sales Are Definitely Down, CEO Melissa Butler Confirms

• Diversity, Equality, Inclusion

by Daniel Johnson

July 6, 2025

Trump Orders National Parks To Charge Foreign Tourists More — While Gutting Diversity Protections And Slashing Staff

The executive order also rescinds a Barack Obama-era executive order promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at America's national parks.

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On the heels of reports that the Trump administration’s budget cuts are having a disastrous effect on the National Park Service system, a new executive order from Donald Trump, which seems designed to force the now-beleaguered agency to generate money, was issued on July 3.

According to the executive order, titled “Making America Beautiful Again By Improving Our National Parks,” the National Parks and Federal Recreations Lands Pass or other multi-site passes will now be sold to foreign visitors at an increased rate, while on the other hand, charging the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture with improving services and affordability for United States residents visiting the parks. It should be noted that most national parks across the country do not charge an entry fee, and the ones that do are already priced affordably.

The executive order also rescinds a Barack Obama-era executive order promoting diversity, equity and inclusion at America’s national parks, in line with Trump’s obsession with eliminating diversity and inclusion from the federal government since retaking the White House.

As The New York Times reported, the National Park Service is in the midst of its busiest time of the year, and Theresa Pierno, the leader of the National Parks Conservation Association, warned that the parks cannot function correctly due to the staff reductions and the voluntary exits created by the federal government’s approach to both staffing levels and the budget for the parks themselves, both of which have been greatly reduced.

“National parks cannot properly function at the staffing levels this administration has reduced them to,” Pierno told the outlet in a statement. “And it’s only getting worse.”

Rep. Jared Huffman, (D-CA) the top Democrat on the House Committee on Natural Resources, also criticized the federal government’s contradictory and haphazard approach to the budget cuts that have resulted in the loss of park rangers and custodial crews as well as other key employees.

“Keep in mind, these are the rangers who rescue stranded or injured hikers, the crews who fix busted water systems and the law enforcement officers who keep families safe,” Rep. Huffman said. “Lives could be put in danger because of this administration’s incompetence and carelessness.”

According to CNN, the park rangers who are being asked to pick up the slack created by the federal government’s irresponsible budget and job cuts, could be dealing with increased burnout as the summer wears on. Meanwhile, visitors to the parks have not been shy about expressing the emptiness they feel during their time at the parks due to a lack of appropriate staffing.

“By mid-August, you’re going to have staff that is so burned out,” Kym Hall, a former NPS regional director and park superintendent, told CNN. “Somebody is going to make a mistake, somebody is going to get hurt. Or you’re going to see visitors engaging with wildlife in a way that they shouldn’t, because there aren’t enough people out in the parks to say, ‘do not get that close to a grizzly bear that’s on the side of the road; that’s a terrible idea.’”

She continued, “Even if the parks had permission, and even if they had some funding, it takes months and months to get a crew of seasonal (workers) recruited, vetted, hired, boarded into their duty stations, trained and ready to serve the public by Memorial Day. What you’ve lost with all this attrition – you’ve lost all this knowledge that’s going to take years to build back up.”

RELATED CONTENT: National Parks Will Instruct Visitors To Report ‘Disparaging’ Depictions Of History

• Diversity, Equality, Inclusion

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 6, 2025

‘Diversity Is Our Strength’: North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein Vetoes DEI Bans

Stein condemned any plans to 'whitewash history' in the state's public schools.

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North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has vetoed multiple bills led by Republicans that would have resulted in DEI bans throughout the state government and school systems.

The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) initially passed the three bills, as the state house and state senate both have a Republican majority. According to The News and Observer, the axed bills sought to eliminate DEI programs and initiatives within the state’s agencies and crack down on “divisive concepts” taught in its public schools.

As he vetoed one of the bills, Stein emphasized the importance of diversity while condemning any plans to “whitewash history.”

“Our diversity is our strength. We should not whitewash history, police dorm room conversations, or ban books,” stated Stein in his message. “Rather than fearing different viewpoints and cracking down on free speech, we should ensure our students learn from diverse perspectives and form their own opinions.”

Approved by N.C. Republicans in late June, the anti-DEI bills directly targeted inclusive messaging and practices. House Bill 171, specifically, would have banned state agencies from using DEI concepts in their hiring decisions, also stripping funding for DEI-focused programming.

Senate Bill 227 and Senate Bill 558 would have essentially done the same within public grade schools and universities, marking the restriction of teaching “divisive concepts.” These “concepts” included notions that a person’s race or sex makes them to blame “for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex,” or that they are “inherently superior” or “inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive” to others.

However, all the bans faced an incisive rejection upon being sent to Gov. Stein’s desk.

The Democratic governor continued his slew of vetoes. He exercised his right again, striking down a bill that would only acknowledge two biological sexes in North Carolina.

After vetoing all the bills, Gov. Stein condemned the measures and the state Republicans. He called the proposed bans a move to “distract” residents from more pressing issues.

“At a time when teachers, law enforcement, and state employees need pay raises and people need shorter lines at the DMV, the legislature failed to pass a budget and, instead, wants to distract us by stoking culture wars that further divide us,” expressed Stein. “These mean-spirited bills would marginalize vulnerable people and also undermine the quality of public services and public education.”

Despite this, the House Republicans could still get the bills passed, needing one more vote to get a veto-proof supermajority. However, they would need the unlikely break of persuading a Democrat to vote with them.

RELATED CONTENT: Forget Anti-DEI Corporations, Shop Red Bag Welcomes Black-Owned Businesses With Open Arms

• HBCU

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 6, 2025

Tuskegee Marks 114 Years With July 4th Celebration — A Milestone Of Pride In Black America

The university celebrates 114 years at the second oldest HBCU in Alabama.

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The fourth of July holds another special meaning in American history besides Independence Day. The day is also the 114th anniversary of Tuskegee University, the second oldest HBCU in Alabama.

Founded on July 4, 1881, the establishment held the name of the Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers. The initial vision of Lewis Adams, famously spearheaded by Booker T. Washington, resulted in Washington leading the school within a church.

Now, it has grown into a top-ranked HBCU that also holds status as a designated National Historic Site. With over 60 degrees offered, the institution specializes in its engineering programs. It also serves as a leading producer of African American graduates in chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

To mark the occasion, the school’s president and CEO, Dr. Mark A. Brown, joined a wreath-laying ceremony with the Tuskegee Historic Preservation Commission to honor these founders at their grave sites.

In this monumental anniversary year, the HBCU highlighted its connection to another historically Black institution. The founder of Hampton Institute (now University), Samuel C. Armstrong, recommended Washington take on the task of reshaping Tuskegee as a traditional college.

The HBCUs’ shared connection remains strong. Hampton’s president, Darrell K. Williams, previously spoke at the Founders’ Day celebration in Tuskegee last March. There, Williams highlighted the similarities between the two storied institutions.

Beyond the relationship between Armstrong and Washington, the university president emphasized the shared names of many of their buildings, and how their leaders graced both schools. However, he expressed that their bond goes “much deeper” than the surface, proclaiming that their mission to educate Black people remains undeterred.

“I contend that the bond is much, much deeper,” he said, as reported by HBCU Gameday. “We share the same values…We share the same ideals. We share the same commitment to excellence and the knowledge that education remains the door to opportunity, economic empowerment, and the continued advancement of a people.”

Williams’ speech also ended a historic weekend for Tuskegee, in which alumni raised over $1.3 million for their alma mater. While Tuskegee celebrates its continued support to educate the masses, its unofficial “sister school” honors its dedication to academic excellence.

“The names Hampton and Tuskegee will forever be spoken together in history,” added Williams. “They have always been inseparable in their singular and collective brilliance, and our destinies forever shall be intertwined. Hampton and Tuskegee; Crimson and Old Gold, Reflex Blue and White, Tuskegee and Hampton. May God bless our communities, and may God continue to richly bless America.”

RELATED CONTENT: Tuskegee University Awarded Arts Grant

• Sports

by Daniel Johnson

July 6, 2025

Naomi Osaka Criticizes Media Coverage After Early Wimbledon Exit

Osaka was fairly candid in her post-match remarks and spoke about how she doesn't like to disappoint herself or the people around her.

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Naomi Osaka was among the ranks of many of the pre-tournament favorites to win Wimbledon, when she lost her match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on July 4; despite taking an early lead over her opponent, Osaka dropped the next three sets 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 and has yet to reach the second week of a Grand Slam tournament since the birth of her daughter, Shai, in 2024.

As The Athletic reports, Osaka was fairly candid in her post-match remarks, speaking about how she doesn’t like to disappoint herself or the people around her, including her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams.

“In Paris, I was very emotional. Now I don’t feel anything, so I guess I’d prefer to feel nothing than everything,” Osaka said after being asked about the difference between her early exit at the French Open and this one.

She continued, “I hate disappointing people. So even with Patrick, I was thinking this just now… But he goes from working with the greatest player ever (Williams) to, like, ‘What the f— this is?’ You know what I mean? Sorry for cursing, I hope I don’t get fined, but…”

Osaka also ruminated about what might have been, telling reporters that part of what frustrated her was that she felt as though she was ready to make a deep run at Wimbledon.

“I think it’s ’cause I actually thought I could play well, like, in general. Not saying I didn’t play well, but make a deep run here. I wanted to do better than I did before. Also, I felt like I was trying so hard,” Osaka said.

She also opened up a bit, telling reporters that she believes she sometimes criticizes herself too harshly, something she wants to work on.

“I’m just going to be a negative human being today. I’m so sorry. I have nothing positive to say about myself, which is something I’m working on,” Osaka said.

However, despite this admission, Osaka took to social media to air her grievances with the way that media outlets, including ESPN and tennis blogs, portray her following her losses, posting her criticism on Threads.

“Bro why is it every time I do a press conference after a loss the espns and blogs gotta clip it and put it up. Wtf, why don’t they clip my press conferences after I win? Like why push the narrative that I’m always sad?” Osaka wrote.

She followed that up, adding, “Sure I was disappointed a couple hours ago, now I’m motivated to do better. That’s human emotions. The way they clip me I feel like I should be fake happy all the time.”

On the Wimbledon Primetime show following Osaka’s loss, commentators Prakash Amritraj and former professional tennis player Lindsay Davenport discussed Osaka’s overall impact on tennis and what they wanted to see from her both on the court and in the press room.

Davenport, a former world No. 1 player who returned to the sport after the birth of her child, empathized with Osaka and offered her perspective that perhaps a change in Osaka’s routine could help her relax.

“She’s been back on tour for about 18 months now since her maternity break and she’s been playing full time, no real injuries. Yes, it’s hard to come back. I get it; I did it. But she’s not even in a position to be seeded, hasn’t really been able to break into that Top 30, which, if you’ve won four Grand Slams and been No. 1 in the world, that’s what you’re shooting for. This is probably a really good time for her to take some time, figure out why she’s playing and struggling in these close matches. Once you lose your confidence at 4-4 or 5-5 in sets, it’s tough to get it back,” Davenport said.

She continued, noting Osaka’s self-criticism buried in her press conference comments regarding her coach. “Something has to give there, whether it’s playing a little less or bringing her daughter on the road with her a bit more, maybe try a new coaching set-up. Who knows? It just seems like something’s got to change for her to have a little bit more success.”

RELATED CONTENT: Naomi Osaka Crushed After U.S. Open Loss, ‘My Heart Dies Every Time I Lose’

• Entertainment

by Daniel Johnson

July 6, 2025

China Walker, Half Of Rap Duo Cam & China, Dies At 30 After Cancer Battle

The group first began to build buzz with their rapping career in 2016.

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China Walker, one half of the rap duo Cam & China, died on July 2 after a nearly two-year long battle with a rare, aggressive form of ovarian cancer at the relatively young age of 30. Cam Walker, her sister, and groupmate, shared the news on Instagram via a post featuring an image of them holding hands, perhaps captured during China’s last moments.

According to the post, “Most don’t know, China has been fighting a rare aggressive Ovarian Cancer for 2 years. Tonight, she transitioned and is now resting peacefully. Give me time to grieve in peace, but know she loved all our supporters,” Cam Walker wrote.

Cam also offered a reminder in the vein of the often-circulated reminder to check on “the strong friend.”

“Check on yo people, you never know what they are going thru until it’s too late,’” Cam wrote.

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According to Hot New Hip Hop, the pair first began to build buzz with their rapping career in 2016 after they released a self-titled EP, and followed this effort with several viral freestyles that earned them acclaim from both rap fans and industry insiders. This created more buzz for the duo, earning them a place as one of the more promising West Coast acts in hip-hop which they parlayed into a cameo appearance during season two of the HBO show Rap Sh*t, Rolling Stone coverage, and a sparkling On The Radar freestyle, further building the duo’s buzz.

In 2016, China told XXL Magazine that one of the standout moments of her career was releasing the group’s debut EP.

“I would say the biggest moment is putting our first EP out and finally getting a body of work out,” China Walker said. “‘We Gon Make It’ is pretty dope. We get a lot of people that listen to that song and it’s very motivational. It’s the last one on the EP and is different from the rest of the songs. It meant a lot to us too because it’s coming from a real place. Just people gravitating to that song.”

She continued, “We represent to have a voice on speaking your thoughts to how you truly feel and being a woman about it. Just not caring about what anyone else has to say.”

Walker did not divulge her health battles publicly, but quietly battled against an aggressive form of cancer.

RELATED CONTENT: Chadwick Boseman’s Wife Simone Opens Up About the Most Challenging Two Years Of Her Life

• Legal

by Daniel Johnson

July 6, 2025

Thomas G. Sampson Jr., Co-Founder Of Georgia’s First Black-Owned Law Firm, Dies

Sampson Jr. co-founded Georgia's oldest Black-owned law firm Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins.

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Thomas G. Sampson Jr., the co-founder of Georgia’s oldest Black-owned law firm, Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins, died on July 3, according to a press release from the City of Atlanta, which was released on the day he died.

Per the press release, Sampson was regarded as “a legal giant, civic trailblazer, and proud son of our city. Mr. Sampson did not just build a law firm – he built a legacy. He showed us what it looks like to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and make history while empowering others to do the same.”

Sampson, a 1968 graduate of Morehouse College, earned his law degree from the University of North Carolina in 1971. He was highly regarded in the legal community. He was featured in every edition of The Best Lawyers in America since 1993 and made history as the first Black attorney inducted into the Georgia Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

According to a biography of Sampson on his law firm’s website, Atlanta Magazine‘s Best Lawyers in America list had consistently named him to its list of the “Best Lawyers in Atlanta” and he was named a Georgia “Super Lawyer” in each year of that list’s existence, which only 5% of the state’s lawyers are even named to. In 2006, Morehouse College presented Sampson with the Bennie Trailblazer Award, the university’s highest recognition for an alumnus.

Following in the footsteps of his father, the late Daniel George Sampson, he practiced law for over 50 years, building a national trial practice and a reputation in the fields of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice litigation.

As The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported, Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens called Sampson a “tireless mentor” for generations of Black lawyers in Atlanta in his statement.

“For over five decades, Mr. Sampson stood as a pillar of excellence in the legal profession, a fierce advocate for justice and a tireless mentor to generations of Black attorneys,” Dickens said.

He continued, “His leadership extended beyond the courtroom—uplifting our communities, advancing civil rights, and opening doors that had long been closed to people of color.”

Dickens concluded his statement, expressing his sympathy for the Sampson family.

“On behalf of the city of Atlanta, I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Sampson family, especially his college sweetheart and beloved wife of 57 years Jacquelyn, his devoted children Woody and Alia, six grandchildren, niece State Representative Inga Willis, the entire TKST family and all those whose lives he touched. May we honor his memory by continuing the fight for justice, equity, and opportunity for all. Thomas Sampson moved Atlanta forward—and we are forever grateful,” Mayor Dickens said.

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia Association Of Black Women Attorneys Take On Hollywood Glamour At Annual Glitter Gala

• Sports

by Daniel Johnson

July 6, 2025

LeBron James Reacts To Internet Gossip About Potential Trade

James noticed the rumblings on social media and decided to weigh in by directly countering the narrative.

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After LeBron James’ agent Rich Paul released a statement on June 30, confirming that his client would be exercising his $56.6 million player option, while hinting that James is hoping that the Lakers will be positioned to contend for a title, it also got the rumor mill churning about a potential trade involving one of the game’s all time greats.

“LeBron knows the Lakers are building for the future, and he also wants to compete for championships,” Paul told The Athletic. “We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what’s best for him. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we’ve had for eight years with Jeanie (Buss) and Rob (Pelinka) and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

According to The Athletic, this marks the first time since 2010 that LeBron has not declined his player option to become a free agent, reflecting both how James understands his market value as an aging player with the opportunity to play alongside his son, Bronny, who is entering his second year with the Lakers organization.

James’ numbers, while still good enough to earn a Second-Team All-NBA selection, and impressive considering his age, don’t really tell the full story. At times, James looked tired and seemed to budget his energy in spurts, which reminded observers why he is in the conversation as one of the all-time legends of basketball.

After the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit, James was asked about his future, and he indicated that he hadn’t yet figured out how much longer he wants to play.

“I don’t know. I don’t have an answer to that,” he told reporters. “Something I sit down with my family, my wife and my support group and kind of just talk through it and see what happens. And just have a conversation with myself on how long I want to continue to play. I don’t know the answer to that right now, to be honest.”

NBA Twitter, meanwhile, caught wind of an alleged multi-team trade that may or may not be coming in the next few weeks, and that, coupled with a photo James took at the Cleveland Cavaliers practice facility with Cavs rookie Denver Jones, was enough to fuel speculation that James could come back to Cleveland before he calls it a career.

James, however, noticed the rumblings on social media and decided to weigh in by directly countering the narrative, writing underneath a picture of Jones and James, “And every summer since it was built. I live here still and train every summer. Got damn, y’all bored man! Go get a plate of food somewhere and enjoy the 4th of July!”

Although James’ comment is lighthearted and pokes fun at NBA fans who are perhaps a little too invested in generating content for the rumor mill, it’s perhaps an unavoidable side effect of his agent hinting to the organization that James wants pieces in place, but without the influence that he once wielded as the unquestioned centerpiece of the Lakers plans, it just makes fans think that James is contemplating an exit from a franchise that no longer serves him.

RELATED CONTENT: Sold-Out LeBron James Richard Mille Timepiece To Benefit LeBron James Family Foundation

• Entertainment

by Mary Spiller

July 5, 2025

Craig Robinson Announces Exit From Comedy Career To Pursue New Mystery Venture

Craig Robinson said, 'It’s been an amazing run, and y’all been amazing and wonderful. But I’m following something bigger.'

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Craig Robinson, the beloved comedian and actor best known for his role as Darryl Philbin on “The Office,” has announced on Instagram that he is stepping away from comedy to pursue what he describes as a “bigger” purpose.

The 57-year-old actor took to Instagram earlier this week to share the news directly with his followers.

“Just want you to hear it from me. I am quitting comedy, but not for nothing,” Robinson said in a June 26 video post.

“It’s been an amazing run, and y’all been amazing and wonderful. But I’m following something bigger. So, you know, thank you so much. I love you, and stay tuned.”

He reiterated the message in the caption of the Instagram post, writing: “Life update: I’m officially quitting comedy to focus on my true calling. Stay tuned. I’m working on something huge.”

While Robinson stopped short of revealing specific details about the new endeavor, he hinted in a follow-up post that he’s in the process of launching a business.

“Turns out having a dream and building a business with your friends are two VERY different things,” he wrote on Instagram.

Robinson also reached out to fellow entrepreneurs for guidance.

“Big shoutout to all my small business owners. Hey, you guys got any advice for me while I’m trying to get my business afloat?” Robinson asked.

Fans immediately flooded the comments with reactions, with many questioning whether Robinson was joking. One person referenced “The Office” with the quip, “Opening a warehouse for paper per chance??”

Another chimed in, “Yeah we ain’t falling for that, Doug Judy!” as a nod to Robinson’s recurring role as the Pontiac Bandit on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”

Robinson also received messages of support from fellow actors and former co-stars.

“I hope it involves music! You’re brilliant at whatever you choose to do,” actor David Arquette wrote.

Kate Flannery, who played Meredith on “The Office,” expressed, “We love you, Craig!!! Go big, my friend!!!”

Robinson rose to fame on “The Office,” which aired from 2005 to 2013, and went on to appear in a variety of successful films and shows, including “Hot Tub Time Machine,” “Pineapple Express,” “This Is The End,” and “Sausage Party.” He also lent his voice to “Shrek Forever After” and appeared in “The Cleveland Show” and “Mr. Robot.”

RELATED CONTENT: The Office Actor, Craig Robinson, Set to Star in New Sitcom

• News

by Mary Spiller

July 5, 2025

Black Passengers Say They Feel Targeted By Cruise Line After Discovering Its Policy

The new Carnival Cruise rules are under fire for allegedly targeting Black culture and music.

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Updated: July 10, 2025

Carnival Cruise Line is under fire after Black passengers became aware of a series of onboard policies that some say are restrictive at best and racist at worst.

The rules are not new as some people believed; certain policies were introduced some years ago. However, they have triggered a wave of cancellations and a broader debate about how cruise culture is evolving.

According to Carnival, the policy is meant to enhance safety and improve the overall guest experience. But for some travelers, the message feels exclusionary.

“We got the message loud and clear, we are not your demographic anymore,” said one TikToker who shared that she canceled her reservation for a friend’s birthday celebration. “Carnival decided they wanted to rebrand.”

Among the policies is a zero-tolerance stance on marijuana, even if it’s legal in a passenger’s home state.

Because cruise ships fall under U.S. federal maritime law, all cannabis products are banned.

“Marijuana, including cannabis and its derivatives…are unlawful and strictly prohibited on board,” Carnival stated.
Violations can lead to removal from the ship, a lifetime ban, law enforcement involvement, and possible fines.

There’s also a Carnival curfew now in place for minors. Passengers 17 and under must be off public decks by 1:00 a.m. unless participating in a supervised youth program or accompanied by an adult.

The cruise line has tightened its regulations on personal Bluetooth speakers and appears to be limiting the playing of hip-hop and rap music in onboard clubs, although no formal ban exists.

According to Carnival’s Sr. Manager of Public Relations, Matt Lupoli, the cruise line has “implemented themed nights in their nightclub experiences that cover a variety of music genres, hip hop included.”

The perception that the company is distancing itself from its Black passengers has spread online.

“I’ve never seen a Carnival cruise video that made me want to go,” one commenter wrote.

Another added, “It’s like the Walmart of cruise lines.”

Still, not all reactions were critical.

“I do not blame Carnival Cruise. I do not support ignorance. Can’t we just act right?” one user posted.

Others disagreed completely with the new rules.

“I honestly thought that’s what cruises were for…….was to relax, get away from home, work & stress,” a user pondered.

RELATED CONTENT: Carnival Cruise Line Promotes ‘Voluntourism’