• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 3, 2025

Keith David Sheds Happy Tears After Learning He’s Receiving A Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

Actor Keith David feels "blessed" about receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

---

After captivating audiences in over 400 film, stage, and TV roles, actor Keith David was filled with emotion when learning he’ll be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The acclaimed Emmy Award-winning actor, celebrated for over four decades of standout roles in films like The Thing (1982), Platoon (1986), Armageddon, and There’s Something About Mary (1998), appeared genuinely surprised upon learning of his induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s 2026 class. He shared a heartfelt video capturing the moment he heard his name announced alongside next year’s star recipients, visibly overcome with emotion and joy.

“What a surprise! Being blessed to get to do this for a living is enough for me; to be recognized for my contribution to the arts is the cherry on top.🙏🏿,” David tweeted following the announcement.

“Thank you, Hollywood Walk of Fame & Hollywood Chamber for this honor. This will be a wonderful birthday present next year.”

The announcement comes just after David (real name Keith David Williams) celebrated his 69th birthday last month, with his Walk of Fame ceremony set to align with his 70th next year, something his wife, Dionne Lea Williams, excitedly noted in the video, exclaiming, “Happy 70th birthday!”

With a career spanning stage, screen, and voice work, David’s extensive résumé makes him a fitting recipient of a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. A Juilliard-trained actor, he got his start in theater and has since showcased his versatility across media. From iconic voice roles like Dr. Facilier in The Princess and the Frog (2009) and Goliath in Gargoyles (1994–1997) to performances in countless films, television shows, animated series, and even video games.

Over the years, he’s collaborated with an impressive roster of acclaimed directors, including John Carpenter, Jordan Peele, Barry Jenkins, Oliver Stone, Shane Black, the Wachowskis, and Hayao Miyazaki. His other prominent roles in television include starring as Elroy Patashnik in the sixth season of the NBC series Community (2015) and starring as Bishop James Greenleaf in the OWN Network drama Greenleaf (2016–2020).

Film enthusiasts flooded the comments with praise for David’s heartfelt reaction, celebrating his illustrious career and showing strong support for his upcoming Walk of Fame induction. It’s a distinction that requires someone else’s nomination and the nominee’s acceptance during the application process.

“Keith David has done some extraordinary work throughout his career, one of the most talented underrated actors,” one person wrote.

“Salute to a legend,” added someone else.

RELATED CONTENT: Sheryl Lee Ralph Says She ‘Put The Work In’ To Receive A Star On The Hollywood Walk of Fame

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 3, 2025

Diddy Fans Celebrate RICO Verdict By Dousing Themselves In Baby Oil

Video clips captured people celebrating.

---

Fans of Sean “Diddy” Combs celebrated his avoiding a life sentence by pouring baby oil all over their bodies outside the Manhattan courtroom that was the setting of the hip-hop impresario’s lengthy trial.

In a surprising display of support for the entertainment mogul after a jury convicted him of only three of the five charges against him, fans were seen applying the slippery skin product to their skin in celebration. The scene was captivating as it was unexpected and, to some, just plain old confusing.

In one video clip, a man is seen dancing after having baby oil poured on him. He reportedly covered the case as it unfolded and was seen celebrating as if he had won the lottery himself. As he danced, people cheered him on.

Then, a young lady, who was wearing a blue wig, threw herself into the mix, requesting to be doused as she jumped into the center of the crowd, removing her wig and seemingly, ready to take off her clothes as an “oiler” splashed her. Others were hooting and hollering. Camera phones were out, capturing the event.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

The “celebration” took place Wednesday, July, 2 after a federal jury acquitted Diddy of federal charges of sex trafficking and operating a criminal enterprise. It did find him guilty of a Mann Act violation, (two counts of transportation for purposes of prostitution) which could still keep him in prison for a maximum sentence of 20 years.

After Diddy’s attorney requested that he immediately be released until his sentencing, Judge Arun Subramanian denied it, stating the entertainment mogul will stay imprisoned until he is sentenced later this year.

RELATED CONTENT: BREAKING: Diddy Guilty, Not Guilty

• Politics

by Kandiss Edwards

July 3, 2025

Citizenship Denied: DOJ Releases Memo Prioritizing Denaturalization

The US Justice Department will begin the process of denaturalizing citizens for a host of reasons including PPP and Medicaid/Medicare fraud.

---

The Justice Department is exploring ways to denaturalize naturalized citizens, according to a June 11 memo. 

Multiple action points were highlighted in the memorandum. The focus of the policy is to target and denaturalize dangerous criminals. A range of crimes have been listed as denaturalization offenses. The most extreme are the “commission of war crimes, extrajudicial killings, or other serious human rights abuses.” Additionally, any individual who misrepresented any information on their application is subject to revocation of citizenship. This includes falsifying paperwork and misrepresenting a crime, as well as engaging in Medicare/Medicaid fraud. 

The introduction to the memorandum frames the aforementioned requirements as the sole factors for denaturalization. Yet, the individual points reveal a broader range of requirements needed to denaturalize. Two of the 10 points leave room for frivolous justifications that are open to interpretation. 

Point 9 states, “Cases referred by a United States Attorney’s Office or in connection with pending criminal charges, if those charges do not fit within one of the other priorities.” 

By stating that denaturalization is acceptable even if charges “do not fit within one of the other priorities,” many people with minor criminal records are at risk. Although all crime is frowned upon, leaving the definition open to the whim of the US attorney’s office creates room for petty theft, minor theft by taking, and other victimless crimes to serve as the basis for the revocation of citizenship for US naturalized citizens. 

Point 10 reads: ”10. Any other cases referred to the Civil Division that the Division determines to be sufficiently important to pursue.”

If the current or any subsequent administration deems a person a “sufficient” candidate, they too are on the chopping block. However, the term ‘sufficient’ has not been defined. Although no denaturalization cases have been reported following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to halt injunctions against the Trump administration, the path is clear for the dismantling of America’s immigration system.

RELATED CONTENT: Jasmine Crockett Fact Checks Melania Trump’s ‘Einstein Visa’, Claims The ‘Math Ain’t Mathin’

• Arts and Culture

by Jameelah Mullen

July 3, 2025

Morgan State Makes History At The Venice Architecture Biennale

Morgan State University boosts its global influence.

---

Morgan State University became the first HBCU to present a solo pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, the prestigious event showcasing global architectural works with its ReCall & Response installation. 

Inspired by West African traditions, the ReCall & Response pavilion was created by Coleman A. Jordan, an assistant professor of architecture. The pavilion explores the concept of the talking drum, a symbol of cultural expression.

“The pavilion is a sonic vessel—an architecture that remembers,”  Jordan said in a statement. “Through rhythm, form, and collaboration, we bridge centuries of cultural disjunctions and reclaim space for Black expression and ancestral wisdom. This exhibit is a testament to what’s possible when design serves history, healing, and community.” 

The pavilion, constructed with sustainably sourced timber, was done by students and alumni from Morgan State University, Tuskegee University, and Clemson University. It aligns with the Biennale’s 2025 theme of “Repair, Regenerate, and Reuse,” exploring the history of displacement, colonization, and erasure within the African diaspora. 

“For the School of Architecture and Planning, this is not only an incredible honor but a profound responsibility,” Abimbola O. Asojo, Ph.D., dean of Morgan State University, said in a statement. “As one of the few architecture programs housed at an HBCU, this exhibition spotlights the caliber of educators and emerging architects we produce. It affirms our place as a vital voice in reimagining inclusive futures through design.”

While this is Morgan State University’s first time leading an independent pavilion, the university made its Venice Biennale debut in 2021 with the collaborative exhibit, “WE The 7: A Conversation with the African Diaspora.

Additionally, Morgan State’s marching band, The Magnificent Marching Machine, visited Venice during Art Night Venezia. The June 21 performance began with a procession through the city, concluding with a show at the Giardini della Marinaressa. This event featured music, spoken word, and a West African traditional libation ceremony.  

“ReCall & Response” opened at the Giardini della Marinaressa in Venice on May 10. It will be on display until November 24, 2025. 

RELATED CONTENT: New Jersey’s Misplaced Focus: 77-Year-Old Assata Shakur Tops The State’s Most Wanted List

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

July 3, 2025

Kandi Burruss Is Paying ‘Bills, Bills, Bills’ Using Beyoncé Royalties

Kandi Burrus showed fans how her songwriting for ‘Bills, Bills, Bills‘ has turned into passive income.

---

Kandi Burruss reveals that she continues to receive performance royalties from her song Bills, Bills, Bills performed by Beyoncé. 

On a live stream, Burruss was asked by a fan if she gets paid for Beyoncé’s performance of the song during the Cowboy Carter tour. 

The songwriter confirmed, “Yeah, I do actually.”

Burruss explained that Beyoncé contacted her team to license the song before the tour. The Othello producer then takes fans on a brief walk to a hallway lined with plaques. There, she continues to show fans some of the times Beyoncé has licensed the song. Subsequently, earning Burruss multiple gold and platinum plaques.

The sale of Beyonce’s live concert performances requires a licensing fee. Needless to say, Burruss wrote a tune that stood the test of time. Beyoncé Live at Roseland earned a gold plaque, and Beyoncé I Am… Yours at the Wynn in Las Vegas sold 2 million copies. The Beyoncé Live Experience sold 3 million copies, and the Cowboy Carter singer’s live performance at Wembley sold 2 million copies.

Burruss wrote the song in the late 90s, and it became one of Destiny’s Child’s first hits. Though highly successful, Burruss says she’s never really talked about the business of penning the hit. Social media users are heaping praise on the songwriter, singer, Real Housewife of Atlanta, Broadway producer, and more.

One user pointed out that the song is a diss track written for a former boyfriend. Burruss’s “petty” pen is keeping her with a steady stream of passive income.

Another user pointed out the list of iconic hits written by the multihyphenate and producer She’kspere.

While the singer’s fans are excited that she is getting praise for her songwriting, the Beyhive is excited about something else. 

As Burruss mentioned, songs are usually licensed for live performances and then adapted for use in a film or documentary. The Beyhive, known for looking for clues to Beyonce’s next move, jumped on the information.

The doting fanbase extrapolated that the Queen will most likely release a film of the highly successful Cowboy Carter: Rodeo and Chitlin Circuit tour. The conjecture isn’t a far stretch, as the singer has consistently released long-form content associated with the first two acts of her latest works. 

The Act: Renaissance movie was released in theaters in December 2023. The Beyoncé Bowl halftime show, a Cowboy Carter compilation, was live-streamed on Netflix, Christmas 2024 and released the next day. 

Neither Beyoncé nor her record label, Parkwood Entertainment, has confirmed or denied the release of a concert documentary. The Cowboy Carter tour is currently on its second American leg and will conclude in Las Vegas on July 26.

RELATED CONTENT: Beyonce’s BeyGOOD Foundation Gifts $100K To Texas Southern To Support HBCU Marching Band

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 3, 2025

Just Like The Rest: Congressional Black Caucus Leaders ‘Unimpressed’ After Meeting with Target Execs 

Unlike members of the taskforce, Target's CEO said the meeting was "helpful."

---

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce met with Target Corporation leaders and left feeling unfulfilled on “promised” changes.

The meeting took place June 26 with CBC members, including chair Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) and Reps. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Steven Horsford (D-NV), and Bobby Scott (D-VA) in an effort to address the company’s highly controversial pushback on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Target’s decision led to a boycott, which contributed to a revenue decline for the popular retailer.

CBC members pressed company leadership, including CEO Brian Cornell, Executive Vice President and Chief Community and Stakeholder Engagement Officer Kiera Fernandez, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Isaac Reyes, and Government Affairs Director Chanell Autrey, on their feelings and next steps regarding the backlash. 

In a statement, Clarke said the task force left without many answers.

“Like many of the coalition leaders and partner organizations that have chosen to boycott their stores across the country, we found that the explanations offered by the leadership of the Target Corporation fell woefully short of what our communities deserve and of the values of inclusion that Target once touted,” she said. “Black consumers contribute overwhelmingly to our economy and to the Target Corporation’s bottom line. Our communities deserve to shop at businesses that publicly share our values without sacrificing our dignity. It is no longer acceptable to deliver promises to our communities in private without also demonstrating those values publicly.” 

One of the goals of the conversation was to address the demands of “Target Fast,” a national campaign led by a group of activists encouraging consumers to redirect their resources—and wallets—to companies that uphold certain values. In addition, the CBC urged Target to take action on its demands, which include recommitting to DEI values in a public forum and reinstating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 

The task force also requested updates on the financial investment status and other policies that the company had publicly pledged to. 

Cornell, who has met with civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton to discuss action items, had a different opinion about how the meeting went, according to the Black Press USA Newswire. “It’s always helpful to have meetings like this and get some candid feedback and continue to evolve our thinking,” Cornell said.

When asked about his feedback on the boycott, the CEO claimed that “that was not a big area of focus—we’re focused on running a great business each and every day,” he said. “Take care of our teams. Take care of the guests who shop with us and do the right things in our communities.”

RELATED CONTENT: IKYL: Pastor Jamal Bryant Slams National Baptist Convention For ‘Selling Out’ With $300K Donation From Target 

• Technology

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 3, 2025

New Platform Serves As NYC’s First Rent-Stabilized Alert Tool

A new platform makes finding a rent-stabilized apartment in NYC that much easier.

---

There’s a new platform on the market that makes finding a rent-stabilized apartment in expensive New York City that much easier.

RentReboot bills itself as New York City’s first real-time alert system for rent-stabilized apartments, Secret NYC reported. Designed to help renters find affordable housing in a city where average rents are 149% above the national average and rising seven times faster than wages, the platform aims to be a game changer in the hunt for budget-friendly living.

Created by two frustrated renters who grew tired of the New York City landlords trying to hide their rent-stabilized units to make more money, RentReboot works by collecting your email and a few quick responses through a short questionnaire. Once completed, you can choose how often you’d like to receive verified listings, either one per day or three to four daily.

Questions in the questionnaire include:

• What is your maximum budget?
• When would you like to move?
• What apartment size are you looking for?
• What neighborhoods do you prefer?
• What subway lines do you like to have?
• What amenities matter to you? (Amenities listed include in-unit washer-dryers, parking, pet-friendly apartments, dishwashers, elevators, and doormen, among others)

“The idea is to show that information and make it more public,” said software developer Adam Sebti, 30, who co-founded RentReboot with Ilias Miraoui. “So everyone can have a chance.”

For $12 a month, users receive real-time email alerts and up to three text messages daily with top listings. For $20 a month, they get unlimited texts and early access to new features. The founders say the site saw 20,000 signups within two weeks of its mid-April launch.

RentReboot features listings in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, with Staten Island being the only borough not included. Users gain exclusive early access to apartment listings throughout the city for a small monthly fee.

The website’s future includes developing faster ways to verify a unit’s rent-stabilized status with brokers, even when listings don’t specify it, and using generative AI to add features like analyzing window photos to identify units with the best natural light.

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

• Fashion & Beauty

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 3, 2025

BLK Launches ‘Free Your Crown’ Campaign In Celebration Of Black Women And Natural Hair

The campaign encourages Black women to show off their natural hair in any setting.

---

BLK wants you to “Free Your Crown” in an innovative campaign to celebrate Black women and natural hairstyles.

The social and dating app for Black people announced the campaign on July 3, also known as National Crown Day. The bold initiative takes self-love to a new level for Black women, championing their natural curls and coils. In honor of their new #FreeYourCrown campaign, BLK will sponsor the costs for Black women’s natural hairstyles this summer.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by N A O M I (@locswithnae)

The campaign stems from a cultural shift for Gen Z Black women, opting to express themselves wholeheartedly through their hair. No matter the occasion or presentation, Black women are ditching the self-doubt to rock their authentic style.

“Natural hair has always been a symbol of confidence, individuality, and culture. For so long, Black women were made to feel like they had to change who they were to be accepted. With #FreeYourCrown, we’re not just celebrating natural hair — we’re creating space for Black women to be seen, uplifted, and supported at every stage of their journey,” said Amber Cooper, Brand Manager at BLK, in a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE.

According to BLK’s #FreeYourCrown survey, Black women are growing their confidence and preference for their natural hair. The survey’s results concluded that over 60% of Black women wear their natural hair full time, with over 83% wearing it on first dates. On social media, over 75% of Black women regularly showcase themselves in their natural hair state.

The campaign will not only sponsor hair styling but also include immersive engagements for others to join the cause. BLK has launched a Natural Hair Social Call-to-Action. Its purpose is to encourage BLK members to change their profile pics on dating apps to promote their natural hairstyles.

The evolving dating and social platform also established a BLK Beauty Group Chat. The space allows women in the BLK app to talk about all things hair, love, and care.

The Free Your Crown campaign comes at a time when protections like the CROWN Act are gaining traction as well as challenges. Despite the societal shifts away from uplifting diversity, BLK remains committed to a movement that amplifies natural hair as a standout factor, and not something to shy away from.

RELATED CONTENT: How Karen Mitchell Turned a Side Hustle Into an Eight-Figure Hair Empire

• Opinion

by Black Enterprise

July 3, 2025

Op-Ed: What It Takes To Go From Daytime TV to Comeback CEO 

---

By Erica Cobb

When my show, Daily Blast Live, was canceled last year, I didn’t spend a lot of time mourning the end of an era. I embraced the beginning of a professional revolution. After more than two decades in mainstream media, on both television and radio, I knew one thing for sure: my voice wasn’t going to disappear just because my nationally syndicated show did. In fact, I realized it was time to amplify my experience on my terms.

The timing couldn’t have been more poetic. Just one week after DBL ended, I started the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program powered by NYU Stern. Surrounded by powerful, visionary Black women experts and entrepreneurs, I was reminded that what I’d lost wasn’t an ending, it was a door opening. The program equipped me not just with the mindset but also with the strategy to turn my name, my platform, and my principles into a sustainable business. And now I’m doing just that.

Like many media personalities navigating a rapidly shifting landscape, I made the leap from legacy media to independent ownership. I launched ComebackTV Presents, a multifaceted production company built on my core values: authenticity, community, care, and yes, resilience, too. Because comebacks aren’t just about bouncing back. They’re about rising up, reimagined and unapologetic.

We are in a media moment unlike any we’ve seen before. Journalists, hosts, and creators are leaving, or being pushed out of, legacy networks and forging new paths as independent voices. Substack newsletters, self-funded podcasts, YouTube shows, and Patreon-supported journalism ventures are all exploding. This isn’t just a career pivot for individuals like myself, it’s a mass movement that reflects a hunger for digital storytelling that centers real people.

That’s why ComebackTV Presents exists. It’s not just a production company; we’re rooted in the idea that we don’t need gatekeepers to be great. ComebackTV Presents’ slate of original podcasts, including Accidentally Informed with Claudia Jordan and myself, and Daytime Talk After Dark, hosted with my former DBL co-hosts, is proof of it. 

But ComebackTV Presents is not just about content creators. We’re valuable strategic partners for brands and organizations, too. What makes our team unique is that we’re powered by national TV veterans with experience in daytime and unscripted. We all worked together in a newsroom for seven years, which is special. We know how to tell a story that lands, scales, and sticks. We can wrap a newsroom structure around any industry or business.

Starting my own venture wasn’t easy. It meant learning new skills, assembling a team of fellow industry professionals, and investing in a dream with no guarantees. But what I’ve gained is something liberating: freedom. The freedom to platform important voices. The freedom to bring opportunities to other talented, often overlooked media professionals, and the freedom to engage with new audiences across sectors. Starting CTP was a natural move after Daily Blast Live ended, because I was already producing so much of my own content for podcasts and live shows. My podcast, Comeback: with Erica Cobb, was even nominated for an NAACP Image Award. 

We’re not just entering a new chapter in media; we’re building a new book entirely. A lot of the innovation and creativity is coming from those of us who have gone independent. The ventures and platforms we build now will become the stages for the next generation. And they won’t be built on formulas. They’ll be built on freedom.

In daytime TV, I had a seat at the table. Now, I’m building the house, and there’s room for everyone who’s ready to come back stronger, louder, and freer than ever.

Erica Cobb is CEO & founder of ComebackTV Presents. She is a 25-year veteran national TV and radio host who leveraged her media platforms in the content creator and production space. Cobb sat on the Board of META’s Black Creator Program, “We the Culture,” and was a member of the LinkedIn Creator Program. She was honored with a NAACP Image Award Nomination in 2023 and is a cohort of the Fall 2024 Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program with curriculum partner NYU.

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 3, 2025

Corporations Are Buying Up Altadena Properties Affected By The Eaton Fire Leaving Locals ‘Very Concerned’

Corporate buyers account for a bulk of the property purchases being made in Altadena after the Eaton fire.

---

At least half of the homes sold in Altadena, California, following the Eaton Fire have been purchased by corporations, raising alarms among residents about a growing trend of land consolidation.

An investigation into recent records and deed filings in Altadena reveals that corporate buyers make up about 23% of single-family home sales, with 42% of those purchases tied to just six companies, each owning four or more properties, Dwell reports. A handful of repeat buyers are acquiring fire-damaged or distressed properties once owned by multigenerational families in the historically diverse community, which has welcomed a significant Black population since the Great Migration.

Locals are “very concerned—but also in that same way we’re feeling about the rest of the world: concerned, but don’t know how to fix it,” said Altadena resident Tim Vordtriede.

Among the corporate buyers is Black Lion Properties, LLC, confirmed to be operated by record-breaking Powerball winner Edwin Castro through his brother, Jesse H. Castro. The company has spent nearly $9 million acquiring at least a dozen fire-damaged properties. While its first purchase was in South Pasadena in December 2024, most acquisitions have centered on Altadena in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire.

“Many people who were affected by the fires in Altadena cannot or do not want to rebuild and aspire to move on and start over elsewhere,” a spokesperson for Black Lion said in a statement. “These purchases will help some of them while keeping ownership of the property local.”

Other corporate buyers include L.A.-based Ocean Development Inc., which has acquired at least 16 post-fire lots; NP Altadena I, LLC, linked to San Diego’s New Pointe Communities Inc., with 12 lots; Iron Rings Altadena, LLC, formed in March, with four lots; and Bloom Capital Investments and Sheng Feng Global Inc., each tied with six lot purchases.

Vordtriede, cofounder of the Altadena Collective, a grassroots group focused on community-led rebuilding, is concerned that corporate buyers, such as Black Lion, are snapping up fire-damaged lots and may reshape the neighborhood’s character before displaced residents have a chance to return. While he knows how vulnerable many survivors are in the aftermath of trying to rebuild, he encourages homeowners to consider selling to another family or individual rather than a corporate entity.

“It’s not about ‘Hey, you can’t sell your lot.’ It’s about being thoughtful if you sell your lot,” Vordtriede said. “If you see [one of these companies] trying to buy your property, maybe work with your agent to see if someone else can match that price, someone who is an individual, family, trust, or partnership.”

RELATED CONTENT: Massive Fire Destroys Hundreds Of Stalls At Ghana’s Kantamanto Clothing Market