by Daniel Johnson

March 10, 2025

Got A Suspicious Text About Unpaid Tolls? Don’t Click — It Could Be A Scam

The message states that the recipient owes an outstanding toll bill.

A smishing scam posing as a toll authority has now spread nationwide, following the first reported fake text messages in January claiming recipients owed outstanding fees.

According to The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, the Federal Trade Commission warned the public of the national nature of the text messages in a consumer alert it issued on March 4.

“Whether you’ve driven through a toll recently or not, you might have received a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls. It’s probably a scam. Scammers are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money,” the FTC said in the alert.

The messages follow a familiar pattern for scams, especially ones that target older individuals or people unfamiliar with how state toll agencies conduct their business.

The message states that the recipient owes an outstanding toll bill, which is designed to induce panic in the recipient, but the message also contains a giveaway that it isn’t authentic.

Instead of directing the user to a link that is clickable inside the text message, it indicates that the user has to reply Y for yes and then copy and paste the link into their phone’s browser, an extra step that no legitimate sender will initiate.

This, along with the fact that toll authorities in various states have indicated that they do not send text messages or emails with a person’s balance, are all indications that the messages are not legitimate.

The scam, however is not new, this variation of it is more widespread than a similar scheme in April 2024, which the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center noted also moved across state lines. “IC3 complaint information indicates the scam may be moving from state to state,” the IC3 warned at the time.

According to the FTC, the target of the scam is not just an individual’s money, but potentially their identity as well. “Not only is the scammer trying to steal your money, but if you click the link, they could get your personal info—like your driver’s license number—and even steal your identity,” the agency warned.

Instead of clicking the link, or even opening the text message itself, users can delete and report suspicious messages by using your phone’s “report junk” or “block message” feature, which also allows you to report a message as spam, depending on if a user’s phone is an Android or an iPhone.

As a general practice, it is advised not to reply to messages from phone numbers that are unrecognized, not to click links in texts from unknown senders, or engage with messages from senders whose legitimacy is uncertain.

According to The Spokesman-Recorder, clicking a fraudulent link can let the scammer or scammers install ransomware, steal personal information, or get access to banking information, which can create a whole host of financial problems for a user.

Authorities have urged those who have received a message related to a toll which they deem suspicious to delete the message and report it to either the FTC or their state transportation agency.

Chadwick Boseman, deep azure, play, dc, Howard university

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 10, 2025

Chadwick Boseman’s ‘Deep Azure’ Coming To D.C. For One Night Only

Boseman's 'Deep Azure' will receive a one-night-only stage reading to benefit the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University.

Stars are coming together to support a one-night-only staged reading of Deep Azure, a play written by the late Chadwick Boseman.

The rare event will be hosted at the Historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., on March 27 at 7:30 p.m., and will see Phylicia Rashad serve in a creative consultant role alongside the multi-talented artist, playwright, curator, rapper, and Howard University alumni NSangou Njikam, who will direct the stage play.

Written by Boseman before his untimely death, Deep Azure is set against the backdrop of Mecca University. The play unfolds in the aftermath of a tragic police killing that sends shockwaves through the campus. At the center of the story is Azure, a young woman determined to uncover the truth behind the death of her beloved boyfriend, Deep. As she unravels the mystery, she begins to realize that the answers may be closer to home than she ever imagined.

The stage drama is filled with the rhythms and poetry and music genres rooted in Black culture like hip-hop, jazz, and the blues. The story highlights Boseman’s powerful ability to bridge the spiritual and physical realms through a compelling story that confronts universal truths about justice, love, and destiny.

“Chadwick Boseman is one of the most important figures ever in storytelling. The roles he played introduced many to Black history and heroes in a human way,” Common, a decorated artist, author, activist, and host committee member of Deep Azure, said in a press release.

“To be able to witness his perspective as a writer is a gift. And we are blessed to be able to experience it. This reading will be a blessing and spark for all who experience it and will open more paths for future storytellers.”

The stage reading will be performed by an exceptional cast to include Lauren E. Banks (The Blood Quilt), Bessie Award winner Adesola Osakalumi (FELA!, Skeleton Crew), Joshua Boone (The Outsiders, Skeleton Crew), Greg Alverez Reid (Fat Ham), Isaiah J. Johnson (Hamilton, The Color Purple), Amber Iman (Lempicka, Soul Doctor) and Djali Amadou Kouyate (21 Strings Kora).

A star-studded hosting committee will help raise awareness and bring the best of the best out to support the show and continue to champion Boseman’s legacy. In addition to Common, hosting committee members include Ryan Coogler, who is serving as the honorary chair; Susan Kelechi Watson; Don Cheadle; Ta-Nehisi Coates; Kamilah Forbes; Reginald Hudlin; Kenny Leon; and Tarell Alvin McCraney.

“Chad was a child of the most high, an artist, and a visionary,” said Susan Kelechi Watson, actress and honorary host committee member. “He moved through this life with purpose and lived with clear intention. He had a heart filled with love and a smile that lit up our lives. His global impact shifted the culture while honoring the ancestors he so often channeled into his work. And now, we honor him. Forever brother. Forever friend. Chadwick, forever.”

Proceeds from the one-night-only stage reading will support scholarships, programming, and resources at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University. Sponsorship opportunities for the event can be found here.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 10, 2025

Black-Owned Businesses In Tallahassee Exceed National Average, Local Credits FAMU

Tallahassee, Florida, is among the Top 15 cities with the highest ranking of Black-owned businesses.

A new survey finds that Tallahassee, Florida, has twice the percentage of Black-owned businesses compared to the national average.

A LendingTree survey on U.S. cities with the highest and lowest numbers of Black-owned businesses ranks Leon County in Tallahassee among the top 15 nationwide for its percentage of Black-owned businesses. The findings are prompting local economic developers to explore new ways to support and launch even more Black-owned businesses in the area.

“We found that 7% of businesses in Tallahassee are Black-owned and that puts Tallahassee tied for 14th among the 50 biggest metros in the country,” Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst for Lending Tree, told WFSU.

The survey revealed that out of 7,828 businesses in Tallahassee, 549 — or 7% — are Black-owned, doubling the national average. Katrina Tuggerson, president of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce, sees the study as a sign of positive progress — and she credits Florida A&M University for playing a significant role.

“It’s the largest Black business in the state of Florida. So if you look at what trickles down in the community that holds FAMU, it can’t be nothing but greatness,” she told WCTV.

However, despite the percentages, the numbers still fall short of Leon County’s Black population.

“When you contrast that to the fact that about 32% of the population of the city is Black, there’s a lot of room for growth,” Schultz said.

Darryl Jones, who oversees minority, women, and small business programs at Leon County’s Office of Economic Vitality, emphasized that the community offers a wealth of resources to support business growth. While there is still progress to be made, the OEV is pleased to see local Black-owned business numbers moving in the right direction.

“Resource partners like the FAMU Small Business Development Center, DOMI Station, Jim Moran Institute,” Jones said. “And then you have lending partners like the FAMU Federal Credit Union and the Smart Steps Loan Program.”

by Daniel Johnson

March 10, 2025

Voting Precinct Closures Threaten To Disenfranchise Black Voters In Virginia

Virginia's Appomattox County Board of Elections has made a request to close voting locations in two precincts that primarily serve Black voters.

Virginia’s Appomattox County Board of Elections has made a request to close voting locations in two precincts, Precinct 201 and Precinct 502 — both locations that primarily serve Black voters — which spurred protests from the NAACP State Conference of Virginia of potential voter suppression regarding the move.

According to Virginia Mercury, 36.7% of Precinct 201’s voters are Black and 24.4% of Precinct 502’s voters are Black, and if the petition, made in January, for the proposed closures are successful, it could create an undue burden on those voters, making them travel up to 30 minutes by car to the next closest polling location.

The Virginia NAACP, including its president Rev. Cozy Bailey, condemned the closures as a threat to the voting rights of Black citizens who live in those precincts.

“Voting is a fundamental right and the foundation of our democracy. All citizens of Appomattox County are entitled to have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process regardless of their race or ethnicity. Throughout our history, various tactics have been employed to limit access to the ballot, including precinct closures, voter ID laws, and other measures that disproportionately affect marginalized communities…We should work to make voting easier and more accessible, not create new obstacles to the ballot box,” Bailey told the outlet.

Bailey also added that if the proposal was successful, it would “perpetuate these historical patterns and result in barriers to participation for Black voters in Appomattox County.”

According to David Richards, a political science professor at the University of Lynchburg, the stated need from Appomattox County officials to repair the building housing the polling location is not an excuse to make it harder for people to vote.

“Anytime barriers are introduced to voting, the number of participants decreases. I will not assume motive, but we should look at the facts as they are,” those facts, he told the Virginia Mercury, include the demographic data of people who would be affected by the closure of the polling location in their communities.

As Bailey told WSET, despite a defense of the proposal at a public meeting concerning the Appomattox County Board of Elections’ request, it remains a naked attempt at suppressing the votes of the minority communities in those two precincts.

“The idea is to close, consolidate, move, what have you, voting precincts that are in fact in predominately African American areas and close those and move them and the result of it is it makes it more inconvenient to vote. It’s an attack on the voting capabilities and availabilities for Black and Brown communities both,” Bailey told the outlet.

by Jameelah Mullen

March 10, 2025

Zenith Bank Celebrates Ghana’s Independence Day By Blending Business And Culture

Do it for the culture.

Zenith Bank celebrated Ghana’s 68th Independence Day with its “Wear Ghana” initiative. Across its 43 locations, employees wore traditional Ghanaian attire, including Kente cloth, the brightly-colored pattern created by the Akan tribe. The initiative was designed to promote cultural pride and to encourage Ghanaians to purchase locally manufactured fabrics. The bank also introduced the “Tastes of Ghana’ customer initiative, where patrons could enjoy some of the country’s traditional drinks like sobolo (hibiscus tea) and popular Ghanaian treats, such as Nkatsi cake, a peanut-brittle-like dessert made from peanuts and melted sugar.

The bank shared footage of customers indulging in the local delectables on its Instagram page.

“It was more than just a refreshment; it was a celebration of Ghana’s rich culinary heritage and the warmth of true Ghanaian hospitality.Thank you for celebrating with us! Happy Independence,” the video’s caption read.

Henry Onwuzurigbo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, said that the event was not only a celebration of Ghana’s independence but it also gave employees and customers to take pride in Ghanaian culture.

“As a Bank, we believe in the importance of honoring national identity and ensuring that our customers feel connected not only to us but also to the rich heritage that defines Ghana,” Onwuzurigbo said in a statement posted on the Bank’s website.

The company stated that the “Wear Ghana” and “Tastes of Ghana” initiatives helped to strengthen the bank’s relationship with its customers by fostering a sense of community and highlighting its role as a key contributor to the country’s development.

Additionally, in honor of International Women’s Month, the bank hosted the International Women’s Day l Seminar, where the theme was “Winning On All Fronts” The virtual event took place March 7 on YouTube and Zoom.

Emerging Black Composers Project, DEI, Federal Funding

by Daniel Johnson

March 9, 2025

Emerging Black Composers Project On Hold After DEI Memo Threatens Federal Funding

The program was created in 2020 to help Black composers overcome barriers to their participation in the field.

As the Trump administration continues its war on diversity, equity and inclusion, the latest casualty of its efforts is the Emerging Black Composers Project, an initiative that was created in 2020 to help Black composers overcome barriers to their participation in the field; that initiative is now paused indefinitely.

According to The San Francisco Chronicle, the winners of the program, which is awarded through a collaboration between the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the San Francisco Symphony, receive a $15,000 commissioning fee, a premiere with the Conservatory, the San Francisco Symphony, or the Oakland Symphony as well mentorship from those organizations’ music directors.

Jens Ibsen, the 2022 Emerging Black Composers Project winner, told The Chronicle that he feels the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights wants to censor art, using the threat of pulling funding for diverse creators in order to accomplish this goal. “The government is using the pulling of funding as a cudgel to basically censor art by people they just don’t care to hear from,” Ibsen said.

Although the Department of Education’s Feb. 14 memo describes efforts to increase diversity as “shameful” and “repugnant,” the Conservatory and the San Francisco Symphony are thinking of ways to continue the program, including having the Symphony, which is not subject to the Department of Education’s purview, take over the program.

The two organizations issued a joint statement to The Chronicle, indicating that although they have not worked out the details, they believe strongly in the program’s future.

“The San Francisco Symphony is not impacted by this recent Executive Order and remains fully committed to ensuring that the Emerging Black Composers Project will continue. We are still working out the details for how the project moves forward, but this project remains important to both the Symphony and SFCM,” the organizations said in a statement.

Like various lawsuits by Stephen Miller’s America First Legal, the memo from Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor argues that programs like the Emerging Black Composers Project, which seeks to correct the marginalization of Black composers, is discriminatory against white people, a perversion of Civil Rights anti-discrimination legislation passed thanks to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.

The letter states,“Educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon ‘systemic and structural racism,’” and according to Trainor, DEI programs “stigmatize students who belong to particular racial groups based on crude racial stereotypes.”

Martha's vineyard film festival, Michelle Obama

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 9, 2025

Michelle Obama And Brother Announced As Featured Guests At South By Southwest Festival

The session will take place on March 13 at the Austin Convention Center.

Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, will appear at the South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) as featured guests.

The sibling duo will conduct a featured session at SXSW, which hosts programming that ranges across media, entertainment, and technology. The Austin-based event released a statement confirming the news that Mrs. Obama and Robinson will be part of this year’s festivities, which began March 7.

“Michelle Obama has long been an inspiration to us at SXSW and to millions of people around the world,” said SXSW President Hugh Forrest, as reported by Yahoo News. “Her belief that we lift each other up by sharing our stories with one another is a core part of the SXSW experience and a key catalyst in helping creative people achieve their goals. It is the ultimate honor and an incredible thrill to welcome Michelle and her brother, Craig Robinson, to the 2025 event.”

The session will take place on March 13 at the Austin Convention Center. While little has been revealed on what the session will entail, attendees can expect Obama and Robinson to speak on their success and insights from multiple avenues.

Since stepping out of the political spotlight, Obama has become a voice for empowerment and positivity, especially for women audiences. Her New York Times-bestselling books Becoming and The Light We Carry have become global phenomenons, with the former earning a Grammy award.

She continues her advocacy work through the Obama Foundation, under which she founded the Girls Opportunity Alliance. The initiative supports young girls around the world and local leaders dedicated to brightening their futures.

As for her brother, Robinson has become a formidable force for change, especially in sports. He currently serves as Executive Director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), while also hosting the Ways to Win Podcast under the Obamas’ Higher Ground Productions. With a storied career in investment banking as well as professional and collegiate basketball, Robinson will join his sister in this all-star event spotlighting their achievements.

They will join other featured speakers, such as U.S. Rep. Ayanna Presley and Ben Stiller, at SXSW. More information on their designated session and other scheduled events can be found at SXSW’s website.

by Daniel Johnson

March 9, 2025

Xavier Worthy Not Charged After Arrest In Alleged Domestic Incident

Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick dismissed the charges against Worthy, a former standout player for the University of Texas, after speaking with multiple witnesses

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will not be charged following his March 7 arrest on suspicion of an assault against a family or household member by impeding their breathing, a third-degree felony in Texas, where Worthy still maintains a residence.

According to The Austin American-Statesman, Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick dismissed the charges against Worthy, a former standout player for the University of Texas, after speaking with multiple witnesses.

Per an email Dick’s office sent to The Statesman, “After further investigation by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and further discussion with a third-party witness, Mr. Worthy and his attorneys, this case is being declined at this time pending completion of the investigation by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Worthy and his lawyers are fully cooperating with this investigation,” the email read.

Dick’s office continued, “We will continue to evaluate the case. As is our practice with all declines, should you develop additional information indicative of probable cause in this case, our office will consider that information and may present the case at that time to a Williamson County Grand Jury.”

Although Worthy remained in the Williamson County Jail some time after 5:50 p.m. on March 8, Dick’s office informed the outlet that it typically takes a few hours for any release to process, and he has since been released from custody.

Two of Worthy’s lawyers, Sam Bassett and Chip Lewis, maintained their client’s innocence shortly after news of his arrest broke.

Per their statement to The Statesman, Worthy’s arrest is allegedly part of a plot by someone Worthy was romantically involved with.

“We are aware of the allegation that led to Mr. Worthy’s arrest. We are working with law enforcement in Williamson County to ensure they have the benefit of the totality of circumstances that led to this allegation. The complainant was recently asked to vacate Mr. Worthy’s residence upon discovery of her infidelity. She has refused to do so and made a number of extortive efforts prior to resorting to this baseless allegation against Mr. Worthy.”

According to the Texas State Penal Code, the charge of which Worthy was originally accused is defined as “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of the person by applying pressure to the person’s throat or neck or by blocking the person’s nose or mouth,” and carries a sentence of two to 10 years in prison and/or a maximum fine of up to $10,000.

Per a report from ESPN, Worthy and the woman, whose name has not been released, were in a dispute after she allegedly refused to leave his residence when asked, according to his lawyers.

Per his representation, the woman caused property damage and scratched Worthy’s face, but he informed the police that he would not seek to press any charges against her.

Worthy’s arrest marks the second consecutive offseason that a Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver has found themselves being investigated by law enforcement after their rookie season, following Rashee Rice’s alleged hit-and-run incident in 2024.

Purdue, Trey Kaufman-Renn Racist Taunts ,Illinois

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 9, 2025

Purdue Star Trey Kaufman-Renn Slams Racist Taunts At Illinois Game: ‘Unbelievable’ Attack On His Brother

Kaufman-Renn, a leader on Purdue's roster, says Illinois fans made racist taunts at his 13-year-old brother.

Purdue basketball standout Trey Kaufman-Renn says his 13-year-old brother, Jaylen, faced racist comments from fans while at the Boilermakers’ game in Illinois.

CBS News confirmed Kaufman-Renn revealed the incident after the March 7 game against the Fighting Illini. Kaufman-Renn’s mother and girlfriend told him about the comments hurled at his little brother from the opposing school’s student section.

Illinois’ “Orange Krush” section has become infamous for students’ raucous behavior. However, as their taunts turned darker, the issue prompted the 22-year-old to speak out.

“I was informed after the game by my mom and my girlfriend that there was some racist comments being said toward my brother, as well as my family being cussed out,” Kaufman-Renn said. “I just hope the security, especially at Illinois, can be better…I told them after the game that that’s something I would fight for. In no way am I saying anything about all Illinois fans, but unfortunately, the students that participated.”

Purdue plans to file a report with the Big Ten conference regarding the issue. Kaufman-Renn wants better security measures to protect attendees, especially children, from racial harassment.

He noted, “The fact that my brother can be put in that situation is really unbelievable. For a league like the Big Ten, they just need to be better about that.”

Illinois also released a statement upon hearing about the news. The university apologized to its competitor school and noted that it would continue investigating the matter.

“Late in tonight’s game, Illinois staff was made aware of allegations of inappropriate comments made by members of the Orange Krush toward Purdue players, coaches and fans,” Illinois said in a statement. “We received additional details after the game’s conclusion. We take such allegations seriously, and we will continue gathering information to determine appropriate action. In the meantime, we have been in touch with Purdue to apologize and express our disappointment.”

While the Boilermakers lost 88-80 to the Fighting Illini, both are set to participate in the NCAA’s March Madness tournament.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 9, 2025

Bill Withers To Be Honored By West Virginia With Statue And Plaza In His Name

The city of Beckley will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the new plaza and statue.

The West Virginia town of Beckley will recognize legendary singer and songwriter Bill Withers with two new awards. The acclaimed musician, who was born in nearby Slab Fork, will also receive a new statue and plaza dedicated in his honor.

According to WV News, the city will also host a dedication ceremony to unveil the statue and plaza on March 28. Inside Bill Withers Plaza, located in Beckley’s downtown area, a 7-foot-tall statue will display the singer’s likeness. The ceremony will also feature guest speakers and performances, including a rendition of Withers’ hit song “Lean On Me” performed by students and staff at a local middle school.

The plaza will honor Withers’ contributions to the arts and music with interpretive signs, musical playground instruments, and public art installations. His wife, Marcia Withers, is also expected to attend the statue dedication.

The Bill Withers Statue Committee brought the installment to fruition. Members hope the statue and its accompanying plaza will bring tourism into the area as it remembers one of its legendary figures.

Although born in Slab Fork, Withers’ mother raised him in the neighboring city of Beckley. After graduating from Stratton High School, he served in the Navy. After nearly a decade in the military, Withers moved to Los Angeles to pursue his musical ambitions.

He went on to release classics such as “Ain’t No Sunshine,” Lovely Day,” and “Just The Two Of Us” with Grover Washington Jr. The multiple Grammy Award winner’s contributions led to his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

While Withers saw success outside Beckley, he remained connected to the city that raised him. Before his death in 2020, he frequently returned to attend high school reunions and bought a home right outside the town.

In 2024, Withers posthumously received the Hometown Legend award at a county gala. At the event, a family friend recited the words Withers once said about the potential of young people from smaller areas.

“The challenge is to get young people who grow up in places like West Virginia to take the limits off of themselves, and realize there’s no magic that somebody else has in the world that they don’t,” quoted Michael Lipton, as reported by The Real WV. “They’re just people – and man, that’s a lot.”

The city has also hosted a Bill Withers Memorial Festival since 2021, celebrating his life and music. The festival will continue this June, with the plaza serving as its permanent location. The musical festival will also feature live performances by local artists inspired by Withers’ timeless artistry.