Southern University Marching Band Member Dead After Fraternity Ritual
The school had suspended activities for all student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and student clubs
A member of the Southern University Human Jukebox marching band died while participating in a Greek fraternity ritual.
According to WAFB, 20-year-old Caleb Wilson, who hailed from Kenner, Louisiana, collapsed and later died after he was taking part in a fraternity ritual while off-campus at North Sherwood Forest Community Park. He was reportedly pledging the Omega Psi Phi fraternity when the incident took place. An autopsy will be performed to find out the cause of his death.
After Wilson collapsed, he was taken to Baton Rouge General Hospital on Feb. 27. At 3:15 a.m., where he was pronounced dead. The Baton Rouge Police Department was contacted, which started an investigation into his death.
The school’s marching band issued a statement regarding the band member’s death.
“Honoring the Life of Caleb Wilson
“With heavy hearts, we share the devastating loss of one of our own, Caleb Wilson, a beloved member of the Southern University Human Jukebox and an incredible part of our Jaguar family.
“A talented trumpet player, a dedicated student, and a bright soul, Caleb was a mechanical engineering major who poured his passion into both his studies and his time with the Human Jukebox. His energy, spirit, and impact on those around him will never be forgotten.”
Due to Wilson’s death, Southern University Division of Student Affairs issued a statement saying that the school had suspended activities for all student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and student clubs. The suspension will remain in effect until further notice. The school has not said if Omega Psi Phi will face any sanctions or further investigation into the incident. The national chapter has declined to make a statement regarding the incident.
As Wilson’s father, Corey is a deputy at the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the department also released a statement.
“On behalf of Sheriff Joseph Lopinto, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to Deputy Corey Wilson and his family following the heartbreaking loss of his son Caleb. Dep. Wilson retired last year as a sergeant after serving 35 years with the JPSO. Dep. Wilson’s commitment to public service has continued with him currently serving in our Reserve Division. The JPSO stands in support of Dep. Wilson and his family. We ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn this unimaginable loss.”
Never Forget: 11 Really Racist Moments In Black History
These haunting moments remind us of ugly racism is
African Americans have endured centuries of oppression solely due to the color of their skin. America’s foundation is deeply rooted in racism, with a long history of Black people experiencing firsthand the brunt of a racist society at the start of our enslaved arrival to this country. As we reflect on these last few days of Black History Month, BLACK ENTERPRISE is highlighting 11 really racist moments in Black history. These are just a few. While there are plenty more documented racially motivated injustices, let us remember we can never forget these heinous acts against our humanity.
Source: Photo: David Jackson
Public domain
Source: Rodney King Beating
In 1993, Rodney King was brutally beaten by four Los Angeles police officers after a traffic violation. He was struck over 50 times, suffering severe injuries, including broken bones and permanent neurological damage. The incident was captured on film, and the officers’ acquittal sparked massive riots in Los Angeles.
King later received $3.8 million in damages and famously pleaded for peace, asking, “Can’t we all just get along?”
Source: 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing
Sept. 15, 1963, the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama was bombed, killing four African American girls and injuring over 20 people. The church served as a key meeting place for civil rights discussions, making it a target for racial violence. Three of the four suspected Ku Klux Klan members were later convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Today, the church stands as both a historic civil rights site and an active place of worship.
Source: Charleston 9 Church Massacre
June 17, 2015, Dylann Roof entered Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, during a Bible study and opened fire, killing nine Black parishioners. This horrific act of racial violence targeted one of the oldest Black churches in the U.S., a historic symbol of resilience and faith. The shooter was motivated by white supremacist ideology and later convicted of federal hate crimes and sentenced to death. The tragedy sparked national outrage and conversations about gun violence and the legacy of racial terrorism in America.
Source: Exonerated 5
April 19, 1989, five teenage boys—Antron McCray, Korey Wise, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, and Yusef Salaam—were wrongfully accused and convicted of sexually assaulting a white woman in Central Park in New York City. Under police pressure, the young men falsely confessed to the crime and were wrongly convicted. In 2002, a serial rapist admitted to the attack, leading to the group’s overturned convictions and subsequently, their release. In 2014, they settled a civil case for $41 million, highlighting the injustices of racial profiling and coerced confessions. Filmmaker Ava Duvernay released When They See Us, a film that depicted the circumstances and family dynamics around the case, in 2018
Photo credit: Johnny Nunez
Source: Photo credit: Reverend Jacob H. Hooker
Source: MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT
On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man, defying segregation laws. Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a peaceful protest led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., aimed at ending racial segregation on public transportation. The boycott lasted for over a year and eventually led to a Supreme Court ruling that declared bus segregation unconstitutional. Rosa Parks became known as the “First Lady of Civil Rights” for her pivotal role in igniting the modern civil rights movement.
Source: Dr. Martin Luther King Asassination
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to advocating for human rights, racial equality, and nonviolent protest. Ironically, April 4, 1968, he was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The location of King’s killing has since been turned into a historical site and the National Civil Rights Museum. His death was a devastating blow to the Black and global community, as he symbolized hope, resilience, and peaceful resistance against injustice. King’s legacy continues to inspire movements for equality and social change worldwide.
Source: MOVE BOMBING
May 13, 1985, the city of Philadelphia bombed MOVE, a Black liberation group, in a violent act of government aggression. The bombing caused a massive fire that destroyed two city blocks, killing 11 people, including five children, and leaving about 250 residents homeless. This marked the first time a U.S. city bombed its own citizens. In 2022, Philadelphia officially acknowledged that the deaths were not accidental and the city and federal government settled for $4 million in damages
Source: HOWARD BEACH KILLING
Almost 40 years ago, Michael Griffith was killed by a vehicle on NYC’s Belt Parkway after being beaten and chased by a mob of white teenagers. Dec. 20, 1986, Griffith and his friends experienced car trouble in the area and ventured out to find a pay phone when they encountered the racist crew who yelled racial slurs and jumped them with baseball bats and tire rods. Jon Lester, Jason Ladone, and Scott Kern among six others were convicted for the crimes. Spike Lee dedicated his film Do The Right Thing to Griffith and others who were killed by racial violence.
Source: THE LYNCHING OF JAMES BYRD JR.
James Byrd was lynched. In Jasper, Texas, June 7, 1998 he was beaten, chained to a pickup truck by his ankles, dragged three miles till he was decapitated and mutilated, and torso dropped at a Black cemetery, by three white supremacists who offered him a ride. Shawn Berry, John King, and Lawrence Brewer were convicted for Byrd’s lynching under the federal hate crime law. The latter two died by capital punishment.
President Barack Obama greets Louvon Harris, left, Betty Byrd Boatner, right, both sisters of James Byrd, Jr., and Judy Shepard, center, mother of Matthew Shepard, following his remarks at a reception commemorating the enactment of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, in the East Room, of the White House, October 28, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
‘American Soul Star’ Finale Is Filming In Metro Atlanta – The Heartbeat Of The South
The American Soul Star finale is taking place in Stonecrest, Ga.
American Soul Star, a new singing competition exclusively for soul artists, will begin in Metro Atlanta on March 1.
The competition, which is being filmed as a multi-episode series set to stream on Tubi, will showcase soul singers from across the nation. In partnership with Atlanta’s premier urban radio station, V-103, American Soul Star aims to provide a platform for artists who embody the essence of soul music.
“We are beyond thrilled to provide this incredible opportunity for soul artists to showcase their talent on a national stage,” said Michael Harper, CEO of Avant-Garde Entertainment, Inc. “Soul music is the foundation of so many genres, and with American Soul Star, we’re ensuring its legacy continues by uplifting the next generation of soulful voices.”
American Soul Star is the first singing competition dedicated solely to soul music. It fills a gap left by mainstream talent shows that often focus on pop and country. The show highlights singers who bring depth, passion, and authenticity to soul and R&B.
The competition held live auditions in Stonecrest, Georgia. Fifty contestants were chosen at the beginning of the process. Only ten contestants advanced to the final round. The winner will receive a $50,000 grand prize, a record deal with Avant-Garde Entertainment, Inc., and a debut EP produced by Grammy-winning producer Zaytoven.
The finale of American Soul Star will take place at New Black Wall Street Market – Main Stage, 8109 Mall Pkwy, in Stonecrest, Georgia.
There is no confirmed premiere date for American Soul Star on Tubi, though the show will join a diverse lineup on the streaming platform. With a reported 80 million users, Tubi offers a wide range of television and film content.
In addition to American Soul Star, viewers can explore the platform’s “Black Cinema” section, which features a collection of classic and contemporary Black films.
Tubi has also become a hub for independent Black filmmakers. While the service is ad-supported, it provides access to a variety of films, ranging from low-budget guilty pleasures to critically acclaimed features.
Equal Justice Initiative Books Are Required Reading Beyond Black History Month
By knowing our own history, we empower ourselves
In recent years, efforts to scrub Black history from the education system have grown increasingly urgent for right-wing groups. However, African Americans don’t have to rely on the school system to learn or understand our past. We are resourceful and come from a culture of oral historians who have passed critical information down through generations. While oral history is valuable, documenting that history is essential. In 1989, Bryan Stevenson, an attorney and social justice warrior, founded the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) to provide factual research and education on racial injustice to ensure the history around systemic racism and the fight against it is never lost.
As we celebrate this last day of Black History Month, there is no better occasion to dive deep into Black Americans’ history and experiences and carry the learning beyond this honorific month. BLACK ENTERPRISE selected six insightful books from the Equal Justice Initiative that provide knowledge and context of Black historical events and facts. Readers can gain a deep understanding of the past and its ongoing impact on the present. Knowing our history empowers us to confront the current racial challenges.
Race And The Jury
The Race and the Jury report prepared by the Equal Justice Initiative takes a long, hard look at widespread racial discrimination in jury selection in courtrooms across the U.S. legal system. The report outlines how Black individuals and other people of color are systematically excluded from participating in jury duty at different stages. This exclusion undermines the fairness of trials for marginalized people. Discrimination from the jury process not only weakens public trust but compromises the justice system’s integrity. The report emphasizes reforms that ensure diverse and representative juries.
Segregation In America
Photo credit: Ahsan Washington
The Segregation in America report showed the resistance of many white Americans to the Civil Rights Movement. White people’s opposition to Black people having the rights due to them as outlined by Constitutional Law was well established and, in many cases, involved violence to uphold racial segregation and prevent progress toward equality. The Equal Justice Initiative stresses that acknowledging this large-scale resistance is crucial to understanding today’s racial disparities. Confronting this history is necessary to work toward a more just and inclusive society.
Lynching In America
Photo credit: Ahsan Washington
Lynching was a violent strategy used to intimidate Black citizens into accepting racial oppression and upholding segregation in the United States. The Lynching in America report lists over 4,400 lynchings that were racially motivated and took place between the Reconstruction Era and World War II. The report pays special attention to the overwhelming support for these horrific acts. They were a spectacle and entertainment for racists. Many of these murders were carried out publicly to terrorize Black communities and reinforce white supremacy. The in-depth report highlights the lasting impact of racial terror throughout the Jim Crow Era and its role in shaping racial injustice today.
Reconstruction In America
Photo credit: Ahsan Washington
The Reconstruction in America report from the Equal Justice Initiative uncovers nearly 2,000 additional confirmed racial terror lynchings of Black people by white mobs, expanding our understanding of this violent chapter in Black history. It focuses on the 12 years after the Civil War, a time when white leaders fostered lawlessness and violence to establish a society built on racial inequality, white dominance, and Jim Crow laws. This period marked the beginning of a long-lasting legacy of systemic racism that still affects the country today. The report highlights the consequences of this era and the need for continued efforts toward racial justice and reconciliation.
Slavery In America
Photo credit: Ahsan Washington
The book Slavery in America by the Equal Justice Initiative examines the horrific history of the transatlantic slave trade, where millions of Africans were kidnapped and transported to the Americas under brutal conditions. Around two million people died during the journey, and the enslavement of Black people helped build wealth and prosperity for many in the U.S. Montgomery was a region that participated in the slave trade, having been notorious for its slave market where the riverfront city auctioned enslaved people. The site of the Montgomery slave trade is a stone’s throw from Stevens’ EJI center. The Legacy Museum, dedicated to those who were lynched, is the site of a former slave warehouse.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade
Photo credit: Ahsan Washington
From 1501 to 1867, millions of Africans were stolen, shipped across the Atlantic Ocean, and enslaved in the Americas. Africans forced into chattel slavery suffered separation from their families and cultures. Coastal cities in the U.S., such as New York, Charleston, and New Orleans, developed slave economies built on the exploitation and ownership of Black people. The Equal Justice Initiative’s report looks at the lasting economic impact of the Transatlantic slave trade and how it created wealth for Europeans and white Americans while also reinforcing a hierarchy informed by race. This dark chapter in history continues to shape racial disparities that persist in America today.
East Harlem Apartments That Overcharged Tenants $50K Will Return To Being Rent Stabilized
Twenty-one Harlem apartments will return to rent stabilization after being illegally overcharged for rent.
Twenty-one apartment units in East Harlem, where a landlord overcharged tenants by more than $50,000, will be reinstated as rent-stabilized.
An investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed that Emerald Equity Group, LLC, a real estate firm with 13 buildings in East Harlem, unlawfully deregulated rent-stabilized units and overcharged tenants, Patch reports. Along with restoring the deregulated apartments to rent-stabilized status, James demands that Emerald repay $54,799.66 to unlawfully overcharged tenants.
Court documents reveal that the landlord did not maintain tenants’ security deposits in separate accounts, as mandated by law. According to James, although the landlord has filed for bankruptcy, the buildings will be transferred to Emerald’s lender, who will ensure that the new owners are held to the same settlement.
“Emerald blatantly ignored rent stabilization laws, denying many New Yorkers access to affordable, reliable housing,”James said.
The apartment buildings with illegally destabilized rentals are:
203 West 107th Street
210 West 107th Street
220 West 107th Street
230 West 107th Street
124 – 136 East 117th Street
215 East 117th Street
231 East 117th Street
235 East 117th Street
244 East 117th Street
316 East 117th Street
322 East 117th Street
326 East 117th Street
1661 Park Avenue
As a result of the investigation, Emerald is legally required to reinstate the 21 apartments to rent stabilization within 60 days and refund the excess rent collected from tenants within 30 days. The landlord must also notify all affected tenants about the changes and set up separate accounts for security deposits within 30 days.
James stated that if Emerald fails to meet these deadlines, the landlord will incur a $500 daily penalty until each violation is rectified.
“By returning these units to rent stabilization and ensuring tenants are reimbursed for overcharges, we are bringing justice to the families that Emerald harmed and ensuring more fair and equitable housing for future renters,” James said.
Black Girl Vitamins Encourages Wellness With ‘Sisterhood In Self-Care’ Campaign
To prioritize self-care and wellness, Black Girl Vitamins coordinated an itinerary packed with fitness classes and educational webinars.
Black History Month has been a huge success for Black Girl Vitamins, the Black-owned health and wellness brand, which launched its nationwide “Sisterhood in Self-Care” campaign this February.
This year’s theme encouraged Black women to prioritize self-care and health education. According to a press release, “Sisterhood in Self-Care” flipped the “superwoman” narrative and promoted a lifestyle of wellness. Black Girl Vitamins coordinated an itinerary packed with fitness classes, educational webinars, and exclusive giveaways. Black women stayed active throughout the month with dynamic workout sessions led by Black women fitness instructors across the cities of Atlanta, Dallas, Durham, Detroit, and Chicago. Participants enjoyed raffles, free vitamins, and samples from other brands, including TGIN, Black Girl Sunscreen, BLK and Bold, and Aunt Jackie’s Curls&Coils.
As the Black Girl Vitamins’ Black History Month campaign addressed the prevalence of health disparities among Black women, it also celebrated the legacy of Black healthcare workers and medical pioneers. Licensed practitioners were tapped to steer discussions focused on critical health issues Black women often face, such as fibroids, PCOS, and vitamin and iron deficiencies. Attendees of the live educational webinars heard from medical professionals like Dr. C. Nicole Swiner, Dr. Standifer-Barrett, and Dr. Chinyere Okpaleke.
“The feeling we have is indescribable,” the company stated alongside a recap of this month’s campaign initiatives on Instagram. “From our entire team, THANK YOU, ladies, for showing up, showing out, and being present at every event we had. Thank you for getting your sisters, friends, moms, coworkers, etc., in the buildings.”
Black Girl Vitamins launched in 2021 with a mission to address the unique nutritional needs of Black women. The company offers a variety of nutritional supplements that support overall wellness, which includes skin, hair, and nail care; bone health, immunity, and vitality; iron deficiency; and more. Products include energy-boosting supplements, Vitamin D3, and Iron Gummies.
Join in for a final Black History Month fitness class, which will be held online on Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. EST.
Throughout Black History Month, any purchases made through the Black Girl Vitamins website above $60 will receive an exclusive “Sis Self-Care” Box, which includes free vitamin pouches, postcards spotlighting Black medical pioneers, and recipes.
Feds, Lies, And Payola: 3 Men Plead Guilty In ‘Soprano-esque’ Fraud & Bribery Scandal Uncovered At Newark International Airport
Dolphin, Wajda, and Delucia each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for their crimes and fines of up to $250,000 per count.
A sweeping bribery and fraud scheme involving Newark International Airport, reminiscent of an episode of HBO’s critically acclaimed mob seriesThe Sopranos, has unraveled. Three men have pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges and honest services wire fraud. The Department of Justice-handled case highlights years of corruption in which bribes and kickbacks shaped lucrative business deals, robbing honest companies of fair opportunities.
Key Players and Their Crimes Edward Dolphin, 65, of Tomball, Texas; James Wajda, 59, of Cement City, Michigan; and Ronald Delucia, 70, of Wayne, New Jersey, each admitted their roles in the scheme. Dolphin and Wajda entered their pleas on February 19, 2025, while Delucia pleaded guilty on February 25, 2025. The charges were heard in Trenton federal court before U.S. District Judge Quraishi.
According to court documents, Dolphin, a former operations manager at United Airlines, operating out of Newark International Airport, used his position to award contracts in exchange for over $1.6 million in bribes and kickbacks from vendors. Delucia, a former CEO of a service company operating at the airport, played a central role in bribing Dolphin and other airline employees while participating in fraudulent invoicing schemes with Wajda, a COO for another airline contractor.
Dolphin’s Role: Trading Influence for Millions Dolphin’s influence as an Airport Operations Hub Vendor Manager and later Manager of Hub Business Partners gave him control over contract awards. Delucia’s company paid Dolphin up to $31,500 monthly—totaling over $1 million—to ensure favorable treatment. Dolphin also pocketed:
$70,000 for influencing a busing contract,
$278,000 for steering a snow removal contract, and
$262,000 for awarding an aircraft cleaning contract.
Dolphin’s actions secured over $1.6 million in illicit payments, underscoring how deeply corruption was embedded in the contracting process.
Wajda’s Fraudulent Invoicing Scheme As COO of a Des Plaines, Illinois-based company, Wajda orchestrated a separate fraud scheme with Delucia. In 2022, Delucia’s company falsely billed Wajda’s employer $150,000 for a “dispatcher” service that was never provided. Wajda ensured these invoices were paid and personally received $38,600 in kickbacks through a shell company.
Expanding the Web of Corruption Delucia’s involvement didn’t end there. He also admitted to bribing other airline employees — Alok Saksena, Anthony Rosalli, and Lovella Rogan — who helped his company win a $19.7 million restroom renovation contract in 2021. In return, Delucia’s company financed home renovations for the trio, including bathrooms, kitchens, and decks. Additional bribes included electronics, jewelry, and other valuables, with payouts totaling:
$539,000 to Saksena,
$276,000 to Rosalli, and
$409,000 to Rogan.
Statements from Officials Federal authorities condemned the actions of those involved.
“The defendants exploited their positions to enrich themselves while defrauding others,” said U.S. Attorney Caroline Sadlowski. “Their actions corrupted the fairness of our economic system. We will hold to account those who break the law to line their own pockets.”
“The schemes conceived and executed by these individuals are reprehensible,” added Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly. “These individuals hoped their corruption would fly under the radar, but they are now being held accountable.”
Port Authority Inspector General John Gay emphasized the broader impact of the corruption, stating, “Blatant corruption like this erodes public trust and robs honest businesses of fair opportunities. This case demonstrates our commitment to rooting out fraud and protecting the systems that keep our region moving.”
What’s Next for the Defendants Dolphin, Wajda, and Delucia each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for their crimes and fines of up to $250,000 per count. The sentencing dates are June 24, 2025, for Dolphin and Wajda, and July 1, 2025, for Delucia.
Acknowledgments and Investigation The investigation was a collaborative effort led by the FBI under Acting Special Agent in Charge, Terence G. Reilly; the Port Authority Office of Inspector General under Inspector General John Gay; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Calle and Francesca Liquori of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark handled the prosecution.
Impact and Broader Implications This case underscores the damaging ripple effects of corruption in public contracting. The schemes enriched the defendants, undermined trust in the system, and unfairly disadvantaged honest businesses. Authorities hope the outcome of this case serves as a warning to others considering similar acts.
For more information, visit FBI Newark or the Port Authority Office of Inspector General.
Federal Lawsuit Filed By Man Wrongfully Convicted Of Killing Black Chicago Police Officer
A federal lawsuit shines a light on the deep-rooted corruption within Chicago’s judicial system.
A federal lawsuit alleges that Chicago city and county officials enabled police officers to carry out a “wide-ranging scheme to manufacture evidence,” leading to the wrongful convictions of three innocent men for the murder of a Chicago police officer.
Alexander Villa, 36, filed the lawsuit nearly five months after a Cook County judge vacated his conviction and granted him a new trial, citing evidence that his rights had been violated, The Chicago Tribute reported. Villa endured eight years behind bars on a wrongful conviction for the murder of Officer Clifton Lewis before the court’s ruling.
“No one can pay Mr. Villa back for what he has been through, and Officer Lewis’ family may never find justice for their loss,” Jennifer Blagg, one of Villa’s attorneys, said in a statement. “And the city of Chicago taxpayers continue to pay for the CPD’s refusal to change a well-documented pattern of misconduct that goes back decades.”
It was last October when things got tense during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building when the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office admitted to uncovering potentially exculpatory evidence that had not been disclosed to the defense, but opted not to pursue a retrial.
Villa was one of three individuals charged in the case, which has sparked a separate lawsuit and complete disarray within the state’s attorney’s office. Prosecutors had already dismissed charges against the other two defendants, Edgardo Colon and Tyrone Clay, who are now pursuing their own legal claims.
The lawsuit claims that police officers, with support from prosecutors, falsified evidence and withheld key information that could have proven Villa’s innocence after failing to force a confession. According to the complaint, this was part of an investigative unit called “Operation Snake Doctor,” which was assembled to target the Spanish Cobras street gang.
Lewis was working as a security guard at a West Side convenience store when two masked men fatally shot him. Misfiled evidence included an FBI cell tower analysis revealing that Villa was texting his girlfriend at the time of the shooting. Surveillance footage of the incident also showed no indication that either shooter was using a phone, according to the motion.
Villa was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, but in 2023, his attorneys filed a motion for a new trial, arguing that the state’s attorney’s office had uncovered evidence that should have been disclosed earlier by former prosecutors Andrew Varga and Nancy Adduci.
Varga and Adduci, who either resigned or were terminated, are named in the suit along with the city, county, and a number of police officers and investigators. While the lawsuits aim to seek justice for three wrongfully convicted men, there remain family and loved ones of Lewis who are still seeking answers into his tragic murder.
“I know you are disappointed, and the family is disappointed, but if there is not enough evidence, there is not enough evidence,” Judge Carol Howard said as she delivered her ruling.
Black-Owned ‘Down North Pizza’ Releases Cookbook Memoir To Shed Light On Prison System
Down North Pizza founder Muhammad Abdul-Hadi is providing hope through the pages of his cookbook, “We the Pizza: Slangin’ Pies and Savin’ Lives.”
In North Philadelphia, Down North Pizza is bigger than a piece of Philly’s iconic square pizza. Founder Muhammad Abdul-Hadi created a North Star for hope through pizza slices when he opened the mission-led for-profit restaurant, Down North Pizza, in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood in December 2020. Now, he is providing hope through the pages of his cookbook, We the Pizza: Slangin’ Pies and Savin’ Lives.
“I call it a memoir with some recipes,” he told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “It’s layered and has something in there for everybody. If you don’t care about the recipes and want to read some cool stories and see some photography, that’s there for you. If you want to dig into the recipes and make some bomb pizza, that’s there for you, too.”
Beyond the recipes and photos is information about the carceral system and its evolution. Footnotes throughout the cookbook take people on a journey of how the carceral system started with slavery and how it evolved over the centuries. The cookbook also sheds light on life after incarceration, with stories from former Philadelphia inmates.
“I always wanted to write a book, and when the opportunity presented itself, I didn’t want a traditional cookbook,” says Abdul-Hadi. “The book had to embody the brand and what we represent in the neighborhood. [I wanted to show] people eating pizza in the neighborhood. We call it ‘Pizza in the Wild.’ We want people to have a sense of the brand and what we represent.”
Down North Pizza: A Mission-Led Pizza Shop and Cookbook
“Strawberry Mansion is one of the most underserved communities in Philadelphia,” Abdul-Hadi said.“A lot of times, when people open up businesses in areas like this, it rarely benefits the neighborhood. I wanted to change that narrative.”
Down North Pizza focuses on the community. Adbul-Hadi is particularly interested in recidivism and giving people a second chance after incarceration. He knows firsthand the challenges and judgments that those who were formerly incarcerated face, because he was once in their shoes.
Inside his shop, no two pizzas on the menu are the same. The “No Betta Love” is a four-cheese pizza with “Norf” sauce. The “Break You Off” is made with lamb sausage, lemon ricotta, za’atar garnish, and garlic honey drizzle. While the pizzas are different, two ingredients stay the same: Abdul-Hadi’s love for community and the gift of second chances.
“I want to show the world we are not our worst mistakes. We can do things if given the right circumstances and thrive as well,” he says. “The brand exemplifies that, and when you come to the shop, you get to see all of that tenfold because that was very important to me.”
Money from every purchase — from the cookbook to the pizza — is recycled back into Strawberry Mansion through the pizza shop and Abdul-Hadi’s foundation, Down North Foundation.
“We have different initiatives that provide direct aid to individuals in need. We build our initiatives off necessity.”
One initiative he is proud of is “Protect Your Crib,” which assists people in danger of losing their houses to delinquent property taxes. The Down North Pizza team paid delinquent taxes for nearly a dozen people through the foundation, which also assisted residents in enrolling in a program that halted property tax increases for 10 years.
“Our biggest thing over here is the impact,” Abdul-Hadi said.
Michael Jordan’s Love Letter To His High School Sweetheart Valued At Over $12K At Auction
Love letter shows that Michael Jordan has game on the court, and with the ladies.
Micheal Jordan’s love letter to his high school girl is up for auction. The handwritten letter listed on the 2025 Lelands Winter Classic Auction currently stands at over $12,000. In the handwritten letter to his former girlfriend, Laquetta Robinson, Jordan tells his former sweetie that she will have to take a backseat to basketball.
In a letter dated May 20, 1981, the future basketball legend writes:
“Laquetta, you are my whole life next to basketball. Please don’t get mad about that statement. You are my whole life, but you can’t have basketball, ” the letter posted on Lelands.com says.
The love note shows the mogul’s romantic side and his commitment to the game. Jordan tells his former girlfriend of his plans to make basketball his career, and he promises her that he will make extraordinary strides in the sport.
A year later, the future legend won an NCAA championship as a member of the UNC Tar Heels. In 1985, he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award. He went on to earn six NBA titles as a star player for the Chicago Bulls. The former shooting guard was named MVP five times and won two Olympic gold medals. Jordan also holds the NBA record for career playoff scoring average at 33.4 points per game. In 2009, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inducted the 14-time all-star.
This isn’t the first time Jordan memorabilia has made big bucks at auction. In May 2020, Iconic Auctions sold a 20-page love letter he wrote to another former girlfriend, Amy Hunter, for $25,703. Last year, a collection of six Air Jordan sneakers worn by the legendary player snagged $8 million at auction. In 2022, Jordan’s jersey from Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $10.1 million, making it the most expensive memorabilia ever sold at an auction.
