by Daron Pressley
June 20, 2025
Buffalo’s Juneteenth Festival Turned 50 — Fueling Tourism, Celebrating Culture, And Powering Black-Owned Business
Founded in 1976, the Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo is one of the nation's longest-running and most-attended festivals.
As Buffalo’s Juneteenth Festival marked its 50th anniversary, the milestone event continued to drive strong economic impact across Erie County. In 2022, visitor spending reached a record $2.2 billion — a 14% jump from pre-pandemic levels — with 34% of that total spent on food and beverages, highlighting the boost for local restaurants and vendors. Held in the heart of the Michigan Street Black History Corridor, the festival has evolved into more than just a cultural celebration — it’s now a vital force supporting Black-owned businesses and fueling economic growth in Buffalo.
A Half-Century Of Freedom, Culture, And Community
Founded in 1976, the Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo is one of the nation’s longest-running and most attended commemorations of African-American freedom. Featuring a high-energy parade through Martin Luther King Jr. Park and a two-week schedule of music, food, and cultural programming (June 14–25), the festival offers a deeply intergenerational experience. Carrone Evon Crump, president of the Juneteenth Festival Committee, emphasized, “We’re not just marking another anniversary — we’re celebrating a legacy of resilience, unity, and Black excellence in Buffalo.”
Heritage Meets Enterprise: The Michigan Street Corridor
This milestone year highlights Buffalo’s rich Black history. Attendees can explore sites in the Michigan Street Black History Corridor — including the expanded Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum and the newly restored Michigan Street Baptist Church, once a stop on the Underground Railroad. Nearby heritage centers and cemetery tours connect the past to Buffalo’s present as an emerging heritage destination.
“The African American heritage assets in Buffalo are world-class,” said Sandy White, editor of The African American Heritage Guide to Buffalo and founder of Mustard Seed World Consulting Group. “Juneteenth” is the perfect invitation for visitors to celebrate freedom and understand how deeply Black innovation and enterprise are woven into the city’s identity. What we have here is not just historical — it’s economically and culturally transformative.
Crump added, “By anchoring the festival along this corridor, we’re highlighting Black achievements—historical and modern—and reinforcing Buffalo’s identity as a hub for cultural tourism.”
Food & Flavor: The Heart Of Buffalo’s Celebration
Food is a key component of the festival’s appeal and economic impact. Manna Restaurant partners, chefs Reginald Ingram and Dale Holt, reflect on their experience:
Ingram: “Juneteenth has become one of our busiest weekends — people are eager for authentic Black flavors, and we’ve seen our sales double over the past five years.”
Holt: “It’s more than food — business development, brand visibility, and community engagement all in one.”
Their seasonal pop-up at MLK Park has opened doors to catering opportunities, media visibility, and a growing customer base beyond the festival — evidence of how culinary entrepreneurship can thrive in cultural events.
Bratts Hill & The Rise Of Chef Darian Bryan
Among Buffalo’s standout culinary talents is Chef Darian Bryan, the owner of Bratts Hill, a vibrant eatery that fuses Jamaican tradition with Buffalo’s upscale dining scene. Bryan grew up in the rural community of Bratts Hill in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica. His passion for cooking was ignited in the heart of his mother’s small cook shop, where locals could savor hearty Jamaican meals in a relaxed atmosphere.
“That cook shop was everything,” Bryan recalled. “It was simple but brought people together — laughter, community, and flavor. That’s what I’ve tried to recreate at Bratts Hill.”
Bryan moved to Buffalo to attend school and enrolled in the Culinary School at Buffalo State University, where he combined his Caribbean roots with professional techniques. His signature Jerk Hut menu — featuring jerk chicken, curry shrimp, and plantain bowls — brings the island’s warmth to every dish.
“For me, hospitality is love — it’s in how we greet, feed, and make you feel valued. Juneteenth is a celebration of our culture, and at Bratts Hill, we bring that culture to life through our service. It’s not just about the food; it’s about creating an environment where people feel at home, respected, and proud of who they are.”
But for Bryan, it’s about more than just food. As a husband to Mrs. Jennifer Bryan, a proud father of two children, and a brother to five sisters, his mission is rooted in legacy and empowerment. Bryan added, “This celebration does more than entertain — it helps finance dreams, builds capacity, and keeps money circulating in our community. My kids walk into the restaurant and see ownership — that’s the real success.”
Tourism & Regional Growth: Linking Local To Global
Buffalo’s tourism sector has surged since the pandemic. In 2022, the region reached $2.2 billion in visitor spending, with food and drink alone accounting for over a third of the total. Festival-driven travel, heritage tourism along the Michigan Street corridor, and proximity to Niagara Falls are converging to increase interest in Buffalo as a destination where history and culture drive economic revival.
Crump pointed out, “We’re tapping into a rising trend, Black heritage travel. Buffalo is now on that map.”
What’s Next: Sustaining Momentum Beyond June
Looking ahead, festival leaders are creating year-round programming, mentorship workshops for entrepreneurs, and partnerships with Visit Buffalo Niagara to ensure that the energy and economic benefits last well beyond the 50th anniversary.
- Expanded cultural tourism: Integrating guided heritage tours with regional tourism routes and out-of-town packages.
- Business acceleration: Providing vendor incubation, microloans, and pitch contests to empower Black-owned startups.
- Community infrastructure: Strengthening skills and staffing for Black businesses through targeted training connected to festival opportunities.
Buffalo’s 50th Juneteenth Festival is not just a celebration — it’s a living blueprint for how culture, history, and enterprise can energize a city. With $2.2 billion in tourism spending boosting local businesses, this festival exemplifies how Black economic empowerment can be rooted in heritage. From the vibrant parade to the entrepreneurial success stories of Manna and Bratts Hill, Buffalo is uniquely positioned to serve as a model for other cities looking to blend cultural pride with intentional economic investment.
RELATED CONTENT: Get Into The Spirit Of Juneteenth With These Black‑Owned Spirit Brands
by Jeroslyn JoVonn
June 20, 2025
R. Kelly Doesn’t Deserve Pardon While Joycelyn Savage Remains Missing, Her Family Says
Joycelyn Savage's family is speaking out against R. Kelly's recent pardon request.
One of R. Kelly’s alleged victims, Joycelyn Savage, remains under his control, according to her family. As a result, they’re speaking out against the disgraced R&B singer’s recent request for a pardon.
The family wants to shut down any attempts at R. Kelly garnering sympathy and support for his pardon request, their attorney Gerald Griggs tells TMZ. According to Savage’s family, the last time they heard from their daughter was a short phone call in 2019. And they believe it’s because R. Kelly is still controlling her.
“We tried to reach out to Joycelyn when my father passed,” Timothy Savage said of his daughter. “We have to always reach out through his [R. Kelly] camp. Robert Sylvester’s camp.”
Each time the family has tried to contact Joycelyn, they allegedly get “no response whatsoever,” Timothy added.
They also say they haven’t been able to speak to Joycelyn directly, “it’s always through a third party,” her mother, Jonjelyn Savage, said. She also referred to the calls she has had with her daughter as “prison calls,” where the conversation comes off as “scripted.”
“I want to hear from my daughter,” Timothy declared.
Joycelyn, once engaged to R. Kelly and widely regarded as one of his victims, is believed by her family to still be alive. They remain hopeful for her well-being and say their greatest wish is to hear from her directly in a private, “one-on-one conversation.”
The Savage family’s plea comes as R. Kelly seeks a pardon from Donald Trump. On June 17, his legal team filed a motion in a Chicago court requesting his release, alleging that he overdosed on medication administered by prison staff. Kelly claims the incident was an attempt on his life and is now asking the former president for a pardon.
However, the Savage family insists that Kelly has never taken responsibility for his actions against his alleged victims. They support his conviction and want him to serve every day of his 31-year sentence.
The “Ignition” singer remains in the Federal Correctional Institute facility in Butner, North Carolina, where he’s currently serving out a 30-year sentence on racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
RELATED CONTENT: Elevating Your Excellence: Tamika D. Mallory Is The Contemporary Voice Of The People
by Mitti Hicks
June 20, 2025
Social Security Projected To Run Out of Money By 2034
Annual reports released by the Treasury Department reveal that Social Security’s reserve funds could run out of money to pay beneficiaries by 2034.
Social Security, one of the key safety nets in America, is expected to run out a year sooner than projected.
Annual reports released by the Treasury Department on Monday revealed that the Social Security’s reserve funds, if combined, would run out of money to pay beneficiaries by 2034. In addition, the trust fund that pays Medicare’s hospital bills is expected to deplete by 2033, three years earlier than initially anticipated, Politico reported.
The change in America’s safety net and reserves was driven primarily by a bipartisan expansion of benefits to millions of people, a majority of whom worked in the public sector under President Joe Biden. The other issues are that fertility rates are remaining lower for longer, and economic projections show slow long-term wage growth.
For Medicare, finances have worsened due to higher-than-anticipated expenditures, along with increased expectations for future spending on hospital and hospice care.
“This data underscores the need for lawmakers to take action to support the long-term viability of these programs,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who serves as the managing trustee of the funds.
What’s concerning is that all this is happening amid the Trump administration’s priority of slashing both the federal workforce and budget.
What’s At Stake For Social Security
Meanwhile, as Politico points out, Trump promised on the campaign trail to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits. Congressional Republicans, however, have not introduced a policy bill to implement the cuts Trump promised. House Republicans are floating around giving senior citizens an extra $4,000 in tax deductions. Senate Republicans are proposing a $6,000 deduction.
An estimated 68 million people received monthly Social Security benefits in 2024. Meanwhile, Medicare provided health insurance coverage to about 67.6 million people.
Unfortunately, the Social Security and Medicare programs pay out more in benefits than the government collects in payroll taxes that fund the programs.
If Congress fails to act, the program will only have enough money to pay about 81% of the scheduled Social Security benefits. For Medicare, the program would only be able to pay 89% of benefits.
RELATED CONTENT: The Unspoken Divide: Morayo Afolabi-Brown Reveals Nigerian Parents’ U.S. Directives That Encourage Division With Black Americans
by Kandiss Edwards
June 20, 2025
Fat Joe Sued For $20M By Ex-Hype Man Alleging Years Of Abuse And Sexual Misconduct With Minors. Rapper Denies ‘Lies’
Dixon filed his lawsuit in the New York district court, and he alleges Fat Joe committed multiple sex and workplace crimes.
Joseph “Fat Joe” Cartagena is being sued for $20 million by his longtime hype man Terrance “T.A.” Dixon.
Dixon filed his lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, June 19. According to Dixon, he was forced to watch the “Lean Back” rapper have sexual relations with minors, amongst other actions. He also alleges being subjected to multiple physical, sexual, and workplace abuses. Additionally, Dixon claims he witnessed the rapper engage in pedophilia with two minors. He is asking for $20 million for his suffering.
The lawsuit names multiple defendants in Cartagena’s camp, including Pete “Pistol Pete” Torres, Richard “Rich Player”Jospitre, and Roc Nation as defendants, the Independent reported.
Dixon and Cartagena worked together for 16 years. He claims during his employment, the Grammy-nominated rapper did not credit him for his music contributions. The former hype man says he often gave input on multiple facets of Fat Joe’s popular songs including adding background vocals and lyrics to “Congratulations,” “Ice Cream,” and “Money Over B—hes.”
According to the suit, Dixon is “asserting civil claims for violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act,” “fraudulent concealment, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress and money laundering.”
The lawsuit also provides specific allegations about Cartagena’s behavior with two underaged Dominican girls. Cartagena allegedly paid for clothing and cell phone payments for a 16-year-old girl who he was sexually involved with. Additionally, he claims Fat Joe financed a Brazilian Butt Lift for a young girl he met overseas. After their meeting, Fat Joe allegedly transported the minor to New York. Along with the BBL, Cartagena, claims the lawsuit, began to finance the 15-year-old’s lifestyle. This included paying for a Florida condo and all bills associated with her maintenance, the suit states. Similarly, the suit named a third 15-year-old “Minor Doe” who received the same treatment.
“[Fat Joe] began having sexual relations with Minor Doe 2 when she was 15 years old after a concert overseas. Defendant flew Minor Doe 2 to New York City and Miami, Florida, on multiple occasions. Due to Minor Doe 2’s body being adolescent and not fully formed, Defendant paid for her to get a Brazilian Butt Lift. Minor Doe 2 eventually left Defendant and is now married to a professional athlete,” the complaint states.
The alleged sexual abuse did not end with the young girls. The Independent reported on the sexual abuses allegedly endured by Dixon himself.
Reportedly Fat Joe subjected Dixon to “a wide spectrum of sexual coercion, psychological control, forced exhibitionism, and surveillance-based humiliation, including being compelled to perform sex acts under observation, being filmed, or directed by [Fat Joe] in the presence of others — tactics designed to control Plaintiff’s body, erode his autonomy, and ensure silence.”
The lawsuit says Dixon was allegedly forced “into humiliating situations, including sex acts performed under duress and surveillance, accompanied by threats of abandonment in foreign countries if (he) refused compliance.”
Fat Joe’s legal team has vehemently denied all accusations. Lawyers for the rapper contend the suit was brought in retaliation. In April 2025, Cartagena sued Dixon for defamation of character. Cartagena believes the claims made by Dixon are an attempt to extort money from the rapper.
Joe Tacopina, Fat Joe’s attorney, gave a statement to The Independent denying the defamatory allegations.
“The allegations against Mr. Cartagena are complete fabrications — lies intended to damage his reputation and force a settlement through public pressure. Mr. Cartagena will not be intimidated. We have taken legal action to expose this fraudulent campaign and hold everyone involved accountable.”
RELATED CONTENT: Diddy Trial Ramps Up As ‘Freak Of’ Videos Revealed In Court Amid Heated Juror Dismissal
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton
June 20, 2025
Detroit Man Faces Charges In Deadly 105 MPH Crash
Dwayne Proctor was allegedly driving at a speed of 105 miles per hour when he struck the car carrying the two women
A Detroit man, Dwayne Proctor, has been charged after allegedly running a red light and hitting a vehicle that had two women inside, killing one and leaving the other woman critically injured.
According to Click on Detroit, Proctor, who was also injured in the car accident, was allegedly driving at a speed of 105 miles per hour on Detroit’s west side when he struck the car carrying the two women. The woman who died was 68 years old, while the injured one is 44.
Surveillance footage from a local business captured the deadly accident.
Proctor suffered injuries in the crash, including multiple spinal fractures and a collapsed lung. There was reportedly a four-year-old child in the car when the incident took place, but the child did not have serious injuries. When police officers arrived on the scene, they stated that they smelled alcohol on Proctor. A toxicology report is forthcoming.
As he is still hospitalized, he was arraigned when he appeared virtually from the hospital. The judge denied giving Proctor a personal bond, and he is being held on a $500,000 cash bond as he is scheduled to appear in court on June 25.
The decision to deny Proctor a bond is based on his prior driving record, which includes several charges related to reckless driving.
“He has a drinking, either drinking or narcotics conviction, which resulted in an accident from 2018. Not only that, the allegations are that he was going well past the speed limit. This court does find Mr. Proctor to be a danger,” the judge said.
There were three charges just in 2025 alone. He has been charged in three separate incidents since February. The first one he was charged with was reckless driving. He was able to plead it down to drag racing. In April, he was charged with driving with a suspended license, and in May, Procor was charged with careless driving once more.
RELATED CONTENT: The Unspoken Divide: Morayo Afolabi-Brown Reveals Nigerian Parents’ U.S. Directives That Encourage Division With Black Americans
by Kandiss Edwards
June 20, 2025
T.I. And Tiny Harris Are Being Sued Over Their New Film ‘Situationships’
Cylia Senii initiated the suit claiming the Harrises' use of the title infringes upon her previously established web series of the same name.
Clifford “T.I.” Harris Jr. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, are facing a lawsuit for titling their new film Situationships.
Cylia Senii initiated the suit claiming the Harrises’ use of the title infringes upon her previously established web series of the same name and constitutes unfair competition. Senii had previously distributed her work to multiple streaming platforms, including YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Tubi, Baller Alert reported.
Senii’s lawsuit states that she produced her work, Situationships, from 2019 – 2024. Her legal team contends that the Harrises’ decision to use the same title for their project has caused confusion in the marketplace. Furthermore, it asserts the use of “Situationships” unjustly capitalized on the recognition Senii had already garnered for her work.
“Defendants are engaging in a common scheme and effort to take advantage of the public’s association of Featherstone’s ‘Situationships’ brand by marketing their own film and entitling it ‘Situationships,’” reads the complaint, filed by her Atlanta-based company, Featherstone Entertainment.
The legal complaint additionally points out that T.I. did not respond to a cease-and-desist notice sent in December. Furthermore, it states that one of his recent trademark applications received an initial denial because of the strong likelihood of it being mistaken for her existing brand
Senii claims that she had built a significant following and brand around her film before the Harrises’ production. The title is used in multiple Featherstone Entertainment properties, including the web series and a podcast of the same name. Senii is seeking damages and an injunction to prevent the Harrises from further using the Situationships title on the already released BET+ movie.
T.I. and Tiny Harris, notable figures in music and reality television, have yet to issue a public statement addressing the allegations. The married couple is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with MGA Entertainment over accusations of copying the likeness of the OMG Girlz group. Though the couple was recently awarded $71 million, MGA is seeking to overturn the judgment.
RELATED CONTENT: T.I., Tiny Harris’ $71M Judgment Against MGA Entertainment Is Being Challenged
by Jameelah Mullen
June 20, 2025
The Ghanaian Cedi, Once Africa’s Best-Performing Currency, Faces Setback; The U.S Dollar Is To Blame
Currently, the cedi ranks as the fourth-strongest currency in Africa.
In early June, the cedi, Ghana’s currency, was recognized as Africa’s best-performing currency.
But its reign was short-lived due to a sudden surge in demand for U.S. dollars, along with a sharp decline in the availability of physical U.S. dollars at local banks.
In the past week, several financial institutions in Accra and other major cities have reported a shortage of physical dollars. Bank officials have either turned away customers attempting to withdraw dollars for travel and business transactions or have informed them to wait indefinitely. This shortage has created a gap between official and parallel market rates, further weakening confidence in foreign exchange stability.
“There simply isn’t enough dollar liquidity in the system right now,” a bank official told Business Insider Africa. “We’re telling clients to wait until next week when we expect some fresh inflows from correspondent banks and central bank interventions.”
Cedirates, an online currency monitoring platform, reported an increase in dollar rates this week as banks and foreign exchange facilities struggled to meet customer demands.
Ghana’s inflation rate fell to a three-year low in May, reaching 18.4% compared to 21.2% in April. Experts attribute this decline to a stronger currency and lower import costs. However, the recent dollar shortage threatens that progress. Experts warn that if the physical dollar shortage persists, it could fuel inflation and hinder Ghana’s economic recovery. Nonetheless, according to Cedirates, Ghana is expected to receive a new supply of dollars next week, which could provide short-term relief.
The financial climate in the West African country may soon take a positive turn. In December 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $360 million disbursement to Ghana under its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program. This approval followed the successful completion of the country’s third performance review. Financial experts anticipate that the disbursement will stabilize the cedi and bolster the economy.
RELATED CONTENT: Elevating Your Excellence: The Unyielding Vision Of Pastor Jamal Bryant In The Fight For Economic And Civic Justice
by Jameelah Mullen
June 20, 2025
Trump Administration To Cut Suicide Prevention Hotline For LGBTQ+ Youth
Trump's latest DEI rollback threatens a life-saving initiative.
The Trump administration will shut down the national LGBTQ+ youth suicide lifeline next month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced this week.
After July 17, the agency “will no longer silo LGB+ youth services, also known as the ‘Press 3 option,’ to focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option.” The agency noticeably left the “T” from the acronym, which represents transgender people.
The Press 3 option launched as a pilot program in 2022 in partnership with the Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ people. Those in crisis could dial 988, and they had the option to “press 3” to connect with counselors trained to assist people up to age 25. SAMHSA notes that affected youths can still receive help, but they will now receive it through the general hotline number.
The program, initially signed by President Donald Trump during his first term, acknowledges the disproportionately high suicide rates among LGBTQ individuals under the age of 25.
Previously the sole provider of youth-centered services, the Trevor Project is now one of seven centers in the LGBTQ+ Youth Subnetwork.
Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black condemned the decision, emphasizing that suicide prevention should not be politicized.
“The administration’s decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible. The fact that this news comes to us halfway through Pride Month is callous—as is the administration’s choice to remove the ‘T’ from the acronym ‘LGBTQ+’ in their announcement. Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased,” Black said in a statement.
Black emphasized that despite the Trump administration’s decision, The Trevor Project will still offer support to LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
“The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors are here for you 24/7, just as we always have been, to help you navigate anything you might be feeling right now,” Black said.
Additionally, Black encourages citizens to help reverse what he calls a ‘fatal decision’ by making a donation and signing a petition that will urge Congress to continue supporting the Trevor Project.
RELATED CONTENT: The Unspoken Divide: Morayo Afolabi-Brown Reveals Nigerian Parents’ U.S. Directives That Encourage Division With Black Americans
by Jeroslyn JoVonn
June 20, 2025
Free Digital Syllabus Shares New Orleans’ Black Educational History ‘To Reimagine Schooling’
A new digital syllabus explores Black education in New Orleans history in an effort to "reclaim" space.
There’s a new freely available digital syllabus on the market that shares the history of Black education in New Orleans in an effort to “learn from the past” and “reclaim” inclusive educational spaces of belonging.
BE NOLA, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Black-led educational efforts in New Orleans, recently released the 2025 edition of the Black Is Brilliant Digital Syllabus—a 43-page resource highlighting the city’s rich legacy of Black educational excellence and the transformative power of Black education.
Inspired by historian Robin D. G. Kelley’s concept of “freedom dreaming,” the syllabus honors the impact of Black educators and institutions in New Orleans while addressing today’s policy challenges that put progress at risk. Using five key themes: “Belonging,” “High Expectations with Love,” “Exposure (Culturally Relevant Learning),” “Legacy (Cultural Retention),” and “Rigorous Sight,” the syllabus highlights how the Black educational experience has shaped New Orleans’ past, present, and future.
“Black education in New Orleans has never been just a dream,” the syllabus reads. “It is a hard-won reality, built and rebuilt through centuries of strength, ingenuity, and intentionality.”
Photos throughout the syllabus highlight Black educators and Black students who see themselves reflected in the classroom. Quotes throughout the document underscore the importance of education, vision, and leadership. The syllabus stresses the relevance of visionary thinking amid today’s educational challenges, which it notes are “rooted in systemic racism.”
“Research shows that Black teachers, often the heart of these schools, help drive holistic student outcomes by providing culturally responsive education from an ethos of deep care,” the document states.
Much like historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have contributed greatly to social justice movements and producing Black leaders across industries, that same greatness extends beyond HBCUs to New Orleans historically Black K-12 schools, “which have fueled the city’s movements and protected cultural traditions,” the syllabus reads.
Yet despite data showing the success of Black educators leading Black schools, the document emphasizes that post-Katrina efforts have continued to under-support these institutions. By crafting the syllabus and making it available to everyone, BE NOLA hopes to advance Black education in New Orleans by promoting Black-led and Black-governed schools in the predominantly Black city.
RELATED CONTENT: Remains Of 19 Black Americans Used In Research Returned To New Orleans For Memorial Ceremony