by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 27, 2025

Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 992 ‘Aged Well’ Sneaker Culminates The Black Designer Being Amplified With The Shoe Brand

Joe Freshgoods is celebrating his five-year anniversary with New Balance with the 992 “Aged Well” and a documentary release.

Joe Freshgoods is marking five years and counting with New Balance through his latest release, the 992 “Aged Well,” a tribute to his creative partnership with the esteemed athletic apparel brand that continues to champion his design talent and infectious passion.

After debuting on the Joe Freshgoods website, the Chicago creative’s New Balance 992 “Aged Well” is gearing up for a wider release on Feb. 28 through newbalance.com and select retailers, Sneaker News reports. The new sneaker release marks Joe’s fifth anniversary with New Balance, a milestone after he nearly faced the closure of his now widely beloved and celebrated brand.

A documentary coming in June 2025 shares Joe’s success story, from his start as a local streetwear brand in his native Chicago to securing the New Balance partnership in 2020 when he was uncertain about how to sustain his business.

”It explores how the partnership impacted global sneaker culture and the transparency behind the growth,” Joe shared in an Instagram announcement, “which, to me, was more important than just making this about sneakers. This is real life.”

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A post shared by Joefreshgoods (@joefreshgoods)

A trailer for the documentary offers a glimpse into Joe’s journey, showcasing his humble approach to success and his impact on the Boston-based athletic apparel brand founded in 1906. Since joining New Balance, Joe Robinson (better known as Joe Freshgoods) has seamlessly infused his signature designs—celebrating the luxury of streetwear style and culture—into the brand’s collections, merging storytelling with contemporary fashion.

Five years later, with 20 sneaker releases and counting, Joe Freshgoods’ latest New Balance collaboration is a love letter for his creative journey with the Boston-based brand.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m not supposed to be here. But then, I’m here, and I’m like, ‘Oh sh*t, I’m good at what I do,” he says in the video.

The design of the 992 “Aged Well” draws inspiration from Joe Freshgoods’ first collaboration with New Balance—the 2020 release of the New Balance 992 “No Emotions Are Emotions,” also known as “Anatomy Of A Heart.” It was an instant hit and celebrated during NBA All-Star Weekend and now fetches resale prices around $3,000.

While the reasons behind New Balance’s resurgence may vary, many consider Joe’s first 992 release as the catalyst that revitalized the brand. The sneakers feature pink and red suede silhouettes set against an olive-green mesh base and accented with saddle brown leather on the tongue and back tab.

Four sets of laces are included, and the box is adorned with unique details reflecting the “Aged Well” theme. Additionally, Joe Freshgoods designed a “Championship Dreams” varsity leather jacket to commemorate his five years of success as a fashion designer.

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A post shared by Joefreshgoods (@joefreshgoods)

“I wanted this jacket to capture the essence of the last five years—every project has been a milestone, another chapter closed, another dream realized,” Joe captioned an Instagram post. “Over time, I’ve had the privilege of telling culturally important stories, and this jacket reflects that journey project by project.”

by Kandiss Edwards

February 27, 2025

A$AP Rocky Is Going Back To Court, A$AP Relli Moves Forward With Civil Suit

A$AP Rocky is not through with legal battles against former friend A$AP Relli.

Rakim “A$AP Rocky” Mayers is heading back to court after his criminal acquittal. The rapper’s longtime friend, Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, is moving forward with a civil lawsuit for assault and battery.

Rolling Stone reported the trial is scheduled to begin January 12, 2026. After losing the criminal case against Rocky, Relli’s legal team still maintains there is enough evidence to proceed.

The standard of proof is more lenient in a civil suit. Relli’s attorney, Mellisa Mikail, is confident in the case’s viability.

“The standard in a criminal case is much higher than the preponderance of the evidence standard in a civil matter,” Mikail said. “We still believe that our claims have merit, and we intend on fully litigating them.”

However, attorneys for Rocky argue the acquittal on criminal charges reflects a lack of sufficient evidence. The defense team stated that a jury has already found the evidence lacking and that a new jury will likely dismiss the testimony as meritless.

A week after A$AP Rocky was found not guilty of firing a semiautomatic pistol at a former friend, the rapper’s accuser made clear he’s still moving ahead with his civil lawsuit over the same incident.

More: https://t.co/REIvvUNldk pic.twitter.com/nlADdBndWg
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) February 26, 2025

After the criminal acquittal, James Sargent spoke about the jury’s decision and Rocky’s intent to see the trial through without settling with the plaintiff.

“Mr. Ephron testified in the criminal case as to the facts and circumstances. The jury’s acquittal speaks volumes about how they valued that testimonial evidence,” Sargent told the judge.

Rocky’s legal team also advised Relli to reconsider his decision to continue with the civil case.

“We look forward to full vindication. The plaintiff can take a sober assessment of the outcome of the criminal case and change course,” Sargent told Rolling Stone.

The civil case will hopefully be the final chapter in the saga for the father of Rihanna’s children. Rocky’s criminal case was a lengthy process. The case stemmed from an incident on Nov. 6, 2021. Relli accused the Praise The Lord rapper of firing a weapon in his direction, causing “minor injury,” according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

by Mitti Hicks

February 27, 2025

REPORT: Maryland And Texas Have The Most Diverse Cities In 2025

Both states account for the top five most diverse cities, according to WalletHub.

A new report from WalletHub, the personal finance app and website, shows that Maryland and Texas are home to the most diverse cities in the United States. The two states contributed the top five most diverse cities.

WalletHub compared 501 of the most populated cities to determine the most diverse cities in America. Each state was limited to 10 cities each. Analysts compared data across five key dimensions, including socioeconomic diversity, cultural diversity, economic diversity, household diversity, and religious diversity.

“It’s important to embrace diversity–and it’s good for the economy, too. Not only have waves of immigration changed the face of the nation, they’ve also brought in fresh perspectives, skills and technologies to help the U.S. develop a strong adaptability to change,” Adam McCann, WalletHub’s financial writer, wrote.

According to the study, the top 10 diverse cities in the U.S. are:

Gaithersburg, MD
Silver Spring, MD
Germantown, MD
Arlington, TX
Houston, TX
New York, NY
Charlotte, NC
Jersey City, NJ
Danbury, CT
Los Angeles, CA

Source: WalletHub

While it didn’t make the top 10 list, Gresham, Oregon, has the highest income diversity. Less than 20 miles east of Portland, Gresham’s income diversity is nearly 18% higher than the average cities on the list.

Meanwhile, in Maryland, two of its cities rank highest in educational attainment diversity, and racial and ethnic diversity. Silver Spring has the highest educational attainment diversity, 48% higher than the average of all cities. Germantown has the highest racial and ethnic diversity, 117% higher than the average of all cities.

“The most diverse cities demonstrate diversity in many dimensions—not just in race and gender but also everything from residents’ languages and birthplaces to their job types and household sizes,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst. “These cities blend together a multitude of different perspectives, helping people to better understand the world around them and become more empathetic. This exchange of ideas also tends to increase the economic success of diverse cities.”

Read the full report here.

Kyrie Irving, Texas, HBCU, Paul Quinn College

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 27, 2025

Kyrie Irving Makes Emotional Visit To View Statues Of Kobe, Gianna Bryant

'It meant everything to me. I needed that before the game.'

When the Dallas Mavericks played the Lakers in Los Angeles on Feb. 25, Kyrie visited the statues of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, who both died in a helicopter crash in 2020.

According to The Dallas Morning News, Irving viewed the statues outside the Crypto.com Arena, a visit he had avoided since they were unveiled on Aug. 2, 2024.

Kyrie Irving visits the Kobe and Gigi Bryant statue at https://t.co/4XyF1JduvH arena before tonight’s Mavericks vs. Lakers @kcalnews @SportsCentralLA pic.twitter.com/NhPTmkVJPP

— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) February 25, 2025

“It meant everything to me. I needed that before the game,” Irving said. “I don’t know if anybody in here has dealt with that avoiding feeling. Avoiding things that you know are gonna kinda be painful or hurt you, and it’s gonna be best for you at the same time. That was one of those things. I hadn’t been to the statue just because I was all in my head, all in my emotions the last few times we’ve come here. And you know, obviously, I paid my respects to his family as well and always try to, Vanessa and the kids. At the same time, sitting in front of that statue just felt different.”

Irving’s love and admiration for Kobe Bryant are still evident. He wears an armband on his left arm, just like Kobe did during the first half of his playing career. During pre-game warmups, the Mavericks point guard also wore a red rubber band with “Gigi Bryant” inscribed with a white heart.

During the game, Irving imitated one of Kobe’s most recognized moves on the court: pumping his fist several times after making a three-point shot.

“I’m a little troll, man, at times,” Irving said. “I definitely was giving that Kobe fist a few times. Kobe held it a little longer, and he would grit his teeth, but for me, I was like, ‘Yes, I got lucky in this building.’ So it felt good, man.”

The NBA legend, his daughter, and seven others died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020.

Master P, super bow, New Orleans, entertainment ambassador

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 27, 2025

‘Make ‘Em Say, Uhhh!’: Rap Legend Master P Tapped As President Of Basketball Operations At University Of New Orleans

Percy Miller, better known as Master P, will be the new president of Basketball Operations for the University of New Orleans.

On Feb. 26, the university announced that the “No Limit” soldier had been hired to lead the team’s operations.

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A post shared by Master P (@masterp)

Master P shared what the new post meant to him. “At that time, UNO was one of the best programs in the country. It was all about Privateer Nation, and there was so much excitement on the Lakefront, Master P said in a written statement. As President of Basketball Operations, I am committed to bringing back that winning tradition to NOLA’s Team. But this is bigger than the game—it’s about educating and creating future leaders at the same time. I’m here to make sure that these young student-athletes have the opportunities, resources and mentorship to succeed on and off the court. UNO is our culture, our community, our city, our team and our family. It’s time to bring the love and passion back to New Orleans basketball.”

Master P’s basketball history has been well-documented over the years, although he is known more for being an astute businessman and recording artist. He played his collegiate career for the basketball teams at both the University of Houston and Merritt College in Oakland, California. However, even as he started his label, No Limit Records, he had playing stints in the CBA (Continental Basketball Association), which predated the current NBA G League as a developmental league for NBA teams (The CBA folded in 2009).

The “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” rapper played for the Fort Wayne Fury, the San Diego Stingrays, and the Las Vegas Rattlers in the CBA. Although he never made it to the regular season in the NBA, he was on the rosters of the Charlotte Hornets and the Toronto Raptors during preseason. He also participated in the NBA Summer League, playing with the Dallas Mavericks, the Denver Nuggets, and the Sacramento Kings.

“This is a tremendously exciting day for the future of New Orleans Privateers basketball,” said head men’s basketball coach Stacy Hollowell. “I am thrilled to add coach Percy Miller to our staff as President of Basketball Operations. Coach Miller cares deeply about his city, the University of New Orleans and Privateers basketball. We will benefit from his basketball knowledge and relationships with people within the city and the game.”

Janice Smalls Combs, Diddy's, lawsuit, Kirk Burrowes

by Kandiss Edwards

February 27, 2025

Former Bad Boy Co-Founder Sues Diddy’s Mom, Claiming He Was Forced To Give Up His Share Of Label

Janice Smalls Combs is accused of directing Diddy in assault and coercion scheme.

Janice Smalls Combs, mother of Sean “Diddy” Combs, is being sued by the co-founder of Bad Boy Entertainment.

Kirk Burrowes alleges that he was coerced into signing over his rights to the company in 1996. The former president of the company claims he was threatened with a baseball bat during an incident at Bad Boy Entertainment’s New York office, which occurred in the presence of attorney Kenneth Meiselas.

Subsequently, Burrowes relinquished his 25% ownership and 15% annual share in the company, which was transferred to Smalls Combs.

“By words and actions, Sean Combs and Kenneth Meiselas frightened, intimidated, and assaulted plaintiff (Burrowes), forcing him to turn over his share certificate for 25 shares of Bad Boy Entertainment to Sean Combs,” the filing states.

The former CEO claims that losing control of the company, which he co-founded in 1992, led to financial ruin and homelessness. Legal documents indicate Burrowes has lived in multiple homeless shelters over the years and is unable to support himself due to the actions of Diddy and Smalls Combs.

Though Smalls Combs was not present during the altercation, Burrowes believes both Diddy and Meiselas assaulted him on her orders.

Burrowes also alleges professional sabotage by the Combs, which hindered his prospects in entertainment.

“They blacklisted him from the music industry, blocked business opportunities, and destroyed his professional reputation, ensuring he would remain financially destitute and unable to reclaim what was rightfully his,” the documents state.

https://twitter.com/DocumentTingz/status/1894978668772106425

Smalls Combs is one of the defendants in the case, which also includes 10 John/Jane Does and ABC Corporation.

Burrowes asserts that Diddy has “engaged in a decades-long scheme of intimidation, violence, fraudulent misrepresentation, and financial concealment.”

The filing also details the continued denial of Burrowes’s initial $100,000 investment and contribution to the company, which paints a bleak picture for the 55-year-old former CEO.

Burrowes is suing to regain his stolen 25% share in the company and any lost wages due to the coercion.

Ashley M. Fox Talks Glowing Up In Finances At The 19th Annual Women Of Power Summit

by Kandiss Edwards

February 27, 2025

Ashley M. Fox Talks Glowing Up In Finances At The 19th Annual Women Of Power Summit

Ashley M. Fox brings her financial expertise to the 19th Annual Women of Power Summit.

HBCU alum and CEO Ashley M. Fox will share insights on financial success at the BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit, which will be held from March 5 to 9 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Fox will be a featured speaker for the “Your Money Glow-Up” session. A graduate of Howard University’s School of Business, she built her financial expertise working for JPMorgan and other Wall Street institutions before leaving the private sector in 2013.

While on Wall Street, Fox managed millions of dollars in investments, earning a six-figure salary by age 25. However, despite her financial success, she realized her spending habits exceeded her income, leading to financial struggles.

Opting to share her knowledge, Fox began promoting financial awareness as a contributor for BE and Forbes. As a BE contributor, she attended the 12th Annual Women of Power Summit, where she shared valuable financial insights.

Some of her key pieces of advice are: Pay yourself first, set clear financial goals, allocate money to achieve them, and, most importantly, invest.

Determined to turn her situation around, Fox used her financial knowledge to rebuild her wealth. Her journey led to the creation of Empify in late 2017, a company dedicated to fostering financial literacy and generational wealth.

Through Empify, Fox provides courses on investing in stocks and real estate, offering Black investors the tools to build lasting wealth through the stock market.

Fox’s motto is simple: “It’s not what you make, but how you spend it.”

Fox has discovered the key to financial stability through trial, error, and expertise. There are two ways to tap into the CEO’s knowledge base: the first is to sign up for Empify’s services, and the second is to attend the 19th Annual BE Women of Power Summit.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 27, 2025

NPR’s Chief Diversity Officer To Retire After 46 Years In Journalism, Amid ‘Attacks’ On DEI

Keith Woods insists that the choice to leave is his alone.

NPR Chief Diversity Officer Keith Woods is retiring after nearly 50 years in journalism and advocating for DEI initiatives.

Woods, 66, announced his retirement in a statement released by the news organization on Feb 26. The journalist, who spent 15 years with NPR, said he had been thinking of retiring since 2023 but put it off after his Tampa, Florida, home was destroyed in Hurricane Helene last year.

“After more than four decades in journalism, I’m happy to finally be able to say the words, ‘I’m retiring,’” Woods said. “Though the attacks on the work of diversity, equity and inclusion have taken some of the joy out of this moment.”

Woods’ retirement, effective May 2, comes when the federal government and some companies are retreating from their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As publicly funded outlets like NPR and PBS rely on federal support, President Donald Trump’s directive to eliminate all “equity-related” grants and contracts has put them in a difficult position—forcing them to either dismantle DEI teams or comply with new restrictions barring federally funded organizations from promoting DEI initiatives.

Although a federal judge has temporarily blocked Trump’s orders, he and Elon Musk continue to push for the complete elimination of federal funding for NPR, PBS, and public broadcasting.

However, NPR receives about 1% of its funding directly from federal sources annually. PBS, according to a spokesperson, relies on federal funding for 16% of its budget.

Earlier this month, PBS closed its DEI office and fired two staff members, stating it remains committed to representing all Americans’ stories. Citing its reliance on federal funding, PBS explained that its legal team determined the decision was necessary to comply with Trump’s executive order.

“NPR remains committed to supporting a diverse workforce, a welcoming workplace, journalism that serves an audience that is representative of the American public,” NPR Chief Executive Katherine Maher wrote in a memo. l

While speaking with staff following his retirement announcement, Woods assured them that the timing of his departure had nothing to do with the current political climate.

“I might be doing virtual cartwheels right now, but for the context of my announcement,” Woods said, citing “a withering assault on the values of diversity, equity, inclusion; corporate capitulation all around us; and the treatment of diversity, equity and inclusion as a virus whose carriers must be eradicated. It makes this look like something it is not.”

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 27, 2025

Gee’s Bend Quilters, Adidas Celebrate Black History And Excellence In Athletics

Black women quilters paid homage to HBCUs, thanks to Adidas.

Adidas has released a limited-edition NCAA basketball jersey collection inspired by the Quilters of Gee’s Bend.

The collection features colorful, intricate patchwork artistry created by descendants of enslaved women living in Gee’s Bend, a small rural community on the Alabama River.

The athletic brand also commissioned the quilters to make five 7-foot x 7-foot quilts for its HBCU partners: Alabama State, Alcorn State, Grambling State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and Prairie View A&M. The women created the quilts using repurposed school apparel.

On Feb. 22, Adidas sponsored the HBCU Legacy Bowl, where athletes wore custom-made jerseys inspired by the Quilts of Gee’s Bend.

As part of the HBE initiative, Adidas featured a short film on its Instagram page that tells the story of the Alabama-based quilters, The film was produced by Black-owned multimedia company Paper Monday.

In addition, HBE donated a community grant to Sew Gee’s Bend Heritage Builders, the Quilters’ non-profit organization, to ensure that it continues its mission of cultural preservation and community building.

The Quilters of Gee’s Bend took to Instagram to express their gratitude for this multi-layered collaboration.

“Thanks, Adidas, for Everything, this Gee’s Bend Collaboration is so exciting We had a great time in New York and really loved it when your team came to Gee’s Bend. Can’t wait for the next phase.”

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A post shared by Gee’s Bend Quilters (@geesbendquiltmakers)

The Quilts of Gee’s Bee have been featured in notable galleries across America, including the High Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian. In 2006, the U.S. Postal Service launched a series of commemorative postal stamps depicting the historical quilts.

Other honorees of Adidas’s Honoring Black Excellence initiative this year include Sekou Thornell, founder and creative director of Kitboys Club, a soccer-focused athleisure brand; and Jaycina Almond, founder of the Tender Foundation, a support group for marginalized single mothers in metro Atlanta.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 27, 2025

Young Thug Heading To Belgium For 1st Post-Incarceration Performance

The Atlanta artist will headline at the Les Ardentes music festival.

Atlanta recording artist Young Thug is prepping for his first post-incarceration show when he headlines a Belgium music festival in July.

The music festival Les Ardentes, which is taking place from July 3 to July 6, announced that the YSL artist will headline the third day on Saturday, July 5. The organizers stated that this was Thug’s first appearance there in eight years. Tickets are currently on sale.

“HISTORY. YOUNG THUG IS BACK TO HEADLINE LES ARDENTES !

5TH JULY AT LES ARDENTES. TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEDNESDAY !!🎫”

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A post shared by Les Ardentes (@lesardentes)

Thug is embroiled in a lawsuit filed by AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group) after the company accused him of defaulting on a loan given to his recording label in 2017. The company also accused Thug of excluding them from a $16 million sale of his catalog, which they were entitled to share in the profits because the copyrighted music sold was supposed to be collateral for the loan given to his recording label, YSL.

AEG claims that Young Thug violated an agreement by selling over 400 compositions.

YSL was given a loan of $5.25 million in exchange for exclusive global rights to promote live shows that Thug would have performed. The label was expected to repay the loan, including interest, while sharing concert revenue involving third-party promoters. AEG also claims that Young Thug and YSL defaulted on the loan and misrepresented their finances to fulfill the agreed-upon repayment promises.

The company claims that the “Hot” rapper made over $16 million in 2021 when he sold his stake in several hundred songs, leaving them out of the profits once the ownership of the copyrights shifted hands. They stated that Young Thug breached the contract when he informed the buyers of the songs and claimed the works were free of legal entanglements.

AEG is pursuing the $5.25 million and any connected earnings that may have been raised from selling the songs to the company that purchased the compositions from the artist.