U.S. Supreme Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson waves during a photo opportunity outside the U.S. Supreme Court following an investiture ceremony for Justice Jackson at the court in Washington, U.S., September 30, 2022. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Was Paid A Handsome Bag For ‘Lovely One’ Memoir
Justice Jackson disclosed her hefty $2M payment
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s financial disclosures reveal a $2.1 million pay bump.
June 16, as a part of the high court’s yearly reporting, Justice Jackson’s financials were released. Through the release of her memoir, “Lovely One,” the Supreme Court judge earned millions in additional income.Random House published Lovely One in September 2024. The publishing house paid Jackson a $2 million advance, according to the Associated Press.
As the first Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court, many are interested in Justice Jackson’s journey. Her path to the history-making achievement appropriately commanded a fitting price. Jackson is not the only Supreme Court justice who is supplementing their income by securing a book deal.
In 2024, Justice Neil Gorsuch released Overruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law. Additionally, to date, Justice Sotomayor has published seven works, many of which have been translated into English and Spanish.
During the release of her book, Justice Jackson spoke about the accomplishment. While touring to promote her album “LovelyOnes,” Jackson said with NPR about what inspires her. Her inspiration informs her steps to pen a memoir while simultaneously working as a Supreme Court Justice. This job places her comfortably in the upper-middle class, with a salary of over $300,000.
“I love the idea that in order to be successful, it takes hard work,” Jackson says. “You can’t always control whether you’re the smartest person in the room, for example, but you [can] commit to being the hardest worker.”
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson received a book advance of more than $2 million for her bestselling memoir, and other justices reported lucrative law school teaching positions in annual financial disclosure forms released on Tuesday. https://t.co/4QiuL6fUug
Justice Jackson’s transparency comes without scandal. However, not all Justices can say the same. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has been the subject of scrutiny over his past nondisclosures to the court. Thomas has been the recipient of lavish gifts throughout his 33-year tenure on the high court.
BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on Justice Thomas amending his disclosures to reflect real estate from top Republican donor Harlan Crow. The deal allowed Thomas’s family members to live on three of Harlow’s properties rent-free for an indefinite period.
Thomas was also given trips abroad, including transportation by private jet and free lodging from Crow.
Justice Thomas claimed the trips to the Adirondacks were taken on his time. Thus, he felt no need to disclose the information. As he has sat on the court for more than three decades, many are skeptical of his excuse. While members of Congress called for the Justice’s impeachment, he remains a member of the court.
Howard University Partners With Largest Campus Retailer To Upgrade Bookstore And Lower Textbook Costs At HBCU
The school expects to have a completely revamped bookstore by summer 2026.
Howard University is getting some major upgrades this school year. The HBCU has partnered with the largest campus retailer to revamp its bookstore while also lowering textbook costs for students.
Follett Higher Education will boost the student experience at Howard by providing these new services. Incorporated at over 1,000 schools, Follett has maintained itself as a driver of campus retail improvements. It aims to bring its talents to Howard and ensure its campus retail experience aligns with the university’s legacy.
Alongside a complete remodel, the upgrades will spotlight alumni and Black-owned businesses at the campus bookstore. According to CBS4, the newly envisioned store will also include authorized Apple products for students’ purchase through an expanded technology section.
“Howard University is proud to partner with Follett Higher Education to reimagine the campus retail experience,” said LaNiece Tyree, Howard University’s Office of Auxiliary Enterprises Assistant Vice President. “Follett’s commitment to honoring our legacy and culture through localized assortments, partnerships with Black-owned and alumni-owned brands, and a refreshed in-store experience aligns with our vision and values. We are excited to offer our students, alumni, and community a space that celebrates Bison pride while meeting their needs in a modern, dynamic environment.”
However, Follett will also offer its access program to help combat the rising cost of attending school. With Follett Access, students will receive automatic, digital-first access to required course materials on the first day of classes. Students obtain the materials through an optional course fee, but can receive them at low market prices. Print textbooks are still available, with Follett working with publishers to secure an affordable rate for students.
Given the ongoing concerns regarding college costs, Howard and Follett’s partnership aims to lessen these issues with this affordability program, while also improving the campus experience.
“Follett is known for creating impressive retail spaces brimming with campus pride, excitement, connection, and achievement — and that’s precisely what the Bison community will experience at the Howard University Bookstore,” said Follett’s Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Kolady. “We work hard to meet campus communities where they are, addressing their needs so they can focus on academic success. We’re honored to join forces with Howard to improve the campus retail operation with enhanced visual merchandising, more local and meaningful brand spotlights, and an elevated customer experience.”
The news also comes at a time when Howard has already upgraded its research status. The school currently hails as the only HBCU classified as a R1 research institution. With more Black scholars now able to research and pursue doctoral studies, having stronger access to course materials has become a priority.
The complete remodel of the campus bookstore is expected to be completed by summer 2026. However, Follett has already begun revitalizing its in-person and online retail operations. It will offer an expansion of apparel options and 24/7 access to campus materials, supporting students year-round.
Jermaine Dupri Drops The Trailer For Upcoming Docuseries, ‘Magic City: An American Fantasy’
The series is slated to debut in August on the STARZ network
STARZ recently announced the launch date of Jermaine Dupri‘s docuseries, Magic City: An American Fantasy, which debuts Aug. 15, and released the trailer for the anticipated series.
The five-part docuseries shows viewers the inside of the famed strip club in Atlanta with stories from some of the esteemed celebrities who frequent the establishment. The docuseries is being executive-produced by the legendary music producer and recording artist, along with Canadian superstar Drake and the club’s founder, Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney.
Some of the featured celebrities who appear in the series include Atlanta area natives like Quavo (Migos), Killer Mike, Big Boi (OutKast), and 2 Chainz, and regular visitors to the city, such as Nelly and Shaquille O’Neal. The club has been name-checked in many hip-hop songs as Magic City has been open for business for nearly 40 years.
According to VIBE, Dupri was joined by another executive producer of the show, Cole Brown, at this year’s American Black Film Festival. The two men discussed the docuseries and showed the trailer to the attendees on a panel moderated by sports journalist Jemel Hill.
The music producer spoke to VIBE at this year’s BET Awards, giving them a preview of what to expect when the doc debuts this summer.
“It started as a soundtrack, and then as I started making the records, I’m like yo, this really a Jermaine Dupri album with a whole bunch of artists that I’ve never worked with, and I also started saying I’m going to put artists from Atlanta on this… So, it’s me making records with artists I never worked with, that’s from the same city that I’m from. That’s exciting to me.”
The first single from the album was recently released, titled, “Turn Around,” featuring Atlanta’s own T.I., Young Dro, and 2 Chainz.
Viewers who are subscribed to the STARZ network can catch the docuseries weekly after the Aug. 15 premiere, every Friday on the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms.
Elevating Your Excellence: Tamika D. Mallory Is The Contemporary Voice Of The People
Her journey highlights the profound impact one person can have when driven by principle and purpose.
Tamika D. Mallory, a nationally recognized civil rights activist and seasoned community organizer, continues galvanizing justice movements. She recently published a deeply personal memoir that traces her evolution from a curious Bronx girl to an internationally revered advocate.
Mallory’s impact on American social reform is underscored by her pioneering work and an unwavering commitment to marginalized communities.
Born on June. 8, 1980, in The Bronx, New York, Mallory’s trajectory in activism began early, influenced by her parents, Stanley and Voncile Mallory, who were founding members of Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN), a prominent U.S. civil rights organization. Mallory formally joined NAN at age 11 and became a staff member by 15, ultimately becoming the youngest executive director in the organization’s history. She departed NAN in 2013 to pursue her independent activist endeavors.
Mallory gained widespread prominence as a national co-chair of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington, an event that mobilized an estimated 500,000 participants in the nation’s capital and millions more in sister marches worldwide, marking it as possibly the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. Though she and co-chairs Bob Bland and Linda Sarsour resigned from the Women’s March board in July 2019 amid internal disputes and accusations, her role in its foundational success remains undisputed.
Her powerful oration during the George Floyd protests in 2020, widely dubbed “the speech of a generation,” connected with millions globally and became the impetus for her bestselling book, STATE OF EMERGENCY: How We Win in the Country We Built.
The seminal address cemented her status as a crucial voice in the contemporary civil rights landscape.
Mallory’s advocacy extends to pivotal issues, including gun violence prevention and criminal justice reform. Following the tragic murder of her son’s father in 2001, she worked closely with the Obama administration on gun control legislation.
The activist also continues to honor the memory of Breonna Taylor. On what would have been her 32nd birthday, Mallory reaffirmed an unwavering commitment to securing justice for the slain woman.
Mallory’s heartfelt message sparked deep concern over the Trump administration’s Department of Justice stepping back from a pivotal consent decree, a measure designed to hold the Louisville Metro Police Department accountable.
With compelling eloquence, she implored that pressure remain steadfast on city leadership to honor their stated commitments, reiterating the solemn need to continually “say her name.”
This call to action stands as a profound testament to the ongoing, unwavering struggle for systemic rightness.
“Today, our beloved Breonna Taylor should be turning 32 years old. Help us wish Breonna a Happy Heavenly Birthday! Our fight for accountability will never end, and neither will her memory. As Trump’s Department of Justice ends the consent decree that would hold the Louisville Metro Police Department Accountable, we must continue to fight. We must hold the mayor and [the] city accountable to do what they said they would.
We MUST continue to say her name. Happy Birthday, BREONNA!!!!! We need something different,” she penned on Instagram on June 5.
In 2014, she played a pivotal role in establishing New York City’s $100 million Crisis Management System for gun violence prevention, serving on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s transition committee and as co-chair of Gun Violence Awareness Month.
In early 2025, Mallory released I Lived to Tell the Story: Love, Legacy, and Resilience, a poignant coming-of-age memoir that delves beyond public triumphs to offer a deeply personal reflection on her journey, encompassing experiences of love, loss, sexual assault, and motherhood. The book, lauded as “raw” and “heartfelt,” explores healing and perseverance after the smoke clears.”
As co-founder of Until Freedom, she continues to champion marginalized communities. She co-hosts the TMI Podcast (Tamika & Mysonne’s Information) on iHeart Radio’s Black Effect Network.
Mallory stands as an emblem of tenacity, a formidable force whose dedication to justice burns with an unyielding flame. Her committed and profound grasp of the intricate tapestry of American civil rights, coupled with an innate ability to articulate its challenges and triumphs, positions her as a singular voice in contemporary activism.
The Bronx native possesses a rare alchemy of intellectual rigor and visceral passion, transforming complex societal issues into compelling calls for action. Her work transcends the ephemeral nature of headlines, instead etching itself into the very fabric of progress through tireless groundwork and strategic foresight.
Mallory’s capacity to inspire extends beyond fodder; it manifests in the tangible changes she helps orchestrate, from pioneering gun violence prevention initiatives to shaping national dialogues on racial equity. She is a living testament to the transformative power of unwavering conviction, continuously demonstrating that authentic leadership is forged not just in moments of public acclaim but in the sustained and arduous pursuit of a more equitable world for all.
Her journey highlights the profound impact one person can have when driven by principle and purpose.
Pittsburgh recording artist Wiz Khalifa smokes 30 joints a day.
While appearing on the June 13 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel took the asked Wiz if he liked “to burn things, in general” Apparently, knowing what was next, he point-blank asked the rapper if the rumors of him smoking 30 joints a day were true. The lyricist responded right away.
Kimmel said that the number of joints he inhales every day works out to the rapper smoking “one and three-quarter joints an hour.”
“Yeah, that’s not bad at all,” he quipped.
Wiz explained that’s not the only thing he does.
“Yeah, yeah, yup. I have things to do. I work out—I got kids, so I do a lot of different things.”
“Somebody put it a really good way the other day,” Wiz said. “They said it’s like a mental exercise, like, you smoke, and then you just challenge yourself to do normal things throughout the day.”
When he started smoking, which was in his teens, it wasn’t just to smoke.
“It was just for music purposes, like, being in the studio and hanging around other musicians; it was just the thing to do…It kind of became something that, you know, later on in life helped me to get through a lot of things.”
The conversation was mostly about him smoking, a reputation warranted after his breakout single, “Black & Yellow,” made him a star.
Kimmel did get a chance to ask him about his belief that the world is flat, but, based on Wiz’s response, he wasn’t sure if he really believed it himself.
The rapper was on the show to promote his latest album, Kush + Orange Juice 2, as he prepares to perform with DaBaby and Sean Paul on his “Good Vibes Only Tour.”
‘Aunties’ Sculptures Collection Leaves Harlem Passersby In Awe
'Aunties' presents three large-scale figurative sculptures with intentional space in between each for the public to stand in the middle.
New York artist Fitgi Saint-Louis is honoring the powerful women of Harlem with three colorful figurative sculptures that make up a collection called “Aunties.”
Saint-Louis was in awe when her sculpture collection went live in Harlem after months of hard work. “Aunties,” which can be found at the intersection of 124th Street and Lenox Avenue, “is an ode to the collective of women, builders, leaders, caretakers, changemakers, and creatives who transform Harlem and beyond all while having impeccable style,” she said on Instagram.
The project, commissioned by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) as part of the Community Commissions initiative, is a partnership with the West Harlem Art Fund. The three large-scale figurative sculptures “reflect and honor the women who passionately nurture and embolden the Harlem community.”
The “Aunties” sculptures are placed with enough space in between each figurine for the public to stand with the artwork as a tribute to the collective contributions of aunties of the past, present, and future.
“Our mission is to bring exceptional public art to Harlem and the surrounding areas of NYC. By introducing modern art into urban environments, we aim to bring new perspectives and voices to a wide range of communities,” Savona Baily-McClain, executive director of the West Harlem Art Fund, said in a statement. “Additionally, we include narratives from many diasporas around the world.”
Citygoers have already embraced “Aunties” with open arms.
“They immediately caught my eye when I was walking from the train station yesterday,” one Instagram user commented under Saint-Louis’ post. A second observer stated, “I drove by it today and said this is the cutest art in the world!”
“Aunties” will be on display in Harlem through April 2026.
This Atlanta Teacher Is The City’s Second Inductee Into National Teachers Hall Of Fame
Dr. Valerie Camille Jones Ford has led the mathematics department at Atlanta's Ron Clark Academy for over 15 years.
An Atlanta teacher will be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, the second educator from the city to receive this recognition, this week.
Dr. Valerie Camille Jones Ford has been the head of the mathematics department at Atlanta’s Ron Clark Academy for more than 15 years. As a pioneer in “MathEsteem,” Jones Ford has changed students’ introduction to math and become a model classroom for math teachers nationwide.
“It is a tremendous honor to stand alongside so many extraordinary educators throughout America. This recognition is not only a profound professional privilege but a representation of the passion, sacrifice, and brilliance of teachers everywhere,” Jones Ford, a Spelman alumna, said in a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE. “I’m grateful for the colleagues who’ve inspired me, the students who’ve trusted me, and the opportunity to be part of a profession that changes lives every day.”
With over 25 years in education, Jones Ford has emerged as a curriculum developer and international speaker. She has taught across all levels of academia, holding advanced degrees in mathematics education from Georgia State University and Columbia University. She holds multiple certifications, including in educational leadership and instructional supervision.
Known for her atypical approach to teaching, Jones Ford implemented video games and creative input into her lessons. Also known as “DJ Math,” her viral educational rap , created with Old Navy and Pharrell Williams’ I AM OTHER, made her a household name in reimagining the classroom experience. She has also received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest award for U.S. teachers in STEM.
Her contributions to Ron Clark Academy have influenced its ground-breaking curriculum, shaping students in academic readiness. Her induction follows Kimberly Stewart Bearden, a 2016 inductee and RCA’s co-founder and executive director. She is also the sixth Black woman to enter the hall of fame, which has recognized only 165 educators since 1992.
Jones Ford will join four other educators in June 20’s induction ceremony.
How The Senate’s Plan For Massive Medicaid Cuts Will Hinder The African American Community
The Congressional Budget Office says changes to the program would result in the number of uninsured Americans increasing to 7.8 million by 2034.
The U.S Senate Finance Committee, led by Republicans, revealed the proposal for President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” including massive cuts to Medicaid and tax provisions, CNNreports.
The committee is one of several racing to get their versions released in an effort for the House and Senate to work out a final deal so it can reach Trump’s desk by July 4. With sudden cuts to Medicaid, this may be one of the most crucial votes to hit the Senate floor.
Provisions would impose a limit on the number of states to increase provider taxes on specific healthcare providers. With hospitals being in question, the percentage would drop to 3.5% by 2031 from the current 6% limit. But it would only apply to the 40 states and Washington, D.C., that expanded Medicaid to underprivileged adults in low-income communities.
For states that failed to expand the program, primarily GOP-led states, a cap would be placed on increasing the rate of their current provider taxes.
Conservatives argued that the states would use the taxes in hopes of receiving additional federal Medicaid funds. Minority members of the committee—all Democrats—feel the deal would hinder hospitals, especially those in rural areas and persons of color in underprivileged communities.
Medicaid cuts have been an ongoing battle, with communities of color facing major disadvantages.
According to data from the Economic Policy Institute, Black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to lean on Medicaid for health coverage. However, in 2023, people of the same demographic under the age of 65 had the lowest rate of uninsured individuals, at 9.7% and 17.9%. The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, made sure that Medicaid was expanded and helped the uninsured rate for Black and Hispanic people drop by more than 10% between 2010 and 2023.
Outside of Medicaid cuts, some new additions are not sitting well with recipients and members of Congress. The new bill implements work requirements in the program for the first time. Provisions would require parents with children aged 15 and older to work, volunteer, be enrolled in school, or participate in job training for a minimum of 80 hours per month to maintain their Medicaid benefits.
Advocates for disabled employees are concerned that such provisions will limit employment opportunities, putting the disabled at risk of losing their benefits. While conservative lawmakers argue that the new rule will crack down on fraud, according to CBS News, even those who have exemptions under the law could risk a loss due to increased or more stringent paperwork mandates.
Outside of work requirements, the Congressional Budget Office said changes to the program could lead to more people losing their coverage, resulting in an increase in the number of uninsured Americans to 7.8 million by 2034.
The singer-songwriter, who is on tour, says the diagnosis has provided clarity on her life challenges.
R&B singer Chrisette Michele says her life and its challenges finally make sense now that she has learned of her autism diagnosis.
The Grammy-winning recording artist took a moment to share news of her diagnosis with fans on Instagram during an appearance in Atlanta.
“I just learned I’m autistic,” she captioned a photo where she posed stageside. “Official diagnosis. They used the word ‘severely’. I’ve been quiet on here. But… I’ve been outside. Singing. … but learning to strip the mask. One show at a time.”
“Autistic,” she wrote. “Would you get a load of that…” At 42 years old, Michele said she’s “coming to grips with a lot” and giving herself “room to take it all in.”
In response to a commenter who questioned if “fear” would’ve allowed Michele to “fly” if she’d learned of her diagnosis earlier in life,” the singer stated: “Self-awareness is my superpower. It teaches me what to pray for, what to work on, and how to work on it. It comes a little at a time as science and treatment develops. God knows all…but for those of us who pray in English and in tongues…It’s always good to be able to address the ‘issue’ and grow from it. A diagnosis just helps me understand HOW God made me and how better to utilize what He created.”
Michele has always interacted heavily with her fans on social media and supporters rallied under the June 15 post with love and comfort for the “If I Have My Way” singer.
While some Instagram users connected with the singer by sharing their own stories about autism, others criticized her announcement. Throughout her 15-year career, Michele has publicly dealt with divorce, cancel culture, and stigmas linked with adult ADHD and bipolar type 2, according to her YouTube channel.
In 2017, she was criticized for her appearance at Donald Trump’s first inauguration. Despite facing life’s challenges in the public eye, Michele told BLACK ENTERPRISE in 2015, that she handles criticism and stays grounded through constant prayer and meditation.
Kyrie Irving Discusses Mental Health, Advises Others To Pursue Help, Check In On Others
'Check in on your loved ones. Check on their mental health. Check on their spiritual health. Check in on them.'
During a recent livestream, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving admitted to struggling with his mental health.
Discussing one’s mental health has been, particularly for Black men, a good thing that’s been trending lately. With people like Irving talking about it openly, it’s no longer considered taboo.
“I’m at my house watching the Finals going on. I’m recovering from my ACL injury. I could be bogged down. I could be depressed in a way where I don’t want to share this with you guys. But this is the raw, unfiltered, uncut stuff that you guys are going to get because you deserve it,” Irving said.
After admitting that he’s allowed others to spin the narrative, he said that, at times, he has permitted people to get in his head and has taken the wrong advice. They violated his spiritual boundaries, which led to a spiral of emotions for him.
He advised people not to go at it alone and to check in on others.
“Please, please, don’t stay quiet. Please don’t go on your shell. I just wanted to take this time to let you know that I care. Anybody in the chat, please, please reach out to your loved ones. Check-in on your loved ones. Check on their mental health. Check on their spiritual health. Check in on them.”
Kyrie Irving on Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month:
“I’m watching the Finals, recovering from my ACL injury—I could be bogged down or depressed. But I’m sharing this unfiltered because you deserve it. I let people spin narratives, get into my head, violate my spiritual… pic.twitter.com/mYlhkI3mLE
