Rudy Giuliani, Bankruptcy, Ruby Freeman, Shay Moss

by Stacy Jackson

February 25, 2025

Rudy Giuliani Pays $148M Judgement Owed To Former Georgia Poll Workers In Defamation Case

Along with the $148 million judgement, Giuliani has been prohibited from making any statements about the workers regarding the 2020 election.

A judge signed a satisfaction of judgment on Feb. 24 to officially confirm former New York attorney Rudy Giuliani has “fully satisfied” the $148 million judgment against him, filed as a part of a defamation lawsuit by mother and daughter Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, two Fulton County election workers the former Donald Trump lawyer falsely claimed helped steal the election from the politician in 2020.

WSBTV reported that court documents confirmed the debt was “fully satisfied” on Feb. 21. According to a January announcement, Giuliani said a settlement had been reached to pay Freeman and Moss, who sought all of his properties as part of the defamation judgment. “This resolution does not involve an admission of liability or wrongdoing by any of the Parties. I am satisfied with and have no grievances relating to the result we have reached. I have been able to retain my New York co-op and Florida Condominium and all of my personal belongings,” he said, which included three World Series rings, according to WSBTV.

BLACK ENTERPRISE previously mentioned that the former poll workers filed the defamation lawsuit against Giuliani after the lawyer falsely accused the mother-daughter duo of defrauding Trump out of winning the state while tallying up 2020 election ballots at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The pair testified before the House Committee in January 2022, BE reported. Freeman and Giuliani claimed they both received death threats due to Giuliani’s accusations which caused them to fear for their lives. Moss, who stated in 2023 that she was threatened to be thrown in jail with her mother, said she went into hiding due to the threats. Freeman, a small business owner, said the politician’s statements ruined her reputation and there was nowhere she felt safe.

In a July 2023 court filing, Giuliani conceded that he made false statements about the Georgia election workers. He has permanently been prohibited by the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. from making any statements that associate Freeman and Moss with any misconduct linked to the 2020 presidential election cycle. Terms of the settlement were not specified in the Feb. 21 document.

by Stacy Jackson

February 25, 2025

Judge Temporarily Shuts Down Trump’s Anti-DEI Orders For HBCUs’ ‘1890s National Scholars Program’

The USDA has reopened its 1890 National Scholarship Program for HBCU students and extended the application deadline through March 15.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) multimillion-dollar 1890 National Scholars program for HBCU students has been reinstated after a federal judge appointed by Joe Biden ruled President Donald Trump’s anti-DEI executive order as “arbitrary and discriminatory.”

The scholarship program, which distributed $19.2 million to 94 students last year, awards full tuition, room and board for HBCU students studying food, agriculture, natural resources, and other related sciences. The USDA’s website currently states that the “1890s National Scholars Program application period has been reopened,” which replaced a “suspended pending further review” message which AL.com reported appeared on the program’s page last week.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously mentioned, the program’s suspension was lifted on Feb. 24. The reinstatement comes after U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s order on his first day in office to terminate “equity-related grants or contracts.”

“First, the vagueness of the term ‘equity-related grants or contracts’ invites arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement,” wrote Judge Abelson. “Second, the term’s vagueness offers insufficient notice to current grantees about whether and how they can adapt their conduct to avoid termination of their grants or contracts.”

Alabama A&M (AAMU) is one of the 19 recipients of the 1890 Scholars program. According to one of the university’s administrators, 35 scholars “are in high workforce demand majors,” including food science, forestry, and “other major needs in agriculture.”

Rep. Terri Sewell stated on X that the scholarships “cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders and scholars.” Sewell warned that prohibiting them would eliminate student opportunities and harm the nation’s farming communities.

“The Trump Administration must reverse this decision immediately!” she said.

These scholarships exist to cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders and scholars. Suspending them will rip opportunities away from our students and hurt our nation’s farming communities in the long term.

The Trump Administration must reverse this decision… pic.twitter.com/4LvEt1D0Or
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) February 24, 2025

Other recipients of the USDA’s 1890 National Scholars Program include Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T State University, Southern University, Tuskegee University, and Virginia State University. Applications for students to request funding have reopened on the USDA’s website. The deadline has been extended from March 1 to March 15. Visit the program’s page for more information on study disciplines and eligibility criteria.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 25, 2025

Beyoncé Dazzles In Bejeweled Denim For New Levi’s Jeans Commercial

The commercial featured Beyoncé in a bedazzled denim set as she played pool against actor Timothy Olymphant.

Beyoncé is back in her Levi’s Jean for a new commercial with the American denim company. In this latest feature, the singer showed off her backside in a bedazzled two-piece denim suit.

The “Levii’s Jeans” singer continued her partnership with the brand in the commercial “Chapter 2: Pool Hall.” The advertisement featured Beyoncé in a bejeweled denim jacket and matching pants playing pool at a bar against actor Timothy Olyphant.

The clip shows Beyoncé seemingly winning the game in her country glam attire. Of course, the video also featured her hit song with Post Malone.

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“in my jeans,” captioned the star, using the “ii” depicted throughout her Cowboy Carter album tracklist.

The brand shared more details on its latest visual with the Grammy winner for its “Live in Levii’s” campaign. Levi’s referred to the star as a “denim cowboy” who dressed ready for a win.

“With her eye on the prize, our denim cowboy bets it all on the corner pocket,” expressed Levi’s on the website. “She’s the challenger he never saw coming, and her victory isn’t just won – it’s worn.”

Like its predecessor, the commercial reimagines classic Levi’s ads with the global superstar. Their partnership with Beyoncé came shortly after the singer released her highly acclaimed album. The project recently won Best Country Album and Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Proving what Levi’s CEO called “The Beyoncé effect,” the first ad featuring the artist resulted in a $5 million Media Impact Value (MIV), previously covered on BLACK ENTERPRISE. In this second installment, Levi’s hopes to keep growing with Beyoncé as its latest ambassador.

For fans wanting to emulate Beyoncé’s Levi’s look for her upcoming Cowboy Carter tour, the clothing company also has options inspired by her outfit. While the bedazzled version remains strictly for Queen Bey, the Beyhive can still shop similar pieces on Levi’s website.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 25, 2025

Jamaican Man Dresses Up As Homer Simpson To Claim Lottery Jackpot

The latest winner of the Super Lotto jackpot in the Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) game won J$258 million

A Jamaican businessman from Central Jamaica went to pick up his J$258 million lottery jackpot winnings by dressing in a Homer Simpson costume.

According to The Jamaican Observer, the man identified as D Williams is the latest winner of the Super Lotto jackpot in the Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) game. The drawing took place on Friday, Jan. 24, when he hit the jackpot by winning with the numbers 04, 10, 15, 22, 30, and the superball 08.

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A post shared by Jamaica Observer (@jamaicaobserver)

Williams told the media outlet that he saw the winning numbers in a dream.

“I’ve been playing these same numbers since I dreamed them. I wasn’t always buying Super Lotto, but since I had the dream, I have been buying those numbers. I had a feeling they would win one day, so even when I buy them, and they don’t play, I keep buying them.”

The media outlet attended the event, announcing Williams as the latest winner. Danielle Douglas, VP of Lotteries and Transactions at SVL, told the Jamaican Observer that they were excited for their newest millionaire.

“We are very excited to welcome our newest member to the super millionaire club. We are heartened to learn that Mr. Williams plans to use the money to expand his business which means he will be using his winning to positively impact not only himself or his immediate family but his community and the Jamaica economy through direct and indirect employment.”

Williams said that he will be investing in real estate and expanding his current business with the lottery winnings.

“This is a lot of money, and I want to be smart about it,” Williams said. “You can’t really go wrong with investing in real estate and I had wanted to expand my business for some time, and now I have the money to do it.”

Haiti, france, reparation, Haitians, Haitian Heritage Month

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 25, 2025

White Man Who Ran Haitian Orphanage Convicted Of Sexually Abusing Young Boys

Six Haitian men testified against Michael Karl Geilenfeld.

Michael Karl Geilenfeld, 73, of Colorado was convicted of sexually abusing young Haitian boys in the orphanage he opened in the 1980s, CBS News reports.

Earlier this month, a federal jury in Miami listened to the testimonies of six Haitian men who lived at the St. Joseph’s Home For Boys between 2005 and 2010 and said they were sexually abused by Geilenfeld.

Geilenfeld was convicted of one count of traveling in foreign commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and six counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place.

Geilenfeld faces up to 30 years in prison for each charge. He will be sentenced on May 5.

In 2013, Paul Kendrick pushed accusations of sexual abuse against Geilenfeld after he and North Carolina nonprofit Hearts of Haiti, which reportedly raised money for his orphanage, filed a defamation lawsuit against Kendrick.

The two connected in 2003 after Kendrick became an activist following a visit to Haiti and met a director of a school for homeless youths, Douglas Perlit, who was convicted in 2010 of sexually abusing youth in that school.

Geilenfeld failed to receive any money from the initial suit against Kendrick and the defamation claims were dismissed.

“Geilenfeld really brought it on himself by filing the civil suit,” Kendrick said. “The government became more interested. I think the prosecutors were able to assemble a credible case that put this guy in jail.”

Federal prosecutors opened the testimonies with a young man who spoke about his experience living at St. Joseph’s when he was 12.

According to the Miami Herald, the young man testified that Geilenfeld brought him into his bedroom to help him learn a prayer. Once inside, Geilenfeld sat the boy in a chair and kissed him on the mouth, fondled his genitals, and attempted to perform anal sex.

“His pants were down, and his penis was rubbing against my behind,” testified the 28-year-old man, who pushed away from Geilenfeld and “ran outside.” He said Geilenfeld later told him “not to tell anybody else about this.”

Geilenfeld operated several orphanages in Haiti until 2014 and opened another in the Dominican Republic. Kendrick claimed Geilenfeld guaranteed room and board for the Haitian boys in exchange for abuse.

“He ran a kingdom down there. It was just terrible,” Kendrick said. “Does this (conviction) make all the abuse go away for the victims? Of course not. But it does give these guys a sense of dignity.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 25, 2025

Livingstone College Gifted Another $10M from Same Anonymous Donor

The anonymous donor has given the North Carolina HBCU $23 million so far.

Livingstone College, located in Salisbury, North Carolina, has received a second $10 million donation from the same anonymous donor, the college’s president, Dr. Anthony Davis, revealed.

The money will aid in the HBCU’s “Miracle on Monroe Street” construction initiative. Currently, the project is in phase three, with new funding going toward upgrades to Goler Hall and Honors Halls.

“We are humbled that Livingstone received a philanthropic investment of this nature, which will enable us to provide environmentally sensitive residential spaces for our students,” Davis said, according to HBCU Gameday.

The anonymous benefactor’s first gift last summer was the single-largest donation ever made to the HBCU.

“This is an incredible moment for Livingstone College,” Davis said in July, according to WBTV. “Our anonymous donor has truly believed in our mission and the transformative power of education. This $10 million donation will ensure that we can complete phase one of our construction projects and move directly into phase two, all from a debt-free position.”

That news followed a whopping $3 million donation from the same donor that Davis revealed in January. As Livingstone lands funds from private investments, the school also had a 13% rise in students for this current year.

“We don’t receive philanthropy at this level because of a president who gets up and makes an eloquent speech,” Davis told his faculty and staff upon the January donation, also reported by HBCU Gameday “This happens because all of you have been committed to this miracle approach. It’s because of the work that you’re doing, and it’s making us the fastest-growing HBCU in North Carolina.”

Under Davis’ leadership, according to the outlet, Livingstone College is approaching $40 million in private gifts raised over the past two fiscal years.

model, stabbing, nyc, ice cream truck, Detroit,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 25, 2025

15-Year-Old Charged With Murder After Allegedly Killing Man Who Beat Mother

The teenager was arrested after he was accused of shooting 30-year-old Levonte Hyde to death

A Cincinnati teenager has been charged with murder after a 30-year-old man died from gunshot wounds after the boy allegedly exacted revenge, alleging that the victim previously beat his mother.

According to Fox 19 Now, police officers arrested and charged a 15-year-old boy after of shooting 30-year-old Levonte Hyde to death on Thursday, Feb. 20. The victim was found shot several times around 12:45 a.m. and was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with life-threatening injuries and died later that morning.

The Cincinnati Police Department announced that the 15-year-old was charged with murder for the alleged killing.

Fox 19 Now reported that an arrest warrant was issued Thursday for Hyde on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge after the boy’s mother told police officers that Hyde struck her in the face several times. The incident took place as they were driving to a store. An officer noted that she had visible injuries to her face and that police officials asked a judge at the Hamilton County Municipal Court to issue a temporary protection order requiring Hyde to stay away from the victim. In the police report, an officer wrote, “Hyde then began to hit (the) victim in the face several times with a closed fist while driving.”

After the teen was arrested, he appeared in Hamilton County Juvenile Court on Friday, Feb. 21. There, a prosecutor revealed that he fired 12 rounds at Hyde. The suspect will be held at the detention center or shelter care pending his next scheduled hearing, which is expected to be on March 3.

There is also a scheduled hearing to determine if the suspect’s case should be sent to an adult court for allegedly killing Hyde.

Hyde was no stranger to the police or the court system. Court records reveal that Hyde was charged with assault and criminal damage in July 2017. A woman told authorities that he bit her, leaving marks, and he damaged some items at a residence. He was convicted of the lesser charge in 2018 and sentenced to 90 days in jail with 33 days suspended while receiving credit for 57 days.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 25, 2025

Steph Curry’s UNDERRATED Golf Tour Swings Back To UK For Junior Golfers Showcase

The tournament will bring more international players to the junior golfing series.

The UNDERRATED Golf Tour, the series created by NBA star Steph Curry to empower junior golfers, will return to the greens of the United Kingdom for a second showdown.

The tour will showcase emerging golfers globally, allowing them to play the sport and expand the reach of golf for the next generation. According to Golf Business, the tour will raise the stakes for rising athletes to display their skills at historic venues. These courses include England’s Foxhills Country Club & Resort in May and Fairmont St. Andrews in Scotland in August.

Although Curry holds multiple NBA titles and MVP awards, the golf enthusiast has used his platform to grow another sport he loves. Furthermore, he wants young people of color across the world to take part in its future.

“I’m thrilled to see the UNDERRATED Golf European Tour return for its second year and to partner with United Airlines as our presenting sponsor,” said Curry. “The goal of this tour is to offer incredible opportunities to emerging golfers, allowing them to compete and develop their skills in some of the most historic and beautiful locations in the world. I’m excited to see the talent that will emerge from this tour and to continue to make golf a more inclusive and accessible sport.”

Curry is working to eliminate this gap in a sport traditionally reserved for white and wealthier participants. Fostering and uplifting inclusivity at its core, UNDERRATED began in the United States in 2023. Since its inception, it has hosted 16 tournaments, including the prestigious Curry Cup. With presenting sponsor United Airlines, Curry hopes this return to these storied golf courses will continue amplifying golf’s rising stars.

In step with the first tour, the boy and girl winners of these UK tournaments will travel to the U.S. to compete in the Curry Cup later this year. The competition will bring out the brightest junior golfers to compete for the now-international crown.

“The Curry Cup is the ultimate goal for many of these golfers, and I’m excited to see how they’ll perform on the global stage and then come together in the US for a final showdown,” added Curry. “This is about more than just winning—it’s about bringing fresh talent to the forefront, inspiring the next generation of golfers, and showcasing the diversity of the game. We want the UNDERRATED Golf European Tour to be a stepping stone for these young players to take their game to new heights.”

Curry has fellow sports stars as ambassadors to join the barrier-breaking movement. With European professional golfers like Henni Koyack and Gareth Bale aiding recruitment, Curry has taken junior golfing to international acclaim.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 25, 2025

Wu-Tang Clan Prepares To Enter The Final Chamber With Last Tour

Run the Jewels will join the 'Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber' when it begins on June 6 in Baltimore.

Legendary hip-hop group The Wu-Tang Clan has announced that is embarking on its final tour—for the children, of course.

According to The Associated Press, the Staten Island collective will start its farewell tour in Baltimore on June 6 at CFG Bank Areana and end it in Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center on July 18.

Killer Mike and El-P, known as Run the Jewels, will join the group on the “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber.”

Original members (besides Ol’ Dirty Bastard, who died in 2004), Method Man, RZA, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Cappadonna, and Masta Killa will participate in the North American tour.

“Wu-Tang Clan has shown the world many chambers throughout our career; this tour is called The Final Chamber. This is a special moment for me and all my Wu brothers to run around the globe together one more time and spread the Wu swag, music, and culture,” RZA said in a written statement.

“Most importantly to touch our fans and those who have supported us throughout the years. On this tour, we’re playing songs we’ve never played before to our audience and me and our production team have designed a Wu-Tang show unlike anything you’ve ever seen.”

The Wu-Tang Clan will hit the following stops: Raleigh, North Carolina; Tampa, Florida; Atlanta; Fort Worth, Texas; Houston; Austin, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Phoenix; Ontario, Canada; San Diego; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Sacramento, California; Seattle; Vancouver, Canada; Portland, Oregon; Greenwood Village, Colorado; Chicago; Detroit; Columbus, Ohio; Boston; Laval, Canada; Toronto; New York; and Newark, New Jersey.

Tickets are slated to go on sale Friday, Feb. 28.

Wu-Tang Clan was formed in 1992 and released its debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), in 1993.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 25, 2025

Nearly 20 HBCUs Impacted After USDA Temporarily Suspended 1890 National Scholars Program

The program aids HBCU students who major in agriculture and natural sciences.

Students across almost 20 HBCUs are feeling the impact of the U.S. Department of Agriculture temporarily suspending its 1890 National Scholars Program, which helps students from underserved communities pursue degrees in agriculture, science, and natural resources.

According to 8News, Virginia State University confirmed that 16 enrolled students have already received the comprehensive scholarship, which usually covers full tuition, room and board, and other fees.

“I was kind of getting excited because I [was] like, ‘Man, if I can get the scholarship, the rest of my expenses for the semester can be paid off,’” said VSU freshman Tobias Clark. “But I had applied, woke up the next morning and found out it had been suspended.

Fortunately, for applicants and current recipients, the USDA lifted the program’s suspension on Feb. 24. Nobody explained why the program was postponed, but many assume it stemmed from President Donald Trump’s executive order eliminating DEI efforts and initiatives.

Formed in 1992, the 1890 National Scholars Program is an agreement between the USDA and 19 HBCUs deemed “1890” universities.

On Feb. 19, the scholarship’s website revealed that the program was suspended “pending further review,” causing massive confusion and outrage. Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC) and Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL) publicly condemned the move, with the latter calling it “calculated and unacceptable.”

“We are still assessing the impact of the USDA’s decision to suspend the 1890 Scholars Program, which currently supports 16 VSU students in their academic and professional pursuits within the agriculture industry,” VSU said in a statement. “This program has been an invaluable resource for HBCU students, and its suspension could have significant effects. However, we remain committed to advocating for and supporting all our students as best we can.”

Clark noted how the scholarship provides opportunities for more diversity, specifically in the agricultural field. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Black people accounted for 1.4% of the country’s 3.4 million producers.

He added, “The more Black faces we get in any field—even outside of agriculture—is going to push more Black individuals to go into those fields and…it’ll just be good for the community as a whole.”