by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 24, 2025

Damon Dash Accused Of Defying Court Orders In Josh Webber Lawsuit

The latest ruling threatens to add a bigger financial burden on the ex-Roc-A-Fella Records owner.

Damon Dash was handed a default judgment on Tuesday, Feb. 18, after the Roc-A-Fella co-founder violated various court orders in his ongoing lawsuit with filmmaker Josh Webber.

Judge John F. Walter said Dash failed to follow basic courtroom procedures, including not filing key legal documents, dodging a court-ordered mediation, and ignoring deadlines.

Walter gave Webber and his legal team until March 3 to submit the proof of damages caused by Dash’s behaviors. In the original lawsuit, Webber won a judgment of $805,000, which includes interest and attorney fees. That award will be higher depending on what the legal team comes back with next month.

The legal drama stems from a years-long fight over the movie, Dear Frank, which Dash initially worked on but was later removed from due to allegations of unprofessional behavior on set.

Dash continued to promote the film as his own, even trying to sell it under the title The List, AllHipHop reported.

This comes two months after author Edwyna Brooks, who won a judgment against Dash in 2020, went back to court to collect a judgment Dash owes her from a failed countersuit he filed.

In her latest suit, according to the New York Post, Dash has been hiding his money to avoid paying her. Brooks initially won a $300,000 copyright infringement case against Dash after she said that Dash marketed and sold a film project based on one of her characters, a female crime boss from a book series she wrote, Mafietta.

He countersued and lost. With the non-payment of the judgment, Brooks claims Dash owes her close to $100,000 with interest.

Brooks’ attorney, Chris Brown, who is also handling Webber’s case, alleges that Dash and his company, Poppington LLC, tried to hide his assets by moving them to a company not named in the suit.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 24, 2025

Plaxico Burress’ Super Bowl XLII Ring Sells For Record-Breaking $280K

The Giants wide receiver played a crucial role in the historic win.

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress’s Super Bowl ring was sold for a record $280,600 during a Feb. 9 auction.

According to Sports Illustrated, the hero of the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII win over a heavily favored (and undefeated) New England Patriots team had put up his ring to be auctioned through Heritage Auctions in Dallas.

The winning bid surpassed the previous high: $230,000 for Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl XXV ring. Taylor also played for the New York Giants.

BREAKING: Plaxico Burress’ Giants Super Bowl ring has just sold for $280,600 at @HeritageAuction.

It is the highest ever paid for a Super Bowl player ring, beating out Lawrence Taylor’s Giants ring from Super Bowl XXV ($230K). pic.twitter.com/VZeFb8pVJt

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 23, 2025

Heritage Auctions placed the item on the auction block and listed the ring with a certification letter from Burress confirming that it is the original ring given to him after the Super Bowl victory in 2008.

The letter was dated 11/16/2024 and signed by the former football player.

“I received this actual ring as a member of the New York Giants who won Super Bowl XLII held February 3, 2008, against the New England Patriots in Phoenix, AZ,” the letter read. “I further certify this ring is the one and only ring and that no duplicate copies were produced.”

The ring was described as having a monochromatic design made entirely from white gold and genuine diamonds. There were three Lombardi Trophies, which showcased each Super Bowl victory for the Giants with the team’s “NY” logo and the words “World Champions” in raised text. The Super Bowl XLII logo was displayed on the ring as well as the score of the game, “NYG 17, NE 14.”

In that game, Giants quarterback Eli Manning threw a 13-yard pass to Burress with less than a minute left in the game, completing a come-from-behind victory for the team.

A$AP Rocky, CDFA, Fashion Icon, Ray Bans

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 24, 2025

Hip-Hop Fashionista A$AP Rocky Becomes Ray-Ban’s First Creative Director

'I’m excited to be part of the strong heritage and develop the next chapter for an iconic brand like Ray-Ban.'

After being found not guilty in a recent trial, A$AP Rocky has just been named Ray-Ban’s first creative director.

EssilorLuxottica reveals that the hip-hop fashionista will lead the direction for the Ray-Ban brand going forward. The first collection under the direction of A$AP Rocky will be the ‘Blacked Out Collection,’ which will debut in April 2025.

“Introducing fashion innovator and entrepreneur @asaprocky as the first Creative Director for @rayban. Known for his trendsetting influence in both the music and fashion industries, Rocky will bring his distinctive vision to #RayBanStudios, guiding creative projects and shaping the future of the brand’s image & design. ⁣
⁣
#WeAreEssilorLuxottica”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EssilorLuxottica (@essilorluxottica)

Included in Rocky’s duties, he will be directing advertising and promotional campaigns and redesigning Ray-Ban stores while incorporating music, fashion, and the arts.

In a written statement to The Hollywood Reporter, the recording artist said, “I’ve always admired Ray-Ban’s ability to stay true to its roots while constantly evolving. I’m excited to be part of the strong heritage and develop the next chapter for an iconic brand like Ray-Ban.”

Rocky will soon release his fourth studio album, ‘Don’t Be Dumb.’ The brand is looking forward to Rocky’s new creative journey for Ray-Ban Studios, the platform launched in 2016 to celebrate music’s power and courageous artists’ stories.

“For nearly 80 years, the brand has been on the faces of the most iconic musicians, artists, actors, and heroes — shaping and re-shaping the status quo, leading cultural revolutions of all the times,” said Del Vecchio. “Today, we welcome A$AP Rocky into our family; he’s a visionary artist and creator. His ability to push the boundaries of the diverse worlds he explores aligns with the Ray-Ban DNA. We reinforce the brand’s values of innovation, pioneering spirit, and courage.”

A Los Angeles jury found A$AP Rocky not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Rocky beat the charges after his former friend, A$AP Relli, alleged that he shot at him during a heated discussion on Nov. 6, 2021. Rocky’s attorney argued that Rocky did fire the shots, but it was from a prop gun. A$AP Mob member A$AP Twelvyy testified to that point.

by Daniel Johnson

February 24, 2025

Lester Holt To Exit NBC Nightly News But Will Continue On Dateline

As he wrote in his memo, Holt will continue to anchor NBC Nightly News until 'the start of summer,' but the network has not yet named a successor

On Feb. 24, Lester Holt, who has been the managing editor and anchor of NBC’s flagship “NBC Nightly News” program for the past 10 years, announced that he is stepping down from that role but will continue his work on “Dateline.”

According to NBC News, Holt wrote a note to staffers on both shows outlining his reasoning for exiting NBC’s nightly news program.

“A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News, and Dateline, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history,” Holt wrote in the note. “As a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. What an amazing ride.”

Holt was named the program’s anchor in June 2015 after he ran the weekend editions of the broadcast for eight years, co-anchored “Weekend TODAY” for 12 years, and served as the principal anchor of “Dateline” since September 2011.

According to The New York Times, the 65-year-old Holt took over the show after NBC was rocked by a scandal involving Brian Williams, the show’s anchor before Holt, Williams was placed on leave and moved to MSNBC after he embellished a story about a helicopter attack in Iraq.

Holt, as his memo noted, kept journalistic integrity as the bedrock of the shows he worked on.

According to a note Janelle Rodriguez, the executive vice president of programming at NBC News, wrote to her staff, Holt is the heart of the news organization’s programming and a guiding light.

“Because of Lester’s steady and thoughtful leadership, Nightly News has sustained its perch as a trusted and top news destination for millions of viewers across America. He has led the network during some of the country’s most fraught and challenging times in the past decade, most notably during the early days of the pandemic when Lester’s voice was a source of comfort each night for so many. He’s taken viewers to the frontlines of every major story and sat down with world leaders, skillfully eliciting answers on consequential issues. Quite simply, Lester is the beating heart of this news organization.”

Rodriguez continued, “He’s earned deep respect and reverence from our newsroom, industry colleagues, and, most importantly, viewers. What’s equally remarkable is how Lester has masterfully filled this esteemed role with extraordinary grace and humility. He’s proven time and time again why he stands among the great legends of broadcast news.”

As he wrote in his memo, Holt will continue to anchor “NBC Nightly News” until “the start of summer,” but the network has not yet named a successor.

According to Variety, whoever fills Holt’s shoes will have a tall task. Holt’s departure, alongside Joy Reid’s ouster at MSNBC and the exits of Chuck Todd, Hoda Kotb, and Norah O’Donnell at their networks, all point to a news media in flux, partly due to market trends, a president who has signaled his hostility and willingness to sue over reports critical of his actions, and more.

Daniel D’Addario writes, “Many things in the TV business are cyclical, but the slow decline in relevance of TV news suddenly feels a lot less slow and a lot more vertiginous. It’s easy to see why its stars want off the ride, but hard to know where that leaves the rest of us, in the audience at home and in an electorate increasingly divorced from fact.”

Elon musk, NAACP, supercomputer, memphis

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 24, 2025

Social Media Clowns Elon Musk For Threatening Federal Employees To ‘Document’ Work Or ‘Lose Your Job’

A number of Republican and Democratic leaders expressed security concerns over Musk's demand.

Social media users took the opportunity to mock Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leader Elon Musk for threatening federal employees to email him with daily tasks or risk losing their jobs, NPR reports.

Musk and President Donald Trump have already dismissed close to 20,000 government workers since taking office.

“Consistent with President @realDonaldTrump’s instructions, all federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week,” Musk highlighted on his X app. “Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.”

Consistent with President @realDonaldTrump’s instructions, all federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week.

Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 22, 2025

The emails were sent by officials at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), asking workers to give “approx. 5 bullets of what you accomplished last week and cc your manager,” without classified information and a deadline of Monday 11:59 p.m. ET.

Social media users had some fun with Musk’s ask. Once the email address was made public, users wanted to show the tech billionaire what they had been up to during the day. “Here’s what I did last week,” @schwarz wrote.

“Got blitzed on ketamine, ignored my children, tweeted 1,782 times, wore weird sunglasses inside, got humiliated by astronauts…”

He continued saying he felt he should be fired for it.

You really can just email Elon Musk at hr@opm.gov pic.twitter.com/67ynbglkZX
— ☀️ Jon Schwarz ☀️ (@schwarz) February 23, 2025

Another X user, @taradublinrocks, took things up a notch, using the email to Musk as a way to highlight the Nazi-like hand movements he made during events.

Her five accomplishments were “making sure everybody knows that you’re an unelected immigrant Nazi bureaucrat, calling Republicans and asking them to speak out against you because nobody f****** elected you, posting about you being a Nazi across all of my socials, appeared on three podcasts to talk about you being a Nazi,” she wrote.

“I cleaned my cats’ litter boxes, which reminded me that you’re a humongous piece of s***.”

https://twitter.com/taradublinrocks/status/1893698316623343627

While departments like Health and Human Services, led by newly confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., demanded his employees comply, acting general counsel Sean Keveney told his team to do the opposite, according to the Associated Press, citing security concerns.

“I’ll be candid with you. Having put in over 70 hours of work last week advancing the Administration’s priorities, I was personally insulted to receive the below email,” Keveney said in an email response. “I have received no assurances that there are appropriate protections in place to safeguard responses to this email.”

Even high-level Trump allies like Kash Patel, the most recently confirmed cabinet member as FBI director, instructed his employees to ignore Musk’s request.

Obama-Appointed Judge, Trump Administration , Medicaid Data, Undocumented Immigrants, ICE

by Daniel Johnson

February 24, 2025

State Republicans Look To Punish Officials Resisting Immigration Crackdown

The lawmakers are looking to establish punitive measures for mayors, council members, or other government officials who defy bans.

Republican lawmakers in more than 20 states are looking to punish local officials who defy the Trump administration’s directives on immigration by threatening lawsuits, fines, or jail time, as they target sanctuary policies that allow for noncooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

According to The Associated Press, the legislators are looking to establish punitive measures for mayors, council members, or other government officials who defy bans in some of those states on sanctuary policies.

As Georgia state Sen. Blake Tillery told the AP, the goal of the push from the MAGA-aligned Republicans is to give “teeth to those who are being aggrieved by local governments and local officials who are not abiding by Georgia immigration law.”

A bill he proposed in his home state, which allows lawsuits against those who create sanctuary policies, is now in the Georgia House of Representatives after clearing the Senate.

However, some opponents of Tillery’s bill, like Democratic Sen. Nikki Merritt, argued that the bill could also negatively impact the work of Georgia police officers and lead them to violate pre-existing federal limits on how long they can detain immigrants.

A 2024 law enacted in Georgia requires local law enforcement to cooperate with federal authorities to identify and detain illegal people or lose funding, and the new law proposed by Tillery is effectively doubling down on that existing statute allowing citizens to sue local governments, officials, and even employees for violating the ban.

“This all relates to Donald Trump’s war on immigrants and local people trying to garner favor with him through legislation that doesn’t solve any problems,” Charles Kuck, an Atlanta-based immigration attorney, told the AP.

According to Vox, Trump administration’s flurry of activity relating to immigrants has left the Democratic Party divided on how to adequately respond.

The party is largely divided into three camps: those who want to back some of Trump’s tough-on-immigration proposals, like the Laken Riley Act; those who see their constituents favoring a number of his positions but themselves haven’t decided how they’re going to vote, and progressives who are resisting the Trump administration at every turn regarding immigration.

“If you start talking about deporting the DREAMers in this country who have gone through our schools, graduated from our universities, and now can contribute back to this society, if you’re talking about deporting them, that’s going to be an issue,” Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-TX) said. “There’s going to be opposition if you talk about deporting children, or going into churches and schools and hospitals, and harassing our kids. But if you want to bring back the bill the Republicans and Democrats were prepared to sign last year, I think you will find support there.”

by Ahsan Washington

February 24, 2025

These Hip-Hop Artists Faced Charges And Beat The Case

These rappers overcame legal challenges and proved their innocence in the court of law.

The hip-hop community is celebrating A$AP Rocky’s acquittal for multiple felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm in the alleged shooting of his childhood homie A$AP Rellie. Legal victories aren’t exactly a dime a dozen when it comes to Black individuals, especially navigating a justice system that has historically been stacked against them–and when mass incarceration is taken into consideration. However, there are moments when Black rappers have defied the odds. Here’s a look at six rappers who overcame legal challenges and proved their innocence in court. From high-stakes trials to career-defining moments, some of these artists not only secured not-guilty verdicts but also used their experiences in their music.

2 Live Crew

2 Live Crew, the legendary R-rated rap group from Miami, consisted of Uncle Luke, Mr. Mixx, Fresh Kid Ice, and Brother Marquis. The crew, known for their influential music, faced legal battles over their early albums. It’s been almost 35 years since the group faced obscenity charges in federal court for their album As Nasty As They Wanna Be. In 1992, an appeals court ruled the album was protected by the First Amendment.

2pac

Tupac Shakur (Photo by Steve Granitz Archive/WireImage)

Tupac Shakur often highlighted issues like police violence, racism, and poverty in his music. On Oct. 30, 1993, the rapper allegedly shot two police officers allegedly attacking a Black man in Atlanta. Shakur was charged with two counts of aggravated assault but maintained his innocence. The case was dismissed on Dec. 1, 1993, after an investigation revealed the officers were intoxicated and carrying a stolen weapon from the Henry County Police evidence locker.

Gucci Mane

Gucci Mane rose to fame with his first Billboard hit, “So Icy,” featuring Jeezy. Just a month later, he turned himself into authorities after being charged with murder in connection to a fatal shooting that took place in his home. The case gained widespread attention, with Gucci Mane maintaining that he acted in self-defense. After a year-long legal battle, he was found not guilty in 2006, as evidence supported his claim of self-defense, allowing him to continue his music career.

Diddy

The verdict of Diddy’s current indictments hangs in the balance as the music mogul and founder of Bad Boy Records awaits trial to address numerous charges, including sex trafficking and assault. However, in December 1999, he was arrested alongside Jennifer Lopez and rapper Shyne following a NYC nightclub shooting. After a highly publicized trial, a jury deliberated for 22 hours before Diddy was found not guilty on March 16, 2001. Shyne, however, was convicted and sentenced to prison, while P. Diddy continued to expand his influence in the music and business industries.

Snoop Dogg

(Photo: Anna Kurth/AFP via Getty Images)

Long Beach, California, rapper Snoop Dogg first gained recognition in 1992 when he appeared on Dr. Dre’s song Deep Cover. Just a year into his rising career, he was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection to a fatal shooting. He enlisted renowned attorney Johnnie Cochran for his defense, and in 1993, both he and his bodyguard were acquitted of all charges. The high-profile trial served as inspiration for Snoop Dogg’s hit song Murder Was the Case, which reflected his legal battle.

Boosie Badazz

Boosie Badazz was incarcerated for a probation violation in 2009, but his legal troubles escalated in 2010 when he was indicted for first-degree murder and faced the possibility of the death penalty. A jury found him not guilty on May 11, 2012, clearing him of the charges. Boosie remained in prison on separate drug-related charges before being released in March 2014, resuming his music career and addressing his legal battles in his lyrics.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 24, 2025

Big Money! Milwaukee Bucks Minority Owner Junior Bridgeman Becomes The Latest Addition To The Billionaire Club

Way to go, Mr. Bridgeman!

Ulysses Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player and minority owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, is adding billionaire status to his impressive resume.

The 71-year-old mogul, who purchased a 10% stake in the NBA team in September 2024, is estimated to be worth an estimated $1.4 billion. Highlighted on Forbes’s “America’s Richest People 2024” list, Bridgeman is included in an elite group of Black billionaires in the sports industry, including Los Angeles Lakers legends Magic Johnson and LeBron James.

Bridgeman retired from the Bucks in 1987 after playing for 10 seasons and used his time to invest in the fast-food space. His portfolio shows he acquired more than 450 fast-food franchises, including Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, and Chili’s locations. Then, in 2016, he acquired a Coca-Cola bottling company. He gives some credit for his success to former team owner Jim Fitzgerald, who he said taught him how to play in the game of business. “And I have given him credit a number of times for helping me understand business and really get to be where I am with a lot of comments and breakfast conversations and things over the years,” Bridgeman said.

He hopes to be able to do the same to those coming up in the NBA, as retirement isn’t too far away for some. “There are a lot of smart basketball people. But I’d like to, if I could, at some point in time, be able to help the guys in life and in the business world,” he continued.

During his NBA career, Bridgeman spent some time on the West Coast playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 13.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

Outside of the NBA and the food and beverage space, the former sixth man’s portfolio also includes iconic Black publications like Ebony, which he purchased for $14 million in 2020 when the magazine was on the brink of bankruptcy, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal. Bridgeman Sports and Media succeeded in its bid for the publication’s assets. At the time of purchase, the former University of Louisville Cardinal basketball star said he believed he could bring the magazine back to life with “the right ideas and the right execution.”

James paid his respects to Bridgeman for thinking beyond the rim regarding success outside the league. James, who owns the media group The SpringHill Company, highlighted the former player for thinking about what life would look like for him when his time on the court is done. “He didn’t waste his time just thinking about the game of basketball,” the four-time NBA champion said.

Fellow legend Isaiah Thomas called Bridgeman “legendary.” “He’s the real success story. A pioneer and a great businessman,” Thomas said.

by Janee Bolden

February 24, 2025

Over 10,000 Rally On Emergency Zoom Call To Support Joy Reid After MSNBC Cancels ‘The ReidOut’

As the final episode of 'The ReidOut' approaches, supporters are urged to tune in and call MSNBC.

In a powerful show of solidarity, more than 10,000 people joined an emergency Zoom call on the evening of Feb. 23 to stand with Joy Reid after it was announced her show, The ReidOut, had been canceled.

The call was hosted by Win With Black Women and Win With Black Men.

Activists Jotaka Eaddy and Khalil Thompson led the discussion, which featured guest appearances by Reid herself, alongside influential voices like Angela Rye. Notable attendees included Don Lemon and Jacque Reid, underscoring the magnitude of the moment.

The call has also received over 55,000 views on YouTube.

Reid, a veteran journalist and political commentator, was the first Black woman to anchor a primetime cable news show on MSNBC. Since its debut in July 2020, The ReidOut has been a vital platform for addressing critical political and social issues, amplifying Black perspectives, and holding power to account.

With an ability to blend sharp analysis with cultural awareness, Reid tackled voter suppression, racial justice, and the erosion of democracy while providing a space for underrepresented voices. She was also a leading voice in coverage of Gaza, the wrongful detainment of Brittney Griner in Russia, and other crucial international affairs that directly impacted marginalized communities.

The cancellation of The ReidOut, slated to air its final episode Feb. 24, has sparked conversations about the state of media representation. Supporters on the call emphasized the importance of showing up for the last broadcast to demonstrate the audience’s appreciation and continued demand for diverse storytelling in primetime. Attendees also discussed mobilizing to ensure that Black journalists and thought leaders maintain a presence in mainstream media.

According to CNN, MSNBC’s new president, Rebecca Kutler, is implementing a slate of programming changes, including replacing The ReidOut with co-hosts from The Weekend—Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. A source told CNN that Kutler is expected to announce additional programming changes to multiple MSNBC shows.

While MSNBC has yet to detail why Reid’s show was axed, the move follows a pattern of shifts in media that have disproportionately impacted Black news anchors. Reid and The ReidOut won two NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 22.

During the call, Reid paid homage to Melissa Harris-Perry for paving the way for her at MSNBC and allowing her to pay it forward with Tiffany Cross. The discussion also highlighted the importance of continuing to uplift Black women in journalism, ensuring their voices remain prominent in national discourse.

The call included a strong call to action to follow Reid on social media and to use the hashtag #WeNeedJoy. Participants were also urged to call MSNBC at (212) 664-4444 to object to the cancellation of The ReidOut.

A second hashtag #TVOff, was also introduced, along with instructions to change the channel following the show’s final episode in order to create a greater impact to ratings.

The rallying cry remains clear: Black voices matter, and their presence in media is non-negotiable.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 24, 2025

Howard University Officially Becomes Only HBCU With Research One Carnegie Classification

The R1 classification will afford new grant opportunities and faculty to the HBCU.

Howard University is now the only HBCU with a Research One Carnegie Classification. According to Diverse Education, fewer than 150 universities have reached this status, with the HBCU achieving it this month.

To become a Research One institution, schools must allocate at least $50 million toward research and development as well as award 70 research doctorates. The Washington, D.C.-based school surpassed these requirements in 2023

“In Fiscal Year 2023, the most recent evaluation year in the classification cycle, the university’s productivity was significantly higher than the R1 base criteria, recording just under $85 million in research expenditures and awarding 96 doctorates in an array of fields,” said Dr. Bruce A. Jones, Howard’s senior vice president for research. “This includes the highest number of doctorates awarded to Black students at any college or university in America.”

With this classification, Howard enters a new era of competitive academics for interested scholars. The status will also help the HBCU with a wider range of research offerings, as well as establish more grant opportunities to fund these efforts.

Howard President Dr. Ben Vinson III noted how the university’s vast research portfolio fulfills the HBCU’s mission to use knowledge and strategy to combat societal issues. Howard boasts one of only 15 U.S. Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Centers (UARC), which focuses on tactical autonomy, human-machine teaming, and artificial intelligence, in the nation.

“Howard University’s achievement of R1 status demonstrates our research capacity and reaffirms our deep commitment to tackling society’s most pressing questions through cutting-edge scholarship and technological innovation,” Vinson said. “As a leader in the evolution of next-generation HBCUs, we are dedicated to ensuring that the benefits of discovery and progress reach all communities, including those historically overlooked and underrepresented.”

The school also hosts the nation’s first Center for Sickle Cell Disease and is the only HBCU to provide a cancer center for treatment and training in oncology. Furthermore, Howard’s renowned Moorland-Spingarn Research Center has sustained itself as the largest repository of materials on the global Black experience.