by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 19, 2025

New York State Senate Leader: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Should ‘Move Aside’

'We really are spending more time on the mayor in his plight. It's distracting, and we have a job to do.'

Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Westchester), New York state Senate Majority Leader, is urging New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign amid his corruption scandal.

“It’s probably time that he move aside,” she told the New York Post at a political conference over President’s Day weekend. “We really are spending more time on the mayor in his plight. It’s distracting, and we have a job to do. We’re in the middle of a budget.”

Adams has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks as his corruption case implodes. The U.S. Department of Justice has called for federal prosecutors in New York to drop the charges against the infamous city official so that Adams, who was elected as a Democrat, could fulfill the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.

While prosecutors resigned before dropping the case, they condemned Adams for the “quid pro quo” agreement to carry out this agenda. Despite this, Adams met with Trump’s ‘border czar’ Tom Homan, stating his intentions to bring ICE agents back to Rikers Island.

While the federal government takes measures to ensure Adams can stay in power, other several state senators have encouraged Adams to step down.

Adams pled not guilty to charges that he took over $123,0000 in bribes to open a Turkish consulate in Manhattan, which has led to several high-ranking members of his administration to step down.

“The mayor has been clear, he’s not stepping down, he’s stepping up,” Adams’ spokesperson, Fabien Levy, toldThe Post. “As he said yesterday, we must put this difficult episode behind us so that trust can be restored, New York can move forward, and we can continue delivering for the people of this city.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has the ability to remove Adams if she chooses. “I would certainly support the governor looking at her options seriously,” Stewart-Cousins said.

In the meantime, U.S. prosecutors in D.C. have begun steps to dismiss the charges against Adams.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 18, 2025

Kofi Siriboe Celebrates Launch Of Tola Nola, An Artist Retreat And Residency In New Orleans

Kofi Siriboe amplifies Black artists with the launch of TOLA in New Orleans.

Kofi Siriboe is expressing his love for the art world with the launch of his New Orleans-based artist retreat and residency TOLA in NOLA.

On Monday, the actor and model took to social media to unveil The Other LA (TOLA), a residency and retreat for young Black artists in New Orleans (NOLA). Siriboe described the initiative as a “labor of love” dedicated to supporting “young Black artists on their journey of ascension” and personally thanked the “destiny helpers” who assisted him with the endeavor.

To mark the launch, TOLA collaborated with Josiah Jones of Black in Every Color and Prosper Jones of Art Above the Law to present “The Migration,” an exhibition featuring 12 Black artists from New Orleans showcasing art in various mediums. Ahead of the NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, Siriboe will present several pieces at The Line Hotel during the third annual Black In Every Color, Art In Every Form showcase—an influential gathering of Black artists at Frieze LA.

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The three-day exhibition will include panels, performances, and immersive installations featuring JOJO ABOT, Lisane Basquiat, Patrisse Cullors, LÁOLÚ, Adrienne Muse, Autumn Breon, Langston Allston, Adrian Dunn, and more. The panel discussions include The Art of Impact and Influence, Innovation by Exhibition, Investing in the Future of Art, Destination Crenshaw, and more.

Siriboe also expressed his gratitude to Paramount and its Content For Change initiative for supporting his vision for TOLA and partnering to bring a timeless Langston Allston mural to the historic streets of Bayou Rd.

“This dream has been years in the making, yet it truly feels like just the beginning,” Siroboe shared.

Actress/producer/entrepreneur Issa Rae and fashion designer Ugo Mozie congratulated Siriboe on the launch.

“Wow. So proud of you, bro. I remember when it was just a vision. A dream brought to life,” Mozie wrote.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 18, 2025

Philadelphia Restaurant Chubby Chicks Facing Alleged Bias In Neighborhood

The landlord has been receiving complaints that may ring untrue in an effort to get rid of the restaurant

An owner of a Philadelphia restaurant that opened two months ago claims she has been bullied by her neighbors who may not feel her business belongs there. According to Fox 29, Shakiera Turner, the owner of Chubby Chicks in Center City, Pennsylvania, has spoken out about some of the things that have happened to her restaurant since she opened on Walnut Street, alleging that people in the area are the cause of the problems.

She says that in her short time at the location, she has discovered dead rodents left at the restaurant’s door, people complaining about the business to her landlord, and she has heard comments that Chubby Chicks business doesn’t belong in the “prestigious” neighborhood.

The restaurant claims to have a nice brunch crowd, and the troubles may be because it is a Black-owned spot.

“My life savings, my home, all of that is wrapped up into this business, so it’s not just, ‘O,h if I have to go,’ no, it would be devastating,” said Turner.

The restaurant hosts events like karaoke and special shows. Its menu features chicken and waffles, fish and fried grits, fried French toast, and other delicious choices.

“We do karaoke on the weekends on Saturdays and Sundays. It is so much fun. It is inclusive. You come here and be yourself, and that is what everything is about here,” Turner said.

Yet, despite the good things that can be found inside, the neighbors are making it bad on the outside.

“We are basically not too welcomed here. I thought that we would be, and I thought maybe this would be a good addition to the street.”

The landlord has been receiving complaints that may ring untrue to get rid of the restaurant.

“They are saying that we are playing unusual music and that we are playing riffraff coming out of here, and that is just not true,” Turner said. “We are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week, and they were saying that we are playing music until 2 a.m. We are not even here. Even going as far as saying that one of us was on the roof of their building at 2 a.m., just putting in false claims to my landlord, which really stirred up some issues.”

Despite the issues, she is getting some support, as someone made a social media post trying to combat the allegations coming from the neighborhood’s detractors.

Dr. Afia, who made the video, says she wants to help Turner out and give her the support she needs at this time.

“It’s unfortunate and it’s disheartening in the time we live in, so I just wanted to hold her close and show her that the community is here to support her.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 18, 2025

Captain America Comic Book Writer Explains ‘Resistance’ To The First Black Captain America Onscreen

Anthony Mackie is making his film debut as the first Black Captain America decades after Marvel's initial "resistance" to the change.

Anthony Mackie is officially making his film debut as the first Black Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World. The new Marvel film hit theaters on Valentine’s Day and opened with $100 million in the U.S. and $192 million globally.

The achievement is a significant milestone for Mark Waid, 62, who first introduced the concept of a Black Captain America in the 1998 comic book Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty. Reflecting on Sam Wilson’s initial donning of the Captain America mantle, Waid recalls encountering “a little bit of resistance” from Marvel when he first pitched the idea in the ’90s, NBC News reports.

“Not because anybody disbelieved the message,” Waid explained to TODAY.com. “Not because anybody at Marvel was on the wrong side of history here, but just because when you’re dealing with a corporate character like that, it’s going to go through many creators’ hands over his 80 years of existence.”

Captain America was originally introduced in March 1941 as a blonde-haired, blue-eyed white male with a chiseled jawline and muscular build, embodying the idealized image of America at the time. In the MCU, Chris Evans’ Captain America passed the mantle to Anthony Mackie’s Falcon in the 2019 film Avengers: Endgame.

Within Marvel, Waid remembers his story of Falcon taking on the role of Captain America, which was “very well received.” However, outside the company, he faced “a little bit of pushback” from fans and readers, some of whom questioned the decision, saying, “Well, this is not Captain America. I don’t know what you’re trying to say.”

“There’s been a lot more trolling, a lot more blowback,” Waid says of critics who have an issue with a Black Captain America. “A lot of organized fandom full of angry white guys who are not happy that they are being quote, unquote, eclipsed by people of color, which is bulls–t.”

Waid hopes that Captain America’s fight for inclusion “gets easier” since the fictional character was created to represent “the best part of all of us.”

“Captain America can be an Asian man. Captain America can be a woman. Captain America could be anyone who stands for the ideals that Captain America stands for,” Waid explains.

“As long as they’re an American at heart and fight for the American way … the way we wish truly was the dream as opposed to what racism and bigotry has sort of poisoned that well.”

Mackie agrees, noting that his Captain America leads with two important things: “Compassion and empathy.”

“I feel like today, we could all use a little compassion and empathy,” he adds.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 18, 2025

How Favoritism Plays A Role In Return-To-Office Mandates, Especially For High Performers

As companies introduce return-to-office mandates, who they are actually enforced to could spell trouble.

Favoritism in the workplace is taking on a new meaning as return-to-office policies hit many companies.

With a lesser emphasis on the dangers of COVID-19, big-name companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and JPMorgan Chase want their employees back in the building. However, not everyone has to reckon with such changes.

Given the viability of a remote or hybrid work schedule, top employees are leaving companies that have reinstated in-office policies that existed before the pandemic. To prevent this, high performers are getting preferential treatment. With such status, they can afford to skip out on the commute to the office.

“You can say it’s favoritism, you could say it’s preferential treatment. You could call it a host of different things, and they’re all probably right,” shared Dan Kaplan, senior client partner at Korn Ferry’s CHRO practice, to Fortune. “While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, employers are “creating more exceptions, which looks floppy. It looks like favoritism.”

While favoritism in the office is not a new concept, its visibility has grown with the rise of RTO policies. Top performers, higher-ranked employees, and executives can loosely follow the three—or even five-day office expectations, which other workers can notice.

“When you’re setting a new policy, you need to emphasize that it will be enforced. But also companies don’t want to have to fire everybody who violates the policy, especially if it’s a minor violation,” he says. “Top performers or more senior employees often get more leeway because they have more leverage. That’s not just about return to office, but in general in the workplace.”

Naturally, this preference in who can show up can cause discord within the work environment. While companies want to prioritize their best and senior workers’ feelings toward achieving more, the “inconsistent” policy enforcement jeopardizes company culture.

“If there’s a perception that you’re willing to play favorites, that can be really damaging for your culture,” Zhao said. “It’s important to have a clear set of standards because otherwise, you just open yourself up to a whole can of worms.”

Although companies’ leniency to higher-classified employees also bleeds into the perks of having more senior roles, given the popularity of remote work, they must contend with how this impacts all employees and their dedication to their responsibilities.

Atlanta Georgia, education, Super Bowl LXII, Atlanta Wine and Jazz Festival, Build-to-rent

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 18, 2025

Atlanta Inspector General Resigns Ahead Of Controversial Approval Of Oversight Bill

Manigault argued that the oversight bill would jeopardize the OIG's ability to investigate.

Atlanta’s Inspector General Shannon Manigault resigned hours before the city council voted to limit her powers.

Manigault swiftly left the position ahead of the vote on Feb. 17. In her resignation, she claimed that interference and intimidation from city officials led to the decision.

“I’ve come to the incredibly difficult decision to resign as Inspector General of the City of Atlanta,” Manigault said in the news conference as reported by Fox 5. “I have faced threats, bullying, intimidation, and harassment at the hands of people who have been the subjects of our investigations.”

The Atlanta City Council approved the oversight bill that would limit the Office of Inspector General’s subpoena power and access to city records. However, Manigault and her supporters did warn of the importance of the OIG remaining independent without a mayoral board.

Upon the news, the office of Andre Dickens released a statement thanking Manigault for her service.

“We thank the Inspector General for her service to the City of Atlanta,” the spokesperson said in an email. “We look forward to working with a new Inspector General and an independent board in the near future.”

However, the two were on opposing sides regarding implementing an oversight committee for the OIG. The office was established in 2020 following corruption scandals involving former Mayor Kasim Reed.

Manigault spoke publicly about her opposition to the proposal, stating that it could stifle their ability to combat corruption.

“However much the people of the city of Atlanta want us to be here and want us to do our job, city management has made it crystal clear. For them, a real, functioning, effective Office of the Inspector General is not welcome in Atlanta,” expressed Manigault previously.

Manigault stated, “It takes the additional step of creating a mayoral board. So right now, the board of the inspector general and the language in the charter says the board is there to ensure the independence of the office. That model is a great one and one that has been lauded by other cities.”

Despite this, Manigault also faced heat over city officials’ claims that she issued subpoenas violating Georgia law. However, she claimed her team lacked knowledge of these requirements in time, furthering her claims of interference. However, the allegations led to the calls for suspension.

Manigault took leave earlier this month, ahead of her resignation, but claims it was her own decision.

“I needed to take some time to step away and reflect and come to grips with everything that these people have been doing to me. And that’s how I’ve come to the incredibly difficult decision to resign as Inspector General of the City of Atlanta,” she said in her resignation announcement.

However, some city officials have called Manigault a “rogue prosecutor” whose tenure prompted the creation of a governing board to oversee operations. Mayor Dickens also supported the board’s establishment, emphasizing that the OIG and the Mayor’s office must work to stay within the law.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 18, 2025

Kansas City Welcomes Bridgette Williams As The 1st Black Woman To Run the Heavy Constructors Association

More of this, please!

The Heavy Constructors Association of Greater Kansas City (HCA) is under the new leadership of Bridgette Williams, the first Black woman ever to hold the local construction organization group title, KSHB 41 reported.

As one of the most powerful and influential groups in the metro Kansas City, Missouri, area, Williams has been working with the organization for eight years, seeing major construction projects come to light, such as the new airport terminal at Kansas City International Airport and the Panasonic plant in De Soto, Kansas. Proud of her work, Williams said race or gender has nothing to do with her new leadership role but more her tenacity. “I feel like what I bring to the table is just a real-life grounded perspective. I got to this position because I work hard and I fought for it,” she said.

“It’s interesting because I don’t view me as a person in a position of power. To me, I’m just Bridgette trying to, you know, maneuver through the day.”

Williams comes from a background of blue-collar advocacy, working for nearly 20 years with the Greater Kansas City chapter of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO.) She started her journey at the local AFL-CIO affiliate by taking a chance. “I answered an ad in the newspaper for a part-time receptionist at the AFL-CIO,” she said. “Trying to figure out what I wanted to do when I got out of college,” after starting her journey as a receptionist.

She went on to become the first Black female president at just 27 years old and held that role for 15 years.

In early 2024, Kansas City was looked at for its booming potential as a construction hotspot, according to The Kansas City Business Journal. While some doubted if the region’s workforce was equipped to support such growth, Williams addressed how construction has been one of the industries that saw growth, given roles don’t require a college degree. “Young people are not being exposed to construction-related fields to see whether they would be interested in going into this as a career. Construction is one of the few industries left in which you don’t have to have a college degree,” she said.

“In some areas, you don’t even have to have a high school diploma. The training is primarily done through apprenticeship programs from the union side.”

Like advancing on the construction side, Williams said she is determined to exemplify what Black women’s leadership can look like in underrepresented industries. During Black History Month, she said Black people can create history every day if they reflect on some of the sacrifices made by their ancestors.

“To just remember that where we came from is as important as focusing on where you’re going so that you can be a part of this country, not making the same mistakes again,” Williams said.

My primary goal is always to leave things better than they were when I came.”

The city of Baltimore held a parade on Monday, Feb. 17, to celebrate Black History Month.

According to WBAL, the theme for the first parade was “A walk in legacy,” which celebrated the culture and honored those who had left a lasting legacy.

“Black History Month is so important, even more so now that we are fighting for the rights of our constitution when we didn’t think we would have to,” said the parade’s grand marshal, Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony Thompson. “It’s great to celebrate [the] legacy and history of everyone that came before us.”

Many officials, agencies, organizations, and visitors came out despite the frigid temperatures to see others taking in the celebrations, along with some marching bands and other performers. The first Black History Month Parade in Baltimore City started at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Eutaw St.

One of the parade’s highlights focused on diversity as a Maryland Transit Administration bus featuring messages of diversity was viewed by those outside to enjoy the festivities. U.S. Rep. Johnny Olszewski, D-District 2, mentioned the fight to keep DEI when talking to the media outlet.

“When you are attacking (diversity, equity, and inclusion) — that’s our strength — I think there are ways we can have conversations about funding and what programs we’re providing. The experiences of celebrating our diversity make me and others better advocates as we have these conversations in our nation’s capital,” Olszewski said.

Afro News reported that Mayor Brandon M. Scott spoke to the crowd who braved the cold weather on Monday. He talked about the importance of recognizing what our ancestors achieved in the past.

“We know how important it is in this moment to show unity, to show strength, to show love, to show care and to show homage to our ancestors,” said Scott. “That’s why we’re out here today because we have a whole world of folks trying to tell us that we are less than and that we will never be able to achieve our greatness. But we know that all civilization comes from us. Today, we are here to showcase to all of Baltimore that Black history is the answer.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 18, 2025

To Make More Money, Uber And Lyft Drivers Are Creating Their Own Apps And Co-Ops

There is always a solution....

To fight back against the lack of money made by driving people around, drivers for Lyft and Uber are creating ride-hailing cooperatives and apps to make up for the lost wages, Business Insider reported.

Cooperatives are non-profit business models that some drivers say work in better favor for them. Lee Sperry, who has worked with the advocacy group San Diego Drivers Unite to garner better treatment from Uber and Lyft, is one of hundreds of drivers who are looking at the cooperative option.

He also pushes that fellow drivers are looking to create their own app and have leaders manage it in hopes of curating transparent policies around driver-related issues like deactivating drivers. The companies and the City of Chicago were sued in November 2024 after a driver claimed her rights were violated when her account was removed from the apps due to city rules. “The co-op would be very different in the way it operates, in the way that we handle how the app works and how the pricing goes, how the driver gets paid, how the hiring goes, who makes the decisions,” Sperry said.

In major metro areas like New York City and Denver, cooperatives already exist and are thriving. The Drivers Cooperative in the Big Apple has been providing service since 2021. Drivers Co-op Colorado, which launched in September 2024, has roughly 16,000 drivers, with a 80% return of each fare that riders pay.

The wage gap has been a huge concern for ride-hailing drivers, claiming they are paid less than half of the fare on other apps. Depending on city and state laws, some drivers make even less. According to The Boston Globe, drivers in the Boston area feel they are making less money following Massachusetts adopting a new minimum wage of $32.50 an hour. Veteran drivers say their wages have been cut. “It’s getting worse and worse,” one driver, Rafael, said.

Driver Syed Hussain agreed with his colleague, claiming new rides are being offered at the lowest of low rates, so much so that they aren’t worth accepting. He said trips to Boston Logan International Airport from the area suburbs are only going for roughly under $20.

The co-op option is giving drivers a more sustainable option for greater wages over giants like Lyft, which claims to pay drivers 70% of the weekly rider payments they earn after fees. In a statement, Lyft said there is no problem with drivers taking on other gigs, since they are independent contractors. Uber has a mirroring policy, stating, “Drivers are independent contractors and have the freedom to work however and whenever they want.”

The hope is for co-ops to combat more areas other than payment and deactivated accounts. Luis Arias wants safety to become a priority as drivers and riders are prone to scams and more.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 18, 2025

Megan Thee Stallion Launches Premium Tequila ‘Chicas Divertidas’ In Celebration of Her 30th Birthday

Megan Thee Stallion celebrated her 30th birthday by launching her first-ever spirits brand.

Megan Thee Stallion is celebrating her milestone 30th birthday with a new business endeavor that’s very on-brand for the certified Hot Girl.

On Saturday, the three-time Grammy-winning rapper unveiled her new tequila brand, Chicas Divertidas, featuring two premium varieties—Blanco and Reposado. Launched to coincide with Megan’s actual birthday, the new tequila was designed to inspire and empower individuals to embrace their inner hottie.

“As someone who values good vibes and great memories, I knew I wanted to create a tequila that was designed to be shared and savored with my Hotties,” Megan said in a press release.

After years of championing various spirits in her lyrics and party lifestyle, the Houston native is proud to step into entrepreneurship with her own tequila brand—one that perfectly embodies her Hot Girl ethos.

“Smooth, sultry, and premium. This process has been years in the making, and I’m so proud to take this next step in my journey as an entrepreneur and launch this brand, Megan said.

“I know the Hotties are ready, it’s time to give them a drink made by me! I’m excited to share this labor of love with you all and hope you are inspired to enter your CHICAS ERA!”

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Crafted from single-source 100% Blue Weber agave, Chicas Divertidas is made with peak-maturity agave harvested from the red volcanic highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Produced at Casa Centinela (NOM 1140)—a historic distillery preserving tradition since 1904—the tequila benefits from the region’s rich volcanic soil and cooler climate, which yield naturally sweeter agave.

Megan chose a striking design for the bottle, drawing inspiration from the bold and mysterious Angel’s Trumpet—a flower known for its vivid colors and alluring presence. The sleek, curvaceous bottle features unique cuts and grooves reminiscent of the agave plant, with a stunning orange, pink, red, and purple gradient. Topping it off is a dagger-pierced heart that crowns the bottle, embodying the brand’s fearless spirit: “Keep it cute, classy, and cutthroat.”

Chicas Divertidas Blanco and Reposado are bottled at 40% ABV and available in 750ml sizes. Starting today, they can be pre-ordered at ChicasDivertidasTequila.com and ReserveBar.com. The tequilas will also be released in limited quantities at select U.S. retailers, with a suggested retail price of $70 for Blanco and $80 for Reposado.