by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 1, 2026

Diddy Given Earlier Prison Release Date

The music mogul is now scheduled to leave prison on April 15, 2028.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is moving closer to freedom, as it was discovered that his release date has been shaved again, with an expected release now set for an earlier date in April 2028.

According to People, the music executive is now scheduled to leave prison on April 15, 2028. This changed from his original June 4, 2028, release date and, after completing a drug program, from an expected April 25, 2028, release date. The change was noted on the Federal Bureau of Prisons website.

Diddy was sentenced to 50 months in prison after being found guilty on two counts of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act, and is currently at Fort Dix in New Jersey. The mogul was acquitted of the more serious charge of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

However, in a recent court filing, attorneys for Diddy have requested the entertainment mogul’s “immediate release” as the 50-month sentence given to him was a “perversion of justice.” TMZ reported that his legal team filed the latest paperwork on March 13, saying that the sentence was too harsh, as he was being punished for the crimes he was acquitted of.

In the filing, the attorneys stated that the sentence given to the “No Way Out” music producer was about four times higher than normal for the prostitution-related Mann Act convictions. They stated that the prison sentence is a “perversion of justice” as Judge Subramanian engaged in “acquitted conduct” sentencing (the practice of increasing punishment based on rejected allegations).

They are asking for the appeals court to order Diddy’s “immediate release and grant a judgment of acquittal or at least vacate and remand for resentencing.”

The entertainment executive was granted a speedy appeal after receiving the prison sentence, as his lawyers argued that, without a speedy appeal, the standard appeal process could not reasonably be initiated until after the sentence was completed.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 1, 2026

Serena Williams, Russell Wilson, And Ciara Latest Investors For Pro Flag Football League

The inclusion of these Black athletes puts more diversity at the forefront of this investment.

Serena Williams, Russell Wilson, and their respective partners are joining as investors in this new sports league.

The sports legends, alongside Wilson’s popstar wife, Ciara, will help bring the NFL’s professional flag football league to life. On March 30, Wilson shared the powerhouse couple’s excitement about teaming up with fellow sports enthusias.

Let’s Go! @Ciara & I are so fired up to be a part of this launch and growth with the @NFL 🏈🌎https://t.co/d8wvtVv3gG
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 31, 2026

The NFL has partnered with the Tiger Woods-founded TMRW Sports and major celebrity investors to launch the sports league. Williams’ husband, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, has also joined.

The NFL will open professional flag football for both men and women. As interest in the sport grows globally, investors hope to capitalize on this momentum by creating a new league that brings flag football fans to stadiums. As an extension of the traditional football league, all 32 NFL franchises will also contribute to the sports venture.

The inclusion of these Black athletes puts more diversity at the forefront of this investment. Both parties and their entrepreneurial spouses have even expanded their portfolios within sports and entertainment.

As for the Wilsons, the powerhouse couple has ownership stakes in Major League Soccer franchise Seattle Sounders FC, and has branched off into an entertainment company and a charitable foundation. Williams and Ohanian are also avid venture capitalists, investing in several companies, including Ro Health and Instacart, according to CNBC. The mother of two also supports women-owned companies through her own VC firm, Serena Ventures.

With their insertion into NFL flag football, the couples continue to make their marks as game-changers in the sports industry. How the league will administer teams, players, and games remains under review for now. Professional flag football will make its grand debut during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

by Kandiss Edwards

April 1, 2026

Candace Parker To Be Enshrined In The Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame

Parker's career accomplishments include three WNBA championships with three different franchises.

WNBA legend Candace Parker has been elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The moment marks the first time two multi-time WNBA MVPs have entered the Hall of Fame at the same time. Along with Parker, Ella Delle Donne, a competitor and fellow college standout, will enter the elite group of players. Induction ceremonies are scheduled to take place on August 14 in Springfield, Massachusetts, according to ESPN.

Parker, often referred to as “Ace,” enters the Hall after 16 seasons in the WNBA, where she she won three WNBA championships with three different franchises: the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces. In 2008, she became the only player in league history to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. She retired in 2024 and is currently an analyst with TNT Sports.

Breaking: Amar'e Stoudemire, Doc Rivers, Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne are among the members inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026, sources told @ShamsCharania. pic.twitter.com/3kYIMmPzab
— ESPN (@espn) March 31, 2026

The Class of 2026 Hall of Fame will enshrine several other notable figures, including international icon and two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol, who is recognized for his pivotal role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ success and his legendary career with the Spanish national team. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will also welcome coach Doc Rivers, currently the coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Amar’e Stoudemire.

As a coach, Rivers guided the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008. He currently is the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. Before his successful coaching career, he was an All-Star point guard with the Atlanta Hawks and a television analyst. Stoudemire, the 2003 Rookie of the Year and a six-time All-Star, thanks to his explosive athleticism with the Phoenix Suns, helped to reshape the modern power forward position.

by Jameelah Mullen

April 1, 2026

The Gathering Spot Los Angeles, A Hub For Black Professionals, Shuts Down Before Relocation

After four years, the well-loved L.A. hotspot announced a (temporary) farewell.

The Gathering Spot Los Angeles, a private Black-owned social club and co-working space, closed its doors on March 31.

One of three Gathering Spot venues, the Los Angeles location has been a staple in Black Hollywood for young professionals to network and socialize. The venue has hosted stars such as LeBron James, Drake, and Kamala Harris. But in recent months, the social club faced several problems.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Gathering Spot co‑founder and CEO Ryan Wilson said the closure results from ongoing maintenance issues dating back to 2022 and an alleged breakdown in negotiations with the property’s landlord to address them.

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A post shared by The Gathering Spot LA (@lagathers)

“This is a transition of space, not a pause in community. We will continue programming and connecting until we find a new place. Thank you to every member, our staff, and everyone who has been a part of this journey. We know this location and the memories held within it are special to many, and we will forever cherish that,” Wilson wrote in the Instagram post.

He emphasized that although the brick-and-mortar location of the club is closed, its spirit remains. “What we built here is real, the club is vibrant: the friendships, the opportunities. That doesn’t close with the building, “ Wilson wrote.

The club held a final farewell event the day before its closure.

Wilson added that while they search for a new venue, members of the LA club will not be charged membership fees, and they will also have access to clubs in Atlanta and Washington, D.C.

The social club celebrated its tenth anniversary with a week-long series of events across various locations.

“The idea of being able to say we’ve been here, building communities and fostering connections, for ten years has been humbling. When we look around, we see what our founders started, but more importantly, what our team and members have built,” the organization wrote in an Instagram post commemorating the milestone.

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A post shared by The Gathering Spot (@thegatheringspots)

Founded in 2016, The Gathering Spot opened its first location in Atlanta, its second in Washington, D.C., in 2021, and then in Los Angeles in 2022. The organization plans to open a location in Houston, according to Afrotech.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 1, 2026

Judge Slams Brakes On White House Ballroom Plan, Says Trump ‘Is Not the Owner’

“The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!,” Leon ruled.

A federal judge is putting a damper on plans for the new White House grand ballroom after blocking President Donald Trump from moving forward with any more work, CNN reports.

Judge Richard Leon, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, said he delayed his ruling for two weeks in order to give the Trump administration time to appeal. He issued a warning that “any above-ground construction over the next fourteen days that is not in compliance” with his ruling risks being taken down.

“The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!” Leon ruled.

In the ruling for a lawsuit brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Leon highlighted how the administration never received congressional approval for the massive $400 million ballroom hosted at the former site of the White House East Wing, which is required by federal law. “(U)nless and until Congress blesses this project through statutory authorization, construction has to stop!” he wrote, adding the good news” is that Trump and Congress can now work together in order to get the project authorized.

Trump, who once served as a real estate developer, has had a personal hand in the ballroom design, with an estimated 89,000-square-foot space that can hold 1,000 guests, compared to the Executive Mansion, which is just 55,000 square feet.

Despite claiming to be “so busy that I don’t have time to do this,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One March 29 that he thinks the addition will “be the greatest ballroom anywhere in the world.”

But following the judge’s ruling, Trump announced he plans to appeal it, saying the judge doesn’t know what he’s talking about and that he doesn’t need approval from Congress since the construction is being paid for by “donations.” “Many things have been built in the White House,” the president said, according to The Hill.

“They haven’t gotten congressional approval, especially when the money is not being put up by the taxpayer — the taxpayers are not putting up a dime.”

Q: "A judge just ordered you to stop construction of the ballroom. Are you planning to stop?"

Trump: "We'll appeal that…basically, he's saying I need congressional approval, and he's so wrong. This is being financed privately." pic.twitter.com/yFqc7yrGvC
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) March 31, 2026

He continued his rant against the lawsuit loss on his Truth Social app, calling the National Trust “Radical Left Group of Lunatics.”

“So, the White House Ballroom, and The Trump Kennedy Center, which are under budget, ahead of schedule, and will be among the most magnificent Buildings of their kind anywhere in the World, gets sued by a group that was cut off by Government years ago, but all of the many DISASTERS in our Country are left alone to die,” Trump wrote.

“Doesn’t make much sense, does it?”

He may be up for a fight. While Carol Quillen, National Trust president and CEO, called the ruling “a win for the American people,” Democratic leaders seem to be more excited. California Rep. Jared Huffman, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Natural Resources, who has some jurisdiction over the project, says he plans to be “very actively engaged” going forward.

Tyler Perry, sexual assault lawsuit, actor

by Kandiss Edwards

April 1, 2026

YAY! TSA Workers Can Keep $1K Gift Cards From Tyler Perry

A Perry spokesperson says they have legal documentation that TSA agents can accept the gift cards.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents working at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport will not have to return $1,000 gift cards given by billionaire Tyler Perry.

On March 27, Perry stepped in to help struggling TSA employees affected by the government shutdown that began Feb. 14, the director and entertainment mogul donated $250,000 in grocery gift cards. Though the gift was welcomed and likely needed, since TSA agents weren’t getting paid, many observers debated whether or not TSA agents could legally accept the gift cards.

As of May 31 pay will resume for federal workers who have been without pay for weeks. Many workers have returned $1,000 gift cards, even thought they face eviction or cannot afford basic necessities, 11 Alive reported.

A Perry spokesperson told the station they have documentation, as of Tuesday March 31, from DHS/TSA legal team saying that the situation is now resolved. One TSA employee called Perry a “modern day Robin Hood,” according to 11 Alive and says the team will always be grateful for his kindness.

Tyler Perry donated $250K in gift cards to Atlanta TSA agents. pic.twitter.com/YRezmHuF1A
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) March 28, 2026

Perry’s generosity sparked a wave of local support. In addition to Perry’s generous gift, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, led by pastor Jamal Bryant, also stepped up through the organization’s charitable arm, The King’s Table. The ministry invited workers to its weekly food giveaway to receive fresh produce, meat and other non-perishable items, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

“Whether you are a TSA worker navigating the impact of a shutdown or a family simply in need, we want you to know that help is here, hope is here, and you are not alone,” Bryant said.

Perry, who is known for his philanthropic endeavors in the Atlanta area, stated that he could not “sit by while people who do so much for our safety go hungry.”

by Jameelah Mullen

April 1, 2026

Megan Thee Stallion Hospitalized During Performance of ‘Moulin Rouge!’

The rapper appeared on stage early in the show but later fell ill.

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion was hospitalized during a March 31 performance of Moulin Rouge! on Broadway, according to a spokesperson for the star.

The rep said the rapper, whose real name is Megan Pete, fell ill mid‑show and was rushed to a nearby hospital “where her symptoms are currently being evaluated,” the statement shared by NBC News read. “We will share additional updates as more information becomes available.”

The Breakfast Club host Loren LoRosa attended the show that evening and shared her account of the incident on X.

“Came to see Meg the Stallion on Broadway, and that was short-lived, ” LoRosa wrote.

Came to see Meg The stallion on broadway and that was short lived.

The few opening scenes I saw her in she was great on stage! I was excited BUT…

They just stopped moulin rouge mid show apologized to the audience and said ..”stay inside and seated” I asked security if we’re… pic.twitter.com/rlqHTveHhc

— BROWN GIRL GRINDING⭐️ (@LorenLorosa) April 1, 2026

In her April 1 appearance on The Breakfast Club, LoRosa shared more details about that night. The host said she heard an announcement asking the actors to leave the stage, the audience to stay seated, and not to take out their phones, leaving them confused about what was happening.

“It felt like a lockdown,” LaRosa told her cohosts.

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A post shared by The Breakfast Club (@breakfastclubam)

The Moulin Rouge! team eventually resumed the show but stated that the rapper would not perform on stage for the rest of the evening.

Megan Thee Stallion’s hairstylist, Kellon Deryck, also took to social media, requesting prayers for the rapper.

“Everyone, say a prayer for Megan. We are all at the hospital,” he wrote.

Everyone say a prayer for Megan, we are all at the hospital 🙏

— Kellon Deryck (@KellonDeryck) April 1, 2026

Deryk did not respond to fans who probed for details about Meg’s condition.

Megan Thee Stallion made her Broadway debut in Moulin Rouge in March as Zidler. She is the first woman to play the role in the musical. During her March 24 performance, the rapper surprised audiences with a medley of her hit songs “Body” and “Savage.” The Grammy-winner is scheduled to perform on the show for eight weeks.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 1, 2026

Winston-Salem State University’s Red Sea of Sound Marching Band Will Perform At LA Clippers-San Antonio Spurs Game

The band will take the court at halftime on April 2

On April 2, the LA Clippers and the San Antonio Spurs game will get a dose of HBCU excitement as Winston-Salem State University’s Red Sea of Sound Marching Band will be the featured performer during halftime.

The school has announced that the band will perform during the Clippers’ HBCU Night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

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A post shared by WSSU Red Sea of Sound (@_redseaofsound)

“This is an incredible opportunity to highlight the talent and tradition of our Red Sea of Sound on a national platform,” said Dr. Michael Magruder, director of bands, in a written statement. “Our students represent the very best of Winston-Salem State University, and we are proud to share that excellence with a broader audience.”

This showcase will be the first time the Red Sea of Sound will take center court at the arena. The team has chosen to highlight HBCUs on this night, which will include an evening of programming featuring live entertainment, alumni engagement, and in-arena recognition.

“This moment underscores WSSU’s focus on expanding visibility, deepening community engagement and elevating the student experience. Opportunities like this position students on national stages, reinforcing the university’s commitment to excellence and global impact,” said Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Bonita J. Brown.

Any basketball fans and/or lovers of HBCUs and marching bands can purchase tickets for the Clippers HBCU Night here. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Included with the ticket purchase is an exclusive LA Clippers HBCU Night Crewneck for fans.

The school recently celebrated the Winston-Salem State University women’s basketball team’s win in the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) Championship. The team beat Fayetteville State University 60-43, capturing the title inside the CFG Bank Arena. The Rams ended the regular season with a 26-3 record (8-2 in conference), leading to head coach Tierra Terry winning CIAA Coach of the Year honors.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 1, 2026

Sen. Raphael Warnock Introduces Bipartisan Bill To Expand Federal Funding To HBCUs

In comparison to other institutions throughout the country, HBCUs receive under 1% of the $60 billion of federal research and development funding.

As the sole HBCU graduate serving in the U.S. Senate, Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock worked with a member on the opposite side of the political aisle to present a bipartisan bill that will extend federal funding opportunities to HBCUs, AfroTech reports.

Warnock, a Morehouse College alum, and Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama, home to the most HBCUs in the country — 14 to be exact — introduced the bipartisan HBCU Research Capacity Act to 30 of the country’s HBCU leaders and supporters.

As the Trump administration has worked tirelessly to eliminate funding for the schools, the purpose of the legislation would be to support the launch of a federally coordinated website containing information about STEM research and development funding opportunities eligible for the historic institutions, in addition to streamlining ”federal funding opportunities for HBCUs.”

Warnock knows a little bit about what funding can do for the schools. Throughout his career, the senator and pastor has secured over $265 million for Georgia’s 10 HBCUs as part of $17 billion in federal investments directed toward them. “Despite not always having every tool at their disposal, HBCUs continue to make massive contributions to the research and development community,” Warnock said, according to Spectrum News.

He touched on being “proud to work alongside another champion of HBCUs in (Alabama) Sen. Katie Britt,” saying it “will make securing federal dollars for their research efforts that much easier.” “I’ve seen firsthand how impactful these institutions are (and) I am a fierce advocate for their funding, not only in Alabama, but also nationwide,” Britt said.

“I’m proud to co-lead this commonsense legislation with Senator Warnock, which will help these institutions grow their research capacity and continue paving the way for generations of students.”

Data proves why legislation like this is so important. Compared to other institutions across the country, HBCUs receive under 1% of the $60 billion in federal research and development funding. However, the universities enroll 8.5% of Black undergraduate students and produce close to 18% of all Black STEM graduates in the U.S.

The bill highlights how a lack of research funding can create barriers to building research capacity and limit students’ access to grants and resources.

Under the act, the education secretary would be required to assign workers to administer the clearinghouse and to submit an annual report to Congress on the initiative.

Introducing the bill on March 24 during a roundtable discussion on Capitol Hill, Lodriguez Murray, senior vice president of public policy and government affairs for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), celebrated the initiative, releasing a statement that labeled it a great first step but highlighted the need for more like it.

“The UNCF applauds Senators Raphael Warnock (GA) and Katie Britt (AL) for introducing the HBCU Research Capacity Act. Creating a federal clearinghouse to assist HBCUs is a step toward improving access to research funding and breaking down long-standing barriers,” the statement read.

“At the same time, more must be done to ensure HBCUs—especially those that will never be R1 institutions, yet contribute immeasurably by supplying the prepared students necessary for other HBCUs to become R1S—are fully included in building research capacity. There is no doubt that this bill should be passed, but it can’t be where the work of modernizing the research capacity of HBCUs ends.”

Michael Ealy, North Carolina A&T, Chancellor's Speaker Series

by Black Enterprise

April 1, 2026

Michael Ealy Is Pulling Up To North Carolina A&T’s ‘Quarter Zips and Matcha Moods’ Series

This conversation is crucial for young men

By Lillien Cirrino

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Spring 2026 edition of the Chancellor’s Speaker Series will host actor Michael Ealy on Tuesday, April 7, at 6 p.m. in Harrison Auditorium for “Quarter Zips and Matcha Moods,” while alum Christian Robinson will facilitate the conversation.

Tickets for the speaker series are now available at the University Ticket Office in Brown Hall. This event is free and open to the public.

The name “Quarter Zips and Matcha Moods” references a social media trend in which young Black men are depicted wearing quarter zips with an iced matcha latte in hand—symbolizing their multidimensional identity and style.

The discussion will focus primarily on responsibility, intentionality, lifestyle, and goals for college-aged men, and explore how these areas influence development and maturity. This conversation is crucial for young men to be having amid this ever-changing digital era.

Ealy is best known for his roles in Barbershop, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Takers, and Think Like a Man, and will star in Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming limited series The Greatest, about the legendary boxer and civil rights leader Muhammad Ali. In addition to acting, he has served as an executive producer and starred as the title character in the 2015 Sony thriller The Perfect Guy, which opened No. 1 at the box office, and earned him an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture.

Robinson, the moderator for this event, earned his B.S. in economics in 2012 from A&T. During his time at A&T, Robinson was fully immersed in his collegiate journey, serving as SGA president, which was one of his many foundations for his work at the U.S. Department of Education under the Obama administration, where he worked in various positions. Robinson is now an attorney who focuses on advising startup founders.