The family of Cheree Byrd reached the settlement more than three years after her traumatic labor at the Onondaga County Justice Center, Syracuse.com reports.
Byrd was being held on a misdemeanor petit larceny warrant, which was later dismissed by Syracuse police, when she went into labor and gave birth on Aug. 2, 2022, to a premature girl who was later pronounced dead after receiving medical care.
In a lawsuit filed in September 2023 against the county, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, then-Sheriff Eugene Conway, and jail medical providers NaphCare and Proactive Healthcare Medicine, Byrd said that her baby would have survived had she received proper medical care.
Byrd, who was three months pregnant at the time of her arrest on June 1, 2022, claimed she was forced to go through labor alone in her cell for hours before receiving medical care, claiming correctional officers and jail medical staff delayed treatment, ignored clear warning signs of serious complications, and dismissed her reports that she was in labor.
According to the lawsuit, Byrd repeatedly told jail staff for days that she was in pain, bleeding, and in labor but was given only Tylenol and tampons.
On Aug. 2, despite being placed in an observation cell due to a history of premature labor, she said officers dismissed her pleas for help after her water broke. A deputy later found her in active labor during routine rounds. An ambulance was called, and Byrd gave birth shortly afterward. The newborn was taken to Upstate University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The lawsuit accused jail staff of failing to take Byrd’s concerns seriously, arguing that proper care could have prevented the premature birth.
NaphCare, which provided medical services at the jail at the time, was replaced after its contract ended in 2023. It had been cited by state regulators for care deficiencies following a 2021 inmate suicide. Byrd’s family also reached a separate settlement with Proactive HealthCare Inc., a NaphCare subsidiary.
“We are deeply saddened by these events and wish Ms. Byrd and her family health and healing in moving forward,” a NaphCare spokesperson said in a statement. “NaphCare previously reached a settlement in this case, the terms of which are confidential.”
FAMU Law Student Says HBCU Axed ‘Black’ In Black History Month Flyers Over DEI Concerns
A FAMU Law student called the issue "insane" given the school's status as a Historically Black institution.
A Florida A&M University law student says the HBCU refused to signify the word “Black” in flyers for a Black History Month event.
The HBCU, like other public colleges and universities in Florida, has faced severe restrictions since the state passed anti-DEI legislation. Since then, the school has had to comply with state regulations and refrain from using any allocated funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Given this, FAMU has opted not to promote the “Black” elements of Black History Month, an issue that has sparked discord with its Black Law Students Association. While seeking approval for certain event flyers, one student leader says she faced significant pushback on words central to Black History Month programming.
“It was ‘Black,’ ‘affirmative action,’ and ‘women’ as well,” explained Aaliyah Steward, a third-year law student at FAMU’s College of Law and organizer for its BLSA to News6.
Steward called the matter “insane,” especially given FAMU’s own status as a historically Black institution. Now, she must contend with how to promote the “Black” part of its Black History Month activities.
“We couldn’t use the word ‘black’ in Black History Month. We would have to abbreviate it,” said Steward. “I was very angry and baffled because this is a Historically Black College and University, and for them to say we can’t use the word ‘black’ was kind of insane.”
Florida was one of many states that not only complied with federal regulations on DEI but also promoted efforts to limit DEI initiatives in public schools through legislation passed in 2024. This news extended even to its racially uplifted institutions like Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman University.
However, the current regulations feel like censorship to Steward, who just wants to celebrate and recognize Black History Month as many have in previous years.
“I just don’t want us to be censored this way. Not being able to use the word ‘black’ is very frustrating,” she said.
FAMU, on the other hand, has released a statement on the matter. The HBCU confirmed its “full compliance” and “support” of the DEI-specific policies implemented by the state’s Governor and Board of Governors.
“We support and have implemented the policy direction established by the Governor, the Legislature, and the Board of Governors as it relates to DEI, and consistent with related federal court rulings,” wrote the HBCU.
Its statement added, “Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is committed to fostering a campus community that encourages the free exchange of ideas while ensuring an environment of mutual respect, safety, and awareness. The University recognizes that freedom of expression is fundamental to academic inquiry, personal development, and civic engagement.”
While the school seems adamant about adhering to statewide standards, Steward is adamant about promoting the Blackness of Black History Month. She has resubmitted her flyer with no changes to its original wording, hoping the school will allow her to promote the event’s initial vision of upholding diversity and inclusion.
As for FAMU, the school did not explain why administrators initially marked the flyer for changes.
The Drake Curse Lives On As Canadian Rapper Loses $1M Betting On New England Patriots
Drake loses betting on the underdog.
Drake has been suffering losses lately, with the infamous “Drake Curse” still in full effect: Another sports bet has come up short for the Canadian rapper, as he went for a New England Patriots victory in the Super Bowl.
Aubrey Graham, once again, showed the world (via social media) that he was placing a $1 million bet that the Patriots would win Sunday’s Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks.
But, as short-sighted as Drake has been over the past few years, he wrote on his Instagram post, “Bet against me if you dare 😂😂😂”
As the Patriots were underdogs (for good reason), he would have cashed in close to $3 million, according to the Instagram post, as he placed the bet through Stake, with which he has a partnership. The Seahawks won convincingly, 29-13.
The “Drake Curse” dates back years, as people have called his bets almost sure losing propositions. Drake’s betting habits have drawn widespread attention because of a popular belief that the teams or athletes he supports often lose. The phenomenon, commonly referred to as the “Drake curse,” has been cited by media outlets over the years and closely followed by fans, who react with equal parts amusement and frustration whenever the rapper publicly backs a competitor or places a high-profile wager.
Last year, according to The Toronto Star, Drake reportedly wagered $1,150,000 on the Kansas City Chiefs in last year’s Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles blew out the Chiefs, 40–22.
However, the “curse” took a year off in the 2024 Super Bowl, when he doubled his money after wagering $1.5 million that the Chiefs would beat the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs won 25-22 in overtime, allowing the OVO label owner to take home $2.3 million.
The Drake Curse counts the following as victims: tennis legend Serena Williams, boxer Anthony Joshua, the Toronto Raptors, MMA fighter Conor McGregor, the Kentucky Wildcats, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Golden State Warriors, to name a few.
‘I Will F***ing Kill You’: Indianapolis Police Officer Investigated After Threatening 17-Year-Old Anti-ICE Protestor
The victim's mother called the officer out for racial profiling.
An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer is under investigation after a viral video revealed he threatened to kill a 17-year-old Black boy after being pulled over for his car allegedly smelling like marijuana.
The Feb. 6 video shows Trevion Taylor questioning why officers were pulling him over at a gas station. The Indianapolis Star reports his mother, Ambar, said her son was going to meet friends who were participating in an anti-ICE protest close to his alma mater, Warren Central High School.
Taylor, who graduated from high school early, noticed a police car following him He pulled over and followed protocol. He also put his phone on the dashboard and captured the encounter on video.
“We’re gonna get you out here. So when you get out, I’m gonna pull you out, I want you to put your hands on top of the car, OK?” the unidentified officer was heard saying.
Taylor asked why.
“The car smells like weed. Step out of the car,” the officer responded before he is seen opening Taylor’s car door and grabbing his wrist. “I will f—ing kill you. Do you understand me?”
As Taylor was being searched, the officer can be heard saying the young man had a gun.
After posting the encounter on Facebook, Ambar called the officer out for racial profiling. “He’s a young Black man. You’ve seen the news 100 times,” the mother said. “My son will not be a victim.”
As officers were monitoring the protest, officers claim Trevion was pulled over after allegedly seeing a juvenile get in with a gun. But he wasn’t stopped until the victim allegedly failed to use signals during a lane change.
“While the video does not show the entire incident, some of the language heard does not reflect the standards or values of IMPD. Accountability is essential to building trust and legitimacy with our community,” the statement, posted on X with alleged evidence, read.
“The involved officer was equipped with a body-worn camera, which recorded the incident. An internal review is underway to determine the full circumstances of the encounter, including the statements captured on video.”
Officers of the Indiana-based police department have been the subject of a number of investigations relating to misconduct and harassment involving Black people. In 2025, a woman filed a complaint alleging an officer pulled her hair, tearing several braids from her scalp, during an encounter.
Another officer was found guilty of violating the civil rights of Jermaine Vaughn, who was kicked in the face while being handcuffed.
On social media, users seem to be on the side of Taylor and the other youths that were in the car. “I hope his parents and every parent that son was in that car sues them,” @toilove_ wrote on Instagram.
Other users called for the officer to be terminated. “He also needs to be charged with negligence, terroristic threat act, and racial profiling,” one user wrote.
Man Survives Home Invasion After Flashing Fake Money On Facebook
The 64-year-old admitted that the picture was a fake post and he did not have the money.
Being called broke led a 64-year-old man to post a photo of a stack of cash, prompting a home invasion by thieves who hoped to steal what he had posted.
Anthony McNary of Indianapolis man said he admitted that the Facebook post was fake, and he did not have the cash, leading him being beaten and shot in the back of his neck, FOX 59 reported.
“He just stuck the gun to the back of my head and pulled the trigger. I couldn’t believe it. Over a fake post,” said McNary, who spent several days in the hospital.
It all started when the two men saw McNary’s Facebook post two days before the attack. The photo was from an old Facebook memory he previously posted. McNary said the two men were wearing tactical vests with “police” on the front and back.
They told him that there were police officers when they confronted him.
According to McNary, one of the men said, “Where’s the money at? Where’s it at? I seen what you posted on Facebook. Where’s the money at?’”
McNary told the men that “it was a prank” and that the post was fake. When the men realized there no money in the home, they pistol-whipped and choked him. Then that’s when one of them placed the gun, execution-style, to the back of McNary’s neck and pulled the trigger.
Shortly after being shot, police officers arrived and rushed McNary to the hospital.
“I said to myself, ‘I’m about to die over a fake post.’ That’s what I was saying to myself,” said McNary.
The suspects have yet to be identified, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said the case is active.
Anyone with information can call 317-262-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
While Viewers Gushed Over Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime Show, Trump Calls It ‘One Of The Worst’ In Social Media Rant
Trump called the performance a "slap in the face" to America, despite Bad Bunny hailing from Puerto Rico.
President Donald Trump has continued his tirade against Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime show.
To little surprise, the President had choice words to say about the Puerto Rican singer’s performance. Given the Latino artist’s Spanish-heavy set, which nodded to his Boricua heritage and the diverse Latin culture, Trump condemned the performance as a “slap in the face” to U.S. youth and English speakers.
On a rant to Truth Social, Trump wrote a lengthy note critiquing Bad Bunny’s showcase of the Latino community, coinciding with a time where this group has become a target of ICE raids and deportation.
“The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER! It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence. Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World,” began the President.
The show was a portrayal of Puerto Rican life from beginning to end, with Bad Bunny emphasizing that this community is part of the U.S. and the Americas at large. While intended as a display of Latin heritage, culture, music, and unity for all, the President belittled the historic performance as “nothing inspirational.” On an off-topic note, he concluded his social rant by proposing a rule change for next year’s big game.
“This “Show” is just a “slap in the face” to our Country, which is setting new standards and records every single day — including the Best Stock Market and 401(k)s in History! There is nothing inspirational about this mess of a Halftime Show and watch, it will get great reviews from the Fake News Media, because they haven’t got a clue of what is going on in the REAL WORLD — And, by the way, the NFL should immediately replace its ridiculous new Kickoff Rule. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he concluded in the post.
Trump’s disinterest in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show performance should come as no surprise, especially since Trump supporters opposed the idea from the start. As Bad Bunny primarily sings in Spanish and hails from the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, many MAGA affiliates felt his inclusion was too “un-American.”
Instead, the MAGA movement decided to create its own alternative to the halftime show. Produced by Turning Point USA, a conservative organization founded by the now-deceased Charlie Kirk, the “All-American Halftime Show” sought to provide patriotic entertainment in lieu of Bunny’s his diverse celebration. Headlined by Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett, the show welcomed those who refused to listen to the 2026 Grammy Album of The Year winner and his highly-anticipated set.
While some tuned in to that show, which was streamed only on various conservative networks, Bad Bunny’s Halftime performance is expected to have secured over 100 million viewers across American households, according to Yahoo Entertainment. The most-streamed artist on Spotify performed many songs from his Grammy-winning album, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.”
The performance also featured guest singers such as Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga, with appearances by Cardi B, Karol G, Pedro Pascal, and Jessica Alba among those dancing on the lush green stage reminiscent of Puerto Rico.
11 Black Power Songs To Get You Hype For Black History Month
Black history has never moved in silence
Black history has never moved in silence; it’s marched, chanted, and sung through generations of resistance, pride, and unapologetic joy. Black power music serves as cultural documentation and motivational fuel, tracing its evolution from Civil Rights-era declarations to contemporary hip-hop protest lines. The songs transcend entertainment value and function as audible timelines that document liberation alongside identity and collective resilience. Spanning decades, musicians used their music to drive movements and honor Black excellence. These 11 songs showcase music’s motivational spirit and transformative power to empower individuals. The songs both affirm Black identity and challenge injustice while amplifying joy and resilience.
“Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” — James Brown (1968)
James Brown’s song “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” is a militant celebration of Black pride that transformed identity language during the late 1960s. The song was recorded in Los Angeles with local youth on the call-and-response chorus and released in 1968 after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The song transformed “Black” into a positive identity term and became an unofficial anthem of the Black Power movement and “Black is Beautiful” cultural shift.
“BLACK PARADE” — Beyoncé (2020)
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, a global pop and cultural icon, released her album BLACK PARADE on June 19, 2020, Juneteenth, the holiday that marks the end of slavery in the U.S. The album unites Black culture with joy and resilience while promoting activism and economic empowerment. Beyoncé chose to release the album during the nationwide racial justice protests that occurred after George Floyd’s murder. Beyoncé organized the album release to direct proceeds toward her BeyGOOD Black Business Impact Fund, which supports Black-owned businesses. She also created a directory to showcase Black-owned brands.
“Fight The Power” — Public Enemy (1989)
Public Enemy released the 1989 hip-hop protest song “Fight the Power” to confront systemic racism and cultural erasure. Through their leadership, Chuck D and Flavor Flav created a generational anthem that combined Black musical heritage with direct social commentary and activist power. The song and video depicted Black urban struggles in Brooklyn, New York, and served as a central part of Spike Lee’s film, Do the Right Thing.
“To Be Young, Gifted And Black” — Nina Simone (1970)
The song “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” was written by Nina Simone in 1970. Simone created this inspirational song to honor playwright Lorraine Hansberry while working as a singer-songwriter and activist. The song honors Black youth alongside their potential and cultural power while teaching Black listeners that talent, intellect, and pride are their natural possessions. The song debuted in the late 1960s and was recorded live in 1970.
“Glory” — Common & John Legend (2014)
In December 2014, the powerful civil rights anthem “Glory” debuted in the Oscar-nominated film about the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights marches. Common and John Legend perform together on this track, combining hip-hop elements with soulful melodies to produce an emotional impact. Through historical Southern civil rights events, the song “Glory” links current justice movements with the need for ongoing unity to achieve equality.
“Alright” — Kendrick Lamar (2015)
The rapper Kendrick Lamar from Compton, California, produced the song “Alright” in 2015. The song’s chorus transformed into a strong protest chant at Black Lives Matter demonstrations. The track from the 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly gained widespread attention during protests against police violence. The song’s repeated declaration “We gon’ be alright” provided hope and unity during difficult times.
“Black Like Me” — Mickey Guyton (2020)
Mickey Guyton released her song “Black Like Me” in June 2020, during nationwide protests against racial injustice. The song presents a straightforward, individual analysis of racial problems and social inequality in America while challenging the white majority within country music. Through her song, Guyton brought fresh perspectives on racial understanding and equality to a musical genre that had rarely included Black artists, thereby establishing a revolutionary platform for these themes.
“Brown Skin Girl” — Beyoncé (2019)
The song “Brown Skin Girl,” which celebrates Black beauty and pride through its radiant lyrics, came out in 2019 as part of The Lion King: The Gift album. The song features Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, and Wizkid and draws on Black diasporic culture worldwide. The song “Brown Skin Girl” became a major musical work that celebrated melanin and representation, empowering Black women and girls worldwide.
“Umi Says” — Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) (1999)
The song “Umi Says” by Mos Def, now known as Yasiin Bey, delivers a soulful message about self-affirmation, peace, and life purpose. The track appeared on Bey’s 1999 solo debut album, Black On Both Sides, and combines hip-hop with neo-soul elements that mirror the Black artistic movement of the early 2000s. Through his avant-garde rap and acting, Bey conveys a guiding message about maintaining internal stability amid external turmoil.
“Brown Skin” — India.Arie (2001)
The album Acoustic Soul, released in 2001, features the soulful ballad “Brown Skin” performed by India.Arie. Through her strong vocal performance, India.Arie delivers a powerful message about self-acceptance and worth. The song “Brown Skin” has become a powerful anthem of Black self-love, celebrating personal beauty and individual identity, even though it was not written as a protest song.
“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” — Gil Scott-Heron (1971)
In 1971, poet-musician Gil Scott-Heron released the spoken-word manifesto “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” The song required viewers to participate actively in social transformation during the early years of the Black Power movement, rather than passively consuming media. The song thoroughly engaged black intellectual and artistic communities across the United States, delivering a prophetic critique that brought cultural awareness to political urgency and motivated multiple generations of artists and activists.
J. Cole Returns To North Carolina A&T University, Where His Hip-Hop Journey Began
The North Carolina native headed back to the HBCU to celebrate a milestone in his career.
J. Cole made a special visit to North Carolina A&T University, where the HBCU helped spark his music career.
The Fayetteville, North Carolina, native returned to the school where he sold his first-ever CD at the very beginning of his career. According toHBCU Gameday, the “No Role Modelz” rapper stopped by Feb. 7 to show love to the HBCU community that supported him back then.
However, the famed rapper did not stop by without some warning. He shared the memory on X, posting about the memorable time at NCAT and its “GHOE” homecoming. To make the milestone a “full circle” moment, he decided to drive down to Greensboro to sell some copies of his recently released “The Fall Off” LP.
NC A&T. First time I ever sold a physical version of my own full project was on your campus during Homecoming. We sold The Come Up for $1 out the trunk of this car. I’m bout to drive to Greensboro right now to see if I can sell a couple copies of The Fall-Off tonight. Full…
“NCA&T. First time I ever sold a physical version of my own full project was on your campus during Homecoming. We sold The Come Up for $1 out the trunk of this car. I’m bout to drive to Greensboro right now to see if I can sell a couple copies of The Fall-Off tonight. Full circle !!!”
The news outlet confirmed that thousands of students flocked to the yard by the time J. Cole pulled up to the campus. Cole shared a sweet message with the students, inspiring them as he rolled out his personal project.
The HBCU also received a special shoutout in the project. Cole mentioned the nation’s largest HBCU in the track “Safety” for the two-disc album. The move was a nod to his history and legacy in rap and his home state, especially as many speculate that “The Fall Off” is his last before hanging up his mic.
While only J. Cole knows for sure where his career will turn next, fans at NCAT will always have this memory of the rapper showing extra love to their alma mater.
Rosalind ‘Roz’ Brewer Will Receive Legacy Award At The 2026 Women OF Power Summit
Her forward trajectory reflects a decades-long record of leadership at some of the nation’s most influential institutions.
Rosalind “Roz” Brewer is being honored with the 2026 Legacy Award at the BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit March 11-15 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Brewer is a trailblazer with a career defined by firsts across corporate America. Her forward trajectory reflects a decades-long record of leadership at some of the nation’s most influential institutions.
She began her professional career in 1984 at Kimberly-Clark Corporation, over a 22-year tenure, Brewer advanced through leadership roles and ultimately served as president of the Global Nonwovens Division. In 2006, Brewer joined Walmart, where she held multiple senior leadership positions, including regional vice president and president of Walmart East. Only six years later, Walmart named her president and CEO of Sam’s Club, making her the first Black person to lead a Walmart division.
"The next level of leadership is about becoming great listeners, acting on the information, and making your people feel included" – American businesswoman and former CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Rosalind "Roz" Brewer. #TPPAfrica#LeadershipQuotespic.twitter.com/XpDcG70g0r
Brewer joined Starbucks Corporation in 2017, as chief operating officer and group president. In her ascension she became the first woman and first African American to hold the role. In March 2021, Brewer was appointed CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance and joined the company’s board of directors. At the time of her appointment, she was among a small number of Black women leading Fortune 500 companies.
Beyond her executive roles, Brewer has served on the boards of Amazon, Starbucks, Lockheed Martin, and Molson Coors Brewing Company. She currently serves on the board of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and is interim president and chair emerita of Spelman College.
Brewer is ranked among the Most Powerful Women in Business on the Forbes 50 Over 50 list amongst many other honors. Her next honor will arrive at the Women of Power Summit in Vegas. She is beyond a doubt a visionary and has rightfully earned her place with a select group of leaders whose careers continue to shape corporate leadership and expand opportunity. To learn more about the 2026 Women of Power Summit click here.
Bob Marley’s Love Of Soccer Steps Into Focus In New Adidas Collection
The release coincides with what would have been Marley’s 80th birthday and arrives as global attention builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
By Robert Hill
Adidas released a new apparel and footwear collection in collaboration with the Bob Marley Foundation on Feb. 6, celebrating the late reggae icon’s legacy and lifelong passion for soccer.
The release coincides with what would have been Bob Marley’s 80th birthday and arrives as global attention builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The collection honors Marley’s passion for the sport, which was often described as his love outside of music.
Marley’s connection to soccer played a central role in the collaboration and has been recognized as a piece of his identity. The late artist often referred to the sport as a source of freedom, unity, and personal expression, often watching matches while on tour. His love for soccer and Jamaica, combined with his global cultural influence, led Adidas to create an apparel line in his honor.
The apparel features the powerful phrase “Football is Freedom” on graphic T-shirts with Marley’s face. Other items include basketball shorts and shoes.
Rolling Stone reported, “Of particular note is the Bob Marley Gazelle Jamaica Shoe featured in the capsule, which reimagines one of Adidas’ hero silhouettes in bright yellow and green, with a touch of ruby lining the classic Three Stripes overlays on the upper. The German brand’s signature, thick rubber outsole is present here, too: doling out traction on surfaces from the turf to the city sidewalk.”
Adidas carefully crafted the designs as the brand worked closely with the Bob Marley Foundation, drawing inspiration from archival photographs, tour-era clothing, and Marley’s style to create pieces that reflect his love for music, football, and Jamaican culture, as provided by the foundation.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the Bob Marley and Adidas collaboration reflects how brands continue to align prominent figures with sporting moments. This collaboration reinforces that Marley’s influence will continue to spread for generations to come.
