• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 10, 2025

The Family Of Sonya Massey, Killed By White Police Officer, Reaches $10M Settlement With Sangamon County 

It's a start toward justice....

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The family of Sonya Massey, the Black woman killed by police officers after calling 911, reached a $10 million settlement agreement with Sangamon County, Illinois, officials months after the fatal killing, CBS News reports. 

County officials negotiated the massive settlement through mediation after “extensive confidential discussions” between county attorneys and lawyers representing Massey’s family. Before moving forward, it must be approved by the Sangamon County Board. In a statement, Board Chairman Andy Van Meter labeled the settlement as part of  “Sangamon County’s ongoing efforts to address the tragic death of Sonya Massey.”

“In addition to this agreement, the county is focused on improving its policies and practices through its memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice,” Van Meter wrote. 

“That agreement establishes measures to refine crisis response, enhance training, and build community trust.” 

Massey, 36, was shot and killed on July 6, 2024, at her home outside of the capital city of Springfield. The victim called 911 over a potential prowler, but minutes after members of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department arrived, Officer Sean Grayson shot and killed Massey in her kitchen while she was checking on a pot of boiling water while saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”

Greyson was later fired for his actions after claiming he was fearful for his life. He was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct in Massey’s death. While he pleaded not guilty, he is still behind bars awaiting trial. 

Van Meter confirmed that the settlement won’t have an economic impact on the community, citing no tax raises, no additional debt, or cut county services, according to WGN TV. “No price paid can take back the actions of a rogue former deputy, but this agreement is an effort to provide some measure of recompense to the Massey family for their unimaginable loss,” the board chair said. 

“The county remains committed to working with the community to strengthen policies to try to ensure tragedies like this never happen again.”

While board member Sam Cahnman says Van Meter will need to clarify where the money will come from, Massey’s family is seemingly pleased with the agreement but will continue to press for accountability on county officials’ involvement with her death. “We’re going to get justice for sure. I know. We are, for sure,” Massey’s son, Malachi Hill-Massey, said following the shooting. 

Co-chair of the Sonya Massey Commission JoAnn Johnson shared similar sentiments in light of the settlement announcement, stating, “The fact that that settlement has been reached is not going to impact the commission’s work in any way.” “We have so many different things that we were trying to address,” Johnson continued.

RELATED CONTENT: Retiree Killed In Ocho Rios Sparks Fear Among Repatriating Jamaicans

• Sports

by Daniel Johnson

February 10, 2025

Autumn Lockwood Is The First Black Woman Coach To Win A Super Bowl And Very Few Are Talking About It

Lockwood also made history two years ago, when she became the first Black woman coach to coach in a Super Bowl

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As the confetti came down inside the Caesars Superdome on the Philadelphia Eagles following their wire-to-wire victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, Philadelphia Eagles Assistant Sports Performance Coach Autumn Lockwood made Black and NFL history as the first Black woman coach to win a Super Bowl.

According to Winning Her Way, Lockwood also made history two years ago, when she became the first Black woman coach to coach in a Super Bowl when the Eagles faced the Chiefs in a game that Lockwood’s side lost.

Lockwood is a graduate of the University of Arizona and played women’s soccer for the university from 2013-2014. She earned her degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from the university in 2015. Her father, David, is a former cornerbacks coach for the University of Arizona.

In 2018, she joined the basketball staff of East Tennessee State University as the Assistant Director of Basketball Sports Performance after serving as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV).

Lockwood’s break into the NFL came when she joined the staff of the Atlanta Falcons after completing the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship in 2019.

Lockwood served the Falcons as a strength and conditioning coaching intern while continuing to coach for ETSU until 2021, when she joined the University of Houston, serving as the university’s coordinator of sports performance for the women’s soccer, basketball, and softball squads.

It was inevitable that football would come calling, as the University of Houston’s Director of Olympic Sports Performance, Kevin McCadam, told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2023.

“When this opportunity came up to go to Philly, it was kind of a no-brainer to encourage her to go,” McCadam told the outlet. “We hated to see her leave and [were] wanting to continue to help and watch her grow with our athletes. But it’s kind of hard to pass up when your dream opportunity comes your way.”

Linebacker Brandon Graham, arguably the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Eagles defense, told the outlet that the team hoped to reward Lockwood with her first Super Bowl ring.

“It’s been a great year for us,” Graham said. “We’re hoping to get her her first ring.”

Two years later, Graham and the Eagles came through on that proclamation, and according to Christian Elliss, another linebacker on the team, Lockwood’s kindness and joy radiated in her interactions with the team.

Lockwood distributes iPads with a questionnaire about the players’ mental and physical health each week, which Elliss says is a tremendous asset to the team’s mental health.

“There’s been a few times this season where I clicked five, I’m not feeling so good,” Elliss told The Inquirer. “I’m kind of stressed, and they’re able to talk to you and just help you and help talk you through it. I think that’s the biggest thing. Because a lot of times, you feel like you can’t talk to anybody about it because you have to perform. But she’s just been great. She helps us with that.”

Now, after their 40-22 win over Kansas City, Lockwood has helped the team win their first Super Bowl in the Jalen Hurts era, and the team has kept their promise regarding Lockwood’s historic achievement.

RELATED CONTENT: Philadelphia Eagles’ Autumn Lockwood Set to Become First Black Woman to Coach in the Super Bowl

• Celebrity News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 10, 2025

Ye Offers To Help Kodak Black After Rapper Spotted Sitting, Eating Chicken On The Street

Ye also assured fans that despite his alarming posts, he is in a good space.

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Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has offered to fly to Miami to check on Kodak Black after the rapper was spotted eating in the middle of the street.

While Ye has decided to take on this rescue mission, he acknowledges how many probably think he is the one who needs help. Since getting back on X, the “New Slaves” rapper posted controversial messages for days on the social media app. In the posts, he spoke on women and Jewish people in a derogatory manner.

Amid Ye’s rants, Kodak Black was seen eating chicken while sitting in the street. The unusual sight caught the attention of fellow onlookers and social media users alike. The Neighborhood Talk re-shared the clip.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Once Ye learned of the concerning behavior, he announced that he would go down to Miami to see about his industry friend. While his account has been deactivated, he left with a message, not on his own mental state but that of his fellow rapper. An X user reposted the video footage.

pic.twitter.com/iVsSCRqlue

— Rak (@vvsrak) February 10, 2025

“I know y’all thinking I’m going through something right now… but I just saw a video of Kodak, and I wouldn’t want nobody to do an intervention on me. That’s why I want to put this video up,” began the billionaire artist.

Despite his controversial posts on X, Ye assured his fans that he does not need an intervention.

He continued, “Because y’all might think ‘man Ye really going through right now. Somebody need to go get him, go take his Twitter and stuff like that.’ But I’m just telling you calmly that I am in a good space. I’m really in a positive space. It’s cathartic. I got my ideas out. That’s all that happened, and that was very freeing for me. And it’s worth everything. It was worth everything to do that. Let’s start there.”

As for his “brother” Kodak, Ye thinks he may need the assistance. Moreover, Ye views the “No Flockin” rapper wearing a Donda chain as a sign to go to him.

“My brother Kodak and I feel a calling,” he added. “He’s actually wearing this Donda chain. And it’s not just because he’s wearing a chain, but it’s like, how you sitting here wearing this chain? Unless something’s saying to go and get my brother. I’ve thought about it before. I was like, ‘Man, I should go down to Miami, maybe. I could be the person I can make a difference.’ And that’s what I’m about to do right now.”

Ye then abruptly ended the message, assumingly to fly down to Miami. While there is no word if Ye made it to Florida, the rapper appeared very convinced that this was a way to “make a difference” within the hip-hop community.

RELATED CONTENT: OPINION: Former President Barack Obama Booed At Trump’s Inauguration: A New Low For Republican Decorum

• Arts and Culture

by Kandiss Edwards

February 10, 2025

Black History Month: Gamble & Huff Introduced Black Music Month To Celebrate And Sell Records

Black Music Month was not initially created to celebrate the artform.

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Black Music Month, celebrated every June, was created in 1979 by the legendary Kenny Gamble, of Gamble and Huff, and other collaborators. The month offers Black Americans a chance to celebrate the genius and artistry of their ancestors. It provides an opportunity to attend festivals, workshops, art exhibits, and more, allowing participants to teach and engage.

While the celebration plays an important role in remembering the pioneers of multiple American music genres — jazz, blues, rock and roll, country, rap, and R&B — it does not reflect the initial intent of the month’s creators.

Black Music Association

Co-owner of Philadelphia International Records, Gamble dreamed up the idea of Black Music Month as a member of the Black Music Association. The association was created as a network of radio DJs, promoters, show hosts, artists, and Black executives. The collective’s goal was to position Black artists at the forefront of Black music. While African American music was popular, positioning artists on national platforms was still a difficult feat. The association aimed to change that. Gamble saw the power wielded by the Country Music Association and began to question why Black folks hadn’t adopted the same strategies. Country Music Month is in October. Gamble came up with the name Black Music Month and declared June the opportune time.

Black Is Green

As a businessman and music creative, Gamble wanted to make — and just as importantly, sell — Black music. Working with Cleveland radio DJ Ed Wright and media strategist Dyana Williams, Gamble came up with the slogan “Black Is Green.” The slogan was meant to reinforce “the economics” of Black music.

“With Black Music Month, we came up with a slogan: Black Music is green, which means economics. It’s about money,” the legend said in an interview.

“There was a time when Huff and I were coming up when you couldn’t put an album or single out with Teddy Pendergrass on the cover because record shops and promoters wouldn’t even put him in the window.”

He continued, “Black music was an economic issue. Young people were buying these albums left and right; it wasn’t just singles that Black people were buying.”

Music historian and member of the Black Action Coalition, Naima Chocrane, spoke to the AP about the original intent of the month.

“Black Music Month was originally created to promote, protect, and perpetuate the business of Black music, not just to celebrate Black music,” she said.

Black Networking

The agenda to dig into the monetary gains presented in Black Music led Gamble and his compatriots to tap their network, connecting with some of the most powerful men of the day. The Black godfather, Clarence Avant, was one of the main figures in making Gamble, Wright, and Williams’ movement a reality nationally. Avant, known for his unlikely connections, helped facilitate a meeting with President Jimmy Carter, according to Gamble.

“Clarence Avant knew this guy in Atlanta who knew President Jimmy Carter. He asked Carter if he would entertain Black Music Month at the White House. Carter did it; we all went down there [in 1979]. Huff and I went down there with all of our crew from Philly. I don’t think they ever had that many Black people in the White House. We had all of the Black disc jockeys like Frankie Crocker. We had everybody: Billy Eckstine, Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King performing, and Barry White. It was a great thing to see our people working together. Jimmy Carter was sitting on the grass. It was nice. It was beautiful.”

Since the gathering at the White House in 1979, the month of June has been recognized by the government, yearly, through presidential proclamation. On the surface, the original message “Black is Green” may appear lost, as the events do not center record sales. Yet, the amount of Black commerce generated through Black Music Month initiatives align heavily with the initial purpose. Black bookstores, promoters, venues, record stores, restaurants, live musicians, and a host of other creatives and businesspersons collaborate to celebrate and capitalize.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Music Month: BE100s Companies That Made Their Mark with Music

• Uncategorized

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 10, 2025

Ask Your FairyGodMentor®: How To Handle Being Your Job‘s Go-To On Diversity

Token Of Appreciation Or Token Fatigue?

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Reader’s Question:

Hi FairyGodMentor, 

As one of the few Black employees in my company, I’m always asked to represent diversity initiatives, but it’s not in my job description. How do I manage this additional burden?

Yours truly,

– Token Fatigue

Dear Token Fatigue,

Whew! It’s one thing to have DEI initiatives at work, but being the unofficial spokesperson, day in and day out? That’s beyond exhausting! As a Black professional, I’ve walked this path, and trust me, I’ve wanted to print t-shirts for the “DEI By Default Club.” Wearing this iron cloak of representation is heavy — and it absolutely shouldn’t be part of any workplace dress code.

Step 1: Reflect—Did You Volunteer or Were You “Voluntold”?

Think back to how this all started. Did you offer to support one event and suddenly find yourself cast as the Chief Diversity Officer? Or did people simply assume you’re an expert in all things DEI because you’re passionate about the topic — or, let’s be real, because of your identity?

I’m going to keep it real, sometimes, the expectation to participate in these programs sneaks into performance reviews or professional development plans. If that’s the case, it’s time to revisit how this responsibility crept onto your plate. People love to take advantage of good intentions, but it’s up to you to set healthy boundaries.

When taking on any initiative, make it clear from the start:

• What you’re committing to.

• How long you’re willing to be involved.

This helps others understand that your role is temporary, not permanent, and sets the foundation for reducing burnout. Set expectations that meet your reality.

Step 2: Assess Your Capacity

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to completely step away from these initiatives, or would you prefer to stay involved occasionally?

• How much time and energy can you realistically commit?

If your tank is empty, that’s completely valid — and it’s important to communicate that reality to those making the requests.

Step 3: Communicate Clear Boundaries

When it’s time to draw the line, clarity is key. Try saying:
“I’m honored to contribute to these important initiatives, but I need to balance this with my primary responsibilities to make sure that I’m delivering my best work.”

If it feels like your job description has quietly expanded, start documenting these extra tasks. Keep your receipts! Bring them up during performance reviews to highlight your contributions — and possibly negotiate for a raise or merit increase.

Additionally, this would be a perfect time to suggest the creation of an Employee Resource Group (ERG) or encourage HR to designate a diversity officer to share the load. Be explicit that your suggestion doesn’t mean you’re volunteering to lead — unless that aligns with your interests and goals.

Step 4: Reclaim Your Power

You have every right to step back if this work is becoming overwhelming. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you don’t care about diversity — it means you’re protecting your energy to make the most meaningful impact possible.

Trade that iron cloak for a cape! By using your boundary-setting superpowers, you can lighten your load and ensure DEI initiatives are shared responsibilities, not individual burdens. Your ancestors will be so proud.

You’ve got this!

Your Truly,

Your FairyGodMentor®

RELATED CONTENT: OP-ED: Can Fired DEI Professionals Sue Attackers For Defamation? 

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and the founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that develops empowered, results-driven leaders through engaging leadership development coaching, training, and facilitation. 

Have a question about handling a micromanager? Are you having difficulty navigating spaces because of your hair? Is work stressing you out? Do you need support coaching poor performance, or are you wondering how to effectively negotiate and get the job offer you desire? Do you have any questions about career and leadership development? 

Ask Your FairyGodMentor® here.

• Celebrity News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 10, 2025

Denzel Washington Opens Up About Nearly Biting His Tongue Off, Impacting Speech Before Broadway Return

Washington is in rehearsals for his return to Broadway in a revival of William Shakespeare's 'Othello.'

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Denzel Washington is known for his way with words. However, the acclaimed actor revealed that a recent tongue-bite has affected his speech as he prepares for his latest Broadway show.

Washington is currently in rehearsals for his return to Broadway in a revival of William Shakespeare’s Othello, starring in the play alongside Jake Gyllenhaul. However, Washington divulged to the New York Times’ “The Interview Podcast” about the tough ordeal that left his tongue damaged.

Although he recalled the incident happening in late 2024, the 70-year-old is still recovering, being forced to slow down when talking.

“I bit my tongue almost half-off a few months ago,” Washington told the program, as reported by Fox News. “It’s affecting my speech. It forces me to slow down. I have to use it.”

Furthermore, the issue will also affect his pronunciation of the Olde Modern English Shakespeare used to write his plays. Washington has already cited trouble reciting some lines from the show.

He added, “I have a line: ‘Whither will you that I go to answer this your charge?’ It’s hard because my tongue is swollen. “It has affected everything.”

While he remains dedicated to continuing the show, the Oscar winner did not dive deeper into what led to the incident. Despite this, the newly-baptized thespian has relied on prayer to get him thorough obstacles such as this. Washington also received his minister’s license while at the Kelly Temple Church in New York City last December.

“That’s why you pray every day,” he continued. “I’m like, ‘OK, Lord, I’m here, I think this is what you wanted me to do.’ Now I’m not sure why, but one can say coincidence and serendipity and all those things.”

About the show itself, Washington remains focused on what God thinks of his performance. He explained how some themes in Othello will also challenge its viewers, but they must be willing to reflect as well.

“At this point, everything I’m doing is through the lens of what God thinks, not what they think. I don’t know what they think,” he expressed. “You go down that hole, you’ll never come out of that. When people say, ‘What do you want people to get from this movie?’ or ‘What do you want them to get from this play?’ I always say, ‘It depends upon what they bring to it.’ There’s some interesting themes [in Othello] of jealousy and envy and pain and death.”

However, for those concerned if his line delivery will falter, Washington already has a method to his acting process.

“I’m not worried about that, because I don’t like to learn the lines too soon,” he added. “I was telling a young actor who asked, ‘Why don’t you like to learn them too soon?’ I said: ‘Because then I’m the voice I’m listening to delivering the cues to myself…I want to hear it from you, and that’s going to affect how I say what I say.’ For me, that works.”

Othello will debut at the Ethel Barrymore Theater on Broadway on March 25 and will run through June 8.

RELATED CONTENT: Denzel Washington, Magic Johnson, And Fannie Lou Hamer Honored With Presidential Medal Of Freedom By Biden

• Business

by Daniel Johnson

February 10, 2025

Ron DeSantis’ Budget Cuts Threatens Black Businesses In Florida

DeSantis’ budget will cancel a Black business loan program.

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As Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis spars with his own party over his state’s budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, some of his proposals for how to accomplish that will leave Black business owners in Florida out in the cold.

According to The Miami Herald, DeSantis’ $115.6 billion budget is merely a recommendation, Florida’s Republican legislative body will create the actual budget in March when they call for the state’s two-month legislative session.

DeSantis and his fellow Republicans have been at odds over his spending, which as recently as the week of Jan. 31, included a $350 million proposal earmarked for sending migrants to other countries.

Lawmakers, who balked at this proposal, instead passed a bill stripping DeSantis of most of his ability to enforce immigration in the State of Florida.

This arrangement has led DeSantis to look intently at paring down the state’s spending, but notably, not in his own office, which is projected to grow by approximately $11 million.

In service of this ideal, according to Florida Politics, DeSantis’ budget, which he has titled “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility,” will cancel the $2.2 million Black Business Loan Program, a program that Black business owners rely on to help them access capital which they are often denied by conventional lending institutions.

In addition to this, DeSantis’ budget also maintains the elimination of the Broadband, Equity Access, and Development Grant Program, a program that helps to ensure equal access to the internet in areas that typically have a deficiency in that area.

DeSantis’ budget also calls for a $100 million decrease for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which, like the previous program, is tied to socioeconomic status, and seeks to help low income individuals who struggle with their electric bills.

According to House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, DeSantis’ proposed budget is not designed to help Florida residents deal with the rising costs of living, but to drive headlines.

“The Governor’s budget proposal focuses on grabbing headlines and trying to keep him relevant in the national spotlight while leaving Florida’s families behind,” the Democratic Representative said in a statement to The Miami Herald.

According to WPBF 25, Florida, and in particular, Miami has a thriving Black business community. In 2023, a LendingTree survey placed the city as America’s 14th best city for Black businesses.

This is in part due to the work of the South Florida Black Chamber of Commerce, whose work spotlighting agencies who will work with Black-owned businesses looks to be crucial, with the elimination of Florida’s state funding.

As Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief analyst, told CBS News, “Black applicants who apply for credit are about twice as likely to be denied credit or be approved for less credit. The more that organizations like the Black Chamber of Commerce can do, the better, because the need is certainly there.”

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Permanently Blocks Workplace Training Portion Of Florida’s Racist Stop WOKE Act

• Health and Wellness

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 9, 2025

Colorado’s Black Health Resource Directory Makes Culturally Appropriate Health Care A Reality

The Black Health Resource Directory boasts a guide filled with culturally aware providers in Colorado.

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Colorado’s health care community is doing its part to better aid Black residents. The latest Colorado Black Health Resource Directory connects Black patients with culturally aware and specialized medical providers.

The directory came into fruition through a collaboration between the Colorado Black Health Collaborative and Connect for Health Colorado. Within the 108-page guide, Black people seeking health care support can find information about doctors and specialists throughout the state.

No matters one’s predicament or age, they can source medical providers that are aware of their identities and how it can impact their needs. The comprehensive directory is now in its fifth edition, also proving its necessity across the years.

“It’s all encompassing,” expressed Dr. Terri Richardson, co-founder of CBHR, to CBS News. “We go cradle to grave, that’s what we say.”

The idea sparked in 2010 after Black residents in the state requested medical providers that considered systemic factors in their approach to treatment and consult. For Richardson, that launched an initiative to amplify these providers that offered a “holistic” way of treating patients.

“People said, ‘You know what we could use? A holistic view of health.’ A guide,” explained Richardson. “We wanted to cover the Black diaspora not just African Americans. Folks from all over.”

The directory is free for all ,while expanding into the vast fields of medicine. From chiropractors to maternal health and dance instruction, the resource allows Black residents to feel seen while gaining the treatment they specifically need.

Colorado also hosts a relatively small Black population, accounting for only 4.18% of its total residents. Despite this, the need for Black Coloradoans to find providers that understand their plight remains at an all-time high.

“Sometimes, we feel like we get lost here in Colorado being only a small percentage of the population, yet our health disparities are at the top or the bottom as we always say,” Richardson said. “It’s very important to have someone with that lived experience. You don’t have to explain to me what it means to be Black in America. I already know.”

However, the directory’s continuation remains a feat, especially amid the Trump Administration’s crackdown on DEI programs. Although these concerns are still prevalent, the directory’s founders are committed to getting this medical information to the Black community.

RELATED CONTENT: RFK Jr.’s Absurd And Racist Comments Resurface Amid Confirmation Hearing

• Sports

by Daniel Johnson

February 9, 2025

Jalen Hurts And The Eagles Downplay Trump, Mahomes And Company Have Different Response

Hurts said of Trump, 'He's welcome to do what he wants.'

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When asked about how the appearance of Donald Trump plays a part in how they approach Super Bowl 59, the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles had markedly different answers to that question. The Chiefs did themselves no favors, while the Eagles may have gained themselves more fans with their response.

According to Time Magazine, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said that it would be “cool” to play in front of Trump, remarking that “It’s always cool to be able to play in front of a sitting president, someone that is at the top position in our country.”

Mahomes’ most dependable weapon, tight end Travis Kelce, echoed the sentiments of his quarterback, saying that he considers it a “great honor” to play in front of a sitting president.

Kelce continued, “I think you know, no matter who the president is, I know I’m excited because it’s the biggest game of my life, you know, and having the president there — it’s the best country in the world — and that’s pretty cool.”

The Eagles players, led by their quarterback, Jalen Hurts, struck a different tone. After a reporter asked if Trump’s appearance added any additional pressure to the game, he wryly, but respectfully answered “No ma’am.”

He also said of Trump, “He’s welcome to do what he wants.”

Hurts’ offensive tackle, Jordan Mailata, tasked with protecting Hurts from the Chiefs pass rush on the football field, took that role further during his availability on Feb. 4.

“That’s cool but Donald is not on that field. That’s cool but again that’s blocking out the noise.” Mailata said. “What am I going to do thinking about Donald Trump? How is that going to make me win the game?”

According to The Athletic, ahead of the game, less attention has gone to the rematch between Mahomes and Hurts, which was a spectacular and historical matchup between two of the NFL’s premier young Black quarterbacks.

Super Bowl 57 marked the first time two Black quarterbacks have squared off in the sport’s biggest game on the game’s biggest stage.

When asked about the difference in the two Super Bowl contests, Hurts acknowledged that, “It’s not mentioned as much now. It’s history again.”

Hurts continued, “You embrace the opportunity. Embrace that stage, knowing that torch you carry. I literally just got a text from someone that is a Black quarterback aspiring professionally, talking about us leading the way and paving the way for the young Black kings coming up, and that means a lot because I know someone — everybody — is always watching.”

“You want to showcase what we can do on the football field: throwing, running — whatever it takes to win football games,” Mahomes told The Athletic. “And you’ve seen that kind of already, given the push forward in the NFL, where I think almost half the starting quarterbacks are Black. And so, one big thing is, it showcases that if you give guys chances as coaches, quarterback, whatever it is — and in any profession, that we’re gonna go out there and execute at a very high level.”

RELATED CONTENT: Jalen Hurts Can Do Many Things But Can’t Help Reporter Be More Handsome

• News

by Daniel Johnson

February 9, 2025

Black Residents In Ohio Send White Supremacists Packing

After residents confronted the white supremacists, they quickly backed up, jumped into a U-Haul truck and left.

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A group of approximately a dozen white supremacists and Neo-Nazis were driven off on Feb. 7 by groups of Black residents after the former tried to encroach on a historically Black community with a history of fighting racism.

According to CNN, the white supremacists wore all-black clothing and red face masks and waved large swastika-emblazoned flags on a highway overpass between Lincoln Heights and Evendale, Ohio. Another sign in the possession of the Nazis read “America for the White Man.”

After residents confronted the white supremacists, they quickly backed up, jumped into a U-Haul truck, and left. Notably, at the scene of the confrontation, police officers ushered the Neo-Nazis into the U-Haul track and motioned for them to leave.

According to the police, “The protest, while very offensive, was not unlawful. The protest was short lived in duration. The protestors left the area on their own. No further action was taken by the Evendale Police Department,” the police department said.

Local residents like Kachara Tolbert, however, were critical of the reaction of the police, and some residents indicated that the Nazis used anti-Black slurs, including the n-word.

“We are underestimating the dangers of the police not even attempting to identify them. Who are they trying to protect? Because it isn’t us,” Talbert, one of the residents who confronted the white supremacists, told CNN. “It could be another Hitler behind those masks. It could be a school shooter behind those masks.”

Talbert continued, “The sign they posted said ‘America for the White Man’ and it makes me ask, what makes this group, that literally originated in another country, think they are more entitled to America than me and my folks? This country was made of Black blood, sweat and tears, so why do these colonizers feel so comfortable?”

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval also released a statement condemning the incident, saying that it was “shocking and disgusting to see swastikas displayed in Evendale today.”

Talbert also called out the milquetoast reaction from law enforcement, saying that because their reaction was so weak, it could embolden another group of would-be terrorists to return.

“Their statements talk about how hate has no place here, but no justice was served. These are terrorists we’re talking about,” Talbert said. “Seeing the flag being represented here and seeing the police stand there in what looked like unity, not disgust, made us feel like they’re saying what the Nazis stand for is OK.”

Talbert also recounted what drove her and other community members to act and to set fire to the flags brandished by the white supremacists.

“Anger and rage just came over me. I literally got there in about 15 minutes,” Talbert told CNN. “The Nazis were disrespecting my family, my lineage, my heritage. I took it very much personally. I needed to be there to take that flag down, and I needed to push those people out of our community.”

She continued, “I’ve watched Black men all my life in this community being frisked and detained without probable cause. But I didn’t see any rubber bullets that day. I didn’t see anybody getting shot, like during Black Lives Matter protests. I didn’t see gas. The calmness of the police overall, the way they were standing in front of them, it made us very upset.”

Talbert concluded, “When you have years and years of oppression and you have Nazi supporters in office, as police officers, judges, that is what’s making these people feel confident to do something like that. America needs to stand up and stop this madness, because it’s only going to get worse and it’s going to get dangerous.”

RELATED CONTENT: Black Community Leaders Issue Counterprotest Of ‘Unity and Love’ After Scary Neo-Nazi March In Ohio