Andrew Young, daughter, Atlanta
by Jameelah Mullen

February 6, 2025

Andrew Young Talks Trump’s Latest Policies: ‘I Don’t Know What Kind Of Games They’re Playing’

If unbothered were a person, his name would be Andrew Young.

Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young says he is “not worried” about the Trump administration’s new policies, which threaten to overturn some of the civil rights laws he helped to create.

In an interview with 11 Alive Atlanta, the civil rights leader reflected on Trump’s demands, which include calling for ending diversity, equity, and inclusion jobs in the federal government and another proposing halting civil rights investigations.  

“Nothing’s happening; there’s a lot of talk,” Young replied when asked if he was concerned about the Trump administration’s proposals, which also include cutting educational funding and rolling back LGBTQ+ rights. 

“They’re shadowboxing. It’s like the warm-up before the fight. I don’t think anyone knows what they are doing. I think they are playing games with themselves,” the former mayor told the outlet. “It’s sort of an intellectual masturbation.” 

The 92-year-old activist said he will pray for the president, whom Young noted is “not balanced right now.” 

In January 2024, Young spoke at Jimmy Carter’s funeral in Washington, D.C. The former mayor hopes Trump and other U.S. politicians will remember his message of kindness, patience, and forgiveness. 

When asked about the political landscape in Georiga, the Atlantaian made it clear that he was unwilling to discuss local politics. 

“Right now, I’m worried about the football game this Sunday,” Young quipped, referencing the Super Bowl 2025, which will take place Sunday, Feb. 9. 

Young also discussed his health; in January, the 92-year-old was admitted to an Atlanta hospital for what his family described as a precaution. Young didn’t share many details about his condition but said he was “feeling fine.” 

Working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the former executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Young helped draft the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 1972, Young became the first Black Congressman from Georgia since Reconstruction. He was also the first Black man to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and Mayor of Atlanta from 1982 to 1990.

RELATED CONTENT: The Executive Leadership Council to Honor Ambassador Andrew Jackson Young, Jr. With 2022 Global Game Changer Award

Dawn Staley, women's basketball, salary
by Stacy Jackson

February 6, 2025

Dawn Staley Calls Comment About Ole Miss Coach A ‘Personal Attack’

Coach Staley and Coach Yo are not here for the disrespect from the announcer. The Ole Miss coach says she's "truly grateful" for her growth.

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley publicly defended Yolett McPhee-McCuin after an announcer made a shady comment about the Ole Miss women’s basketball coach during Sunday’s game against Vanderbilt.

After McPhee-McCuin called a timeout for Ole Miss with just 54.7 seconds remaining of Sunday’s face-off against Vanderbilt, announcer Andrew Allegretta had a select choice of words to describe the 42-year-old’s coaching style. “I say this respectfully,” Allegretta said in a clip from the live stream. “And she’s done an incredible job. She has three consecutive NCAA tournaments. I can see why some of Coach Yo would be an acquired taste. It’s a lot of bombastic motions on the sideline and all of that sort of stuff. Working the officials. Timeouts when you’re up by, what, 15 points. All of that sort of stuff.”

Allegretta, Vanderbilt’s director of radio broadcasting, called the game alongside Drew Maddux for SEC Network+.

Coach Staley, a three-time NCAA champion and the highest-paid coach in women’s basketball, as previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, took Allegretta’s comment about McPhee-McCuin as a personal attack.

“Woke up this [morning] to this and came back to it because it’s just wrong,” Staley wrote on X. “A personal attack on one of our[s] is a personal attack on all of us, including who you are broadcasting for.” She tagged the Ole Miss coach in her post with a reminder for McPhee-McCuin to keep being her “authentic self,” followed by a quick message for the Vanderbilt announcer: “Broadcaster, keep being yourself because we see you!”

McPhee-McCuin has been with The Rebels for 17 years and stood by her decision to call the last-minute timeout. On X, she explained that she was trying to avoid a turnover. “We were being pressed with 15 [seconds] to go,” she wrote. However, as for the disrespect from Vanderbilt announcers, Coach Yo feels the behavior was “classless, unnecessary, and uncalled for.” She stated on Sunday night that she is “truly grateful” for her growth “in these days and times.”

The Ole Miss coach and her team walked away with the win against the Nashville team, 76-61. The game marked the 57th matchup between the two teams, with The Rebels boasting its longest winning streak in the series against The Commodores, which began in 1978.

RELATED CONTENT: Dawn Staley References Pay Disparity At ESPY Awards

Lil Wayne, Lawsuit, Rob Sweeney, 20 million,
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 6, 2025

Don’t Expect Lil Wayne To Be At Super Bowl LIX

'Shout out to New Orleans, but I’ve been working on something very special.'

New Orleans resident Lil Wayne has informed his fans that he will not be making an appearance at the Super Bowl, taking place between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Feb. 9.

On an Instagram reel, the “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy” rapper left his fans a message announcing that he will not be attending the Super Bowl, although it’s taking place in New Orleans. He instead stated that he is chillin’ but will drop “something exciting” on Thursday, Feb. 6.

“Y’all know I’m not going to be there this week, which means I guess there’s a seat to fill,” said Wayne. “Shout out to New Orleans, but I’ve been working on something very special. I got something exciting coming for you Thursday, the 6th. Until then… I’m chillin’.”

Until Wayne tells us what he has cooking, TMZ reported that there is a strip club that would love to have him appear at their spot on Sunday, Feb. 9 since he will miss the Super Bowl.

The venue is The Pony and it is located in Lexington, Kentucky. Mike Dickinson, the club operator, spoke to the media outlet with the outside chance that Wayne will show up.

“Lil Wayne is NEW ORLEANS culture and music. His hits get the party started everywhere they’re played especially at Pony Lexington where our entertainers and guests love him.”

“We thought he should have been the halftime show so when he wasn’t we invited him!!!”

Dickinson has informed TMZ that they have reached out to Wayne’s management but, so far, has not heard anything from them.

Although Wayne expressed disappointment in Lamar being selected instead of him for the halftime performance at the Super Bowl, he did admit to speaking to the Compton rapper in December 2024. In a conversation with Skip Bayless, he told the sports analyst that he wished Lamar the best and told him to “kill” his performance.

‘I’ve spoken to him and I wished him all the best and told him he better kill it’ Wayne said.

Kendrick Lamar, top earner, Forbes Drake
by Kandiss Edwards

February 6, 2025

American Heart Association Raises CPR Awareness Using Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

Kendrick Lamar's rap beef can be used to maintain heart beats.

The American Heart Association is using songs by Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé to help save lives.

The Grammy Awards aired on Feb. 2, with multiple Black artists taking home the night’s top honors. Kendrick Lamar was nominated for five awards for his hit single “Not Like Us.” The American Heart Association seized the opportunity to promote Hands-Only CPR techniques.

The organization took to its Instagram to seemingly shout out DJ Mustard, the producer of “Not Like Us,” and raise awareness.

“Mustard on the beat. And it could help you save a life with Hands-Only CPR. If you see a teen or adult collapse, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the rhythm of ‘Not Like Us.”

The organization followed up with another Grammy-winning song, “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

According to the organization, the song’s tempo is also perfect for Hands-Only CPR, at 110 beats per minute. After congratulating Beyoncé on her first Album of the Year Grammy, the caption urged readers to “crank up” “Texas Hold ‘Em” to save a life.

“Park your Lexus and throw your keys up, ’cause Beyoncé finally got that Album of the Year win. So crank up ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ and remember that if you see a teen or adult collapse, Hands-Only CPR is your best chance to save their life.” 

The American Heart Association’s decision to pair lifesaving information with the historical Grammy wins of Black artists is timely.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for all American adults. Black people account for 22% of all deaths due to heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, and heart attacks, according to the CDC. Only 10% of cardiac arrest patients survive if the event occurs outside a hospital. The chances of survival improve with effective CPR techniques.

Learn how to effectively administer Hands-only CPR here.

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Black Celebs Support Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala Raising $3M for Black-Owned Businesses, ‘We Are Nobody’s DEI Hire’
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 6, 2025

Black Celebs Support Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala Raising $3M for Black-Owned Businesses, ‘We Are Nobody’s DEI Hire’

The fourth annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala raised money for Black-owned businesses while taking a few jabs at the current attacks against DEI initiatives.

Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Law Roach, and more Black elites were present for the fourth annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala, which successfully raised $3 million to support Black-owned businesses.

The gala took place on Saturday at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, where Fifteen Perfect Pledge founder Aurora James stressed the importance of the gala amid Donald Trump’s fierce attacks against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

“This is exactly the time we need to show up and continue to speak out,” James said, as cited by WWD.

Following Trump’s return to the White House, where he’s blamed DEI initiatives for recent tragedies, including a deadly plane crash in Washington, D.C., and wildfires that devastated Los Angeles, James urged attendees to stay resilient. She encouraged continued support for initiatives like the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which she launched as a nonprofit in 2020 to advocate for major retailers and corporations to allocate 15 percent of their purchasing power to Black-owned businesses, historically underfunded and underrepresented in the marketplace.

“Each and every one of us, our stories, our pasts, our cultures and identities, are part of the fabric that makes America great. Dare I say more than great, we make it f–king spectacular,” James told the crowd of entertainment, fashion, and business elite.

“We are nobody’s DEI hire. This country in its best form is a product of each of our beautiful and individual contributions. Never, ever, ever let another person tell you otherwise. We belong, you belong, all of our children belong here.”

The stars came out to support the fourth annual gala, including Kim Kardashian, Teyana Taylor, Jesse Williams, Keke Palmer; artists Amy Sherald and Mickalene Thomas; CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Rachel Scott of Diotima; beauty mogul Danessa Myricks; Tatcha founder Vicky Tsai; model Amber Valletta; Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald; celebrity colorist Kadi Lee, facialist Shani Darden, and many more.

Business mogul and Fifteen Percent Pledge chairwoman Emma Grede shared how well the initiative is doing despite corporations rolling back DEI efforts in response to conservative opposition.

“We’ve created the potential to shift $17 billion in revenue to Black-owned businesses,” Grede highlighted the growing collaborations with digital retailers and their efforts to help founders leverage the power of AI.

“This organization is so consequential, especially now when everything’s in question, and it shouldn’t be,” said creative director June Ambrose. “At the end of the day, these entrepreneurs just want their fair share of the real estate. And color, the fact we have to talk about it, means there is something wrong.”

The Pledge granted $200,000 to three businesses: luxury jeweler Bernard James, specialty tea brand Brooklyn Tea, and RedDrop, a period products company dedicated to normalizing puberty education.

“To be validated and seen by your own people is something,” RedDrop chief impact officer Dana Roberts said.

“We have sacrificed so much, but every day, we do this work to change generations of girls, especially in the world we live in today.”

“Thank god. We needed this,” Brooklyn Tea cofounder Jamila Wright added. “All these dresses are very pretty, and all this food is very cute, but being a Black business, we struggle. We struggle to get capital and loans.”

RELATED CONTENT: Robin Washington Named Salesforce’s New COFO Amid Company’s Transformation Into Agentic Era

Lifetime achievement, Busta Rhymes
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 6, 2025

You May Now Call Him ‘Dr. Busta Rhymes’

The Brooklyn rapper received an honorary doctorate from Harvest Christian University in Dallas, Texas

Former Leaders of the New School group member Busta Rhymes received an honorary doctorate from Harvest Christian University in Dallas, Texas.

In a recent Instagram post, Busta showed off the recent achievement and told his almost five million followers that they may address him as Dr. Rhymes. He posted a video and photos from the ceremony where he accepted the degree at the university along with other graduates from Harvest Christian University. He received the recognition on Saturday, Feb. 1.

“I WILL NEVER STOP SAYING IT!! THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP, SO WE WON’T EVER STOP, EVER, EVER, EVER!! DON’T LET NOBODY EVER STEAL YOUR JOY!!! IT’S OFFICIAL!! FROM THIS DAY FORWARD YOU WILL FOREVER KNOW ME AS
DR. RHYMES‼️‼️‼️ SUCH AN HONOR AND A BLESSING TO BE CHOSEN AND ACKNOWLEDGED IN THIS WAY!! BIG THANK YOU AND A HUGE SALUTE GOES TO @MyHCU.Education x @JayFredRobinson x @AmadeusPBM x @ItsDrCarlRobinson
“Dr. @donpoohmusic
📸 by @thebiggerpicturebuda“

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Busta Rhymes (@bustarhymes)

He received a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Leadership for Creative Enterprises.

Being awarded the honorary doctorate is the latest recognition for Dr. Rhymes, as he was also honored by the White House with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which was posted on his Instagram account on Thursday, Jan. 30. The Brooklyn rapper was given the award “for his contributions to the community as an international Hip-Hop recording artist, music business entrepreneur, thespian, and humanitarian.”

“THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP, SO WE WON’T EVER STOP!! IT’S JUST NO WAY TO EXPLAIN HOW AMAZING THE BLESSINGS CONTINUE TO BE!!! THANKS TO @MyHCU.Education AND MY BROTHER KING @amadeuspbm I HAVE ALSO BEEN SELECTED AS A RECIPIENT FOR FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD!!! IT JUST KEEPS GETTING MORE AND MORE INCREDIBLE EVERYDAY!! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE INVOLVED FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE!! THE MOST HIGH IS THE GREATEST!!!! 👑👑👑👑”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Busta Rhymes (@bustarhymes)

Dr. Rhymes is keeping himself busy as Snow Brains reported he will be headlining the High Peak Festival in Andermatt, Switzerland in April. Other acts performing in the festival include Eve, M.O.P., Xzibit, Timbaland, Morgan Heritage, and The Luniz, among a host of others.

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Former NFL Running Back, Doug Martin, Police Custody, Oakland
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 6, 2025

Georgia Police Discover Dead Passenger During Traffic Stop, Leaving Devastated Mom With Questions

21-year-old Malachi A. Mitchell was found dead in driver's car, no cause of death revealed

Georgia police officers found a 21-year-old male passenger dead in a vehicle during a traffic stop and, after questioning the driver, released him without arrest. Now, the deceased man’s mother is questioning why the driver was allowed to leave.

According to Fox 5 Atlanta, police officers conducting a routine traffic stop discovered Malachi A. Mitchell dead in the vehicle of a driver who was not identified. His mother, Kenya Mitchell, says she needs answers after the driver was released after being questioned.

The incident occurred on Jan. 29, as deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office found Malachi deceased. The officers contacted the Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit to pick up the driver. The driver was taken to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, where authorities stated that he fully cooperated with the investigators. He was released after they questioned him, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Kenya said the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office didn’t notify her, and she only found out her son was dead because she and Malachi’s girlfriend tracked his location from his phone. When they went to the area looking for him, that’s when she discovered that he was dead after seeing a coroner’s van and several police vehicles at the scene.

She believes he went out to conduct a legal gun sale with the driver.

When she discovered that they allowed the driver to be released, she questioned why he was allowed to go home after they found her son’s dead body in the car.

“For them to protect his family and him is beyond my understanding,” said Mitchell. “So, what happened? Where is the man who shot my son?”

Kenya also states that they have not told her anything, and she is confused about why. She said she received no compassion or answers.

“[No] compassion, any answers, not even my son’s body,” said Mitchell.

Authorities have not released Malachi’s cause of death.

The investigation is active. Once completed, the results will be sent to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for review.

RELATED CONTENT: Inmate Robert Brooks’ Death Linked To Brutal Beating At Marcy Correctional Facility, Autopsy Suggests

Jimmy Butler, Golden State
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 6, 2025

Jimmy Butler Traded To Golden State Warriors

The guard publicly asked the Miami Heat to trade him “wherever that may be" and they honored his wish

In January, Jimmy Butler publicly asked the Miami Heat to trade him, “wherever that may be,” to another team. The franchise honored his wishes by sending him to the Golden State Warriors.

According to ESPN, Butler is now a member of the Warriors after the Heat traded him for Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a top-10 protected first-round draft pick for 2025. To complete the deal, the Warriors also sent Dennis Schroder to the Utah Jazz, and in return, the Jazz sent P.J. Tucker back to the Heat (Tucker was a member of the Heat in 2021-22). The Warriors also sent Lindy Waters III to the Detroit Pistons, and the Heat shipped Josh Richardson off to the Pistons.

The deal occurred after Kevin Durant reportedly nixed a trade to return to the Warriors. Butler would have been traded to the Phoenix Suns in a multi-team transaction in that proposed move.

As part of the trade, Butler will decline a $52 million player option with the Heat and purportedly sign a new two-year, $121 million deal with the Warriors.

Butler’s new teammate, sharpshooter Stephen Curry, said he communicated with Butler during halftime of the Warriors-Jazz game.

“We know who Jimmy is. Being in two Finals, he’s a winner,” Curry said. “I understand there’s a lot of drama, and who knows what the story is. We expect a motivated, committed Jimmy ready to impact our team for the better.”

The Warriors have lost a step in recent years, as well as losing Klay Thompson (in free agency last year, Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks), but with this latest move, Butler makes the team better on paper.

The 35-year-old guard has led the Heat to the playoffs for five years, including two trips to the NBA Finals. He is averaging 18 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this season. He is also shooting a career-high 55.3% from the field.

RELATED CONTENT: Dentist Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Stealing Patients’ Pain Meds During Surgery

HUD,Scott Turner
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 6, 2025

Senate Confirms Scott Turner’s Black Job Of Leading Housing and Urban Development 

Let's see what Secretary Turner can do!

The Senate confirmed former NFL player Scott Turner on Feb. 5 with a 55-44 vote as the new secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), NPR reported. 

After nine years as a professional football player and twice as a Texas State Representative, Turner was tapped to promote investment opportunities in distressed neighborhoods during President Donald Trump’s first term. His latest opportunity in Washington, D.C., will focus on HUD, which, during his hearing, he claimed is “failing at its most basic mission.” He cited record-high homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing that leaves everyday Americans struggling. 

Turner’s sentiments differ from those of his tenure leading the people of Texas. As a lawmaker, Turner, the chief visionary officer of multifamily housing developer JPI, opposed the expansion of affordable rental housing and supported a bill permitting landlords to refuse housing to persons on federal housing assistance. 

After labeling HUD as a failure, Turner failed to provide specifics to the Senate on plans to turn things around under his leadership. Still, he did say he would review programming while declining Democratic senators’ idea for more federal funding. Turner’s thought process came out after stating he feels HUD needs to streamline programs, with the Section 8 housing voucher program being a specific target. He also mentioned regulations being the reason behind construction slowdowns and adding to housing costs. 

He wants to work with state leadership to combat the issue. Turner’s confirmation makes him the 12th of Trump appointees permitted to lead federal departments and the only Black cabinet nominee and member of the Trump-Vance administration. 

Democratic senators John Fetterman (Pa.) and Peter Welch (Vt.) were the only two who voted in support alongside every Republican lawmaker, according to The Hill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) backed Turner’s sentiments, stating in a floor speech that he feels the former cornerback “has the grit, the determination, and passion to get it done.” “This is an important role. Our country is facing a housing crisis affecting big cities, rural areas, tribal lands — literally every part of our country,” Thune said. 

“Higher construction costs and burdensome regulations have made homebuilding challenging. And what homes are on the market are too pricey for many Americans.” 

In a joint statement, the National Apartment Association and the National Multifamily Housing Council congratulated the secretary, saying he is the “right leader.” “Secretary Turner’s expansive background in rental housing, community development and economic revitalization makes him the right leader for HUD at the right time,” the statement read.

RELATED CONTENT: Robin Washington Named Salesforce’s New COFO Amid Company’s Transformation Into Agentic Era

closed, restaurant
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 6, 2025

LA’s Black-Owned Post & Beam In Baldwin Hills Will Close For Good

LA's longstanding Black-owned restaurant Post & Beam is closing for good after 13 years in business.

The Black-owned full-service restaurant Post & Beam in the Baldwin Hills community of Los Angeles, California, will close its doors for good later this month.

Post & Beam is closing down on February 27 to make way for new apartments, retail, restaurants, and a grocery store at the corner of Martin Luther King and Crenshaw Boulevards. The staple restaurant, which opened in 2012, will now operate on a limited schedule until its closure, offering dinner and weekend brunch and hosting community events like the Black Pot Supper Club, a ticketed buffet, social dating nights, and a special Valentine’s Day menu.

Though it’s a bittersweet moment to close the restaurant, the owners made it clear that the decision was mutual and they were not forced out.

“Post & Beam wasn’t put out of business,” Chef and co-owner John Cleveland told LA Eater. “The construction was long planned, and we were always kept in the loop. We’ll still have a presence in the neighborhood as it evolves.”

The community played a pivotal role in bringing Post & Beam to life. Cleveland and his wife Roni took over the restaurant after being mentored by the original owner, Brad Johnson, and chef Govind Armstrong,, who opened the full-service eatery in 2012. Situated in Baldwin Hills, a historically Black neighborhood, the Clevelands took over ownership in 2019 and created a diverse menu that included vegan crab cakes made from hearts of palm, wood-fired pizza, and roasted organic chicken. The side dishes paid homage to soul food classics, offering greens, black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, and some of the city’s finest brunch biscuits.

After Harridge Development Group purchased the property, the 2022 James Beard Awards semi-finalist for Outstanding Restaurant will shift to a catering and delivery-only model during construction. The Clevelands have plans to open a new venture in collaboration with Armstrong in the near future.

“Owning Post & Beam has been a dream come true for me,” Cleveland said. “I came specifically to work under Armstrong and Johnson. Roni is from here. I wanted this neighborhood to be the foundation of my customer base and root myself in Baldwin Hills, and we’re grateful for their support.”

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