Tiffany Henyard, board meeting — Photo by Christina Morillo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-people-on-a-conference-room-1181406/

by Stacy Jackson

May 15, 2025

YWCA South Hampton Roads Conference To Honor Women Shaping A More Equitable Future

"Conference on R.E.S.T. is not just a conversation—it’s a call to action," said YWCA South Hampton Roads CEO, Michelle Ellis Young.

YWCA South Hampton Roads, the world’s oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization, is preparing to honor women’s voices, resilience, and leadership during its 4th Annual Conference on R.E.S.T. (Racial Equity and Social Transformation).

The June event will celebrate the theme, “What About the Women?” as attendees gather with the organization ahead of Juneteenth to acknowledge women’s critical role in advancing justice and equity, even as they face everyday challenges.

“In a time of unprecedented global change, this year’s question, ‘What about the Women?’ demands urgent attention,” a press release stated. “Women’s rights remain at a critical crossroads, as hard-fought progress faces new challenges in the form of policy rollbacks, economic disparities, and persistent gender-based violence. From the erosion of reproductive rights to the widening wage gap, the stakes have never been higher.”

The Conference on R.E.S.T. will kick off with a Legacy Awards Breakfast where Hampton Roads leaders will be recognized for their contributions to shaping a more equitable future for all. 2025 honorees include: Delceno Miles, president and CEO of The Miles Agency; Vivian Oden, vice president for Equity and Inclusion at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation; author and survivor advocate Kemba Smith; and Virginia Organizing.

This year’s keynote speaker, best-selling author Mikki Kendall, will address attendees with illuminating perspectives drawn from her literature, advocacy, and work as a thought leader. A $1,000 Racial Justice Scholarship will be awarded to Norview High School rising senior York-Page Seaton.

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“The Conference on R.E.S.T. is not just a conversation—it’s a call to action,” said Michelle Ellis Young, CEO of YWCA South Hampton Roads. The event expands on YWCA South Hampton Roads’ ongoing mission to drive meaningful change by eliminating racism, advocating for the critical needs of survivors of sexual and domestic violence, and acting as a source of empowerment for women and families facing crisis.

Secure your spot today and meet YWCA South Hampton Roads at Norfolk State University, June 11, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NFL, Brother-Sister Duo, Ashley & Trey Smith — (Photo: Erin Costa/flickr)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 15, 2025

NFL Postpones Upcoming Diversity Coaching Program, Says It Will Return In 2026

'This will allow us to reimagine the program, reflecting on the feedback and engaging with stakeholders so we can ensure a successful program in the future'

The NFL has postponed its coach accelerator program, which was launched to help increase diversity in coaching positions. It was to be held during its spring meeting in Minneapolis on May 20 and 21.

According to ESPN, the league is reimagining the initiative so it can return in 2026.

This notice comes after President Donald Trump started peeling back DEI initiatives from the government and threatened companies that continued to implement similar programs with sanctions or withdrawing their funding.

“We believe diversity of thought and background is essential to our success, and it’s reflected in the policies, programs, and partnerships that help us attract, develop, and retain top talent at every level on and off the field,” Dasha Smith, NFL chief administrative officer, said in a statement. “Every offseason, we take a step back to reflect on the positives and areas for improvement of our programs and assess ways to make them more impactful. This year, we assessed and identified additional opportunities with the Accelerator—including combining the coaching and front office programs to ensure the Accelerator continues to be as impactful as possible.

“We have decided to hold the next iteration of the Accelerator in May 2026. This will allow us to reimagine the program, reflecting on the feedback and engaging with stakeholders so we can ensure a successful program in the future.”

Earlier this year, after Trump announced his anti-DEI initiative, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell assured fans that the DEI policies of the league would be going nowhere.

“We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League, and we’re going to continue those efforts because we’ve not only convinced ourselves,” Goodell said. “I think we’ve proven ourselves that it does make the NFL better.”

Columbia University, course — Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silver-ipad-on-white-book-page-289737/

by Kandiss Edwards

May 15, 2025

Dad Demands Answers After Son Is Allegedly Exposed To Gay Porn On Teacher’s iPad

A Minneapolis teacher is on leave after given one of their students a device that displayed gay porn.

A Minneapolis Public Schools parent, Levi Chapman, is demanding accountability after his third-grade son was allegedly exposed to pornography on a teacher’s personal iPad during class, KSTP reported.

The incident occurred two weeks ago at Las Estrellas Elementary when the child, who had forgotten his district-issued laptop, borrowed the device from his teacher.

According to court documents and interviews with his father, Chapman, the student described a pop-up displaying “a bunch of naked men lying on top of each other” before the teacher intervened and reclaimed the iPad.

“Him and another student were sitting there, and they closed out a tab. Well, that tab that had popped up to them. My son described it as ‘a bunch of naked men lying on top of each other… The teacher came over to see what was happening, and my son said that he got angry with him and said, You know, ‘You’re violating my personal privacy’ and took the iPad from him,” Chapman said.

Chapman said the teacher initially refused to swap in a loaner laptop, leaving his son “very uncomfortable” until he finally received the proper equipment.

Minneapolis Public Schools placed the teacher on administrative leave as it investigates the circumstances that allowed access to explicit content.
In a statement to KTSP, the district said it takes such allegations seriously and will follow all relevant protocols, but it cited data privacy laws and declined to provide further details. “Minneapolis Public Schools take allegations like these seriously and will follow any relevant district protocols. These allegations are currently under investigation, and due to data privacy laws, we are unable to disclose specific details relating to this incident.”

Chapman, who has also contacted the Minnesota Department of Education, said district staff have since created a care plan for his son and moved him to a different classroom.

“I wish the teacher had given him a proper device from the start,” Chapman said, adding that the family hopes the district revises its loaner-device policies to prevent similar incidents.

The state Department of Education is reviewing whether the incident falls under child maltreatment statutes and could pursue an independent investigation. Meanwhile, Chapman and other parents are urging MPS to strengthen digital safeguards, enforce clear protocols for device sharing, and ensure teachers receive training on supervising students’ device use. As schools increasingly rely on personal devices to bridge technology gaps, advocates say robust policies are vital to protect children from inappropriate online material.

Howard, Graduates, Doctoral Student — Photo by Cavan Images/Getty Images

by Stacy Jackson

May 15, 2025

79-Year-Old Graduate Spins The College Campus And Earns Her Degree

Ellis was over the moon about graduating college after six decades. "I just had a good time, in this whole process," she said.

After a little push from her son to return to school, Patricia Sias Ellis officially graduated from college at 79.

Research shows that Black and female students are more likely to graduate from college later in life due to numerous barriers, like familial and personal struggles, that impact degree attainment. Ellis is a testament to the later-in-life college experience due to choosing to work and take care of her family. According to 11Alive, the senior’s May 10 graduation from Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia, comes 60 years after her decision to hold her college education to work and support her husband’s and son’s collegiate endeavors.

Ellis has finally made her way across the stage with a degree in criminal justice. “I always knew I wasn’t finished,” she said. “These experiences I should have had at 19 or 20 years old — they are the same at 79 years old.”

A slight nudge from her son to return to school prompted the matron to turn off her soap operas and enroll in a higher education program. Eight years ago, Ellis made the move and enrolled at Atlanta Metro College, CNN/WXIA reported. She later transferred to Clayton State and completed classes a few at a time. Her studies were derailed in 2022 after doctors found a 10-pound tumor on her kidney, which prompted surgery. However, Ellis recovered with the determination to complete her degree even faster.

“I just had a good time, in this whole process, especially this last year when I realized it’s really going to happen,” she said. “I’ve just been over the moon.”

Later-in-life graduates have accounted for about 20% of college graduates over the decades, according to research published by Brookings. Black students account for 32% to 49% of late college graduates compared to 15% to 26% of white college graduates. A report published by The Century Foundation, contributed by Qyana Stewart, an advocate and researcher on Black women’s economic mobility and equity in higher education, examined barriers particularly faced by Black women that impact college choice and degree attainment. The team of Black women scholars and researchers noted the impacts of limited access to financial aid resources, gendered racism and sexism, and familial and personal struggles. “A system not designed by or for Black women resulted in white men earning college degrees two centuries before them,” Stewart wrote. “White women and Black men earned bachelor’s degrees more than 30 years before Black women, making Black women the last group of American citizens to attain higher education.”

For Ellis, her later-in-life college experience has marked “the best years” of her life. As the new grad focuses her next chapter on contributing to her community, her future may find her in a master’s program.

book burning, LGBTQ, Jewish — Alan Levine from Strawberry, United States, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Jameelah Mullen

May 15, 2025

Ohio Man Accused Of Burning Library Books On Black And LGBTQ History

Local faith leaders unite as a possible hate crime sends shockwaves across the community.

An Ohio man is accused of burning 100 library books on Black, Jewish, and LGBTQ history. Police reported that the man obtained a library card from the Beachwood Library branch and checked out the books days later, according to WKYC News.

According to reports, the unidentified man allegedly told the librarian that his son was part of the LGBTQ community and that he was trying to learn more about it. The library learned that the man posted a photo showing a car trunk full of books with the library’s sticker on Gab.com. He then shared a video that appeared to show him burning those books.

The Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism describes Gab.com as “an online hub for extremist and conspiratorial content.” The organization notes that the site is mainly used by “conspiracy theorists, white nationalists and neo-Nazis.”

Interfaith Group Against Hate, a coalition led by Jewish, Muslim, and Christian congregations, publicly condemned the man’s actions and pledged to donate 1,000 books that focus on Black, Jewish, and LGBTQ+ communities to the library.

“We want to take this act of hate and turn it into a powerful symbol of unity, solidarity, and love,” Rev. Ryan Wallace of Fairmount Presbyterian Church told WKYC News.

State Sen. Kent Smith, a Democrat, called the man’s actions “un-American” and said they should not be tolerated.

“This act of violence is not just a crime against the public catalog of literature that was destroyed, but also is a violation of the marketplace of ideas that is a bedrock principle of American life,” the senator said in a statement.

Police said the case is likely a civil matter, and a local prosecutor will decide whether to file charges, leaving it unclear if the man will face criminal charges.

“Our department stands against antisemitism and all acts of bias-motivated crimes. We are committed to vigorously investigating and prosecuting any hate-motivated incidents within the City of Beachwood. Our priority is to maintain a community that can thrive without the fear of threats of intimidation or violence,” Chief Dan Grispino said in a statement reported by WYCK news.

Webby Awards, Ice-T, Snoop Dogg — (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for MTV/Paramount Global) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 03: Ice-T attends the 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on November 03, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 15, 2025

From One OG To Another: Ice-T Honors Snoop Dogg With A Webby Award For ‘Entrepreneur Of The Year’

Snoop Dogg was celebrated for his rise as a hip-hop mogul at the 2025 Webby Awards.

Ice-T celebrated his longtime friend Snoop Dogg and presented him with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the 2025 Webby Awards.

Billboard reported that the 29th annual Webby Awards were held on May 12 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, with comedian Ilana Glazer as host. Ice-T honored Snoop Dogg for his trailblazing business ventures, which include everything from Broadus Foods and cannabis products to TV appearances and owning the record label where he launched his career.

“Of course, the internet changed the game, but one thing didn’t change: Snoop Dogg. He’s never gonna change, and Snoop is still on top,” Ice-T said.

The award marks a milestone in Snoop’s evolution from music icon to full-fledged mogul, following in the footsteps of longtime friend and collaborator Dr. Dre. Their recent launch of the Gin & Juice cocktail line showed how deeply Dre has influenced Snoop’s journey.

“It taught me how to be professional. Dr. Dre has always been like a big brother to me,” Snoop told Capital Xtra in July 2024. “He’s taught me professionalism as far as how to separate from the hood and get on a business venture and look forward and not really pay attention to what’s behind you.”

Other celebs and influencers who spoke and followed Webby’s five-word acceptance speech rules joined Snoop on the winner’s list. Questlove, Walton Goggins, who won the Best Actor Award, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Marcello Hernández, and Andrew McCarthy took home awards.

Kendrick Lamar is busy touring the world, but he did snag an award for video and film: music video for his hit single “Not Like Us.” Presenters and attendees included Kenan Thompson, Justin Theroux, Sean Evans, Peppermint, and NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson, who came to present Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett with the Advocate of the Year Webby Award.

Johnson praised Crockett for leveraging her platforms to spark national dialogue, mobilize communities, and advocate for marginalized groups online and offline.

“Only organized outrage overcomes oppression,” Crockett said in her five-word speech.

Will Packer, NBAF — Photo credit: Cecile Boko

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 15, 2025

Will Packer Pulls Up To FAMU To Grill MAGA-Aligned Presidential Finalist

Will Packer is voicing strong opposition to MAGA-aligned Marva Johnson’s candidacy for FAMU’s next president.

Will Packer paused his packed production schedule to return to his alma mater, where he joined a tense meet-and-greet session with Florida A&M University’s presidential finalist, Marva Johnson, a MAGA-aligned appointee.

Things got heated on May 14, as Johnson fielded a barrage of questions from alums and community members concerned about her political affiliations and qualifications to lead FAMU, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. Hollywood mogul Will Packer was front and center with community members and university stakeholders, like FAMU President Frederick Humphries’s son Laurence Humphries, State Rep. Gallop Franklin, D-Tallahassee, and Leon County School Board member Darryl Jones.

Johnson knew she faced an uphill battle as she spent the day at the historic HBCU interviewing with FAMU trustees and meeting with students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Not long after her interview, Packer took to FAMU’s Will Packer Amphitheater for a rally protesting her selection as one of the four finalists for the university’s presidency.

“No MAGA Marva! No MAGA Marva,” the crowd shouted.

Taking to the podium, Packer invigorated the already rowdy crowd while explaining his reasons for protesting Johnson’s selection as FAMU’s potential president.

“We have to make sure that we support each other and that we are loud and we are ardent in our opposition to somebody that is not right for the future of this institution, especially at a time that is so crucial,” he said.

“I am not here to endorse Palm, Allen or Hector, but there is one candidate that would do irreparable harm. That is clearly not the right person.”

During the evening meet-and-greet, Johnson addressed the protesters, acknowledging the strong opposition to her candidacy but standing firm in her commitment to uplift the university and build on its rich legacy.

“I know that the comments you’re bringing – while they’re coming to me in a way that may evidence angst––are coming from your love for this university, your love for this university’s legacy and your interest in making sure that you protect it,” Johnson said. “If I am selected, I would fight and win for FAMU.”

Tamar, Tour LeTroy, organize, promote — (Photo: Elyse Jankowski/Billboard via Getty Images)

by Jameelah Mullen

May 15, 2025

Tamar Braxton Body Shames Loni Love On ‘The Nene Leakes Podcast’

Loni Love has not responded to Braxton’s comments.

Tamar Braxton is still not over her lengthy feud with former The Real co-host Loni Love. During an appearance on The NeNe Leakes Podcast earlier this week, the youngest Braxton sister hurled a body-shaming slur at her former colleague.

In the episode, Leakes stated that the producers of The Real approached her to co-host the show, but she declined the offer. She noted that they later gave the job to Loni Love. Braxton responded by saying she helped develop the Emmy Award-winning show.

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“I wish they would have told me that- I wouldn’t have cast big back Cadillac,” Braxton said, referring to Love.

The internet fired back in defense of the comedian.

“Tamar crying about being called a muppet and then turning around and calling Loni Love a “Big Back Cadillac” is something…” a social media user wrote on X.

“Body/fat shaming Loni Love by referring to her as ‘Big Back Cadillac’ is the reason she’ll NEVER be at peace in life, “ YouTuber Jaylee’s corner stated.

#tamarbraxton body/fat shaming Loni Love by referring to her as “Big Back Cadillac” is the reason she’ll NEVER be at peace in life. She’s a childish bitch at heart. Loni lost weight just like you lost your edges 👩🏽‍🦲.

See how it’s not nice to speak on a persons body/looks. pic.twitter.com/XMZg8Lk5W4

— Jay Lee’s Corner on YouTube (@JayLeesCorner) May 14, 2025

Tamar’s seemingly one-sided feud with Love started when the songstress was fired from The Real in 2016. Sources told The Daily Mail that production company Telepictures parted ways with Braxton due to negative feedback from focus groups and advertisers about her performance on the show.

However, according to the youngest Braxton sister, Loni Love was responsible for the abrupt termination. In 2016, Braxton posted screenshots of what appeared to be text messages from an unidentified individual who claimed that Love reached out to the network to have her coworker removed from the show.

“I just found out Lonnie Love was writing letters to get you kicked off the show. She wrote the network,” the message said. Love has denied the allegations.

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During The Real’s 1000th episode, Love acknowledged her former coworker.

“I want to say to Tamar Braxton, you are still our sister,” the talk show host stated through tears. “This is your thousandth episode, too,” Love stated.

Over the years, Braxton has had public feuds with several former friends and colleagues, including Kandi Burruss, former Dish Nation co-host Jessie Woo, and her sisters. Last month, Toni Braxton revealed via Instagram that her younger sister blocked her on the social media platform.

“I wanted to repost that GORGEOUS picture of you,” the R&B icon wrote in an Instagram post. “But I’m blocked again?? Anyway, happy birthday, Tay!“

Tamar responded when the birthday message was reposted to the Shade Room’s Instagram page.

“Or you could have called,” she wrote in the Shade Room comments. “#Gaslighting.”

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Loni Love has not responded to Braxton’s comments.

Mary Cowser Alexander, , Coca-Cola Ad, Dies — Image: Courtesy of Coca-Cola

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 15, 2025

Coke Florida, A Black-Owned Beverage Company, Recognized As 2025 ‘Best Managed’ In The U.S.

The Gold Standard award goes to companies recognized four or more years as US Best Managed Companies.

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) – one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the U.S. – was honored as a 2025 US Best Managed Companies Gold Standard Winner, an award recognizing achievements of U.S. private companies and their management teams, Business Wire reported.

Coke Florida’s Chief Executive Officer, Troy Taylor, called the recognition “a tremendous honor” as the award goes to companies who have been recognized four or more years as U.S. Best Managed Companies. “Being selected as a US Best Managed Company for the fourth year in a row while celebrating our 10 year anniversary is a tremendous honor,” Taylor said.

“I am incredibly proud of our over 5,000 associates whose passion for representing our brands, serving our customers, and engaging in our communities has propelled us to achieve Gold Standard recognition.”

Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the US Best Managed Companies recognition is in collaboration with a global Deloitte Private program. Coke Florida is part of a robust cohort with over 1,600 companies from more than 44 countries with this achievement. Winners in 2025 are labeled as demonstrating excellence in strategic planning and execution and staying committed to their people, in addition to demonstrating strong financial performance and governance.

Coke Florida is the sixth largest Coca-Cola bottler in the nation, producing, selling, and distributing Coke products to a territory with more than 21 million consumers across 47 counties in the Sunshine State. The company distributes 119 million cases of product across Florida.

The recognition comes after huge leadership changes were announced in March 2025. According to Business Observer Florida, Coke Florida’s President and Chief Operations Officer, Thomas Benford, will transition out of the company into an advisory role to Taylor in late 2025. Benford has worked for the company since its curation in 2015, taking the organization to vast heights. Taylor said the once-vice president of strategy and planning has made “invaluable contributions” to Coke Florida.

The company’s chief customer officer, Andy Hill, is also moving into an expanded role as chief customer and commercial officer, while Gerald T. Charles, Jr. recently joined the company as Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer.