by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 22, 2025

Metalsmith Who Trained In Senegal Will Now Teach The Trade To Black Girls And Women In Berkeley, California

Her nonprofit, We Wield The Hammer, will begin with its newest multi-age cohort in March.

A metalsmith who trained in Senegal has decided to teach the art form to Black girls and women in Berkeley, California.

When Karen Smith decided to move to Senegal, she took a chance to leave corporate and academia to pursue her passion for creativity. After studying metal arts through an apprenticeship in the West African country, she created a nonprofit to bring this skill back to the United States.

“ I was working at a corporate job here in the Bay, and I hated it,” Smith explained about her decision to leave to Berkeleyside. “I really wanted to be doing something creative, but I had a more traditional life that I was living. And when I got divorced, I was just like, this is it, I’m just gonna do what I want to do.”

We Wield The Hammer started in 2019 at an industrial arts school in West Oakland. However, she dreamt of a bigger space so more Black girls and women could participate in the initiative. The quest to pass down this skill to other women came from her own experience learning in Senegal.

“Once you see somebody who looks like you doing a thing, then you know that you can do it,” said Smith.

Berkeley allowed her to lease a space to bring this dream to a greater fruition. Ahead of its March grand opening, Smith must overcome other obstacles prohibiting the building’s full use. From plumbing to sewage issues, Smith has worked for nearly a year to embark on her full dream with We Wield The Hammer.

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The program will run for eight weeks and is fully funded through donations. Participants will engage in three hours of training and three additional hours of practice every week. During this time, they will learn about the fundamentals of the metal arts.

Twelve students, ages 14 to 24, will be selected through an application process, and there will be four cohorts annually. Smith expressed joy about this expanded version, which allows older women to participate.

Like Smith herself, these women want the opportunity to pivot into a new career or explore a potential new passion. Now, Smith can provide a place to do so.

“Because we pivot in our lives. Frankly, I pivoted in my life,” she explained. “And I always want to make sure that when people want to do that, especially women and girls, that they have a place.”

Applications for the spring session will open in February, with the first training sessions beginning in March.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 22, 2025

Michael Vick’s Appearance At Wilmington Public Library’s Black History Month Event Draws Criticism

Vick is scheduled to appear on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m.

The Wilmington Public Library in Delaware is facing criticism after announcing that former NFL quarterback Michael Vick will speak at its Feb. 12 Black History Month celebration.

On Jan. 18, the library shared a flyer on Facebook announcing Vick’s presence at “The Cookout,” which quickly ignited debate.

”Will he discuss how he got involved in dog fighting? How he killed them? How he chose which ones lived or died?” one critic wrote.

”Guy who enjoyed watching dogs rip each other apart? Interesting choice…,” added another.

As part of the event, Vick will share his journey from the NFL to becoming a college head coach at Norfolk State University. Other highlights of “The Cookout” include appearances by actors from the TV sitcom What’s Happening!! and the cult classic film, Cooley High, on Feb. 5.

Jamar Rahming, executive director of Wilmington Public Library, responded to one dog lover who questioned how much Vick was being paid to speak at the event, saying: “Our events are privately funded—we do not use taxpayer dollars for library events.”

Vick was suspended from the Atlanta Falcons after a U.S. Department of Agriculture report exposed his involvement in a brutal dog fighting ring. He was implicated in training pit bulls, causing severe injuries to the animals, and even participating in the killing of some dogs at Bad Newz Kennels, alongside his associates Tony Taylor, Purnell Peace, and Quanis Phillips.

Vick was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for his involvement in a dogfighting ring. Additionally, he was required to pay restitution, participate in a drug treatment program, and serve three years of probation.

Though Vick has served his time, offered up numerous apologies, and took part in community acts, there were many who defended the library’s decision to include him in its “Cookout” event.

”A lot of y’all in the comments are older than me and are extremely judgmental,” one supporter wrote. “The man apologized, paid his dues, and it’s beyond time to let that stick up out you and move on with life like he did, along with the rest of us.”

“How long ago was that? Police still killing black men and women, but white people don’t say a word about that,” added someone else.

by Mitti Hicks

January 22, 2025

Report: States That Have Made The Most Progress in Racial Equality

Forty-four percent of Americans feeling somewhat or very pessimistic about whether the country can bring about racial equality, according to Pew Research Center.

In President Donald Trump’s first 90 days in office during his second term, he’s making it very clear that evening the playing field is not a priority as he has axed diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. His moves reflect a startling statistic: 44% of Americans feel somewhat or very pessimistic about whether the country can bring about racial equality, according to Pew Research Center.

Only 28% of Americans feel somewhat or very optimistic.

The cynicism on racial equality is reflected in the economic data. The median yearly income of white, non-Hispanic men is $20,000 higher than Black men and the unemployment rate is higher for Black people than for white people.

Despite the major setback from the Trump administration on initiatives that have been in place since the Civil Rights Movement to ensure equality, a new report from WalletHub has identified that there has been some progress among states.

According to an in-depth analysis of states with the most racial progress over the past few decades, Texas has the top spot.

“The state has reduced the gap in health insurance coverage by 12.4 percentage points since 1995, the most of any state,” the report reads. “In addition, Texas has done the most to decrease the share of Black residents suffering from poor health and diabetes.”

The progress in Texas doesn’t stop at health.

Source: WalletHub

“Between 2002 and 2021, the gap in business ownership between White and Black residents decreased by 6.4 percentage points, the sixth-largest decrease in the nation,” the report reads. “The disparity in the share of business executives who are white vs. Black also decreased by close to 8 percentage points, the seventh-largest decrease.”

Another state surprisingly on the list is Wyoming, which ranks second for most racial progress. According to analysts, Wyoming has reduced the gap between the earnings of white and Black Americans by over 42 percentage points since 1979, the largest reduction in the nation.

“Wyoming ranks as the third-best state for progress when it comes to unemployment, and the 12th-best for improving the [number] of Black residents in executive positions,” the report reads.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 22, 2025

Ye Showcases Latest Yeezy Footwear

The controversial music producer released photos of the two new colorways that are anticipated for his latest product, the SL-01, AKA The Yeezy Slides.

His deal with adidas may be over, but that’s not stopping Ye from continuing his Yeezy footwear as the controversial rapper took to social media to tease the latest colorways for what’s labeled the SL-01.

According to Hypebeast, the talented music producer released photos of the two new colorways that are anticipated for the latest product. However, as a typical Ye move, the posts were deleted from his online accounts. But, the media outlet snatched pictures of the new SL-01 slide which showed the original color of Black and the two latest colors, soft gray and light taupe.

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The black version was revealed on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Jan. 14.

pic.twitter.com/FjBILUFZxk

— ye (@kanyewest) January 14, 2025

In the now-deleted post, Ye introduced the footwear as having a new nickname, The Yeezy Slides.

“[T]he SL-01 now has a nick name[.] The Yeezy Slides.”

The black SL-01 can be purchased on the Yeezy product website, along with other Yeezy products such as T-shirts, sweaters, and hoodies.

Sneaker Bar Detroit has reported that the slides retail for only $20 as they resemble the ones that were made during the adidas partnership.

And it looks like the creative genes have been passed down to Ye and Kim Kardashian’s daughter, North West. Ye is working on her debut album.

“This little girl made me love music again 🥲 She asked me to make beats for her I got back on the ASR Chopped up beats for her album and chopped every beats with my bare hand for BULLY”

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The recording artist was written off as being canceled yet has been kept in the public eye with his latest activities in the fashion and music worlds.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 22, 2025

Kevin Hart Now CEO Of His Company Following Executive Exodus

Kevin Hart is the third CEO at his production company in less than two years.

Kevin Hart is now in charge of his entertainment company after losing two previous CEOs within 15 months.

The famed actor and comedian has recently stepped in as the third CEO of Hartbeat Productions, following the departure of the previous CEO, CFO, and chief content officer, according to Bloomberg.

This executive shakeup comes on the heels of the company laying off more than 20 employees before Thanksgiving.

The departures were amicable but stemmed from a disagreement over the company’s future direction; Jay Levine, who took over the helm at Hartbeat in early 2024 with a mandate to overhaul its deals and stabilize its finances, left less than a year later, along with two other executives.

As the entertainment industry endures a recession, independent production companies can no longer rely solely on producer fees to stay afloat. In 2022, Hart sold a 15% stake in Hartbeat to Abry Partners after raising $100 million at a reported valuation of $650 million. He appointed Thai Randolph—who had been leading his Laugh Out Loud platform—as CEO.

However, that deal came just as Hollywood entered a downturn. By late 2023, Hart parted ways with Randolph and subsequently reduced the headcount in the company’s advertising division. Now, Hart faces a crucial decision: merge with another entity, like LeBron James’ Spring Hill did, scale back operations, or find a new path to growth.

Meanwhile, Hart continues to thrive as a media entrepreneur, managing multiple ventures such as his internet comedy platform Laugh Out Loud, ad partnerships with major brands like Lyft and Procter & Gamble, and producing YouTube content and podcasts for SiriusXM.

”I wasn’t the businessman that I am today,” Hart said in 2022 after The Hollywood Reporter named him its Celebrity Entrepreneur of the Year. “In the beginning, I knew nothing. I was a sponge, and I soaked up a bunch of information from being around people that were doing the things that I wanted to do.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 22, 2025

A$AP Rocky Rejects Plea Deal As Trial Starts For 2021 Hollywood Shooting

The Harlem rapper has been accused of shooting at former A$AP Mob member A$AP Relli in 2021

Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky rejected a last-minute plea deal from prosecutors as his trial began for allegedly assaulting a former A$AP Mob group member in 2021.

According to the Associated Press, Rocky (real name: Rakim Mayers) did not take the deal offered by Los Angeles prosecutors on Tuesday, Jan. 21, as jury selection started.

The fashionable lyricist would have spent 180 days in prison and received a suspended seven-year sentence, plus three years of probation. Prosecutors wanted him to enter a guilty plea for one of the two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.

A$AP Rocky, 36, faces a maximum sentence of 24 years in prison if found guilty.

In January 2024, he pleaded not guilty to firing a weapon at former A$AP Mob group member A$AP Relli, Rolling Stone reported. His former friend claimed Rocky pointed a gun at him and fired it twice toward him on Nov. 6, 2021, on the corner of Selma Avenue and Vista Del Mar Avenue.

Rocky pleaded not guilty to the two felony counts.

Superior Court Judge Mark Arnold told prospective jurors that Rocky’s celebrity—his longtime girlfriend is Rihanna—shouldn’t be used against him or for him in this case.

Former Donald Trump attorney Joe Tacopina is representing Rocky.

Tacopina said in court on Tuesday that he plans to call witnesses who will testify that the gun that was seen on a security video is actually a starter pistol that the entertainer carried as a prop for security reasons.

As for whether Rocky will testify at the trial, that remains to be seen.

“..[A$AP Rocky’s] eager to tell his story and would love the opportunity to do so,” Tacopina said, according to Vibe. “He’s very articulate and intelligent, he’s a good human being and that will come out if he testifies. But that decision isn’t going to be made yet. And it depends on how the case goes.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 22, 2025

Kevin Garnett Hid Money Under A Mattress After Making The NBA

'I did this for two years,' the NBA Hall of Famer admitted.

Kevin Garnett wasn’t “financially savvy” during his early years playing in the NBA, as he avoided placing his money in the bank and opted instead to hide it under his bed mattress.

According to AfroTech, while appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” several years ago, the NBA Hall of Famer admitted to not depositing his checks but cashing them and keeping them in an unconventional way.

Garnett, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame back in 2020, told the late-night host about his beginnings as an NBA player, not realizing how financially illiterate he was.

“I was kind of raised with a certain pedigree and mindset, so I wasn’t introduced to wires or just fintech. I wasn’t financially savvy. I didn’t know about direct deposit. I didn’t know none of this.”

“So, when I would get my check, I’d go cash it and you know, bring it home and I would put it under my mattress. So I did this for two years.”

The former Minnesota Timberwolves player finally got it together as he ended up making $334,304,240 when he played in the NBA before retiring for good in 2016. Several years ago, it was reported that the former Brooklyn Nets forward was getting paid $5 million a year from the Boston Celtics since he retired, as he had a deferred contract that ended last year.

During his career, Garnett averaged 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game and had a shooting percentage of 49.7%. He was named the NBA’s most valuable player for the 2003-04 season and the league’s defensive player of the year four years later.

Less than two years ago, he launched a 3-on-3 street basketball league named STR33T through a joint venture between his Big Ticket Sports and the Pro League Network (PLN), Garnett’s new tournament series, STR33T, takes place over four weeks, and feature men’s, women’s, and co-ed teams.

“HoopItUp is the leader in 3×3, and I’m excited to work with the PLN team to create a professional series with STR33T that gives the incredible 3×3 players a major platform to show what they can do to fans across the country,” Garnett said.

HoopItUp and Big Ticket Sports are owned by Garnett. A HoopIt Up tournament is scheduled for Jan.19 in San Antonio.

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by Black Enterprise

January 22, 2025

3 Reasons Why You’ll Love the Cadillac LYRIQ

GM Makes a Bold Statement with the Cadillac LYRIQ

General Motors (GM) has entered the all-electric luxury SUV market with the launch of the Cadillac LYRIQ, marking Cadillac’s debut in the electric vehicle (EV) space. Beyond the limited-edition Hummer EV, the LYRIQ is GM’s first mainstream model built on its state-of-the-art Ultium platform.

The LYRIQ has emerged as a strong contender in the luxury EV market, appealing to car lovers who value luxury, practicality, and advanced technology. According to a statement released by GM, the LYRIQ was the best-selling vehicle in its class during the first three quarters of 2024, selling over 20,000 units in the U.S.

The LYRIQ is known for three crucial factors: range, design, and price. With an EPA-estimated 314 miles of range and DC fast charging capable of adding up to 77 miles in just 10 minutes, the EV offers drivers convenience and peace of mind for long journeys. It also features a meticulously crafted interior designed for comfort and elegance.

Here are three more reasons that make the LYRIQ a standout vehicle.

STRIKING STYLE

Source: **Interior shot of the first row in the 2025 Cadillac LYRIQ Luxury. (Cadillac/Press Room)**

The LYRIQ’s bold design sets it apart from other EVs and GM models. Its sharp, angular lines give it a commanding presence that breaks from the norm of soft curves. Plus, the five-passenger LYRIQ exudes confidence and sophistication.

Inside, Cadillac’s commitment to premium materials shines through. The cabin features high-quality leather, layered wood, and metal finishes. The 33-inch curved LED infotainment screen dominates the dashboard with crisp graphics and responsive touch controls.

Though the interior impresses with its thoughtful layout, some functions—like requiring the infotainment screen to open the glovebox—may irk some drivers. On the other hand, the climate and audio controls still have tactile buttons.

Furthermore, the vehicle includes safety features such as vibrating seat alerts that indicate the direction of moving vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.

SMOOTH DRIVING

Source: **Interior shot of the full dash and center console in the 2025 Cadillac LYRIQ Luxury.**

Driving the LYRIQ is an absolute joy. While it boasts up to 500 horsepower (in AWD configuration), this EV is more about refined cruising than aggressive performance. The suspension strikes a balance between firmness and forgiveness, handling bumpy city roads with ease while maintaining composure at higher speeds. The ride feels smooth on optional 22-inch wheels, and regenerative braking ensures effortless acceleration.

The luxury SUV also features Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance and a hands-free, semi-autonomous highway driving system. Super Cruise handles lane changes, overtaking, and maintaining distance with precision. However, it requires GM’s built-in Google Maps to function fully.

AFFORDABLE LUXURY

Starting at $58,590 (plus a $1,395 destination charge), the LYRIQ makes luxury affordable for drivers seeking a premium all-electric experience. Incentives like federal tax credits and lease offers can also lower the price significantly, sometimes by as much as $13,000.

Drivers also have the option to control the amount of convenience and luxury with the following three trim options:

Tech ($58,590): Standard features include 20-inch wheels, a fixed-glass roof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seats, and wireless phone charging.
Luxury ($62,690): Adds adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, ambient lighting, and more interior color options.
Sport ($63,190): Builds on the Luxury trim with sportier accents and styling.

The Cadillac LYRIQ blends cutting-edge technology with signature Cadillac refinement, offering a smooth, luxurious driving experience at a competitive price. Despite its limited physical controls, it delivers a compelling mix of style, comfort, and value. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast or new to the segment, the LYRIQ proves Cadillac is serious about the electric future.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 22, 2025

Texas Restaurant Ordered To Pay $2.8M To Customer Burned By Hot Barbecue Sauce

Genesis Monita suffered second-degree burns.

A jury has ordered a Texas barbecue chain in San Antonio to pay a customer $2.8 million after she was burned by barbecue sauce the restaurant served her.

According to The Dallas Morning News, Genesis Monita filed the lawsuit after she was badly burned after spilling the sauce that Bill Miller Bar-B-Q served her in May 2023.

Monita received second-degree burns on her right leg after she ordered breakfast tacos with barbecue sauce through the restaurant drive-thru. After receiving her order, the 19-year-old pulled into a nearby parking lot to eat the taco. As she removed the sauce from the bag, she dropped it due to its hotness.

The policy of Bill Miller Bar-B-Q states that the barbecue sauce should be served at a minimum of 165 degrees. That morning, the sauce was reportedly 189 degrees. Monita’s attorney, Lawrence Morales II, said she should have been warned about the temperature of the sauce and that the sauce should have been placed in a styrofoam container, not a plastic one.

“This sends a message that companies cannot put profits over safety,” Morales told the Dallas Morning News. Bill Miller Bar-B-Q could appeal the decision.

Morales said another other woman was burned after she spilled some barbecue sauce on the abdomen at the same Bill Miller Bar-B-Q two years before Monit’s incident.

Fox 7 Austin reported that the jury, which consisted of six men and six women, decided on Friday, Jan. 17, that Monita should be paid $900,000 for past and future mental anguish, physical pain, and impairment. More than $25,000 will be used to pay for her medical expenses.

The jury also awarded her $1.9 million in punitive damages after finding the restaurant was “grossly negligent.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 22, 2025

Atlanta Airport Faces Cancellations And Delay Chaos As Winter Storm Hits The South

A winter storm has heavily impacted operations at the world's busiest airport.

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is no stranger to large crowds and busyness. However, as a winter storm hits the South, the airport faces significant wait times amid delays and cancellations.

The winter storm brought inches of snow to many parts of the southern United States, particularly impacting the airport’s operations. As snow hit the ground in the early afternoon of Jan. 21, over 1,000 flights faced scheduling issues. According to WSB-TV, 334 flights were canceled, and 787 were delayed.

This number kept climbing into the next day, with hundreds more impacted by the icy weather conditions. Those still expecting to catch their flights should prepare in advance for extremely long wait times.

Wait times extended to hours as the weather took its toll on Atlanta. As for today, the airport’s website lists the current wait times as over 75 minutes for its main domestic checkpoints, including for those with TSA pre-check.

The airport also shared updates to social media, stating that “significant” TSA callouts will result in longer-than-usual security wait times. They encouraged all passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure.

Fortunately, the airport confirmed that operations resumed for the day. The airfield and roadways have also cleared. Despite the good news, the airport noted that cancellations across the southeast region have continued, impacting its flights as well.

Please continue to monitor all ATL Airport social platforms and our stories for updates. ☁️✈️ pic.twitter.com/uvXYclaujL
— Atlanta Airport (@ATLairport) January 22, 2025

For travelers impacted by flight delays, the Department of Transportation has regulations to protect their interests. Many are entitled to an automatic refund without requesting it if their flight is significantly delayed or canceled.

The winter storm has left the airport in recovery mode, and the city has experienced road pile-ups and car accidents along its major highways. News stations have urged residents to stay off the roads due to the remaining ice. They have also warned of wind chills as low as 0 degrees.