The National Association Of Black Bookstores Launches State Of The Black Bookstore Report And Directory
The National Association of Black Bookstores is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the visibility of Black-owned bookstores in the United States.
The National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) released its first State of the Black Bookstore Report along with the launch of the National Black-Owned Bookstore Directory. The report and directory offer the first comprehensive overview of Black-owned bookstores nationwide.
The newly launched directory identifies Black-owned bookstores across the United States, including brick-and-mortar stores, mobile bookstores, pop-up vendors, and online sellers. It serves as a valuable resource for readers, educators, authors, publishers, and industry leaders. Together, the report and directory highlight the economic and systemic challenges that Black-owned bookstores face nationwide.
The report finds that there are currently 306 Black-owned bookstores in the United States, making up about 8% of all independent bookstores nationwide. Currently, 14 states have no Black-owned bookstores, highlighting gaps in access to Black-centered literature. Additionally, 36% of Black-owned bookstores operate without a brick-and-mortar location. The report also reveals a significant increase in the number of Black-owned bookstores in recent years, despite ongoing challenges threatening their long-term survival. Despite this growth, 90% of Black-owned bookstores report annual revenue under $250,000.
“The growth of Black-owned bookstores across the country reflects the strength and relevance of these institutions today,” Kevin Johnson, founder and board chair of NAB2, said in a press release. “By bringing this information together, we are creating a foundation that supports their continued presence and informs how the industry engages with them,” Johnson said.
NAB2 board member Yvonne Black, owner of Hakim Bookstore in Philadelphia, one of America’s oldest Black-owned bookstores, highlights the cultural significance of the combined report and directory.
“Black bookstores have always done more with less,” Black said in a press release.”We have survived by serving our people, protecting our stories, and holding space when few others would. This report tells the truth plainly. It honors the work that came before us while making clear what must change if these bookstores are going to be here for the next generation.”
Visit the NAB2 website to view the report or browse the directory.
Atlanta Hawks Host Magic City Night With T.I. At State Farm Arena
T.I. is scheduled to perform as the team celebrates the venue a year after the debut of 'Magic City: An American Fantasy.'
The Atlanta Hawks announced that they will celebrate the city’s hotspot, Magic City, on March 16 at State Farm Arena.
Recording artist T.I. will be the halftime entertainment, and fans are encouraged to get to the arena early for a live taping of the Hawks AF podcast. This celebration comes a year after the Magic City venue was featured in a five-part STARZ docuseries, Magic City: An American Fantasy, which was produced by Atlanta homegrown music producer Jermaine Dupri and actress and owner of the Hawks basketball team, Jami Gertz.
“This collaboration and theme night is very meaningful to me after all the work that we did to put together ’Magic City: An American Fantasy’,” said Jami Gertz in a written statement. “The iconic Atlanta institution has made such an incredible impact on our city and its unique culture.”
Before the Magic game, Gertz will tape the live podcast and present a special introduction. Featured on the show will be Magic City founder Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney, who will discuss the documentary series and the venue’s impact on the city’s music, sports, and entertainment scenes during its 40 years. T.I. will also appear on the podcast, with comedian D.C. Young Fly hosting the conversation.
The event’s resident DJ, DJ Esco, will control the music for the night.
“We doin’ this one for the city… Magic City,” said T.I.
Fans at the arena that night will have the chance to enjoy two versions of Magic City Kitchen’s “world famous” lemon pepper wings: Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ and traditional Lemon Pepper.
“From the food to the music and the exclusive merchandise, we are excited to team up with Magic City to create an authentic, True to Atlanta-inspired game experience,” said Hawks Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Melissa Proctor.
For those interested in attending the game, there is a special ticket pack that includes access to the pregame Hawks AF live podcast event featuring Mr. Magic and T.I., plus a ticket to the game. Information is available at Hawks.com/MagicCity.
Metro Atlanta Mall Locked Down After Shooting Occurs During Air Jordan Sneaker Release
The shooting was prompted by an attempted robbery, with two people arrested for their involvement.
After a shooting broke out during an apparent Jordan sneaker release at a Metro Atlanta mall, residents are concerned over the violence affecting their community.
Stonecrest Mall, located in Dekalb County, Georgia, underwent a lockdown after a shooting in the early hours of Feb. 28. Law enforcement shut the mall down as they investigated the scene that left one person injured.
Police arrived to the scene promptly after receiving a call about the shooting, according toWSB-TV. Several police cruisers and SWAT team trucks appeared to potentially stop any further violence.
Dekalb police confirmed two people faced arrests for their involvement in the shoutout, which reportedly started over an attempted robbery. While the motive remains unclear, Complex noted how the shooting occurred during the release of the “Wolf Grey” Air Jordan 5 sneaker drop.
The injured person is expect to survive, as the gunshot wound only impacted their hand. The ordeal left the mall vacant for nearly all of Saturday, a popular shopping day for visitors.
Shoppers and business owners endured the hours-long delay due to the crime, with some community members worried about how the incident will impact the area.
“[It’s] causing trouble that is going to affect everyone in the community,” expressed Lisa Jefferson, who owns Sip and Frost Cake Bar, located across from the mall. “As I’m looking out my window, there are no cars in the mall parking lot, and that’s so sad.”
Although Stonecrest returned to regular business hours on Sunday, the crucial time lost meant less profits gained for entrepreneurs in the vicinity.
“On a Saturday, knowing what happened at the mall, I’m not going to make a whole bunch of money today,” Jefferson told the news outlet.
The entrepreneur thinks the city of Stonecrest should do more to ramp up security so residents can feel safe shopping at local stores. Although it is unknown if the attempted robbery was meant to snatch the coveted sneakers, patrons and owners are fed up with how the violence could impact the area’s future.
‘Tendernism’ Unc Has Plans To ‘Tendernize The World’ After White Employer Let Him Go
Walter Johnson, credited as the king of "tendernism," has plans to create a global empire of good eats.
Mr. “Tendernism” himself is starting a barbecue pit of his own after his long-time employer in Southern California let him go.
Walter Johnson went viral for his fall-off-the-bone meats, which he claims to have coined as “tendernism.” Now, he wants to keep up the smoke after Destination Smokehouse fired the legendary chef.
Mr. Tendernism confirmed on Instagram about his departure from the restaurant he made into a global name. The Shade Room reposted the footage of what Johnson has on his chef’s cap.
“I’m not at Destination Smokehouse, only tendernism now,” revealed Johnson. “I had to go on my own so that way I could do what I have to do. It is what it is. When things happen, you don’t get mad. You just take another step, get glad, and praise the Lord you’re still living.”
Fans were initially shocked to learn Johnson had no stake in the Murrieta, California, eatery, which is actually under white ownership. However, his love for his job and good barbecue captivated social media, as Johnson constantly went viral for his reaction to seeing his ribs slip off the bones with ease.
Although travelers near and far flocked to the restaurant to try Mr. Johnson’s world-famous ribs, the restaurant seemingly let him go despite the fame. However, he plans to turn the loss into a win. He shared his plans to expand his tender meat empire.
He added, “I’m [going to] tendernize the world now. They should have never. Family out there, y’all keep supporting me. I guarantee you, I’ll never do you wrong.”
Mr. Tendernism has already made plates for A-list customers. Johnson recently performed his famous rib ritual at a private dinner for the Isley Brothers. Its success proved to Black Hollywood that his smoking process is real.
Johnson, lovingly known as an “Unc” on the internet, also plans to keep up with the times through his new Twitch account. Now, streamers can watch Mr. Tendernism work his magic as the renowned chef takes on new ventures.
Charlie Kirk Called College A ‘Scam,’ Now He’s On A DOE Building Next To Booker T. Washington
His image on the department’s headquarters sent shockwaves across social media
In preparation for America’s 250th celebration, the Department of Education (DOE) hung banners featuring some of the country’s most prolific—and controversial—educators, such as Booker T. Washington, Catharine Beecher, and, oh, Charlie Kirk.
His image outside the department’s headquarters sent shockwaves across social media, with some seemingly calling the agency out for having Kirk in the same category as what they call “heroes in American education.” Social media reminded users that Kirk is a college dropout, having dropped out of Harper College, a community college in Palatine, Illinois, according to Yahoo! News. He also wrote a book, “The College Scam: How America’s Universities Are Bankrupting and Brainwashing Away the Future of America’s Youth.”
During an interview with Fox News, Kirk once said, “What is that piece of paper really going to do for you?” “He dropped out of community college. Told a ninth grade girl who asked the pros and cons of going to college for political journalism to forget about learning stuff that’s she’s going to college to get married. Because that’s what’s important,” @lqlana wrote on X.
“That’s the guy that has a banner on a federal building, the Department of Education. You can’t make this sh*t up.”
Charlie Kirk was a racist bigot and was unalived saying racist shit.
Put that part aside.
He dropped out of community college.
Told a ninth grade girl who asked the pros and cons of going to college for political journalism to forget about learning stuff that's she's going… pic.twitter.com/OAVWYX40jU
Before being assassinated in 2025 while speaking at Utah Valley University, Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, doubled down on his stance about higher education, advising men to “skip the four-year degree entirely.” Now, his likeness is sitting next to the founder of the Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University in Alabama, known as one of the most important HBCUs in U.S. history. Booker, born into slavery, dedicated his life to making sure Black Americans had expanded access to education during a time when America tried to deny it.
Other banners featured the likenesses of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., also an HBCU grad, and Benjamin Franklin, the founder of Philadelphia’s first public library and a supporter of educating both enslaved and free Black children.
Despite the backlash on social media, DOE Press Secretary Savannah Newhouse defended the banners, saying the federal agency is “proud to honor visionary leaders whose contributions have shaped the future of education for generations. As our country marks a historic 250th milestone, this moment invites us all to join in the pursuit of fostering educational opportunity that empowers every learner to rise, contribute, and help shape a brighter future for generations yet to come,” she continued, according to The Hill.
This isn’t the first time the DOE building had controversial images on its building. Besides Kirk, in early 2026, an image of President Donald Trump draped over the building drew side-eyes.
Kuwait Jumps Into U.S.-Iran Conflict After ‘Accidently’ Shooting Down 3 Military Jets
The crashes come just days after new conflict emerged in the Middle East as part of an expanding war against Iran between the U.S. and Israel.
Just 48 hours after the start of a U.S.-Iran conflict, the country of Kuwait claims to have “accidentally” shot down three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, CNN reports.
The U.S. military, under the leadership of Secretary of Defense -or “War” Pete Hegseth, released a statement saying three U.S. fighter jets crashed in Kuwait on March 2 after an “apparent friendly fire incident.” While all six crew members of the jets ejected safely, the jets were flying in support of the military’s “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran.
The action is under investigation after Kuwait’s Defense Ministry announced that “several” U.S. fighter jets crashed, but failed to specify how many or the cause, as fighter jets carry a hefty price tag of tens of millions of dollars each. “During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses,” a statement read.
Images of the jet coming down spanned across social media, including one of a pilot parachuting to the ground.
Video shows a U.S. fighter jet crashing in Kuwait as a pilot is seen parachuting down on Monday.
The American F-15 fighter jet and two others were shot down over Kuwait in what the U.S. Central Command called "an apparently friendly fire incident" during an Iranian attack on the… pic.twitter.com/vSAgBDpxZB
The crashes in Kuwait come just days after a new conflict emerged in the Middle East as part of an expanding war against Iran between the U.S. and Israel. Both countries launched strikes against Iran amid tension between Washington and Tehran.
According to The Hill, shortly after, Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and Gulf states such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Americans woke up to news of the conflict on Feb. 28, with President Donald Trump confirming that the strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social app.
“This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.”
Celebrations started pouring in from major cities like Los Angeles and from countries around the world, including praise from Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi. In a statement, Pahlavi said, “The bloodthirsty despot of our time…has been erased from the face of history. This may be the beginning of our great national celebration, but it is not the end of the road,” he said.
More than 1,000 targets have been struck as the military is focusing on military targets such as command and control centers, Iranian Navy ships, and submarines, in addition to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters.
Samuel L. Jackson Honors Late Rev. Jesse Jackson At NAACP Image Awards, ‘Power To The People’
Samuel L. Jackson donned traditional African garb while issuing an impassioned tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson at the 57th NAACP Image Awards.
Rev. Jesse Jackson was honored with a standing ovation at the 57th NAACP Image Awards after Samuel L. Jackson delivered a heartfelt tribute celebrating the civil rights icon’s legacy.
The acclaimed, award-winning actor took the stage at the 2026 Image Awards on Feb. 28, elegantly dressed in traditional African attire, to deliver a soul-stirring salute to the esteemed civil rights and LGBTQ rights advocate, politician, and ordained Baptist minister who passed away on Feb. 17 at age 84. Jackson kicked off his speech with references to Jackson’s humble beginnings in South Carolina to his rise “to the top of the mountain” through two historic presidential campaigns and pivotal roles in expanding the modern civil rights movement into the realms of political power and economic justice.
“We all know the story of Jesse Jackson,” Jackson said, in a clip shared online. “Born to an 18-year-old unwed mother in Greenville, South Carolina. Growing up in the Jim Crow South, getting out on a path that led him to the top of the mountain.”
The Academy Honorary Award recipient went on to highlight Rev. Jackson’s decades of impactful civil rights work — from his early days as a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr., to founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, to championing global human rights causes, including negotiating the release of political prisoners and advocating for racial equality, voting rights, and economic empowerment.
“For over half a century — which is a long damn time to be on the front lines — he advocated for the poor, the disenfranchised, for those who needed work,” Jackson continued. “And he found jobs for our community in every endeavor, including entertainment.” Jackson also acknowledged how the activist inspired him in his youth. “He inspired a young man who has the same last name as his — one Samuel L. Jackson.”
Referencing Jackson’s more than 50 years of turning civil rights activism into political influence and broadening the national dialogue on race, economic justice, and inclusion, he issued a call to action for everyone in the room to confront injustice, no matter how small. He nodded to Rev. Jackson’s iconic “I Am Somebody” speech before concluding with a raised Black Power salute.
“All of us, in some degree or another, have spoken out, marched, protested… inspired by a man who now, I’m sure, resides with the good Lord in heaven,” Jackson said. “…Whenever we see that a wrong must be made right, all of us can ask ourselves: W.W.J.D. — what would Jesse do?”
“We will continue his mission,” he added. “We will carry the torch he lit and keep hope alive. And we will not be erased from this country’s history because we are somebody… Power to the People.”
The Legacy Line X Withers Collection Museum Reminds Us ‘When HIStory Was Watching’
Reflections on Rev. Jackson’s life and work set the stage for the event
On Feb. 17, the morning Rev. Jesse Jackson transitioned after being recently diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy and years-long bout with Parkinson’s disease, civil rights icons, archivists, and political leaders came together at The Gathering Spot at Northyards in Atlanta to address the critical preservation of Black history in an event titled, “When HIStory Was Watching.”
And just before programming got underway, a press conference was held to honor the legacy and memory of Rev. Jackson. Civil rights activist Ambassador Andrew Young, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and former city mayor Bill Campbell shared remarks.
“He’s made a tremendous contribution to this country and to the world,” Young said.
“It was a real tragedy for me to have to watch him struggle with Parkinson’s disease, and, well, I don’t like to think of us as having to lose our heroes.”
Mayor Dickens chimed in, stating that Jackson was “bold and strong” and stood on the shoulders of his predecessors, paying homage to Young and Dr. Martin Luther King.
“I remember as a kid, over and over and over again quoting, ‘I am somebody,’” Dickens said.
“No matter what economic station you’re in, what social station you’re in, you felt what Jesse Jackson was saying.”
Campbell added, “Jesse Jackson was one of the great freedom fighters of the 20th century, and his legacy is a rise from abject poverty in South Carolina to an advocate for education and empowerment. He made it possible for people to believe that they could be somebody … and he joined in this incredible confluence of leaders in Atlanta that’s unlike anything has ever transpired in the world.”
Reflections on Rev. Jackson’s life and work set the stage for the event, which was hosted by The Legacy Line in partnership with The Withers Collection Museum and Gallery, and included a fireside chat that leaned into the ethical ownership and economic potential of civil rights archives. Young shared his firsthand testimony on the importance of protecting the movement’s documentation as the event’s keynote guest.
The event space was transformed and curated with historical photographs that Ernest C. Withers produced around the civil rights movement and memorabilia based on the works of Withers created by The Legacy Line. BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with The Legacy Line representative Corey Ackerman, who shared items from the inaugural collection.
The program kicked off with a soul-stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by T.I and Tiny’s daughter Heiress Harris, followed by remarks from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Memphis Mayor Paul Young.
The conversations, moderated by The Gathering Spot Co-Founder and CEO Ryan Wilson, moved beyond simple nostalgia, exploring how intellectual property and historical archives might support education and long-term economic empowerment for legacy families and their communities.
The panel featured an assembly of legal and historical experts, including Rosalind Withers, daughter of legendary photographer Ernest C. Withers; Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of the late Medgar Evers; Eric D. Tidwell, Esq., Licensing Manager for the Estate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malikah Berry, Assistant Archivist at the King Library and Archives; and Laron Walker, CEO of The Legacy Line.
The discussion highlighted the tension between public access and private stewardship, with a focus on how modern technology—including augmented reality—can bring archival stories into homes and classrooms.
As the event wound down, John Hope Bryant, founder of Operation HOPE, delivered closing remarks, framing the preservation of these archives as a matter of “silver rights”—the intersection of civil rights and economic self-determination.
The Legacy Line is a lifestyle brand that transforms storytelling into home decor. To learn more about The Legacy Line, check out the company’s website.
Going Viral Doesn’t Mean You Own It. Inside The ‘TENDERNISM’ Trademark War
The phrase has become the center of a multiparty trademark dispute involving Walter Johnson (aka 'Unc'), Diamond Smokehouse Enterprises Inc., and attorney Kenneth Harris.
By Caleb L. Green, Esq.
Few viral food trends have captured public imagination the way “TENDERNISM” has. The term exploded across TikTok and Instagram as viewers watched an older gentleman — known affectionately as “Unc” or “Mr. Tendernism” — dramatically test smoked meats to see whether they were truly fall-off-the-bone tender.
But now, the phrase at the heart of this viral phenomenon has become the center of a multiparty trademark dispute involving Walter Johnson (aka “Unc”), Diamond Smokehouse Enterprises Inc., and attorney Kenneth Harris. This is a story about virality, intellectual property, and a cautionary tale for creators and businesses who wait too long to protect what they build.
Who is ‘Unc’? Meet Walter ‘Mr. Tendernism’ Johnson
According to multiple reports, the man behind the phrase is Walter Johnson, a former staff member at Destination Smokehouse, a California-based barbecue restaurant whose videos recently went viral. Johnson is widely credited with coining the term “TENDERNISM,” describing meat that is so tender “you don’t need no teeth.”
Johnson — frequently referred to as “Unc” — became a viral sensation for his charismatic demonstrations of tenderness tests, which garnered millions of views. His popularity grew even further after attention from large creators such as @Jordan_the_stallion8 and food critic Keith Lee, who traveled to the restaurant specifically to meet the man behind the movement.
Diamond Smokehouse Enterprises Inc.: The Business Behind the Brand
Diamond Smokehouse Enterprises Inc., located in Murrieta, California, is associated with the Destination Smokehouse brand — where Johnson worked and where the Tendernism phenomenon took root. The company is now asserting that it — not any outside party — is the rightful owner of the TENDERNISM mark because it has been using the phrase commercially in connection with its restaurant operations and branded merchandise.
The Trademark Filings: Two Sides, Four Applications
However, when it came to filing a trademark application with the United state Trademark Office, a North Carolina-based attorney named Kenneth Harris, beat Diamond Smokehouse and Johnson to the punch. On Nov. 21, 2025, attorney Kenneth Harris filed two trademark applications for TENDERNISM, both on an Intent-to-Use (ITU) basis:
Notably, Mr. Harris has not submitted any proof of use of the TENDERNISM trademark, meaning he does not yet have any legal use in commerce associated with the mark. Some public reports suggest that Harris may have reached out to “Unc” to offer the trademark filings to him or leverage them for business purposes. While this claim remains unverified, it has circulated widely online.
Diamond Smokehouse Enterprises Inc. filed two trademark applications on Dec. 5, 2026 and Jan. 8, 2026, both based on actual use in commerce, claiming first use dating back to April 17, 2024:
These trademark filings assert that the company — and by extension “Unc” — began commercially using the TENDERNISM mark well before Harris’s ITU filings.
Intent-to-Use vs. Use-in-Commerce: Why the Difference Matters
To understand who holds the trademark rights to TENDERNISM and where this dispute is heading, it’s essential to break down the legal meaning of the trademark filings.
Harris’s Intent-to-Use (ITU) Applications
An ITU application allows a person to reserve rights in a mark before they begin using it in commerce. However, ITU filings do not establish trademark rights until the applicant uses the mark in commerce. Usually, the ITU trademark applicant demonstrates use of the mark by filing a “Statement of Use” accompanied by evidence (photos, packaging, sales receipts, etc.). Thus, Harris currently has no trademark rights in TENDERNISM, because rights flow from use, not filing an ITU application alone.
Diamond Smokehouse’s UseBased Applications
A “use in commerce” application is filed only after the applicant is already using the mark commercially. Diamond Smokehouse claims use since April 17, 2024, which, if true, predates Harris’s ITU application filings. This is important because trademark law is built on a first-come, first-served principle. The first person or entity to use the mark gets the right to use that mark. In the case of the TENDERNISM mark, Diamond Smokehouse appears to be the trademark owner.
What Happens Next? — USPTO Procedure Complicates Things
Even though Diamond Smokehouse has submitted evidence of earlier use of the TENDERNISM mark, Harris’s ITU applications will be examined first because they were filed first. But critically, Harris’s applications will not achieve registration unless he provides evidence of actual use of the mark in commerce. Even if Harris presents sufficient evidence of use, Diamond Smokehouse will almost certainly oppose Harris’s applications if they reach the publication stage.
In an opposition, Diamond Smokehouse would likely argue that it has senior rights based on earlier commercial use.
The Public Outcry: Accusations of “Stealing“ a Viral Phrase
While Harris and Diamond Smokehouse jockey for trademark registration with the USPTO, both have faced criticism online from people who believe “Unc” should own the mark — or who assume that any filing is an attempt to “steal” a viral term. And while Walter “Unc” Johnson undeniably coined and popularized the term “TENDERNISM,” it is important to remember a foundational rule of trademark law:
Creating or coining a word does not make someone the trademark owner. Trademark rights arise only through “use in commerce” to identify the source of goods or services.
This is often counterintuitive to the public. In trademark law, the legal “owner” is the party who uses the mark commercially in connection with goods or services, not the individual who first said it, created it, or made it go viral.
Even viral personalities — especially employees — do not automatically own rights in the phrases they make famous.
In this case, even though Unc coined the word, the relevant legal question is who used TENDERNISM in commerce first, and the evidence currently indicates that Diamond Smokehouse began doing so long before any filings by Harris. This distinction is crucial not only here, but for creators and businesses everywhere.
Conclusion
While the internet may believe that “Unc” should automatically own the trademark because he coined the term, unfortunately, trademark law simply does not work that way.
Trademark rights belong to the party who uses the mark in commerce — not the one who invents it, popularizes it, or appears in viral videos using it. In many cases, that means the employer, not the employee, acquires the rights when a phrase becomes tied to the company’s goods or services.
At the same time, this dispute highlights a deeper truth: both creators and businesses must be proactive.
Whether you’re a restaurant, a content creator, or a brand trying to harness viral momentum, if it’s worth going viral, it’s worth protecting early. Had Diamond Smokehouse filed immediately when TENDERNISM began gaining attention, the current conflict might never have arisen.
As this matter proceeds, all eyes will be on whether Harris can prove use, and whether Diamond Smokehouse’s prior use rights prevail. But whatever the outcome, the broader message remains: Viral fame does not create trademark rights. Use in commerce—and timely filing—does.
Caleb L. Green is a partner at Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC and a law professor at the William S. Boyd School of Law. He practices as an intellectual property attorney and is deeply focused on trademark law, brand protection, and portfolio management. He represents businesses, creatives, and emerging brands in securing, enforcing, and maximizing the value of their trademarks across the United States and abroad. With extensive experience in trademark prosecution, clearance, enforcement, TTAB proceedings, and brand strategy, Caleb guides clients through every stage of developing, protecting, and defending their brand identities.
Zohran Mamdani Admits To Excluding Black Americans And Not Telling ‘The Full Story’ With Comment That ‘City Built By Immigrants’
When Coleman said “she felt a type of way,” the young mayor said it's understandable and looked right in the camera to say “that’s why I’m here to apologize.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is attempting to right a wrong by admitting he failed to include Black Americans during a previous comment made about the Big Apple being a “city built by immigrants,” The Grio reported.
During a sit-down with podcaster and historian Latoya Coleman, Mamdani admitted to being guilty of excluding Black Americans during his 2025 mayoral election speech where he described NYC as a “city built by immigrants.” As a wrap-up to the 100th Black History Month, Coleman asked how people can include enslaved people and indigenous people who have built the foundation of America in New York City as well.
The mayor jumped right in by saying he has been guilty of it and gave some insight on how to correct it. “I think the first thing is, if we’re being honest, we have to tell the full story. And when we tell a sweeping generalization like that, we lose sight of the fact that Black New Yorkers helped to build New York City,” he said.
When Coleman said “she felt a type of way,” the young mayor said it’s understandable and looked right in the camera to say “that’s why I’m here to apologize.” “Because you learn from it. And I think as much as we want to and we should support immigrant New Yorkers and their incredible place in the city, doing so doesn’t necessitate that we overlook contributions of Black New Yorkers,” he said.
The narrative of Black immigrants being overlooked has floated throughout social media as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been terrorizing American cities, resulting in protests and deaths of several U.S. citizens. During the 2026 Grammy Awards, Nigerian-American country singer Shaboozey received massive backlash for stating that “immigrants built this country, literally” during his acceptance speech.
Since his historic win as the city’s first Muslim and youngest mayor at just 34-years-old, Mamdani has made positive strides but seemingly rubbed some Black residents the wrong way with certain policies. Particularly when it comes to the housing market, residents feel like they may be driven out of the communities they built after the mayor threatened to hike property taxes as a way of targeting the wealthy.
As a 2023 article from the New York Times highlighted “the city’s Black population has declined by nearly 200,000 people in the past two decades,” president of the NAACP New York State Conference, L. Joy Williams, surveyed Black residents, showcasing that homeownership is a priority.
After Mamdani declared war on bad landlords, Williams celebrated the effort but said supporting first-time homebuyers should be a high priority. “Our members want policies that turn renters into owners to close the racial wealth gap,” she said, according to NY Mag.
“It is clear from the lack of conversation and engagement that there doesn’t seem to be a lot of focus and attention on the needs of Black New Yorkers in the city.”
