Magic Johnson enterprises, Alexia Grevious Henderson — (Photo: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 14, 2025

Magic Johnson’s Latest Assist: $500K To Xavier University

The school's Centennial Gala raised more than $2 million

Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson pledge of $500,000 to Louisiana’s Xavier University helped the school raise more than $2 million at its Centennial Gala on May 9.

Johnson’s donation at the university’s 100th-anniversary celebration was made in honor of President Emeritus Dr. Norman C. Francis.

The money raised at the event will support student scholarships.

“The mark of a great man and who shows up,” Johnson said at the Gala. “Because the man that you are, all the great things that you’ve done in your stellar career. And all the people that you helped. You became successful through your great leadership at Xavier… In your honor, I’m going to give Xavier $500,000.”

Comedian Bill Bellamy (Any Given Sunday, former MTV VJ) hosted the ceremony. Jeffrey Osborne, the R&B legend and former L.T.D. lead singer, performed.

Francis, a graduate of Xavier University, was president of the school for 47 years, nearly half of its existence. He was responsible for sending many Black students to medical school. Under his leadership, student enrollment tripled.

“Our Centennial Gala was a beautiful success,” said Phillip D. Adams, Xavier’s vice president of institutional advancement. “Not just that it honored Xavier’s storied legacy, but that we raised more than $2 million to secure the futures of deserving students who choose a Xavier education. In just 100 years, Xavier has amassed various accolades, solidifying itself as a leader. I’m honored that we have been able to steadily raise necessary scholarship funds, and I look forward to what we can achieve in our next 100 years of excellence.”

The country’s only historically Black and Catholic University, Xavier is ranked among the top HBCUs nationwide and recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences.

Bakari Sellers — Luke Harold, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 14, 2025

Bakari Sellers’ Memoir Banned From Naval Academy Library, Unlike JD Vance’s

'The fact that just from a pure cultural understanding that you can tell the story of where you're from—and as long as it's Appalachia, it's acceptable,' Sellers responded

Bakari Sellers’ memoir, which is often compared to Vice President JD Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy, has been banned from the U.S. Naval Academy library.

The politician and political commentator’s New York Times bestseller, My Vanishing Country, was among the books pulled last month after the Defense Secretary’s office ordered the removal of titles promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Post and Courier reports. The book, which chronicles Sellers’ childhood in rural Denmark, South Carolina, was ranked No. 7 on the U.S. Naval Academy’s list of 381 banned books.

Ironically, Bakari Sellers’ memoir is often described as a Southern equivalent to JD Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy, which highlights white, working-class Appalachia. But while Sellers’ book was banned, Vance’s book remains on the Naval Academy’s shelves.

“The fact that just from a pure cultural understanding that you can tell the story of where you’re from—and as long as it’s Appalachia, it’s acceptable,” Sellers said in response to the removal. “As long as it’s White Appalachia, it’s acceptable. But if it’s Black in the South, it’s banned.”

The removal follows a May 9 Pentagon memo instructing military leaders to review and pull library books related to diversity, anti-racism, or gender issues by May 21. A temporary Academic Libraries Committee will oversee the review process, using a list of about 20 search terms to flag titles for removal.

The flagged terms include “affirmative action,” “anti-racism,” “critical race theory,” “discrimination,” “diversity,” “gender dysphoria,” “gender identity and transition,” “transgender,” “transsexual,” and “white privilege.” While none of these appeared in the listed topics for Sellers’ memoir, the former South Carolina lawmaker’s book was categorized as a biography with tags like “rural African Americans,” “South Carolina,” “social conditions,” and “racism.”

“My book is not How to be Anti-Racist,” Sellers said, referring to Ibram X. Kendi’s autobiography that landed in the No. 1 spot of the academy’s banned books list.

“My book is a book talking about growing up in the Black, working-class South,” Sellers added. “These are stories that are all around us. These are stories so that people can understand what it means to have a community that thrived off the Savannah River site, or went to schools in the ‘Corridor of Shame,’ and that there are people who have overcome different challenges but still made it.”

Other titles on the banned list include Maya Angelou’s classic memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Issac J. Bailey’s Why Didn’t We Riot? A Black Man in Trumpland, and Michael Eric Dyson’s Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America.

Supreme, Tyshawn Jones, lawsuit, skateboarder — Free-Photos, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 14, 2025

Pro Skateboarder Tyshawn Jones Sues Supreme In $26 Million Defamation Lawsuit

Jones claims the brand placed blame on him for the fallout.

Pro Skateboarder Tyshawn Jones has sued his former collaborator, Supreme, in a $26 million defamation lawsuit.

The 26-year-old had been in a long-term deal with the streetwear fashion brand since he was 11. Despite officially signing with the brand at age 13, the two parties recently parted ways last September. The former sponsor’s relationship with the skater has soured further with this new legal filing.

The lawsuit, filed in New York, claims that Supreme terminated Jones’ years-long deal with the brand. Jones also accused Supreme of spreading “malicious” rumors to harm his reputation. He alleges the brand blames the ex-signee for the deal’s axing. According to Modern Notoriety, the lawsuit stated that the false accusations led to his blackballing from the industry.

“Supreme’s termination is pretext for cost-cutting,” reads the complaint. “Doubling down on their bad faith and willful breach, Supreme, through several statements both impermissible and false, has widely disparaged Tyshawn as a liability, a risk — someone no brand would want to affiliate or work with.”

However, Supreme has claimed it rightfully ended its sponsorship of Jones for violating their agreement. The company referenced Jones wearing a “Superman” sweatshirt in a photoshoot campaign for Marc Jacobs.

On the other hand, Jones insists he had remained upfront about modeling for different brands. This also extends to his recent ambassadorship with Louis Vuitton. He claims the real reason behind the contract termination stems from the brand undergoing new changes in ownership, making the move to clear its debt ahead of its sale.

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“I am saddened it has come to this, but I have a duty to myself and my career, and feel a responsibility to the next generation of skateboarders to stand up for what is right,” Jones told the New York Post. “Supreme’s success has been largely shaped by the contributions of young talent, and I believe those contributions deserve to be respected.”

Jones further detailed that Supreme still owes him $1.5 million from his former contract, which had 15 months left before its expiration. The rest of the $25 million asked for will cover damages from the brand’s alleged “wanton and egregious conduct” toward him.

Snoop Dogg, brother, Death Row — (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for MTV/Paramount Global)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 14, 2025

‘Snoop Dogg’s New Year’s Eve’ Live From Miami Will Air On NBC, Peacock

The televised special takes place Dec. 31 from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ET/PT on Dec. 31, 2025

The Peacock Network announced that Snoop Dogg will have a New Year’s Eve special that will air from Miami on the festive night at the end of the year.

The iconic entertainer will bring in the New Year with NBC and Peacock when the special, Snoop Dogg’s New Year’s Eve, takes place on Dec. 31 from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ET/PT. Performances and appearances from notable people will be showcased that evening.

“Snoop Dogg’s energy, influence, and ability to bring people together promises an unforgettable night,” said Jen Neal, executive vice president of Live Events and Specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment, in a written statement. “We’re thrilled to partner with Snoop and bring this epic event to audiences across the country once again, live from Miami.”

The special will be produced by Den of Thieves and Death Row Pictures.

The California rapper also recently announced that he is releasing a new album and movie titled, Iz It a Crime?, on May 15.

“From LBC to NYC, #SnoopDogg is back again with new music! The rap icon revealed exclusively on Access Daily that he’s treating fans to a surprise album titled ‘Iz It A Crime?’ featuring your faves like @sexyyred and @wizkhalifa!”

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The 21st studio album from the recording artist will be released on Death Row Records.

Snoop seems very busy as he recently released a gospel album, Altar Call, on April 27, a little more than four months after his and Dr. Dre’s last project, Missionary, on Dec. 13, 2024.

Snoop’s schedule also includes a performance on June 7 when he heads to Canada to perform at the BC Lions Concert Kickoff, according to the CFL (Canadian Football League).

“I’m very excited to bring Snoop Dogg, one of the most entertaining and decorated rap performers of all time, to Vancouver to help us begin our 71st season of Lions football,” said owner Amar Doman.

The team will play against the Edmonton Elks at Save-On-Foods Field at BC Place at 5:45 p.m. PT.

Ricard Moore, death row, execution, South Carolina — (Photo: oneword/Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 14, 2025

Rep For Karmelo Anthony Says Family Believes His Innocence In Texas Stabbing Incident

Anthony plans to claim self-defense for the Texas stabbing incident.

Karmelo Anthony’s family is sticking by the 17-year-old accused of stabbing another high schooler at a Texas track meet.

A representative for the family told News Nation about their current stance on the matter. The case has garnered national attention for Anthony’s identity as a Black teenager and his current claims of self-defense.

“I believe the Anthony family feels that, yes, Karmelo Anthony is innocent of this, and they are going to support Karmelo Anthony in this entire process and get him prepared,” Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) President Dominique Alexander told the platform on May 14.

Anthony was charged with the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during an altercation at a track meet in April. The teenager admitted to the crime when detained by law enforcement, but has maintained that he did so in self-defense.

Anthony was released from jail after his bond was decreased from $1 million to $250,000. He has remained under house arrest. The family has since raised over $500K in donations to help with his legal defense.

Despite allegations that the family was misappropriating the funds, Alexander also pushed back on those rumors.

“This fund was created to support their family, to help them relocate, to pay for legal expenses, and I could tell you those funds are being used properly,” he said.

However, Alexander also faced backlash for his comments comparing Anthony to Kyle Rittenhouse. Rittenhouse was acquitted of killing two protesters at a Black Lives Matter demonstration, successfully claiming self-defense.

Alexander doubled down on his controversial statement, saying that if Rittenhouse was able to plead self-defense, Anthony also has a right to his own claims for the stabbing.

“Whatever uproar it wants to create, Kyle Rittenhouse displayed, this was self-defense. And all my correlation is, is that if Kyle Rittenhouse said self-defense, Karmelo Anthony has the right to self-defense,” Alexander said.

The case continues to shake up the families’ local Texas community and the nation. Jeremy Metcalf, the father of the slain teen, showed up to a private media event unexpectedly. Alexander condemned Metcalf’s interruption at the event. He further stated that the situation remains too emotionally charged for the families to meet at this time.

“Some people online claim he came in peace,” wrote Alexander in a post to X. “But that doesn’t change the facts: he delayed a sensitive press event by more than 40 minutes, ignored repeated peaceful requests, and created a tense situation. This is a pending criminal case, and it was completely inappropriate for any interaction between the families to occur.”

Meanwhile, Anthony is preparing to graduate from Frisco High School through the advocacy of NGAN and Alexander.

“We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,” shared Minister Alexander. “This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right.”

Lynae Vanee, The People’s Brief, Revolt — Courtesy of REVOLT

by Stacy Jackson

May 14, 2025

Lynae Vanee To Host Revolt’s New Series ‘The People’s Brief’

The weekly news and commentary series invites audiences to tune in for coverage on culture, politics, and education

Atlanta-born influencer Lynae Vanee is ready to discuss today’s most pressing topics as the host of Revolt’s upcoming news and commentary series, The People’s Brief.

Premiering May 20, the series will take viewers on a deep dive into culture, politics, education, and entertainment with the award-nominated digital powerhouse at the head of the table.

“With The People’s Brief, we are proud to give Lynae the stage she deserves while continuing to push the culture forward through authentic, transformative storytelling,” Revolt’s Chief Content Officer, Deon Graham said in a press release.

Fans will accompany Vanee as she provides coverage on the top headlines and gives her unfiltered insight on each episode.

Vanee has already amassed a loyal audience of her own, and with the new venture she will get a chance to connect with Revolt’s millennial and Gen Z audiences to bring real matters to the forefront.

The collaboration with Revolt allows the Spelman College alumna to bring something fresh and necessary to the conversation.

“As a Black woman and creator, working with a platform that does not just feature us, but truly believes in us—that is rare, and it means everything,” she said. “We are taking the topics people are already talking about, from politics to identity and power, and presenting them in a way that feels real, relevant and grounded in community.”

“This is bigger than a show,” Revolt wrote on Instagram. The series was created “by the people, for the people” and will offer a platform to highlight “truth, real conversations, and the voices that deserve to be heard.”

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NYC mayor Eric Adams, trial, Trump, — (Photo: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 14, 2025

Eric Adams Says Dyslexia Is The Reason He Couldn’t Unlock His Phone In Corruption Probe

The 1,700 page document revealed how difficult it was for investigators to get their hands on Adams’ phone.

During his weekly press briefing, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said dyslexia was why he couldn’t unlock his phone for federal investigators who requested it during his donation corruption probe, The New York Daily News reported.

Documents from the now-dismissed corruption case reveal Adams used the same excuse with investigators, but they believed it to be a lie, showing “evidence of consciousness of guilt.” “Hey, folks, I’m dyslexic. I couldn’t get numbers. That’s a byproduct,” the mayor said.

While claiming he “always” gives his “numbers” to staffers, documents showed Adams had some excuses for the whereabouts of his phone. In November 2023, Adams told investigators that he had left his phone in City Hall, but GPS data proved otherwise, and Adams didn’t believe that. GPS data showed the phone was moving with the mayor during his journey from City Hall to an area close to Washington Square Park and north on 6th Avenue. “If someone stated that I had a phone on me based on the GPS data, they’re liars,” the mayor said.

“They’re liars. And the GPS data clearly pings to show you where phones are. They had the evidence.”

He once blamed an aide, saying they took his phone, but when the phone turned up the next day, Adams told the feds he had forgotten the passcode — only to be revealed he changed it two days earlier, just before the initial Greenwich Village raid. “Location information for Adams’ Personal Cell Phone is inconsistent with the representations Adams made,” an FBI agent wrote, according to AM NY.

With more than 1,700 pages of documents released shortly before Mother’s Day 2025, viewers could see how difficult it was for investigators to get their hands on Adams’ phone and an inside peek of what was ahead for the mayor if the case went to trial. Feds were scheduled to carry out raids just days before Trump’s Department of Justice stopped the probe.

Adams continues to push that federal investigators were trying to “humiliate me, to embarrass me, to display me [sic]” during their probe, pointing out that the FBI had plans to seize his phones at the finish line of the 2023 New York City Marathon, but decided against it. Adams said he doesn’t understand why people aren’t taking that into consideration. “I don’t see why no one is factoring in, they wanted to take my phones at the goddamn marathon, folks,” he said.

The mayor, who is up for reelection, also highlighted that Manhattan Federal Judge Dale Ho’s, the judge overseeing the case, decision to drop the case is proof that he did nothing wrong. However, after saying his ruling had nothing to do with the charges’ substance, Ho seemingly agreed with accusations that Adams’ attorney made a “bargain” with the DOJ to drop his case, allegedly agreeing to cooperate with the president’s immigration plan in exchange for dropping his charges.

Duke University, Delta University — The Delta Sigma Theta sorority building in Washington D.C.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 14, 2025

‘Duke Deltas’ Celebrate 50 Years As First Black Sorority On Campus

Senator Angela Alsobrooks, a chapter member and third Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate, served as the anniversary gala's keynote speaker.

In 1975, the Lambda Omega Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., became the first Black sorority at Duke University.

Now, members old and new celebrate their five decades of service to the campus and extended community. The “thriving” sorority chapter held its 50th anniversary April 5. According to Duke’s news release, over 250 guests attended the sold-out gala in Durham while recognizing this remarkable feat.

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“We’re thriving,” explained chapter member and class of 2014 alumna Noelle Ghoram. “That was a recurring theme at the celebration.”

Delta Sigma Theta was the first of seven Black Greek Letter Organizations in the Divine 9 with chapters at Duke. Angela Alsobrooks, a chapter member and the third Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate, also served as the keynote speaker. She emphasized their chapter and its members’ commitment to excellence in her speech, even in their post-collegiate endeavors.

The “Duke Deltas,” a nickname for the chapter, were able to connect across generations to celebrate their decades-long service. Their esteemed efforts to the community also led Durham’s Mayor, Leonardo Williams, to proclaim April 5 as “Lambda Omega Day.”

Ahead of their official anniversary date, the Lambda Omega chapter held an alumnae-student career panel and a welcome cookout event at Duke’s Karshi Alumni and Visitors Center. The pre-gala festivities ended with a chapter members’ photo that spans lifetimes, taken on the steps of Duke Chapel.

The commemorative event also symbolizes the lifelong effort of the “Duke Deltas.” As they hope to reach another 50 years, they continue to honor the women and college students who helped them find a home on Duke’s campus.

“It was a tribute to the trailblazing Black women at Duke and a reaffirmation of the chapter’s ongoing impact on communities across the nation, said fellow chapter member Nichole Ogojiaku, class of 2013. “From its chartering in 1975 to this milestone celebration, Lambda Omega continues to shape leaders, uplift communities, and make history.”

Morehouse College — Photo by Joi Stokes/Getty Images

by Kandiss Edwards

May 14, 2025

Dr. F. DuBois Bowman Is A Morehouse Alumni And Now, The HBCU’s 13th President

Esteemed Morehouse Alumni, Dr. F DuBois Bowman, will assume the position of president at his alma mater as HBCUs face critical funding cuts.

Morehouse College has named its newest President, Dr. F. DuBois Bowman; the HBCU released its decision in a press release.

Dr. Bowman, a distinguished public health leader and biostatistician, has been appointed as the 13th president of Morehouse College, effective July 15. A 1992 Morehouse alumnus, Dr. Bowman currently serves as the dean of the University of Michigan School of Public Health and holds the Roderick J. Little Collegiate Professorship of Biostatistics.

Dr. Bowman will succeed President David A. Thomas, who concludes his tenure in June.

As a Morehouse Alumni, he has maintained strong ties to Morehouse College, serving as a mentor and facilitating a pipeline program for students from Morehouse and Spelman colleges to the University of Michigan. In 2019, he received the college’s highest alumni honor, the Bennie Trailblazer Award.

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The president-elect is renowned for his research in the statistical analysis of complex data sets, particularly in understanding neurological and mental health disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and schizophrenia. His work has contributed to more personalized therapeutic approaches and has explored how environmental factors affect brain function in youth.

At the University of Michigan, he leads a top-ranked school of public health with over 1,300 students and an annual sponsored research portfolio exceeding $100 million. His leadership has fostered a culture of inclusion, innovation, and service, launching interdisciplinary initiatives to address public health challenges like firearm injury prevention, health equity, and infectious disease control.

He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, a fellow of the American Statistical Association, and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Bowman is more than familiar with the culture of the college and will, hopefully serve as a good fit in these tumultuous times, as the federal government continues cutting funding to higher education institutions.

Cassie, Diddy — Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 14, 2025

Cassie Details Diddy ‘Freak-Offs,’ During Day 2 Of Federal Trial

The recording artist will take the stand again to continue testimony

The testimony of former Bad Boy artist Cassie Ventura, who detailed some of the situations she experienced as his girlfriend, met expectations in the current Sean “Diddy” Combs federal trial.

According to The Washington Post, the Me & U singer discussed some of the encounters they labeled “freak-offs” for the court, where she described situations involving some of the sexual exploits she participated in with Diddy and sex workers during her time with the entrepreneur. Cassie took the stand as a primary witness for federal prosecutors who have charged Diddy with five criminal counts of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution that could land him in prison for a potential life sentence. The two were involved in a romantic relationship for 10 years.

After describing how she met and eventually signed with Diddy as an artist, she admitted to being enamored with the man who many, over the years, have described as being charming, which is partly how she became ensnared in her attraction to him.

“I wanted to be around Sean for the same reasons as everyone else at the time — this exciting, entertaining, fun guy who also happened to have my career in his hands,” Cassie said in court. “It felt special because not a lot of people got that time with him.”

She went into graphic details of the sexual encounters they embarked on, where it grew to a point where she started to feel uncomfortable as she stated he became more violent towards her for not totally being down with the program, as she did not envision the relationship and sexual activities that took place, including the mogul using violence against her to “control” her.

She mentioned that he did film the encounters, and she feared he would blackmail her by exposing her exploits publicly, which placed her in a state of fear when she no longer wanted to participate in the activities they engaged in.

“It was always in the back of my mind that I would somehow be hurt by him. Sean is a really polarizing person, also very charming. So it’s hard to be able to decide in that moment what you need when he’s telling you what he wants.”

Upon testifying, she admitted that he became more abusive while security was given the assignment of watching her at the behest of Diddy. When prosecutors showed the filmed abuse (initially aired by CNN) that she suffered at the hands of Diddy when he attacked her in a hotel, she told the court that that was when she knew it was time to end the relationship.

“After he hit me and I saw the result of it, I knew I had to get out.”

“The next thing I knew, I was just thrown to the ground. It was really fast,” she said when detailing what took place while the courtroom viewed the video.

She is slated to take the stand May 14 as the trial continues.