Luka Doncic,Luka Dončić, mural, Kobe Brryant — Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 2, 2025

Luka Dončić Donates $5K To Restore Kobe Bryant Mural

One of the first Kobe and Gigi Bryant murals was vandalized in Downtown Los Angeles

After news broke that a mural created in tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter was vandalized, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to restore the painting. Los Angeles Lakers player Luka Dončić then donated $ 5,000 to the cause.

An Instagram account, @kobemural, recently posted that a mural created for the Lakers legend and his daughter was vandalized, and a fundraiser was launched to garner donations, with a goal of $5,000.

“Unfortunately, one of the first Kobe and Gigi murals has been vandalized in Downtown Los Angeles,” the message stated.

The message was updated to inform everyone that Doncic had met the fundraising target to restore the mural.

“🚨 For those who missed our most recent post, @lukadoncic has generously donated the money to help restore the Kobe and Gigi mural. 💜💛

“We’re sharing to bring awareness to the community of fans here in LA, and around the world, who respect and appreciate artists and their mural tributes.

“Original mural by @sloe_motions located at 1361 Main St, Los Angeles”

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A post shared by Kobe & Gianna Bryant Murals (@kobemural)

The Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers’ superstar issued a statement explaining why he donated the money to the fund.

“Kobe is L.A. He and Gigi mean so much to this city, to the Lakers organization, and to me personally,” Doncic said. “I’m happy to do anything to help make sure he and his daughter are honored.”

Doncic was traded to the Lakers earlier this season from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade for former Lakers center Anthony Davis. He and the team were just eliminated from this year’s NBA Playoffs when they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Bryant played his entire career with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships, becoming a two-time Finals MVP, and earning the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player award. He made the All-Star team 18 times and became the youngest player to reach 30,000 points. In his final game before retiring in 2016, he scored an NBA season-high 60 points. The 41-year-old basketball legend died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others on Jan. 26, 2020.

Brian McKnight, Niko McKnight, cancer — photo credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 2, 2025

Brian McKnight Sues Jaguar Wright For Accusing Him Of Abusing His Ex-Wife And Prostitutes

Brian McKnight is taking legal action against Jaguar Wright for her salacious claims of abuse.

Brian McKnight is taking legal action against Jaguar Wright for her claims accusing him of abusing his ex-wife and sex workers.

In the newly filed lawsuit, McKnight accused Wright of spreading damaging and salacious allegations online, including claims that the Grammy-nominated singer hired and mistreated prostitutes during sexual encounters, TMZ reported. The “Anytime” singer also denied Wright’s claims that he was abusive toward his ex-wife, Julie McKnight, who Wright says is her cousin.

Not only did McKnight deny the abuse claims, but he also said he was never aware of Wright’s alleged family ties to his ex-wife. McKnight is going after Wright for damages.

This isn’t the first time Wright’s controversial claims against celebrities have landed her in hot water. Last October, Piers Morgan was forced to apologize after conducting an on-air interview with Wright on his Uncensored show, during which she referenced Sean “Diddy” Combs while accusing Jay-Z and Beyoncé of having multiple “victims.”

“For four years I’ve been screaming not just Diddy, but Diddy and Jay-Z are monsters,” Wright said.

Morgan followed up after the interview and offered an on-air apology to the Carters after Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s lawyers contacted him to confirm that Wright’s claims “were totally false and have no basis in fact.”

“Well, Jaguar, unexpectedly, made several serious allegations about Jay-Z and Beyoncé during that interview,” Morgan explained. “As I said in the moment, they were not present to respond or defend themselves, but now they have. We had lawyers contact us to say that those claims were false and have no basis in fact, and we’ve therefore complied with a legal request to cut them from the original interview.”

After Morgan’s apology, Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s attorney Alex Spiro explained why it was the smart thing to do.

“I think he made the wise choice and acted accordingly,” Spiro said. “It didn’t just harm the Carters. What he did, effectively, was to drown out the voices of actual victims in an ongoing case, in an ongoing investigation. And that was that was too much for me.”

Credit Card Debt — (Image: iStock / AaronAmat)

by Ahsan Washington

May 2, 2025

9 Stress-Reducing Practices To Maintain Mental Health

No chill pills involved.

April is the designated month for stress awareness, but it doesn’t mean we let go of stress-reducing practices. We can’t let it end without talking about the effects stress has on your mental and physical well-being as we transition to May and lean into Mental Health Month. BLACK ENTERPRISE has identified nine ways to reduce stress through body and mind—with no “chill pills” involved.

Salad, Food, Health, Diet, program — Source: MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET: A healthy diet is an effective way to reduce stress. It can lower blood sugar, stabilize it, and support proper brain function as well as regulating cortisol levels. According to a 2017 study published by BMC Medicine, foods that contain magnesium, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids found in seeds, nuts, and fish are the main nutrients that help the brain produce serotonin and promote a better mood. Besides probiotic foods like yogurt that promote gut health and are essential for mental health, dark chocolate is a stress-relieving food. Moreover, eating foods that are high in magnesium such as avocados and bananas helps to better manage stress. (Photo: Los Muertos Crew/Pexels)

clutter, mental health, wellness, meditate — Source: DEEP BREATHS: Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which decreases the heart rate and blood pressure and calms the body, thereby relieving stress. Also, it decreases cortisol levels, which in turn, helps one get rid of anxiety and also assists in mood. Research indicates that it improves emotional regulation and contributes to cardiovascular health. Deep breathing is a quick and accessible approach that can be done anywhere and is another way to manage stress effectively. (Image: iStock / PixelsEffect)

black mental health, therapy — Source: MINDFULNESS MEDITATION: Mindfulness meditation works by stimulating the body to relax, which, in turn, causes the body to slow heart rates, blood pressure, and muscle tension. This treatment also involves lowering cortisol levels which is how it is able to help with anxiety while making the mood better. Cortical activity at the present moment is what mindfulness is heightening and the result is emotional regulation, which takes part in a more relaxed reaction to stress. Cognitive function is also supported, and the possibility of inflammation is lessened, which consequently results in a good general health condition. (GETTY, man meditating at home)

Thankful, gratitude — Source: **Photo by monkeybusinessimages/Getty Images**

Volunteer — Source: HELPING OTHERS: Stress can be reduced through volunteering or helping others. Performing these acts raise a sense of purpose and provide meaning. Helping other people has a good influence on physical health such as lowering blood pressure and decreasing the risk of depression; both of which result in stress reduction. (Photo credit: Luis Alvarez, Getty Images)

Texting, social media — Source: LIMIT SCREEN TIME: Reducing the time you spend on the digital screen not only helps you stress less by the decrease in cortisol and avoiding mental fatigue from unending digital stimuli, but it also enhances your sleep quality by the reduction of blue light exposure that can affect your melatonin production. Off-line, stress-relieving activities have a positive impact on your mood. They help improve focus and emotional regulation. (Photo: cottonbro studio/freepik)

Stress free — Source: GET REST: Sleep is associated with a reduction in the risk of stress-related conditions. Having the proper amount of sleep decreases stress levels with the release of less cortisol, which is the main stress hormone of the body. Emotional regulation is also gained through quality sleep which allows you to balance daily demands properly. Photo by Alex Green: https://www.pexels.com/photo/depressed-black-man-on-bed-at-home-5700168/

Stress free, friends — Source: SOCIAL CONNECTIONS: The presence of positive interaction causes the body to release oxytocin, a hormone that has a calming effect and helps to deal with stress. Social relationships also contribute to the growth of resilience, which is essential when dealing with life’s difficulties. These kinds of relationships also enhance mental health as they lead to a decrease in the rates of depression and anxiety, and also give a sense of belonging. Photo by nappy/Pexels

slow af, Martinus, job, market, health, employment, hypertension, diabetes — Source: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Sports have a direct positive effect on stress because it releases not only endorphins but also the brain chemicals responsible for boosting one’s mood. Physical activity helps by also decreasing the levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline in the body, which assists with a calmer response to stressors. Through exercising you can manage your sleep better, and that will not only help you to be more emotionally stable but will also reduce fatigue-related stress. It improves cognitive functions-such as attention and problem-solving skills–which makes it easy to deal with life’s daily challenges. Finally, being active is stress relief in itself that allows one to unwind and reorient. (Getty Images)

Pharrell, American Dream — (Photo: Kristina Bumphrey/WWD via Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 2, 2025

Pharrell Williams Says The 2025 Met Gala Will ‘Celebrate The Color Black’

Pharrell Williams is excited for the world to see the "power" of all things Black at this year's Met Gala.

With the 2025 Met Gala just around the corner, co-chair Pharrell Williams says this year’s event, centered on the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” will be a full celebration of Black excellence, from culture to color.

Williams appeared on The Run-Through With Vogue podcast on April 29, where he teased what the public can expect from this year’s Met Gala, scheduled to take place on May 5.

“It’s going to be a very impactful, beautiful night where we celebrate the color Black,” the music and fashion mogul said. “We celebrate the things that come from that color. We celebrate the mentality. We celebrate the plight. We celebrate the progress and the success. And we celebrate the potential.”

This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” draws inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. Williams will co-chair the event alongside actor Colman Domingo, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, and LeBron James, who will be an honorary co-chair.

Williams, the menswear creative director for Louis Vuitton, hopes the “power” behind the theme comes through in the photographs.

“We see it in all different forms, right? From authors to architects to artists to academics and to athletes, all A words. But, yeah, that’s what that night is all about. It’s like the best of the best, top of the top,” he said.

“That’s what that night is going to be, the manifestation of using the platform to celebrate us and all of our enthusiasts,” Williams added. “That means people who are not necessarily Black, but just, like, enthusiasts of the Black culture and enthusiasts of the Black color and enthusiasts of everything that has something to do with Black and Brown.”

The 2025 Met Gala is set for May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with Teyana Taylor, La La Anthony, and Saturday Night Live’s Ego Nwodim hosting Vogue’s fifth annual red carpet livestream. The coverage kicks off at 6 p.m. ET and will stream across Vogue’s digital platforms, including TikTok and YouTube.

Morris Brown, Atlanta, — ATLANTA - JULY 18: Morris Brown College (founded in 1881) signage on July 18, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 2, 2025

Morris Brown College Offers ‘Heartfelt Invitation’ For Limestone University Students To Enroll After Closure Announcement

Morris Brown's president offered students “an opportunity for acceptance of your transfer credits and to work closely" with them for a smooth transition.

Morris Brown College offers enrollment to students of Limestone University following the school’s closure announcement at the end of the Spring 2025 semester, amid significant financial difficulties.

In a letter obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Dr. Kevin James, president of the Atlanta-based HBCU, extended a “heartfelt invitation” to all Limestone students who wish to continue their academic education. “To every Limestone student wondering what comes next, we want you to know that you are not alone. Morris Brown College is here for you,” James wrote.

“We are extending a heartfelt invitation to all Limestone University students to consider completing your academic journey with us.”

He continued to offer students “an opportunity for acceptance of your transfer credits and to work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition, minimizing disruption to your education” for what James describes as “Atlanta’s most affordable Historically Black College and University.” As the HBCU knows first-hand what it’s like to experience financial hardship, the letter highlights the importance of fighting for a bright future. “Morris Brown College intimately understands what it means to fight for a future, to honor a proud history, and to seek a path forward when the road feels uncertain,” the leader continues.

Limestone, located in Gaffney, South Carolina, sent an email to students revealing the Board of Trustees decided to close its doors, resulting in the end of in-person and online classes, according to WIS 10. After the board announced a need for $6 million in funding to stay afloat, over $2 million in donations poured in; however, some of these donations will be returned.

State and city leaders expressed sorrow after hearing the school was closing. Gaffney Mayor and Limestone alum Lyman Dawkins III voiced concern about how the closure will affect the city of Gaffney economically.

“I am worried about the economic impact this loss will bring on our city and county. Limestone has been a cornerstone of our city for nearly 180 years,” he wrote.

“From providing jobs and housing to supporting local businesses and downtown, the college’s role in our economy has been undeniable. Its closure will affect us in more ways than we can fully grasp right now.”

South Carolina’s 5th District Congressman Ralph Norman called the closure “a devastating loss” to the community while highlighting it as a “wake-up call on the importance of financial transparency and long-term planning in higher education.” “Our students and communities deserve better,” Norman said in a statement.

Norman isn’t wrong in his views, as students revealed feeling betrayed by the announcement. “It’s horrible, and the whole fact that no one even came out to talk to us in person,” student Giselle said. “Just an email is just a lack of respect in my opinion.”

Football player Dashawn “DJ” Gamble took to X to market himself as available on the transfer portal. “Due to Limestone University closing down, I will be entering the transfer portal. DMs open. Corner/Safety. Three years of eligibility remaining,” he wrote with corresponding videos and pictures.

US Virgin Islands, Chicos conference — Harbor entry near the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Getty Images)

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 1, 2025

St. Thomas Carnival Brings Shabba Ranks, Beenie Man, Pressure And More

No passport needed.

The 73rd Annual St. Thomas Carnival is in full swing, celebrating Caribbean food, history, culture, and one of its most significant components: music. This year’s entertainment features a multicultural, star-studded lineup that provides something for carnival-goers of all ages.

St. Thomas Carnival’s Village Nights features six free concerts at the Fort Christian Parking Lot from April 28 to May 3, 2025. The concert series kicked off with a performance by international dancehall star Shabba Ranks. Other notable artists will soon take the stage, offering a musical smorgasbord that includes reggae, soca, dancehall, and Latin-infused sounds. The lineup will consist of U.S. Virgin Islands natives Pressure Busspipe, Adam O, Th3rd, and Star Martin, who recently became the first female artist from the Virgin Islands nominated for a Caribbean Music Award.

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A post shared by Star Martin | International Singer ✰ ✰ ✰ (@officialstarmartin)

Legendary dancehall artist Beenie Man will perform on May 1. The “Who Am I” singer visited the island earlier this year for the first time in a decade after his U.S. travel visa was reinstated following a 10-year travel ban to the U.S.

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A post shared by King Beenie Man (@kingbeenieman)

Rounding out the Caribbean musical melting pot will be the Dominican bouyon band Triple Kay, merengue artist El Blachy, and Trinidadian soca artist Voice.

The DJs will keep the party going between musical sets. Team DJ Reg and DJ Avalanche will represent the Virgin Islands, while Bronx native DJ Whutever will bring some musical flavor from the mainland.

“These annual celebrations are so special because they showcase the best of Caribbean culture and honor the shared heritage and rich traditions that unite us all,” USVI Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull said in a press release, “Our goal every year is to authentically highlight Caribbean artistry and talent for everyone experiencing the festival.”

Located approximately 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands are territories of the United States, comprising three main islands: St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico do not require a passport. Non-U.S. citizens should follow the same travel requirements as those entering the mainland United States.

Richmond Mayor Pauses P-Card Program As Report Reveals Accusations Of Abuse — S. Dudley, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 1, 2025

Richmond Mayor Pauses P-Card Program As Report Reveals Accusations Of Abuse

The reset will include department directors will no longer have P-cards issued to allow them to focus on approving purchases.

Richmond, Virginia, Mayor Danny Avula announced the city’s procurement card program, also known as the p-card program, will be paused and called for a “reset” after accusations of abuse, 6 News Richmond reported.

In a statement, Avula, the city’s first immigrant and Indian mayor, said the number of city p-cards will be reduced by more than 80%, from 320 to approximately 60, by May 9. As the p-cards are known as credit cards for staff to make smaller and efficient purchases, the mayor said the next few months will be used to reset and review after reports revealed areas of program weakness, including examples of alleged waste, fraud, and abuse. “P-cards are a best practice, but Richmond’s p-card program needs a reset. So, today, I’m turning off the vast majority of p-cards and placing new purchasing restrictions on the remaining cards,” Avula said.

“We’ll take the next few months to reassess, retool, and reboot the program in an effective way that really serves Richmonders.”

Results from a 2024 investigation by a Richmond government watchdog agency highlighted that the city’s then-General Registrar and his department were cited with 25 counts of waste, fraud, and abuse. It also found that nearly $500,000 in public funds was wasted through purchases that violated city policies.

A Richmond spokesperson revealed that the only allowed purchases should be those where public health, safety, and critical services would be disrupted if not allowed, or where no other payment methods exist.

“The reset will last at least 60 to 90 days during which the Department of Procurement Services (DPS) will redesign and then relaunch the p-card program,” the statement continued.

City leaders, including 4th District Councilmember Sarah Abubaker, celebrated Avula’s actions, but hope that’s not where it ends. “Here we are sort of in reaction to something happening as opposed to proactively thinking through what accountability and transparency look like,” she said, according to 12 On Your Side.

“There’s no accountability. If we’re not punishing people for fraudulent use of p-cards, and we’re not giving proper training or punishing the people who actually do the oversight of the p-card system and approve these, then it’s just sort of a reset of the same system.”

The city’s Department of Procurement Services, under the leadership of Rene Almaraz, hired the Institute for Public Procurement to assess the program and provide a report. Almarez said the team is “absolutely committed to creating the most efficient procurement p-card program possible.”

Other reset changes include the prohibition of Amazon purchases, except mission-critical food items or citizen-supporting programs such as summer food programs or after-school programs. Department directors will also no longer issue p-cards, allowing them to focus on approving purchases.

African military attack,VIADERMA — Photo by Safari Consoler: https://www.pexels.com/photo/soldiers-marching-together-12781118/

by Jameelah Mullen

May 1, 2025

ViaDerma Sponsors African Military Games And Showcases Innovative Wound-Healing Drug

ViaDerma CEO says it's a “great honor” to support the event.

ViaDerma, a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company, was a major supporter of the African Military Games, a multi-sport event for military athletes from across the continent, held in Abuja, Nigeria, in November 2024. The company not only provided financial support but also supplied its wound-healing drug, Tetracyte, to the athletes participating in the games.

Dr. Christopher Otiko, CEO of ViaDerma, spoke about the company’s role at the event.

“Being part of the African Military Games is a great honor and an excellent platform for us to demonstrate the effectiveness of Tetracyte, our flagship wound-healing drug,” he told The Daily Independent.

Otiko, a Nigerian-born podiatrist known for his research in wound care management, stated that he developed the drug after performing several amputations on patients with untreated diabetes.

“It was a depressing task,” he told Biospace. “Usually, once a patient loses a limb, this transfers more weight onto their surviving foot, which causes more pressure and a new wound, and they end up losing the other one.”

Otiko said that although amputations save lives, they often result in a poorer quality of life.

“I had to create a drug that could penetrate the skin so that you can apply the medication right on the foot and prevent wounds from getting to the point they lead to amputations.”

Otiko noted that although many African soldiers already use the drug to treat wounds and infections, the company aims to provide access to Tetracyte for a broader range of people across the continent.

Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, expressed his gratitude to the pharmaceutical company for its support. “ViaDerma was an invaluable sponsor and made significant contributions to the success of the event,” he told The Sun Nigeria.

The African Military Games is an event that aims to promote cultural diversity and strengthen relationships and camaraderie among African nations.

Over 2,000 athletes representing 44 countries competed in the games. They competed in 19 sports, including archery, cycling, boxing, golf, volleyball, soccer, and karate.

FAMU, Florida A and M University,DI, Black History Month — (Photo: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

by Kandiss Edwards

May 1, 2025

FAMU’s Youngest 2025 Graduate Will Cross The Stage This Spring

Curtis Lawrence the lll exemplifies educational excellence.

Curtis Lawrence III made headlines in 2021 as the youngest student to enroll at HBCU Florida A&M University, at age 16. Now, he is set to graduate this spring at 20 years old. He will receive his bachelor’s degree in biology, graduating Summa Cum Laude, Tallahassee Democrat reported.

Lawrence’s academic journey at GAMU included a rigorous course load. He participated in classes at Florida State University and was involved in various campus activities. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in biology at Villanova University as a Presidential Fellow. He aspires to have a career in academia, focusing on ecology and evolutionary biology.

Lawrence, a Washington D.C. native, began his college journey even earlier. He enrolled at George Washington University at the age of 14, having skipped his junior and senior years at Schools Without Walls High School. He later chose the famed HBCU over offers from institutions like Yale and Harvard, amassing over $1.65 million in merit scholarships.

Reflecting on his time at FAMU, Lawrence said, “The four years that I’ve been here, I’ve done a lot, and I’ve changed a lot as a person, and I’m prepared to go on to the next chapter.”

His parents, Curtis Lawrence Jr. and Malene Lawrence, expressed immense pride in their son’s achievements.

“We’re incredibly proud of his persistence and consistent dedication to excellence,” said Curtis Lawrence Jr. “His journey is a reminder that with faith, hard work and support, extraordinary things are possible.”

Lawrence’s brother, Corey, is also attending FAMU and is expected to graduate in two years, continuing the family’s educational legacy.

FAMU’s commencement ceremonies are scheduled for May 2-3 at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center.

Lawrence’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to many. His journey exemplifies the impact of dedication, support, and a commitment to excellence.

Dawn Staley, Southern, WNBA, NCAA — (Photo: Lance King/Getty Images)

by Stacy Jackson

May 1, 2025

Unveiling Of New Statue Kicks Off Dawn Staley Month in South Carolina

Staley hopes the statue moves young girls to look her up and learn about everything she has accomplished on and off the basketball court.

It’s Dawn Staley Month in Columbia, South Carolina, and the city kicked off the celebration Wednesday with an unveiling of a statue honoring the iconic women’s basketball coach.

The new statue now meets guests in front of the Colonial Life Arena, home of the Gamecocks’ women’s basketball team. According to a press release, the April 30 unveiling of Staley’s statue took place at 4 p.m. next to the University of South Carolina Pastides Alumni Center at the intersection of Senate Street and Lincoln Street. The statue represents the legacy of the Gamecocks’ head coach, whose impact has extended beyond the court.

“This tribute celebrates not only her championship legacy as a coach and player, but also her unwavering commitment to leadership, community empowerment and uplifting future generations,” the press release read. “Dawn Staley’s influence continues to inspire both on and off the court, and this statue stands as a lasting symbol of excellence, resilience and pride for Columbia and the entire state of South Carolina.”

Hang it in the Louvre ✨ pic.twitter.com/EoOcMnj8qv
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) April 30, 2025

The statue is a collaborative effort between the City of Columbia, community partners, and the Gender Diversity Arts Initiative, Statues for Equality. Staley stood in front of her newly unveiled statue on Wednesday to thank the mayor, her family, Gamecocks coaches, players, staff, devoted fans, and everyone who contributed to the special event.

“This honor is an interesting one for me,” she said in her speech, posted on the Gamecocks YouTube channel. “If I’m being completely honest, having a statue in my image was never a goal or even a thought.

Staley’s statue is located half a mile from the A’ja Wilson statue, and the three-time national title-winning coach confessed that she wanted Wilson’s to be the “only one.” She spoke about the importance of women’s representation in sports and the world. Her hope for the statue is that young girls will be inspired by the things she’s done with basketball and beyond.

“I hope she sees that I was a champion for equity and equality, and that in my own way, I pushed for change, that I stood proudly in the space called on me to inhabit, not as someone perfect or extraordinary, but as a regular girl who used her gifts to open doors so other girls wouldn’t have to knock as hard.”

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the professional athlete became the highest-paid women’s basketball coach in January after she scored a record $25 million deal. Following the Gamecocks’ recent national title win, the off-season will be filled with meet-and-greets for Staley, who announced her “Uncommon Favor” book tour in April. The May book tour has already been scheduled for stops in New York, Pennsylvania, and the Gamecocks’ home in South Carolina.

SC, it’s official – my book tour is coming home! Join me in Columbia (and Philly and NYC) to talk about Uncommon Favor!

Register to attend at the link in bio. I can’t wait to see you there!
@booksamillion, @unclebobbies, @bnfifthavenue, @AtriaBooks, @SimonAndSchuster pic.twitter.com/QuViaA4Fav
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) April 29, 2025