by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 29, 2026

TLC’s Chilli Denies MAGA Ties And Michelle Obama Diss Despite Records Revealing Donations To Trump Campaign

Chilli has since denied her support of President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement.

TLC singer Chilli reportedly has ties to MAGA, with records showing her past donations to President Donald Trump and his 2024 presidential campaign.

MeidasTouch discovered records that show the ’90s singer sent almost $1,000 to the GOP candidate. Individual contributions listed by the Federal Elections Commission detailed that Rozanda Thomas of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Chilli’s real name and her residence, supported Trump with several monetary gifts.

The 17 total donations ranged in amounts from $3.50 to $180 toward MAGA-affiliated entities. These included “WinRed,” Never Surrender, Inc.,” and “Trump National Committee JFC, Inc,” which had the highest donation amount.

The news comes on the heels of the announcement of a tour with TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue. The three groups will co-headline the “It’s Iconic” North American tour starting Aug. 15.

Fans began to inquire about Chilli’s political leanings after she seemingly reposted a debunked conspiracy regarding Former first lady Michelle Obama this March. The post, later taken off Chilli’s Instagram, wrongfully claimed that Obama identified as transgender, with distorted images displaying the mother of two as a man.

Chilli took to Instagram to clarify where she stands politically. The 55-year-old said she thought her donation actually went to organizations against human trafficking and those that supported veterans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chilli (@therealchilli)

“I WANT TO BE CLEAR: I am not MAGA and do not support any of the many policies that are causing great harm to the American people. I made a mistake too many make: I did not read the fine print…I thought I was supporting causes against human trafficking and for veterans,” she wrote. “Two things I care deeply about, as my dad is a veteran, and everyone knows I love children. I have learned a valuable lesson and ask for grace as I navigate this.”

In an additional video from the singer, Chilli also shared her “utmost respect and admiration” for Obama. She also denied knowledge of the repost occurring.

She declared, “.. I would never do anything that is disrespectful to her or to any woman.”

But Chilli has left more signs that she was down with the right. She follows several conservative politicians and influencers, including Donald Trump Jr. and Tomi Lahren, as well as conservative news networks like NewsMax.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 29, 2026

Mother-And-Son Entrepreneurs Let Go Of Their Bow Tie Business For Sake Of Family

The duo reached an impasse over the direction of the bow tie company, prompting them to close down.

A mother-and-son duo found success as e-commerce entrepreneurs with their bow tie business, but opted to hang it up to save their personal relationship.

Andrea Henderson and her then-teenage son Roland first noticed a new fashion trend among men and boys, the bowtie. As they witnessed the dress accessory become more popular, the two decided to launch an online business all about bowties.

In her op-ed for Business Insider, Andrea Henderson said the two dove into the realm of Amazon’s private label market. They used the e-commerce platform as their main distributing hub, learning about how to use SEO optimization to draw customers to their products. Alongside a fashion-forward approach to the traditional men’s formal accessory, the duo’s marketing strategy through Amazon worked to their benefit.

The mother-and-son played to their strengths, with the parent holding down operations as her child matriculated through school at a private HBCU. Roland, fulfilling his own dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, oversaw the creative elements, ensuring their bow tie assortments fit their wide-ranging customer base to drive growth.

The money went toward sustaining Roland’s education. Additional revenue went back to the business. But something else was growing besides the checks.

Their ideas for the future of the company brought hidden issues to the surface. While Roland had couture dreams for the company, Henderson preferred to scale outward instead of upward through a potential deal with Walmart.

After the constant disagreements led to no resolution, Henderson came to her own realization. Each person had their own goals for the business and their role in it.

As the strain grew deeper, alongside conversations for one to leave the company, the family decided to re-align their priorities back to one another. At the height of their business successful, they decided to shut down their bow tie brand.

The lesson, according to the elder Henderson, is not one of loss. She considers the shut down her best business move yet, especially as she keeps Roland in her life. Now, she hopes others can learn from her story as they begin new ventures with family, emphasizing how success should never overshadow family love.

by Mary Spiller

March 29, 2026

Nick Cannon Comes Out As A Trumpster; Calls Democratic Party Part Of The KKK

Cannon's remarks on Democrats, Republicans, and Trump have drawn backlash.

Entertainer Nick Cannon is drawing attention after sharing controversial views about U.S. political parties during a recent episode of his online talk show “Big Drive.” Speaking with guest Trump supporter Amber Rose, Cannon discussed her recent shift toward Republican affiliation and offered his own perspective on the nation’s political landscape. During the conversation, he referenced historical ties between political parties and race, stating, “People don’t know that the Democrats are the party of the KKK.” He also added, “People don’t know that the Republicans are the party that freed the slaves.”

As reported by Variety, Cannon appeared to agree with Rose’s assertion that Democrats “don’t care about people of color and the Republicans do,” responding, “I agree with you 100%.” Despite his comments, Cannon emphasized that he does not align himself strictly with either major party.

“I don’t subscribe to either party,” he said, invoking W. E. B. Du Bois. Quoting the scholar, Cannon added, “there’s no such thing as two parties. It’s just one evil party with two different names.”

The discussion also turned to the current administration under President Donald Trump. Cannon expressed approval of Trump’s approach in his second term, using blunt language to describe the president as someone “cleaning house” and “doing what he said he was gonna do.” He further commented on U.S. policy with a metaphor, saying, “He’s like the club. He’s charging a $5 million bottle service fee to get into the country.”

Cannon’s remarks reference widely discussed historical points but simplify a complex political history. While factions within the Democratic Party were linked to the formation of the Ku Klux Klan in the years following the Civil War, historians generally do not characterize the entire party as uniformly supporting the group. Meanwhile, the Republican Party, founded in the mid-19th century by anti-slavery advocates, counted Abraham Lincoln among its early leaders.

Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and the abolition of slavery was later solidified with the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865.

The episode has since circulated online, prompting renewed discussion about how historical narratives are interpreted in modern political discourse.

Nick Cannon… pic.twitter.com/tfC9dt7I2Y
— Undaunted (@NvictusManeo) March 29, 2026

https://twitter.com/i/status/2038051063819882947

Does the dumb fuck not know that Republicans of Abraham Lincoln days aren’t the GOP of today? In the 1860s they were the progressive, anti‑slavery party, closer to today’s Democrats, while Southern Democrats were the conservative bloc. The party realignment happened gradually…
— Dr. Andrew Greene (@AndrewGreene864) March 29, 2026

by Mary Spiller

March 29, 2026

‘No Kings’ Protests Draw Millions Across U.S. And Abroad In Latest Show Of Trump Opposition

The demonstrations targeted the Trump administration's policies, the war with Iran, and the rising costs of living.

Large-scale demonstrations opposing the administration of President Donald Trump unfolded across the United States and around the world, marking the third coordinated “No Kings” protest movement. Organizers say the turnout may represent one of the largest protest mobilizations in recent history.

As reported by The Guardian, events were reported in all 50 states and in more than a dozen countries, with participants gathering in major metropolitan areas, suburban communities, and smaller towns. Protesters voiced concerns over a range of issues, including U.S. involvement in Iran, immigration enforcement, and the rising cost of living.

Crowds filled streets in cities such as New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. In the nation’s capital, large groups marched through downtown, with demonstrators gathering at prominent landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall.

As in prior protests, participants carried symbolic displays and effigies depicting Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other administration figures, demanding political change.

One of the most prominent demonstrations took place in Minnesota, where activists highlighted the deaths of two individuals earlier this year following encounters with federal immigration agents. The incident has become a focal point for criticism of federal immigration policies. Thousands gathered outside the state capitol in St. Paul, where several Democratic leaders addressed the crowd.

Organizers reported that more than 3,000 individual protests were held worldwide, coordinated by a coalition that includes advocacy groups such as Indivisible and 50501, as well as labor unions and grassroots networks. Ahead of the demonstrations, Indivisible Co-Founder Ezra Levin predicted a historic turnout, stating, “I would expect March 28 to be the biggest protest in American history.”

Additional protests focused on specific policy concerns. Roughly 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside the National Institutes of Health in Maryland, where participants criticized reductions in medical research funding and chanted slogans including, “No kings, just vaccines!”

March 28’s protests followed a previous “No Kings” rally in October that organizers say drew approximately 7 million participants nationwide. With turnout expected to surpass that figure, organizers framed the latest demonstrations as an escalating response to administration policies and a signal of sustained political resistance.

by Mary Spiller

March 29, 2026

Brooklyn Entrepreneur Peter Brooks Builds Bridge Between Black Culture And International Business

The founder of 28th & Foster connects U.S. brands with emerging economies, highlighting the economic power of the Black diaspora.

A Brooklyn entrepreneur is gaining international attention for transforming cultural influence into economic opportunity, linking American brands with rapidly expanding markets across Africa and the Middle East. Peter Brooks, founder of 28th & Foster, has built a cross-continental marketing firm that connects U.S. talent, corporations, and investors with emerging economies.

His work, recently highlighted in an interview with BET, underscores the growing role of Black cultural influence in shaping global business.

The agency has been linked to high-profile international collaborations, from celebrity appearances in African nations to partnerships spanning industries such as entertainment and medical tourism. Brooks says these efforts demonstrate how influence within the Black diaspora can open doors far beyond traditional Western markets.

“I think we undermine our celebrities, our influencers, and our practitioners within the Black community; we don’t realize how much value we hold,” Brooks told BET.

Raised near the intersection that inspired his company’s name in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Brooks credits his upbringing in a culturally rich neighborhood for shaping his global outlook. That early exposure now informs his mission to create economic pathways between diaspora communities and developing regions.

Brooks’ career path was not conventional. Initially pursuing a doctorate in biomedical engineering, he changed direction after visiting Facebook’s California offices. “I just knew. That was it,” he recalled. Determined to break into the field, he taught himself marketing skills, explaining, “I saw a marketing role and literally spent the whole summer just learning everything that was on that job description.”

That self-directed pivot eventually led to high-level work with corporations and governments. “It’s crazy just to go from that YouTube university path… to being in a place where not only am I dealing with large organizations, but I’m also dealing with presidents,” he said.

Brooks later expanded his experience as a growth executive at Paramount before fully committing to his own firm. His international efforts have included collaborations with government leaders, such as Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, in which he helped explore initiatives related to business development and diaspora engagement.

He emphasizes that celebrities often serve as gateways to broader economic opportunities. “They have access to spaces most people don’t have access to,” Brooks said, adding that artists and public figures can create entry points for investment and collaboration.

As economic uncertainty grows in the United States, Brooks sees opportunity abroad, particularly in Africa’s expanding markets. His company, alongside a small global team, aims to merge storytelling, influence, and strategy to drive measurable impact.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Brooks offers straightforward advice: “Take the leap… Stay open, meet people, add value.” His journey, he suggests, reflects a larger shift—one where cultural capital is increasingly shaping the future of global business.

by Mary Spiller

March 28, 2026

Former NBA Star Paul Pierce Hit With $30K Monthly Child Support Claim

The paternity case is moving forward as plaintiff requests custody, financial support, and genetic testing.

A woman who previously filed a paternity claim against former NBA player Paul Pierce is now asking a court to order significant monthly child support, along with custody and additional financial compensation. According to legal filings obtained by TMZ, Los Angeles–based event director Princess Santiago alleges that Pierce is the father of her infant son and is requesting nearly $30,000 per month in child support payments.

The filing also seeks sole legal and physical custody of the child, along with reimbursement for legal expenses totaling $100,000.

Santiago is again asking the court to mandate genetic testing to confirm paternity. She previously initiated legal action earlier this year while pregnant, maintaining that Pierce is the child’s father. Her son, King Rafael Santiago Pierce, was born on Feb. 6, according to court records.

In addition to monthly support, Santiago is requesting that Pierce cover half of the costs associated with her pregnancy and childbirth. Those expenses, she claims, amount to $18,846.

The filings highlight Pierce’s financial history, noting his lengthy professional basketball career and earnings. Santiago states that Pierce, who played in the NBA for nearly two decades, earned between $195 million and $203 million in salary during his time in the league. She also points to his endorsement income, writing that he “has publicly stated that during his NBA career he made enough money from endorsements that he did not have to use his NBA salary to pay his expenses or generous expenditures on his family, romantic partners and family.”

Pierce spent the majority of his career with the Boston Celtics before finishing his final seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. Over 19 seasons, he established himself as one of the league’s most recognizable players.

Santiago has maintained that her legal action is not motivated by publicity. “This isn’t about drama or attention,” she said in an earlier statement tied to the case.

The matter remains unresolved as the court considers her requests, including confirmation of paternity and determinations regarding custody and financial support.

Supreme Court,Mississippi, jury selection

by Mary Spiller

March 28, 2026

Supreme Court To Review Mississippi Case Over Exclusion Of Black Jurors

The justices will weigh whether procedural rules block relief for a Mississippi inmate alleging unconstitutional juror discrimination.

The Supreme Court of the United States is set to hear arguments March 31 in a case that could clarify how courts handle claims of racial discrimination in jury selection, particularly when raised after a conviction. At the center of the case is Terry Pitchford, a Mississippi man sentenced to death in 2006 for his involvement in a mid-2000s robbery that resulted in the fatal shooting of a shopkeeper.

Although another individual fired the gun, Pitchford was convicted and condemned by a jury that included only one Black juror in a county where roughly 40% of residents are Black.

As reported by SCOTUS Blog, Pitchford argues that his trial violated constitutional protections against racial bias in jury selection, asserting that such discrimination “undermines the foundational promise of equal justice under law.” His legal team points to the prosecutor’s removal of four Black prospective jurors during jury selection, actions they say conflict with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Batson v. Kentucky, which prohibits excluding jurors based on race.

The prosecutor in question, Doug Evans, has faced similar scrutiny before. In 2019, the Supreme Court overturned another conviction tied to Evans due to concerns over racially motivated jury selection practices. In Pitchford’s trial, however, the presiding judge rejected objections from the defense, allowing the case to proceed.

Mississippi courts later upheld the conviction, ruling that Pitchford forfeited his Batson claim by failing to fully challenge the prosecutor’s stated race-neutral reasons during trial. Those explanations included issues such as a juror arriving late to court or having relatives with criminal histories.

A federal district judge later sided with Pitchford, finding that the juror exclusions violated constitutional standards and ordering a new trial or release. But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed that decision, citing limits imposed by the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA). Under that law, federal courts may intervene only if a state court decision is not merely incorrect but objectively unreasonable.

Now, before the Supreme Court is a narrower question: whether Mississippi’s conclusion—that Pitchford waived his right to challenge the jury selection—was itself unreasonable under AEDPA.

Pitchford’s attorneys argue the state court overlooked key facts, stating that “a state court’s factual findings are unreasonable when the court ignores information that was obviously salient.” They maintain that objections were clearly raised during trial and that the court improperly denied the defense an opportunity to respond to the prosecutor’s explanations.

The state, however, contends the justices should not revisit whether discrimination occurred at all. Instead, it argues the issue is procedural, emphasizing that the prosecution “gave reasons that were facially race neutral, credible, and unchallenged,” while dismissing Pitchford’s evidence as insufficient.

Supporting Mississippi, the federal government urged the court to respect established rules requiring defendants to raise arguments at trial before presenting them on appeal.

The justices’ eventual ruling could have wide-reaching implications for how courts address claims of racial bias in jury selection, particularly in capital cases where the stakes are highest.

Trump, Iran War, inflation, NAACP, Democrats

by Mary Spiller

March 28, 2026

Trump Expands Anti-DEI Push With New Executive Order Targeting Federal Contractors

Critics warn the directive could limit opportunities for minority-owned businesses and spark further legal battles.

President Donald Trump has issued a new executive order intensifying his administration’s efforts against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, this time focusing on companies that do business with the federal government. Signed March 26, the directive instructs federal agencies to more closely monitor contractors and subcontractors for what it describes as discriminatory DEI-related practices. Under the order, companies may be required to provide internal financial and operational records to demonstrate compliance. Businesses found in violation could face penalties, including the loss or suspension of government contracts.

The order frames DEI initiatives as harmful, stating, “DEI activities are not only unethical and often illegal, but also cause inefficiencies, waste, and abuse within entities that engage in such practices.” It further argues that these programs introduce “artificial costs” into hiring and promotion decisions, claiming they undermine merit-based systems and contribute to workforce instability by prioritizing “immutable characteristics over job performance.”

The move builds on earlier actions taken by the Trump administration after his return to office, which targeted equity-focused programs across multiple sectors, including education, housing, and healthcare. Several of those efforts are currently being challenged in federal courts, leaving their long-term impact uncertain.

Administration officials have also promoted the idea that white workers, particularly men, face widespread bias—an assertion disputed by economic data showing they maintain comparatively low unemployment rates and hold a significant share of national wealth.

Advocates say the new policy could disproportionately affect minority-owned businesses, especially Black-owned firms that have historically relied on federal contracting as a pathway to economic stability. While participation increased slightly during the Joe Biden administration, such businesses still accounted for a small fraction of all federal contracts awarded.

Civil rights leaders argue the order risks reversing progress made in expanding access to government opportunities. Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, criticized the directive, telling The Grio, “This executive order is not only vague, but intellectually disingenuous and ignores existing laws.” He added, “The reality is that qualified people of color have been historically excluded from contracting opportunities based on their race and ethnicity—not merit.”

David pointed to similar efforts at the state level, noting, “We are already seeing this approach play out at the state level, including in Texas, where efforts to dismantle the Historically Underutilized Business program have disrupted thousands of businesses and triggered legal challenges.” He warned that the federal order signals a broader attempt to restrict access to public procurement, which he described as a critical driver of economic mobility.

He further emphasized the legal implications, stating, “Issuing an executive order to prohibit compliance with current civil rights law does not erase civil rights law, nor does it eliminate the remedies that exist to address real racial and ethnic discrimination.”

by Ann Brown

March 28, 2026

Druski’s ‘Conservative Women’ Skit Gets More Than 100 Million Views; Triggers MAGA Backlash

The video, titled 'How Conservative Women in America Act,' shows Druski in full transformation, wearing white makeup and a blonde wig, reminiscent of Erika Kirk.

Comedian and internet star Drew Desbordes, widely known as Druski, is once again at the center of a cultural firestorm after a viral social media sketch mocking conservative women racked up more than 100 million views and received backlash from MAGA-aligned figures.

The video, titled “How Conservative Women in America Act,” shows Druski in full transformation, wearing white makeup and a blonde wig. While he never explicitly names anyone, many viewers quickly drew comparisons to Turning Point USA figure Erika Kirk, wife of slain right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk. The Druski clip has sparked a heated debate across social media, NBC News New York reports.

https://twitter.com/druski/status/2036953526811930846

In the skit, Druski’s character struts onto a stage with fireworks, dances to loud music, and moves through a series of over-the-top scenes, including mock press conferences, staged interviews, and lifestyle moments like Pilates sessions and singing along to pop music while driving. The parody leans heavily into satire.

One line in particular quickly drew backlash from conservatives: “We have to protect all men in America, especially all white men in America. Those are the boys that we care about in this country.”

The numbers behind the video are astonishing. Within days, the sketch amassed approximately 61 million views on X, 41.2 million views on Instagram, and over 3 million on TikTok, cementing its place as one of the most talked-about viral clips of the week, according to Buzzfeed.

Conservative media personalities and political figures quickly condemned the video. Sen. Ted Cruz called the sketch “Beneath contempt,” Huffington Post reports.

This isn’t Druski’s first brush with controversy. Known for pushing boundaries, he previously went viral for a sketch that portrayed a stereotypical NASCAR fan and parodied megachurch culture.

Spike Lee, oscars, detroit, designer, bag

by Ann Brown

March 28, 2026

Spike Lee Makes Fashion Statement At The Oscars With $950 Gold Cassette Bag By Detroit Designer Runyaro Richardson

The bold statement piece is known as the 'Gold Standard Cassette Tape' bag.

At the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, Spike Lee once again proved he doesn’t just show up; he likes to make a statement. While he wasn’t nominated this year, the Oscar-winning director commanded attention on the red carpet with a standout accessory: a gold cassette tape handbag designed by Detroit creative Runyaro Richardson.

The bold piece, known as the “Gold Standard Cassette Tape” bag, is a nostalgic nod to vintage music culture, reimagined as a luxury fashion item. Retailing at $950, the bag is crafted with 14-carat gold and features a genuine leather interior. The unique bag also comes in platinum and black chrome, Complex reports.

Spike Lee quite honestly in his bag at the 98th #Oscars pic.twitter.com/lnZ6oOSP24
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) March 15, 2026

Lee’s opting to carry the bag gave Richardson’s brand, Runyaro, global visibility overnight. According to CBS News, Lee personally reached out to the designer after discovering her work and purchased the bag himself.

“When he reached out to me, it was surreal because I grew up on him, all of his movies; he’s a legend,” Richardson told the outlet. “When he reached out to me, I was just so … wait a minute, is this AI? Like, hold up. Not trying to discredit my brand, because I believe in my brand; it was just surreal.”

Born and raised in Detroit, she began designing in 2015, initially creating T-shirts before expanding into accessories, according to CBS News. Her breakthrough came with the invention of the luxury cassette tape handbag, a concept that merges her early love of music with fashion innovation. Each design reflects a hands-on creative process and a commitment to originality that has resonated with both consumers and celebrities.

RUNYARO has steadily built momentum, earning features in major fashion publications such as British Vogue and GQ.

For Lee, whose films like “Malcolm X,” “School Daze,” and “Do the Right Thing” have long influenced both culture and style, has continually supported emerging talent and innovative Black designers. He has publicly spoken out against luxury labels such as Gucci and Prada following controversies over racist imagery in 2019, instead encouraging consumers to support designers of color.