• Entertainment

by Keka Araújo

April 21, 2025

‘Cherry-Picked’ Performance: Usher Alters Show In Abu Dhabi. Y’all Know Why!

Usher still had love for his fans, though!

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Usher declined to perform his signature cherry-feeding stunt during a recent concert in Abu Dhabi, a move that highlights the challenges international artists face when navigating the United Arab Emirates’ strict decency laws.

During a performance at Club Social in Etihad Park on Yas Island, Usher apologized to the audience for foregoing the act, a staple of his current tour. The singer cited his “love” and “heart” as a substitute.

“I’m sorry, ladies and gentlemen. No, I will not be giving any cherries out tonight,” Usher said, prompting a collective sigh from the audience. “But I have nothing but love for you. I give you my heart in exchange for the cherries. I give you my love in exchange for the cherries tonight.”

Usher apologizes and tells his female fans during his Abu Dhabi show that he won’t be feeding them cherries due to UAE’s strict public decency laws. pic.twitter.com/tZJbhhs2bd

— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) April 20, 2025

Usher’s very responsible decision reflects the pervasive influence of the UAE’s Federal Penal Code, which prohibits “acts that violate public morality” and carries penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. These laws, deeply rooted in Islamic culture and strictly interpreted in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, extend beyond prohibitions of overtly sexual acts to encompass a range of behaviors, including dress code, public displays of affection, and the content of musical performances.

International performers, including many Black artists, frequently adapt their shows to accommodate local customs. It essentially involves wearing less-revealing clothing, modifying dance routines, avoiding direct physical contact with the audience, refraining from using explicit language or gestures, and using less Westernized imagery.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) further reinforces these standards by blocking access to online materials deemed obscene.

Usher’s cherry-feeding routine, which typically involves the artist sensually feeding the fruit to a female audience member in a suggestive manner, likely falls within the realm of prohibited acts.

This incident echoes a similar sentiment, as seen in a performance by Beyoncé at the unofficial opening of Atlantis, the Royal Hotel in Dubai, in January 2023. Beyoncé’s 19-song set, performed for an exclusive audience of influencers and journalists, notably omitted material from her acclaimed 2022 album Renaissance. That album is a “love letter to Black and queer dance music pioneers and communities.”

Homosexuality is not legal in the United Arab Emirates and is a crime, potentially punishable by death. While the law is not always strictly enforced, its existence compels artists to make difficult choices about their creative expression.

The conflict between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity is not a new phenomenon. Fans have consistently lobbied artists to cancel performances in the UAE and Saudi Arabia due to those countries’ human rights records. 

The pressure raises questions about the role of artists as cultural ambassadors, the balance between respecting local customs and upholding universal human rights, and the compromises artists are willing to make for an international audience.

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• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 21, 2025

Passengers Evacuated From Delta Flight. After Engine Catches Fire At Orlando International Airport

No one was injured in the incident at Orlando International Airport

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An airplane caught fire at Orlando International Airport, and passengers had to be evacuated expeditiously.

According to ABC News, no one was injured on board the Delta flight after one of its engines caught fire. Video footage showed passengers sliding down an emergency exit as the airport’s rescue and firefighting team responded to the incident. A reported 282 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and two pilots were safely escorted from the airplane.

 

 

 

 

 

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Click Orlando reported that Delta Flight 1213 was scheduled to leave the airport at 11 a.m. April 21 to head to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The plane had not taken off yet when the fire was discovered.

Delta stated that the fire started in the tailpipe of one of the plane’s two engines.

The airline released a statement after evacuating the people on board the aircraft.

“We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and apologize for the experience. Nothing is more important than safety, and Delta teams will work to get our customers to their final destinations as soon as possible,” Delta said in a written statement.

After the customers were removed from the plane, they returned to the terminal building and were provided with food and beverages. No details were provided about whether any items on board, including luggage and personal belongings, were damaged beyond the engine that caught fire. According to officials, maintenance teams will inspect the aircraft, while the airline will assist passengers in reaching their final destinations.

“Delta will bring in additional aircraft to help get customers to their final destinations.”

🚨#BREAKING: Nearly 300 passengers on a Delta Airlines flight were forced to evacuate after an engine fire broke out

📌#Orlando | #Florida

Watch as footage captured by a passenger at Orlando International Airport shows a A330 Airbus Delta Airlines flight from Orlando to… pic.twitter.com/evwPeEsMHw

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 21, 2025

Orlando International Airport also released a statement about the incident via social media.

Today at approximately 11:06 am, Delta Air Lines flight 1213 experienced an engine fire while at the ramp area prior to departure. Passengers were evacuated. Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting team promptly responded. For inquiries, please contact Delta Air Lines directly.

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) April 21, 2025

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• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 21, 2025

Indiana Couple Arrested After Allegedly Setting Up 26-Year-Old Father In Fatal Entrapment

Alexis Hawkins, and Brian Winston Jr., have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of Jarrell Lamont Pryor

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Two people in Indiana have been charged in the killing of a 26-year-old father who died in a robbery that a woman allegedly set up; he thought she was inviting him on a date.

Alexis Hawkins, 19, and her 18-year-old boyfriend, Brian Winston Jr., have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of Jarrell Lamont Pryor. The victim was shot to death during the morning of Jan. 25, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The single father was killed after setting up a date with Hawkins that fateful day.

When police officers arrived on the scene, they discovered Pryor lying on the ground next to a vehicle. He was taken to the local hospital, but ended up dying from the gunshot wounds he suffered as a result of the attack. Both Hawkins and Winston were suspects from the start of the investigation. A month after the crime was committed, Hawkins was arrested on Feb. 26, while Winston was apprehended and arrested in Austin, Texas, on April 2, before he was extradited to Indiana.

While investigating Pryor’s death, detectives went through his phone and discovered the messages he exchanged with Hawkins on Instagram, where the two reportedly met. Hawkins allegedly had scammed other men on the app. Based on what they retrieved, it was discovered that Pryor assumed he was making arrangements to go on a date with the 19-year-old. As stated in the affidavits, he attempted to make plans with her hours before the encounter. While she was having a conversation with the victim, she had already told Winston of previous situations where she had scammed several men. Police say after viewing those messages, it was determined she had set up Pryor to be robbed.

There was video footage showing that Pryor and Hawkins were inside a car outside a liquor store about an hour before the shooting took place. The police are unclear when Winston showed up at the scene of the crime, but did allege that he was the shooter.

• Diversity, Equality, Inclusion

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 21, 2025

As Many Schools Comply With Trump’s Anti-DEI Demands, Case Western Reserve Staffer Pushes Back

The staffer, who managed the university's websites, initially refused to remove websites pertaining to minority student scholarships.

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While many schools have begun complying with Trump’s memo to eliminate DEI programs, one college staffer fought to keep their campus inclusive.

Case Western Reserve University in Ohio received federal funding. Not wanting to risk this vital support, the Cleveland institution immediately removed certain websites for DEI-focused initiatives.

According to News 5 Cleveland, a school staffer refused to cooperate.

“It said, ‘Confidential and urgent, please immediately remove these websites,’” said Marie Vibbert, webmaster for the College of Arts and Sciences at Case Western.

Vibbert responded with a simple ‘no’ on the matter, if done to appease Trump.

“I said, ‘Is this just, you know, to kowtow to Trump? If so, no,” she explained.

Although she oversees around 120 of Case Western Reserve’s websites, she was asked to remove websites specifically for scholarships targeting minorities. Their selections raised concern, leading her to refuse the request.

As she suspected, the three scholarships, including the 2012 Chemistry Doctoral Scholarship for Underrepresented Minority Students, were connected to DEI. Feeling unnerved, Vibbert took her concerns to the vice president.

“To block access to that education to people who might not be able to come if they can’t get a scholarship, that, to me, is terrible,” said Vibbert.

Vibbert’s stance could not compete with the federal demands, especially since threats to cut federal funding had already been made at other institutions, and the websites were removed. The university later released a statement about the closure of its DEI engagement office.

“We have watched the evolution of the legal challenges to these executive orders, and, as we have seen among some of our peers already, it is clear we must be in compliance with them to receive the federal funding that is critical to our present and future,” shared the school.

“As a consequence of this federal mandate, the university-wide office for diversity, equity and inclusive engagement will close, effective immediately. To maintain alignment with our institutional values, we will establish the office for campus enrichment and engagement.”

Vibbert, however, believes the submission undermines CWRU’s values as a learning institution. She asserted her disdain for their statement and compliance with Trump’s order.

“The University is worried about its bottom line, but our bottom line is that we’re an educational institution. Our bottom line is not money…Our bottom line is education. Our bottom line is engineers, doctors, and lawyers. That’s our bottom line. Is providing that for society,” shared the staffer.

Vibbert still holds out hope that her university will stand up for inclusivity within its campus. She knows that it takes more.

“Certainly the faculty and the staff and the students care, and it’s just going to take a tiny bit of bravery, because we have to act like this is going to end,” said Vibbert.

Vibbert has become a standout for collegiate opposition to the new federal demands. Her actions align with those of Harvard’s officials, who have also refused to comply with the anti-DEI agenda.

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• News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 21, 2025

Pope Francis Dies At 88, Leaves Legacy Of Inclusivity And Commitment To The Poor

Pope Francis was known for following a life of simplicity while championing social causes

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Pope Francis died Monday at his residence at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, leaving a legacy of fostering inclusivity within the Roman Catholic Church. He was 88.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis died the morning after Easter Sunday, the Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, due to ongoing health issues. According to People, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Farrell said. “He taught us to live the values ​​of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”

Farrell continued, “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

As a native of Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Latin American and first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church. His appointment in March 2013 marked the beginning of a new era for the church, as the religious leader championed social justice causes and advocated for marginalized groups during his tenure, including climate action and same-sex civil unions.

Pope Francis also modeled a life of simplicity, focusing on his commitment to helping poor people, given his humble background. According to his Vatican biography, he often repeated the phrase, “My people are poor and I am one of them.”

After holding several odd jobs throughout his adulthood, he became a chemical technician before being ordained as a priest in 1969. He rose through the ranks to become the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. He became a Cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, taking the highest position in the church following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

In 2020, the religious leader spoke out against the tragic murder of George Floyd. Denouncing violence, Francis said, “I have witnessed with great concern the disturbing social unrest in your nation in these past days, following the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd. We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.”

“Let us pray for the consolation of their grieving families and friends and let us implore the national reconciliation and peace for which we yearn,” he said. “May Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of America, intercede for all those who work for peace and justice in your land and throughout the world.”

However, his recent battle with double pneumonia led to a lengthy hospital stay. Pope Francis was released a month ago.

Global leaders and officials are offering their condolences to the man who sought to evolve the Roman Catholic church for a new generation. President Donald Trump also had flags raised at half-mast out of respect for the Pope’s death.

The news also impacts Black Catholics worldwide, who are heavily located in several sub-Saharan African nations. According to the data from the Pew Research Center obtained by the Catholic University of America, over 200 million people of African descent identify as Catholic. In the U.S., over 3 million Black people belong to the Catholic church. This includes five living African American bishops, two of whom serve as heads of U.S. dioceses.

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