‘He’s Got The Power!’ Newly-Elected President Of Gabon Celebrates To 90s Throwback On Stage
Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema cut a rug in celebration of his presidential victory.
Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is celebrating his victory as the newly elected president of Gabon, the Associated Press reported.
According to official results, Nguema won the presidency with 90% of the vote. Voter turnout reached 87.21% in the African nation, which has a population of approximately 920,000.
The general joined supporters in a public celebration, dancing on stage as the crowd cheered the country’s new leadership. The event marked a symbolic end to Gabon’s Bongo dynasty, which ruled the country for over five decades.
Though the election secured Nguema a decisive majority, the vote has not been without controversy. Some critics, including former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, an opponent of Nguema, have raised concerns about the campaign’s fairness, alleging that government resources were used to sway voters.
“What we experienced on Saturday, April 12, was not a free election,” said former Prime Minister Bilie-By-Nze. “Never, since entering politics, have I witnessed such a hijacking of all State resources.”
However, the Gabonese Civil Society Organizations Observation Mission reported that both the polling process and campaign tactics met acceptable standards.
Nguema entered government in August 2023, when he seized power as an interim leader following a military-led coup. That move came just hours after President Bongo was declared the winner of a disputed election. The military annulled the results, citing allegations of fraud and governance failures under Bongo’s administration.
Nguema’s formal election marks the end of Gabon’s transitional government period, and the beginning of what he has promised will be a new chapter focused on anti-corruption and institutional reform.
International observers are expected to watch the new administration closely as Nguema begins his term amid lingering concerns about democratic processes and military influence in governance.
Georgia Judge Checks Man And His Mama During Online Court Session, ‘If She Ain’t A Lawyer, I Don’t Want To Hear From Her’
'If she ain't a lawyer, I don't want to hear from her'
A judge chastised a man during an online court session after hearing his mother in the background trying to assist him in his court case: “Your mama’s not an attorney.”
A video has been circulating online showing a judge presiding over a case with a man during what appears to be a Zoom session. There are no details as to when the session took place, but it was posted on the YouTube channel of Law & Justice USA.
The judge in the case, Judge Tammi Hayward, whose courtroom is based in Jonesboro, Georgia., is seen speaking to a man she addressed as Mr. Pearson. After instructing him to turn a light on, he is seen walking in a room when he appears. The tone in Hayward’s voice immediately reveals that she is not to be played with. She then told him that since they are “conducting business,” he should have a seat somewhere. He wrinkled his face at the phone, and she quickly said, “Oh, I’m sorry, don’t give me the stink face.”
He responded by informing her that he is “listening” to her, and she told him she doesn’t want to talk to him while he is walking because his constant movements might make her dizzy.
After informing Pearson that he has three cases before her, including battery, family violence, another simple battery family violence matter, and a striking a fixed object case, another voice blurts out, “Wasn’t the other family violence case supposed to be dropped?”
Hayward then said, “First of all, if the person you’re talking to is the person who is on these cases, then you’re going to violate your bond conditions, get arrested, and come back and spend time in jail.”
Pearson then quickly said, “That’s my mama!”
The judge responded, “Your mama’s not an attorney, so I’m talking to you.”
Pearson claimed he doesn’t have an attorney, and Hayward reminded him he has a public defender.
“You have an attorney. You were given a public defender, so I want you to stop talking. You and your mama!”
Upon hearing that, Pearson’s mother yelled out to her, “Wait a minute! Don’t tell me…. now let me move closer!”
After asking Pearson how old he was (he said 30), she chastised him again, telling him that he is grown and needs to “handle” his own business.
“If she ain’t a lawyer, I don’t want to hear from her,” Hayward said before the clip ended.
Check out the clip below:
No details were revealed regarding the outcome of the court session that day. The video has gone viral and has been reposted on social media.
Week 10: Target Boycotters Still Standing On Business As In-Store Foot Traffic Continues To Drop
One TikToker had a great idea around boycotting.
Target continues to see a decline in in-store patronage. Foot traffic declined more than 9% in February and 6.5% in March compared to the same time last year, according to data compiled by the Minnesota Tribune.
Analysts attribute the slump to economic uncertainty, inflation, and public backlash over the company’s rejection of DEI initiatives.
Retail experts say the current economic landscape, exacerbated by rising tariffs, inflationary pressure, and decreasing consumer confidence, is affecting big-box retailers nationwide to scale back their DEI policies and has drawn criticism from civil rights leaders, most notably Rev. Jamal Bryant. The pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church launched a “fast from Target” campaign, urging consumers to refrain from shopping there. He argues the retailer’s shift betrays its once-strong public commitment to racial equity.
Retailers have responded with aggressive promotions to entice shoppers. Target is rolling out new initiatives and promotions to bring customers back into its stores. The retailer recently announced a collaboration with fashion designer Kate Spade and a limited-edition “Daisy Duck” clothing line in partnership with Disney.
But the moves have been met with resistance. Former customers and current protesters are speaking out on social media, calling on the Black community to reject the campaigns.
One TikTok user, @ajjustfly, posted a video walking through a Target store to highlight the impact of the ongoing boycott.
“You all were not playing with Target! Will they ever recover from this?” the user said in the clip. “The employees were literally fighting in the aisle. The cashier said, ‘Nobody really shops here.’”
The video has gone viral, adding to the growing backlash.
You all were not playing with Target! Will they ever recover from this? The employees were literally fighting in the aisle. The cashier said “nobody really shops here” #viral#fyp#boycott
TikTok user @veesasstravels offered an economic workaround for shoppers looking to avoid big-box stores like Target and Walmart. She suggested using the price-matching chat services provided by other retailers to find comparable products at the same cost.
Customers continue to clutch their coins for both economic and ideological reasons. Both seem to be putting large retailers in the hot seat. A University of Michigan report showed consumer confidence is down 12% from February and over 28% year over year, indicating widespread concern about the economic trajectory under the Trump administration.
This Extra Social Security Payment Arrives For Specific Retirees, Disability Recipients
The Social Security payment scheduled for April 16 will be directed to a specific segment of the beneficiary population.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that millions of Social Security beneficiaries across the United States will receive their next monthly payment April 16. This upcoming disbursement is part of the agency’s established monthly schedule and will provide crucial financial support to eligible retirees, individuals receiving disability benefits, and survivors.
For many Americans, these regular Social Security payments form a vital cornerstone of their monthly income, assisting with essential living expenses such as housing, healthcare, and groceries. The timely receipt of these benefits can substantially impact their day-to-day financial stability, particularly for those who rely heavily or solely on Social Security. Beneficiaries who have opted for Direct Deposit will typically see their funds available more quickly, often on the same day the payment is issued.
Who Receives the April 16 Payment?
The Social Security payment scheduled for April 16 will be directed to a specific segment of the beneficiary population. To be eligible for this particular check, recipients must meet two key criteria:
Their Social Security benefits must have commenced in May 1997 or later.
Their date of birth must fall between the 11th and 20th of any month.
This eligibility group encompasses:
Retired workers receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Widows and widowers receiving survivor benefits.
In addition to meeting these birth date and benefit commencement requirements, beneficiaries who have elected to receive their payments via Direct Deposit can anticipate faster access to their funds. Those who still receive paper checks or have not yet enrolled in electronic payments may experience a slight delay of several days due to postal service delivery times and bank processing procedures.
Remaining April Social Security Payments
Following the April 16 distribution, the SSA has one final payment scheduled for April:
April 23: This payment is designated for beneficiaries whose birth dates fall between the 21st and 31st of any month, provided their Social Security benefits also started after May 1997.
With this final distribution, the SSA will conclude its four-payment cycle for April. The agency’s system of staggering payments throughout the month, based on the recipient’s date of birth and the date they initially claimed benefits, is designed to ensure a more streamlined and manageable distribution process.
The SSA continues to encourage all beneficiaries to enroll in Direct Deposit, emphasizing that it remains the most efficient and secure method for receiving Social Security funds, ensuring timely access to crucial income.
Hip-Hop and Fashion’s Fly Guy A$AP Rocky Covers Latest Issue Of Vogue
'I feel so blessed. I feel lucky. I feel happy. I feel joyful. I’m on a high.'
Harlem-bred Rakim Mayers, known to the world as A$AP Rocky, and co-founder of Harlem hip-hop group A$AP Mob, discussed his Harlem upbringing, his children, and his feelings on beating a gun charge earlier this year in an exclusive interview with Vogue magazine.
The conversation took place after a Los Angeles jury found A$AP Rocky not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The fashionable lyricist was accused of shooting at a former friend and A$AP Mob group member, A$AP Relli, in Los Angeles in 2021.
As the entertainer rode around Manhattan with Vogue writer Leah Faye Cooper, he was in his hometown of Harlem, New York, where many before him have thrived in many industries.
“Shooting in Harlem today was surreal,” Rocky said. “It was like a dream come true.”
“What I was privy to and got to experience made me so lucky. I grew up with both parents; I got to see love. And being from Harlem, it just gives you this…pizzazz.”
While having dinner, Rocky mentioned his love for his children, RZA and Riot. He also briefly described the personalities of the children he has with his girlfriend, Rihanna.
“The older one, he stays to himself—he likes his books,” Rocky said of the older son, RZA. He then described the nature of RZA’s younger sibling, Riot.
“He likes to take stuff from his brother so his brother can chase him.”
Rocky was facing up to 24 years in prison after rejecting a plea agreement that would have placed him in prison for six months with a suspended seven-year sentence plus three years of probation. While attending an event at Soho House, he raised his glass for a toast to the people around him and acknowledged the court victory, stating he was happy to be with them, as opposed to the alternative path Los Angeles prosecutors wanted.
“I’m so glad to be here with all of you and not in jail.”
“I feel so blessed. I feel lucky. I feel happy. I feel joyful. I’m on a high. I’m going to enjoy it while it’s still here. It’s just beautiful.”
ASU Honey Beez’s Dancer Laid To Rest In Atlanta, Family Demands Justice
Grimes' family and HBCU community have continued to spread awareness on her death.
The family of Gennia Grimes, the Alabama State University student allegedly killed by her boyfriend, officially laid their loved one to rest this weekend.
Grimes’ service occurred on April 12 at Antioch Baptist Church in Atlanta. The 21-year-old was a junior criminal justice major at the HBCU when she died from a fatal shooting on March 27.
Grimes was active in her HBCU community as a member of Alabama State’s Honey Beez dance team and a new mom to a 9-month-old son. Alabama State released a statement shortly after her death.
Montgomery County police initially responded to a shooting report off Highway 80 East in the Waugh community of Pike Road. There, they found the young woman in a car with a gunshot wound and airlifted her to a local hospital. However, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the medical center.
The investigation led police to arrest Rogers McCloud Jr. on April 4. He was charged with capital murder in connection with Grimes’ death.
As recently covered on BLACK ENTERPRISE, McCloud is believed to be her boyfriend and the father of her young child. The 20-year-old remains held without bond at Montgomery County Detention Facility.
Following the unfortunate loss, Grimes’ family and the HBCU community have raised awareness on social media through a #JusticeforGenniaGrimes hashtag. They continue to advocate for Grimes, who reportedly died as a result of domestic violence.
Her family remembers the doting mom as a determined student with big dreams for success. Grimes was set to graduate this August, returning to school after having her child to accomplish her academic goals.
“My daughter did not deserve to die. My daughter was a superstar, and everyone who knew her knew that. She knew she was a superstar, so she was going to become famous. She knew that.”
The family also created a GoFundMe on April 3 to cover funeral expenses and other support for her son. Thus far, they have raised over $5,700 of their $50,000 goal to help honor this young woman’s life and legacy.
“This is not just about loss—it’s about justice,” detailed the GoFundMe. “Gennia was murdered, and we will not let her story be ignored. We are fighting for answers, for truth, and for the justice she deserves.”
They added, “We are asking for your support in any way—whether through a donation, a share, or simply spreading awareness. Every contribution will help us honor Gennia’s life and give her the farewell she deserves.”
The case highlights another potential instance of violence against women by intimate partners, especially on college campuses. Alabama State offers a Violence Against Women Program (VAWP), also known as M.O.V.E., to support victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
According to her obituary, Grimes was laid to rest at Lincoln Cemetery in Northwest Atlanta as her community continues to reel from her sudden death.
Black Public Media’s PitchBLACK Forum Poised To Surpass $2 Million In Funding For Black Creatives
Since its launch in 2015, BPM has channeled over $1.8 million to support 23 compelling film and immersive projects through the PitchBLACK competition.
Black Public Media (BPM), a national nonprofit championing Black content creators, announced Tuesday that its PitchBLACK Forum will award over $2 million in funding for film and immersive projects this year. The forum, recognized as the largest pitch competition in the United States for independent filmmakers and creative technologists focused on Black narratives, will convene in Harlem April 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The culmination of the event will be the PitchBLACK Awards May 1 at 7 p.m., where production and distribution awards will be announced. The evening will also feature the presentation of the prestigious BPM Trailblazer Award to Lillian E. Benson, ACE (American Cinema Editors), a celebrated figure known for her Emmy-nominated work on groundbreaking projects such as Eyes on the Prize II, Showtime’s Soul Food, NBC’s Chicago Med, and OWN’s Greenleaf.
Sponsored by industry giants Netflix and PBS, the PitchBLACK Forum will provide a platform for talented creatives to pitch their innovative projects before a distinguished audience of public media representatives, commercial television network executives, distributors, and funders nationwide.
Since its launch in 2015, BPM has channeled over $1.8 million to support 23 compelling film and immersive projects through the PitchBLACK competition. This year marks a significant milestone as the forum moves to The Apollo Stages at the Victoria in Harlem, the vibrant New York City neighborhood that serves as BPM’s base. With BPM anticipating awarding more than $225,000 in funding to projects this year alone, the organization is poised to break the $2 million mark in total funding awarded through the PitchBLACK program since its inception.
“We are happy to host PitchBLACK in the creative and cultural mecca of Harlem this year,” said Leslie Fields-Cruz, executive director of BPM. “PitchBLACK always offers a wonderful array of projects presenting unique mixes of entertainment, ingenuity and craftsmanship. We look forward to what this year’s creatives have in store for audiences.”
Advertising futurist Tameka Kee will return to moderate the PitchBLACK Forum for this year’s event. The film segment, scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon, will feature pitches for documentary projects from teams including Sidney Fussell and Jennifer Holness, Karen Hayes, Arlieta Hall and Brittany Alsot, Chelsi Bullard and Jacqueline Olive, and Caron Creighton. The immersive project competitors – Anatola Araba, Aya, Steven Christian, Jeremy Kamal, Joel Mack, and Rasheed Peters — will take the stage from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., presenting projects that incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality, 3D animation, and interactive games.
The PitchBLACK Forum winners will be announced at the May 1 awards ceremony at 7 p.m.
Hosted by comedian Jamie Roberts, the awards ceremony will include an insightful conversation with Trailblazer Award recipient Lillian E. Benson, moderated by NPR host Brittany Luse of the acclaimed podcast It’s Been a Minute.
The Nonso Christian Ugbode Fellowship winner, a prestigious award named in honor of BPM’s late director of digital initiatives and designed to support a talented under-30 creative, will also be announced during the awards ceremony. The evening will culminate in a lively after-party.
Tickets for the PitchBLACK Awards are priced at $300 and can be purchased through the Apollo Theater’s website.
Adding another dimension to celebrating Benson’s impactful career, this year’s BPM Trailblazer Film Retrospective will feature a curated collection of works edited by the esteemed honoree. These films will be available for free streaming on blackpublicmedia.org between April 28 and May 12, offering a wider audience the opportunity to experience Benson’s masterful editing. The featured films include Beyond the Steps; Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise; New World, New Forms; and The Taste of Dirt; and two pivotal parts of Eyes on the Prize II: The Promised Land (Part 10) and Keys to the Kingdom (Part 13).
PitchBLACK’s significant impact on the landscape of Black media is made possible through the generous support of key sponsors Netflix and PBS, with additional funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Acton Family Giving, Agog LLC, New York Community Trust, Rockefeller Family Fund, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts, Jerome Foundation, Sonder Foundation, and the New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.
For those interested in learning more about the innovative projects competing in this year’s PitchBLACK Forum, detailed information can be found here. Further details about Black Public Media and its initiatives are available at blackpublicmedia.org. Highlights and updates from PitchBLACK can be followed on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @blackpublicmedia.
New Study Suggests Over-The-Counter Medicine Can Reduce Recurrence Of Colorectal Cancer
Colon and rectal cancer disproportionately impact the Black community.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that a common over-the-counter drug may significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence in patients previously diagnosed with the disease.
The three-year study followed 3,508 patients with stage I through III colon or rectal cancer who had undergone surgery. In a double-blind trial, participants were randomly assigned to receive either 160 mg of aspirin or a placebo. Researchers monitored the patients to determine whether the drug helped prevent the return of cancer.
The results showed a notable difference between the two groups—nearly half of the patients who received aspirin experienced reduced cancer recurrence over the three-year period.
“After three years of follow-up, the hazard ratios for time to recurrence comparing aspirin to placebo were 0.49 (95% CI; 0.24-0.98; p=0.044) in Group A and 0.42 (95% CI; 0.21-0.83; p=0.013) in Group B,” researchers wrote.
While further studies are needed, the findings offer promise, particularly for Black Americans who are disproportionately affected by colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, African Americans are about 20% more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
Experts attribute these disparities to several factors, including lower screening rates, delayed diagnoses, limited access to quality healthcare, and structural inequities in the medical system.
Though rectal and colon cancers are similar in many ways, their treatments can differ significantly. The rectum is located in a confined space, closely surrounded by other organs and structures, making surgery more complex. Treatment for rectal cancer often involves surgery but may also include chemotherapy, radiation, or both. In some cases, targeted therapy or immunotherapy is also recommended.
In 2024, an estimated 152,810 people in the U.S. were expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with more than 53,000 deaths projected. Public health leaders continue to advocate for increased awareness, early screening, and equitable access to care to close the survival gap for at-risk communities.
Chanel Nicole Scott Joins In The Black Network As Chief Marketing Officer
The Blackity Black streaming service continues its global expansion
The In Black Network (ITBN) announced that Chanel Nicole Scott will be its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). ITBN, which showcases stories created by and featuring Black people from the diaspora, stated that Scott’s appointment is part of the brand’s vision to enhance global visibility.
Scott brings over a decade of experience in tech and media production. Through her company, Chanel Scott Production House, she developed CheMinistry, a multimedia platform that includes a television show, books, and card games focused on navigating relationships and personal growth.
Scott is the creator of the Relationships Matter podcast, which premiered on the In The Black Network. She also authored a book of the same name, sharing personal anecdotes and relationship advice. In a press release, the producer expressed her enthusiasm for her new role at ITBN.
“Being part of a groundbreaking company like In The Black Network is more than just a professional opportunity — it’s a cultural mission. We’re shifting who controls the narrative and how our stories are told. It’s time to put the power back into our hands — and I’m honored to help lead that movement,” the podcast host said.
Television producer, filmmaker, and ITBN founder James DuBose said Scott’s passion, work ethic, and track record make her a valuable asset to the growing network. DuBose discussed his vision of The Black Network’s global expansion with BLACK ENTERPRISE in 2024.
“We want you to come to one place, and that’s internationally, that’s locally, that’s US, that’s every market that you could think of, Caribbean, and so forth, to come one place and stay,” he said.
The filmmaker also said he wants to provide a platform for Black creatives, often overlooked in mainstream media, to showcase their content. Founded in 2023, ITBN is a free AVOD streaming service that features premium content highlighting Black voices. The network streams directly on its website, on Smart TVs, and through its app, which is available on iOS and Android devices.
