Amber Ruffin, Trump, White House Correspondents' Dinner — photo credit: User777321, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

by Stacy Jackson

April 10, 2025

PEN America Taps Amber Ruffin As 2025 Gala Fundraiser Host

Ruffin's new gig with PEN America comes after the White House Correspondents Association excluded her from its annual dinner.

After the White House Correspondents Association axed Amber Ruffin from appearing at its annual dinner as a featured speaker, the comic was tapped to host PEN America’s gala fundraiser this May.

The association claimed that excluding Ruffin from the dinner was due to its decision to focus on journalistic achievements. However, according to The Associated Press, PEN America praised the writer for her talent. PEN co-interim CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf said, “She is truly emblematic of the talented creators who we need on stages and in writers’ rooms during a time of unprecedented censorship in this country. We’re both delighted and honored to have her with us.”

Ruffin believes she was cut from the speaking engagement after she was told by event organizers of the White House Correspondents Association, “You need to be equal and be sure that you give it to both sides.” In response to the suggestion, the comic told Daily Beast in March, “I was like, ‘There’s no way that’s going to happen.’”

Ruffin, who has written for NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, has been hit with criticism from White House staff members like deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich, who called her a “second-rate comedian.” However, PEN America thinks otherwise. The organization called the CNN host’s satire and social commentary “brilliant” and described her talent as “exceptional.” According to PEN, its organization intersects literature and human rights. Its mission is to protect free expression in the U.S. and worldwide by supporting the freedom to write and celebrating the power of words to transform the world.

The fundraiser event expands on its mission as it will recognize trailblazers like Wesleyan University President Michael Roth. Roth, who has addressed the Trump administration’s attempts to cut research funding for Columbia University, Harvard University, and other schools, will be presented with the PEN/Benenson Courage Award. PEN America celebrates Roth for “his unwavering commitment to defending academic freedom, protecting protest rights, and resisting attempts to silence dissent in higher education.”

Ruffin will host PEN America’s gala fundraiser May 15.

Black farmers, Mississippi, lawsuit — Photo by Igor Alecsander/Getty Images

by Kandiss Edwards

April 10, 2025

Nation’s First ‘Zoo School’ Breaks Ground On $26M Golden Campus

The Golden Charter Academy is investing millions into environmental education.

Golden Charter Academy broke ground on April 8 on a $26 million sustainable campus, marking a major step forward in its mission to merge environmental education with community empowerment.

The school, founded by former NFL safety and Fresno native Robert Golden, is the first transitional kindergarten through eighth grade Environmental Stewardship Zoo School in the United States, according to the academy. It partners closely with Fresno Chaffee Zoo and the city’s parks department to offer hands-on, conservation-focused learning experiences.

“Our goal is to grow conscious, sustainable scholars who lead with purpose,” Golden said. “This facility represents transformation — not just for education, but for a community, for a city. It will provide hope and serve as a hub for education, healing, and positive change for people and for the planet.”

The new campus will feature solar-powered classrooms, water-efficient landscaping, and interactive outdoor learning spaces, aligning with the school’s eco-conscious mission. Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2026.

https://twitter.com/BlueHubCapital/status/1909637714686652467

Robert Golden, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals before retiring from the NFL in 2019, attributes his passion for environmental justice and education to his upbringing in South Fresno — a region significantly affected by poor air quality and limited access to green spaces.

Fresno consistently ranks among the most polluted cities in the United States. According to the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” 2024 report, nearly 44 million people live in counties that received failing grades for ozone and particle pollution.

Additionally, residents in neighborhoods of color in Fresno have access to 43% less nearby park space compared to those in white neighborhoods, highlighting disparities in green space availability. These environmental challenges have fueled Golden’s commitment to fostering change through education and advocacy.

To support its mission, Golden Charter Academy will host its second annual Meet the Moment Gala, a fundraiser aimed at improving environmental conditions in Fresno’s underserved communities. The event will take place April 26, at the Regency Event Center.

Perfect, email, emailing, correspondence, write, IFA — Photo by JGI/Tom Grill via Getty Images

by Nancy E Williams

April 10, 2025

The International Franchise Association’s Franchise Ascension Initiative Is Accepting 2025 Applications

For many African American business owners, the entrepreneurship journey is often a long, winding road with numerous challenges and obstacles. Access to education, mentorship, and business capital can be critical to their business’s success. To provide many of these tools, the International Franchise Association (IFA) created the Franchise Ascension Initiative (FAI). Now in its second year, the six-month accelerator program aims to prepare qualified individuals from underrepresented groups, U.S. veterans, and economically disadvantaged communities with the education, mentorship, resources, and support to successfully launch a career in franchise ownership. The FAI is an immersive hybrid learning program with live, virtual instructor-led classes and self-paced online learning. It also provides individual and group mentorship sessions, access to expert speakers, experiential assignments, case studies, and research opportunities. The program covers Franchising Fundamentals, Franchise Law, Selecting the Right Brand, Financing Your Business, Marketing & Sales, Building Successful Teams, and much more.

The FAI was spearheaded by Omar Simmons, president of Exaltare Capital Management, and his wife, Raynya, in partnership with the IFA. The Simmonses were inspired to launch the FAI as a springboard to help underrepresented entrepreneurs interested in franchising. Last year, the IFA received 70 completed applications from prospective franchisees nationwide. Seventeen finalists were chosen after an extensive IFA screening and interview committee review. Chandler Hayden, an inaugural cohort member, is the Franchise Development Coordinator at Taco John’s International. Hayden describes her experience in FAI as a dream come true. “This program opened the doors to world-class education and endless resources. FAI gave us not only the tools but also offered hope and the tangible opportunity to succeed as franchise owners.”

For minorities, who often lack the same access to networks and capital as others, this program is a game-changer,” said Calvin Parsons, Owner & CEO of Kidokinetics RVA, also part of the inaugural cohort, who was surprised to learn how tight-knit the franchise community is. “It’s like one big family, where collaboration is key. It’s refreshing to see competing brands working together to drive progress and make a positive impact on small businesses, their owners, employees, and the communities they serve,” shared Parsons.

“Franchising offers a remarkable path to entrepreneurship, with over 3,000 brands in the U.S. spanning virtually every industry. It’s not just about owner-operators in quick service restaurants; there are also opportunities for investors and small business owners to participate in the franchising space in diverse ways.” Finally, Michael Gatewood, who began his career on Wall Street and is now a managing principal at Westview Management Group and a multi-unit franchisee, said of the FAI program: “I would highly recommend the FAI program. You will be equipped with the tools needed to launch your endeavors, be surrounded by like-minded individuals who want to help you succeed and grow as a person and professional. This is an amazing opportunity.”

Applications are being accepted for the 2025 cohort, which begins in August 2025 and ends in February 2026. Participants will be reimbursed for expenses incurred to attend at least two signature IFA conferences. The application deadline is May 16, 2025, and includes a brief essay and video component along with the written application. Each participant is assigned an FAI mentor –- a franchise professional who will volunteer to coach them through the program. There is no cost associated with the application or the program; however, its heavy content workload should be considered before applying.

To learn more about the FAI and how to apply, visit FRANCHISE.ORG/ASCENSION.

Charles Barkley, NCAA Tournament,, TNT — Photo by Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2025

Charles Barkley Gets Roasted While Playing Pop The Balloon In San Antonio

Charles Barkley was hilariously roasted by a line of women while playing "Pop The Balloon."

Charles Barkley became the target of a roasting session while playing a round of Pop The Balloon in San Antonio, Texas, where his comments about women’s appearances have been offending locals.

Known for his legendary smack talk, Barkley struggled to clap back at a line of women who all popped their balloons. Barkley’s NBA on TNT co-host Kenny Smith ushered him along for their play at the popular YouTube dating show turned Netflix series Pop the Balloon or Find Love.

Pop the Balloon: Chuck 🤝 The Women of San Antonio

The women were RUTHLESS 😭 pic.twitter.com/7Z3ZdFH2MO
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 8, 2025

The NBA alum was destroyed by ladies who cracked jokes about his weight (from inhaling too many churros), his lack of muscles, the zero NBA championships he has under his belt, and his golf swing. The last lady even accused him of stealing the spotlight, to which Smith agreed.

“Wow. That was rude!” Barkley shouted after many of the women popped their balloons upon his entry. The last two women followed suit, popping their balloons after the former Phoenix Suns star introduced himself.

“I just like my men with more muscle. Do you think Shaq is available,” one woman said of her reason for popping her balloon.

“Shaq ain’t got no muscles one,” Barkley shot back. “Shaq just big.”

He expressed gratitude for not being “sensitive” after one woman explained why she popped her balloon due to Barkley having no championship rings. “I can’t expect you to give me a ring if you don’t have one,” she quipped.

While he took the jab about his rings, Barkley suffered a “low blow” by the woman who joked about his golf swing. “I’m sensitive about my golf swing,” he said in response.

One younger woman complimented Barkley on his sense of humor but candidly admitted that she wasn’t attracted to him.

“When you get older, you’re going to be looking for a personality, a bank account, things like that,” he said in response.

The humorous segment was just a preview of what fans can look forward to as NBA on TNT transitions its four co-hosts — Barkley, Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, and Ernie Johnson — to ESPN this fall.

Meghan Markle, As Ever, Netflix — Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation

by Stacy Jackson

April 9, 2025

Haters Are No Match For Meghan Markle Fans: ‘As Ever’ Debut Collection Sells Out In 1 Hour

As Ever fans grabbed every product in the collection within one hour, including a $28 limited-edition honey, which sold out in five minutes.

Meghan Markle’s naysayers are eating their words after her first As Ever collection officially launched on April 9, and products were sold out within an hour.

The product line was hit with heavy criticism when the Duchess of Sussex previously released details of her business endeavor. According to Business Insider, critics doubted the brand’s vision, assumed products would be overpriced, and criticized a brand name swap from American Riviera Orchard to As Ever, which resulted from a trademark issue. The Hollywood Reporter noted that wandering eyes caught wind of an already trademarked clothing store named “As Ever,” which operates in New York and New Jersey. Critics also claimed the Duchess had a lack of attention to detail and cited a spelling error in an email link, “wonky” font choices, and capitalization, Daily Mail mentioned.

Despite the negative feedback, Markle’s fans showed up and showed out as the brand released its debut collection. Customers grabbed everything from the selection of items, which were priced between $12 to $15. The now-sold-out lineup of items included a raspberry spread, flower sprinkles, herbal teas, crepe, and cookie mix. A limited-edition honey, priced at $28, reportedly sold out within five minutes. “What began with a small pot of fresh fruit preserves, bubbling away in my home kitchen, has inspired this curated collection to bring surprise and delight to your every day,” reads Markle’s message to As Ever buyers.

The former actress has built her consumer base over the past ten years, which consists of “OG” fans before Prince Harry, supporters of her 2014 “The Tig” blog, and fans who have followed her throughout the ups and downs of her royal life. Ahead of the As Ever launch, Markle shared a special moment with her “OG Tig girls” on Instagram. She captioned the slideshow with a message of gratitude for the group of women as she counted down the hours before the big debut.

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Markle gave a heads-up to As Ever fans about future purchases, and they might want to keep the notifications turned on or sign up for the mailing list, as the brand will feature limited quantities for each seasonal drop.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 9, 2025

Kenya’s Government Aims To Turn One Of Largest Refugee Camps Into A Thriving City—Can It Be Done?

Kenyan government official sees the camp in Kakuma as an opportunity for small businesses to grow, despite refugees having no place else to go.

The city of Kakuma, located in the African nation of Kenya, was accidentally turned into one of the continent’s biggest refugee camps, and now the Kenyan government and humanitarian agencies are thinking of evolving it into a city, the Associated Press reported.

Over 300,000 tents were placed in Kakuma in 1992 when people escaped turmoil in other countries like South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Congo. The home to many refugees has been redesignated a municipality that local government officials will lead later, after being under the control of the United Nations. A number of refugees have clashed with law enforcement in Kenya due to diminishing food resources and support that many rely on.

Camp residents received a message from the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) confirming resources would be reduced to 40% of the basic minimum ration, sparking backlash, according to The Guardian. Certain budgets have been stretched thin for periods of time, but given President Trump’s freeze on U.S. aid spending, which provided more than half of WFP’s $9.7 billion funding in 2024, funding has been hit harder.

However, the Kenyan government sees the space as an opportunity for small businesses to grow, pushing refugees into local populations and shifting them off of aid survival. Some of the refugees run businesses but lack the financial resources, with the closest city being eight hours away by vehicle.

Julienne Oyler, who runs Inkomoko, a charity that provides financial training and low-cost loans to African businesses, feels not settling in Kakuma is a disservice to business owners, claiming credit denial as a “tremendous waste of human capital.” “We find that refugee business owners actually have the characteristics that make world-class entrepreneurs,” she said.

“They are resilient. They are resourceful. They have access to networks. They have adaptability. In some ways, what refugees unfortunately have had to go through actually makes a really good business owner.”

Adele Mubalama is one of Oyler’s clients who found refuge in Kakuma after fleeing Congo in 2018. She was out of a job until she took a tailoring course with a Danish charity, resulting in her making fabric masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a loan came through from Inkomoko, she was able to expand her business, hiring 26 employees and purchasing new sewing machines. Mubalama’s 2024 profit was $8,300, which is a vast difference from the majority of refugees who live on allowances or vouchers of close to $10 or less per month.

However, there is a survival element in the conversations surrounding Kakuma becoming a self-reliant city. University of Notre Dame associate research professor Rahul Oka highlights the lack of essential resources — like water — that would pause the city’s growth. “You cannot reconstruct an organic economy by socially engineering one,” the professor said.

Freddie Carver of ODI Global, a London-based think tank, said a number of refugees don’t have the luxury of moving to other places in Kenya where jobs are easier to obtain. He feels unless a solution is provided, Kakuma is where they will stay. “If you go back 20 years, a lot of refugee rights discourse was about legal protections, the right to work, the right to stay in a country permanently,” Carver said.

“Now it’s all about livelihoods and self-sufficiency. The emphasis is so much on opportunities that it overshadows the question of rights. There needs to be a greater balance.”

Whoopi Goldberg, NY Mayor, lawsuit, cannabis — Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for FLC

by Stacy Jackson

April 9, 2025

Whoopi Goldberg To Debut Crisp Blend In ‘Whoop-Tea’ Cannabis Drink

In partnership with Pure Genesis, Whoop-Tea will introduce a fun and refreshing beverage to the cannabis industry.

Celebrated entertainer Whoopi Goldberg is taking the cannabis industry in a bold direction with the launch of Whoop-Tea, a beverage that introduces a new world of relaxation, connection, and culture.

The crisp blend of iced tea, lemonade, and a 10mg dose of hemp-derived THC is a fun and refreshing drink that Goldberg envisioned as a more inclusive, mindful, and celebratory way to experience cannabis. According to a press release, the EGOT winner said Whoop-Tea is for people who want to “relax, laugh, and enjoy themselves without the side effects of alcohol.”

Goldberg’s Whoop-Tea debut is in partnership with leading Black woman-owned, multi-state cannabis and hemp company, Pure Genesis. The beverage has become one of four in the Genesis line as the company continues its mission to redefine the cannabis experience. “This is more than a product—it’s a statement,” said Faye Coleman, co-founder and CEO of Pure Genesis. As Whoop-Tea establishes an alignment of “celebrity, wellness, and purpose,” the advocacy-focused company is “proud to stand beside Whoopi to launch something this impactful.” Not only is the launch an extension of endeavors for Pure Genesis, but it expands on the success of Goldberg’s WhoopFam brands Whoopi & Maya, medical cannabis products that honor the plant as an “earth-born resource” to relieve pain, and Emma & Clyde, premium cannabis products for adults.

The Color Purple star’s latest business venture fuels her belief in the power of cannabis, “not just for wellness, but for joy.” In 2018, she discussed with The Weekend Box, the effectiveness of cannabis on women who suffer from menstrual pain, a niche market that makes up a great fraction of the population.

An official Whoop-Tea launch event is scheduled for June 5 in New York City. The occasion will bring together industry leaders, tastemakers, and an exclusive guest list that will celebrate the Whoop-Tea beverage, which is projected to generate millions in revenue.

Black Woman Gets Ticket For Walking On The Wrong Side Of The Road, But Her White Husband Does Not — photo credit: pexels

by Kandiss Edwards

April 9, 2025

Black Woman Gets Ticket For Walking On The Wrong Side Of The Road, But Her White Husband Does Not

Akia Townes believes she received the minor traffic violation for walking on the wrong side of the road because she is a Black woman.

A Texas woman is accusing the Groves Police Department of racial profiling after she was cited for walking on the wrong side of the street while searching for her lost dog.

Akia Townes and her husband, Brad, were walking through their neighborhood in Groves when police approached her with their hands on their weapons, she told KFDM News. The couple was canvassing the area in search of their missing dog.

“Two cops stopped me. They walked out with their hands on their guns, and then they asked me to see my ID,” Townes said.

Her husband, who is white, began recording the interaction, which quickly escalated. When he questioned why his wife was being cited, officers said she had been walking against the flow of traffic, which is a citable offense on roads without sidewalks under Texas law.

In a video recorded by Brad, Akia expressed frustration over the situation and what she believes was unfair treatment based on her race.

“They got crackheads, robbers, all this other stuff, but they want to arrest a Black person — a pregnant Black woman — for looking for her dog,” she said.

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Brad said he was walking in the same direction but was not issued a citation. “I feel like they looked and saw an easy target, and nobody was going to come and defend, and nobody was going to come help,” he added.

The couple has retained attorney Langston Adams to contest the citation. Adams argues that the selective ticketing is indicative of racial profiling or “selective enforcement.”

“It’s not a question of whether she was breaking the law,” Adams said. “We believe it’s selective enforcement. Why didn’t the husband get a ticket? He was also walking on the wrong side of the road, and he’s white. I believe they used her walking on the wrong side as a pretext to stop her.”

Groves City Marshal Chris Robin said the department does not tolerate racism and emphasized that public safety is the priority.

“We’ve seen so many different minor ordinance violations turn into something tragic, and we don’t want that to occur,” Robin told KFDM. “We want to be able to make a difference in making our community safer.”

As of April 8, the citation remains active and under review.

Malik Yoba — (Photo: BeGreat22, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

by Kandiss Edwards

April 9, 2025

Malik Yoba To Teach The Masses How To ‘Flip The Hood’

Malik Yoba is bringing real estate education to the Brooklyn Navy Yard

Actor and real estate developer Malik Yoba’s company, Yoba Development, is flipping the hood.

Taking place at the Brooklyn Naval Yard on May 9 and May 10, “Flipping The Hood” aims to empower the Black community through real estate education and wealth-building strategies.

Unlike standard real estate seminars that rely heavily on panel discussions and fireside chats, “Flipping the Hood” incorporates hands-on workshops led by seasoned real estate professionals. Attendees will receive tactical, real-time advice on investing, acquiring property, and building financial legacies. A keen emphasis is placed on investing in historically underserved neighborhoods.

While promoting the event on Instagram, Yoba reflected on the economic disparities facing longtime residents of historically Black neighborhoods, particularly in Brooklyn, where he grew up. As he walked through the borough’s rapidly gentrifying streets, Yoba drew comparisons between Brooklyn’s past and present, emphasizing how much has changed—and how much local residents have been excluded from those changes.

“We don’t get to participate in the ownership and development in a lot of Brooklyn,” he said in a video posted to his Instagram account. “Why is that? More than anything, it’s a lack of education.”

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Speakers at the event include Valerie White, senior executive director at LISC NYC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), a nonprofit organization committed to community development; Julien Gordon, founder of the Multifamily Movement, which helps individuals acquire multi-unit properties to create passive income; and David Adefeso, CEO of The Pacific Group and a noted financial advisor.

In addition to real estate-focused sessions, the conference will feature entrepreneurs, wellness coaches, artists, and educators who will address the intersections of health, creativity, and financial stability. The broader goal is to equip attendees with the tools to build intergenerational wealth and reclaim economic power in their communities.

To encourage youth participation, Yoba Development is offering a two-for-one ticket promotion. For every ticket purchased, a high school or college student will receive free admission, making the event accessible to the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

For more information and ticket purchases, visit yobadevelopment.com.

Usher, BMAC, Bobby Brown — (Photo: Leon Bennett/FilmMagic)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2025

Usher Makes It Plain And Refuses To Feed Cherry To Underage Fan: ‘Did You Say 16?!’

Usher goes viral after refusing to feed a young fan a cherry at his London concert.

Usher is known for seductively feeding cherries to female fans during his concerts—but he makes sure that anyone receiving one from his hand is of legal age.

A new viral video showed the “Yeah!” singer declining to feed a cherry to a young woman at his London show after he thought he heard her say she was 16 years old.

“How old did you say you were?” Usher asked the fan, who responded.

“Did you say 16?!” he followed up, sounding surprised.

Before she could clear up the mix-up, Usher had already begun to walk away. He returned once she clarified that she was 19, not 16. Still, to be safe, Usher handed the cherry to her friend to feed her instead.

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Those who watched the exchange applauded Usher’s decision, recognizing that if he had unknowingly fed a cherry to someone underage, the backlash would have been swift and severe.

“Bros taking no chances 😂,” one person wrote.

“I’m glad he kept moving. 19 is too young,” added someone else.

Usher has turned cherry feeding into a signature moment during his live shows. Known for serenading women in the audience—sometimes sparking drama with their partners back home—he later elevated the experience by playfully feeding fans cherries in a flirtatious and theatrical fashion.

Keke Palmer was the talk of the town in 2023 after she was serenaded at his Las Vegas residency. Footage of the moment went viral after Palmer’s ex-boyfriend, Darius Jackson, sparked backlash for criticizing her dress at the concert.

“It’s the outfit tho… you a mom,” Jackson wrote, referring to their son, Leo.

In 2024, Usher appeared on Palmer’s Baby, This Is Keke Palmer podcast and reflected on the viral moment.

“I don’t want to take any responsibility for breaking everybody’s home up, but that wasn’t the purpose and point,” he said. “It was for you to have a good time with your girls. Come out there and just enjoy… You looked fabulous, by the way. And if you didn’t wear what you wore, I wouldn’t have seen you. You was fabulous, amazing. I was like, ‘Oooh, Keke, come here, girl.’”