Sean Kingston, mother, guilty — (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/WireImage)

by Mary Spiller

March 29, 2025

Sean Kingston And Mother Found Guilty In Fraud Case

Kingston has been released to his home under electric monitoring while his mother was remanded to federal prison until the sentencing hearing.

“Beautiful Girls” rapper Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, have been found guilty on all charges in their ongoing federal wire fraud trial in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 28.

Kingston and Turner were accused of defrauding a handful of different businesses, including a jewelry business, a luxury bed company, a used luxury and exotic car dealership, and a luxury microLED TV company.

Kingston, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, and Turner were found guilty after three and a half hours of deliberations by the jury.

Following the verdict, Turner was remanded to federal custody. According to the court records, 34-year-old Kingston is confined under house arrest with electronic monitoring as long as he posts a bond with a home valued at $500,000 and at least $200,000 in cash.

Turner and Kingston are scheduled to appear in a sentencing hearing on July 11.

Kingston was arrested in May of 2024 following a SWAT team raid on his Southwest Ranches California home, and both he and his 61-year-old mother were indicted in July of the same year.

According to the arrest records, Kingston was accused of leveraging his social media influence to convince businesses to deliver luxury goods before the completion of any payments. Turner entered the scheme by confirming delivery dates and other details of the fraudulent transactions, knowing there was no intent to truly pay for the services.

As NBC News reported, The pair would then make fraudulent wire transfers as payments and keep the items.

Turner and Kingston continued running the fraud scheme for several years.

Both Turner and Kingston originally pleaded not guilty to the related counts.

While Kingston didn’t testify on his own behalf, Turner’s defense attorney, Humberto Dominguez, said during the trial’s closing arguments that Turner was trying to protect her son. She claimed that the mother was suspicious about the businesses they allegedly scammed.

The judge presiding over the case decided that Turner’s testimony was hardly more than obstruction — which caused him to remand her into federal custody until sentencing and give Kingston bond.

The judge stated, “Her testimony makes it impossible to believe she wouldn’t do anything for her son.”

small businesses, tips, revenue, Trump, economy — (Photo: SolStock/iStock)

by Jeffrey McKinney

March 29, 2025

8 Tips To Help Small Businesses Boost Revenue As Concern About Economy Surges

Revenue concerns have grown amid rising inflation worries and uncertainty over President Trump’s new economic agenda.

Some 35% of small business owners, including Black entrepreneurs, have concerns about revenue. That is significant as it represents the highest share in four years.

The finding comes from the Q1 MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index. When tracking for that measure started, it was at 34%, the highest level of concern since the third quarter of 2021. It rose 10 percentage points this quarter, up from 25% in last year’s fourth quarter.

Worry for inflation climbed to a new high, with 58% reporting it as a top concern this quarter. Some (66%) of those quizzed reported being snug with their cash flow, down from 72% last quarter.

Tom Sullivan, vice president of small business policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, commented in a news release, “The data is clear, confidence is being shaken as small businesses increasingly worry about their revenue while at the same time confronting the possibility that tariffs will raise costs for them and their employees.”

The Q1 survey was conducted online between late January and mid-February this year, with a sample size of 750 U.S. small business owners and operators. It included at least 50 Black-owned small businesses and 100 Black respondents. Further, 141 POC-owned small businesses were surveyed.

The 2025 Report on Employer Firms: Findings from the 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, released March 27 by the 12 Federal Reserve Banks, shows that small businesses reporting a revenue drop surpassed those declaring an uptick.

Many small businesses have expressed concerns recently, including rising fears about inflation and how to navigate President Trump’s new economic agenda.

Here are some tips small businesses might consider on helping to boost revenues in uneven economic times:

Enlarge your product offerings: Consider diversifying to attract a larger audience. That could come by checking out customer segments or new markets you’re not serving now.

Center on customer retention: Selling to existing customers is often less costly and simpler because you already serve them, they trust you, and they are loyal. Examine a strategy where you regularly seek feedback on what they want and digitally follow up to help ensure they turn to you again when they need what you offer.

Pinpoint niche markets: Focus on identifying and targeting underserved markets that larger providers might neglect. For example, offering tailored products or services that rivals are not providing might help you thrive by meeting that demand.

Boost revenue by cutting costs: You can take several actions to help do this. For instance, canceling memberships or services that are not necessary for your business. Explore ways to reduce utility costs and seek discounts or better pricing from suppliers.

Offer a personalized touch: People buying goods and services like to feel they are getting your attention and are valued. Tap into your customer database to offer personalized product recommendations, follow-up messages, or emails on discounts or special offers.

Use upselling techniques: This approach can potentially get customers to spend more. It could involve encouraging customers to buy a higher-end version of a product than what they initially intended to buy. For instance, a patron going to a nail salon for a manicure can be encouraged in a non-pushy way to buy a top-notch nail care kit or even a pedicure.

Capitalize on modern marketing methods: Broaden your exposure online by being proactive on digital media. You can research how well-known sites like TikTok can help with that. Observers say the most successful companies know their online audience and use everything from engaging content, leveraging hashtags, working with influencers, and posting regularly.

Cross-sell with another brand or retailer: Partner or work with another business that provides a setting or supplies products and services that complement what you’re offering.

Shirley C. Franklin, — photo credit: Marsha Miller, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Kandiss Edwards

March 29, 2025

Shirley C. Franklin, Atlanta’s First Black Woman Mayor, Has A Street And Park Named In Her Honor

Former Mayor Shirley C. Franklin is being honored by the city of Atlanta.

Shirley C. Franklin, Atlanta’s first Black woman mayor, was celebrated with a street and park named in her honor.

The Atlanta City Council shared the event on its YouTube page. Formerly part of Central Avenue, the street is now Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard S.W. Additionally, Westside Reservoir Park has been renamed Shirley Clarke Franklin Park.

A distinguished panel of guests gathered to celebrate the city’s 58th mayor and history-maker. Notable Atlanta figures, including Mayor Andre Dickens, former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, and news anchor Fred Blankenship, gave remarks. Robert Franklin Jr., president of Morehouse College, lauded the former mayor for her service and offered a short prayer for her and those who will travel on her street.

“Her service has been exemplary. Her resolution has been commanding, and her love for all Atlantans has been inspiring,” Franklin Jr. said. “May all who tread here learn of her great contributions and become better citizens. May all who travel here feel her contagious spirit of humility, service, and community-building. May the wings of the phoenix now spread wide over this boulevard and transform this familiar path into sacred ground.”

The former Westside Reservoir Park acquisition was one of Franklin’s crowning achievements during her term. The purchase was part of Franklin’s “Clean Water Atlanta initiative.” Atlanta’s emergency drinking water supply is now housed at the park that now bears her name. She is lauded for launching the Atlanta BeltLine, which is home to many small businesses.

Franklin spoke at the ceremony with humility. She explained that her vision motivated her and emphasized that seeking validation and accolades yields little reward.

“I learned a long time ago, you don’t do the work for the accolades or the recognition. You do the work because you love the work, because you love the people and because you’re taken by a vision,” Franklin said.

Franklin broke the glass ceiling for Black women in Atlanta with her mayoral election and set the standard for giving back to one of the South’s major cities. At 79 years old, she is now receiving her flowers. Kudos to the city of Atlanta for recognizing its hometown icon.

applying for jobs, positions — Photo by Hiraman/Getty Images

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 29, 2025

How Empathetic Leadership Equals More Successful Business Habits

Author Tony Robbins defines empathetic leadership as “a style of leadership that focuses on identifying with others and understanding their point of view.”

As the workforce is under construction, with significant changes and policy changes, studies and experts have identified empathic leadership as key to effective business habits in the workplace.

Empathy expert Maria Ross labels empathic leadership as a “key driver of business success.” She highlights leaders with this “soft skill” as being curious. “You pause, listen, and ask questions to really understand other people’s perspectives without judgment,” she told Inc. “When you lead with empathy, the improvements are measurable, including employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and even retention rates.”

Research from Ross and outside studies have proven this to be true. Organizations identified with high empathy scores have lower turnover and higher customer loyalty rates, in addition to increased profits. A study from MetLife showcased “notable drops” in employee engagement and a sharp decline in holistic health, productivity, and engagement, as employees are under the stress of dealing with increased medical costs and an uncertain economic status, according to Newsweek.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, employee mental health has been challenged in the workplace in addition to heightened socio-economic issues, political conflicts, and more flowing into conference rooms and cubicle space.

Feeling empathy in a work environment from leadership helps employees feel more connected and valued, resulting in customers sensing the change. “There’s no question that empathy is an essential leadership skill, particularly as the pressure mounts to preserve workforce stability and engagement, given everything that is going on in the external environment on top of organizational change that employees across industries and across the world are facing,” chief people officer at S&P Global, Girish Ganesan, said.

Author and motivational speaker Tony Robbins defines empathetic leadership as “a style of leadership that focuses on identifying with others and understanding their point of view.” In Ross’ books, The Empathy Edge and The Empathy Dilemma, she determines the five essential pillars of empathetic leadership as self-awareness, self-care, clarity, decisiveness, and joy. Self-awareness helps leaders understand an employee’s emotional triggers, while self-care shows leading by example – with taking breaks that employees may be fearful of taking.

Clarity means a leader is communicating with purpose and with that purpose, decisiveness will result in decisions being made with empathy and confidence. Lastly, joy means bringing positive energy, celebrating small wins, and showing gratitude.

However, empathy from high-level managers isn’t all it takes for workplace growth. More trustworthy and empathetic behavior from leadership equates to an increase in consistent performance from employees – or better.

LeBron James, Kids Picture book, 'I Am More Than', I promise school — (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 29, 2025

LeBron James’ ‘Mind The Game’ Podcast Partners With Amazon

The talk show will be distributed across Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Fire TV Channels, and Echo devices

Future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James has just struck a deal with Amazon to distribute his digital series throughout the company’s multiple properties.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, LeBron’s “Mind the Game“ will be available through Amazon’s Wondery, which will distribute the digital series across Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Fire TV Channels, and Echo devices. The program will also be available on YouTube and other platforms where podcasts are available. The Lakers forward is a host on the show, and for the upcoming second season, which will premier in April, he will be joined by former NBA player Steve Nash. He had his current head coach, JJ Reddick, as his co-host during the first season.

“I love learning and talking about the game of basketball. We enjoyed the conversations so much in the first season of ‘Mind The Game.’ I lost JJ as my co-host but gained a coach,” James said. “Now I get to do it with another one of the greatest basketball minds in Steve Nash, and we’re going to have a lot of fun digging into the nuances and details that make this sport so great.”

Wondery will also handle the ad sales for the podcast’s audio and video episodes and back-catalog content. LeBron’s Uninterrupted company will continue to produce the show.

“When I decided to step into a media role, I knew it had to be something different—something fresh, something that brings real basketball fans closer to the sport. Mind The Game is my way of being a teacher of basketball, of breaking down the game in a way that makes fans see just how incredible this era of hoops really is. I can’t wait to get inside the mind of LeBron James and also share my experiences within this beautiful game,” Nash said.

Charles Barkley, spanking — Photo by Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 29, 2025

Nike Unexpectedly Cancels Upcoming Re-release Of Charles Barkley’s Signature Sneaker

The Nike Air CB 34 'Triple White' was supposed to go on sale for $150 in September

Nike had a planned re-release of Charles Barkley’s signature Nike Air CB 34, originally launched in 1995, but reportedly, the sneaker giant will no longer place the classic Barkleys on sale as expected.

According to Sole Retriever, the anticipated release was canceled by Nike with no reason given. The footwear was supposed to be released during the fall season through Nike and select online retailers and stores. There had been rumors of the sneaker being released during the upcoming 2025 holiday season.

CANCELED: The Nike Air CB 34 “Triple White” is no longer releasing this year. pic.twitter.com/JwMemyAMIy

— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) March 24, 2025

Sports Illustrated reported that the Nike Air CB 34 “Triple White” was supposed to go on sale for $150 in September. The sneaker was Barkley’s third signature sneaker. It was released while he was playing with the Phoenix Suns. They were famously described as Godzilla, as it drew inspiration from the famed Japanese movie monster’s feet and claws.

The sneakers were canceled, but that didn’t stop Barkley from giving his opinion on Bronny James and the development of his game.

He was talking to Dan Patrick, and he stated that the namesake of LeBron James should have been playing in the G League all season instead of sitting on the bench and not getting better by watching the action from the bench.

“He should be in the G League, getting better as a player. He should have been in the G League all year. I think it was a great story for them to go on the court together, but he should be in the G League. Dan, you don’t get better sitting on the bench.”

Barkley may have touched on a great point, as Bronny has finally broken out of the funk he showed in NBA play and has been a steadier player with regular work in the G League, recently scoring a career high 39 points in a recent game with the South Bay Lakers.

Will Smith, Net Worth — (Photo: Isa Foltin/WireImage)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 28, 2025

Philadelphia Renames Street After Hometown Hero Will Smith

Will Smith solidifies his legacy as Philadelphia’s hometown hero with a street renamed in his honor.

Will Smith’s hometown has paid tribute to him in a major way by renaming a Philadelphia street in his honor.

The Academy Award-winning actor returned to his hometown of Philadelphia on March 26, standing outside his alma mater, Overbrook High School, as the city unveiled “Will Smith Way” on the 2000 block of North 59th Street, CBS News reports. Smith got deep during his speech while reflecting on his Philadelphia upbringing and the life lessons that shaped his values of hard work, education, and service to others—principles instilled in him by his mother, father, and grandmother.

“When things get hard, you have to be willing to suffer to change the circumstances,” he said. “Nobody gets an easy ride. And that was one of the things these streets of Philadelphia taught me, that there is nothing wrong with a hard day’s work.”

“Hey, Philly. I love you. I am yours, you are mine. I will see you on the Fourth of July,” Smith added, teasing his return for a special concert on the Ben Franklin Parkway during the Fourth of July holiday.

Filled with pride and gratitude, Smith took to Instagram to share his appreciation.

“Philly, I am yours. This is the honor of a lifetime,” Smith wrote on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

He included photos posing alongside Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Caroline Bright, and other city officials. Mayor Parker shared her own post on Instagram celebrating Smith’s achievements in music and film, as well as his ongoing support for the city that shaped him.

“From his roots of being born and raised in West Philadelphia to his rise as a global superstar, he’s shown us all what it means to dream big and work hard,” Parker wrote in her caption.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (@phillymayor)

“We are incredibly proud to call @willsmith one of our own. His achievements are a reflection of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of Philadelphia’s people. As we rename 2000 N. 59th Street in Will’s honor today, let’s celebrate everything he represents — creativity, kindness, and the power of community.”

The street renaming comes just ahead of Smith’s upcoming album, Based On a True Story. His first full-length release since 2005’s Lost and Found, the album marks the first installment of a three-part series set to debut under SLANG Recordings.

Tyler Perry at the world premiere of Marvel Studios Black Panther: Wakanda Forever held at the Dolby Theatre on October 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 28, 2025

Tyler Perry Studios Launches Short Film Dream Collective ‘For Up-And-Coming Directors’

Tyler Perry is empowering the next generation of filmmakers through his newly launched Dream Collective.

Tyler Perry is giving back in a major way with the launch of his Dream Collective short film program.

Deadline reports that Perry introduced the ‘Dream Collective Short Film Program’ to discover and support the next generation of filmmakers. Former Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Dawn Hudson and producer Nekisa Cooper will serve as advisors, helping to cultivate emerging talent, especially those from underrepresented communities.

Through the program, Perry will provide emerging filmmakers with unmatched access to industry experts, hands-on training, and personalized support to empower their continued careers in storytelling.

“For a long time, it’s been on my heart to create a program where I could take what I’ve learned in this business and share it with others. That’s why today, I’m honored and excited to introduce the Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective,” Perry said in a statement.

The five-stage application process begins on April 17. After the submission period closes on May 1, 100 finalists will be selected from an initial pool of 1,000 applicants in round one. In round two, these finalists will participate in a four-week virtual program designed to educate, inspire, and foster a strong community among filmmakers and industry professionals.

Round three will narrow the field to 10 winners, chosen based on their short film concepts. In round four, the 10 winners will engage in an immersive, 10-day hands-on training workshop at Tyler Perry Studios, including short film preparation.

Finally, in round five, five grand prize winners will each receive $30,000 from Tyler Perry Studios to produce their short films this fall in the greater Atlanta area.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for up-and-coming directors to learn about the craft and business of filmmaking from professionals at the top of their game,” Perry said.

“In a word, this is about access. Breaking into the industry can be tough–-believe me. When I started making movies 20 years ago, even though my stage plays were selling out, nobody in Hollywood knew my name or gave me a shot. The Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective is my dream of opening the door for the next generation of artists.”

Those interested in the Dream Collective can find more information HERE.

Ye, Kanye West, Kamala Harris, Trump — Photo by Gotham/GC Images

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 28, 2025

Ye Slapped With Copyright Infringement Lawsuit By German Singer Over Nazi Support

Ye’s anti-semitic banter has caused him to lose business deals with Gap, Adidas and Balenciaga.

German singer Alice Merton filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Ye, formally known as Kanye West, for alleged unauthorized usage of her music on Ye’s Vultures album, due to his support of Nazis, People reported.

The suit was filed on March 25, for “unauthorized commercial exploitation of the musical composition ‘Blindside’” and refusing to be associated with the rapper. The filing by song owners, Merton, Merton & Grauwinkel LLC and Paper Plane Publishing LLC, claim The College Dropout rapper “willfully engaged in the infringement of copyright with the composition of ‘Gun to the Head’ which contains an unauthorized sample” of the song.

Plaintiffs of the suit are pushing for “injunctive relief and damages” for the alleged copyright infringement and unfair competition.” “Plaintiffs were damaged by that infringement based on their ownership of the composition, including 50% of the publishers’ share and the writers’ share of those rights,” the filing additionally mentioned.

Filed in the California District Court, “Gun to My Head” was previewed during an early Vultures listening party back in December 2023. Garnering popular attention as the first collaboration with rapper Kid Cudi in years, Ye allegedly failed to clear the “Blindside” sample before previewing it publicly, according to Rolling Stone. Merton argues the sample “spans most of the entire song’s baseline melody,” in addition to “vocal recordings of the opening lyric line… ‘I sat down with a gun to my head.’”

The singer was allegedly “shocked and humiliated” following websites claiming the song was a “collaboration” with Ye, Kid Cudi, and Merton.

The lawsuit cites that Merton denied Ye’s request to clear the sample but failed to provide a reason why. However, when rights management giant BMG inquired, Merton and her team stated that West’s “values are contrary to our values,” specifically highlighting Ye’s controversial anti-semitic remarks. “Alice Merton was unwilling to compromise her personal beliefs and wanted not to be associated with [West] in any manner,” the filing states, adding “Merton is a German resident who has close ties to the Holocaust through Jewish family members who survived horrors and as such feels closely connected to it.”

“Of significant concern to plaintiff Merton, were defendant [West’s] antisemitic, racist remarks which were made publicly and continue to be made publicly.”

When the song was left off the album following its August 2024 release, Merton received threats, causing her fear of “returning to America for further tour dates.”

Ye’s anti-semitic banter has caused him to lose business deals with Gap, Adidas, and Balenciaga.

judge, racism remarks, recordings, Michigan, guilty, Adam Coy, debt scam — (Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 28, 2025

Rapper Sheff G Who Joined President Donald Trump At Bronx Rally Last Year Pleads Guilty To Attempted Murder

The Brooklyn drill rapper pleaded guilty to multiple top counts of second-degree attempted murder and second and fourth-degree conspiracy

One of the two Brooklyn drill rappers who appeared at a Donald Trump campaign rally in the Bronx last May has pled guilty to several charges leveled against him.

Sheff G, along with fellow rapper, Sleepy Hallow, were indicted as part of an investigation into a vast murder conspiracy by two Brooklyn gangs, the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways. Sheff pleaded guilty to multiple top counts of second-degree attempted murder and second- and fourth-degree conspiracy.

The Kings County (Brooklyn) District Attorney’s Office announced that the rapper, real name Michael Williams, made the plea in exchange for a five-year prison sentence and five years of post-release supervision. The District Attorney wanted the rapper to receive 20 years in prison for his guilty admission. The office stated that Sheff G is one of 32 alleged gang members of the 8 Trey Crips and its affiliate, the 9 Ways gang. Those members were named in a 140-count indictment for allegedly committing shootings, possessing guns, and using stolen cars during shootings against gang rivals.

“Notoriety could not shield this defendant from justice,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a written statement. “He used his fame to fund and direct violence, terrorizing our streets, and though we sought a much longer sentence, he will now be held to account. Brooklyn will not tolerate gangs that endanger our communities, and we remain committed to dismantling these criminal networks and holding those responsible fully accountable.”

Prosecutors have stated that many of the crimes committed were captured on surveillance videos. The suspected gang members allegedly bragged about the crimes via social media and in text messages. They discussed their violent acts and took credit for multiple shootings and an assault.

Seventeen gang members have already pleaded guilty, while there are 14 upcoming cases for the remaining defendants, including Tegan Chambers, who goes by the moniker Sleepy Hollow.

Sheff G is expected to be sentenced Aug. 13.