ibrahim-traore-du burkina faso
by Mitti Hicks

February 25, 2026

Burkina Faso and Ghana Seal Seven Key Deals To Boost Security, Trade In West Africa

Central to the discussions was security and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the region.

Ghana and Burkina Faso have signed seven key agreements that aim to strengthen trade, security, and cross-border cooperation along one of West Africa’s most strategic commercial routes.

According to Africa Business Insider, leaders from both countries secured the agreements during the latest session of the Permanent Joint Commission Cooperation (PJCC) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The trade agreements end a six-year hiatus for the two countries.

Central to the discussions was security and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. On Feb. 14, a terrorist attack in Burkina Faso killed seven Ghanaian traders and injured several others. As the Anadolu Agency reports, cross-border commerce between northern Ghana and Burkina Faso is an important route for food supply and is vital to traders and their livelihoods. As Burkina Faso experiences worsening violence from insurgent groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS (Daesh), neighboring countries are concerned about potential spillover.

Ahead of the talks, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, visited victims of the Feb. 14 terrorist attack in Titao at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

Both countries agreed to design and adopt a new security framework that aims to neutralize the growing threats of terrorism and violent extremism in the region.

What To Know About The Other Deals Between Burkina Faso and Ghana

In addition to security, the seven agreements focus on agricultural trade, border management, counterterrorism, disaster prevention, driver’s licenses, and more. One agreement aims to protect youth and regional security in a joint “no drug zone.” The agreement targets illicit cultivation, manufacture, and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Leaders from both sides also established a new partnership in disaster management to enhance preparedness and response mechanisms, particularly in addressing the perennial spillage from the Bagré Dam in Burkina Faso. According to Ghana Web, controlled spillages from the dam have caused severe flooding in communities across northern Ghana, destroying farms and displacing residents.

Leaders said the new cooperation mechanism would improve disaster preparedness and coordinated response.

RELATED CONTENT: Minding Our Own Business: How Garveyism Imagined Pan-African Identity

Nicki Minaj, Trump, gold card,citizenship
by Kandiss Edwards

February 25, 2026

Bless Her Heart: Nicki Minaj Praises Trump Bible As ‘Gift Of A Lifetime’

The Bible, gifted by Trump, bears his signature on the cover in bold black marker.

Rapper Nicki Minaj has shared a photo of a leather-bound Trump Bible and is over the moon about the gift.

Minaj posted a photograph on X, showing the signed copy of the “God Bless the USA” Bible, also known as the Trump Bible, a special edition King James version that includes foundational American documents.

In her caption, Minaj wrote, “One of the most meaningful gifts I’ve ever received in my entire life.” The edition is known among collectors and formerly retailed for nearly $1,000. 

The Bible, gifted by Trump, bears his signature in bold black marker on the cover. Minaj’s love for Trump has been well-documented in the first quarter of 2026. 

The God Bless the USA edition of the Bible was first produced in partnership with country artist Lee Greenwood and has been marketed as a patriotic item due to its inclusion of incomplete versions of the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minaj’s apparent joy at receiving the Bible follows a period of public political appearances, including a Turning Point USA rally. Over recent months, she has boisterously supported Trump by sharing photos and messages linking herself to the 34-time felon.

Recently, Minaj, the wife of registered sex offender Kenneth Petty, has spoken up on upcoming legislation. She specifically called for her legion of fans, the Barbz, to encourage their representatives to vote yes on the SAVE Act. The Pink Friday rapper proposed an exchange with her fans. If they agreed to engage politically, Minaj promised personal engagement.

“Dear Barbz, call your senators, then tweet #SaveAct to let me know you did it. Here’s a little video as a bribe to get you to do it,” she wrote in a post on X.

“If you all do it, I’ll let you choose between a new look & Spaces. The choice is yours.”

While Minaj has not formally declared a party affiliation, her online activity offers hints about her political leanings. Scrutiny abounds around her recent political engagement, as she is not a U.S. citizen, with many speculating that she’s lobbying to change that. 

RELATED CONTENT: Think The ‘Barbz’ Can Get The SAVE Act Passed? Nicki Minaj Thinks So

Isaac Hayes
by Kandiss Edwards

February 25, 2026

Isaac Hayes’ Estate Settles With Donald Trump Over Use Of ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’

The complaint alleged the continuous use of Isaac Hayes' "Hold On, I'm Coming" in campaign appearances and videos.

The estate and family of late soul singer Isaac Hayes have reached a settlement in their long-running copyright lawsuit against Donald Trump, who used the Hayes-penned song “Hold On, I’m Coming” during his 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns.

Originally filed in August 2024, the Hayes estate accused Trump and his campaign of using the 1966 hit without permission at political rallies in both the 2020 and 2024 election cycles continuously.

On Instagram, Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III, said he and the family “are satisfied with the outcome.” 

“This resolution represents more than the conclusion of a legal matter. It reaffirms the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and copyrights, especially as they relate to legacy, ownership, and the responsible use of creative works. Isaac Hayes, Jr. dedicated his life to his craft, and his contributions to music and culture carry enduring value. As stewards of his legacy, we remain committed to ensuring that his work is respected and properly protected.”

 

In the earlier litigation, U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash Jr. had granted a preliminary injunction in September 2024, which barred Trump’s campaign from further use of the song during events while the case moved forward. Lawyers for the Trump campaign told the court it had already stopped using the track. 

“Hold On, I’m Coming,” co-written by Hayes and David Porter and popularized by soul duo Sam & Dave, remains a classic. The legend, who died in 2008 at age 65, was an architect of many soul and R&B classics. 

Oher musicians have publicly opposed the use of their music at Trump events over the years, including Sabrina Carpenter, ABBA, and Celine Dion.

RELATED CONTENT: Donald Trump Sued By Isaac Hayes Estate For Using ‘Hold On, I’m Coming’ At Campaign Rallies

Utah Givernor, Black History Month,
by Ahsan Washington

February 25, 2026

Week 4: Black History Month National Events Closing Out February

Black History Month is a nationwide movement to both celebrate and learn about the Black culture

Black History Month is a nationwide movement that celebrates and educates about Black culture and the achievements of African Americans and Black people across the diaspora. 

To continue the monthlong immersion into Black history and the evolution of Black culture, check out BLACK ENTERPRISE’s four-week series on things to do to celebrate 100 years of Black history and culture across America.

Week four of Black History Month typically shifts from the initial excitement and momentum to a more profound and exploratory phase. Events during this period blend historical narratives, cultural celebrations, and community knowledge sharing, enabling participants to transcend mere remembrance and delve into understanding the enduring legacies and ongoing contributions of Black communities.

Black History Month Author Conversation Series – Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, which operates under the New York Public Library, is among the top global repositories of Black historical records and will host an author talk and an archival discussion. The event involves analyzing current Black academic work alongside contemporary literary output by Black writers. The event will start at 6:30 PM on Feb. 27 at 515 Malcolm X Blvd in Harlem, NYC. Harlem continues to serve as the worldwide intellectual center for the African diaspora, and Week 4 programming demonstrates how archival preservation supports modern-day intellectual leadership. The event is free to attend, but an RSVP is required

25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration – North Carolina Museum of History

Because of renovations at the North Carolina Museum of History, the 25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration will take place at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. The festival includes live performances, storytelling, artisan demonstrations, educational programs, and cultural activities for children and their families. The event focuses on African American artistic culture, intergenerational storytelling, and community education while maintaining Black history stories specific to the state. The event starts at 10:30 AM, with performances from United States Colored Troops reenactors, Carver High School’s Sound of the Swarm Marching Band, and The Magic of African Rhythm. Attendees can participate in workshops on cowrie-shell jewelry making and quilting while watching demonstrations of pottery, basketry, jewelry, and textile arts by artisans. The North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers will perform live storytelling. The event provides free admission to the general public.


Young John Lewis in Concert – Roswell Roots Festival

The hip-hop musical Young John Lewis in Concert will perform at the Roswell Roots Festival in Roswell, Georgia (Metro Atlanta). Theatrical Outfit presents a production that uses spoken word, original music, and theatrical storytelling to depict the early life of civil rights leader John Lewis. The event will take place at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, located at 950 Forrest Street, Roswell, Georgia 30075. The performance will start at 7:00 PM on Feb. 26. Modern audiences will learn about John Lewis’ legacy, which showcases his early activism. 


TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis – Reginald F. Lewis Museum

TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis exhibition at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture in Baltimore, celebrates the business accomplishments of the first African American to create a billion-dollar company. The exhibit examines Black economic leadership and legacy within the national business narrative and is available to visitors who have general museum admission during regular operating hours. The exhibit will remain on display through April 30. 


Black History Month Closeout Celebration – DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center in Chicago hosts a full-day cultural celebration to mark the end of Black History Month. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM, and will include performances, film screenings, and community programming. DuSable is the central hub for Chicago’s Black history observance, as it is one of the nation’s oldest independent Black museums. The event is free to attend, but some sessions may require RSVPs.

Giving You the Best That I Got – California African American Museum (CAAM)

The California African American Museum (CAAM) in Los Angeles presents Giving You the Best That I Got, a major exhibition featuring works by prominent Black artists. The exhibition uses painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia works to study joy, resilience, and excellence in the African American experience. The exhibition runs through Black History Month and early spring. Its title is dedicated to artistic excellence and emotional depth while putting Black cultural contributions at the forefront. The exhibition requires museum admission, and visitors should consult CAAM’s calendar for special talks and tours related to the show.

RELATED CONTENT: Slavery Exhibits Restored After Trump’s Failed Attempt To Hate On Black History

Sarah Bond, Xbox
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 25, 2026

Sarah Bond, 1st Black Woman President Of Xbox, Steps Down From Role At Gaming Company

Bond was first appointment to the role in October 2023.

Sarah Bond, the first Black woman to serve as chief operating officer and President of Xbox, is stepping down from her storied position.

Bond announced her departure from the role on LinkedIn, expressing her gratitude toward the company and her colleagues for transforming the world of e-console gaming. The Yale and Harvard Business School alum was first appointed to the position in October 2023, marking a historic first for Black women in executive leadership, especially for a multinational conglomerate.

Bond shared how she felt “incredibly proud” of the new tech advancements made before and within her leadership, including a new console underway.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together over the past eight-plus years,” she began the message, re-shared from an internal company email sent earlier. “When we announced our intention to acquire Activision Blizzard in 2022, I committed to helping lead Xbox through what would be a critical period of change. Over the past four years, we’ve navigated that moment together and positioned the business for what comes next. We took on some of the biggest challenges this organization has ever faced and did it as one team.”

During her tenure as president, she led the strategic direction of the company, including its acquisitions to scale its reach across the gaming industry. As the operational lead and face of Xbox, she also helped innovate its product development and marketing strategies to strengthen and grow its consumer base. Owned by Microsoft, Xbox is the tech corporation’s signature gaming brand.

Bond has been a long-time employee under the Xbox-Microsoft umbrella, previously serving as corporate vice president, as reported by Afrotech. She has also championed diversity within the workforce, serving as an executive sponsor of the Blacks @ Microsoft employee resource group.

However, her time with Xbox will evolve as she believes that new leadership should rise in the wake of a new technological era. While another woman in leadership, Asha Sharma, will take over as EVP and CEO of Microsoft Gaming, she hopes to aid her as they thoughtfully integrate AI into their operations. Despite this new development, Xbox remains committed to developing the next level of console gaming.

She continued,” With that, I’ve decided this is the right time for me to take my next step, both personally and professionally. We’re living through a transformative technological era that will shape the next generation of our industry, and I’m energized by what’s ahead. This moment also presents a unique opportunity for fresh eyes and new leadership to guide the team into its next chapter.”

Bond will not completely leave the Xbox community. She will serve as special advisor to help Sharma and their team transition to a new era of leadership.

RELATED CONTENT: Top 7 Video Games That Rewired Global Gaming In The 1990s

Prairie View A&M, Howard University, NCAA Tournament Games
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 25, 2026

Coca-Cola Makes BodyArmor NCAA Official Sports Drink, Taps Flau’jae And Brunson for TV Ads

Coca-Cola has made BodyArmor the official sports drink of the NCAA, replacing Powerade.

Coca-Cola is naming BodyArmor the official sports drink of the 2026 NCAA, replacing Powerade and expanding its growing presence as the official sports drink of NASCAR.

On Feb. 23, Coca-Cola announced it will spotlight BodyArmor across the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, marking a major promotional push since acquiring full control of the brand more than four years ago, Forbes reports. As part of the campaign, BodyArmor branding will appear on sideline cups, coolers, water bottles, and towels used by players and coaches during games.

The brand will also partner with more than 20 athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness deals for social and digital promotion, alongside TV commercials featuring Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks and Flau’jae Johnson of the LSU Tigers women’s basketball. The move replaces Powerade, another Coca-Cola product, which had served as the NCAA’s official sports drink since 2010.

Brunson, who joined BodyArmor in October 2024, brings his own championship pedigree, having won national titles with the Villanova Wildcats men’s basketball team in 2016 and 2018. BodyArmor brought Johnson onto its roster after the LSU star previously promoted Powerade. The four-year starter, who served on LSU’s 2023 national championship team, is projected as a top-five pick in April’s WNBA draft and also holds a music deal with Roc Nation.

“We wanted to make the shift over to the asset because we think she’s a perfect fit for the BodyArmor brand,” said Tom Gargiulo, chief marketing officer for BodyArmor and Powerade. “She’s had a ton of success with March Madness in the past…She’s just an incredible person that really represents the BodyArmor brand and ethos.”

BodyArmor becoming the NCAA’s official sports drink reflects Coca-Cola’s strategy to position the brand more heavily within U.S. sports, while shifting Powerade toward global events like the 2026 World Cup, major soccer leagues, and the Olympics. Powerade has held the NCAA title every year since 2010, except for 2019, when BodyArmor briefly took the spot after Coca-Cola’s initial investment, and Coca-Cola has been an NCAA sponsor since 2002.

RELATED CONTENT: NCAA May Allow Student-Athletes, Staff Members To Legally Bet On Pro Sports

Louis Vuitton, Pat McGrath,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 25, 2026

Pat McGrath Labs Secures $30M Financing After Filing Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

It's new financing from an existing lender.

The future is looking brighter for Pat McGrath after the beauty company secured $30 million in financing following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

On Feb. 17, the company announced $30 million in new financing from existing lender GDA PMG Funding, Retail Dive reports. As part of the agreement, founder and makeup artist Pat McGrath will step down as CEO and serve as chief creative officer.

“Pat McGrath Labs is a house built on audacious artistry, cultural relevance, and singular creative vision—one that has shaped the modern beauty conversation for over a decade,” a press release stated. “GDA Luma undertakes this investment with profound respect for that legacy, combined with the operational discipline and strategic perspective of an experienced global investor with a proven track record of repositioning iconic brands for enduring success.”

The agreement includes $10 million in new debtor-in-possession financing and at least $20 million in post-emergence working capital. GDA Luma will take a controlling equity stake in Pat McGrath Cosmetics—commonly known as Pat McGrath Labs—with court filings showing the firm plans to create a holding company that will own the reorganized brand outright. McGrath is expected to remain a significant equity owner.

A full recapitalization of Pat McGrath Labs is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with Paladin Management Group serving as chief restructuring officer throughout the Chapter 11 process. The restructuring follows earlier tensions between GDA Luma and the beauty brand’s founder when the bankruptcy filing was first announced in January.

At the time of the bankruptcy filing, McGrath sought court approval for $1 million in debtor-in-possession financing she planned to provide herself, a proposal GDA Luma opposed. In her declaration, McGrath said she had been acting at her lenders’ direction for months and wanted to remain in control of Pat McGrath Labs.

GDA, however, accused her of mismanaging the company’s assets and taking on high-interest debt rather than pursuing recapitalization talks. With the new financing in place, McGrath is stepping into a reduced executive role as part of the effort to keep the brand alive.

RELATED CONTENT: Louis Vuitton Taps Legendary Makeup Artist Pat McGrath As Creative Director Of Debut Cosmetics Line

podcast
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 25, 2026

How Lengthy Unemployment Stints Can Eat Away At Life Savings 

As of January 2026, the average unemployment stint for U.S.-based job seekers was a little over 11 weeks -- about three months.

The amount in some American savings accounts does not match how long it takes for those facing unemployment to find jobs.

Data from a Federal Reserve survey shows that close to half of Americans fail to have three months’ worth of expenses saved for emergencies or a “rainy day,” adding to the stress of not being able to pay bills during unemployment stints, Business Insider reports. 

Michele Wilke from Chicago found herself in that category after realizing she had less than $2,000 in her bank account following being laid off from her job. Concerned about being evicted from her apartment, she was forced to start a GoFundMe, raising roughly $3,000, and borrowed money from friends, accumulating over $20,000 in personal debt. 

She remained unemployed for eight months before finally landing a role as a catering sales manager in September 2025. “My goal is to make some money and pay off my debt,” Wilke said. “I want a fresh start.”

Wilke’s story is one of an ever-growing tale of how long bouts of joblessness can last in comparison to the rising cost of living expenses such as groceries, rent, and other essentials, squeezing the life out of household budgets. 

As of January 2026, the average unemployment stint for American-based job seekers was a little over 11 weeks — about three months — which is a massive increase from eight weeks in 2022. That’s not even the worst of it. During the same period, one-fourth of unemployed Americans had been looking for work for almost seven months or more. 

Others put in the unemployed category have described the job search as a “ticking time bomb.” Joanelle Cobos said that by the time she was laid off as a design manager at Amazon, her emergency fund had grown to about $25,000. However, she touched on that if being jobless continues, the Las Vegas native says it will soon run out. 

Overzealous job seekers in this bleak American economy should also be cautious of scams. According to ABC 7 News, Dawn Furseth, 60, lost $176,000 of her life savings after accepting what she thought was a remote job with Facebook after finishing contract work for a software company in the Bay Area of California. 

But after restarting her job search in October 2025, she thought she had found a position after being paired with a “training mentor” who coached her during the onboarding process — only communicating on WhatsApp.

Furseth said within the blink of an eye, her savings were gone, calling the issue “infuriating.” “It’s terrifying… because I had a good job for most of my career… and one stupid mistake and it’s gone…” she said.

RELATED CONTENT: Part 2: How To Catch Up With Your Retirement Savings

Jarred Shaw, cannabis gummies, basketball, Indonesia
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 24, 2026

American Basketball Player Jarred Shaw Avoids Death Penalty But Faces Health Challenges in Indonesian Prison

He has Crohn's disease, and his incarceration makes it difficult to receive the proper nutrition.

American basketball player Jarred Shaw, who was playing professionally in Indonesia before being arrested for receiving imported cannabis gummies, was staring down the prospect of execution, but, after a judge found him guilty of drug possession and cleared him of the trafficking charge, he took the death penalty off the table.

According to The Guardian, Shaw learned his fate in December when the presiding judge sentenced him to 26 months in jail, including time served, and fined him $50,000—a relief in comparison to facing a firing squad in a foreign land. However, the reason he ordered the gummies was to treat his Crohn’s disease. Unfortunately, the prison food he eats does not help his condition; in fact, he has lost 35 pounds since being locked up.

“When I got arrested, I was 245lbs,” says the six-foot, 11-inch Shaw. “I’m down to 210lbs now, and it’s concerning. The proper nutrition isn’t here.”

So, although he is not facing the death penalty, he is suffering from a condition that could potentially lead to his death.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. There is no known cure at the moment.

The basketball player’s ordeal began last May when he grabbed a package from the lobby of his apartment complex. On May 7, Indonesian police confiscated 132 pieces of cannabis candy. Law enforcement officials were tipped off by customs at the airport that Shaw had received a suspicious package via air from Thailand, according to Ronald Sipayung, the Soekarno-Hatta Airport police chief.

Shaw stated that cannabis helps alleviate symptoms of the disease, and he would use it for medical purposes in Thailand, where he lived during the offseason.

“Looking back, it’s just a f**ked situation,” Shaw told the media outlet via telephone from his prison west of Jakarta. “I wish I could go back and change my actions, but it was definitely a relief to know I wasn’t getting the death penalty.”

After being in jail for six months, Shaw was assessed by a doctor who said that the basketball player was enduring abdominal pain, had mild anemia, and tested positive for E coli infection. If not properly cared for, it can cause diarrhea, bleeding, and fever. The doctor also said Shaw was previously diagnosed with ulcerated colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease.

Since the doctor’s assessment, Shaw has been waiting to be taken to the hospital for three days of testing, including a colonoscopy and intestinal ultrasound, which the doctor recommended.

“We’re trying to get them to understand,” he says. “Even though there’s no cure for [Crohn’s], you have to treat it, or it could get worse. Hopefully, someone with higher power can at least help me get to the hospital.”

He is still hoping to get out of jail, as his attorneys are petitioning Indonesia’s minister of health to consider a compassionate release. They hope his lack of a criminal record and his cooperation in court will be enough to secure his release. 

RELATED CONTENT: Lewis Walker Breaks Freshman Scoring Record At North Carolina A&T

Jay-Z, old west, black folks, book of Clarence, new testament, film, produce, movie, Reebok, super bowl
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 24, 2026

JAY-Z Reissues ‘Dead Presidents’ On 30th Anniversary Of Original Release

It's the first time the original single has been released in digital form.

On Feb. 20, 1996, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter released the single “Dead Presidents” on Roc-A-Fella Records. To celebrate the release’s 30th anniversary, the hip-hop icon has released the original version of the song online for the first time ever.

According to Billboard, the latest original single was released with the original artwork—older hip-hop fans may notice the original spelling of Jay-Z with an umlaut “Hovering” over the “y.” The single has also been released as a limited-edition cassette, vinyl, and CD, as it was originally sold in 1996.

The single preceded Jay-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt, by nearly four months. A different version of “Dead Presidents” appeared on the album under the title “Dead Presidents II.”
 
Although this was the first single under Roc-A-Fella’s distribution deal with Priority, it was not the first song released by the rapper, who has become a household name in business and the wider culture.

That feat was accomplished two years earlier, when Jay-Z, Damon Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke pooled their money to start the label.

In 1994, on a white label that featured the first Roc-A-Fella Records logo, featuring a champagne bottle with “Jay-Z” embedded on it, the rapper released a song called “In My Lifetime.” That single was produced by Ski from the Bronx hip-hop group Original Flavor, who also produced “Dead Presidents.”
 
The flip side featured a song with production from DJ Clark Kent, “I Can’t Get Wid Dat.”

Fans who want to hear the song without jumping through membership hoops can head to JAYZ30.com. While there, visitors can sign up for updates. Rumor has it that this is the beginning of a rollout for a 30th anniversary Reasonable Doubt, though there has been no indication from Roc Nation. 

RELATED CONTENT: Tina Knowles Stays ‘Classy’ While Clapping Back Against ‘Ignorance And Evil’

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