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.

by Kandiss Edwards

February 24, 2026

Video Shows Distraught Dad Attacking Son’s Alleged Murderer In Courthouse

The altercation occurred during a scheduled court appearance tied to a motion to revoke Marion McKnight’s bond.

A Charlotte father was arrested after attacking the man accused of killing his teenage son inside the Mecklenburg County Courthouse on Thursday, Feb. 19, an act that was caught on video.

Shaheem Snype, 47, faces a misdemeanor charge of assault inflicting serious injury.

Video of the incident depicts Snype running toward Marion McKnight, who is charged in the killing of Snype’s 16-year-old son, Jamariyae Dixon, punching him several times, and then knocking him to the ground.

Once on the ground, Snype is shown repeatedly kicking McKnight. The officer escorting McKnight attempted to intervene and appeared to also fall to the ground.

Authorities said McKnight was transported to a hospital following the incident.

The altercation occurred during a scheduled court appearance tied to a motion to revoke McKnight’s bond, Queens City News reported. Prosecutors had filed the motion one day earlier. McKnight had been granted pretrial release in November 2025 under conditions that included electronic monitoring and a $100,000 secured bond.

Shaheem Snype, the father of now deceased Jamariyae Dixon, dispensed a little street justice on Marion McKnight who is accused of shooting and killed his son in the Charlotte Mecklenburg courthouse yesterday.

McKnight is charged with first-degree murder, as well as the attempted… pic.twitter.com/5LahVdmVsG
— Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) February 21, 2026

Dixon’s aunt, Susan Sherrill, told Queen City News that Snype “did what he had to do as a father.”

She added, “Any father would’ve did the same thing. We’re still grieving. This is a wound that will never ever close because my nephew was 16 years old, and he should still be here with us.”

McKnight’s attorney, Mike Kabakoff, said it “was the most violent assault I’ve seen in a courthouse in my 22 years as a lawyer. Any parent can sympathize with the intense grief of losing a child, but the violence we saw in court on Thursday was unacceptable.”

Jamariyae Dixon’s mother disagreed.

“My face smiled,” Lynette Dixon said. “I smiled. That was the first time I had a real smile since my son been gone.”

Snype was released later that day after posting a $1,000 bond.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police said Jamariyae Dixon was shot on May 23, 2025, on Stroud Park Court and died four days later at Atrium Health. Detectives identified McKnight as a suspect and charged him with murder.

The bond revocation hearing will be rescheduled due to the incident.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 24, 2026

Ghanaians Wear Fugu Smocks For Cultural Pride After President Was Mocked On Social Media

"Fugu Day" now takes place every Wednesday in Ghana, encouraging everyone to wear the traditional outfit.

Every week, Ghanaians wear Fugu smocks in an act of cultural pride after their president was mocked for the attire.

The countrymen wanted to showcase their love for Ghanaian clothing and heritage after their President, John Dramani Mahama, became the subject of jokes for his traditional outfit. According to AP News, President Mahama wore the Fugu smock during a visit to Zambia. Released photos of the February trip prompted social media users to unjustly clown the attire.

While the incident left many Ghanaians rightfully offended, West Africans chose to show their love for their country by wearing fugu smocks around Accra. Every Wednesday is now “Fugu Day,” as coined and legalized by Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie on Feb. 10.

In celebration of the new holiday, Peace Corps Ghana shared photos of participants in the fashionable festivities.

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A post shared by Peace Corps Ghana (@peacecorpsghana)

“Fugu, also called batakari, is a handwoven smock with deep cultural roots originating in Northern Ghana. Today, it’s worn across the country for cultural events, formal gatherings, and traditional ceremonies,” explained the nonprofit.

Not only are Ghanaians wearing the traditional outfit to work on this designated day, but they are also incorporating it more into their everyday fashion.

“It makes me feel connected to where I come from,” explained one businessman, Wango Abdul Karim, to the news outlet.

AP also explained the deeper cultural history behind the fugu smock. The art form itself stems from centuries-old weaving traditions. However, the smock became a symbol of Ghanaian pride after the country’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, wore the outfit at Ghana’s inaugural independence ceremony in 1957.

The cloth still takes shape using traditional methods, as weavers stitch together handwoven strips of cotton fabric. Often paired with a matching cap, the fugu smocks’ patterns also vary by region. The clothing item remains a beacon of African heritage, with contemporary designs helping Ghanaians keep a piece of the batakari even with modern fashions.

“We want to show that you can wear the northern fabric in different ways,” shared one designer, Perfectual Linnan, whose line incorporates the traditional cloth into contemporary pieces. “If you’re not into the traditional smock, you can still carry a piece of culture with you.”

The resurgence of the fugu smock and the national call for Ghanaians to wear it at least once a week could also benefit the local economy. Big and small designers in Accra can take part in this new initiative and subsequent “Wear Ghana” campaign, which promotes homegrown fashion boutiques.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 24, 2026

Google Sued For Allegedly Firing Pregnant Software Engineer Who Took FMLA Leave

A former software engineer has filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging she was fired after taking FMLA leave during her second pregnancy.

A former software engineer has filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging she was fired after taking FMLA leave during her pregnancy.

In Yao v. Google LLC, filed Feb. 18, the plaintiff alleges a former manager engaged in unlawful discrimination based on sex, pregnancy, and disability, HR Drive reported. According to the complaint, Google terminated her after she took leave for two pregnancies, in violation of state and federal law.

In the suit, the plaintiff describes how she was forced to end her first pregnancy due to a medical complication and took five days of sick leave followed by four weeks of bereavement leave. When she returned, she alleges her supervisor began giving her poor performance reviews despite meeting project deadlines, setting what she described as “unachievable” goals, and subjecting her to heightened criticism, even though she had no prior performance issues and continued fulfilling her work responsibilities.

The plaintiff alleges that when she questioned her negative reviews, her manager blamed her time off, citing “slow velocity” and project delays. Less than a year later, she became pregnant again and informed her supervisor that the pregnancy would likely be high-risk. After a fall, her doctor recommended that she take leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

She claims that once she disclosed the pregnancy, her manager imposed increasingly strict weekly planning requirements and added new milestones despite her meeting expectations. According to the lawsuit, she was fired just one day after beginning her leave.

The plaintiff claims her high-risk pregnancy significantly limited major life activities and normal bodily functions, making it a disability under Washington state’s anti-discrimination law. She also alleges Google failed to provide reasonable accommodations and unlawfully interfered with her right to take FMLA leave during her second pregnancy.

The lawsuit adds to past pregnancy discrimination claims against Google, including a 2019 complaint from a former employee who alleged bias after maternity leave.

Cases like this remain a major focus for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which reached several settlements with employers last year over alleged pregnancy-related discrimination.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 24, 2026

Alabama’s Charles Bediako Is Requesting To Play College Hoops While Appeal Is Pending

After being told he is ineligible to play college sports, he is appealing the decision but wants to play the rest of the season, which ends next month.

Less than two months after a judge ruled that he was not eligible to play college sports, Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako has returned to court, requesting that he be allowed to play the rest of the basketball season while his appeal is pending.

According to ESPN, attorneys for Bediako have filed an appeal on Feb. 23 in Tuscaloosa of the decision by Circuit Court Judge Daniel Pruet, who ruled that Bediako did not have a “reasonable expectation” to return to the college ranks, as no other player before him had been given that opportunity after playing professional sports.

But, in the meantime, as the college basketball season is winding down, Bediako’s lawyers are asking the Alabama Supreme Court to give the player “interim injunctive relief” so he can play the rest of the season for the University of Alabama.

“Injunctive relief is warranted while Plaintiff’s appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court is pending,” it states in the motion of his appeal. Not allowing him to play (the regular season ends March 7, with the postseason ending April 6) “will become moot without interim relief” as the appeal “is unlikely to resolve before the season concludes.”

Bediako, who played for Alabama from 2021 to 2023, made himself eligible for the NBA Draft. He signed a two-way NBA contract and played the last three seasons in the G League.

After the judge granted him a temporary restraining order earlier this year, allowing Bediako to return to the basketball court, Judge Pruet denied the basketball player’s motion for a preliminary injunction on Feb. 9, effectively ending his college basketball career, again. Bediako has played in five games, averaging 10 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks a game.

The University of Alabama feels the rules are unfair, since several foreign players have been granted the right to play in college even after playing professionally overseas. Several G League players were deemed eligible, including James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA draft pick, who was allowed to play this season.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 24, 2026

EEOC, OPM Says Remote Work Requests Can Be Denied If Social Media Show Lack Of Disability Claims

It has been an uphill battle for the disabled community since President Donald Trump signed an executive order for federal workers to leave remote work life behind and return to the office.

New documents show the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) permit federal agencies to deny work-from-home requests if employees’ social media shows evidence against their disability claims, AL reports.

The Feb. 11 document says social media can be used against employees, stating agencies don’t have to “turn a blind eye to evidence tending to show that an employee is not entitled to an accommodation or that an employee acted in bad faith.” The agencies under the Trump administration claim the motive is led by people claiming to be disabled and showcasing that they are not.

“Agencies have reported instances when employees assert they cannot drive to commute to work but are routinely observed doing so for personal activities,” the document continues.

“In other cases, employees assert they cannot perform work functions involving walking or other biomechanical motions, yet their public social media shows them routinely engaging in strenuous physical activity outside of work.”

It has been an uphill battle for the disabled community since President Donald Trump signed an executive order for federal workers to leave remote work life behind and return to the office. Since then, agencies and major companies have run out of ideas for complying without violating disability laws — and have been forced to pay up if sued.

In October 2025, National Grid was ordered to pay close to $3.1 million to two former disabled dispatchers in Brooklyn, New York, after their requests to work from home were denied. The verdict found the utility company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as New York City and state human rights laws.

While OPM Director Scott Kupor revealed the government has granted about 10% of exemptions, disability advocates say that’s not enough, and social media should not be used against them. “Telework can resolve issues for people with all sorts of disabilities, but agencies have been contorting themselves to offer alternatives to telework,” Federal Practice Group Partner Debra D’Agostino cited.

“If telework has been working, and this employee has outstanding appraisals, and it has not posed any impediment to their ability to do their job, why are we wasting resources to try to redo this?”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 24, 2026

Tisha Campbell’s New Book On Son’s Autism Serves As ‘Love Letter’ To Kids On The Spectrum

Tisha Campbell is opening up in her new memoir about her motherhood journey and the experience of raising her autistic son, Xen.

Tisha Campbell is opening up in her new book, offering an intimate look at her motherhood journey as she raises her autistic son, Xen.

On Feb. 23, the My Wife and Kids star announced her upcoming memoir, The A Word: A Mother’s Journey Through Autism and Love. Slated for a fall release through Amistad, the book will explore the “triumphs and challenges” she has faced while raising her son, who was diagnosed with autism at 18 months, People reported.

The memoir was a true labor of love for Campbell, who wrote the book herself after years of autism awareness and advocacy work, including co-producing the 2013 documentary short Colored My Mind, which explores how autism is often overlooked in Black and Hispanic communities. Campbell describes the book as a heartfelt “love letter” to children on the spectrum and to the parents and caregivers who support them.

”This book goes beyond what you know about me publicly,” the actress wrote on Instagram. “It’s raw and the most vulnerable I’ve ever been because I wrote this book all by myself. No ghostwriter just…me and although every individual with autism is different it’s my hope that my story, OUR testimony, will help that individual, their parent, or caretaker in some way.”

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A post shared by Tisha Campbell (@tishacampbellmartin)

In The A Word, which includes a forward from fellow autism advocate Holly Robinson Peete, Campbell reflects on first learning of Xen’s diagnosis and on the family’s journey as they navigate therapy, everyday challenges, and lingering social misconceptions. The memoir also highlights Xen’s “extraordinary individuality,” blending a heartfelt story of motherhood and love with Campbell’s signature humor.

Known for her humor both on- and off-screen, the Martin star said the memoir will include plenty of laughs while still approaching the subject with care and sensitivity.

“Most people know me as ‘the funny one,’ and it’s true. The memories I shared in this book have moments of comedic levity — I mean, come on, guys … It’s me!” Campbell said. “However, for the very first time in my life, I’ve stepped out from behind the smiling mask I wear to show my vulnerabilities and my tenacity, while holding onto hope in the face of so much adversity.”

For the devoted mother, Campbell hopes her memoir will inspire and uplift the autism community while offering encouragement to families and caregivers navigating similar journeys.

“Every battle I fought, every door I kicked down, every night I cried, but refused to surrender was for one reason: my son, Xen,” Campbell shared. “If our story puts even one family on the right path sooner, then every word was worth it. This book is my heart, my fight and my testimony — because my son didn’t just need a mother. He needed a warrior, and Xen made me both.”

50 cent, T.I., King Harris, feud, Verzuz

by Kandiss Edwards

February 24, 2026

City Of South Fulton Police: ‘Stop Calling’ About T.I. And 50 Cent Beef

Metro-Atlanta is an unserious place.

The City of South Fulton Police Department drew laughs online after posting a tongue-in-cheek message about the ongoing lyrical dispute between T.I. and 50 Cent, telling residents to stop calling authorities about what it described as a “verbal discrepancy of lyrical proportions.”

The department’s Facebook post said the matter “falls outside of our investigative jurisdiction” and added, “No units dispatched for vocabulary disputes,” in a clear attempt to inject humor into the viral hip-hop exchange. The post quickly gained traction across social media.

“We are fully aware that T.I. and 50 Cent are currently engaged in a verbal discrepancy of lyrical proportions.

Please stop calling us about it…

After conducting a preliminary linguistic analysis of Mr. Harris’ expansive vernacular, we’ve determined this matter falls outside of our investigative jurisdiction

Translation:

We don’t know what half them words meant… but it sounded articulate. Let’s make sure everybody get’s along.”

Rappers 50 Cent, T.I., and T.I.’s son King Harris have reignited their public feud after 50 Cent shared an unflattering photo of T.I.’s wife, Tiny, on Instagram. The move by rap’s pettiest veteran sparked an intense social media back-and-forth between the Harris family and the artists involved.

The exchange began on Feb. 22 when T.I. discussed a potential Verzuz battle with 50 Cent on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast.

T.I. claimed the two had agreed to take part in a Verzuz in the past, but the event did not proceed as planned.

“We talked about this. We said what we were gon’ do… I have no interest in standing on stage with him. I don’t respect him,” T.I. said.

In response to T.I.’s comments, 50 Cent posted the unflattering photo of Tiny on Instagram with the caption, “I keep saying keep my name out ya mouth, ok?”

T.I. then replied on Twitter with a post captioned “Oh you ni66az want WAR?!?! Aight…WE ON THAT!!!!” alongside a new song titled War. It was not made clear whether or not the song was a direct diss to 50 Cent, though it can surely be interpreted that way.

T.I.’s son, King Harris, also known as Kid Saiyan, later joined the online back-and-forth. In a video shared on social media, King criticized 50 Cent for an Instagram post directed at Tiny. The younger Harris then posted a video at the grave of 50 Cent’s mother.

50 Cent responded to Harris’s comments with a brief “LOL” caption on a post featuring a popular frog-face meme, XXL reported. Tiny Harris has not publicly commented on the feud involving her husband and her son.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 24, 2026

BAFTA Judge Steps Down After ‘Utterly Unforgivable’ Tourette’s N-Word Controversy

A British Academy of Film and Television Arts judge has stepped down following backlash over how the academy handled the televised N-word incident.

A judge in the emerging talent category has stepped down from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) after raising concerns about how racial slurs were handled during the televised ceremony.

Jonte Richardson, an independent producer who has worked on the BET Awards, took to social media a day after the Feb. 22 ceremony to criticize the British Academy of Film and Television Arts for its “handling of the unfortunate Tourette’s N-word incident,” calling it “utterly unforgivable,” Deadline reported.

He also accused the organization of repeatedly failing to protect the dignity of its Black guests, members, and the wider creative community.

“I hope BAFTA leadership comprehends the damage they and the BBC have caused and takes the necessary steps to ensure their production staff is inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future,” Richardson wrote, as captured by Philip Lewis.

Black filmmaker Jonte Richardson says he is stepping down as a BAFTA judge: pic.twitter.com/urUuyetBFb
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 23, 2026

Richardson said stepping down was “unfortunate,” especially with what he called an exceptional lineup of Black creatives this year, including the team behind Just Act Normal, created by Janice Okoh. He added that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts has a “long history of systemic racism,” an issue he has previously raised when criticizing the British Film Institute over funding decisions affecting filmmakers of color.

“I cannot and will not contribute my time, energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community,” he said.

The controversy stems from an incident involving Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson, the subject of the film I Swear, who was heard shouting the N-word toward Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo during the ceremony.

Host Alan Cumming addressed it onstage, explaining that involuntary tics can be part of Tourette’s syndrome, while BAFTA later issued an apology and said it took “full responsibility,” noting Davidson has no control over his vocal outbursts. Davidson said he was “deeply mortified” if anyone interpreted his tics as intentional.

Lindo addressed the moment, adding that he and Jordan “did what we had to do” while presenting the best visual effects award to Avatar: Fire and Ash, but said he wished “someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterwards.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 24, 2026

Black Influencer With Tourette’s Syndrome Explains Reality Of ‘Tics’ As Celebs Slam BAFTA Scandal

The BAFTA controversy has left many divided on the intentions of the man who hurled the slur.

Shayla Amamiya, a Black influencer with Tourette’s syndrome, broke down the reality of tics as celebrities like Jamie Foxx called out the BAFTA controversy.

The influencer posted a reel giving deeper context behind John Davidson’s racially-charged tics at the British Film Academy Awards (BAFTA) Feb. 22. Davidson, an activist with Tourette’s syndrome, shouted the n-word as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented on stage, leaving many confused and shocked by the ordeal.

Some began to deny Davidson’s claims that the n-word was an uncontrollable tic, stating that his illness does not excuse racism. While agreeing that the situation remains nuanced, with onlookers able to have complex feelings regarding the outburst, the influencer also shared another side.

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A post shared by shayla amamiya 🧸 (@killk1yoshi)

“I’m not going to say that people can’t be offended by the fact that somebody said the n-word as a tic. However, it’s not something that somebody can control. It’s not something that somebody wants to say,” argued the influencer.

Despite the empathy for both sides, she also encouraged those offended to dive deeper into how the disorder often presents itself. The woman explained how many people with TS can also have coprolalia, a symptom of the disorder that includes shouting out obscene words.

“We must understand what coprolalia is. [It] causes involuntary swearing and inappropriate tics. This can include the N-word slurs, etc. I am a black person, and even I have the n-word tic and slurs as tics. This is something I don’t see many talk about because of situations like this.”

Even with her context, she still allowed people to express their disappointment with the unfortunate circumstances, especially the actors and audience members who were directly affected. While she emphasized that Jordan and Lindo have “the right” to feel upset, especially if they were unaware, she still called for education on how these tics come to life.

“Yes, it is a very unfortunate situation. Seeing so many people say that they would invoke violence against people with coprolalia if they can’t control their tics. That’s ableism…it’s something that we can’t control. [Its] aggression in the brain being triggered, and ultimately causing inappropriate tics.”

The entire issue sparked debate among Hollywood circles as well as the Black and disabled communities. Jamie Foxx also slammed Davidson for his “unacceptable” remarks, arguing that he meant to say the slur towards the Black actors.

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

While Foxx received pushback by disability activists for his harsh take on the situation, some Black and disabled commentators also sided with the actor, stating that Davidson’s words still had racist implications. However, given that TS is an uncontrollable neurological disorder, the situation is not as clear-cut as typical bouts of racisms.

The incident has left many divided on Davidson’s intentions, while others called for empathy and understanding for the unusual moment.