Black Restaurant Week, Memphis
(Photo: Getty Images)
by Kandiss Edwards

March 15, 2025

Memphis Black Restaurant Week Is Back, Let ‘Em Cook!

Memphis Restaurant Week returns March 16-22.

Memphis Black Restaurant Week is set to return from March 16-22, celebrating the rich culinary scene of the Tennessee city. Known for its world-renowned barbecue, Memphis boasts a diverse food culture that extends beyond smoked meats to a variety of Black diasporic cuisines.

Founded in 2016, Memphis Black Restaurant Week highlights Black-owned restaurants and stimulates the local economy. Cynthia Daniels, the event’s founder, first conceptualized the initiative after working with restaurateur Fran Mosley.

“[In 2015,] I met Fran Mosley. She wanted to open her own restaurant and asked if I could help her with social media. At first, it was booming. And then there was no traffic. I said we should get in newspapers, radio spots—things that are very expensive. She shared with me that she had poured her life savings into opening the restaurant,” Daniels told The Local Palate in 2020.

That realization led Daniels to launch Memphis Black Restaurant Week just a year later, aiming to bring visibility to Black-owned dining establishments often regarded as “hidden treasures.”

This year’s event will spotlight a variety of restaurants that not only uphold Memphis’ barbecue legacy but also showcase the diverse culinary traditions of the Black diaspora. Featured restaurants include:

Memphis Jamaican Kitchen

Serving authentic Caribbean flavors with classic Jamaican dishes, the Memphis Jamaican Kitchen promises to serve you a plate full of flavor.

The Four Way

The Four Way is a historic soul food institution, serving Memphis since the 1940s. Formally known as the Four Way Grill, this eatery fed Civil Rights legends, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Al Sharpton.

Bala’s Bistro

This Memphis Bistro offers a place for vegetarians and vegans to eat their fill. The restaurant offers a fusion of African and global flavors with a focus on healthy options.

Biscuit and Jams

A brunch favorite known for its creative takes on classic Southern biscuits. Biscuit and Jams is for the breakfast lovers. For those who are not early birds, drop in for a soulful brunch.

Sweet Potato Pie Whiskey Café

 Blending soulful flavors with an extensive whiskey selection, this cafe is the perfect place to meet up with friends. A boozy brunch is guaranteed. 

Mande Dibi West African BBQ-Grill

Mande Dibi showcases traditional West African barbecue with bold, smoky flavors. A staple of the spot is its “mustard and pili pili” sauce said to add “tongue biting” flavor.

Memphis Black Restaurant Week continues to grow as a platform that not only highlights exceptional cuisine but also champions the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Black restaurateurs in the city. If you’re in or around, check out a few of the suggested Black-owned restaurants. 

RELATED CONTENT: National Civil Rights Museum, Unite Memphis To Host Largest Unity Walk In Nation

Nikole Hannah-Jones, literary salon, Brooklyn
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: Reporter and Creator of the landmark 1619 Project Nikole Hannah-Jones speaks onstage during "The History ofDemocracy and Voter Suppression in America" segment at When We All Vote Inaugural Culture Of Democracy Summit on June 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
by Mary Spiller

March 15, 2025

Nikole Hannah-Jones Organizes Black Author ‘Read-In’ After Waterloo, Iowa, District Cancels Due To Trump’s Anti-DEI Policies

Waterloo allegedly canceled the original read-in event under threat from the Trump administration's new education initiatives.

Nikole Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Howard University professor, has taken it into her own hands to keep Black writers and authors in the forefront. On March 15, Hannah-Jones hosted her very own Waterloo, Iowa, “African American Read-In,” after the original one was canceled due to President Donald Trump’s threat to withhold K-12 funding if schools do not remove diversity from their curriculum.

Waterloo is the school district with the largest percentage of Black children in Iowa, with a population of 67,000, highlighting the importance of Hannah-Jones’ read-in. Usually, the district would participate in its own annual “read-in” that would take place across the entire state. The event would highlight Black books, authors, and themes as they are being threatened within the curriculum.

However, K-12 schools in Waterloo have decided to cancel this year’s readings and have attributed the change in part to Trump’s constant push to eradicate race-based teachings across America. He has reportedly threatened to withhold government funding from any K-12 schools that continue to incorporate diversity into its curriculum. After hearing that Waterloo wouldn’t be having a read this year, Hannah-Jones stepped in to do it herself.

In a video posted on her social media on March 10, Hannah-Jones officially announced she will be presenting “An African American Read-In” in Waterloo. The event will be completely free to those who attend and will feature an impressive panel of Black authors to host readings and conversations about Black books. Hannah-Jones added that she will hand out “hundreds” of free books, including her very own — The 1619 Project.

In her hometown of Waterloo, and as a former reporter for The New York Times, Hannah-Jones participated in creating The 1619 Project — a book featuring a series of articles that meticulously traced modern American life to its roots in slavery.

Hannah-Jones’ The 1619 Project has printed both an adult version and a picture-book version adapted for children.

In the video posted to her Instagram account, Hannah-Jones began, “Why am I holding this event? Waterloo is my hometown, and Waterloo has the most heavily Black school district in the state of Iowa, and it is the most heavily Black city in the state of Iowa.”

She continued, “And they backed out because of the new directives coming out of the Trump administration. And that’s really the reason these directives exist … They are really to intimidate school districts from teaching Black history and Black books. And so my district decided not to participate for fear of consequences.”

She explained that the decision is what spurred the 1619 Freedom School — an after-school academy Hannah-Jones previously founded — to step in.

“We decided we would not deprive our children — all of our children, of all races — of the ability to read inspiring and affirming books about the Black experience.”

She listed several of her writer friends who would be attending the read-in, including Jacqueline Woodson, Derek Barnes, and Tammy Charles.

She concluded, “So this Saturday we will have a massive, colossal, beautiful community African American read-in.”

The March 15 event will run between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Waterloo West High School.

RELATED CONTENT: Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones to Open ‘1619 Freedom School’

NeNe Leakes, YouTube,show
(Photo: Momodu Mansaray/WireImage)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 15, 2025

Nene Leakes Debuts New Talk Show On YouTube, ‘We ‘Bout To Have A Time’

Nene Leakes debuts her new talk show on YouTube.

Nene Leakes is making a grand return with a new talk show, giving fans a regular dose of her presence during her break from reality television.

One week after teasing the talk show, The Real Housewives of Atlanta star returned to Instagram to officially announce The Nene Leakes Show.

“Introducing “The Nene Leakes Show” Available TOMORROW on YouTube. The link is in my bio. Are you ready? We bout to have a timeeeeee talkin a whole lotta sh*t,” she captioned her announcement.

She also confirmed that she will still be doing her Me and My Homegirl podcast with Sierra Gates.

Leakes welcomed reality TV producer Carlos King as her first guest, where the two got candid about their love lives and sexual preferences. Elsewhere, she sat down with blogger Michelle “ATLien” Brown, where she discussed her friend Porsha Williams’ divorce from Simon Guobadia as well as the circumstances surrounding Wendy Williams’ conservatorship.

The show premiered exclusively on YouTube and serves as Leakes’ next step in transitioning from reality star to a powerful independent media presence. With her sharp wit, bold commentary, and undeniable charisma, Leakes continues to be a pop culture icon just as she was 12 seasons on RHOA.

This new venture allows the former Glee star to expand her influence beyond reality TV and into the digital media landscape. Fans of Leakes expressed their excitement in the comments.

“YES. THIS HAS FINALLY COME TO FRUITION,” a Housewives fan page wrote.

“Yesss we get you on the podcast and your own show I love it!!!!” added someone else.

In addition to The Nene Leakes Show, fans can also tune in to her podcast with Love & Hip Hop Atlanta star Sierra Gates. The show features Leakes and Gates engaging in candid conversations about current events, their personal journeys, and everything in between.

These two shows will offer some comfort to fans who love watching Leakes in action. However, many are still calling for her return to RHOA on Bravo, especially following her highly publicized fallout with the network.

RELATED CONTENT: NeNe Leakes’ Bank Account Garnished $25K To Repay Debt For Former Swagg Boutique

Arlington National Cemetery, Black, Hispanic, Female, Veterans
Photo by Hugo Magalhaes: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sign-pointing-the-direction-to-the-tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier-at-arlington-national-cemetery-16156724/
by Mitti Hicks

March 15, 2025

Arlington National Cemetery Website Scrubs Pages On Prominent Black, Hispanic, And Female Veterans

Arlington National Cemetery is the most regarded final resting ground in the United States, but it has scrubbed the history of Black veterans and more.

Arlington National Cemetery is the most regarded final resting ground in the United States, but it has scrubbed the history of Black veterans and more. The cemetery is overseen by silent soldiers in uniforms that watch over hundreds of acres in Virginia and 400,000 graves of U.S. service members dating back to the Civil War. The cemetery includes two presidents and more than 400 Medal of Honor recipients.

But as Task & Purpose points out, the cemetery has taken down dozens of pages on the grave sites and educational materials that include the history of prominent Black veterans and Hispanic and female service members buried in the cemetery.

In an alarming move, links to the public lists of dozens of “Notable Graves” at Arlington that include female, Black, and Hispanic service members buried in the cemetery are now gone. However, the links to the dozen other “Notable Graves” lists remain highlighted on the website. The notable graves include politicians, athletes, and foreign nationals.

The cemetery also scrubbed educational material on dozens of Medal of Honor recipients and maps of prominent grave sites of Marine Corps veterans and other services.

A spokesperson at Arlington National Cemetery — which the Army operates under the Army Office of Cemeteries — confirmed with Task & Purpose that the pages had been unpublished, but the academic modules would be republished after they were “reviewed and updated.”

“The Army has taken immediate steps to comply with all executive orders related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) personnel, programs, and policies,” an Army spokesperson at Arlington told Task & Purpose.

The spokesperson added, “The Army will continue to review its personnel, policies, and programs to ensure it remains in compliance with law and presidential orders. Social media and web pages were removed, archived, or changed to avoid noncompliance with executive orders.”

It remains unclear when the unpublished links will be back on the website.

RELATED CONTENT: Republicans Protest Removal Of Arlington National Cemetery Confederate Memorial

MARK CUBAN, Rashaun Williams, NBA, NFL, MLB
(Photo: Disney/Christopher Willard)
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 15, 2025

Mark Cuban Advises Black Women Founders To ‘Stop Looking For Funding And Build It On Your Own’

Black women who apply for funding are three times more likely to be rejected over other demographics, including white business owners.

Shark Tank billionaire and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban took some time to give key advice to Black women founders, telling them to stop looking for funding. 

Before taking the stage for a panel discussion at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, Cuban gave some alternative ideas to Black women entrepreneurs in lieu of seeking funding. “I would tell you not to look for funding,” the shark said. “You have to figure out a way to use sweat equity to build it on your own, even if it means starting smaller and slower, because there is a learning process, and it’s twofold. One is learning about your business and making it loanworthy. Then, two is learning the language of those making the loans.” 

It is a fact that there is a gap in the number of Black women founders who are finding substantial funding for their businesses. According to numbers from Stearnsbank, Black women who apply for funding are three times more likely to be rejected than other demographics, including white business owners. 

Carmen Tapio, founder of the largest Black-owned business in Nebraska, North End Teleservices, shared a story of how she was discriminated against by lenders. With an 850 credit score and a stellar business reputation, she was unsuccessful in securing a Paycheck Protection Program loan from any financial institution. “Decisions that were made decades ago in some instances…can put real constraints on the ability of entrepreneurs of particular races from participating in the systems and the programs that are out there,” she said at a virtual event hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. 

In addition, only 2% of venture capital funding nationwide goes toward female-only founding teams. Arian Simone, CEO and founding partner of the Fearless Fund, once addressed this issue. 

The venture capital firm invested in underresourced entrepreneurs like women of color who led businesses seeking pre-seed, seed level, or series A financing. The Fearless Strivers Grant contest, which awarded $20,000 to small businesses led by at least one woman of color, was shut down after the conservative-led firm, American Alliance for Equal Rights, sued them for racial discrimination due to the Supreme Court’s controversial affirmative action ruling. 

Such obstacles make it much more difficult for a Black woman entrepreneur to garner critical funding, which Cuban acknowledges. It is partly why the billionaire feels that Black women should lean more into their wealth of financial knowledge so they won’t be exploited when loans come about. “You have to take whatever time to get it right because if you go into that bank, if you go somewhere to try to get a loan and you don’t get it, you still got to be in a position to work and go forward,” he explained, according to People of Color In Tech.  

“What’s even worse, and this is something I think is the most important point—there’s a lot of predatory lending out there, and it’s awful. [The lenders] see people who may not have the financial literacy or understanding, and they’ll say, ‘Oh, yeah, I’ll make you a loan.”

RELATED CONTENT: Dawn Myers Scores 6-Figure ‘Shark Tank’ Deal For ‘The Mint’ Hair Infuser

Rikers Island, Correction Officer, Inmates, Prison
Photo by lakshmiprasad S/Getty Images
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 14, 2025

Missouri Attorney General Wants To Send Exonerated Man Back To Prison

An exonerated man could be sent back to prison if the Missouri Attorney General gets his way.

A wrongly convicted Black man who spent over 30 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit could face a return to prison if the Missouri Attorney General has his way.

Christopher Dunn had his conviction overturned last summer after a St. Louis judge applied a 2021 law that reshaped the legal process for innocence claims, KCUR reports. However, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office is now petitioning the state Supreme Court to allow an appeal of Dunn’s release.

Bailey has consistently opposed the release of wrongfully convicted individuals, even when ordered by the courts. Now, despite his exoneration, Dunn’s freedom remains uncertain. Last month, the Missouri attorney general’s office argued before the state Supreme Court for the right to challenge Dunn’s release.

“Innocence has never been enough, according to the attorney general’s office,” Dunn told St. Louis on the Air. “Right now, I’m just sitting here waiting to see if the Missouri Supreme Court is going to rule with the consciousness of the law.”

Along with attempting to appeal Dunn’s exoneration, Bailey’s office is also fighting a proposed bill aimed at expanding who can file an “actual innocence” claim in court. Under the current 2021 law, only prosecutors in the county of conviction can pursue innocence claims. The new bill, HB 1075, would allow individuals in the Department of Corrections’ custody to petition for innocence, even if they are not on death row.

The bill’s public hearing on Feb. 26 was before the House Judiciary Committee. Dunn and several other exonerees testified in support of the measure, while First Assistant Attorney General Jay Atkins voiced his opposition.

Atkins argued that the bill fails to involve victims in the expanded legal process for innocence claims. He also claimed the proposal “undermines our system of justice in a way worse than any bill I have ever seen.”

“I think the greater miscarriage of justice is the fact that we have people who are sitting in prison for things that we didn’t do,” said Kenya Brumfield-Young, a criminologist and professor at St. Louis University.

RELATED CONTENT: Report: Trends Show Black Prison Population Is On A Significant Decline

En Vogue, Dawn Robinson
(Photo: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons)
by Kandiss Edwards

March 14, 2025

Dawn Robinson’s Ex Offers Job After Singer Reveals She Is Unhoused

Dawn Robinson's ex-husband, Andre Allen, has offered the former En Vogue member a job in hospitality.

Singer Dawn Robinson, formerly of En Vogue, has revealed she is living in her car, but according to TMZ, her ex-husband, Andre Allen, has offered her a job in hospitality.

Robinson and Allen were together for 10 years. The “Hold On” singer’s ex was also in the music industry but said leaving that career for the hotel business saved his life.

Allen is willing to help Robinson transition into hospitality, believing she would be a great saleswoman if she “humbles herself.”

Robinson, a seven-time Grammy nominee, briefly reunited with En Vogue in the 2000s. Allen, who said he helped facilitate the reunion, claims he was unaware of the extent of her struggles.

Allen has spoken about the financial hardships faced by former industry colleagues. A successful industry participant himself said he has seen musicians die in poverty and has financially helped other music industry figures in need.

The singer revealed her situation on YouTube in a video titled “Your New Life Is in the Scary.” She discussed moving in with her parents during a career downturn, which she said strained her relationship with her mother.

Robinson described her experience as an “unexpected” growth period.

“Sometimes in life, we end up in situations that we weren’t expecting. There’s something we need to learn or teach, but we’re too afraid to push ourselves out of our comfort zones to do it, so the universe does it for us,” she wrote in the video caption. “During this growth period, we either learn to trust ourselves or give in to fear and fail.”

The MTV Award-winning singer has yet to respond to Allen’s offer. Now a Hilton hospitality salesman, Allen believes Robinson’s personality would help her succeed in the industry. Though this isn’t the first time he has extended the offer, Robinson’s current circumstances may prompt her to accept.

RELATED CONTENT: D’Wayne Wiggins, Tony! Toni! Toné! Co-Founder, Dies at 64 After Cancer Battle

Apollo,, Board, New york
(Photo: AllanMarcus2468/Creatie Commons via Wikimedia Commons)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 14, 2025

Apollo Theater Appoints Joy Profet And Tysus Jackson To C-Suite Ahead Of Full-Scale Renovation

'Their combined experience and unique perspectives will be invaluable to The Apollo,' said President and CEO Michelle Ebanks.

The iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, welcomed two powerhouse women to its executive ranks on March 13: Joy Profet for the newly created role of Chief Growth Officer (CG) and Tysus Jackson as Chief Development Officer (CDO).

These leadership additions come as the Apollo enters its ninth decade and gears up for its first full-scale renovation ever.

Profet comes from Amazon Prime Video, where she spearheaded the customer experience product marketing strategy for Prime Video Advertising. In her new role, she will focus on amplifying the Apollo Theater’s brand, enhancing its signature programming, and strengthening its global cultural influence while expanding partnerships and revenue streams.

“The Apollo is not just a New York City cultural icon; its name—and what that name stands for: supporting artists, cultivating talent, promoting Black culture—is recognized around the world,” Profet said in a press release.

“As we head toward the century mark for The Apollo, I am eager to work with the team to ensure The Apollo continues to advance American culture and builds important connections and partnerships that support and scale its mission to foster contemporary performing arts, entertainment and global culture,” Profet added.

Jackson, formerly the assistant director of advancement for individual giving at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, will lead the Apollo Rising 2.0 capital campaign and other key philanthropic initiatives.

With over 20 years of fundraising experience across institutions such as Talladega College, the Amistad Murals, and Virginia Tech—where she helped achieve two major goals in the university’s first billion-dollar campaign—Jackson is now tasked with securing funding to propel the Apollo into its next 90 years.

“As someone who has worked extensively to promote intentional and inclusive fundraising, I am immensely excited to join an institution with African American expression and culture proudly at its center,” Jackson said. “I look forward to working with those whose generous philanthropic support will ensure that we can welcome even more audiences, artists, teachers, and students into the nation’s epicenter of Black culture.”

Profet and Jackson join The Apollo a year after the historic institution expanded for the first time in its 90-year history with the opening of The Apollo Stages at The Victoria.

“Their combined experience and unique perspectives will be invaluable to The Apollo; from Joy’s innovative business approach and growth mindset to Tysus’ exceptional ability to inspire and mobilize donors around worthy causes, we are lucky to have them on the team,” said President and CEO Michelle Ebanks.

RELATED CONTENT: Denzel Washington Reminds Us That He Was From The Streets During Q&A For ‘Gladiator II’

Kid CUDI, masters degree
(Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 14, 2025

Kid Cudi Is ‘On Another Planet’ Auctioning Off Items From Personal Collection

'This collection represents many eras of both my personal life and career, particularly how art and fashion influenced me over the years.'

Joopiter, the website owned by fashion stalwart Pharrell Williams, is holding an auction for items from Kid Cudi’s personal collection.

The name of the auction, which is live now, is “On Another Planet: The Collection of Kid Cudi.” The auction will go on until March 25.

“On Another Planet: The Collection of Kid Cudi brings together his art, fashion, sneakers, jewelry, and collectibles — pieces he’s gathered over years of traveling, making music, and shaping culture. The auction features standout pieces from Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Jacob & Co., If & Co., Gucci, Nike, Takashi Murakami, and more.

“🚀 Bidding opens Thursday, March 13 at 12 PM ET.

“🔗 Tap the link in bio to explore the catalog and register on JOOPITER.com.

@kidcudi
#JOOPITERxKIDCUDI”

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A post shared by JOOPITER (@joopiterofficial)

If you’re a Kid Cudi fan or a fan of interesting artistic items, the website offers a selection of merchandise to choose from. You can purchase fashionable jackets, sneakers, shoes, hoodies, pants, boots, t-shirts, a red velvet suit, and even a Lakers jersey. Several pieces of jewelry are listed, ranging from chokers to Cuban links to necklaces and a G-Shock timepiece.

According to Sneakerfreaker, Kid Cudi said, ‘I’m excited to bring my personal collection to the world with Joopiter. This collection represents many eras of my personal life and career, particularly how art and fashion influenced me over the years. Each piece holds a special meaning to me, and I hope that they instill this inspiration into the next owner.’

These are some of the items included in the bidding:

  • Off-White x Nike Air Force 1 ‘07 MCA’
  • Supreme x Nike SB Dunk ‘Mean Green’
  • RTFKT x Murakami x Nike Air Force 1 ‘Murakami Drip’
  • Friends & Family Tiffany x Nike Air Force 1 Low ‘1837’
  • Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 (with pilot case)
  • Dior x Air Jordan 1
  • Nike Off-White x Futura Dunk Low ‘Syracuse’
  • Nike x Nigo Air Force 3 Low ‘Light British Tan’

Check out the items still up for auction at Joopiter.

RELATED CONTENT: Kid Cudi Is Joining Idris Elba And Tika Sumpter In The Television Series, ‘Knuckles’

American Airlines, lawsuit, racial discrimnation
(Photo: Nikita Grishin/Pexels)
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 14, 2025

Man’s Sister Claims ‘Evil Presence’ Caused Chaotic Scene On American Airlines Flight

Delange Augustin, 31, told his sister that 'Satan’s disciple(s) had followed them onto the plane and the legion did not want the Augustins to make it to Haiti.'

Passengers on American Airlines Flight 4162 from Savannah to Miami witnessed a chaotic scene when a man attacked a flight attendant, claiming he felt an “evil presence,” the New York Daily News reports. 

Delange Augustin was arrested Mar. 10 after a mid-air outburst caused the aircraft to return to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport’s tarmac shortly after takeoff.

Witnesses said Augustin started yelling and shaking in his seat. When a flight attendant came over to check on him, he kicked the crew member across the aisle. Witnesses said crew members initially thought he was having a seizure but was having a spiritual battle, turning to his sister, Medjina, saying, “Satan’s disciple(s) had followed them onto the plane, and the legion did not want the Augustins to make it to Haiti.”

The scene continued when Augustin swallowed rosary beads, which his sister called “a weapon of strength in the spiritual warfare,” when first responders took him to the hospital. Eventually, he was arrested and taken to a jail in Savannah, where he was charged with felony property damage, misdemeanor battery, and misdemeanor obstruction of police.

Medjina told the FBI they were fleeing “religious attacks of a spiritual nature” in addition to stating she “had never experienced as much darkness as was on the plane that evening.”

According to the New York Times, only eight passengers were on the aircraft, operated by Envoy Air, at the time of the incident. No one was seriously injured. In a statement, American Airlines thanked the passengers for their patience and the crew members for their professionalism.  

In the affidavit filed in the United States District Court in Chatham County, special FBI agent Savannah Solomon said, “Augustin’s choices appeared purposeful, though difficult to describe.” 

Following the in-flight turbulence, the flight eventually took off and arrived close to three hours after its original arrival time in Miami. The ordeal took place just days before another American Airlines plane was seen with heavy smoke coming out of the aircraft with several passengers standing on the wing. 

RELATED CONTENT: Lawsuit: American Airlines Accused A Black Passenger Of Trafficking His White Wife

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