Shaquille ‘Secure-The- Bag’ O’Neal Launches New Spiked Lemonade
Just in time for summer.
Shaquille O’Neal has partnered with BeatBox Beverages to launch BeatBox Blueberry Lemonade. The 16.9-ounce adult beverage contains 11.1% alcohol by volume, is low in sugar, and is gluten-free. It also comes in eco-friendly packaging.
The former Los Angeles Lakers player discovered BeatBox’s line of spiked beverages while hosting parties under his alter ego, D.J. Diesel. O’Neal said that he believed in the company’s culture.
“I’ve always been about trying to create unforgettable experiences—whether it’s on the court, DJing, or through my business ventures. When I first came across BeatBox, I saw a brand with that same spirit of fun and boldness that’s really taking over the category. Partnering with BeatBox felt like a perfect fit, and I’m excited to bring our new Blueberry Lemonade flavor to the table. It’s just the right mix of bold, vibrant flavors, and I’m excited for people to try it out,” the NBA All-Star said in a statement.
Courtesy of Beatbox
BeatBox Blueberry Lemonade will be available in single 16.9-oz boxes and a variety pack, which includes two other flavors in the Beatbox Lemonade line: Watermelon Lemonade and Lemon Squeeze. The beverage is now available nationwide in select liquor, grocery, and convenience stores.
This isn’t Shaq’s first time delving into the business of booze. In 2013, the Olympic gold medalist launched Luv Shaq Vodka, a sugar-free coconut-flavored beverage. That same year, he partnered with Arizona Ice Tea to launch Soda Shaq, a limited-edition line of cream sodas with the basketball star’s face on the can. His image also appears on bags of SHAQ-A-LICIOUS XL gummy candy, a partnership with Hershey’s.
The multi-hyphenate has had more than 50 endorsements with major brands including Pepsi, Google, Icy-Hot, Muscle Milk, The General Insurance Company, and Nintendo.
Rocky Bucano, President And CEO Of The Hip Hop Museum, Reflects On Tupac’s ‘Me Against The World’ On Its 30th Anniversary
Tupac Shakur’s third studio album, Me Against The World, was released on March 14, 1995.
Tupac Shakur’s third studio album, Me Against The World, was released on March 14, 1995, and serves as a potent reminder of the complexity of the Black male experience. The late Shakur, who will always be regarded as one of rap’s most poetic lyricists, used his discography to address societal ills, including racism, mass incarceration, and poverty.
Me Against The World debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and was ultimately certified double platinum. Reflecting on the project’s 30th anniversary, The Hip Hop Museum CEO and President Rocky Bucano insists that Shakur’s artistry transcended sales: he gave a voice to the voiceless.
“Tupac is one of those rare creatives whose legacy is marked by so many accomplishments across music, film, activism, and art–he was more than just a recording artist,” Bucano tells Black Enterprise. “Me Against The World is really tied to the plight of what he would call ‘oppressed people.’ He was standing on top of a hill that many people would not be able to stand on.”
Shakur’s worldview was shaped by his mother, Afeni. As a proud member of the Black Panther Party, Afeni Shakur understood the inherently political nature of Blackness. This outlook indelibly rubbed off on Tupac, who often examined themes of identity in his work. According to Bucano, Shakur’s range of emotions on Me Against The World illustrated just how much he grappled with his existence.
“The depth and the vulnerability and the honest exploration of social issues are all things that we will all remember Tupac for…his style, his messaging,” Bucano explains. “On ‘Dear Mama,’ he really showed his understanding of womanhood and what it’s like to be nourished by a strong Black woman.”
There was also the side of Shakur, who interrogated his own ultramasculine exterior. “Songs like ‘Temptations’ and ‘F The World’ remind us that he was somebody that struggled with his own internal demons–he was a very complex person,” Bucano continues. Other songs on the album, like “So Many Tears,” revealed a mournful Shakur honoring the friends he lost to senseless gun violence.
The track could be considered a sad precursor to the rapper’s own demise. Despite being a music visionary, Bucano claims he isn’t fully convinced that the newest generation of emcees truly understands the impact of Shakur’s catalog. Educating the masses is why he is helming the Museum, which is set to open in the Bronx next year.
“I think an artist like Kendrick Lamar would say that Tupac meant the world to him. But to be quite frank, I’m not sure if many new artists even know what Tupac’s contribution is because today’s social media is really about the last 10 seconds–not about the last 10 years,” he states.
“We live in a period of time where people have very short attention spans. That’s the purpose of the Museum: to make sure that both young and old [people] are able to understand the contributions of people like Tupac. They would not get that from any other cultural institution.”
Bucano expresses wonderment at the way hip-hop has expanded beyond the streets of New York City to influence fans on a global level. From innovation to entrepreneurship, creativity to education, he says that the genre has become synonymous with hustle culture. Bucano also believes that a variety of narratives will keep pushing it forward.
“Whether it’s through the graffiti writers or the dancers, the B-boy, the B girls, the poets or the turntablists, they each have their own story that they can tell…and it’s a quite fascinating story,” he remarks. “That’s one of the most important parts of our job: to make sure that their stories are accurately told with the highest level of excellence and scholarship.”
HBCU Week Now Collabs With Black Public Media For Inaugural Student Film Festival
Ten short films, with a time of 30 minutes maximum, will be selected, with each filmmaking team receiving $5,000.
According to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE, public media partnership group HBCU Week NOW and media arts nonprofit Black Public Media (BPM) are teaming up to launch the first-ever studentfilm festival.
The group, which creates films highlighting the impact and contributions of historically Black colleges and universities, announced the open call for short film submissions from HBCU students. The films will premiere during the virtual HBCU Week NOW Student Film Festival, which is scheduled to take place during Black History Month 2026.
Ten short films, with a time of 30 minutes maximum, will be selected, and each filmmaking team will receive $5,000 each. The festival is designed to celebrate the creativity, innovation, and storytelling of the next generation of Black film creatives. Submissions of all genres will be accepted, but the group seeks a focus on stories reflecting on Black experiences, culture, and history.
BPM’s Director of Talent Development, Qiona Woffard, says the team is excited about working with the industry’s next generation of filmmakers. “We welcome this opportunity to partner with HBCU Week NOW to identify and amplify young talent and their stories,” Woffard said.
“We look forward to helping push the new voices of the film community to the forefront with this exciting new festival.
The Harlem-based national media arts nonprofit, which works to develop creatives and produces and distribute original content, held an informational webinar on March 13 for those interested in participating. According to the Jacksonville Free Press, eligibility includes being enrolled at an HBCU or having graduated in the last three years. Participants are not required to be enrolled in a film program.
Both HBCU Week NOW and BPM are encouraging HBCU faculty members and administrators to present this new opportunity as a way to heighten their filmmaking and creative skills by providing resources such as workshops, equipment, or mentorship to help students prepare to submit their projects as the submission deadline is April 12, 2025.
For almost 50 years, BPM has worked to address the pain points of unserved and underserved audiences, including the filmmaking industry. Their programs resulted in winning five Emmys®, and Anthem Awards, 10 Peabodys, 14 Emmy® nominations and an Oscar® nomination.
Mielle Organics Founder Monique Rodriguez and Urban Skin RX Founder Rachel Roff lend their expertise to BIPOC and women-owned KT Winery.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, KT Winery, a Black and Asian-woman-owned wine company, appointed Mielle Organics Founder Monique Rodriguez and Urban Skin RX Founder Rachel Roff as its two newest board advisors.
Rodriguez and Roff join advisors Alex Butti, Bobby Salerno, and Patrick Lynch. The move, effective immediately, positioned the successful beauty industry entrepreneurs to help guide the direction of the BIPOC and women-owned company.
The newest advisors have already begun lending their business expertise to the Mom Juice Wine brand maker. Kristin Taylor, CEO and one-half of the founding duo for KT Winery, said in a press release, “Both Rachel and Monique have already provided valuable advice as the beauty industry has a reputation for understanding consumers deeply and creating products and experiences perfectly for their audiences.”
Women business owners continue to climb in today’s economy and are reaching back to lend a helping hand to others. According to a press release, Rodriguez said, “Throughout my journey with Mielle Organics, I have been passionate about showing up and opening doors for future generations of Black and female entrepreneurs.”
She said about her involvement with KT Winery, “I’m honored to join KT Winery’s board of advisors and use my experience to pour into another woman-led brand.” The gratitude surrounding the newest board advisors is mutual, as Taylor said about Rodriguez and Roff, “We are grateful for their commitment to KT Winery and helping us take this business to the next level,” per the release.
Roff, whose Urban Skin RX brand was acquired by American Exchange Group earlier this year, recognized the hustle in the women-led KT WInery.
She said, “It was the grit, tenacity, and hustle of the founders. I believe they understand the sacrifices needed to grow this brand in a way that is both financially and operationally smart. Their commitment and strategic mindset set them apart, and I have no doubt that Mom Juice is built for success.”
The BIPOC-owned company founded by Taylor and Macie Mincey also announced the debut of its WeFunder Investment campaign. According to a press release, WeFunder aims to raise $1.1 million to land the brand on the shelves of 300 more retailers. The low-sugar Mom Juice Wine brand is already sold in over 500 locations.
To increase the number of women investors, the company welcomes $100 or more investments as part of its WeFunder Investment campaign for $1.1 million. Anyone can invest until April 30.
Dad and 16-Year-Old Son Launch New AI-Powered Financial Coaching Tool
This revolutionary AI is the result of a unique collaboration between Eric McLoyd, Sr., a seasoned financial advisor and coach, and his 16-year-old son, Eric Jr., whose fascination with technology sparked the idea for this innovative tool.
A father’s determination to turn a teachable moment into a groundbreaking project has led to the creation of Coach Kai, an AI-powered financial tool that aims to make financial coaching accessible to everyone. This revolutionary AI is the result of a unique collaboration between Eric McLoyd, Sr., a seasoned financial advisor and coach, and his 16-year-old son, Eric Jr., whose fascination with technology sparked the idea for this innovative tool.
The story began when Eric Jr. got into trouble at school for using ChatGPT to complete his assignments. At first, his dad was frustrated but quickly saw the potential in his son’s ingenuity. Eric Sr. decided to channel his son’s tech-savvy instincts into a constructive project: building an AI-powered tool that could address a widespread issue—greater access for people who want financial coaching.
“I’ve met thousands of people who want and need financial coaching, but they were limited by access. Then here’s my son tapping into cutting-edge technology with curiosity and ingenuity,” said Eric McLoyd, Sr. “He just needed a constructive way to channel it.”
The result is Coach Kai, a free financial coaching tool that merges Eric McLoyd Sr.’s 10,000+ hours of financial expertise with his son’s passion for technology. Built on Eric Sr.’s proven financial coaching approach, Coach Kai delivers goal-driven interactions designed to guide users step-by-step toward financial freedom. It also provides direct access to supportive financial lessons and other educational content.
“Our vision is to make financial coaching accessible for everyone,” explained Eric McLoyd, Jr.. “And while it’s exciting to launch this tool, the best part has been working with my dad. It has really taught me the power of turning challenges into opportunities.”
For the father, Coach Kai is more than just a financial tool—it’s a story of perseverance, innovation, and family. “So here we are, father and son, ready to share Kai with the world,” he added. “Who knows? Maybe this is the beginning of my son’s journey as a financial professional.”
A father’s determination to turn a teachable moment into a groundbreaking project has led to the creation of Coach Kai. This AI-powered financial tool aims to make financial coaching accessible to everyone. This revolutionary AI is the result of a unique collaboration between Eric McLoyd, Sr., a seasoned financial advisor and coach, and his 16-year-old son, Eric Jr., whose fascination with technology sparked the idea for this innovative tool.
The story began when Eric Jr. got into trouble at school for using ChatGPT to complete his assignments. At first, his dad was frustrated but quickly saw the potential in his son’s ingenuity. Eric Sr. decided to channel his son’s tech-savvy instincts into a constructive project: building an AI-powered tool that could address a widespread issue—greater access for people who want financial coaching.
“I’ve met thousands of people who want and need financial coaching, but they were limited by access. Then here’s my son tapping into cutting-edge technology with curiosity and ingenuity,” said Eric McLoyd, Sr. “He just needed a constructive way to channel it.”
The result is Coach Kai, a free financial coaching tool that merges Eric McLoyd Sr.’s 10,000+ hours of financial expertise with his son’s passion for technology. Built on Eric Sr.’s proven financial coaching approach, Coach Kai delivers goal-driven interactions designed to guide users step-by-step toward financial freedom. It also provides direct access to supportive financial lessons and other educational content.
“Our vision is to make financial coaching accessible for everyone,” explained Eric McLoyd, Jr.. “And while it’s exciting to launch this tool, the best part has been working with my dad. It has really taught me the power of turning challenges into opportunities.”
For the father, Coach Kai is more than just a financial tool—it’s a story of perseverance, innovation, and family. “So here we are, father and son, ready to share Kai with the world,” he added. “Who knows? Maybe this is the beginning of my son’s journey as a financial professional.”
Struggling To Get Hired? This Proven Job Search Plan Will Change Everything!
Networking could lead to increased online and in person visibility
Written by Joyel Crawford
Hey Fairygodmentor,
I’ve applied to countless jobs but keep hitting a wall. How do I stay motivated and stand out in a competitive job market? – Job Search Fatigue
Dear Job Search Fatigue,
First things first, you are not the problem! There are countless reasons why your applications may not be sticking, or you’re not getting callbacks. While it’s great to be accountable for the effort you put into applying, you can’t take responsibility for hiring decisions behind the scenes.
It took me 2.5 years to get a callback, and I worked in HR for two decades!
As always, I keep it real with my readers; today is no different. Here’s the deal—you’re going to have to (wait for it…) network.
Yes, a well-crafted resume is important, but the real game-changer is connecting with actual human beings. Networking could lead to increased onliincreasevisibility, open you up to new roles or opportunities, expand your circle of influence, and may even be the first step in gaining a mentor or sponsor. Networking gives you a competitive edge because it’s all about building relationships with the intention of collaboration and support. If your energy isn’t in the right place, the connections you make won’t be either.
I’ve created an action plan to supercharge your job search.
YOUR JOB SEARCH ACTION PLAN
1. Go Job Window Shopping
You don’t have to apply for everything you see, but if a job excites you, go for it! Caution: Limit job searching to one hour a day to prevent burnout. Your energy is your most valuable resource, so protect it.
When reviewing jobs, shift your mindset from “Can I do this?” to “When have I done this?” Ensure your resume and cover letter answer that question, aligning with roles that best match your experience. Pro Tip: DO NOT LIE on your resume! No good ever comes from building any relationship on dishonesty.
2. Leverage LinkedIn Daily
• Job searching
• Reading and engaging with posts
• Following companies and industry leaders
• Reaching out to recruiters
• Joining relevant LinkedIn groups
Visibility is everything. Show up, engage, and make yourself virtually visible.
3. Virtual Networking Tips
• Connect with recruiters and stay in touch
• Ask connections for recommendations and endorsements
• Join professional groups and attend virtual events (try Meetup.com)
• Reach out to former colleagues from school or past jobs
• Engage on social media—commenting on industry leaders’ posts can open doors!
Most importantly, follow up consistently. A single message won’t cut it—relationships grow with ongoing interaction.
4. In-Person Networking: The Clock Strategy
If networking events make you want to crawl under a rock, try my Clock Strategy Approach to ease into it:
• Imagine the room as a giant clock. Where you’re standing is 6 o’clock. The group of people directly in front of you is at 12 o’clock. To your right? 3 o’clock. To your left? 9 o’clock.
• Focus on one group at a time instead of overwhelming yourself.
• Aim to talk to at least one person per “hour” group.
• Break the ice with: “Hi, my coach gave me this silly homework assignment to meet at least three people at this event. Can you be one of my three?”
At the very least, this will lighten the mood and start conversations in a room full of people who also would rather be anywhere else.
• Reach out to at least one person a week for a skills endorsement or recommendation.
• Engage by commenting on posts from people you admire.
• True story: I landed a gig simply by commenting on a post! A client liked my insight and reached out to offer me a contract. Visibility works.
6. Create a Job Search Schedule
Time and energy management are key. Dedicate different days to different tasks. For example:
• Sunday – Job searching
• Monday – Resume & cover letter updates
• Tuesday – Networking
• Wednesday – Skills building & learning
This prevents you from being overwhelmed and helps you stay focused and productive rather than trying to boil the ocean all at once.
Cut yourself some slack, Job Search Fatigue. You will find the right job at the right time. Keep showing up for yourself.
You got this!
Yours truly,
Your Fairygodmentor®
About Joyel Crawford:
(Photo: Kirsten White Photography)
Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.
Have a question for Your Fairygodmentor®?
Submit your career and leadership questions, whether it’s about navigating a micromanager, setting boundaries, negotiating for a raise, or handling burnout. Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!
On March 10, Experian announced a $5 million consumer debt relief initiative benefiting 5,000 families in Louisiana as part of its commitment to improving financial health. Johnson, a junior business major, will promote financial literacy by sharing her experience managing finances as one of the top collegiate athletes with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
According to Sportskeeda, Johnson’s NIL value was roughly $1.4 million in Oct. 2024.
The initiative is timely as NCAA Basketball Tournament beginning in days. Experian will erase an additional $100,000 in consumer debt for every LSU victory, up to a total of $500,000.
“It’s hard to create a winning financial game plan when you are blocked by debt,” Johnson said in a press release. “I am excited to partner with Experian to empower families in the state and across the country so they can become financial champions of their future.”
The initiative was launched in response to reports showing consumer debt at an all-time high. Experian partnered with ForgiveCo, a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), to acquire and cancel qualifying consumer debt for selected beneficiaries in Louisiana—one of the states with the highest poverty rates, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Additionally, beneficiaries will receive a free one-year premium Experian membership, providing access to their Experian credit report, FICO Score, credit monitoring with all three bureaus, CreditLock, and assistance with canceling subscriptions and negotiating lower bills.
“Unmanageable debt prevents consumers from achieving their goals,” said Dacy Yee, president of Experian Consumer Services at Experian. “…We hope this debt relief and access to Experian tools will help beneficiaries in Louisiana move toward a healthier financial future.”
‘I Couldn’t Believe It’: Tyler Perry Pays Off Nashville Woman’s Mortgage
Perry offered to pay off the woman's mortgage after he heard her story. Now her home is almost renovated.
Film mogul Tyler Perry came through and paid off the mortgage for 85-year-old Nashville resident Anniece Tisdale, who was left homeless in December 2024 after a delay on a home renovation took a toll on her family’s finances.
In a February 26 appearance on the Sherri daytime talk show, Tisdale explained that she was determined to renovate her dream home for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. However, a contractor failed to complete the project, which WSMV reported caused the family to lose thousands of dollars.
“Tyler Perry is going to pay off your mortgage,” Sherri Shepherd told Tisdale and her daughter during their episode. Both women were overwhelmed with joy after Shepherd told them Perry heard about the family’s situation and that the actor wanted to “take that financial burden off” of the elderly woman.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Tisdale said WSMV about the surprise gift. “From you coming to interview me, they saw it on the news.” The station first shared the woman’s story in December, which garnered public attention. “They went through news clips and picked it out.”
Tisdale lived in her Nashville home for over 24 years before one of her daughters signed a $200,000 contract in January 2024 with the “unlicensed” contractor.
An initial completion date of May 31, 2024, was agreed upon for the renovation. However, the contract was terminated in Oct. 2024 after the contractor was not able to complete the renovation within the agreed timeframe. Tisdale, who has a prosthetic leg, couldn’t enter her home due to the dangerous state of the unfinished home.
Tisdale said one of her daughters, who died years ago from a heart attack, “was watching over me with Tyler and helped him bless” her with the mortgage gift. Her daughter died the same night she accompanied her to a Tyler Perry play at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center more than a decade ago.
The home renovation is nearly complete, and thanks to Perry’s support with the mortgage payment, the family’s spot looks “brand-new.” The woman said her home is always open for family and anybody who wants to come through.
“It is just something I am going to enjoy for the rest of my life.”
To show their gratitude, the family is giving money that would have been used on their mortgage to Habitat for Humanity.
Advocates Seek Justice For Black Students In London Deemed ‘Educationally Subnormal’ In The ’60s, ’70s
Advocates are calling for justice for the period when Black children in London were unjustly labeled as "educationally subnormal."
The Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside in London, England, has joined survivors and advocates in calling for a public inquiry into past cases where Black children were wrongly classified as “educationally subnormal” and placed in schools for children with physical and mental disabilities.
Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, spoke at a March 12 debate. The Guardian reports that she urged Keir Starmer to seek justice for survivors and shed light on the long-term impact of the practice within the education system. Johnson expressed concern that the full extent of how many Black children were wrongly placed in “educationally subnormal” (ESN) schools during the 1960s and ’70s remains unknown, with many receiving little to no support from the system.
“Many racist barriers still exist in education,” Johnson said, adding that the barriers have “evolved directly from the policies and attitudes that drove the ESN scandal.”
“The closure of ESN schools in the 1980s directly led to a rapid expansion in the use of school exclusions, and we began to see higher numbers incarcerated in prisons,” she explained. “The expansion of the use of set and tiering in education whereby certain groups of children [in] increasing numbers are being denied the opportunity to sit exams at certain levels and then denied the opportunity to progress in educational settings, including going to university.”
Survivors, campaigners, lawyers, educational experts, and psychologists shared their testimonies in Parliament the day before the debate and detailed how the “systematic failure” impacted them or the lives of Black children in different ways. Among those who testified include Noel Gordon, who was just six years old when an education department official visited his home and told his mother that he was a “dunce.”
“What he was alluding to, they were placing me in a school for subnormal children; with no curriculum. This was government policy,” Gordon said.
“They put two of my older brothers in the local special school. I suffered a catalog of abuse from the age of six to 16. I was beaten over the head at 12 in the playground and called a Black bastard by Christine, a member of staff, for no reason.”
Rene Stephens, 58, a survivor, broke down in tears as he recounted the physical and sexual abuse he endured within the education system and the lack of support. Denise Davidson recalled being placed in a school alongside children who wore baby bibs or relied on wheelchairs—a stark contrast to the educational environment she was accustomed to in her native Jamaica.
When Davidson’s mother tried to organize her transfer to a more comprehensive school, one educator referred to the child as a “cretin.”
“I remember my parents returning home and my dad finding a dictionary and looking up the word cretin,” Davidson recalled. “My mum was sobbing at this point because she thought I had some disease.”
She continued attending the school alongside her classmates, many of whom were disabled.
“The same fundamental systems that excluded Black children from mainstream education decades ago still exist today -– just in different forms,” Johnson said at the debate. “ESN schools may have gone, but Black children are still disproportionately pushed into pupil referral units and alternative provision, feeding into the school-to-prison pipeline.”
Catherine McKinnell, the education minister, stated that while the government has no plans to hold a public inquiry, they are open to hearing from survivors and advocates. She emphasized, “Britain is a country that will respect your contribution and give you a fair chance to succeed in life.”
Woman Enters Guilty Plea In Cross-Burning Hoax Targeting Colorado Springs’ 1st Black Mayor
Prosecutors stated that a picture and video of the cross burning were sent to media and civic organizations to project an attack on Mobolade.
One of three women charged with setting a cross on fire in front of a campaign sign to help the campaign of a mayoral candidate has entered a guilty plea, the Associated Pressreports.
In a federal court in Denver, Deanna West pleaded guilty after being involved in the April 2023 incident and was charged with one count of being part of a conspiracy to set the fire and participate in a faux smear campaign targeting the election of now-Colorado Springs(CO) Mayor Yemi Mobolade.
Prosecutors say a picture and video of the cross burning were sent to media and civic organizations to project an attack on Mobolade.
The plea agreement, which dropped an additional charge related to setting the fire, stated that the goal of the plan was to interfere in Mobolade’s opponent’s campaign and attempt to create the narrative that the independent candidate was being discouraged from running because he was Black.
West agreed to the conspiracy plan with Derrick Bernard, who offered her employment and housing in exchange.
According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, attorneys for Bernard and the third assailant, Ashley Blackcloud, argued for the charges to be dismissed since the allegations were protected by free speech. They also pushed that the cross-burning was a way to help Mobolade win by generating outrage.
Mobolade was elected in May 2023, the first Black and immigrant mayor of Colorado Springs after close to 40 years of Republican-elected mayors. He received backlash for communicating with Bernard, according to the indictment.
In a Facebook message, Bernard allegedly told Mobolade that he was “mobilizing my squadron in defense and for the final push. Black ops style, big brother. The klan cannot be allowed to run this city again.”
Mobolade was then accused of speaking with Bernard for about five minutes on the phone three days after the cross-burning.
The mayor has denied having any knowledge or involvement in the crime and revealed a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice that identified him as a victim during the investigation into the cross burning.
