Mayweather, Boxing, referee, John Gotti III
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 24, 2026

Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao Agree To Rematch, Will Meet In September 2026

“I already fought and beat Manny once,” Mayweather said. “This time will be the same result.”

Right after announcing a professional return to the sport of boxing (after an exhibition match with “Iron” Mike Tyson in April), undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather will make his return with a rematch against Manny Pacquiao.

After reports of negotiations between Mayweather and Pacquiao brewing over the past several months, streaming giant Netflix confirmed that the match is taking place and will be carried by the network this fall, on Sept. 19 in Las Vegas.

This is Mayweather’s fourth time coming out of retirement and will be his first professional, sanctioned fight since he knocked out mixed martial arts legend Conor McGregor in 2017.

According to Netflix, the 47-year-old Pacquiao (62-8-3, with 39 knockouts) and the 49-year-old Mayweather (50-0, 27 by way of knockout) fought in the highest-grossing boxing match in history. When the fight took place on May 2, 2015, it broke pay-per-view and live-gate records. Mayweather emerged victorious with a unanimous decision and won the WBA, WBC, and WBO welterweight titles.

The legends will meet at Sphere, making this the first boxing match ever held at the venue.

Confidence has always been in Mayweather’s toolbox, and he is sure that he will be 51-0 after they meet in the boxing ring.

“I already fought and beat Manny once,” Mayweather said. “This time will be the same result.”

After there had been talks over the past nine years of the two meeting in the ring again, it’s finally time for the two fighters meet again to present another classic boxing match. Pacquiao, known as Pac Man, is also confident that Mayweather will regret not staying retired undefeated and intends to place a blemish on his perfect record.

“It’s been 11 years since Floyd and I gave the world what is still the biggest fight in boxing history,” Pacquiao says. “The fans have waited long enough. They deserve this rematch, which will be even bigger since it will be streamed live globally on Netflix. I want Floyd to be forever haunted by the one loss on his professional record and always remember who gave it to him. As always, I dedicate this fight to my fellow Filipinos around the world, and to bring glory to the Philippines.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Sinners’ Not-So-Subtle Nod To Voodoo Is Just One More Way Ryan Coogler Connects The Diaspora

Howard, swim team
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 24, 2026

Howard University Makes History By Taking Home Men’s, Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships

For the women’s team, this is its first NEC title. For the men's team, this is its second straight championship, third in four years.

Howard University has captured both men’s and women’s swimming and diving championships for the Northeast Conference. The wins make Howard the standard-bearer for Black swimming programs.

The university excelled on Feb. 20, to take home the Northeast Conference Swimming and Diving Championships. For the women’s team, this is its first NEC title in program history. The men’s team won its second straight championship, the third in four years.

“This moment is about more than winning championships. It’s about showing young swimmers and divers — especially those who may not see themselves represented — that they belong in this sport and can excel at the highest level,” said Nic Askew, director of Swimming & Diving and Tennis, in a written statement.

The NEC Championships took place at the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio, Feb. 17-20.

Along with bringing home the team championships, individuals were also honored, including Zion Wilson for NEC Most Outstanding Diver, Zuilda “Zuzu” Nwaeze for NEC Most Outstanding Swimmer (the third straight year she has won this honor), and Courtenay Miller for NEC Diving Coach of the Year. Both teams also won the NEC Coaching Staff of the Year award. 

History was made this past season with both women’s and men’s teams. 

“Watching these teams come together and accomplish so much really has been history in the making,” Askew said. “Never before has a women’s team from an HBCU won a conference title, and never before has an HBCU won back-to-back swimming and diving conference titles. These wins speak volumes about the talent and competitive nature of our program and what is possible for student athletes considering attending an HBCU.”

Howard University is the only HBCU with a Division I swimming and diving team.

RELATED CONTENT: Howard University Gets Into AI Game With New Course Dedicated To Engineering Careers

Fetty Wap
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 24, 2026

Fetty Wap Talks Life After Lockup After Getting GED, HVAC Certificates While Behind Bars

While having new academic certificates under his belt, Fetty Wap still has plans for new music.

Fetty Wap has turned over a new leaf, with the formerly incarcerated rapper wanting out of hip-hop for a more stable career.

Fetty Wap initially rose to fame for his 2015 breakout hit “Trap Queen” and subsequent songs that topped the charts in the late 2010s. However, his career came to a halt in 2021 after a federal indictment over conspiracy for drug distribution. The conviction led to a six-year prison sentence in May 2023.

Although Fetty Wap, real name Willie Junior Maxwell II, only served a few of those years, he learned a thing or two while behind bars.

Upon his release in January 2026, the rapper has kept a lower profile. However, Fetty Wap appeared on the Tamron Hall show to speak on his unusual journey to education.

He explained how he obtained his GED through an in-prison program, while also taking some courses to get his HVAC certification.

“I got my GED. I took a few HVAC courses. Oh, yeah, I do a few things,” he told Hall to applause from the audience.

He talked about his experience with fellow inmates as well. The father emphasized how seeing other men make an honest living inspired him.

“You meet a lot of people that … they had legitimate businesses and making a good amount of money. So I’m like, well, he making, like, rapper money. I’ma try that out.”

The famously one-eyed rapper, who has congenital glaucoma, also revealed new revelations about how he makes hits. He shared with the talk show host that he doesn’t need a pen to write his rhymes, letting the music flow through him instead. However, his time away has strengthened his mental vision, with Fetty Wap more determined than ever to do right.

“Staying focused when I get home, being a better father to my kids, being a better co-parent to the mother of my kids. Just do better with myself, you know. And try not to blame everybody else for my problems,” detailed the 34-year-old.

However, Fetty Wap won’t stay away from a studio for too long. He hinted at his long-awaited return to music as he gets his team back in action.

“Even as far as my music, the way I’m [going to] put the team together,” he added. ” The way I’m [going to] move this time…everything’s just going the way that I planned it to go.”

With community initiatives also underway, Fetty Wap hopes to return to the limelight soon as a new man.

RELATED CONTENT: Fetty Wap Must Submit DNA And Bank Records Following 6-Year Prison Sentence

stroke, Tyra Banks, Miss J Alexander, ANTM, America's Next Top Model, documentary, Netflix
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 24, 2026

Friends Of Miss J. Alexander Set Up GoFundMe To Cover ANTM Star’s Healthcare Costs Post-Stroke

The ANTM judge has struggled to walk since having a stroke in 2022.

A friend of Miss J. Alexander set up a GoFundMe to help the former America’s Next Top Model judge with healthcare costs.

The current condition of the former runway coach came to light amid the release of a new documentary, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. As the three-part docuseries provided a deep dive into the controversies of the famed reality show, others pondered what happened to its vibrant personalities on and off the judges’ panel.

In a “Where Are They Now?” moment, fans discovered that Miss J Alexander had suffered a tremendous health decline prompted by a stroke in December 2022. The health incident left Miss J Alexander still unable to walk, as the former model has recovered their speech.

“I couldn’t walk, and I couldn’t talk, and I thought to myself, ‘What was I going to do?’ And that I couldn’t walk, and I couldn’t speak. It was emotional. I cried. I’m not ashamed to say that I cried,” he shared in the three-part docuseries, as reported by The Grio.

While long-time fans of the show expressed their sympathy with the great modeling teacher, his close friend Stephen Grossman opened the crowdfunding effort to support J. Alexander back. The “Road To Recovery” GoFundMe also detailed J Alexander’s tumultuous health journey as the media personality tries to regain his footing.

“For the past three years, Miss J. has been bravely fighting his way back and struggling to live independently. We are hoping to secure full-time, round-the-clock care and help with the ongoing regular physical, speech, and occupational therapies. He is currently confined to a wheelchair stemming from what we hope is only temporary paralysis, and his right arm remains immobile.”

Since the 2022 health scare, J. Alexander spent almost two years in physical rehab, while also experiencing mini-strokes, seizures, and other hospitalizations. However, the resilient model has made triumphant strides in his health, but needs more financial support to not feel the additional burden.

“This GoFundMe has been created to help Miss J. focus on healing without the stress of mounting bills and medical expenses,” added the page. “If Miss J.’s kindness, humor, and iconic presence have ever made you smile or laugh, please consider giving back during this difficult time.”

Since its launch on Feb. 20, the GoFundMe has raised nearly $17,000 of its $50,000 goal. Donors from across the world have also given from $5 to $1,000 to support Miss J. in this journey. As supporters hope to bestow this gift to the fallen star, they hope the ANTM community will band together for this support.

“Let’s all come together for someone who has inspired confidence, individuality, and joy in so many of us.”

RELATED CONTENT: Tyra Banks Hit With Lawsuit Due To Lease Disagreement

A$AP Rocky, HOMMEMADE Back.Space.LA
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 24, 2026

Nas, A$AP Rocky Recreate ‘Belly’ Scene For Latest Ray-Ban Collection Promo

It promotes the new Metal Collection on the anniversary of A$AP Rocky becoming the creative director of Ray-Ban

The Queens rapper hooked up with the Harlem fashionista in Ray-Ban’s latest campaign, as we see Nas and A$AP Rocky connect at a small restaurant in Harlem, as Rocky celebrates his one-year anniversary with a new Metal Collection that features the Queensbridge wordsmith.

In a scene recreated to mirror the 1998 movie Nas starred in with DMX, “Belly,” the two meet at a restaurant, and Rocky updates Nas on what he has been up to. As the two catch up, Rocky then slides him the new Ray-Ban Metal Collection. After a shocking surprise from Nas, Rocky explains that he is Ray-Ban’s newest creative director as Nas looks in awe of the eyewear.

As Nas reminds Rocky that he has a Benz his father gave him, he gestures to Nas that the vehicle is his, pointing to a Ray-Ban Mercedes-Benz truck parked in the street.

This time last year, after being found not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm from an incident out in Los Angeles on Nov. 6, 2021, Ray-Ban’s parent company, EssilorLuxottica, revealed that the hip-hop fashionista would be the brand’s very first creative director.

Rocky’s first collection, the ‘Blacked Out Collection,’ debuted in April 2025.

The Harlem native recently released his latest album, his fourth studio project, Don’t Be Dumb, and then debuted a luxury jewelry brand, PAVĒ NITEŌ, shortly thereafter.

Later this week, on Feb. 28, the NAACP announced that the fashionista will receive the Vanguard Award for Fashion at the 57th NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show. He has also been nominated for three NAACP Image Awards for his role in Spike Lee’s movie, Highest 2 Lowest, which earned nine nominations.

“This year’s Vanguard Award honoree, A$AP Rocky, embodies the power and evolution of Black artistry. As a creative force who consistently pushes culture forward, he has redefined the intersection of music and fashion, shaping global trends and inspiring new generations,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, vice chair, NAACP National Board of Directors, in a written statement. “Honoring A$AP Rocky with the Vanguard Award celebrates his lasting influence and the legacy he continues to build.”

The upcoming awards show will air live on BET and CBS from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Sinners’ Not-So-Subtle Nod To Voodoo Is Just One More Way Ryan Coogler Connects The Diaspora

sunscreen
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 24, 2026

Black Cosmetic Chemist Creates New Sunscreen That Leaves No White Cast On Dark Skin

AJ Addae changed the shape of zinc oxide particles to avoid the white cast.

A Black cosmetic chemist has developed a new product, eliminating a big issue for sunscreen wearers with dark skin.

While mineral sunscreens are a popular option for those wanting immediate protection from the sun with safer ingredients, one huge demographic has often shied away from the product. A signature ingredient of most mineral sunscreens, zinc oxide, often produces an unflattering white cast on those with dark skin tones, prompting many to just stick with the chemical versions.

However, AJ Addae, who studies chemical biology at UCLA, has created a new solution to the long-standing problem. Having dark skin herself, this passion stems from a personal mission to make mineral sunscreen more inclusive.

“The best sunscreen is one that you’ll wear, and that’s really all where my motivation is for this,” she said to ABC7.

To develop the formula, she joined forces with fellow UCLA scientist, Dr. Paul S. Weiss at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, to break down why some sunscreens leave such a ghostly mark.

“We took apart conventional sunscreens that use zinc oxide and learned that the white cast comes from agglomeration of these round, somewhat irregular particles of zinc oxide,” explained Weiss.

To combat this problem, Addae and Weiss decided to make the zinc oxide particles take on a different shape. The scientists decided to form the zinc oxide into tetrapods, allowing the particles to stand apart while providing an even layer on the skin. This new formulation also eliminated the clumping-induced white cast.

“It forms these networks, really nice, sustained networks of zinc oxide that disperse really well and smoothly and evenly on the skin,” said the Black chemist.

Not only did the reinvention work, but it still provided similar levels of UV-protection found in already established sunscreen products. Plus, this development did not need a solvent, used to dissolve the UV filters, making it better for the environment as well.

For her overarching achievement in innovative entrepreneurship, Addae also won $100k from Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize for Sula Labs, as detailed by UCLA. The company, founded by Addae, tests cosmetic products for brands at major retailers like Sephora and Ulta.

As a groundbreaking cosmetic chemist and entrepreneur, Addae has dedicated her work and platform to boosting diversity in beauty and skincare. She hopes for the money to further her mission, that make personal care fit for everyone.

“While the prize money is incredible, the win is a symbol that our hard work to close inclusivity gaps in cosmetics and personal care through science has a significant impact and scale,” Addae said upon winning the Prize in November.

Now, with her no-white cast sunscreen to hit the markets soon, she has provided another avenue for Black people of all skin tones to feel included in the latest products.

RELATED CONTENT: 5 Black-Owned Sunscreen Brands That Protect Melanin Skin

Teddy Riley, R. Kelly
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 23, 2026

Teddy Riley Apologizes For Defending R. Kelly And Expressing Hope To Work Together, ‘Words Carry Weight’

Teddy Riley is shifting his stance on defending R. Kelly, acknowledging that “words carry weight,” especially when it comes to survivors.

Teddy Riley is walking back recent comments defending R. Kelly after previously saying he planned to “bring in investors” to release 25 albums the singer reportedly recorded while behind bars.

Just a week after his candid interview with the Los Angeles Times, where he said R. Kelly deserved a “second chance,” Riley took to Instagram with a lengthy statement apologizing to anyone he may have offended and crediting his bold defense of the incarcerated singer to his love for music.

“As a producer, I’ve always been excited about the possibilities of music and creative collaboration,” Riley said in part. “That excitement has defined my career. But I also understand that words carry weight, and I never want my passion for music to overshadow the very real pain that many people have experienced.”

Riley continued: “If my comments caused hurt, I sincerely apologize. That was never my intention. I take seriously the impact that abuse and misconduct have had on survivors and their families. Their experiences matter, and they deserve to be acknowledged with care and respect. The idea mentioned in the interview, in correlation with a previous post I made, was simply that, a creative idea discussed in passing. It is not something that will move forward. Loving music and recognizing its cultural impact does not mean condoning harmful behavior, and I want to be clear about that.”

The backlash began after Riley’s recent chat with the LA Times promoting his memoir Remember the Times. During the conversation, Riley said he had spoken with R. Kelly by phone and discussed reports that the singer recorded 25 albums while incarcerated, music Riley claimed he hoped to help release with outside investors.

“Everybody deserves a second chance,” Riley said. “Everyone deserves to repent, and everyone gets forgiven by God when you come to him. People miss his music. I’m the messenger to bring R&B back.”

“It’s music — it’s not an act of what he’s done before… He’s asking for forgiveness,” he added, noting his belief that Kelly “has repented” for his crimes.

The “I Believe I Can Fly” singer, R. Kelly, remains behind bars serving a 30-year sentence on racketeering and sex trafficking convictions. Riley’s comments came after a since-deleted Instagram post in which he shared audio of Kelly covering “It Depends” by Chris Brown while referring to him as the “King of R&B.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Sinners’ Not-So-Subtle Nod To Voodoo Is Just One More Way Ryan Coogler Connects The Diaspora

colored school, historic marker, Florida
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 23, 2026

Portland Public Schools Faces ‘Flagrant Racial Preferencing’ Claims Over Investigation Of Center For Black Student Excellence

DOE Secretary Linda McMahon claims the sentiment of equity is a disguise.

Portland, Oregon Public Schools’ Center for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) is under investigation from the Trump Administration’s Department of Education (DOE), claiming the center focuses solely on Black students when there are larger issues, before it even opens, Willamette Weeks reports. 

The investigation stems from a complaint from Defending Education, a Virginia-based conservative group with the goal of pushing against DEI initiatives for allegedly violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. The December 2025 complaint claims CBSE discriminates against students based on race, violating both the law and the Constitution.

Latching on, DOE says other groups of students struggled with challenges bigger than those of CBSE while “tens of millions” were allocated “exclusively” to Black students for “academic interventions, wraparound support, facilities, and family programs.” Also known as the Grice Adair Center, PPS chief of communications Candice Grose defended the mission of the center. “The Grice Adair Center represents our ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, not just Black students, to feel seen, valued, and heard,” Grose said following the initial statement. 

“While it was born from a need to address long-standing inequities that have impacted Black learners, its purpose is part of our larger mission to ensure equity and excellence for every student in the district.”

However, on X, DOE Secretary Linda McMahon claims the sentiment of equity is a disguise. “Discrimination disguised as ‘equity’ is discrimination,” she wrote. 

According to Oregon Live, CSBE is scheduled to open in two or three years in the North Portland neighborhood, once known as a thriving Black community. After District voters approved the center, set to offer after-school tutoring, summer camps, and other programs designed to enrich the youth, as part of a $1.2 billion 2020 school construction bond, officials are making plans to invite more Black-led nonprofits to offer services.

And it’s not just curriculum uplifting Black students that the group is targeting. The Portland school board’s decision not to allocate $40 million for a Native Student Success Center has been labeled as an example of discrimination by the Department of Education. 

After data from the 2021–22 academic year indicated Black, Native American, Latinx, and Pacific Islander students once struggled with third-grade level reading and lower graduation rates, Sarah Parshall Perry, vice president and Defending Education legal fellow, released a statement saying the organization feels “incredibly gratified” with the support from the Trump Administration.

RELATED CONTENT: Utah High School Allows White Students In Blackface To Win Spirit Prize

WNBA, 2024 Season, Basketball, DICK BARNETT, BIG3
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 23, 2026

Former WNBA Player Kara Braxton Reported Dead At 43

No cause of death was reported

The WNBA announced that one of its former players, Kara Braxton, a two-time champion with the Detroit Shock, has died at age 43.

Although no cause of death was listed, the league stated that she played for various teams throughout her 10-season career, including the Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty.

According to WRGZ, Braxton, who played her collegiate career at the University of Georgia, was selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2005 WNBA Draft by the Detroit Shock. She played for the school for two-and-a-half seasons before entering the draft. She she hailed from Jackson, Michigan, and attended a local high school before transferring to Westview High School in Portland, Oregon. Braxton earned Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year honors in her senior year at the school.

After her first year in the WNBA, she was named to the WNBA All-Rookie team in 2005 (averaging 6.9 points and 3 rebounds as a key reserve) and became an All-Star in 2007. She helped the Detroit Shock win two championships, first in 2006 and then again in 2008.

She then played for the Mercury in 2010 after the Shock traded her. She played in 31 games with the team before being traded to New York in 2011, where she started in 18 games and averaged 10.8 points and 4.9 rebounds.

During Braxton’s WNBA career, she averaged 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds.

After retiring from the sport, Braxton worked for Nike in Oregon before relocating to the Atlanta area.

Braxton is survived by her husband, Jarvis Jackson, and her two sons, Jelani Thurman (who played tight end for Ohio State while the team won the national championship in 2024, Thurman transferred to North Carolina in January) and Jream Jackson, as well as her twin sister, Kim.

RELATED CONTENT: WNBPA Lowers Demands, Yet WNBA Remains Far From Deal For Upcoming Season

lawsuit, Floyd Mayweather, Boxer, unpaid wages
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 23, 2026

Floyd Mayweather Eyes Ring Return, Officially Ends Retirement

'I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing.'

Although he has been fighting exhibitions since retiring from boxing, undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather has announced his return to the boxing ring after his exhibition bout with Mike Tyson in April.

According to ESPN, Mayweather has signed an agreement with CSI Sports/Fight Sports to serve as his official promoter upon his return to the professional level. He reportedly will face Tyson in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa, on April 25, according to Ring Magazine.

The fighter, who has an official 50-0 record (27 by knockout), stated that he wants to set more records in the ring.

“I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” Mayweather said in a written statement to the media outlet. “From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards — no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience and generate more money with each event — than my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS.”

Mayweather officially hung up his gloves after knocking out Conor McGregor in August 2017, yet he has since fought in numerous exhibition matches. He has gotten in the boxing ring with Logan Paul, John Gotti III, and Mikuru Asakara, among others, during his “retirement.”

“Signing Floyd Mayweather to un-retire after he captures another worldwide audience with his Mike Tyson match-up, highlights our commitment to providing our global audience with the most high-profile fighters in the sport,” Richard and Craig Miele, co-founders of CSI Sports/Fight Sports, said. “Floyd will once again continue to dominate boxing with the biggest audience and highest gross events of all time, and we are proud and privileged to be able to do so with our global team at CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS. We look forward to even more announcements that will excite fans and continue to build the sport in 2026!”

Earlier this month, the undefeated boxer filed a lawsuit against Showtime. Mayweather has accused the cable network of shorting him hundreds of millions of dollars, so he is requesting that the cable network pay him $340 million in damages.

Mayweather is suing Showtime and former Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza, along with Mayweather’s former manager and longtime advisor, Al Haymon (who is not named in the lawsuit), who cheated him out of a “significant portion of his career earnings,” while he was under contract.

He accused the defendants of aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, civil conspiracy to commit fraud, conversion, and unjust enrichment. Along with the requested $340 million, Mayweather is seeking punitive damages.

RELATED CONTENT: Minding Our Own Business: Returning To Our Roots With These 5 African Nations Leading The Diaspora Repatriation Movement

×