• Health and Wellness

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 8, 2026

Former NFL Player Highlights Brain Health In Black Men 

Former NFL defensive back Robert W. Turner II is leading a national effort to bring Black men into conversations about brain health.

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By Robert Hill  

As Super Bowl hype reaches it peak, former NFL defensive back Robert W. Turner II is leading a national effort to bring Black men into conversations about brain health. 

Just days before the Super Bowl, Turner brought together researchers, athletes, NFL players, and community members at Merritt College for a Black Men’s Brain Health Conference to highlight the importance of brain health and encourage greater participation in research. 

The physical toll of repeated hits to the head and concussions in football has increasingly been linked to long-term brain injuries and mental health challenges, making Turner’s advocacy especially urgent as the sport commands renewed attention. The condition most commonly associated with repeated head injuries in football is chronic traumatic encephalopathy, known as CTE.

Turner, now a medical sociologist at the Duke University School of Medicine, is the principal investigator of a National Institutes of Health–funded study examining how repetitive head injuries and life experiences affect aging, dementia, and neurodegenerative disease in Black men, one of the groups at highest risk but least represented in brain health research. 

Black men face a disproportionately higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease; however, they remain underrepresented in the research designed to understand these conditions better. 

Duke University School of Medicine reported that, “According to the National Institute on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association, and other researchers, Black Americans are approximately twice as likely as white Americans to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say the reasons for this disparity remain unclear, in part because Black individuals are much less likely than white Americans to participate in Alzheimer’s and dementia research studies.” 

With the support of additional research institutions, including Boston University and the Duke/UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Turner is working to close that gap. 

The National Institutes of Health–funded study enrolls 200 Black men aged 50 or older, including former football players from high school, college, and professional levels, as well as participants who have never played football or other contact sports.

The research involves MRI scans, blood and urine testing, and cognitive assessments to understand better how head injuries and life experiences influence long-term brain health. 

Beyond research, Turner has expanded his efforts to raise awareness by launching the Black Men’s Brain Health Research Directory to connect Black men with neuroscience studies. He also founded the Black Men’s Brain Health Conference to foster community dialogue on aging and brain health. 

RELATED CONTENT: Study Reveals Former NFL Player Demaryius Thomas Had Stage 2 CTE Before He Died

• Black History Month

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 8, 2026

Grandma’s Recipes Go Viral: TikToker Serves Black History Month One Lost Dish At A Time

These 'lost' recipes are being revived in Black kitchens thanks to this TikToker.

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A Black TikToker is doing her part this Black History Month by reviving old recipes steeped in heritage.

Trained dessert artist Sonja Norwood, whose page is called Wick’d Confections, is bringing back forgotten favorites from grandma’s kitchen. With each recipe, she not only lists the ingredients but the history of each dish as it relates to Black culture.

The historic cooking lessons have gone viral. One popular video has featured Burnt Sugar cake, a traditional treat used in Black Southern households before boxed mixes took over grocery stores.

@wickdconfections If someone makes you this cake… they love you. Because this is a labor of love. 🤎🔥 For Black History Month, I’m bringing back Burnt Sugar Cake, a historic Black Southern celebration cake that slowly faded when box mixes took over. Burnt Sugar Cake Burnt Sugar Syrup • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g) • 1 cup boiling water (240 ml) Melt sugar over medium heat until deep amber (do not stir, swirl pan). Carefully add boiling water, stir smooth, simmer 3–5 min. Cool. Reserve ½ cup for cake + ½ cup for frosting. Cake • 1 cup butter, softened (227 g) • 2 cups sugar (400 g) • 4 eggs • 3 cups cake flour (360 g) • 1 tbsp baking powder (14 g) • ½ tsp salt • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml) • ½ cup burnt sugar syrup • 2 tsp vanilla Heat oven to 350°F / 175°C. Grease three 8-inch pans. Cream butter + sugar 3–5 min. Add eggs one at a time. Whisk dry ingredients. Alternate dry ingredients + milk into batter. Mix in burnt sugar syrup + vanilla. Bake 25–30 min. Cool completely. Traditional Burnt Sugar Frosting (work fast!) • ½ cup butter (113 g) • 1 cup brown sugar (200 g) • ½ cup burnt sugar syrup • ¼ cup evaporated milk (60 ml) • 3–4 cups powdered sugar (360–480 g) • pinch salt + 1 tsp vanilla Boil butter, brown sugar, syrup & milk 2 minutes. Cool until warm, then beat in powdered sugar, salt & vanilla. Frost cake quickly before it sets. Optional Brown Sugar Penuche Frosting (creamier outside) • 1½ cups butter, divided (340 g) • 1½ cups brown sugar (300 g) • ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml) • 1 tsp salt • 4½ cups powdered sugar (540 g) Melt ¾ cup butter. Boil brown sugar + cream + salt. Beat into melted butter with powdered sugar. Add remaining butter 1 tbsp at a time. Rest 10–30 min until spreadable. Assemble Fill and frost cake with traditional burnt sugar frosting. Optional: cover outside with penuche frosting. Finish with rustic swoops and swirls. #BlackHistory #TikTokLearn#BlackHistoryBlackFoodHistory#TikTokLearningCampaign ♬ original sound – Wick’d Confections

“We’re losing recipes and I’m going to find out if that’s for a good reason, detailed Norwood in the video with over 2 million views. “All Black History Month, I’m making Black American recipes that we left behind.”

Her videos offer more context to why Black people developed certain recipes, such as Norwood’s lesson on blackberry dumplings. The viral clip provided insight into the versatility and resourcefulness of Black people as certain foods became a commodity. It also unveiled how Black people created sweet treats even with limited ingredients, letting her followers know “we had berries, not sugar money.”

@wickdconfections Lost Black American Recipes: Blackberries & Dumplings 🍇🥟 Blackberries and dumplings is a sweet summertime dish rooted in Black American food culture. When sugar and money were scarce, the land provided. Black families relied on foraging, gathering blackberries that grew freely along fence lines, woods, and roadsides across the South. What began as necessity became tradition — turning simple ingredients into a communal, nourishing meal. Passed down orally and cooked intuitively, this dish was rarely written into cookbooks. Flour stretched what little was available, dumplings absorbed the berry juices, and one pot could feed many for very little. Though we still see cobblers today, blackberries and dumplings remain a largely forgotten seasonal treat — one deeply connected to land, resilience, and care. Blackberries & Dumplings Recipe Blackberry Syrup: 4 cups blackberries 1 cup sugar 2 cups water 1 tbsp lemon juice Lemon zest Dumplings: 2 cups flour ¼ cup sugar 1½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp nutmeg ¾ cup milk 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla Simmer blackberries with sugar, water, lemon juice, and zest until juicy. Mix dumpling dough until it feels right. Drop spoonfuls into simmering berries, don’t stir, cover and cook 15 minutes. Uncover and simmer 5 more minutes. Serve warm with plenty of syrup. Follow along as I honor Black history through lost recipes — one pot at a time. #BlackHistory #TikTokLearningCampaign #BlackAmericanFood #LostRecipes #FoodHistory ♬ original sound – Wick’d Confections

“When sugar and money were scarce, the land provided. Black families relied on foraging, gathering blackberries that grew freely along fence lines, woods, and roadsides across the South. What began as necessity became tradition—turning simple ingredients into a communal, nourishing meal,” she wrote in its description.

As she bakes up the delicious goods, she describes the dessert’s role in Black American households. As each video goes viral, she encourages Black people to return these dishes to their tables all February long.

Calling it “Black history on a plate,” Norwood’s meals go beyond treat time. She also features dishes such as Chicken Sweet Potato Curry Greens and Short Rib Stew. Other recipes include the forgotten, like Vinegar Pie. Norwood deemed the unusual treat as a testimony to Black people’s ingenuity during times of struggle.

@wickdconfections Lost Black American Recipes: Vinegar Pie 🥧 To kick off Black History Month, I’m starting a series honoring lost and forgotten Black American recipes—beginning with vinegar pie. Also known as desperation pie or pantry pie, this dessert was born from necessity. When fruit and citrus were scarce, home cooks used simple pantry staples to create something sweet, comforting, and joyful. Made with sugar, eggs, butter, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, vinegar pie has a flaky crust and a rich custard filling. The vinegar doesn’t make it sour—it adds brightness, mimicking the tang of fruit and balancing the sweetness. It’s a reminder of how Black foodways transform struggle into creativity and care. 🖤 Vinegar Pie Recipe (9-inch pie): 4 eggs ½ cup sugar ½ cup brown sugar ½ tsp vanilla 6 tbsp butter, melted 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp flour ¾ tsp salt Unbaked 9-inch pie crust Blind bake crust at 350°F (175°C). Whisk remaining ingredients until smooth, pour into crust, and bake 35–45 minutes. The center should still wobble slightly when gently shaken. Cool completely and dust with powdered sugar. Follow along as we honor Black history through food—one lost recipe at a time. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackAmericanFood #LostRecipes #BlackFoodHistory #FoodReels ♬ original sound – Wick’d Confections

She wrote, “Also known as desperation pie or pantry pie, this dessert was born from necessity. When fruit and citrus were scarce, home cooks used simple pantry staples to create something sweet, comforting, and joyful… It’s a reminder of how Black foodways transform struggle into creativity and care.”

While her Black American recipes make rounds on social media, Wick’d Confections is a clever way of celebrating Black History Month at the dinner table.

RELATED CONTENT: Celebrate 100 Years Of Black History Month With These Events 

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

February 8, 2026

Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Newest Shareholder In Trading Platform Kalshi

Antetokounmpo is the first basketball star to join the company as a shareholder.

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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo announced his new venture with prediction market platform Kalshi. 

Antetokounmpo is the newest shareholder in the company that allows users to trade on outcomes of future events, including sports, politics, and entertainment.

On Feb. 6, the NBA champion announced the partnership on X, stating, “the internet is full of opinions” and that he had “decided it was time to make some of my own.”

Kalshi said Antetokounmpo is the first basketball star to join the company as a shareholder and that the agreement will include his participation in marketing and live-event appearances. Company Chief Executive  Officer Tarek Mansour said in a release that Antetokounmpo is a fitting long-term partner to help the platform grow its brand. 

Antetokounmpo’s news comes right after the NBA trade deadline ended. There was considerable speculation that the two-time MVP would leave the Bucks after more than a decade with the organization. However, it appears the team will continue with its franchise player. 

Kalshi’s press release stated that Antetokounmpo will be barred from trading on NBA-related markets to avoid potential conflicts of interest. The clause is an important limitation given his active role. While Antetokounmpo cannot trade on his name, that has not stopped spectators from doing so. Before the NBA trade deadline, over $23 million was put on the line, wagering whether or not the star would be traded to a new team.

For many, his announcement that he would remain with the Bucks marked a significant financial loss. Antetokounmpo posted a clip from “The Wolf of Wall Street” of Leonardo DiCaprio shouting, “I’m not f–king leaving. The show goes on. This is my home. They’re gonna need a f–king wrecking ball to take me outta here.”

Antetokounmpo has not been an active player for the Bucks since straining his right calf on Jan. 23. The veteran player may be nearing retirement, making his new venture a smart step toward his post-NBA career.

RELATED CONTENT: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Company, Ante, Purchased a Chicago Residential Building For Over $21M

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

February 8, 2026

15 Percent Pledge To Honor Tina Knowles At 2026 Gala Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses

The event will feature honorees, music, food, and programming focused on entrepreneurship and community building.

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Designer Aurora James and her organization, Fifteen Percent Pledge, will honor Tina Knowles and Black business owners at the 2026 gala and block party.

The Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala and 15th Street Block Party will celebrate achievements by Black-owned brands and highlight economic inclusion, Forbes reported. The event will feature honorees, music, food, and programming focused on entrepreneurship and community building. Tina Knowles will be the night’s honoree, and notable celebrities Kelly Rowland and Law Roach will be in attendance.  

Aurora James, the founder of the 15 Percent Pledge, spoke of Knowles’ commitment to uplifting and supporting Black-owned businesses, specifically Black women-owned businesses.

“She’s done a fantastic job of centering Black women for the entirety of her career. She has consistently believed in that representation from day one and has been a strong advocate for Black-owned businesses for years,” James told Forbes.

The gala and block party taking place Feb. 7-8 in Los Angeles serves as a platform to spotlight the economic power and cultural impact of Black-owned businesses. The event is expected to draw entrepreneurs, corporate partners, investors, and community advocates who have engaged with the Fifteen Percent Pledge mission since its founding. A CNN political anchor will host the third annual gala.

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James, a fashion designer and founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge platform, created the initiative in 2020. The pledge encourages major retailers and corporations to commit 15 percent of their shelf space to products from Black-owned businesses. The Fifteen Percent Pledge has since expanded to track corporate spending commitments, assess economic impact, and provide resources for supplier diversity.

The Fifteen Percent Pledge continues tracking corporations’ progress toward supplier diversity commitments, and the gala offers an opportunity to showcase successes and ongoing challenges in expanding economic inclusion for Black entrepreneurs.

RELATED CONTENT: Full Circle Strategies CEO And Win With Black Women Founder Jotaka Eaddy To Receive Luminary Award At 2026 Women Of Power Summit

• Sports

by Mary Spiller

February 7, 2026

Charles Woodson Steps Away From Browns Ownership Bid, Pours Into Liquor Empire Instead

The Hall of Famer says NFL restrictions would have required him to remove his name from wine and whiskey businesses.

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Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson has backed out of a previously announced plan to purchase a minority stake in the Cleveland Browns, citing conflicts with NFL ownership rules and his growing wine and spirits business.

Woodson, a former All-Pro defensive back, told Front Office Sports that he ultimately chose not to proceed with acquiring a 0.1% ownership share in the franchise because league policies would have forced him to separate his name from his wine and whiskey brands.

“I thought I was going to be a proud owner of the Browns but it wasn’t able to happen because I wasn’t able to take my name off of my product,” Woodson said. “It’s what made the product. It’s how I started so I wasn’t able to do that.”

The deal appeared to be well underway last spring, when the Browns announced in May that Woodson had received league approval as a minority investor and praised the perspective he would bring to the ownership group. Based on the team’s estimated valuation at the time—between $4 billion and $6.4 billion—the stake would have been worth roughly $4 million to $6 million.

However, Front Office Sports reported that NFL regulations prohibit team owners from advertising alcohol, a rule that directly conflicted with Woodson’s business ventures, including “Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines” and “Woodson Whiskey.” Woodson’s wine has previously been served at Las Vegas Raiders games, underscoring the unusual tension between league policy and his brand.

Ultimately, Woodson chose to retain full control of his companies rather than finalize the Browns’ investment. The team confirmed the split in a brief statement to Front Office Sports, saying, “We respect the decision by Charles and wish him well.”

Although Woodson never played for Cleveland during his NFL career, he is an Ohio native and reportedly built a strong rapport with Browns owner Jimmy Haslam in 2024. Without an ownership role to pursue, Woodson plans to continue his post-playing career as an NFL broadcaster while expanding his footprint in the spirits industry.

Woodson said he and his team are focused on refining Intercept Wines’ presentation, including a refreshed bottle design.

“For the wine, one of the major changes that we’ve made is the packaging and look of our bottles,” he explained. “We wanted to make it more uniform and appealing to the eye… a little bit more eye-popping.”

An NFL spokesperson previously clarified the policy to Front Office Sports, stating, “The league’s policy prohibits any owner, regardless of the amount of ownership, to use his or her name, image, and likeness for promotional purposes.”

For Woodson, a Heisman Trophy winner, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Famer, the decision came down to protecting the identity he built beyond football—even if it meant walking away from an NFL ownership opportunity.

RELATED CONTENT: Former Raiders Player Charles Woodson Becomes First Former NFL Player To Partner With NFL Team As Spirits Sponsor

• Sports

by Mary Spiller

February 7, 2026

Stefon Diggs Hit With Civil Lawsuit Tied To Alleged Ferrari Theft Just Before Super Bowl

A former associate accused the Patriots wide receiver and his brothers of defamation and involvement in alleged assaults.

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New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been hit with another lawsuit just weeks ahead of Super Bowl 2026, with a former associate accusing the star player of defamation and other serious civil offenses connected to a stolen luxury vehicle.

According to court records reviewed by The New York Post, the lawsuit was filed Feb. 3 in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The plaintiff, who claims he previously worked for Diggs, alleges that the dispute stems from the disappearance of Diggs’ Ferrari roughly two years ago. The complaint lists several causes of action, including defamation, civil conspiracy, vicarious liability, ratification, and aiding and abetting assault and battery.

Diggs’ brothers — Green Bay Packers cornerback Trevon Diggs and former college defensive back Darez Marsean Diggs — are also named as defendants.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiff claims that in July 2024, Diggs asked him to coordinate the transportation of the Ferrari from Miami to New York and later to Houston. The vehicle was allegedly stolen once it reached Texas. While law enforcement reportedly concluded an unrelated third party carried out the theft, the plaintiff alleges Diggs began telling mutual contacts that he was responsible for the car’s disappearance.

The complaint states that tensions escalated over the following months, leading to multiple confrontations involving individuals close to Diggs. The plaintiff alleges that in January 2025, Diggs sent him a text message saying he was “responsible and accountable for all actions of those around me.”

The lawsuit further claims that members of Diggs’ inner circle approached the plaintiff at restaurants in Houston and Miami, appeared at his home, and demanded the return of gifts previously given to him by the receiver.

According to court documents, the situation reached a breaking point in December 2025 during an incident at a Miami nightclub. The plaintiff alleges that two people associated with Diggs physically assaulted him, while Trevon Diggs allegedly witnessed the altercation.

Court filings state that the man “sustained serious and permanent physical injuries,” including a torn ACL, a partially torn MCL, and facial injuries. He is seeking damages exceeding $100,000 and has requested that the case be tried as a libel and slander action.
Representatives for Stefon Diggs, Trevon Diggs, and a former attorney for the Patriots wideout did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The lawsuit comes amid other legal scrutiny for Diggs. In December 2025, he was accused of assaulting a personal chef at his Massachusetts home and was charged with strangulation or suffocation. Diggs has publicly denied those allegations.

RELATED CONTENT: Postseason Postponement: Stefon Diggs’ Arraignment Delayed Until After Super Bowl

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

February 7, 2026

‘Play With Your Mother’: Viral Push Sends Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ Up Netflix Charts, Followed By Reclassification And Boycott Threats

Shortly after “Becoming” made it to No. 6 on the Most Watched list, it was removed.

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Michelle Obama’s 2018 Netflix documentary, “Becoming,” drew a surge in viewership amid protests against Melania Trump’s documentary, “Melania.”

Obama’s documentary has seen a 13,000% uptick, according to People. “Becoming” has re-entered Netflix’s top 10 most-watched movies. The documentary film outpaced the premiere-weekend numbers for the current first lady’s much-roasted theatrical release, “Melania.” The effort to overshadow Melania’s opening weekend seemingly began on social media. A user on X suggested that it “would be funny” if anti-Trump or pro-Obama viewers took part in a sweeping effort to embarrass the sitting president and his wife. 

@nathancjun wrote: “It would be funny (aka: awesome) if we could collectively all make ‘Becoming’”’ the Michelle Obama documentary number one on Netflix the same weekend Melanie tanks at the box office.”

TikTok user @stevevonandbritt spread the word on the platform, garnering over 300,000 likes and 1.5 million views on her call to action.

While the power of the people prevailed and the documentary re-entered the top 10, viewers noticed Netflix seemingly attempted to thwart the effort. Shortly after “Becoming” reached No. 6 on the list, it was removed. Somehow, Michelle’s film ranked among the “Most Watched Kids” movies. Many users took notice and levied threats of subscription cancellation if the documentary was not returned to its proper position. 

@stevevonandbrit captioned her follow-up post: “are ya’ll cool? Stop this BS and put the movie back on the top 10 movies list! Everyone keep watching Becoming until it hits NUMBER 1 and make sure Netflix continues to see us.”

@jaimemoss3 took the online outrage straight to Netflix by calling the customer service number to make her grievances heard. She urged others to do the same. 

She captioned her post: “Play with your mother. You only have a couple of hours to put the movie back in its proper category.”

It appears the internet outcry is working as the movie has returned to its proper category and is now labeled one of the platform’s Most Liked films. However, many social media users have documented cancelling their subscriptions.

RELATED CONTENT: Sage Steele Tells Michelle Obama To ‘Shut Up’ About Black Women’s Hair

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

February 7, 2026

Hakeem Jeffries Says It’s ‘F**K Donald Trump’ All Day Every Day

The Democratic House leader let his displeasure be known after Trump's social media team posted a blatantly racist image of former President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama depicted as apes.

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House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries is fed up with the Trump administration’s theatrics and racism, and he’s being vocal about his displeasure.

On Feb. 6, the Democratic House leader let his displeasure be known after Trump’s social media team posted a blatantly racist image of President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama depicted as apes.

In a video on X, Jeffries said, “F*** Donald Trump.” In no uncertain terms, he condemned what he described as an intentional act by the president to denigrate the former first family. Jeffries rejected the White House’s claim that the video was shared in error by a staffer. He urged Republican leaders to denounce Trump, whom he called a “serial fraudster” unfit for the presidency.

“This disgusting video posted by the so-called president was intentionally done F Donald Trump and his vile, racist, and malignant behavior. This guy is an unhinged bottom-feeder. President Obama and Michelle Obama are brilliant, caring, and patriotic Americans. They represent the best of this country. It’s time for John, through Mike Johnson and Republicans, to denounce the serial fraudster who’s sitting at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. pretending to be the president of the United States.”

The brief but provocative video was posted on Trump’s Truth Social account late Feb. 5 and remained online for approximately 12 hours before being removed amid mounting criticism, Axios reported. A White House official later said the clip had been posted mistakenly by a staff member. 

The vile imagery sparked backlash on both sides of the aisle. Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina called it “the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House.” Scott, a Black Republican who usually falls in line with conservatives, urged Trump to delete the post. Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi also called for the video’s removal and an apology. 

Democrats, including Jeffries, described the video as racist and offensive. The timing of the post, coming during Black History Month, intensified reactions as the imagery evoked historically racist tropes. Republicans and Democrats alike said the content was unacceptable, though some GOP lawmakers found a way to absolve Trump’s responsibility for the blatant disrespect.

Jeffries’s remarks seem to mark a turning point for Democrats, who largely maintain decorum in the face of Republican dog whistles.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Melania’ Trump’s Documentary Is Down Bad With Single-Digit Rotten Tomatoes Rating

• Celebrity News

by Mary Spiller

February 7, 2026

Lil Jon’s Son, DJ Young Slade, Found Dead In Georgia Pond After Days-long Search

Authorities say no foul play is suspected in the death of Nathan Smith, 27, who was reported missing earlier this week.

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The body of Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of rapper and producer Lil Jon, was discovered Feb. 6 in a pond near his home in Georgia, just days after he was reported missing, according to law enforcement officials and statements from his family.

Smith, who performed under the name DJ Young Slade, was last seen early on the morning of Feb. 3 in the Milton, Georgia, area, about 30 miles north of Atlanta. The Milton Police Department said he was reported missing after leaving his home abruptly without his phone. At the time, authorities warned that he “may be disoriented and in need of assistance.”

After several days of searching, divers from the Cherokee County Fire Department recovered a body from a pond near Smith’s residence shortly before noon on Friday. Police later said the individual found is believed to be Smith, pending official confirmation.

As reported by The New York Times, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office will formally identify the body and determine the cause of death. As of Friday evening, the office had not released further details.

Investigators said Smith left his home earlier in the week “under unusual circumstances,” prompting a coordinated search involving multiple agencies. In the final stages of the effort, authorities expanded the search area to include a pond located in Mayfield Park, just a short distance from where Smith was last seen.

Police said there were no immediate signs of foul play connected to his death.

Smith was the only child of Lil Jon, the Grammy Award-winning artist credited with pioneering the Crunk subgenre of Southern hip-hop, which dominated airwaves in the early and mid-2000s. Lil Jon is known for hits such as “Get Low,” “Yeah!” with Usher, and “Turn Down for What” alongside DJ Snake.

In an emotional social media post shared Friday, Lil Jon said he and his ex-wife, Nicole Smith, were devastated by the loss of their son. He described Nathan as “the kindest human being you would ever meet” and “an amazingly talented young man.”

According to his father, Smith was an accomplished music producer, artist, and audio engineer who graduated from New York University.

“He was loved and appreciated,” Lil Jon wrote, adding that the family found comfort in knowing that “in our last times together, we expressed that very sentiment to him.”

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as they await final results from the medical examiner.

RELATED CONTENT: Lil Jon’s Son, DJ Young Slade, Has Been Reported Missing

• Sports

by Kandiss Edwards

February 7, 2026

Bill Greason Becomes Last Living Negro Leagues Player After Death of Ron ‘Schoolboy’ Teasley

Greason grew up in Atlanta and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.

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Bill Greason is now recognized as the last living player from the Negro Leagues era after the passing of Ron “Schoolboy” Teasley.

Teasley passed away Feb. 3, making Greason, 101, the last surviving person who played in what is recognized as the Negro Leagues era. The Negro Leagues lasted from 1920 to 1948, when the Negro National League dissolved. Greason grew up in Atlanta and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He participated in the historic Battle of Iwo Jima. After the war, he spent more than a decade as a professional baseball player despite having no formal training, starting his career in the Negro Leagues and later playing in organized baseball, MLB reported.

During his Negro League career, Greason pitched for teams including the Atlanta Black Crackers, Nashville Cubs, and Asheville Blues from 1946 to 1948, and then for the Birmingham Black Barons. Though Greason lived during a time when hostility toward Black people was the norm, he was not deterred. A hardened soldier and proud Black man, Greason refused to let hatred steer him from his path and passion. In an interview with Fox Sports, he discussed how he drowned out the noise and walked in faith. 

“We didn’t allow segregation to stop us from playing, from using our talents and gifts for what we were there for. It was a tremendous blessing to have a gift from God to be recognized as such.”

Once the Negro Leagues were dismantled, Greason became the first Black pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1954. However, he only took the field for the MLB team three times. After his playing career, he spent decades as a pastor and civil rights advocate in Birmingham, Alabama.

Seventy-six years after his Negro Leagues debut, Greason was honored at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, where he threw out a ceremonial first pitch at an MLB game between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.

Reflecting on the moment with Fox Sports, he said, “I have many memories of this place, because we were the only team that played here other than the white team. It was a pleasure to be a part of such an experience that we had here.”

RELATED CONTENT: ATL’s Big Boi And Jermaine Dupri Welcome The MLB All-Star Celebrity Game To The City