Houston,mayor, Sylvester Turner, — The late congressman with former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (right) in this undated photo. (Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)

by Stacy Jackson

March 6, 2025

Rep. Sylvester Turner, Former Houston Mayor, Dies In D.C.

The former mayor left a final message to constituents ahead of his attendance at Trump's Tuesday address: 'Don't mess with Medicaid.'

The City of Houston has confirmed that Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner, the former Houston mayor, died just weeks after starting his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was 70 years old.

The Houston Chronicle reported that Turner died Tuesday night during a trip to Washington, D.C., for President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress. Although the cause of death has not been revealed, a source told CBS News that Turner started to feel unwell on Tuesday night.

Turner was elected last November to replace Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee, who died last July from pancreatic cancer.

Ahead of Trump’s address, Turner took to X to post a message to the current administration. “Don’t mess with Medicaid,” the March 4 post read. “Let me be clear: any cuts to Medicaid are a direct attack on families.”

Turner concluded, “President Trump and Elon Musk’s push to gut Medicaid is nothing short of a betrayal of the most vulnerable among us. They are playing politics with children’s lives, and I will not stand for it.”

My message to the current administration for tonight’s State of the Union: “Don’t mess with Medicaid.”

I am proud to have Angela Hernandez here from our Congressional district as my guest. She is representing and advocating for her daughter Baislee Garcia who has a rare genetic… pic.twitter.com/n9p49IXGHa
— U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner (@repsturner) March 5, 2025

Turner served as Houston’s mayor from 2016 until 2024. Current Mayor John Whitmire said that flags were lowered to half-staff at City Hall and other city buildings in Turner’s honor.

In a statement on X, Whitmire described Turner as a “remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people.”

This morning, @houmayor John Whitmire announced the death of former mayor, Congressman SylvesterTurner.
“A remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people. He rose from poverty but never forgot where he came from. It is a terrible loss for the city and a personal loss… pic.twitter.com/YtVMp3tzim
— City of Houston (@HoustonTX) March 5, 2025

During a moment of reflection on Wednesday, council members remembered Turner as a “servant who served us well” who was a “tremendous family man” with a great sense of humor.

“Rep. Turner was a fighter until the end.” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), the House Democratic Leader. “He was present yesterday evening to ensure that the voice of one of his constituents, who relies on Medicaid, was heard.”

Turner focused his platform on education, job training, hurricane recovery, cancer, and women’s reproductive rights. In November, he said he was looking forward to representing the 18th Congressional District and continuing to serve the people as Jackson Lee did for 30 years.

He was dedicated to fighting to bring back federal resources, affordable housing, healthcare and infrastructure dollars.

Whitmire asked the Houston community to celebrate Turner’s life, adding that his death was “a terrible loss for the city” and a personal loss for him.

LiAngelo Ball, The Cool Kids, Chuck Inglish , Def Jam — (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 6, 2025

LiAngelo Ball Scores Financial Success With Viral Hit Song, ‘Tweaker’

The song has generated $638,000 for the basketball player-turned-rapper.

LiAngelo Ball has made an impact off the basketball court. His viral song “Tweaker” has reportedly earned almost $640,000 since its release.

According to Complex, LiAngelo Ball, who started his career as a basketball player like his two NBA-playing brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo. But the success of the single, recorded on his label, Born2Ball Music Group, led to a record deal with the legendary Def Jam Recordings.

New Orleans legend Lil Wayne jumped on the remix to boost the song’s success. Billboard reported that “Tweaker” has generated over 90 million total on-demand streams. The single has netted the recording artist $476,500 from master recording rights. The song has brought in an additional $161,500 on the publishing side, for a reported total of $638,000 so far. Not a bad pay day.

Billboard reports that ‘Tweaker’ by Liangelo Ball has generated nearly $640k since its release pic.twitter.com/a8dfPZ6s2s

— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) March 4, 2025

The latest superstar from the Ball family was expected to play in the NBA like his brothers. Instead, he has NBA players vibing to his song. In January, ESPN’s NBA insider, Shams Charania, reported that he inked a deal with Def Jam. The deal, worth as much as $13 million with $8 million guaranteed, gives him full ownership of his music.

The baller turned rapper named Gelo entered the 2018 NBA Draft after playing at UCLA. No NBA team wanted him. Ball did have several opportunities to make the league. He signed training camp deals with the Detroit Pistons (2020) and the Hornets (2021 and 2022) but didn’t make the regular season rosters.

Ball did play in the NBA G League for the Greensboro Swarm, averaging 4.4 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 13.1 minutes in 31 games from 2021 to 23.

Stephen Curry, NBA, Olympics — (Photo: Paul Chinn/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 6, 2025

Former Oakland Nonprofit Executive Allegedly Embezzled Cash, Including $50K Donation From Stephen Curry

Howard Solomon, 38, was charged with one count of mail fraud and four counts of tax evasion.

An Oakland man who once worked for a nonprofit has been arrested and charged with siphoning funds from the organization, including a $50,000 donation from Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry.

According to the Department of Justice, Howard Solomon, 38, was charged with one count of mail fraud and four counts of tax evasion for an alleged scheme to defraud the East Oakland Boxing Association.

Solomon, organization’s executive director from 2017 until April 2021, is accused of embezzling money and property from the nonprofit to pay for a vacation property rental, a Ford Explorer, and personal items from Amazon.

According to the paperwork filed on Feb. 26, Solomon was responsible for managing daily operations, soliciting contributions and fundraising, managing program and staff, overseeing budget and finances, and community outreach. In his role, he had access to the East Oakland Boxing Association’s bank accounts and debit cards linked to those accounts.

In December 2019, Curry and his wife, Ayesha, appeared on Ellen for “Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways.” The couple donated gifts and a $50,000 check to the organization. Prosecutors allege that Solomon deposited that check into a personal account.

The suspect appeared in an Oakland federal district court March 3.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California, also said that Solomon owes federal income tax due to filing false and fraudulent income tax returns for tax years 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. He agreed to waive indictment by a grand jury and is scheduled to return to court April 9 for a status hearing before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.

If Solomon is convicted of the charges, he faces a prison sentence of 20 years as well as a fine of $250,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transactions for the count of mail fraud. He also faces five years in prison and a fine of $100,000 for each count of tax evasion.

Black-Owned Shopping Center in Milwaukee On Brink of Receiving Historic Status — (Photo: Mike Jones/ Pexels)

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 6, 2025

Black-Owned Shopping Center in Milwaukee On Brink of Receiving Historic Status

Alonzo Robinson was known for helping Black business owners and churches who were often turned down by white shopping center owners.

Formally Black-owned and developed Milwaukee shopping center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Central City Plaza, is on its way to garnering historic status, thanks to the city’s Historic Preservation Commission, Wisconsin Public Radio reports.

During a March 3 meeting, five out of the commission’s seven members voted for the center’s historic status after months of campaigning by preservationists.

The center was designed by the first licensed Black architect in Wisconsin, Alonzo Robinson. At a time when the city was riddled with racism, Robinson’s daughter, Kim, remembered joking with her brothers about their father’s decision to work in a city that did not welcome them.

“We’d say, ‘Hey dad, why didn’t you go to Illinois, in Chicago, and build skyscrapers there? You’d have made a lot more money,’” she remembered.

The architect, who died in 2000, would say, “Because back then, in Wisconsin and Milwaukee, there was a lot of racism and discrimination.”

The whole idea came about when Robinson would say, “Let’s develop something of our own.” In collaboration with lead developer Felmers Chaney, then-leader of Milwaukee’s NAACP chapter, the development opened in 1973. In a Black-majority area close to downtown, the center’s occupants included a Black-operated bowling alley, pharmacy, supermarket, legal offices and a restaurant that provided diverse offerings like “veal cordon bleu as well as soul food.”

Robinson was known for helping Black business owners and churches who were often turned down by white shopping center owners and accused of not paying enough money. A number of the churches and businesses the architect designed are still standing—and thriving—today. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church were recipients of preservation grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Robinson’s daughter often visits the Fast n’ Friendly grocery store, which Robinson also designed. The owner, who still works there, remembers her father with great fondness. “Your dad Alonzo was a blessing to me because when no one else would do the work for me, your dad would do it,” the grocer said.

Prior to the public awareness campaigns to keep the center alive, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a part of Central City Plaza was at risk of being demolished and replaced with a homeless shelter. Executive director of the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, Emma Rudd, said she wasn’t aware of the plaza’s historic context, giving her more of a reason to try and save it.

“We are trying to preserve a story,” Rudd said. “How do you preserve a story? You get the community involved. We need people to know about this.”

The final vote for the site’s historic status is now in the hands of the Milwaukee Common Council.

Denzel Washington, Black panther — (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 6, 2025

Broadway’s ‘Othello’ Starring Denzel Washington Sets 4 House Records, Grosses $2.6M In Debut Week

Denzel Washington's portrayal of Othello on Broadway is driving up ticket sales ahead of its official debut.

The community of theatergoers is eager to witness Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal lead Othello on Broadway.

The new Broadway production of Shakespeare’s iconic tale of power and envy set four house records at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre last week, grossing an impressive $2,637,158 during its first seven previews, Deadline reports. Othello, led by Washington and Gyllenhaal, effortlessly claimed the top spot on the Broadway box office chart for the week ending March 2. Wicked secured second place, earning $2,368,448 during its eight-performance week.

The opportunity to see Washington and Gyllenhaal, two Hollywood heavyweights, lead Othello is driving up ticket prices. Last week, the average ticket price for the show was a hefty $361.90, which far surpassed the second-highest priced show, The Outsiders, which had an average ticket price of $155.02. The average ticket price across all 27 Broadway productions was $118.14.

Washington is getting back to his theater roots in Othello, a role he thought he was “too old” to play before being encouraged by extras on the Gladiator II set.

“I’ll tell you exactly what happened, we were doing Gladiator, and the young boy’s down on the Coliseum floor doing all the fighting,” Washington recalled while speaking with Vogue. “And all us old senators are sitting around in our gowns with our pinkies up, we’re extras basically, just talking, and someone brings up Othello. And I’m like, ‘Oh man, I wish, but I’m too old now.’ And one of the other senators says to me, ‘No, no, no, go back and read the play…’”

A closer look at the character of Othello revealed key moments, such as Iago calling Othello “an old black ram” and Othello describing himself as having “declined into the vale of years.” Washington was captivated by these elements and reached out to the play’s director, Kenny Leon, with whom he had previously collaborated on Broadway productions of Fences and A Raisin in the Sun.

The Academy Award-winning actor’s past theater roles include playing Brutus in a highly praised Broadway production of Julius Caesar 20 years ago. He also played the title character in Joel Coen’s 2021 film The Tragedy of Macbeth, which earned Washington an Academy Award nomination, and starred in 1992’s film adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing.

Washington has played Othello before: 50 years ago as a 20-year-old drama student. He follows in the footsteps of James Earl Jones, who won an Obie for his performance in Joseph Papp’s 1964 production in Central Park.

Othello on Broadway officially opens March 23 and runs through June 8.

Andrew Holness, men, relationships,Jamaica, women, — U.S. Department of State from United States, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Kandiss Edwards

March 6, 2025

Jamaican Prime Minister Implores Women To ‘Demand Better’ From Their Men

Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness wants his country's women to steer men to righteousness.

Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness expressed concern for the country’s young men and urged women to help steer them away from a life of crime, the Jamaica Observer reported.

Speaking at a press conference in recognition of International Women’s Day, Holness called on the women of Jamaica to take an active role in guiding the men in their lives toward positive paths.

“With the help of the mothers, sisters, grandmothers, girlfriends, and friends, if we can reach out to [those perpetrators of crime], we can save their lives and put them on a pathway like the thousands of others who are struggling, who are facing hardship the same way but have decided that they’re not going to engage in crime,” Holness said.

The prime minister acknowledged that while only a tiny percentage of young men engage in crime, the number remains too high. He believes Jamaica can provide opportunities for those who “stay on the path of righteousness.”

“If we see them being pulled into negative influences, I appeal to our women: ‘Reach out to them, save them. This is a different Jamaica—let them know that there is an alternative, that there is a bright future,’” he said.

His appeal comes as crime rates continue to rise in the country. According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, there have been 117 murders since January 2025, along with 428 other reported crimes.

Holness emphasized that raising children with strong values is key to reducing violence and crime. He believes women, as primary caregivers, have a significant role in shaping the nation’s future.

“The future of Jamaica depends on the values we instill in our children—and I believe in the power of our women. I believe that if we come together as a nation, if women take a stand for peace and demand better from the men in their lives, we will see a safer, stronger, and more united Jamaica,” Holness said.

“We must change the value system to reward those who choose Jamaica, who choose not to be involved in crime, who choose—despite the hardship—to do what is right. We must reward those people,” he added.

National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis — (Photo: Bigmacthealmanac, Creative Commons via Wikimedia Commons)

by Stacy Jackson

March 6, 2025

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

The museum and Unite Memphis' partnership encourages a new future for the city of Memphis with a new level of engagement and opportunities.

The National Civil Rights Museum and Unite Memphis have launched a partnership focused on healing, honor, and hope for the city of Memphis.

In a press release, United Memphis CEO Kari Conlee said the partnership allows the city to “embrace a future where it can go from being remembered as a city that has been historically divided to a united city.”

Memphians are in store for a treat this year as Unite Memphis, with the National Civil Rights Museum as a partner, hosts what is slated to be the nation’s largest unity walk or run. The Unite Memphis Race, scheduled for Labor Day, Sept. 1, will mark the movement’s 4th annual race; participation is expected to break records.

The 2025 race will be held at the National Civil Rights Museum, where civil rights advocate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. The location will allow Memphians to immerse themselves in history and educational opportunities during the event.

“Our focus is on building the Beloved Community of which Dr. King spoke,” said Dr. Russ Wigginton, Museum President. “The Unite Memphis partnership is one way we are intentional about leading with hope, not fear, with love, not hate. It’s an example of how we can bring the community together to demonstrate we solve more issues expeditiously when we are united.”

This summer, the renovated Founders Park will celebrate a reopening at the National Civil Rights Museum as the museum and Unite Memphis strive to create experiences that reflect what the future of Memphis can be.

Proceeds from Unite Memphis’ 2025 race will go toward Memphis nonprofits Peer Power, Leadership Empowerment Center, and the National Civil Rights Museum.

Register for this year’s race at the Unite Memphis website. Check out last year’s event here in the below video.

Man Acquitted, Murder — (Photo: WIN-Initiative/Neleman via Getty Images)

by Kandiss Edwards

March 6, 2025

Inmate To Face South Carolina’s First-Ever Firing Squad on March 7

Brad Sigmon went to court to chose how he wanted to die.

South Carolina will enact the death penalty by firing squad for the first time in the state’s history when Brad Sigmon faces a firing squad on March 7.

The state now allows death row inmates to choose their method of execution, so this was how Sigmon chose to die. He was found guilty of beating David and Gladys Larke to death in 2001 after their daughter rejected him.

Since 1985, South Carolina has executed six prisoners by lethal injection and electrocution. As this is the first time the state will use a firing squad, preparations have been meticulous.

How South Carolina's execution of a condemned killer by firing squad will unfold https://t.co/U7Op4JpeGb
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 4, 2025

Three unnamed volunteers will carry out the execution. According to the Associated Press, the riflemen will fire from 15 feet away from behind a concealed wall. Their identities will be protected. All weapons will be loaded with live ammunition, and the condemned will have a target placed over his heart to ensure a fatal shot.

In Freddie Eugene Owens, Brad Keith Sigmon, Gary DuBose Terry, and Richard Bernard Moore v. Bryan P. Stirling, director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, experts testified that the method does not constitute “cruel or unusual punishment,” as the pain would last no longer than 10 seconds.

The appeal stated that the heart will “immediately stop… beating” and that the person would lose consciousness “so quick that they would not experience pain at all.”

The state’s expert, Dr. Jorge Alvarez, testified that a person shot in the heart would be unconscious “in less than 10 seconds.”

Over the years, many have advocated for abolishing the death penalty, and this particular method appears extreme to some. But Sigmon and four other inmates actively pushed for the option of execution by firing squad. South Carolina courts initially rejected the petition, but the decision was successfully appealed in 2022.

Sigmon’s execution is scheduled March 7 at 6 p.m., barring an intervention from the governor.

Faith Evans, — (Photo: Timothy M. Moore/Creative Commons via Wikimedia Commons)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 6, 2025

Faith Evans Honored With 30-Year Musical Tribute Featuring Kierra Sheard-Kelly and Kim Burrell

The concert featured a memorable series of performances, including one from the guest of honor.

A group of talented vocalists gathered to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of Faith Evans’ debut album, Faith.

Grammy Award-nominated recording artists Kim Burrell, Durand Bernarr, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, and B.Slade, along with Faith’s daughter Chyna Tahjere, hit New York City’s Town Hall stage on Feb. 28, for “Keeping The Faith: Celebrating 30 Years of Music and Entertainment with Singer/Songwriter Faith Evans.”

The event featured musical reinterpretations of Evans’s extensive catalog and a two-song performance by the soul icon, directed by multi-genre composer and conductor Damien Sneed that featured his Orchestra of Tomorrow.

The concert lineup saw vocalist Ayana George Jackson belt out “No Other Love” and “Never Gonna Let You Go,” Anitra McKinney perform “Ain’t Nobody” and “Tears Away,” and Matia Celeste Washington lead a rendition of “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” and Evans’ radio hit “Burnin’ Up.”

Special performances of the night included the Orchestra of Tomorrow performing Evans’ interlude track, “Thank You Lord,” which was shared online, and Tahjere singing her mom’s “Caramel Kisses.”

https://twitter.com/OhWho_OhLu/status/1896237972103819383

Bernarr wowed the crowd with his performance of Evans’ beloved ballad, “I Love You.”

https://twitter.com/notcapnamerica/status/1895936847966294223

Evans’ longtime friends Courtney Terr and Rufus Blaq shared stories dating back to before she found success in music. Kierra Sheard-Kelly helped close out the tribute performances with her rendition of “Keep The Faith,” and Burrell sang “Love Like This.”

Evans herself closed out her show with a live performance of “Soon As I Get Home” and “Again,” featuring Avery Wilson. She showcased a range of emotions while thanking the talent and fans who came out to celebrate.

Proceeds from the concert benefits Evans’ foundation, Ryder’s Room, Inc., named after her son, which Evans created to help provide the highest level of resources to children and their families with disabilities and different needs.

Evans, a mother of four, has released nine studio albums and over 30 chart-topping singles.

Black History Month, DEI, Trump, President — https://nappy.co/photo/7QdyA6I_HLsASQS5U4Tr1

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 6, 2025

Good News! Black History Month Doesn’t Violate Trump’s Anti-DEI Order, According To DOE

Attorney for the DOE civil rights office said he hopes school leaders realize everything dealing with race does not violate the law.

The Department of Education made it clear that celebrating observances like Black History Month won’t put schools at risk of losing federal funding under President Donald Trump’s anti-diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) executive order, Fox News reported.

Following a letter from the DOE’s Office for Civil Rights reminding all 50 states of the Feb. 28 deadline to comply with the order to remove DEI policies, the clarification pointed to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits “recipients of federal funding from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin.”

“Schools may not operate policies or programs under any name that treat students differently based on race, engage in racial stereotyping, or create hostile environments for students of particular races,” the guidance reads.

“Nor would educational, cultural, or historical observances – such as Black History Month, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or similar events – that celebrate or recognize historical events and contributions, and promote awareness, so long as they do not engage in racial exclusion or discrimination.”

Acting assistant secretary for civil rights, Craig Trainor, said schools have “toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon ‘systemic and structural racism’ and advanced discriminatory policies and practices.”

The walk back on Trump’s executive order comes just days after new Secretary of Education Linda McMahon was confirmed on Mar. 3 in a 51-45 vote along party lines. However, while Trainor claims the department is standing its ground, education experts feel the initial order was just a scare tactic. Osamudia James, a professor at the University of North Carolina School of Law, labeled the order as a way to “scare and chill” schools. “Every dollar you spend litigating these issues is money that does not go to supporting students who need it,” James said.

An attorney for the civil rights office, Ray Li, told USA Today that the Trump administration, despite universities closing DEI offices and limiting support of some marginalized student groups, realizes everything dealing with race does not violate the law. He hopes school leaders also realize that, calling the guidance a “retreat back to some legal standards.”

“Hopefully, schools take that information and realize that just because something deals with race doesn’t mean it violates the law,” he said. “Even this administration recognizes that.”

Unfortunately, the guidance came after several DOE employees who led DEI initiatives were placed on leave. Several were placed on the unemployment list after the Diversity & Inclusion Council was dissolved.