• News

by Kandiss Edwards

February 27, 2025

Viral ‘Wide Neck’ Miscreant Sends Nudes Of A Mother To Her Children

Charles "Wide Neck" McDowell has another mugshot to add to his viral collection.

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Charles Dion McDowell, known online as the viral “Wide Neck,” character is facing criminal charges for allegedly sending explicit images to minors, TMZ reported. 

McDowell is accused of sending a 13-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl explicit photos as well as videos of their mother. The images were also sent to the victim’s mother and another unidentified person. Charges indicate the transmission of the images occurred multiple times. The subject of the sexually suggestive content did not consent to its distribution.

The incident is serious enough to elicit federal charges, including “felony transmission of nude images without consent, electronically furnishing obscene material to a minor, and making harassing phone calls,” according to the police report.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia took the suspect into custody on Feb. 19. Due to the involvement of minors, no names or further details have been released.

McDowell, known as “Wide Neck,” gained internet fame for his unusually large neck, which has been compared to the size of a small tree trunk. The viral figure is no stranger to public attention or legal trouble.

His notoriety began in 2018 when he was arrested in Lee County, Alabama, for attempting to elude police. His mugshot went viral, drawing widespread attention online.

McDowell was charged with eluding law enforcement and reckless driving. After posting a $57,000 bond, he was released from jail.

In 2022, he was re-arrested in Escambia County, Florida., for fleeing and eluding police, as well as possession of meth and cocaine, Fox 5 reported.

After entering the ranks of internet virality McDowell went on to appear on multiple YouTube shows. He showed off the strength of his abnormal neck, took viewers along for his first chiropractic appointment, and juxtaposed his body parts with others with smaller necks. 

There has been no reported court date or bond set for McDowell.

RELATED CONTENT: Is A Black Louisiana Man Facing Homicide Charges For Defending Himself Against An Attack By A White Man?

• Women

by Stacy Jackson

February 27, 2025

City Of Detroit Gifts New Home To Homeless Mom Who Lost Her Children To Frigid Temperatures

The Detroit mom's newly renovated home has been stacked with food, freshly painted, and decorated with brand new windows and flooring.

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Tateona Williams, the homeless mother whose two children froze to death after living in a van for around three months in cold Detroit weather, has been gifted a newly renovated home by the city.

Chad Audi, president and CEO of the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministry, said on Instagram that the mission and city decided to step up and do something to help Williams’ family. “Our hearts continue to be with the Williams and Currie families as we stand by them, offering our love and compassion,” the City of Detroit captioned a video tour of Williams’ new home. “While nothing can truly ease their loss, the gift of a new home represents a pivotal step forward for both their family and our community. Detroit, let us unite in support.”

Williams walked through her new residence, which has been freshly painted, renovated with brand-new windows and flooring, and stacked with food. Audi hopes this is a good start to helping the mother cope with the loss of her two children, a 2-year-old and a 9-year-old. In the video, the Detroit mom confirmed that she likes her new home.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by City of Detroit (@cityofdetroit)

BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered the tragic incident that occurred earlier this month when Williams woke up to find two of her four children unresponsive. After being transported to a local hospital, the children were pronounced dead due to what appeared to be hypothermia. Williams and her children had been sleeping inside their van, which ran out of gas overnight and forced the family to endure freezing temperatures. The homeless mother said she faced difficulty receiving help from the city’s homeless response team, which she had reached out to several times, including last November. The woman, who had been homeless for three months, said she was not able to stay at hotels any longer, which resulted in sleeping inside the van in a Detroit casino parking garage.

According to The Detroit News, Williams said she’s been asking for help, and everybody has reached out “after” she lost her two kids. “I feel like it wasn’t their time,” she said. “I did everything I was supposed to do.”

Williams can “forget” the “sob stories, according to Darnell Currie Sr., the father of the children, who told 7 News Detroit that he was hoping the summons to the hospital “was a sick joke, but it wasn’t.” Williams said she asked Currie for help with the children, three of which she shares with him. Currie, however, told the outlet that “she did not. All she said was, ‘Can I get [th]em? Can I get [th]em?'” He said there was a difference between asking him to get the kids just to get them and asking him to get them because she was homeless, but according to him, she never specified.

BE noted that Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan confirmed that Williams contacted the city’s homeless response team three times. The last contact was on Nov. 25 of last year, but no outreach worker ever visited the family. The incident prompted a review of the city’s homeless services.

RELATED CONTENT: Head’s Plumbing Is A Family Company That Just Revitalized An Atlanta Shelter

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 27, 2025

Ex-NFL Player Aaron Patrick Settles Lawsuit With NFL After Season-Ending Injury In 2022

The former Denver Broncos player has reportedly settled after an injury he suffered during a Monday Night Football contest in 2022

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Former NFL player Aaron Patrick has reportedly settled a lawsuit filed against various entities, including the NFL, L.A. Chargers, and ESPN, for an injury he suffered during a Monday Night Football contest in 2022.

According to TMZ Sports, Patrick, who was a member of the Denver Broncos as a special teams player when a season-ending injury ended his NFL season, has reached a conditional settlement with the aforementioned companies. My News LA reported that SoFi Stadium was among the companies that settled with Patrick.

During an October 17, 2022, game between the Broncos and the L.A. Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Patrick tore his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) when he tried to avoid running into an NFL official who was standing on the sidelines when the incident took place.

Patrick stated that while avoiding the official, his foot got caught in a mat placed down to cover cords and cables used for the instant replay monitors on the sidelines. He sued for unspecified damages, including lost bonuses and future earning potential.

Daily Mail reported that when the suit was filed, Patrick’s attorney William Berman stated that “the defendants were negligent in their operations of SOFI STADIUM in allowing a dangerous condition to exist by having three mats placed near the sideline to cover cords/cables that led to the feed for the instant NFL’s replay monitor.”

• Fashion & Beauty

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 27, 2025

Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 992  ‘Aged Well’ Sneaker Culminates The Black Designer Being Amplified With The Shoe Brand

Joe Freshgoods is celebrating his five-year anniversary with New Balance with the 992 “Aged Well” and a documentary release.

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Joe Freshgoods is marking five years and counting with New Balance through his latest release, the 992 “Aged Well,” a tribute to his creative partnership with the esteemed athletic apparel brand that continues to champion his design talent and infectious passion.

After debuting on the Joe Freshgoods website, the Chicago creative’s New Balance 992 “Aged Well” is gearing up for a wider release on Feb. 28 through newbalance.com and select retailers, Sneaker News reports. The new sneaker release marks Joe’s fifth anniversary with New Balance, a milestone after he nearly faced the closure of his now widely beloved and celebrated brand.

A documentary coming in June 2025 shares Joe’s success story, from his start as a local streetwear brand in his native Chicago to securing the New Balance partnership in 2020 when he was uncertain about how to sustain his business.

”It explores how the partnership impacted global sneaker culture and the transparency behind the growth,” Joe shared in an Instagram announcement, “which, to me, was more important than just making this about sneakers. This is real life.”

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A post shared by Joefreshgoods (@joefreshgoods)

A trailer for the documentary offers a glimpse into Joe’s journey, showcasing his humble approach to success and his impact on the Boston-based athletic apparel brand founded in 1906. Since joining New Balance, Joe Robinson (better known as Joe Freshgoods) has seamlessly infused his signature designs—celebrating the luxury of streetwear style and culture—into the brand’s collections, merging storytelling with contemporary fashion.

Five years later, with 20 sneaker releases and counting, Joe Freshgoods’ latest New Balance collaboration is a love letter for his creative journey with the Boston-based brand.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m not supposed to be here. But then, I’m here, and I’m like, ‘Oh sh*t, I’m good at what I do,” he says in the video.

The design of the 992 “Aged Well” draws inspiration from Joe Freshgoods’ first collaboration with New Balance—the 2020 release of the New Balance 992 “No Emotions Are Emotions,” also known as “Anatomy Of A Heart.” It was an instant hit and celebrated during NBA All-Star Weekend and now fetches resale prices around $3,000.

While the reasons behind New Balance’s resurgence may vary, many consider Joe’s first 992 release as the catalyst that revitalized the brand. The sneakers feature pink and red suede silhouettes set against an olive-green mesh base and accented with saddle brown leather on the tongue and back tab.

Four sets of laces are included, and the box is adorned with unique details reflecting the “Aged Well” theme. Additionally, Joe Freshgoods designed a “Championship Dreams” varsity leather jacket to commemorate his five years of success as a fashion designer.

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A post shared by Joefreshgoods (@joefreshgoods)

“I wanted this jacket to capture the essence of the last five years—every project has been a milestone, another chapter closed, another dream realized,” Joe captioned an Instagram post. “Over time, I’ve had the privilege of telling culturally important stories, and this jacket reflects that journey project by project.”

RELATED CONTENT: Hip-Hop Fashionista A$AP Rocky Becomes Ray-Ban’s First Creative Director

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

February 27, 2025

A$AP Rocky Is Going Back To Court, A$AP Relli Moves Forward With Civil Suit

A$AP Rocky is not through with legal battles against former friend A$AP Relli.

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Rakim “A$AP Rocky” Mayers is heading back to court after his criminal acquittal. The rapper’s longtime friend, Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, is moving forward with a civil lawsuit for assault and battery.

Rolling Stone reported the trial is scheduled to begin January 12, 2026. After losing the criminal case against Rocky, Relli’s legal team still maintains there is enough evidence to proceed.

The standard of proof is more lenient in a civil suit. Relli’s attorney, Mellisa Mikail, is confident in the case’s viability.

“The standard in a criminal case is much higher than the preponderance of the evidence standard in a civil matter,” Mikail said. “We still believe that our claims have merit, and we intend on fully litigating them.”

However, attorneys for Rocky argue the acquittal on criminal charges reflects a lack of sufficient evidence. The defense team stated that a jury has already found the evidence lacking and that a new jury will likely dismiss the testimony as meritless.

After the criminal acquittal, James Sargent spoke about the jury’s decision and Rocky’s intent to see the trial through without settling with the plaintiff.

“Mr. Ephron testified in the criminal case as to the facts and circumstances. The jury’s acquittal speaks volumes about how they valued that testimonial evidence,” Sargent told the judge.

Rocky’s legal team also advised Relli to reconsider his decision to continue with the civil case.

“We look forward to full vindication. The plaintiff can take a sober assessment of the outcome of the criminal case and change course,” Sargent told Rolling Stone.

The civil case will hopefully be the final chapter in the saga for the father of Rihanna’s children. Rocky’s criminal case was a lengthy process. The case stemmed from an incident on Nov. 6, 2021. Relli accused the Praise The Lord rapper of firing a weapon in his direction, causing “minor injury,” according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

RELATED CONTENT: Prosecutor Takes Umbrage With Rihanna, RZA And Riot Supporting A$AP Rocky Trial

• News

by Mitti Hicks

February 27, 2025

REPORT: Maryland And Texas Have The Most Diverse Cities In 2025

Both states account for the top five most diverse cities, according to WalletHub.

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A new report from WalletHub, the personal finance app and website, shows that Maryland and Texas are home to the most diverse cities in the United States. The two states contributed the top five most diverse cities.

WalletHub compared 501 of the most populated cities to determine the most diverse cities in America. Each state was limited to 10 cities each. Analysts compared data across five key dimensions, including socioeconomic diversity, cultural diversity, economic diversity, household diversity, and religious diversity.

“It’s important to embrace diversity–and it’s good for the economy, too. Not only have waves of immigration changed the face of the nation, they’ve also brought in fresh perspectives, skills and technologies to help the U.S. develop a strong adaptability to change,” Adam McCann, WalletHub’s financial writer, wrote.

According to the study, the top 10 diverse cities in the U.S. are:

1. Gaithersburg, MD
2. Silver Spring, MD
3. Germantown, MD
4. Arlington, TX
5. Houston, TX
6. New York, NY
7. Charlotte, NC
8. Jersey City, NJ
9. Danbury, CT
10. Los Angeles, CA

While it didn’t make the top 10 list, Gresham, Oregon, has the highest income diversity. Less than 20 miles east of Portland, Gresham’s income diversity is nearly 18% higher than the average cities on the list.

Meanwhile, in Maryland, two of its cities rank highest in educational attainment diversity, and racial and ethnic diversity. Silver Spring has the highest educational attainment diversity, 48% higher than the average of all cities. Germantown has the highest racial and ethnic diversity, 117% higher than the average of all cities.

“The most diverse cities demonstrate diversity in many dimensions—not just in race and gender but also everything from residents’ languages and birthplaces to their job types and household sizes,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst. “These cities blend together a multitude of different perspectives, helping people to better understand the world around them and become more empathetic. This exchange of ideas also tends to increase the economic success of diverse cities.”

Read the full report here.

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• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 27, 2025

Kyrie Irving Makes Emotional Visit To View Statues Of Kobe, Gianna Bryant

'It meant everything to me. I needed that before the game.'

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When the Dallas Mavericks played the Lakers in  Los Angeles on Feb. 25, Kyrie visited the statues of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, who both died in a helicopter crash in 2020.

According to The Dallas Morning News, Irving viewed the statues outside the Crypto.com Arena, a visit he had avoided since they were unveiled on Aug. 2, 2024.

Kyrie Irving visits the Kobe and Gigi Bryant statue at https://t.co/4XyF1JduvH arena before tonight’s Mavericks vs. Lakers @kcalnews @SportsCentralLA pic.twitter.com/NhPTmkVJPP

— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) February 25, 2025

“It meant everything to me. I needed that before the game,” Irving said. “I don’t know if anybody in here has dealt with that avoiding feeling. Avoiding things that you know are gonna kinda be painful or hurt you, and it’s gonna be best for you at the same time. That was one of those things. I hadn’t been to the statue just because I was all in my head, all in my emotions the last few times we’ve come here. And you know, obviously, I paid my respects to his family as well and always try to, Vanessa and the kids. At the same time, sitting in front of that statue just felt different.”

Irving’s love and admiration for Kobe Bryant are still evident. He wears an armband on his left arm, just like Kobe did during the first half of his playing career. During pre-game warmups, the Mavericks point guard also wore a red rubber band with “Gigi Bryant” inscribed with a white heart.

During the game, Irving imitated one of Kobe’s most recognized moves on the court: pumping his fist several times after making a three-point shot.

“I’m a little troll, man, at times,” Irving said. “I definitely was giving that Kobe fist a few times. Kobe held it a little longer, and he would grit his teeth, but for me, I was like, ‘Yes, I got lucky in this building.’ So it felt good, man.”

The NBA legend, his daughter, and seven others died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020.

RELATED CONTENT: Master P. Officially Cuts Ribbon On New Orleans Walk Of Fame

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 27, 2025

‘Make ‘Em Say, Uhhh!’: Rap Legend Master P Tapped As President Of Basketball Operations At University Of New Orleans

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Percy Miller, better known as Master P, will be the new president of Basketball Operations for the University of New Orleans.

On Feb. 26, the university announced that the “No Limit” soldier had been hired to lead the team’s operations.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Master P (@masterp)

Master P shared what the new post meant to him. “At that time, UNO was one of the best programs in the country. It was all about Privateer Nation, and there was so much excitement on the Lakefront, Master P said in a written statement. As President of Basketball Operations, I am committed to bringing back that winning tradition to NOLA’s Team. But this is bigger than the game—it’s about educating and creating future leaders at the same time. I’m here to make sure that these young student-athletes have the opportunities, resources and mentorship to succeed on and off the court. UNO is our culture, our community, our city, our team and our family. It’s time to bring the love and passion back to New Orleans basketball.”

Master P’s basketball history has been well-documented over the years, although he is known more for being an astute businessman and recording artist. He played his collegiate career for the basketball teams at both the University of Houston and Merritt College in Oakland, California. However, even as he started his label, No Limit Records, he had playing stints in the CBA (Continental Basketball Association), which predated the current NBA G League as a developmental league for NBA teams (The CBA folded in 2009).

The “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” rapper played for the Fort Wayne Fury, the San Diego Stingrays, and the Las Vegas Rattlers in the CBA. Although he never made it to the regular season in the NBA, he was on the rosters of the Charlotte Hornets and the Toronto Raptors during preseason. He also participated in the NBA Summer League, playing with the Dallas Mavericks, the Denver Nuggets, and the Sacramento Kings.

“This is a tremendously exciting day for the future of New Orleans Privateers basketball,” said head men’s basketball coach Stacy Hollowell. “I am thrilled to add coach Percy Miller to our staff as President of Basketball Operations. Coach Miller cares deeply about his city, the University of New Orleans and Privateers basketball. We will benefit from his basketball knowledge and relationships with people within the city and the game.”

RELATED CONTENT: Master P. Officially Cuts Ribbon On New Orleans Walk Of Fame

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

February 27, 2025

Former Bad Boy Co-Founder Sues Diddy’s Mom, Claiming He Was Forced To Give Up His Share Of Label

Janice Smalls Combs is accused of directing Diddy in assault and coercion scheme.

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Janice Smalls Combs, mother of Sean “Diddy” Combs, is being sued by the co-founder of Bad Boy Entertainment.

Kirk Burrowes alleges that he was coerced into signing over his rights to the company in 1996. The former president of the company claims he was threatened with a baseball bat during an incident at Bad Boy Entertainment’s New York office, which occurred in the presence of attorney Kenneth Meiselas.

Subsequently, Burrowes relinquished his 25% ownership and 15% annual share in the company, which was transferred to Smalls Combs.

“By words and actions, Sean Combs and Kenneth Meiselas frightened, intimidated, and assaulted plaintiff (Burrowes), forcing him to turn over his share certificate for 25 shares of Bad Boy Entertainment to Sean Combs,” the filing states.

The former CEO claims that losing control of the company, which he co-founded in 1992, led to financial ruin and homelessness. Legal documents indicate Burrowes has lived in multiple homeless shelters over the years and is unable to support himself due to the actions of Diddy and Smalls Combs.

Though Smalls Combs was not present during the altercation, Burrowes believes both Diddy and Meiselas assaulted him on her orders.

Burrowes also alleges professional sabotage by the Combs, which hindered his prospects in entertainment.

“They blacklisted him from the music industry, blocked business opportunities, and destroyed his professional reputation, ensuring he would remain financially destitute and unable to reclaim what was rightfully his,” the documents state.

Smalls Combs is one of the defendants in the case, which also includes 10 John/Jane Does and ABC Corporation.

Burrowes asserts that Diddy has “engaged in a decades-long scheme of intimidation, violence, fraudulent misrepresentation, and financial concealment.”

The filing also details the continued denial of Burrowes’s initial $100,000 investment and contribution to the company, which paints a bleak picture for the 55-year-old former CEO.

Burrowes is suing to regain his stolen 25% share in the company and any lost wages due to the coercion. 

RELATED CONTENT: Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Jay-Z And Diddy Dropped By Jane Doe

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

February 27, 2025

Ashley M. Fox Talks Glowing Up In Finances At The 19th Annual Women Of Power Summit

Ashley M. Fox brings her financial expertise to the 19th Annual Women of Power Summit.

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HBCU alum and CEO Ashley M. Fox will share insights on financial success at the BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit, which will be held from March 5 to 9 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Fox will be a featured speaker for the “Your Money Glow-Up” session. A graduate of Howard University’s School of Business, she built her financial expertise working for JPMorgan and other Wall Street institutions before leaving the private sector in 2013.

While on Wall Street, Fox managed millions of dollars in investments, earning a six-figure salary by age 25. However, despite her financial success, she realized her spending habits exceeded her income, leading to financial struggles. 

Determined to turn her situation around, Fox used her financial knowledge to rebuild her wealth. Her journey led to the creation of Empify in late 2017, a company dedicated to fostering financial literacy and generational wealth.

Through Empify, Fox provides courses on investing in stocks and real estate, offering Black investors the tools to build lasting wealth through the stock market.

Fox’s motto is simple: “It’s not what you make, but how you spend it.”

Fox has discovered the key to financial stability through trial, error, and expertise. There are two ways to tap into the CEO’s knowledge base: the first is to sign up for Empify’s services, and the second is to attend the 19th Annual BE Women of Power Summit. 

RELATED CONTENT: Robin L. Washington To Receive Her Flowers At The 19th Annual Women Of Power Summit Legacy Award Gala