social media, employees, office, guidelines, policies, triller — (Photo: PeopleImages/Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 19, 2025

Chase To Block Zelle Social Media Transactions To Combat Fraudulent Payments

The policy starts March 23.

Chase Bank is updating a policy that would block Zelle transactions through social media while making an effort to cut down on scam transactions, Gizmodo reports.

The adjusted user policy is a result of the financial institution’s increased focus on transactions related to online purchases made through social media, whether it’s from an online marketplace or a trade connection on Reddit.

Starting March 23, if the Zelle recipient is “identified as originating from contact through social media,” Chase will decide whether to decline or block the payment from being completed.

Chase has faced a number of fraud-related claims due to social media transactions, claiming that 50% of all fraud claims filed by the company’s Zelle customers originated on social media. NatWest Bank found that social media marketplace scams are expanding at a rapid pace. Sixty percent of users between the ages of 18 and 24 have either experienced personal financial loss from online scams or know a victim.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit against Chase and competing institutions, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, accusing the companies, along with Zelle, of failing “to protect consumers from widespread fraud,” according to The Verge.

“Zelle is designed for sending money to others you know and trust, not for buying things on social media,” said Chase spokesperson Emma Eatman. “We’ve updated the language in our Terms and Conditions to help our customers protect themselves from scams that overwhelmingly originate from contact through social media platforms.”

Awareness over scam alerts has become heightened as agencies like CFPB are at risk of losing website information, social media channels, and employees given the sweeping cuts from the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency, led by tech billionaire Elon Musk.

As Zelle has a “no refund” option, the company doesn’t offer purchase protection, meaning there is no way of getting your money due to a scam.

“Banks are working to stop scams where they originate, helping to prevent criminals from stealing money from hardworking consumers,” Zelle spokesperson Jane Khodos said in response to Chase’s policy change. She added that fighting scams needs a “multilayered approach,” alluding that more than one entity should step up.

Corey Lowery, Texas Southern University, protests, Seton Hall University, — (Photo: Markus Spiske/Pexels)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 19, 2025

SIAC Basketball Tournament To Make Atlanta Debut Next Month

The tournament will take March 4–8 at Morehouse College's Forbes Arena.

The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s (SIAC) upcoming basketball tournament will be held in Atlanta for the first time.

The tournament is March 4–8 at Morehouse College‘s Forbes Arena, the home court for several conference schools. The games and associated events are being welcomed by the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority (AFCRA).

We are about 2 weeks away from the @TheSIAC Basketball Championship 🏀🏀 March 5-8th at Forbes Arena (Morehouse College) pic.twitter.com/oWULlsvpjf

— Black College Exp Sports Reporter (@BlackCollegeExp) February 17, 2025

“The SIAC Conference originated in 1913 during a meeting at Morehouse College to protect intercollegiate athletes among Black colleges,” SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman said in a statement. “For Atlanta to host this conference in 2025 is a full-circle moment that celebrates over 112 years of history supporting and celebrating Black athletes.”

Schools that will be in the NCAA Division II conference tournament include 15 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across seven states, including Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Albany State University, and Tuskegee University.

“Hosting the SIAC Tournament is a huge win for the city of Atlanta, and we hope the conference will return,” said Kerry Stewart, executive director of The Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority. “Our city continues to prove its leadership in hosting major sports events, and this is yet another opportunity for Atlanta to shine.”

Here are the cultural events taking place during tournament week.

Tuesday, March 4
● SIAC Cares | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Thomas Cole Exhibition Hall at Clark Atlanta University
● Cigars & Conversations | 7:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. | Fellaship, 110 Centennial Olympic Park Dr, Atlanta

Thursday, March 6
● HBCU ATL Fest | 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. | Clark Atlanta University Trevor Arnett Quad
● Night Parties Suite Lounge | 10:00 p.m.–3:00 a.m.

Saturday, March 8
● Sponsor Appreciation Brunch | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
● HBCU ATL Fest | 12:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
● Day Party at Opium Nightclub | 3:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
● HBCU Pardi Gras | 9:00 p.m. | Forbes Arena

Anyone interested in attending the games and/or participating in the cultural events can visit www.siacatl.com or www.thesiac.com.

The Housley Life, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons — photo credit: The Housley Life, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Kandiss Edwards

February 19, 2025

Tamera Mowry’s Husband Lambasted For Post About SNAP Ban On Junk Food

Adam Housley is weighing in on SNAP benefits.

Adam Housley, the white husband of actress Tamera Mowry, is weighing in on restrictions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on X.

On Feb. 19, Housley recounted his childhood experiences to draw a connection between his upbringing and the proposed policy changes.

The former FOX News journalist claims to have witnessed SNAP recipients abusing the system. As a 5-year-old, he recalls observing people filling their carts with sugary snacks and other unhealthy foods at a “neighborhood grocery store.” Then, according to Housley, customers use cash to buy alcohol. Housley expressed his 5-year-old frustrations in his post.

“As a kid who grew up in neighborhood grocery stores since I was 5, I can’t tell you how many times I saw people come in and buy crap food for their kids with food stamps, then open the wallet and use cash for liquor, beer, wine and cigarettes,” Housley wrote. “Then there were those who would repeatedly buy a lemon or lime, get the change, walk out the door, throw them away and do it again. Until they had enough change to buy cigarettes or alcohol. As a kid it pissed me off because there are some people who could really use the help and then there are these others working the system.”

As a kid who grew up in neighborhood grocery stores since I was 5, I can’t tell you how many times I saw people come in and buy crap food for their kids with food stamps, then open the wallet and use cash for liquor, beer, wine and cigarettes.
Then there were those who would… https://t.co/1JRNVeOzx3
— Adam Housley (@adamhousley) February 18, 2025

Housley’s Upbringing

However, many social media users are questioning Housley’s claims, pointing out that he grew up in Napa Valley, a region famous for its vineyards.

According to NapaVintners, the area’s estimated economic impact is over $11.1 billion locally and nearly $34 billion across the U.S.

In a 2024 People magazine interview, Housley revealed that he retired from journalism to take over his family’s vineyard, adding credibility to the claims made on social media.

https://twitter.com/tsnmknd/status/1892203672966222264

RFK’s SNAP Statements

Housley’s childhood anecdote echoes recent statements by newly confirmed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding SNAP and school lunch programs.

“The federal government in many cases is paying for [SNAP and school lunches],” he said, adding, “And we shouldn’t be subsidizing people to eat poison,” the AP reported.

Similarly, the newly confirmed Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins agrees. Rollins expressed her concerns about how SNAP benefits are used.

“When a taxpayer is putting money into SNAP, are they OK with us using their tax dollars to feed really bad food and sugary drinks to children who perhaps need something more nutritious?” she said.

However, despite Rollins and Kennedy Jr.’s concerns, they do not have direct control over changing the conditions of the SNAP program.

Modifying how the benefits are allocated requires an act of Congress. Any potential reform must go through the political process, ensuring checks and balances are observed.

Anthony Edward, drug test — Photo by Carol Lee Rose/Getty Images for adidas Basketball

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 19, 2025

Anthony Edwards Tells Obama, ‘I’m The Truth,’ In Viral Video

The scene is captured in a new Netflix docuseries, "Court of Gold," which chronicles USA Basketball's Olympic road to the gold medal prize at the Paris Olympics

A recent clip that went viral shows Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards showing bravado about his game while speaking to former President of the United States Barack Obama at the Olympics in Paris.

According to Sports Illustrated, in a scene from the debut of a new Netflix docuseries titled, “Court of Gold,” which chronicles USA Basketball’s Olympic road to the gold medal prize at the Paris Olympics. In this clip, the former president is being filmed as he greets members of the Gold Medal-winning basketball team made up of NBA players like Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns), and LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers).

One of the youngest on the team, Edwards is seen talking to the sports-loving Obama, who was known to be an avid basketball fan and player during his presidency.

During the exchange, Edwards, who is known for his confidence and trash-talking on the basketball court, does not hide that part of his personality when speaking to the former leader of the free world. As Obama chats with Embiid about Edwards’ game, the Timberwolves guard does not need a co-sign, and he responds with confidence to Obama’s question directed at the 76ers player.

Obama asked Embiid, “He can hoop a little bit, huh?”

Embiid gives Edwards props by telling Obama, “Just a little bit.”

But Edwards says, “Nah, y’all better stand down. I’m the truth.”

When James and Durant enter the frame, Obama questions them about the Timberwolves star.

When Obama turns to James, he informs the Lakers player that Edwards proclaimed himself the truth; James responds, “The truth? The whole truth and nothing but the truth. That’s what he said?”

Edwards lightly protests and explains the context of why he made that statement to Obama.

“Tell him the whole context of the situation, though. You (Obama) asked him (Embiid) what he thinks about this young man, and he said I’m OK. I said, ‘I’m the truth, you trippin.’ That’s what happened.”

After hearing the context, James and Durant stated that he “ain’t” lying.

Ant telling Obama that he’s the Truth lmaoo confidence is A1 pic.twitter.com/B0XiKG3nAV

— Vévo (@vevosuave) February 18, 2025

Atlanta Falcons ‘BirdLady’ Indicted By DA Fani Willis — (Photo: Dennis Byron-Pool/Getty Images)

by Kandiss Edwards

February 19, 2025

Atlanta Falcons ‘BirdLady’ Indicted By DA Fani Willis

The super fan is accused of collecting money with no intention of providing services.

Carolyn Freeman, the Atlanta Falcons superfan known as “BirdLady,” was indicted this week by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, according to Atlanta News First.

Freeman, 65, faces charges of “theft by deception” after allegedly stealing $14,155 from Kansas City Chiefs fans for a tailgate event that never occurred.

According to the Oct. 30, 2024, arrest warrant, Freeman obtained the money from about 300 fans to orchestrate a party for the Kansas City Chiefs-Atlanta Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sept. 22.

Fans believe that Freeman never intended to fulfill the service.

“I am glad the DA recognizes the severity of her actions. What she has done not only to our fan base but to others definitely shows repetitive intent to defraud,” Tammy Southwood, an organizer with the Kansas City Chiefs fan club, told Atlanta News First.

Southwood hopes her fan club can retrieve its funds. “I want her to be stopped,” she added, referring to Freeman. “No slaps on the wrist.”

The investigation into the BirdLady began after complaints mounted online. The indictment follows her November 3, 2024, arrest at the Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys game.

Carolyn Freeman, 65, is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from fans for tailgates that never happened. https://t.co/sIhizXghbE
— Atlanta News First (@ATLNewsFirst) February 19, 2025

Freeman, who gained national recognition as a 2016 Bud Light NFL Super Fan, had built trust with many fans nationwide. However, the allegations have raised concerns about her motives. The Birdlady claims she did attend the tailgate event but a detour caused her to be late. When she finally arrived, all the participants had left.

Following her arrest, Freeman denied the theft allegations. She maintained that her non-profit, BirdLady Cares LLC, was never involved in the transactions for the event.

On the contrary, according to Freeman, BirdLady LLC, a (501)(c)(3) non-profit did not receive its negotiated donation of event proceeds.

“I don’t need that money,” Freeman said. “I’ve never had a problem with money. I have money. My family has money.”

Freeman is scheduled to appear in court on April 29.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 19, 2025

Blacks In I/O Psychology Conference Return To Shape Fair Workplaces Through Data-Driven Strategy

The conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor.

The group Blacks in I/O Psychology’s (BIOP) second annual conference will join diverse students and leaders to build fairer workplaces through data-driven strategy.

The conference serves as the sole event dedicated to Black professionals in industrial-organizational psychology.

Taking place Feb. 20 and Feb. 21 at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor, this year’s theme of “Harboring Innovation: Shaping Tomorrow’s Workplace” will further BIOP’s mission of using science-backed solutions to curate a more effective work environment.

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A post shared by Blacks in I/O Psychology (@blacksinio)

Incorporating I/O psychology in the workplace ensures that fair hiring practices, sustainable and diverse leadership, and HR policies foster an inclusive company culture. At the conference, nearly 250 attendees are expected to gain insights from panels on equity and talent development in the workplace.

Aside from networking opportunities, the conference will host a keynote panel with Black women business leaders in I/O psychology and include research presentations detailing the future of workplace environments and culture as well as the benefits of data-driven decision-making.

Founded by Howard University alumni Shavonne Holman and Macy Cheeks in 2019, BIOP aims to go further with its DEI efforts in I/O psychology discussions and advancement. With Black professionals in this space historically underrepresented and unheard, the volunteer-led organization advocates to uplift these educated voices at all stages of their careers.

“Conversations about workplace equity, DEI, and merit-based hiring have never been more urgent,” Cheeks said in a press release. “This conference provides a space where Black I/O professionals can connect, collaborate, and drive meaningful change in the industry.”

By building a community of Black I/O psychology experts and enthusiasts, BIOP also aims to prioritize DEI efforts from academia to corporate America at a time when these initiatives are in jeopardy.

You can register for BIOP’s conference here.

Singer Khalid ,Gay, Outed — Photo by Anete Lusina/Pexels

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 19, 2025

Hate Crime Rumors Circulate After 1st Openly Gay Muslim Imam Fatally Shot In South Africa

Rest In Peace, Muhsin Hendricks.....

The world’s first openly gay Muslim imam, Muhsin Hendricks, was fatally shot in South Africa, sparking rumors of an alleged hate crime, CNN reports.

Investigators claim the 58-year-old religious leader was found dead after he and a driver were seen in a gold-colored VW TRoc. A silver-colored Hilux double cab allegedly stopped in front, limiting them from driving off. The motive behind the killing in the city of Bethelsdorp is still unknown, but Eastern Cape provincial police released a statement saying, “Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle. Thereafter, they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle, was shot and killed,” the statement continued.

LGBTQ+ advocates are fearful the killing was a hate act as Hendricks came out as the world’s first openly gay imam in 1996. His advocacy work resulted in the opening of the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation in Cape Town, which he founded and served as executive director. The human rights organization provides support to “Queer Muslims, helping them to reconcile Islam with their Sexual orientation and Gender Identity.”

An outpouring of disbelief has come in from a number of advocacy groups familiar with Hendricks’ work. A statement from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) said they were “in deep shock” over the news. “He supported and mentored so many people in South Africa and around the world in their journey to reconcile with their faith,” ILGA’s Executive Director Julia Ehrt said, according to the Associated Press.

The Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa also released a statement condemning Hendricks’ murder, although they openly labeled his position as incompatible with Islamic teachings. “We unequivocally condemn his murder and any acts of violence targeting members of the LGBTQ community or any other community,” the statement read.

Anti-LGBTQ+ practices are fluid throughout a number of African nations. Countries like Uganda, Ghana, and Kenya have passed laws making it unconstitutional to submit to what they deem as homosexual activity. Some laws go as far as threatening death.

ILGA highlighted statements from the victim where he would claim some people were pushing for his mosque to close since it was branded as the “gay temple.”

Hendricks was once married to a woman after growing up in a conservative Muslim family. Still, after later coming out as gay, he heavily advocated for the demographic to be included through his foundation. “When I was looking at the way queer Muslims were negotiating this dilemma between Islam and their sexual orientation and identity, I felt compelled to do something about it,” the imam once said while explaining his beliefs.

“And I thought, for me to help would probably be for me to be authentic with myself and come out. I think it’s possible to be queer and Muslim or queer and Christian.”

As the subject of the 2022 documentary “The Radical,” Hendricks spoke about the death threats he endured while opening his mosque. “The need to be authentic was greater than the fear to die,” Hendricks said in the film.

HBCU Grads, BLK Dating App, Hayes, Fulbright — (Photo: Pexels)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 19, 2025

Georgia Lawmaker Introduces Bill Requiring An HBCU Grad To Serve On The University System’s Board

The Board member would have to be an alumni of one of the HBCUs under the University System.

A Georgia lawmaker has proposed a new bill that would require an HBCU graduate to be an at-large member of the University System’s Board of Regents.

Rep. Floyd Griffin of Milledgeville introduced the measure that would ensure an alum of a historically Black college or university would always be part of the board. At least one would have to serve on the Board of Regents by the start of 2028 and increase to two members by 2031.

Griffin wants the bill to assure representation at the top of the University System of Georgia. He released a statement on the matter, stating the necessity of a guaranteed spot on the board belonging to such graduates.

“Under HB 203, we commit to accurately representing our state’s university system by guaranteeing that a position of the Board of Regents is held by a member of an HBCU,” Griffin said, as reported by WSB-TV.

However, the bill also designates that the member must have graduated from an HBCU within Georgia’s University System. Currently, the state has 10 institutions under this distinction. This includes the schools at the Atlanta University Center, such as Spelman, Morehouse, Morris Brown College, and Clark Atlanta University.

Other Georgia-based HBCUs include Albany, Fort Valley, and Savannah State University, among others. The organization also expands to predominantly white institutions such as Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and the University of Georgia.

The University System’s Board of Regents has 19 members. Five are appointed by the state, and the other 14 are from congressional districts. Created in 1931, the board oversees all 24 colleges and universities within the system and the Georgia Archives and Public Library services.

If passed, the bill would dedicate a seat in this educational body from a diverse institution for years to come.

GLAAD, ‘Generation Z & HIV: HBCU Tour,’ Morehouse College — (Photo: Joi Stokes/Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 19, 2025

Venture Capitalist and Atlanta Falcons Part Owner Pledges Entire Salary To Morehouse College For Next Four Years

Williams said Morehouse granted him the stability he needed to succeed.

Rashaun Williams, who among his accomplishment is a part-owner of the Atlanta Falcons, has pledged the next four years of his salary to his alma mater, Morehouse College.

Williams shared the news while at Morehouse’s Candle In The Dark fundraising gala on Feb. 15.

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A post shared by Rashaun L. Williams (@rashaun_williams)

“For the school that took me in when I needed a home, self-esteem, education, brotherhood, mentors, hope, and community, I hope to one day be able to give her a return on her investment,” said Williams.

At the event, Williams received the Bennie Trailblazer Award. In his address, he noted how influential his time at the HBCU was.

“One thing I’ve always wanted my entire life, coming from the South Side of Chicago, was just stability. I remember going to Crown Forum and freshman orientation and learning all the things I learned at Morehouse and eventually getting to Wall Street,” Williams said in his acceptance speech. “One thing Morehouse gave me that no one else has been able to give me in my entire life is that stability. For four years, Morehouse poured into me. And in return, I would like to donate my entire salary for the next four years back to Morehouse.”

Williams graduated from Morehouse in 2001. According to HBCU Buzz, the Southside Chicago native has over 170 investments under his belt. He also created his own private equity firm, Queensbridge Venture Partners. Furthermore, his success led to a guest stint as a shark on Shark Tank.

The venture capitalist also champions financial empowerment and advocacy. He founded the Kemet Institute in his graduation year as well, offering free financial education to diverse and underrepresented communities. The Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. member also recently launched Antimatter Business Partners. The company focuses on professional athletes and entertainers in the private equity space.

Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Black business, Politics, Farmer, USDA — Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 19, 2025

USDA Claims It’s ‘Working To Swiftly Rectify The Situation’ After Mistakenly Firing Bird Flu Workers

So many people affected by this mistake.....

After the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) admitted to accidentally firing employees linked to bird flu research, the agency says it is working double time to fix the mistake.

The massive error is a result of one of several efforts by the Trump-Vance administration to downsize the agencies by firing federal workers, with the support of tech billionaire Elon Musk and the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), staffed by people with zero experience in government affairs. In a statement from a USDA spokesperson, the agency stands firm in its commitment to public safety, including rectifying the mistake.

“Although several positions supporting [bird flu efforts] were notified of their terminations over the weekend, we are working to swiftly rectify the situation and rescind those letters,” the statement read.

“USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service frontline positions are considered public safety positions, and we are continuing to hire the workforce necessary to ensure the safety and adequate supply of food to fulfill our statutory mission.”

The spokesperson highlighted how some positions—veterinarians, animal health technicians, and other emergency health personnel, according to The Hill—were exempt from Trump’s sweeping cuts, emphasizing that USDA “continues to prioritize the response to highly pathogenic avian influenza.”

The latest bird flu outbreak has been listed as one of the main causes of the skyrocketing cost of eggs, affecting dairy cow farms and poultry flocks. Data from USDA revealed 151 confirmed flocks have experienced bouts of bird flu, affecting 23 million birds.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to rate the public health risk of the outbreak as “low,” 68 human cases have been confirmed, resulting in one death.

The accidental firing caused 25% of the staff to lose their jobs, including those working with the USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network program office—the group responsible for coordinating 58 facilities overseeing bird flu responses.

Despite the vast majority of Republican lawmakers backing DOGE and Trump’s efforts, this round of layoffs raised some concerns. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) condemned the move, stating they needed to be more careful. “They need to be more cautious,” Bacon, a member of the Agriculture Committee, said.

“There’s an old saying, ‘Measure twice, cut once.’ Well, they are measuring once and having to cut twice. Some of this stuff they’re going to have to return back. I just wish they’d make a better decision up front.”