Jaylen Brown, Boston, Incubator Program — Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics after Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat at the TD Garden in Boston, May 2023. (Copyright 2023 NBAE; photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 19, 2025

Jaylen Brown Introduces OaklandXChange To Support Black-Owned Businesses

The Boston Celtics player has a similar program in Boston, BostonXChange

Boston Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown has announced the latest initiative to support Black-owned businesses in the Oakland, California, community.

Copying the success of another program started by the Celtic champion, OaklandXChange was launched in California after Brown initiated a similar initiative in Boston, BostonXChange (BXC), where he has created opportunities for Black entrepreneurs on the East Coast.

According to Sports Illustrated, during NBA All-Star Weekend, Brown introduced the project at a Hall of Fame Luncheon in San Francisco. He stated that he is bringing this program to the Bay Area to expand the chances for Black-owned businesses to thrive as the ones that have done so in the Boston area.

Jaylen Brown announces a new business district and incubator program as part of his Xchange fund in a speech at a community luncheon at Oakstop in Oakland pic.twitter.com/kZwpd0HYEM

— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) February 14, 2025

“I’m very excited to announce that we are shedding light on what’s going on in Oakland,” Brown said. “We don’t want things to be forgotten about, me using my platform to continue to bring awareness, continue to bring light and attention to Oakland, because we know what happens when it’s forgotten about.”

Brown is doing this in collaboration with the JLH Fund. They will provide underrepresented creators in Oakland with $100,000 in grant funding while giving them access to workspaces and business services that have been valued at over $150,000. Along with that, people and businesses that participate in OaklandXChange will also benefit by being offered three years of coaching. They will also be assisted in launching projects in various fields, including design, arts, media, entertainment, fashion, and culinary arts. This will help the organization meet its goal to empower visionaries and help their businesses thrive, creating sustainable economic growth in Black communities.

This initiative is being done with the assistance of Dallas Mavericks and former NBA player Jason Kidd.

When the initiative was first announced in August 2024, it was revealed that it aimed to create $5 billion in net worth for historically marginalized communities in the Oakland area.

Beyoncé, Billboard Country Albums Chart, Cowboy Carter — (Photo by Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 19, 2025

Beyoncé Drops Latest Perfume As Fans Still Recover From Pricey ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour Tickets

The singer announced the new product launch as fans struggled to secure affordable tickets to her show.

As fans recover from the hectic and pricey experience of securing “Cowboy Carter” tour tickets, Beyoncé has released a new perfume – to some fans’ dismay.

While Beyoncé still pushes out new music, the singer has recently expanded into different facets of entrepreneurship. From her haircare line, Cécred, to her whiskey brand, Sir Davis, she has asked her wide fanbase to try out her new ventures outside her artistry.

However, the Hive has recently called out the beloved singer after she swiftly announced her latest perfume, Cé Lumière, amid issues getting tickets to the “Cowboy Carter” tour. The mother of three dropped the promotional posts for her golden new scent.

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

Shortly after this latest product launch, the Hive commented about the star’s assumed disregard or unawareness of their struggles to afford tickets. Many shared their opinions on her Instagram, citing that they cannot buy all these items back-to-back. Revolt shared some comments critiquing the singer.

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A post shared by REVOLT (@revolttv)

“Read the room, Beyoncé, we are broke,” commented one social media user.

Another shared, “Until you stop Ticketmaster from robbing us, stay of the innanetz! (Even tho it’s yours)”

Others expressed their concern over the tone-deafness of this perfume rollout.

“Giselle has lost touch with her audience,” said another Instagram user, referencing Beyoncé’s middle name. “I hope someone from her team hands her the phone to read these comments.”

Many fans expressed shock at the rushed nature and hiked prices to attend a show on the “Cowboy Carter” tour. The limited concert featured only a select number of shows across certain cities. Given this, those interested encountered issues getting tickets over the last week.

Potential attendees faced problems not only finding seats but also at the exorbitant prices for certain selections. Some less-exclusive tickets also went for thousands.

While Beyoncé has only so much control over Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing, fans think she could have waited on this product launch out of respect for their pockets.

Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, PUMA — (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 19, 2025

Rihanna Reacts To A$AP Rocky’s ‘Not Guilty’ Verdict

'THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD AND GOD ALONE! THANKFUL, HUMBLED BY HIS MERCY!'

After a Los Angeles jury found A$AP Rocky not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, his girlfriend, Rihanna took to social media to give praise for the outcome.

According to NBC News, a jury found the Harlem rapper not guilty after he was accused of shooting at former friend and A$AP Mob group member, A$SP Relli, in Los Angeles in 2021. The fashionable recording artist had the support of his immediate family, Rihanna, and their two children, who were in the courtroom when the jury reached its decision.

Outside of the Los Angeles Superior Court, Rocky spoke to reporters, excited about the decision to spare him prison time.

“First of all, we want to thank God. We really want to thank the jury for making the right decision.”

The “1 Train” lyricist’s girlfriend, Rihanna, left a reactive message after he was found not guilty on her Instagram Stories that read: “THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD AND GOD ALONE! THANKFUL, HUMBLED BY HIS MERCY!”

Rocky was facing prison time of up to 24 years after turning down a plea agreement with prosecutors that would have placed him in prison for six months. He would have also received a suspended seven-year sentence plus three years of probation. Prosecutors wanted him to enter a guilty plea for one of the two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm.

L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated he respected the decision of the jury.

“While today’s verdict is not the outcome we sought, we respect the jury’s decision and the integrity of our justice system,” Hochman said in a written statement. “Our office remains committed to seeking accountability for those who break the law, no matter their status or influence. Fame does not place anyone above the law.”

Rocky beat the charges after his former friend alleged that he shot at him during a heated discussion on Nov. 6, 2021. Rocky’s attorney, former Donald Trump lawyer Joe Tacopina, argued that Rocky did fire the shots, but it was from a prop gun. A$AP Mob member A$AP Twelvyy testified to that point.

Marshawn Lynch, Cory Booker, Blue Chippers, documentary — (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 19, 2025

Marshawn Lynch And Sen. Cory Booker Explore NIL’s Impact On College Athletes In New Documentary

A new documentary with Marshawn Lynch and Sen. Cory Booker explores the impact NIL deals have on college sports.

NFL champion Marshawn Lynch and Sen. Cory Booker appear in a new documentary in which they share their perspectives on how the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules are reshaping young athletes’ careers and revolutionizing college sports.

Blue Chippers: Next Man Up is a groundbreaking documentary that delves into the shifting landscape of college football and the emergence of its future stars securing their financial futures through NIL deals. Created by twin brothers and former football players Preston and Derek Dark of Dark Films, the film follows the journey of rising football talent and offers an inside look at their daily lives, their intense training, and the immense pressure they face from coaches, fans, and the media—all while navigating the complexities of the NIL era.

With their focus on pro sports, college athletes are also navigating new territory as entrepreneurs, where they now have the power to leverage their personal brands in ways no generation before them ever has.

“We wanted to explore not just the athleticism, but the full picture of what it means to be a young, rising star in college football today,” Preston and Derek Dark said in a press release. “With the insight and stories shared by Marshawn and Senator Booker, Blue Chippers: Next Man Up highlights the ways in which NIL is changing the game for these athletes—both on the field and off.”

Lynch, celebrated for his unfiltered takes and unapologetic presence both on and off the field, draws from his experience as a former pro athlete to dissect the business of football and the significance of owning one’s narrative. He shares his unique perspective on how NIL empowers athletes to take charge of their brand and financial future, shaping their careers beyond the game.

Sen. Cory Booker brings his passionate advocacy for athletes’ rights and college sports reform when examining the far-reaching impact of NIL rules. As a politician, he provides insight into how legislation has empowered young athletes, emphasizing how these changes are not only transforming players’ opportunities but also redefining the future of collegiate athletics.

Lynch and Booker are joined by coaches, industry experts, and athletes who weigh in on the shifting landscape of recruitment, training, and team-building. Together, they explore how NIL has reshaped expectations for young athletes, influencing their career paths and the future of college sports.

Blue Chippers: Next Man Up is now streaming on Amazon, Apple, and Google. The documentary serves as a resource for sports fans, aspiring athletes, parents, and anyone interested in the evolving intersection of business, sports, and college athletics.

Brittney Griner, Cherelle Griner, maternity, hotshot, shirtless, topless, pregnant, WNBA, player — (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET)

by Kandiss Edwards

February 19, 2025

Brittney Griner Cancels Speaking Engagement After Receiving ‘Gay Baby Jail’ Note

Brittney Griner received a "threatening" note near her hotel room at Women Grow Summit.

Brittney Griner cancels speaking engagement after receiving threatening note.

Griner was scheduled to speak at the Women Grow Leadership Summit on Feb. 1. After receiving a threatening note near her hotel room, the Atlanta Dream player pulled out.

The 10-time WNBA All-Star stayed at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Ahead of her appearance at the summit, she discovered a note that contained the phrase “Gay Baby Jail.”

According to the Prince George’s County Police Department, detectives discovered the phrase is commonly used as a reference in video games. However, they have found no credible leads in the case. The department notes that many people are in the convention center during the events, making it difficult to identify a suspect.

“At the time the tape was located, a large convention was taking place at the Gaylord, attracting thousands of people, many with an interest in anime and video game enthusiasts,” the department said in a statement to TMZ. “At this time, detectives have uncovered no link to or threat against the guest who located the tape.”

Women Grow CEO Dr. Chanda Macias blamed the hotel and a previous guest. Macias states that a prior occupant may have left the note. She insinuates that the room was not properly cleaned before Griner checked in.

“I don’t know what their protocols are, but I don’t know why rooms wouldn’t be cleaned,” Macias told WUSA9.

Brittney Griner backs out of Maryland summit after message on duct tape appears in hotel room. Organizers of the event say a piece of duct tape with a message was perceived to be a threat. https://t.co/VwdKSvHNEZ
— Matthew Torres (@News_MTorres) February 19, 2025

The Women Grow Summit supports and uplifts women leaders in the cannabis industry. The organization provides a platform for discussing the challenges and solutions for women in the field. Topics include funding, legislation, policy, entrepreneurship courses, and mentorship opportunities.

Women are largely unrepresented in the cannabis industry. Forbes cites, “37% of executive-level positions in the field were held by women.”

The industry yields $32.1 million yearly and is estimated to have nearly 50 million users. According to Statista, sales by 2030 are projected to grow to $58 million.

Sen. Raphael Warnock, Georgia, election day, ballot counting, rule — (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 19, 2025

Sen. Raphael Warnock Reminds Trump That He Lives In ‘A White House Built By Black Hands’

The reverend rebukes Trumps attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock (D) used his time in the pulpit as a guest preacher at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. to rebuke the attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) by President Donald Trump, The Hill reported.

During the annual HBCU Welcome Sunday on Feb. 16, Warnock, a Baptist preacher, labeled Trump’s orders as a “wholesale unabashed assault” on DEI, reminding him that if it wasn’t for the initiatives, the White House wouldn’t be a thing.

“Don’t tell me you reject DEI when you live in a White House built by Black hands,” Warnock said.

“The White House is a DEI house built by slaves who worked without the benefit of compensation.”

Federal DEI programs were eliminated just days after the 47th President was sworn in, as a result of an executive order to end “illegal preferences and discrimination” in government and find ways to “encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI.” With threats to abolish the Department of Education, schools, including HBCUs, have been warned to either get rid of all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives by the end of February 2025 or lose funding, including outlawing scholarships designed for Black students’ benefit. “Diversity is sometimes offensive. It makes you uncomfortable because when you are accustomed to privilege, diversity might feel like oppression,” the Democratic lawmaker said.

Throughout the service, including songs sung by the North Carolina Central University choir, the Morehouse College grad placed a spiritual context on DEI. Warnock alluded to the fact that he isn’t married to the term, but in Latin, DEI stands for “God,” so it should be uplifting, not destroyed. “In God’s vision for the world there is diversity,” Warnock said, according to The Washington Informer.

Within his sermon, he took time to downplay Trump’s claims of DEI being the reasoning behind the devastating American Airlines crash that took the lives of dozens of people just miles away from the cathedral. Warnock also stepped up to defend the Cathedral’s Bishop Mariann Budde, who made headlines for calling Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance out to their faces over their acts against immigration.

After Trump blasted her and demanded an apology, Warnock said she doesn’t need to do a thing but continue to “stand in the best of our tradition and speak the truth.”

“When the prophet speaks the prophet doesn’t apologize. Those who hear are called to repent,” he said with a response of applause.

Khalid Kamal, mayor, Kobi, racist, messages, investigation, south Fulton — (Photo: Prince Williams/WireImage)

by Kandiss Edwards

February 19, 2025

Mayor Kobi Has Office Access Restored After Being Escorted Off The Premises

South Fulton officials have reinstated Mayor Kobi's access to government property.

On Feb. 18, Mayor Kobi, formerly known as Mayor Khalid, was allowed to return to South Fulton County government property with restrictions.

According to a press release, Kobi can access government buildings, including his office. However, his access will not be fully restored.

After conferring with the city attorney, Mayor Kobi will no longer have access to a city-issued vehicle and will be barred from reviewing the South Fulton budget.

The Fulton County Police Department released bodycam footage of the mayor being escorted off government property.

“Mayor, I’ve been instructed not to allow you in your office and also, you aren’t permitted to operate a city vehicle…coming directly from the City Manager and the chief,” an officer said.

Kobi sat down for an interview with V-103 radio host Big Tigger to share his version of events.

“They took my keys. They kicked me out of my office. They kicked my staff out of my office. They took my car,” he said.

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A post shared by Big Tigger Morning Show (@bigtiggermorningshow)

In January 2025, the mayor’s troubles began when he was accused of using county funds to finance a 21-day vacation to Ghana. During the interview with Big Tigger, Kobi expressed his belief that the situation was a misunderstanding.

Kobi says a financial audit of the county credit card would disprove many of the accusations. He insists he relied on the generosity of friends for his lodging abroad.

“First of all, it’s not $26,000. First thing is it’s travel over two years. They’ve done a forensic audit on my card, but they haven’t done one on the other people who have traveled internationally,” the mayor said. “Because some of the trip was personal, I turned down the per diem. I never stayed one night in a hotel, the entire 21 days. I stayed in people’s houses. I stayed with friends. My 21 days in Ghana totals about $7,000,” Kobi added.

An investigation into the Kobi’s alleged misuse of government funds is ongoing.

Tupac, Murder Case, Crime, Davis — Photo by Pool/Getty Images, small images(Photo by Steve Granitz Archive/WireImage)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 19, 2025

Keffe D’s Trial For The Alleged Death Of Tupac Shakur Delayed Till 2026

The trial has been pushed back due to new developments from the defense team

A Nevada judge has rescheduled the trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who is being tried for his alleged involvement in the killing of controversial rapper, Tupac Shakur.

According to The Associated Press, Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny pushed the start of the trial, which was set to begin next month in Las Vegas to Feb. 9, 2026. The former gang member has been held in Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas since he was arrested in September 2023 as prosecutors allege that he was involved in Tupac’s killing.

Judge Kierney postponed the trial due to new developments from the defense team and citing fairness in the upcoming trial, she stated she had little choice but to reschedule.

Both sides must appear before the judge during the summer for a status hearing.

“It looks like there are quite a few things that are left to be done to get this case prepared so that Mr. Davis can have effective assistance of counsel,” Judge Kierny told the defense attorneys and prosecutors during a short hearing.

The judge granted Keffe D’s defense team motion that was filed on Friday, Feb. 14. In the filing, attorneys sought more time, citing that critical investigative work needed to be done, as well as having to interview eyewitnesses so Keffe D could get a fair trial.

The former gang member has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder for being involved in the killing of the Juice actor. The popular rapper was shot in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, after attending a Mike Tyson fight. He died six days later.

Las Vegas prosecutors say they have strong evidence that Keefe incriminated himself in a book that he wrote and released back in 2019, as well as during interviews he has given to police and media outlets since 2008.

Southwest — (Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

by Mitti Hicks

February 19, 2025

Despite The Recent Rash Of Plane Crashes, Flying Is Still The Safest Mode Of Transportation

Traveling on U.S. commercial airlines is still considered safe.

2025 kicked off on a scary start with the number of plane crashes. On Jan. 29, an American Airlines plane collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, killing all 67 people on both aircrafts.

On Feb. 17, a Delta Airlines flight carrying 80 people crashed and flipped over at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The plane, carrying 76 passengers and four crew members, departed Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport before the incident. A total of 18 people were taken to the hospital and fortunately, no one died.

These two high-profile aircraft incidents come amid reports that the Trump administration plans to fire several hundred Federal Aviation Administration employees. These incidents and firings make the general public uneasy and ask, “Is it safe to fly on airplanes right now?”

Plane Crashes in 2025 So Far:

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported 87 aviation accidents in 2025. Monthly data on the agency website reveals 62 incidents in January and 25 in February so far.

According to the NTSB, there have been 13 fatal aircraft accidents this year, including 10 incidents in January and three in February as of Tuesday.

How Many Major US Plane Crashes in 2025?

According to USA Today, there have been four major deadly U.S. aviation crashes this year. All of these incidents occurred over a span of two weeks in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Alaska, and Arizona.

The Washington D.C. crash on Jan. 29 out of Reagan National Airport is the only fatal commercial aviation crash in 2025 in the last 16 years. A total of 67 people were killed when an American Airlines regional jet carrying 64 people collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter carrying three people.

Two days later, a small medical jet carrying a child patient crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood. Seven people died, including all six passengers onboard and a person from another car on the ground.

On Feb. 6, a Cessna 208B carrying 10 people crashed in Alaska after losing speed and altitude. The Alaska Department of Public Safety recovered all 10 victims.

Four days later, two private jets collided at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, killing one person and injuring four others.

Is Traveling Still Safe?

Traveling on U.S. commercial airlines is still considered safe. The 2024 Transportation Statistics Report from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows air travel remains the safest form of transportation in terms of the number of fatalities.

“Transportation incidents for all modes claimed 44,546 lives in 2022, of which all but 2,032 involved highway motor vehicles,” the report highlights state. “There were no deaths from crashes on large commercial airlines in 2023, but several hundred deaths occurred in crashes in general aviation, commuter air, and air taxi services.”

Nikki Giovanni — Photo credit: Goose Green Photography, Wikimedia Commons CCA

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 19, 2025

Julieanna Richardson And Kwame Alexander In Conversation To Honor Nikki Giovanni, A Woman Of Power Legacy Honoree

Kwame Alexander will interview The HistoryMakers Founder Julieanna Richardson in honor of the legacy of Nikki Giovanni.

The Art Institute of Chicago will close Black History Month by hosting an impactful conversation with Julieanna Richardson, honoring the legacy of the late Nikki Giovanni.

Giovanni, the great American poet who died at age 81 on Dec. 9, 2024, was a Black arts, culture, and liberation champion. The famed writer and educator was a 2008 recipient of BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Women of Power Legacy Award.

On Thursday, Feb. 27, author, speaker, educator, and Emmy Award-winning producer Kwame Alexander will interview the founder and executive director of The HistoryMakers, Julieanna Richardson, for “An Evening With Julieanna Richardson,” the Institute announced. Through a series of open-ended questions, Richardson will share her lifelong commitment to preserving the legacy of African American stories through The HistoryMakers.

In collaboration with The HistoryMakers and The Poetry Foundation, the event marks the first time Richardson—who has conducted hundreds of oral history interviews for The HistoryMakers archives—will share her own life story in a live, on-stage interview. The event will be taped for public broadcast and will take place inside the Art Institute of Chicago’s Arthur Rubloff Auditorium from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Richardson founded The HistoryMakers in 2000 after conducting her first interview with Black radio executive Barry Mayo. As she went on to interview figures like Harry Belafonte, Ruby Dee, and Julian Bond, a pivotal encounter with William Thompson, a World War II Tuskegee Airman, shifted her perspective—highlighting that The HistoryMakers was about more than just celebrities.

Inspired by interviews with Thompson and William Sylvester White, both now deceased, Richardson officially launched The HistoryMakers as a nonprofit educational institution based in Chicago. For 25 years, it has been dedicated to preserving, expanding, and providing access to an internationally recognized archive of thousands of African American video oral histories.

“It was one of those moments when I knew I was on the right path,” Richardson told Chicago Magazine in 2007. “It wasn’t about names, but about finding history in places where people didn’t know history existed.”

Alexander brings his passion for words and literature to the conversation as the interviewer. A poet, Emmy Award-winning producer, and New York Times bestselling author, he has penned 42 books, including Why Fathers Cry at Night, Becoming Muhammad Ali (co-authored with James Patterson), and The Crossover, his Newbery Medal-winning novel.

Alexander was recently appointed the Michael I. Rudell Artistic Director of Literary Arts for Chautauqua Literary Arts. The New York City native also serves as executive producer of The Crossover TV series on Disney+ and an upcoming animated special on PBS inspired by his children’s book, Acoustic Rooster.