by Kandiss Edwards

February 22, 2026

Idaho City Leaders Scrap Juneteenth, Restore Columbus Day

The decision means Post Falls city employees will no longer have Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

The city council in Post Falls, Idaho, voted to remove Juneteenth from its official list of city holidays. Instead, Post Falls will restore Columbus Day.

On Feb. 17, the six-member Post Falls City Council voted 4-2 to eliminate Juneteenth from the municipal holiday calendar. The decision means city employees will no longer have Juneteenth as a paid holiday. Mayor Randy Westlund vehemently supports the change. He believes Columbus Day reflects the city’s commitment to honor “American heritage.”

“Removing Juneteenth from the holiday list and restoring Columbus Day, which I believe is a more appropriate holiday honoring our American heritage,” Westlund said at the council meeting.

Council President Joe Malloy straddles the fence when speaking on the council’s decision. He asserts Juneteenth is a “crowning achievement” in America. However, in his opinion, Columbus’s discovery of America is also a notable event. However, history has proven that Columbus never actually set foot on continental U.S. soil.

“Juneteenth celebrates the actual end of slavery in the United States, and the abolition of slavery, I believe, is one of the crowning achievements of Western civilization [and] is certainly worthy of celebration,” Post Falls City Councilmember Joe Malloy said. “On the flip side, North America as we know it and the United States entirely would not exist if we’re not for the expeditions of Christopher Columbus and other European explorers, which are also worth celebrating. So I don’t know if you consider doing it every other year type of thing, but I think both are very relevant to our history and worth celebrating.”

In the meeting, Councilman Marc Lucca stated that Martin Luther King Jr. Day, another federal holiday recognizing civil rights progress, is sufficient. Juneteenth commemorates the moment when enslaved people were informed of their freedom and were able to embrace their rights as full American citizens.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and enforced the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It became a federal holiday in 2021 and is widely observed across the United States.

The Post Falls decision affects only the city’s official holiday schedule. Juneteenth is still recognized under state and federal law. While the town has the authority to make the change, federal offices will continue to observe it as a national holiday. Additionally, federal employees will continue to receive pay.

by Kandiss Edwards

February 21, 2026

50 Cent Is Forever Petty, Posts Alleged Video Of Jim Jones’ Crashout

The 'Many Men' rapper posted a video of Jones allegedly attempting to break down the door of his 'Let’s Rap About It' podcast studio.

Rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is cranking up his internet beef with rapper Jim Jones by releasing embarrassing video footage.

The “Many Men” rapper posted a video of Jones allegedly attempting to break down the door of his “Let’s Rap About It” podcast studio location. According to Jackson, Jones was allegedly evicted from the space. Furthermore, he states that if the two feuding peers “was friends” he would still have access to the space.

He continued his taunts, claiming he is a co-owner of the property and will seek compensation for the damage. To sharpen the blow, an alleged termination of lease letter addressed to Jones was added to 50 Cent’s carousel of slides.

“Sam is my partner I own the joint, now you’re gonna fix every door you kick or I’m gonna kick ya a*s Jimmy,” Jackson wrote, according to Complex.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

Jim Jones has not issued an official statement confirming or denying the claims referenced in 50 Cent’s post.

The feud between the two rappers has played out publicly in recent months through online posts and commentary. The latest message from 50 Cent continues a pattern of social media back-and-forth between Jones, 49, and Jackson, 50.

The renewed tension between 50 Cent and Jim Jones also comes as Jones’ name has resurfaced in a separate lyrical dispute. In its review of Clipse’s forthcoming project “Let God Sort Em Out,” Consequence reported that Pusha T’s verse on “Chains & Whips,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, was “confirmed to be about Harlem’s Jim Jones.”

In the song, Terrence Thornton, known as Pusha T, hints at Jones being bereft of funds. Pusha claims Jones runs “from the spirit of repossession” and that his jewelry is fake because “too much enamel covers your necklace.”

Thornton also goes on to take shots at Jones’s foray into reality TV with his appearance on Love & Hip Hop in the twilight of his rap career.

In the verse, Pusha T raps, “I’m watching your fame escape relevance/ We all in the room, but here’s the elephant/ You chasing a feature out of your element.”

While Jones has not publicly responded to the lyric referenced in the review, the mention adds another layer to the ongoing friction circulating among several prominent rappers in the past few years.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 21, 2026

Mother Disputes Police Account, Says Son Was Shot In Back Of Head By Grand Rapids, MI, Police

Da’Quain Johnson, 32, was shot in a parking lot and died the next morning.

By Robert Hill

On Feb. 18, 32-year-old Da’Quain Johnson was shot in the parking lot of Eastern Lofts on Eastern Avenue SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He died the next morning. Police initially said Johnson was believed to have been shot in the chest, but after viewing her son’s body, Angelica Johnson said he was shot in the back of the head and disputed the department’s account of what happened.

Angelica Johnson spoke at a press conference on Feb. 20 to discuss the details surrounding the death of Da’Quain.

Before the shooting occurred, Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) officers received alerts about a man riding a bicycle who was potentially armed. Officers say when they attempted to make contact, Johnson fled on his bike.

As reported by Fox 17, “Officers followed and found Johnson in a parking lot behind a nearby apartment complex. A police canine was deployed, and Trigg said the dog likely bit Johnson, but he continued resisting and fighting with officers.” One officer fired their weapon after Johnson produced a handgun, according to a release by the department.”

Police Chief Eric Winstrom stated that Johnson had been shot in the chest. However, three bodycam and dashcam clips appeared to show something different.

After viewing the footage, Johnson’s mother said her son was shot in the head while lying face down on the ground with a police canine on top of him. During the press conference, she stated that his hands appeared to be behind his back at the time of the shooting.

As reported by MLive, she said, “Y’all couldn’t see it, but you will soon enough. But my son was shot in the back of the head. He was mauled in the neck by a dog. And the way he was shot … you could tell that his hands were being held behind his back.”

Johnson was a convicted felon and did have a firearm, according to police; however, members of his community described him differently.

Community members gathered to view the footage released by activists, which they say shows what transpired during Johnson’s encounter with police. The Michigan State Police is conducting the investigation.

During the press conference, his mother urged the community to protest peacefully, stating that if justice is to be achieved for her son, it must be done peacefully.

RELATED CONTENT: Bronx Teenager Shot Dead After Defending Friends

GLAAD, ‘Generation Z & HIV: HBCU Tour,’ Morehouse College

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 21, 2026

Morehouse Faces Backlash Over Plan To Honor Joseph Smith With Chapel Portrait Amid Slavery Debate

Smith founded Mormonism and the Latter-Day Saints movement.

By Robert Hill

An ongoing debate is taking place on the campus of Morehouse College as a Joseph Smith portrait is set to be displayed in the coming months.

Smith founded Mormonism and the Latter-Day Saints movement. He published the “Book of Mormon” at age 24 and, within 14 years, had attracted tens of thousands of followers by the time of his death. Some in the Latter-day Saints had ties to slavery. While Smith himself was not a slaveholder, some early church members owned slaves.

On Feb. 1, an oil painting of Smith was unveiled and is scheduled to be placed on display in April inside the Chapel’s International Hall of Honor. Students and alums have raised concerns regarding this decision, pointing to Smith’s stance on slavery and the broader history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The portrait is set to be displayed in the chapel’s International Hall of Honor, a space that honors global leaders and influential figures.

As reported by The Salt Lake Tribune, “On Feb. 1, Morehouse College unveiled a portrait of Joseph Smith to be displayed in its International Hall of Honor as part of the college’s effort to diversify the chapel’s representation of international religious figures. During the unveiling, Smith was praised as being “Lincoln before Lincoln.””

However, the decision to implement the portrait has been met with criticism.

Students and alums are pushing back against honoring Smith, arguing that it contradicts the mission and legacy of a historically Black college. They have raised concerns about how Smith supported slavery at different points in his life, and the history of the Church, which restricted Black members from full participation for many years.

Students like Alonzo Brinson, president of the Chapel Assistants Program, said he was surprised by the unveiling and questioned its message.

As reported by 11Alive, “I thought it was very weird that he did not stop his church from owning slaves. And then if you talk to Brigham Young, Brigham Young said he got the ideas from Joseph Smith. So I, I just thought that was very weird. I thought it was very disrespectful, not only to Morehouse College, but to Atlanta, to the whole AUC of Black History Month, the first day of it, that that’s how we started,” Brinson said.”

The portrait will be placed alongside prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela.

Supporters of Smith’s portrait have pointed to his 1844 presidential campaign platform, during which he advocated for the abolition of slavery and proposed federal compensation to enslavers.

Currently, Morehouse has not announced any plans to remove or relocate the portrait.

Terrence Howard, eric benet, tiktok, government

by Kandiss Edwards

February 21, 2026

Eric Benet And Terrence Howard Say The Government Is Playing In Your Face

Howard and Benet warn salacious news distracts from the possibility of an impending World War lll and the Epstein files.

Actor Terrence Howard and singer Eric Benet are speaking out about the state of the nation and the Trump administration’s attempts to distract people from what really matters.

Benet’s message addressed the recent declarations of alien existence. In an interview, former President Barack Obama said he believed in extraterrestrials, yet, as a sitting president, he said he was never informed of whether they truly existed. Following on the heels of the declaration, Donald Trump asserted that Obama broke confidentiality, as the knowledge of alien life is classified information.

In a TikTok post, Benet calls foul on all the extraterrestrial talk and says it’s being used to redirect focus from the true “monsters” in the Epstein files.

“Now these motherf**kers are trying to distract us by releasing a classified alien and UFO document but nobody give a f**k you’re a monster motherf**ker. Trying to distract you when you to God d*mn monster! I’ll go smoke a joint with ET. . .I don’t give a f**k if tomorrow they have a press conference with Yoda, Spock, motherfucking ALF. I’ll be like cool story, bro cool cool, cool, where the rest of the motherf**king files?”

@
♬ –

A large number of commenters were on Benet’s side, concurring with his message and praising his humorous take.

@Jess said: “The aliens are prolly victims too.”

@Nikea Aesha commented: “Rent is $3k and they talmbout some damn aliens”

@Shelley: “Eric Benet can not only sing. He can do stand up, too!”

@Phoenix questioned: “Forget the files. Where the arrests and indictments?”

Like Benet, Terrence Howard took to social media with a more somber message. In his over three-minute TikTok video, Howard discussed the precarious position between the U.S., China, and Venezuela regarding oil. The actor believes the current status of the world closely resembles the political climate during World War II.

He warns his followers not to fall asleep at the wheel, as we are eerily close to World War III, saying now is the time to make drastic changes to the way we operate as “earthlings” and “as a people.”

“The same methods are looking like they’re being employed. So what I’m asking right now for everyone out there, I want you to take the time to look at what’s taking place inside the world. I want you to take a moment to collect yourselves and think of the outcome that we all want for this world if we wanna be thrusting into war, then it’s at the front door. If we want to find a peaceful resolution to some of this then we’re going to have to change.”

@terrencehowardofficial
Make way for peace #peace #war #love #news #terrencehoward
♬ original sound – terrencehowardofficial

Many praised Howard for bringing awareness and using historical context in his analysis of current affairs. Commenters largely supported his message.

@Pure Essence Naturals agreed with Howard about the possibility of war: 😳😳😳😳Trump is trying to start a war so he won’t get impeached!!!!

@Fancy believes Howard and other notable Black men are leaning into important information: “Between Eric Benét, Terrence Howard and the new Don lemon- 2026 is in good hands.”

@s is impressed by Howard’s willingness to use his celebrity status, stating: “An EDUCATED celebrity using his platform! May the others take notes.”

@tanyamcleod43: Are the world elites willing to cause a war to stop their cult from being imprisoned?

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 21, 2026

Trump Imposes New 10% Global Tariff After Supreme Court Strikes Down Previous Levies

In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump exceeded his powers.

By Robert Hill

President Donald Trump introduced a new 10% global import tariff after the Supreme Court struck down his previous trade plans, ruling that he had overstepped his authority.

In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump exceeded his powers under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The administration had used the act to justify tariffs on goods from almost every country. The court’s decision created a legal setback for the White House and opened the possibility for billions of dollars in refunds to businesses and U.S. states that challenged the policy.

Trump responded to the ruling by calling it “terrible” and accusing the justices who voted against the policy of being “fools.” Despite the decision, Trump indicated that he would turn to alternative legal authorities to continue pursuing his tariff agenda.

Shortly after the ruling, Trump signed a proclamation imposing a 10% global tariff under Section 122. As reported by the BBC, “Which gives the power to put in place tariffs up to 15% for 150 days, at which point Congress must step in.”

Several U.S. states have responded by requesting refunds following the Supreme Court’s decision.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker wrote a letter to the Trump administration demanding more than $8 billion in refunds for the state. In the letter, he outlined the exact amount he believes should be repaid.

As reported by CBS News, Pritzker wrote: “On behalf of the people of Illinois, I demand a refund of $1,700 for every family in Illinois. There are 5,105,448 households in my state, bringing the total damages you owe to $8,679,261,600.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has also called for a tariff refund. During Trump’s second term, California has been one of the administration’s most vocal critics, filing lawsuits challenging federal policies and tariffs.

Since the ruling, businesses and states may pursue refunds for previously collected tariffs from the Trump administration however, the process could take a while. The Supreme Court stated that Congress had not granted the president open-ended authority to impose tariffs and emphasized that, when Congress delegates tariff powers, it does so under explicit terms and strict limits.

Melvin Edwards, Sculptor, Black Resistance, Dies

by Kandiss Edwards

February 21, 2026

Civil Rights ‘Foot Soldier’ Jo Ann Bland Died At 72

Jo Ann Bland established Foot Soldiers Park to preserve the history of civil rights and promote civic engagement.

Civil rights activist Jo Ann Bland, one of the Civil Rights Movement’s youngest activists, died Feb. 19 at the age of 72.

Bland was a keeper of history as one of the youngest participants in the historic 1965 Selma voting rights marches. Bland was affectionately referred to as the “daughter of Selma.” Her death was announced on the official Foot Soldiers Park Facebook page.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Ms. Jo Ann Bland announces her passing,” Bland’s family said in a statement. “Ms. Bland departed this life surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of strength, grace, and unwavering dedication to her family and community.

Ms. Bland was a woman of remarkable character whose presence touched countless lives. Her kindness, wisdom, and enduring spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a pillar of faith, resilience, and compassion, and her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.”

By age 11, she had been arrested at least 13 times as a result of her activism. In 1989, Bland co-founded the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma. She would go on to establish Foot Soldiers Park. The project served to preserve the history of civil rights and educate visitors about the tumultuous battles waged to achieve civil rights. She also led educational tours through her organization, Journeys for the Soul, to highlight Selma’s integral role in attaining civil rights.

Bland’s life drew recognition from local leaders. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, whose district includes Selma, said in a statement to WAKA 8:

“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Ms. Jo Ann Bland — a freedom fighter and daughter of Selma, Alabama. It was Foot Soldiers like Jo Ann who put their lives and freedom on the line for the right of all Americans to vote.” Sewell said.

Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III also paid tribute, saying Bland carried “the spirit of Selma with strength, truth and unwavering courage,” and that the city had “lost one of its greatest daughters.”

Bland’s activism extended beyond her hometown. She spoke widely on the importance of civic engagement. Funeral details will be released at a later date.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 21, 2026

11 Teens Arrested After Social Media-Fueled Mall ‘Takeover’ In Long Island, NY

More than 100 teenagers gathered in the parking lot of Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, Long Island, as part of what police described as an illegal “takeover.”

By Robert Hill

Eleven New York teens were arrested after gathering at Green Acres Mall in Nassau County, New York, and causing disturbances that disrupted shoppers.

On Feb. 19, more than 100 teenagers gathered in the parking lot of Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, Long Island, as part of what police described as an illegal “takeover.” When officers arrived at the scene, the crowd dispersed, and police arrested 11 teens ranging in age from 13 to 19 years old. According to authorities, the planned takeover could have led to chaos and destruction at the mall.

The teens face a variety of charges, including rioting and robbery. Police say the gathering was organized through social media posts and that another “takeover” is being promoted this weekend at Roosevelt Field Mall, another shopping center in Nassau County.

Police believe these gatherings are being organized with the intent to cause disruption. The Nassau Police Department is currently investigating who is behind the social media posts and is preparing for the next event.

As reported by News 12 Long Island, “We have an intelligence unit of the police department that monitors 24 hours a day social media, and we are prepared; we have increased patrols in our malls,” said County Executive Ed Romaine.

Police have also identified another Instagram post promoting a gathering at Roosevelt Field Mall expected to take place on Feb. 22. The post included the caption, “Pull up. Bring boxing gloves.”

However, this is not the first meetup this week.

As reported by CBS News, “The Green Acres Mall incident was the second mall takeover this week, following one in the Bronx on Presidents Day. Teens smashed glass at a deli on Baychester Avenue in the Baychester section of the borough. Police say it was one of the chaotic moments that erupted in and around Bay Plaza Mall on Monday afternoon.”

These gatherings are affecting shoppers and businesses, as the Green Acres Mall takeover caused some stores to close for the day.

As these planned events continue, police officials say they are consistently monitoring social media platforms and are prepared to respond quickly to any future disturbances.

Black American, Cancer Patient, SSI, Citizenship,

by Kandiss Edwards

February 21, 2026

Black American Cancer Patient Loses SSI Benefits After Feds Question Her Citizenship

Ramona Rakestra is fighting for the return of her Supplemental Security Income after the government claimed she is not a natural-born citizen.

A Dallas woman, Ramona Rakestraw, is fighting for the return of her Supplemental Security Income (SSI) after the government claimed she is not a natural-born citizen.

Rakestraw, who is battling cancer and kidney disease, says the federal government wrongly stopped her SSI after questioning her U.S. citizenship. Rakestraw is a lifelong Texan who said she relied on SSI payments as her primary source of income while undergoing treatment for kidney disease and cancer.

Rakestraw’s benefits were abruptly halted in October 2025 after the Social Security Administration informed her that her immigration status was under review, she told Fox 4. However, the Dallas resident says she was born at Parkland Hospital in Dallas and has never lived outside the United States. Furthermore, the 59-year-old asserts she has never even left Dallas County.

“I’m not an immigrant,” she said. “I’ve never even left Dallas County — let alone the country.”

59-year-old Ramona Rakestraw says her SSI was stopped after her immigration status was “under review," despite reportedly never leaving the U.S. When a Dallas-born resident battling kidney disease and cancer is told she is “not lawfully present,” something is deeply wrong! No one… pic.twitter.com/b54PLfS0NW
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) February 21, 2026

In a letter to Rakestraw, the SSI administration wrote, “We cannot pay you benefits because you are not lawfully present in the U.S.” Rakestraw provided her birth certificate and government identification to SSA representatives at a local office as part of her effort to resolve the issue.

In her early 20s, Rakestraw battled kidney disease, which led to her receiving a transplant. She has been dependent on benefits since. Before her citizenship was in question, she received both Social Security and Medicaid Part B benefits. While her Medicare Part B was later restored, the SSI payments remained stopped.

After Rakestraw spoke to Fox 4, the outlet reached out to the SSI administration. Due to privacy concerns, no information was given about her specific grievance, though employees said they would reach out to her regarding the matter. Subsequently, it was reported that Rakestraw’s benefits would resume, though there is no word on why they were denied in the first place.

Jamaica, travel, violent crimes, Jamaican restaurant

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 21, 2026

Jamaican Bobsleigh Team Looks to Heat Up 2026 Winter Olympics

"We’re basically rewriting history."

Nearly 40 years after the first Jamaican bobsleigh team debuted at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, inspiring the 1994 hit movie, Cool Runnings, the team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, is looking to build on that foundation.

“What happened in the 1988 Games, where Jamaica competed at their first Olympics, that was like a start for the future for us, so that’s still like a motivation to us, and we take that with us every day,” pilot Shane Pitter said, according to Blavity. “It’s kind of an extra motivation to do better than the last team and the last team before; we really work hard.”

The Jamaican team consists of women’s monobob Mica Moore. Pitter, along with push athletes Andrae Dacres, Junior Harris, Tyquendo Tracey, and Joel Fearon, compete in the two-man and four-man sleds throughout the Winter Games.

Expectations are high. Last November, the team won the four-man gold at the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton North American Cup in in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. It was the country’s first gold medal at an international bobsleigh race.

“We’re basically rewriting history,” Harris said. “If you guys remember the movie quite well, what we’re doing now—the victories and the popularity that we’re getting right now, it’s basically like in the movie, and we’re just rewriting it in real life.”

The Jamaican team is still reeling from Hurricane Melissa, which occurred in October.

“A lot of people haven’t yet recovered from Hurricane Melissa, and because they’re not like recovered, that’s still a motivation for me heading into the Games to just work harder and harder and relieve some spirits that are being broken from the hurricane,” Pitter said.

They also want to show the world, once again, that a team from sunny Jamaica can excel at a winter sport.