sister, sister, jackee harry, ai
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 23, 2025

Jackée Harry Blasts AI-Made ‘Sister, Sister’ Reboot Cover Art, ‘That Doesn’t Even Look Like Me’

Harry is calling out an AI-generated cover image created for a reboot of the hit ’90s sitcom.

Jackée Harry is calling out an AI-generated cover image created for a reboot of the hit ’90s sitcom “Sister, Sister,” which she starred in alongside Tia and Tamera Mowry.

Taking to Instagram on Dec. 22, the actress and comedian reshared an AI-generated photo and video teasing a reboot of the series. The images depicted the iconic twins, Tia and Tamera, alongside their on-screen parents — Lisa Landry, played by Harry, and Raymond Campbell, played by Tim Reid — as well as what appeared to be two teenage sons.

She also included an AI-generated video showing the cast, including Marques Houston as fan-favorite Roger, walking beside younger versions of their “Sister, Sister” characters as the show’s theme song played. Though nostalgic for fans, Harry used the post to publicly criticize the AI-created reboot.

“Okay, hear me out… 😄💅🏾 Y’all know these AI pictures are FAKE, right? RIGHT?!” Harry wrote. “I love that you love our little show. But c’mon. That doesn’t even look like me! WHO IS SHE? And WHO are those boys?? Tia & Tamera’s kids?? Since WHEN?!”

Harry, best known for her breakout role as Sandra Clark on NBC’s “227,” made it clear she’s not anti-AI. She acknowledged there are ways the technology can be useful and add value, but said that in Hollywood, some roles and creative work should remain in the hands of real professionals.

“I’m not anti-AI, either. A little here and there can be cute,” Harry explained. “It’s great for thought exercises, mockups, dreaming things up… But when it comes to bringing characters back to life…Baby, that’s a job for the professionals. Real humans with real ideas.”

“And if they ever decide to bring back Sister, Sister maybe they won’t have me out here looking like somebody’s auntie from an entirely different show,” she added.

Many fans responded to her post, praising how closely the AI-generated Lisa Landry resembles the real character. Tamera Mowry-Housley also commented, showing support for the AI reboot and writing, “Would love to do this show right???”

The AI-generated “Sister, Sister” reboot is the latest example sparking debate over AI’s role in Hollywood and its ability to create realistic content using public figures, past and present. While AI offers opportunities for creators who might not have had a chance before, many argue it bypasses the consent of the talent being replicated and takes work away from professionals who make a living performing these roles.

Still, the creator may have simply aimed to deliver a dose of nostalgia for “Sister, Sister” fans, which many fans appear to enjoy.

RELATED CONTENT: Jackée Harry Announces Return to Soap Operas As She Joins the Cast of ‘Days of Our Lives’

Social Security, age, collecting
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 23, 2025

New Age For Collecting Social Security Begins At 67

Rising life expectancy has shifted the retirement age from 65 to 67 for those born in 1960 and later.

Retirement planning is evolving, with longer life expectancies pushing the typical retirement age from 65 to 67.

For those born in 1960 or later, the Social Security Full Retirement Age (FRA) is 67, the age at which individuals receive 100% of their earned benefits. Benefits can be claimed as early as 62 at a reduced rate or delayed until 70 for higher payments. But the shift from the traditional retirement age of 65 going up to 67 reflects longer life expectancies and represents a gradual transition rather than an abrupt change, according to Develop Galveston County.

As a result, retirement planning timelines are shifting, and federal standards are evolving to keep pace. For generations, 65 has been considered the standard retirement age for Americans. However, those born in 1959 will now reach their Full Retirement Age (FRA) in 2025 at 67 years and 10 months.

The gradual adjustments carry significant financial implications for those who claim benefits early and receive reduced monthly payouts. The shift is making careful retirement planning more important than ever.

Year of birth is the key factor in determining eligibility for full Social Security benefits. Those born in 1954 or earlier can retire at 66, while additional months are added for those born between 1955 and 1959. Individuals born in 1960 or later must wait until age 67 to receive full benefits.

Timing is critical when claiming Social Security benefits, as it directly affects the amount received. Retiring at 62 results in a 29–30% reduction in benefits, while delaying retirement past full retirement age can increase benefits by up to 8% per year, totaling a potential 32% boost.

Those looking for ways to delay retirement and secure full benefits could consider gradually reducing work hours instead of stopping work entirely, taking contract or part-time roles to cover expenses without tapping into retirement savings, securing extra income through renting out unused property, or opting for a part-time role that offers benefits.

The rise in the Full Retirement Age was done to help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Social Security for future generations. As lifespans increase, the program’s payouts may be spread over a longer period, forcing many to work longer than their elders had to.

RELATED CONTENT: Changes In Social Security Will Impact Boomer Retirement In 2026— Here’s How

self deport, Haiti, Photojournalist Dieu-Nalio Chery
by Kandiss Edwards

December 23, 2025

Shot But Unshaken: Photojournalist Dieu-Nalio Chery Risks His Life Documenting Haiti’s Unrest

Chery shared a first-person account of his career and the risks he faced covering his homeland’s turmoil, including being shot while on assignment.

Haitian photojournalist Dieu-Nalio Chery, whose work has documented decades of political unrest, social struggle, and human rights issues in Haiti, has shared a first-person account of his career and the risks he faced covering his homeland’s turmoil, including being shot while on assignment.

Chery, now based in Michigan and a staff photographer at the University of Michigan, discussed his early years growing up in Haiti and developing his passion for photography in Port-au-Prince, where he began learning the craft at his uncle’s photo studio in the capital. He taught himself the technical and artistic skills that would shape his long career documenting life in Haiti’s most difficult moments. He chronicled his growth for the Global Citizen.

His work across more than two decades has focused on capturing the realities of life marked by poverty, violence, natural disaster, and political upheaval. Chery has photographed protests, illegal arrests, corruption, homelessness, earthquakes, and hurricanes, producing images widely used by international news outlets and human rights organizations. 

Chery described a defining moment in his career in September 2019, when he was shot in the jaw while covering clashes in Port-au-Prince between protesters and officials over the approval of a new prime minister. The shooting occurred as a senator fired a weapon into a chaotic crowd, hitting Chery even as he continued to record the confrontation. 

After that incident and subsequent threats from armed gangs targeting journalists, Chery left Haiti in 2021 to pursue safety and continue his work abroad. He credited assistance from the Artistic Freedom Initiative with helping him relocate and continue his professional career in the United States. 

Chery’s coverage has earned significant recognition. He won the 2019 Robert Capa Gold Medal from the Overseas Press Club for courageous photography and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news photography in 2020 for his work capturing protests and unrest in Haiti. 

While now based in Michigan, Chery continues to advocate for press freedom and the importance of visual storytelling in contexts where civic space is constrained and journalists face grave risk. His work underscores the vital role photojournalism plays in documenting struggles and resilience in societies confronting profound challenges. 

RELATED CONTENT: Photographer Nona Faustine, Who Captured The Perseverance Of Black Women, Dies At 48 

Pam Bondi
by Sharelle B. McNair

December 23, 2025

Over It: Lawmakers Threaten AG Pam Bondi With Contempt Over Epstein File Disaster  

Lawmakers like Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who once advocated for transparency, compared the failed release to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, thinking the fight has reached the end of the road.

Two lawmakers are threatening to use a rare congressional sanction against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Attorney General Pam Bondi after all the Jeffrey Epstein files weren’t released by the deadline set in the Epstein Files Transparency Act, calling it a failure, NPR reported. 

Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who co-sponsored the legislation, admitted they “are talking about and drafting that right now” in reference to bringing an inherent contempt against Bondi. The sanction gives Congress the authority to fine or arrest officers of the law accused of obstructing legislative functions. If successful, the accused can go to trial, last successfully used in the 1930s. 

Some of the files were released to the general public on Dec. 19 but were heavily redacted, with some pages showing nothing but black marks blocking out words. Massie feels inherent contempt is the best way to get justice.

“I think the most expeditious way to get justice for these victims is to bring inherent contempt against Pam Bondi,” Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, said during an interview with CBS’s Face the Nation. 

Khanna echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the House does not need Senate approval to proceed.

“I believe we’re going to get bipartisan support in holding her accountable,” the Democrat from California said. 

The Congress-passed Epstein Files Transparency Act allows redactions to protect victims and gives the DOJ until Dec. 19 to release them.

However, according to The Hill, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the agency wouldn’t share the full files, claiming the amount of information was too big for attorneys to redact victim identities within the deadline. 

The move pushed top Democrats on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and Judiciary Committee, Reps. Robert Garcia (Calif.) and Jamie Raskin (Md.), to announce they would be “examining all legal options” to force the DOJ to comply. 

While Blanche claims he isn’t taking the inherent contempt threats seriously, saying, “not even a little bit, bring it on,” lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are calling for Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to resign over accusations that the heavy redactions were all for the protection of President Donald Trump, who is allegedly named in the files.

“Now the cover-up is out in the open. This is far from over. Everyone involved will have to answer for this. Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, whole admin,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) wrote on X. 

“Protecting a bunch of rapists and pedophiles because they have money, power, and connections. Bondi should resign tonight.”

Other lawmakers like Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who once advocated for transparency, compared the failed release to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, thinking the fight has reached the end of the road.

“I wish people would understand, though, there’s a group of people out there that are in this, involved in this, that don’t want their names released, and there is some protection within the writing of the law, but you’re correct in every one of your assumptions where you said that, you know, who goes after the Justice Department when they screw up,” he said.

RELATED CONTENT: South Florida Cities Declare Dec. 12 ‘Saint Sauveur 1972 Haitian Heritage Rum Day’

Judge, Las Vegas, gavel,Herman Whitfield III, Indianapolis police, David Merryman, racist landlord,
by Kandiss Edwards

December 23, 2025

Judge Tells Overemotional Sexual Predator To ‘Calm Down’ During Sentencing

Madison Bergmann, a former Hudson, Wisconsin, elementary school teacher, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to sex crimes involving a child. During her sentencing, Bergmann’s cries elicited rebuke from the presiding judge.

On Dec. 19, Bergmann was sentenced in St. Croix County Court to six years in prison followed by six years of extended supervision for crimes including sexual misconduct with a student at River Crest Elementary School in Hudson. The sentence also requires her to register as a sex offender and bars her from contact with minors without court approval, KTSP reported.

At the hearing, which is circulating online, Bergmann became emotional and addressed the judge, acknowledging her wrongdoing and responsibilities.

According to People, she said, “I want to make it absolutely clear that I take full accountability for every boundary that was crossed.”

Though Bergmann took “full accountability,” she sobbed loudly in the courtroom as the judge read what some believe is a mild sentence. Her interruption caused the judge to detour from sentencing to quiet the pedophile. 

“You’re going to have to calm down,” he ordered.

Bergmann entered her guilty plea in September. She admitted to sexual misconduct by school staff and child enticement in connection with an inappropriate relationship with an 11-year-old fifth-grade student. Court documents reviewed by People show she was initially charged in May 2024 with first-degree child sexual assault, among other counts.

According to reports, investigators discovered nearly 100 handwritten notes and pieces of student-made artwork exchanged between Bergmann and the child. Additionally, police found text messages that referenced inappropriate physical contact and affectionate messages.

Bergmann resigned from the Hudson Public Schools following her arrest and has been held in the St. Croix County Jail since that time, KSTP reported.

RELATED CONTENT: Mother Speaks Out After Son Taken By DHS Is Assaulted In Foster Care: ‘My Child Is Not Protected’

Anthony Joshua, Jake Paul, Boxing
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 23, 2025

Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions Will Sue Critics Accusing Boxer Of Fixing Anthony Joshua Boxing Match

'Our lawyers are actively going after a number of people,' MVP Promotions Nakisa Bidarian said.

After Jake Paul and his MVP Promotions team were accused of hosting a rigged boxing match against Anthony Joshua, which ended with Paul being knocked out, the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s MVP co-founder, Nakisa Bidarian, has stated that they intend to file lawsuits against the critics making the accusations.

This is not the first time Paul has been accused of “fixing” his boxing contests; the most recent accusation was the Mike Tyson fight, in which the former heavyweight champion seemed to hesitate to fight Paul with the same fervor and aggressiveness that boxing fans are used to seeing. Although Paul was knocked out in the sixth round of the match, with Joshua being a superior fighter and outweighing Paul, experts and fans expected Joshua to knock Paul out much sooner.

Bidarian appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show Dec. 22 to discuss the fight and mentioned he has heard the rumors circulating about the Paul/Joshua match and their legal team has promised to go “after a number of people” who have speculated that the fight was rigged.

“Our lawyers are actively going after a number of people,” Bidarian said. “One who claims to be a lawyer himself online. I don’t remember the name or the handle, but it was something that had like 200,000 likes. Basically, this post said there was an agreement for ‘AJ’ not to knock out Jake, but ‘AJ’ disregarded the agreement and decided to mitigate his payday but knock out Jake Paul. So it’s pretty astonishing what people say.”

He reassured everyone that, although there has been talk of them fixing fights, Paul only engages in real fights. He stated that because Joshua did not knock him out earlier than planned, the narrative changed, leading fans to believe the fight was fixed.

“It’s just beyond mind-blowing that people would think that. Anthony Joshua was on record saying that if he didn’t finish him in the first round, that would be disappointing, that would be a failure. The narrative changed as we got closer to fight night and, obviously, post-fight, and I understand why. But they were pretty adamant it would take, max, two rounds to knock out Jake Paul.”

Check out the interview below:

RELATED CONTENT: Anthony Joshua Set to Lose $66M Despite Knocking Out Jake Paul

eviction, Beauty Mart, Clayton County, beauty supply store, sheriff's department, landfilll
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 23, 2025

Ex-Bernie Sanders Staffer Refuses Housing Inspection Over Eviction Battle With D.C. Landlord

The former political consultant for Bernie Sanders has reportedly refused to pay rent for her apartment since 2023.

A former Bernie Sanders staffer is in the midst of an eviction battle with her landlord over a D.C. apartment complex.

According to ABC7, Michele Watley has evaded eviction for several months as the sole tenant of an apartment complex in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Her landlord, Jeffrey Levin, has tried to evict her as he seeks to update the building and attract more tenants.

Now, the two parties are at a standstill due to housing laws to uphold tenants’ rights. Watley has even refused entry to inspectors from the D.C. Department of Buildings, further stunting the eviction process and building renovations.

Watley has reportedly refused to pay rent since July 2023, despite her landlord’s efforts. Amid this rent issue, Watley embarked on her own political career outside of Sanders. She worked with Sanders as a staffer and political consultant during his 2016 presidential campaign.

Despite not paying rent, she ran for the Kansas House of Representatives, losing the Democratic primary in August 2024. She has been able to continue living in the studio apartment without paying rent due to what some consider a “finesse” of the housing laws in favor of delinquent tenants.

“It’s the playbook. It’s the playbook to delay paying rent or to avoid paying rent,” explained Rich Bianco, a real estate attorney in D.C., to the news outlet.

In the years-long battle, the landlord and Watley have engaged in several tense interactions, including a recorded altercation. Occurring in October 2023, footage showed Watley holding a baseball bat, seemingly chasing Levin and his wife down the property’s hallway.

Levin claimed that Watley struck him and his wife with the object, with a judge deeming Watley as the aggressor. However, their battle still wages on, with no criminal charges filed against Watley.

The delinquent tenant, on the other hand, has had some legal victories in the matter. Last month, a judge awarded Watley a $10,000 judgment against Levin for allegedly failing to make necessary repairs. However, Levin argued that Watley has denied inspectors and repairmen access to the building hundreds of times.

The issue has also resulted in an influx of fines against Levin. Meanwhile, Levin cannot take Watley to court without a business license, which he cannot obtain unless his building passes inspection.

“In order to get a business license, you need to have an inspection by the Department of Buildings. So, by denying the Department of Buildings access to do a business licensing inspection, tenants can effectively delay a landlord’s ability to get into court,” Bianco added.

Levin is currently at risk of losing the property, stuck in an apparent cat-and-mouse game with his unmoved tenant.

“I’ve not been able to renovate or sell my building. I am basically stuck with no options to do anything,” Levin said. “I don’t know why D.C. is not doing anything about it, and I don’t know how this ends. But if I’m on the right side of the ground, which I am now, I won’t stop because what’s happened to me could happen to anybody in D.C.”

The issue has also caught the attention of local officials. In the meantime, others hope a judge can make an exception to move the issue forward.

RELATED CONTENT: Brick-By-Brick: Rockhouse Foundation Surpasses $11M in Giving As Recovery Efforts For Hurricane Melissa Take Center Stage


Black-owned games, game night, holidays
by Ahsan Washington

December 23, 2025

Game Night, But Make It Black-Owned: 10 Games Bringing The Fun To Holiday Gatherings

Black-owned game creators come in clutch with a variety of board games, card games, and video games.

What’s a holiday gathering without a good game night to unite friends and family through laughter and competitive play? 

Black-owned game creators come in clutch with a variety of board games, card games, and video games that go beyond the traditional options to celebrate the holidays. 

These games offer a range of family fun, bringing trivia and strategy to game nights. Include these dope selections in your lineup of Black-owned games.

Trials & Triumph

The educational board game Trials & Triumph was developed by criminal defense attorney April Preyar of JustUs Junkie to educate teens and families about police encounter management and justice system navigation. The new game has started to attract attention as a popular choice for holiday gifts. The game is sold online and through specific retail outlets and uses strategic gameplay to teach essential life skills, which is ideal for deep discussions between older teens and adults during holiday time.

Nubian Jak

The trivia board game Nubian Jak, created by Jak Beula, serves to both educate and uplift its players. Through questions that cover worldwide history and popular culture, the game honors Black culture and accomplishments. The game debuted in 1994 and has since received updated editions that have been distributed internationally. The game Nubian Jak can be purchased through online retailers and specialty game stores which stock editions for both UK and U.S. audiences. 

Tabu (Words) for the Culture

The Culture presents Tabu (Words) as a culturally adapted version of the traditional Taboo game which uses prompts based on Black culture and language. The Black Owned Games collective includes this game in their current holiday collection that you can purchase on Amazon. The game allows families and friend groups to share laughter while they compete and build connections through common cultural knowledge.

@blackownedgames

Tabu (Words) for the Culture is just like playing Taboo, but with topics from Black Culture. We have two editions – our original edition and our new, I Luv the 90’s edition. Get both for an epic game night with lots of laughs. #blackownedbusiness #blackfamily

♬ original sound – blackownedgames – BlackOwnedGames

Black UNO

Black UNO transforms the traditional Uno game into a cultural experience by adding trivia challenges and “Black Power Cards.” Black Owned Games developed this game, which you can buy online during the holiday season from their creator site or major marketplaces. The game suits mixed-age groups because it blends a well-known family classic with cultural elements and trivia questions.

@candacethescorpioqueen

Tag your game night crew and tell me: would you risk drawing extra cards or test your Black trivia #blackuno #gamenight #gamenightideas #TriviaTwist #CultureAndCards #FamilyFun #fyp

♬ Not Like Us – Kendrick Lamar

Black History Flashcards

Black History Flashcards, made by Urban Intellectuals, is a Black-owned cultural education brand that presents Black historical figures and moments at different skill levels. These flashcards, which teach and spark conversation during the holiday season, are available online and through select educational toy retailers.

Black Card Revoked

Leticia Williams designed the trivia card game Black Card Revoked, which challenges players to demonstrate their knowledge of Black pop culture and identity. The game became popular during the past ten years and now you can find it both online and in regular retail stores.

@blackcardrevoked

Just jokes guys! #blackcardrevoked #mothersday#family #debate #growingupblack #blackculture #blacktrivia #partygames #blackownedsmallbusiness #tamarbraxton #steviewonder #lebronjames #naomicampbell

♬ original sound – Black Card Revoked

Rhyme Antics

Chantelle Callaway created Rhyme Antics as a hip-hop-inspired board game that challenges players to rhyme and build vocabulary. The game has appeared in Black-owned holiday game lists during recent years and usually sells through official sites or specialty vendors. The game appeals to word enthusiasts and hip-hop fans because it promotes lyrical thinking during gameplay.

Rap Godz

The strategy board game Rap Godz from Omari Akil (Board Game Brothas) lets players create a rap career while gaining fans and pursuing success. The game was crowdfunded and released to supporters through Kickstarter and indie game shops. Music lovers will find this holiday game unique because it integrates hip-hop culture into tabletop strategy gameplay.

Swimsanity!

Decoy Games, founded by brothers Ahmed and Khalil Abdullah, developed an underwater shooter video game called Swimsanity!, which features fast multiplayer gameplay that supports cooperative play. The game became an indie favorite after its release and you can find it on console systems as well as online platforms. It’s an ideal choice for holiday gaming with friends who like action games and cooperative play.

She Dreams Elsewhere

The narrative RPG She Dreams Elsewhere, developed by Black creator Davionne Gooden ,uses surreal dream-world gameplay to explore mental health. The game received praise for its storytelling after its recent release and you can find it on PC/console digital stores. Players experience thoughtful gaming through this experience, which creates empathy and shared reflection during holiday downtime.

RELATED CONTENT: Top 7 Video Games That Rewired Global Gaming In The 1990s
Melky Jean, Saint Sauveur 1972, Haitian Heritage Month, Haiti, Haitian, rum, Black, spirits
by Keka Araújo

December 23, 2025

South Florida Cities Declare Dec. 12 ‘Saint Sauveur 1972 Haitian Heritage Rum Day’

The significance of this declaration has extended far beyond South Florida's borders.

The vibrant pulse of the Haitian diaspora found a new rhythm this month as civic leaders and cultural icons converged to celebrate the inaugural Saint Sauveur 1972 Haitian Heritage Rum Day. 

Officially declared for Dec. 12, 2025, by the cities of North Miami Beach and Pompano Beach, the day serves as a formal recognition of Haitian pride, entrepreneurial excellence, and the transformative power of storytelling.

The proclamation honors Saint Sauveur 1972, a premium rum brand that is far more than a spirit; it is a liquid unifier of a pivotal moment in Floridian and Haitian history. 

The brand’s name pays homage to the Saint Sauveur, a vessel that ran aground in Pompano Beach in 1972, carrying 65 Haitian refugees. Their arrival marked a turning point for the Haitian community in the United States.

A Vision of Heritage and Pride

The movement is spearheaded by founder Melky Jean, a Grammy-nominated artist and humanitarian who sought to reclaim the narrative of the 1972 journey. By transforming a historical struggle into a symbol of luxury and power, Jean has created a bridge between the past and the future.

“This day is about more than a brand; it is about honoring the ‘spirit’ of a people who have consistently turned adversity into triumph,” the brand noted in its mission. Under the tagline “Taste the Heritage, Celebrate the Spirit,” the Dec. 12 celebration invited the community to engage with Haitian culture through music, storytelling, and the culinary arts.

“I’m honored to share that Saint Sauveur 1972 Haitian Heritage Rum Day has officially been declared — December 12, 2025 — by not one, but two cities: North Miami Beach and Pompano Beach, Florida. This moment is for the Saint Sauveur 1972 family, for everyone who believes in the story, tells the story, and continues to support the Saint Sauveur 1972 Haitian Heritage legacy. What started as a vision rooted in culture, resilience, and pride is now officially recognized — and this is only the beginning. Thank you to everyone who has stood with us, lifted us, and poured into this journey. We celebrate together,” the caption read on Instagram. 

A Premium Sensory Experience

The centerpiece of the celebration remains the Saint Sauveur 1972 Premium 4-Year Rum. Crafted to satisfy the most discerning palates, the spirit offers a sophisticated profile featuring notes of:

  • Toasted Oak and Caramel: Providing a rich, grounded base.
  • Vanilla and Exotic Spice: Adding layers of complexity.
  • Pure Cane Sugar: A nod to Haiti’s agricultural roots.

The official Heritage Rum Day events featured a fusion of these flavors with traditional Haitian cuisine, including collaborations with Casa De Amore, and live musical performances that echoed the soulful depth of the brand’s origin story.

Transforming History into Influence

The significance of this declaration has extended far beyond South Florida’s borders. National outlets, including Black Enterprise, have highlighted Saint Sauveur 1972 as a leading example of how cultural identity can drive modern influence. By securing official recognition from municipal governments, the brand has successfully elevated the Haitian refugee story from the footnotes of history to a celebrated position of public honor.

As North Miami Beach and Pompano Beach lead the way in this annual tradition, Saint Sauveur 1972 Haitian Heritage Rum Day stands as a testament to that when history is embraced with pride, it becomes something tangible that can be tasted, felt, and shared by all.

RELATED CONTENT: Elevate Your Excellence: Ananda Lewis Remembered As The Luminous VJ Who Defined A Generation’s Voice

daughter, father, grammys
by Kandiss Edwards

December 23, 2025

Vocal Royalty: Chaka Khan And Whitney Houston To Be Honored With Lifetime Achievement Grammys

The Special Merit Awards Ceremony will take place at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles as part of the Grammy Week.

The Recording Academy has named music legends Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan among this year’s recipients of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the 2026 Special Merit Awards that the Recording Academy will present during Grammy Week on Jan. 31, 2026, ahead of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards scheduled for Feb. 1 in Los Angeles.

Houston, who died in 2012, is being recognized posthumously for her influential career, during which she sold more than 200 million records worldwide and achieved multiple chart-topping hits that helped shape pop and R&B music.

The Recording Academy recognized her in its press release, stating that she was a record-breaking vocalist whose talent and more than 220 million records sold made her one of the most celebrated artists in music history.

Chaka Khan, a 10-time Grammy winner whose career spans more than five decades, will also be honored. She is widely credited with blending R&B, funk, soul, and jazz across her work with Rufus and as a solo artist, with hits such as “I Feel For You” and “Ain’t Nobody.”

“She is a trailblazer, storyteller and the voice of power and freedom for many generations. Her live performances are nothing short of electrifying. Chaka Khan remains a living force in music – an artist whose work and life continue to inspire, elevate and redefine what is possible,” said the statement.

Honorees are chosen for their “creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording,” the Academy said in a press release. 

In addition to Houston and Khan, the full roster of Lifetime Achievement honorees for 2026 includes Paul Simon, Cher, Carlos Santana, and Fela Kuti, the Academy said in its announcement. The awards celebration will also honor other music figures with Trustees Awards and a Technical Grammy Award at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony. 

Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., said in the press release that the group of recipients represents “an extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres and the very foundation of modern music.” 

The Special Merit Awards Ceremony will take place at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles as part of the Grammy Week festivities leading up to the main televised Grammy Awards event. 

RELATED CONTENT: Fela Kuti Becomes First African Musician Honored With Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

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