ASAP, A$AP, A$AP Rocky — Photo by Irfan Khan-Pool/Getty Images

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 7, 2025

YSL Uses A$AP Rocky’s Trial Photos To Promote Luxury Wardrobe

A$AP Rocky has been sporting YSL during his court appearances, leading some to speculate that a potential deal with the luxury brand could be in the works if he wins his case.

A$AP Rocky has been maintaining his fashion-forward appeal while in court for his high-profile gun assault trial.

Despite facing serious charges that could result in up to 25 years in prison if convicted, the rapper and fashion influencer has seemingly used his court appearances to subtly promote a potential deal with luxury brand Yves Saint Laurent.

The rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, has been sporting YSL outfits so stylishly that the brand has begun using court photos of him to showcase its collection.

“A$AP Rocky wearing Saint Laurent,” YSL tweeted on Feb. 4.

A$AP Rocky wearing Saint Laurent pic.twitter.com/bGGlQDXxJ0
— SAINT LAURENT (@YSL) February 4, 2025

Since the trial started late last month, Rocky has been photographed wearing $4,000 YSL trench coats, $1,500 trousers, tailored suits, and stylish ties. Highsnobiety suspects the looks could be a way to soft launch a future partnership with the brand.

The unusual case is beginning to affect the rapper’s business ventures, with Rocky having to cancel the AWGE fashion show scheduled for February 8 during New York Fashion Week.

The “Pesos” rapper pleaded not guilty to assault charges stemming from a 2021 shooting incident with Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, during an argument in Hollywood. Rocky is charged with two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm.

However, he turned down a plea deal and claims that he is innocent.

“He’s really eager to get this stuff behind him,” lead attorney Joe Tacopina said last October. “I’m confident in knowing that he will be vindicated. You know, this is a burden for him and his family, his two young children… And he’s ready. He’s ready to face this head-on.”

Rihanna has been by A$AP Rocky’s side throughout the trial, attending court appearances and showing solidarity. The couple, both 36, share two sons: 2-year-old RZA Athelston Mayers and 1-year-old Riot Rose Mayers.

DMX, Billboard, rligious — (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Live Nation)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 6, 2025

DMX Ex-Wife Says He Passed On Investing in Barclays Center

DMX's ex-wife, Tashera Simmons, reveals that the late rapper could have amassed billions if he had made better business decisions.

DMX’s ex-wife, Tashera Simmons, is opening up about the billions the late rapper missed out on due to poor business decisions. She appeared on Carlos King’s Reality with the King podcast to highlight some of what she shares in her new memoir, Dying to Self.

King encouraged Simmons to share her story beyond being known as “DMX’s wife,” prompting her to discuss the heartbreaking reality of the multi-platinum rapper dying with little financial wealth despite earning millions over his career.

Simmons said DMX (real name Earl Simmons) was on the brink of becoming a billionaire. However, due to a lack of financial literacy and poor asset management, the late rapper missed out on life-changing opportunities.

DMX, she said, passed on the chance to invest in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

https://twitter.com/ArtOfDialogue_/status/1887189606803640426

“They called him and said, ‘J is in, and they want to know if you want to put in a million dollars to get in.'” Simmons recalled in a clip shared by the Art of the Dialogue. “And you know, for the people out there, you know, unfortunately, you know, when we’re, I hate to say ignorant, but it’s when you’re ignorant, and we don’t have any real business sense.

“X didn’t see that as a good investment,” she continued. “And I saw it, and I didn’t even have a lot of business sense, but I was just like, it’s a no-brainer. Why wouldn’t we go into pot with them? X didn’t want to do it. And now look.”

She said DMX made “a lot of bad business decisions. And he spent a lot of money,” which led to him dying with hardly any money.

Simmons began dating him when they were teenagers. She stood by his side as his rap career skyrocketed, and saw the millions DMX earned and spent—and how much he shared with his family.

“He got 10 million a movie, and that wasn’t even including all his shows,” she said. “He made like millions just doing a show, and when he went on tour, I mean he would come back with, I want to say we were very close to being billionaires. X made a lot. It was so much money.”

Dying to Self takes readers on a transformative journey of healing, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Each chapter features biblical scriptures, words of affirmation, closing reflections, and Christ-centered lessons to inspire and guide readers on their own path to growth.

Muhammad Ali — (Photo: Bernard Gotfryd, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

by Kandiss Edwards

February 6, 2025

Omari Hardwick, Dana Gourrier Will Play Parents Of ‘The Greatest’ Boxer Ever In New Series

The limited series on Amazon Prime is produced by Michael B. Jordan's Outlier Society.

Omari Hardwick and Dana Gourrier have been cast in the upcoming Muhammad Ali series The Greatest, according to Deadline.

Hardwick, best known for his role on Power, will play Ali’s father, Cassius “Cash” Clay Sr. Gourrier, known for her role on P-Valley, will portray Ali’s mother, Odessa “Bird” Clay.

The limited series on Amazon Prime, produced by Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society, will explore the life of the man some call the greatest boxer of all time. The goal is to give a glimpse into the interior life of the civil rights advocate, father, intellect, and family member.

The official description reads:

“The amazing victories and defeats that made Ali a legend, both in and out of the ring, have been well documented. While those landmark events will live in The Greatest, the heartbeat of the story is fueled by all the moments that took place outside of the spotlight. The world remembers an icon, but The Greatest is about a man, a husband, a father, a brother, and a son.”

The project was greenlit in July 2024. Along with the announcement came the casting of Ali, Jaalen Best. According to IMDb, Best only has a few credits, including American Horror Stories and All-American Homecoming.

Best’s social media footprint is small, but the soon-to-be leading man took to Instagram to express gratitude and excitement about the opportunity.

“What a complete honor and privilege it is to be playing a hero of mine, and a hero to many. A deep, sincere sense of gratitude and responsibility as I step into the shoes of a TRUE icon,” the caption read.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jaalen Best (@jaalenbest)

The series is being made in partnership with Ali’s widow, Lonnie. The casting choices for Lonnie and Ali’s children have not been released.

Ghostface Killah, Wu-Tang Clan, Keurig — (Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 6, 2025

Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah And Raekwon Appear In Short Film Celebrating The 200th Anniversary Of Clarks Footwear

Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) narrates the short doc.

The shoe brand Clarks is celebrating 200 years in existence, and a documentary has been released that features Wu-Tang Clan‘s Raekwon and Ghostface Killah and is narrated by Brooklyn’s own Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def).

The footwear company released an 18-minute video to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the brand. Hip-hop lovers from the eighties and nineties, especially from the New York City area (Brooklyn specific), were very familiar with the stylish footwear.

People like Dana Dane, Clark Kent, and a host of others were known to rock Clarks as it became part of the stylings of those who were involved in and listened to hip-hop.

The documentary, directed by Set Free Richardson, also features contributions from Liam Gallagher, Martine Rose, Big Youth, Lila Iké, and others.

The company released a trailer on its Instagram profile.

“For two centuries, Clarks has defined and redefined shoemaking, evolving from a humble workshop in Street, Somerset, into a global brand. The Clarks story began in 1825 when Cyrus and James Clark combined craftsmanship with innovation, using leftover sheepskin from rug making to produce slippers and then later shoes – setting the foundation for a legacy. This year, we proudly celebrate 200 years of heritage and those that have adopted the brand as their own.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Clarks Originals (@clarksoriginals)

The documentary starts with Raekwon being surprised that the shoes are 200 years old.

“It’s 200? Damn, that’s like BC with Clarks on right there.”

Later on in the video, Ghostface says, “Wow, 200 years is crazy…TVs weren’t even out, refrigerators weren’t out.”

Two brothers, Cyrus and James Clark, who started making shoes in a small workshop located in a small town in Street, Somerset, in 1825. The brand, now recognized worldwide, is still beloved today.

Take a look at the documentary below:

DEI, anti-equality, diversity, — (Photo: Amy Elting/Pexels)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 6, 2025

Black Businesses In DC Push Back Against DEI Rollbacks At Retailers Like Walmart And Target

Black DMV residents are taking back their buying power in response to mega-retailers scaling back DEI efforts,

Black-owned businesses in the DMV area are pushing back against mega-retailers that have scaled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Locals are turning to DEI Watch, a newly launched website by Alexandria, Virginia-based entrepreneur DeShuna Spencer. The website tracks corporate accountability on DEI initiatives and helps consumers make informed decisions about which brands to support or boycott. Spencer, the founder of the Black storytelling streaming platform KweliTV, launched DEI Watch to promote transparency around businesses’ stances on inclusion efforts and empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.

Spencer isn’t calling for boycotts of certain businesses, “but if you want to, we wanted to create a platform that’s as accurate as possible,” she told Axios.

The site provides links to company pages or news sources, categorizing retailers into three groups: “dismantled” for companies that have scaled back DEI efforts, “committed” for those maintaining active DEI initiatives, and “funded” for businesses that have made significant donations supporting Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

While some companies scaling back DEI efforts made national headlines, Spencer expressed surprise upon discovering that others quietly discontinued their initiatives, such as the German discount supermarket chain Aldi, often found in lower-income neighborhoods.

Other initiatives by Black business owners in the DMV area include tech entrepreneur Ayanna Smith’s Celebrate! DC platform, which highlights local neighborhoods and small businesses. In honor of Black History Month, Smith is calling on the community to support Black-owned businesses by sharing them on social media and using platforms like Official Black Wall Street, Naspora – WeBuyBlack, and Black-Owned Business Directories to discover and support these brands.

“In D.C., we take for granted that we can find a Black lawyer, doctor or business,” Smith said.

“It can be challenging in other areas. … That’s why we’re pushing this intentionality initiative to make habits of buying Black and supporting our own communities.”

Ahmaud Arbery — (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 6, 2025

Felony Indictment Tossed Out For Former Prosecutor On Ahmaud Arbery Case, Closing Criminal Charges

Former District Attorney Jackie Johnson has escaped the last of her criminal charges after a judge tossed out a felony indictment after being accused of using her influence to shield the men who chased and killed Ahmaud Arbery in February 2020, Associated Press reports.

Senior Judge John R. Turner’s ruling closed the book on the criminal charges Johnson was facing for over three years. With her trial starting in early February 2025, she faced other felony charges, including violating her oath of office and a misdemeanor count of obstructing police. Things worked in her favor when Turner ruled on Feb. 5 without a jury verdict after hearing five days of testimony from witnesses, one being Johnson herself.

During her testimony, Johnson claimed Arbery’s family referred to her as a monster, and she was trying to help them. “She told me that I’m a monster. She said I’m a monster,” she said the family called her after watching the video of their loved one’s death, according to WJCL.

“I grabbed her hand, and I said, ‘I’m so sorry about your son.'”

The former Georgia prosecutor has continuously denied the accusations related to Arbery’s death, claiming she never influenced police who initially decided they wouldn’t arrest father and son duo Travis and Gregory McMichael, two white men convicted of fatally shooting Arbery, a Black man. A third man, a neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, joined the pursuit in his truck and recorded a video of Travis McMichael shooting Arbery at close range with a shotgun. Turner tossed out the oath violation charge following Johnson’s legal team arguing the 2021 indictment was flawed by technical errors, failing to accuse her of any crimes. “Frankly, this is a decision I didn’t want to make,” the judge said in court. But he continued, saying the defense’s indictment challenge “needs to be granted.”

The victim’s family, Marcus Arbery Sr. and Wanda Cooper-Jones told reporters that they stand firm in the belief that Johnson was trying to protect the McMichaels, calling the judge’s decision “devastating. Cooper-Jones says if the judge didn’t dismiss the charges, she believes the jury would have convicted Johnson. “The evidence was there,” Arbery’s mother said.

“We all know that Jackie Johnson played a part in the cover-up of the death of Ahmaud.”

It wasn’t until state attorney Chris Carr ordered an investigation of Johnson, resulting in her 2021 indictment. Prosecutors accused Johnson of withholding information that alleged a neighboring district attorney, appointed by Carr, had already advised police that Arbery was shot in self-defense.

Greg McMichael once worked for Johnson as an investigator and retired the year before the murder. He called Johnson for help, leaving her a voicemail. She testified that she handed the voicemail over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation within 48 hours after the video aired.

Trump. head start — (Photo: William Fortunato/Pexels)

by Kandiss Edwards

February 6, 2025

Head Start Programs Unable To Access Federal Funding Due To Freeze

Dozens of Head Start programs are not able to access "pending" federal grant funds.

Multiple Head Start programs are unable to access approved federal funding due to a freeze imposed during the Trump administration, which has since been rescinded, according to the National Head Start Association (NHSA).

In a survey conducted by the NHSA, nearly 50 programs reported being unable to access funding approved by Congress. The organization estimates that more than 20,000 children and 6,000 employees are affected. Recipients are encountering error messages such as “pending” and “in progress” when trying to access funds from the grant. The lack of access to these funds increases the likelihood that pre-K and early childhood education programs will struggle to meet essential expenses, including employee wages.

The NHSA issued a statement urging the president and his administration to address the barriers hindering funding.

“Head Start is a lifeline for children and families in their most urgent times of need. We urge President Donald Trump and the acting leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services to immediately address the issues behind the unnecessary delays in Head Start funding,” the statement read.

“While it remains unclear why this delay is happening, it must be resolved immediately, or thousands of families and their children will be at risk of losing the critical early care and educational services they depend on to work, go to school, and develop.”

BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on the initial executive order that froze federal grant spending, sparking widespread panic among many organizations and individuals.

The Jan. 27 executive order, introduced by the Office of Management and Budget, was announced as a temporary measure allowing the Trump administration to examine “financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the Green New Deal.”

The administration insisted that funding would not be provided to organizations that do not align with its agenda, even though the frozen funds had already been allocated and approved by Congress. In response to public outcry, the administration assured that the freeze would not affect essential government programs, including Social Security, veterans’ benefits, the Pell Grant program, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

On Jan. 28, U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan struck down the order after 22 Democratic attorneys general filed suit. The administration subsequently rescinded the order. It remains unclear whether the Trump administration will seek to halt federal funding through another method.

Andrew Young, daughter, Atlanta — (Image: Wikimedia Commons / LBJ Library / Jay Godwin) Longtime civil rights leaders Dolores Huerta and Andrew Young discuss their social justice efforts at The Summit on Race in America at the LBJ Presidential Library on Monday, April 8, 2019. Huerta, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, co-founded the United Farm Workers of America with Cesar Chavez in the 1960s and has spent decades advocating for laborers, women, and children. Young, a key lieutenant to Martin Luther King, Jr. in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, has served as mayor of Atlanta, U.S. congressman from Georgia, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Moderating the discussion is Mark K. Updegrove, LBJ Foundation president and CEO...The Summit on Race in America runs from April 8-April 10 at the LBJ Library...04/08/2019.

by Jameelah Mullen

February 6, 2025

Andrew Young Talks Trump’s Latest Policies: ‘I Don’t Know What Kind Of Games They’re Playing’

If unbothered were a person, his name would be Andrew Young.

Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young says he is “not worried” about the Trump administration’s new policies, which threaten to overturn some of the civil rights laws he helped to create.

In an interview with 11 Alive Atlanta, the civil rights leader reflected on Trump’s demands, which include calling for ending diversity, equity, and inclusion jobs in the federal government and another proposing halting civil rights investigations.

“Nothing’s happening; there’s a lot of talk,” Young replied when asked if he was concerned about the Trump administration’s proposals, which also include cutting educational funding and rolling back LGBTQ+ rights.

“They’re shadowboxing. It’s like the warm-up before the fight. I don’t think anyone knows what they are doing. I think they are playing games with themselves,” the former mayor told the outlet. “It’s sort of an intellectual masturbation.”

The 92-year-old activist said he will pray for the president, whom Young noted is “not balanced right now.”

In January 2024, Young spoke at Jimmy Carter’s funeral in Washington, D.C. The former mayor hopes Trump and other U.S. politicians will remember his message of kindness, patience, and forgiveness.

When asked about the political landscape in Georiga, the Atlantaian made it clear that he was unwilling to discuss local politics.

“Right now, I’m worried about the football game this Sunday,” Young quipped, referencing the Super Bowl 2025, which will take place Sunday, Feb. 9.

Young also discussed his health; in January, the 92-year-old was admitted to an Atlanta hospital for what his family described as a precaution. Young didn’t share many details about his condition but said he was “feeling fine.”

Working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the former executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Young helped draft the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 1972, Young became the first Black Congressman from Georgia since Reconstruction. He was also the first Black man to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and Mayor of Atlanta from 1982 to 1990.

Dawn Staley, women's basketball, UConn — Coach Dawn Staley in February 2020. (Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

by Stacy Jackson

February 6, 2025

Dawn Staley Calls Comment About Ole Miss Coach A ‘Personal Attack’

Coach Staley and Coach Yo are not here for the disrespect from the announcer. The Ole Miss coach says she's "truly grateful" for her growth.

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley publicly defended Yolett McPhee-McCuin after an announcer made a shady comment about the Ole Miss women’s basketball coach during Sunday’s game against Vanderbilt.

After McPhee-McCuin called a timeout for Ole Miss with just 54.7 seconds remaining of Sunday’s face-off against Vanderbilt, announcer Andrew Allegretta had a select choice of words to describe the 42-year-old’s coaching style. “I say this respectfully,” Allegretta said in a clip from the live stream. “And she’s done an incredible job. She has three consecutive NCAA tournaments. I can see why some of Coach Yo would be an acquired taste. It’s a lot of bombastic motions on the sideline and all of that sort of stuff. Working the officials. Timeouts when you’re up by, what, 15 points. All of that sort of stuff.”

Allegretta, Vanderbilt’s director of radio broadcasting, called the game alongside Drew Maddux for SEC Network+.

WATCH:

SEC Network-Plus announcer comments on Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee McCuin.

The Rebels get a big road win over ranked Vanderbilt in Nashville. #OleMiss | #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/3sVHm8I2Tk
— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) February 3, 2025

Coach Staley, a three-time NCAA champion and the highest-paid coach in women’s basketball, as previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, took Allegretta’s comment about McPhee-McCuin as a personal attack.

“Woke up this [morning] to this and came back to it because it’s just wrong,” Staley wrote on X. “A personal attack on one of our[s] is a personal attack on all of us, including who you are broadcasting for.” She tagged the Ole Miss coach in her post with a reminder for McPhee-McCuin to keep being her “authentic self,” followed by a quick message for the Vanderbilt announcer: “Broadcaster, keep being yourself because we see you!”

Woke up this am to this and came back to it because it’s just wrong. A personal attack on one of our is a personal attack on all of us including who you are broadcasting for. @YolettMcCuin keep being your authentic self. Broadcaster keep being yourself because we see you! pic.twitter.com/MtL0j90YIQ
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) February 3, 2025

McPhee-McCuin has been with The Rebels for 17 years and stood by her decision to call the last-minute timeout. On X, she explained that she was trying to avoid a turnover. “We were being pressed with 15 [seconds] to go,” she wrote. However, as for the disrespect from Vanderbilt announcers, Coach Yo feels the behavior was “classless, unnecessary, and uncalled for.” She stated on Sunday night that she is “truly grateful” for her growth “in these days and times.”

The disrespect from Vanderbilt’s tv announcers was classless, unnecessary and uncalled for! Im truly grateful for my growth in these days and times! So that’s all I’m going to say about it! God Bless!
— Coach Yo (@YolettMcCuin) February 3, 2025

The Ole Miss coach and her team walked away with the win against the Nashville team, 76-61. The game marked the 57th matchup between the two teams, with The Rebels boasting its longest winning streak in the series against The Commodores, which began in 1978.