• News

by Kandiss Edwards

February 6, 2025

Notorious B.I.G’s Estate Sues Over Illegal Sale Of ‘King Of New York’ Image

Notorious B.I.G.'s estate is taking large companies to task for illegally capitalizing off the late rapper's image and likeness.

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The estate of Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace is suing major retailers Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Nordstrom, and Home Depot for selling unauthorized canvas prints of the late rapper.

The lawsuit, filed Feb. 4 in New York federal court, claims Wallace’s famous “King of New York” photo was recreated and illegally distributed by iCanvas. The plaintiffs in the case are The Notorious B.I.G. LLC, Republic Merchandising, and photographer Barron Claiborne, Billboard reported.

The plaintiffs allege the photo has been used illegally since 2015 and displayed prominently on various merchandise, with “complete disregard for celebrities’ personality rights.”

The lawsuit states, “Defendants used Mr. Wallace’s persona, name, image, and likeness, as well as several trademarks relating to him, and Mr. Claiborne’s K.O.N.Y. series photographs, for many years, across numerous items, and in multiple ways, without authorization.”

This is not the first time Claiborne and Notorious B.I.G’s estate have sought to stop the unauthorized use of the image, taken days before the Brooklyn rapper’s death. Home Depot, Nordstrom, and Target removed the products when contacted in 2023 about the illegal use, but iCanvas and Bed Bath & Beyond allegedly kept the unlicensed items on the shelves.

The lawsuit claims iCanvas has knowingly profited from these images since 2015, in violation of federal trademark law, Wallace’s likeness rights held by his estate, and Claiborne’s copyrights.

The estate is constantly battling to protect the image and likeness of the late rapper. In 

The image of Notorious B.I.G. is well-known and considered a part of Hip-Hop history. The “One More Chance” rapper stands before a blood-red backdrop wearing a golden crown.

The popularity and importance of the pic in Hip-Hop culture are evidenced by the selling of B.I.G’s plastic crown at auction for $594,750. The plastic artifact was sold at Sotheby’s auction house as a part of a Hip-Hop memorabilia showcase in September 2020. 

RELATED CONTENT: Trailer Released For Latest Documentary On Diddy With Former Close Associates Speaking Out

• Fashion & Beauty

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 6, 2025

Allen Iverson Reimagines Classic Reebok Sneakers Into Golf Shoes, ‘New Game, Same Killer Instinct’

Allen Iverson is turning his signature Reebok Questions into a golf shoe.

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Allen Iverson is keeping his classic Reebok Questions sneaker alive by turning it into a golf shoe.

The NBA Hall of Famer took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal a golf-inspired version of his iconic basketball sneaker, the Question Low Golf. Featuring the same signature red and white colorway as the Reebok Questions, the “Red Toe” golf shoes embrace a more bowling shoe-inspired aesthetic.

“New game, same killer instinct. Proud to drop my new golf shoe – designed for the court, ready for the course,” he captioned the post.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Allen Iverson (@theofficialai3)

As of now, there are no official release details or technical specifications for Iverson’s signature golf shoes. But Reebok is using social media to drum up hype around the shoe ahead of its impending release.

The golf shoe marks the latest chapter in Iverson’s decades-long partnership with Reebok, which began before his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers. Following his standout 2001 season, he inked a 10-year, $50 million contract and later secured a lifetime deal with the brand.

The agreement included an annual $800,000 salary and access to a $32 million trust fund upon turning 55. Iverson’s iconic first signature sneaker with Reebok was the Question. In 2023, he was appointed Vice President of Reebok’s basketball division.

The Virginia native was a highly sought-after prospect ahead of being drafted into the NBA in 1996. Iverson quickly caught the attention of major sneaker companies with the Jordan Brand developing a prototype named after his nickname, “Bubba Chuck,” in hopes of signing him. Had he signed with Jordan, Iverson would have been the iconic brand’s first signature athlete.

However, despite the enticing offer, Iverson ultimately found Reebok’s pitch more compelling and chose to partner with them.

“Remember that like it was yesterday because that was a big decision for me,” Iverson told Complex. “Just looking back on it, I feel good about the decision I made for the loyalty from Reebok and our relationship.”

He continued, “They [Nike] had a shoe, but I was convinced when I went in the meeting with Reebok that that’s what I wanted to do. They were great salespeople, and they made me comfortable about getting to where I’m at right now with the company.”

Until Iverson’s signature golf shoes get released, fans and sneaker enthusiasts can explore various models and colors of his retro basketball sneakers on the Reebok website.

RELATED CONTENT: Limited Edition Allen Iverson Card Hits Auction House, Starts With $160K Bid

The African American Museum of Southern Arizona, located in Tucson, is the only Black history museum in the state.

The 1,100-square-foot exhibition hall is located on the University of Arizona’s campus. It houses an array of artifacts and photos depicting the history and contributions of Black Americans in the Tucson area. When it opened two years ago, the museum featured nine exhibits and has since expanded to 17.

Exhibitions include The Buffalo Soldiers, Black soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War; and the Dunbar community, a Black neighborhood in North Tucson that housed the city’s first segregated school. 

There are also presentations on cultural icons like Fred Snowden, who made history as the first Black person to serve as head coach at a major university when he coached the men’s basketball team at Arizona State University. 

“Even our own people, African Americans, we aren’t sure how much is out there, but we are finding out there is more and more,” African American Museum of Southern Arizona Executive Director, Beverly Elliott, told KOLD 13 News, Tuscon. 

Oral history has been a major component in preserving African American histories. The museum features a series of audio and visual recordings of nearly 30 Black Arizonans sharing their stories. 

The African American Museum of Southern Arizona has hosted several Black historical figures, such as basketball star Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Carlotta Walls Lanier, the youngest of the nine Little Rock Nine, and Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to attend the William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. 

Elliot told KOLD News that the museum aims to emulate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work by raising awareness of social injustices. 

“His whole platform was about equality, whether it was education, whether it was healthcare, whether it was employment,” Elliott said. “All of those things are still around for African Americans, which is why we say we are not just a museum; we are a movement.” 

RELATED CONTENT: National Civil Rights Museum To Host Virtual Book Talk On Segregation’s Impact On HBCUs

• Politics

by Mitti Hicks

February 6, 2025

Ben Crump Endorses Mary Sheffield For Detroit Mayor

Mary Sheffield is reportedly a fourth generation Detroiter who many see as an heir of an influential family in both faith and politics. 

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Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump is endorsing Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield for mayor of Detroit. Crump endorsed Sheffield during a high-impact reception on Feb. 4 in Detroit. The prominent lawyer made it clear in his endorsement speech that Detroit needs someone who will fight for economic opportunity, education, and equity. He said Sheffield can get it done.

“Sheffield has dedicated her life to standing up for those who have been ignored, oppressed, and left behind. That’s why I am proud to endorse her as the next mayor of Detroit,” Crump said in a statement obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Sheffield Running To Become Detroit’s First Woman Mayor

Sheffield is a fourth-generation Detroiter who many see as the heir of an influential family in both faith and politics. She is the daughter of Rev. Horace Sheffield III, executive director of the Detroit Association of Black Organizations, and the granddaughter of Horace Sheffield Jr., a Black union leader who helped stage strikes that led Ford to recognize the United Auto Workers, Bridge Detroit reported.

 “She has shown through action—not just words—that she is a fighter for justice, housing, economic opportunity, and civil rights,” Crump said during the reception. “The same way I advocate in the courtroom, she fights in the policy room. Detroit needs a mayor with a plan who will not just lead but uplift the people—and that leader is Mary Sheffield.”

The mayoral candidate made history as the youngest council member elected in 2013, representing District 5. If elected, she would be the first woman to serve as mayor of Detroit.   

“Having Attorney Ben Crump stand with me is not just an endorsement—it’s a testament to the movement we are building together for real transformational growth in Detroit,” said Sheffield. “Ben has been a relentless voice for justice, standing up for those who have been failed by the system.”

He adds, “That is the same fight I have carried throughout my career—ensuring that the people of Detroit, particularly those who have been left out and left behind, have a voice, a champion, and a government that works for them.”

RELATED CONTENT: Retiree Killed In Ocho Rios Sparks Fear Among Repatriating Jamaicans

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 6, 2025

White Teen Who Called Black Boy ‘George Floyd’ While Attempting To Drown Him Avoids Jail Time 

Think that's enough?

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John Sheeran, who pleaded guilty to attempting to drown a Black boy in Cape Cod, Massachussetts, avoided jail time during his sentencing hearing on Feb. 5, the New York Post reports. 

Sheeran, 15, was sentenced to probation and approximately 700 hours of community service after being charged with attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in December 2024. In addition, he will be required to attend educational classes online and write an apology letter to the victim. 

The story made headlines in July 2023 when Sheeran, who is white, and another teen were accused of throwing rocks at the victim before the three minors went to the pond.

Wearing a lifejacket because he didn’t know how to swim, the victim was forced underwater by Sheeran. At the same time, he was called the n-word and referred to as “George Floyd,” the Minneapolis Black man who was killed in May 2020 after a white police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. 

Barnstable District Court Judge Sylvia Gomes ruled that if Sheeran reoffends before Feb. 4, 2028, he will face jail time. “I cannot undo what happened, but hopefully, this resolution will bring the community closure and comfort,” Gomes said. 

Sheeran’s lawyer, Kevin Reddington, said the probation and community hours were a heavy punishment, and that the Black boy played the “race card.” Despite “question[ing] the justice system in this case signficiantly,” Reddington said he was “very pleased” with his client receiving probabtion.

The light sentencing took back advocates for cases deemed racially motivated.

“This perpetrator is getting off easy because of his white skin and privilege,” Tara Vargas Wallace, founder of Amplify POC Cape Cod, said, according to the Cape Cod Times. “He gets to go home. Meanwhile, the victim in this case is scarred for life.”

While Assistant District Attorney Eileen Moriarty and Reddington reviewed 15 recommendation letters written on Sheeran’s behalf, Martin Luther King Action Committee member Karen Boujoukos said more should be done to support the survivor.

“It’s like the pebble in the pond. Even though just one child experienced that hate, it affects so many more of us. There is a whole community of people who are supporting that survivor,” Boujoukos said. “I believe in redemption. I hope the young man has learned, and has grown and continues to do so. My hope is that he shows genuine learning as to why what happened is completely unacceptable.”

RELATED CONTENT: Retiree Killed In Ocho Rios Sparks Fear Among Repatriating Jamaicans

• Education

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 6, 2025

UNCF Holds Inaugural ‘A Mind Is…’ Gala In North Carolina

The UNCF launched a new gala to raise money for students in North Carolina.

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On Feb. 1, the United Negro College Fund hosted its inaugural “A Mind Is….” Gala to raise money to support students at local historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in North Carolina and high school seniors from Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools.

The organization hosts these galas nationwide, including in New York, Houston, and Washington, D.C.

With a goal of raising $250,000 for students, the event honored five deserving leaders from the Triad Area: NBA All-Star and Olympian Chris Paul, philanthropist Willie Kennedy, medical leader Dr. Henry W.B. Smith III, former chancellor of North Carolina A&T State University, Harold Martin Sr., and his wife, Davida Wagner Martin.

“As an education major, someone who wants to be a teacher, a principal, a superintendent one day,” said Daria Couther, a Bennett College student and UNCF scholarship recipient. “It just continues to inspire me, and to continue to keep going and not leave the education field at all.”

Martin stressed the importance of the gala, saying, “Education is a civil right.”

Last year, UNCF raised $3 million for North Carolina students last year. Attendees connected with community leaders and heard inspiring stories from students, and experience an unforgettable evening.

Paul, who currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs, grew up in the Lewisville community with his older brother Charles.

The NBA star earned the nickname “CP3” because he shared the same initials as his father and brother. He was particularly close to his grandfather, Nathaniel “Papa” Jones, who owned a gas station where Paul spent much of his childhood working. He later played basketball at Wake Forest.

Paul’s 2023 book, Sixty-One, reflects on the life lessons he learned from his late grandfather. The title is a tribute to Jones’s age at the time of his untimely death and the number of points Paul scored in his honor during a high school game that took place after his funeral.

RELATED CONTENT: UNCF’s Unity Dinners Foster Relationships Between Black And Jewish Communities

• Sports

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 6, 2025

Coco Gauff Donates $100K To UNCF To Help Fund Scholarships For HBCU Students Playing Tennis

Coco Gauff is continuing her family's HBCU legacy by investing in scholarships for students competing in sports at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

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Coco Gauff is investing in the tennis careers of students playing competitively for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) announced the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program on Feb. 4, The Associated Press reported. The scholarship comes after the Grand Slam champion contributed $100,000 to UNCF to fund scholarships for students competing in tennis at historically Black colleges and universities.

Gauff shared her inspiration in making the donation as a way of honoring her family’s HBCU legacy and paying it forward to the next generation of Black athletes.

“My family has a deep-rooted history with HBCUs, going all the way back to my great-great-grandfather. From aunts and uncles to cousins, HBCUs have played a huge role in shaping who we are,” Gauff said in a statement.

“Supporting UNCF in creating opportunities for student-athletes in tennis means a lot to me. As a young Black athlete, I understand how impactful it is to see people who look like me thriving in both sports and education.”

The 20-year-old Florida native claimed the 2023 U.S. Open singles championship and the 2024 French Open women’s doubles title. She currently holds the No. 3 spot in the WTA rankings.

“Her commitment not only showcases her dedication to education and athletics but also inspires the next generation of student-athletes to pursue their dreams,” said Maurice Jenkins Jr., UNCF’s executive vice president and chief development officer.

“This gift reinforces the importance of supporting our young leaders and ensuring they have the resources necessary to succeed both on and off the court.”

Gauff has been actively supporting other women in sports. She recently attended an Unrivaled game after joining Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Phelps, and celebrities Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis in backing the league, which made its debut last month.

“Basketball is one of my favorite sports, and the chance to support a league that’s redefining the game is exciting,” Gauff said in a statement.

She followed up with a humorous tweet, joking that her investment was a way to honor her dad’s dream of her playing basketball.

My dad always wanted me to follow in his footsteps and play basketball. Haha sorry dad but this is as close as it will get 🤣. In all seriousness, I’m incredibly my grateful to get the opportunity to uplift women’s sports and I am super excited to join the @Unrivaledwbb family! I… https://t.co/7y2RkNrSs2

— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) January 7, 2025

“My dad always wanted me to follow in his footsteps and play basketball,” Gauff tweeted. “Haha sorry dad but this is as close as it will get 🤣.”

RELATED CONTENT: Women’s 3×3 Basketball League Unrivaled Lands Coco Gauff As Investor

• Politics

by Mitti Hicks

February 6, 2025

Federal Employees Blocking Musk’s DOGE Staff Could Be Breaking The Law, US Prosecutor Says

Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Martin sent out a warning letter, stating he's willing to take legal action against anyone who "impedes" the work or "threatens" employees with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

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A federal prosecutor appointed by President Donald Trump says federal employees blocking Elon Musk’s DOGE staff could be breaking the law.

Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Martin sent out a letter on Feb 3 warning that he’s willing to take legal action against anyone who “impedes” the work or “threatens” employees with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“Any threats, confrontations, or other actions in any way that impact their work may break numerous laws,” Martin wrote. “Let me assure you of this: we will pursue any and all legal action against anyone who impedes your work or threatens your people.” 

Martin’s warning comes amid fallout between Musk’s team and federal employees across multiple departments. Career federal employees are reportedly working to counter Musk’s efforts with DOGE to access classified information without the proper authorization, Reuters reported.

Trump appointed Musk to lead DOGE, a new department with an ambitious effort to slash the federal workforce and billions of dollars in government spending. However, there is growing concern that DOGE is being used to target agencies and programs that do not align with Trump’s isolationist “America First” agenda.

So far, the Trump administration has removed two top security officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development for reportedly trying to stop DOGE representatives from gaining access to secure parts of the building.

A career Treasury Department official failed to stop the DOGE from gaining access to the agency’s payment system, The New York Times reported. The Trump administration ultimately pushed David Lebryk out from the Treasury Department. Lebryk oversaw more than $1 billion in payments the federal government sends each year.

“We will not act like the previous administration who looked the other way as the Antifa and BLM rioters, as well as thugs with guns, trashed our capital city,” said Martin. He signaled prosecution, adding, “We will protect DOGE and other workers no matter what.”

RELATED CONTENT: Sen. Andy Kim Alleges All Senate Phones Are Offline Amid Growing Friction With Elon Musk

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

February 6, 2025

Memphis Man Arrested After An Infant Is Found In Dumpster

James Boothe's charges may be updated to include child sexual assault.

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James Boothe was arrested for allegedly placing the body of a deceased newborn in a Shell gas station dumpster.

The 45-year-old was allegedly caught on surveillance video carrying a trash bag that was later revealed to have the infant inside.

The Memphis Police Department announced Boothe’s arrest on its official Facebook page. The man is being held in Shelby County Jail, and his bond is set at $250,000.

“Officers were advised that a female juvenile had given birth. Officers were informed that she was on the way to the hospital when the birth happened, and the male she was with, James, took the baby and placed the baby in a dumpster at 1312 East Shelby Drive. Officers searched the area and located the baby deceased,” the post stated.

The owner of the gas station, Jeet Singh Guraya, said the fire department arrived to search the area after receiving reports about the deceased infant’s whereabouts. He assisted the department by entering the dumpster to retrieve the garbage bag containing the body of the infant.

“The fire department came up, and I see the bag in the garbage. Then I just quickly go over there to see what they’re checking for. ‘There’s somebody, a body in the bag,’” Guraya told ABC. “Then I go jump in the garbage, took the bag out, and handed it over to the fire department. They looked at it and said there was a body inside.”

According to reports, the mother of the infant is a 16-year-old girl. The teen told police the baby was born in a vehicle as she was on her way to the emergency room. The girl did not divulge details about how the infant passed away or the circumstances that led to Boothe putting the newborn into a trash bag and discarding it.

The investigation is still open; Boothe’s charges may be updated to include child sexual assault, as the teen divulged that she had been in an inappropriate sexual relationship with Booth since she was 13 years old.

RELATED CONTENT: Kentucky Man To Serve 20 Years In Prison For Killing Infant Son After Losing Video Game

• Women

by Stacy Jackson

February 6, 2025

A’ja Wilson’s First Signature Shoe With Nike Motivates Next Generation To ‘Go Big’

Wilson said fans will love the new Nike A'One shoe and collection because "it's real" and "it feels like it's you."

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Pink is the winning color for A’ja Wilson’s first signature shoe with Nike, and the new A’One performance sneaker is designed with several hidden messages and features that will give young hoopers a motivational reminder from the three-time WNBA MVP to level up and push their limits.

The new Nike A’One is a versatile and comfortable sneaker that offers cushion, traction, and support for precise performance. “The A’One is meant to go the distance, taking control from the jump and dominating the floor on every play,” Wilson said, according to a press release by Nike. “From the beginning, we designed the shoe to both support my game and to provide young hoopers a tool to help them level up. The A’One aces that assignment, delivering exactly what I need to push my performance and inspiring the next generation to give it their all on every play.”

The design for the Nike A’One, led by Ben Nethongkome, features bold layers of pink and special signature finishes that pay homage to her parents for their support and guidance. A special detail on the exterior of the shoe reflects a pearl necklace her grandmother gifted her as a child. The shoe is filled with messages that are dear to Wilson’s journey like: “As a matter of fact, the best is yet to come” and “Weakness, weakness. We don’t have time for that.”

Unveiled in the Ellison Building at the South Carolina Fairgrounds on Feb. 4, the reveal makes Wilson the 13th WNBA athlete with a signature shoe, according to The State. The two-time WNBA champion sat down with actress Issa Rae to discuss the story behind the Nike A’One and all of its hidden features. “My signature can be on it, and it is mine, and my name is on it, but the messages behind it, the journey of how we got here, it’s so much bigger than basketball,” the WNBA star told Rae, according to The State. “It’s really a combination of a written story that I had no idea I was ever going to write, to the parents and the sacrifice and the guidance that they gave me, into a shoe…A performance shoe that everyone can wear and carry with them and implement in their own life.”

Alongside the shoe, Nike unveiled a collection of eight signature pieces that include apparel for men and women, like a Black T-shirt, a pink-cropped hoodie, a pair of Nike slides, and “A’Symmetric” tights with one leg cut midway that will give fans a chance to sport Wilson’s trendy on-the-court look. The addition of a shoe and line of apparel for kids is special to Wilson, who said she wanted the collection to welcome everybody. “I feel like that is my biggest thing, is including the next generation,” said Wilson. “So they could see someone, and they want to be that person and say, ‘No, I can be that within myself.’”

The announcement came shortly after the University of South Carolina retired Wilson’s No. 22 jersey this weekend at Colonial Life Arena. BLACK ENTERPRISE previously mentioned that Wilson, who was an integral part of the USC women’s basketball team claiming its first national title, joined Nike as a signature athlete in May 2024.

Wilson’s Nike A’One collection is coming in May 2025.

RELATED CONTENT: A’ja Wilson Becomes Second Unanimous MVP In WNBA History