by Daniel Johnson

September 15, 2024

Pre-Debate NAACP Poll Finds 1 In 4 Black Men Under 50 Support Trump For President

Only 8 percent of Black women under 50 indicated they would support Trump.

An NAACP poll conducted of 1,000 registered Black voters between Aug. 6 and Aug. 12, before the Kamala Harris-Donald Trump debate, revealed that along with a rise in Black voter enthusiasm carried by Vice President Harris’ emergence in the presidential race, there is a generational divide regarding who supports Harris and who supports her opponent, former President Donald Trump.

According to The Hill, the survey, conducted in partnership with HIT Strategies and Hart Research, found that 78% of Black voters surveyed feel that the excitement level for Harris matches the level that existed when Barack Obama was running for president, while 56% feel that the excitement level is even higher than in 2008.

Along with those findings, 51% of Black voters said that if the election were held today, they would cast their vote for Harris, compared to 27% who indicated they would vote for Trump. In addition, a stark contrast was uncovered among different generations of Black voters. Among Black voters over 50, 79% of Black women said they would vote for Harris, 66% of Black men said the same; but among voters 18-49, only 56% said they would cast their vote for Harris.

Furthermore, among undecided voters, 25% of that particular population’s perception of Harris had grown less favorable over the last month, while 14% said their perception of the vice president had improved. Among the rest of the Black voters surveyed by the NAACP, 59% of voters said that their view of Harris had improved during that same period.

According to Reuters, Black men under 50 also strongly supported former President Trump. While 49% of those voters said they supported Harris, 26% of Black men under 50 said that they supported Trump. By comparison, among Black women, the figure of that demographic who indicated that they would support Trump came in at 8%, while those who supported Vice President Harris was a robust 67%.

According to NAACP national leadership, more needs to be done to reach Black voters. They emphasize the importance of this year’s election and the choices presented to Black Americans by Vice President Harris and former President Trump. More than half of Black voters indicated that the highest priority for the leaders they elect should be the protection of rights and freedoms.

Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, president of the Detroit NAACP branch, stated that the narrative suggesting significant support for Trump among young Black men has been exaggerated.

“Black men are not going to vote for Trump in numbers. They just ain’t going to do that. And I’ve heard it. l’ve heard him talking about we got a great increase, the Black men are going to vote for (Trump). That’s why he’s using the gold gym shoes. And I think, and see that’s insulting that you think you can get me by sending me some gold gym shoes, red bottom and a T- shirt with your picture on it behind prison walls,” Rev. Anthony told BridgeDetroit.

He continued, “And so I don’t think my brother, that you’re going to see a whole lot of young Black men voting for him. Now you’re going to see some, there’s always some. Tim Scott, Lord have mercy. I mean, so you’re going to always have some, but I think it’s overblown.”

As Derrick Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP, told The Hill, ““This election season, we’ve witnessed a surge of enthusiasm among Black voters that we haven’t seen in some time. But we cannot be distracted — there are still voters to be reached,” Johnson said.

Johnson continued, “Make no mistake, our lives depend on our votes. This November, casting our ballots will be more than just us exercising our right to vote — it is the key to the future of our culture, and our community.”

Phaedra Jackson, the NAACP’s vice president of Unit Advocacy and Effectiveness, echoed Johnson’s concerns, telling the outlet, “As part of our massive civic engagement program, we’re targeting both frequent and low-propensity voters, especially those in densely populated Black communities.”

Jackson concluded, “The soul of this nation is on the ballot in November. We want Black communities to understand what’s at stake and take action.”

trump, RNC, black vote, Baltimore, Black Trump supporters

by Daniel Johnson

September 14, 2024

Fewer Than 12 Black Republicans Attend Final Black Voters For Trump Tour Stop

The weeklong tour was hosted by the Black Conservative Foundation.

There may have been more hecklers and jeers directed at a bus emblazoned with “I’m not with her” and “Black voters for Trump” than there were actual supporters of the bus and its messaging at the final stop of the Black Voters for Trump tour in Baltimore on Sept. 12.

According to WYPR, fewer than 12 people attended the last stop on the weeklong tour, created by the Black Conservative Foundation to drum up Black support for the Republican Party and its nominee, Donald J. Trump.

According to Black Conservative Foundation President Diante Johnson, “No one knows how bad the Democratic Party has been then the people in Baltimore, then the people in Chicago, then the people in these liberally-run areas.”

However, Maryland voters seem to have a different take on Trump and the Republican Party, as Trump lost Maryland soundly in both the 2016 and 2020 election cycles. As a result, the party faces an uphill battle, particularly in races where the Republican Party candidate is tied explicitly or by association to Trump.

In Maryland, former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, Christopher Anderson (a candidate for Baltimore City’s 7th City Council District), and Kimberly Klacick (running for Baltimore’s District 2 seat and the special guest at the Baltimore tour stop) are all up against formidable Democratic opposition.

Trump’s criticism of predominantly Black cities has often veered into vitriol, some say, bordering on dog-whistle racism. In 2019, he described former Rep. Elijah Cummings’ district—encompassing much of Baltimore, a majority Black city—as a “disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess.” Additionally, at a gala hosted by the Black Conservative Foundation in early 2024, Trump suggested that Black people might relate to him due to his numerous indictments and mugshots.

However, members of the Black Conservative Foundation defended Trump, saying that his record is more important than the racism to them.

Brenda Tchaim, a former Republican in Maryland’s House of Delegates and the leader of the foundation’s Maryland chapter told the outlet, “As a Black woman, I don’t see the racism… I look at his policies. When [Trump] was a Democrat, they love him… Jesse Jackson loved him, Oprah Winfrey loved him, all of these elite Black people loved him but now that he’s a Republican, all of a sudden he’s a racist.”

Anderson, a foundation member, told WBAL-TV that he supports Trump because of his “Platinum Plan.”

“We know what he’s going to do for us,” Anderson said. “When he was in power, his administration had a platinum plan just for Black folks.”

However, members of the Northwood Plaza community voiced their displeasure at having the bus in their community.

Leslie Harvey, a community resident, told WBAL-TV that she thought sending a bus to support Trump in that area didn’t make much sense.

“Why would you send Trump people here in our area? It don’t make sense for them to send someone out and thinking someone’s going to follow you that way,” Harvey said.

Another resident, Tiana Smith, told the outlet that she found the bus tour appearance disrespectful.

“I’m extremely shocked and angry and appalled, and it’s disrespectful to have this here, whatever it is,” Smith said. “It’s a slap in the face. He clearly said he’s not for the Black community or anybody else.”

New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban, (NYPD), NYC Police Commissioner Resigns After Phone Seizure As Feds Probe Multiple City Officials

by Daniel Johnson

September 14, 2024

NYC Police Commissioner Resigns After Phone Seizure As Feds Probe Multiple City Officials

The subject of the federal investigation is unknown.

Following a week of pressure from NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ administration to resign, Edward Caban, the New York City Police Commissioner, resigned on Sept. 12 after his cell phone was seized by federal agents, along with the phones of several officials in Adams’ inner circle.

According to the Associated Press, Caban emailed his staff to explain his decision, saying that the news reports surrounding the seizure of his phone “created a distraction for our department.”

In the email, which the AP obtained, Caban said, “I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD.”

According to people familiar with the investigation who spoke to the AP under the condition of anonymity, the resignation of Caban is the first high-level resignation since federal investigators seized the phones of Caban, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks, David Banks, the brother of Philip Banks, and New York City Schools Chancellor, and Timothy Pearson, a former high-ranking NYPD official and an advisor to Mayor Eric Adams.

According to ABC 7, Chancellor Banks said at a press conference on Sept. 13 that he is “absolutely not the target” of the federal investigation. Banks also stressed his commitment to integrity and indicated that federal investigators still had his phone.

“As it relates to myself, I have always lived my life with integrity, every day of my life. And anybody who knows me knows that,” Banks said.

Banks continued, clarifying what happened when the feds confiscated his phones. “I would not describe what happened there as a raid. They basically wanted the phones and that was it.”

The subject of the federal investigation, which the U.S. Attorney’s Office is currently leading in Manhattan, is unknown, as is which investigation or investigations the feds are seeking information about.

Caban’s lawyers, Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, said in a statement on Sept. 12 that they had been informed that their client “is not a target of any investigation being conducted by the Southern District of New York, and he expects to cooperate fully with the government.”

However, as the AP noted, the Justice Department’s definitions of the terms target and subject of an investigation are fluid and are subject to change based on any evidence collected and analyzed by investigators.

According to the New York Times, the NYPD has been reeling. Caban is the second police department leader to leave in the last year and a half, following the departure of Keechant Sewell, the first woman to hold the position.

Given the troubling reports and swirling questions around the management of the police department, Mr. Caban’s resignation is appropriate. I wish Thomas Donlon well in the critical job of leading the NYPD and keeping New Yorkers safe.

But unless this is accompanied by a series…
— Office of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander (@NYCComptroller) September 12, 2024

Bill Bratton, a former New York City Police Commissioner, praised Adams’ quick decision to appoint former FBI agent Thomas Donlon as the interim commissioner, telling ABC 7, “The interim commissioner will provide a buffer during this period of time that the Feds can continue interacting with the police department, they will certainly be wary of interacting with anybody under investigation, thus the need to get this thing wrapped up as quickly as possible for the good of this city, department, country for that matter.”

Florida Woman, Arrested , Child Neglect, Alleged Abuse, Girlfriend's Son

by Mary Spiller

September 14, 2024

Granddaughter Charged In Murder Of Elderly Couple

Florida woman Jalisa Hill, 28, has been charged with two counts of first degree murder.

On Sept. 12, Jalisa Hill, the 28-year-old granddaughter of an elderly Florida couple, was arrested and accused of working with a man to murder her grandparents, who were found dead in March.

According to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Major, 89, and Claudette Melvin, 85, were found dead in their Florida home on March 22. Hill has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, People reports.

She was charged just a few weeks after 30-year-old Maurice Newson was charged with the same set of charges, as well as one count of robbery with a firearm for partaking in the same crime.

In March, police were called to Major and Claudette’s home, and authorities found their car missing.

Newson was later allegedly identified as the person who sold the vehicle and dumped it at a tow yard. He was arrested and charged on May 23 with theft of a motor vehicle and dealing in stolen property. Although he pleaded not guilty to both charges and was subsequently released, he was later charged with the two counts of murder at the end of August as new evidence came to light.

Authorities have not explicitly revealed what caused them to charge both Newson and Hill but said that they “believed [Hill] worked in conjunction with Maurice Newson to murder her grandparents.”

According to the Associated Press, the Melvins had been married for 60 years and had 28 grandchildren, including Hill.

Major and Claudette’s other grandchildren have joined together to start a GoFundMe that has raised over $3,000.

The GoFundMe description reads, “Hello, I am Kesha granddaughter of Major and Claudette Melvin my grandparents were shot and killed in their home that he lived in for over 50 years.”

Kesha continued, “Their car was stolen. They didn’t take anything from out of the home and I’m asking for help i’m asking the public to help me in this time of grievance it’s been very hard my grandparents has been with me all my life and then we were separated behind someone that came in here and did a selfish act and killed a 89-year-old major and a 85-year-old Claudette my grandparents, please help.”

by Mary Spiller

September 14, 2024

Trailblazing Ballerina Michaela DePrince Dies Suddenly At 29

DePrince is well known for starring as a dancer in Beyoncé's 'Freedom' music video.

Ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who danced in Beyoncé’s Freedom video, has died at just 29.

DePrince’s family confirmed the news of her passing on social media on Sept. 13. In a heartfelt post, they confirmed that DePrince died “suddenly” but gave no other details of her death. The family wrote, “The family thanks you for their privacy as they navigate this very difficult time. Services will be private.”

DePrince’s story began long before she danced in Beyoncé’s music video and became a world-renowned ballerina. She was raised at an orphanage in Sierra Leone and later adopted by the DePrince family in New Jersey. There, she began to take dance classes and even won a prestigious scholarship with her skills to attend the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York City at 14. The school marked a turning point in her career, as she took part in the pre-professional ballet training program at the revered American Ballet Theatre.

DePrince began to land parts at several prestigious ballet companies over the years, some of which included gigs at the Joburg Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dutch National Ballet, and the Boston Ballet.

The online tribute regarding her passing reads, “Her life was one defined by grace, purpose, and strength. Her unwavering commitment to her art, her humanitarian efforts, and her courage in overcoming unimaginable challenges will forever inspire us. She stood as a beacon of hope for many, showing that no matter the obstacles, beauty, and greatness can rise from the darkest of places.”

DePrince’s team affirmed that her “brilliance and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were touched by her story, for generations to come.”

DePrince published two books about her life before her death: Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina and Ballerina Dreams.

She previously talked about how shocking it was to be handpicked by Beyoncé to star in her Freedom music video.

The then-21-year-old ballet prodigy admitted that she even thought it was a joke when she heard that Beyoncé wanted her to dance in the video and that reality didn’t set in until she was nearly on the set to film.

“She said I looked like I was a creature from another planet,” DePrince told the Wall Street Journal at the time. “She walked up to me and said, ‘It’s such an honor to have you here.’ I was cheesy and said, ‘The honor is mine.’ I was on cloud nine.”

MetLife, Toyota HBCUNY Football Classic, HBCUs

by Mary Spiller

September 14, 2024

MetLife Sponsors Toyota HBCUNY Football Classic, Reinforces Commitment To HBCUs

The MetLife Stadium will host a Morehouse College versus Howard University football game to kick off homecoming week.

The MetLife Foundation announced its partnership with the Toyota HBCUNY Classic on Sept. 12. In its commitment to support HBCU students, Metlife’s new sponsorship is a step in its enduring initiative to bolster inclusive economic mobility for underserved and marginalized communities worldwide.

The HBCUNY event on Sept. 14 will highlight an anticipated football match between Howard University and Morehouse College at the MetLife Stadium, which will kick off HBCU homecoming week. The game will feature rousing drumline performances and a battle of the bands during halftime.

The HBCUNY Classic, which takes place over multiple days, focuses on celebrating the Black culture and communities of historically Black colleges and universities.

Outside of this event, the MetLife Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to the communities it serves and has continuously built a history of supporting economic mobility through access to education for thousands of HBCU students.

Chief Marketing Officer at MetLife Michael Roberts said in a press release, “MetLife’s sponsorship of the Toyota HBCUNY Classic presented by Walmart is a testament to its long-standing history of supporting HBCUs through organizations like UŃCF. We are proud that MetLife had the vision almost eight decades ago to support HBCUs and we remain dedicated to building more confident futures through access to quality education.”

Albert Williams, president and CEO of the producers of the Classic, Sports Eleven05 LLC, expressed his gratitude. “We extend our thanks to MetLife for their ongoing support of the Toyota HBCUNY Classic, the world’s largest HBCU homecoming hosted at MetLife Stadium. We deeply appreciate MetLife’s partnership in uplifting our students and championing HBCUs,” he said.

During the football game’s live broadcast on CNBC, MetLife plans to show an in-broadcast segment to highlight its continued commitment to its cause. The segment will highlight the organization’s 78-year partnership with UNCF and will feature Warren Williams, regional director at UNCF, and Reginald Goins, a former UNCF scholarship recipient and graduate of two HBCUs. The video will show the undeniable importance of supporting HBCU students as they move on to make an impact on their communities in the future.

In addition to sponsoring the HBCUNY game, MetLife recently granted a total of $2.5 million to several different HBCU-related initiatives, including its scholarship: the MetLife Foundation Legacy Endowed Scholarship at UNCF. It provides yearly need-based scholarships to college students who attend HBCUs and major in STEM, business, and finance accounting.

RELATED CONTENT: MetLife Offers Tips on Managing Love and Money

Jamila Thompson, Chief Of Staff, U.S. Trade Representative

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 14, 2024

Jamila Thompson Named Chief Of Staff To U.S. Trade Representative

Her promotion follows years of Thompson serving as acting chief of staff and senior advisor.

Jamila Thompson has been appointed the United States Trade Representative (USTR) official chief of staff.

The USTR announced Thompson’s new role on Sept. 12. Her promotion follows years of her serving as the agency’s acting chief of staff and senior advisor.

Now, as chief of staff, Thompson will support the agency’s efforts in advocating for working communities and expanding opportunities across all segments of society. Her extensive government resume includes serving as chief of staff for Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District and deputy chief of staff for U.S. Rep. John Lewis (GA). She also worked as a legislative assistant for Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) after spending years as a volunteer coordinator and translator for various nonprofit organizations.

“Jamila has been an indispensable advisor, colleague, and teammate since my first day as the U.S. Trade Representative,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “From our time together in Congress until now, Jamila has been the epitome of wise counsel, sound judgment, and invaluable compassion. As USTR continues to use trade to bring about economic justice and drive inclusive economic growth, Jamila’s wealth of experience, including as a senior staff member to the late Congressman John Lewis, will help anchor our work in the principles of fairness and equity for all.”

Thompson previously served on the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Caribbean Affairs in Washington, D.C., and is a senior fellow at the Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership. In Spring 2015, Goucher College honored Jamila as one of the inaugural recipients of its Distinguished Alumnae and Alumni Award. She is also a graduate of the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).

With the title of chief of staff, Thompson “will also continue to prioritize the health and well-being of USTR as an institution and invest in the growth and development of our people, as she has been doing all this year,” Tai said. “I could not be prouder to have her as my chief of staff.”

RELATED CONTENT: The Swearing-in of USTR Ron Kirk

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 14, 2024

Macy Gray Hospitalized On Television From Ozempic Side Effects, ‘I Can’t Walk Without Losing My Breath’

Macy Gray had a recent health scare brought on by Ozempic side effects.

Macy Gray had a recent health scare brought on by the side effects of the Ozempic weight loss drug captured on camera.

The “I Try” singer was filming an episode of The Surreal Life when producers rushed her to the hospital after she lost her breath. In a confessional, Gray opened up about how “awful” she was feeling at the time.

“This sucks because I’m here all the way in Colombia, and I really just want to give it my all, but I just feel awful, and I just want it to go away,” she told the cameras. “This is not going well. I can’t even walk very much without losing my breath.”

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The soul singer was still being filmed when she spoke with producers about the status of her condition. One producer reminded Gray of the pancreas issues Ozempic can cause and encouraged her to go to the hospital.

Once she was given a ride to the emergency room, her fellow cast member and housemate Chet Hanks told the others what he’d been witnessing. “She hasn’t been eating,” he said, to which X Factor star Ally Brooke replied: “I know why. It’s the shot. That’s what happens. It literally happened to, like, my friends.”

The incident followed an episode where Gray got candid about some of the side effects she was enduring because of Ozempic, including feelings of constipation.

“Oh, boy my stomach hurts,” Gray told Kim Zolciak and Johnny Weir. “I took Ozempic. I can’t go to the bathroom, and I was up all night.”

Zolciak agreed, “Ozempic does that. You have to be really careful, you know,” she said.

After her hospital visit, Gray returned to the house and shared why she started taking Ozempic: She was “kind of a vain person.”

“I’ve gained a lot of weight over the past couple years, and this is right about the time when everybody starts talking about this Ozempic,” she admitted.

“So, I thought, OK, I’m not taking [the weight] off the right way. Let me see if I can get one of these.”

Constipation and digestive discomfort are common side effects of Ozempic, according to Florence Comite, M.D., founder of the Comite Center for Precision Medicine & Health. Fatigue and pancreatitis, which might’ve been what Macy Gray experienced, are also possible side effects.

The weight loss drug craze is sweeping Hollywood, with many famous faces admitting to using semaglutides like Ozempic or Wegovy. In December, Oprah Winfrey shared her perspective on weight loss medication and explained why she’s being transparent about using it.

“The fact that there’s a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for,” she told People. “I’m absolutely done with the shaming from other people, particularly myself.”

Ben & Jerry's, ice cream, Kamala Harris, Coconut Justice, MoveOn

by Keka Araújo

September 14, 2024

Kamala Harris Teams Up With Ben & Jerry’s For New ‘Coconut Justice’ Ice Cream Flavor

Featuring a creamy coconut base, fair-trade chocolate chunks, and caramel swirls, the flavor symbolizes the fight for racial and economic equality.

In an unexpected and delicious collaboration, Vice President Kamala Harris and Ben & Jerry’s unveiled a limited edition ice cream flavor, “Coconut Justice.”

The flavor highlights Harris’ commitment to social justice and the iconic ice cream brand’s longstanding advocacy for equality. It features a creamy coconut base with chunks of fair-trade chocolate and swirls of caramel, symbolizing America’s fight for economic and racial justice.

As part of this collaboration, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of “Coconut Justice” will go to organizations working to promote social justice and racial equity, issues at the forefront of her political career.

“Coconut has always been one of my favorite flavors, but this partnership is about more than just ice cream—it’s about continuing the conversation around equity, fairness, and community,” Kamala said during the product launch.

Ben & Jerry’s, known for its creative flavors and advocacy for progressive causes, has often partnered with influential figures to raise awareness around key social issues. This latest flavor is expected to draw attention for its rich coconut taste and the message it carries.

Where to Buy Coconut Justice Ice Cream

The limited-edition Ben & Jerry’s “Coconut Justice” flavor will be available in select stores nationwide starting in October. Fans can also purchase it directly through the Ben & Jerry’s website.

Collaborations like the one with Kamala Harris and Ben & Jerry’s highlight the growing importance of social responsibility in today’s marketplace as more consumers look for brands that align with their values.

As the 2024 election approaches, MoveOn Political Action is launching its “Scoop the Vote” get-out-the-vote tour on Sept. 16, targeting key swing states and districts nationwide. The tour will feature an ice cream truck, free ice cream giveaways, and high-profile special guests to energize voters ahead of the crucial Nov. 5 election.

In partnership with Ben & Jerry’s co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, MoveOn will be raffling off autographed pints of the limited-edition Kamala’s Coconut Jubilee ice cream, celebrating Vice President Kamala Harris.

MoveOn has also teamed up with prominent figures, such as Jeni Britton, founder of Jeni’s Ice Cream and Malai Ice Cream in New York City, to broaden the tour’s reach.

The tour will launch in Philadelphia on Sept. 16, the first day of early voting in Pennsylvania, with Cohen and Greenfield attending the kickoff event. Over the next several weeks, the Scoop the Vote truck will visit more than 20 cities in critical battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Nevada.

MoveOn will offer free ice cream, voter engagement opportunities, and rallies featuring elected officials and activists at each stop. Attendees will be guided on creating a voting plan and encouraging friends and family to do the same.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 14, 2024

Cardi B Shares Labor And Postpartum Photos After Welcoming 3rd Child With Offset

Cardi B shares delivery photo of third child with rapper Offset.

Cardi B is officially a mother of three, and she gave her fans a sneak peek of her giving birth to her new baby girl.

The Grammy-Award-winning rapper took to Instagram on Thursday to share a few moments of the recent delivery of her third child with rapper Offset. Photos showed Cardi smiling while holding her youngest daughter, whose name has yet to be announced.

“The prettiest lil thing 🌸🌸 9/7/24 💖💖💖,” she captioned the post.

Other photos showed Cardi joined by Offset and their two children, daughter Kulture, 6, and son Wave, 3. The “Bodak Yellow” kissed her newborn, nursed her, and looked down at her while cradling her to her chest. In one last photo, Cardi gave fans a glimpse of her pushing out the baby during the delivery portion of the birth.

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The baby’s birth comes one month after Cardi announced her pregnancy and confirmed fan speculation.

“With every ending comes a new beginning! I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life and most of all renewed my power! Reminded me that I can have it all!” she wrote then. “You’ve reminded me that I never have to choose between life, love and my passion!”

She continued. “I love you so much and cannot wait for you to witness what you helped me accomplish, what you pushed me to do! It’s so much easier taking life’s twists, turns and test laying down, but you, your brother and your sister have shown me why it’s worth it to push through!”

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The pregnancy announcement came hours after Cardi filed for divorce from Offset after seven years of marriage. In her filing, Cardi seeks primary custody of their two children and claims the pair “experienced irreconcilable differences that have caused the breakdown of the marriage” and that “there is no reasonable prospect of reconciliation.”

A rep for the “Money” rapper told Us Weekly that the split “has been a long time coming and is amicable.”

Cardi and Offset have parted ways multiple times since they started dating in early 2017. They first split ahead of welcoming their daughter Kulture before reuniting again in 2019. They broke up again in 2020 before welcoming their son Wave, and Cardi filed for divorce. However, she dismissed the proceedings by the end of the year.

In 2023, they parted ways again, with Cardi taking to social media to post an emotional video yelling and cussing about her husband.

The pair briefly came together following the split to conceive their third child but didn’t make it as a couple by the time of the baby’s birth.

“We think it through because we do love each other. It’s not even about love. We’re best friends,” Cardi told Rolling Stone in May 2024. “And it’s like, ‘OK. Well, there was a time that I didn’t have a best friend, or I didn’t have a support system.’ It’s not even about ‘How do you leave a partner?’ How do you stop talking to your best friend?”