by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 12, 2025

Spike Lee Unveils Upcoming Levi’s Air Jordan 3 At Recent Knicks Game

The sneakers are slated to be released in spring 2026.

Mars Blackmon himself, Spike Lee, wore the upcoming Levi’s Air Jordan 3 collaboration while watching his beloved New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 9, Sneaker News reports.

The denim footwear, shaped in the iconic Air Jordan 3 design, fit snugly on the Brooklyn legend, who sported it from his courtside seat. The sneaker is slated to hit stores and online retailers in spring 2026..

The social media post shows the Do the Right Thing filmmaker matching the sneakers with Knicks socks in orange and blue. He even sported his famed blue and orange eyewear while showing off the footwear.

“LEVI’S x AIR JORDAN 3 👖⁠
One of three upcoming 2026 colorways was revealed by @officialspikelee during the Knicks/Nets game on November 9th.⁠”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sneaker News (@sneakernews)

There are expected to be three colorways for the combined companies’ collaboration. Sneakerheads will notice the Nike Air insignia with the Levi’s tag, a customary feature on the fashion brand’s merchandise.

Levi’s and Nike released a joint sneaker in 2008. According to Footwear News reported that they ran it back in 2018, collaborating on an Air Jordan 4 version. They continued the partnership by making a customizable Nike By You model, a three-way connection with Japanese designer Nigo, and the Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble.

The other colorways that will be released are Denim/Black/Gym Red and Denim/Sail/Gym Red/Ocean Fog. The expected retail price is $225.

Lee witnessed his hometown team blowout their cross-city rivals, the Brooklyn Nets, 134-98.

veteran, war of 1812, South Carolina Gravesites

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 12, 2025

Memorial Honoring Black WWII Soldiers Silently Removed From U.S. Military Cemetery In The Netherlands

A memorial recognizing Black WWII soldiers was quietly taken down at a U.S. military cemetery in the Netherlands.

Dutch media reports that two informational panels about African American soldiers in World War II were removed from the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten’s visitor center, Newsweek reports. An anonymous local official said the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), the U.S. agency overseeing the site, did not notify authorities in Limburg province about the removal.

The Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, just east of Maastricht, is the final resting place for over 8,200 American soldiers, with another 1,700 listed as missing and memorialized on site, according to the ABMC. About 1 million African American soldiers served in Europe during World War II, and 174 are buried or honored at Margraten, per the Dutch research project Black Liberators. It is the only U.S. military cemetery in the Netherlands.

On Nov. 10, a spokesperson for the Black Liberators project confirmed the panels had been removed. The exact timing of their removal is unclear. The panels were first added to the visitor center in mid-2024, partly due to efforts by then-U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands, Shefali Razdan Duggal, but were “removed again earlier this summer,” the spokesperson said.

“We have to guess for the reasons,” said Theo Bovens, a Dutch lawmaker who also serves as the president of the Black Liberators.

The removal appears linked to President Donald Trump’s crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, a stance that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended in reshaping the Pentagon and the U.S. military. In March, Arlington National Cemetery removed references to Black and female service members from its website, while the Pentagon reinstated a page honoring U.S. Army Major General Charles Calvin Rogers, a Black Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, following public outcry.

News of the removal of the Margraten panels has sparked widespread reaction on social media.

U.S. quietly removes memorial to Black WWII soldiers at Netherlands American Cemetery pic.twitter.com/0mW9msuyOO
— NewsWire (@NewsWire_US) November 9, 2025

“These men and women fought and died for freedom only to have their memory erased. This is unacceptable. Restore their memorial NOW,” Equity Network tweeted.

“Quite literally no greater patriots than our WWII heroes,” another user wrote. “This is absolutely disgusting and straight-up, 20th-century style racism.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 12, 2025

Debbie Allen To Direct Maya Angelou Play ‘Phenomenal Woman’

Debbie Allen will direct the first, and only, stage play authorized by Maya Angelou’s estate.

Renowned performing arts icon Debbie Allen has been tapped to direct the upcoming play based on Maya Angelou’s life and legacy.

Announced on Nov. 10, Allen will direct Phenomenal Woman, Maya Angelou by Angelica Chéri, aiming for a 2028 world premiere, Playbill reports. This marks the first, and currently only, stage production authorized by Angelou’s estate.

Details on the play remain limited, though press notes indicate it will explore and expand on “the legend and legacy of Dr. Angelou’s immeasurable impact on the world.” After developmental runs at North Carolina’s Black Repertory Company and Houston’s The Ensemble Theatre, Allen expressed excitement and pride in directing the play about the iconic figure, whom she knew personally.

“Like Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Dr. Maya Angelou was the impactful genius of her time,” Allen said in a statement. “The poetry that she delivered radiated a folk spirit of African American people that became classic and traditional. This production will dramatize and sing the soul and the essence of her being from child to legend. The audience will discover so many wonderful, unknown events in her life that catapulted her to RISE. I am beyond humbled, excited, and honored to helm this production as director. I had a very personal relationship with Dr. Maya Angelou, and know her legacy resonates with thousands and thousands of young people in the performing arts today.”

This project adds to Allen’s distinguished Broadway career, which includes performances in Purlie, Raisin, and Ain’t Misbehavin’; the lead role of Anita in the 1980 revival of West Side Story; and starring in the 1986 run of Sweet Charity, Bob Fosse’s final directing credit—both earning her Tony nominations. Allen rose to fame in the musical film Fame, later reprising and choreographing the TV adaptation. She also choreographed the short-lived 1980 Broadway musical Carrie, directed a 2008 revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and is currently directing a Broadway revival of August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.

by Kandiss Edwards

November 12, 2025

TikTok Creator Held Liable For ‘Alienation Of Affection,’ Ordered To Pay $1.75M For Loveless Marrriage

TikToker ordered to pay big bucks for an extramarital affair with a married man.

TikTok influencer Brenay Kennard was found liable for “alienation of affection” and “criminal conversation” and ordered to pay $1.75 million.

The North Carolina jury held Kennard liable for criminal conversation ($250,000) and alienation of affection ($1.5 million), the Charlotte Observer reported.

Akira Montague’s attorney, Robonetta Jones, praised the outcome as justice for her client and accountability for the plaintiffs.

“The evidence presented in this case overwhelmingly supported my client’s stance that Brenay Kennard not only alienated the affections of Akira’s husband but also inflicted emotional injury on his children as well, “Jones wrote in a statement to People. “Akira, her family and I would like to thank all those who have supported her on this journey.”

In a statement to People, Kennard, who counts nearly three million followers on TikTok and 274,000 on Instagram, and Timothy Montague both spoke out over what they believe was an unjust verdict.

“The truth will always be the truth, and it’s easy to believe the lies, especially when playing the victim card,” Kennard wrote. “[Akira] may have won the battle, but not the war. God will have the final say.”

Similarly, Timothy stands by his testimony that the marriage was loveless. Thus, Kennard should not have been held liable for the union’s dissolution.

“It’s easy to make someone out to be the villain when you don’t want to face the truth or take accountability,” he wrote. “The marriage was NOT full of genuine love. All parties involved know that. God will get the glory.”

The lawsuit filed in Durham County Court accused Kennard of having an affair with her manager, Timothy Montague. At the time of the affair, Timothy was still married to his now ex-wife, Akira Montague. The suit alleged that Kennard engaged in behavior designed to seduce Montague and publicly flaunted their relationship online. Kennard publicly shared images of his children, which Akira claimed caused emotional anguish. Furthermore, Akira claims the affair deprived their children of a two-parent home.

North Carolina is one of only six states that still permits the tort of alienation of affection, allowing a spouse to sue someone they believe interfered with their marriage.

Kennard not only faces the civil judgment, but the impact on her brand following the high-profile ruling could be significant. Collection efforts may include seizing future earnings and monetized content revenue streams unless a settlement is reached.

Candace Parker, WNBA, Basketball, adidas

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 12, 2025

Candace Parker Joins Pro Athlete Community As Co-Chair

'What PAC is doing is truly transformational for athletes, and I’m proud to be part of a movement that’s redefining what life after sports can look like.'

The Pro Athlete Community (PAC) recently announced that it has brought on former WNBA player Candace Parker to join its Board of Advisors.

Parker is joining the organization’s advisory board as Co-Chair, becoming PAC’s first woman in that position. She joins NFL superstars and Super Bowl Champions, broadcasters and analysts, Devin and Jason McCourty on the board.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Candace Parker – a legend whose leadership and purpose inspire far beyond the court – as Co-Chair of the Pro Athlete Community (PAC) Board of Advisors, joining @devinmccourty and @jasonmccourty“

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pro Athlete Community (@proathletecommunity)

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining PAC’s Board of Advisors,” said Parker in a written statement. “For many professional athletes, retirement marks the start of a brand-new chapter—one that can be full of opportunity, growth, and reinvention. While the transition can be challenging, it’s also an exciting chance to discover new passions and purpose. What PAC is doing is truly transformational for athletes, and I’m proud to be part of a movement that’s redefining what life after sports can look like.”

In her new role, Parker will help advance PAC’s mission to provide athletes with better opportunities after their playing careers, away from the sports in which they built their careers. That includes top-tier education, business opportunities, and mentorship, helping them create meaningful jobs and lives beyond their playing days.

She will be directly involved with efforts to increase access for women athletes and ensure that they receive equal representation within PAC’s network. Parker will work with PAC Co-Founders Chip Paucek and Kaleb Thornhill to help the organization match the growth of women’s sports in the past two decades. That includes further elevating and amplifying opportunities for PAC’s athletes from women’s sports.

“We’re building something really special here,” said Pro Athlete Community Co-Founder and CEO Chip Paucek. “To have someone of Candace’s caliber – as a person and former athlete – take a leadership position in PAC speaks volumes. We look forward to working with her to continue growing our network of dynamic athletes and maximizing our impact.”

PAC was formed as a first-of-its-kind community built exclusively for professional athletes to navigate life beyond sports, comprising a collective of more than 1,600 athletes.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 12, 2025

The Fifth Annual Battle Of Jollof Continues Tradition Of Feeding The Black Diaspora

The event proved that jollof rice continues to bring the community together.

The Fifth Annual Battle of Jollof cooked up some high energy in New York for those across the Black diaspora.

The event, which took place Nov. 7 at Pier 36, featured the best jollof makers as they represented their countries’ take on the signature West African dish. As the competition blended with cultural tradition, only one country could take home the crown for the best jollof of the year.

The high-profile event featured star-studded attendees across the entertainment industry. From Nigerian-American rapper Wale to Real Housewives of Beverly Hills‘ Bozoma St. John, the cook-off inspired those, no matter their background, to dig in. Other celebrity attendees included media host Speedy Morman, NBA and WNBA stars OG Anunoby and Arike Ogunbowale, and Afrobeats artist King Promise.

This year, Nigeria earned the title of the world’s top Jollof rice producer. Fans and judges tried out the two dishes, created by Ghana’s Chef Nana Wilmot and Michelin-recognized Chef Ope Amosu from Nigeria. While a close competition, the Naija nation reigned supreme with their recipe.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Osamoje | Global Fitness Coach & Community Builder (@osamoje)

However, jollof was not the only dish on the menu. Delicacies from other nations, such as Senegal and Ethiopia, were on full display for attendees to try.

Beyond the Battle of Jollof, the event had other contests that brought the community together. Nigeria bested Ghana again in a friendly yet fierce celebrity basketball game, winning 80-74. During the game’s halftime, a 1-versus-1 tournament was held alongside a DJ Battle with Supersmashbroz and DJ RB Nice.

Including partnerships with Tequila Don Julio, Wingstop, and Crown Royal, attendees sipped on specialty cocktails as winners took home bedazzled bottles of the spirits. To keep the fun going, the battle also hosted cultural activations and community-focused experiences, all centered on Black unity and heritage.

As the Battle of Jollof continues another year, it fulfills its purpose of bridging culture, community, and incredible eats for all to enjoy.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 12, 2025

Morgan Freeman Slams AI’s Unauthorized Use Of His Voice: ‘You’re Robbing Me’

Morgan Freeman is cracking down on AI’s unauthorized use of his iconic voice, with his lawyers taking legal action.

Morgan Freeman is publicly denouncing the unauthorized use of AI to replicate his iconic voice, calling it a violation of his intellectual property.

The Oscar-winning actor’s deep, commanding voice has defined his career across film, TV, and music—from Driving Miss Daisy and The Shawshank Redemption to his award-winning narration in March of the Penguins. But as AI increasingly replicates famous voices, Freeman, 88, says the technology has cost him valuable work and exploits his signature sound.

“I’m a little PO’d, you know,” Freeman told The Guardian. “I’m like any other actor: don’t mimic me with falseness. I don’t appreciate it, and I get paid for doing stuff like that, so if you’re gonna do it without me, you’re robbing me.”

In fact, after learning of several projects using his iconic voice without permission, Freeman says he has begun taking legal action.

“Well, I tell you, my lawyers have been very, very busy,” he admitted.

Despite recent industry shifts, including the backlash over Tilly Norwood, a fully AI-generated actress unveiled this summer by technologist Eline Van der Velden, Freeman shows no signs of retiring. Guilds, actors, and filmmakers have criticized AI taking starring roles, but the veteran actor, who began his career in the 1960s, remains committed to his craft.

“Sometimes the idea of retirement would float past me, but as soon as my agent says there’s a job or somebody wants you or they’ve made an offer, the whole thing just boils back into where it was yesterday: how much you’re going to pay, where we’re gonna be?” he said.

“The appetite is still there. I will concede that it’s dimmed a little. But not enough to make a serious difference.”

As for Tilly Norwood, Freeman doesn’t view her, or any AI-generated talent, as a genuine threat.

“Nobody likes her because she’s not real, and that takes the part of a real person, so it’s not going to work out very well in the movies or on television,” Freeman said.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 12, 2025

African Nations Ink $4B Military Deals With Russia In Shift Away From Western Dominance

Many African nations in the Sahel region have welcomed the opportunity with Russia.

African nations have built a budding relationship with Russia, securing multi-billion dollar military deals that threaten the West’s impact on the continent.

Russia has a growing impact, particularly in Africa’s Sahel Region. Countries in the area, such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, have responded positively to Russia’s welcome. The latest instance of business is through military-industrial contracts, which Sputnik reported 46 African countries have signed on for thus far.

Russian state-owned arms export company, Rosoboronexport, confirmed the matter to its native news outlet, as reported by Business Insider Africa.

“We work with Rwanda, Uganda, Congo, the DRC, Nigeria, and Angola, which ensures us a significant geographical presence,” shared Aleksandr Mikheev, CEO of Rosoboronexport.

On a cultural level, many of these nations have begun shedding ties to the Western nations that once ruled as colonial powers. Nations are ridding of this colonial influence by removing them from federal implementation, such as reinstating indigenous languages as national ones.

In Burkina Faso, the West African country has also done away with Western dress attire in the courtroom. Fellow nations have also dismantled French military bases, another indicator of the disavowing of this presence.

The imports of Russian arms comes from a growing desire by African countries to advanced their militaries. Nations who signed on to this pricey contract will gain access to high-grade military equipment, as well as maintenance services and technologies.

Russian initiatives across Africa have also spread to training programs for civilians, furthering integrating the European nation into African society. This news of Russia’s growing impact, however, is not wholly surprising.

The country was a main exhibitor at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) event last year, displaying battle tanks, flamethrowers, and rocket launchers among its assortment of guns. What these countries plan to do with this foreign weaponry remains unknown, but the advancement of their military prowess could spark international discussion and concern.

This news comes as Western powers like the United States have become ostracized from their international allies under the Trump administration. Donald Trump also recently threatened military action in Nigeria over claims of increased Islamic terrorism against Christians in the area.

In the meantime, it appears that Russia will capitalize on this opportunity as the U.S. promotes a stricter foreign policy.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 12, 2025

Yale Chapter Of Delta Sigma Theta Hosts Harlem Renaissance-Inspired Week For Global Social Action

The "REDaissance" featured book and food drives, teach-ins about Sudan, and more.

The Yale Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held an event week that paid tribute to a significant moment of Black history.

Inspired by the advocacy found throughout the Harlem Renaissance, the Pi Alpha Chapter hosted its own “REDaissance.”

Taking place in early November, the five-day series of events focused on the Black sorority’s core tenet of social action. The chapter’s president, Aubrey Vaughn, explained the week’s mission to the Yale Daily News.

“Social Action is a core tenet of our organization and its work, which is why we were honored to host a week of events touching on Social Justice issues both at home and abroad, emphasizing our commitment to responsible citizenship,” Vaughn wrote.

The Harlem Renaissance was the curation of Black visionaries, thinkers, and artists, all dedicated to using their work to inspire change across the world. Encouraged by the likes of Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, the sorority sisters used their program to educate about contemporary social issues and freedom fights.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pi Alpha (@pialphadst)

One event featured a teach-in on Sudan, along with a book drive with the local bookshop, New Haven Reads. According to the BBC, Sudan is currently in the midst of a civil war, which has resulted in a humanitarian crisis for its people, including many women and children.

The Delta Sigma Theta chapter hosted a panel to discuss the current situation in Sudan. Many have deemed the recognition of this crisis as slightly overshadowed by other global issues, particularly due to widespread anti-Blackness.

“I was inspired to do a teach-in and donation drive for Sudan because Black lives are so often undervalued, and I was disheartened by the lack of attention being paid to such a horrific humanitarian crisis,” shared DST member Ryen Eley.

Attendees left the session with new inspiration to take action, including ways to write their representatives about speaking up for Sudan. The teach-in not only raised awareness of what’s happening to the Sudanese people but also offered ways to advocate against these injustices, even from afar.

As for the Book Drive, the event promoted the importance of Black literary works and authors. Participants also donated books to New Haven Reads. The local shop offers free books to the community, especially during book deserts.

Another event included a dinner discussion with Su’ad Abdul Khabeer, the author of “Muslim Cool: Race, Religion, and Hip Hop in the United States.” In collaboration with fellow student organizations, such as the Afro-American Cultural Center, Muslim Life at Yale, and the Yale Black Muslim Student Association, the dinner and accompanying food drive sparked discussions on the Black community, culture, and faith.

Ending the week with a financial literacy workshop, the young women’s sorority signed off on a strong series that blended global discourse with local community impact to inspire not only its participants but also Yale’s entire campus.

Delonte West Arrested Again After Allegedly Being Found Unconscious

The former Cleveland Cavaliers player was reportedly given Narcan to revive him

Oft-troubled former NBA player Delonte West was reportedly arrested after being found unconscious in Virginia, adding to his history of reported drug abuse and homelessness after ending his professional basketball career.

According to TMZ Sports, West was given Narcan, the FDA-approved nasal spray that quickly reverses the effects of opioid overdose, possibly saving his life after local police officers received a call about a man being discovered unconscious. The incident took place on Nov. 3 in Fairfax County after officers arrived with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers.

Police offered to take the former basketball player to the hospital, but he refused. However, authorities stated that he was so intoxicated that they placed him in custody for his own safety. West was charged with obstruction/resisting arrest without force and public intoxication. He has since been released on bond, but no further information has been released.

This news comes almost exactly a year to the day from his last reported arrest. TMZ Sports previously reported that on Nov. 2, 2024, he was accused of trespassing on property from which he had been banned. West was allegedly in an area in Huntington and would not leave the premises. After police officers viewed video surveillance showing him on the property the previous day, they arrested him after obtaining an arrest warrant.

West’s issues have been well-documented as far back as 2020, when then-Dallas Mavericks owner and “Shark Tank” co-host Mark Cuban placed him in rehab. The Mavericks were the last NBA team on which West played. He was a member of the team from 2011 to 2012. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was battling substance abuse issues and homelessness when he was found panhandling.

He played for four different teams — the Mavericks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Seattle SuperSonics, and the Boston Celtics — during his eight-year NBA career, following his collegiate career at St. Joseph’s University. West averaged 9.7 points and 3.6 assists per game in the NBA before heading for a career playing basketball internationally.