by Mary Spiller

November 9, 2025

Mariah Carey’s Sephora Holiday Ad Faces Backlash Over ‘Anti-Worker’ Message

The singer’s annual Christmas kickoff faced criticism after partnering with Sephora, with fans accusing the ad of mocking real-world labor issues.

Mariah Carey’s beloved “It’s Time” tradition—the annual declaration that the holiday season has arrived—struck a sour note this year. The pop icon’s Nov. 1 announcement, long a festive staple for fans, has sparked debate after doubling as a promotional spot for Sephora.

In the ad, Carey appears in a flowing white gown with angel wings, cheerfully declaring, “Halloween slayed! But now, it’s ti…,” before stopping short when she discovers her Sephora products have gone missing. Moments later, comedian Billy Eichner, dressed as an elf, is revealed as the culprit.

THAT was the ad that Sephora and Mariah Carey decided to go with?? In THIS climate??? pic.twitter.com/kRw3zI3P3z
— Asst to the Regional Manager (@MaeLiing) November 3, 2025

“Busted! Bad news, Mariah Carey: the elves are striking this year,” Eichner quips. “Elf revenge for putting us through holiday hell! Santa’s helper quit. I’m pawning all this so I can afford elf therapy.”

Carey snaps back, “That’s my blush, elf boy!” to which Eichner fires back, “Your lipstick? I’m taking it. Christmas is cancelled. No bells, no cheer, no glam. Bye, sweetie.”

The “All I Want for Christmas Is You” singer quickly restores the holiday spirit, responding, “You can’t cancel Christmas,” before launching into her iconic “It’s tiiiiiime!”—instantly freezing Eichner’s elf into a snowman. Carey then appears in a Santa-style outfit, riding a sleigh and dropping a Sephora bag into a chimney.

Still no apology from Sephora or Mariah Carey for that holiday commercial? Tone deaf as heck.
— christine, esq. (@ChristineEmilyy) November 5, 2025

While some fans praised the collaboration as lighthearted fun and “iconic,” others found it tone-deaf, calling it “disturbingly out of touch” given the current economic and labor climate.

“Time to boycott the folks at Sephora who thought it was funny to make fun of real struggles people are facing nationally right now,” one critic commented on Carey’s Instagram post.

Another added, “Tone deaf diva reminds the hungry what the oligarchs will be doing this year.”

Beauty influencer Jasmine Hinton also weighed in on TikTok, noting that Carey’s biggest hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has long been interpreted as a rejection of materialism.

“She’s singing about wanting to spend time with people you love, not focusing on material possessions,” Hinton said. “Yet somehow, this ad does the exact opposite…it’s a dig at consumers for boycotting all these corporations.” Hinton further suggested the video plays into broader class tensions. “It’s really just ragebait,” she said. “Having Mariah Carey dress up as an angel and then having the elf be ‘the thief’ —this is a class war, and it’s right in front of us.”

@jasminahinton

This is ridiculous #jasminahinton #sephora #mariahcarey #sephoraad

♬ original sound – Jasmina

Another TikTok user @njml5 weighed in on the video. “The commercial is corny, period. But they are definitely mocking the people, working-class people, who have decided, ‘You know what? I’m not fueling this economy. I’m not spending all this money on Black Friday. I’m not spending all this money on Christmas fueling the economy when the economy is not fueling us,’” she said in the video.

@njml5

What are yall thoughts? #fyp #fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #viral #sephora

♬ original sound – Dio

Carey has posted her “It’s Time! videos annually since 2019.

Revolutionary War, Thomas Campbell, Historic Plaque

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 9, 2025

Black Revolutionary War Hero Thomas Campbell Receives Historic Plaque In West Michigan

Campbell's story was relatively unknown until records of land request were found.

A Black Revolutionary War hero is finally receiving his due.

Born around 1760 in Culpepper County, Virginia, the once-enslaved Thomas Campbell joined the Continental Army in 1776 to free himself from enslavement, becoming a horse handler for the army. According to Arc West Michigan, he joined George Washington’s Army at White Marsh, New York. He subsequently became placed in General Marquis de LaFayette’s division.

Just a teenager, Campbell endured the harsh winter encampment at Valley Forge in 1778. The following summer, he experienced severe heat stroke at the battle at Monmouth Courthouse. Despite barely surviving the battle, he recovered. He lived out his final years at a farm in the Kalamazoo County, where he owned 160 acres of land.

Now, he has historic marker at the Gilmore Car Museum near his final resting place in Hickory Corners, Michigan. A ceremony took place Nov. 8 by the Joseph B. Westnedge chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, paying tribute to Campbell’s contribution to the war effort.

“We came to celebrate this American hero… He fought for his freedom, but he also fought for our country’s liberty and freedom, and the community has had just a tremendous outpouring of gratitude for him as well as for all the patriots,” Bob Craig, vice president of the Michigan Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, said. “Next year, America is celebrating its 250th anniversary on July 4 2026. 250 years. And it’s just an incredible time, an incredible year, and I think a wonderful celebration.”

Campbell’s plaque unveiling was accompanied by a color guard, wreath laying, and 21-gun salute. The revelation of his service came after the establishment of another historic plaque for a Black Revolutionary war hero, James Robinson. According to Now Kalamazoo, Robinson received his own recognition in Detroit in 2019. However, Campbell’s identity remained unknown until a deeper investigation.

Records of an approved land grant, which helped Campbell and his family move to Hickory Corners, resulted in his historic service being revealed.

by Mary Spiller

November 9, 2025

Salt-N-Pepa Use Rock Hall Induction To Fight For Control Of ‘Shoop’ And Other Hits

Salt-N-Pepa used the moment to call out the music industry over music ownership and fairness.

Hip-hop trailblazers Salt-N-Pepa turned their long-awaited Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction into a rallying cry for fairness and artists’ rights.

As Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roper accepted the Musical Influence Award on Saturday, the trio used their speeches to draw attention to a growing dispute over ownership of their master recordings. “As we celebrate this moment, fans can’t even stream our music,” James said. “It’s been taken down from all streaming platforms because the industry still doesn’t want to play fair.”

The group’s comments referenced their ongoing legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG), which currently holds the rights to their masters. In May, Salt-N-Pepa filed a federal lawsuit against the label, accusing it of violating the Copyright Act by preventing them from reclaiming control of their music—a right allowed under U.S. law after 35 years.

According to Variety, court documents show the group filed termination notices in 2022 to regain ownership of songs released under UMG’s subsidiaries, including Next Plateau and London Records. In response, UMG argued the group was not eligible to exercise termination rights since they were not the original signatories on the contracts.

A spokesperson for UMG said the company had made “repeated attempts” to “resolve this matter amicably,” accusing the group’s lawyers of using “negative media coverage” as leverage but maintaining that they remained open to a resolution.

Despite the legal tension, the evening was largely joyous—a testament to Salt-N-Pepa’s enduring influence on generations of artists. Missy Elliott, who became the first female rapper inducted into the Hall of Fame two years ago, introduced the group with praise for their trailblazing contributions.

James dedicated the honor “to every woman who picked up a mic when they told her she couldn’t,” while DJ Spinderella reflected on the milestone, saying, “I’ve been DJing for 40 years, and I’m the first female DJ in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

Their performance brought the crowd to its feet as they delivered a medley of fan favorites, including “My Mic Sounds Nice,” “Shoop,” and “Let’s Talk About Sex,” before En Vogue joined them for their 1993 hit “Whatta Man.”

In the celebration, though, Salt-N-Pepa made it clear their fight for artistic ownership is far from over.

by Mary Spiller

November 9, 2025

Anok Yai Named 2025 Model Of The Year, Cementing Her Legacy As A Global Fashion Icon

The Sudanese-American supermodel received the honor ahead of the British Fashion Awards ceremony, marking a new era in representation.

The British Fashion Awards have announced their 2025 Model of the Year weeks before the actual ceremony — and the honor belongs to Sudanese-American supermodel Anok Yai, whose meteoric rise continues to reshape the global fashion landscape.

“A defining force in today’s fashion landscape, Anok’s impact transcends the runway—from redefining beauty standards to championing artistry and representation on a global stage,” the British Fashion Council (BFC) said in a statement on Instagram. “Her influence continues to shape culture and inspire the next generation.”

View this post on Instagram

For Yai, 27, the recognition marks a full-circle moment in a journey that began by chance. In 2017, while attending Howard University’s Homecoming, a candid photo of her glowing in the crowd went viral — catapulting the then-college student into the world of high fashion. That viral moment led to modeling contracts and a string of opportunities that transformed her into one of the industry’s most recognizable faces.

Since then, Yai has dominated runways and campaigns across the globe. As reported by Dazed, this year alone, she opened shows for Ferragamo, Coperni, and Hugo Boss, and closed for Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Vetements, and Messika. Her presence has been equally commanding at Saint Laurent, Mugler, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, and Chanel under Matthieu Blazy’s direction.

South Sudanese-American model Anok Yai has made history after being named Model of the Year 2025.

Anok first captured the world’s attention in 2018 when she became the first Black model to open a Prada show since Naomi Campbell in 1997, a moment that catapulted her into global… pic.twitter.com/ebm9oxRzrd
— NBG Africa (@nbgafrica) November 8, 2025

Beyond the runway, Yai continues to shape modern fashion imagery. She has fronted Mugler’s Alien fragrance campaign, appeared in Gap’s latest ads, and featured in the revived Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Her editorial presence has been equally powerful, with recent covers for Vogue France, Perfect, and Allure — the latter shared with last year’s winner, Alex Consani.

Breaking with tradition, the BFC did not release a shortlist this year. Instead, a private panel of industry insiders — including BFC CEO Laura Weir, photographer Campbell Addy, and stylist Carlos Nazario — unanimously selected Yai as the winner.

Yai now joins the ranks of fashion legends like Bella Hadid, Paloma Elsesser, and Kate Moss, who holds the record with three wins. As only the second Black model to ever open a Prada show, following Naomi Campbell, Yai’s success has been pivotal in broadening representation for dark-skinned Black women in luxury fashion.

With her latest accolade, Yai’s influence reaches far beyond modeling — solidifying her status as a cultural trailblazer and a symbol of modern beauty.

flights Canceled, Government Shutdown, Staff Shortage

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 9, 2025

Thousands Of Flights Canceled, Delayed Amid Government Shutdown Staff Shortage

Ticket-holders should be wary of mass flight cancellations ahead of holiday travel.

Flight cancellations skyrocket to over 1,500 as the government shutdown continues.

With thousands of delays as well, air travelers are feeling the woes at the airport. Many feel worried before and after arriving at the airport about whether they will make it to their destination on time, or even at all.

The late evening of Nov. 8 saw 1,521 flights nixed from the schedules of major airlines such as Delta, United, and American. According to ABC News, this figure has already surpassed the previous day’s 1,024 cancellations. With over 6,400 additional delays, flying during this typically popular travel season has felt like a nightmare to many.

The cancellations follow a government order to reduce flight traffic by 10% in the skies, as the shutdown has sparked staffing shortages, particularly in Air Traffic Control. By that same evening, more than 40 ATC staffing triggers occurred across the United States, sparking delays amid the mandated cancellation.

However, experts warned that further reductions could occur if the government does not reopen. As America prepares for its busy holiday travel, increased flight cancellations could cause chaos at airports nationwide. Thus far, the mandate has primarily affected 40 major airports, including airline hubs at ATL, LAX, and JFK, among others.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shared his hope of getting the government back on track to avoid further decline. Duffy warned that the agency could require airlines to reduce flights by over 10% if the shutdown continues.

“My hope is that this government shutdown will end soon and we can get back in the business of letting Americans travel,” Duffy said in a Nov. 7 interview with ABC News Live.

Airport workers from TSA to the ATC have gone without a full paycheck since the Oct. 1 shutdown. The lack of pay has resulted in many calling out, often due to the inability to afford reporting for duty.

This has primarily impacted the top airlines within the U.S. Delta has seen the most flight cancellations, axing 7% of its initial flight roster. American, United, and Southwest have had 3% of their flights cancelled. All airlines have reported delays ranging from 25% to 30% of total flights.

Fortunately, those flying internationally will have their trips prioritized and less affected by the reduction mandate. Duffy said agreements with international hubs have prevented them from removing these flights from airline schedules.

by Mary Spiller

November 9, 2025

Michael Jackson Biopic Shatters Records With Most-Viewed Music Trailer Ever

The upcoming film 'Michael,' starring Jaafar Jackson and directed by Antoine Fuqua, sets a new benchmark for biopic buzz with over 116 million trailer views in 24 hours.

There’s no disputing Michael Jackson’s lasting title as the “King of Pop,” and now his legacy is setting new records—this time on the big screen. The teaser trailer for “Michael,” the upcoming biopic chronicling the life of the late superstar, has officially become the most-watched trailer for any music-focused film in history.

According to WaveMetrix, the preview, released Nov. 6, drew an astonishing 116.2 million views worldwide in its first 24 hours. The milestone surpassed both “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” (96.1 million views) and “Bob Marley: One Love” (60.1 million views), making it the top-performing trailer not just among biopics but across Lionsgate’s entire film catalog.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”), “Michael” stars Jackson’s real-life nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in his debut role portraying his legendary uncle. The cast also includes Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, and Larenz Tate. The film is set for theatrical and IMAX release on April 24, 2026, and may even expand into two parts.

When the project was first announced, Jaafar Jackson shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, “I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon.” Since then, he’s posted behind-the-scenes photos capturing his uncle’s iconic moves, along with promotional images for the film.

View this post on Instagram

According to the official synopsis, “Michael” tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from his discovery as the lead of the Jackson Five to his evolution into the world’s most influential entertainer. The film promises to explore both the artist’s public triumphs and his private struggles, giving audiences “a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before.”

Lionsgate executives are already considering expanding the project into multiple films after seeing Fuqua’s initial three-and-a-half-hour director’s cut. Adam Fogelson, chair of the studio’s Motion Picture Group, praised the film’s scope and emotional depth, saying to IMDb, “While we’re not yet ready to confirm plans for a second film, the creative team is hard at work making sure that we’re in a position to deliver more Michael soon after we release the first film.”

Kentucky, Louisville, Small Business, grant

by Kandiss Edwards

November 9, 2025

Philly Trails Behind Other Metro Cities In Black-Business Ownership, Report

Philadelphia launched a $5 million grant program to help businesses flourish in the city.

A new report by the Pew Charitable Trusts reveals that while Black business ownership in Philadelphia has grown over the last decade, the city still trails its metro-area peers.

The Nov. 5 report compares Philadelphia with 12 major U.S. counties. Cities include Baltimore, Denver, Washington, D.C., Jacksonville, New York, New Orleans, and others from 2012 to 2022.

The study found that Philadelphia’s total business density reached 111 per 1,000 residents in 2022, up from 82 in 2012. Though growth rose during the 10-year span, the city remains below the national average of 129 per 1,000.

Thomas Ginsberg, lead author of the report, said, “Improving business ownership . . . is about access to the networks, capital, and opportunity that allow firms to grow and persist.”

For local economic development professionals, the report signals that closing the city’s racial and gender gaps in business ownership will require more than that.

“We’re trying to build a durable ecosystem, not just a grant here or a tax break there,” said Sara Williams, executive director of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania.

While strides have been made, Philadelphia needs more scalable strategies to compete on the same footing with peer cities when it comes to inclusive entrepreneurship.

To combat the declining small business numbers, Philadelphia has launched the $5 million Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund. Under the initiative, firms generating less than $2 million in annual revenue may apply for grants of up to $50,000. Businesses must demonstrate growth potential and local economic impact.

In a statement, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said the fund is “not just about grants — it’s about accelerating success” and that entrepreneurs of color will be able to build firms that generate jobs and wealth across generations.

Measuring success isn’t just about how many businesses launch. It’s about how many persist. Additionally, the success of the city’s initiative is measured by how many firms scale up, boosting local economic impact. Bridging the ownership gap will require this layered infrastructure. With the city’s dedicated funding and policy initiatives, Philadelphia may move into a position that will aid in turning numbers into meaningful change.

by Mary Spiller

November 9, 2025

Abraham Lincoln Letter Reveals His Advocacy For Black Valet Shunned By Staff

A newly donated handwritten note from 1861 sheds light on Lincoln’s stance against racial prejudice in the White House is now on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

A simple letter of recommendation written by Abraham Lincoln in 1861 offers a rare glimpse into the humanity and social awareness of a president navigating a deeply divided nation. The document, recently donated to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum by private collector Peter Tuite, is now on display in Springfield, Illinois. The note, written just weeks after Lincoln’s inauguration, was a plea on behalf of William Johnson, a young Black man who had served Lincoln faithfully as his valet and driver. Despite his loyalty, Johnson faced rejection from other White House staffers because of his darker skin tone.

“The difference of color between him and the other servants is the cause of our separation,” Lincoln wrote in the March 16, 1861, letter to Navy Secretary Gideon Welles, according to The Associated Press.

The president’s request was straightforward — he hoped Johnson might secure a position under Welles’ supervision. However, the Navy Secretary responded that no roles were available at the time. Still, the letter stands as an early and personal example of Lincoln’s empathy, especially remarkable at a moment when the nation teetered on the brink of civil war.

Christina Shutt, executive director of the Lincoln museum, called the note “a piece of history with layer upon layer of meaning.” She added, as reported by the Associated Press, “We see him trying to help a friend. We see that even the new president cannot casually hand out jobs. We see issues of class and color within the White House.”

Johnson eventually found a position at the Treasury Department later that year. He remained close to Lincoln, shaving him daily and even accompanying him to Pennsylvania for the Gettysburg Address. When Lincoln fell ill with smallpox shortly after the trip, Johnson cared for him — only to contract the disease himself and die in early 1864.

Historian James Conroy noted that the letter reflects Lincoln’s consistent compassion toward others, regardless of race or status. “Nobody can question that Lincoln was a very kindly guy, very empathetic, trying to help people when he could,” he said.

After Johnson’s death, Lincoln personally handled his final wages and paid for his coffin.

by Mary Spiller

November 9, 2025

Studio Museum In Harlem Reopens With Landmark Basquiat Acquisition

After years of renovation, the Studio Museum in Harlem unveils its new home and celebrates a major addition to its collection — a rare Jean-Michel Basquiat painting gifted by longtime supporters.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is preparing to reopen its doors on Nov. 15, revealing not only a striking new building but also a historic acquisition that cements its cultural significance. Among the many works now part of its collection is “Bayou,” the first Jean-Michel Basquiat painting to join the museum’s permanent holdings.

The painting, a gift from financier Joseph Perella and his wife, Amy, was donated in 2023. Perella, a mentor to Raymond J. McGuire—Studio Museum board chair and a prominent figure in the art world—played a key role in facilitating the contribution.

While Basquiat’s name is instantly recognizable, his presence in major U.S. museum collections remains surprisingly limited. The acquisition is therefore a milestone for the institution dedicated to celebrating Black artists and their creative legacies, ARTnews reports.

The Museum of Modern Art, for instance, has showcased Basquiat’s “Glenn” (1985) but only as a borrowed piece from a private collector. As art critic Bob Nickas once noted, MoMA’s reliance on loans underscores the “absence of a Basquiat” in its own collection—an unspoken invitation for donors to fill the gap. One such donor appears to have answered that call, not at MoMA, but at the Studio Museum.

Other institutions have fared only slightly better. The Whitney Museum of American Art acquired Hollywood Africans (1983) decades ago, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art obtained its first Basquiat works in 2021.

“Bayou,” Basquiat’s 1984 work, is rich with layered imagery and text—a signature of his style. It features fragments of a multiplication table, a thinly drawn hand, and words like “WASTEWATER” and “SOUTH,” perhaps nodding to the artist’s time in New Orleans and his reflections on geography, race, and history. The piece was likely displayed in 1985 at Galerie Bruno Bischofberger in Zurich, the gallery instrumental in propelling Basquiat’s international fame.

Now, decades later, “Bayou” has returned to Harlem, the neighborhood where Basquiat’s story began. With its reopening, the Studio Museum not only reclaims its role as a hub for Black artistry but also ensures that Basquiat’s voice—one that redefined American art—has a lasting home in the city that shaped him.

Miami Heat,Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers' Head Coach, Chauncey Billups

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 9, 2025

Basketball Phenom Tyran Stokes Withdraws From Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks High School

"We wish Tyran all the best as he pursues his future goals, and we are confident he will find success," said Athletic Director Alec Moss.

The No. 1 high school basketball player, Tyran Stokes, will no longer play for Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks High School in Los Angeles, according to the school.

According to Sports Illustrated, Stokes has withdrawn from the high school program, a year after transferring there from Napa Prolific Prep. Athletic Director Alec Moss released a statement to acknowledge Stokes’s exit from the school.

“Notre Dame High School acknowledges Tyran Stokes’ decision to withdraw and explore new opportunities. We appreciate the contributions he made to our basketball program and community during his time here. We wish Tyran all the best as he pursues his future goals, and we are confident he will find success.”

There has been no announcement from Stokes on where he intends to play this season, but he will have plenty of options, being the No. 1-ranked player in the states.

After the 6-foot-8 forward transferred to Notre Dame in July 2024, he helped lead the team to the CIF Southern Section Open Division finals earlier this year in March. The team lost the finals to Eastvale Roosevelt.

The athlete has not been at school this week, and it has been reported that he was facing disciplinary action after several altercations with other students. He was a two-sport athlete after deciding to join the school’s football squad this season, as he was on the field Sept. 26 for a contest against Culver City. He only suited up for two more games (out of five) due to a suspension.

Stokes missed the basketball team’s photo day, and the team’s Midnight Madness event was canceled this week.

Last season, Stokes averaged 21 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, earning All-CIF and All-Mission League honors. He was also selected to the High School On SI All-SoCal Team.

He has reportedly narrowed his college choices to the University of Kentucky, the University of Oregon, and the University of Kansas.