Hermès,Jamaican-British Fashion Designer,Menswear Line

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 22, 2025

Hermès Taps Jamaican-British Fashion Designer As First Black Woman To Lead Menswear Line

Grace Wales Bonner is the first Black woman to lead design at any major fashion house.

The appointment of Hermès’ new menswear chief represents a significant milestone for diversity.

The historic British fashion brand has announced that Jamaican-British designer Grace Wales Bonner will take over for their men’s collections. The 35-year-old from London makes history as the first Black woman to lead design at any major fashion house.

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“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the role of Creative Director of Hermès Menswear,” stated Wales Bonner. “It is a dream realized to embark on this new chapter, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers. I wish to express my gratitude to Pierre-Alexis Dumas and Axel Dumas for the opportunity to bring my vision to this magical house.”

Born to a white English mother and Black Jamaican father, Wales Bonner has garnered acclaim for her own eponymous menswear line, which debuted in 2014. Known for its “soulful tailoring,” the London-based label specializes in “cultural luxury that infuses European heritage with an Afro Atlantic spirit,” according to its website. The pieces blend sportswear and classic men’s fashion, creating timeless coats, hoodies, trousers, and more befitting its quintessentially British aesthetic.

A graduate of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, Wales Bonner will now lend her talent and artistic vision to Hermès. For her previous work, she won the British Fashion Council/ Vogue Designer Fashion Fund in 2019, earning the title of CFDA International Men’s Designer Of the Year two years later.

The visionary has also dressed high-profile celebrities such as F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, FKA Twigs, and more. Her contributions to the fashion world have also made her an MBE, a noble ranking as Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

The general artistic director of Hermès, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, remarked on Wales Bonner’s addition to their legacy brand. Dumas emphasized how her contributions will lead Hermès into its contemporary era.

“I’m really pleased to welcome Grace to the Hermès artistic director family,” shared Dumas, per The New York Times. “Her take on contemporary fashion, craft and culture will contribute to shaping Hermès men’s style, melding the house’s heritage with a confident look on the now. Grace’s appetite and curiosity for artistic practice strongly resonate with Hermès’s creative mindset and approach. We are at the start of an enriching mutual dialogue,” Pierre-Alexis Dumas, general artistic director of Hermès, said in a statement.

Wales Bonner will succeed Véronique Nichanian, who previously held the title for 37 years. She also will debut her inaugural collection in 2027.

by Kandiss Edwards

October 22, 2025

David Kingsley Found Guilty In Murder Of New York Inmate Robert Brooks

Sentencing for David Kingsley is scheduled for Dec. 16.

On Oct. 21, Former state prison guard David Kingsley was convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter in the 2024 beating-death of inmate Robert Brooks in New York, The New York Post reported.

Sentencing for Kingsley is scheduled for Dec. 16. He is facing 25 years to life in prison.

The former correctional officer was accused of beating Brooks while he was handcuffed at the Marcy Correctional Facility. Brooks, 43, was transferred on December 9, 2024, and died the following morning. Body-worn camera footage played at trial captured Kingsley wrapping his hands around Brooks’ neck while the inmate was restrained and surrounded by officers.

Brooks’ family released a statement after the verdict:

“Today, the jury made the right decision in finding David Kingsley guilty of murder. While it was hard to see Matthew Galliher and Nicholas Kieffer be given a pass, it highlights the need for systemic change. Mr. Galliher and Mr. Kieffer were doing exactly what their prison supervisors expected them to do. The guards indicted in this case were not a few bad apples; they were part of a rotten system, doing what state officials have allowed them to do.

Mathew Galliher and Nicholas Kieffer were also on trial for murder and manslaughter, but were cleared by the jury on all counts. Video evidence in the case reportedly showed the pair restraining Brooks and applying force. However, jurors did not find the evidence sufficient for a conviction. In total, 10 men were accused of murdering Brooks in an act of gang violence.

Governor Kathy Hochul commented on the verdict in a press release. While Hochul praised the work of the “vast majority’ of New York officers, she strongly condemned the actions of the few. Additionally, Hochul expressed disappointment in the acquittal of Galliher and Kieffer. The Governor reiterated her commitment to reforming New York’s prison system and ensuring oversight and accountability.

“I am deeply committed to the changes we are making to ensure that New York State’s correctional facilities are safe for all who enter — employees, incarcerated persons, visitors and volunteers alike,” Hochul wrote.

Along with the death of Brooks, the 2025 murder of Messiah Nantwi has prompted investigations by the New York Office of State Investigations. Similar to Brooks, Nantwi was beaten to death in the Mid-State Correctional located across the street from Marcy Correctional. Thus far, Francis Chandler took a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to the Mar. 1 killing.

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 22, 2025

Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun Hopes To Inspire Vision As N.C. A&T Chancellor’s Speaker Series Headliner

Taking place Nov. 13 on campus at Harrison Auditorium, the conversation will be moderated by class of 2004 alum Craig Stokes as part of the series titled, “The CEO Edge – Commanding Every Opportunity.”

Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun has been shaking things up as one of the youngest leaders to transform a major Fortune 500 company significantly. Now, he hopes to share some inspiration with the leaders of tomorrow as the headliner for the North Carolina A&T State University Chancellor’s Speaker Series, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Taking place Nov. 13 on campus at Harrison Auditorium, the conversation will be moderated by class of 2004 alum Craig Stokes as part of the series entitled, “The CEO Edge – Commanding Every Opportunity.”

https://twitter.com/ebknowing/status/1981039809746313557

Being featured on the 2024 Fortune inaugural 100 Most Powerful People in Business list, Adamolekun is set to offer insightful perspectives on leadership, innovation, and navigating the challenging waters of the current business landscape. His experience in the corporate, finance, and hospitality industries led to a significant turnaround for the restaurant favorite after rumors of bankruptcy and potential closure.

With his resume including titles such as director and CEO of P.F. Chang’s and partner at the New York-based investment firm Paulson & Co., the conversation about lessons learned, encouraging professional pivoting, and appreciating essential moments should inspire students at the Greensboro-based HBCU.

Adamolekun has been taking his inspiring story on the road, recently speaking at Florida International University in Miami. He touched on how, in just over one year, Red Lobster exited Chapter 11 in September 2024 and added seafood boils to the restaurant chain with 544 locations in June 2025. “No matter what you do, the best is to be the best at what you do,” Adamolekun, the 36-year-old leader, said, according to Local 10.

He also spoke on the importance of partnership, highlighting past collaborations with hip-hop icons Dr. Dre, such as a limited-time 4/20-themed cocktail with Skittles for the low price of $10.31 called “Side Hustle by Dre + Snoop.” “Partnering with people who are, for lack of better words, the coolest in the community, just elevates our brand and helps us connect with more people,” he said.

As HBCUs come under attack from the Trump administration and jobs are scarce, series like this come at a pivotal time when students need encouragement to continue their education.

With a degree from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, Adamolekun has been named a recipient of several awards, including three GLOBEE Leadership Gold Awards for CEO of the Year, as well as being named on the Power List in Nation’s Restaurant News.

by Kandiss Edwards

October 22, 2025

Florida Sheriff Defends Posting A 9-Year-Old’s Mugshot, Media Piggybacks Releasing The Child’s Name

Media out The Daily Mail chose to included the child's name and image in its coverage.

A Florida sheriff’s office is under intense public scrutiny after posting the unblurred mugshot and name of a 9-year-old boy who was arrested at a school.

The boy was arrested on Oct. 10 for allegedly bringing a pocketknife to Middleton-Burney Elementary School in Crescent City, Florida, and threatening classmates, the district attorney’s office said. The image and name were shared publicly by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office on its Facebook page. The post quickly went viral and drew nearly 50,000 comments, many condemning the move.

In a statement to Newsweek, the sheriff’s office said it follows state law — specifically Florida Statute 985.04 — that allows juvenile arrest records in felony cases to be made public.

“Under state statutes the name of a juvenile and publication of a photo is allowed if the crime is such that an adult would be charged with a felony. The sheriff’s office reserves the right to release this information when there is a threat to students and schools, as parents and the public have a right to know.”

While posting the photo is in line with the law, many contend that the action is harmful to young children.

Families of minors whose images have been posted may request the removal of their child’s mug shot under Florida law. Authorities have ten days to remove posted images upon receipt of a written request.

The arrest and posting were picked up by multiple news outlets, including The Daily Mail. The outlet chose not only to include an image of the minor, but it also includes his name. Unfortunately, for the child, the outlet is within its rights to do so, according to AP journalistic guidance.

Criminal defense attorney Shannon Schott spoke with 10 Tampa Bay about discernment in the cases of minors.

“Just because we can post pictures of minors does not mean we should,” Schott said.

However, as minor-offenders are usually eligible for expungement of criminal records, the lingering digital footprint of a mugshot can impact a child’s future. It is important to note the child has not formally been convicted of any of the charges.

Retired NFL, D’Brickashaw Ferguson,Nursing

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 22, 2025

From End Zones To ERs: How Retired NFL Stars Like D’Brickashaw Ferguson Are Turning To Nursing

An increasing number of NFL alums are taking an unexpected career route after their playing days by entering the nursing profession.

D’Brickashaw Ferguson, former New York Jets offensive tackle, and Patrick Hill, former Tennessee Titans fullback and running back, are among an increasing number of retired NFL players who have pursued careers in nursing after leaving professional football.

While many NFL retirees often transition into sports broadcasting, coaching, financial literacy, teaching, real estate, or law enforcement, nursing is emerging as a growing option. Although exact numbers aren’t available, at least five current and former players have publicly shared their choice to pursue nursing during or after their NFL careers.

“Nursing is a newer area,” Tracy Perlman, senior vice president of player operations at the NFL, told The New York Times.

This past spring, Ferguson, 41, earned his nursing degree from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and now works at RWJBarnabas Health in New Jersey, continuing the family legacy of his mother and grandmother, both nurses. Hill serves as an inpatient psychiatric nurse at UCLA Medical Center and has experience in various intensive care units.

Hill, 37, credits the “mental toughness and resiliency” developed in football for helping him thrive in nursing, a field that mirrors the teamwork and full engagement he experienced on the field.

“Two minutes of CPR is the longest two minutes you’ll probably ever do,” he said, comparing it to the “intense, hyper-focused” mindset players get during the two-minute warning, the automatic timeout at the end of the second and fourth quarters in every NFL game.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, 26, a running back on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, also comes from a nursing family. Watching his mother care for his younger sister Maddee, who has congenital muscular dystrophy, inspired his interest in the field. He’s now balancing football with school and is on track to earn his bachelor’s degree in nursing next summer.

Chandler Brayboy, 24, a wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, earned his nursing degree last year while playing in the NFL. His interest in healthcare began in high school after a health science class taught him about Parkinson’s disease, prompting him to recognize the “pill-rolling” tremor in his grandfather and help him get diagnosed. Brayboy plans to pursue a career as a critical care nurse after retiring from football.

Brayboy’s focus on critical care reflects a trend highlighted in a 2024 NurseJournal report, which found male nurses are more likely to pursue fast-paced specialties like emergency and critical care that demand adaptability, physical stamina, and quick problem-solving. The number of men in nursing has slowly risen, increasing by 8% over the past decade, helping to challenge long-standing stigmas that have kept men at roughly 13% of registered nurses.

“This is awesome for boys to see,” said Dr. Jason Mott, a professor at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Nursing and president of the American Association for Men in Nursing.

Nathaniel Hughes, 40, played wide receiver for four NFL teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions. Frequent hospital visits from football injuries sparked his interest in health care. He earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2008, before being drafted, and completed his master’s in nursing in 2015 while still playing.

After seven years as a nurse, Dr. Hughes attended medical school and is now an anesthesiologist. Even with his medical career, he sometimes struggles to leave his former pro footballer lifestyle behind.

“You know a lot of little nuances that a normal person who just watches football wouldn’t,” Hughes said. “People can pick up real quick on your football I.Q. just by your lingo. So they start looking at you like, ‘Yo, you play ball?’”

Hitman Howie Tee, Hip Hop, Mickey Factz, NYU

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 22, 2025

Pioneering Philadelphia Daily News Journalist, Michael Days, Dies At 72

Michael Days, a respected journalist from Philadelphia, passed away suddenly on Oct. 18 in Trenton, New Jersey, at the age of 72.

Michael Days, a respected Philadelphia journalist known for mentoring future generations of reporters, died suddenly on Oct. 18 in Trenton, New Jersey, at 72, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

A mentor to many who worked under his leadership at the Philadelphia Daily News and Philadelphia Inquirer, Days leaves behind his wife, Angela Dodson, an author and journalist, who is being comforted by the outpouring of support and love from journalists who knew him.

“He was the kind of person who wanted to serve,” Dodson said. “People could talk to him, and he had something wise to say.”

A native of North Philadelphia, Days worked at the Wall Street Journal and other newspapers before joining the Daily News as a reporter in 1986. In 2011, he became managing editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer, holding various leadership roles until his retirement in October 2020.

Widely respected in journalism, Days received Hall of Fame honors from both the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the Pennsylvania News Media Association. He served as president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ) and, at the time of his passing, led NABJ-Philadelphia, a chapter formed as an alternative to PABJ.

“People loved him,” Dodson said. “He commanded such respect that I used to say, people would elect him president of anything.”

As editor at the Daily News, Days played a key role in the decisions that contributed to the paper’s 2010 Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting, a credit acknowledged by Inquirer senior health reporter Wendy Ruderman, who won the award alongside colleague Barbara Laker.

“You could walk into his office anytime and talk to him,” Ruderman said. “He just was very approachable — but also, you respected him.”

In recent years, Days continued mentoring journalists over long phone calls, which his wife enjoyed listening to.

“What we all need is somebody who listens to us, and he was a master at that,” Dodson said.

Days is survived by his wife, Angela Dodson, three adopted sons, Edward, Andrew, and Umi, and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his adopted son, Adrian. Services will be held on Oct. 25 at Sacred Heart Church, 343 S. Broad Street, Trenton, N.J., with a viewing from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by Mass at noon.

Keke Palmer, Real Estate, Mother, Nope, Wills, financial planning, finances, Tru Jackson VP,birthday, pregnant, Creme of Nature

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 22, 2025

What Is This, Keke Palmer? Internet Slams Actress Over Show On Asian Experience At HBCU

Folks had much to say about Palmer's show, which centers on an Asian girl at a Historically Black college.

The internet might be fed up with Keke Palmer after the actress and producer revealed the premise of her new show.

Southern Fried Rice, debuting on Palmer’s digital platform KeyTV, focuses on an Asian-American girl’s experience at an HBCU. The coming-of-age dramedy centers on KoKo Jackson, a girl raised by Black parents in the South, whose dream is to attend a fictional HBCU.

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The project highlights the young woman finding herself while remaining true to her unique identity. The show’s cast includes Kordell Beckham of Love Island fame, influencer Choyce Brown, and Page Yang as its star.

“For a lot of people, this is hard to understand. But Black culture is the only culture I know,” the main character says in the trailer.

Palmer has described the show as a “good story with some heart, a little humor, and a lotta mess.”

However, news of the show’s premise has already started a “mess” on the internet.

Naysayers questioned Palmer’s intentions, particularly focusing on a show set at an HBCU featuring a non-Black person. Many found the show’s purpose unnecessary as it de-centers Black people from the HBCU experience, which many feel is essential as ever to highlight, given the current political climate.

One Instagram commenter also called out the cultural appropriation seemingly afoot through the protagonist’s attire and accent.

“In this current climate where they’re snatching funding & literally trying to erase our schools? We have a responsibility to amplify our OWN stories & perspectives, now more than ever,” they said. “[And] we’re centering the perspective of an Asian girl rocking bamboo earrings? Is this not a bit tone deaf, KeKe?”

Someone else remarked on an alleged pattern of Palmer not “reading the room.” The accusation seemingly alluded to her cancelled interview with Jonathan Majors on her podcast.

If it’s one thing Ms. Palmer gonna do, it’s make the most tone deaf decision at the most inopportune time imaginable lollll https://t.co/uqL14DvYMT
— MC’s revenge🔪 (@marsisbored) October 21, 2025

“If it’s one thing Ms. Palmer gonna do, it’s make the most tone deaf decision at the most inopportune time imaginable lollll,” the user said.

Another opponent pointed out how Asian students sparked the fight against affirmative action, with its elimination ultimately harming Black people. The Asian American Coalition for Education filed a civil rights complaint against Harvard, claiming that the equity policy disadvantaged Asian students.

You have lost your muthafuckin mind considering that it was ASAINS who sued because they thought too many BLACK students were being accepted into Ivy League universities, thus ending affirmative action. @KekePalmer you got a lot of damn nerve.
— Bougie BeyHive Auntie (@AaniHendricks) October 22, 2025

“You have lost your m*th*f*ck*n mind considering that it was [Asians] who sued because they thought too many BLACK students were being accepted into Ivy League universities, thus ending affirmative action. @KekePalmer, you got a lot of damn nerve,” wrote the disgruntled social media user.

Southern Fried Rice is set to premiere with a double-episode on Oct. 22 at 12 p.m. on Facebook and YouTube.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 22, 2025

Man Allegedly Shoots Ex-Manager At Taco Bell A Day After Being Fired

Jonathan Morris, 21, has been arrested and charged for allegedly killing 32-year-old Ryan Johnson.

A 21-year-old Ohio man, Jonathan Morris, has been arrested and charged after allegedly killing his former manager after being terminated from his job at Taco Bell earlier this summer.

According to Law & Crime, Morris returned to his old job at Taco Bell the day after being fired. He allegedly killed 32-year-old Ryan Johnson in retaliation in the parking lot of the restaurant, located in Cincinnati. The incident took place Aug. 29. The former worker was charged with one count of murder, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

Police officers arrived at the Taco Bell after receiving reports of shots being fired after midnight. When they arrived, they found Johnson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The manager wasn’t wearing his uniform; he was in jeans and a T-shirt. Officers said that there were no shell casings found at the scene. However, they received a description of Morris from a witness or witnesses who were at the scene.

On Oct. 16, after hearing evidence against Morris, the judge set bond at $500,000 and said that the suspect would have to pay the full amount to make bond. If he can make a payment, he will be subject to 24/7 electronic monitoring and house arrest. Prosecutors requested a $2 million bond.

Johnson’s grandmother attended the hearing and spoke to the judge. “He killed my grandson. He doesn’t need to be out. He took a life.”

Morris’s public defender stated that his client had been involved with the criminal justice system only once, and even then, he was acquitted. Hamilton County court records show that he was previously accused of aggravated robbery in September 2023 and was acquitted in March 2024.

The attorney also said that neither Morris nor anyone in his family could pay the bond. He also mentioned that the suspect is the primary caregiver for his 1-year-old son, who lives with him and his grandfather.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 22, 2025

Diddy Seeks To Overturn Conviction And Prison Sentence

Lawyers for the former music mogul filed to appeal his conviction on prostitution charges and four-year prison sentence.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is wasting no time in filing an appeal on his conviction of prostitution charges and four-year prison sentence.

On Oct. 20, Combs’ attorney Alexandra Shapiro filed a notice of appeal in New York’s Federal District Court, ABC News reports. The filing follows earlier arguments from his legal team claiming his conviction for transportation for prostitution was misapplied under the statute.

In July, Combs was found guilty of two prostitution-related charges under the Mann Act following an eight-week trial. He was acquitted of the sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Still, he was later sentenced to 50 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, which includes conditions such as abstaining from drug use and completing a domestic violence program.

The year he’s spent in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn is being counted as time served, and he was issued a $500,000 fine. When delivering the verdict, Judge Arun Subramanian stated that a significant sentence was necessary to emphasize that the abuse of women “is met with real accountability.”

The Bad Boy founder had requested a 14-month sentence, which would have allowed for his release shortly after trial due to time already served, while prosecutors pushed for a term exceeding 11 years. Ahead of his September sentencing hearing, Combs expressed remorse for his actions.

“My actions were disgusting, shameful, and sick,” Combs said. “I got lost in excess, I got lost in my ego.”

“In my life, I have made many mistakes, but I am no longer running from them,” Combs wrote in a letter to the judge. “I am so sorry for the hurt that I caused, but I understand that the mere words ‘I’m sorry’ will never be good enough, as these words alone cannot erase the pain from the past.”

Though he begged the judge for “mercy” and apologized to two of the women who testified against him, he received the four-year sentence. At the time, his lawyers shared their plans to appeal the conviction and prison sentence.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 22, 2025

Black Excellence: Howard University Biomedical M.D.-Ph.D. Student Awarded Scholarship For Brain Repair Research

Christopher McGinley will receive $5,000 for his research on brain repair following a stroke.

A bright Howard student has received new funding to continue his research in brain repair.

Christopher McGinley, who is on track to earn his M.D./Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the Howard University College of Medicine, has received the Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship Award.

As one of the award’s 2025 recipients, McGinley will receive $5,000 to further his research. The scholarship program highlights students in undergraduate and graduate tracks that focus on antibody, immunology, or molecular biology-related fields.

McGinley initially completed his bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Since then, the doctoral candidate has advanced his education at the renowned HBCU. His work delves into brain repair following a stroke. Particularly invested in how Neuregulin-1, an endogenous molecule, promotes this healing, McGinley uses mouse models to study neuroregeneration.

McGinley told The Dig, the news publication for Howard, that the scholarship will amplify “my research on brain repair while also motivating me to continue mentoring and serving the next generation of physician-scientists.”

Physician-scientists divide their time between scientific research and clinical practice, but a gap exists in the number of Black scholars in this profession. According to research published by JAMA Internal Medicine, 30% of Black M.D.-Ph.D. candidates enrolled from 2004 to 2012 did not complete their training compared to 17% of their white counterparts.

The support and recognition of current Black M.D.-Ph.Ds is important. U.S. News & World Report also reported that this gap is connected to the health equity crisis in the nation.

“Black investigators are more likely to connect with their Black patients better, similar to how Black doctors are more sought after by Black patients,” shared Jude Tunyi, president of the nonprofit American Association of Black Physician Scientists, in 2023. “Overall, we can then start to understand why there is such a disparity in parts of our health care system.”

As McGinley advances through his biomedical program, the new father remains focused on his goal and representing Black physician scientists. His selection for the Thermo Fisher Antibody Scholarship Program stemmed from his display of leadership.

The Howard student also serves as research chair for the university’s chapter of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and is on the career development committee of the American Physician Scientists Association.