Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 21, 2025

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Charters First-Ever Chapter In Puerto Rico

The chapter was officially chartered on Oct. 18.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has chartered its first-ever chapter in Puerto Rico, marking the sorority’s debut in a Latin American region where Spanish is the primary language.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, 25 sorority members formed the new Alpha Delta Nu Omega chapter within the organization’s International Region, with women established across fields such as medicine, business, education, law, and more, Watch the Yard reported. The charter marks a milestone after two years of service and community work for families primarily based in Puerto Rico’s Loíza community, known for its rich Afro-Puerto Rican culture and heritage. “

“We are thrilled to bring Alpha Kappa Alpha to Puerto Rico,” Carrie J. Clark, international regional director, said in a statement. “These women are dedicated to Puerto Rico and Loíza. They have already made a significant impact on women, children, and families on the island, and that work will continue and expand in the years to come.”

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The members have been actively supporting the community through initiatives that assist families in crisis, deliver toys to children in domestic violence shelters, provide health screenings for seniors, and offer career and educational resources to youth, women, and those in need. With the establishment of the Alpha Delta Nu Omega chapter, the sorority continues the international legacy of the first Greek-letter organization founded by African American women, now present in 14 countries and territories.

The chapter’s first service project will involve assembling Childhood Hunger Power Packs (AKA CHIPPTM) weekend meals for students and hurricane preparedness kits, supporting the International Region’s broader initiatives.

“This is a strong start for our sisters as they keep ‘Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood,’ which is our program initiative under our International President and CEO, Danette Anthony Reed,” Clark said.

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Alpha Delta Nu Omega follows the May chartering of the Alpha Delta Alpha Omega Chapter in London. With the addition of the International Region, the organization continues its rich worldwide legacy of service, which includes launching For Members Only Federal Credit Union, the first Black-owned, women-led, sorority-based digital banking institution in the U.S.

Internationally, the sorority has worked to reduce poverty in sub-Saharan Africa and built schools in post-apartheid South Africa. Most recently, members of the International Region spent a week in Liberia participating in multiple service projects to improve the lives of underserved women and children.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 21, 2025

Rapper Blueface Asked by Jackie Martinez To Forfeit Music Royalty Earnings

The rapper, says Jackie Martinez's attorney, now owes her $129,150.

Recording artist Blueface lost a defamation lawsuit in 2024. But since he has allegedly not yet paid up, he could have the money taken from his music royalties.

According to AllHipHop, Jackie Martinez, who won a $123,243.10 default judgment in April 2024 after the rapper did not appear in court, has asked a judge to be paid from Blueface’s BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) and ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) accounts.

The request was made Oct. 16, in Los Angeles Superior Court in front of Judge Peter Hernandez.

Martinez, the mother of rapper Soulja Boy’s child, originally sued for $10 million in damages but was awarded $123,243.10: $100,000 in non-economic damages, $18,000 in special damages, $3,070 in attorney fees, and $2,173 in costs.

She sued after Blueface released a series of posts on social media while in an online feud with Soulja Boy. During the back-and-forth, Blueface claimed on X that he slept with Martinez the day before her baby shower, which Soulja Boy attended.

Martinez admitted to having sex with Blueface in 2018, but stated they hadn’t slept with each other since. In her December 2023 lawsuit, Martinez said she continues to suffer emotional distress due to his online activity: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, crying spells, fear, and anger, as well as physical injuries and insomnia, nausea, headaches, and a lack of appetite.

Martinez’s attorney, Michael Berke, stated in the recent filing that Blueface has not responded to the lawsuit, and the interest has increased the amount owed to $129,150.

Blueface is currently serving a four-year sentence at North Kern State Prison after the rapper violated his probation from an assault case in 2021.

A hearing on Martinez’s request is scheduled for Dec. 9.

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 21, 2025

Trump’s DOJ Zones In On Fani Willis Taking A Trip To Bahamas After 2024 Re-Election

Without naming Willis, President Donald Trump said “she should be prosecuted” in a social media post after it was revealed she took the trip to the Caribbean island.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is keeping the magnifying glass on Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis by scrutinizing her for taking a trip to the Bahamas after being re-elected in 2024, the New York Times reports.

The Trump administration’s DOJ has been going after Willis ever since she brought charges against Trump in the 2020 Georgia interference case. But once she was removed due to disqualification, things turned up a notch.

Without naming Willis, President Donald Trump said “she should be prosecuted” in a social media post after it was revealed she took the trip to the Caribbean island for what her office said was a leadership training session, with campaign funds covering expenses. “The district attorney attended a leadership training seminar in preparation for the start of her second term,” Willis’ office spokesperson Jeff DiSantis said.

“Her chief investigator was also present on the trip,” he added. “No government funds were used by District Attorney Willis for expenses related to the training.”

The trainings, organized by Vera Causa Group—a company that employs former prosecutors and provides training to offices across the country—are very intensive, according to Co-Founder Susan Ryan. By participating in sessions like “Things Have Changed: The Modern Prosecutor’s Guide to Media Management” and “Leadership for the Modern Prosecutor’s Office,” Ryan said Willis described them as “the best professional training she had ever been to, and she couldn’t believe how much work it was.”

Under Georgia law, campaign funds can be used for expenses described as “ordinary and necessary” in relation to public office. Additionally, it is not uncommon for elected officials to attend out-of-town and out-of-country conferences. While it’s not clear if Willis or the trip is the sole focus of the DOJ’s investigation, it appears that Trump has it out for people — especially Black women — who have held him accountable for his actions.

All DOJ investigations have changed since Trump appointed hand-picked attorneys to ensure alleged charges stick. The inquiry against Willis is being overseen by top Atlanta federal prosecutor Theodore S. Hertzberg, a 2025 Trump appointee. Another investigation is underway against New York Attorney General Letitia James, resulting in an indictment on one count of bank fraud. This follows Trump’s decision to hand-pick former insurance lawyer and beauty queen Lindsey Halligan to take over the case.

While Willis doesn’t seem fazed by the investigation and inquiries into her personal life, she said it may be difficult to find another prosecutor willing to take on the interference case due to a “culture of fear.”

The narrative is supported by the fact that the Prosecuting Attorneys Council (PAC) of Georgia asked for an extension to name her replacement, according to ABC News. Judge Scott McAfee ordered the council to appoint a prosecutor within 14 days or risk dismissal of the case.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 21, 2025

Ballerina India Bradley Leaps As First Black Soloist For New York City Ballet

Bradley has been with the company since 2017 and has been a vocal advocate for diversity in ballet.

India Bradley is a prima ballerina making history in the dance world.

Bradley has become the New York City Ballet’s first Black soloist in the company’s history, The New York Times reports. Promoted alongside five other dancers, her appointment grows the company’s diversity and representation.

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According to her New York City Ballet profile, the Detroit native has been dancing since age four. Upon completing the summer program at the Dance Theatre of Harlem as a teen, she began its Professional Training program under Andrea Long’s teaching.

A legendary ballerina, Long performed with the New York City Ballet before moving on to become a principal dancer at the Dance Theater of Harlem. The company’s founder, Arthur Mitchell, became the first Black dancer at New York City Ballet in 1955.

Bradley advanced to the rank of apprentice in 2017, officially joining the Company as a member of the Corps de Ballet the following year. However, Bradley’s dance career has marked other “firsts” before. Since her time with the New York City Ballet, she has premiered as the first Black Dewdrop in a performance of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.”

Of her historic role, she told Essence Girls United of her duty toward representation in ballet.

“It was very important to me,” she said of her casting in 2024. “Many African-American women went through this company at different times and were not given the opportunity. I can tell you it had 50 percent to do with the fact that they were Black.”

She added, “Dancing that role would be incredible for any girl. Being the first Black woman to dance it, obviously, is a completely different moment. I don’t think anyone ever expected, when George [Balanchine] first choreographed the role, for that to ever be the case.”

Zippia reports that Black women dancers remain scarce in the ballet world. Black people account for only 4% of ballet dancers, the second-lowest represented demographic. With this in mind, Bradley’s promotion is a remarkable feat for diversity in this specific sector of dance.

Bradley understands numerous factors play a role in this ongoing lack of diversity, but hopes her inclusion will break new ground for upcoming Black ballerinas.

“Exposure has a lot to do with it,” she continued. “Ballet was originally an outing for the wealthy; that’s still the case in some ways. It’s maintained by having an element of exclusivity, where you can only go if you can afford a $100 ticket. If you never know that ballet exists, then you’ll never want to be a ballet dancer. It’s that simple.”

As a soloist, Bradley will take on featured roles within the company’s performances as she leaps toward new opportunities on stage.

Travis Scott, Lawsuit, Astroworld Festival

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 21, 2025

Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation, Space Center Houston Launch STEM Program For Students

'Opportunities like this are being offered to help enrich our students’ lives and inspire them to pursue careers in fields where they can not only thrive but also bring back solutions to their communities,' the rapper said.

Rapper Travis Scott and his nonprofit organization, Cactus Jack Foundation, have collaborated with Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, on a STEM program for students looking to pursue careers in engineering, design, and space exploration.

“Opportunities like this are being offered to help enrich our students’ lives and inspire them to pursue careers in fields where they can not only thrive but also bring back solutions to their communities,” Scott said in a written statement.

In the program, which started Oct. 11, students participate via virtual and in-person workshops. The STEM program will host events on three Saturdays at Cact.Us Design Center-TXRX Labs, a Houston nonprofit makerspace that provides youth with technical skills. The students will interact and learn from NASA engineers about the engineering process, including brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and refining their solutions.

“Partnering with Space Center Houston is truly a lifelong dream for Travis and the Webster family,” said Jordan Webster, director of education partnerships for the Cactus Jack Foundation. “We have always been inspired by NASA. Through the Cactus Jack Foundation, our mission is to open new educational pathways for youth so they can accelerate in STEM and see themselves as the innovators and explorers of tomorrow. This is just the beginning of what’s to come with Space Center Houston, and we couldn’t be more excited to build a future where our kids can dream bigger than ever before.”

Students in the program will also learn design sketching, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) modeling, systems thinking, and fabrication. Their participation will allow them to develop low-, medium-, and high-fidelity prototypes using advanced digital design software, 3-D printing technology, and state-of-the-art fabrication equipment.

On Dec. 19, the students will present their designs to industry professionals (and Scott) at a final showcase at Space Center Houston.

Bush, Obama, Virginia, New Jersey, Gubernatorial, Clinton,Trump, luncheon

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 21, 2025

The Obama Presidential Center In South Side Chicago Has Opening Date Set For Spring 2026

The 19-acre campus will feature the museum, a sports facility, and more.

The Barack Obama Presidential Center has been years in the making, with an opening date now set for next year.

Located in his honorary hometown of Chicago, the facility will open in the city’s South Side in spring 2026. The Obama Foundation announced the latest update on Oct. 20, offering a virtual preview of the sprawling campus. Former President Obama shared footage of the construction of the museum.

When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, it will be a hub for change — a place for people from all over the world to come together, get inspired, and take what they learn back to their own communities. https://t.co/gW6UCYBCAJ pic.twitter.com/U92thHbAUL
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 18, 2025

“When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, it will be a hub for change — a place for people from all over the world to come together, get inspired, and take what they learn back to their own communities,” wrote Obama.

“As a global center for change,” the foundation plans to engage visitors within and beyond Chicago with this 19-acre space. As an immersive and educational communal hub, the Center will focus on the legacy of the first Black U.S. president and first lady. With plans to host formal and communal engagements —from workshops to exhibits and more —it will bring another renowned attraction to the Windy City.

Its features also include a diverse garden, athletic and events facility, a world-class museum, and a library. The Center hopes to spark change in communities near and far with its purpose-driven programming, offering a variety of options for all visitors.

The museum itself will pay homage to the Obamas’ story as world leaders and change-makers. Its exterior will even feature words from Obama’s speech at the 50th anniversary of the Selma March to Montgomery. Already a historic landmark in the South Side’s Jackson Park, it will boast a collection of exhibitions and galleries documenting his two terms as President.

Its offerings will also detail the full scope of the Obama legacy, as well as his predecessors, whose work led to his presidential appointment. Furthermore, its location hopes to revitalize economic opportunity in the predominantly Black South Side area. Chicago now awaits the transformative presidential center opening its doors to the world.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 21, 2025

Trump Reportedly Considering Diddy Pardon Despite White House Pushback

Sean "Diddy" Combs could have his conviction overturned as soon as this week if reports of a presidential pardon from Donald Trump are true.

According to a White House insider, President Donald Trump is “vacillating” on whether to pardon Sean “Diddy” Combs, the disgraced hip-hop mogul recently sentenced to four years on prostitution charges, TMZ reports.

While staffers are said to be advising against commuting Combs’ sentence, the source noted that “Trump will do what he wants” and could issue the pardon within a week.

This news comes weeks after Trump confirmed that Combs had reached out to request a presidential pardon. When asked by a CNN reporter if he’d consider pardoning Jeffrey Epstein’s former associate Ghislaine Maxwell, Trump replied that “a lot of people have asked me for pardons,” including Combs.

The president had previously dismissed the idea of pardoning the music mogul but not over his conviction on two counts of transportation for prostitution.

“I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great, and he seemed like a nice guy. I didn’t know him well, but when I ran for office, he was very hostile,” Trump said at the time.

Trump on pardoning Diddy: "Probably — hmm. You know, I was very friendly with him. I get along with him great. Seemed like a nice guy. I didn't know him well. But when I ran for office, he was very hostile."

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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) August 1, 2025 at 8:14 PM

When asked if a pardon for Combs was a “no,” Trump said, “I would say so, yeah.”

“We don’t like to have things cloud our judgment, right?” Trump continued. “But when you knew someone, and you were fine, and then you run for office, and he made some terrible statements. So I don’t know, it’s more difficult. It makes it more—I’m being honest, it makes it more difficult to do.”

Trump recently pardoned former Republican Congressman George Santos, who was serving more than seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges, including deceiving donors and stealing the identities of 11 people—including his own family members—to make donations to his campaign.

“You know, he lied like hell…but he was 100% for Trump,” the president said in August.

While presidential pardons are traditionally granted to correct injustices or aid those wrongfully accused, Trump has often used them for individuals he views as allies, which could work in Combs’ favor.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 21, 2025

Hometown Hero Pharrell Hails Atlantic Park As Virginia Beach Vision Becomes Reality

'VIRGINIA is a cultural destination — it’s also a lifestyle, a philosophy, a state of mind. I’m proud of what we’re building here at Atlantic Park in my hometown, and how Virginia has shown up for it.'

Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams celebrated his hometown with several celebratory events in the town’s newly developed Atlantic Park during the weekend of Oct. 10-11.

The multitalented producer and fashionista has partnered with VIRGINIA to celebrate the development of Atlantic Park, located in Virginia Beach. Several events took place at the city’s Dome site, where music, food, and other activities brought people from the area together to celebrate Virginia Beach’s first-of-its-kind mixed-use development, backed by Pharrell.

https://twitter.com/Pharrell/status/1977836656054194445

The weekend also acknowledged North America’s first Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon. Adidas has partnered with Pharrell to launch a year-long, free surf-and-swim program, NEXT WAVE, for students from Virginia Beach Public Schools, YELLOWHAB, and residents of Atlantis Apartments.

“VIRGINIA is a cultural destination — it’s also a lifestyle, a philosophy, a state of mind. I’m proud of what we’re building here at Atlantic Park in my hometown, and how Virginia has shown up for it,” said Williams in a written statement. “Our surf and swim program will give hundreds of young people the confidence and skills to safely enjoy the ocean — creating a generation that feels connected to Virginia Beach’s coastline and community. This is just the beginning.”

To kick off the program at Atlantic Park Surf, people received lessons from Shaun Anderson (Norfolk State University, USA Swimming), Jason Borte (Atlantic Park Surf), and Brick Howze (Ebony Beach Club). People participating in the program received life jackets, wetsuits, and boards. They learned to build confidence, safety skills, and community in and around the water.

Surf & Swim Program, Pharrell Williams, Virginia — Photo credit: VIRGINIA

“A program like this, at a surf park like Atlantic Park, doesn’t exist anywhere in the world that I am aware of. It is historic, and we are honored to be a part of it,” said Brick Howze, founder of Los Angeles-based Ebony Beach Club.

Adidas also hosted a two-day retail experience with VIRGINIA so attendees could experience the world of VIRGINIA in person. People who visited the pop-up were able to hear the sounds of BLACK YACHT ROCK VOL. 1: CITY OF LIMITLESS ACCESS. Those in attendance also witnessed the debut of the adidas x Pharrell Adistar Jellyfish. There were also limited-edition VIRGINIA tees, branded hoodies, shorts, and branded socks, as well as collectibles, including VIRGINIA fishing lures, custom-branded disposable cameras, beach umbrellas, and a puzzle with artwork by Virginia Beach artist Sam Clayman.

VIRGINIANS, you showed out for the pop-up. Grateful to welcome the new Jellyfish Adistar colorways and the limitless world of VIRGINIA with you all. pic.twitter.com/GFut9vYTU8
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) October 13, 2025

Attendees also heard music from local Virginia Beach DJs. They enjoyed an after-hours karaoke celebration at the Japanese temaki restaurant, which is opening its fifth location in Virginia Beach, with Pharrell as a partner and advisor.

For any information on the program at Atlantic Park Surf, visit this link.

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

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 21, 2025

Arizona Teen Removed From Boys Basketball Tryouts Over Wrong Gender On Birth Certificate

The Arizona school district has remained adamant on not letting the young boy play over the mistaken birth certificate.

An Arizona teen could not partake in his high school’s boys basketball tryouts over a gender issue on his birth certificate.

Laker Jackson had plans to go out for the boys’ basketball team at Eastmark High School in Mesa, Arizona. After turning in his required documents, however, he could not show off his skills on the court, at least amongst the boys.

A clerical error lists Laker as a female at birth. Albeit untrue, the small mistake seemed like an unnecessary headache to fix. His mother told KGNS that it was the hospital’s mistake, but it has not caused an issue until this latest incident.

“I give them the birth certificate, and they’re like, ‘Did you know this says female?’” shared Becky Jackson. “I was like, ‘Oh, man, that’s so funny.’ So, we come home. Everyone’s laughing.”

The concerned mother said the issue left her son embarrassed by the removal. The high school’s athletic director removed him from the tryouts, suggesting that he go out for the girls’ team instead.

“They sent the athletic director of Eastmark High to physically remove Laker from the basketball tryouts in front of all of his friends, in front of the coach,” Jackson said.

The incident speaks to the growing issue with transgender athletes participating in their chosen identity’s sport teams. The school confirmed that the young boy must join the girls’ team, despite a doctor confirming his sex as male.

“Queen Creek Unified School District is committed to ensuring fairness, integrity, and equal opportunity in all athletic programs for both boys and girls. We take great care to follow state and district guidelines that support competitive equity and student well-being,” shared the school district.

The statement continued, “In this particular case, the student has been enrolled in QCUSD since elementary school and has been registered as a biological female throughout their time in our district. The day before basketball tryouts, the parent submitted a new birth certificate and a doctor’s note indicating a gender change. Our schools rely on a student’s original birth certificate at birth to determine athletic eligibility.”

The school has remained adamant in forbidding Laker from trying out for the boys’ team. The school has even suggested chromosomal testing to ensure the young boy is actually a male.

“Now, they may consider changing it if we get chromosomal testing. They didn’t say they would. It says they may,” Jackson added.

However, the expense of the testing, just for the possibility of the ruling reversal, has troubled the family. Meanwhile, Laker still cannot participate on the boys’ team, with his hopes of playing high school basketball this year dwindling.

lawsuit, Major League Soccer, Exec, Racial Retaliation

by Mitti Hicks

October 21, 2025

EEOC Is Dropping Certain Discrimination Claims. Experts Say It’s Time To Lawyer Up

The EEOC reportedly plans to notify claimants who filed complaints on “disparate impact liability" by the end of October that they must file a lawsuit on their own if they want to continue to pursue their claims.

Lawyers with Cohen Milstein are sounding the alarm that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency Congress tasked with enforcing federal employment discrimination laws, has plans to drop specific discrimination claims.

In a memo first obtained by The Associated Press, the EEOC says the agency will discharge any complaints on “disparate impact liability,” a legal concept that argues a policy or hiring practice could still be discriminatory even if it looks fair on the surface, if it creates an unnecessary barrier that makes it harder for certain groups of people to succeed. The EEOC plans to notify claimants by the end of October that they must file a lawsuit on their own if they want to continue to pursue their claims.

According to Joseph M. Sellers and Christine E. Webber, attorneys and partners with Cohen Milstein, the “disparate impact liability” rule has eliminated arbitrary hurdles for job applicants, creating a more level playing field for everyone.

What Claimants Need To Know

The EEOC has forbidden employment practices having a disparate impact since at least 1971. Sellers and Webber said that as the EEOC plans to drop claims under disparate impact liability, it leaves those who filed charges to think “that it [the EEOC] found their claims had no merit.”

According to the two attorneys, this means that workers need to take action, as lawyers in the private sector can still enforce these civil rights laws.

“Workers who receive notices of a right to sue should know that the EEOC’s refusal to investigate their claims does not necessarily mean that their claims lack merit or that there is no way forward,” said Sellers and Webber. “To the contrary: the courts are still enforcing the law, including the disparate impact rule.”

Unfortunately, this means that claimants have only 90 days to file their own lawsuits, or their claims will be barred for good. Both Sellers and Webber encourage people to consult an attorney as soon as possible, especially lawyers with experience in disparate impact claims.

“The EEOC may be abandoning decades of precedent, but the doors to courthouses remain open to workers with disparate impact claims,” the lawyers add.