by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 1, 2026

Father-Daughter Duo Prepares To Make History At Grammy Awards With Historic Nomination

If Fyütch and his daughter, Aura V., win, the 8-year-old musician could become the youngest Grammy winner ever.

A father-daughter duo from Maryland are preparing for music’s biggest night with their historic Grammy nomination.

Known by his stage name Fyütch, Harold Simmons II has garnered a new accolade, all with the help of his daughter, Aura V. Together as collaborators on the album Harmony, Simmons and his 8-year-old prodigy have earned a nomination for Best Children’s Music Album at the 68th annual Grammy Awards.

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A post shared by Fyütch | Aura V’s Dad (@fyutch)

Now, the two will hit the red carpet in Los Angeles for the Feb. 1 affair. If they take home the trophy, Aura V would become the youngest person to ever win a Grammy. Currently, that title is held by a very famous kid musician herself, Blue Ivy Carter, daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

Simmons II, a family-oriented rapper, began working in children’s music in 2021, venturing into the craft after years of teaching. As he brings his daughter into the love of album curation, he spoke to ABC News about the project and shared this moment with his child.

“We’re a musical family,” said Fyütch. “My dad plays on the album. My grandpa was a trumpeter in the Army. So to pass on this musical legacy to her and get this accolade, you know, it’s really meaningful.”

The LP also began with its titular song, with its name relating to his deep relationship with music. Simmons and his daughter began working on the track together, resulting in the full-length project that warmed the Academy members’ ears.

“I wanted this extended metaphor of musical harmony and harmony amongst people and with nature. And me and her had just kind of started making songs together. So I had the idea of why don’t we hop on the song together,” Simmons added. “And that started our journey and the songs just kept getting bigger. We started shooting videos, they started going viral. Before you know it, we had enough songs to make a whole album.”

Although keeping their hopes up for a win, what the father-daughter duo cherish most is the journey of creating “Harmony.” The opportunity deepened their own relationship, as they will forever remember the unique bonding moment.

Post awards-season, Aura V will return to her third-grade studies while her father continues his own music career. However, the magic they made together is already cemented in Grammy history.

Bill Greason, Negro Leagues, Ron 'Schoolboy' Teasley

by Mary Spiller

February 1, 2026

Kansas City And Seattle Celebrate Negro Leagues And Black History Month With Historic Tributes

Seattle Mariners are honoring Negro Leagues’ 1946 Steelheads by wearing replica uniforms on Sundays.

Major League Baseball organizations in Kansas City and Seattle are spotlighting the legacy of the Negro Leagues through expanded access, historic tributes, and new community investments tied to Black History Month.

In Kansas City, the Royals Foundation will again cover admission costs to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) for the entire month of February. The program marks the fifth straight year the foundation has sponsored free entry, an effort originally launched to honor Black History Month and increase public engagement with the museum.

The NLBM, founded in 1990, is the nation’s only museum dedicated exclusively to preserving and celebrating the history of African-American baseball and its broader influence on American society. Located in Kansas City’s historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, the museum sits just blocks from the Paseo YMCA, where Andrew “Rube” Foster formed the Negro National League in 1920.

“We can’t thank the Kansas City Royals and The Royals Foundation enough for once again opening the doors of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum free of charge for the entire month of February and we look forward to seeing the turnstiles spinning,” said NLBM president Bob Kendrick. He noted that the initiative makes the museum more accessible, especially for students from underserved communities, while encouraging visitors to learn from athletes who overcame “tremendous social adversity to play the game they loved.”

Since the program began in 2022, more than 50,000 people have visited the museum during Free February, according to the Royals. The foundation’s total contribution tied to the initiative now exceeds $435,000.

Royals chairman and CEO John Sherman called the effort a natural fit for the organization. “That institution – we think it’s an important story that needs to be told, far and wide,” Sherman said. “It’s a pretty simple thing for us to do.” He added that the Royals’ broader investments in the surrounding neighborhood and support for the museum’s expansion made driving attendance “the right thing to do.”

The museum will extend its hours throughout February, opening daily with earlier and weekend access to accommodate increased attendance.

On the West Coast, the Seattle Mariners announced a separate but complementary tribute. Beginning in the 2026 season, the club will wear replica uniforms honoring the 1946 Seattle Steelheads for Sunday home games. The change replaces the cream-colored Sunday uniforms the team has worn since 2015 and makes Seattle the first MLB franchise to incorporate a Negro Leagues uniform into its regular rotation.

The Mariners are also launching the Steelheads Community Fund, committing $500,000 to support Black-led baseball and softball programs and related community initiatives.

“We are proud to honor our game’s history and invest in the future of our community with Steelheads Sundays at T-Mobile Park,” said Kevin Martinez, the Mariners’ president of business operations. “Through the Steelheads Community Fund, we will celebrate the legacy of the Steelheads, while continuing our long-standing effort to advance access to baseball and softball and well-being for underserved communities in our region.”

by Mary Spiller

February 1, 2026

Eve Finally Receives Long-Overdue Grammy Recognition For Classic Roots Collaboration

The Philadelphia artist was honored 27 years later for her uncredited verse on The Roots’ “You Got Me” during the Recording Academy Honors in Los Angeles.

Eve was formally recognized with her second career Grammy on Jan. 29, nearly three decades after her contribution to a Grammy-winning song by The Roots went unacknowledged. The Philadelphia rapper was honored at the Recording Academy Honors presented by The Black Music Collective, held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the award stems from Eve’s verse on The Roots’ 1999 single “You Got Me,” which earned Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 2000 Grammy Awards. Although her vocals were a key part of the track, Eve was not credited at the time, leaving her excluded when the group originally received the honor. The oversight remained unresolved for 27 years.

Recording Academy President Harvey Mason Jr. addressed the issue during the ceremony, explaining that the decision to correct the record was straightforward. “When we recently learned about the story, it was really simple,” Mason said. “We needed to make it right, and it was a chance for us to make it right. So tonight, the Recording Academy is here to offer a much-deserved respect and recognition.”

At the time “You Got Me” was released, Eve had yet to reach mainstream stardom. Her debut album, Let There Be Eve…Ruff Ryders’ First Lady, arrived in September 1999, just months before the song’s Grammy win.

The matter resurfaced publicly in October 2024, when The Roots’ drummer and frontman Questlove discussed the omission during an episode of his Questlove Supreme podcast, which featured Eve as a guest. Reflecting on the situation, he said, “We were extremely inconsiderate and so insular and so non-communicative with each other that things like that always spilled on the sidelines. But I never wanted you to think it was a thing where I was like, ‘Let me erase her out of history.’”

Despite the delay, Eve expressed gratitude and humility while accepting the award. “This is actually for little Eve from Philly, the little girl who loved to write rhymes and just wanted to be in the business,” she said. “I’m truly, truly grateful to be in this room with all of you here, all of the greats, people who inspired me, my peers.”

She also recalled the moment she learned she would finally be recognized. “I remember when y’all called me — I was a little tipsy, I had a few martinis out with a friend — and I kind of was like, ‘wow, what is yours never can miss you, even 30 years later.’ So I’m truly grateful for this.”

This year’s Recording Academy Honors also celebrated Pharrell Williams, Kirk Franklin, and Brandy, highlighting influential figures whose contributions have shaped music across genres and generations.

by Ann Brown

February 1, 2026

Is The Kennedy Center Canceling Black History Month? No BHM Events Scheduled

In previous years, the Kennedy Center regularly hosted Black History Month concerts, tributes, and performances honoring African-American history and culture.

While museums and cultural institutions nationwide roll out programming to mark Black History Month, the Kennedy Center’s public calendar currently lists no events dedicated to the annual observance, following a wave of cancellations and artist departures tied to changes in leadership under the Trump administration.

In previous years, the Kennedy Center regularly hosted Black History Month concerts, tributes, and performances honoring African-American history and culture. That tradition now seems to have come to an end. Choirs and organizations that long-anchored those events moved their programming elsewhere after President Donald Trump reshaped the center’s board of trustees in 2025. No comparable programming has been added to replace what left, The Washington Post reported.

Past BHM events and performances can still be found on The Kennedy Center website.

The shift follows a turbulent year for the nation’s premier performing arts venue. After newly installed trustees elected Trump as chairman and named his ally Richard Grenell as president, a number of artists withdrew from scheduled performances and ticket sales reportedly declined. In December, the board voted to rename the institution “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,” prompting additional cancellations.

The upheaval has had ripple effects across the center’s programming and staff, breaking with long-standing traditions. In past years, Black History Month events were clearly labeled on the center’s website. This year, no such designation appears. The Kennedy Center did not respond to The Washington Post to requests for comment.

One of the most notable departures is “Living the Dream … Singing the Dream,” a Black History Month concert that has been presented for decades at the Kennedy Center by Washington Performing Arts and the Choral Arts Society of Washington. Its 38th edition will take place instead at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland.

Chicago, Streamer, Aspen Kartier ,Animal Cruelty , Twitch

by Mary Spiller

February 1, 2026

Chicago Rapper And Streamer Aspen Kartier Arrested In Georgia On Animal Cruelty Allegations

Authorities say a viral video led investigators to the 19-year-old’s home, where a puppy was recovered and placed in protective custody.

Chicago-born rapper and online streamer Aspen Kartier has been arrested in Georgia following allegations of animal cruelty tied to a video that spread rapidly on social media, according to local authorities.

Complex reported that the 19-year-old artist, whose legal name is Aspen Easterling, was taken into custody Jan. 30. Investigators say the arrest stemmed from live stream footage that appeared to show Easterling mistreating a Maltipoo puppy.

Police identified Easterling as a suspect after confirming the address seen in the video matched her residence on Town Boulevard. Officers then secured a search warrant and arrested her at her home shortly after 9:30 p.m., authorities said.

During the search, officers located the three-month-old puppy featured in the video. Police noted the dog appeared to be in good condition at the time. The animal has since been placed in the care of DeKalb County Animal Control “for protection,” while Easterling remains held at the DeKalb County Jail.

Easterling, who performs under the name Aspen Kartier, has built a sizable following online, including more than 71,000 followers on Twitch. Her channel, however, has since been listed as “temporarily unavailable.” The status change followed public criticism and calls for action after the video circulated.

According to TMZ, the clip appears to show Kartier grabbing the puppy and tossing it by the nape of its neck, an action animal welfare experts warn can cause serious pain or injury. In a subsequent video, Kartier denied harming the dog and suggested viewers were misinterpreting what they saw.

“Tell them that you’re fine. Tell them right now,” Kartier said in the clip, addressing the puppy, which could be heard whimpering.
Animal rights organization PETA weighed in after the footage gained attention. When contacted by Complex, a PETA spokesperson said that Twitch “was right” to take action regarding Kartier’s account, though the platform has not detailed the nature or length of any suspension.

“People are rightly horrified by the video in which Aspen Kartier raises her arm several times and appears to strike her dog as he wails, before moving off camera while the sounds of the dog’s distress continue,” the PETA representative told Complex.

The spokesperson added, “Anyone who would beat and terrify their dog should never go near one. Twitch was right to suspend this account. Now we urge authorities to immediately investigate, prosecute if appropriate, and, hopefully, seize this dog so that nothing like this ever happens again and the dog gets a chance at a loving home.”

The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet announced whether additional charges could follow.

Nicki Minaj, Trump, gold card,citizenship

by Mary Spiller

February 1, 2026

Welp…White House Says Nicki Minaj’s ‘Trump Gold Card’ Is Just A Souvenir, Not A Citizenship Fast Pass

Officials clarified the rapper’s viral post, saying the gold-colored card carries no legal status and does not affect her path to U.S. citizenship.

A White House official says the “Trump Gold Card” recently displayed online by rapper Nicki Minaj is not a valid immigration document but a keepsake with no legal standing, contradicting claims the artist made on social media.

Trinidad-born Minaj has lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for about two decades, despite indicating she was initially brought to the country as an illegal immigrant. Recently she shared photos of a gold-colored card bearing President Donald Trump’s image. The card has been marketed by the White House as a fast-track path to American citizenship for individuals willing to contribute $1 million to the U.S. Treasury and pay a $15,000 nonrefundable processing fee. In a separate post, Minaj suggested she received the card “free of charge.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/2016684658302329304

A White House official, speaking anonymously to The New York Times, dismissed those claims, explaining that Minaj was given only a novelty item. According to the official, the rapper has been a legal permanent resident for roughly two decades and is already in the process of applying for citizenship, making any expedited immigration program unnecessary in her case. The official added that the gold card she received “serves little value” beyond being a memento.

Welp… pic.twitter.com/c5v8ztVVLR
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 28, 2026

Minaj’s posts followed her appearance at a White House event earlier this week promoting children’s investment accounts created under a Trump-backed spending package. During the event, the president praised the rapper, calling her “the greatest” and “the most successful female rapper in history.”

pic.twitter.com/gBCcOxZIIA
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 28, 2026

Trump also highlighted her financial support for the initiative, saying, “Nicki makes a lot of money, and she’s generously stepping up. She’s investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in Trump accounts to support the children and really, really the children of her incredible fans.”

The artist, who in 2024 became the first female rapper to earn Diamond certification for two songs from the Recording Industry Association of America, has increasingly aligned herself with Trump and the MAGA movement. Trump described Minaj as “a big Trump supporter and a Trump fan” who has taken “a little heat on occasion” but remains “an unbelievable supporter.”

Appearing alongside Trump in a white fur-trimmed coat, Minaj told the audience she was unsure what to say but declared herself the president’s “No. 1 fan.” She insisted her support was unwavering, adding, “And the hate or what people have to say, it does not affect me at all. It actually motivates me to support him more, and it’s going to motivate all of us to support him more.”

“We’re not going to let them get away with bullying him and you know, the smear campaigns, it’s not going to work,” she continued. Minaj also said she believes “God is protecting” the president.

While Minaj’s political turn has drawn criticism from fans, LGBTQ advocates, and civil rights groups, the White House made clear that her much-discussed gold card is symbolic only — and not a shortcut through the U.S. immigration system.

Grand Rapids, Settlement, Girl, 11, Handcuffed, police

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 1, 2026

Grand Rapids Reaches Settlement With Family Of Girl, 11, Handcuffed During 2017 Police Encounter

Grand Rapids has agreed to pay $285,000 to the family of Honestie Hodges.

By Robert Hill

The city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has agreed to pay $285,000 to the family of Honestie Hodges, an 11-year-old Black girl who was held at gunpoint by police.

In Dec. 2017, Hodges, who was 11 years old at the time, was handcuffed, held at gunpoint, and placed in a police cruiser outside of her home by police officers. The officers were allegedly searching for Hodges’ aunt, who was involved in a domestic assault.

Hodges later passed away in November 2020 at the age of 14 due to complications from COVID-19.

In Nov. 2023, Whitney Hodges, Honestie’s mother, filed a lawsuit against the city and the three Grand Rapids police officers involved in the incident.

In the lawsuit, the family alleged that officers violated Hodges’ constitutional rights by detaining her at gunpoint without justification. The lawsuit also stated that she was the victim of unreasonable search and seizure, false arrest, excessive force, assault and battery, and negligence.

Because officers were required to wear body cameras, video of the encounter later circulated publicly, and the footage garnered national attention and sparked criticism of police conduct involving minors.

During the encounter, Honestie could be heard pleading with officers to stop. The Guardian reported, “Police body camera footage from the incident showed Honestie crying and screaming, ‘No, please,’ as officers handcuffed her.” The officers involved were not disciplined because they were found not to have violated any department policies.

However, Hodges’ legal team emphasized that the encounter caused emotional trauma and raised concerns about the treatment of children during police operations.

As a result of an internal investigation conducted in 2017, the Grand Rapids Police Department implemented the Honestie Policy, which was revised to provide more straightforward guidelines for handcuffing and detaining youth.

Although the city has agreed to the settlement, the $285,000 payment must still be approved in court.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 1, 2026

Former Bears Star Charles Tillman Walks Away From FBI Over Trump-Era Immigration Tactics

His decision to leave followed the Trump administration's deployment of ICE agents to Chicago.

By Robert Hill

Former Chicago Bears star cornerback Charles Tillman has resigned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation amid concerns about President Donald Trump’s administration’s immigration policies.

Tillman retired from the National Football League in 2016 and joined the FBI two years later, citing a sense of civic duty and a desire to continue serving the community. His decision to leave followed the Trump administration’s deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to Chicago in January 2025.

Tillman said his decision to resign came after learning more about the administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. He recalled a briefing in which agents were informed that White House border czar Tom Homan and television personality Dr. Phil McGraw would be coming to Chicago alongside ICE during immigration enforcement operations.

When he first started, he enrolled in the FBI’s 20-week training program, where he worked as an agent in downtown Chicago while also investigating drug and human trafficking.

Tillman said he was instructed to participate in arrests that extended beyond violent offenders. Daily Mail reported that Tillman described a broken system stating, “It was, ‘Some guys are working on a house outside. Let’s go sweep them up, and it will count for the quota system. To me, it felt political.”

Tillman said he chose to step away from the operation and attend Tessa, his 13-year-old daughter’s basketball game. He later decided to resign from the FBI.

Tillman’s interest in public service was influenced by his father, Donald Tillman, who served for 20 years in the United States Army as a military police officer, supply sergeant, and platoon sergeant. That background helped shape Tillman’s decision to major in criminal justice while playing football at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he also developed his signature “Peanut Punch.”

During his final years with the FBI, Tillman served as a firearm’s tactical instructor, training agents in firearm safety and tactical operations.

by Mary Spiller

February 1, 2026

Disney Parks Unveil ‘Celebrate Soulfully’ Events To Honor Black History Month

From gospel concerts and heritage exhibits to special cuisine and parades, Disneyland and Walt Disney World plan weeks of programming spotlighting Black culture, history, and creativity.

Disney Parks are preparing to mark Black History Month in 2026 with an expanded lineup of experiences designed to highlight Black culture, artistry, and history across both coasts. The annual “Celebrate Soulfully” initiative will return to Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, offering live music, food, exhibits, and performances throughout February.

At Disneyland Resort, the popular “Celebrate Gospel” concert series will return for two weekends — Feb. 20–21 and Feb. 27–28 — bringing Grammy Award–winning gospel artists to the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage. Bishop Hezekiah Walker is set to headline on Feb. 21, followed by Yolanda Adams on Feb. 28. The free concerts, which do not require park admission, will also feature community choirs from across Southern California, continuing a tradition of uplifting performances tied to Black History Month.

In addition to live music, Disneyland will debut a new heritage trail featuring interactive displays throughout the resort. The exhibits will honor influential Black leaders, artists, and innovators past and present, with installations spanning Frontierland to Hollywood Land. Guests can expect tributes to figures such as Leah Chase at Tiana’s Palace, Martha Blanding on Main Street, U.S.A., and animator Floyd Norman on Buena Vista Street.

Food offerings will also play a central role in the celebration. Limited-time menu items inspired by Black culinary traditions will be available from late January through early March. At Tiana’s Palace, guests can order a French Quarter fried chicken bowl featuring spicy honey-glazed chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens. Lamplight Lounge will serve New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp paired with cheesy polenta and a Cajun butter sauce.

As reported by Disney Parks Blog, the celebration extends beyond Disneyland. At Walt Disney World, Black History Month festivities will officially begin Feb. 9 with a special parade moment at Magic Kingdom, led by Toya Johnson-Rushing as honorary grand marshal. The afternoon procession will feature Disney characters, music, and high-energy performances.

Throughout February, EPCOT will spotlight Black artists during the International Festival of the Arts, showcasing works by creators including Yesenia Moises, Ryan Riller, Larissa Brown, and Mark Page. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can experience Caribbean-inspired performances from Viva Gaia and the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe.

Additional offerings include appearances by Princess Tiana, jazz performances inspired by Pixar’s “Soul,” and interactive experiences tied to Marvel’s Dora Milaje. Disney officials encourage guests to explore these programs as part of a broader effort to recognize Black heritage year-round, with ticket and hotel discounts also expected in early 2026.

Swishahouse , Michael '5000' Watts, Dies, Houston Hip-Hop

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 31, 2026

Swishahouse Co-Founder Michael ‘5000’ Watts Dies At 52, Leaving Lasting Legacy In Houston Hip-Hop

Watts died after developing torsades de pointes, a rare and dangerous heart rhythm that can cause sudden cardiac death.

By Robert Hill

Fifty-two-year-old Houston hip-hop legend and Swishahouse co-founder Michael Watts, known as “5000 Watts,” died Jan. 30.

On Jan. 28, Watts was hospitalized due to severe health conditions. He soon passed after developing torsades de pointes, which is a dangerous and rare abnormal heart rhythm, and that this condition led to his sudden cardiac death.

Watts was a respected Houston native who contributed to the city’s hip-hop identity. He co-founded the independent record label Swishahouse with DJ OG Ron C and G Dash, designing a platform that amplified Southern rap and gave local artists national exposure.

Local artists who attribute their success to Swishahouse include Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Chamillionaire.

Swishahouse was founded in 1997 and became a bedrock of the Houston hip-hop movement. Watts was credited with popularizing chopped-and-screwed music. The label played a pivotal role in uplifting Houston’s sound.

Watts had many other talents, especially with the turntables. TheGrio reported his star moment: “Watts’ biggest moment on the national scene came in 2004, going into 2005 with the single release of ‘Still Tippin,’ from Slim Thug, Paul Wall and Mike Jones. Watts can be seen early in the song’s music video behind the turntables, steering a classic song into a classic movement for Houston and the South in general.”

Watts was also a radio personality, serving as a late-night host on Houston’s 97.5 The Box, where he played his mixtapes. He demonstrated dedication to the Houston community by using his talents to gain exposure for artists in his hometown’s music industry.

Many tributes have appeared across social media following his death, with fans and members of the Houston hip-hop community commemorating his impact on the culture.

Watts leaves behind his wife, Tammie Watts, five children, and two grandchildren.