On Sept. 19, a judge dismissed a multi-million-dollar RICO lawsuit against Janice, filed by Deon Best, a former associate of Diddy who accused the mogul’s mother of defrauding him of his intellectual property rights, royalties, and publishing revenues, TMZ reported. Court records show the case was dismissed because Best, also known as D1, missed the statute of limitations and failed to provide evidence of fraud by Janice or her music publishing companies.
Back in January, Best filed the suit accusing Janice of leveraging her name and influence to strip him of publishing rights and royalties for the song “Come with Me” from the 1998 Godzilla soundtrack. He claimed to have “controlled, owned, produced, and/or created” the track, but alleged Janice obtained it through illegal means, causing him significant financial and emotional harm.
He accused Janice of fraud, forgery, and concealing records, claiming he had not learned she had “hijacked artist publishing” until late 2023. An earlier complaint, where D1 also alleged Diddy’s involvement, was dismissed for lack of evidence tying Diddy to the conspiracy.
Best later filed an amended complaint excluding Diddy, seeking $33 million in damages, attorney fees, and any additional relief a jury deemed fair. But the recent ruling concluded that Best will “take nothing,” and the defendants are entitled to recover their legal costs.
Meanwhile, Janice recently submitted a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian as part of the sentencing memorandum filed by her son’s legal team ahead of his Oct. 3 hearing. Diddy remains in custody at a Brooklyn jail on prostitution charges, as his family and loved ones have written to the judge urging leniency in his sentencing.
In her letter, Janice admits Diddy “has made some terrible mistakes in his life, which I know he recognizes.”
“This separation for the past year while Sean has been incarcerated has been excruciatingly difficult and painful for me and his children,” Janice wrote. “I would like to spend the last few years of my life with my son, Sean.”
Florida Man Makes Bold Claim That He Secured Trademark Right To Turning Point USA
Battle claims that he is planning on sending a cease & desist letter to the organization, whose CEO is now Kirk’s widow, Erika, in the next coming weeks.
Eric Battle, A Black man from Florida, took to Instagram to claim that he secured trademark rights to Turning Point USA — the conservative nonprofit organization created by slain founder Charlie Kirk.
Battle claims he was approved for the merchandise rights in addition to the toy rights for the organization just weeks after Kirk’s public murder.
“I bought the merchandise rights to Turning Point USA as well as the toy rights. I did that,” he said.
He also claimed this has been a long journey as he purchased the rights a few months ago, and it “just went from pending to active.”
“So we officially own the Turning Point USA merchandise rights.”
In addition to TPUSA, Battle claims to own the rights to “Alligator Alcatraz,” the controversial immigration camp in Florida.
According to Spade TV, Battle plans to send a cease-and-desist letter to the organization, whose CEO is now Kirk’s widow, Erika, in the coming weeks. While celebrating the alleged victory, Battle announced plans for what he wants to do with the proceeds from the rights.
“So part of these proceeds are going to go to Black pilot programs, Planned Parenthood for abortions and things like that, a lot of things that Charlie didn’t like,” he continued.
The comment section of the post celebrated Battle’s business plan, calling him a “genius” and offering praise for being “good trouble” if what he was saying was true.
However, he isn’t the only one looking to cash in on Kirk’s legacy. US Weekly reported a man named Terrance Malone filed documents to trademark the phrase “Charlie Kirk’s Life Matters” just five days after his death.
The Pennsylvania resident claims he wanted to start a clothing line consisting of shirts, fishermen’s jackets, and hunting and camouflage pants.
Days later, another application was filed by a woman named Jasmine Wong, who requested the right to use the name Charlie Kirk for dresses, shirts, sweatshirts, pajamas, sweaters, and baby clothes. As neither application has been approved, it is likely both will have a hard time being successful, as his estate has the final say on who can use his likeness or name.
Kirk’s death sent shockwaves throughout the world, particularly in the Black community, starting a conversation on mourning his death versus honoring his legacy. Several clips have recirculated across social media of his anti-DEI commentary or issues with Black women in leadership positions. Recently, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) expressed her disappointment that only two white members of Congress voted against a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk.
Calling it a move against political violence, all 215 Republicans and 95 Democrats voted, with 58 Democrats, mainly from the Congressional Black caucus, voting against it. Reps. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) were the only two white lawmakers to take a stance against it.
Game Developer Adaya Head Takes Environmental Activism To The Next Level
Adaya Head is a 2023 college graduate carving her place in the tech and gaming world and building community with developers of the future.
Adaya Head, a 2023 graduate of Central Methodist University, is carving her place in the tech and gaming world. From working with Rewriting the Code since 2019 to leading her own game studio, she has embraced the challenges of interviews, coding, and leadership, utilizing her skills to highlight issues like climate change through interactive storytelling.
Head sat with BLACK ENTERPRISE to discuss the hurdles of entering the workforce as a new graduate, the importance of the community created at Rewriting the Code, and her game in development.
Only being a little bit out of college, what challenges have you faced moving into your professional career?
I think this might be typical for everyone, but interviews have been pretty tricky. With the current climate, there are lot of positions open for new graduates.
You’ve been working with Rewriting the Code since 2019. How has that community helped you as a developer?
It’s been easy to connect with people who share similar interests and backgrounds. They do a great job creating both professional and social events, so I never feel like I’m the only one struggling or succeeding. They’re proactive about connecting people, and that’s why I’ve stayed so consistently involved.
Can you tell us more about the game you are developing?
It’s a mix of engineering and writing since I’m also the lead writer. Horror games rarely take place in aquariums, so I wanted a unique setting paired with a story that raises awareness of climate change. Zoos and aquariums exist to educate the public about animals and the challenges they face because of human activity, so the game combines those elements with interactive horror. We’ve been working on it since last September. Right now, we’re building a prototype, and I lead the team while also contributing as a writer, designer, and assisting with business development.
What’s one specific aspect of Rewriting the Code that’s been particularly helpful to your growth?
The Slack community has been amazing. People share resources about jobs and training opportunities. I’ve connected with others through those programs, and we keep in touch even after, supporting each other’s growth. It feels like we’re all growing stronger together.
As team lead, how do you balance your creative vision with keeping your team aligned?
I prefer working in teams, especially on creative projects. I make sure everyone’s opinions and goals are included, using my past experiences on software teams as guidance. Not every manager I’ve worked under was great at that, so I want to create a better community. It’s about listening, clear communication, and ensuring each member sees progress while building their skills for portfolios and interviews.
Rewriting the code conference Seattle.
How do you balance artistic vision with technical constraints?
I restrain ideas based on what engineers can build, especially when the scope or deadlines are tight. The vision matters, but sometimes it has to be scaled down to fit what’s technically possible.
Is there a past project that really pushed your boundaries?
Back in fall 2020, I took a nonprofit class on Android app development. For the final project, it was just me and one other engineer building a social media app from scratch. I was passionate about it and went beyond requirements, learning from resources on GitHub and Stack Overflow to implement extra features. It felt great to see that work pay off.
What would you like readers to know about game creation, women in the industry or your work?
First and foremost, find a community. Round One Game, my studio team meets regularly, not just to work but to network and support one another. Most of us are entry-level, and since the game industry is small, you’ll see the same faces again. Networking and building relationships now create a support system that will last into the future.
***
From coding challenges to leading a team of creators, Head’s journey reflects persistence and passion. Head’s creation of the Round One Game is a testament to how collaboration can turn vision into reality.
TSU Shuts Down MAGA Audacity After Conservative Debate Group Sparks Outrage
Two MAGA supporters were removed from TSU campus after sparking outrage among students.
Two MAGA supporters who took to Tennessee State University (TSU) to debate Black students were escorted off campus after sparking outrage among the student body.
A viral video shared across social media captures the chaos at TSU on Sept. 23, when two men in MAGA hats carrying signs reading “DEI should be illegal” and “Deport all illegals now” sparked heated debates with students. Things quickly turned hostile, with students demanding their removal before campus police escorted the pair off school grounds.
Here another video shout by A TSU students: On September 23, 2025, a group of unauthorized individuals wearing "Make America Great Again" (#MAGA) hats and holding anti-#DEI and anti-#immigrant signs were escorted off the campus of #Tennessee State University (#TSU) by campus… pic.twitter.com/nkJaT0KOCu
Following the incident, the Nashville chapter of the NAACP released a statement identifying the uninvited guests as members of the group “Fearless Debates” who “targeted” an HBCU to spew their rhetoric that “echoes a long history of exclusion, racism, and systemic oppression.”
“They attempted to draw students into conversations centered on these messages, which were framed as debate but functioned as provocation,” the post read.
TSU later released a statement defending its students and clarifying that the group had no ties to the university and was not authorized to be on campus, which led to their removal.
“At all times, TSU students conducted themselves in a professional and respectful manner,” the TSU statement read. “The safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff remain our highest priority. TSU will continue to uphold university policies and ensure that campus remains a safe, welcoming and orderly environment for all members of our community.”
NASHVILLE – 2 guys in Red MAGA hats showed up on HBCU TSU’s campus uninvited, permitless, and set up a table with signs railing against DEI & undocumented immigrants.
Students confronted them without violence. Police moved them.
Social media accounts linked to the group claim inspiration from Charlie Kirk and share videos of TSU students shouting, filming, and following as campus police escorted them away. Footage also shows signs being snatched and flipped off, with one student reportedly holding a screwdriver. Critics in the comments accused the group of deliberately provoking students with inflammatory rhetoric.
“Why were you there in the first place? Trespassing is a crime,” one critic tweeted. “Yet, you will play the victim and monopolize on Kirk’s death. Death threats were made to HBCUs, and people suspect they may be from your side of the chessboard. You saw a prime opportunity to get viral videos. I have never seen a group of people who want to be victims so badly.”
50 Cent Quickly Dismisses Damon Dash’s Attempt To End Beef
50 shoots down offer to squash beef with Damon Dash
Harlem native Damon Dash cannot buy a break, as the olive branch extended to rival 50 Cent has been rejected by the “Many Men” entrepreneur.
Previously, after having a back-and-forth with his mentee and childhood friend, “It Is What It Is” co-host Cam’ron, with whom he grew up with in Harlem, he posted a video to his social media account extending an invitation to the podcast host and 50 to collaborate on business ventures. After realizing that he wasn’t looking good to his friends and fans, he posted a video to his Instagram account.
Fifty had reportedly obtained the rights to Dash’s movie, “Paid in Full,” to which the Queens businessman invited Cam to work with him to adapt it for a television series, possibly angering Dash even more before he posted the video.
“I feel like 50, Cam, me, if together we show that we could be beefing, pause, and then come together and maybe do a TV show together, something different. Or a movie or something, just showing the world that we can work together. And we would prove everyone wrong. They love us tearing each other down, and I’m not doing that sh**.”
Dash made the offer after being chastised by his older friends and confidants, who told him that the bickering he has been displaying in public lately is “embarrassing.”
The mogul, known not only for his music, television, and movie roles, as well as his business acumen, is also one of the most famous internet trolls, and he rarely disappoints. After Dash posted the video, as expected, the G-Unit executive responded, and it wasn’t in favor of meeting with the former Roc-A-Fella label owner.
He began with a tone that suggested he would agree to a sit-down with the Harlem native, he quickly reverted to the petty social media trolling that people have come to both love and hate.
“I agree with Dame 💯percent, it’s better to work together. We should sit down and figure out how to move forward. I believe we can create a path to more success. Oh wait 👀 CAM just said fvck Dame and his fake ChatGPT lawsuit. So it’s fvck you, Dame. @50centaction”
Dash seems to have quickly moved on (for the moment) as he posted that he is working on a documentary on Supreme McGriff (with Supreme’s son), 50’s longtime sworn enemy. 50, who was shot multiple times at the start of his recording career, has blamed Supreme for putting out the hit on him. Supreme is also a close friend to 50’s other enemies, Ja Rule and the deceased Irv Gotti.
Mike Tyson Settles Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Filed By Producer Ty Fyffe
While promoting a bout against Jake Paul last year, the Brooklyn boxer did not get permission to use the song, "Murdergram" featuring JAY-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule in his promotonal video
While training for his boxing match against YouTuber Jake Paul, in a viral video, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson used a song, “Murdergram,” featuring JAY-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule that Ty Fyffe produced, and since no permission was granted to use the track, the music producer sued Tyson, and the lawsuit was recently settled between the parties.
According to Billboard, the Queens producer took Tyson to court after the Brooklyn-bred fighter used “Murdergram” in an Instagram video that promoted his bout with Paul last November. Fyffe claimed that the song was used without Tyson obtaining permission, accusing the pugilist of copyright infringement. The resolution was filed in court Sept. 22, stating that there was an agreement between the litigants.
The track was released in 1998 and featured on the soundtrack to JAY-Z’s “Streets Is Watching,” showcasing fellow Def Jam artists DMX and Ja Rule. At the time of the recording, the song was intended to be a precursor to the supergroup the three emcees had temporarily formed, Murder Inc. Producer Irv Gotti used the name for his burgeoning record label, also called Murder Inc.
Although the three artists were featured on the song, Fyffe owns the rights to the music, which is why the rappers weren’t included in the lawsuit or the settlement.
“Murdergram” was heard in the 33-second video Tyson posted to his social media account several weeks before losing his boxing match against Paul in Texas on Nov. 15, 2024. Fyffe filed the lawsuit in August, citing Tyson used the track without permission and requested some of what the boxer made on Nov. 15, while also stating he was entitled to earn royalties from the use of the song.
“Neither plaintiff nor any of his representatives granted defendant Tyson permission to use the song title ‘Murdergram’ to promote his boxing match with Jake Paul,” the suit stated. “Defendant Tyson’s conduct was intentional, willful and with full knowledge of plaintiff’s copyright in the song.”
Families Face Stifling Demands As Social Security Overpayment Crisis Climbs
The agency made close to $72 billion thanks to improper payments in 2024 alone.
In addition to the rising costs of life’s necessities, more families are starting to feel the heat of being forced to repay Social Security payments to the agency, some of whom are no longer with us, Atlanta News First reports.
David Morgan of Georgia thought that he would be able to start the process of moving forward after his brother, Dennis, who struggled with addiction and mental illness, passed away in 2024. But while in the grieving process, Morgan received a letter that his brother had been overpaid by over $20,000 in benefits.
And is was David’s responsibility to pay it all back. The retired MARTA bus driver recalled receiving the letter as “devastating,” as this is an additional and unexpected expense. “Like anybody, if you stopped somebody’s source of income, what can you do? My wife and I would be devastated because we still got bills,” he said.
But this is a reality that more and more Americans are starting to face, as Atlanta Legal Aid attorney Mills Culver notes that the agency’s collection efforts extend into other federal programs, such as Medicaid and food stamps. One of Culver’s clients, Semainesh Weldemicael, a refugee from Eritrea, was told by Social Securi authorities that she owes close to $4,000.
Weldemicael feels it shouldn’t be their responsibility since it was the agency that permitted this to happen.
“I didn’t steal anything. It was the government that allowed us this. So, it was like a punishment I’m getting for nothing I do,” Weldemicael, whose family relies on benefits while caring for two mentally disabled adult children, said.
“If we don’t have it, we’re almost homeless.”
The agency generated nearly $72 billion in improper payments in 2024 alone. In April 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced plans to no longer withhold 100% of a person’s monthly check to recover debts. In the interim, the agency caps 50% of benefits for new overpayments unless the recipient appeals or receives a waiver. For an appeal, beneficiaries have a 90-day window after receiving a notice of overpayment to debate the debt or request a lower recovery rate before the withholding period begins.
The issue has caught the attention of former SSA workers, such as former Commissioner Martin O’Malley, who testified about the severity of the problem before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agingin 2024. “Through no fault of their own, we overpay them and then claw back in a rather brutal and summary way 100 percent of their check,” he said.
Check sizes have begun to shrink amid the September 2025 schedule, given the new Social Security repayment rules, according to The Economic Times. Beneficiaries who notice smaller checks are instructed to check if they are subject to repayment withholding.
In the meantime, Congress has introduced the Social Security Overpayment Relief Act in an effort to place new limits on the collection powers of the agency, adding potential restrictions on dialing back back payments to 10 years, helping people like Morgan out. After reaching out to Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, Morgan said the agency admitted to its mistake, and the lawmaker informed the senior citizen that he was not responsible for the overpayment. While his story ended on a good note, he hopes speaking out will prompt a change in a system he calls broken. “It’s already hard enough to try to make a living on a fixed income,” Morgan said.
“And when you have no income, you lose everything.”
Elevating Your Excellence: Media Maverick Emil Wilbekin Forged A Movement From Vibe To Native Son
Emil Wilbekin’s career has truly shaped an industry and our culture.
A journalist and magazine executive who has consistently operated at the vanguard of cultural discourse, Emil Kraig Wilbekin has dedicated his career to elevating the voices of Black and LGBTQ+ communities.
A Cleveland, Ohio, native, Wilbekin’s journey from an inquisitive “Mr. Reporter” to a celebrated media luminary highlights the maven’s contribution to the culture and journalism.
Wilbekin’s formative years were defined by his relentless pursuit of knowledge, a passion that blossomed despite an undiagnosed dyslexia.
He recounted rigorous summers of study and his parents’ unwavering support — his father, Harvey, a lawyer and structural engineer; and his mother, Cleota, a law judge and sociologist — instilled in him an intense work ethic and a deep appreciation for education.
“My parents were superheroes,” Wilbekin expressed, crediting their example for his drive.
His academic path forged a foundation for his career. In 1989, Wilbekin earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University, where he served as editor of the Hampton Script.
He then went on to receive his M.S. degree in journalism from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in 1990. Wilbekin credits his time at Hampton with instilling a “real sense of community” and a deep understanding of Black history. Upon graduating from Columbia, he felt his HBCU education “was up to par,” proving his readiness for the rigors of the Ivy League.
Pioneering a New Era of Media
Wilbekin’s career took off in the early 1990s as a founding editor of Vibe magazine, where he quickly achieved the coveted title of editor-in-chief in 1999.
Under his leadership, Vibe received the prestigious National Magazine Award for General Excellence in 2002, a landmark achievement.
“Winning this award… was one of my greatest professional accomplishments because it was the first time an urban magazine had won, beating out Jane, Wired, The New Yorker, and Gourmet Magazine,” Wilbekin said.
During his tenure at Vibe, Wilbekin played a pivotal role in several groundbreaking moments. He worked with artists like Aaliyah and Maxwell, styled iconic photo shoots, and, notably, helped usher in a long-overdue conversation about homosexuality within the hip-hop community. He was also a consultant for Microsoft and Marc Ecko Enterprises, a contributor to Complex magazine, and managing editor of Essence.com before becoming editor-at-large for Essence magazine.
As a media maverick, Wilbekin’s career arc from music to style to editor-in-chief was not conventional, even for an ever-changing industry. He credited his success to his ability to discover and break emerging talent, as well as a keen eye for culture that transcended a single genre. While at Vibe, he was an early champion for artists who would become icons, including Mary J. Blige and Maxwell. It was his deep immersion in hip-hop culture, coupled with his journalistic instincts, that enabled him to bridge the gap between music and fashion.
In the mid-90s, he created the position of Style Editor, a title he pioneered to gain experience in a field that was not yet widely integrated into urban media.
This bold move paved the way for his eventual role as Editor-in-Chief. He styled groundbreaking photoshoots, including the iconic October 1995 cover featuring Faith Evans and The Notorious B.I.G., images that he says “changed everything” for the magazine’s aesthetic and influence.
In 2014, Wilbekin began a new chapter as an independent consultant and editorial content executive, culminating in the founding of Native Son Now in 2017.
Native Son is a platform and community created to inspire and empower Black gay and queer men.
The organization’s mission, he notes, is to “harness the collective power of Black gay/queer men…to ensure that our voices, visibility, and lived experiences are elevated in all of the communities in which we exist.”
A Legacy of Activism and Influence
Wilbekin’s proven dedication to social justice is as integral to his identity as his editorial prowess.
His work on Native Son, inspired by James Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son, creates a safe space for dialogue and fellowship, filling a critical void for a community that has historically been marginalized. His activism extends to his service on numerous boards, including those for the Black AIDS Institute and The Stonewall Foundation.
His impact has been widely recognized. Baldwin’s impact and influence penetrate deep into Wilbekin’s spirit. He celebrated the prolific writer’s “heavenly birthday” on Instagram.
“Happy Heavenly Birthday, James Baldwin. Baldwin has been an inspiration for me since I was a teenager, when I was introduced to his words through my parents’ library — ‘Giovanni’s Room’ and ‘No Name In The Street’ resonated with me. When I witnessed Baldwin in real life, when I was in college at Hampton University’s Ogden Hall, I was mesmerized. His powerful words, his commanding presence, and his savoir-faire were a revelation, a reflection of sorts. It’s the knowing when Black gay men see one another — clock each other. But it was more than that.”
He continued, “When I created the early ideas of Native Son, the movement, community, and platform I founded in 2016, there was a singular figure who I felt embodied the vision — the visionary, the icon, the indomitable James Baldwin. His debut collection of essays, Notes of A Native Son, represented what I imagined this platform could (and would) be. Bold, audacious, unapologetic, and brave. The name Native Son spoke volumes.“
“This quote from the book would become the realization and manifestation of the dream. ‘The place in which I’ll fit will not exist until I make it.’ — James Baldwin. Today, I sit in gratitude for Baldwin’s life and legacy because he and his words are the gift that keeps giving, speaking truth to power, serving as an unyielding roadmap, and breathing life into generations of Black gay, queer, and gender nonconforming men today and in the future. Who else would say being a Black homosexual was hitting the jackpot but Baldwin? He owned it. Speak Life.”
“Rest in Peace and Power, Mr. Baldwin,” Wilbekiin concluded the post.
He was named one of the 100 most influential gay people in America by Out magazine in 2002 and was inducted into the Hampton University Mass Media Arts Hall of Fame in 2007.
Wilbekin’s career has truly shaped an industry and our culture.
Former Educator Launches Black Parenting Academy With Proven Strategies For Nurturing Talented Kids
Created specifically for Black parents and caregivers with children gifted in entertainment, athletics, or the arts, the forum featured an inspiring lineup of speakers
As child influencers continue to take center stage — from viral dancers and mini actors to social media sensations like four-year-old “Boots On the Ground” phenomenon Ms. Shirley, whose meteoric rise sparked both adoration and harsh judgment toward her parents — many Black families find themselves navigating uncharted territory with their children, filled with complex decisions, hidden pitfalls, and intense public scrutiny. Janice Robinson-Celeste, founder and CEO of Black Parenting Academy, has stepped up to fill this critical gap with its flagship forum, Raising A Star (Without Losing Your Mind), now available for on-demand streaming.
Created specifically for Black parents and caregivers with children gifted in entertainment, athletics, or the arts, the forum featured an inspiring lineup of speakers — from global supermodel Sessilee Lopez and performing arts school principals to top talent agents and experienced parents, including Eunice Atitsogbe, mother of mega social media star Sean “The Science Kid,” who has amassed more than 1.5 million followers.
These experts pulled back the curtain on what it truly takes to nurture young Black talent in today’s high-pressure, high-visibility world by tackling often unspoken topics such as:
• The Real Keys to Raising Successful Child Stars — Beyond Talent and Spotlight
• The Powerful Role Black Mothers Play in Shaping Future College and Professional Athletes
• The Realities of Child Modeling: Why Active Parental Support Is Essential
• Helping Your Child Stay Grounded: Managing Jealousy, Entitlement, and How to Stay Grounded
• Empowering Your Child’s Voice: Encouraging Confidence and Self-Advocacy Early On
• How to Choose the Right School and Environment to Nurture Your Child’s Talents
• Supporting Your Child Through Change: What to Do When They Want to Step Back or Quit
“This conversation was born from my own lived experience guiding my daughter, global supermodel Sessilee Lopez, into the professional modeling world at just 12 years old — a journey filled with incredible opportunities but also unexpected pitfalls and hard lessons,” said Janice Robinson-Celeste, forum host and founder of the Black Parenting Academy. “I knew I had to create this forum to help fellow parents avoid the mistakes I made, see around corners, and feel empowered to support their talented children without sacrificing their childhood, joy, or future.”
In honor of the back-to-school season, the Black Parenting Academy is offering FREE membership through Sept. 30, 2025. Members receive on-demand access to the Raising A Star (Without Losing Your Mind) forum, virtual members-only events and live Q&As, discounts on masterclasses led by world-class experts in parenting, education, financial planning, and health, and FREE access to all upcoming virtual Parenting Meetups, including:
• September 2025: Homework Hacks Made Easy: Stress-Free Strategies to Help Parents Keep Their Cool (and Help Their Kids Too!)
• October 2025: Raising Smart & Safe Black Kids in the Age of AI
• November 2025: Help My Son! Simple Strategies to Help Black Boys Read and Love School
• December 2025: Financial Survival Skills for Parents: Stretching Dollars Without Sacrificing Kids’ Needs
“As Black parents, we deserve resources that speak directly to our experiences and our children’s unique journeys,” said Robinson-Celeste. “That’s why we’re inviting every parent to join the Black Parenting Academy for FREE right now — so they can feel seen, supported, and fully prepared to help their children rise.”
Join the Black Parenting Academy for FREE to access empowering, hands-on parenting trainings and discussions designed to help raise confident, high-achieving Black children from the womb through college-aged at bit.ly/blackparentingacademy.
Diddy Seeks Short Sentence After Having His Legacy ‘Destroyed’
Diddy’s legal team is making a final push for a reduced sentence and his immediate release from jail.
Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs are working to get the disgraced hip-hop mogul a short prison sentence after having his legacy “destroyed.”
On Sept. 22, Combs’ legal team filed a new submission urging New York federal Judge Arun Subramanian to limit the Bad Boy founder’s sentence to no more than 14 months for his conviction on two Mann Act charges, CBS News reports. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Combs’ attorneys argue that his dramatic fall from grace during nearly 13 months behind bars warrants leniency, pushing for a reduced sentence that could secure his immediate release if the judge agrees.
“Mr. Combs’s celebrity status in the realms of music, fashion, spirits, media, and finance has been shattered and Mr. Combs’ legacy has been destroyed,” the lawyers wrote.
Combs’ attorneys argued in their filing that his acquittal on the more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, offenses that carried a minimum 15-year sentence and the potential for life, serves as an “affirmative indication of innocence.”
“He has served over a year in one of the most notorious jails in America – yet has made the most of that punishment,” the lawyers added. “It is time for Mr. Combs to go home to his family, so he can continue his treatment and try to make the most of the next chapter of his extraordinary life.”
Combs remains in custody ahead of his Oct. 3 sentencing after the judge rejected his lawyers’ $50 million bail proposal, signaling little chance of his immediate release. Prosecutors, who will submit their recommendations before sentencing, have already indicated they’ll push for him to serve far longer than the four to five years they initially anticipated.
Combs’ legal team outlined a series of hardships stemming from his criminal case, noting that he was forced to lay off more than 100 employees, many of whom have struggled to find work due to their ties to him. His seven children have also faced “devastating consequences,” including lost opportunities in acting, television, fashion, and music. At the same time, two of his sons were even named in the nearly 100 civil suits filed against Combs since his arrest.
The filing added that a planned Hulu reality series about the family was scrapped after the allegations surfaced. Combs has also been removed from the boards of three charter schools he founded in Harlem, the Bronx, and Connecticut. Additionally, Howard University has rescinded his honorary doctorate and is returning his past donations.
Jail has been far from easy for Combs, even as it marked his first time sober in 25 years, lawyers say. He’s been threatened with a shiv by another inmate over a seat, placed on suicide watch, served food with maggots, and restricted in his access to clean water.
“Mr. Combs’s career and reputation have been destroyed,” Combs’ lawyers wrote. “His life outside of jail has been systematically dismantled.”
His attorneys described Combs as a changed man who now recognizes that his heavy drug use, including medications prescribed by doctors, fueled some of his past violent behavior. They said he has begun using his time behind bars to mentor fellow inmates, teaching them business management, entrepreneurship, and personal development skills. A program Combs views as “one of the most impactful and important endeavors of his life,” he hopes to expand into state-run facilities after his release.
“He is a humbled man who understands that the most important things in life are his devotion to and quality time with his family and his contributions for the benefit of others,” the lawyers said.
