by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2025

Taylor Townsend Apologizes For Insensitive Comments Over Food in China

'There is no excuse, there is no words. For me, I will be better.'

After being involved in a controversy while playing in last month’s U.S. Open, tennis player Taylor Townsend has now apologized for making disparaging comments about cuisine in China, where she is playing in a tennis tournament.

According to CNN, Townsend issued the apology on her Instagram Stories.

“I understand that I am so privileged as a professional athlete to be able to travel all around the world and experience cultural differences, which is one of the things I love so much about what I do,” she said on the platform. “The things that I said were not representative of that at all, and I just truly wanted to apologize. There is no excuse, there is no words. For me, I will be better.”

Townsend, who is currently in Shenzhen for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, made remarks regarding some of the food, which included turtle, bull frogs, and sea cucumber. The items that may not be what Americans are used to; in China, though, they are staples.

“This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen… and people eating this,” she said in one of her Instagram videos.

“Imma have to talk to HR… because what the hell… turtle and bull frog is wild,” was another statement folks were offended by as she stood next to a menu that listed the items.

Her impromptu food criticism, CNN observed, “sparked notable outcry on Chinese social media.” The hashtag “American tennis player criticizes Chinese food” was viewed millions of times on Weibo.

Townsend was on the good side of a controversy at last month’s U.S. Open, after Jelena Ostapenko told her after their match that she had “no class” and “no education.” She was applauded for how she handled the situation, which happened on national TV.

FAMU, Florida A and M University, FAMU Board Of Trustees, Dubious Donation

by Kandiss Edwards

September 19, 2025

FAMU To Honor Former President Frederick S. Humphries With Statue

The statue unveiling is scheduled for Homecoming week, Oct. 12-19.

Florida A&M University will unveil a statue of Frederick S. Humphries, one of its most respected presidents, during its Homecoming celebrations, FAMUAN reported.

The statue unveiling is scheduled for Homecoming week, Oct. 12-19. The campaign to honor Humphries began years ago. In December 2021, FAMU launched a fundraising campaign to raise around $350,000 to commission the statue. Humphries’ son, Laurence, a member, spoke about the achievement via Facebook.

“May this statue serve not only as a tribute to what my father achieved, but as an activation of enduring pride — a call to all of us to recommit ourselves to the institutions that shaped us. I encourage each of you to support FAMU or the HBCU of your choice, not only in words, but through your gifts, your presence, and your advocacy,” he wrote.

The statue will be unveiled during a public event on FAMU’s campus during Homecoming, expected to draw a large crowd. Supporters argue the statue is more than an art installation—it’s a long-overdue recognition of a president whose leadership helped shape FAMU’s identity.

Humphries served as FAMU’s eighth president from 1985 to 2001. He led the university during a period widely remembered as its golden age, a time marked by significant growth in enrollment, academic reputation, and public recognition. His leadership emphasized high standards in student achievement and a commitment to advancing the university’s national profile.

In a moment of gratitude, Laurence praised his father’s accomplishments. He acknowledged his pride in being raised by a man of honor. Laurence also gave thanks on behalf of those who benefited from Humphries’s tireless work.

“Dad, to stand before your likeness will be both humbling and overwhelming — a reminder of the vision you carried, the sacrifices you made, and the doors you opened for thousands. This statue is not just for you, but for every student whose life was changed, for every HBCU strengthened by your work, and for every dream you made possible,” he said.

CEOs, corporate America, Kamala Harrs, endorsement

by Mitti Hicks

September 18, 2025

Kamala Harris Reveals Tim Walz Was Not Her First Choice for Vice President

'But we were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man,' the former vice president writes in her upcoming memoir.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris wanted Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was her running mate during her 2024 run for the White House but declined to pursue the arrangement because it was too risky.

The Atlantic reported this news, from her highly anticipated book, 107 Days, on Wednesday. The book will be released on September 23.

Harris writes that Pete Buttigieg “would have been an ideal partner–if I were a straight white man.

“But we were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man,” Harris writes. “Part of me wanted to say, ‘Screw it, let’s just do it.’ But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk.

“And I think Pete also knew that—to our mutual sadness.”

Who Is Pete Buttigieg?

Buttigieg entered the national spotlight at the beginning of 2019 when he announced his candidacy to become the Democratic nominee for the 2020 presidential election.

It was a risky move for the then-mayor of South Bend, Indiana. He entered a pool of more than 20 Democratic hopefuls that included then-Senators Harris, Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

Buttigieg had no experience on the national level, unlike his counterparts, and was considered a “low-tier” candidate. As an openly gay man, political pundits said America was not ready for an openly gay president and a First Gentleman.

But he built an incredible coalition, and his ground game helped him narrowly win the first-in-the-nation caucuses in Iowa. He tied with Sanders for the most delegates in the New Hampshire primary. After placing fourth in the South Carolina primary, he dropped out on March 1, 2020. He later endorsed Joe Biden.

At 38, Buttigieg was the youngest candidate in the 2020 Democratic primary race, a veteran who had served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, including a six-month deployment in Afghanistan. He later became Secretary of Transportation.

Along with Buttigieg, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were all on Harris’ shortlist of running mates. Walz ultimately got the nod.

by Jameelah Mullen

September 18, 2025

Lori Harvey Opens Up About PCOS, Endometriosis, And Medical Bias Against Black Women

Listen to Black women.

Lori Harvey is speaking out about her years-long health struggles that doctors repeatedly ignored.

Harvey appeared on the SHEMD podcast with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney. The socialite shared that she experienced painful periods and other symptoms, which caused concern.

“I’ve been so frustrated. I’ve been going to my gynecologist because I’ve just been feeling like something’s off in my body,” Harvey said. “But every time I go to her, she’s like, ‘You’re fine, you’re fine, you’re fine. Nothing’s wrong.’ And I was like, ‘But I don’t feel fine. I feel like something is just off.’”

Harvey was right. The influencer found a doctor who finally listened to her. After a closer look, Harvey was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis, both of which can cause the symptoms she’d been experiencing.

The SKN owner said she experienced extreme weight changes, acne, facial hair, and painful menstrual cramps since she was a teen.

“My weight fluctuated like crazy,” she said. “I would diet for weeks, working out twice a day, and only eating carbs if I’m doing my second workout of the day. Then I’ll go on vacation for a week, eat a little bit of whatever I want, and I’ll blow up like crazy like I didn’t do anything for the past two weeks.”

Harvey said that after her diagnosis, she was prescribed Metformin, which helped stabilize her hormones and made her feel better. Aliabadi noted that if a woman like Harvey, who has public visibility, couldn’t get doctors to listen to her, it’s less likely they would listen to other women. Harvey agreed, stating that she felt “gaslit” by doctors who ignored her concerns.

According to a KFF study, 21% of Black women report being mistreated by a healthcare provider in situations where they believed race played a role. Among those who have been pregnant or given birth in the past decade, 22% say they were refused pain medication when they thought they needed it.

by Kandiss Edwards

September 18, 2025

Emory University To Eliminate Tuition For Students Whose Families Make Less than $200K

This expansion reflects the university’s effort to reduce financial barriers for talented students.

Starting in fall 2026, Emory University will eliminate undergraduate tuition for students whose families make $200,000 or less under a new initiative called Emory Advantage Plus.

The financial assistance program has existed at Emory since 2007, but has been expanded to benefit more incoming and current students. This expansion reflects the university’s effort to reduce financial barriers for talented students.

Under the new policy, both incoming and returning domestic undergraduates who qualify for need-based aid and meet the income requirement will pay zero tuition. Emory will maintain its long-standing pledge to meet 100% of demonstrated need for those students, ensuring aid covers the full gap between financial need and the cost of attendance. Over the next four years, the university plans to invest more than $1 billion in undergraduate financial aid.

https://twitter.com/EmoryUniversity/status/1968392452265369638

“Emory Advantage Plus is more than just an expansion of a financial aid plan — it’s an expansion of opportunity, of dreams, and what’s possible at Emory,” Interim President Leah Ward Sears wrote in the announcement. “Together, we are opening doors wider than ever before so that brilliant, deserving students can call Emory and Georgia their home. The future has never looked brighter, and this is only just the beginning.”

The program also aims to widen access in Georgia. Emory states that many of its students already benefit from the state’s HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships. Of current undergraduates, about 3,100 students, approximately 40% of the school’s population, receive the existing Emory Advantage.

Sixty percent of those students have their scholarship or grant completely cover tuition. Under the new plan, the full-tuition coverage rate for qualifying families will rise toward 80%.

Students seeking this free tuition will need to submit both the FAFSA and CSS Profile, with eligibility assessments including family income and typical assets, according to the university. Emory will provide further details later this year.

by Jameelah Mullen

September 18, 2025

Joy Reid, John Edgar Wideman And Percival Everett Amongst Winners Of 46th Annual American Book Awards

The annual awards gala will take place this fall.

Former MSNBC correspondent Joy Reid, Percival Everett, and John Edgar Wideman are among the winners of the 46th annual American Book Awards, presented by the Before Columbus Foundation, honoring diversity in American art and culture.

“The purpose of the awards is to recognize literary excellence without limitations or restrictions,” the foundation’s announcement states. “The award winners range from well-known and established writers to under-recognized authors and first works. There are no quotas for diversity; the winners list simply reflects it as a natural process.”

The organization will honor Everett for his 2024 novel James, a retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which earned the author a Pulitzer Prize. The writer has authored more than 30 books of fiction and poetry, often addressing issues of race. His other novels include I Am Not Sidney Poitier (2009) and Telephone (2020).

Wideman will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. The novelist, essayist, short story writer, and educator began his career in the 1960s. He was the first to win the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction twice: first in 1984 for Sent for You Yesterday, and again in 1990 for Philadelphia Fire. His collection of short stories includes Fever, The Stories of John Edgar Wideman (1992), and You Made Me Love You. In 2016, Wideman wrote Writing to Save a Life: The Louis Till File, a biography about Emmett Till’s father.

Reid is this year’s winner of the Anti-Censorship Prize. The award-winning journalist hosted The ReidOut on MSNBC before the network canceled the popular show, citing restructuring as the reason.

Shortly after leaving MSNBC, the commentator launched her own show, The Joy Reid Show, where she talked about her firing, noting that she suspected her outspoken criticism of the Trump administration might have been one of the reasons for the network’s decision.

“I think that there is a difference for Trump in hearing the kinds of criticisms specifically out of a Black woman; it bothers him in a way it doesn’t bother him like anything else. He’s got this sort of tick about race, you know, and about, sort of criticism coming specifically from a Black woman because we’ve seen him lay out and dish out real abuse against Black women journalists,” Reid told guest Katie Couric.

The American Book Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. at the University of California, Berkeley’s Wheeler Hall Auditorium.

Pinterest, ‘Tailored’, Black Fashion, Black History Money, Fashion Week

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 18, 2025

Sergio Hudson Calls Out ‘White Adjacency’ Among Black Celebs During Fashion Week

The remarks, which went viral, prompted a follow up from the designer.

Designer Sergio Hudson criticized Black celebrities at New York Fashion Week for not supporting Black designers.

Hudson, who showcased his spring/summer 2026 collection at NYFW, ignited a viral conversation on Sept. 15 after taking to Instagram to call out the absence of Black A-listers at his show, despite their presence at many non-Black-owned fashion houses.

”My answer to why some Black a-listers didn’t come to my show even though they were here…White adjacency is a hell of a drug,” Hudson wrote, as captured by The YBF Daily. “I pray my brothers and sisters get healing one day.”

Hudson’s bold remarks received mixed responses.

“People saying people don’t know who he is… wild,” one user wrote. “He’s a force, and they definitely know. He’s right because last year, Black influencers were complaining about no invites to ‘other’ shows. Declaring they weren’t going to go, etc…yet they don’t show up to A Black man who is inclusive and invited you.”

Some accused Hudson of hypocrisy, pointing to the predominance of white models on his website and runway, as well as the difficulty of securing a spot at NYFW regardless of a designer’s background.

”Sergio has been talking about this since he came out. He was saying black (sic) celebs weren’t wearing his clothes, so I ask him when didn’t his models on his website look like the women he wanted to dress in Hollywood, and he made excuses as to why he didn’t have black models,” said one critic. “It seems like he’s playing that game as well. He’s insanely talented, but it’s like the pot calling the kettle.”

”I tried to go to his show as someone that is a stylist and personal shopper, and being a POC, and I got denied by his team. So they also need to do better,” added someone else.

https://twitter.com/glamourmag/status/1966663472634052801

While Hudson gained support from Love Island star Olandria, who modeled in his show, his Instagram comments on “white adjacency” in mainstream fashion drew the most attention, leading him to clarify his remarks in a follow-up post.

“Hey everyone, I just want to clear the air a bit after a simple story I posted seems to have gone viral. Let me be clear—I’m not upset, hurt, or complaining at all,” Hudson wrote. “My show was well attended by people who love me and our brand—industry pros, celebrities, my amazing clients, and the press all showed up to support.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sergio Hudson (@sergiohudson)

Hudson, who has dressed Beyoncé, Michelle Obama, and Rihanna, continued. “With New York Fashion Week being so packed, people kept asking why certain individuals attend some shows, but not ours or other Black designers’ shows. Honestly, the only answer I can give is that some folks, maybe consciously or subconsciously, believe that white adjacency brings more relevance. I pray one day my brothers and sisters learn that we bring relevance to brands, not the other way around. This is a lesson I’m continuing to learn myself every day.”

Black celebrities at this year’s NYFW included Wendy Williams and Lil Kim at LaQuan Smith’s show, as well as Usher, Mary J. Blige, Jordan Chiles, Lauryn Hill, and Saweetie.

by Kandiss Edwards

September 18, 2025

Baltimore Grant Program Aims To Restore Vacant Row Houses

Officials expect applications to open next week, seeking to breathe life back into rundown blocks.

The Baltimore City government has launched a new grant program aimed at revitalizing vacant properties.

The homes are located in the city’s special tax district. The program offers funding to property owners and residents for the restoration of abandoned properties. Applications are set to open Sept. 10. The program aims to breathe life back into rundown blocks and strengthen communities long hit by neglect.

Mayor Brandon Scott’s office said the first round of funding will focus on converting vacant buildings into residential homes. Properties that have been empty and deteriorated in neighborhoods with high rates of abandonment are top priorities. In a press release, Mayor Scott spoke about the $3 billion investment in overlooked neighborhoods.

“My administration is taking on a challenge that’s been ignored for generations — vacant housing — delivering $3 billion to end this crisis for good within 15 years,” said Mayor Scott. “This is a critical component of solving this challenge. Using these funds in our neighborhoods that have been disinvested in for decades will increase homeownership while preserving communities. It will take all of us working together to get there.”

The city estimates that these grants will support the restoration of dozens of homes, depending on the scale of the needed renovation and compliance with safety and building standards. Local leaders view this effort as one facet of a broader strategy aimed at rebuilding Baltimore’s housing stock.

FACEBOOK LINK: Mayor Brandon Scott’s office announced… – The Baltimore Sun | Facebook

These grants come amid larger efforts to address Baltimore’s longtime vacancy problem. Approaches such as the “Reinvest Baltimore” plan aim to repurpose thousands of vacant homes across the city through partnerships among state, nonprofit, and private entities. In addition, civic organizations like the Greater Baltimore Committee have joined Mayor Scott in crafting plans involving billions of dollars in investment to reverse the decades-long erosion of neighborhoods burdened by vacant structures.

For residents living near vacant rowhouses, the program offers hope. Vacant houses frequently attract vandalism, reduce nearby property values, and pose safety concerns. Stabilizing these houses isn’t just about improving appearance. Stabilization also restores trust, increases neighborhood engagement, and potentially brings economic stability to areas that have long been sidelined.

Still, challenges remain. Mayor Scott’s office will need to balance rigorous application requirements with residents’ capacity to meet the demands of renovation. All factors, including costs, permits, and oversight, could deter potential buyers if the process becomes too complex. Whether the grant money will stretch far enough and whether residents and owners will be equipped to follow through will determine if this initiative brings lasting change.

Trump, Black History Month, Tiger Woods, grants, whitney Plantation,

by Mitti Hicks

September 18, 2025

Why There’s A Giant Golden Statue Of Trump Holding Bitcoin In DC

In March, the president signed an executive order to establish a 'strategic bitcoin reserve and digital asset stockpile.'

A 12-foot golden statue of President Donald Trump outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. appears to show him holding the cryptocurrency bitcoin.

The statue arrived as the Federal Reserve announced a quarter-point interest rate cut on Wednesday. According to local station WJLA, the temporary piece on 3rd Street was funded by a collective of cryptocurrency investors.

“The installation is designed to ignite conversation about the future of government-issued currency and is a symbol of the intersection between modern politics and financial innovation,” Hichem Zaghdoudi, spokesperson for the investors, told the outlet. “As the Federal Reserve shapes economic policy, we hope this statue prompts reflection on cryptocurrency’s growing influence.”

Golden Statue Comes As Investors Applaud Trump For Embracing Cryptocurrency

Less than two months into his second term, Trump signed an executive order to establish a “strategic bitcoin reserve and digital asset stockpile.”

“Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, is referred to as ‘digital gold’ because of its scarcity and security, having never been hacked,” said Trump in the executive order. “With a fixed supply of 21 million coins, there is a strategic advantage to being among the first nations to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.”

The Trump administration claims that while the United States holds a significant amount of bitcoin, it has not “maximized its strategic position” as a unique store of value in the global financial system. It’s also important to note that, days before his inauguration, the then-president-elect launched another cryptocurrency, a meme coin named $TRUMP, which many considered a conflict of interest.

Proponents of the reserve argue that it will also help the government reduce its debt and directly strengthen the U.S. dollar. Opponents, however, say that the justifications are vague and inadequate.

“Take the BITCOIN Act’s claim that a bitcoin stockpile will help the government pay off its debt. For that to be true, two things have to happen. First, bitcoin’s value must go up,” analysts at the Cato Institute noted. “Second, the stockpile must eventually be sold to realize the gains, and you can bet that the same bitcoin holders who have managed to get the government to keep the bitcoin it already has will cry foul if it ever tries to sell any new coins it acquires.”

Coach Prime, racial, recruit, reference, Colorado, college, football,, Deion Sanders, Deion Sanders

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 18, 2025

Deion Sanders Expects Accountability From Players

'If you're going to be accountable to go pick up that NIL check, you're going to be accountable for what goes on on that field as well.'

Former NFL great Deion Sanders had a message for college athletes about accountability on the field at a time when players are receiving checks for participating in a sport that, until recently, had been compensated only through scholarships.

According to The Sporting News, during a press conference, the Colorado Buffaloes football head coach reminded his players that they must be accountable for their play, whether they win or lose, on the field—especially those who are being paid through NIL (name, image, likeness) deals. In recent years, some players have been earning money through outside sponsorships that pay them.

“If you’re going to be accountable to go pick up that NIL check, you’re going to be accountable for what goes on on that field as well. And our kids understand that, and they’re holding one another accountable, and I like it. I really do. I love them for that.”

This is the coach’s first year that his son, Shedeur, is not playing at the quarterback position, as he is now an NFL player on the Cleveland Browns team. Without the quarterback leading the team, something he has done since “Coach Prime” coached the Jackson State University team and the current Colorado squad, the team has seemingly lost a little luster, along with last season’s Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter, not on the team, as he is also playing in the NFL.

Leadership on the field is important to Sanders as well, as he stated that he expects that, along with consistency, of anyone involved in his life.

“Leadership and consistency. That’s it. That ain’t much to ask for, is it? Leadership and consistency. I look for that from everyone. Every man and every woman that’s involved in my life.”

The Buffaloes are currently sporting a losing record of 1-2 after dropping their first week’s contest and again this past weekend. The team’s next match is against Wyoming on Sept. 20 at home.