Nicki Minaj To Continue Riding MAGA Train With Appearance At Trump Summit
Minaj is continuing to align herself with MAGA as she supports Trump at his upcoming summit.
Nicki Minaj is still trading in her pink wig for a red MAGA hat.
The controversial rapper will appear as a guest on behalf of President Donald Trump at an upcoming summit. The event, set for Jan. 28, is about the president’s latest eponymously named venture, the Trump Account.
According toComplex, the summit plans to encourage parents to set up retirement accounts for their children, a provision initially included in Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. While the event’s headlining speakers are Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trump himself, the Head Barb-in-Chief made her own announcement of her expected appearance.
Minaj opted to confirm the news to the “Barbz,” her dedicated fan base, herself. The “Barbie Tingz” rapper reposted a flyer Jan. 24 that listed her as a special guest at the Trumps Account Summit.
The true meaning of paying it forward.
Early financial literacy & financial support for our children will give them a major head start in life.
In some cases, they will end up teaching their very own parents how to invest & what to invest in.
As for her involvement in the MAGA event, Minaj called it a way of “paying it forward” for the next generation of baby Republicans. She deemed it as “financial support” for American youth, a cause she proudly stands for.
“The true meaning of paying it forward,” wrote Minaj on X, “Early financial literacy & financial support for our children will give them a major head start in life. “
However, given who she is standing with, fans and general hip-hop enthusiasts have side-eyed Minaj’s MAGA antics. The New York artist, however, has still shown upto amplify her new conservative platform. She previously appeared at a Turning Point USA event to speak with Erika Kirk, widow of the late Charlie Kirk.
While explicitly stating she will be there, Minaj made a slight jump scare with her continued support for MAGA. Before posting actual words, she used a meme of the fictional doll Chucky to scare critics about her involvement.
Minaj, however, is trying to rise above the backlash. She further explained how the Trump Account is a good way for parents and children to learn about investing.
The mother of one added,” In some cases, they will end up teaching their very own parents how to invest & what to invest in. This makes me very happy.”
Jemele Hill Calls Out The ‘Consequences’ Of Normalizing Sports Betting Culture
Jemele Hill speaks candidly about the risks of a normalized sports betting culture and its growing influence on younger fans.
Between nonstop ads across screens to branded stadiums and team jerseys, today’s sports landscape has made sports betting almost impossible to ignore. With wagering now woven into nearly every part of the fan experience, Jemele Hill is stepping into the conversation, raising concerns about what she views as the growing dangers of an increasingly normalized sports betting culture.
The veteran sports commentator dives deep into the matter in VICE TV’s Out of Bounds: The Sports Betting Boom, the third installment of the Out of Bounds series that examines the changing landscape of modern sports and sports betting culture. In the episode, Hill reflects on her own experiences with sports gambling and explores how its rapid rise has altered the way fans and players engage with professional sports.
“Once the Supreme Court made sports gambling available everywhere, I think we have seen a number of scandals, gambling scandals related to sports across different sports,” Hill told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
The Jemele Hill is Unbothered host compared the rapid growth of sports betting to the tobacco industry, noting how cigarettes once became deeply normalized through constant promotion across popular culture.
“I think we need to think very carefully about where and how this is being normalized,” Hill explained. “You know, tobacco cigarettes became cool because movie stars did it. Because, you know, people in movies smoked, because smoking seemed like something that was alluring and sexy and those kinds of things.”
And so I think we need to be very clear and very cognizant of how this is being marketed, especially to younger people, because I think that’s where the real danger lies, you know, young people being able to access sports gambling on their phone, you know, when they turn 18. I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.”
In recent years, several professional athletes across major sports leagues have been caught up in gambling-related scandals, underscoring the risks tied to the rapid expansion of sports betting.
From players betting on games to violations involving insider information and betting accounts, the growing number of incidents reflects how deeply betting has seeped into sports culture and how normalization may be blurring ethical lines for both players and fans alike, Hill says.
“I think we’re just going to have to get accustomed to hearing about players betting on themselves, betting on their sport, betting on other sports, and running into these situations that used to be considered to be something that was a cardinal sin in sports,” she explained.
“Gambling on the game, you know, compromising your professional integrity as it relates to sports gambling, you know, was something that destroyed a player’s career. And so, but I think now we’re in the age that gambling has become so normalized and so accepted that we’re going to be living in the consequences of it.”
In Out of Bounds, Hill and other sports insiders examine the point at which fandom turns into addiction through sports betting, and how gambling has seeped into the daily lives of both fans and players, as reflected in recent headlines.
Hill says the trend highlights a growing dehumanization of athletes themselves.
“It’s a common blind spot, I think most fans have, is that in their minds, the players aren’t real people to them. They are just entertainment vessels,” she explained. “And so because of that, I think they have, their default mode is to dehumanize the players. And, you know, they don’t understand that, yes, many of them lead great lives in the sense that they have money, they have adulation, they have fame, but often those things come at a price and a cost.”
As a prominent voice in sports media, Hill openly acknowledges her experiences with sports gambling but notes that she’s able to keep it in check.
Still, she worries about how today’s betting-saturated culture is shaping younger sports fans, who are growing up with gambling woven into nearly every part of the game.
“I’m not gonna be on a high horse and act like I’ve never gambled on sports. I do maybe once or twice a year, maybe,” Hill admitted. “But what you are seeing is that younger and younger sports fans are, because they have access to this so early, that I think, you know, a nation, there’s gonna be a generation of sports gambling addicts that pretty much have developed right under our nose.”
The author and sports journalist points to fan engagement platforms like Fantasy Football as clear examples of how betting culture has reshaped the way fans experience the NFL. What was once a Sunday spent simply enjoying matchups between teams has become an increasingly high-stakes pursuit, with fans focused on individual outcomes and potential payouts tied to their bets.
“Even though people look at this harmlessly, I mean, let’s be honest, fantasy football is really just gambling at the core of it,” Hill declared. “It may not be as intense as, say, prop betting, but you know, I did fantasy football for a while, and I was even the lead commissioner a couple of times, and I saw then how it changes how you watch the game because you become much less interested in like teams and more interested in individual players.”
“And you even run into uncomfortable situations where you’re rooting against your own team because you want to win your fantasy game.”
With sports betting heavily promoted in an era when younger college-level athletes can profit from their name, image, and likeness through NIL deals, Hill believes the moment calls for stronger oversight of sports gambling.
She is emphasizing the need for safeguards to protect both young fans and athletes navigating an increasingly betting-driven sports culture.
“I think we need to be conscious and not pretend that we are marketing something that is, you know, we’re not marketing something that’s gonna necessarily be positive over the course of time,” she said. “There are plenty of people, I get it, that gamble responsibly, but I think how appealing we’ve made this for young people is something that we really ought to put in check.”
Catch more of Jemele Hill’s take on the issue when Out of Bounds: The Sports Betting Boom premieres on VICE TV Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET.
South African Court Clears Path For Sale Of Nelson Mandela Memorabilia
The items are owned by Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe and former Robben Island warden Christo Brand.
A South African appeals court has ruled against a government heritage agency’s attempt to prevent the sale and overseas export of dozens of personal items once belonging to Nelson Mandela, dealing a blow to efforts to classify the objects as protected national heritage.
As reported by the BBC, the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed an application by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), which had sought to block the auction of about 70 artifacts tied to the anti-apartheid icon. The collection includes a prison cell key from Robben Island, where Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years behind bars, along with personal effects such as a tennis racket, aviator sunglasses, and one of his distinctive patterned shirts.
The items are jointly owned by Mandela’s eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, and Christo Brand, a former Robben Island prison warden who worked closely with Mandela during his incarceration. They were initially slated to be auctioned in the United States. SAHRA argued that the objects formed part of South Africa’s cultural heritage and were therefore protected from being sold or removed from the country under the National Heritage Resources Act. The agency became aware of the planned sale after a British newspaper reported in late 2021 that the prison key alone could fetch more than $1.35 million.
Following that report, SAHRA contacted the U.S.-based auction house Guernsey, requesting that the sale be halted and the items returned to South Africa. The broader collection also includes a copy of the 1996 South African Constitution signed by Mandela, one of his charcoal sketches, his identification card, gifts from international leaders, and memorabilia from his time on Robben Island.
Makaziwe Mandela has said she intended to use funds raised from the auction to create a memorial garden at her father’s gravesite in Qunu, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
In its ruling, the appeals court found that SAHRA’s reading of the heritage law was “overly broad.” The judges noted that while Makaziwe Mandela and Brand had provided detailed explanations for why their possessions should not be classified as heritage objects, the agency “made no attempt” to clearly justify its position.
Makaziwe Mandela welcomed the judgment, criticizing the agency for presuming “to know my father’s last wishes better than those who were beside him at the end — his family.” She added, “Nobody is more invested in ensuring Tata’s legacy endures in the way he would want to be remembered than those who carry his name.”
She said no final decision has yet been made about whether the items will still go to auction.
The ruling has reignited debate in South Africa, with some arguing that artifacts linked to Mandela should remain in the country for public preservation, while others maintain that his family has the right to decide their fate.
Mandela, who died in 2013 at age 95, led the African National Congress in the struggle against apartheid, was released from prison in 1990, and became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994 after winning the Nobel Peace Prize the year before.
Winter Storm Ravages Across U.S. With Threats Of Power Outages And ‘Catastrophic’ Ice Levels
Several states are preparing for historic ice levels and days-long power outages.
As a historic winter storm makes it way across the southern and eastern parts of the United States, millions prepare for power outages and ice accumulation.
Weather experts have expressed warnings about the potential impact of Winter Storm Fern as it hit the U.S. this weekend. As millions expect to face the storm, those across numerous states have already faced travel disruptions and dangerously low temperatures.
The storm’s major impact began to affect cities the morning of Jan. 25. As a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain pummeled streets, forecasters warned people to remain at home and off the roads. According to NPR, states like Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee are among those worst affected.
For many, the greatest concern lies in the ice accumulations, making travel nearly impossible across the South. The ice totals remain especially perilous, as it could impact travel for days with slippery roads and broken power lines.
“Whenever we see these big ice events, we’ll see various hazards; obviously, bridges and overpasses being frozen over, and with trees and various different things that could fall into the roadways or potentially fall on houses,” said Nicholas Price, an NWS meteorologist in Texas.
Other states along the northeastern coast could also experience nearly one to two feet of snow, with wind chills potentially reaching 50 below zero in some upstate New York counties.
Even airports have faced immense cancellations, with Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan airport cancelling all flights scheduled Jan. 25. However, experts told the news outlet of several ways to navigate the impact of the winter storm, even as some elements remain unavoidable.
People were encouraged to stock up on items to get them through the roughest days of the storm, staying mindful to only purchase necessities as emergency officials work to re-open operations. Several schools, such as the University of Georgia in Athens, have encouraged students to stay home through the weekend in light of the storm.
With outages expected, officials also warned for individuals to keep devices charged before power cuts. Many states have also provided information regarding shelters and warming centers for those at risk in unhoused situations.
Most importantly, officials from New Mexico to Mississippi are emphasizing the importance for residents to heed these concerns. Remaining off roads and taking an abundance of caution could make a vital difference as the storm takes shape across America.
Cristina Payne Speaks Out After Footage Of Alleged 2024 Assault By Comedian Corey Holcomb Is Released
Payne claims Holcomb had a gun on him as the event took a violent turn.
Cristina Payne is speaking out about an alleged assault involving fellow comedian Corey Holcomb.
Newly released surveillance footage of the incident has stunned viewers — and Payne herself. She alleges that Holcomb became enraged during a roast outside the Hollywood Improv comedy club in Los Angeles in December 2024, leading to the confrontation.
The just-released video showed the confrontation between a man and woman, who appeared to be Payne and Holcomb, as fellow attendees surrounded them.
As tensions escalated, the man then walked up to the woman, punching her in the face. A male bystander then grabbed Holcomb and attacked him after Payne was stuck. This resulted in others getting involved in the fight.
She spoke to TMZ on Jan. 23 about the ordeal, becoming visibly shaken as she recalled the attack.
“It is hard even seeing that right now, seeing that playback and having to relive all of this all over again,” shared the emotional Payne.
Payne, however, explained that the video does not show the full recount of the incident. The California native also alleged that Holcomb had a gun on him, handing it off as things got heated.
“There’s a gun involved that he passed off to another comedian…before he hit me,” she said as began to choke up. “So literally I am fighting with my mouth for my life roasting this dude…”
TMZ host Harvey Levin asked if Payne will take legal action against Holcomb. In response, Payne choked up about her experience since the assault. She explained how she feels silenced in the aftermath, despite initially filing a battery report with the LAPD.
“I feel like Corey [Holcomb]’s threatened or tried to silence me. I’ve been in fear for my life literally, not able to leave the house sometimes.”
However, police did not make any arrest of Holcomb, who also unsuccessfully tried to get a restraining order against her. In the interview, Payne clarified that the two actually filed restraining orders against each other. However, the legal process came to a halt due to apparent harassment of Payne’s attorney.
“Literally, it’s horrible, the way he treats women, the way he talks about us. And to the point where it’s like ‘really you’re going to hit me because I’m telling you about God and you need to change your ways.'”
Payne then also shared how the LAPD’s lack of action led to no further progress on the matter. However, the video’s public release has brought attention back to the assault, potentially relaunching Payne’s own quest for justice.
Although questioned on whether Holcomb’s own allegations that she sparked the incident are true, Payne remained adamant that she did not do anything to warrant the violence against her.
“Basically, at the end of the day, he put his hands on me,” she asserted. “I didn’t do anything to him.”
Cory Booker Joins Senate Democrats In Opposing ICE Funding Amid Another Death In Minneapolis Raids
Their vote against the bill could result in a partial government shutdown.
Senate Democrats are putting their foot down on a DHS funding bill as ICE agents continue their violent raids in Minneapolis.
As the U.S. contends with another fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by ICE agents, Democratic lawmakers have vowed to oppose a bill funding ICE operations by the Department of Homeland Security. The elected officials, such as Senator Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, expressed their decision to stand firm against the measure, as reported byThe New York Times.
As the news of 37-year-old Alex Pretti’s death sparked outcry across America, Schumer condemned the killing while stating that Senate Democrats will not support the appropriations bill. He and fellow Senators critiqued the bill as it stands, claiming it allocates increased funding for ICE.
Booker also shared on social media about the “out of control and unaccountable” government agency, emphasizing his opposition to new ICE detention centers in his state.
Today I visited Roxbury, where ICE is considering putting a detention facility, against the wishes of a bipartisan coalition of local leaders. I also met with community members and law enforcement in Morristown to discuss the recent ICE activities which have left the community… pic.twitter.com/IEP6AfEGlP
“The stories of ICE actions and their consequences are not distant; they are having real effects on our friends and neighbors in New Jersey. Let me be clear: I do not support any new ICE detention centers in New Jersey, and I will not vote to continue to fund this out-of-control agency,” shared the New Jersey official.
Booker also stated, “Congress must not continue funding an out-of-control and unaccountable DHS and ICE that have repeatedly escalated violence and so severely broken laws and Constitutional protections.”
Schumer confirmed that the Senate does not have the necessary votes for the bill to proceed with the Democrats’ forcing their hand. If the bill does not pass, however, that leaves the federal government at risk of a partial shutdown. As it stands, the measure remains part of a crucial spending package, leaving several other agencies’ funding in the air.
Karine Jean-Pierre To Host 2026 African American Film Critics Awards
The former White House press secretary is stepping into the entertainment spotlight while emphasizing storytelling, community, and cultural legacy.
Karine Jean-Pierre is entering a new public role, this time far from the White House briefing room. The former press secretary for President Joe Biden has been selected to host the 17th annual African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Awards, an honor announced exclusively by Variety. The ceremony will take place Feb. 8 in Los Angeles, celebrating excellence in film as chosen by more than 100 AAFCA members.
Jean-Pierre, 51, follows a lineup of notable hosts, including comedian Amber Ruffin, who emceed last year’s film awards, and singer Jordin Sparks, who led AAFCA’s 2025 television ceremony. This year’s honorees include Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, and director Ryan Coogler, along with the animated breakout KPop Demon Hunters.
Though the move marks a shift from politics to entertainment, Jean-Pierre says her focus remains firmly on those being honored. “I don’t want it to be about me,” she told Variety. “I’m playing a tiny part here. My job is to honor, celebrate, and lift the brilliant artists who are being recognized.”
Jean-Pierre, who served as the nation’s 35th White House press secretary from 2022 to 2025, made history as the first Black person and the first openly LGBTQ individual to hold the position. She described accepting the hosting role as “an easy yes,” citing her admiration for AAFCA’s mission and leadership. “The AAFCA Awards have spent 17 years celebrating extraordinary contributions in film, and I am just so in awe of Gil Robertson and the team,” she said. “The mission is to honor storytellers who explore the many faces of humanity through diverse perspectives.”
Despite her prominence in political communications, Jean-Pierre emphasized that the ceremony will remain centered on artists rather than the host. “One of the things I learned in the press comms world is don’t make yourself the news,” she said. “I want it to be light, enjoyable, smooth and let the stars shine.”
Unlike many former press secretaries who pivot to cable news or political commentary, Jean-Pierre has taken a different path. “I’ve always seen myself as someone who does things differently,” she explained. “I don’t follow a set path or look at the people before me and copy their trajectory — that’s just never been who I am.”
She expressed particular excitement about meeting several of the evening’s honorees. “I’ve never met Michael B. Jordan,” she said, adding that Ryan Coogler is someone she deeply admires. “Just touching him would be amazing. He’s so incredibly brilliant.”
Jean-Pierre recently published her memoir, Independent, and says her post-White House chapter will focus on storytelling beyond politics. She revealed that she has acquired the rights to the stories of Alice Dunnigan and Ethel Payne, the first two Black women in the White House press corps. “The women asked presidents questions and were often ignored by the boys’ club,” she said. “And yet so few people know their names.”
AAFCA president and co-founder Gil Robertson said he is “elated” to welcome Jean-Pierre as host. “She’s current, credible and brilliant,” he said. “We love her energy and her vibe.”
As she prepares to take the stage, Jean-Pierre framed the moment as larger than an awards ceremony. “We need this right now,” she said. “We need an opportunity and a space to celebrate ourselves.”
Sundance Condemns Racially Motivated Assault On Rep. Maxwell Frost At Private Park City Event
Festival officials denounce violence after the Florida congressman said he was punched during a racially charged incident outside official Sundance programming.
Sundance Film Festival officials issued a statement condemning violence after Rep. Maxwell Frost said he was assaulted during a private, non-festival event in Park City, Utah, over the weekend. The incident occurred late night on Jan. 23 during a party held at High West Saloon amid the annual film festival.
As reported by TheNew York Times, Frost, a Democrat from Florida, publicly identified himself as the victim of what he described as a racially motivated attack, saying a man made racist remarks before punching him in the face. Park City police confirmed that an arrest was made in connection with the incident.
“We strongly condemn last night’s assault and abhor any form of violence, harassment, and hate speech,” Sundance officials said in a statement released Jan 24. “While the incident occurred at a non-Festival-affiliated event, such behavior is intolerable and against our values of upholding a welcoming and inspiring environment for all our attendees.”
Festival organizers emphasized that attendee safety remains a priority. “The safety and security of our festival attendees is always our chief concern, and our thoughts are with Congressman Frost and his continued well-being,” the statement continued, urging anyone with information to contact local authorities.
According to the Park City Police Department, officers responded to reports of an assault shortly after midnight at High West Saloon, a distillery and bar where a private party was underway. Danielle Snelson, a community outreach lieutenant with the department, identified the suspect as Christian Young.
Young allegedly entered the event unlawfully after being denied access because he did not have an invitation, police said. “Mr. Young assaulted Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost and a female who was attending the private event,” Snelson said in an email. Authorities did not immediately disclose a motive for the attack.
Young was taken into custody and booked into the Summit County Jail on charges of aggravated burglary and two counts of simple assault. Witnesses reported that the suspect made statements expressing pride in being white before striking a person of color, later confirmed to be Frost.
Frost described the encounter in a post on X, writing, “Last night, I was assaulted by a man at Sundance Festival who told me that Trump was going to deport me before he punched me in the face.” He added that the individual was “heard screaming racist remarks as he drunkenly ran off,” noting that he was not seriously injured and thanking venue security and police for their response.
Last night, I was assaulted by a man at Sundance Festival who told me that Trump was going to deport me before he punched me in the face. He was heard screaming racist remarks as he drunkenly ran off. The individual was arrested and I am okay.
— Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@RepMaxwellFrost) January 24, 2026
According to his campaign website, Frost, elected in 2022 at age 25, became the first member of Generation Z to serve in Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th District and comes from a family with Cuban, Puerto Rican, Lebanese, and Haitian roots. Frost’s family immigrated from Cuba to Florida in the early 1960s as part of a wave of Cuban refugees who were flown to the United States.
LAPD Captain Allegedly Deleted Critical Texts Meant For Evidence In Black Lives Matter Lawsuit
The allegations have sowed further distrust in the city over the handling of the evidence.
A judge over an excessive force lawsuit against the LAPD believes one captain deleted text messages critical to the case.
The lawsuit was filed over the LAPD’s response to a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest. According to the Los Angeles Times, the police unit allegedly used excessive force to quell the protest, as video footage also showed officers using their batons to beat down the demonstrators. Activists from Black Lives Matter Los Angeles proceeded to take legal action over the issue in 2022.
Additional bodycam footage, delivered to the court by the plaintiff’s legal team, also showed officers sending out text messages, allegedly proving their plans to aggressively handle the protestors. However, screenshots of what these messages said never reached the courtroom.
Now, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has determined that a LAPD Captain Warner Castillo must have destroyed the crucial evidence detailing these texts. Judge Theresa M. Traber sided with the activists in a ruling made in October, sanctioning the city over the issue.
The judge further stated that Castillo likely triggered a “factory reset” on his phone to ensure the texts were erased after the plaintiffs signaled their plan to use the messages. The judge also proposed that Castillo went so far as to delete backups of the texts located in his iCloud account.
The city had asked the judge to reconsider the ruling, arguing that it had indeed turned in all relevant texts and other documents crucial to the lawsuit. Despite their urges, Traber reaffirmed her belief in the “extremely grave” allegations against Castillo. She noted that his initial defense of texting his family, with the lack of backups stemming from his wife gifting the family new phones for a holiday, fell flat.
However, the city has turned over other texts in its mission to prove it was not hiding evidence, now prompting Traber to take these messages into account. On the other hand, the plaintiff’s legal team claims the city originally stated it had turned in all evidence, further compromising the city’s integrity in the case and public trust in the LAPD.
“The public has to be able to have confidence that the police are doing their jobs appropriately, and that’s been shaken in a big way recently,” stated one of the activists’ attorneys, John Washington.
The city will turn in nearly 1,000 additional texts, reportedly pertinent to the case. However, what evidence will be used from officers’ personal cell phones remains an issue as the case nears trial, especially if it is considered public record and key evidence of motives.
A trial remains on schedule to begin later this year or at the start of 2027.
Amy DuBois Barnett’s Book ‘If I Ruled The World’ Lands Hulu Series
The book is inspired by Barnett's own journey as a media pioneer and trailblazing editor.
Amy DuBois Barnett’s debut work will hit the small screen as Hulu greenlights an adaptation of the novel.
“If I Ruled The World” will officially release to bookshelves Jan. 27. However, the project already has plans for streaming, with Hulu acquiring the rights to adapt Barnett’s book. She shared the news on Instagram, expressing her excitement about the book’s entertainment.
“I wrote this novel seeing it cinematically from the start, and it’s surreal to now be shaping that vision for the screen. And my book comes out Tuesday. What a week,” exclaimed the editor.
As Barnett’s work is expected to make a splash in the literary scene, incoming fans of the novel can get ready for its television debut. Varietyconfirmed that Hulu intends to make the series an hour-long drama. Barnett will serve as co-executive producer alongside Lee Daniels, who will also co-write the highly anticipated pilot.
The novel takes inspiration from Barnett’s life as a media trailblazer, making history as the editor-in-chief of Ebony magazine and Teen People. However, the story particularly focuses on a younger version of herself. The protagonist, Nikki Rose, navigates life as the sole Black editor of a publication at the turn of the century.
“It’s 1999, and Nikki Rose is the only Black editor on the staff of a prestigious fashion magazine she once thought would be her ticket to becoming a respected editor in chief,” according to the synopsis on Amazon.
However, Rose decides to bet on herself, leaving what she once considered a dream job to instead lead a Black magazine.
It continues, “But after being told one too many times by her boss that “Black girls don’t sell magazines,” she quits to take over Sugar, a struggling hip-hop music and lifestyle magazine with untapped potential…Thrown into an entirely new world of wealth, decadence, and debauchery, Nikki has just six months to save Sugar―and her own dreams.”
Amid the release of “If I Ruled The World,” Barnett will head on a book tour across Brooklyn, Atlanta, and other cities to further engage fans.
