by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 23, 2025

Temple University’s New Course Examines Kendrick Lamar’s Life, Influence, and Musical Legacy

Kendrick Lamar is the inspiration behind a new course coming to Temple University.

Temple University will introduce a new course in Fall 2025 that explores Kendrick Lamar’s life and music, focusing on the state of Black culture.

Developed by Temple University Africology and African American Studies professor Timothy Welbeck, the course, titled “Kendrick Lamar and the Morale of M.A.A.D City”, uses the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist’s life and music as an academic resource, WHYY reported. Taking an Africalogical and Afrocentric approach, the class will examine the socioeconomic realities and cultural backdrop of Lamar’s hometown, Compton, California, as well as the state of Black culture that shapes the rapper’s work.

From his powerful 2016 Grammy performance to his headlining set at the 2025 Super Bowl LIX halftime show, Lamar has consistently used his platform to deliver raw, thought-provoking commentary on America’s treatment of the Black community. His Grammy-winning albums spark conversations that resonate long after their release, fueling ongoing debates about race, justice, and the country’s cultural landscape.

“Kendrick Lamar is one of the leading voices of his generation and has a keen ability to articulate various dynamics of black life and the quest towards self-actualization, and particularly also capturing the narrative of marginalization and rising from that,” Welbeck, a lawyer, professor, and fellow hip-hop artist, said.

Centering Black culture and hip-hop, the course will explore the roots of West Coast hip-hop and its influence on Lamar’s sound. As a Philadelphia native and hip-hop artist himself, Welbeck views the musical genre as a powerful lens for understanding generational voices, especially within the Black community, where hip-hop has long served as a look into challenging lived realities.

The course builds on familiar ground for Welbeck, who previously taught “Hip-Hop and Black Culture” at Temple. With this new class, he hopes students gain a deeper appreciation for Kendrick Lamar’s artistry and a broader understanding of hip-hop’s cultural significance on a global scale.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 23, 2025

Nationwide McDonald’s Boycott Planned As An Act Of ‘Economic Resistance’

The People’s Union is going after McDonald’s with its latest nationwide boycott.

McDonald’s is gearing up for a nationwide boycott beginning June 24 as advocates target the mega fast food chain as a sign of support against “economic resistance.”

The People’s Union, a rising movement known for spearheading boycotts against Amazon, Target, and Walmart in recent months, is now targeting McDonald’s with a new campaign urging Americans to avoid the fast food chain from June 24 to 30, Newsweek reports.

The group says the latest boycott is a form of “economic resistance” aimed at holding corporations accountable and pushing for “real justice for the working class.”

”This is about more than burgers and fries, this is about power,” the group wrote in an Instagram post. “When we unite and hit corporations in their wallets, they listen.”

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A post shared by The People’s Union USA (@thepeoplesunionusa)

Like its previous campaigns targeting major U.S. corporations, the People’s Union boycott against McDonald’s urges the fast food giant to pay its fair share of federal taxes in support of easing the burden on America’s working class.

”We’re demanding fair taxes, an end to price gouging, real equality, and corporate accountability,” the grassroots movement wrote.

Since February, the group has led boycotts against Amazon, Walmart, and Target, along with periodic “economic blackouts,” encouraging Americans to skip shopping, streaming, online orders, fast food, and more, urging support for small, local businesses instead.

“Economic resistance is working. Target, Walmart, and Amazon are all feeling it, talking about it. They are talking about the boycotts. They are talking about The People’s Union USA,” The People’s Union founder John Schwarz said last month. “My friends, we are fighting for these corporations to finally pay their fair share of federal income taxes to alleviate that from the American worker. We are also fighting for these companies to hold manufacturers and themselves to a reasonable profit margin cap and equality across the board.”

Earlier this year, The People’s Union USA released a list of core grievances on its website targeting major corporations, citing issues like tax avoidance, poor worker conditions, and monopolistic behavior. McDonald’s was specifically called out for “tax avoidance and lobbying against wage increases,” according to the group.

More boycotts are planned for the summer, including an Independence Day action and a month-long boycott of Starbucks, Amazon, and Home Depot in July. The group will target McDonald’s, Walmart, and Lowe’s in August.

Antonio McBroom, Ben & Jerry, selfish servant

by Nancy E Williams

June 23, 2025

Antonio McBroom, Ben & Jerry’s Largest Franchisee, Releases His First Book

Earlier this year, McBroom embarked on his next venture, launching his first book: The Self•ish Servant: Inspirational Lessons from a Visionary CEO to Create Extra-Ordinary Life.

The name Antonio McBroom should be familiar to BLACK ENTERPRISE readers, as we’ve covered his tremendous success, awards, and accolades as Founder and CEO of PRIMO Partners — the largest franchise ownership group for Ben & Jerry’s. Earlier this year, McBroom embarked on his next venture, launching his first book: The Self•ish Servant: Inspirational Lessons from a Visionary CEO to Create Extra-Ordinary Life.

With the rising demand for authentic, values-driven leadership, particularly among next-generation business builders, The Self•ish Servant offers a fresh perspective on one of the fundamental questions in business: How do you create lasting impact while building sustainable success? The book serves as an inspiring personal narrative and a practical guide to McBroom’s innovative leadership philosophy, combining self-development with servant leadership principles.

PRIMO Partners is a Southeast-based, award-winning, multi-unit and multi-brand organization with the goal of improving racial and socioeconomic equity in local communities. Through mentorship, coaching, and leadership development programs, McBroom and his team are creating the next generation of leaders. Now, McBroom is furthering this mission with the launch of The Self•ish Servant.

“I went from living in a house without running water to becoming the youngest franchise owner in Ben & Jerry’s history and building a multi-unit, multi-brand organization,” shared McBroom. “My transformation didn’t come through conventional business strategies—it came through learning to be selfish and servant-minded, a paradox that unlocks extraordinary potential—and this was the most meaningful lesson I’ve ever learned.”

In his book, McBroom chronicles his journey from growing up in rural North Carolina to becoming an award-winning CEO, offering an innovative framework for leadership that combines self-development with servant leadership principles. Along with practical business insight, McBroom shares his unique “Seven Principles of CEO Life” and is living proof of the success that comes from combining tenacity, self-awareness, and servant leadership.

A Morehead-Cain Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill, McBroom discovered early on that true leadership requires an unconventional balance of deeply investing in one’s self-development and having an unwavering commitment to serving others. Despite facing significant obstacles, including racial discrimination and near-bankruptcy, McBroom developed a revolutionary approach to business leadership that has produced remarkable results across multiple industries.

As a 100% black-owned business, PRIMO Partners is on a mission to develop diverse businesses and leaders. PRIMO breaks down barriers for Black entrepreneurship and business ownership challenges faced in marginalized communities. Using their business as a vessel to help bridge the generational wealth gap for minorities, they invest a percentage of their revenues every year to support communities and organizations, providing access to education, consulting, mentorship, resources, and staff development to build future leaders and business owners.

For more information, visit selfishservant.com.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 23, 2025

LeBron James And Kobe Bryant Autographed Patches Auction For $1.16M

A buyer purchased a 2009 Upper Deck Exquisite Dual Logoman autographed card signed by both players

A buyer purchased a 2009 Upper Deck Exquisite Dual Logoman autographed card of Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James and the late Kobe Bryant for just a little over a million dollars in a recent auction.

According to Sports Illustrated, the purchase of the item was $1,161,440 after it was placed on the Goldin Auctions website. The first bid, which was placed on May 15, was for $500,000 until the final bid came in on June 14.

The listing for the item stated: “Two of the most iconic players in NBA history, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, have placed blue ink on-card signatures on the cardfront of this unbelievably prestigious Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual NBA Logo Autographed Patches collectible. The card features a pair of multicolored game-used NBA “Logoman” logo patches. Since their first mainstream emergence in the “Logo Mania” insert set within the 2002-03 Upper Deck basketball production, Logoman patch cards consistently rank as the most sought-after chase cards in any issue wherein they are featured.”

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With the price tag of $1.16 million, it fell short of another James/Bryant card on the auction block in 2022. Goldin Auctions sold a 2006 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection featuring James and Bryant, along with Michael Jordan, for $1.68 million on Aug. 6, 2022.

Both basketball players have left their mark on the NBA and played with the Lakers, a franchise with 18 championships.

Bryant’s life was cut short when the basketball legend died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others on Jan. 26, 2020. He was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

James, who will be in the Hall of Fame five years after he leaves the basketball court for good, is the record holder for most points scored and the only player to surpass 39,000 points in the league.

RELATED CONTENT: LeBron James Wants the NBA To Make 2 Changes

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 23, 2025

Alabama A&M University Exposed In State Audit For Non-Compliance Issues And Overpaying Employees

The school faced issues within accounts payable and its Athletics department.

A new state audit on Alabama A&M University found the HBCU had multiple non-compliance issues.

The audit looked at the school’s accounts from 2019 to 2022. In the 2023 filing, the school violated seven areas of compliance, as confirmed by WHNT.

The Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts discovered that the HBCU did not correctly input an employee’s salary into its system. The mistake resulted in an overpayment of thousands of dollars to the employee.

The issue stemmed from the employee, who began working at the HBCU in March 2022, receiving an incorrect hire form. The document had an earlier end date than contractually agreed upon. As a result, the person obtained more funds during their employment. However, the form was consistently approved by the University system, falling through the cracks until this recent audit.

“The form was approved on eight different occasions by seven different approvers. Based on the hire form, the employee’s annual salary was entered into the accounting system to be paid over seven months instead of 12 months, resulting in a payroll overpayment totaling $7,228.26,” the state audit said.

Another notable non-compliance area occurred within the Athletic Department at Alabama A&M. The Examiners’ office found that the school did not “ensure accountability” for all tickets printed and sold.

It added, “Reconciliations provided were only for game day sales and were not reconciled to the general ledger. Discounts were provided to alumni, faculty, and staff, and for tailgate packages without documentation or a standard list of the types of discounts offered. Neither a listing of complimentary tickets nor evidence of supervisory review of the complimentary tickets issued could be provided.”

The school has since rectified the matter by ensuring all ticket sales are cashless. However, the school still must resolve multiple violations, including failing to reconcile student accounts receivable and accounts payable. The audit also found that the school lacked policies for bank reconciliations, suggesting that Alabama A&M take steps to develop these procedures to approve reconciliations promptly.

The school’s research station also circumvented its purchasing process, while journal entries did not follow proper procedure for review and approval either.

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 23, 2025

22-Year-Old Trump Superfan Hired To Fight Terrorism Weeks Before U.S. Entered Israeli-Iranian War

With no experience in a space that is set to stop attacks like September 11, 2001, counterterrorism officials, social media critics and American voters are increasingly concerned.

Thomas Fugate, a recent graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, has been tagged as the leader of the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), whose goal is to combat terrorism and hate-fueled violence in the United States, ProPublica reports.

The 22-year-old’s résumé includes experience as a neighborhood gardener and grocery store clerk as of August 2023. The former Heritage Foundation intern, known for spearheading Project 2025, was then appointed to the position by the White House after working on President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.

With no experience in Homeland Security, set up to stop attacks like September 11, 2001, counterterrorism officials, social media critics, and American voters are increasingly concerned. “Maybe he’s a wunderkind. Maybe he’s Doogie Howser and has everything at 21 years old, or whatever he is, to lead the office. But that’s not likely the case,” one counterterrorism researcher who once worked with CP3 officials said.

“It sounds like putting the intern in charge.”

Another said, “We’re entering very dangerous territory.”

Concerns on social media grew following Trump’s June 21 announcement that the U.S. attacked Iranian nuclear sites amid growing tensions with Israel. “Iranian Sleeper Cells? Don’t worry, America. 23-year-old former grocery store clerk Thomas Fugate is on the case at DHS,” @themainewonk posted on X.

Iranian Sleeper Cells? Don’t worry America. 23 year old former grocery store clerk Thomas Fugate is on the case at DHS. pic.twitter.com/DdepZqiCCZ
— Maine (@TheMaineWonk) June 23, 2025

Actor Mark Ruffalo even chimed in, asking how Fugate was even selected for the security position in the first place. “Hate crime and homegrown terrorist attacks are up, and now we are vulnerable to attacks from Iran. Who is this guy? How is he qualified for all this?” the Marvel actor said.

Hate crime and home grown terrorist attacks are up and now we are vulnerable to attacks from Iran. Who is this guy? How is he qualified for all this?https://t.co/Tz2gr4LxCU
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) June 23, 2025

Fugate is filling the large shoes of former DHS CP3 director William Braniff, who resigned Mar. 3. In a statement on LinkedIn, Braniff said he felt it was necessary after colleagues were wrongfully terminated. “Over the course of the weekend prior, eight dedicated and effective public servants were wrongfully terminated via email due to their probationary status,” the former leader wrote.

“As my term appointment was ending, the best thing I could do for them and for CP3 was to resign alongside them, as some agencies and departments have rehired people in mission-critical offices once they were made aware of the implications of those terminations.”

The Army veteran with 20 years of experience in national security encouraged voters to write to elected officials in an effort to save funding for a program that could save lives and democracy. “There are nearly 2.5 violent plots per day in the US, and many can be prevented if we continue to invest in CP3. Please amplify this message and write to your elected leaders,” Braniff continued.

Despite the backlash and growing concern, the White House stood down on its decision but claims the position is temporary. “Due to his success, he has been temporarily given additional leadership responsibilities in the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships office,” a White House official wrote in a statement.

“This is a credit to his work ethic and success on the job.”

John Salley, Detroit Pistons, Chicago. Bulls

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 23, 2025

NBA Legend Recalls How He Avoided Pistons’ Disrespectful Court Walk-Off During ‘Bad Boys’ Era

He asked coach Daly to put him back in the game once he found out the plan to not shake their opponents' hand after game

The Basketball Network recently reposted a video released over five years ago by former Detroit Pistons player John Salley, in which he stated that he did not want any part of the team walking off the basketball court before the game was over after they lost a playoff series to the future NBA Champion Chicago Bulls.

The incident occurred after the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals. The Detroit Pistons were the reigning NBA Champions for two straight seasons and were facing the upstart Chicago Bulls to see who would represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. The Pistons had to fend off the rising star named Michael Jordan, and it was an intense series. The Pistons were called the “Bad Boys” of the NBA for a reason; they played with such intensity that they were the most feared team. However, this did not stop the Bulls from proving they were the better team in their quest.

The Pistons had previously knocked the Bulls out of the playoffs on their way to capturing their second title, so revenge was on the mind of the young Bulls team. The Chicago team brought it directly to the Pistons and SWEPT the NBA champions, not allowing the “Bad Boys” to gain one victory. The Game 4 match took place in Detroit at the Palace of Auburn Hills, in front of the team’s home crowd.

As the time ticked off the clock with the game already won by the Bulls, the entire team, who weren’t on the court, got up and walked past the Bulls without acknowledging the players, despite time still being left on the clock. That was the most disrespectful move any NBA team can make: not even congratulating their opponents for beating them, showing no sportsmanlike conduct.

During an interview with Vlad TV, Salley admitted that he did not want any part of the disrespect toward the future champions, who went on to win their first NBA title that year.

Once Salley learned of the plot, he went to coach Chuck Daly and asked him to put him back in the game so he wouldn’t be involved with the disrespect his teammates planned.

“I literally said, ‘Chuck, put me back in the game.’ He was like, ‘Come on, Salley, you can’t get any more points.’ I go, ‘You gotta put me back because I don’t want to be a part of what’s about to happen.’ And they walked off,” Salley told Vlad.

He explained that the Celtics had done the same to them when they won their first championship, so they were “repaying” the Bulls by giving them the same treatment.

The Bulls went on to win three straight NBA titles before Jordan retired and went to play baseball. He eventually returned, and the Bulls won three more championships as Jordan went undefeated in the NBA Finals (6-0).

Allen Iverson, Hampton., Morgan State University

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 23, 2025

Allen Iverson Is Financially Set With Reebok Deal That Pays Him For Life

Former NBA player is slated to get a $32 million trust fund available to him in 2030

Although former Philadelphia 76ers player Allen Iverson is currently working for the Reebok brand, he is undoubtedly looking forward to the year 2030 when his trust fund is available to him when he turns the ripe old age of 55.

According to Shoppe Black, the NBA Hall of Famer is financially set for life after signing an elusive endorsement deal when he joined the brand over 20 years ago in 2001. It was evident when he inked the agreement that it was set up for him to win later in life, unlike most celebrity endorsements.

This is on top of the current arrangement he may have with the brand as its vice president of Basketball.

The initial deal was a 10-year, $50 million contract that included two clauses that were set up for Iverson’s long-term stability. The first clause pays Iverson $800,000 annually for life, with no ongoing promotional obligations. The second includes a $32 million trust fund that the former basketball player will have access to when he reaches the age of 55 in 2030.

Although the guard has never won an NBA Championship, he came close to it when he, unfortunately, played against two other Hall of Famers when his 76ers team matched up to play the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001, the same year he signed with Reebok. In the same year he won the NBA MVP Award, he lost to the dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal (who is the current president of Basketball at Reebok) and the Lakers, who were nearly undefeated when taking the NBA championship that year. Their only loss was attributed to Iverson and the 76ers when they won the first game of the series before the Lakers won four straight games.

During his career with the 76ers, he averaged 27.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.3 steals in 41.4 minutes per game.

A documentary about Iverson is being shot and will be shown exclusively on Prime Video when it is released.

REP. AL GREEN, texas, supeme court, redisticting

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 23, 2025

Rep. Al Green Advocates For Senior Citizens Stuck In Homes Due To Broken Elevators

Residents say they are not being helped

Congressman Al Green (D-TX) was met by security guards at the Jubilee at Texas Parkway senior home after residents reached out in hopes of getting elevators fixed, claiming they have been stuck in their homes for months, KHOU 11 reports.

Green, elected officials, and media representatives were invited by residents at the home in Missouri City to draw attention to the issue, as senior residents allege that the broken elevators have kept them confined to their units. Security guards attempted to block the invited officials and media from entering, claiming they would lose their jobs if they permitted them to access the area. One guard said they couldn’t be on private property, taking advice from management.

“Y’all want me to lose my job because y’all wanna come in,” the unidentified guard said after KHOU reporter Matt Dougherty assured him they were invited.

It wasn’t until Missouri City police officers stepped in to rectify the problem that Doughtery and Green were able to speak to residents.

Miss Hennie, who lives on the fourth floor, says she has had to cancel doctors’ appointments due to mobility issues that stop her from using the stairs. The 85-year-old claims she hasn’t left her apartment in two months. “I just missed my appointment last Tuesday, and I told them why I had to cancel because I can’t get up and down the stairs,” the resident complained.

Her issues were supported by Green, who uses a cane and was forced to climb 80 steps to speak with her.

Green sent a letter to the complex owner, Gardner Capital, in an attempt to schedule a meeting before visiting the property in person, but the meeting was declined. In response to Green’s letter, Jubilee staff say they have been checking on residents and have even offered temporary accommodations free of cost, as they are waiting for a part to fix the elevator.

But residents said that’s not the case.

The congressman feels exposure of the issue has sparked communication from the complex and feels that’s a positive outcome; however, he still feels a meeting is necessary. “I think that this is a part of the positive development as a result of the exposure that this has received. We will continue with the exposure and process. Let’s have a positive outcome. I think we are heading towards a positive outcome, but I don’t believe it will happen without that meeting,” Green said in a statement, according to Click 2 Houston.

“For the meeting to have the positive outcome that we seek, it’s going to be necessary to have the press, especially when tax dollars are involved. The people have a right to know. We fully anticipate that this can end on a positive note; for that to occur, we need people to be aware of how this is concluding. I can’t end it and walk away with people wondering, ‘what happened at Jubilee? What happened to our tax dollars?”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 23, 2025

Jamaica Customers Go Ham Over KFC 50th Anniversary Sale In Kingston

The sale caused a scene as lines wrapped around the restaurants.

KFC lovers in Jamaica went into a frenzy over the beloved fried chicken spot’s 50th anniversary sale across Kingston.

KFC celebrated one of its most loyal customer bases with its “Big Deal Brawta” special. The one-day extravaganza offered a buy one, get one meal deal on June 18. The discounted offer led to hordes of customers flocking to the fast food chain, with chaos swiftly ensuing.

At 5 a.m., lines wrapped around the restaurant before customers got inside. Once in the actual line to place an order, voyagers got into multiple tussles to claim the chicken. Videos showed fights breaking out amid the crowd.

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According to the Jamaica Observer, customers were shocked to hear about KFC giving back to this community. The fast food chain has been a beloved staple for the way it tweaks its menu to fit the Caribbean palette. One anonymous customer said she was glad to cash in on the offer before they reportedly raise prices.

“I know they are going to take it back again, because we know they are going to raise the prices… but outside of that, I’m glad they’re giving back, and I’m happy I finally got through,” said the anonymous food lover.

Although the anniversary special caused a scene throughout Kingston, others praised KFC for its customer appreciation. The food chain has 40 locations across 11 parishes in the country.

“Yes, we really here for the freeness, and we come KFC every day either way, so we couldn’t make this opportunity pass we… So they giving back for their 50th anniversary and we glad seh them a give back. I don’t see anybody else doing this, so I am here to support KFC,” Carolyn Brown told the Observer.

The restaurant has had a tremendous impact and growth in Jamaica. In 2015, KFC Jamaica won Yum Brands! Award for the highest transaction growth in the KFC Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. It continues to keep brand loyalty intact by celebrating the customers who keep it thriving.

“But, to be honest, it’s not about the KFC for a lot of people out here, it’s really about the excitement; we come for the food, but we also come to celebrate… one KFC, we appreciate the giveaway,” she added.