Kendrick Lamar, Drake, lawsuit, Universal
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 17, 2025

Canadian Politician Apologizes To Drake For Attending Kendrick Lamar Concert

Jagmeet Singh apologized to the "Hotline Bling" rapper, saying he was only there to see SZA, not Kendrick.

The Canadian politician who was spotted in the crowd at one of Kendrick Lamar and Sza’s Grand National Tour stops in Toronto has issued a public apology to Drake.

After Drake called him a “goof” in a private Instagram message over his attendance, Jagmeet Singh apologized to the “Hotline Bling” rapper, saying he was only there to see SZA, not Kendrick.

“I went for SZA, not Kendrick,” Singh wrote in an Instagram Story post captured by NFR Podcast. “I was born in this city. I love this city. But real talk, I get it. I shouldn’t have gone at all. OVO and Drake have lifted up this city and [Canada]. For me, it’ll always be Drake over Kendrick.”

https://twitter.com/nfr_podcast/status/1934415356258324978

The apology came after Drake reached out to Singh to express his disapproval of the Toronto public figure attending the concert.

“You’re a goof,” Drake wrote to Singh in a screenshot he shared online.

https://twitter.com/NikLaFlame/status/1934112177759330331

Photos and video captured Singh in the crowd at Kendrick and Sza’s sold-out show at Rogers Stadium. While Singh claimed he only went for Sza, the video captured him vibing to Kendrick’s performance of songs from his recent GNX album.

https://twitter.com/WordFromKdot/status/1934713606601412901

Singh’s appearance at the show was likely one of several moments from Kendrick’s Toronto concerts that irritated Drake. The Compton native, who was locked in a high-profile rap feud with Drake last year, performed his hit diss track “Not Like Us” on the first night, and the crowd erupted, chanting for an encore.

Footage also surfaced of fans rapping “Not Like Us” while visiting Toronto Chinese restaurant New Ho King after the concert.

The rap beef between Drake and Kendrick has escalated to the point where Drake filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group, accusing the label they both share of endangering his life and reputation by promoting Kendrick’s diss track. Many were worried about how Drake’s hometown would receive Kendrick, but from the looks of it, Kendrick received a warm welcome.

But as a prominent local figure in the 6, Singh wanted to make it clear to the public whose side he was on in the ongoing hip-hop feud.

RELATED CONTENT: Kendrick Lamar And SZA Deliver Powerful Performance In Detroit, Blending Art And Activism

Michael Vick, NFL, retiree, income
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 17, 2025

Michael Vick’s Hiring As Norfolk State Football Coach Raises Ticket Prices For Upcoming Season

School also cites House vs. NCAA settlement for increase.

Norfolk State University hired former NFL quarterback Michael Vick last year to lead the football team, and ticket prices have soared for the upcoming season, almost doubling from the previous season’s cost to attend a game at the school.

According to HBCU Gameday, after the school announced the hiring of the NFL legend, the price for general admission season tickets rose from $110 in 2024 to a reported $200 for the 2025 season. However, in April, when Norfolk State announced the upcoming schedule for the season, it stated it was due, in part, to the House vs. NCAA settlement. The school has decided to opt into the NCAA revenue-sharing plan going forward, which will allocate more money to student-athletes through the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) initiative.

“Our decision to join the NCAA’s revenue-sharing plan emphasizes Norfolk State’s unwavering commitment to our student athletes,” NSU Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb said in a written statement. “This choice to opt into the principles of the House Settlement underscores our dedication to advancing our athletics department as we prepare for a new era in collegiate athletics. As we join other institutions in adopting this evolving revenue-sharing model, we remain committed to navigating this journey for the benefit of our student-athletes. We are resolute in our goal to not only stay competitive but also achieve championship success.”

“NSU is fortunate to have true Spartan fans, and for the first time ever, their purchase of a season ticket will benefit the NSU Athletic Department while providing direct financial support to our student athletes.”

The NSU Spartans will host the following five opponents at William “Dick” Price Stadium during the 2025 season: Towson (Aug. 28), Virginia State (Sept. 6), Sacred Heart (Sept. 20), South Carolina State (Oct. 25), and Morgan State (Nov. 15).

Season tickets are available for purchase online or in person at the NSU Ticket Center from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Students from the school will be admitted free of charge with a valid student ID, as well as children under the age of six.

RELATED CONTENT: Beyond the NFL: Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson Lead HBCUs To Lincoln Financial Field

Juneteenth
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 17, 2025

Walk Down The African American Heritage Trail Honoring Black History In Kentucky This Juneteenth

The trail takes travelers throughout the entire state to learn of its numerous Black historical sites.

This Juneteenth, residents and visitors of Kentucky can take a walk down its new African American Heritage Trail.

The trail comprises nearly 50 primary sites that detail Black historical figures and monuments in the state’s history. The trail will feature museums, historic churches, and more, all integral to the Black culture of Kentucky. The project was a joint endeavor between the Kentucky Department of Tourism and the state’s Heritage Council and Historical Society.

The trail’s official launch took place June 16 at the Muhammad Ali Center. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear attended the ceremony, speaking on how it explores the state’s distinct place in Black history.

“The trail is a bridge between education and exploration that elevates voices that have too often been left out of the broader historical narrative,” Governor Andy Beshear told Travel + Leisure. “By positioning these culturally significant sites as tourism destinations, the trail stimulates local economies, supports small businesses, and creates job opportunities in communities whose stories deserve to be heard and celebrated.”

The trail also includes over 28 cities with markers throughout the several regions, highlighting pivotal institutions of Black America. To start, voyagers visit the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage. The cultural hub hosts weekly events dedicated to uplifting diversity and Black history.

Another featured site includes the Downtown Civil Rights Trail, located in Louisville. It details the story of the state’s civil rights activists, whose unknown work proved critical to racial equality. Outside the urban sector, the trail features the SEEK museum in Russellville and the historic Hotel Metropolitan in Paducah.

The trail also lists one of the state’s oldest HBCUs, the Simmons College of Kentucky, on its must-see institutions. Another specific marker, the Portal 31 Coal Mine in Lynch, explores the history of Black coal miners in the region. For fans of the Kentucky Derby, the “Black Horsemen of the Kentucky Turf” exhibit at the Kentucky Horse Park also offers insight into the role of Black people in 19th-century Thoroughbred racing.

From the Western Waterlands to the Cave Lakes Corvettes, Kentucky remains home to numerous monuments that will delight history enthusiasts of all levels. Now, the official roadmap of the state’s expansive Black legacy has begun.

RELATED CONTENT: 6 Things To Do In Galveston, Texas, The Home Of Juneteenth

Diddy, delay, trial, judge Prison, Sean combs
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 17, 2025

Diddy Trial Ramps Up As ‘Freak Off’ Videos Revealed In Court Amid Heated Juror Dismissal

The "freak off" videos hope to give the jury more context on if Diddy engaged in sex trafficking.

The trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs is more tense than ever as the “freak off” videos have finally reached the courtroom amid a controversial juror dismissal.

The jury began watching clips of the alleged “freak off” videos when they returned to New York City court June 16. According to TMZ, while they did not see the entirety of any video, the jury did witness short snippets of the footage.

The selected clips could hold footage recovered from Diddy’s house raids before his September 2024 arrest, as well as videos Cassie Ventura turned in as part of witness testimony.

However, given the graphic nature of the sexual content, the videos were not played for the entire courtroom. Instead, the clips played only on monitors that the jurors could see, with each juror also granted headphones.

The prosecution and Diddy’s legal team also did not watch the snippets in open court. However, jurors paid especially close attention to the women in the actual “freak off” videos, presumably either Cassie or Jane Doe, to note their reaction to the sexual encounters.

During Cassie’s own testimony, she emphasized how she felt pressured or coerced into participating in the freak offs to please Diddy. The videos hope to offer more context into how the women seemingly experienced the sex acts, as the prosecution tries to prove that Diddy committed sex trafficking.

However, the anticipated “freak off” video reveal comes as one juror faces dismissal, while another may face the same fate. According to the Hollywood Reporter, a Black and hispanic man from The Bronx, also known as Juror #6, will no longer hear the trial given the discrepancy of where he actually resided.

U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian concluded that Juror #6 displayed a “lack of candor” with the courts, resulting in his replacement with an alternate. The judge listed concerns as to whether the juror “shaded answers” to stay on the case, given that he claimed to live in the Bronx despite reportedly telling others that he lived in New jersey with his girlfriend.

“There are serious questions about the juror’s candor and the juror’s ability to follow the court’s instructions,” explained Subramanian. “Removal of the juror is required, in this court’s view.”

The decision comes following last week’s stand-off between the prosecution and the defense on his removal. The defense claimed that prosecutors are trying to remove a man of a similar racial background to Diddy in an effort to undermine the case.

“The government’s motion must be evaluated in light of the entire history of this investigation and prosecution, and not in isolation,” wrote the defense in a lengthy letter. “Unfortunately, when considered against that background, it is impossible to believe that this motion is merely a good-faith attempt to raise a valid question about the juror’s integrity rather than an effort to take advantage of an opportunity to strike yet another Black male from the jury.”

However, Judge Subramanian decided to move forward with an alternate, a 57-year-old white male accountant from Westchester County in New York. Additionally, another juror may also get the boot after suspicions that they have conversed with someone outside the jury. As of June 16, the judge made no declaration on whether or not the juror will stay on.

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Mathis Says Ye’s Presence At Diddy Trial ‘Creates Drama’

Donald Trump,judge, DEI, Executive orders
by Mitti Hicks

June 17, 2025

Donald Trump Is First President Excluded From NAACP Convention In 116 Years

It's the first time the civil rights organization has excluded a sitting president in its 116-year history.

The NAACP announced Monday that President Donald Trump is not invited to its national convention in July. It’s the first time the civil rights organization has excluded a sitting president in its 116-year history.

NAACP leaders say the reason is that Trump works against the organization’s mission of ensuring political, educational, social, and economic rights of all people and to eliminate racial hatred and discrimination.

“For 116 years, the NAACP has invited the sitting president of the United States to address the NAACP National Convention — regardless of their political party,” NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in a statement. “But right now, it’s clear — Donald Trump is attacking our democracy and our civil rights. He believes more in the fascist playbook than in the U.S. Constitution. This playbook is radical and un-American.”

According to Johnson, there is a rich history of both Republicans and Democrats attending the convention. President Harry Truman was the first, the Associated Press reported. Other presidents that followed include Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Regan, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

NAACP: Inviting Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance Is A Waste of Time

The NAACP accused Trump of signing unconstitutional executive orders to “oppress voters and undo federal civil rights protections.” NAACP leaders said Trump has also illegally turned the military on our communities and continues to undermine every pillar of our democracy to make himself more powerful and for personal benefits.

“To that end, the NAACP has made the decision to break with tradition and not invite Donald Trump or J.D. Vance this year,” Johnson added in his statement. “This administration does not respect the Constitution or the rule of law. It would be a waste of our time and energy to give a platform to fascism, which would be unacceptable.”

The NAACP’s move follows multiple lawsuits the organization has filed against the Trump administration. In March, the NAACP joined other advocates and state attorneys general in suing the Department of Education for withholding federal funds from schools that did not end their diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The Department of Education argued that it was prohibiting legal efforts to provide equal opportunity to Black students, as BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported.

Indiana Hospital ,Mother, Birth In Truck
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 17, 2025

Brain Dead Mom Delivers Baby Via C-Section, Family Set To Take Her Off Life Support

Georgia mom who was declared brain dead at eight weeks pregnant has given birth.

The Georgia mom who was declared brain dead while pregnant has given birth via C-section to a premature baby boy who has been sent to the NICU.

Adriana Smith welcomed baby boy Chance prematurely June 13 around 4:41 a.m. via emergency C-section, 11 Alive reported. He came in around 1 pound 13 ounces and was taken to the NICU, Smith’s mother April Newkirk revealed.

“He’s expected to be OK,” Newkirk said. “He’s just fighting. We just want prayers for him. Just keep praying for him. He’s here now.”

Now, after welcoming new life, the family is set to take Smith off life support on June 17.

“It’s kind of hard, you know,” Newkirk said through tears. “It’s hard to process. I’m her mother. I shouldn’t be burying my daughter. My daughter should be burying me.”

Baby Chance’s birth coincided with Smith’s 31st birthday, which the family celebrated over the weekend.

“If I could say one more thing to her, I guess I would tell her that I love her and that she was a great daughter.”

Smith’s unusual medical case made national headlines earlier this year after she was diagnosed and declared brain dead in February, following a medical emergency caused by blood clots in her brain. Smith was eight weeks pregnant at the time. According to Newkirk, doctors told the family they were legally required to keep her on life support because of the state’s law.

The situation drew widespread attention because it raised complex legal and ethical questions tied to Georgia’s abortion law, House Bill 481, also known as the LIFE Act, which bans most abortions once cardiac activity is detected, typically around six weeks into pregnancy. Newkirk criticized the hospital’s decision, arguing that the law took away her family’s right to make critical medical decisions.

“I’m not saying we would have chosen to terminate her pregnancy. But I’m saying we should have had a choice,” Newkirk said earlier this year

She echoed that sentiment again after announcing the birth of her grandson.

“I think all women should have a choice about their body. And I think I want people to know that,” she said.

RELATED CONTENT: Not Even A Brain Dead Black Woman Is Safe From Abortion Ban

TRUMP, smartphones,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 17, 2025

Donald Trump Organization Launches $499 Smartphone And Mobile Service, ‘Built In The United States’

Donald Trump’s family-run organization announced the launch of a $499 smartphone and mobile service claimed to be fully designed and manufactured in the United States.

Announced on June 16, the new mobile service ‘Trump Mobile’ will operate on the networks of the three major U.S. carriers, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, to deliver 5G connectivity, Reuters reported. The plan, dubbed “The 47 Plan,” will cost $47.45 per month, a nod to Trump’s status as both the 45th and current 47th President.

“We are going to be introducing an entire package of products where people can come and they can get telemedicine on their phones for one flat monthly fee, roadside assistance on their cars, unlimited texting to 100 countries around the world,” Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump, Jr. said outside the Trump Tower in New York City.

The $499 smartphone will come in a “sleek, gold” model that will be “designed and built in the United States,” the announcement states. Branded as “The T1 Phone,” this sleek gold device offers 256 GB of storage, a built-in camera, and proudly displays an American flag and “T1” logo on its back.

The Trump family has not revealed which company will manufacture the phone.

During a podcast appearance on the day of the announcement, Eric Trump indicated that the first batch of phones is expected by August and may not be produced domestically.

“Eventually, all the phones can be built in the United States of America,” Eric Trump said on The Benny Show podcast.

Trump Mobile subscribers’ perks include unlimited talk, text, and data; roadside assistance; telehealth services; and free international calling to over 100 countries. However, according to the company’s website, the unlimited texting feature may be subject to data limits.

Trump has said he placed his business interests in a trust managed by his children during his first term to avoid conflicts of interest. However, he still stands to benefit financially from anything tied to his family-run business. According to a June 13 disclosure, he earned over $600 million from licensing, crypto, golf clubs, and other ventures through the end of 2024. Since then, Trump-linked crypto projects alone have reportedly generated hundreds of millions more.

“No one who has been paying attention could miss that President Trump considers the presidency a vehicle to grow his family’s wealth. Maybe this example will help more come to see this undeniable truth,” said Lawrence Lessig, a law professor at Harvard Law School.

Now, Trump Mobile adds to the long list of business launches under the Trump imprint, many of which failed, including Trump Vodka, Trump Steaks, Trump Mattresses, Trump Ice, and Trump University. There are also doubts about if the T1 phone will be fully manufactured in the U.S. Currently, California-based Purism is the only company manufacturing smartphones domestically, with its $1,999 Liberty phone built and assembled in the U.S.— aside from a China-sourced chassis — and running an in-house operating system. According to the Trump Mobile website, the Trump Organization is not involved in designing, manufacturing, or providing service for the T1 phone.

RELATED CONTENT:

R. Kelly, victims, lawsuit
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 17, 2025

R. Kelly Rushed To Hospital After Alleged Overdose, Amid Claims Of Death Plot Against Him

The singer stayed in the hospital for two days for observation

After his attorneys claimed that he is marked for death, incarcerated R&B singer R. Kelly was rushed to the hospital for a suspected overdose of some medication issued by prison staff.

According to AllHipHop, the embattled singer was locked in solitary confinement and reportedly took some medication from prison staff, based on a statement from his attorney. He was imprisoned in a North Carolina prison cell when he collapsed after being given what his attorney claims was a dangerous overdose of medication.

The singer’s attorney had recently filed an emergency motion due to being informed that Kelly had received death threats from white supremacists. He was placed in isolation on June 10, and the prison staff allegedly gave him the additional medication on June 12. After taking the drug, Kelly reportedly fainted the following morning, as he experienced dizziness and vision loss. Prison staff rushed him to Duke University Hospital.

Doctors revealed that Kelly had been given a life-threatening dose of medication, and they kept the convicted singer under observation for two days.

This prompted his attorney to file another motion June 16.

“That means that, within two days of the filing of his motion, Bureau of Prisons officials administered an amount of medication that significantly exceeded a safe dose and caused Mr. Kelly to overdose, putting his life in jeopardy,” R. Kelly’s attorney, Beau B. Brindley, stated. “They gave him an amount of medicine that could have killed him.”

This is the third time a motion was filed in Illinois for a temporary release to home confinement. His team is claiming that his life is in danger behind bars. In this filing, they mentioned that another prisoner, Mikeal Glenn Stine, also claimed that prison staff and white supremacist groups want the singer dead to cover up alleged misconduct during his court trial.

Kelly is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence in North Carolina after being convicted of sex trafficking in his 2021 New York case. In 2023, the singer/producer was also convicted in Chicago and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

RELATED CONTENT: Brooklyn Teen Denies Hazing, Faces ‘P-Diddy’ Bullying After Charges Dropped

caribbean Heritage Month, children's books,Sili recio,
by Keka Araújo

June 17, 2025

Get Into These 8 Black Caribbean Children’s Books For Caribbean Heritage Month

As Caribbean Heritage Month unfolds, it presents a pivotal opportunity to immerse young readers in the vibrant narratives and rich cultural legacies of the Black Caribbean diaspora. 

Representation in children’s literature is not merely about seeing oneself on a page; it is about fostering empathy, understanding diverse worldviews, and celebrating the intricate beauty of global communities. 

The following eight books by Black Caribbean authors offer captivating stories that reflect the islands’ unique rhythms, folklore, and enduring spirit. These works serve as vital bridges, connecting young minds to the depth and resilience of Caribbean heritage.

Here are eight titles that beautifully articulate the Black Caribbean experience for children:

1. If Dominican Was a Color by Sili Recio, illustrated by Brianna McCarthy. This evocative picture book explores the multifaceted hues of Dominican culture, from the vibrant markets to the deep blue sea, reimagining the essence of a nation not just through its landscapes but through its people and traditions. Recio, of Dominican heritage, offers a lyrical exploration of identity and belonging that resonates with children of all backgrounds. 

Recio’s next project (with the young writer/artist known as Elena Djome), The Other Side of the Garden, is slated for release March 2026.

2. The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste. Drawing deeply from Trinidadian folklore, Baptiste weaves a thrilling tale of courage and mystery. Corinne La Mer must confront ancient, mischievous spirits — jumbies — who emerge from the forest to threaten her village. This middle-grade novel is rich with Caribbean mythology and adventure, showcasing the author’s Trinidadian roots. 

A post shared by Tracey Baptiste (@traceybaptistewrites)

3. Eight Days: A Story of Haiti by Edwidge Danticat, illustrated by Alix Delinois. Through the eyes of a young boy named Junior, who is trapped beneath rubble for eight days after an earthquake, Danticat tenderly recounts stories from Haitian folklore and family life. This poignant narrative, penned by the acclaimed Haitian-American author, offers a glimpse into Haitian culture and resilience amid adversity. 

4. Stars with Flaming Tails by Valerie Bloom, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max. Bloom’s collection of poems, a winner of the CLiPPA Children’s Poetry Prize 2022, transports readers across diverse themes with humor, wonder, and insight. The Jamaican-born poet’s verses explore family, nature, and the unbelievable, reflecting a vibrant Caribbean spirit through imaginative storytelling that will delight readers aged 7 to 9. 

5. The Coming of the Little Green Man by John Agard, a Guyanese-born poet and Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry laureate, introduces readers to a “little green man” who embodies the essence of an outsider navigating a new world. Through mischievous and satirical fables, Agard’s poems playfully tackle themes of identity, otherness, and multiculturalism, offering provocative yet accessible insights for young minds aged nine and up. His trademark wit and lyrical style transform complex ideas into engaging interest.

6. The Mermaid’s Twin Sister: More Stories from Trinidad by Lynn Joseph, illustrated by Donna Perrone. Joseph, who is Trinidadian, invites readers into a world of rich oral tradition through Amber, a young girl destined to be the next family storyteller. This collection of six tales, passed down through generations, features mischievous spirits, magical beings, and the unique folklore of Trinidad, offering a captivating window into island life.

7. Every Little Thing by Bob Marley, adapted by Cedella Marley, illustrated by Vanessa Newton. Based on Bob Marley’s iconic song “Three Little Birds,” this book captures the reggae legend’s message of peace and happiness. Adapted by his daughter, Cedella, it brings the warmth and positive spirit of Jamaica to children through vibrant illustrations and a timeless message.

8. Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López. While Engle is Cuban-American, this beautiful picture book tells the true story of Míllot Castro Zaldarriaga, an Afro-Cuban girl of Chinese descent who defied gender norms to become a celebrated drummer. It celebrates Cuban culture, perseverance, and the power of music, making it a powerful addition to any collection highlighting Black Caribbean experiences. 

These literary treasures offer a window into the diverse and enchanting world of Black Caribbean culture, providing invaluable resources for education, cultural appreciation, and fostering a more profound sense of global citizenship in young readers.

RELATED CONTENT: Haitian Heritage Month: 12 Inspiring Facets Of A Revolution That Forged Freedom

Dee Robinson, Good Trouble Bourbon
by Mitti Hicks

June 17, 2025

Dee M. Robinson Is Fostering Change With ‘Good Trouble’ Bourbon

Women now make up 30% of bourbon drinkers, and that number is growing. 

Good Trouble Bourbon founder Dee M. Robinson is one of the few women of color at the forefront of a new era: more women are drinking bourbon than ever before. 

Bourbon, rooted in American tradition, is having a cultural resurgence. The market for Bourbon is projected to reach $11 billion by 2028, up nearly 7% since 2024. The face of the bourbon drinker is also changing fast. According to Bourbon Real Talk, women now make up 30% of bourbon drinkers, and that number is growing. 

Robinson was inspired by the legacy of Congressman John Lewis’s call to “get into good trouble” when she created the brand in 2018.  She says each bottle was created not only to savor but also as a tool to serve a higher purpose. 

“I wanted to honor the legacy of John Lewis and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. When I created this, I thought about how we want to show up. We believe that bourbon is more than a drink. We say it’s a call to action and a call to gather. This brand is about connection, conversation, and positive change.”

What Makes Good Trouble Bourbon Unique

Robinson spent five years refining the recipe with an 8th-generation Kentucky master distiller. What makes the bourbon different are the vanilla and caramel notes that come together with the high-rye she chose to use. It was important for Robinson to create a bourbon that people would love. 

“I believe that more people would learn to love bourbon like I do if they actually had an opportunity to drink really great bourbon,” Robinson said. “Most people say they don’t like Bourbon because of the heavy burn and I knew we could present something that smooth and satiny.” 

The time she invested in getting the recipe right is paying off. The bourbon recently won gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, plus recent gold and silver wins at the New York International Spirits Competition. Forbes Magazine listed Good Trouble Bourbon as one of the best bourbons for under $50. 

How Robinson Is Giving Back To Next Generation of Good Troublemakers 

Good Trouble Bourbon is more than a drink. In the spirit of Lewis, Robinson is making sure to be an agent of change by being socially active. Robinson is on a mission to even the playing field for underrepresented youth. 

Good Trouble gives back — a portion of proceeds supports the Shine Your Light Foundation, which funds youth opportunity, equity, and community-driven initiatives. One initiative that Robinson invested in is funding STEM programs and golf fellowships for people of color who teach youth from similar backgrounds how to play golf in the Charleston, South Carolina area. 

“Kids need to see leaders that look like them,” said Robinson, who also serves as a trustee for the PGA Foundation. The foundation works on creating more diversity and inclusion in the sport. “In my lifetime, I had to see it to believe it.” 

What’s Next For Robinson and Good Trouble Bourbon 

Through her brand, Robinson said she is working on rewriting the future of the industry to one that includes more voices, stories, and seats at the table. 

Since putting the first bourbon in barrels in 2018, Good Trouble has launched online, and Robinson and her team now ship to 40 states. The bourbon can be found in retailers in Chicago, and this is just the beginning. 

While the flagship brand ages for at least four years, Robinson and her team are gearing up to release a limited 7-year and 10-year edition of the bourbon. 

“I also have a new limited edition that will hit the market, celebrating another story of resilience with blues music,” Robinson added. “When you think about what the blues is rooted in, it’s storytelling and resilience. I decided to launch a new limited edition that will come out this summer, celebrating the stories, hardships, and triumphs that blues music represents.” 

RELATED CONTENT: Black Bourbons And Whiskeys To Cop For Father’s Day

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