Sly. Stone, death, Sly And The Family Stone,
by Keka Araújo

June 9, 2025

Sly Stone, Funk Architect and Cultural Pioneer, Dies at 82

Stone’s legacy is one of daring innovation, unflinching social commentary, and a musical catalog that remains as vital and eternal today as it was in its formative years.

Sly Stone, the singular and visionary artist whose electrifying blend of funk, soul, rock, and gospel reshaped popular music and challenged societal norms with his groundbreaking band, Sly and the Family Stone, died June 9 in Los Angeles. He was 82.

The cause of death was a prolonged battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other underlying health issues, according to a statement from his representatives. 

“While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come,” his family said.

Born Sylvester Stewart on March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, Sly Stone was more than a musician; he was a cultural architect. As the charismatic maestro and driving force behind Sly and the Family Stone, he forged a sound that seamlessly transcended genres, reflecting the burgeoning social consciousness of the late 1960s and early 1970s. 

Their catalog of hits, often dance anthems infused with profound political messaging, included chart-toppers like “Everyday People,” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” and “Family Affair.” 

The band’s compositions, penned exclusively by Stone, also yielded enduring classics such as “Dance To the Music” — a groundbreaking jam honored by the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Songs That Shaped Rock,” and Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs Of All Time” — alongside “Stand!,” “Hot Fun In the Summertime,” “Runnin’ Away,” “If You Want Me To Stay,” and “Time For Livin’.”

“Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,” his representatives affirmed, underscoring the profound impact of his artistry.

Beyond their audacious musicality, Sly and the Family Stone’s most revolutionary aspect was their composition: they were the first hit-making interracial, mixed-gender band. This daring lineup—featuring Black and white members, men and women—was a living embodiment of the era’s hopeful rebellion and a potent visual challenge to prevailing segregationist norms. As Harry Weinger observed upon the group’s 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, “Sly and the Family Stone’s music was immensely liberating. A tight, riotous funk, it was precisely A Whole New Thing. And they were a beautiful sight: rock’s first integrated band, Black, white, women, men. 

Hair, skin. Fringe and sweat. 

Extraordinary vibes for extraordinary times.” Indeed, if 1968 marked a pivotal year of global transformation, Sly and the Family Stone delivered their unforgettable soundtrack.

Fans took to social media to express their condolences regarding Stone’s death.

Stone’s musical journey began early. Raised in a devout African American family affiliated with the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Sylvester Stewart, the second of five children, moved with his family to Vallejo, California, a suburb of San Francisco. Immersed in church music from a young age, he and three of his siblings (Freddie, Rose, and Vaetta) recorded a gospel single as the Stewart Four when he was just eight. A bona fide prodigy, he mastered keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums by age 11. He acquired the ” Sly ” moniker in early grade after a friend misspelled his first name.

His high school years saw him performing in integrated bands, a bold statement for the late 1950s. After high school, his musical education continued at Vallejo Junior College, where he added trumpet to his multi-instrumental prowess and honed his skills in composition and theory.

By 1964, Stone had transitioned into a fast-talking disc jockey at R&B radio station KSOL. His eclectic tastes and willingness to integrate R&B-flavored white artists, including British Invasion bands such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, into the station’s soul music format made him immensely popular. He later brought his influential show to KDIA, continuing his deejay career right up until the formation of Sly and the Family Stone in 1967.

His formidable talents extended beyond performance and radio. As early as 1964, through a connection with legendary disc jockey Tom Donahue, Stone became a producer for San Francisco-based Autumn Records. The label, known for its work with first-generation Bay Area rock acts like the Beau Brummels, benefited significantly from Stone’s unerring ear. Notably, he produced Bobby Freeman’s 1964 bona fide No. 5 Pop hit, “C’mon And Swim.”

These diverse experiences culminated in 1966. Stone was leading Sly and the Stoners, featuring trumpeter Cynthia Robinson. Simultaneously, his younger brother, Freddie, was fronting Freddie and the Stone Souls, with white drummer Gregg Errico. It was saxophonist Jerry Martini who, recognizing the synergy, urged Sly and Freddie to combine their talents, leading to the birth of Sly and the Family Stone in March 1967. Freddie transitioned to guitar, Sly mastered the organ, and their sister Rose joined on keyboards and vocals, with Larry Graham completing the iconic lineup on bass and vocals.

The dazzling fusion they created—interweaving psychedelic rock, soul, gospel, jazz, and Latin flavors—laid the groundwork for the burgeoning funk genre and captivated a broad spectrum of artists. Sly Stone’s musical DNA is traceable across the musical stratosphere, influencing luminaries such as Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, as well as the architects of Motown and George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic. 

Even in his passing, Stone’s profound impact continued to resonate. His life and musical legacy were explored in SLY LIVES! (AKA The Burden of Black Genius), a compelling new documentary directed by Oscar-winner Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. 

The film, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 23 and became available for streaming on Hulu on February 13, 2025, delved into the extraordinary journey of the passionate musician. It shed light not only on his musical genius but also on the unique challenges faced by Black artists as they navigated monumental success and cultural influence. 

His impact reverberated through generations, inspiring diverse artists such as Michael Jackson, Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley, Prince, Public Enemy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Arrested Development, the Black Eyed Peas, The Roots, and OutKast, among many others.

Stone’s legacy is one of daring innovation, unflinching social commentary, and a musical catalog that remains as vital and eternal today as it was in its formative years. Even in death, his works will live on.

His genius not only entertained but also inspired, broke barriers, and provided a soundtrack for a world in flux, ensuring his place as an immortal figure in the pantheon of global music.

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Former UK Soccer Player Sentenced To 4 Years For Role in International Cannabis Smuggling Scheme
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 9, 2025

Former UK Soccer Player Sentenced To 4 Years For Role in International Cannabis Smuggling Scheme

Thomas was believed to be the connection between suppliers in Thailand and drug pushers in the UK.

Former soccer player Jay Emmanuel Thomas was sentenced June 5 to four years in prison after for participating in a £600,000 ($812,402.68) cannabis smuggling operation in September 2024, according to the National Crime Agency.

Thomas, 34, admitted to plotting to smuggle the drugs from Thailand into the UK when he recruited two women to haul the drugs into the country. On Sept. 2, Border Force officers at Stansted Airport stopped Thomas’s girlfriend, Yasmin Piotrowska, and her friend, Rosie Rowland, after they arrived on a flight from Bangkok.

Both women were carrying two suitcases each. When the luggage was searched, a total of 60 kg (132.277 pounds) of cannabis, which was split between each suitcase, 15 kg (33.0693 pounds) in each bag, was found. Piotrowska, of Kensal Green, London, and Rowland, of Chelmsford, Essex, were both charged with smuggling cannabis.

“We urge anyone asked to bring something into the UK that they’re unsure of to say no simply. Organized criminals like Thomas are invariably very persuasive, offering couriers promises of payments and other enticements. But the risk of getting caught is very high and it simply isn’t worth the risk,” David Philips, NCA senior investigating officer, said in a written statement.

After an investigation, the Crown (an integral part of the institution of Parliament) dropped the charges against both women, who claimed they were told that they were transporting gold.

Thomas was believed to be the connection between suppliers in Thailand and drug pushers in the UK. An investigation revealed Thomas gave the women an all-expenses-paid trip with a promised payment of £2,500 ($3,389.03) in July 2024 for a similar outing. He was arrested on Sept. 18, 2024.

Thomas played for Queens Park Rangers, Ipswich Town, and PTT Rayong in Thailand in 2019. He had signed with Greenock Morton FC in Scotland before his arrest.

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FATHER, GIFT, PROM,ROMELLO DANIELS
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 9, 2025

Black Dad Gifts Son Greatest Prom Moment By Accepting His Identity

The moment went viral on TikTok as the Black father made strides to support his son.

A Black dad rose to the occasion and escorted his son to prom, marking a moment of true acceptance.

When Romello Daniels dreamt of his perfect prom night, he was thinking more about the outfit than who would be in attendance. The high school senior took inspiration from Billy Porter’s gender-fluid style to develop his look.

“I had this picture of my head of having a tuxedo, but it is like a dress and it goes out. And then I looked online and I seen Billy Porter wearing a tuxedo dress, and I was like, oh, that’s what I’m looking for,” Romello told People.

Romello has always gravitated toward a more androgynous style, a choice that often led to clashes with his father. However, on his big night, Daniels’ dad, Malik, pushed his feelings aside to be there for his son.

The teen had already popped out in a custom purple velvet tuxedo dress when his father surprised him. His smile matched the diamond bracelets on his wrist; Malik appeared in a matching purple suit. Romello’s mom, Diamond Givens, documented the heartfelt moment on TikTok.

@bigtalkdiamond So let me explain this first video. My son has had a rocky relationship with his pops growing up because his pops is Muslim and does not condone his lifestyle so wearing makeup, feminine hairstyles, nails and all that has always been a problem. So on this day he thought that his pops would not even come outside to see him leave for prom because he has never saw him off for any of his dances in the past. Well his pops said I’m taking my son to prom as his chauffeur and I’m going to match his outfit! So Romello was so surprised to see him get out of the truck but when he saw how he was dressed and it matched what he was wearing he cried like a baby and it was a very beautiful moment for him, my husband and the whole family!!! To have a supportive dad when you are in this lifestyle is rare and meant everything in the world for my son!!! Shout out to my husband 💜👏🏾👏🏾 I love you TUXEDO DRESS BY @Kali Kouture ♬ original sound – BigTalkDiamond

“My son has had a rocky relationship with his pops growing up because his pops is Muslim and does not condone his lifestyle, so wearing makeup, feminine hairstyles, nails and all that has always been a problem,” Diamond, 52, explained in the caption. “So on this day he thought that his pops would not even come outside to see him leave for prom because he has never seen him off for any of his dances in the past. Well, his pops said I’m taking my son to prom as his chauffeur, and I’m going to match his outfit!”

After hearing a conversation about whether Diamond or her sister would take Romello to prom, his father shockingly offered to take up the task. However, Romello never thought his father would participate in such a way, given his grievances about his gender expression.

“He would never think that his dad would do this because of the fact that his dad always loved him, always protected him, always provided, but he never supported the lifestyle,” Diamond explained. “So with that being said, that was the moment that we knew that this would really be a healing moment for Romello because he’s always looked for that from his dad.”

Malik he ended up relying on a higher power to accept his son for who he is.

“Everybody was shocked when I said, it’s my choice. No one forced me. No one could force me to do anything,” Malik says. “Through my prayers and through my faith, I was able to pour into my child, because I knew sooner or later, he’s about to face the world. No matter how much we try to protect him in the house, he’s about to be out there in the world moving on his own accord, and I’m going to always be there for him. And I had to show him that. And this was a moment that I chose to show him.”

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DJ Spinderella, Jamaica
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 9, 2025

Spinderella To Headline Euphoria Weekend At Jamaica’s Princess Resorts

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025 inductee will perform at the first-day festivities.

DJ Spinderella will return to the big stage to headline Princess Resort’s “Euphoria Weekend” in Jamaica.

Most ’90s hip-hop fans know Spinderella from the iconic rap group Salt-N-Pepa, which included fellow members Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton.

According to Parade, “Euphoria Weekend” will take place across the Prince Senses The Mangrove and Princess Grand Jamaica from June 25 to 29. Deemed the “ultimate celebration of glamour and island vibrance,” the event will also feature celebrity appearances, including Miss Universe Jamaica, to help showcase the country’s beauty.

“We are thrilled to host Euphoria Weekend in collaboration with Miss Universe Jamaica and the Jamaica Tourist Board. This event is a true celebration of everything that makes Jamaica extraordinary – its vibrant culture, world-class music, wellness experiences, and incredible fashion. It’s an honor to welcome guests from around the world to experience the island’s beauty in such a dynamic and unforgettable way,” Marc Pelfort, regional director of sales & marketing for Princess Hotels & Resorts Jamaica, said in a statement.

Spinderella will not be the only one showing off her skills: DJs D-Nice, Kiss, and M.O.S. are also scheduled to perform. The ’90s hitmaker will start the festivities off an “Illusion Welcome Party,” complete with Jamaican delights and delicacies—and the Caribbean sunset to match.

The Brooklyn native is already a legend, thanks to a decades-long career. Salt-N-Pepa rose to the top of the charts with their 1987 track “Push It,” which remains a timeless hit. The group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last November.

Although the rest of the group will be MIA from Jamaica, Spinderella will hold down the 1s and 2s, Caribbean-style. Packages remain available on Princess Resort’s website.

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NCAA, HBCUs Allen University and Edward Waters University
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 9, 2025

Billion-Dollar NCAA Settlement May Impact College Sports From HBCUs To Women Athletes

Those outside of Division 1 football will be splitting a small piece of the funds.

While some of the biggest names in collegiate sports will begin to cash in with the new NCAA settlement, other athletes and teams will pay the price.

The $2.8 billion settlement, approved by a federal judge June 6, will allow participating schools to share up to $20.5 million with student athletes. Beginning in July, the money will mostly flow toward the high-revenue sports like basketball and football, with the vast majority going toward the latter.

However, this leaves those who don’t play Division 1 football at risk for their futures.

“My initial thought was, is this good or bad? What does this mean for me? How does this affect me? But more importantly, in the bigger picture, how does it affect athletes as a whole?” asked Sabrina Ootsburg, a track and field athlete at Belmont University, to AP News.

It affects women athletes like Ootsburg and those in lesser-publicized sports by potentially eating away at their own experiences. With a wide share of players splitting a significantly smaller pot and less support from their schools, this can result in vast resource differences.

“You look at the numbers where it says most of the revenue, up to 75% to 85%, will go toward football players. You understand it’s coming from the TV deals, but then it’s like, how does that affect you on the back end?” Ootsburg asked. “Let’s say $800K goes toward other athletes. Will they be able to afford other things like care, facilities, resources, or even just snacks?”

Furthermore, athletes are learning these developments as they roll out, with colleges offering little clarity on what this means to more vulnerable teams. Even coaches are unclear on how the NCAA settlement will lead to changes in the athletic department.

This issue will also uniquely affect athletic programs at HBCUs. According to HBCU Gameday, several schools have already opted into the settlement. However, given HBCUs’ historically limited resources, the institutions will have to grapple with the new financial commitment to their athletes.

“It is now allowable for institutions to directly give NIL money to their student-athletes,” explained Commissioner Charles McClelland. “That means there’s going to be an influx of athletes that are looking for NIL payments. You’re going to have to have some name, image and likeness money set aside to compete.”

The SWAC conference, with members such as Alabama A&M and Florida A&M University, has already started to speak with schools on building sustainable Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) deals to keep up with the evolving collegiate sports.

“We are in a good spot from a revenue standpoint; we’re going to be just fine, but it will take some additional effort,” added McClelland. “We will need NIL dollars on the inside, and we will work with you to help develop that.”

However, taking part in this settlement also means adhering to scholarship and roster regulations. These cuts could also impact how many student-athletes at HBCUs can keep their spots.

Now, the fate of athletes across all sports and backgrounds lies in the hands of the schools. How they intend to handle the evolution of collegiate sports may impact women athletes and non-revenue teams for years to come.

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Why Chef Ricky Moore’s ‘Durmnik’ Is The Place To Celebrate Juneteenth 
by Sharelle B. McNair

June 9, 2025

Why Chef Ricky Moore’s ‘Durmnik’ Is The Place To Celebrate Juneteenth 

If you're looking for a place to celebrate Juneteenth, Moore's 'Durmnik' is the place to be!

Since Juneteenth has become a federal holiday, Black people and supporters are always looking for events like Chef Ricky Moore’s “Durmnik” to celebrate a significant piece of Black history. 

The James Beard Award-winning chef is the owner of Saltbox Seafood Joint in Durham, North Carolina. His tasty recipes have given him a name for himself and within the community, giving him the idea to bring his beloved community to celebrate freedom. With the claim that  “the idea of Juneteenth is community,” his “Durmnik” event — also known as a Durham picnic — was born. 

The third-annual Juneteenth celebration highlights talented chefs from across the Tar Heel state as each one prepares a dish to contribute to the event’s to-go lunch boxes. The unique offering only seen at the event brings different flavors from around the world, which Moore said is a way for creatives to highlight what each brings to the table — or your palette. “When you have a picnic, get-together, or party, you’ve got a bunch of [different] people bringing something to the table,” he told Southern Living.

What Moore made in 2024 stole the show. He showcased his love for Caribbean food with his Trini-Style “Soused” North Carolina Shrimp, Cucumber, Corn, and Peppers. He described it as the “great-grandmama of pickled shrimp,” served cold and a great dish for foodies to have on a hot summer day. This year, participants of the sold-out event will experience Moore’s spicy coconut milk brined “Cold Fried Chicken” and “Church Mother’s Potato Salad.” 

According to Discover Durham, other featured box items will come from Chez Moi, The Root Cellar Cafe, QueDogs, Cheeni, Namu and more. Que Dogs will feature its “Chilli Billie” – a griddled beef hot dog with house special chilli. There will also be things in store for the dessert and mocktail lovers. Chez Moi Bakery will highlight its “Signature Black Cherry Bourbon Cake” and Ideal Bartending Company will have “A Mockery” on deck — a delicious alcohol-free drink with hibiscus, grilled peach, lime, anise hyssop, and molasses. 

As Moore is excited that the event has sold out in only its third year, he hopes to expand to include more and more vendors. However, he is in no rush. “If I’m able to have a platform to showcase folks and everybody gets a win, that’s super fulfilling for me,” the chef said. 

Juneteenth, celebrated June 19, became an official holiday in the U.S. in 2021, commemorating the news of freedom reaching close to 250,000 enslaved people living in Galveston, Texas in 1865. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued approximately two years prior, it wasn’t until General Order No. 3 was read that those still enslaved were free. 

According to Discover Durham, the Bull City is the place to be for those that wish to celebrate Juneteenth. The Party In The Park: Juneteenth Edition will be held at the Research Triangle Park (RTP) with food trucks, law games, a splash pad, live entertainment and giveaways. Over the weekend, North Carolina Central University, a Durham-based HBCU, will be hosting a celebration featuring a day of festivities including local performers, a health fair, a kids’ zone, fashion show, and more. 

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Nike, Michael Jordan, Philadelphia
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 9, 2025

Are Y’all Feeling The Air Jordan Women’s Loafers Coming This Fall?

The expected retail price is $145

Women will now be able to wear Air Jordans, not as sneakers, but as loafers with the expected launch of the Air Jordan Loafer Mule.

According to Women’s Wear Daily, the footwear will be released in the fall of 2025, following in the footsteps of competitors like New Balance and Converse, who have released their versions of loafers within the last year. No specific date has been announced for the release of the latest footwear from Nike’s Jordan Brand.

These loafers are not to be confused with or even compared to the Air Jordan Mule Golf shoes (for both women and men) that the brand is currently selling.

The brand released loafers in the past, when it launched the Jordan Two3 collection in the early 2000s, but they only lasted until they were discontinued in 2003. That collection also included boots, moccasins, and slip-ons as options.

DScene reported that the loafers would be priced at retail for $145 as they will be available in a Black and Metallic Silver color. A silver badge embedded with the Air Jordan logo is displayed on the footwear.

This news comes after Nike hosted its annual Athlete Think Tank, which invited 12 female sports influencers and athletes to participate in the company’s fourth convening. The 12 women gave their thoughts and insights on future innovation for the brand.

The women who participated were from different aspects of the athletic spectrum: Carson Pickett, Dora Atim, Erin Matson, India Sardjoe, Jess Sims, JuJu Watkins, Leah Williamson, Sanya Richards-Ross, Sha’Carri Richardson, Sophie Hahn, Sue Bird, and Tayla Harris.

In previous years, the women selected were chosen to give their input to elevate the Nike brand. It was initiated five years ago as the athletic brand sought the input of select, active individuals in their respective sports, who could give insight based on their experiences as athletes.

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Haiti, france, reparation, Haitians, Haitian Heritage Month
by Mitti Hicks

June 9, 2025

Haitian Government Disappointed Over US Travel Ban

The Trump administration banned 11 other countries

The Haitian government is expressing disappointment with the United States government over the Trump administration’s recent decision to implement a travel ban, which bars Haitians from entering the United States.

In a statement from the Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leaders wrote, “This decision comes at a time when the Haitian government is striving with the support of its international partners to combat insecurity and strengthen border security.”

The statement continues, “While taking into account the immigration policy measures adopted in the exercise of the sovereign rights of a foreign government, the ministry draws attention to the danger posed by armed gangs, recently designated terrorist groups, to Haiti’s relations with other countries.”

Trump Bars A Dozen Countries In Latest Travel Ban

The Trump administration banned 11 other countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, from entering the country as well as restrictions on travelers from Cuba, Venezuela, Burundi, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Turkmenistan, the Jamaica Observer reports.

According to a White House proclamation Wednesday, Trump said the “restrictions and limitations imposed by this proclamation are, in my judgment, necessary to prevent the entry or admission of foreign nationals about whom the United States Government lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose to the United States.”

The White House adds, “The restrictions and limitations imposed by this proclamation are necessary to garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, security, and counterterrorism objectives.”

For Haiti, Trump made unfounded claims in his proclamation that there are “hundreds of thousands of illegal Haitian aliens flooded into the United States during the Biden administration that harms American communities.”

These are similar statements Trump made during his presidential campaign against Haitians. He and then-Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance falsely accused Haitians of eating domestic cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio.

The proclamation comes after the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to revoke the temporary legal status of people from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

In the meantime, the ministry stated that the Haitian Government intends to continue its discussions and cooperation with U.S. officials.

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Atlanta, Housing Market
by Kandiss Edwards

June 9, 2025

Housing Supply Outnumbers The Demand Creating An Advantage For Buyers

A report by real estate brokerage, Redfin, states the number of available homes exceeds the number of active buyers.

The real estate market is seeing a shift in supply and demand that favors buyers. 

A report by real estate brokerage Redfin stated that the number of available homes exceeds the number of active buyers by 500,000. This is the largest disparity in the seller-to-buyer ratio since 2013. As a result, housing costs are estimated to decline by 1% “year over year,” Redfin predicted.

Senior Economist Asad Khan spoke about the disadvantages for current sellers. Although the market was steadily growing, with housing prices up 4.1% in January 2024, sellers will likely have to make concessions in this uneven market.

“The balance of power in the U.S. housing market has shifted toward buyers, but a lot of sellers have yet to see or accept the writing on the wall. Many are still holding out hope that their home is the exception and will fetch top dollar,” Khan said. “But as sellers see their homes sit longer on the market and notice fewer buyers coming through on tour, more of them will realize that the market has adjusted and reset their expectations accordingly.”

Nearly half of all properties currently listed, 44%, have been on the market for 6 months or more. Experts caution sellers that holding on to property is not in their best interest. Many single-family properties are overpriced. As potential homeowners are now spoiled for choice, those homes will be more difficult to offload. 

Economic fear and uncertainty are causing many Americans to keep a tight hold on their purse strings. The average salary in the country is $59,428, making the option of buying a half-million-dollar home out of reach for many. The average cost of a home in 2025 is $416,900, which is out of range for the average citizen. Perhaps these new developments will create space in the market for a working-class buyer making smaller wages. Redfin projects the high supply will give an edge to potential. 

“Your purchasing power will increase if home prices fall, wages rise, and mortgage rates remain steady as expected. Homes that would have been out of reach six months ago may come into reach as sellers entertain lower offers and concessions.”

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Virginia City, TIkTok, viral video, antiracism center, university of Minnesota
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 9, 2025

Woman Hurling Racial Slur At Two Black Men Sparks Citywide Response

The video prompted a response from city officials amid the leadership's own history with racist missteps.

A viral TikTok of a woman hurling a racial slur at two Black men in Healdsburg, California has resulted in a city-wide response.

The video showed the woman yelling at the two Black men over their moving truck blocking her driveway. After storming back to her car following her rant, one of the drivers told her that a “simple” ask would have worked.

“I think a simple ‘can you move your truck please’ would have sufficed,” said the man recording the video.

Instead of taking his advice, however, the woman could be heard calling him the n-word. While seemingly unfazed by her racist disrespect, the driver did note that he caught the offense on camera.

“Haha, right. Glad I recorded that,” laughed the man.

Although the woman drove away from the scene, the effect of her racial slur waged on in the Bay Area. City officials in Healdsburg caught wind of the incident as it reached over 2 million views on TikTok.

Healdsburg Mayor Evelyn Mitchell told The Press Democrat that she found the ordeal “appalling.” She also stated that the woman’s behavior goes “against everything” the city stands for.

“As Mayor, and as a longtime member of this community, I know how hard we have worked to build a welcoming and inclusive city,” Mitchell said in the email.

However, the city’s leadership has come under fire for how it handled racial tension before.  Following the previous mayor’s lackluster response amid the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, city officials developed the Healdburg’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan. 

The city had implemented DEI-focused strategies to create and improve community equity programming. However, this latest instance of racism has the city reflecting on if change has truly occurred.

Mitchell added, “There is no place for racism or hatred here, and I remain committed to doing my part to help ensure every person in Healdsburg feels safe, respected and valued,” she said.

Since the backlash, the woman has also apologized for using the racial slur. She told KRON4 that she has taken extreme steps to protect her identity amid harassment and death threats. She reportedly dyed her hair purple and removed her social media accounts due to the criticism.

“I’m sorry for what I said. I’m sorry I wanted to hurt (the movers), but it’s not because I’m a horrible person, it’s because I have been struggling recently,” she explained.

The truck driver, however, told the news outlet that he has dealt with racism on this scale before while on the job. Healdsburg’s local NAACP branch, overseeing all of Santa Rosa-Sonoma County, has yet to release a statement.

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