fashion, Cactus Jack, scholarship, Travis Scott, Ethos

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 9, 2025

Cactus Jack Design Ethos Fashion Scholarship Fund Recipients Unveiled At NYC Event

Each student received a $10,000 award from the Cactus Jack Foundation

At a New York City function on April 8, Travis Scott and his nonprofit organization, Cactus Jack Foundation, presented the most recent recipients of the Cactus Jack Design Ethos Fashion Scholarship fund.

The introduction occurred at the Annual Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) LIVE Gala at Glasshouse. The five students, the latest class of FSF and Virgil Abloh™M “Post-Modern” Scholars are also Cactus Jack Design Ethos Scholars: Jordan Dixon (Pensole College of Business and Design), Amaya Evans (Syracuse University), Bliss-Nurah Mack (Clark Atlanta University), Satchel Smith (Thomas Jefferson University), and Amanda Kerr (Savannah School of Art and Design), who were present at the function.

Each student received a $10,000 award from the Cactus Jack Foundation.

The scholarships will allow aspiring creatives to get educational opportunities in the fashion and design industries.

In attendance at the function were several influential figures from the fashion and creative industries, including Fear of God Founder and Creative Director Jerry Lorenzo, Macy’s Inc. Chairman & CEO Tony Spring, Favorite Daughter Co-founders Erin and Sara Foster, and also a performance by The Hoborees.

This event comes two weeks after the Cactus Jack Foundation launched the Cactus Jack Design Ethos 101 with the Fashion Scholarship Fund at the Houston Cactus Jack Community Action Week.

“At #cactusjackcommunityactionweek, we officially launched Cactus Jack Design Ethos 101 in partnership with @fashionscholarship fund at the @cact.us.design.center @TXRXLabs featuring a cactus jack @nike sneaker lab workshop with @spacecenterhouston and the opening of the ART.US art show featuring the works of Cact.Us Design Center students.”

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The initiative was unveiled at this year’s Cactus Jack HBCU Softball Classic. The program allows students access to Cactus Jack’s creative philosophy with hands-on workshops and a competition where several people will be blessed with scholarships and opportunities to work alongside the Cactus Jack team at the state-of-the-art Cact.Us Design Center in Houston.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 9, 2025

Barbie Announces LeBron James Doll, Making NBA Great the First ‘Kenbassador’

The doll features several nods to James' legacy on and off the court

Mattel, the company behind Barbie, is making a LeBron James doll, the inaugural Ken doll of a professional athlete.

The doll, created in partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF), will also commemorate James’ addition as the brand’s first “Kenbassador.”

Barbie recently celebrated its 65th anniversary.

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“Ken is Barbie’s longtime best friend and supporter,” said Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls, Mattel, in a press release. “We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken that celebrates LeBron as a role model, his icon status, lasting impact on culture, and dedication to setting a positive example for the next generation to reach their limitless potential.”

Lebron James, Kenbassador, Ken Barbie — (Photo courtesy of Barbie/Willy Lew)

James worked closely on the doll, from its taller stature than the standard “Ken” and a varsity jacket with patches referencing his Ohio upbringing, and his “23” jersey number and the “We Are Family” initiative for his foundation.

Under the jacket is an “We Are Family” t-shirt. The look also features Nike Terminator High sneakers, Beats headphones, sunglasses, a fanny pack, as well as a watch and his “I Promise” band.

While the Kenbassador doll pays tribute to James’ historic career in the NBA and as a global phenomenon, he explained the doll’s deeper significance.

“As a young kid, I was fortunate to have role models who not only inspired me but also showed me what’s possible through hard work and dedication,” James said. “Now, as an adult, I understand how vital it is for young people to have positive figures to look up to. That’s why partnering with Barbie to release the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll is such an honor. It’s an opportunity to recognize the powerful impact of role models who instill confidence, inspire dreams, and show kids that they, too, can achieve greatness.”

Barbie will also donate to the LJFF to help its mission of supporting underserved families and children in Akron, Ohio, through housing, education, job training, and more.

“For the LeBron James Family Foundation and the families we serve, this is so much more than a doll. It represents the reality that a kid from anywhere can make a difference,” said Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “We are incredibly honored to partner with
Barbie to continue inspiring the next generation and to celebrate LeBron’s unwavering commitment to his community by giving back through the LeBron James Kenbassadors doll.”

Barbie will also donate one copy of James’ I Am More Than children’s book to Save The Children for every LeBron Doll sold at Target from April 14 to 19. For those in the U.S., the Undefeated store in Los Angeles will also host an exclusive drop on April 12 for fans to snag signed dolls ahead of its official release date.

The doll, which retails for $75, will be available for puchase April 14 at Target, Amazon, Walmart and Mattel Creations.

Khalid Kamal, mayor, Kobi, racist, messages, investigation, south Fulton

by Kandiss Edwards

April 9, 2025

‘Mayor Kobi’ Says Eviction Notice from Apartment Is Politically Motivated

Mayor Kobi was served an eviction summons on March 19

The mayor of South Fulton, Georiga, Mayor Khalid Kamau, AKA “Mayor Kobi,” is facing eviction from his apartment, a move he contends is politically motivated.

Channel 2 Action News obtained Fulton County court documents indicating that Kamau was served a summons March 19 for $1,663.77 in unpaid rent for that month.

Residents of South Fulton have expressed mixed reactions to the mayor’s financial situation. “You can’t trust someone that can’t keep up their own finances and life to run the city,” neighbor Mlyk Williams said.

Conversely, another argued that personal matters should remain separate from professional responsibilities: “It has nothing to do with his function as a public official; that’s really his private life.”

In a statement to Channel 2, the mayor spoke about his eviction status and hinted that his recurring troubles may be politically motivated.

“I wasn’t expecting to need a legal team when I announced my re-election plans in January, but I guess that’s the way the political game is played now,” the statement read.

Mayor Kobi, who earns $47,000 annually in his part-time role, equated his financial challenges to those faced by many Americans. “I represent over 200 million Americans for whom an unexpected expense of $1,000 can mean financial catastrophe.”

In response to such housing challenges, Georgia enacted the Safe at Home Act, House Bill 404, in 2024. Signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, this legislation introduces protections for residents who face eviction and predatory housing practices:

Habitat Standards: Landlords are required to ensure rental properties are “fit for human habitation,” addressing issues like mold, pests, and non-functioning utilities.
Security Deposit Cap: Security deposits are capped at no more than two months’ rent.
Eviction Grace Period: Tenants are granted a three-business-day grace period to pay overdue rent before eviction proceedings can commence.
Utility Protections: Landlords are prohibited from disconnecting air conditioning prior to completing the eviction process.

These measures aim to provide Georgia renters with enhanced stability and protection in their housing situations.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 9, 2025

Tyla Shows Love To Her Fanbase In Pandora Jewelry Campaign

Tyla's new assortment of charms also include pieces to spell out "TYGER," a salute to her growing fanbase

Tyla is showing love to her “Tyger” fanbase in a new campaign for Pandora Jewelry.

The “Water” singer announced her role as the company’s brand ambassador through a photoshoot of jewelry she designed, which includes a not-so subtle nod to her fans.

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In one of the campaign photos, Tyla showed off her back featuring a necklace that spelled out “TYGER,” the member name of her loyal fanbase.

The “Pandora Styled By Tyla” collection also includes charms handpicked by the Grammy winner. The pieces not only symbolize her skyrocketing music career, but her South African childhood.

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One of the curated charms includes a cherry blossom, which connects to the music video for her chart-topping hit, “Water.” Another charm, a Shark Tooth Mini, represents her South African heritage that shines through her artistry.

“[Pandora] reminds me so much of home because my mom always made jewelry, and the birthstone charms remind me of the beads I used to have laying around in my house growing up,” said Tyla on the announcement, as reported by People. “Whenever our mother wanted us not to bother her, she’d give us a big container of beads and my sisters and I would make friendship bracelets all day… Now my Tygers can have matching friendship bracelets with me.”

As seen on Tylaf, the charms can also adorn hoop earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Fellow “Tygers” that want to show their love for the 23-year-old songstress can recreate the standout piece as well.

“Through this collaboration, Pandora and Tyla celebrate the power that jewelry holds to capture life’s most unforgettable moments, inspiring a new generation to embrace their unique stories in their own personal expression,” according to the release.

The specially curated charms are available online now at Pandora’s “Styled by Tyla” page.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 9, 2025

Baltimore’s ‘AFRAM’ Festival To Include Performances By Saweetie, Patti Labelle, And Juvenile At Juneteenth Celebration

Amerie, Vedo, and Teedra Moses will also hit the stage at the cultural and music festival.

Attendees at this year’s 2025 AFRAM Festival in Baltimore can expect to see some hit-maker performances at this year’s Juneteenth celebration.

Called “AFRAM,” the African American music, cultural, and arts festival will continue its legacy of celebrating Black heritage and community with a free two-day experience. Ahead of its June dates, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott unveiled the performers who will take the festival stage.

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Its 2025 lineup includes Saweetie, Amerie, Juvenile, and Patti Labelle, with the musical acts performing some of their hits to delight the crowds. Additionally, R&B crooners Vedo and Teedra Moses will round out the list of performers.

The festival will also uplift local talent on its Roots and Family stage, produced by the Black Arts District with sponsorship by the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA). For Mayor Scott, the lineup and programming commemorate the Black excellence AFRAM has historically spotlighted.

“We know what AFRAM is: it is a celebration of everything that is Black excellence,” said Mayor Scott in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “It’s one of the largest festivals on the East Coast dedicated to Black history and culture. We will continue having AFRAM, and because of the state of the world, we’re probably going to be more loud and even Blacker this year to remind everybody that no matter how hard they try to erase us from the history books, they can’t erase us.

The Baltimore AFRAM festival began in 1976 as part of the city’s Showcase of Nations. Since becoming an official Juneteenth celebration, it has emerged as one of the East Coast’s largest African American cultural arts events.

The event will also showcase local artisans, creatives, businesses, and organizations that are part of its vibrant Black community. Over 200,000 people are known to attend the festival, which encourages everyone to patronize Black entrepreneurs who help shape this diverse city.

“The countdown to AFRAM is on, and we could not be more excited about this year’s lineup and everything we have planned to uplift African American culture and the local Baltimore community,” added Baltimore City Department of Director Reginald Moore, whose program helps coordinate AFRAM. “With over 700 acres of historic Druid Hill Park as a backdrop, this year’s festival will be the ultimate summer destination. We’re grateful for the support of the Scott Administration, local vendors, strong partnerships, and most of all, the community, which shows up year after year, making this an annual tradition not to miss.

The AFRAM festival is from June 21 to 22 at Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park. More information is available on the festival’s website.

Dr. Africa Wallace, Eastern Cardiothoracic Surgical Society

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2025

Louisville’s Majority-Black West End Community Opens Its First Hospital In Over 150 Years

The predominately Black town of West End in Louisville, Kentucky, opened its first hospital in over 150 years.

Louisville, Kentucky’s majority-Black West End neighborhood, has welcomed its first local hospital in over 150 years.

Norton West Louisville Hospital, which began operations in November 2024, is already significantly impacting the local community. About 70% of the hospital staff are local residents, and their strong ties to the area have made the hospital a key connection point for all types of care.

“Empathy is something that is not practiced a lot anymore in healthcare,” Charles Ramsey, a hospital case manager and West End native, told CBS News. “I feel like if you have empathy for a person, you understand them better. That’s where the trust comes in.”

The town’s first hospital was the vision of Corenza Townsend, chief administrative officer for Norton West. Eight years ago, while working as a nurse manager at another Norton hospital, she pitched the idea to the corporation’s CEO, Russ Cox.

With the CEO’s support and Townsend’s determination, Norton broke ground in June 2022 and opened its doors in November 2024. In a predominantly Black community often affected by racial bias in healthcare, Townsend is committed to providing West End with the quality care it deserves.

“The life expectancy in West Louisville is about 12-and-a-half to 15 years different here than anywhere else in the city,” Townsend said. “That alone gives you reason enough to build a hospital in West Louisville.”

“We know that lack of transportation, lack of general education around healthcare, and then just bias in how people are treated in the healthcare system,” she added. “Our people in West Louisville are not getting the help that they needed.”

Building trust with the community is a top priority for the hospital, and Norton offers several features to reflect this commitment. Upon entering, visitors are greeted personally, and the hospital showcases art that resonates with patients.

Additional amenities include a bistro, valet parking, and a food bank. Ramsey runs a local partnership with Dare to Care, which serves as a safe space and is open to everyone.

“People are coming into this pantry, and we’re converting them to primary care patients,” Townsend said. “Or they’re coming in, and they’ve had ailments that needed to be addressed for years, and they never did, and we see them right in the emergency department.”

Former St. Louis Prosecutor,Misusing Public Funds

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 9, 2025

Xavier Worthy, Tia Jones Agree To Drop Lawsuits Against Each Other

The former couple rescinded their protective orders against each another

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy and his ex-fiancée, track and field star Tia Jones, have agreed to drop competing lawsuits after a domestic squabble.

According to TMZ, the former couple’s agreement will supercede all legal actions between the two. Worthy will rescind his application for a protective order and Jones will pull back her protective order against the football player.

“I regret any misunderstandings or conflicts that arose during my relationship with my ex-fiancée,” Worthy said in a written statement. “I also acknowledge that my legal representatives may have made public statements about my ex-fiancée that were intended to protect me but were misstated.

“Ending a relationship that spanned over a year can be an emotional experience, and sometimes words are spoken out of hurt and frustration,” Worthy added. “This matter has now been settled.”

Jones’s attorney, Angelica Cogliano, agreed.

After Worthy was arrested on suspicion of an assault against a family or household member by impeding their breathing after a domestic dispute with Jones, prosecutors decided not to file charges.

Jones then applied for and received a protective order after Jones accused Worthy of assault. She also caused property damage and scratched the football player’s face. She allegedly would not leave Worthy’s residence when he asked her to leave after finding out she was cheating on him.

Worthy refused to press charges against Jones.

Worthy then filed paperwork against Jones alleging that she had “schemed to extort a home, money, cars, and other valuables … by concocting false stories of domestic violence.” The football player was requesting damages between $250,000 and $1,000,000. Worthy’s attorney, Chad Pinkerton, stated in the lawsuit that Jones lied about the incident leading to Worthy’s arrest. She allegedly did so “for the sole purpose of her financial gain and (Worthy’s) ruin.”

Now, with the latest action, both will walk away without any legal repercussions.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2025

New Edition’s Ricky Bell Welcoming First Child With Wife After 20 Years Of Marriage

New Edition's Ricky Bell is expecting his first child with his wife of 20 years.

New Edition’s Ricky Bell is finally welcoming his first child with his wife of 20 years, Amy Correa Bell.

The Bell Biv DeVoe singer took to Instagram on April 2 to share the exciting pregnancy news, telling fans they can now make a “Reservation for 3.” The post shared images of Ricky, 57, and Amy, 42, posing together for their 1950s-themed maternity reveal photoshoot, celebrating a night on the town.

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Amy also shared the news on her page with a post captioned, “Past, present and the future.” She received an outpouring of love from many of their famous friends, including singer Johnny Gill, DJ D-Nice, Shamari Devoe (who’s married to Ricky’s groupmate Ronny Devoe), and actress Meagan Good, who wrote, “This literally just made me cry. Love all three of you 🙏🏾🥹🤎.”

The pregnancy reveal comes years in the making. Ricky and Amy tied the knot on Sept. 18, 2004, in a unique double wedding with Ralph Tresvant, Ricky’s friend and New Edition bandmate. In 2018, they explained why they had yet to welcome any children.

“This guy is’ on tour year-round,” Amy told VladTV at the time.

“And it just hasn’t happened for whatever reason, but we’re actually going to plan it at the end of this tour,” Ricky added.

The “Mr. Telephone Man” singer noted how the couple was set to renew their vows after 15 years of marriage. “And hopefully, she’ll be walking down the aisle pregnant,” he said.

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After seven years, the longtime couple is finally expecting their first bundle of joy. Amy has shared the secret to marital success with the veteran boy bander.

“Don’t give up when the sh-t hits the fan because that’s what most people do,” Amy told Essence. “It’s like they get hurt, and they can’t overcome it. They’re just so hurt that they’re responding out of their hurt, but you have to look beyond the hurt and actually see why are you with this person…what’s your purpose together?”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2025

Roc Nation School of Music Students Promised Full Scholarships Are In Debt

Students at the Jay-Z-backed Roc Nation School of Music are in debt after being promised otherwise.

Jay-Z backed the Roc Nation School of Music at LIU Brooklyn, where select students were promised to “graduate without debt” but are finding out otherwise.

At least a dozen students selected for the inaugural class of LIU’s Roc Nation School of Music are speaking out to the Gothamist about the unexpected debt they’ve accrued despite receiving offer letters stating they would graduate “without debt.” These students, with debts ranging from $5,000 to $39,000, are calling out what they describe as mixed messaging with the university’s “Hope Scholarship,” intended for the “highest-need” students.

“You look at this paperwork where this very expensive institution is telling you you’d be able to get all these opportunities for less, you’re going to get your college paid for, and they use this propaganda to get you in,” said Ajaiya Thomas, a Hope scholar, who transferred to a different university after two years due receiving $19,000 in unexpected charges from LIU.

Many students were eager to join the high-profile program—a partnership between Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and LIU—that promised to shape the next generation of artists and entertainment entrepreneurs, complete with guest lectures from Roc Nation stars like the Jonas Brothers and Rihanna.

”I remember being just generally conflicted about school, and then coming across this school made me feel a sense of security,” said Justice Stephenson, a Hope scholar preparing to graduate while also paying off $5,000 in student debt. “It was a full scholarship immediately. It was a music school, which is iconic and the dream. And Jay-Z is involved.”

Stephenson said she successfully negotiated her $26,000 debt down after arguing to LIU officials that she had been promised a debt-free graduation. In addition to the unexpected debt, students have raised concerns with administrators about the quality of the Roc Nation School of Music.

Among the concerns was the lack of a professional recording studio—something students majoring in areas like sports management and music production said they had to build themselves. They also criticized the promotional materials that advertised celebrity guest speakers such as Rihanna, DJ Khaled, and the Jonas Brothers, who never appeared.

The university has defended its position, with LIU marketing chief Jackie Nealon stating that the scholarship covers tuition only and is intended to allow students to graduate “tuition debt-free.” They also note over 200 celebrity guest speakers, including Megan Thee Stallion, Fat Joe, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez.

However, it’s a sticky situation that some financial aid experts say may have been used to boost enrollment amid low numbers.

“A big story of the day is the desperation of even very selective institutions to enroll students … There are simply not enough students to go around,” said Ann Marcus, a higher education policy professor at NYU, noting the declining enrollment rates nationwide.

“The name of the game was to get butts in seats and they make these promises, and so they said, ‘F— it, we don’t want a small class. We’re going to admit everybody.’ And that’s what they did,” said Kenyatta Beasley, a former music professor at LIU-Brooklyn who now teaches at Hofstra University.

Nealon maintains that the scholarship program is “making an impact.” However, students who were left with debt are calling it a “scam.”

“This sounds like a scam. It sounds like a ‘School of Rock’ bulls—, Donald Trump University s—,” said Jorden Drone, a Hope scholar who owes nearly $39,000 in debt for student loans he thought he’d never need.

“My dad thought it was a scam,” said Sumante Hutchinson, a Hope scholar who owes $37,000 in federal student loans. “Come to find out it kind of has been a scam.”

Homeowner, Home Insurance, Real Estate House Insurance

by Mitti Hicks

April 9, 2025

OneUnited, The Largest Black-Owned Bank, Partners With Esusu To Boost Homeownership

Black homeownershp rates have increased, but challenges persist

Research from the Urban Institute found that while Black homeownership rates increased slightly during the pandemic, increasing by two percentage points between 2019 and 2021 (from 42.2 to 44.2 percent), higher interest rates threaten to further widen racial homeownership gaps.

Researchers found that the Black-white homeownership gap is wider now than it was when segregation was legal.

Interest rates are just part of the problem. Higher mortgage denial rates for Black households compared to white households and lower average credit scores are also contributing factors.

“We recognize that one of the challenges we face as a community to become homeowners is our credit,” Teri Williams, president and chief operating officer of the largest Black-owned bank, OneUnited, tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “We have these great programs, such as first-time homebuyer programs, but we found ourselves having to decline applicants because of their credit.”

To mitigate some of these barriers and increase Black homeownership rates, OneUnited is partnering with Esusu, a Black-owned fintech company.

Wemimo Abbey and Samir Goel founded Esusu in 2018 to dismantle barriers to housing for working families. Esusu partners with property management companies to collect and report on-time rental payment data to the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, helping renters build credit.

“Anyone that pays rent should consider Esusu,” says Williams. “They have also collaborated with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who count rent payments towards mortgage approvals.”

On average, Esusu members experience a 40-point jump in credit score, which could make all the difference in obtaining a home loan. According to Williams, Esusu only reports on-time payments, so if renters miss a payment, Esusu does not report it.

Interested renters must have a bank account so Esusu can report on-time rent payments to credit bureaus. Williams adds that OneUnited offers second-chance checking accounts, so people with ChexSystems records can still open an account.

“I say this all the time: Even if you have to buy a hut, you should buy a home. It may not be your dream home, but what it does is it gets you into home ownership benefit,” says Williams. “It allows you to start to build home equity, which is the number one way people in America build wealth.”

For more information on the partnership, visit OneUnited’s website.