Master P Signs HBCU Player Of The Year From Transfer Portal
Gibson is a two-time HBCU Athletic Conference Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year
Master P used to sign rappers to his No Limit Records roster; now he has just signed HBCU basketball player of the year Jamal Gibson to the University of New Orleans basketball team.
According to HBCU Gameday, in less than three months as the President of Basketball Operations for the University of New Orleans, the No Limit owner has signed Gibson to play for the school for the upcoming season. Gibson recently entered the transfer portal and is a two-time HBCU Athletic Conference Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year.
Gibson is joining a program that posted a 4-27 record this past season.
After playing this past season with Southern University in New Orleans, Gibson is joining the Privateers. Although he is 26 years old, he was a freshman who recently took up the sport of basketball (in an organized basketball league) and made an immediate impact. Gibson averaged 21 points and 15.8 rebounds per game while leading the nation in total rebounds (453). He set single-season records in points scored (579), rebounds (453), and double-doubles (27).
Athlon Sports reported that Gibson averaged 22.4 points, 15.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game last season while recording 43 double-doubles during his college career.
Although Master P is known for his storied music career as a No Limit soldier and entrepreneur, his basketball history is well-documented.
He played his collegiate career for the basketball teams at both the University of Houston and Merritt College in Oakland, California. However, even as he started his label, No Limit Records, he had playing stints in the CBA (Continental Basketball Association), which predated the current NBA G League as a developmental league for NBA teams (The CBA folded in 2009).
The entrepreneur played for the Fort Wayne Fury, the San Diego Stingrays, and the Las Vegas Rattlers in the CBA. Although he never made it to the regular season in the NBA, he was on the rosters of the Charlotte Hornets and the Toronto Raptors during preseason. He also participated in the NBA Summer League, playing with the Dallas Mavericks, the Denver Nuggets, and the Sacramento Kings.
Au Naturel Only: Ivory Coast Pageant Shocks Contestants With Wig & Weave Ban
Pageant organizers hope the changes will allow more women to participate.
The Miss Ivory Coast Pageant has released a shocking new rule for contestants’ appearance.
The pageant for the West African country has announced a ban on all wig and weave extensions. Instead, it wants participants to showcase the beauty of their natural hair.
The Ivorian competition will forbid those vying for the crown from wearing fake hair or hair extensions in its preliminary stages. These qualifying events will take place in 13 cities and two international slots.
While the rules limit the hairstyles, contestants can still wear their real hair in any fashion they choose. However, the pageants want to distance themselves from promoting cosmetic surgery and skin lightening.
“We want the candidates to be natural – whether with braids or straightened hair, it should be their own. Beauty must be raw,” Victor Yapobi, president of the Miss Ivory Coast organizing committee, told the BBC.
The organizers hope to encourage contestants to embrace their natural beauty. They also decided to eliminate certain costly barriers that prevent many from competing.
While the new rule allows women to spend less on their hairstyles, other changes to the entrance fee and age requirements allow more to try out. Now, women at the age of 28 can enter, and for $30 less than prior years, with the lowered cost now at $50.
Yapobi added, “This change in criteria is because we observed these young women were putting up a lot of money to participate, and it was becoming a bit of a budget drain.”
While some have praised the changes, others have condemned the “attack” on popular fake hair styles like wigs. Deemed “protective styles,” these looks offer women more creativity with their hair expression, while not damaging their real tresses.
On the other hand, the new rules require some contestants to reflect on what makes them feel beautiful to others.
“I would see other girls with long, artificial hair, and they looked so beautiful,” 21-year-old Emmanuella Dali, a 21-year-old real estate agent, said to the publication. “This rule gives me more pride as a woman – as an African woman.”
Wigs are a popular hair form in West Africa and across the Black diaspora. However, the stark change in the pageant reflects a trend toward natural beauty and hair. Wigs are also a pricey investment in women’s appearance, with human-hair units costing hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Some hairdressers are concerned that the pageant’s new declaration will decrease sales and their own profits. However, in a culture where one’s natural hair is still considered inappropriate in some professional settings, the ruling seeks to change the narrative.
Despite this, some naysayers say women should define their own beauty and not have pageants determine these standards. For those who see both sides of the issue, acceptance of women regardless of their natural or altered hairstyling remains the priority.
Thus far, the ban only applies to the preliminary rounds. Yapobi has not disclosed if the 15 contestants who will compete on the main stage will have to adhere to the controversial guideline. The official pageant will take place at the end of June in Abidjan.
Flourish Art Accelerator: 2 HBCU Alums Elevate Creatives Of Color
Hampton University graduates provide creatives of color with resources that don’t always trickle down equitably
Oscar and Tammi Bedolla, a husband-and-wife duo, are elevating artists and curators of color in Chicago through their nonprofit Flourish Art Accelerator. Inspired by tech sector accelerators, the Hampton University graduates provide creatives of color with resources that don’t always trickle down equitably, such as financial support, professional services, and mentorship.
Oscar’s mission is personal. His mother, Myrtis Bedolla, founded Galerie Myrtis, one of the country’s few African American-owned art galleries.
“I grew up hanging artwork like Amy Sherald,” Bedolla told BLACK ENTERPRISE. First Lady Michelle Obama commissioned Sherald to paint her official portrait for the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
“Having a mother who was an entrepreneur in the space, I witnessed how she helped artists grow. I wanted to take my professional background in tech and the accelerator model and apply it to the art world to support people like my mother.”
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How Flourish Art Accelerator Strengthens Chicago’s Creative Economy
Chicago is a canvas for creatives who find innovative ways to share art. The city also attracts millions of visitors yearly to its art fairs, museums, galleries, and public art displays.
However, Oscar and Tammi often struggled to find art that resonated with them. When they would come across these pieces, many of these artists were tucked away in the fairs and not given the spotlight they deserved. They wanted to change that and talked to museums about accelerating the growth of underrepresented artists. The Bedollas secured partnerships with local fine art museums, the business community, and art fairs, such as EXPO Chicago.
Flourish brings these artists and their work to the forefront. Creatives apply and are then selected for the accelerator. They have access to advisors, funding, and a network of art professionals to grow their entrepreneurial practice.
“Our idea is to eventually build a stronger pipeline to fine art galleries and museums,” says Bedolla.
Flourish Art Accelerator 2025 Fellows
Flourish’s 2025 Fellows include one curator and three visual artists. Accelerator leaders chose each artist from a competitive pool of 40 Chicago-based creatives for their visionary projects that deepen community awareness, reimagine the collective future, and honor cultural icons shaping the next generation.
Flourish will award fellows a $20,000 grant and honor them at a special reception on April 25th at the Museum of Contemporary Art during a featured event of EXPO Chicago.
“Creatives fuel our city’s economy, preserve traditions, challenge perspectives, and shape the leaders of tomorrow,” Bedolla said. “We find ourselves in a defining moment to invest in the visionary imagination of artists—to ensure their trailblazing ideas take shape and their voices are heard. We congratulate each of these extraordinary individuals.”
As for what’s next, Bedolla says his team is not deterred by the ongoing efforts to scrutinize diversity, inclusion and equity efforts.
“We understand that there’s a pipeline of artists that need us, and we’re going to push through,” he said.
New Farmer’s Market Opens Up In Metro Atlanta To Address Food Insecurity For Residents
The market has 40 to 60 vendors that will sell artisan foods and handmade crafts, as well as lifestyle products.
Mableton, Georgia, has a new farmer’s market where Metro Atlanta residents can access healthy, local foods.
For many, the area could be considered a food desert, as the nearest grocery store is in another county. To address this need for accessible and nutritious food options, the city’s leadership sought to develop the market.
“We have families that want and need to have healthier options, and it’s a challenge. Bringing a farmer’s market here to Mableton is paramount; it is going to offer fresh food options for families,” said Mableton Mayor Michael Owens to WSB-TV.
Owens added, “If you go simply by the lack of having a grocery store, it is approximately a little less than half of our city. As vibrant as Mableton is with lots of different shopping options, we do have a part of the city that is a food desert.”
Dr. Christopher Boyd, general manager at the Riverside Epicenter, and his team brought the idea to fruition. Noticing the area’s food insecurity and limited produce options, lessening this gap became crucial for the community’s upliftment.
In partnership with Event Helperz, the EPIC Farmer’s Market will now be held at the EpiCenter. Deemed Georgia’s largest farmers’ market, it has already seen immense success in its first day of operations.
“We sold out of all of our produce in one day,” explained Dr. Boyd. “We saw somewhere between 700 to 1,200 people here.”
The farmer’s market features 40 to 60 vendors at different stalls. It also offers more than a typical grocery store. Vendors will sell artisan foods, handmade crafts, as well as lifestyle products. Located near Six Flags Over Georgia, families can get there by public transportation alongside ample parking space.
Mableton is home to a diverse community, with approximately 44.3% of residents identifying as Black, according to U.S. Census data. With this in mind, bringing a farmer’s market to this area will help Georgians of color have wider food options for the foreseeable future. Boyd also noted that one farmer was able to receive EBT payments for their goods, making it even more accessible for low-income customers.
“We’re able to attract because of the need a lot of farmers who want to exhibit their goods,” Boyd said. “Bell peppers and the watermelons and the corn, also smoothies and other things like that. We’re excited that we’re able to bring that right to this community. We’re excited about becoming the largest in Georgia.”
The market will be open on Saturdays and Sundays, with more information available on its website.
Kid Cudi’s Personal Items Bring In $850K On Pharrell’s Online Auction
People snatched up items to the tune of $857,439
In March, Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter website held an online auction to give people a chance to purchase items from Kid Cudi’s personal collection, and according to HipHopDX, the auction brought in more than $850,000.
The auction, On Another Planet: The Collection of Kid Cudi, which was held for two weeks, started March 13 and ended March 25. There were 75 items chosen by Cudi to place on the auction site. The items purchased reportedly brought in $857,439, with a custom Jacob & Co 14-karat N.E.R.D. pendant bringing in $243,750, making it the highest-priced purchase at the auction.
Cudi told GQ why the auction took place after the auction site approached him previously about doing something with him.
“Joopiter has been wanting to do something with me for a while, so I recently reached out to the team and let them know I had some stuff I was willing to part with, things I’ve collected throughout my career.”
Other items that went for a large amount of money included a rare Ben Baller x Takashi Murakami x Kid Cudi chain, which went for $187,500, although the expected price was below the $200,000 guide price. A pair of Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low sneakers, which was designed by the late Virgil Abloh, was bought for $82,500.
There was also a Ben Baller chain that depicts the rapper in 18-karat gold, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies that was purchased for $43,750.
In a recent interview with Hube, the recording artist stated that he just worked on a project that will be released in the future that “did something” for him as an artist.
“When I first started making this album, I didn’t know if I would even be able to sing at the level I needed to in order for it to be executed in the right way. Working on these songs, collaborating with the writers and producers, and building songs from the ground up—it did something for me as an artist. I haven’t created like this in a long time. It’s been years. With my last few projects, I was getting beats from different people and building an album that way, but there is something about being in a room and creating something from scratch—from a simple hum—it’s so fulfilling.”
If We’re Asking Who ‘Taught’ Karmelo Anthony? We Must Also Ask—What Kind Of Parents Raised Austin Metcalf?
The white student died after confronting Karmelo Anthony, a Black student who felt threatened
By Stacey Patton
“I’m not trying to judge, but what kind of parents did this child have?”
That’s what Jeff Metcalf, the grieving father of Austin Metcalf, said as he forgave the Black teenager accused of killing his son.
Metcalf, a white high school student from Texas, was fatally stabbed during a confrontation with another student, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who is Black. The incident occurred during a track meet in Frisco, where reports suggest the altercation began after Metcalf attempted to remove Anthony from an area under his school’s tent. Anthony is currently charged with first degree murder and being held on a $1 million bond.
In the aftermath, Metcalf’s father went on television and posed the question that has echoed across media and comment sections alike: “What was he taught? He brought a knife to a track meet and he murdered my son by stabbing him in the heart.”
It’s a familiar script. The suspicion, the blame, the scrutiny of the other child’s upbringing. The assumption that some kind of moral failing, parental neglect, or cultural deficiency must have led a Black boy to violence. Jeff Metcalf questioned Karmelo Anthony’s parents in the same breath that he asked God for peace.
But I wonder—what if we turned that question around: What kind of parents raised Austin Metcalf?
That’s the question, isn’t it?
Because whenever a Black youth is killed, the country performs its well-rehearsed ritual of digging into their home life, school performance, their behavior, their photos, their parents. America never mourns the loss of Black life without first dissecting us and leveling micro-inquisitions at Black families.
So, where did Austin Metcalf’s parents go wrong? What kind of household raises a boy like Austin Metcalf — a boy who, according to witnesses, used a racial slur during a confrontation with a Black peer?
What kind of parents raise a child who allegedly called another student the n-word? Reports circulating on social media suggest that Metcalf hurled that word at Anthony. If true, that wasn’t just a word, it was a weapon. A centuries-old threat. A verbal heirloom of white dominance, sharpened to remind Black children of their place in American society.
But when confronted with that possibility, Austin’s father went on TV and said, “This is not a race thing.This is not a political thing.”
And there it is, folks. The white American default: erase race the moment it becomes inconvenient. The moment whiteness stops being innocent and starts looking aggressive. The moment a slur forces the nation to reckon with the possibility that the boy they’re grieving may not have been just a victim, but an instigator.
What kind of white parents raised a boy who reportedly put his hands on another student and tried to police where he could sit at a school event? A boy who, along with his twin, posed proudly in multiple photos holding what appear to be AR-15s, dressed in camo, staring coldly and dead-eyed into the camera with the posture of kids who’ve already decided who the enemy is.
There are also social media posts circulating online of Metcalf flashing the middle finger and showing off weapons. But you won’t see those images in the mainstream media. There, Austin is presented in his Sunday best: smiling in a suit and tie, standing beside his father, or captured mid-stride as a wholesome student-athlete. Because when white boys die, their image is curated. Softened. Sanitized. But when Black boys die, their worst photos are resurrected and turned into character evidence. Their dignity is denied in life and even more viciously in death.
What kind of mother and father raise a child who feels entitled to dictate another student’s place under a tent at a school event? Who raised this boy to believe his whiteness came with the authority to police Black bodies, to engage in racial gatekeeping? Who taught him that his body, his voice, his dominance would not be questioned and that a Black boy who didn’t obey was a threat?
To be clear, there’s also a fake autopsy report circulating online claiming that Austin Metcalf had drugs in his system when he died. That report is false and spreading it is wrong. We don’t need to stoop to misinformation to make a point.
But the impulse behind it? That’s familiar. That’s straight from the American playbook — the same one used to justify the deaths of Black people for generations.
How many times have we been told that a Black victim had marijuana in their system, as if that makes a bullet or a chokehold more acceptable? They said George Floyd had fentanyl in his bloodstream and heart disease. They said Eric Garner was in poor health when he was choked to death in broad daylight by a New York City cop. They dug into Breonna Taylor’s past, looking for anything that could explain why she was shot in her own home.
When a Black person is killed, the question is never just “What happened?” — it’s “What did they do to deserve it?”
This fake autopsy isn’t just misinformation. It’s a mirror. A reflection of the very tactics used to dehumanize Black victimsand now, suddenly, being applied to a white boy. And it feels wrong, doesn’t it?
Good. Sit with that. Because Black folks have had to sit with the rage of losing our children and being blamed for decades.
What kind of parents raised Austin Metcalf? Did his parents talk to him about race? Or are they the type to say they don’t “see color,” while raising their twin sons to enforce the boundaries of whiteness anyway?
Are they the kind of white parents who share “Back the Blue” posts and said Kyle Rittenhouse was “just protecting himself” when he brought a weapon of war to a protest? Do they keep a Trump flag in the garage and rifles in the truck? What were those dinner table conversations like? Did they call it “just joking” when the n-word slipped out? Or was it said with the same venom Austin allegedly used?
Was Austin a “big kid?” Well, yes actually. He was a linebacker. Broad-shouldered. Hulking. A teenage boy built like the type of athlete people praise for being “tough” and “aggressive” on the field. But off the field, in a moment of confrontation with a smaller Black peer, that same body became a very different kind of threatening presence.
Should we talk about Austin’s size the way they talked about Trayvon Martin’s? At George Zimmerman’s trial, the defense famously dragged life-sized cutouts of the two into the courtroom just to make the unarmed teenager look larger, more threatening, to justify why a grown man with a gun felt scared. That courtroom moment wasn’t about truth. It was about performance. It was about making a Black boy look like a brute.
Should we describe him the way Officer Darren Wilson described Mike Brown Jr. — as a super demon, towering figure who made him fear for his life? Should we call Austin “menacing,” “threatening,” or “intimidating” because he was athletic, white, and raised in a culture that taught him he owns the space around him?
Should we call Austin Metcalf “no angel,” the way they did Mike Brown Jr.? Should we point to the photos of him flashing weapons and middle fingers, or the reports that he used a racial slur, as proof of a troubled character? Should we say he made choices and those choices had consequences? Or is that language only reserved for Black boys who die?
Oh, I already know the answer to those rhetorical questions. Folks will deflect and rediscover the concept of innocence and insist that Metcalf’s past actions are irrelevant to the incident.
What if Austin’s parents had taught him to mind his business? What if they had taught him not to put his hands on other people? What if they had taught him that he’s not the authority over who belongs in a space? What if they had taught him to walk away instead of escalate? What if they had taught him that using a racial slur isn’t just offensive — it’s violent? What if they had raised him to see Black boys as equals, not intruders? What if they had taught him that strength isn’t dominance, and that white masculinity isn’t about control?
So, I’ll ask again: What kind of parents raised Austin Metcalf?
How does it feel to have your parental grief met with suspicion? How does it feel to watch people dig through his social media for proof that he deserved what happened to him? To have his dead body turned into evidence against him? To see his death turned into a morality tale about what happens when white boys overstep? How does it feel to have your parenting dragged through the mud, your child’s smile turned sinister, their death twisted into a cautionary tale about someone else’s delusional fear?
Because this—THIS—is what Black families have lived through for generations. How does it feel to sit in the same rage Black parents have carried for centuries with no comfort, no grace, no benefit of the doubt? Sit with it. Because we’ve had to.
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Gears Up To Run For Governor Of Georgia
Bottoms previously hinted at her return to Georgia politics.
Keisha Lance Bottoms, who previously served as mayor of Atlanta, expects to announce her campaign for governor of Georgia.
The former city leader had hinted at becoming a contender for the gubernatorial race, exploring the bid alongside other notable state politicians such as Rep. Lucy McBath. Bottoms confirmed in a new statement that she will probably announce her run “soon.”
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us that there is a ‘fierce urgency of now,’” Bottoms said, as reported byThe Atlanta Voice. “For the people of Georgia, that includes having leaders who aren’t blindly following Trump off of a moral and economic cliff but are focused on the pressing needs in our communities. I have previously publicly shared that I was seriously considering a run for governor and expect to make a formal announcement soon.”
Bottoms also confirmed her intentions to 11Alive on a special local holiday, 404 Day, which took place on April 4 to commemorate the Atlanta area code. She will “seriously consider” a run, but has not specified a date for when she will formally launch the campaign.
During Bottoms’ stint as the second Black woman Mayor elected in Atlanta history, she championed affordable housing while advocating for social issues such as immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. During Trump’s first term, she reiterated that Atlanta would not follow his executive orders regarding ICE detainment and deportations. She notably did not seek re-election for the role.
Bottoms’ pre-announcement puts her among the bigger names among the Democrats eyeing the position. McBath’s exploratory bid also made her one of the frontrunners for the Democratic primary. However, she had to bow out of her potential run due to her husband’s cancer treatment. Those reportedly exploring runs include Jason Carter, a former state senator and grandson of President Jimmy Carter, and Stacey Abrams, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in the last two elections.
Bottoms made headlines recently for emphasizing how she resigned from her White House advisory role upon President Donald Trump assuming office. She affirmed that she left the President’s Export Council a day before Trump’s own declaration that he fired her and others from the positions.
Georgia has been notably purple at the federal level, but has not elected a Democratic governor since Roy Barnes in 1999. Although the state went red during the general election, many hope to turn the state blue with a heavy focus on its Black voter turnout.
Many eyes will be on the Georgia races taking place in 2026, including a highly-coveted congressional race to fill Sen. Jon Ossoff’s seat. Ossoff is also expected to run for reelection.
self-care isn’t something you take out the toolbox and return after a few hours of use
April 5 was National Self-Care Day and it is never too late to share a vital reminder for African Americans to think about ways to implement self care each and every day. In fact, self-care isn’t something you take out the toolbox and return after a few hours of use. Self-care doesn’t have to be just a short break or rest to address emotional healing or personal development. It can be incorporated into our lives as a lifestyle. To help you out with this journey, here are 8 authentic and practical tips to cultivate love, compassion, and self-care daily.
Meditation/Mindfulness
(Image: iStock / PixelsEffect)
Meditation and mindfulness are self-care techniques which are valuable for learning to slow down, reduce stress, and be present. Meditation is the concentration of the mind, often focusing on the breath, or a mantra; while mindfulness is the state of being fully aware of the moment without judgment. These can be practiced in just a couple of minutes per day and will benefit your mental and emotional health.
Pamper Yourself With A Bathing Routine
Getty Images A beautiful woman perches on the side of an elegant red roll top bathtub, and waits for it to fill up. She wears a silky robe. Light floods through the window, backlighting the relaxing scene and giving it a dreamy vibe.
The act of soaking in a bathtub is one of the most effective means of self-care because it includes physical, emotional, and hygienic wellness. Bathing is a calming ritual that allows you to decompress and be present with yourself in the moment.
Journal Your Thoughts
(Photo: iStock/LaylaBird)
The act of journaling is not just a way to recapture moments, but also a great form of self-care that provides emotional release, mental clarity, and stress relief. The technique frees your mental space through listing worries, swimming emotions, and scattered thoughts. It even brings you to new destinations by showing some patterns and beliefs that you never noticed before.
Enjoy Nature
Getty Images
Indulging in nature is a widely practiced self-care technique that restores mental, physical, and emotional balance. The outdoors improve your mental focus and that helps restore a good state of mind. Getting outside is a healthy way to decrease blood pressure. It is an avenue for artistic inspiration and contemplation, offering a space to breathe out and restore to your factory settings. All in all, nature is a good, inexpensive, and simple option.
Unplug From Social Media
Social media and digital online concept, woman using smartphone and show technology icon.
Disconnection from social media is a kind of self-care because it favors mental consciousness, Nixing social media allows time to spend on other meaningful activities. It enhances sleep and it also helps to build relationships that are deeper and more genuine. On the emotional side, it promotes balance, by removing repetitive triggers , and it reaffirms the healthy limits that focus on your well-being.
Enjoy A Healthy Comfort Meal
Close up of man in his 20s making dinner, squeezing lemon on pasta dish, hands only, healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, cooking
Meals are not only a source of energy for your body but also a healer for your soul. Cooking and eating a comfort meal is believed to be self-care because of the sensory experience engaged in the moment. Including healthy options ups the ante. Consider a charcuterie board, fun fruit salad, or nutritious, rich meal.
Surround Yourself With Positive Affirmations
Photo by Carol Yepes/Getty Images
Keeping positive affirmations around is an accessible way to tap into self-care. Positive affirmations contribute to making our inner dialogue a more encouraging and supportive conversation. Consuming positive affirmations regularly can transform your mood, recast negative thoughts, and cultivate an emotionally safe environment. Affirmations are a good way to improve your mental health because they give you the power to believe in your own strengths and growth. Seeing them every day on mirrors, phones, or notebooks is a way to keep reminding you of your self worth.
Read Empowering Books
(Photo: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Reading — and even listening — to motivational books is a significant self-care practice, as it stimulates mental and emotional well-being. Reading books that empower also helps change the attitudes toward oneself and teaches self-compassion. Empowering books offer comforting and reassuring messages that can change negative thinking patterns. They are, therefore, a substantial part of any self-care regimen.
Pastor Keion Henderson And First Lady Shaunie Offer Healing And Restoration To ‘Cry Out Con’ Attendees
Cry Out Con is coming to the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Pastor Keion Henderson and First Lady Shaunie Henderson are hosting Cry Out Con for the third consecutive year in Houston from May 1-3. The four-day event will feature nontraditional guests, women’s workshops, and sermons from notable speakers.
Pastor Keion and Shaunie took a moment away from organizing the conference to sit down with BLACK ENTERPRISE to discuss their hopes for spiritual restoration, their inclusive lineup of guests, and navigating marriage and business.
Courtesy of Lighthouse Church
BLACK ENTERPRISE: Can we talk about how Cry Out Con began? What spiritual need led to the idea?
Pastor Keion: I was in a bad space. Pastor Mathew Stevenson stood in the pulpit and spoke about the children of Israel. He said God didn’t bring them out of the wilderness until they cried out. It was like electricity hit my body. I stood right where I was and started to cry out.
I had three staff members with me. I called them over and said, “That’s what we’re going to do.”
The conference includes family therapists and relationship experts. What need are you addressing with that?
Pastor Keion: We recognize a deficit in our community when it comes to emotional and relational health. And that’s not an accident — it’s part of a wider system.
Is there a message at Cry Out Con that people can take into their personal relationships to begin healing?
First Lady Shaunie: More than half the room will be women. That’s just church, right? It was only right to create moments where we speak directly to them.
There’s so much healing we need. Our women’s panel is focused on healing everything from parenting to relationships, finances, self-care, and faith.
Courtesy of Lighthouse Church
This year, you’ve chosen men who aren’t necessarily clergy, like D.C. Young Fly and Deion Sanders. What about their spiritual journeys led you to include them?
Pastor Keion: We can’t win the world if the only people speaking to them come from the church.
I think both Deion and D.C. would disagree that they’re not “of the cloth.” Deion will tell you he is a man of God who coaches football, not a football coach who speaks about God. It’s important to recognize that the cloth is represented not just in pulpits but on football fields, in comedy clubs —wherever people are.
You’ve both been public figures for a long time. You’re married, and you’re in a business partnership. How do you navigate that and stay grounded?
First Lady Shaunie: If you had asked me when we first got married, I’d have said, “Oh, it’s easy.” But it gets complicated — until you acknowledge that it’s complicated. Once you acknowledge it and figure out a system that works, then it flows.
Pastor Keion: I’d add that she’s the boss of her, I’m the boss of me, and together we run the family.
When I married my wife, she was an individual with a functioning business, a skill set, and a family mantra. At no point did I believe marriage to me meant the release of her history. I had to embrace it, and she did the same for me.
As a facilitator of Cry Out Con, do you also feel spiritually fed?
Pastor Keion: My destiny is to help you find yours. I am absolutely fed by the fact that people come to this conference and leave empowered, engaged, and informed.
I’m excited about the transformation I anticipate, because I’ve seen it before. I know I’ll see it again.
First Lady Shaunie: Sometimes being fed is simply knowing you helped someone. If the experience resonates with just one person and makes them one percent better, then I’m fed.
Both Hendersons will lead multiple workshops and sermons. Joining this year’s lineup are some of the foremost voices in ministry, including Evangelist LaTrice Ryan, Lacy Tezino, Steven Speaks, Jordan Welch, Kirk Franklin, Pastor Jerry Flowers Jr., and Minister Vincent A. Casey Sr.
Caribbean Under Siege: Is Paradise Lost For American Tourists Amid Rising Violence?
As noted in a 2024 report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), LAC holds a disproportionate share of global homicides, accounting for 29% despite representing only 8% of the world’s population.
The Caribbean, once a beacon of tranquil escapes for American tourists, is now grappling with a rising tide of violence, casting a long shadow over its idyllic image. From the once-serene beaches of Turks and Caicos to the vibrant streets of Jamaica, the bustling metropolis of Trinidad and Tobago, and the popular resorts of the Dominican Republic, the region’s escalating crime is raising serious concerns about the safety of American visitors.
Recent tragic incidents, such as the killing of Cook County sheriff’s deputy Shamone Duncan in Turks and Caicos and the brutal murder of retired American nurse Luris Murray in Jamaica, underscore the indiscriminate nature of this violence. These events and alarming travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State reveal a region struggling with a complex and deeply concerning crisis.
Turks and Caicos: A Stark Wake-Up Call
The killing of Shamone Duncan in Turks and Caicos, a popular tourist destination, sent shockwaves through the region. Duncan, vacationing for her sister’s birthday, was killed by a stray bullet during a shooting at a restaurant. This incident, occurring in a seemingly safe tourist area, highlights the unpredictable nature of violence and the vulnerability of visitors. The U.S. Department of State’s Level 2 travel advisory for Turks and Caicos underscores the need for increased caution due to crime, particularly in Providenciales. The advisory also emphasizes the strict enforcement of firearm laws, with travelers facing arrest, jail time, and heavy fines for even unintentional possession of ammunition.
Jamaica: A Troubling Trend
Jamaica, another popular destination, is facing a more pervasive problem. The brutal murder of Luris Murray, a retired American nurse who returned to Jamaica seeking a peaceful retirement, has reignited fears among the diaspora about the dangers of returning to the island. Murray was sexually assaulted and murdered in her home, highlighting the vulnerability of returning residents and the challenges in ensuring their safety. The U.S. Department of State’s Level 3 travel advisory for Jamaica urges Americans to reconsider travel due to crime, particularly violent crime, which occurs throughout the island. The advisory also warns of inadequate healthcare services and the potential for slow or unsatisfactory responses to criminal incidents.
Trinidad and Tobago: A State of Emergency
Trinidad and Tobago is grappling with a state of emergency declared due to escalating gang violence. The surge in killings, often linked to the drug trade, has prompted the government to implement stringent measures, including warrantless searches and arrests. The U.S. Department of State’s Level 3 travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago warns of serious risks from crime, including murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasions, and kidnappings. The advisory also highlights the risk of terrorist attacks and other activity, urging Americans to exercise extreme caution.
Dominican Republic: Resort Safety Questioned
The Dominican Republic, a major tourist hub, is also facing increasing concerns about crime. The U.S. Department of State’s Level 2 travel advisory highlights the prevalence of violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault. Reports of U.S. citizens being robbed and sexually assaulted, sometimes after being drugged, even within resort settings, have raised particular alarm. A U.S. woman’s account of being drugged and sexually assaulted at a resort underscores the vulnerability even in seemingly secure tourist locations. While resort areas generally experience lower crime rates than metropolitan areas like Santo Domingo, travelers are still advised to exercise caution and avoid risky situations.
A Regional Crisis: Interconnected Violence and Destabilization
The violence affecting these diverse Caribbean nations is not isolated; it reflects a broader trend across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This regional interconnectedness highlights the complex web of factors contributing to the crisis. As noted in a 2024 report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), LAC holds a disproportionate share of global homicides, accounting for 29% despite representing only 8% of the world’s population. This concentration of violence stems from deep-seated issues that transcend national borders, including transnational criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and arms smuggling. The Caribbean’s strategic location along major drug trafficking routes makes it particularly vulnerable to the spillover effects of this illicit trade.
Furthermore, the region’s porous borders and shared cultural and social ties facilitate the movement of criminals and the spread of gang violence. The destabilizing effect of this violence is not limited to crime statistics; it also undermines democratic institutions, erodes public trust, and hinders economic development across the region. As documented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the proliferation of firearms, often sourced from outside the area, exacerbates the violence and fuels gang conflicts.
Root Causes and Economic Impact: A Cycle of Despair
The IMF identifies various historical, economic, social, and political factors driving the region’s violence. The historical legacies of colonialism, slavery, and political instability have created a climate of impunity and weak governance. Economic inequality, with staggering wealth disparities, fuels desperation and drives individuals toward illicit activities. Organized crime, drug cartels, and gang violence perpetuate instability, while social challenges, such as high youth unemployment and limited access to education, compound the problem. The economic ramifications are significant. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) estimates that the direct costs of crime and violence in LAC reached 3.44% of the GDP in 2022, with the Caribbean bearing the highest-burden at 3.83%. This economic drain impacts human capital, public-sector spending, and private-sector investments. Rising homicide rates deter tourists, harming economies heavily reliant on tourism revenue. Businesses face increased costs and reduced productivity, and the region experiences a loss of human capital due to emigration. Furthermore, research from the World Bank Group has demonstrated a clear correlation between violence reduction and economic growth, indicating that addressing the root causes of violence is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.
A Call for Action: Collaborative Strategies for Sustainable Solutions
Addressing this multifaceted crisis requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. Prevention, evidence-based policies, and interventions that target the root causes of violence are essential. Collaboration between governments, international organizations, and local communities is crucial to creating safer environments. The partnership also includes strengthening law enforcement and judicial systems, investing in social programs that address inequality and youth unemployment, and implementing community-based violence prevention initiatives. Moreover, regional cooperation is vital to combat transnational criminal networks and stem the flow of illicit firearms. As outlined in reports from the Organization of American States (OAS), addressing the root causes of violence requires a holistic approach that tackles poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. American tourists’ safety and the Caribbean’s economic well-being depend on the region’s ability to confront this crisis head-on and implement sustainable solutions that foster peace, security, and prosperity.
