UNESCO, Pharrell Williams, Richard Mille, watch, black designer

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 2, 2025

Pharrell Williams’ Paris Art Exhibit Serves As ‘An Homage To Black Women’

Pharrell Williams has a new art exhibit aimed at celebrating Black womanhood.

Pharrell Williams is the mastermind behind a new art exhibition in Paris, France, which he curated “to be an homage to Black women.”

“FEMMES,” on view at Perrotin Paris until April 19th, showcases works from 39 artists — primarily women — celebrating Black creativity while exploring themes of motherhood, identity, and self-expression, Art News reported. The exhibit reunites Williams with his friend and gallerist, Emmanuel Perrotin, for a cross-generational showcase featuring bold canvases, blurred photographs, Black portraiture, screen prints, and textile works — all together as a powerful affirmation of Black womanhood.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for a Black woman,” Williams told Wallpaper.

The exhibit marks Williams and Perrotin’s latest collaboration, following their 2008 exhibition Perspectives, which showcased chairs designed by Williams, and the 2014 group show “G I R L,” featuring artists like Tracey Emin, Prune Nourry, and Guerrilla Girls. “FEMMES” brings together a handpicked selection of women artists, including Carrie Mae Weems, Betye Saar, Zanele Muholi, Esther Mahlangu, and Nina Chanel Abney.

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“When we considered doing the show again, we remembered how much impact it had and how I was able to leverage my platform. To give volume and visibility to female artists, how powerful it felt,” Williams said. “And as you consider everything that’s going on right now, how much more impactful it could be if we were to do this one even a little more focused than before. To be an homage to Black women.”

The exhibit features sculptures by artists such as Kapwani Kiwanga, Chiffon Thomas, Kennedy Yanko, and Betye Saar, alongside a dynamic collection of paintings by Tschabalala Self, Kathia St. Hilaire, Theresa Chromati, Zéh Palito, and Esther Mahlangu. Photography also takes center stage, with striking works by Zanele Muholi, Carrie Mae Weems, and Leslie Hewitt. As Louis Vuitton’s menswear director, Williams ensured textile art was well represented, showcasing pieces by Georgina Maxim, who repurposes fabrics to rewrite their histories; Tandiwe Muriu, who incorporates African textiles into her bold photographs; and Katia St. Hilaire, whose intricate tapestries reframe Haitian history.

“He has a very open mind to the art world,” Perrotin said of Williams’ curation. “We organized this show with a lot of freedom. And yes, [Pharrell’s] list surprised me. It [features] a lot of artists I had no idea existed. And that’s why we take curators to discover things. To open the prism. It’s very interesting.”

When introducing the show on March 20, Williams described the exhibit as an “installation itself” and expressed his humble gratitude to “give reverence to Black thought and estrogen.”

“FEMMES” is on view at Perrotin Paris, France, through April 19.

by Kandiss Edwards

April 2, 2025

Salt Lake City Demolishes Black Lives Matter Murals

Salt Lake City removes murals of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor to create a "public asset."

Salt Lake City is following Washington, D.C., in removing memorials related to police brutality, specifically Black Lives Matter murals. Unlike the nation’s capital, however, Salt Lake City is demolishing the murals as part of an effort to redevelop the area for economic growth.

The murals were located in an area known as Fleet Block, an 8.5-acre section of land that was previously vacant. The space became a focal point for community activism, with 26 murals commemorating victims of police violence. The city’s decision to remove them has drawn mixed reactions from residents.

The city has stated multiple reasons for the removal, including a build-up of asbestos and structural decline. City leadership also noted the expenses related to upkeep are in the millions. Salt Lake City Council Member Darin Mano issued a statement acknowledging the emotional significance of the murals while emphasizing the need to revitalize the deteriorating site.

“I recognize that this block has been a sacred space for many in recent years – a place of mourning for families and a powerful call for social justice and police reform,” Mano wrote. “I understand how difficult it is to see this space change… The city has been working for over a decade to redevelop the former Fleet Block, as the buildings were no longer structurally or environmentally viable, with the goal of making a public asset for the community.”

https://twitter.com/MyLordBebo/status/1907409305101332586

As part of the redevelopment plan, three acres of the site will be dedicated to a public green space, which city officials say is much needed. Additional land will be allocated for local businesses, in an effort to support the area’s economy.

While the city touts the project as progress, some residents see it as a loss. Mona Robinson, a Salt Lake City resident, said she mourns the removal of the murals.

“It’s for the wrong reason — death at the hands of officers — but it was a place for us to mourn and show respect for the lives lost,” Robinson said.

Some feel that demolishing the space, which depicts multiple victims of police brutality, including Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, sends a broader message that the city no longer prioritizes its most marginalized residents. Robinson’s concerns are amplified by Salt Lake City’s demographics, as the area remains majority white. According to the 2023 U.S. Census, 70% of residents are white. Black people, largely the target of protests against police brutality, make up only 2.7% of the city’s population.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 2, 2025

Stephen Curry Has Historic Night After Scoring 52 Points In Latest Victory

This was the 10th time he scored over 50 points in a game after turning 30 years old as he passes Jerry West to land on Top 25 on the NBA all-time scoring list

It was another historic record-breaking night for future NBA Hall of Famer Stephen Curry. He did something no NBA player has ever done: he scored more than 50 points in a game for a record 10 times after turning 30 years old.

According to Sporting News, the 52 points he scored against the Memphis Grizzlies April 1 marked the 10th time he has done so in an NBA game as the Golden State Warriors defeated their opponents, 134-125. He has already topped Wilt Chamberlain, who did so with seven games. NBA legend Michael Jordan has six games in which he scored over 50 after turning 30. He is joined by current players Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks) and James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers).

But the history-making night does not just stop there.

NBA.com reported that, along with adding to that record, Curry, the all-time leader in 3-point shots made, just passed Lakers legend Jerry West to overtake his spot as he moved into the Top 25 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. This was also his 10th career game with at least 50 points and 10 3-pointers. The closest player to that mark is his former teammate, Klay Thompson, who currently has three of those games.

“I got a little emotional about that,” Curry said about topping West. “It was special. In his memory. What he meant to our organization, the league, and the world of basketball. That’s the logo.”

Making moves ⚡️

Stephen Curry has passed Jerry West for 25th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list pic.twitter.com/1D311naCbI

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 2, 2025

Curry also scored at least 10 3-pointers in 27 games throughout his career. Out of the 105 games in which a player has reached that mark, he is responsible for more than a quarter. He also broke a tie with Jordan when he posted his 8th career game, scoring 50 points on 50% field goal percentage, while shooting 60% from the 3-point line. Jordan had only seven of those games with those stats.

Yahoo Sports also reported that Curry became the third player in NBA history to record at least 50 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five steals in a game. The other players to hit that stat line are Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks) and 1975 NBA Finals MVP Rick Barry, who also played for the Golden State Warriors.

He finished the contest with 50 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and five steals.

🚨 STEPH CURRY MASTERCLASS IN MEMPHIS 🚨

🍳 52 PTS
🍳 12 3PM
🍳 10 REB
🍳 8 AST
🍳 5 STL

A stellar performance from the Warriors superstar as he propels GSW to the #5 seed in the West! pic.twitter.com/fGYztIWpJu

— NBA (@NBA) April 2, 2025

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 2, 2025

Alabama Cop Who Killed Black Man During Car Repo Will Have His Day In Court

Mac Marquette can appeal the decision.

One of the police officers involved in the fatal 2023 shooting of Steve Perkins outside his Decatur, Alabama, home was denied his request for the case to be dismissed.

Mac Marquette, 25, who is charged with murder, had his motion dismissed by Morgan County Circuit Judge Charles Elliott. His trial is set to start in June, but Marquette can appeal the decision with the state appellate court.

The former Decatur, Alabama, police officer was charged for an incident that took place in the early morning hours of Sept. 29, 2023. Camera footage revealed that Marquette fired 18 bullets within seconds of announcing himself as a police officer to Steve Perkins. He and two other police officers were there to repossess Perkins’ vehicle.

Elliott ruled that Marquette did not prove that his actions were in self-defense. Instead, a jury would have to consider whether the former officer was “acting in his capacity as a police officer” when he shot Perkins in front of his home.

“It is on this hinge that the door of this case swings,” Elliott said.

The tow truck driver, Caleb Combs, had gone to Parker’s home to repossess Perkins’ truck because it was believed that he was behind on his loan. When Combs initially went to Perkins’ place, Perkins allegedly pointed a gun at the tow truck driver. Combs alerted the police. Three officers (who were all fired after this incident) returned with him to try to complete the repossession. But Elliott said Marquette was not authorized to assist Combs. Alabama law requires a court order to involve law enforcement in a repossession, which the officers didn’t have.

Body cam footage showed Marquette unloading all the bullets in his gun less than two seconds after approaching Perkins from the side of the house where he was hiding.

The judge said the officers should have told Combs “that he could take whoever he wanted with him to assist with the repossession, but it could not be law enforcement without judicial process.” The other officers with Marquette, Joey Williams and Christopher Mukadam, testified that they accompanied Combs to “keep the peace” and to “investigate” Perkins for allegedly drawing a gun on Combs.

A state agent who investigated the case testified that it is standard for officers to accompany tow truck drivers in such a situation. But he admitted that police officers have to be visible to keep the peace. Officers hiding is a method typically “used for an active crime scene.”

Elliott said that since there was no active crime scene when they arrived, Marquette was “acting outside of the scope of his authority” to investigate a menacing allegation “and was therefore a trespasser.”

by Stacy Jackson

April 2, 2025

Alice Randall Talks Country Music’s Black History At Fisk University

"The Intersection of Country Music and Fisk University" highlighted Fisk's iconic Jubilee Singers and former student Lil Hardin Armstrong.

As Alice Randall completes her year-long tour for her memoir and album My Black Country, the award-winning songwriter stopped to visit Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, to discuss how country music is deeply rooted in the HBCU’s Black women’s history.

On the evening of March 31, the Fisk honorary doctorate recipient, her daughter, Caroline Randall Williams, university students, and Fisk President Dr. Agenia Clark gathered in the Appleton Room of the HBCU’s iconic Jubilee Hall for the student-led discussion on “The Intersection of Country Music and Fisk University.” According to The Tennessean, Jubilee Hall, which originally served as a dormitory, was designed in the 1870s following the Jubilee Singers’ European tour in 1871, which gained the chorus of seven female and four male students major proceeds for the university. Nashville, recognized as the country music capital, is also known for its legacy as the “Music City.” After Queen Victoria of Britain witnessed the ensemble’s talent, she reasoned that the singers must have been from a “music city.” A video on the ensemble noted that the group relied on the “love, dignity, and passion the songs brought their enslaved ancestors,” and the tour was well-received by white patrons.

However, the connection to the hall continued as Randall emphasized Black women’s contribution in shaping country music culture and history. She highlighted the contributions of American composer and bandleader, Lil Hardin Armstrong, a former undergraduate student at Fisk University who lived in Jubilee Hall. The late jazz pianist made history in 1930 after she accompanied her then-husband, Louis Armstrong, on “Blue Yodel #9” (“Standin’ on the Corner”) and became the first Black woman on a record to sell a million copies. Randall told students, “Because Lil was the pianist on ‘Blue Yodel,’ her work — more than Jimmy Rodgers or Louis Armstrong’s — was heard on every bar of that song.” Lil Hardin also collaborated with Country Music Hall of Fame artist Ray Charles.

Randall took students back centuries and discussed how the descendants of settlers of color who founded Nashville with James Robertson and Colonel John Donelson attended Fisk University. She delved into how commercially industrialized country music evolved from the religious and folk ballads that Black African enslaved women in Virginia’s colonies sang. “Country music’s mainstream industry has historically been based on battling the inclusion versus exclusion of its influences…its Black history,” Randall said. “All Americans benefit from recognizing true American genius.”

The conversation also covered the contributions of female quartet Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell, who debuted the “Songs of Our Native Daughters” folk album; country artists Miko Marks and Rissi Palmer; Grand Ole Opry-performing artist Linda Martell; and jazz and gospel performers Billie Holliday and Mahalia Jackson. Monday’s event featured a performance by O.N.E. The Duo. The mother-daughter country duo performed their single “Hoedown,” a project that reflects similar melodies to Beyoncé’s “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM.”

Randall’s memoir, My Black Country, celebrates “the most American of music genres and the radical joy in realizing the power of Black influence on American culture,” according to her website. The book and album, which were released in 2024, are available for purchase online.

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by Mitti Hicks

April 2, 2025

World Autism Day: How Parents Can Support Children

Black and brown children are diagnosed with autism at a higher rate than white children, yet Black families are less likely to report autism concerns.

Autism impacts families more than most are likely to share, yet many need robust support in navigating the strengths and challenges of their autistic family members. According to Autism Speaks, 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism, up from the previous rate of 1 in 44.

Black and brown children are diagnosed with autism at a higher rate than white children, yet Black families are less likely to report autism concerns. According to the National Institutes of Health, the lower reporting of autism concerns by Black parents may impact providers’ abilities to identify children in need of further screening or evaluation.

World Autism Day is observed on April 2nd each year. It raises awareness about autism while advocating for inclusion, acceptance, and understanding for individuals with autism.

The theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2025 is “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” According to the United Nations, which established World Autism Day in 2007, this theme focuses on how inclusive practices and policies may help people with autism.

Here’s How Parents Can Support Children With Autism

In Autism Spectrum News, Dr. Heidi Hillman explains how parents can support autistic children. She suggests at least three ways.

1. Meet your child where they are developmentally

According to Dr. Hillman, most developmental milestones are based on normal-developing children. Parents shouldn’t focus on age limits and assume their child will not meet developmental milestones just because they are older.

“Meet your child where they are developmentally because they will develop on their timeline,” she says. “It does not mean they are any better or less than other children. They just got there a little slower. Celebrate the achievements and don’t give up on them.”

2. Focus on the positive

It’s easy to feel guilty and see the negative, but Dr. Hillman says parents should focus on their child’s positive traits over the challenges. This goes for doctor and therapist appointments.

“When we trot out an itemized list of our children’s flaws, we are comparing our autistic child to others and destroying our children’s self-esteem,” she says.

3. Keep pushing the boundaries

Dr. Hillman notes that parents should try to push their children out of their comfort zone a little at a time.

“Rather than visiting the same park or taking the same route home from school because it is more comfortable for your child, play at different parks or alter your route home by just a few blocks. You are broadening your child’s horizons and setting higher expectations,” she says.

Old Lady Gang, Kandi Burruss, Atlanta, Keith Lee

by Kandiss Edwards

April 2, 2025

Kandi Burruss Countersues Landlord On Behalf Of Blaze Steak and Seafood Restaurant

'Othello' may be going great, but there's a legal skirmish at Blaze Steak and Seafood.

Kandi Burruss-Tucker is countersuing the landlord of her Southwest Atlanta restaurant, Blaze Steak and Seafood, in an ongoing legal battle over alleged back rent and property damage.

Burruss-Tucker’s restaurant group had recently entered a settlement agreement with Montego Pacific Inc., the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Montego Pacific claims the Blaze Steak and Seafood location has sustained significant property damage. However, the “No Scrubs” writer and businesswoman claims Montego Pacific failed to uphold its obligations related to property maintenance.

As a result, the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star has decided against settling the lawsuit and instead seeks compensation.

Montego Pacific Inc. initially filed its lawsuit March 3. The complaint states that $154,000 is owed, which includes $56,500 for repairs, back rent, and a 10% overhead fee.

While Burrus-Tucker is facing legal challenges, she winning in other aspects of her career. She is part of the producing team for an upcoming Broadway revival of Shakespeare’s Othello starring Hollywood megastars Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. It is already breaking box-office records, earning $2.8 million during its eight-show preview.

She had similar success in 2023 when the revival of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson grossed over $5 million in its first month, making her the first Black woman to produce multiple Broadway productions with such financial success.

Burruss was among the honorees at the 2023 BET Her Awards, which celebrated Black women making significant contributions to their communities, for her multifaceted career and philanthropic efforts.

Despite her legal challenges with Blaze Steak and Seafood, Burruss-Tucker continues to expand her business empire, which includes restaurants, television production projects, and a veteran music career.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 2, 2025

Target’s Drop In Foot Traffic In Its 8th Straight Week As DEI Boycott Continues

The retailer continues to face blowback for its shocking stance to cut back on DEI measures.

Target continues to feel the negative impact of its DEI cutbacks as the retailer faces its eighth consecutive week of decreased foot traffic.

The traffic slump came almost immediately after Target announced its scaledown of DEI programming and initiatives. In light of the news, especially for a retailer that had championed minority-owned brands, many leaders in the Black community called for a boycott of the store.

The calls have seemingly worked. Target’s foot traffic has steadily decreased for the past two months. According to Fortune, data from Placer.ai confirmed that foot traffic fell by 5.7% in a Year-over-Year comparison for the week of March 17.

The losing streak appears to be more than a fluke. Target has suffered an average weekly decline of 6.2%.

Target was a primary name listed on Black clergymen’s 40-day boycott that coincided with Lent. Sparked by Georgia Pastor Jamal Bryant, the initiative surpassed its original goal of 100,000 people signing up to protest. The petition so far has earned more than 150,000 signatures.

The superstore believed its Easter-focused products would raise its numbers. So far that doesn’t seem to be the case. Easter is April 20. It also hopes to make a comeback with its sales-focused Circle Week, which ended March 29,.

Target has refused to comment on what many deem to be the obvious reason for its dwindling sales. Pro-DEI stores have actually seen a boost in foot traffic. Costco, whose shareholders voted against an anti-DEI measure, has seen itself gain visitors. During the week of March 17, foot traffic rose 5.2% in comparison to last year. In fact, Costco is seemingly on a roll, with 13 straight weeks of growing foot traffic.

Restaurant, Atlanta, florrisant, Bliss, age requirement, 35 years old, 30 years old

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 2, 2025

Eatopia Eatery, D.C.‘s Lauded Ethiopian Restaurant, Eyes 2nd Location In Nearby Virginia

Eatopia Eatery is looking to Arlington to indulge a new crowd in the DMV area.

Eatopia Eatery, an Ethiopian hotspot praised as one of the best new restaurants in Washington, D.C., has begun searching for a second location outside the nation’s capital.

The family-owned-and-operated restaurant has already had a monumental first year. Upon its success, owner Surafel Gizachew set his sights on expanding his growing food empire within the DMV area.

Gizachew told ARLnow that he wants to open a second location in the Arlington area. The neighborhood sits across the Potomac river, providing a different scene than his U Street locale. Gizachew has narrowed his choices to spaces in Crystal City or Ballston, each a short distance from the heart of D.C.

Arlington is already home to several notable locations surrounding Washington, including the Pentagon and Reagan National Airport. He hopes to bring his Ethiopian delicacies and delights to another crowd of Washingtonians.

“Most of our clients are non-Ethiopians, which is like, because they love Ethiopian food and they want to try it,” he said. “With the Eatopia concept, I’m trying to tell the whole story.”

Gizachew and his wife, Eden Yimer, manage the restaurant. Every dish has a homemade flair, with Gizachew’s mother supplying the recipes and even training the staff to recreate them. Gizachew also believes this hands-on guidance makes all the difference.

Ethiopian food typically comprises shareable platters with different proteins and side options placed under injera, a flatbread. Alongside doro wat, a chicken stew known as the national food of Ethiopia, these meals tell a story about the culture and heritage of these delicious bites.

However, Gizachew is all about spreading wealth and promoting other businesses. Eatopia also hosts pop-up markets every quarter, highlighting Ethiopian and local entrepreneurs.

In his latest endeavor, he aims to foster new relationships with fellow business owners to scale up his operations.

I want, also, help from any of the business development areas or the people that work around Arlington, that can help us with processing,” Gizachew said. “I just want to give the heads up.”

As Eatopia Eatery continues its successful run, its achievement proves D.C.’s food scene’s diverse taste and appeal.

Marvin Sapp, church, congregants, 40K, tithe, offerings

by Kandiss Edwards

April 2, 2025

Pastor Marvin Sapp Talks Death Threats Received From Viral ‘Close The Door’ Video

Pastor Marvin Sapp said he had no intentions to coerce churchgoers.

Marvin Sapp sat down with The Breakfast Club on April 1 to address the controversy surrounding the viral clip of him soliciting donations during a church service. The gospel singer clarified the situation, took accountability for his tone, and revealed how his church is handling the fallout.

“People took issue with my tone, and looking at the video, maybe I was a little more assertive than I should have been, and I can apologize for that,” said Sapp, who leads The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas. He maintained that his request for donations was rooted in biblical principles of stewardship and giving, citing 1 Chronicles 29 as his scriptural basis.

Since the video went viral, the “Best of Me” singer said he and his church have received death threats. People have shown up at his church to confront him and his staff. The public response has caused Sapp to increase security measures at his church.

Sapp emphasized that leadership in the church comes with added responsibilities, which is why he encouraged those in leadership positions to contribute at a higher level. He reiterated that his fundraising approach aligns with biblical teachings but remains confident in his role as a spiritual leader.

“I take full responsibility for how people may have perceived what I said, but I also want to make it clear that my intention was never to manipulate or coerce anyone,” he said.

The controversy stems from a service held in 2024 at a national church conference in Baltimore. A clip captured Sapp instructing ushers to close the church doors while he attempted to raise $40,000 for a conference budget. Critics took issue with preventing attendees from leaving, fueling speculation that congregants were locked during the fundraising.

Sapp told The Breakfast Club that the doors were never locked and that his words were misinterpreted.