by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 26, 2025

Jimmy Butler Posts Specially-Priced Drinks For Golden State Warriors At Miami Coffee Shop

The guard began his venture into the coffee business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a visit to Miami to play against his former team, the Miami Heat, Jimmy Butler made a special sign for any Golden State Warriors employee who planned on stopping by his newly opened coffee shop, BIGFACE.

A photo was displayed on Butler’s social media account showing a sign in bold letters that stated: “EMPLOYED BY THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS? YOUR COFFEE= $30.” However, regular customers are typically charged anywhere between $4 and $10 per cup of hot beverage.

Jimmy Butler is giving Golden State Warriors employees a discount at his coffee shop in Miami 😅 pic.twitter.com/tSXf5fRLa1

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 23, 2025

Butler opened BIGFACE in Miami’s Design District in December 2024; the Warriors traded for him in February. The guard started his venture into the coffee business after he came up with the idea during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NBA resumed league play under strict protocol at a dedicated venue in Orlando, which became known as the “Bubble.” While in the facility’s hotel, Butler used the espresso machine in his hotel room and got the idea of selling the hot beverages he made in his hotel room to his NBA counterparts.

After charging the players $20 per drink, the little light in his head went off, and thus the beginnings of what became BIGFACE.

“It’s so surreal because this is another thing I said I wanted to do, and I went out and made it happen,” Butler told NBC News earlier this month. “That’s what this story is for me. Man, I had a dream. I worked at it, and then one day, bam, here we are with a coffee shop.”

No word if any Golden State employee purchased the specially priced drink. If so, it didn’t help. The Heat routed the Warriors, 112-86, on Tuesday.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 26, 2025

National Independent Talent Organization Launches ‘Pay Her Respect’ Day With American Music Fairness Act Endorsement

Hundreds of Grammy-Award winning artists have already been outspoken about passing the bill including Lil’ Jon and Boyz II Men.

Nonprofit organization National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) officially launched “Pay Her Respect” day, on the late Aretha Franklin’s birthday, while endorsing the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), guaranteeing musical artists are paid fairly when songs are played on the radio, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

The bipartisan legislation would put corporate radio broadcasters in the same realm as other music streaming platforms that already dish out royalties. The United States is the only democratic country in the world that currently does not compensate artists in such a way.

For what would have been Franklin’s 81st birthday, March 25, NITO launched the national day of action to commemorate the late Queen of Soul, who was never paid for her version of the hit song “Respect,” despite being played millions of times on the radio when it was released in 1967, becoming a feminist anthem amid the rise of the second feminist movement in the 1970s. NITO’s executive director, Nathaniel Marro, said the bill makes him think about all the artists struggling to make ends meet from their art that is supposed to support them. “When I think about the importance of this act, I think of all the hard-working musicians who have struggled to make a living and how this bill could get them to a place of stability,” he said.

“The middle class should be an attainable goal for all musicians and songwriters, not some distant reality. Passing this bill would get us one step closer.”

In honor of Aretha Franklin’s birthday, @NITO_live is standing in support of the American Music Fairness Act, demanding AM/FM radio to pay performance royalties. Today and every day, we fight for #AMFA and the fair compensation of all artists. pic.twitter.com/xFHnZjs5gN
— SoundExchange (@SoundExchange) March 25, 2025

According to Hypebot, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) re-introduced the legislation in early 2025. Collaborative efforts with Reps. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) led to the bill being brought forth to the Senate floor.

While fans and musicians are being encouraged to send letters to their Congress members to push support for AMFA, hundreds of Grammy-winning artists have already been outspoken about passing the bill, including Lil Jon and Boyz II Men. Group members Shawn Stockman, Wanyá Morris, and Nathan Morris visited Washington, D.C. to discuss the bill, even posing with House Speaker Mike Johnson following the meeting.

I truly enjoyed hosting @BoyzIIMen during their visit to the Capitol today. Since the band’s formation in 1985, these guys have
sold over 60 million albums and created a large part of the soundtrack of our lives. Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris and Shawn Stockman have still got it! pic.twitter.com/0IBX836Ygv
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) February 14, 2025

The Recording Academy’s 2025 Best New Artist winner, Chappell Roan, made headlines for calling out record labels for failing to pay their artists livable wages. “Record labels need to treat their artists as valuable employees with a livable wage and health insurance and protection. Labels, we got you — but do you got us?” she said during her Grammy acceptance speech, met with applause.

by Mitti Hicks

March 26, 2025

Trump Administration Pauses Green Card Processing To ‘Do More Vetting’

The Trump administration began pausing the processing of some green card applications in January to comply with President Donald Trump's executive order.

The Trump administration will pause processing some green card applications in January to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order.

Trump signed the executive order, “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” on Jan. 20. The executive order calls for agencies to “identify all resources that may be used to ensure that all aliens seeking admission to the United States, or who are already in the United States, are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.”

As a result, CBS News first reported that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the Department of Homeland Security has quietly stopped processing some green card applications to conduct more vetting of the applicants. The request will hurt permanent residency applications submitted by immigrants granted refugee or asylum status.

Concerns about Pausing Green Card Processing

How does this pause impact those seeking a fresh start? Many immigrants were granted refugee status in the U.S. after proving they could be persecuted in their home countries. Refugees are granted entry into the U.S. after an extensive process that begins overseas. The method includes security checks, medical screenings, and interviews that can take several years.

Ayslees are foreigners in the U.S. to whom immigration judges or asylum officers grant protection. However, they have to prove that they could face persecution because of specific characteristics such as race, religion, and political views.

“USCIS is placing a temporary pause on finalizing certain Adjustment of Status applications pending the completion of additional screening and vetting to identify potential fraud, public safety, or national security concerns, in alignment” with Mr. Trump’s executive actions, the DHS told CBS News in a statement. “Adjustment of status” is the official name of the green card process.”

It’s unclear how long the halt will last. Meanwhile, this latest move from the Trump administration fulfills a campaign promise to restrict legal immigration in America.

Atlanta Hawks, State Farm Arena, Job Fair

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 26, 2025

Atlanta Hawks Pay Tribute To Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Halftime Performance

And the crowd loved it.

During a second quarter break during Saturday’s game against the Golden State Warriors, the Atlanta Hawks paid tribute to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show.

The Hawks’ tribute featured a rendition of Lamar’s hit song “Not Like Us” as performed at the big game. The Atlanta team’s mascot, Harry the Hawk, took on the role of Lamar with a fake “a” chain and outfit. The dance team followed his steps in recreating the iconic scene.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dime (@dimemagazine)

The tribute also featured an emcee wearing an “Uncle Sam” outfit like the one actor Samuel L. Jackson donned in the halftime show. The Hawks crowd dug the performance, with Hot97 reporting that the audience also echoed the popular “A minor” line.

Lamar’s performance and set of diss tracks against Drake have become an ongoing cultural phenomenon. The show set a viewership record for the Super Bowl. “Not Like Us” also scored five wins, including Record and Song of the Year, at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

The cultural impact has led to further speculation that the rapper will continue his victory lap. Casey Wasserman, an organizing leader for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, hinted at Lamar’s inclusion in the festivities.

“Fortunately, in my day job, I represent Kendrick Lamar,” Wasserman told the Associated Press. “He is truly an LA icon. So I think it would be a pretty fair bet that Kendrick will be involved in the Olympics in Los Angeles in some way.”

Drake, Lamar’s musical adversary, wants to move past the historic rap beef. The rapper released his joint project, Some Sexy Songs 4 U, with Partynextdoor on Valentine’s Day. The album reached #1 on the Billboard 200.

Lamar, on the other hand, will promote his hit song and accompanying album independently. His Grand National Tour with Sza begins April 19 in Minneapolis.

Housing market, southern metros, Atlanta, Florida, equity

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 26, 2025

DHS And HUD Join Forces To Prevent Housing Funds From Going To Illegal Immigrants

'American tax dollars should be used for the benefit of American citizens, especially when it comes to an issue as pressing as our nation’s housing crisis,' said Secretary Turner

The Trump administration announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are joining forces to ensure that money appropriated for American citizens for the benefits of housing isn’t being misdirected toward people who are considered illegal aliens in the country.

The secretaries of both HUD and DHS, Secretary Scott Turner and Secretary Kristi Noem, signed the “American Housing Programs for American Citizens” Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement was implemented to “end the wasteful misappropriation of taxpayer dollars” to benefit people labeled as immigrants instead of American citizens.

“American tax dollars should be used for the benefit of American citizens, especially when it comes to an issue as pressing as our nation’s housing crisis,” said Secretary Turner in a written statement. “This new agreement will leverage resources, including technology and personnel, to ensure American people are the only priority when it comes to public housing. We will continue to work closely with DHS to maximize our resources and put American citizens first.”

The agencies will utilize a HUD employee to help with the Incident Command Center (ICC) operations. This will make it easier for the agencies to facilitate data sharing between the units while also ensuring that taxpayer-funded housing programs are being used properly and not being used to harbor or benefit immigrants.

“The Biden Administration prioritized illegal aliens over our own citizens, including by giving illegal aliens taxpayer-funding housing at the expense of Americans. Not anymore. The entire government will work together to identify abuse and exploitation of public benefits and make sure those in this country illegally are not receiving federal benefits or other financial incentives to stay illegally. If you are an illegal immigrant, you should leave now. The gravy train is over,” said Secretary Noem.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 26, 2025

Disability Advocates Weigh In On Jasmine Crockett’s Viral ‘Governor Hot Wheels’ Remark

The video of Crockett’s remarks went viral leading to major backlash from President Donald Trump and MAGA supporters.

A number of disability rights groups are speaking out about Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s (D-TX) “Governor Hot Wheels” comment toward Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s wheelchair.

The verdict, according to Politico: some are disappointed and some consider Crockett an ally.

“Governor Abbott sometimes has policies that are harmful to people with disabilities, and that’s terrible,” said Josie Byzek, senior communications and digital experience director at the United Spinal Association. “Representative Crockett has a history of protecting the programs and rights of people with disabilities, and that’s wonderful. At the same time, the stigma is real.”

At a speech for a Human Rights Campaign, Crockett teed off on Abbott. “Y’all know we got Governor Hot Wheels down there,” Crockett said. “Come on now. And the only thing hot about him is that he is a hot ass mess, honey.”

Abbott was paralyzed after a tree fell on him while on a run over 40 years ago.

The comments went viral, causing major backlash from President Donald Trump and MAGA supporters. They also sparked moments of praise and remarks of hypocrisy, reminiscing on the days when Trump mocked a disabled journalist, former President Joe Biden, and more.

https://twitter.com/ArtCandee/status/1904569512218730515

“If the Democrats want to be as inclusive as they claim they and ensure that people with disabilities are actually recognized as being welcome under their political umbrella, then you have to be thoughtful about your words,” author and disability rights advocate Emily Ladau told Politico. “And when Crockett made that joke, she was really punching down, and she knew that she would get a laugh.”

Following the backlash, Crockett defended herself on X, stating she wasn’t referring to Abbott’s condition but “the planes, trains, and automobiles he used to transfer migrants into communities led by Black mayors, deliberately stoking tension and fear among the most vulnerable. At no point did I mention or allude to his condition.”

“So, I’m even more appalled that the very people who unequivocally support Trump—a man known for racially insensitive nicknames and mocking those with disabilities—are now outraged,” Crockett said.

I wasn’t thinking about the governor’s condition—I was thinking about the planes, trains, and automobiles he used to transfer migrants into communities led by Black mayors, deliberately stoking tension and fear among the most vulnerable.

Literally, the next line I said was that…
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) March 25, 2025

But GOP lawmakers aren’t going for it. According to CNN, Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) announced plans to introduce a resolution to censure Crockett over her comments. If its goes through, Crockett will be the second Black lawmaker that Republicans tried to censure in March 2025 after Rep. Al Green (D-TX).

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 26, 2025

Parts Of Lil Rod Lawsuit Accusing Diddy Of Sexual Assault, Racketeering Dismissed

"We view this as a win. Defendants wanted a total dismissal and they failed to get it," said Lil Rod's attorney, Tyrone Blackburn

Sean “Diddy” Combs scored a partial legal victory on March 24, when a New York City federal judge dismissed the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act allegation and other charges the entertainment mogul was accused of. Yet, other parts of the lawsuit will proceed.

According to USA Today, in the lawsuit that music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed against Diddy for $30 million, he accused the former Bad Boy Records label owner of sexual assault, harassment, and running a racketeering and conspiracy enterprise that involved sex trafficking. Attorneys for Diddy filed a motion to dismiss, but the judge stated that the charges of RICO, breach of contract, and infliction of emotional distress would be dismissed. Still, the sexual assault allegations levied against Diddy would proceed. Those allegations were against Diddy, his business enterprise, and his chief of staff, Kristina Khorram.

Lil Rod made the accusations when he filed the lawsuit in February 2024, claiming the acts took place while he was recording Diddy’s project, “The Love Album: Off the Grid,” which was released in 2023.

The attorney representing Lil Rod, Tyrone Blackburn, submitted a written statement to the media outlet saying, “We view this as a win. Defendants wanted a total dismissal, and they failed to get it.”

However, Judge J. Paul Oetken admonished Blackburn for his conduct, describing it as “unsettling.” The judge criticized the lawyer and stated that Blackburn’s attempt to use separate legal claims against Diddy as evidence of doing what he is accused of cannot be used to prove that he may be guilty of Lil Rod’s claims.

“That any licensed member of the bar would espouse such an absurd understanding of the law is not just disturbing, but shocking,” he wrote in his declaration. Judge Oetken also chastised Blackburn for insulting the attorneys for Combs in his filings and using “schoolyard taunts” toward them.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 26, 2025

50 Cent Pulls Up To Shreveport City Council Meeting Ahead G-Unit ‘Legacy Project’ Vote

50 Cent thanked the local officials for approving the extension of his lease on Millennium Studios.

50 Cent recently asserted his own “Power” when the media mogul pulled up to a city council meeting in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson III made the unexpected appearance to discuss the extension of his partnership with Shreveport and his G-Unit entertainment brand. His entrance sparked applause before he began detailing what this “legacy” project means to him and the residents it helps.

“This project is a legacy project for me,” expressed the rapper. “I don’t think I’ve done anything that directly affected as many people as this project will here in Shreveport. I’m just excited to get to it.”

According to KEEL, the “Legacy Project” is Jackson’s lease of Shreveport’s Millenium Studios for his G-Unit Film & Television Louisiana LLC. The production company has numerous documentaries and films under its belt but remains most known for its “Power” television franchise. The Power universe has spawned multiple spin-offs with STARZ since its original flagship show ended in 2020.

Jackson arrived at the civic meeting ahead of the officials’ vote to continue their deal. Their approval would also allow him to lease the Stageworks building in the city’s downtown. The discussions over the lease lasted for nearly a year.

However, the 49-year-old wants to continue making films and television using the Shreveport soundstages for decades. He also mentioned his upcoming birthday and wants to begin this new era with more projects underway.

Jackson added, “You know, creatively, I haven’t had an opportunity to affect more people than I have at the moment, because film and television, there’s no age range. You know, hip-hop is a youth culture thing, and I’m going to turn 50 this year. 50 turns 50. Gotta do bigger things. Got to do bigger things.”

Following his brief but praised speech, the civic leaders unanimously voted for his multi-decade lease of the studios and the Stageworks building. After the approval sparked applause from attendees, Jackson walked back to the stand to thank the council.

“I just wanted to say ‘thank you’. You know, I’ve been a lot of places, with a lot of people and I’ve never been this nervous before,” he shared as the crowd laughed.

Now, Jackson may begin expanding his film and television empire in Shreveport. In the lucrative deal, he will also cover all operational expenses.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 26, 2025

Mayor Eric Adams Pushes For Child Safety By Expanding Free Swim Lessons Program To Underserved Communities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal Black children are 1.5 times more likely to die from drowning in comparison to white children.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a $5.5 million expansion of the city’s free swim lesson program for children in underserved communities to learn the life-saving skill, ABC 7 NY reports.

The addition will allow almost 18,000 students to be served, targeting those the program doesn’t reach. The lessons will occur at city public school pools in select third-party locations. Approximately 4,800 second graders will also be allowed to participate.

In a statement, Adams referred to the Big Apple as a city that can be “the best place to raise a family” and feels the lessons will expand on that narrative. “To make New York City the best place to raise a family, we must continue to invest in the services that families need and deserve, and that includes swim safety,” the mayor said.

“Expanding free swimming classes will enrich our young people’s lives and keep them safe.”

Programs such as this are looked at as important, given the number of child deaths due to drowning. New York Times editorial board member Mara Gay says close to 11 people drown every day in the U.S., leading up to 1 in 4 children dying.

“So we’re losing 4,000 people a year to drowning. It’s the leading cause of death of children from 1 to 4,” Gay said, according to Rhode Island PBS.

Most of the numbers are due to segregation and disparities in African American communities. Gay highlighted how slavery and segregation contributed to the majority of minorities never having the opportunity to learn how to swim.

“It goes really deep. So, Black Americans, many people know we’re not allowed to learn how to read during slavery,” she said. “Many times, they also weren’t allowed to learn how to swim, and that’s because it would’ve made it easier to escape to freedom. Dogs couldn’t track your scent in water, which was known among enslaved Americans.”

During the Jim Crow era, city officials would often choose to fill in, destroy, or close public pools rather than give Black people the chance to swim in them.

“During segregation, you had public pools that were not open to Black Americans. So, white, wealthier Americans were able to start forming their own clubs, their own neighborhood associations that were, of course, segregated, and the rest of America was shut out,” Gay said.

“Because of that history, there are generations not only of Black Americans who can’t swim but of poor white Americans, too.”

Numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that Black children are 1.5 times more likely to die from drowning in comparison to white children.

Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeffrey Roth touched on the safety element NYC’s expansion provides to young kids as the 2025 summer months approach.

Adams and his team members have made moves to guarantee the safety of all New York City children, their families, and visitors at city pools and beaches. “We’re starting kids early, in second grade, providing free swim safety classes so kids build skills that will follow them for the rest of their lives,” Roth said.

reggie Barlow. Tennessee State University,, football coach,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 26, 2025

Former Super Bowl Champ Reggie Barlow Returns To HBCU Roots As New Football Coach At Tennessee State University

Barlow recently coached in the UFL's D.C. Defenders, where he earned Coach of the Year in 2023.

NFL Super Bowl Champion Reggie Barlow will return to his HBCU roots to coach football at Tennessee State University.

Barlow was recently announced as TSU’s 23rd head football coach. He will take over the position from Eddie George, who led the Tigers to their first playoff appearance in over a decade.

Before this newly appointed role, the former NFL player coached the DC Defenders of the United Football League. Barlow shared the news at a media conference in Nashville, promising fans and the HBCU community that a new era has begun.

“This is a beginning of a new Tennessee State Day,” he said, as reported by HBCU Gameday. “God has given us this day to use as we will… and we’re going to use it to move forward.”

Barlow first made history at Alabama State University, where the receiver caught 58 passes for 1,267 yards his senior year. This performance made him a fourth-round pick in the 1996 NFL draft. He played for the Jacksonville Jaguars for four years, still ranking as a career leader for the franchise’s most punt returns. In 2002, he began his two-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, securing a championship ring during Super Bowl 37.

He hopes to acquire new assets to the roster and coaching staff at TSU for another championship run. Moreover, he wants the football team to showcase their support for the HBCU’s athletic program.

He added, “We’re going to recruit. We’re going to get good players, good coaches. We’re going to support all sports. You’ll see the football team at volleyball games, basketball games—we’re part of the whole TSU experience.”

Barlow has also coached at other HBCUs, including his alma mater, Alabama State. TSU’s Athletic Director, Dr. Mikki Allen, shared that Barlow’s vision for the program made him the best choice for the open role.

“Reggie Barlow brings a wealth of experience and proven track record of success across all levels of football. I am confident that he will continue building upon the strong foundation and momentum that TSU football has gained in recent years, driving this storied program toward sustained success and championship contention for years to come,” said Allen in TSU’s press release.

Barlow will begin his new tenure as he prepares to make history at a new HBCU.

“I’m humbled, blessed, and beyond excited! A huge thank you to Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen, President Tucker, and the student-athletes who’ve remained committed through uncertainty. And to Big Blue, I’m ready to get started! So, let me ask you…Do you like football?”