Renae Mowatt, House of Heels Miami, Footwear, fashion, entrepreneurship

by Daron Pressley

March 17, 2025

Building a Footwear Empire: Practical Tips for Business Owners

Renae Mowatt has always had an eye for fashion and a passion for footwear. From a young age, she stood out for her love of heels, even earning an award in high school for wearing them daily. Now, as the founder of House of Heels Miami, Mowatt has transformed her lifelong love for stylish shoes into a thriving six-figure business, proving that the right pair of heels can lead to confidence and success. The global footwear market has experienced significant growth in recent years and is projected to continue its upward trajectory. In 2023, the market was valued at approximately $438.62 billion and is anticipated to reach $588.22 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2024 to 2030.

For entrepreneurs like Mowatt, the proliferation of e-commerce platforms has made it easier for consumers to access various shoe options. These trends present ample opportunities to capture market share by offering stylish, affordable footwear that meets evolving consumer preferences.

BLACK ENTERPRISE sat with Mowatt to discuss how she scales with wise financial decisions, builds strong vendor relationships, and manages the business for longevity.

From Passion to Profit

Born in Jamaica, Mowatt moved to the United States at the age of eight. After graduating from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Science degree, she gained hands-on experience in the retail footwear industry while working at Nine West. However, her journey into entrepreneurship was not without its challenges. Her first business, a hair company, did not go as planned, but it provided valuable lessons in business management and finance. Determined to succeed, she pivoted to a business she truly loved — footwear.

“I learned a great deal from my first venture, even though it didn’t succeed. That experience taught me the significance of financial planning and resilience in business,” says Mowatt.

Building Strong Vendor Relationships

A key factor in the success of House of Heels Miami has been Mowatt’s skill in cultivating strong vendor relationships. In the highly competitive fashion and footwear industry, these relationships are crucial for securing access to quality products at affordable prices.

“I believe that business is built on trust and consistency,” she explains. “I prioritize supporting my vendors beyond mere transactions. Whether attending industry trade shows, sending small holiday gifts, or taking them out for lunch, these gestures foster loyalty and ensure that I remain a priority client.”

Thanks to these efforts, House of Heels Miami enjoys early access to new footwear inventory, competitive pricing, and flexible sourcing options —advantages that enable Mowatt to pass cost savings on to her customers.

Scaling with Smart Financial Strategies

Bootstrapping her business without external investors, Mowatt strategically utilized her credit to obtain bank loans in the early stages. Recognizing that new businesses often lack the necessary credit history for traditional financing, she ensured her credit was in excellent standing before applying for loans.

“I maintained a high credit score, kept my debt-to-income ratio low, and made timely payments,” she shares. “This enabled me to secure my first loan, which supported footwear inventory, marketing, and operational growth.”

Mowatt advises aspiring entrepreneurs to prioritize financial responsibility: “Before applying for any loan, check your credit score, pay down outstanding debts, and avoid unnecessary spending that does not contribute to growth.”

Smart Financial Management for Longevity

To ensure that House of Heels Miami remains profitable, Mowatt adheres to the Profit First Theory, a financial management strategy emphasizing profit allocation.

“At the end of each month, I allocate revenue into separate accounts — Profit, Inventory, Owner’s Pay, Taxes, and Operating Expenses,” she explained. “By adhering to this structure, I sustain a healthy cash flow and prevent overspending.”

This disciplined approach has enabled Mowatt to grow her footwear business while ensuring financial stability.

Balancing Trend and Affordability

In the ever-evolving footwear industry, staying ahead of trends is vital. Mowatt ensures that House of Heels Miami remains competitive by attending major trade shows, tracking consumer preferences, and maintaining a pricing model that balances trendiness with affordability.

“Our goal is to make high-quality, fashionable footwear accessible,” she says. “We offer competitive prices, loyalty rewards, and discounts to provide value for our customers.”

Expanding Beyond Footwear

House of Heels Miami is evolving beyond just shoes. In January, the brand officially launched its clothing line, providing stylish, fashion-forward apparel that complements its signature heels, sandals, and boots. “Our new clothing line enables customers to curate a complete, head-to-toe look,” Mowatt states. “We’re launching trendier, high-quality, and affordable pieces throughout the year — there’s so much more on the way!”

Mowatt’s journey from an aspiring entrepreneur to the owner of a successful online shoe boutique showcases perseverance, effective financial management, and a love for fashion. With a growing customer base and exciting developments on the horizon, House of Heels Miami is set for even greater success.

“House of Heels Miami is more than just a brand — it embodies confidence, empowerment, and accessibility to high-quality fashion,” said Mowatt. “Any woman can conquer the world with passion, determination, and the right pair of heels.”

by Daniel Johnson

March 17, 2025

Trump Executive Order Effectively Kills ‘Voice Of America,’ Some Say The Move Is Dangerous For Democracy

Steve Capus, the president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, described the move as a boon for enemies of the United States, and more broadly, enemies of democracy worldwide

Donald Trump issued yet another executive order late on March 14, this order killed funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the parent agency of the news service Voice of America as well as several other international broadcasting services, which was described by some as a gift to anti-democratic regimes around the world.

According to NPR, the U.S. Agency for Global Media had already had all of its contracts for international broadcasts it funds cut, which includes Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks.

The termination notices for those grants carried the signature of senior advisor and Trump loyalist Kari Lake, who had hoped to be given charge of Voice of America, but does not have the appropriate authority to actually end the grants, because in her current position, she is not the acting chief executive of the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

Steve Capus, the president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, described the move as a boon for enemies of the United States, and more broadly, enemies of democracy worldwide.

“The cancellation of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s grant agreement would be a massive gift to America’s enemies,” Capus said in a statement he shared with NPR.

Capus continued, “The Iranian Ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years. Handing our adversaries a win would make them stronger and America weaker. We’ve benefitted from strong bipartisan support throughout RFE/RL’s storied history. Without us, the nearly 50 million people in closed societies who depend on us for accurate news and information each week won’t have access to the truth about America and the world.”

According to NPR, the mission of those networks, which previously, had been fully federally funded, and enjoyed some bipartisan support, is to deliver news and cultural programming in areas where the free press is in danger or doesn’t exist. The networks, they report, are a kind of “soft diplomacy,” presenting a dissenting opinion to governmental policy in those areas.

To that point, even Republicans like Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), the former chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, indicated to the outlet that cutting the agency’s funding presents a chance for autocratic nations like China, which often censors information that its citizens have access to, to continue its proliferation of propaganda.

“Programs like [Radio Free Asia] provide day-to-day updates on far-off regions, uphold a free press even in authoritarian countries, and ensure Americans—and people everywhere—are not subject to our adversaries’ propaganda,” Rep. McCaul told NPR ahead of the signing of the executive order.

According to The Washington Post, the executive order from Trump follows a similar pattern of attack he and his allies have waged on mainstream stateside journalism, accusing those journalists and news organizations of publishing unfair and inaccurate reports, alongside lawsuits designed to make them think twice about coverage critical of him or his administration.

The report summed up that Trump’s desire to eliminate the flow of information he doesn’t like is a troubling indicator to free press advocates.

According to Grant Turner, a former chief financial officer for the U.S. Agency for Global Media who retired in January 2025, Lake and the rest of the Trump administration just want to burn things down without concern for the collateral damage.

“People in America don’t know a lot about USAGM and our networks because by law we can’t broadcast in the U.S.,” Turner told The Washington Post. “But our newsrooms are full of media stars with strong trust among overseas audiences who have little access to factual information. Kari Lake and the administration are just setting that all on fire.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 17, 2025

Idaho Teacher Ordered To Remove ‘Everyone Is Welcome’ Sign From Classroom Over DEI Issues

The teacher refuses to take down the posters given the reasoning behind the removal.

An Idaho teacher has been ordered by her school district to remove classroom signs promoting DEI, including one that reads, “Everyone Is Welcome Here.”

However, Sarah Inama has refused to take down her inclusive signs. Instead, the middle school teacher defended her posters. She claims they promote positivity and support for all her students in the classroom.

Inama also told Today that her stances do not play into politics but are more about education and creating a safe learning environment for children. The history teacher has taught at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Meridian, Idaho, for five years.

However, the issues sparked in January after her principal and vice principal deemed two of her posters controversial. Alongside her inclusive, welcoming sign, the other poster under fire included words such as “accepted,” “important,” and “equal,” among other similar phrases.

Despite the seemingly harmless phrases, the principal shared that the posters violated the district policy of decorations being “content-neutral.”

“I was just so confused,” revealed Inama. “I still can’t even wrap my head around what they’re referring to as far as why it’s controversial.”

Although she initially agreed to remove the posters, she decided to keep them up because she disagreed with the reasoning behind it.

Inama added, “There are only two opinions on this sign: Everyone is welcome here or not everyone is welcome here. Since the sign is emphasizing that everyone, in regards to race or skin tone, is welcome here no matter what, immediately, I was like, the only other view of this is racist. And I said, ‘That sounds like racism to me.’”

Her refusal to remove the sign led to the West Ada district’s involvement, prompting a discussion about a compromise. While the district offered to pay for alternative posters that fit their guidelines, Inama argued that her posters served as motivational learning aids. However, the district’s chief academic officer noted how political shifts have made the posters more provocative than ever.

That, however, was the final straw for Inama.

“The more that we talked about it, the more it just solidified,” she recalled. “It seems so gross what they’re asking me to compromise about. I mean, there’s no way you’ll convince me that the differing view they’re trying to protect of that sign is not racist.”

Despite Inama writing to legal counsel to defend her position, the district doubled down on its assertion that the posters violate school policy.

“While we respect individuals’ rights to express their perspectives, it is important to reaffirm that this situation is not about limiting speech or expression but about ensuring consistency in our classrooms and maintaining a learning environment free from distraction,” wrote the district in a statement.

However, the move still does not sit right with Inama. With her posters still up, her job remains at risk. The educator continues her act of resistance, with other teachers supporting her.

While Inama keeps teaching, she stands by her values of fostering a better world through her classroom.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 17, 2025

Black Marines With ‘Razor Bumps’ Could Be Kicked Out The Military Due To New Policy

The new rules were implemented after the Defense Secretary ordered a review of military grooming standards

Based on a new policy, people who are inflicted with a skin condition that can cause pain and scarring on their face (razor bumps) from shaving can be kicked out of the Marines if it does not clear up within a certain amount of time. This may greatly affect Black men.

According to the Marine Corps Times, the U.S. Marine Corps has stated that any Marine who has been diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae has to undergo medical reevaluation within 90 days to see if they will still require a shaving waiver due to the condition.

DermNet states that Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) “is a common inflammatory reaction of the hair follicle, most often on the face as a result of shaving.” The affliction is aggravated with regular shaving of the face.

“Ensuring the health, resilience, and discipline of our Marines and Sailors is essential to sustaining our warfighting capability and maintaining the high standards required to remain ready for any challenge,” a message sent from the Marines states.

“These standards ensure we remain the world’s premier fighting force, ready to fight and win with unwavering readiness, discipline and lethality.”

The message was issued March 13 after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a review of military fitness and grooming standards. A treatment plan was suggested for Marines with pseudofolliculitis barbae, with the goal of “returning Service members to grooming standards and ensuring maximum warfighting readiness.”

That treatment plan has a four-phase regimen:

In the first phase, Marines will avoid shaving for four weeks until the razor bumps subside. The second phase will allow Marines with moderate to severe cases to stop shaving for eight weeks, or another four weeks if they were already going through the first phase — including potential hair removal through depilatory treatment.

Phase three gives the Marine an additional four weeks of the same treatment if the condition remains. In the final fourth phase, Marines whose razor bumps don’t improve will be referred to a dermatologist for a potential laser treatment that will be paid for by the government.

For the time being, military medical officers can give a medical waiver to Marines diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae. The waiver will be reviewed and a commanding officer will have to sign off on it.

Marines who need a waiver for over a year might be removed from service due to the new protocol.

Former NFL Running Back, Doug Martin, Police Custody, Oakland

by Jameelah Mullen

March 17, 2025

Twin Brothers Found Dead In Georgia Mountains, Family Wants Answers

Family members reject GBI’s initial reports.

Twin brothers Qaadir Malik and Naazir Rahim Lewis were found shot to death atop Bell Mountain in Georgia. The twins booked a 7 a.m. flight to Boston on March 7 but never boarded their flight. Hikers found the 19-year-old teens around 11:05 the following day with gunshot wounds to both their heads.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) concluded that the teens’ death was the result of a murder-suicide, but the victims’ family have doubts about this finding.

“They’re very protective of each other. They love each other,” their uncle Rahim Brawner told WXIA News.

“They’re like inseparable. I couldn’t imagine them hurting each other because I’ve never seen them get into a fistfight before.”

The family questions how the twins got to Bell Mountain, which is about 90 miles away from the Atlanta airport where they were supposed to be. Family members said the twins’ plane tickets were still in their wallets.

“They don’t know anything about Hiawassee, Georgia. They never even heard of Bell Mountain, so how did they end up right there,” the twins’ aunt, Samira Brawner, added.

The GBI confirmed that autopsies are complete, but the agency is still awaiting additional forensic test results before issuing a final ruling on the cause of death. The GBI didn’t identify which brother they believed carried out the alleged murder-suicide.

The twins’ family launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the funeral expenses.

“My nephews wouldn’t do this,” The twins’ aunt, Yasmine, wrote on the GoFundMe website.

“They came from a family of love, and twins wanted so much for their future they had dreams of starting their very own clothing line.”

The fundraiser has collected over $22,000 in donations so far. The Lewis brothers graduated from Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia. According to the family, they were both athletes. Funeral arrangements are still pending.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 17, 2025

Texas Southern University Debate Team Wins 5th World Title: ‘We Have Maintained The History Of The Team’

Texas Southern University added to Thomas Freeman’s legacy with its fifth world championship.

Texas Southern University’s debate team added to its storied legacy with its fifth world championship victory—the first since the death of its legendary founder, Thomas Freeman.

The venerable HBCU debate team took home the big win at the Annual International Forensics Association’s Speech and Debate Tournament in Incheon, South Korea, on March 16, the Houston Chronicle reports. The overseas trip marked the first time many of the students had been out of the country, or even on a plane, the head coach shared.

“We’ve won first place in all four of our tournaments that we have been on (this season), and then to top it off with the championship was a wonderful and heartwarming experience for the students,” head debate coach Gloria Batiste-Roberts said. “The spirit of Dr. Freeman’s teachings are so alive and so well.”

The victory came five years after Freeman’s death at the age of 100. The renowned minister and educator founded the team in 1949 and coached until his retirement in 2013. Freeman’s work with the team inspired the film The Great Debaters, starring Denzel Washington.

The team saw a big boost from its fourth-place finish in 2024, claiming the sweepstakes award and 21 individual prizes, the most of any of the 27 teams competing in various speech and debate events. Notable achievements included first-place finishes in poetry and dramatic interpretation.

“We have maintained the history of the team, which has been winning and producing students who are making their mark all over this country,” Batiste-Roberts said.

Texas Southern’s debate team is renowned worldwide for its numerous accolades. Comprising students from diverse degree programs, including communications, political science, theater, and even science, the team has produced notable alumni such as County Commissioner Rodney Ellis; Rev. James Dixon; Otis King, Houston’s first Black attorney; and U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordan.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 17, 2025

On Black Leadership: A Conversation with Jamila Hodge

Justice system and nonprofit veterans discuss leadership lessons.

Written by Candice C. Jones

What better time for Black women to define our leadership experience than when so many others want to do it for us?

I’m talking to and about Black women in leadership because our perspectives are missing from both mainstream conversation and leadership literature. I was recently joined by Jamila Hodge, CEO of Equal Justice USA, a criminal justice nonprofit dedicated to building public safety through community-led solutions. Her work and perspective are informed by the 12 years she served as a federal prosecutor.

FINDING OUR MEANING

Candice C. Jones: Let’s talk about your background and how you came to this moment.

Jamila Hodge: People are often shocked that I am a former prosecutor. I went into that role thinking the criminal justice system was broken and that we could fix it if we put the right people in power. But through studying history, I learned the system is rooted in control and racial oppression, and I now understand it is functioning as intended.

What about Equal Justice USA attracted you?

It was our work to address violence outside the system by working with the community to address its root causes, which is how we get to safety. We’re never going to punish our way to safety.

You took over a historically white-led organization founded by a white woman. What was that transition like?

I took over from a white founder who intentionally stepped back to look for a leader of color impacted by the issues we care about. The white supremacy in the hierarchy is real, so I had to be really clear with my team from day one—that just because I’m a Black woman does not mean I can’t operate in white supremacy, especially when that is the leadership model I’ve mostly experienced.

EXITING OUR COMFORT ZONE

A new opportunity should be equal parts excitement and terror. I’m hearing the excitement. What was terrifying?

It was more terrifying than exciting. I’d come from leading an initiative within a larger organization. Stepping into this role felt like jumping with no safety net, and there weren’t a lot of models for leading in a way that is consistent with my values.

How long did it take you to get up to speed? Were there areas where you leaned in and others where you leaned out?

It took a year and was a race every step of the way.

What I realized after that first year was how much I stayed in my comfort zone. I could hang out in programs all day, but we had programmatic staff doing a great job. Even if I did not love finance, I couldn’t do my job well if I didn’t understand it. Transparently, my hand was also forced when our director of finance left for another opportunity. I had to dig in and learn. That meant opening the finance section in a management book. I also leveraged the expertise around me, including EJUSA’s board treasurer, who ran the audit department at Ford for 30 years. I pulled him in close and spent several hours on calls with spreadsheets open.

What has been the most valuable leadership lesson you’ve learned?

Ask questions. It didn’t matter if I had a huge learning curve in nonprofit finance. I had to lean in, roll up my sleeves, and dig into the organizational materials.

I had to study to really understand what goes into profit and loss and how a nonprofit is different from a for-profit. The hard things are hard in the moment, but now I feel much more complete as a leader.

THROUGH A LENS OF REVERENCE

What does reverence in leadership mean for you?

When I think about “reverence,” it’s awe, it’s deep respect. Some people get excited about being the boss and setting the agenda. I don’t want anything to do with a leader who’s excited about the power but doesn’t acknowledge the responsibility that comes with it.

That awe, that respect, makes me very thoughtful about the decisions I make because it impacts a lot more than just me, my family, and my team. It impacts a body of work where we hold influence.

OUR SUPERPOWER

Research shows women outperform men under pressure. What other leadership assets are specific to Black women?

Resilience. 100%. We’ve had so many experiences where we’re underestimated, where we face unfairness, where we’re knocked down and have to get back up.

We’re living that right now, and some people are responding with panic. We’re not doing that. We are going to be steady. That doesn’t mean we know exactly where we’re going, but we’re going to walk the path with intention.

What’s giving you hope right now?

I look at my 10- and 12-year-old daughters. When I need to block out the noise in the media, I join their world. They give me hope.

ADVICE FOR YOUR SELF & OTHERS

What would you tell your 20-year-old self if you could?

I was at Duke in law school, and I was struggling. I really questioned if I should be there. I’d tell my 20-year-old self, “You are just as smart, just as capable. Don’t listen to anything or anyone telling you otherwise. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Block out the imagery and the messaging that you don’t belong. You absolutely belong.”

Would you look into the face of another Black woman and tell her to step into leadership right now?

It depends. Leadership costs, and right now, it costs a lot, but we need amazing Black women in this moment. During the hard times, we need each other to hold each other up and push this work forward. The cost is not small. It impacts everything. You have to put boundaries in place to survive it.

Candice C. Jones joined the Public Welfare Foundation in Washington, D.C., as its president and CEO in 2017. Previously, she served as Senior Advisor at Chicago CRED, an organization that focuses on gun violence in Chicago.

Candice received her J.D. from New York University School of Law. To learn more about Candice’s background and work, find her on LinkedIn.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 17, 2025

Southern University Places Fraternity Leader On Leave As Investigation Into Death Of Caleb Wilson Unfolds

Safiyy Abdel-Ra'oof served as the assistant director of bands at the school

Southern University has placed the leader of its Omega Psi Phi chapter on leave amid an investigation into Caleb Wilson’s death during a fraternity ritual.

The school suspended Safiyy Abdel-Ra’oof from his duties as the assistant director of bands. Wilson also performed as a member of their “Human Jukebox” marching band.

Abdel-Ra’oof is also the president of the Omega Psi Phi’s Lambda Alpha graduate chapter. The organization oversees Southern’s Beta Sima undergraduate chapter. WBR-Z also confirmed that the leave started weeks ago, two days after Wilson died Feb. 26.

“Safiyy Abdel-Ra’oof has been on administrative leave (30 days) since Feb. 28, 2025,” wrote a spokesperson for Southern to the local news outlet. “No further comment will be made on this personnel matter.”

Wilson died from several punches to the chest during an alleged hazing ritual for the fraternity at a Baton Rouge warehouse. After taking several blows alongside fellow pledges, the 20-year-old reportedly collapsed into a seizure. Members present at the scene later transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigations by authorities and the school have waged on, with the former leading to several arrests of students involved in punching the pledges. Caleb McCray, Isaiah Smith, and Kyle Thurman all currently face charges of criminal hazing. McCray, who reportedly punched Wilson himself, also received an additional charge for manslaughter.

While both investigations are underway, Wilson’s school and local community continue to mourn the loss. The HBCU, where Wilson also studied engineering, held a memorial on their Baton Rouge Campus Mar. 14. The beloved student’s burial services took place the next day with hundreds in attendance at his childhood church in Kenner, Louisiana.

“I know this man had a purpose, and he finished the purpose God brought him here for,” said Deacon Aaron Harris in his eulogy obtained by Nola.com.

“Caleb Wilson was a caring person. He was a person who loved God, and God loved him.”

Southern has also suspended all student activities in light of Wilson’s tragic death. The school has forbidden any new members from joining its other Black Greek Letter organizations at this time.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 17, 2025

Ice Cube’s BIG3 Launches International Showcase Tour In Australia ‘To Grow The BIG3 Game Globally’

Ice Cube continues the global expansion of the BIG3 with a showcase tour in Australia.

The BIG3 will spotlight its top players in its first-ever international BIG3 Showcase, which will take place in Australia in November 2025.

Created in collaboration with Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) and GameAbove Sports, the showcase will feature a lineup of the BIG3’s top players traveling to cities across Australia. The official announcement comes ahead of the BIG3’s eighth season tip-off on June 14, 2025.

“With this partnership, the NBL and the BIG3 are taking it upon themselves to grow the BIG3 game globally and continue to expand the talent development pipeline for Australian 3-on-3 athletes, cultivating top 3-on-3 talent that has been absent on the international stage thus far,” BIG3 Co-CEO Ice Cube tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“The NBL is one of the most respected basketball leagues in the world and its reputation is getting bigger and bigger. That’s why we are happy to enter into this unique partnership and are excited for what the future holds.”

Through their partnership, the BIG3, NBL, and GameAbove Sports aim to create a lasting and sustainable collaboration. The showcase aligns with the NBL’s position as Australia’s premier professional basketball league, dedicated to highlighting top-tier talent worldwide while expanding the game’s reach and popularity domestically and internationally.

“This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event,” Ice Cube said in a press release. “We’ve wanted to bring our players to compete on the international stage for years, and we can’t think of a better place to do just that than in Australia among some of the best basketball fans in the world. The energy, culture, and love for basketball in Australia is astounding, making it a perfect fit for us. What the NBL has done to grow the game is incredible and together with GameAbove, see no limit to this partnership. We can’t wait to bring Aussie fans the power of the BIG3 live in November, and perhaps beyond.”

The Australia showcase marks the next step in the BIG3’s global expansion, following successful international regular-season matchups in Nassau, Bahamas; Toronto, Canada; and London, UK—where the 2023 BIG3 Champion Enemies were crowned at the iconic O2 Arena to an overwhelming fan response.

The BIG3 has thrived for seven years and eight seasons with its innovative take on professional basketball, FIREBALL3—an enhanced version of traditional 3-on-3 play. The league boasts an impressive roster of talent, featuring Hall of Fame coaches like George “The Iceman” Gervin, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, and Nancy Lieberman, alongside 3-on-3 standouts such as Michael Beasley, Isaiah Briscoe, and Jordan Crawford.

The BIG3’s eighth season kicks off on June 14, 2025, live on CBS, marking the debut of four new franchises in Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, and Detroit—led by GameAbove Sports.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 17, 2025

Wendy Williams Takes Aim At Guardianship In First In-Person Interview

Wendy Williams is on a press tour to speak out against her ongoing guardianship.

Wendy Williams is speaking out to assert her mental clarity. In her first in-person interview, the former talk show host accused her guardianship of “lying” about her ability to move freely and live her life on her own terms.

Williams spoke with ET on March 13 after returning from a dinner date with her niece, Alex Finnie, and addressed the situation involving the assisted living facility she’s staying at. She claimed the facility called the cops, falsely accusing her niece of kidnapping her after she was picked up with alleged permission to leave.

“Our recent events have been unbelievable,” Williams said before telling her niece to give reporters the rundown of what occurred.

With the cops called about a false kidnapping, Finnie says the incident directly contradicts “the statements that the guardian has made that Wendy is able to come and go as she pleases and that there are no family visits that are blocked.”

“Clearly, uh, they are lying to me when they say I am. I can go out and and do what I want to do,” Williams added.

When asked how she feels about fans launching the “FREE WENDY” movement on social media, Williams said it’s “Fabulous.”

The former radio personality continued her media tour the following morning with a telephone interview on The View, where she spoke out against her guardianship. She strongly asserted that she is not cognitively impaired and expressed confusion over why she is being kept in a “memory unit” at an assisted living facility with seniors dealing with memory issues.

“Get off my neck,” Williams said of her guardian and the judge who ordered the guardianship. She added that she would never want to work with them again and just wants to “move on with my life.”

Shortly after her phone-in appearance on The View, Sunny Hostin, the panel’s legal expert, read an updated statement from Williams’ guardian, Sabrina E. Morrissey, who announced plans to request a new mental evaluation for the former talk show host.

“We think it is important to note that her legal guardian now believes it would be prudent for Wendy to undergo a new medical evaluation that will involve comprehensive neurological and psychological testing by a specialist in the field,” the statement said.

“This would be more thorough testing than what she had mentioned earlier. The judge has agreed to do that. And when we learn more, we will let you know.”

This comes after a mental capacity test Williams took earlier in the week that she said she passed with “flying colors.”