The lawsuit, filed in April 2023 by former teachers Cecilia Hailey and her daughter, Chekarey Byers, alleged the school committed multiple health and safety violations and discriminatory practices. The plaintiffs claimed they were terminated in retaliation for raising concerns about the school’s operations and sought over $1 million in damages.
The settlement requires Ye to fulfill his obligations within 45 days, after which the plaintiffs will request the dismissal of the case. The California-based private school opened in October 2021 and officially closed in June 2024. Hailey and Byers also highlighted issues with staff treatment, such as withheld wages and improper payment.
Kanye West Settles Donda Academy Lawsuit Weeks Before Case Was Set to Go to Trial https://t.co/rmoqHzcF5h
These legal developments come amid a series of controversies surrounding Ye, including allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct and antisemitic remarks. A former Yeezy employee filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, claiming Ye made racially insensitive remarks and engaged in inappropriate conduct.
In December 2024, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on another successful lawsuit against Ye and Donda Academy. Isaiah Meadows, a former instructor for the academy, relocated to Los Angeles in 2020 to work for the academy. He was offered a $165,000 salary and payment for accommodations in the expensive Calabasas area.
Meadows claimed Ye paid for housing for three months before halting payment. The ex-employee said that after he raised awareness of the school’s health concerns, he was demoted, and his pay significantly decreased. The former employee was issued a default judgment.
Furthermore, Ye has faced accusations of discrimination against Black employees. In April 2024, former security guard Benjamin Deshon Pravo filed a lawsuit alleging he was berated and fired for not cutting his dreadlocks and that Black employees faced discriminatory treatment compared to their white counterparts.
Black Excellence: The Obamas Reportedly Set To Produce Tiger Woods Biopic
Former President Obama and forever-first lady Michelle Obama are preparing to bring an upcoming Tiger Woods biopic to our screens through their production company, Higher Ground Productions. According to Deadline, the Forever First couple is “in talks” to partner with veteran producer Irwin Winkler to produce the project.
The film will be based on Kevin Cook’s book The Tiger Slam:The Inside Story of the GreatestGolfEver Played, which was released in December 2024. The book covers the historical moment in 1997, when Woods won the Masters by the largest margin ever, making him the first Black golfer to win a major championship. The book features stories from those who worked closely with the championship golfer, including his caddie, coach, and some of his competitors.
According to Deadline, Reinaldo Marcus Green, the director of the Oscar-winning film King Richard, is in talks to direct the movie. Since launching in 2018, the presidential power couple’s production company has released numerous films, including the dramas American Symphony and Leave The World Behind.The Obamas also partnered with LeBron James to produce The Starting 5, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives and careers of James and other star athletes.Higher Ground Productions was also behind the hit reality dating show The Later Daters, which followed over 50 singles as they navigated the dating world.
Woods was expected to compete in the upcoming Masters Tournament, which will take place in April 2025. However, he is unlikely to make an appearance at the event. The Hall of Famer announced that he recently underwent surgery for an Achilles tendon injury.
“As I began to ramp up my own training and practice at home, I felt a sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was deemed to be ruptured.” The champion wrote on X.
As I began to ramp up my own training and practice at home, I felt a sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was deemed to be ruptured.
This morning, Dr. Charlton Stucken of Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida performed a minimally-invasive Achilles tendon… pic.twitter.com/KAVZfcRxlE
Tia Jones, Former Fiancée Of Kansas City Chiefs’ Xavier Worthy, Obtains Temporary Protective Order
After the district attorney dropped charges against the wide receiver, Tia Jones got the protective order
Although Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will not be charged after he was arrested March 7 on suspicion of an assault against a family or household member by impeding their breathing, his former fiancée, Tia Jones, has received a temporary protective order.
According to Yahoo Sports, after Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick declined to press charges against the Chiefs wide receiver, Jones applied for and received the protective order after investigators heard from several witnesses. She allegedly would not leave Worthy’s home after he asked her to vacate the residence after infidelity had been discovered.
Jones accused Worthy of assault, caused property damage, and scratched the football player’s face. Worthy refused to press charges against Jones.
Her attorney posted a statement via social media confirming that Jones received the protective order against Worthy.
“Today, Tia Jones filed an application for a protective order against Xavier Worthy, based [sic] his violent actions against her culminating on the night of March 7, 2025. Based upon the truthful information provided by Ms. Jones, a judge has granted a temporary protective order on her behalf. She is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue to actively investigate the violence that occurred that night.
“Ms. Jones has chosen to use her voice to speak up for herself. In so doing, she looks forward to the facts and circumstances of that night coming to light through the formal legal process, and getting the justice that she deserves. She appreciates the support that she has received thus far.”
UPDATE:
Xavier Worthy’s Ex Fiancé Tia Jones’ attorney has released a statement for the first time since Worthy’s arrest on Friday night
In the statement Jones’ team says they have been granted a protective order against Worthy pic.twitter.com/nAOWp1lgf9
Pro Football Talk reported that Worthy’s attorneys, Chip Lewis and Sam Bassett, also released a statement referring to the altercation.
“We are aware of the civil court (not criminal court) filing by Ms. Jones and her criminal defense team. Mr. Worthy denies each of the allegations by Ms. Jones. Unfortunately, false allegations continue to be made, this time in civil court. Today the accuser returned items stolen from Mr. Worthy’s residence while he was in jail and there are items still missing from when he was incarcerated. Mr. Worthy maintains his innocence and stands by the conclusions of the District Attorney after law enforcement’s review of Ms. Jones’ unfounded allegations.”
How The NAACP Legal Defense Fund Is Fighting Back Against DEI Attacks
NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund (LDF) has been organizing with other civil rights groups to challenge anti-DEI.
While some voters are asking Democrats to fight the attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, one organization is fighting back against DEI opponents. NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund (LDF) has been organizing with other civil rights groups to challenge those who are stripping down protections.
LDF is already starting to see some victories in their fight.
“We had a team engaged in Georgia working to oppose an anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion bill there. They successfully defeated it last week,” Amalea Smirniotopoulos told BLACK ENTERPRISE. Smirniotopoulos is leading the Equal Protection Initiative at the NAACP’s LDF.
“We have been coordinating with civil rights allies to file litigation. For example, we filed a lawsuit in February challenging two of the anti-diversity executive orders and the anti-transgender order,” says Smirniotopoulos.
“We also have a motion for a preliminary injunction that would prevent the government from implementing those orders. It will be heard in court next week.”
What The Legal Defense Fund Says Is At Stake
Following the Supreme Court’s decision on Students for Fair Admission, which ruled that the use of race in higher education is unconstitutional, LDF launched the Equal Protection Initiative. LDF launched the initiative because civil rights advocates saw the writing on the wall that civil rights across industries would be weaponized. The initiative pushes back on these attacks with litigation, policy research, and other techniques.
“I worry about the chilling effect of the Trump’s executive orders and the actions that we see coming out of federal agencies, including the Department of Education, and what that means for people in their daily lives,” she said.
“We know, based on social science research, that it’s important for students to feel like they can belong, that they can see themselves in their curriculum, that they can find community in their schools to be able to learn effectively.”
She added, “there have been studies that have documented that racial discrimination costs the economy overall to the tune of trillions of dollars.”
Excellence In Bleu To Honor Carol Moseley Braun At 2025 Women In Power Event
As the Women in Power Special Honoree, Moseley Braun will be celebrated for her dynamic leadership contributions in Illinois.
This year’s Women In Power program, hosted by House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch and civic engagement organization Excellence in Bleu, will honor Carol Moseley Braun, the first Black woman U.S. Senator, for her dynamic leadership in Illinois.
The annual Women’s History Month event will feature Ambassador Braun as a 2025 Special Honoree alongside the celebration of other female change makers in Illinois. Welch said in a press release that, “While we are here to honor a powerful and diverse group of women, it is not lost on me that the first Black Speakers of the Illinois and Michigan Houses and the first black woman to lead the Illinois House political arm are highlighting Ambassador Moseley Braun, a woman of many Black firsts who paved the way for us all.”
Moseley Braun, a Chicago native, served in the United States Senate from 1993 to 1999. According to a featured biography, The Illinois Democrat became an Illinois state Representative in 1977 before she was appointed as the first African American to hold an executive position for Cook County. She made history again after she became the first Black woman to serve in the Senate in 1992. She served as U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand from 1999 to 2001. Moseley Braun’s advocacy focused on policies like progressive education and gun control.
As Black Excellence in Bleu continues its commitment to promote civic engagement, community outreach and policies to support its communities, the organization is dedicated to motivating and inspiring women through its Women in Power event. Each year, the celebration honors a diverse group of women in leadership. Welch asserted, “Now is a critical time to celebrate the women who continue to break barriers in Illinois.”
The event will be held on March 14 at RPM Seafood from 1 to 3 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase on the Women in Power event website.
Employee Morale Plummets As Unemployment Rises And Job Market Weakens
Employee confidence hit a new low in February amid rising unemployment and a shaky job market.
New research reveals that employee confidence, based on workers’ trust in their employer’s business outlook, dropped to an all-time low in February.
Data from workplace review platform Glassdoor show that workers across various industries are increasingly worried about their future and losing confidence in the current job market, Axiosreports. Factors contributing to the decline in employee morale include fear of layoffs, an unstable job market, and uncertainty about a company’s future, particularly in the federal sector.
As the Trump administration implements significant federal spending cuts, many workers are concerned about potential impacts. Confidence among these workers dropped nearly five percentage points last month, as the Department of Government Efficiency has “thrown the future of the federal workforce into disarray,” Glassdoor stated.
Federal workers experienced the largest drop in employee confidence, followed by the aerospace and defense sectors, which saw a 3.5% decline. This decrease reflects, in part, concerns about the spillover effects of federal budget cuts.
“It’s not just about people being laid off, but it’s also about people who are left behind and feel the impact,” said Glassdoor lead economist Daniel Zhao.
Key consumer sentiment indicators reveal growing concerns about a decline in economic confidence, fueling the “growth scare” topic that is dominating discussions among economists and investors. The New York Fed’s survey of consumer expectations shows that respondents anticipate tougher economic conditions in the near future.
Discussions of layoffs in Glassdoor reviews have been on the rise, with the percentage of reviews mentioning “layoff” increasing by 5% compared to the same period last year. This record low in confidence comes just three years after a record-high period when workers were in high demand, and job-hopping was more common.
“As the balance of risks has shifted from inflation to the job market, we’re seeing that reflected in how employees are talking about the risks and challenges they face,” Zhao said.
Looking Ahead: Report Reveals New Capital Strategy For Black Business Owners
Collective wealth starts with collective literacy
By Ronald Busby, Sr
Traditional funding barriers have long kept Black entrepreneurs from accessing the assets and opportunities readily available to their white counterparts. Seventy-eight percent of small business owners use their own funds to launch their business ventures, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Still, assets that Black people hold have lesser value, automatically undermining their ability to start and grow businesses due to longstanding challenges. Stock ownership statistics reveal a significant disparity: 65.6% of white families own stocks compared to just 39% of Black families, per the Pew Research Center. Furthermore, the issue persists across the board as Black families hold more than 75% less in median stock-holding value compared to white families. Case in point, Black families’ median stock-holding value is $16,500, while white families have $67,800. How, then, are we supposed to increase our wealth when we have so little to begin with?
One emerging solution is retail investing. Unlike institutional investing, retail investing is done by non-professional investors who purchase assets, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These individuals go through investment advisors, brokerage firms, or investment platforms and leverage outsourced expertise to assist in investment decisions. Retail investing puts more power in the hands of the individual and looks to make the market more accessible for all.
One of the U.S. Black Chamber, Inc.’s (USBC) Six Pillars of Service is access to capital, and we used that pillar as the backbone of our research for our recently released Black Investment Report. The report takes a holistic view of the investment landscape for Black entrepreneurs and informs our understanding and approach. Given the realities of accessing capital as a Black person in this country, the Black Investment Report makes it abundantly clear how important asset portfolio expansion is for Black business owners.
Today, the democratization of retail investing makes wealth-building tools more accessible, empowering individuals to invest in their futures. Retail investing platforms, financial education initiatives, and increased mentorship opportunities have played a pivotal role in expanding access to capital markets. These platforms provide user-friendly information, educational resources, and features like fractional shares that make investing feel less out of reach. By lowering barriers to entry, they’ve opened up opportunities for more people, especially those from historically underserved communities, allowing them to participate in those wealth-building avenues.
That access is just one piece of the puzzle. By collectively moving away from asking for capital to creating it, Black entrepreneurs are doing what they have always done—finding innovative ways to fund their dreams. When the systems in place work so hard to gatekeep, we must make the switch to self-directed and community-based wealth building.
By shifting away from traditional funding models, Black entrepreneurs are carving out innovative paths to success. Black people are under-indexed in businesses, stocks, bonds, and other assets that can increase their net worth. Despite these shortcomings, projections show that even modest increases in Black stock ownership could significantly narrow wealth disparities (Source: Brookings Institute).
“Research illustrates the stock market, even with all of its ups and downs, remains the most reliable and most effective way to increase wealth over time.” (Source: Nasdaq) By levering the power of capital markets, Black entrepreneurs are rewriting the narrative and creating ripple effects for their communities and future generations. That community impact shows the importance of looking beyond individual success. We are only as strong as our most disenfranchised, so we must work to build collective wealth.
Collective wealth starts with collective literacy. We must do more to educate aspiring Black entrepreneurs about stock market participation to empower them. In addition to retail investing platforms that make information more accessible, investment clubs and mentorship programs are opportunities to bring that information to life. There’s more than one way to learn about and access capital markets, and utilizing different avenues diversifies your knowledge base in a way that will only benefit us all in the end.
The Call Forward
As the President & CEO of the USBC, I advocate for the more than 170 Black chambers and 310,000 Black-owned businesses we represent nationwide. USBC prides itself on its resources and partnerships crafted to support Black entrepreneurs with the unique challenges they face. One of our Six Pillars of Service is access to capital, and we used that pillar as the backbone of our research for our recently released Black InvestmentReport. The report takes a holistic view of the investment landscape for Black entrepreneurs and informs our understanding and approach. We are committed to an equitable and just world full of wealthy Black businesses, individuals, and families and will lead the charge to ensure this vision is realized.
Here’s how you can start your investment journey:
Get to know the market. USBC offers a resource deck featuring lending programs like our partnership with Lendistry, the ByBlack Grants List, business development support, corporate and government resources, and more.
Education is key. Retail investing platforms provide up-to-date resources, allowing you to stay on top of the fast-paced world of investing. Platforms like Robinhood, one of our corporate partners and one of the most well-known companies operating in this space, is one of many options depending on your goals.
Start small. When it comes to investing, every bit counts. Purchasing even fractions of shares will help you gain the experience necessary to invest confidently.
Ron Busby Sr. is President & CEO of U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., the national voice of Black business and a top advocate for resources and policies that impact Black business owners.
Jay-Z’s Assault Accuser Heard Admitting To Lying About Incident And Blaming Lawyer For Lawsuit
Jane Doe, who accused Jay-Z of rape, was recorded admitting to fabricating the story.
The woman who previously accused Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping her at a VMA afterparty is heard in a recording stating that Jay-Z did not assault her while also accusing her lawyer, Tony Buzbee, of pressuring her to sue the rap mogul.
The recording features a conversation between the woman, identified as Jane Doe, and two private investigators connected to Jay-Z, ABC News reports. During the exchange, she confirms with the investigators that Jay-Z was not involved in the alleged assault and acknowledges that her lawyer, Tony Buzbee, encouraged her to pursue legal action against the Roc Nation founder.
“He was just there, but he didn’t have anything to do with any sexual acts towards you?” the private investigator asked.
“Yeah,” Jane Doe replied.
“He was the one that kind of pushed me towards going forward with him, with Jay-Z,” the woman is heard saying.
“Buzbee did?” the investigators asked. “Yeah,” the woman replied.
Carter’s attorney, Alex Spiro, denies that Jay-Z has ever met Jane Doe. Additionally, Buzbee has dismissed the claim that he pressured Jane Doe into suing Hov, calling it a “blatant lie.”
“As far as the suggestion that I pushed Jane Doe to bring a case against Jay Z – That is a blatant lie that is directly contrary to all the documentary evidence,” Buzbee said.
Jane Doe’s lawsuit against Jay-Z and Combs has been dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. In a sworn declaration, Jane Doe reaffirmed her claims but explained that she withdrew the lawsuit due to “fear of intimidation and retaliation from Jay-Z” and his supporters.
She also denied telling investigators that Buzbee sought her out as a client or urged her to pursue a false claim against Hov. Jane Doe stated she felt “intimidated and terrified” when the investigators confronted her at her doorstep and noted that they knew her personal details, including her name and address.
Carter’s attorney, Alex Spiro, stated that “the tape speaks for itself” and that any doubts about Jay-Z’s innocence should be cleared up. Spiro further emphasized that the investigators who contacted Jane Doe did not coerce or threaten her in any way.
“She voluntarily met, spoke to them, and she told them her truth, which was under no circumstances did Mr. Carter do this,” Spiro said.
Carter is now suing Jane Doe and Tony Buzbee for defamation.
Breaking New Ground: MSNBC Show To Feature First Openly Gay Black Co-Hosts
MSNBC's new version of 'The Weekend' will feature the first openly gay Black male co-hosts.
When MSNBC’s The Weekend debuts in spring 2025, it will be historic. Co-hosted by Jonathan Capehart, Eugene Daniels, and Jackie Alemany, Capehart and Daniels will become the first two gay Black men to co-host a news program.
Daniels shared his excitement in an Instagram post, announcing not only his new role as co-host but also his position as Senior Washington Correspondent for MSNBC’s news gathering team.
In his post, he acknowledged the show’s former hosts, Symone Sanders, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez, expressing gratitude for their contributions.
“Some really exciting news: Very soon, I’ll be joining MSNBC as a co-host of The Weekend and also join their new newsgathering team as Senior Washington Correspondent. I’m excited and nervous and all the feelings but most importantly honored that I get to pick up the helm from the fabulous @symonedsanders, @chairman_steele, and @aliciamenendezxo,” Daniels wrote.
Capehart and Daniels are seasoned journalists who have covered the nation’s latest news for years. In 1999, Capehart was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the possible demise of Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater.
The addition comes as MSNBC navigates a transitional period. The network, which recently divested from parent company NBCUniversal, now operates independently. While MSNBC has maintained moderate ratings, it has experienced a decline compared to the same period last year.
According to Adweek, the network’s primetime viewership has dropped 16% in total audience and 9% in the key demographic of viewers ages 25 to 54 since last year.
The Weekend will air Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Eastern.
USDA’s Food Program Cut: What It Means for Schools, Food Banks, And Low-Income Families
A USDA spokesperson released a statement confirming the funds were 'no longer available and those agreements will be terminated following 60-day notification.'
Schools and childcare facilities counting on the U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA), to buy food from local farms, were dealt a huge blow after the agency cut two programs, Politico reports.
The Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program was axed. Facilities counted on close to $660 million to provide local food choices to children. The School Nutrition Association said state officials were notified March 7 by USDA as more than 40 states signed up to participate in years prior.
The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, which supports food banks and other feeding organizations, was also cut. All told, more than $1 billion in federal spending was halted.
Spending for both programs was expanded by former President Joe Biden’s administration, citing a need for a more resilient food supply chain so schools and other facilities didn’t have to rely solely on food company giants. In 2024, the agency pushed more than $1 billion in additional funding through collaborative efforts with a new USDA fund allocated for purchasing agricultural commodities called the Commodity Credit Corporation.
However, the idea was short lived. A USDA spokesperson released a statement confirming the funds created in October 2024 were “no longer available and those agreements will be terminated following 60-day notification.”
With the cost of food continuously rising and needed programs being axed at the hands of the Trump administration, school nutrition officials are growing more and more anxious about the affordability of healthy food options. There is also the issue of the number of children with limited food resources over the summer.
In January 2025, Iowa’s Department of Education announced plans to look for sponsors for its summer meal and snack sites, a collaborative effort with USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
The state is home to 111 communities classified as rural food deserts, according to The Daily Iowan. Experts like Natoshia Askelson, associate professor in community and behavioral health at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, said living in a food dessert creates additional stressors to those living in low-income or rural areas that people in other communities don’t think about.
“People who have to access food in rural areas have to drive further. That increases the amount of time that they spend getting food, which then decreases the amount of time they have to prepare food and the amount of time that they have to devote to their families and their jobs,” Askelson said. “So, a larger percentage of their time is really about being able to get food and find food.”
Other state leaders, like Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey criticized USDA’s decision and knew exactly who to blame.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk have declared that feeding children and supporting local farmers are no longer ‘priorities,’ and it’s just the latest terrible cut with real impact on families across Massachusetts,” Healey said in a statement.
She said the decision will result in a $12 million loss toward school districts.
