• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 6, 2025

Trump Honors 13-Year-Old Brain Cancer Survivor’s Dream, Makes Him Honorary Secret Service Member

Trump said that six years ago, 'doctors gave him five months at most to live.'

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All eyes were on Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel after President Donald Trump made the 13-year-old cancer survivor an honorary Secret Service member during his joint address to Congress on Tuesday night, Chron reports. 

The congressional chamber exploded with applause when Trump honored the teenager as “a young man who truly loves our police” on March 4 after announcing potentially making it a federal law to mandate the death penalty for anyone found guilty of murdering a police officer.

He then called on the Houston native as an example of what it looks like to support U.S. law enforcement. “DJ, we’re going to do you the biggest honor of them all. I’m asking our new Secret Service director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States Secret Service,” Trump said. 

Holding up his new badge, DJ received massive cheers. 

Prior to the celebration, Trump told the story of DJ’s survival stating how more than six years ago, “doctors gave him five months at most to live,” according to ABC News. His father, Theodis, said DJ has had 13 brain surgeries and suffers from advanced stages of cataracts.

Despite his adversities, the proud dad says his son continues to thrive.

“He’s standing here before you today because of the resilience, the tenacity and aggressive nature to want to fight this cancer all the way being kind, nice and thoughtful and humble, anyone who meets him with him,” Theodis said.  

DJ, who has been sworn in by over 900 law enforcement agencies at the local, state, federal, and international levels since his diagnosis, met Trump in the Oval Office the day after his speech and gave him a hug.

The rhetoric that took place during the speech may have enraged Democrats, but Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) rose from her seat and applauded for DJ, ABC News reported.

RELATED CONTENT: Cancer Mortality Among Black People Declining But Still Higher Than Other Ethnic Groups, Study Finds

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 6, 2025

Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones Says He Never Used Own Urine for NFL Drug Tests

'I cheated the program.'

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During a recent interview, former NFL player Adam “Pacman” Jones admitted to cheating on drug tests when he was a player.

According to USA Today, the former Cincinnati Bengals’ cornerback said he never submitted his own urine when the NFL tested him for drugs. Pacman revealed this tidbit on the first episode of Deon “Coach Prime” Sanders and Rocsi Diaz’s new talk show, We Got Time Today which appears on the Tubi channel.

“I cheated the program,” Jones confessed. “Like, I was really good. People don’t know how smart I am, but, like, I can say it now. I don’t play no more. But, like, I’ve never used my piss for a piss test. Not one time. Not one time.”

Pacman played in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans (2005-2007), the Dallas Cowboys (2008), the Cincinnatti Bengals (2010-2017), and  the Denver Broncos (2018).

Sanders said players today can’t do this, because it’s harder for players to get away with anything.

“It can happen if you know what you’re doing,” Jones responded. “Don’t say it can’t happen, Pop. Hey, Pop, don’t say it can’t happen.”

Sanders stood in his ground.

“The reason it can’t is because they go in there with you right now,” he said. “No, no. They go in there and watch you pull out.”

But Jones firmly believed that “you still can get ‘em.”

“You want me to tell you how?” Jones told Diaz. “I’m gonna give you all the secret right now…”

“Nope, nope, nope,” Sanders said.

“The cups they give you…” Jones said. That was all he said before Sanders shut down the lesson.

Jones was in the news after last year’s Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight when he was arrested for his involvement in an altercation.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Make ‘Em Say, Uhhh!’: Rap Legend Master P Tapped As President Of Basketball Operations At University Of New Orleans

• Women of Power Summit

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 6, 2025

4 ‘Women Of Power’ Took Center Stage As BLACK ENTERPRISE Legacy Awardees

The BLACK ENTERPRISE Legacy Awards stand as one of the event's most significant highlights.

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At the BLACK ENTERPRISE 19th Annual Women of Power Summit, the Legacy Awards stand as one of the event’s most significant highlights. The prestigious ceremony honors African American women who have made groundbreaking contributions in their fields, from business, entertainment, and finance to philanthropy and public service.

The Legacy Awards symbolize the enduring impact of these women, recognizing their leadership, innovation, and commitment to uplifting their communities. This celebration serves not only to acknowledge their past achievements but to inspire future generations of women to continue breaking barriers. Honorees are selected for their exceptional accomplishments and for shaping the future of their respective industries.

The night’s first honoree, Glenda McNeal, Chief Partner Officer at American Express, echoed one of the many themes of the night: the power Black women pose.

“True power and success isn’t about controlling every step; it’s about how we navigate the journey. There is power in how you choose to move forward. Peace and power can exist, even in uncertainty.”

The importance of the Legacy Awards cannot be overstated. In an era when Black women have often been underrepresented in leadership roles, these awards offer a platform to amplify their voices and highlight their significant contributions. 

The second honoree, Tony-winning and Grammy-nominated singer Melba Moore, spoke to this slight.

“I’m amongst true women of power,” Moore said. “I know what it is, and I know what it means to truly devote your life sincerely to your home, your work, and your community.”

The Legacy Awards celebrates the achievements of women who have carved paths of success and paved the way for others to follow. The third honoree of the night, Robin L. Washington, incoming president and chief operating and financial officer for Salesforce, spoke about paving the way for other Black and Brown women.

“If you have a seat at the table, you should leverage it to make a difference,” she said. “Operate with purpose. No matter the path you choose, going forward, your journey will define your superpowers.”

BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Legacy Awards also reinforces the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The ceremony reminds us that leadership comes in many forms, and the future is bright for those willing to continue the legacy of those who came before them.

Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Barack Obama Foundation and the evening’s final honoree, accepted the Barbara Graves award. Jarrett spoke to the importance of the Women of Power Summit which Mrs. Graves started many years ago.

“Women like Barbara Graves opened the door a little wider for us,” she reflected. “She knew every major movement in our country was led by young people. You are the change that we’re waiting for. As Black women, we are used to taking care of everyone else, but to complete the marathon called life, we must take care of ourselves.” 

RELATED CONTENT: Women Of Power Summit 2024 Recap

• Politics

by Stacy Jackson

March 6, 2025

Rep. Sylvester Turner, Former Houston Mayor, Dies In D.C.

The former mayor left a final message to constituents ahead of his attendance at Trump's Tuesday address: 'Don't mess with Medicaid.'

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The City of Houston has confirmed that Democratic Rep. Sylvester Turner, the former Houston mayor, died just weeks after starting his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was 70 years old.

The Houston Chronicle reported that Turner died Tuesday night during a trip to Washington, D.C., for President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress. Although the cause of death has not been revealed, a source told CBS News that Turner started to feel unwell on Tuesday night.

Turner was elected last November to replace Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee, who died last July from pancreatic cancer.

Ahead of Trump’s address, Turner took to X to post a message to the current administration. “Don’t mess with Medicaid,” the March 4 post read. “Let me be clear: any cuts to Medicaid are a direct attack on families.”

Turner concluded, “President Trump and Elon Musk’s push to gut Medicaid is nothing short of a betrayal of the most vulnerable among us. They are playing politics with children’s lives, and I will not stand for it.”

Turner served as Houston’s mayor from 2016 until 2024. Current Mayor John Whitmire said that flags were lowered to half-staff at City Hall and other city buildings in Turner’s honor.

In a statement on X, Whitmire described Turner as a “remarkable public servant who impacted millions of people.” 

During a moment of reflection on Wednesday, council members remembered Turner as a “servant who served us well” who was a “tremendous family man” with a great sense of humor.

“Rep. Turner was a fighter until the end.” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), the House Democratic Leader. “He was present yesterday evening to ensure that the voice of one of his constituents, who relies on Medicaid, was heard.”

Turner focused his platform on education, job training, hurricane recovery, cancer, and women’s reproductive rights. In November, he said he was looking forward to representing the 18th Congressional District and continuing to serve the people as Jackson Lee did for 30 years.

He was dedicated to fighting to bring back federal resources, affordable housing, healthcare and infrastructure dollars.

Whitmire asked the Houston community to celebrate Turner’s life, adding that his death was “a terrible loss for the city” and a personal loss for him.

RELATED CONTENT: Roy Ayers, Jazz-Funk Visionary And Soulful Voice Behind ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine,’ Dies At 84

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 6, 2025

LiAngelo Ball Scores Financial Success With Viral Hit Song, ‘Tweaker’

The song has generated $638,000 for the basketball player-turned-rapper.

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LiAngelo Ball has made an impact off the basketball court. His viral song “Tweaker” has reportedly earned almost $640,000 since its release.

According to Complex, LiAngelo Ball, who started his career as a basketball player like his two NBA-playing brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo. But the success of the single, recorded on his label, Born2Ball Music Group, led to a record deal with the legendary Def Jam Recordings.

New Orleans legend Lil Wayne jumped on the remix to boost the song’s success. Billboard reported that “Tweaker” has generated over 90 million total on-demand streams. The single has netted the recording artist $476,500 from master recording rights. The song has brought in an additional $161,500 on the publishing side, for a reported total of $638,000 so far. Not a bad pay day.

Billboard reports that ‘Tweaker’ by Liangelo Ball has generated nearly $640k since its release pic.twitter.com/a8dfPZ6s2s

— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) March 4, 2025

The latest superstar from the Ball family was expected to play in the NBA like his brothers. Instead, he has NBA players vibing to his song. In January, ESPN’s NBA insider, Shams Charania, reported that he inked a deal with Def Jam. The deal, worth as much as $13 million with $8 million guaranteed, gives him full ownership of his music.

The baller turned rapper named Gelo entered the 2018 NBA Draft after playing at UCLA. No NBA team wanted him. Ball did have several opportunities to make the league. He signed training camp deals with the Detroit Pistons (2020) and the Hornets (2021 and 2022) but didn’t make the regular season rosters.

Ball did play in the NBA G League for the Greensboro Swarm, averaging 4.4 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 13.1 minutes in 31 games from 2021 to 23.

RELATED CONTENT: Stephen Curry Gives NBA OG Allen Iverson His Flowers Before Warriors-76ers Game

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 6, 2025

Former Oakland Nonprofit Executive Allegedly Embezzled Cash, Including $50K Donation From Stephen Curry

Howard Solomon, 38, was charged with one count of mail fraud and four counts of tax evasion.

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An Oakland man who once worked for a nonprofit has been arrested and charged with siphoning funds from the organization, including a $50,000 donation from Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry.

According to the Department of Justice, Howard Solomon, 38, was charged with one count of mail fraud and four counts of tax evasion for an alleged scheme to defraud the East Oakland Boxing Association.

Solomon, organization’s executive director from 2017 until April 2021, is accused of embezzling money and property from the nonprofit to pay for a vacation property rental, a Ford Explorer, and personal items from Amazon.

According to the paperwork filed on Feb. 26, Solomon was responsible for managing daily operations, soliciting contributions and fundraising, managing program and staff, overseeing budget and finances, and community outreach. In his role, he had access to the East Oakland Boxing Association’s bank accounts and debit cards linked to those accounts.

In December 2019, Curry and his wife, Ayesha, appeared on Ellen for “Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways.” The couple donated gifts and a $50,000 check to the organization. Prosecutors allege that Solomon deposited that check into a personal account.

The suspect appeared in an Oakland federal district court March 3.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California, also said that Solomon owes federal income tax due to filing false and fraudulent income tax returns for tax years 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. He agreed to waive indictment by a grand jury and is scheduled to return to court April 9 for a status hearing before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.

If Solomon is convicted of the charges, he faces a prison sentence of 20 years as well as a fine of $250,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transactions for the count of mail fraud. He also faces five years in prison and a fine of $100,000 for each count of tax evasion.

RELATED CONTENT: Feds, Lies, And Payola: 3 Men Plead Guilty In ‘Soprano-esque’ Fraud And Bribery Scandal Uncovered At Newark International Airport

• Arts and Culture

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 6, 2025

Black-Owned Shopping Center in Milwaukee On Brink of Receiving Historic Status 

Alonzo Robinson was known for helping Black business owners and churches who were often turned down by white shopping center owners.

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Formally Black-owned and developed Milwaukee shopping center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Central City Plaza, is on its way to garnering historic status, thanks to the city’s Historic Preservation Commission, Wisconsin Public Radio reports. 

During a March 3 meeting, five out of the commission’s seven members voted for the center’s historic status after months of campaigning by preservationists.

The center was designed by the first licensed Black architect in Wisconsin, Alonzo Robinson. At a time when the city was riddled with racism, Robinson’s daughter, Kim, remembered joking with her brothers about their father’s decision to work in a city that did not welcome them.

“We’d say, ‘Hey dad, why didn’t you go to Illinois, in Chicago, and build skyscrapers there? You’d have made a lot more money,’” she remembered.

The architect, who died in 2000, would say, “Because back then, in Wisconsin and Milwaukee, there was a lot of racism and discrimination.”

The whole idea came about when Robinson would say, “Let’s develop something of our own.” In collaboration with lead developer Felmers Chaney, then-leader of Milwaukee’s NAACP chapter, the development opened in 1973. In a Black-majority area close to downtown, the center’s occupants included a Black-operated bowling alley, pharmacy, supermarket, legal offices and a restaurant that provided diverse offerings like “veal cordon bleu as well as soul food.”

Robinson was known for helping Black business owners and churches who were often turned down by white shopping center owners and accused of not paying enough money. A number of the churches and businesses the architect designed are still standing—and thriving—today. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church were recipients of preservation grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation. 

Robinson’s daughter often visits the Fast n’ Friendly grocery store, which Robinson also designed. The owner, who still works there, remembers her father with great fondness. “Your dad Alonzo was a blessing to me because when no one else would do the work for me, your dad would do it,” the grocer said. 

Prior to the public awareness campaigns to keep the center alive, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a part of Central City Plaza was at risk of being demolished and replaced with a homeless shelter. Executive director of the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, Emma Rudd, said she wasn’t aware of the plaza’s historic context, giving her more of a reason to try and save it.

“We are trying to preserve a story,” Rudd said. “How do you preserve a story? You get the community involved. We need people to know about this.”

The final vote for the site’s historic status is now in the hands of the Milwaukee Common Council. 

RELATED CONTENT: Black-Owned ‘Down North Pizza’ Releases Cookbook Memoir To Shed Light On Prison System  

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 6, 2025

Broadway’s ‘Othello’ Starring Denzel Washington Sets 4 House Records, Grosses $2.6M In Debut Week

Denzel Washington's portrayal of Othello on Broadway is driving up ticket sales ahead of its official debut.

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The community of theatergoers is eager to witness Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal lead Othello on Broadway.

The new Broadway production of Shakespeare’s iconic tale of power and envy set four house records at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre last week, grossing an impressive $2,637,158 during its first seven previews, Deadline reports. Othello, led by Washington and Gyllenhaal, effortlessly claimed the top spot on the Broadway box office chart for the week ending March 2. Wicked secured second place, earning $2,368,448 during its eight-performance week.

The opportunity to see Washington and Gyllenhaal, two Hollywood heavyweights, lead Othello is driving up ticket prices. Last week, the average ticket price for the show was a hefty $361.90, which far surpassed the second-highest priced show, The Outsiders, which had an average ticket price of $155.02. The average ticket price across all 27 Broadway productions was $118.14.

Washington is getting back to his theater roots in Othello, a role he thought he was “too old” to play before being encouraged by extras on the Gladiator II set.

“I’ll tell you exactly what happened, we were doing Gladiator, and the young boy’s down on the Coliseum floor doing all the fighting,” Washington recalled while speaking with Vogue. “And all us old senators are sitting around in our gowns with our pinkies up, we’re extras basically, just talking, and someone brings up Othello. And I’m like, ‘Oh man, I wish, but I’m too old now.’ And one of the other senators says to me, ‘No, no, no, go back and read the play…’”

A closer look at the character of Othello revealed key moments, such as Iago calling Othello “an old black ram” and Othello describing himself as having “declined into the vale of years.” Washington was captivated by these elements and reached out to the play’s director, Kenny Leon, with whom he had previously collaborated on Broadway productions of Fences and A Raisin in the Sun.

The Academy Award-winning actor’s past theater roles include playing Brutus in a highly praised Broadway production of Julius Caesar 20 years ago. He also played the title character in Joel Coen’s 2021 film The Tragedy of Macbeth, which earned Washington an Academy Award nomination, and starred in 1992’s film adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing.

Washington has played Othello before: 50 years ago as a 20-year-old drama student. He follows in the footsteps of James Earl Jones, who won an Obie for his performance in Joseph Papp’s 1964 production in Central Park.

Othello on Broadway officially opens March 23 and runs through June 8.

RELATED CONTENT: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, And More Reveal Hollywood’s Secrets In New Doc ‘Number One On The Call Sheet

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

March 6, 2025

Jamaican Prime Minister Implores Women To ‘Demand Better’ From Their Men

Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness wants his country's women to steer men to righteousness.

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Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness expressed concern for the country’s young men and urged women to help steer them away from a life of crime, the Jamaica Observer reported.

Speaking at a press conference in recognition of International Women’s Day, Holness called on the women of Jamaica to take an active role in guiding the men in their lives toward positive paths.

“With the help of the mothers, sisters, grandmothers, girlfriends, and friends, if we can reach out to [those perpetrators of crime], we can save their lives and put them on a pathway like the thousands of others who are struggling, who are facing hardship the same way but have decided that they’re not going to engage in crime,” Holness said.

The prime minister acknowledged that while only a tiny percentage of young men engage in crime, the number remains too high. He believes Jamaica can provide opportunities for those who “stay on the path of righteousness.”

“If we see them being pulled into negative influences, I appeal to our women: ‘Reach out to them, save them. This is a different Jamaica—let them know that there is an alternative, that there is a bright future,’” he said.

His appeal comes as crime rates continue to rise in the country. According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, there have been 117 murders since January 2025, along with 428 other reported crimes.

Holness emphasized that raising children with strong values is key to reducing violence and crime. He believes women, as primary caregivers, have a significant role in shaping the nation’s future.

“The future of Jamaica depends on the values we instill in our children—and I believe in the power of our women. I believe that if we come together as a nation, if women take a stand for peace and demand better from the men in their lives, we will see a safer, stronger, and more united Jamaica,” Holness said.

“We must change the value system to reward those who choose Jamaica, who choose not to be involved in crime, who choose—despite the hardship—to do what is right. We must reward those people,” he added.

RELATED CONTENT: Retiree Killed In Ocho Rios Sparks Fear Among Repatriating Jamaicans

• Arts and Culture

by Stacy Jackson

March 6, 2025

National Civil Rights Museum, Unite Memphis To Host Largest Unity Walk In Nation

The museum and Unite Memphis' partnership encourages a new future for the city of Memphis with a new level of engagement and opportunities.

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The National Civil Rights Museum and Unite Memphis have launched a partnership focused on healing, honor, and hope for the city of Memphis.

In a press release, United Memphis CEO Kari Conlee said the partnership allows the city to “embrace a future where it can go from being remembered as a city that has been historically divided to a united city.”

Memphians are in store for a treat this year as Unite Memphis, with the National Civil Rights Museum as a partner, hosts what is slated to be the nation’s largest unity walk or run. The Unite Memphis Race, scheduled for Labor Day, Sept. 1, will mark the movement’s 4th annual race; participation is expected to break records.

The 2025 race will be held at the National Civil Rights Museum, where civil rights advocate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. The location will allow Memphians to immerse themselves in history and educational opportunities during the event.

“Our focus is on building the Beloved Community of which Dr. King spoke,” said Dr. Russ Wigginton, Museum President. “The Unite Memphis partnership is one way we are intentional about leading with hope, not fear, with love, not hate. It’s an example of how we can bring the community together to demonstrate we solve more issues expeditiously when we are united.”

This summer, the renovated Founders Park will celebrate a reopening at the National Civil Rights Museum as the museum and Unite Memphis strive to create experiences that reflect what the future of Memphis can be.

Proceeds from Unite Memphis’ 2025 race will go toward Memphis nonprofits Peer Power, Leadership Empowerment Center, and the National Civil Rights Museum.

Register for this year’s race at the Unite Memphis website. Check out last year’s event here in the below video.

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