Parents, Timeout Box, NY Elementary Students

by Mitti Hicks

March 4, 2025

Georgia Is One Step Closer To Banning DEI in All Public Schools

The bill from Georgia lawmakers comes weeks after the U.S. Department of Education put public schools on notice with a letter. The Dept. of Education warned schools and universities receiving federal funding that they have two weeks to eliminate diversity and inclusion programs or they would risk losing federal funding.

A bill in Georgia’s Senate that would formally ban any and all programs, initiatives, or activities that support diversity, equity and inclusion at public schools, colleges, and universities has passed in committee. The bill now moves to the state senate floor for a vote.

Senate Bill 120 blocks programs and activities that support DEI initiatives beyond rights guaranteed by the 14^th Amendment of the United States, WSB-TV reported.

According to the proposed bill obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE the language reads, “Any postsecondary institution that violates subsection of this Code section shall be subject to the withholding of state funding or state-administered federal funding.”

State and federal funding that could be withheld includes scholarships, loans, and grants, the bill reads.

The bill has to pass in the Georgia Senate and the Georgia House of Representatives before it’s signed by Gov. Brian Kemp. If the bill passes and is signed, it will take effect on July 1 and be implemented for the 2025-2026 school year.

The U.S. Department of Education put public schools on notice

The bill from Georgia lawmakers comes weeks after the U.S. Department of Education put public schools on notice with a letter. The Dept. of Education warned schools and universities receiving federal funding that they have two weeks to eliminate diversity and inclusion programs or risk losing federal funding.

“With this guidance, the Trump Administration is directing schools to end the use of racial preferences and race stereotypes in their programs and activities—a victory for justice, civil rights laws, and the Constitution,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor.

He adds, “For decades, schools have been operating on the pretext that selecting students for ‘diversity’ or similar euphemisms is not selecting them based on race. No longer. Students should be assessed according to merit, accomplishment, and character—not prejudged by the color of their skin. The Office for Civil Rights will enforce that commitment.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 4, 2025

Jimmy Butler Opens Coffee Cafe, BIGFACE, In Miami

'Man, I had a dream, I worked at it, and then one day, bam, here we are with a coffee shop.'

Golden State Warriors guard Jimmy Butler has a side hustle that started in 2020 and turned into a legitimate business that opened its first location in December 2024.

According to NBC News, Butler, who was recently traded from the Miami Heat to the Warriors, opened BIGFACE, a coffee brand he created in Miami, located in the city’s Design District. He came up with the idea for the company during the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his fellow NBA players were playing basketball in Orlando in what was described as the “bubble,” where all of the games were being played while the rest of the world was battling COVID-19. While in the hotel, Butler used the espresso machine in his hotel room and started selling the hot beverages he made to his NBA counterparts.

He started charging them $20 a pop for his concoction, and that was the starting point for what is known as BIGFACE.

“Being in the bubble, all you had was hoop, hoop, and more hoop,” Butler told the media outlet. “[Bigface] was just an experiment at the time. It was some coffee with a bunch of sugar in it. We get out the bubble, and I’m like, ‘Man, I miss those days sitting around, making coffee, and having conversations. Why can’t I do that every day?’”

BIGFACE had its grand opening on Dec. 6, a day after the shop was christened by celebrities who attended the launch party. Former New York Knicks player Carmelo Anthony, recording artist DJ Khaled, and soccer player Paul Pogba were among the attendees at the event.

The former Heats player was so involved in making this venture happen that he has traveled all over South America to sample beans they ended up selling online and now sell in the store. When the store opened, he was typically seen working behind the counter and interacting with the customers of 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 says. “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.”

black fashion brands, black designers, Telfar Clemens

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 4, 2025

Rovell Gaither Shuts Down Criticism That Telfar Copied Their Handbags

The designer explains why Telfar could not have stolen his style.

A Black designer is shutting down critics that accused Telfar of copying their handbag designs.

The independent designer, Rovell Gaither, is addressing concerns that the popular clothing line stole his branding with their latest “Dumpling Bag” drop. The handbags, which feature a denim exterior with topstitching, has sparked controversy, given its similarities to the young designer’s aesthetic. The Neighborhood Talk shared photos of comparable pieces.

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Gaither posted on TikTok to speak about the controversy. While he would not confirm that Telfar outright stole his design, he did share that he “100 percent agrees” with people’s concerns on their similarities.

@rovellgaither Finally addresseing the new telfar bag situation… and please watch the whole thing so NOTHING is taken out of context!!! #fyp #fashion #fashiontiktok #rovellgaither #bagdesigner #bagmaking #telfarbag #fashiondesigner #fashiondesign ♬ original sound – Rovell Gaither

“Did [Telfar] copy from me? No. And the reason why I’m saying that is because I’ve never made a bag that looks exactly like that. Now, there are elements of that bag that is my, that’s my style,” shared Gaither.

“You know, the swirls, the denim… For Telfar, that’s not something that they do. That’s way out of their caliber, but that’s really on brand for me. So that’s why a lot of people were saying that. But do I feel like they copied me? No, because I’ve never made anything that looks exactly like that.”

Yet, the designer did not deny that Telfar could have “potentially” taken inspiration from him. He told his TikTok followers that you “never know” who may watch your content and use it for their own.

“Now, for taking inspiration or being inspired…potentially,” revealed Gaither.

“And the reason why I say that is because you never know who is watching you, especially when you use social media. Just as easily as my work can come across your ‘For You’ page or the person who’s following me, or who likes my work, is the same way you can easily come across somebody else who may be looking to take inspiration and incorporate it into their work.”

Telfar has yet to comment on the issue. Gaither, however, has used the moment as a lesson for creatives to know anyone can find and possibly be inspired by one’s work.

RELATED CONTENT: 10 Fashion Brands That Boast Black Excellence

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 4, 2025

Get Money! YouTuber DDG Claims His Net Worth Is Over $8M

In an interview, the Michigan recording artist reveals his net worth is more than $8 million

YouTuber turned rapper DDG stated in an interview that he is worth over $8 million, while also disclosing what his biggest check as a YouTube content creator was.

According to Complex, the Michigan rapper was questioned during an interview with “Got Sole” about the reporting of his net worth. A Google search has him listed as having a net worth of $8 million. While discussing his financial worth, he admitted to Speedy Mormon that he is worth more than what the internet is revealing.

He says he is very humble despite the wealth he has accumulated over the course of his career.

“I’m very humble though,” he told Speedy. “Believe it or not. You know, a lot of people say I’m not humble, but I’m actually very humble.”

While on the topic of finances, DDG revealed how well he was getting paid as a YouTuber. Before he embarked on his recording career, he claims that he made as much as $400,000 in a month when he was consistently posting new content on his channel. During that period of time, he said he was posting between three and seven videos a day. That level of commitment to posting helped line his pockets from his daily offerings on YouTube.

“I’m grinding though, like, I’m not missing no days. I’m posting three videos a day, seven videos in one day. Like, I’m going crazy.”

DDG is the father of Halle Bailey’s son, Halo, after the two were in a relationship for several years. For Halo’s first birthday, DDG purchased a Ferrari for the one-year-old child, who probably couldn’t ride a bike yet, let alone drive a car.

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Road & Track reported that the rapper bought Halo a Ferrari F8 Spider for more than $300,000. Fans are speculating whether he really bought the car for himself or his son.

Arabia Mountain Vineyard, Georgia, Tim Starks

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 4, 2025

This Black-Owned Vineyard In Georgia Is Rooted In History As It Makes Way For Diverse Wineries

Arabia Mountain Vineyard hopes to produce its first batch of wines this year

Within Metro Atlanta lies an establishment unique to its suburban footprint, a Black-owned vineyard that honors its history.

The current owner of Arabia Mountain Vineyard, Tim Starks, bought the land three decades ago. Stark’s new property, located within the Georgia city of Stonecrest, was initially planned for growing grapes.

Instead, Starks planted trees on the grounds. It was not until after a trip to Napa Valley that he decided to use the area for a vineyard. Despite the transition, his love for cultivating the land never wavered.

“I developed a passion for the outdoors, I developed a passion for growing, and I’ve embraced that passion,” the Georgia native told WSB-TV.

Starks grew up around farmers and wants to pay homage to his communal and cultural history. He believes Black people have a special connection to the soil they once picked crops like cotton or tobacco from, especially during the time of enslavement.

However, a lesser-known history is that Black people also picked grapes. Starks wants to reclaim this facet of Black agricultural history and now does so through his own vineyard.

“This is what we used to do. It is not only picking cotton or rice in those Savannah regions, it was grapes. We grew grapes,” Starks said.

Despite this, Black people remain marginalized within the wine-making industry. Black owners make up less than 1% of all wineries within the United States, as confirmed by the Association of African American Vintners through NapaValley.com. However, Arabia Mountain Vineyard hopes to make way for Black ownership of a crop they once grew.

“We are standing at a place that’s not just about history, but we’re currently making present-day history,” shared Hakemia Jackson, a family member of the vineyard.

Stark plans to produce his first batch of wines this year, while his entire family honors those who paved the way before them.

“We are walking in the footprints of our ancestors, cultivators of the land,” Jackson added.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 4, 2025

Jay-Z Strikes Back By Filing Lawsuit Against Jane Doe Who Accused Him Of Sexual Assault

The Brooklyn rapper accuses her and her attorneys of trying to extort him by filing the lawsuit that was recently withdrawn

Brooklyn billionaire Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter is suing the woman, who accused him of raping the then-13-year-old girl in 2000 after the MTV Video Music Awards in Manhattan, and her attorneys, Tony Buzbee and David Fortney.

According to The Washington Post, Jay-Z filed a lawsuit Mar. 3, stating that the plaintiffs knew when filing the paperwork that the allegations that she was sexually assaulted by Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs were untrue. They were “motivated by greed.”

The Alabama woman and her attorneys recently withdrew the lawsuit Feb. 14 “with prejudice.”

Jay-Z has steadily denied the allegations and protested the lawsuit when it was publicly revealed.

The suit states that the plaintiff and her attorneys made “malevolent efforts to assassinate” the rapper’s character. They were “motivated by greed, in abject disregard of the truth and the most fundamental precepts of human decency,” and tried to extort money from the “Hard Knock Life” lyricist.

It also says that the woman identified as Jane Doe admitted that the allegations against the businessman were false and that Buzbee convinced her to go along with the story. The attorney “pushed” her to go forward with the story to “leverage a maximum payday.”

In an email to the media outlet, Buzbee stated he spoke to Jane Doe and the quotes attributed to her were false, or someone else gave the plaintiffs those statements. He did say that the lawsuit is “just another attempt to intimidate and bully this poor woman that we will deal with in due course.”

Buzbee filed a lawsuit against Diddy in October 2024, alleging that Doe was drugged and raped by the Bad Boys Record executive. She also claimed that another celebrity participated in the assault that night, but he was not named in the suit. In an amended complaint, Jay-Z was added as a defendant and immediately denied being involved in the alleged assault.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 4, 2025

Tesla Drivers Nix Vehicle Logos In Protest Of Elon Musk

The anti-Elon Musk sentiment has grown as the Tesla CEO supports far-right movements across the world.

Many Tesla owners are fed up with Elon Musk’s political antics, and are finding an innovative way to show their discontent.

Some owners have decided to scrap off Tesla’s “T” branding on their cars to protest the CEO’s controversial actions. Since Musk has taken a liking to President Donald Trump, and a subsequent seat within his administration, more left-leaning Tesla owners have decided to distance themselves.

Photos of cars that appear to be Teslas with different logos have gone viral. Vehicles with the body of some of its high-end models, now have the branding of Audi or Honda or Toyota. attached. Even Tesla’s provocative yet popular Cybertrucks have gotten a new name stuck to the back of them.

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For some, owning a Tesla no longer promotes pride, but more-so “embarrassment” to support Musk’s company. Many considered the final straw to be Musk’s use of an alleged Nazi salute during Trump’s inauguration. Especially for European Tesla owners, these “weird” actions broke their allegiance to Tesla.

“He was getting more and more weird,” shared Mike Schwede, a longtime Tesla owners based in Switzerland, to The Guardian. “I felt nothing but utter disgust. And I no longer enjoyed sitting in my Tesla.”

Not only are people rebranding the Teslas they already own, but not forking over the sum to buy new ones either.

Data obtained by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association revealed that Tesla sales in Europe dropped 45% in January. The Texas-based automaker sold less than 10,000 cars, 9,945 specifically, for the month, despite selling over 18,000 the year prior.

Moreover, Musk’s recent branding across the continent has associated him with fascist leaders than that of an environmentally-focused tech innovator. A parody Tesla ad in London now mocks Musk’s fascist salute, also referring to the vehicle at the “swasticar.” Furthermore, a range of “Anti-Elon” stickers have popped up on the EVs, including ones that say “I bought this before Elon went crazy.”

As Musk supports far-right politicians and movements within the United States and several European countries, his company’s liberal consumer base are taking matters into their hands. While Musk remains aware of the declining sales, he has encouraged his workers that an “epic” year lies ahead.

by Mitti Hicks

March 4, 2025

Here’s How Trump’s Tariffs Will Impact Black Americans

Civil rights leaders say Black Americans and marginalized communities will be impacted the most.

President Donald Trump is imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% on Chinese goods.

While Trump and his administration are adamant the tariffs will protect American industries, economists and civil rights leaders say Black Americans and marginalized communities will be impacted the most.

“For Black and brown people, who statistically spend the most as a percentage of wealth, the impact is going to be severe,” Calvin Boomer, a financial analyst, told The Washington Informer. “This isn’t just about trade policy. it’s about survival for communities already fighting economic disparity.”

As the Washington Informer reports, the United States imports 63% of its vegetables, fruits, and nuts from Mexico, so one concern is the impact the levies will have on grocery store bills. But that’s not all. Families will likely see higher prices coming from everywhere they turn, including car dealerships, gas stations, and electronic stores. And the list could grow.

It’s unclear how soon Americans will feel the impact of tariffs. Still, it’s a major blow for Americans, especially low-income families, who have already been experiencing sticker shock since the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing inflation. The New York Times reports that grocery prices were relatively flat in 2023 and early 2024 before the price of eggs changed that.

Unfortunately, the auto industry, which is a significant industry for Black Americans, is also bracing for impact. Tariffs could add $3,000 to each vehicle, if not more, leading to declining sales and job loss.

“We’re looking at a repeat of what happened in 2018 when Trump’s first tariffs led to layoffs,” said Maurice Richardson, an autoworker in Michigan. “Except this time, it’s going to be worse.”

In response to the Trump administration, China has retaliated by slapping additional 10-15% levies on American goods and going as far as blacklisting U.S. companies. According to the New York Times, the Ministry of Commerce said 15 U.S. companies would no longer be allowed to buy products from China except with special permission, including Skydio, the largest American maker of drones and a U.S. military and emergency services supplier.

Meanwhile, Canadian leaders are considering cutting off electricity exports. It’s unclear how Mexico plans to respond at this time.

Ronnie “G$ Lil Ronnie” Smith, rapper, Texas, Forest Hills, daughter

by Keka Araújo

March 4, 2025

Rapper G$ Lil Ronnie And 5-Year-Old Daughter Fatally Shot At Texas Car Wash; Police Hunting For Suspects

The tragedy has left the Forest Hill, Texas, community reeling.

On March 3, a devastating shooting at a northern Texas car wash claimed the lives of 30-year-old rapper Ronnie “G$ Lil Ronnie” Smith and his 5-year-old daughter. Authorities are pursuing two suspects, described as armed and dangerous, who fled the scene.

The tragic incident occurred just before 11 a.m. at Slappy’s Car Wash in Forest Hill, a suburb about 30 miles west of Dallas. According to the Forest Hill Police Department, two suspects exited a white, four-door Kia, approached the victims’ vehicle parked in a wash bay, and opened fire. Witnesses reported hearing between 20 and 30 gunshots.

Despite life-saving measures attempted by responding officers, Smith and his young daughter were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have issued a capital murder warrant for the suspects, described as two Black males wearing blue jeans and gray sweaters. Their names have not been released as the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to call 817-531-5250 or email policeinvestigations@foresthilltx.org.

Community in Mourning

Family members and friends have identified the adult victim as Fort Worth-based rapper Ronnie Smith, widely known as G$ Lil Ronnie. His aunt, Stella Houston, who was at the scene, confirmed his identity and revealed that the child killed was his daughter, who had celebrated her 5th birthday on Sunday.

“He was a good kid,” Houston told local station WFAA. “He didn’t bother nobody.”

Smith had approximately 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, with his most-streamed song being “Hoodfame Killuminati,” a 2018 collaboration with fellow rapper Go Yayo. On Monday, Go Yayo paid tribute on Instagram, posting a photo of the two with the caption, “Life or death 4 u big brudda.”

The Texas emcee’s last Instagram post, posted the day before Valentine’s Day, displayed Smith’s dedication as a father.

In a video snippet, the doting papa can be heard excitedly telling viewers that he is with his valentine, referencing his daughter.

“My BabyGirl Couldn’t Stand The Fact Her Friend Was Sad 😔 This Morning Her Daddy Couldn’t Make it to Donuts With Daddy This Morning So Yu Know We Let Her kno it’s Ok 2 Join us & She Can Snap it Up & That Changed her Whole Mood ❤️💙 My Lil Valentines Literally 💘,” he penned in the caption.

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A post shared by G$ Lil Ronnie (@hoodfamelilronnie)

Rising Violence in Forest Hill

The killings mark the fourth and fifth homicides in Forest Hill this year, a sharp increase from the zero reported in 2024. The Forest Hill Police Department noted the alarming rise in violent crime, which has included:

A double murder at an auto sales business in late February,
A mother was killed by a stray bullet while sitting near a fire pit in her backyard just days later.

Slappy’s Car Wash announced it would remain closed for at least two days to support the ongoing investigation.

“We are shocked, appalled, and deeply troubled by the senseless and violent events that occurred today,” the business said in a statement.

Investigation and Police Response

The Texas Rangers are leading the investigation, with assistance from the Forest Hill Criminal Division, Fort Worth Police Department, Everman Police Department, and Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. Video from the scene captured a heavy law enforcement presence and dozens of evidence markers scattered around the car wash.

The police are continuing to collect evidence, including potential surveillance footage, to identify the suspects and piece together the motive behind the shooting.

A Family and Community Devastated

The deaths of Ronnie Smith and his daughter have left their family and community reeling. Friends and fans of the rapper expressed their grief and disbelief on social media, with many lamenting the senseless violence that took two lives too soon.

“We can’t keep losing our people like this,” one commenter wrote on Instagram. “Ronnie didn’t deserve this, nor did his baby girl.”

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A post shared by G$ Lil Ronnie (@hoodfamelilronnie)

Houston, Smith’s aunt, reflected on the tragedy and its impact. “We’re heartbroken,” she said. “No family should have to go through this.”

As police continue their search for the suspects, the Forest Hill community is left grappling with yet another act of violence. For now, G$ Lil Ronnie’s music and his legacy as a father will be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

$81 trillion, CitiGroup, CitiBank, deposit

by Keka Araújo

March 4, 2025

Citigroup Erroneously Credits $81 Trillion To Customer’s Account, Highlighting Years Of Operational Failures

The $81 trillion incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by outdated processes and the importance of accountability in the financial sector.

A routine $280 payment into a customer’s account at Citigroup spiraled into an $81 trillion mistake last April, highlighting significant flaws in the bank’s operational systems. The error, which was corrected within hours, has drawn scrutiny as Citigroup struggles to prove it has resolved long-standing internal issues.

The mistake occurred during a manual entry process when a payments employee failed to delete pre-filled zeros in a backup system’s transaction field, Entrepreneur reported. A second official assigned to review the entry passed the error undetected, which was flagged 90 minutes later by another employee monitoring account balances.

Citigroup disclosed the incident, known as a “near miss,” to the Federal Reserve and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. While no funds left the bank, such near misses—where incorrect transactions are caught and reversed—underscore vulnerabilities in operational controls.

Patterns of Operational Failures

This latest misstep adds to a troubling trend at Citigroup’ In 2024 alone, the bank reported 10 near misses involving $1 billion or more, according to an internal report. These incidents follow a series of high-profile mistakes, including the erroneous $900 million payment to Revlon creditors in 2020.

The Revlon incident, which resulted in regulatory fines and litigation, exposed systemic weaknesses in Citigroup’s processes and prompted the departure of then-CEO Michael Corbat. Jane Fraser, who took over as CEO in 2021, has since prioritized addressing these issues. However, progress has been slow, with the OCC and Federal Reserve fining Citigroup $136 million last year for failing to meet compliance standards.

A System in Need of Modernization

Citigroup attributed the $81 trillion error to a combination of manual processes and a cumbersome back-up system. The payment, originally intended for an escrow account in Brazil, became stuck in the bank’s system due to a sanctions screen. Employees were instructed to use a rarely accessed interface that pre-populated transaction fields with 15 zeros, a design flaw that contributed to the mistake.

“Despite the fact that a payment of this size could not actually have been executed, our detective controls promptly identified the inputting error,” a Citigroup spokesperson said, who added that the bank is working to eliminate manual entry and automate its systems.

Implications for the Banking Sector

Former regulators and industry experts agree that near misses of this scale are unusual across the banking industry. They argue that Citigroup’s recurring issues highlight a broader need for modernization and robust oversight in financial institutions.

Citigroup’s Path Forward

As Citigroup continues its efforts to address these challenges, the stakes remain high. Regulatory scrutiny, coupled with the need to regain stakeholders’ trust, places significant pressure on the bank to modernize its systems and improve oversight.

The $81 trillion incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by outdated processes and the importance of accountability in the financial sector. For Citigroup, the road to recovery hinges on its ability to turn lessons from these near misses into meaningful reforms.