Mary J. Blige, Community College, Strength Of A Woman Fund
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 27, 2025

Mary J. Blige Reportedly ‘Fired Someone’ After Her Tour Setlist Leaked Online

Mary J. Blige "fired someone" after part of her tour set list leaked online last week.

A portion of Mary J. Blige’s tour setlist leaked last week and she “fired someone” from her team because of it.

While promoting her upcoming Lifetime film Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair, the Grammy-winning singer opened up about recent staff changes she made ahead of her “For My Fans Tour.” Blige recently decided to clean the house after part of her setlist was leaked online last week.

“Yeah, I was pissed, and I fired someone because of it,” Blige told People.

The 36-city tour begins Thursday in Greensboro, North Carolina, and concludes in Philadelphia on April 17. The “No More Drama” singer has been working tirelessly to prepare, describing the setlist — spanning her 30-year career — as the most personal and intimate aspect of the tour.

“We worked too hard, and the setlist is the most private thing,” Blige said. “It was unprofessional. Obviously, it was somebody within the camp, and they risked their whole life just to get a couple of likes.”

Rest assured, with over 30 years of music, chart-topping hits, and songs from her latest album, Gratitude, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee promises there’s plenty more in store for her fans.

“Only a little bit got leaked, and that’s not even half,” Blige said. “People don’t even know what else is coming.”

Early last month, the “Family Affair” singer announced additional dates for the nationwide tour which includes new stops in Memphis, Tennessee, Birmingham, Alabama, and Hartford, Connecticut, among others. The final show date in Philadelphia is among the new dates.

Fans can expect a jam-packed show of R&B soul with Blige headlining and opening sets from “Let Me Love You” hitmaker Mario, and Blige’s frequent collaborator and friend Ne-Yo.

“I love Ne-Yo and Mario and I think those two guys have some of the best love songs of their generation,” Blige shared.

“Last time, I had Queen Naija and Ella Mai [on the Good Morning Gorgeous Tour.] I love me some Ella Mai, and I love Queen. This time I said, ‘We really need the women to be serenaded this time.’ We really need the women to feel special, and it’s time for women to feel special.”

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Deion Sanders, NCAA, jewelry
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 27, 2025

Deion Sanders’ Nike Air Diamond Turf Sneaker Sells Out In Minutes

The original sneakers were released over 30 years ago in 1994.

After initially announcing that Nike was releasing the sneakers Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders wore during his NFL days, the Nike Air Diamond Turf, the footwear has reportedly sold out.

According to Sports Illustrated, the sneakers, originally released over 30 years ago in 1994, immediately sold out within minutes after going on sale. Coach Prime took to social media to acknowledge the great news after being notified by the giant sportswear brand of the news.

“Nothing is new under the sun; I rocked these PRIMES’ & #24 at the Pro Bowl waaay back when. I also heard from @nike that I sold out, and I’m sure they weren’t saying imma “Sellout” they were talking about me “Selling Out”! Think about that baby! I’m PRIME! REAL since u 1st heard of ya boy! #CoachPrime (posted by @deionsandersjr)”

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by @COACHPRIME (@deionsanders)

Complex reported that the Nike Air Diamond Turf was initially released in 1993, his last year playing for the Falcons. There were follow-up versions of the original footwear: the Air Diamond Turf 2, which came out in 1994, debuted when Coach Prime was a member of the San Francisco 49ers. While wearing those sneakers, Sanders won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and took home a Super Bowl trophy.

Two years later, the Diamond Turf Max ’96 was released. In 1997, the Air Diamond Turf 4 went on sale, and the last in the series, the Air Diamond Turf 5, debuted in 1998.

Since 1995, the University of Colorado Boulder has had an exclusive contract with Nike. In the contract Coach Prime signed in 2023 after leaving Jackson State University after three successful seasons, he is required to wear Nike gear supplied by the sneaker company. He left the brand in 2017 after being disappointed that it did not properly compensate him for designing his own shoe. At the time, he vowed never to work with them again.

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Flau'jae Johnson
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 27, 2025

South Carolina Suspends DJ For Playing Instrumental Of Song By LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson’s Deceased Father

After a recent women’s basketball game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Louisiana State University Tigers, South Carolina’s DJ played an instrumental song from the deceased father of LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson and later apologized that it occurred. The university suspended the DJ after the incident.

The Gamecocks defeated the Tigers on its home court on Friday, Jan. 24, by outscoring them 66-56. After the game, DJ T.O. played an instrumental of a song titled “Cut Friends” by Camoflauge. According to USA Today, that song, which came out in 2001, was recorded by Johnson’s father, whose real name was Jason Johnson, who used the moniker Camoflauge as a rapper. Flau’Jae never met her father because he was shot and killed six months before she was born. He died on May 19, 2003.

DJ T.O. posted on social media, acknowledging that she played the song and writing “my bad” with emojis displaying the crying and laughing faces. Flau’Jaue reposted what was posted and called the DJ out on the “nasty behavior” she showed by playing the song and commenting on what she did.

DJ T.O. did apologize for the post.

“It is never my intent to disrespect anyone or offend anyone when my job is to have fun and make sure other people have a good time. … I’ve been playing [the song] for years, even at other games, but I shouldn’t have played it at yesterday’s game.”

However, South Carolina also apologized and acknowledged that DJ T.O. was suspended for one game due to her actions.

“We are addressing Friday night’s inappropriate in-game song selection and subsequent social media post by the DJ hired to work our women’s basketball games. Her actions were understandably upsetting to Flau’Jae Johnson and her family and disrespectful to the LSU program and fans.”

“As a result of her actions, DJ T.O. will be suspended for the next women’s basketball home game, and we will meet with her to provide further education on our expectations of her in the future.”

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Breast Cancer, diagnosed, diagnosis, before, expecting, after, living with breast cancer, women, breast cancer awareness week, Breast Cancer Awareness
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 27, 2025

Enrollment Begins For American Cancer Society’s Voices Of Black Women Study

The study allows all Black women across the United States to enroll.

The American Cancer Society wants Black women to speak out and change the future of cancer, starting enrollment for its Voices of Black Women Study.

ACS has encouraged Black women across the United States to participate in the groundbreaking study. According to its website, the program’s goal is to  “understand the lived experiences of Black women residing in the United States and how these experiences may impact the development of cancer and other diseases.”

Study participants will complete an online health and life history survey, providing updates twice a year. The hour-long surveys and biannual follow-ups will help uncover how one’s lived experience can lead to cancer.

ACS hopes to enroll more than 100,000 Black participants. Its eligibility requirements include biologically female or women-identifying people between the ages of 25 and 55. These women cannot have any prior diagnosis of cancer except for basal or squamous skin types.

The study has emerged as one of the largest ever conducted for Black women. It intends to continue for years, procuring comprehensive data that can lead to more effective care for Black women. However, the lofty endeavor also acknowledges the historical mistreatment of Black people, especially women, in medicine. Despite this, they hope to address and soothe all concerns participants have about joining.

“The VOICES team recognizes that there is a history of Black women’s bodies being exploited to advance medical knowledge, yet Black women have received the fewest benefits compared to their male and White counterparts,” detailed the study. “Given this legacy of injustice, you may hesitate to become involved in this study. It is important that we hear and address your concerns about research, treat you with respect, and demonstrate cultural humility.”

Moreover, at a time of rampant DEI cutbacks, the American Cancer Society has emphasized its commitment to DEI principles as it begins this study.

Its website adds, “Through a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (or DEI), the American Cancer Society aims to form fruitful partnerships with and amplify the voices of Black communities across the country.”

The study also made clear that it differs from a clinical trial or experiment. It has no intention to ask participants to take any medications. Despite no compensation being available at this time due to its size, VOICES has assured that this work will benefit Black women and their culturally inclusive medical treatment for generations to come.

More information on eligibility and participation lies on its website.

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UNESCO, Pharrell Williams, Richard Mille, watch, black designer
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 27, 2025

ESPN To Use Pharrell Williams And ‘Piece By Piece’ As Face And Anthem Of ‘NBA Saturday Primetime On ABC’

Pharrell Williams is spearheading a new campaign in promotion of "NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC."

ESPN has tapped Pharrell Williams to lead its newest campaign promoting NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC.

The multifaceted musician will headline the campaign, with his single “Piece by Piece” serving as the official anthem, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Other Pharrell-created songs to be featured in the campaign include N.E.R.D’s “Rock Star” and Clipse’s “Grindin’.”

The first spot premiered Saturday for the NBA Paris Game between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers. It will run through March 16. The clip features Pharrell engaging in cross-promotion. As the brand’s creative director, he sports a Louis Vuitton sweater from his menswear collection while promoting the NBA’s Saturday night games on ABC.

“The campaign infuses the idea that the visual layers in the double exposures represent the ‘pieces’ that build both a great team and an unforgettable Primetime matchup,” ESPN says of the campaign.

The campaign was launched ahead of the NBA’s new TV deals, which will begin next season. ESPN and ABC secured the premier TV package, which includes exclusive broadcasting rights to the NBA Finals.

“We wanted this campaign to tell a story that extends beyond basketball,” said Curtis Friends, vice president of Sports Marketing for ESPN. “The NBA has always been a global entertainment powerhouse, and this campaign celebrates that by fusing the energy of the game with music, style, and artistry.”

“Pharrell is a visionary, and his collaboration has helped us craft a narrative that transcends the court, bringing a fresh and dynamic experience for fans to experience NBA Saturday Primetime,” he added.

ESPN Chief Jimmy Pitaro emphasized that digital rights are a crucial aspect of the agreement, as ESPN plans to debut its “flagship” streaming service later this year. The deal will also increase the number of games airing on ABC, further reshaping the broadcast TV landscape.

According to Pitaro, the NBA aims to expand its presence on broadcast networks like ABC and NBC to address declining viewership and broaden its audience. Partnering with Pharrell Williams is part of the league’s strategy to generate excitement and interest in the game.

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Tuskegee Airmen, George Hardy
by Daniel Johnson

January 27, 2025

Air Force To Resume Training Videos Featuring Tuskegee Airmen After Review

Britt, a Republican, seemed to be taken aback as she reminded the public that Trump previously celebrated the Tuskegee Airmen during his first term in office and demanded that their history continue to be taught by the Air Force

After reports indicated that the United States Air Force planned to pull teaching videos featuring the first Black airmen in the United States military, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Air Force conducted a review and decided to reinstate instructing trainees using the videos.

According to Reuters, on Jan. 25, videos about the Tuskegee Airmen, as well as another video, featuring civilian women pilots trained during World War II, were not being shown at the Air Force’s basic training base at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland pending a review.

The decision by the Air Force was met with disagreement, and Alabama Sen. Katie Boyd Britt said on social media that the Air Force’s decision was “malicious compliance” with the diversity, equity and inclusion review prompted by Donald Trump’s ban on DEI in the United States government and military.

https://twitter.com/ChrisMurphyCT/status/1883532726445428793?s=19

Britt, a Republican, seemed to be taken aback as she reminded the public that Trump previously celebrated the Tuskegee Airmen during his first term in office and demanded that their history continue to be taught by the Air Force.

“President Trump celebrated and honored the Tuskegee Airmen during his first term, promoting legendary aviator Charles McGee to Brigadier General and pinning his stars in the Oval Office. In his second term, the Trump Administration will continue to deeply respect and elevate the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy. Their history and their lessons will continue to be taught—because their legacy is one of excellence, of success, and of unquestionable merit,” Britt wrote.

According to CBS News, on January 26, Lieutenant General Brian Robinson, the leader of the Air Education and Training Command, indicated in a statement that their revision resulted in one group of Airmen’s training using the videos to be delayed.

“No Airmen or Guardians will miss this block of instruction due to the revision. However one group of trainees had the training delayed,” Robinson said.

He continued, echoing the newly minted Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s call for a return to a warrior ethos.

“The revised training, which focuses on the documented historic legacy and decorated valor with which these units and Airmen fought for our Nation in World War II and beyond, will continue on 27 January,” Robinson said. “The Air Force has not removed these Airmen’s incredible heritage from any training. Their personal examples of service, sacrifice, and combat effectiveness are illustrative of the core values, character, and warrior ethos necessary to be an Airman and Guardian.”

The Tuskegee Airmen are often and correctly credited with influencing President Harry Truman to direct the United States military to desegregate in 1948 through the use of Executive Order 9981, but what is perhaps less well known is their participation in non-violent agitation to secure those rights.

According to History, a group of 104 Black officers, led by Detroit’s future first Black mayor, Coleman A. Young, protested the whites-only officers club of the Air Force by integrating it, disobeying Jim Crow in the process.

According to Roger “Bill” Terry, who was pardoned by President Bill Clinton in 1995, the actions of the 477th Bombardment Group were instrumental in informing the tactics of the Civil Rights movement which came into being post-World War II.

“We think that it broke the camel’s back because they had to recognize the fact that 104 officers were arrested and that they all defied this order, and the order was said to be illegal,” Terry said in an interview for the National Park’s Tuskegee Airmen Oral History Project. “We feel—and I think I speak for most of the guys—that it was our advantage that we gave to the Negro people, that there would be no discrimination in the Army Air Force from that time on—at least officially.”

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living wage, basic needs, struggle, families
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 27, 2025

While Winter Storm Delayed Paychecks To Thousands In Georgia County Schools, Superintendent Assures Pay Is Coming

The superintendent expressed his apologies for the ongoing payroll delay that has left many staffers concerned.

The superintendent of Henry County Schools in Georgia is assuring thousands on its payrolls that their delayed checks are still on the way.

Last week’s winter storm delayed the pay for over 5,000 employees, including faculty and teachers, under its domain. In light of the issue, Superintendent Dr. John Pace III remains apologetic for the ongoing situation.

“First and foremost, let me apologize to our employees for the impact this delay has had on them and their families,” Pace told 11Alive News on Jan 24. “We never want to be in this situation.”

The paychecks are expected to go out that Friday. However, the storm resulted in a pushback by days, with the date set for the following Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Pace added that the issue remains a “top priority,” as they hope to resolve the matter quickly. When asked if they should have alerted staffers sooner, he said they would “evaluate” their initial communications approach.

“We will assess, evaluate,” he explained. “To ensure this doesn’t happen in the future. However, at this time, our top priority is ensuring our employees get paid, and that is what we’re working on until we get that done.”

Like other school systems, staff receive payments in monthly installments, making the timeliness of these checks crucial for their livelihoods. Some employees have expressed frustration and concern with receiving the funds late. For others, even a few days off can cause some trouble.

One teacher explained how the world “doesn’t stop” for these issues, noting that many live paycheck-to-paycheck.

“The economy isn’t cheap these days,” shared Danisha Henderson, a seventh-grade teacher in Henry County. “Some of us live paycheck to paycheck. We have kids, bills — most of my bills are on auto-pay…. The world doesn’t stop.”

However, the payroll delay could have stemmed from factors outside the weather, as well. The news outlet inquired if a new employee portal, established on Jan. 6, also played a role in the payroll issue. Pace denied the new technology’s part, citing that an in-person necessity led to the processing delay.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to make that happen because there are certain processes that we have to be in the building to accomplish,” he explained. “That’s our top priority to get the payroll done as soon as possible.”

Pace has deemed Wednesday as a solidified date for when staffers will see their money. As for if the checks could come earlier, the superintendent could not confirm.

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Melissa Butler, The Lip Bar, HBCUs, HBCU Lip Gloss
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 27, 2025

The Lip Bar Founder Addresses Target DEI Rollbacks As Debates Over Protest Continue

Butler explained how protesting the store will severely impact many black-owned businesses.

Melissa Butler, founder of The Lip Bar beauty company, has addressed concerns regarding Target’s DEI cutbacks as her products remain on store shelves.

Butler’s brand is one of many Black-owned companies whose products are available at Target. However, after Target announced a massive scaling back of its DEI programs and initiatives, opposers called for a strike. The growing controversy led Butler to speak on the changes to the commitment she deemed a “farce” from its inception.

“So, of course, we were disappointed, just like many of you, when we learned that they were rolling back their DEI initiatives. But I will say, even though I’m disappointed, I’m not that surprised,” Butler said. “I always thought that the 2020 commitments were a farce, like anything that is forced is going to be a farce. I think part of it is because Trump is emboldening companies to reverse commitments that they never wanted to do in the first place.”

Butler does not know what will come next from the changes to Target’s focus on DEI. However, she did get real about what protesting the store would mean for businesses like hers. The Lip Bar also reigns as the most prominent Black-owned makeup company at the store.


“So the immediate risk is that if all of our consumers boycott Target, then that will absolutely impact us. And many people are saying, ‘You know, well, I would rather shop you on your site,'” she explained. “Here’s the thing, I understand. I, too, am disappointed, and you have the ability to take your dollar wherever you feel most comfortable… But I do want to make sure that we are aware that, you know, by not shopping in these stores, you are also impacting the hundreds of Black-owned businesses and women-owned businesses.”

The calls to protest Target have met significant backlash and support. The former came from many entrepreneurs whose products still lie on their shelves. Tabitha Brown, who has multiple collections in Target, warned that many businesses like hers would suffer, per WBLS. However, Brown faced her critique for seemingly prioritizing profits while the Black community reels from these DEI cutbacks.

The Lip Bar CEO started facing criticism for her opinion. In response, she posted another video encouraging commenters to tag their favorite Black-owned business, instead, to spread awareness. Moreover, she highlighted an issue with consumers not supporting Black brands as much as possible.

“We barely shop black brands, if we’re if we’re gonna be honest. If you do and you that’s great, but you are probably one in a million. So the reason why we don’t have these like powerhouse brands is because our support is finicky. “

She then noted that the problem with not supporting Black brands starts at home. She believes the issue must be rectified internally as much as it is

“The reason why we don’t have the control that y’all want us to have is because we are not keeping our dollars within our community in the first place. So now, when somebody decides that they don’t want to support our community, we’re all up in arms. Well, we’ve, we’ve created this. We did. We did because we’re constantly giving our money away to people who don’t look like us by. Good night.”

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Women's Basketball, Johnetta Hayes, Alabama State
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 27, 2025

High School Ball Player Charged For Punching Opponents For Allegedly Calling Him The N-Word

The player, who is Black reportedly got upset after he was allegedly called the 'N' word 'and he lost his temper.'

A Black high school basketball player is facing charges after punching two white basketball players on the opposing team on the court after alleging that one of the players kept calling him the “N-word” during the game.

According to TMZ, the game took place in Georgia between Sonoraville High School and Rockmart High School on Jan. 3 in Calhoun (located about 70 miles from downtown Atlanta). A video clip shows the player from Rockmart pushing his opponent down to the floor. When he gets back up, he gets punched directly in the face, falling back down. A teammate of the fallen player, who was on the sideline on the bench, then tries to defend the other player and gets met with an equally punishing punch to his face as well. After that, players from both teams intervened, along with others, to end the altercation before it escalated further.

The player who initiated the punch is removed, and other people who were not on either team go to break up the fight. The video does not capture the interaction before the punch was thrown.

The altercation happened during the third quarter of the contest.

The media outlet obtained an incident report from the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office that stated that the incident took place after the teenager, who is 16 years old, was fed up after the opponent allegedly called him the “N” word “and he lost his temper.”

The boy who threw the punch is reportedly facing two charges of simple battery.

The player has not been identified, and a police investigation is underway. No information regarding the incident has been released from either Rockmart High School or Sonoraville High School.

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Snoop Dogg, Arizona Bowl, Gin And Juice Brand, sponsor
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 27, 2025

Snoop Dogg Seemingly Responds To Critics After Embarrassing Decision To Perform At Trump’s Crypto Ball

'For all that hate, I’m going to answer with love. Y’all can’t hate enough on me. I love too much. Get your life right, stop worrying about mine.'

Death Row Records owner Snoop Dogg caused quite a stir when he performed at Crypto Ball in Washington, D.C., right before President Donald Trump’s inauguration, and he has seemingly responded to those who criticized him for doing so.

The “Gin and Juice” performer took to Instagram Live and gave some words of advice to Black people regarding the tearing down of each other. He seemingly responded to the critics who went after him when he performed at the Crypto Ball due to the connection to Trump’s announcement of his latest venture into cryptocurrency.

TheNeighborhoodTalk posted a portion of the clip to its Instagram account.

While sitting in a vehicle with Anita Baker and The Winans, “Ain’t No Need To Worry” blaring in the background, Snoop took the time to address the recent incident and the backlash he has faced since his performance, along with fellow rappers  Nelly, Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy.

He unabashedly stated that he was not going anywhere while taking a pull of some cannabis. He says, “Get the Crypto on Crip though.” An apparent reference to his alleged gang ties.

“It’s Sunday, man; I got gospel in my heart. For all that hate, I’m going to answer with love. Y’all can’t hate enough on me. I love too much. Get your life right. Stop worrying about mine. I’m cool, I’m together. Still a Black man, still 100 percent Black.”

“All out ’til you ball out or ’til you fall out.”

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Snoop was blasted because fans were disappointed that he had flipped-flopped about whether he supported or opposed Trump and his divisive policies and attitude. In a January 2024 interview with the Sunday Times, he defended Trump and stated, “Donald Trump? He ain’t done nothing wrong to me. He has done only great things for me.”

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