by Sharelle B. McNair

January 27, 2025

Durham Community Mourns The Loss of Activist Dr. Lavonia Allison Who Died At 94

Her son, Vincent, showed love to his mother, calling her the “cornerstone of our family.”

Durham, North Carolina, residents mourn the loss of political and community activist Dr. Lavonia Allison, who died “peacefully, surrounded by love” on Jan. 7, 2025, at 94.

Her son, Vincent, showed love to his mother, calling her the “cornerstone of our family.”

“Dr. Allison was an incredibly strong woman who dedicated the majority of her life in the fight for social justice for her people,” he wrote in a statement. “Her resilience, wisdom, and boundless love were the cornerstone of our family, and she will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

According to WRAL, Allison was known as a renowned force, serving as a civil rights leader, educator, and activist in the Bull City. Those who served with her for the greater good remembered her commitment to advancing racial equality and being a voice that advocated for the rights of marginalized communities. Shortly after her funeral, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, which Allison led for 14 years, held its annual meeting on Jan. 26 in her honor.

Being deeply involved in the civil rights movement, the activist influenced generations of leaders and advocates across the Tar Heel state and beyond. Former state Gov. Roy Cooper posted a sweet message honoring Dr. Allison on X, expressing the loss of a “trailblazer.” “North Carolina and Durham lost a trailblazer. Dr. Lavonia Allison was a steadfast advocate for her community, for education, civil rights, and so much more,” he wrote.

“Her family and friends and everyone touched by her work are in my thoughts.”

North Carolina and Durham lost a trailblazer. Dr. Lavonia Allison was a steadfast advocate for her community, for education, civil rights and so much more. Her family and friends and everyone touched by her work are in my thoughts. pic.twitter.com/WxBznXw9Zs
— Roy Cooper (@RoyCooperNC) January 8, 2025

Allison comes from a lineage of trailblazers. Her mother was the first Black registrar in Durham, inspiring her to pursue excellence through education. Allison graduated from Hampton University and obtained her master’s from New York University. Her calling to education allowed her to work as an associate professor at North Carolina Central University before directing the NC Health Careers Access Program. There, she helped increase the representation of African Americans and underserved populations in healthcare.

After she retired, Allison became the CEO of her family’s business, Dunbar Realty and Insurance Co.

Durham Mayor Leo Williams spoke on how Allison’s legacy should remind today’s generation and those to come to remember what is most important to the Black community. “Her legacy is always going to remind us to not only stay the course but remember what matters most, especially to the Black community,” Williams said.

“That is what she was born to do, and that is what she lived through, and that is what she died doing. You know, even in her last days, she was making calls and making sure it didn’t matter who you were or what political office you held.”

Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead shared similar thoughts, calling her “a shining example of leadership that everyone in Durham should follow.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 27, 2025

Music Icons Speak on ‘Black Genius’ Sly Stone In Upcoming Questlove Documentary

André 3000, D'Angelo, Chaka Khan, and more speak on the 'Black genius' that is Sly Stone.

Questlove rounded up an A-list group of Black musical talent to praise Sly Stone in his new Hulu documentary, Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius).

The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on Thursday, followed by the debut of the official trailer, Billboard reports. The two-minute trailer features music legends, including André 3000, Chaka Khan, George Clinton, D’Angelo, and Q-Tip, reflecting on Stone’s groundbreaking role as a funk-soul pioneer.

Questlove can be seen asking André 3000 if he believes in the concept of “Black genius” before quick highlights of Stone, who shot to fame in 1968 with the release of his band’s first hit, “Dance to the Music.” Energetic dance moves, flamboyant costumes, oversized sunglasses, and a towering afro set the stage for highlights of Stone’s career, all accompanied by his 1969 No. 1 hit, “Everyday People.”

Photos of the diverse making of Sly and the Family Stone help transition the conversation around how “massively popular” the group was with its messages of peace and unity and a string of Billboard Hot 100 top 10s, including “Hot Fun in the Summertime” and No. 1 smashes “Family Affair” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again).”

“Sly created this unique space,” Q-Tip says.

P-Funk icon Clinton goes on to note how groundbreaking Sly and the Family Stone were to have a “mixed” line-up of men and women, white and Black, in their band. “They sounded like nothing else,” producer Jimmy Jam says of the group’s uplifting blend of soul, pop, R&B, funk, and gospel.

The band’s songs served as anthems during a time when the nation was deeply divided over the Vietnam War. Archival footage in the documentary shows the heightened attention Stone received during the 1960s and 1970s before his drug use and erratic behavior effectively ended the group by 1975.

“At the time… it was almost too much all at once,” Stone says in the doc.

With all highs come some low lows, and the trailer highlights how the film will delve into the “anxiety, the pressure, the drug use” that plagued Stone’s career.

“If you’ve been on this heightened, explosive life…your body has taken in so much energy, and you’ve given out so much energy, and you stop where’s that energy go?” André 3000 asks.

Other icons who lent their time to appear in the documentary include Nile Rodgers of Chic, P-Funk singer Ruth Copeland, music industry icon Clive Davis, and Family Stone members Larry Graham Jr., Jerry Martini, and Greg Errico.

Sly Lives will begin streaming on Hulu on Feb. 13.

The film is Questlove’s second documentary following the Oscar-winning 2021 Summer of Soul about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival (aka “Black Woodstock”), which featured Sly and the Family Stone.

Next up for Questlove, the director: a documentary on Earth, Wind & Fire.

by Daniel Johnson

January 27, 2025

Harvard Transfers Enslaved Descendant Identification Program To American Ancestors

Harvard transferred its enslavement identification program to American Ancestors, the group leading the 10 Million Names project.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, Harvard University transferred the research component of its Slavery Remembrance Program (HSRP) to American Ancestors, a third-party partner that has helped the university conduct genealogical research related to identifying descendants of enslaved people of the university’s founders, since it began work on that project in 2022, and also fired every member of HSRP’s research staff.

The HSRP is part of a $100 million endowment for the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery initiative, and is responsible for identifying the descendants of individuals enslaved by the university’s founders as well as descendants of enslaved individuals who labored on Harvard’s campus.

According to the Harvard Crimson, the university transferred the work of identifying descendants of individuals enslaved by its founders to a New England non-profit organization, American Ancestors, best known for its 10 Million Names project and an external research partner of the university.

The move, as the Crimson reports, was not accompanied by any advance warning or discussion of any potential layoffs, according to HSRP Director Richard J. Cellini and research fellow Wayne J. Tucker.

One week prior to their firing, Cellini and his team met with the prime minister and governor general of Antigua and Barbuda for the purposes of potentially establishing a research presence there.

The HSRP had discovered that there were several hundred people enslaved by individuals associated with Harvard founders in the country between 1660 and 1885.

According to a previous investigation by the Crimson, in September 2024, Cellini alleged that Harvard’s Vice Provost for Special Projects Sara N. Bleich, instructed him and the HSRP “not to find too many descendants.”

“I have told officials at the highest level of the University that they only have two options: fire me, or let the HSRP do this work properly,” Cellini told the student-run newspaper.

Four months later, Cellini believes he got his answer. “Today Harvard fired me,” he texted the Crimson. “So now we know.”

In a press release, Harvard confirmed the expansion of American Ancestors’ involvement with the university and also personally praised Cellini.

“Richard Cellini’s superb efforts launched us on our way on this historically important mission, and now it is time for American Ancestors to take the lead in what will be a systematic, scholarly sustained effort to establish the facts about this dark chapter in our university’s history, and begin the long journey of healing,” Henry Louis Gates Jr., a member of the Legacy of Slavery initiative advisory council and a member of the advisory board for 10 Million Names, said in the press release. “We are indebted to Richard for his early guidance and his ambitious leadership.”

He continued, “Thanks to the extensive work they have already done on the genealogies of enslaved people, American Ancestors brings an exceptional ability to scale the enormous effort the university has ahead of it.”

Gates concluded, “The University takes seriously the thoughtfulness and care that will go into engaging with living direct descendants, and that engagement will be based around rigorous and thorough research this partnership will advance in literally rebuilding family histories.”

Ryan J. Woods, the President and CEO of American Ancestors, said “in this expanded role, American Ancestors is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professional genealogical research to uncover the identities of individuals enslaved by Harvard leadership, faculty, or staff, and to document their descendants.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 27, 2025

Black Professors School Social Media Users Via ‘TikTok’ University

Deemed "Hillman University," more Black professors are joining the online effort to teach everything from history to financial literacy 101 to TikTokers.

Black professors-turned-TikTokers have begun classes for the digital age at “HillmanTok” University.

Many Black professors have started documenting their course offerings through TikTok, allowing users outside the classroom to take part in the curriculum. The trend started with Dr. Barlow, an African American Studies professor, who used the platform to interact with her students on the popular app.

@afamstudies
Welcome to Intro to African-American Studies Spring 2025!
♬ original sound – Dr. Barlow’s Intro to Af-Am

Offering her syllabus, she detailed the course expectations and reading materials they will use throughout the semester. However, TikTokers did not realize Dr. Barlow made the video for her real-life students.

As her videos gained more traction, other Black professors began to follow suit, allowing users to learn more about certain subjects. Some are offering free weekly live classes, complete with homework. From history to financial literacy 101 to screenwriting, these teachers are helping students learn while scrolling. “HillmanTok” students now also have an academic advisor to guide them on whose accounts to follow to stay on top of their studies.

@dracanteen Tik Tok University official student Orientation. I'm your Advisor Dr. Amanda Canteen #tiktokuniversity #tiktokadvisor #fyp #tiktokteacher ♬ original sound – Dr. A. Canteen, BA, MEd. Ed. D

Noticing her growing popularity for her actual class, Dr. Barlow then posted a TikTok Syllabus for her atypical online students to follow.

@afamstudies
My list for Black Studies changes every year and is limited to time. Although this is not comprehensive, it’s my starting point. Hope you enjoy!
♬ original sound – Dr. Barlow’s Intro to Af-Am

Another TikToker explained how Dr. Barlow’s initial video led to the pattern of other professors lending their knowledge. The user said that the support comes after the 92%, the number of Black women who voted for Kamala Harris, decided to pour into their community and not focus on Trump’s presidency.

@djneurospicy @HillmanTok Univeristy Everyone go follow this account! Literally the best mistake ever made 😍 #hillmantok #blacktok @Dr. Barlow’s Intro to Af-Am ♬ original sound – AJ or Angie

“Here’s how it goes, Trump becomes president, the 92% say they are minding their own business,” began the TikToker. “Dr. Barlow posts a video about African American studies and its just for her students. Because we’re starved for community and when Black women tell us to do something we listen, we all ‘enrolled.'”

While Dr. Barlow expressed shock to see users beyond her actual 30-student class tuned in, she now leads the trend across Black TikTok. Now, TikTok University has become an online forum with tens of classes and faux-faculty to teach the Black community, despite the political climate.

TikTok, The Danish Deception, Black women

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 27, 2025

Phones With TikTok Still Installed Are Becoming The Latest Marked-up Items On eBay

Some have bought the coveted phones for tens of thousands, but purchasers should note that getting them could still result in no TikTok.

While TikTok remains banned on app stores despite its resurgence online, eBay sellers have capitalized on the legal dispute by selling phones with the app still installed.

The mark-ups come amid President Trump signing an executive order for an 75-day extension for TikTok to sell to an American-based company. Ahead of this presidential intervention, the app went dark for over 10 hours for its American users. It left 140 million U.S. users impacted by the shutdown.

However, while account-holders are able to scroll through videos again, those who deleted or never downloaded the app are stuck without it for the time being. Moreover, Apple’s App Store and the Google Play store have yet to determine when TikTok will become available again. The only alternative lies in buying a phone with the app already installed.

Currently, “TikTok phones” have more than 27,000 listings on the online marketplace, according to CNN. However, the now-coveted devices will not come cheap, especially given the times.

Some phones have sticker prices as high as $50,000 to over $1 million. However, purchasers should note that getting the phone could still result in no TikTok. The phone owners signed out of iCloud or Google instead of the usual factory reset to keep the app. Despite this, plugging one’s existing cloud backup could take TikTok off the phone anyway.

Therefore, beyond paying an exorbitant price for a typical Android or iPhone, one must take extra measures to ensure they can keep the app they spent the extra cash for. However, the news outlet only saw sold items that went for $21,000, leaving the higher-priced gadgets still up for purchase. Those still vying for the items can always utilize eBay’s offer option to put their own price.

It remains unclear how long the craze will continue as TikTok’s future in the U.S. unfolds. In the meantime, ByteDance, the corporation that owns TikTok, has begun negotiations with U.S.-based company Oracle to strike a deal ahead of the deadline, per NPR.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 27, 2025

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Secures $25M Grant To Boost HBCU Innovation And Sustainability

Lilly Endowment Inc. bestowed the HBCU-focused nonprofit.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund has received a lofty multi-million dollar gift to bring its latest project into fruition.

Lilly Endowment Inc. bestowed the HBCU-focused nonprofit with a $25 million grant for its endeavors. According to Fox 2, the money will go toward the Project HBCU Capacity Building: Maximizing HBCU Performance Through Investments in Research, Operations and Innovation.

The project aims to help HBCUs with infrastructure needs and crucial student support. With this funding, TMCF can begin new partnerships and investments that further their mission for HBCUs’ sustainable futures.

“This monumental grant will enable the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to better serve its campuses and students, providing opportunities for funding to implement innovative projects that address unique challenges,” stated Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of TMCF. “We’re thankful for the trust placed in us by Lilly Endowment to carry out this work.”

Established in 1987, TMCF has 54 schools within its membership, 42 of which identifying as four-year HBCUs. Project HBCU Capacity Building will focus on three strategies, while implemented through TMCF, for these institutions.

They will incorporate enhanced administrative systems and processes, helping schools with data collection and information sharing. This will include professional development programs and initiatives for staff as well. The member schools will also have the opportunity to engage in collaborative learning. The strategy aims for them to share resources and programs on increasing enrollment and engagement across their campuses.

Moreover, the project will offer grant opportunities and technical assistance to these schools. These grant will extend toward faculty research, upgraded technology, and student retention improvements to help these institutions grow.

Lilly Endowment Inc., created by the founders of Eli Lilly and Company, also expressed their delight to give back. Its Vice President for education, Ted Maple, referred to the TMCF’s “impressive array” of support for its diverse schools.

“Thurgood Marshall College Fund provides an impressive array of services and support to its member institutions to help their students thrive in college and achieve their education and career goals,” said Maple. “We are pleased to be able to support efforts to enhance TMCF’s capacity and assist HBCUs in carrying out their important missions.”

Through this new gift, TMCF also hopes to enact long-lasting change. Furthermore, this distinct project will build upon the capacities of its member HBCUs and beyond.

“Over five years, we anticipate substantial improvements in institutional capacity outcomes across participating HBCUs,” added Williams. “While TMCF has chosen to focus some aspects of this initiative on a select group of HBCUs, the impact will extend far beyond those institutions, fostering collaborative learning to increase operational excellence and institutional capacity for the greater HBCU community.”

by Daniel Johnson

January 26, 2025

‘I’m A Huge Fan’: Clip Of Morgan Freeman Praising Elon Musk Resurfaces

Freeman gushed in 2016 about Musk's potential to transform the world.

A 2016 clip of actor Morgan Freeman praising Tesla CEO Elon Musk is making the rounds on social media following Musk’s heavily criticized Nazi salute at a rally for Donald Trump. In the video, Freeman revealed that he is a shareholder in Musk’s company.

According to Business Insider, although the actor has not commented regarding how much Tesla stock he owns, if Freeman invested $10,000 in Tesla stock in 2016, it would be worth more than $300,000 today.

https://twitter.com/PeloSwing/status/1882416040824689060?s=19

In the interview, Freeman offered up his assessment of what Musk had accomplished up to that point, telling the interviewer that he was a huge fan of the South African billionaire.

“I own Tesla. I’m a huge fan of Elon Musk’s and I think he’s got the most incredibly forward-thinking ideas about where we can go technologically. He’s, you know, what he’s done, nobody else has ever done. He’s landed a rocket ship so it’s reusable — you know what a feat that is?”

Freeman continued, “Now we’re taking off and we’re going to Mars, delivering stuff to people who are going to be settling there, just like they settled the Old West, and bringing those ships back and landing them and reloading them.”

Freeman may have gushed in 2016 about Musk’s potential to transform the world in positive ways, but since then there has been Musk’s alignment with Donald Trump and his deep embrace of far-right ideology over nearly a decade since that interview.

Regarding his deepening ties with far-right ideologues, Musk has been getting cozy with the leader of Germany’s Alternative for Germany party, Alice Weidel.

According to The Washington Post, Musk made an appearance at a rally on Jan. 25 held by the group via video screen, and urged supporters of the party to move past the guilt of previous generations, which some say is a reference to Nazi Germany.

“There is too much focus on past guilt, and we need to move beyond that. Children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents, let alone their great-grandparents. You should be optimistic and excited about a future for Germany. I think you’re the best hope for Germany,” Musk said.

Fred Newhouse, Former Olympic Gold Medalist,

by Daniel Johnson

January 26, 2025

Track Legend Fred Newhouse, Former Olympic Gold Medalist, Dies At 76

He won both a silver and a gold medal in the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Fred Newhouse, a member of the United States 1976 gold medal winning 4×400 meter relay team, died on Jan. 20. He was 76.

Newhouse, who graduated from Prairie View A&M, also won an individual silver medal at the 1976 Olympic Games for the 400m race.

According to Sports Illustrated, Newhouse earned a degree in electrical engineering from Prairie View, where he also became a three-time All-American and national champion. Later, he earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington.

Newhouse became the first Black referee for the renowned Texas Relays in 2004, and due to his contributions to the sport in Texas, was inducted into the Texas Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame in 2014.

USA Track & Field mourns the loss of Fred Newhouse, a stalwart figure in track and field. ♥️

During his athletic career, Newhouse won 1976 Olympic gold in the 4×400 and silver in the 400. Following athletic retirement, he held positions on the USOPC board and as the USATF… pic.twitter.com/TpZm3llNFS
— USATF (@usatf) January 23, 2025

The Southwestern Athletic Conference mourns the loss of PVAMU Track and Field Legend Fred Newhouse. We send sincere heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/UHbGujeVj1
— Southwestern Athletic Conference (@theswac) January 21, 2025

https://twitter.com/PVAMF/status/1882857923942228244?s=19

Newhouse was also inducted into the USA Track and Field Officials Hall of Fame and was given the Heliodoro and Patricia Rico Lifetime Achievement Award from the same body.

“Fred Newhouse was a pillar of our community whose unwavering commitment to Prairie View A&M University will be remembered for generations to come,” said Dr. Donetta Goodall, chair of the Prairie View A&M Foundation. “He was not only a leader but a source of inspiration to everyone who had the honor of working with him. His legacy will continue to guide the Foundation as we build upon the foundation he helped establish.”

That legacy includes having an award, the Humanitarian Award, created by the then-dean of the College of Engineering, Austin Greaux, in 1970.

As Newhouse told the story to 1876 in 2020, “School was out, people were leaving, and Austin Greaux, dean of the College of Engineering, called me to his office. He told me, ‘I want to give you an award. You didn’t meet the criteria for the other awards that we give in the Engineering Department, but I felt after watching you for four years that you deserve an award.’

Newhouse continued, “So, he created one for me, and he gave me a plaque. He called it the Humanitarian Award. I valued him saying that much more than I valued being selected as Athlete of the Year. For him to single me out for what I call ‘making a difference in someone else’s life’ changed the course of my own life. It made me think differently about what’s really important.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rhonda & Fred Newhouse Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provide ssupport and opportunities to numerous Prairie View A&M students.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 26, 2025

‘Today’ Show Host Sheinelle Jones Taking Break From Show Over Family’s Health

The television host thanked her fans and 'Today' show family for their support during this time.

Sheinelle Jones, a popular host on NBC’s Today, has announced that she will be taking a leave of absence from the show due to a family health matter.

Fans became worried about Jones after she stopped appearing on the morning show’s third hour. She stopped on Dec. 18, leaving viewers wondering about her own well being. She first joined the show, co-hosting with Al Roker and Dylan Drewer, in 2014.

Over a month later, the 46-year-old has shed a little light as to why she decided to take a break from her on-screen profession. Jones posted the announcement to Instagram, expressing her appreciation to those who reached out during this time.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sheinelle Jones (@sheinelle_o)

“I sincerely appreciate all of you who have reached out while I’ve been absent from the show,” she wrote. “I want to share with you that I’m taking time to deal with a family health matter.”

The mother added, “It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have not only the support of my ‘Today’ show family, but to also have all of you. Your kindness means so much to me. I’ll see you soon.”

As for what exact health issue has occurred, Jones remained mum on the details. However, a source confirmed with People that it does not involve her intermediate family. Jones has three teenaged children with her husband, Uche Ojeh.

Despite this, the source disclosed that the health issue remains “serious,” leading her to step back from the daytime program. Jones had become a beloved face on Today, branching out to build her own brand that focuses on motherhood.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sheinelle Jones (@sheinelle_o)

“Even while I was writing this, there were times that were really tough and I would be writing a chapter with Lucille O’Neal, Shaq’s mom, and she talked about alcoholism, and I’m going through my own thing and I’m like, ‘You know what? She was able to push through that and motherhood didn’t stop,” she told the news outlet.

Calling it a “love letter to moms,” Jones hopes the book will inspire mothers to keep going no matter the obstacles.

“And so I think you’ll find a thread at the end of this book. I hope it’s inspiring,” she added. “I hope people laugh a little bit. They may shed a tear or two, but ultimately it’s my love letter to moms.”

While fans will miss seeing Jones on television, she hopes to return to Today soon to keep captivating audiences.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 26, 2025

Say What? Stephen A. Smith Says He Feels Like A ‘Fool’ After Voting For Kamala Harris

Smith says he and others 'fell for the okiedoke' in immediately lending their support for Kamala Harris.

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith appears to regret his choice for president, calling himself a “fool” for voting for Kamala Harris.

The sports commentator shared his thoughts while appearing on Real Time With Bill Maher on Jan. 24. During the conversation, Smith revealed that he and others should have thought more carefully before casting their vote for the last-minute Democratic nominee.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Real Time with Bill Maher (@realtimers)

“Kamala Harris, who didn’t resonate during the primaries in 2020, couldn’t even get to Iowa, suddenly is the Democratic nominee. Then, you roll up to the convention in Chicago and everybody is like, ‘She’s a rockstar!’ So it’s like ‘How’d that happen?” questioned Smith, as reported by Fox News.

While acknowledging that he did vote for her, he said he and others “fell for the okiedoke” in doing so. “If you had a primary, the likelihood is she would not have been the Democratic nominee,” he added.

On the other hand, Smith noted how Trump was able to relate to more Americans despite his legal issues.

“Here’s the deal: the man was impeached twice, he was convicted on 34 felony counts, and the American people still said, ‘He’s closer to normal than what we see on the left,’” he added.

Smith has shared similar opinions before. Since the election, he has remained an outspoke critic of the Democratic party. More recently, he stated that he was “glad” Trump won due to the Dems’ “manipulation” of voters.

“I think that in light of those results we have to look at this election as a referendum on the Democratic Party,” Smith told Sean Hannity days after the presidential election. “And America’s saying we’re not feeling where you are, we’re not feeling where you tried to go, we want no part of it, we’re not having it – and they made their choice and we all have to accept it,” he said.