Tomi Adeyemi
by Kandiss Edwards

January 24, 2025

Star Casting For ‘Children Of Blood And Bone’ Has Social Media In Its Feelings

The casting of the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's 'Children of Blood and Bone' is a point of contention for some fans.

The cast for Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone has finally been announced, with stars Idris Elba and Viola Davis headlining a dream team.

They will be joined by Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo, NAACP Image Award winner Damson Idris, and Thuso Mbedu, known for her role in The Woman King and her voiceover work in Castlevania: Nocturne, as main character Zelie.

The author of the Legacy of Orisha trilogy revealed the full cast of Children of Blood and Bone in a post on her TikTok account.

Excitement for the casting has flooded social media. Since the 2018 release of Legacy of Orisha: Children of Blood and Bone, fans have anxiously awaited the next two books in the series and hoped for a film adaptation.

Though written as fantasy fiction, the books are rich with references to African culture, specifically Nigerian culture and Yoruba mythology. Adeyemi intertwined these elements with a well-developed magic system and beautiful Black imagery. Many readers see themselves reflected in the text.

It is no surprise, then, that some social media users and fans of the books have expressed dissatisfaction with the casting. One user voiced concerns about the lack of Nigerian representation. While casting for minor roles is still ongoing, the main roles have largely been filled by American and British Black actors.

Another point of contention for fans is the casting of Amandla Stenberg as Amari. According to an X user, the character is a victim of colorism. Stenberg’s lighter complexion does not align with these descriptions.

One X user offered a solution for future Black fantasy epics: animation, which has become an increasingly successful medium for Black stories—see Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse‘s Miles Morales.

While complaints can be found across the internet, many are simply excited to see so much Black excellence come together to create a beautiful Black world of magic.

RELATED CONTENT: Colman Domingo’s ‘Sing Sing’ To Make History As First Film Released In Theaters And Prisons

Donald Trump, Black, female reporter
by Sharelle B. McNair

January 24, 2025

Trump Visits NC, Threatens To Eliminate ‘FEMA’: ‘It’s Just Not Good’

We need FEMA to stay put....

President Donald Trump talked about eliminating the Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, since it’s “just not good,” while visiting the devastation that Hurricane Helene left in Asheville, North Carolina, Fox News reports. 

During his visit, alongside first lady Melania, Trump promised that his new federal administration would step in to help the Tar Heel state. However, his tone quickly changed, saying that the states should take care of natural disaster damage while seemingly blaming former President Joe Biden. “We’re going to fix it, and we’re going to fix it as fast as you can. It’s a massive amount of damage. FEMA has really let us down. Let the country down,” he said while sitting beside local and state leaders. 

“And I don’t know if that’s Biden’s fault or whose fault it is, but we’re going to take over. We’re going to do a good job.”

To rectify the problem, Trump said he may eliminate FEMA altogether. “I’ll also be signing an executive order to begin the process of fundamentally reforming and overhauling FEMA, or maybe getting rid of FEMA,” the indicted President said.

“I think, frankly, FEMA is not good.” 

He went back and forth on staying with the federal agency or giving control to the states. FEMA was designed to respond to disasters declared by the President of the United States, along with helping citizens and first responders prepare for, protect against, and recover from uncontrollable disasters. During his visit, he alleged he would work with the lawmakers of the affected areas since FEMA was “not on the ball.” “So we’re going to be doing something on FEMA that I think most people agree [with],” Trump said. 

“I’d like to see the states take care of disasters, let the state take care of the tornadoes and the hurricanes and all of the other things that happen. And I think you’re going to find it a lot less expensive. You’ll do it for less than half, and you’re going to get a lot quicker response.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers claims that only half of Helene’s debris recovery, which pounded through the state in September 2024, is complete. Under the Transitional Housing Assistance program, the agency is footing the hotel bill for hundreds of displaced families. 

Asheville is one of Trump’s first visits since taking office on MLK Day 2024. He is scheduled to visit Los Angeles, which has been stricken with wildfires since early January 2025. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, a huge trump critic, has been calling on the federal government to assist more. According to Politico, he said he hasn’t heard from the new President yet but plans to greet him before his tour — whether he is invited or not. “I look forward to being there on the tarmac to thank the president, welcome him, and we’re making sure that all the resources he needs for a successful briefing are provided to him,” Newsom said. 

“There’s no limit to the resources we’ll provide for that briefing.” 

RELATED CONTENT: FEMA Closes Gap That Prevented Many Black Families in South From Receiving Disaster Aid

man dead, July 4, Birmingham, partner missing, MASS SHOOTING, baddies
by Kandiss Edwards

January 24, 2025

Family Denies Claims Of Drug Use By Deceased Social Media Influencer Who Auditioned For ‘Baddies Midwest’

Reyna Dunlap, 'The Nude Queen,' was 33 years old.

A Maryland social media influencer was found dead after traveling to Cleveland, Ohio, to audition for a Zeus Network’s reality TV show. Police believe drug use was the cause of death, but Reyna Dunlap’s mother disputes those claims, Cleveland Scene reports. Dunlap, 33, who was best known online as “The Nude Queen,” flew to Ohio in hopes of making a name for herself by auditioning for Baddies Midwest.

Dunlap’s family became concerned when they couldn’t contact her. She was found dead in a vacant house on Francis Avenue in the Kinsman neighborhood of Cleveland.

A spokesperson for Cleveland police told Scene that the incident is believed to be an overdose.

“The direction of the department’s investigation will be determined by the findings of the city’s medical examiner,” Cleveland police. “Depending on that, we can determine what action we need to take.”

Dunlap’s mother took to TikTok to refute the department’s claims. In a post on the account of Kira Dunlap, Reyna’s sister, the matriarch tearfully denied the suggestion that Reyna had a history of drug use.

“We talked to the medical examiner,” she said. “We asked, ‘Was there evidence of any tracks on her body?’ No. Was there any evidence of drug use on or near her body? No. I was very clear in my post that she had no history of drug use, and that can be substantiated.”

@hotphilosophychick Addressing Reyna’s Suspected Cause of ☠️ #fyp #helpme #sister #thendequeen #viral #twitter #activeinvestigation #reyna #greenscreen ♬ original sound – Storm Chaser Interi

In addition to denying claims of drug use, Dunlap’s mother said that the cause of death was determined based on the location where the body was found, rather than any scientific evidence.

“We asked the questions: Why would there be an initial assessment of overdose?” she said. “The response was, ‘Where she was found.’ She was found in an abandoned home that had been trashed and was years old, with drug paraphernalia scattered around the area—but not on her, near her, under her, on top of her, or in her hands. She had none of that.”

She also claimed that Cleveland police told them the initial assessment of overdose is standard in cases involving unidentified bodies found in rough neighborhoods.

The family is hoping to arrange for an independent autopsy and has started a GoFundMe account to help with burial costs and private investigator. Anyone with information about Reyna Dunlap’s movements from December 2024 to January 2025 is asked to contact the tip line (216) 621-1234.

RELATED CONTENT: As TikTok Goes Dark, Black Creators Are Flocking To New App

Abortion, Georgia,
by Mitti Hicks

January 24, 2025

Instagram And Facebook Allegedly Blocked And Hid Abortion Pill Providers’ Posts

Various providers confirmed that their accounts were hidden. In some cases, Facebook and Instagram got rid of the accounts and they were no longer visible on the social media platforms,

For a company that has been vocal about putting a halt to “censoring free speech,” even going as far as ending fact-checking on its platform, several abortion pill providers are speaking out with claims that Instagram and Facebook blurred, blocked, or removed posts.

Various providers confirmed that their accounts were hidden. The Seattle Times reports that in some cases, Facebook and Instagram removed their accounts, making them no longer visible on the social media platforms.

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, confirmed to The New York Times the accounts were suspended or blurred. The move from Meta is quite the juxtaposition of its CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s stance on free speech. Zuckerberg has received scrutiny after vowing to loosen restrictions on online speech. Critics argue that this could lead to an uptick in misinformation.

Removing Accounts That Advertise Abortion Pill

A Meta spokesperson told The New York Times that the accounts being moderated were unrelated to the speech policy change. The spokesperson added that the moderation was because of some abortion pill-related posts and accounts because of rules that prohibit the sale of pharmaceutical drugs on its platforms without proper certification.

Aid Access is one of the largest abortion pill providers in the United States and confirmed with the outlet that Facebook blurred and removed some of its posts since November. Women Help Women, and Just the Pill also confirmed suspended social media accounts.

“We know firsthand that this suppression actively prevents Hey Jane from reaching people who are seeking out timely health care information,” Rebecca Davis, head of marketing at Hey Jane, told the outlet. Hey Jane also said something similar happened to the company in 2023 before Meta reversed it.

“Given Meta’s recent promises around free speech, we’re incredibly disappointed to see how the platform is restricting our free speech,” Davis added.

As of now, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits telehealth providers to prescribe the abortion pills mifepristone and misoprostol. Providers can have the pill delivered by mail. Twelve states have banned abortions.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Angers Anti-Abortion Advocates With Reproductive Rights Phrasing

Kanye West, Ye, Bully, China
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 24, 2025

Ye Reportedly Worth Almost $3B

'In 2025, Ye's net worth stands at $2.77 Billion USD as confirmed by Eton Venture Services. The valuation is based on his music portfolio and his sole ownership of the Yeezy mark.'

When Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, was “canceled,” he vowed that he couldn’t be.

He might be right. 

A recent determination by Eton Venture Services shows the Late Registration artist has recaptured that coveted billionaire status.

“In 2025, Ye’s net worth stands at $2.77 Billion USD as confirmed by Eton Venture Services,” Yeezy, his company, said in a statement. “The valuation is based on his music portfolio and his sole ownership of the Yeezy mark.”

(Yes, that was the entirety of the statement.) 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ye (@ye)

This has happened less than three years after Ye reportedly lost his billionaire status after adidas and other companies dropped him in 2022 after he spewed what was labeled as antisemitic comments.

In 2022, Ye appeared on the Drink Champs podcast with N.O.R.E. and DJ Efn where he boasted  that “I can say antisemitic things, and Adidas can’t drop me. Now what?” The athletic apparel company did just that. 

Ye hasn’t stopped. He recently revealed the latest version of what he labels the Yeezy Slide, the SL-01, which has a Black colorway presently being sold with two other colors being released in the future. The cost of the slides are $20.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sneaker News (@sneakernews)

The infamous record producer is also back on his original hustle. He also revealed that he is working on his daughter North West’s debut album.

“This little girl made me love music again 🥲 She asked me to make beats for her I got back on the ASR, Chopped up beats for her album, and chopped every beats with my bare hand for BULLY”

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ye (@ye)

RELATED CONTENT: Ye Showcases Latest Yeezy Footwear

Obama-Appointed Judge, Trump Administration , Medicaid Data, Undocumented Immigrants, ICE
by Mitti Hicks

January 24, 2025

Newark Mayor Says ICE Agent Allegedly Detained U.S. Citizens In Raid

Mayor Ras J. Baraka said the act was 'in plan violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.'

Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras J. Baraka is criticizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who he said detained and fingerprinted three undocumented workers as well as U.S. citizens and a veteran, after a Jan. 23 raid at Ocean Seafood Depot.

At a Jan. 24 news conference, he criticized ICE agents for showing up to the restaurant without a warrant, which he said violates people’s rights.

Baraka called the raid an “egregious act…in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees ‘the right of the people be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.’”

“We can disagree on politics. You can disagree with me on the role immigrants play in the economy of our community, you can disagree with me about the fact that most immigrants are not criminals; in fact, they are victims of violence in cities, we can disagree about whether you support mass deportation or not,” said Baraka. “But, what we must agree on is that the thing that separates this country from any other countries around the world is the constitution of the United States.”

The restaurant owner told reporters that he was caught off guard by federal agents asking for his workers’ documentation.

“I feel that we have to be a country of law, but go after bad people, not working people,” Luis Janota told ABC 7. “These are people … family people. These are people who show up to work every day and have a responsibility.”

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may encounter U.S. citizens while conducting fieldwork and may request identification to establish an individual’s identity as was the case during a targeted enforcement operation at a worksite today in Newark, New Jersey,” ICE Newark said in a statement. “This is an active investigation and, per ICE policy, we cannot discuss ongoing investigations.”

Baraka is now asking New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and other state leaders to intervene so this doesn’t happen again.

“Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized,” the mayor said in a statement. “We will protect our neighbors and family members. Newark will stand up for democracy.”

RELATED CONTENT: Chicago Immigrants Stay Home From Work Amid Deportation Concerns

Jay Z, Roc Nation, Versace
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 24, 2025

Jay-Z’s New Partnership With South Korean Music Platform Will Allow Fans To Purchase Song Royalties

Jay-Z partnered with a South Korean platform to allow fans to invest in music royalties.

Jay-Z’s Roc Nation has teamed up with a South Korean music fintech platform, allowing fans the opportunity to earn money from the songs they stream.

Roc Nation’s new partnership with South Korean fintech company Musicow introduces what it’s calling the first Music Equity Service Provider in the U.S., Billboard reports. The partnership gives consumers the opportunity to invest in music royalties, following Musicow’s model of allowing music rights owners to buy, trade, or sell shares of royalty revenue to potential investors.

It’s a win-win for creators and music superfans, as music makers will be able to break down royalty revenue into fractions and sell shares of their tracks, while consumers can earn revenue from their favorite artists by investing in music royalties as an alternative asset class.

“The music industry is evolving into a shared ecosystem where fans and creators can earn together,” Roc Nation Vice Chairman Jay Brown said.

“Our mission is not only to support and empower artists by providing the tools and services they need to build a better music ecosystem but also to give everyone access to the financial opportunities the music industry offers.”

Founded in 2016, Musicow originally launched as a platform for investors to buy and sell stakes in K-pop song copyrights through public auctions or online marketplaces. Now, with its partnership with Roc Nation, U.S. music fans will have the chance to do the same.

When the new platform launches, expected in the first quarter of 2025, early users will get a head start with a free $10 in their Musicow wallet, allowing them to begin earning royalties before the competition.

Musicow CEO Woo Rhee cites the Roc Nation partnership as an “incredible opportunity to drive innovation and redefine the future of our industry.”

“I’m confident that together, we have the vision, expertise, and enthusiasm to create transformative progress and unlock limitless potential,” Rhee added.

RELATED CONTENT: 5 Musical Geniuses Whose Work Entered The Classroom

Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Met Gala, fashion
by Kandiss Edwards

January 24, 2025

A$AP Rocky Prosecutors Ask Jurors If They Are Part Of The Rihanna Navy

Rihanna is a topic of interest in the jury selection process for A$AP Rocky's trial.

Potential jurors in the A$AP Rocky assault trial are being evaluated based on their support of Rihanna, the mother of his children, TMZ reports.

Jurors are reportedly being asked if they have purchased any of the billionaire businessowman’s Fenty beauty products or clothing. The prosecution also got straight to the point, asking jurors if they could render a fair and impartial verdict if Rihanna happened to be sitting in the courtroom.

The trial stems from a 2021 incident in which the F**ken Problems rapper allegedly shot at his former friend, Terel Ephron. Rocky was arrested in April 2022 and charged with the crime.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office made a statement at the time of the arrest, highlighting its version of events:

“On Nov. 6, 2021, during a heated discussion in Hollywood, Mayers allegedly pointed a semi-automatic handgun at the victim. In a subsequent confrontation, Mayers allegedly drew the handgun and fired twice in the direction of the victim,” prosecutors said.

Four years after the incident, prosecutors are ready to proceed with the case. Early in the trial, there is significant interest in both Rocky and Rihanna.

In a preliminary hearing, Judge Mark S. Arnold asked pointed questions about the nature of Rocky and the Work singer’s marital status. Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, claimed he did not know if the couple was officially married and described the relationship as a common-law partnership.

Rocky appears to be taking it all in stride and is ready for his day in court. The rapper recently declined a plea deal in the case that would have mandated he spend six months in jail followed by three years of probation.

The model is still working to further solidify his name in the entertainment industry. The rapper will perform at the 2025 Rolling Loud festival and has been named a co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala.

RELATED CONTENT: Al Sharpton Wonders Why A$AP Rocky Only Received 4 Black Jurors For His Assault Trial

gas pump
by Sharelle B. McNair

January 24, 2025

Woman Who Had Gun Pointed At Her Head By White Man Over Gas Pump Said He ‘Had Hate In His Eyes’

Thank goodness things didn't go further....

A Black woman who was attacked by a white man over a gas pump said he “had hate in his eyes” while he pointed a gun to her head, IndyStar reports. 

A video of the incident circulated on social media showed Tashauna Gooch scared for her life as Mark Douglas White pointed a gun to her head at an Indianapolis gas station on Jan. 21. Gooch told police the ordeal started when she pulled up to a disabled gas pump. White pulled in behind her with a 2015 Ram pickup with a flatbed trailer attached, honking at her several times. After she moved her car, the 21-year-old said she got out, and the two started arguing. “I was sitting at the pump that wasn’t even working and he pulled up telling me to move all aggressive,” Gooch said. 

“I asked him what his problem was, and he started calling me all types of n-words and threatening me … Basically, I was at the pump too long for him.”

Three men, including a man who captured the incident on camera, are heard yelling at the man to put the gun down and leave her alone. Gooch can be heard telling them to “call the cops.” 

White, who lives in North Carolina according to court records, was arrested and charged with intimidation with a deadly weapon, battery with a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness, strangulation, and battery. When Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers arrived, he told them that Gooch pulled a gun on him first, but she denies those allegations and alleges witnesses can back her story up. “I have too much to live for, and I’m not going to shoot somebody for calling me the n-word. I had witnesses, and I wanted the police to come….” she said. Gooch did have a holstered firearm in her car.

“I (could) hear the hate in his voice.”

While the motivation behind the incident has not been identified — Gooch alleges she “was at the pump too long for him” — Josh Riddick of the Indiana Black Church Coalition believes there was racial discrimination ideology behind it and blames the new Trump-Vance administration. He pointed out the coincidence that something like this happened just days after Elon Musk’s controversial salute, being likened to that of Adolf Hitler. “There’s a deep history of racism in Indiana with housing the KKK, and that history isn’t that distant,” Riddick said, according to Yahoo. 

“Those people are still here, and when you have legislators and leaders both national and local using some of the language that they do, it influences people willing to cause everyday physical harm to minority groups.”

Gooch was struck several times, resulting in marks on her neck and a scratch on the back of her head. Officers claim they were likely caused by the Smith and Wesson in White’s hand. “I felt like if he wanted to shoot me, he would have just shot me,” the victim said. 

“I’m just happy we’re both still here.”

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Expunges Convictions Of St. Louis Couple Who Brandished Guns At BLM Protesters; Now They Want Their Firearms Back

Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, Trump
by Sharelle B. McNair

January 24, 2025

Lorenzo Sewell, The Pastor Who Performed At Trump’s Inauguration, Launches Meme Coin 

Do you believe him?

Just hours after 180 Church Pastor Lorenzo Sewell gave the invocation at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, he launched a new cryptocurrency token, Bridge Detroit reports. 

Sewell’s platform expanded after Trump visited his Detroit-based church for a “Blacks For Trump” rally in early 2024, prompting an invite to Washington for the inauguration. After his prayer went viral, he jumped on social media to promote his new cryptocurrency token, similar to one of Trump’s. “I need you to do me a favor right now: I need you to go buy the official Lorenzo Sewell coin,” Sewell said in a video posted to X. 

“I want you to be able to see politics become manifest not just in a way where we’re paying over political gatherings, but we’re seeing us become the hands and feet of the lord Jesus Christ. Will you help me?”

He continued to allege that purchasing the coin would help his ministry as the church provides transportation, food, and more. 

After the announcement on Jan. 20, Sewell’s coin value only started at a fraction of a penny when it went public, but 24 hours later, it increased dramatically. First lady Melania Trump also launched a pair of cryptocurrency tokens ahead of the inauguration. Social media reactions alluded to the launches as a Ponzi scheme. Meme coins are labeled risky financial investments because they are often correlated to gimmicks and tend to either soar or drastically drop in value. 

Several scammers have been linked to meme coins, so it’s no surprise that people reacted similarly to Sewell’s announcement. According to Fortune, social media users accused the preacher of swindling people, one even saying he was “stealing from the poor.” 

@artcandee called him a “fake Christian.” “You seem like an embarrassing fake Christian trying to grift off people.,” she wrote. 

https://twitter.com/ArtCandee/status/1881463605343957309

Several religious leaders said that movements like those of Sewell and the Trumps were not what God wanted.

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