by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 15, 2025

Washington Commanders’ Bobby Wagner Pursues Business Degree From Howard University

'I just looked at Howard as a great school to learn business from. It’s one of the best in the country, and why wouldn’t I choose them?'

An NFL player has taken steps toward obtaining his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree by enrolling at Howard University. According to HBCU Gameday, NFL All-Pro defense player Bobby Wagner is pursuing his degree at one of the most prominent HBCUs in the nation, Howard University.

Wagner, who plays for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, enrolled in the 18-month MBA program in January 2023. Thinking about life after football motivated the linebacker to take the course, as most NFL players don’t play more than five years in the league, and many go bankrupt within years after their playing days are over.

Out of all the schools to attend, he chose Howard because of the school’s reputation and history.

“I just looked at Howard as a great school to learn business from. It’s one of the best in the country, and why wouldn’t I choose them?” he asked.

The 34-year-old player is already a businessman, acting as his own agent when he negotiated his recent contract with the Commanders. Without employing an agent, he received a one-year, $8.5 million deal, with $6 million guaranteed, and didn’t have to give a percentage to anyone.

His drive to a successful post-NFL career has brought him to Howard, where he will grow into a businessman after completing the school’s business program.

“Similarly, with football, you always want to try to find ways to perfect your craft, so I felt like this was an opportunity for me to do that off the field,” he said.

Wagner, who has played in the NFL for 13 seasons, also gives back to the community. For his dedication to community activities and education, he was recently nominated for the NFL’s 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This award recognizes players for their contributions on and off the field.

Jack and Jill, Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King Day

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

Natural Grocers® And Jack And Jill Of America Foundation Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025 With Annual Fundraiser

Natural Grocers® and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation launched a new annual fundraiser on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Natural Grocers® has teamed up with the Jack and Jill of America Foundation to launch an annual fundraiser to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

On Jan. 13, Natural Grocers® announced an in-store fundraising campaign to support the Jack and Jill of America Foundation (JJOAF), scheduled for Jan. 20, 2025, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. During the campaign, customers can make additional donations at the register in increments of $1, $5, or $10. The company will also donate a portion of sales from all its stores nationwide to raise $45,000 or more for the Jack and Jill Foundation College Graduation Assistance Program (GAP) Fund.

In addition, Natural Grocers has committed to donating 1% of sales from its 167 stores to support HBCU students in achieving their academic goals. The GAP Fund, which provides scholarships to cover tuition expenses for students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), plays a key role in this initiative. Taking place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the fundraiser honors the civil rights leader’s legacy of social justice, education, and his connection as an HBCU alum.

“I am proud of our investment of $125,768 in 113 students that graduated in May 2024 — across five HBCUs, empowering the next generation of leaders,” Executive Director of Jack and Jill Foundation Pier Blake said in a statement.

“While this is a strong step forward, we are committed to doing even more with the generous partnership of Natural Grocers during their Martin Luther King Day campaign, as we aim to expand our impact and uplift even more deserving students. Together, we can continue to make dreams a reality.”

The campaign supports the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated (JJOA, Inc.), and its mission to address social issues impacting African American communities, families, and children. Families within Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated—the largest and most prominent African American family organization—play a crucial role in charitable giving and fundraising, raising over $2 million annually for the foundation and other causes.

“Financial challenges of pursuing a higher education can often feel overwhelming, and your support has made an immeasurable difference in my life,” said Annissa D. Owens, a May 2024 graduate from Southern University, whose student balance was paid by the Jack and Jill Foundation.

“Thanks to your generosity, I can now focus fully on navigating life after college without the constant worry of student debt. I cannot thank you enough for your dedication to supporting students like me and your incredible generosity. It is organizations like the Jack and Jill Foundation that help make education more accessible and inspire hope in students striving for their dreams. Your contribution has made a lasting impact on my life. We are forever grateful.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

Grammy Events Cancelled By Major Record Labels Amid LA Wildfires

Major record labels have canceled their Grammy Week events, choosing to redirect funds to support relief efforts for the LA wildfires.

Despite the ongoing wildfires raging through Southern California, the 67th annual Grammy Awards are still set to take place on Feb. 2. But Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Group have announced they will not be hosting any events to celebrate the occasion.

On Jan. 14, Sony Music Group joined Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group in canceling its Grammy Week party, opting instead to redirect the funds to support local relief efforts, Billboard reported. It came one day after the Recording Academy confirmed that this year’s Grammy Awards would proceed as planned, despite the wildfires affecting countless Los Angeles residents, including stars and industry professionals across music, film, and television.

Shortly after the Recording Academy’s announcement, UMG released its own statement canceling all Grammy-related events, including its artist showcase and after-party. The company announced it would instead “redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to assist those affected by the wildfires.”

“Our deepest gratitude goes to the first responders and emergency personnel, who continue to perform heroically,” Universal said in a statement.

“L.A. is home to so many of us. We are committed to helping and supporting the music community, our artists, our teams and the people of Los Angeles get through this horrific episode.”

Within 24 hours of UMG’s announcement, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Group also announced the cancellation of their planned Grammy events. Along with UMG’s relief efforts for those impacted by the wildfires, Warner Music Group announced its canceled Grammy Week party to instead redirect funds to wildfire relief efforts and aid those affected by the devastation.

It follows Warner Music Group’s previous pledge of $1 million to support fire relief and rebuilding efforts in the Los Angeles area through its Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles,” Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt, chair of the board of trustees, said in a statement. “This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days.”

“In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th Grammy Awards telecast on CBS on Feb. 2 will proceed as planned,” they continued. “This year’s show, however, will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”

by Stacy Jackson

January 14, 2025

California Wildfires Leave Several Black Families To Mourn Deaths Of Loved Ones

At least 24 deaths have been reported in the aftermath of the California wildfires. An exact death toll has not been revealed.

Residents of Southern California faced extreme wildfires that began last Tuesday, and the aftermath has left several Black families to mourn the deaths of loved ones who did not make it out of their homes.

NBC News reported that at least 24 victims died across the Los Angeles area, due to the wildfires that destroyed thousands of structures and forced around 180,000 residents to evacuate their homes. The exact death toll from the incident has not been revealed; however, for Anthony Mitchell, two family members, his father Anthony, 67, and younger brother Justin, are dead after they stayed behind in their Altadena home. The 67-year-old, who was also a great-grandfather of 10, stayed behind with Justin, who had cerebral palsy and was unable to walk. They were waiting for an ambulance to come for them to be evacuated, The Minnesota Star Tribune noted. “He probably could have gotten himself out, but he wasn’t going to leave my brother,” Mitchell said about his dad, who had an amputated leg and used a wheelchair to get around. ”He was not going to leave his son behind. No matter what,” said daughter Hajime White.

Dalyce Kelley believes her grandmother was unaware of the evacuation orders and may not have received the alerts. Kelley was the last family member to see her grandmother, Dalyce “Mama Dee” Curry, after she dropped her off at home on the same day the Eaton wildfire erupted in the Altadena community. Mama Dee, 95, was not able to evacuate her California home and died in the Eaton fire. Mama Dee was an extra in multiple classic movies of old Black Hollywood in the early 1900s. She appeared in movies like the Ten Commandments and The Blues Brothers and was mentored by Madame-Sul-Te-Wan, the first Black woman to secure a film contract in Hollywood, per the Golden Globes. Kelley said her grandmother loved Altadena and the aftermath of the wildfires would have deeply hurt her.

https://twitter.com/DrMamaKai/status/1878855903312802199

For Brianna Navarro, nearly everyone in their Altadena neighborhood knew her 83-year-old grandmother, Erliene Louise Kelley. On Thursday, Police confirmed Kelley’s death after the wildfire reached the home she tended to for over four decades. The woman lived with Navarro, her husband, and two daughters. The red glare the family saw outside did not look like anything major, but Navarro’s husband wanted to evacuate. “My husband, he’s not from out here, so he kind of was looking at it a little different than we were,” Navarro said. “We asked [her grandmother] … and she’s like: ‘No, no, I’m fine. You guys go ahead.'” Kelley lived through a wildfire before and was “at peace,” staying behind in the home.

Third victim from California wildfires identified as 83-year-old Erliene Louise Kelley.

She had been through a major wildfire in the past and assumed everything would be fine.

Kelley died when the fire engulfed the home, police confirmed to her granddaughter on Thursday. – NBC pic.twitter.com/pzXv1YJsCT
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) January 11, 2025

Other deaths that have been reported in the aftermath of the California wildfires include Rodney Kent Nickerson, 83, who AZ Intel stated on X, was found in his bed at home, and Victor Shaw, 66, who was found dead on the side of the road with a garden hose.

Victims killed in the California wildfires identified
Anthony and Justin Mitchell #AnthonyMitchell
Erliene Louise Kelley #ErlieneKelley
Victor Shaw
Rodney Kent Nickerson #RodneyNickerson
Rory Sykes#EatonFire #palisades #palisadesfire #losangeles https://t.co/5xdKdXzS4O pic.twitter.com/RLnMspN1Kr
— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) January 11, 2025

The Associated Press reported that as the Los Angeles area faces fierce winds and critical weather, additional firefighters from around the U.S., as well as Canada and Mexico, arrived on Monday. Mayor Karen Bass and other officials are confident first responders are prepared for any new threats.

Stephen A. Smith, Trump, YouTube, apologize, Stephen A. Smith

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 14, 2025

Stephen A. Smith Admits Being Glad President-Elect Trump Won Election

'I did not vote for Donald Trump, but I'm glad he won.'

Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith recently stated that although he did not vote for President-elect Donald Trump, he admits he is glad Trump emerged victorious in the election.

In a conversation with Dave Rubin posted on Rubin’s Instagram account, Smith seemed disappointed that he voted for Vice President Kamala Harris based on the Democratic Party’s talking points.

The video clip starts with Smith acknowledging Trump’s and the Republicans’ victory but clarifying that he did not vote for the president-elect.

“I did not vote for Donald Trump, but I’m glad he won.”

“Because when I see, especially in the aftermath of the election, some of the things that transpired with the Democratic Party, you know, in an effort to manipulate the election in the vote, it really ticked me off.”

He admitted that, based on what he heard from the Democrats, he felt guilted into voting for the vice president, and this “bothered” him.

“When you hear people talking about practical, practical things, and then I saw folks on the left, basically trying to guilt me into voting for you. It bothered me. I might have ended up voting for Kamala Harris because I didn’t like how Trump acts, but what I didn’t do was call him a racist.”

Smith acknowledges knowing Trump and having a casual relationship with him and knew that what the “left” was saying about him wasn’t true in terms of Trump being a racist and other perceived references to the incoming president.

“I didn’t call him a Nazi. I knew Trump before he ran for president. We talked on the phone; we talked at basketball games or boxing events. I knew this man there, so some of the things that were being said about him, I knew were not true.  And I was saying, come on, y’all, that you got to do better than that.”

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A post shared by Dave Rubin (@rubinreport)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 14, 2025

Did Def Jam Really Do A $13M Deal With LiAngelo Ball?

There's life after basketball for G3.

Former NBA prospect LiAngelo Ball, the middle brother of NBA players Lonzo (Chicago Bulls) and LaMelo (Charlotte Hornets), has reportedly signed a recording contract with Def Jam.

According to ESPN’s NBA insider, Shams Charania, after releasing his viral single, “Tweaker,” Ball inked a deal with the legendary hip-hop label. The deal, worth as much as $13 million with $8 million guaranteed, gives him full ownership of his music.

He released the song on the Born2Ball Music Group label and signed the deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group.

LiAngelo Ball has signed a deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group, a representative from his label Born2Ball Music Group says. Sources said the deal is worth as much as $13 million, with $8 million guaranteed, and gives Ball full ownership of music and his own record label.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 13, 2025

USA Today reported that Ball’s song has gained a following on social media. The video for “Tweaker” has over 8 million YouTube views.

Chart Data reported that the song sold 94,000 units in the first week it was released in the United States. It entered the top 10 streaming chart on Spotify on Jan. 8.

Though Ball’s hoop dreams have apparently gone away, his career as recording artist G3 looks to be in full bloom.

After not being selected in the 2018 NBA Draft after playing college ball at UCLA, Ball had several opportunities to make the league. He signed training camp deals with the Detroit Pistons (2020), and the Hornets (2021 and 2022), but he never played play in the regular season.

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

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 14, 2025

Rashida Jones To Step Down As President Of MSNBC In Days Ahead Of Trump Inauguration

Jones made history as the first Black executive to lead a major U.S. cable news network.

Rashida Jones has announced her decision to step down as president of MSNBC in the days ahead of Trump’s inauguration.

Jones, a Black woman, had served in the role with the NBCUniversal network for four years. With her appointment to the position in 2021, she made history as the first Black executive to lead a major U.S. television news network. She told the company on Jan. 14 that she intends to pursue other opportunities for the new year.

“I came to this decision over the holidays while reflecting on our remarkable journey and the many successes we’ve achieved together as a team. This has been the most rewarding chapter of my professional career, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished, which has been made possible only by you,” Jones said in a memo to staff obtained by NBC News.

Rebecca Kutler will take on the role of interim president. Prior to this, she served as the senior vice president of content strategy. Jones will stay on in an advisory role until March.

Through her tenure, which started a month after the Jan. 6 insurrection, she signed long-term deals to retain prime-time anchors such as Rachel Maddow. MSNBC also saw the relaunch of a mobile app and a premium subscription series under her leadership.

However, Jones’ decision comes at a time when MSNBC must juggle covering Trump’s incoming administration for its liberal audience. Moreover, alongside her transition of power comes a deal announced in November by Comcast.

The company will spin off most of its networks into a separate entity deemed SpinCo. MSNBC will join CNBC, USA Network, and other channels in this deal.

SpinCo.’s incoming chief executive, Mark Lazarus, spoke on Jones’ impact in the news media sphere. He noted how her triumphs have positively positioned MSNBC as it embarks on this era.

“Rashida has expertly navigated MSNBC through a years-long, unrelenting, and unprecedented news cycle, all while driving the network to record viewership and making investments in nonlinear businesses. MSNBC is well-positioned for the future,” shared Lazarus in a memo to staff.

While Jones’ tenure has been applauded, MSNBC will undergo its own considerations to raise viewership as ratings remain on the decline.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 14, 2025

Naomi Osaka Sent Someone To Retrieve Daughter’s Birth Certificate From LA Home While At Australian Open

Osaka revealed how she had to take action to keep her daughter's birth certificate while continents away.

Naomi Osaka had to take drastic measures to ensure her daughter’s legal documents were safe from the Los Angeles fires while the tennis champion performed at the Australian Open.

After advancing to the second round, Osaka revealed how her family was handling the fires during an on-court interview. While in the midst of defeating Caroline Garcia of France at Melbourne Park’s Rod Laver Arena on Jan. 13, Osaka had someone travel to her Los Angeles residence for her toddler’s birth certificate in case the fires impacted the home.

“Honestly, I don’t think I’ve been doing the greatest keeping focus, but obviously I won, so I think it’s an acceptable job,” Osaka said in the post-game discussion, wearing a black LA Dodgers hat and purple Lakers jersey to show her support. “It is really difficult for me. [Because] I find now my home is more of a home because I have memories with my daughter. There’s so many things — keepsakes and stuff like that.”

She added, “I’m not there, so I don’t know how bad it is or how bad it’s going to get. But I think the biggest thing that I am grateful for is that everyone in my family is safe… I don’t feel like it’s safe enough to go back there. It’s kind of a little bit in limbo — but also motivating me to hopefully stay here as long as I can.”

Osaka’s one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Shai, was safe, according to the Associated Press. However, the attentive mom took action upon discovering the fire burned three blocks from her house. Osaka welcomed Shai into the world in July 2023 with her former partner, rapper Cordae. The long-time couple recently announced their break up in early January.

As the former No. 1 seed competes in the tournament, her thoughts have also been on her community back home. Although she competes for Japan, she is also a U.S. citizen, having lived here since early childhood and in Los Angeles for the past few years.

“Sending all my love to LA,” the 27-year-old emphasized. “We hear about fires, but I didn’t know how devastating it could be,” Osaka said on court. “I hope everyone’s doing well.”

She and other players competing, including fellow Black tennis star Coco Gauff, have also written an “LA” alongside a heart in blue ink on the lens of the courtside camera. While Osaka remains in Australia for the competition, she hopes to score her fifth Grand Slam title.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 14, 2025

Isaac Hayes III’s Social Media App Fanbase CrowdFunds Over $5.2M, Gains Traction As TikTok Ban Nears

The app allows users to gain a profit not only through content but through interactions.

As a TikTok ban looms, Isaac Hayes III’s social media app, Fanbase, has gained traction with over $5.2 million secured through crowdfunding.

Hayes, the son of legendary R&B singer Isaac Hayes, founded the social media platform in 2018. According to its website, creators can directly earn revenue through their content. Furthermore, users can gain money through their interactions on the app. The platform, while free, also has subscription tiers to go further with monetization.

“For people who value content and community, Fanbase is a free-to-download, free-to-use, next-generation social network that allows any user to earn money from day one,” the company website explains.

Although available for years, the app is gaining new popularity as TikTok’s time runs out in the United States. The Atlanta-based platform has risen on the App Store charts as well. Fanbase recently gained the #6 spot on social media rankings and #16 on the overall app store downloads. While doing so, it also crossed the 5 million milestone in crowdfunding.

Hayes wrote about the achievement in a post on LinkedIn.

Hayes not only wants the public to join the app, but take part in its growth as investors. According to Afrotech, users can become investors for a minimum amount of $399 for the Black-owned startup.

He hopes to become the next dominant social media app on the market, one that lets every user have the opportunity to make a profit.

“I’m the only Black-founded start-up social media app that’s currently in existence that was founded for the entire planet, but it’s Black-owned in infrastructure and ownership,” Hayes told the publication’s “Black Tech Green Money” podcast.

“Instead of being customers to our creations, we are turning our innovations into acquisitions, and therefore, that is my pitch to tell people that, ‘Look. Facebook and Instagram are not going to be, and TikTok is not going to be the king of the hill. There’s no business that has existed that has lasted and dominated in perpetuity. Everything goes down.’”

Amazon, CEO, Andy Jassy, middle managers

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 14, 2025

First DEI And Now Amazon Silently Removes Protective Policies For Black And LGBTQ+ Employees

What's next?

Just weeks after Amazon dialed back on DEI policies, the company quietly removed protections for both Black and LGBTQ+ employees, Advocate reports.

Policies, including “solidarity” pledges for Black employees and healthcare benefits for transgender workers, were removed from the company’s public website. As the company once stood in “solidarity” with its African American workers, the retail giant removed a section titled “Equity for Black people” that detailed support of “legislation to combat misconduct and racial bias in policing, efforts to protect and expand voting rights, and initiatives that provide better health and educational outcomes for Black people.”

Amazon also removed an outline of the gender-affirming care benefits provided to employees under its healthcare plan. The policy once said it was “based on the Standards of Care published by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH),” along with a pledge stating the company was “working at the U.S. federal and state level on legislation” to assist with building anti-discrimination protections for transgender people.

Another page, once titled “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” now reads “Inclusive Experiences and Technology.” Once promising to “advance DEI through technology,” Amazon replaced the verbiage with a vow to “advance the employee experience.”

The removal dismayed many employees who were concerned about what their healthcare would look like. While the company claims the benefits are still in place, employees are still worried. “I’m a bit worried … if that will impact insurance coverage in the future,” one employee said via text message. Another employee highlighted how Amazon’s changes were “a bit of a backward step” from previously stated supportive actions, according to the Washington Post. Spokesperson Kelly Nantel defended the company’s moves, claiming, “We update this page from time to time to ensure that it reflects updates we’ve made to various programs and positions.”

The company feels employees shouldn’t be too taken aback by the changes, highlighting a memo from December 2024 where Vice President Candi Castleberry announced some DEI initiatives would be pushed back under the leadership of Founder Jeff Bezos.

Following the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling to overturn affirmative action in college admissions, major corporations pushed back or eliminated their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Ford Motor Co., Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply Co. succumbed to the conservative outcry, calling on them to pull back on support for misrepresented demographics, including Black and LGBTQ+ employees.
In early January 2025, McDonald’s, known for avidly supporting Black initiatives and HBCUs, scaled back on its diversity goals. This was followed by Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta, which confirmed that its employee DEI programs were being dismantled.