by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 26, 2024

Congress Members Urge President Biden To Pardon Late Political Activist Marcus Garvey

Although Garvey's sentencing for the charge was commuted, supporters of his legacy believe a pardon is necessary.

Members of the U.S. Congress are imploring President Biden to pardon late Jamaican political activist Marcus Garvey.

Garvey was convicted in 1923 of fraudulently using the mail. However, public consensus considers this charge a way to criminalize and target him.

Former President Calvin Coolidge commuted his sentence, but it remains on his record. However, current congressional leaders have asked President Biden to exonerate the civil rights leader formally. Jamaican-American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke is leading the initiative.

They emphasized the “abundantly clear narrative” that the charges sought to undermine his efforts toward Black empowerment across the diaspora.

“The evidence paints an abundantly clear narrative that the charges against Mr. Garvey were not only fabricated but also targeted to criminalize, discredit, and silence him as a civil rights leader,” detailed the letter obtained by the Jamaica Gleaner.

Their urgency on the matters comes as Biden’s term ends next month. The president has already issued a record number of pardons, including a notable one for his son, Hunter.

In the letter, they also detailed the numerous attempts former Congress members made to exonerate the activist. It included hearings in the House Judiciary Committee in 1987, prompted by Rep. John Conyers. Another round of resolutions spearheaded by Rep. Charles Rangel occurred in 2004.

Clarke and her fellow supporting congress members hope this pardon would “restore the legacy” of the man who championed Black empowerment and remains especially revered in Jamaica.

The letter continued, “At a time when Black history faces the existential threat of erasure by radical state legislatures, a presidential pardon for Garvey would correct the historical record and restore the legacy of an American hero.”

Garvey was a notable Black nationalist who advocated for Black people’s social, economic, and political advancement. His ideologies, known as Garveyism, were controversial for their separatist views. However, his work did lead to the establishment of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).

His son, Dr. Julius Garvey, remains optimistic that President Biden will include him as he continues the rollout of pardons.

“As for my father, who sacrificed his life to elevate our people worldwide and was committed to reconstructing African culture and history, he was made into a criminal,” explained Dr. Garvey, as reported by Afro.com. “But we’re not giving up because we know that the history being taught today is false. No lie can last forever, and as we witness today, the very fabric of those lies and history is being pulled apart. So, we’ll continue to advocate for the pardon of my father until right prevails.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 26, 2024

Steph and Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. Will Start Renovating School Libraries In 2025

Steph and Ayesha Curry's Eat. Learn. Play. announces plans to renovate elementary school libraries in 2025.

Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. program is going full steam ahead into the new year with a new initiative to renovate elementary school libraries and parks.

Starting in 2025 with Madison Park Academy, Eat. Learn. Play. will remodel the school’s library and park, with plans to expand the initiative to other elementary schools across the Oakland Unified School District, Andscape reports. This new effort aligns with the Curry family’s mission to enhance the lives of children and families in Oakland by providing kids in need with access to nutritious meals, resources for learning and reading, and safe, welcoming spaces for physical activity.

“Just trying to bring joy to the kids in a lot of different ways, not only with the resources that they get, the take homes that they get, the books that they get, but just for them to have just a fun oasis for however long they get to spend going to all the different stations and just for them to get immersed in it and be present,” Steph said during the 12th annual “Christmas with the Currys” event.

Ayesha shared how much she and her husband love giving back through Eat. Learn. Play. and how meaningful it is to see the impact of their work by sharing an exchange she had with a young girl from Madison Park Academy during the holiday event.

“I was like, ‘yes.’ And she was like, ‘I ate your meals at my soccer program,’ ” Ayesha shared. “And I was like, ‘Oh.’ She’s like, ‘I really like the burritos.’ And just the fact that she had the awareness of where the food was coming from and just the thought to be a kid and be like, ‘Hey, thank you,’ … one, it’s a very heartwarming, appreciated. But also, I hate the thought of a child having to have that wherewithal or that knowledge of the fact that they needed to get a meal to go to soccer. But we do encounter that all the time…”

Based on the feedback the Currys receive from the Oakland community, including from children, parents, and school alumni and staff, Ayesha notes how the exchanges “add fuel to my fire of wanting to do more.”

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The holiday event brought joy to 200 Oakland students at Madison Park Academy. It offered activities like painting, playing in a petting zoo and bounce house, enjoying healthy and delicious food, and dancing alongside the Warriors Girls and DJ D-Sharp. This marks the 12th year the NBA champion and his wife have hosted the event for the city of Oakland. During this year’s celebration, they announced plans to renovate Madison Park Academy’s library and park to expand similar renovations to other schools.

The Currys launched Eat. Learn. Play. in 2019, and in the five years since then, the NBA star has seen the fruits of his labor.

“Then for the results to kind of show up — with all the places that we’ve been able to refurbish, the goals even for next year, the amount of schools we’ve been able to touch, the amount of books we’ve been able to put in kids’ hands, the amount of meals that’ve been able to go out the door — all of it is truly powerful. And you feel the love from people who have been touched by it,” Steph said.

This holiday season, Eat. Learn. Play has been delivering over $2 million in resources and support to students and families. Throughout December, Oakland Unified School District students and their families participated in holiday events and surprise pop-up book fairs, where the organization and its partners distributed books and gifts.

Additionally, the Safeway Foundation contributed $200,000 and provided 1,000 Safeway gift cards to Oakland families in need. For the fifth year in a row, Eat. Learn. Play. gave a holiday gift to all 18,000 elementary school students in Oakland.

Texas Corrections Officer, Chicken Wings,

by Mitti Hicks

December 26, 2024

DOJ Considering Changes To Federal Inmate Commissary

The proposed changes come after scrutiny of the amounts in some inmates accounts, particularly inmates with notoriety.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and Department of Justice (DOJ) are considering changes to the federal inmate commissary.

The BOP and DOJ submitted a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) in how the agencies handle the Inmate Financial Responsibility Program (IFRP). The proposed changes come, in part, after scrutiny of the amounts in some inmates’ accounts, particularly inmates with notoriety. For example, Larry Nasser and R. Kelly are inmates who’ve had upwards of tens of thousands of dollars in their accounts, Forbes reports.

Critics argue that money in inmate accounts should not be used to improve their comforts while in federal prison because they have victims who also need to be compensated. For both Nasser and Kelly, the large sums of money in their accounts shield them from victims and their financial obligations.

The IFRP has existed since 1987. It was created to encourage federal prisoners to pay their financial obligations and support them in developing financial planning skills to pay court-ordered restitution, court fines, and more.

While IFRP claims to be a voluntary program, it’s important to note there are some advantages to participating. Some inmates can also participate in prerelease custody programs such as a halfway house for enrolling in IFRP. There are also penalties for not participating, including loss of commissary.

Changes The BOP Is Proposing

Some of the changes relate to previously proposed changes in the BOP’s and DOJ’s SNPRM from January 2023. These changes concern how inmates satisfy their financial obligations related to judgments and how they use the IFRP to fulfill these obligations. The Bureau is proposing in the January 2023 SNPRM that the financial obligations be modified to include child, spousal, and other familial support obligations and adding a new paragraph for “other non-family support state or local court obligations.”

“The Bureau still intends to make the two changes to the introductory paragraph that were detailed in the January 2023 NPRM,” the notice reads. “These changes were the deletion of language that was intended to serve as guidance for Bureau employees and the addition of language requiring that any payment plan laid out in the inmate’s judgment and commitment order (J&C) be implemented as the inmate’s IFRP payment plan.”

BOP is currently taking public comments on whether an inmate should be exempt from IFRP participation for a certain length of time before re-entry.

“For example, the inmate could be exempt from IFRP participation during the 90 or 180 days prior to either (1) the inmate’s transition to a residential re-entry center or home confinement, or (2) expiration of the inmate’s term of imprisonment, if the inmate is not participating in community confinement,” the notice reads.

Written and electronic comments must be postmarked or submitted on or before Feb. 18, 2025.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 26, 2024

8 Black-Owned Restaurants You Should Visit While In Toronto

If you plan a trip to the Canadian city, these places should be on your list to dine

Is there any city outside the United States that compares to New York City? Of the ones I’ve encountered over the years, I can safely give a resounding no. However, after a trip to Canada, I can definitely say that Toronto is the closest comparison to my home state of New York. The dining experience was enjoyable, as I got the chance to visit several, specifically Black-owned restaurants.

I got to visit the city that Drake proudly calls ‘the 6’. There are sites to see and enjoy, but, as we all know, food is always a draw to any destination, and I was able to dine at a few.

With the atmosphere hitting right while taking in the warmth of the Canadian town, I did the tourist thing and even got to visit the CN Tower with its wide view of the city. But, with my fear of heights, I made sure it wasn’t a long stay at the attraction. The “6” reminded me so much of New York City with the density and fullness of the streets (I was in downtown Toronto, so I can’t speak on other parts of the city), but with friendlier people roaming the area.

With New Yorkers having a bad reputation for being rude (OK, maybe that’s true…), I did find comfort in not having to be on the defensive while taking a stroll in the city. I stayed at the W Toronto Hotel in the Yorkville section of Toronto.

As a great supporter of Black businesses wherever I go, I had to savor the taste of some Black-owned eateries through the few days I was there.

I was able to dine at Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, a nice little Caribbean spot rivaling some restaurants in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The restaurant gave a nice little hometown feel as the place was a little small; it gave off a more intimate feel as I was able to speak to other patrons while eating. It’s a perfect place for a first date, business meeting, or brunch, with the warm vibes felt in the place. No complaints. The food was great, and the drinks were very satisfying. I do plan on going back once I visit the city again.

Dining at Miss Likklemores, a bigger restaurant with a fuller menu, brought so much satisfaction to my stomach that there was no way I could finish the meal I ordered. The choices on the menu had me viewing it far longer than I should have, and even after ordering, I kept the menu to see what they had.

The portion size was plentiful and pleasantly unexpected. The restaurant also had a more “bougie” setting. Although it had a dark interior, it fit the restaurant’s mood, which is ideal for those seeking refuge in a place that will soothe the soul and the stomach.

After a few days, I went to IRENE Restaurant on the waterfront, which had exquisite views of the water. The menu offered breakfast and lunch options, as well as Caribbean and American food. The food was great for the palate, and the selection of drinks matched the atmosphere surrounding the eatery.

Of course, since I was only in town for two nights, it was impossible to visit the many choices in the T. O., but with the help of some Toronto Black business owners and executives, as well as some friends from up North, I was able to tell them about several Black-owned restaurants they suggest anyone who comes into town check out.

Scotthill Caribean Cuisine and Miss Likklemores on King West are Menisha Moses, media relations manager for Business Events & Trade at Destination Toronto, ‘s clear top choices.

“One of my favorites would have to be Scotthill Caribean Cusine on Avenue Rd. It’s family-owned and insanely authentic seasoning. Some places might water down the flavor to appease a larger audience, but Chef Keith stays true to his roots.”

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“Close second is Miss Likklemores on King West. The vibe and the elegance is not something you typically see for Caribean cuisine so I love that Chef Darren is raising the bar.”

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A post shared by datenight Toronto (@datenightyyz)

Bakers Jerk House, Onyxx Sports Bar, and Boukan: Toronto recording artist Ceyion gives three of his favorite choices.

“Bakers Jerk House Restaurant and Onyxx Sports Bar are two of the best Black-Owned restaurants on the west side. Both of these mobile cater in and around the city, serving at major Black events, concerts, and festivals in Toronto while also having flagship stores on the west side of the city. These are both Black-owned with creative dishes.

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A post shared by Takeout | Dine-In & Bar | Food Truck Catering (@bakersjerkhouse)

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A post shared by Onyxx Sports Bar & Grill (@onyxxsportsbar)

“I added a third, Boukan. They are a Haitian food restaurant, super fire, and cultural spot in the Downtown area.

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A post shared by Boukan Catering & Events (@boukan.to)

King Rustic Kitchen and Bar, SugarKane Restaurant and Chubby’s: Founder and Owner of Events by Dionne gives a detailed reason why she chose these spots.

“Why? It’s on King West, located close enough to BMO Field for pre-game ( Toronto FC – Soccer) drinks and apps. The atmosphere brings a vibe that I call Rustic Chic. It’s casual but not low-grade — perfect for after-event chilling. The brunch menu is amazing and I can’t get enough of the French Toast and Fried Chicken — but there’s also salads, sandwiches, and burgers with Cajan fries…..nom nom nom. The cocktails are also top-tier — my go-to is Port Royal. Owner and mixologist Loren Amos curates the drinks.”

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SugarKane Restaurant- “Good food but also live music, so it has a “lounge vibe” when looking for something to do in the city. It’s on the east end of the Danforth ( another popular street for restaurants and cultural experiences ), owned by a pair of twins, so it’s a cool story as well.

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A post shared by SugarKane 699 Danforth Ave (@sugarkanerestaurant)

Chubby’s: “But you’ve been there :)”

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A post shared by Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen (@chubbysjamaican)

As there are many Black-owned restaurants in Toronto to dine in, these are just a few that you can start with to enjoy the experience your tongue will love!

Private Equity, Housing, Healthcare, Rent control, child care, ownership, economic growth, rent

by Daniel Johnson

December 25, 2024

Could Rent-Controlled Apartments Offset Rising Costs For Renters In 2025?

Although the Biden administration proposed a largely symbolic 5% cap on annual rental increases for the next two years for existing units owned by large landlords, the rental cap debate rages on.

According to a November survey of landlords operating at least one single-family investment property conducted by ResiClub and LendingOne, 84% intend to raise their rent prices in 2025.

As Fast Company reports, although only 202 landlords responded to the survey, the results provide a snapshot of the relative financial insecurity of landlords who intend to raise rents to recoup the rising costs of property management and interest rates.

Though 75% of landlords expect to buy at least one investment property in 2025, another 33% expect to sell at least one property in 2025. This reflects a cautious optimism about rental demand, rent growth, and price appreciation amid their concerns over interest rates and rising operating costs for investment properties.

Although the Biden administration proposed a largely symbolic 5% cap on annual rental increases for the next two years for existing units owned by large landlords in July, which the administration defined as those with more than 50 units, the rental cap debate rages on.

According to MarketWatch, renters have experienced significant rent increases over the past five years. Between June 2019 and June 2024, rental prices for units with zero to two bedrooms increased by 21.2%.

Realtor.com’s Chief Economist Danielle Hale told the outlet that recent rental price increases have strained renters’ budgets.

“Rental costs have risen significantly since before the pandemic and inflation has further strained renters’ budgets, underscoring the need for more supply to meet demand and to keep renters from contributing an increasing percentage of their incomes to housing costs,” Hale said.

According to Tara Raghuveer, the director of the Tenant Union Federation, rent control is necessary to relieve the increased rental costs.

“Rent control is sound economic policy, and it is the only solution that meets the urgency and scale of the crisis that millions of tenants endure every month,” Raghuveer said in a statement. “The president’s monumental directive is a recognition of the federal government’s responsibility to regulate the rental market and tenants’ power as a political class.”

Rent control, however, is not uniform and varies wildly from city to city. This makes the Biden administration’s proposal attractive to some experts, like University of Michigan economist Justin Wolfers, who pointed out in a series of social media posts in July that rent increases are the biggest driver of inflation.

The biggest benefit is macroeconomic: Rent is currently the biggest driver of inflation. The Fed has failed to convince landlords that the era of high inflation is over. So the White House is going to do it instead. If it succeeds, we'll get disinflation without a recession.
— Justin Wolfers (@JustinWolfers) July 17, 2024

In addition to Wolfers, Bill Kowalczuk, a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Warburg in New York, believes the rent control proposal could benefit renters.

“I don’t think it’s a bad idea,” Kowalczuk said. “Especially in a market where tenants have seen much higher increases than that. At this point, everyone’s rent has increased exponentially since 2021. Five percent is still a good amount of money on top of already high rents.”

A 2019 paper on rent control in San Francisco, authored by Stanford economists Rebecca Diamond, Tim McQuade, and Franklin Qian, suggests that rent control could potentially prevent the displacement of Black and other renters of color.

As they wrote, “the effects of rent control on tenants are stronger for racial minorities, suggesting rent control helped prevent minority displacement from San Francisco.”

However, Black and other residents of color are also underrepresented in rent-controlled apartments, which the Urban Institute ultimately concluded means that rent control as it currently functions means that its “benefits are concentrated among wealthier, whiter households.”

Still, Jerusalem Demsas, as she wrote for Vox in 2021, sees rent control as a vital economic policy that could help discourage displacement amid increasing rental costs.

“Rent control does not and will not fix the underlying cost problem, and in a vacuum, a new rent control policy would likely exacerbate the supply crisis. But rent control as a tool for reducing displacement and as a part of a broader housing policy in high-cost cities and suburbs is necessary. Economists may be wary now, but if they don’t get on board and help design these policies, cities may be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.”

by Daniel Johnson

December 25, 2024

James Meredith Honored With Historical Marker In Mississippi Hometown

Initially, Meredith attended Jackson State College, now Jackson State University, but during his sophomore year, he sued in order to gain admission to the University of Mississippi, breaking its color line

James Meredith, the man who desegregated the campus of the University of Mississippi, commonly referred to as Ole Miss, in 1962, was honored with a historical marker in his hometown of Kosciusko, Mississippi, on Dec. 20. Meredith and media personality Oprah Winfrey are the two most recognized figures ever to call the town their home.

According to The Associated Press, the 91-year-old Meredith watched the ceremony from a city-owned pick-up truck, wearing a red Ole Miss baseball cap.

Approximately 85 people attended the ceremony in the small town, but Meredith was proud to be honored.

“Most important day of my life,” Meredith told the AP. “Over half the people here are my relatives,” he said. “And for relatives to stand out in the cold like they did — that’s something special.”

Meredith still resists being called a civil rights leader.

Initially, he attended Jackson State College, now Jackson State University. Still, during his sophomore year, he sued for admission to the University of Mississippi, breaking its color line when he enrolled and registered.

As was common during the era of Jim Crow, when Meredith registered at Ole Miss, a white mob tried to use violence to intimidate him, which resulted in the U.S. Marshalls protecting Meredith both on and off the school’s Oxford, Mississippi, campus.

The historical marker is near the brick house where Meredith, his parents, and some of his siblings lived while he attended school.

The marker also notes that Meredith was shot in 1966 during the “March Against Fear,” a walk from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson, Mississippi, an effort to encourage Blacks to register to vote across the South.

The marker was created by Davis Houck, the Fannie Lou Hamer Professor of Rhetorical Studies at Florida State University, and his students to preserve Meredith’s story and legacy in his hometown.

According to Kosciusko Mayor Tim Kyle, Meredith’s actions changed the course of history.

“He’s a man whose courage profoundly altered the course of history,” Kyle told the AP.

According to the Mississippi Link, in his speech, Kyle sought to honor the ideals that James Meredith represents, as he told the crowd.

“It was a time when a simple act of pursuing an education became an extraordinary act of defiance, resilience and hope. In 1962, James Meredith became the first Black student to enroll at the University of Mississippi, breaking down the barriers of segregation. He did not seek fame or recognition. He sought to challenge an unjust system that denied him basic rights and declare that inequality and discrimination have no place in education, law, or society. His courage in the struggle he endured opened doors once shut by prejudice and hatred. He reminds us that progress is neither swift nor guaranteed but requires unwavering dedication and faith.”

Kyle concluded, “Today, as we dedicate this marker, we not only honor James Meredith, but we also honor the ideals that he represents, which is courage, resilience, justice, and the belief that all men are equal under God.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 25, 2024

Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis Sued By Woman Accusing Him Of Severing A Potential Deal With Chris Brown

A pharmaceutical scientist is suing Glen "Big Baby" Davis for allegedly ruining a potential Chris Brown deal.

Glen “Big Baby” Davis is behind bars serving his 40-month prison sentence, but that doesn’t mean he’s exempt from getting sued.

Pharmaceutical scientist Dr. Lyndsey White filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles on Friday, suing the incarcerated NBA alum for unspecified damages over a breach of contract, intentional misrepresentation, and more, TMZ reports. White claims she was introduced to Chris Brown through Davis and was working on a fragrance deal with the singer before Davis ruined the relationship and turned aggressive, “causing her to fear for her life.”

The ordeal caused White to sever her ties with Brown and caused her to lose out on business with “a major client,” the suit states. White first met Davis while working on a barbecue sauce line they agreed on in April 2021 called “Big Baby Q” BBQ sauce.

Shortly after developing the sauce, White loaned Davis $30,000 so they could invest in a marijuana business together. Following the loan, Davis introduced her to Brown, who expressed interest in her developing a fragrance line for him.

However, everything quickly went downhill following Davis’ arrest in October 2021 for defrauding the NBA’s Players’ Health and Benefit Welfare Plan. After his arrest and mounting legal woes, Davis allegedly became hostile toward White and issued threats that put her in a state of fear. He also severed her budding relationship with Brown, and now White wants Davis to pay up.

She is suing Davis for the $30,000 she loaned him, which she accuses him of spending on legal fees. She also criticizes him for selling the barbecue business and not giving her any profits despite her role in helping to craft the sauce.

Amid the lawsuit, Davis remains in prison at FPC Duluth in Minnesota, serving a nearly three-year sentence stemming from his 2024 conviction. A recent photo of Davis behind bars has been making its rounds on social media.

https://twitter.com/SaycheeseDGTL/status/1870573988780363975

The NBA alum appears to be adjusting to his circumstances.

UNESCO, Pharrell Williams, Richard Mille, watch, black designer

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 25, 2024

Pharrell Williams Named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Hopes To ‘Even The Odds For Marginalized Kids And Adults’

Pharrell Williams has been named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, aiming to address disparities affecting marginalized youth.

Pharrell Williams is taking his love for humanity to new heights as the newly appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

On Dec. 17, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced Williams’ appointment, highlighting his dedication to education, culture, and peace as the foundation for his new role, Afro News reports. To commemorate his appointment, Williams spoke to 800 secondary school students and fashion, music, and film students at UNESCO Headquarters during a screening of his biopic, Piece by Piece, in Paris, France.

“We’ll help to liberate, and what I mean by that, in such a crazy time. We’re at a crisis as a species. We are so divided. And I love and respect the older folks, but I’m not betting on them,” Williams told the crowd, as captured by AP.

“I’m betting on the youth. I’m betting on the kids. I’m betting on all the people who have been marginalized for so long, generationally, to stand up, band together, and realize that we’re so much stronger when we pull together.”

It seems Williams already had UNESCO in mind when he hosted his fourth fashion show as Louis Vuitton’s Men’s creative director at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters in June. Titled “The World is Yours,” the show celebrated universalism and diversity, set against the backdrop of the 194 flags representing UNESCO’s Member States.

“Words cannot describe how I feel about being chosen by UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador. Thank you to Director-General Audrey Azoulay for this opportunity,” Williams said in a UNESCO statement. “I’m honored to continue our work in evening the odds for children and adults through education with YELLOW and Black Ambition.”

“A complete artist, Pharrell Williams is also a humanist who works to put culture at the service of peace and bringing people together,” Azoulay said. “He believes in the power of creativity and education to build a better future. His commitments resonate with UNESCO’s mandate. I am delighted that he is joining UNESCO’s family of Goodwill Ambassadors today to support our action.”

by Kandiss Edwards

December 25, 2024

10 Black Movies That Bring Out The Christmas Cheer

It’s time to break out the Black holiday classics.

Christmas traditions vary from household to household. For some, an elf on the shelf wreaks havoc throughout the house during Christmas. Other families join together to sing Black Christmas classics — on the count of three, everybody says, “In my mind!”

One of the best ways to engage in Christmas cheer is to snuggle up and watch a Black Christmas classic. So, get your matching pajamas, hot cocoa, and popcorn ready. Put the elf back on the shelf — or the couch — and get into music, magic, and Black Christmas shenanigans. If you’re unsure which of the many films to watch, BLACK ENTERPRISE has curated a list of hilarious, uplifting, and nostalgic films full of Christmas cheer.

Preacher’s Wife (1996)

The Preacher’s Wife is Black Christmas Excellence. Whitney. Houston, Courtney B. Vance, and Denzel Washington star in this classic. A lonely wife, a busy husband, Denzel as an angel, and a neglected child should not create so much joy, but it does. Denzel and Whitney’s on-screen chemistry was so captivating that some viewers hoped for a different ending. After watching this 1996 classic, turn up the soundtrack to hear Houston’s haunting rendition of I Believe In You And Me.

https://youtu.be/tHvyt8nwzfU?si=QYMGWTLzs8SpZ8xg

This Christmas (2007)

The ensemble cast of This Christmas will keep you and your family laughing. Loretta Devine and Regina King hold down the fort as veteran actresses. While Idris Elba, Chris Brown, and Laz Alonzo give holiday eye candy to make the aunties of the family swoon.

Friday After Next (2022)

A hood classic, Friday After Next, follows Craig and Day-Day as they work as “top flight security” and have run-ins with some of the most iconic characters in the franchise. Watch Ice Cube and Mike Epps interact with Terry Crews, Katt Williams, and John Witherspoon, giving full doses of Christmas comedy.

Holiday Heart (2000)

Ving Rhames shows his versatility as an actor and leaves audiences sobbing. Holiday Heart is a story of grace, kindness, and finding family. Alfre Woodard’s character will break your heart with her struggles, and the love of family will put it back together.

A Diva’s Christmas Carol (2000)

Former Miss America Vanessa Williams shines brightly as an aging diva with an attitude. Take a trip through Christmas past, present, and future with the modern-day R&B Scrooge. Watching the singer learn to tame her temperament while singing upbeat Christmas tunes is a joy.

Jingle Jangle (2020)

The first Black Disney princess, Anika Noni Rose, lends her voice and presence to this magical tale of invention. Forest Whitaker plays a once joyful but now ornery toy maker who rediscovers the magic of Christmas through the curiosity and excellence of his long-lost granddaughter.

Miracle In Motor City (2021)

Tia Mowry has become one of the queens of Christmas films. In Miracle In Motor City, Mowry promises a spectacular show for her church’s Christmas pageant, complete with a Smokey Robinson cameo. Watch as a Detroit miracle comes to life.

Christmas Comes Twice (2020)

The second Mowry to make the Christmas Queen list is Tamera Mowry-Housely. Housely stars in Christmas Comes Twice, a story of time travel, first loves, and second chances. Hop on a magical Christmas carousel as the anxious newscaster relives Christmas past.

Last Holiday (2006)

Dana “Queen Latifah” Owens leans into her comedic chops during what her character believes is her Last Holiday. A terminal illness diagnosis makes a shy sales clerk fearless, fun, and flirty. Frolicking through the snow and seeking new adventures puts the Queen’s character in the sights of a sexy holiday package, LL Cool J.

Best Man Holiday (2013)

Over a decade after its predecessor, The Best Man cast returns to give the people what they want: closure. The semi-broken friend group comes together to celebrate the holidays. Taye Diggs and Morris Chestnut and the group heal from betrayal, endure grief, and lean into holiday nostalgia.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 25, 2024

UNCF Hosts 41st Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball in Atlanta, Raising $4M For HBCU Students At Its ‘Evening Of Elegance’

Over 2,000 esteemed guests attended the masquerade, all dedicated to helping these diverse scholars and institutions thrive.

Christmas arrived early for The United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The organization’s Mayor’s Masked Ball raised money during its festivities, with $4 million going toward supporting HBCU students nationwide. Actor Anthony Anderson served as the event’s master of ceremonies, and Big Boi and legendary singer Charlie Wilson entertained the robust audience as musical guests.

On Dec. 21, over 2,000 esteemed guests attended the masquerade at Atlanta’s exclusive Signia Hotel, all dedicated to helping these diverse scholars and institutions thrive. The evening’s theme, “A Night of Elegance and Generosity: Celebrating Support for HBCUs and Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders,” also amplified UNCF’s mission to further Black youth in education.

In its 80 years, UNCF has raised roughly $6 billion to support higher education for African American students. BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke to the organization’s President and CEO, Dr. Michael Lomax. Lomax, who just celebrated 20 years at the helm, enthusiastically discussed UNCF’s accomplishments: “We’ve helped over 600,000 students get a college education, and over the last 20 years, we’ve raised $4 billion, and over the last four years, we’ve raised over a billion dollars,” Lomax told BE.

“We’re helping more students than ever before, and HBCUs are more popular than ever before.”

“The Mayor’s Masked Ball is more than an evening of elegance –- it’s a beacon of hope for the countless students striving to achieve their dreams,” said UNCF Assistant Vice President Justine Boyd in a press statement.

“We’re grateful for the incredible support that makes this possible.”

Hosted by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and emceed by Anderson, a Howard University alum, the event celebrated the nonprofit’s storied effort to champion academics. With celebrities, elected officials, and business leaders in tow, the ball encouraged all to give back to those coming after them. Furthermore, the event especially honored Nicole “Nikki” Loftin, president of Social Impact and the UPS Foundation.

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Made possible with Norfolk Southern as its title sponsor, the masked ball exuded Black excellence with a focus on uplifting its community. Atlanta hosts five HBCUs in its domain, including Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, Morris Brown, and Morehouse School of Medicine.

With fellow homegrown institutions like Coca-Cola continuing its support as a founding sponsor, the fundraising occasion will provide more possibilities to local HBCU students. Other Atlanta-based corporations, such as Chick-fil-A and Delta Airlines, contributed as presenting sponsors.

Remembering its motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” UNCF and its Atlanta chapter’s efforts remain ongoing. As the legacy of the Mayor’s masked ball continues across America, so does the work for its unwavering cause.

Funding is always needed to ensure HBCU scholars can achieve their academic ambitions. Supporters can continue raising the bar by donating the gift of a college education.