After decades of Republican dominance, Texas Democrats are banking on a political shift. And if Dr. Letitia Plummer has anything to say about it, that moment may finally be arriving.
Plummer, the Democratic nominee for Harris County judge, entered the 2026 race as an underdog against former Houston Mayor Annise Parker. In May, she defeated Parker and secured the nomination for the November general election. The victory positioned Plummer—a Black Muslim woman and lifelong small-business owner—at the center of one of Texas’s most closely watched local races. Now campaigning across Harris County, she’s making a bigger argument about Dr. Letitia Plummer and the state’s political future. Texas, she argues, may not be as reliably Republican as its reputation suggests.
“Oftentimes folks say that Texas is a red state, and that’s really not true,” Plummer said in an exclusive interview with The Root. “We’re a non-voting state.”
In Texas, millions of uncast ballots have the potential to reshape elections. Plummer’s argument centers on voter turnout, particularly among communities that have historically felt disconnected from the political process. She points to what she calls “dormant” voters who’ve accepted the conservative narrative rather than engage.
“Our voters have just been dormant because the expectation is, ‘We’re never going to get what we really want and need, since we’re such a conservative state,'” she explained. “We’re not blue, obviously, but we’re definitely a swing state. We’re turning more purple.”
Plummer sees her own campaign as part of that shift. Her primary victory mattered not just because of the candidates involved, but because it signaled Democratic voters hungry for new leadership. She previously served on the City Council and spent 27 years building a business. She’s half Yemeni Persian and half Black, the daughter of an immigrant, Muslim, a single mother, and an entrepreneur. Those intersecting identities, she says, allow her to find common ground across communities without compromising her values.
“I could walk into an independent room, and I could find some similarities in what we can resonate with,” she told The Root.
Photo by the Texas Democratic Party
Running as a Black Muslim woman in Texas also means campaigning against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s second term. While discrimination based on race, gender, and religion isn’t new to her, the current political environment has amplified the noise.
“I’ve really had to dig deep into who I am and who my family taught me to be,” she said. “The best thing that I can do is put my blinders on and focus on the end goal.”
That goal is unity across the country and within the Democratic Party itself. Democrats have faced criticism for lacking a clear, cohesive message that connects voters across the spectrum. Plummer argues that Republicans succeed by communicating consistent talking points, while Democrats’ broad coalition sometimes dilutes their message.
“We accept all, which is really amazing,” she said of her party. “But when you’re trying to win nationwide without a singular message, it is hard to consolidate folks. And I think that’s our problem.”
The stakes, in Plummer’s view, extend beyond Harris County. She believes policies she’s developing in Texas could become national models, particularly on issues affecting Black women: health care, maternal mortality, environmental justice, flooding, and economic opportunity. Representation, she emphasizes, is part of that equation.
“Our campaign has been really focusing on unity and hope: How do I bring every single culture together, lean on our similarities, deal with our differences later, but lean on our similarities?” she said.
Plummer will face off against former Harris County Treasurer Orlando Sanchez for a chance to become the first Black county judge in Harris County history. A victory would be symbolic and substantive, signaling broader political realignment in a state long considered solid Republican territory.
“I truly believe it’s the first chance ever for us to take Texas,” Plummer said. “And when that happens, everything changes.”
Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or a tear-filled cross-country drive to college, no parent is ever truly ready for the emotional weight of school drop-off day. Celebrities know it just as well as anyone else. Celebrity back-to-school moments have become unexpectedly candid windows into parenting—the kind that remind us money and fame don’t shield you from watching your kid grow up faster than expected. From Usher sharing a heartfelt video cheering on his son at Howard University to Kevin Hart openly admitting he cried in the car after dropping his daughter at college, these milestone moments hit the same way for everyone.
We’ve collected the most genuine and touching videos and photos of celebrities sending their kids off to school, because sometimes the realest celebrity content isn’t the red carpet—it’s the quiet moment of letting go.
Usher Drops Cinco at Howard University
This summer, Usher paused his stadium tour co-headlining with Chris Brown to be present for his son’s first week at Howard University. In a TikTok clip that’s since circulated, the R&B icon delivered words that felt less like a celebrity soundbite and more like something any proud parent would say.
“This is just the beginning, man. What a wild and amazing adventure. You’re here in the Mecca. It’s your time to shine, kid. You wanted this; you manifested this; you called it into action,” he said. “You didn’t give up. Now this is your beginning, man. I’m so proud of you.”
Angelina Jolie Drops Zahara at Spelman College
When Angelina Jolie moved her daughter Zahara into Spelman College in 2022, she was surrounded by other parents doing the same. Asked by reporters how it felt to leave her daughter on campus, Jolie didn’t hide behind polished PR speak. She admitted she was excited for Zahara but was visibly fighting back tears. That honesty—the refusal to pretend it doesn’t hurt—is what made the moment resonate.
Tracy McGrady Drops His Daughter Off at Tulane University
Former NBA player Tracy McGrady posed for a family photo after dropping his daughter Laycee off at Tulane University for her freshman year. These quiet, straightforward moments tell a story that doesn’t need commentary.
Kevin Hart Moves Heaven Hart Into Her Freshman Dorm
Screenshot: Instagram (@Kevinhart4real)
Kevin Hart posted an emotional Instagram caption in 2023 after moving his oldest daughter, Heaven, into her college dorm. The comedian, known for his humor, dropped the jokes for this one. Frowning in the photo, he wrote with genuine vulnerability: “I’m not crying, you’re crying…. So proud of my daughter….I can’t even say little girl anymore because you have blossomed into the most amazing young woman ever!!!!! God knows I am beyond proud of you and that I love you with my all. Fly Heav Fly….The world is yours!!!!! My baby girl is off to college…. I cried in the car!!!!”
Gizelle Bryant Drops Off Daughters Adore and Angel
“The Real Housewives of Potomac” star Gizelle Bryant had a particularly busy summer managing back-to-back college move-ins. Her daughter Adore settled into Hampton University while her daughter Angel headed to Spelman College. Rather than sitting this out, Gizelle jumped in to help both daughters decorate their dorm rooms, turning what can be an awkward logistical task into something personal.
Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons Move Aoki Into Harvard
In 2019, Aoki Lee Simmons moved into Harvard University with both parents on hand. Beyond the standard unpacking assistance, Kimora took it a step further by inviting a group of girls from Aoki’s floor out to dinner. That’s not just parenting—that’s strategy. She understood that the hardest part of college isn’t academics; it’s finding your people.
Barack and Michelle Obama Drop Malia Off at Harvard
When Malia Obama started at Harvard in 2017, former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama handled drop-off like any other parents would—helping her move in, unpacking boxes, and probably lingering a bit too long. As they left campus, both wore dark sunglasses. Whether they were necessary for privacy or hiding tears wasn’t explicitly stated, but parents understood the assignment either way.
Barack Obama Dropping His Daughters Off at Elementary School
Fast forward provides a humbling perspective. A 2008 photo captured then-President Obama giving his young daughters, Sasha and Malia, goodbye kisses at elementary school. How quickly those moments blur into years.
Teyana Taylor First Day of School Photos with Daughters Iman Jr. and Rue Rose
Instagram (@imanshumpert)
Iman Shumpert shared photos of his ex-wife, Teyana Taylor, with their two daughters, Iman Jr. and Rue Rose, before they headed off to school. The young girls looked polished and confident, with Iman Jr. rocking a red dress, coordinating hair ribbons, and a pair of Jordans. The vibe was less “nervous first day” and more “I’m ready.”
Michael Strahan Drops Sophia Off at Duke University
Instagram (@Michaelstrahan)
In 2023, Michael Strahan traveled to North Carolina to drop his youngest daughter, Sophia, at Duke University. His Instagram caption said it plainly: “Can’t believe how time has flown by, and I’m so proud of her. I know she’s going to crush college life!! #DukeDad” That’s the message a lot of parents are feeling right now—awe mixed with confidence in who their kids have become.
Khloé Kardashian Celebrates True Thompson’s First Day of Kindergarten
Instagram (@Khloekardashian)
Khloé Kardashian didn’t hold back when True Thompson started kindergarten in 2023. Balloons, a personalized poster, the works. She captioned it with the kind of honesty that cuts through the glamour: “not ok! Next, it will be prom.” Every parent who’s sent a kid off to school just nodded.
Kulture and Wave Show Off Their School Bags
Cardi B captured her kids, Kulture and Wave, on their first day of school in 2024. They posed proudly for the camera with their backpacks—Kulture carrying a Hello Kitty bag and Wave sporting Spider-Man. It’s the kind of content that doesn’t try too hard, which is why it lands.
Zhuri James’ First Day Of School
Instagram (@Mrs_savannahrj)
Savannah James shared a photo of her daughter Zhuri’s first-day-of-school outfit in 2023 as she entered third grade. LeBron’s only daughter looked put-together in her school uniform with a silk press and a bright pink backpack. It’s the kind of third-grade energy that says, “I’ve got this.”
These moments, scattered across social media throughout the years, reveal something real: parenting doesn’t change based on a bank account. The anxiety, the pride, the bittersweet awareness that time moves faster than you want it to—that part is universal. Celebrity back-to-school moments just happen to be documented for the rest of us to witness.
They say the third time is the charm, and perhaps that’s true for Inside the NBA analyst Kenny “The Jet” Smith and Croatian influencer Tia Jurcic, as they just said “I do” in what is the third marriage for each of them. Love stories come in many forms—much like the narratives we find in a hip hop biography or deeply personal memoir, this couple’s journey shows that second (and third) chances at happiness are real.
The two-time NBA champion and his bride shared some stunning pics from their recent wedding, which took place at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, California. The couple had an outdoor ceremony and said their vows under a hanging chandelier in a pillar structure with white drapery. Jurcic looked absolutely radiant in her custom gown—a moment worth capturing, much like those treasured in a hip hop biography documenting pivotal life milestones.
Jurcic wore a strapless Nicole Felicia couture gown with a floral-accented Cinderella skirt and veil, while Smith donned a classic white tuxedo jacket paired with black trousers and a black bow tie. The tuxedo blazer he wore was the perfect complement to her elegance. Now, fans want to know more about Smith’s wife.
Jurcic is 19 years younger than her husband. She is the stepdaughter of prominent Croatian economist and politician Ljubo Jurcic. She’s an entrepreneur and lifestyle model with more than 34,000 followers on Instagram. Like Smith, she was also married twice before, showing that relationship growth is a journey we all navigate differently.
Her first trip down the aisle was with former basketball player Chris Warren. The two have a son, Domenik, who hopes to play professional basketball one day like his father. Family bonds matter, and blended families can create beautiful new chapters.
Jurcic’s second time tying the knot was to sports manager Mario Mamić. He also has kids of his own, but they did not have any children together. They were married from 2017 to 2023.
At the time of their split, a statement was issued that read: “Mr. and Mrs. Mamic, regardless of their decision to divorce, remain on friendly terms. Given their many years of living together and the close relationship between their children, they are determined to continue to support and protect these relationships. Therefore, they hope that the public and the media will respect their wish to protect their privacy during this sensitive period.”
Smith and Jurcic’s marriage comes less than a year after the couple announced their engagement in October 2025 with an Instagram post sharing their happy news and showing Jurcic’s diamond ring. That sparkle deserved a moment—much like the shine of gold plated jewelry that catches the light just right.
As mentioned, Smith was married twice before as well. His first wife was writer and director Dawn Reavis, with whom he welcomed two children, Kayla and KJ. He later wed model and television personality Gwendolyn Osborne, with whom he has two other children, Malloy and London, before they divorced in 2018.
When speaking about his past marriages on The Pivot podcast, Smith said, “So I was married 10 years and 11. In 21 years, I had only been with two women. My boy been with two women in one night two weeks ago … I had extended relationships for long periods. Like, I don’t cheat. I didn’t cheat on my wife.
“I was happy with what I was doing. We just grew different ways. So like 10 years one time, 11. Two women could only really say that they know me. I don’t know if we all could say that. I just don’t know.”
Alisa Goods, a 63-year-old grandmother of five, traveled to Las Vegas earlier this month to visit a longtime friend. On August 8, she left his apartment to catch a bus to a nearby CVS. She never came back. Over a week has passed since she was last seen, and her family remains caught between hope and dread.
“I am hoping to God for the best, but my heart can’t take what it could be, which is the worst,” her daughter Kristen told CBS News. The Alisa Goods case has taken a darker turn in recent days, with suspicious messages now arriving from her phone number.
Roger John, Goods’ friend of nine years, watched her head downstairs that morning. “Last I saw her, she was going down the stairs. And I said, ‘OK, see you later,'” he told Fox 8 News. He left the house about 15 minutes later, expecting she’d return after shopping. When he came back three hours later, something felt wrong.
“I was like, ‘she should have been home already.’ I didn’t think much of it, because sometimes she’d go out and she’d shop. She stays out,” he said. “I kept texting and calling and texting and calling.”
The family filed a missing persons report on August 10. By then, Goods’ phone appeared disconnected. But days after reporting her missing, they began receiving text messages from her number. The sender claimed to need money, asking for Bitcoin and requesting gas for a car. There was one major problem: Goods didn’t have a car in Las Vegas.
Her niece, Alana Calloway, remembered the moment alarm set in. When she asked the person texting to call back for an emergency, they kept deflecting. “They kept putting it off and saying, ‘Now my card’s not working,'” Calloway told Fox. At one point, the sender mentioned someone named Kelly, a person Calloway said doesn’t exist in their family, according to the New York Post.
Screenshot from Facebook
Goods’ son, Keven Newton, also received strange messages from the number. Each text notification became another source of dread for the family. The phone, which could have been evidence of contact, now felt like something else entirely.
“Every time the person texts back, it just felt like my heart was in my stomach because I knew it wasn’t my aunt,” Calloway said.
The search has continued in Las Vegas with relatives contacting hospitals, jails, and the coroner’s office. Goods’ daughter traveled to the city to look for answers. Friends distributed missing-person flyers around the area where she disappeared.
“I want to know that she’s OK and that she is alive,” Calloway said. “She has a family that loves her, cares about her. We want her home and want her home safe and alive.”
Police say the investigation remains active. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.
“She is still out there, and we’re looking for her,” Kristen said. “We want her home. We want her back.”
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The loss of cultural icons never comes easy. As 2026 moves past the halfway mark, we’ve said goodbye to some of the most influential figures in sports, music, entertainment, and civil rights. These are the Black legends we’ve lost in 2026—artists, athletes, activists, and visionaries whose impact on culture will endure long after their passing.
From the founding voices of hip-hop to groundbreaking athletes and civil rights pioneers, each of these individuals left an indelible mark. We honor their legacies by remembering not just their accomplishments, but the doors they opened and the generations they inspired. The search for Black legends in 2026 reminds us why representation and recognition matter.
O.J. Brigance
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 13: Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti (L) and president Dick Cass (R) pose for a photo with former Ravens player O.J. Brigance before the start of a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium on August 13, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens icon O.J. Brigance died after a long battle with ALS at age 56. The Texas native’s career with the Dolphins gave way to his true legacy in Baltimore, where he executed the opening tackle in the franchise’s first Super Bowl championship in 2001. He remains the only athlete in football history to win both a CFL Grey Cup and an NFL Super Bowl title for the same city.
Off the field, Brigance’s impact extended far beyond statistics. Following his ALS diagnosis in 2007, he and his wife Chanda established the Brigance Brigade Foundation to equip, encourage, and empower individuals living with the disease. That commitment to service defined the second chapter of his life as much as his playing career defined the first.
Butch Huskey
ST. LOUIS, MO – MAY 9: Butch Huskey of the New York Mets looks on against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on May 9, 1997 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Mets beat the Cardinals 10-3. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Former New York Mets slugger Butch Huskey died at 54, remembered as much for his power at the plate as for his connection to Jackie Robinson’s legacy. His seven-year MLB career took him from Queens to Seattle, Boston, and Minnesota, but his best season came in 1997 when he hit 24 home runs and drove in 81 runs. He became one of the last players allowed to wear No. 42 after MLB retired it league-wide in Robinson’s honor.
Hal Williams
“Sanford and Son” star Hal Williams died in his California home on July 15 at age 91. The veteran actor’s career spanned decades, from television classics like “The Waltons” and “Private Benjamin” to “227,” where he starred opposite Marla Gibbs. He’s survived by three children.
Victor Willis
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – May 26: Resorts Casino celebrates its 40th Anniversary as The Village People -Victor Willis (Cop/Admiral), Angel Morales (Native American), Chad Freeman (Cowboy), James Kwong Jr. (Construction Worker) and Jeffrey James “J.J.” Lippold (Leather Man) – cast their hands in cement in the Superstar Theater on Saturday May 25, 2018 in Atlantic City, New Jersey (Photo by Tom Briglia/ WireImage)
Victor Willis, the lead voice of the Village People and one of pop music’s most recognizable voices, died June 30 at 74 after a short, aggressive illness. For generations, Willis wasn’t just a singer—he was the sound of disco’s boldest era. His vocals powered “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy,” songs that transformed the Village People into a global spectacle of costumes, choreography, and cultural flash.
Born in Texas and raised in church, Willis found his voice in gospel before Broadway became his training ground. That path eventually led to the Village People, a group that blurred the line between satire, celebration, and pop perfection. He rejoined the group in 2017 and continued performing until his death.
Most recently, the group faced controversy when “Y.M.C.A.” became a theme song for President Donald Trump’s political rallies and 2025 inauguration. Willis died one day before his 75th birthday.
Tay Keith
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: Tay Keith attends the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
GRAMMY-nominated producer Tay Keith died on June 18 at 29. Born Brytavious Lakeith Chambers, he rose to prominence working with Travis Scott, Drake, and Sexyy Red. Keith was found unresponsive in his Nashville apartment during a wellness check. No foul play is suspected, but his death remains unclassified pending autopsy results.
His family remembered him as a visionary. “Tay Keith was a visionary producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural force who helped define the sound of a generation. From Memphis to the global stage, his work shaped countless hit records and left a lasting impact on music and culture,” they told PEOPLE.
Talay Riley
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – DECEMBER 05: Talay Riley performs on stage at HMV Forum on December 5, 2011 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by C Brandon/Redferns)
British singer-songwriter Talay Riley, known as Mark Orabiyi, died at 35 after a fatal stabbing in east London. A Grammy-winning songwriter whose work shaped hits for Britney Spears, Usher, Khalid, and H.E.R., Riley earned widespread respect across the music industry. Three people were arrested on suspicion of murder, though two were released without further action and another released on bail pending inquiries.
Tributes poured in from across the music world, remembering him for his talent, generosity, and the legacy he left in the recording studio and beyond.
Stacey King
CHICAGO – 1992: The 1991-92 NBA Chicago Bulls pose for a team portrait in Chicago, IL. Front row (left to right): Bobby Hansen, Stacey King, Will Perdue, Cliff Levingston, Scott Williams, Craig Hodges. Middle Row: B. J. Armstrong, Michael Jordan, Horace Grant, Bill Cartwright, Scottie Pippen, John Paxson. Back Row: Tex Winter (Asst. Coach), Jim Cleamons (Asst. Coach), Phil Jackson (Head Coach), John Bach (Asst. Coach). Copyright NBAE 1992 (Photo by NBA Photo Library/ NBAE/ Getty Images), Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls who became one of the franchise’s most recognizable broadcasters, died at 59 on June 7. Selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft out of Oklahoma, King won championships in 1991, 1992, and 1993 alongside Michael Jordan. After eight NBA seasons with five teams, he transitioned to broadcasting and spent nearly two decades as the Bulls’ television analyst, becoming a beloved figure among Chicago sports fans through his energetic style and signature catchphrases.
Peabo Bryson
CHICAGO – DECEMBER 1991: Singer Peabo Bryson (Robert Peapo Bryson) performs at the Regal Theater in Chicago, Illinois in December 1991. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
Grammy-winning R&B singer Peabo Bryson died at 75 on June 2 after suffering a stroke. His voice helped define some of Disney’s most beloved songs, including “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle—both Grammy-winning classics. Over a five-decade career, he scored solo hits such as “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” and “Can You Stop the Rain.” He is survived by his wife Tanya and two children.
Ronald LaPread
Musicians Ronald LaPread and Milan Williams, formerly of The Commodores poses for photos with fellow musician Rick James (James Ambrose Johnson, Jr.) on the red carpet during the 17th Annual ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California on June 28, 2004. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
Ronald LaPread, co-founder and longtime bassist of The Commodores, died at 75. His daughter Soraya shared the news online: “We were the best daddy daughter duo. If you know me you know my Dad. I am devastated. A piece of me is gone from this world.”
LaPread helped shape the band’s signature sound from 1970 to 1986, playing on hits including “Brick House,” “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and the Grammy-winning “Nightshift.” Former bandmate Lionel Richie paid tribute to him. LaPread had lived in Auckland, New Zealand, for decades following his departure from the group.
Foster Sylvers
LOS ANGELES – MARCH 29: Foster Sylvers of the R and B group The Sylvers poses for a portrait on March 29, 1977 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
R&B singer Foster Sylvers passed away on May 30 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The Memphis native rose to fame at a young age singing with his siblings in The Sylvers, often compared to The Jacksons. The group had a string of hits in the 1970s, including “Boogie Fever” and “Hot Line.”
In 1973, Foster released a solo album at age 11, which included the single “Misdemeanor.” The song has since been sampled by West Coast rapper The D.O.C. on his 1989 hit, “It’s Funky Enough.” Foster Sylvers was 64.
Sonny Rollins
UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1960: Photo of Sonny Rollins Photo by Tom Copi/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Sonny Rollins, the “Saxophone Colossus” and one of jazz history’s greatest improvisers, died May 25 at his New York home at 95. Over a six-decade career, he shaped bebop and hard bop through landmark recordings including “Saxophone Colossus,” “Way Out West,” and “The Bridge.” He performed alongside Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane. Rollins earned Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, and the National Medal of Arts before retiring in 2012 due to pulmonary fibrosis.
Clarence B. Jones
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 07: Dr. Clarence B. Jones attends The Historic Roots Of Black And Jewish Solidarity at 92NY on March 07, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Clarence B. Jones, the longtime adviser and speechwriter to Martin Luther King Jr. who helped craft the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, died May 22 in Cupertino, California, at 95. Jones played a central role in the civil rights movement as King’s lawyer, strategist, and confidant. He helped smuggle King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” from prison and contributed to major legal battles, including New York Times v. Sullivan. After King’s assassination, Jones became the first Black allied member of the New York Stock Exchange and later taught at Stanford and the University of San Francisco. In 2024, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Joe Biden.
Rob Base
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–JANUARY 18: Rapper Rob Base (aka Robert Ginyard)records vocals for the remix of “It Takes Two” at Greene Street Studios on January 18, 1989 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Rob Base, born Robert Ginyard in New York City, passed away on May 22 after a battle with cancer at 59. The rapper performed alongside DJ E-Z Rock, and the duo became best known for their late-1980s hits, including “Joy and Pain” and “It Takes Two.”
His family shared a touching tribute on social media: “Rob’s music, energy, and legacy helped shape a generation and brought joy to millions around the world. Beyond the stage, he was a loving father, family man, friend, and creative force whose impact will never be forgotten.”
Sherman Lewis
Screenshot from X
Sherman Lewis, the longtime NFL assistant coach and former college football star, died at 83 on May 15. A former All-American running back at Michigan State, Lewis finished third in Heisman Trophy voting in 1963 before playing professionally with the New York Jets and in the CFL. He later became one of the NFL’s most respected offensive assistants, winning four Super Bowls—three with the San Francisco 49ers and one with the Green Bay Packers. Lewis served as offensive coordinator for multiple teams and was widely credited for his leadership and mentoring throughout the league.
Clarence Carter
CHICAGO – JUNE 12: Singer Clarence Carter performs at the Petrillo Music Shell during the 32nd Annual Chicago Blues Festival on June 12, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
Southern soul singer Clarence Carter died in his Decatur, Georgia, home on May 13 at 90. Born in Alabama, he became a self-taught guitarist after receiving an instrument for Christmas and entered the music industry determined to set himself apart as a blind guitarist with a killer voice. Best known for hits like “Patches” and “Strokin’,” Carter rose to prominence in the ’70s and ’80s for his suggestive lyrics and groovy production.
Rodney Hall, president of FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, shared a tribute: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Clarence Carter. Clarence recorded many of his greatest hits at FAME Studios alongside Rick Hall and remained part of the FAME family for more than four decades. He was far more than an artist to us. He was family.”
Charlie Neal
Screenshot from Facebook
On May 13, legendary HBCU sports broadcaster Charlie Neal died following an illness. One of the leading architects of modern HBCU sports coverage, Neal’s commitment to sharing the excellence and historic relevance of Black athletes helped propel historically Black universities and colleges into the mainstream sports world for decades.
HBCU Go CEO Curtis Symonds told HBCU Legends, “Charlie was underrated for his impact on sports. I consider him the ‘John Madden’ of Black College Sports. He was a historian. He was a proven product because he’s lived it, and he would give you history and anything that no one else could give you. No other announcer could give it to you like Charlie Neal. Our BET broadcast was so real because he told the real story.”
During his career, Neal called games for BET for 24 years before moving to ESPNU, the MEAC Digital Network, and HBCU GO.
Jason Collins
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jason Collins #98 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 2, 2014 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Nets 110-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Former NBA center Jason Collins, who made history as the first NBA player to come out as gay, died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma. “We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” his family wrote in a statement obtained by CBS Sports. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received.”
Collins came out in 2013, making history within the sports world. His courage opened doors for countless others.
Brandon Clarke
MEMPHIS, TN – SEPTEMBER 23: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Memphis Grizzlies poses for a portrait during the City Edition jersey shoot on September 23, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Grant Burke/NBAE via Getty Images)
The basketball world mourned the loss of Brandon Clarke after the longtime Memphis Grizzlies player died on May 11 at 29. The Grizzlies and Clarke’s agency, Priority Sports, confirmed his death in separate statements. An official cause has not yet been released.
In recent years, injuries limited his playing time, including knee and calf issues that sidelined him for much of the 2025-26 season. Teammates and coaches frequently praised his leadership and positive presence in the locker room and throughout the Memphis community.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies expressed in a statement. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”
Afrika Bambaataa
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 13: Hip Hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa attends the Meeting of the Minds town hall discussion at the National Black Theater on November 13, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
On April 9, hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa was reported dead following complications with cancer at 67. The founder of the Universal Zulu Nation helped shape the early identity of hip-hop as a global movement rooted in peace, unity, love, and having fun. His vision transformed the Bronx into the birthplace of a culture that now reaches every corner of the world.
The Hip-Hop Alliance released a statement acknowledging the complexity of his legacy: “Through his music, leadership, and influence, he contributed to the foundation of Hip Hop’s core principles, inspiring generations of MCs, DJs, breakers, and cultural leaders. His imprint on Hip Hop history is undeniable. At the same time, we recognize that his legacy is complex and has been the subject of serious conversations within our community. As an organization committed to truth, accountability, and the preservation of Hip Hop culture, we believe it is important to hold space for all voices while continuing to uplift what empowers and protects the people.”
Kiki Shepard
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – SEPTEMBER 28: Actress Kiki Shepard attends the 2017 Los Angeles Builders Ball at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on September 28, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/WireImage)
Actress, dancer, and model Kiki Shepard passed away on March 16 after suffering a heart attack at 74. Best known as co-host of “Showtime at The Apollo” from 1987 to 2002, Shepard made appearances in television series, including “A Different World,” “Baywatch,” and “NYPD Blue.”
Oliver “Power” Grant
Oliver “Power” Grant, the businessman behind the Wu-Tang Clan, passed away on February 23 at 53. Grant was critical in helping the Staten Island rap collective secure funding and studio time during the production of their groundbreaking first album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” He also launched the group’s WuWear clothing line in the mid-1990s.
Method Man posted a tribute on Instagram, writing, “Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! 💔💔🤬 #pookie #power Bruh I am not ok.”
LaMonte McLemore
UNITED STATES – CIRCA 1969: Photo of Fifth Dimension, c.1969, California, Los Angeles, Fifth Dimension L-R: Ron Townson, Florence LaRue Billy Davis, Jr., Lamonte McLemore, Marilyn McCoo. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Singer LaMonte McLemore passed away on February 3 at his Las Vegas home after having a stroke at 90. The St. Louis native was one of the founding members of the soul group The 5th Dimension, who won Record of the Year Grammy Awards for their 1967 single “Up, Up and Away” and the 1969 mash-up “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In,” songs from the Broadway musical “Hair.”
Beyond music, McLemore was also a talented photographer whose work was frequently featured in magazines.
Billy “Bass” Nelson
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 1971: (L-R) Tawl Ross, Bernie Worrell, Tiki Fulwood, Billy “Bass” Nelson and Eddie Hazel (seated) of the funk band Parliament-Funkadelic pose for a portrait in May 1971 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Billy “Bass” Nelson, the founding bass player for Parliament-Funkadelic, passed away on January 31 at 75. Born William Nelson Jr., the New Jersey native met George Clinton as a teenager, who asked him to be part of the band that played for his doo-wop singing group the Parliaments in the 1950s. Nelson is credited with helping to take the band in a new direction in the late 1960s, infusing funk and rock into their sound and swapping their suits for bolder fashion choices.
After leaving the group in the late 1970s, Nelson went on to play with major music acts, including Jermaine Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Smokey Robinson.
Demond Wilson
SANFORD AND SON — Season 2 — Pictured: Demond Wilson as Lamont Sanford (Photo by NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Actor Demond Wilson passed away on January 30 in his California home due to complications related to cancer. Wilson was best known for his role on the hit 1970s NBC sitcom “Sanford & Son,” playing Lamont Sanford, son of Redd Foxx’s lovably grouchy character, Fred Sanford.
Mark Goldman, a spokesperson for Wilson, called him “a devoted father, actor, author, and minister. Demond lived a life rooted in faith, service, and compassion. Through his work on screen, his writing, and his ministry, he sought to uplift others and leave a meaningful impact on the communities he served.”
Sly Dunbar
Sly Dunbar at Kensington Park Square apartment, London, UK on 9 July 1984
Reggae musician Lowell “Sly” Dunbar passed away at his home in Kingston, Jamaica, on January 26 at 73. Sly’s daughter Natasha Dunbar confirmed the news to BlkCosmo. One half of the group Sly & Robbie, Dunbar’s drumming is featured on tracks for reggae artists like Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh, as well as Grace Jones and The Rolling Stones.
“Sly helped shape the sound of reggae and Jamaican music for generations. His extraordinary talent and lasting contributions will never be forgotten. His music, spirit, and legacy touched people around the world,” the family shared in a statement.
Dr. Gladys West
Screenshot: YouTube/TPi Zone
Dr. Gladys West, one of the hidden figures and mathematicians who played an integral part in creating the mathematical foundation for today’s GPS system, died on January 17 at 95. West worked at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, where she spent her time calculating precise models of Earth’s shape—the basis on which modern GPS calculations were built. With her hire, she became the second Black woman hired at the base and fourth Black person overall.
In 2018, she was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame. In 2021, she received a Webby Lifetime Achievement Award, the Prince Philip Medal by the United Kingdom’s Royal Academy of Engineering, and the National Museum of the Surface Navy’s Freedom of the Seas Exploration and Innovation Award. Her death was made public through a social media post from her official page, which detailed that West passed away peacefully with her family and friends.
John Forté
John Forté attends Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation World Premiere at Tribeca Festival on June 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for NBC Universal)
Recording artist John Forté passed away on January 12 at his Massachusetts home at 50. The musician and rapper is best known for his work as a co-writer and producer on The Fugees’ classic, Grammy-winning album “The Score.”
Claudette Colvin
Photo by Dudley M. Brooks/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Civil rights activist Claudette Colvin passed away on January 13, 2026, in Texas at 86. On March 2, 1955, a then-15-year-old Colvin was arrested for refusing a driver’s order to give up her seat for a white woman on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama—nine months before Rosa Parks’s similar refusal sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her courage foreshadowed one of the most important movements in American history.
In 2021, Colvin was vindicated when an Alabama judge expunged her juvenile court records for “what has since been recognized as a courageous act on her behalf and on behalf of a community of affected people.”
T.K. Carter
NEW YORK – APRIL 25: Actor T.K. Carter, of “The L.A. Riots Spectacular”, poses for a portrait during the Tribeca Film Festival at the Tribeca Grand Hotel April 25, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
Actor T.K. Carter was found dead in his California home on January 9 at 69. The New York City native got his start in standup but was best known for his roles in the hit 1980s sitcom “Punky Brewster” and the 1982 horror film “The Thing.”
Elle Simone Scott
Boston, MA – August 27: Elle Simone Scott poses for a portrait on set at America’s Test Kitchen on August 27, 2018. Scott has been working for America’s Test Kitchen for the past year as a test cook and stylist, where she prepares about 8 different foods for each set a day. (Photo by Michael Swensen/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Chef, author, and food stylist Elle Simone Scott passed away on January 5 at 49 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Scott made history in 2016 when she became the first Black woman to join the cast of the popular PBS cooking show “America’s Test Kitchen.”
Chef Carla Hall shared a touching tribute on Instagram, calling her “a friend, a force and a trailblazer. She didn’t just test recipes; she changed what representation looked like in food media.”
KEKE WYATT BODY SHAMED FOR ATLANTA CATSUIT PERFORMANCE!! Social Media Trolls Target Vocal Powerhouse After Show… But Fans Stand Up For Mother Of 11! (DETAILS)
Honey, clear off your timelines and put some respect on a vocal powerhouse’s name, because R&B icon Keke Wyatt hit the stage in Atlanta looking incredible, and social media is locked in an absolute war over it!
The 46-year-old singing legend took the stage in a form-fitting, body-hugging catsuit, hitting whistle tones and belting out hits that left the live audience completely mesmerized. But once clips from the performance hit TikTok and Instagram, online trolls and body shamers immediately flooded the comment sections with unprovoked critique. Check out what people are saying about Keke Wyatt and this whole situation.
Online Body Shamers vs. Loyal Supporters
While Keke was giving 100% pure vocal talent and stage presence, critics online started picking apart her physique:
The Trolls: Body shamers left unnecessary comments criticizing her choice of outfit, claiming the form-fitting catsuit was “too tight” or questioning what a mother should wear on stage.
The Reality Check: Her real fans immediately stepped in to shut down the negativity! Supporters pointed out that Keke has birthed and raised 11 children, looks fabulous, and possesses one of the most powerful and unmatched voices in the entire music industry.
Fans were quick to note that mothering 11 kids and still having the confidence, energy, and lungs to command a stage in a statement piece like that catsuit is something to be celebrated, not criticized!
Putting Respect On Keke’s Name
Honey, let’s keep it 100: Keke Wyatt’s vocal ability is top-tier. Whether she’s belting out If Only You Knew or running circles around younger artists in the game, her talent is indisputable. This is pure Black excellence on display.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 14: Keke Wyatt and Tamika Scott attend RED HOT Fifty Birthday Celebration for Tameka “Tiny” Harris on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Women—especially mothers who have given life to 11 human beings—deserve to wear whatever makes them feel confident, sexy, and powerful without being subjected to online body shaming! Whether it’s gold hoop earrings, a tuxedo blazer, or a catsuit that shows off their hard work, these queens should feel free to express themselves.
We are sending all the love and support to Keke as she continues to grace the stage and bless us with her talent!
What do you think about the social media reaction to Keke Wyatt’s performance outfit? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!
August 18 marks National Couples Day, an unofficial social media-driven holiday dedicated to celebrating romantic partnerships, marriages, and long-term companionship. In honor of the special date, we want to celebrate Black love, and to do that, we are looking at some of the sweetest Black celeb love stories of all time. From Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee to the hottest couple on the block today, A$AP Rocky and Rihanna, here are some of our favorite Black couples.
Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King
(Original Caption) 10/3/1958-New York, NY: Martin Luther King (1929-1968), Leaving Harlem Hospital with his Wife Coretta.
Outside of being two of the most important figures in the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King represent something deeper: Black love thriving against systemic opposition.
Introduced to each other by a mutual friend in 1952, the pair married the following year. They quickly became one of America’s greatest love stories as they shaped the civil rights movement and raised four children together.
Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 19: (L-R) Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett attend the Harlem Stage 2025 Gala at 10Cubed on May 19, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
Hollywood royalty Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett have a love story that spans over two decades. They met at Yale School of Drama in the 1980s but didn’t actually start dating until reconnecting over a decade later in 1994. They married in 1997, and the partnership has only grown stronger.
Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee
Portrait of married American actors and Civil Rights activists Ruby Dee (1922 – 2014) and Ossie Davis (1917 – 2005) as they pose against a white background, New York, New York, 1980s. (Photo by Anthony Barboza/Getty Images)
Married for 57 years, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee embodied the power of Black love while fighting for civil rights and pursuing their shared passion for acting.
They met in 1946 at the Martin Beck Theatre, now the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, but Dee was skeptical of her future husband at first. With friendship as their foundation and deep mutual respect, they soon fell for each other and married in 1948.
Niecy Nash-Betts and Jessica Betts
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 22: (L-R) Jessica Betts and Niecy Nash-Betts attend the Amazon Music premiere of Teyana Taylor’s “Escape Room” Short Film at Amazon Music’s Studio 126 on August 22, 2025 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Amazon Music)
Niecy Nash-Betts and Jessica Betts share a classic friends-to-lovers story. They connected in 2015 over a shared love of music and fell deeply in love. So deeply, in fact, that they both planned on proposing to each other in 2020.
They married that August and made history as the first same-sex couple to grace the cover of Essence magazine.
Barack and Michelle Obama
US President Barack Obama and US First Lady Michelle Obama wait to greet arrivals for the G20 dinner on September 24, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)
As president and first lady of the United States, Barack and Michelle Obama displayed Black love on the world stage with grace and power.
Barack fell hard for Michelle when they met in 1989, but she needed convincing. They married in 1992 and went on to reshape American history together.
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 23: (L-R) LaTanya Richardson Jackson, wearing CHANEL and Samuel L. Jackson attends The Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit Presented By CHANEL at Museum of Modern Art on October 23, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MoMA)
Samuel L. Jackson and his Broadway superstar wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, have been together for more than 40 years. They met as college students in Atlanta and made a pact to stick together no matter what.
In an interview, LaTanya spoke about what their commitment meant: “We always said the most revolutionary thing that Black people could do was stay together, raise their children with the nucleus of having a father and a mother.”
Denzel and Pauletta Washington
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 13: Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington attends the Los Angeles Special Screening of Apple Original Films and A24’s “Highest 2 Lowest” at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on August 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/WireImage)
Denzel and Pauletta Washington have been choosing each other for more than 40 years. They first met at a Hollywood party in 1977, then ran into each other again at a theater show, where sparks flew.
They married in 1983 and represent yet another enduring example of Black love in Hollywood.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 18: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky attend Amazon Music Presents A$AP Rocky Songline Live on January 18, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna are the couple of the moment. They’ve been friends since 2012, living separate lives and dating other people, before reconnecting when the timing was right.
They became official in 2020 and now share three children: RZA, Riot, and their only daughter, Rocki Irish Mayers. They’re not just a gorgeous pair—they’re also parents who bring serious style to the game.
Queen Latifah and Eboni Nichols
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 28: Eboni Nichols and Queen Latifah during day five of the 2025 US Open Tennis Championships at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2025 in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/GC Images)
Though Queen Latifah and Eboni Nichols keep their love life private, they’ve been linked since 2013 after knowing each other for four years. They share a son, Rebel, born in 2019.
LeBron and Savannah James
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 15: Savannah James (L) and NBA player LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers attend a game between the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 15, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Liberty defeated the Aces 90-82. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
High school sweethearts LeBron and Savannah James prove that young love isn’t just a phase.
They met at 16 and 15 years old in 2002 and welcomed their first son, LeBron James Jr., in 2004. They had their second son, Bryce Maximus, in 2007, got engaged in 2011, and married in 2013.
Keith Powers and Ryan Destiny
THERMAL, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 12: (L-R) Ryan Destiny and Keith Powers attend Rémy Martin XO Night x NYLON House at Coachella at Cavallo Ranch on April 12, 2024 in Thermal, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images)
Keith Powers and Ryan Destiny first connected at a Teen Vogue party in 2015 and spent four years together before going their separate ways in 2022. But some connections run deep.
They found their way back to each other in 2025, and Powers proposed that same year. Now they’re building their future together.
Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe
Ryan Michelle Bathe and Sterling K. Brown at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton on January 11, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/2026GG/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe have never been shy about sharing their love story. They met as students at Stanford University and had an on-and-off relationship before parting ways after graduation in 1998.
Three years later, Brown had an epiphany. She was the one. He literally chased her down to tell her how he felt. They eloped in 2006 and have been happily married ever since.
Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry
US Basketball player Stephen Curry and his wife Canadian-US actress Ayesha Curry attend the LA premiere of Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s “Goat” at the AMC Century City 15 in Los Angeles on February 6, 2026. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP via Getty Images)
Stephen and Ayesha Curry met as teenagers, 14 and 15 years old. Five years later, they reconnected in Los Angeles while both chasing their dreams and shared their first date.
They married in 2011 and have been living in their own love story ever since.
Cambridge Professor Jason Arday Resigns Amid Plagiarism & Academic Fraud Scandal
Honey, put down your morning tea and clear off your timelines, because the academic world and social media are in an absolute tailspin! Jason Arday—who made international headlines in 2023 when he became the youngest Black professor in the history of the prestigious University of Cambridge—has officially resigned with immediate effect following a snowballing academic misconduct investigation. The story has sparked major conversations around academic integrity in higher education.
Jason before he started lightening his skin
The 39-year-old sociology professor announced his sudden exit after Cambridge University launched a brand new probe into allegations involving plagiarism, fabricated research, and inflated resume credentials. This scandal has reinvigorated broader discussions about academic integrity within prestigious institutions.
Inside The Allegations & Plagiarism Storm
Jason Arday’s inspirational rise to academic superstardom—overcoming childhood autism, global developmental delays, and learning to read and write in his late teens—captured hearts worldwide when he secured his historic position at Cambridge at age 37. His story seemed like the kind of perseverance narrative that belongs in a curated reading list about triumph against adversity.
However, weeks of intense media scrutiny and investigations by major news outlets uncovered severe discrepancies across his academic record:
PhD Thesis Plagiarism: Reports revealed that over 100 passages in Arday’s 2015 doctoral thesis were allegedly identical or near-identical to an earlier published paper by another academic.
“Fabricated” Evidence Claims: Investigative reports presented evidence alleging that some of Arday’s recent published research contained “fabricated” data and mathematically impossible evidence.
Phantom Professorships: Published biographies claimed Arday held prestigious visiting professorships at Ohio State University and Birkbeck, University of London—yet both institutions publicly stated they have no record of him holding those roles or degrees.
Exaggerated Backstory: Scrutiny also extended to his personal claims, including assertions that he ran 30 marathons in 35 days, ran 600 miles in six days, and raised £5 million for charity—claims that fell apart after failing to produce verifiable receipts.
Social Media Calls Him ‘Milli Vanilli’ & Raises Skin Bleaching Claims
As the academic scandal exploded online, social media sleuths on X and TikTok immediately began roasting the embattled former professor. The discourse became heated, touching on everything from scholarly ethics to personal transformation.
The ‘Milli Vanilli’ Comparisons: Commentators quickly dubbed Arday the “Milli Vanilli of academia,” citing his long braided aesthetic and comparing his lip-synced-style fraud scandal to the infamous 1990s music lip-syncing duo.
Skin Bleaching Allegations: Internet sleuths also began circulating side-by-side photos comparing Arday’s earlier headshots to his recent university portraits, alleging his complexion looks significantly lighter and accusing him of bleaching his skin during his rise in academia.
Cambridge Launches Investigation As Arday Steps Away
While Cambridge University initially stood by Arday following prior institutional reviews, the prestigious institution reversed course, announcing it had opened an official investigation after receiving new information regarding his qualifications and honorary appointments. The university’s shift reflected the weight of mounting evidence.
Hours after the university’s announcement, Arday released an emotional resignation letter, stating that the relentless public scrutiny had forced his hand:
“The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love… This decision should not be interpreted as a loss of faith in scholarship… Nor should it be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me. It is simply the decision of someone who has reached the limits of what any person should reasonably be expected to endure.”
Arday’s upcoming memoir, Great and Unfortunate Things, was scheduled to be published later this month, but publishing insiders suggest the publicity tour and release plans are now in complete limbo. The book would have joined conversations alongside other important works about freedom struggle and personal redemption, had circumstances been different.
We are keeping our notifications locked to see how Cambridge’s formal investigation unfolds, so stay completely locked into the coverage, honey! This situation reminds us that even the most inspiring stories deserve rigorous verification.
What do you think about Professor Jason Arday resigning amid these serious allegations? Is the internet and media holding him accountable, or was he targeted? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!
Kanye West Plays Headless Corpse in Music Video Directed by Bianca Censori
Kanye West is losing his head over his latest music video—literally—and wife Bianca Censori is the one calling the shots.
Ye dropped the visual for “OK,” his track featuring Don Toliver, and Bianca placed her husband squarely on a morgue table for the occasion. The video shows Kanye West as a headless corpse while a team of doctors operates on his body, pulling strange objects from inside his torso.
The medical crew eventually attempts to reattach Ye’s head, transforming the whole thing into one seriously twisted resurrection sequence. It’s the kind of visual that only makes sense in Kanye’s world—disturbing, theatrical, and unmistakably deliberate.
Bianca directed the project, adding another credit to a résumé increasingly filled with her husband’s music videos. She previously stepped behind the camera for Ye’s visuals for “Father” and “King,” establishing herself as a creative force in his artistic output.
“OK” is one of two new tracks added to the deluxe version of Kanye’s album “Bully,” released in June. For Bianca, it seems directing her husband means occasionally taking him apart and putting him back together.
