Lauryn Hill linked up with Wyclef Jean at Piccadilly Circus to mark the anniversary of the Fugees’ landmark album “The Score,” drawing thousands of fans eager to witness the rare public appearance.
The pair took photos, signed albums, and connected with supporters during what served as a promotional push for a full album performance scheduled for Friday at the Diaspora Calling! festival. The energy was palpable—a moment that felt genuine in an era where nostalgia often gets manufactured for the camera.
Los Angeles artist Lauren Halsey was commissioned to create a mural for the celebration, and Lauryn Hill made a point to acknowledge her work. It’s the kind of detail that matters—recognizing the creative labor that goes into these moments beyond the headliners themselves.
The Fugees reunion energy continues to resonate decades later, and seeing Hill show up for these commemorative occasions suggests there’s still life in what many consider one of hip-hop’s most important records.
Every year, college rankings spark debate about which schools make the cut and which ones get overlooked. Forbes recently released its latest ranking of the nation’s top historically Black colleges and universities, highlighting several standout institutions. But not every school making real waves ended up on that particular list. The truth is, some historically Black colleges and universities are quietly excelling without the same national spotlight.
As students return to their campuses this fall, it’s worth taking a closer look at the hidden gems across the country that are making history and supporting Black students comprehensively. From specialized academic programs to rising enrollment numbers and significant investments in Black student success, these institutions deserve recognition too.
Alcorn State University (Mississippi)
JACKSON, MS – FEBRUARY 17: Alcorn State University hosted Purple & Gold Day at the Mississippi State Capitol. Students, faculty, staff, and administration attended the event to advocate for Alcorn State’s funding and future. (Photo by Tommie Green/Alcorn State University via Getty Images)
Alcorn State doesn’t always dominate headlines, but it’s definitely moving upward. The nation’s oldest public HBCU recently climbed in all four U.S. News & World Report ranking categories, showing steady progress across the board. On several other lists, including Niche, Alcorn State breaks into the top five HBCU rankings. If you’re looking for a school with deep HBCU history and an upward trajectory, this institution deserves consideration.
Fort Valley State University (Georgia)
Fort Valley State University keeps proving that bigger isn’t always better. The university has been named Georgia’s top public HBCU for eight straight years while earning recognition for social mobility. That means it consistently helps students convert a college degree into real economic opportunity, exactly what higher education should accomplish.
Norfolk State University (Virginia)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 2: Norfolk State University marches proudly down the parade route at 134th Tournament of Roses Parade presented by Honda on January 2, 2023 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jason Allen/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Norfolk State University is betting big on the future. The university has invested millions into cybersecurity while offering one of only three ABET-accredited optical engineering programs in the country. For Black students seeking to break into high-paying STEM careers, Norfolk State is building a serious pipeline.
Fayetteville State University (North Carolina)
Fayetteville State University has become one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets. It’s ranked number six among HBCUs on Niche and enrolls more military-connected students than any other HBCU in the country. That means a campus built around support, flexibility and helping students, especially first-generation and military families, graduate with confidence.
Elizabeth City State University (North Carolina)
ELIZABETH CITY, USA – APRIL 28: (Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Elizabeth City State proves you don’t need a massive campus to make a major impact. Known for its close-knit community, growing enrollment and strong aviation, STEM and education programs, ECSU gives students personalized attention while preparing them for careers where Black professionals remain underrepresented.
St. Philip’s College (Texas)
St. Philip’s College became the nation’s largest HBCU after reaching nearly 20,000 students in 2025. It’s also one of the few schools recognized as both an HBCU and a Hispanic-Serving Institution, making it a powerful example of what access, affordability and student support can accomplish.
Dillard University (Louisiana)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 29, 2024: Dillard University, a more than 100-year-old historically Black college in New Orleans. (Photo by Kathleen Flynn for the Washington Post)
Dillard University has long been one of New Orleans’ academic gems. Its intimate campus gives students the best of both worlds: a liberal arts education with strong pre-health, business and STEM programs. Add in the city’s culture and the university’s commitment to producing Black leaders, and the appeal becomes clear.
Talladega College (Alabama)
Members of the Talladega College’s “Marching Tornadoes” perform during the National Battle of the Bands at NRG Stadium, Sunday, August 29, 2021, in Houston. (Photo by Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Talladega College may be small, but its history is mighty. As Alabama’s first private liberal arts HBCU, the school offers students personalized education in an environment where professors know their names. It’s a solid choice for students who want strong academics without feeling like just another number.
Bennett College (North Carolina)
Everybody knows Spelman College in Atlanta, but Bennett College deserves some recognition too. There are only two all-women’s HBCUs in the country, and Bennett is one of them. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, Bennett focuses on leadership, mentorship and creating spaces where Black women can thrive academically and personally. Bennett was originally coeducational but became an institution for women in 1926.
Tuskegee University (Alabama)
Statue of American Civil Rights leader, politician, and author Booker T. Washington (by Charles Keck) entitled ‘Lifting the Veil of Ignorance,’ on the campus of Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama, 2010. (Photo by Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge/Getty Images)
Tuskegee’s legacy speaks for itself, and its academics are just as impressive today. It’s home to the only fully-accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine professional degree program directly on an HBCU campus, making it a destination for aspiring Black veterinarians. Add its research reputation and legendary alumni, and Tuskegee continues to punch well above its weight.
Oakwood University (Alabama)
For those looking to deepen their faith while in college, Oakwood University offers a unique balance. The Seventh-day Adventist institution centers its mission around its motto, “God First,” while preparing students for careers in healthcare, business and ministry. While many schools struggle with retention and graduation rates, Oakwood was in the top 20 of U.S. News & World Report’s ranking for HBCUs with the highest graduation rates.
Delaware State University (Delaware)
DOVER, DELAWARE – MAY 10: A group of students pose for a photo in the Memorial Hall Gymnasium on May 8, 2024 before the start of Delaware State University 2024 Commencement Ceremonies that was held outdoors at Alumni Stadium on the campus of Delaware State University. (Delaware State University via Getty Images)
Delaware State University is on an upswing. According to a 2023 report released by the university, enrollment has increased more than 20 percent since 2020 as the institution expands its academic offerings and research opportunities. Students get the benefits of a thriving HBCU community with Division I athletics and a campus that’s clearly on the rise.
University of the Virgin Islands
Want the HBCU experience without staying on the mainland? The University of the Virgin Islands is literally one of one. As the nation’s only HBCU in the Caribbean, most people don’t even know it exists. Students get small classes, ocean views and a global perspective. It’s a unique opportunity to earn a degree while experiencing Black culture through a different lens.
Morgan State University (Maryland)
A student heads toward the south campus of Morgan State University in Baltimore. A proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine is expected to begin admitting students at Maryland’s largest historically Black university in the fall of 2024. (Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Morgan State doesn’t just offer degrees – it offers programs you can’t find at most colleges. It’s the only HBCU with a transportation and urban infrastructure studies program and only the second university in Maryland to offer landscape architecture, the other being the University of Maryland College Park. If you’re interested in designing the future of cities and communities, Morgan should be on your shortlist.
Winston-Salem State University (North Carolina)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 17: Steph Curry #30 of the Western Conference meets the players of Winston Salem State University during the NBA HBCU Classic Presented by AT&T as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brandon Todd/NBAE via Getty Images)
If you’re considering a nursing program, Winston-Salem State belongs on your list. The university is home to the region’s only nursing program that offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. That’s a major advantage for students seeking to become advanced healthcare providers while studying at an HBCU.
Aaron Pierre is gracing the pages of British GQ in a feature that captures a pivotal moment in his rising career. The actor, known for his commanding presence on screen, sits down with writer Olive Pometsey to discuss his journey, his craft, and what it means to break through in an industry that’s only recently begun to make space for Black talent in leading roles.
This moment with Aaron Pierre feels significant because it represents the kind of visibility that matters—a major international publication recognizing a Black actor not as a supporting player, but as a force worthy of their cover story. The feature goes beyond surface-level conversation, diving into the real work it takes to sustain a career in entertainment while staying grounded in purpose and authenticity.
For readers who’ve been waiting to see reflections of themselves in spaces like GQ, this is a reminder that the conversation is slowly shifting. Aaron Pierre’s presence on these pages is a win worth celebrating, and a signal that there’s room for more.
Ted Lasso is officially back for its fourth season. While familiar characters made their grand return in the premiere episode on Wednesday, the show wove in some surprising nods to Black culture that caught the attention of viewers.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Ted Lasso centers on an American soccer coach navigating life in London. The show’s cast skews predominantly white, with limited representation of Black actors and people of color. Black audiences make up roughly eight percent of the show’s viewership, according to streaming data company PeerLogix. That said, the series has tackled race and ethnicity before, most notably in season three’s “The String That Binds Us” episode, where Nigerian player Sam Obinsanya speaks out against government policies barring refugees and faces racist backlash when vandals target his restaurant.
Season four’s premiere takes a different approach, threading in cultural references that feel less heavy-handed and more celebratory.
The first moment arrives early when Ted (Jason Sudeikis) is called to his son Henry’s school to discuss a “disturbing” poem found in his notebook. What the principal flagged as concerning turns out to be Public Enemy’s 1988 track “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos.” Henry had simply written down the lyrics. When Ted and Henry’s mother arrive to hear the actual poem, they struggle to keep composed. The humor lands because it highlights how institutions often miss cultural context entirely.
“How do you get to be a principal without knowing the lyrics of Public Enemy?” Henry’s mother asks.
Ted responds, “I reckon most antiquated institutions ain’t too keen on encouraging folks to ‘fight the power’ these days.”
Later, after watching Henry play soccer, Ted approaches the coach about his son being benched despite being the team’s best player. The coach deflects, saying parents and coaches have conflicting priorities. Ted counters with a reference that feels perfectly out of left field: “I’m not sure Tina Knowles would agree with you, but I hear what you’re saying.” A subtle nod to Beyoncé’s mother and her well-documented involvement in her daughter’s career.
The episode’s most resonant scene unfolds when Leslie Higgins, one of Ted’s former London colleagues, visits Kansas City. While his friends tour the Jazz Museum, Higgins steps into the adjacent Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and encounters the history of baseball’s segregated era. He becomes absorbed learning about players like Satchel Paige, describing their talents as equivalent to “Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Louis Armstrong all rolled into one.” The moment carries genuine weight as Higgins, portrayed as uninformed about American racial history, stands moved and humbled.
Bob Feller and Satchel Paige in the Cleveland dugout, 1949. Photo by Mark Rucker/Transcendental Graphics, Getty Images
The response online has been positive. Viewers appreciated the show’s willingness to center Black history and culture rather than treat it as secondary material.
“First ep of Ted Lasso S4 and there’s a scene in the Negro Leagues museum, and here I am, crying (happy) at 10pm,” one viewer wrote on Threads.
“The tribute to Satchel Paige and the Negro Leagues on Ted Lasso season 4 premiere is amazing,” said another.
A third added, “I love that Ted Lasso essentially turned Season 4, Ep. 1 into a love letter to his home, Kansas City. The segment with Higgins and the Negro League Museum is really something. Now I want to visit Kansas City.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs has spent somewhere between $7 to $8 million on his legal defense over the course of his nearly two-year federal criminal case. For most people, that figure would be absolutely staggering. For Diddy, it’s a fraction of his reported hundreds of millions in assets.
Sources with direct knowledge tell BlkCosmo that Diddy has paid the massive legal tab to his team of trial and appellate attorneys, including Marc Agnifilo, Teny Geragos, Brian Steel, Nicole Westmoreland, and others dating back to his arrest in New York in September 2024. According to a search for Sean “Diddy” Combs, the case has drawn significant media attention throughout the legal process.
Diddy initially faced serious federal charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. After an eight-week trial in 2025, a jury acquitted him on the racketeering and sex trafficking counts. The convictions that stuck were two Mann Act charges related to transporting male escorts across state lines.
Testimony revealed that Diddy had orchestrated marathon sexual sessions, dubbed “freak offs,” inside hotel rooms. He would watch and often film the escorts and his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura during these encounters.
In October 2025, a judge sentenced Diddy to 50 months at the Federal Correctional Institution at Fort Dix in New Jersey, where he remains incarcerated. While the Mann Act conviction carries real consequences, it represented a significant legal victory compared to what he was facing. He’d been looking at a potential life sentence if convicted on the sex trafficking and RICO charges.
Prison life hasn’t been smooth. Last month, Diddy landed in solitary confinement after getting into a physical altercation with another inmate. Multiple sources say the situation escalated when the other inmate disrespected the Bad Boy Records founder. The two got heated, pushing and throwing jabs at each other before prison staff broke it up.
According to our sources, Diddy “held his own” during the brief brawl. Both he and the other inmate were placed in the hole following the incident.
Kalela is making waves as the latest cover star for Highsnobiety, and honestly, the timing couldn’t be better. The story, captured by writer Brittany Spanos, gives us a deeper look into who Kalela really is beyond the surface level. With makeup artistry by Raisa Flowers and production support from Yenum Egwuenu, every detail of this shoot was carefully crafted to showcase authenticity and style.
This feature represents more than just a magazine moment—it’s a celebration of Black excellence in media spaces that don’t always center our stories. Highsnobiety has long positioned itself at the intersection of culture and commerce, and featuring Kalela is a testament to the growing recognition of voices and visions that deserve the spotlight. The creative team behind this shoot—from styling to production—brought their A-game to ensure Kalela’s narrative was told with the precision and respect it deserves.
For our community, these moments matter. When we see ourselves reflected authentically in major publications, it shifts the conversation about who gets to be covered, who gets to be heard, and who gets to define culture. This is what visibility looks like when it’s done right.
domestic violence allegations have surfaced against Tom Sandoval. His ex-girlfriend Victoria Lee Robinson filed for a restraining order, accusing the *Vanderpump Rules* alum of repeated abuse. The case draws attention to how domestic violence impacts relationships and the courage it takes to speak out.
Robinson, 33, submitted her filing July 2, alleging Sandoval, 42, “routinely physically and verbally” abused her during their relationship, which began in 2024 and ended earlier this year. In her declaration, Robinson claimed Sandoval shoved her down a staircase after an argument in August 2025, leaving bruises on her knees. She said she called 911 but later withdrew her statement after learning Sandoval could be arrested—a decision she now regrets, per *US Weekly*.
The incidents didn’t stop there. Robinson alleged Sandoval pushed her to the floor of a Nashville hotel hallway while she was visiting her terminally ill grandfather, who has since died. She claimed he called her a “coward,” locked her out of their room, and moved her belongings into her father’s room. These patterns of control and verbal abuse are heartbreaking reminders of how relationships can become unsafe spaces.
After returning home, Robinson alleged Sandoval searched through her purse and elbowed her “hard in the chest” when she tried to retrieve her possessions. She asked that her father, J. Will Robinson, also receive protection, claiming Sandoval pushed him into a lit fire pit during a June confrontation. Standing up for family members takes real strength.
However, the court denied Robinson’s request July 6, noting Sandoval had already obtained a temporary restraining order against Robinson and her father.
Sandoval previously accused both of attacking him during the June 3 dispute. Robinson was arrested and later released on $50,000 bond.
The former couple is scheduled to appear in court July 16.
A$AP Rocky thinks A$AP Rocky calling out Drake for still being hung up on Rihanna is the kind of real talk the internet probably needed to hear. Speaking on “The Jason Lee Show,” the Harlem rapper didn’t mince words about his former collaborator’s lingering feelings for the Fenty mogul, even though she and A$AP have moved past all that.
“It’s bugged out to me,” A$AP said, pointing out that while he and Rihanna have clearly moved forward, Drake still seems stuck on their on-and-off relationship from 2009 to 2016. It’s a blunt assessment, but one that cuts to something real about how certain figures in hip-hop and pop culture struggle to let go of past connections.
What made A$AP’s comments stick wasn’t just the callout itself. He zeroed in on how the internet amplifies these situations, with fans and bad actors running narratives into the ground and then weaponizing them from behind their phones. It’s a fair observation about how celebrity drama gets weaponized online, turning personal history into ammunition.
The conversation then shifted to Drake’s recent lyrical jabs, specifically a bar from his album “Iceman” implying Rihanna hadn’t posted about A$AP’s work. A$AP dismissed the whole thing as noise. Why would Rihanna promote something she’s not even part of? The logic is straightforward, but it highlights how easy it is to twist context into a slight when you’re looking for one.
There’s another layer too. If Rihanna had posted about the album and it performed well, A$AP pointed out, people would immediately accuse him of coasting on his wife’s celebrity. That’s the impossible position certain artists find themselves in, where every move gets weaponized into a negative narrative.
A$AP has been clear about where things stand. He’s already said his friendship with Drake is finished, and last month he made it known he’s not interested in reconciliation. There’s no bridge-building planned here.
The message is simple: A$AP’s moving on, and he’s essentially saying Drake should do the same. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen, but at least the sentiment is clear.
Drake turned ladies’ night into a major financial moment at his third annual Strong Women, Stronger Drinks event, dropping over $1 million on the attendees.
The Toronto rapper hosted the bash Tuesday night at Casa Loma, where the payouts were generous across the board. Ten women each walked away with $50,000, while six others received $100,000 apiece. The event celebrates Canadian women in creative and business spaces, from content creators to entrepreneurs.
Social clips from the night capture the real energy of the moment. One video shows a woman’s genuine shock as Drake hands her $50K personally. Other footage highlights the luxury car lineup for guests, featuring G-wagons and BMWs parked outside the venue. It’s the kind of evening that leaves people talking.
Drake has made this event an annual fixture in his calendar, and it’s become a meaningful way to direct resources toward Canadian talent. This year’s edition lived up to expectations, with the combination of cash gifts, exclusive experiences, and genuine recognition creating the kind of night that benefits everyone involved.
Earn Your Leisure has called out Atlanta after five years of hosting Invest Fest in the city. Co-founders Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings didn’t hold back during a Breakfast Club appearance, accusing city officials of providing virtually no support for the three-day financial education event. Now Mayor Andre Dickens is responding, and the tension is spilling into a very public debate about how cities support Black entrepreneurs.
Invest Fest draws tens of thousands of attendees annually and covers finance, business planning, and wealth-building topics through panels featuring industry experts. The event has become a flagship offering for Earn Your Leisure, the educational platform behind podcasts and online courses focused on financial freedom.
During their Breakfast Club interview, Bilal was direct about the frustration. “Atlanta’s done nothing for us,” he said, outlining the kinds of support cities typically provide: billboard space, logistical coordination with venues, police presence, budget assistance, and hotel partnerships. He pushed back on the assumption that Black entrepreneurs should simply figure things out on their own. “I think a lot of times when you’re a Black entrepreneur, a lot of things are just expected. They’re like, ‘Oh, you got it like, you good.’ It’s like if somebody else will come—like a Forbes or somebody like that—they roll out the red carpet.”
Mayor Dickens didn’t name Earn Your Leisure directly, but his response at Hank Stewart’s White Linen Affair left little doubt. “Earlier this week somebody said something on the radio in New York about Atlanta. Somebody was talking about support. You know, people talk a lot,” he said in remarks that quickly circulated online. “The city of Atlanta, we will always look out for ours. This is 25 years. If you support this city, we support you back! So put that on your podcast!”
The exchange caught The Breakfast Club’s Loren LoRosa off guard. She indicated that conversations with the mayor’s office had seemed productive before Dickens’ public response. “I talked to the guys, and they said that it’s unfortunate. He took this approach after we spoke to his team about creating solutions together going forward, but all good,” she said.
Co-host DJ Envy was more pointed in his criticism. “I think what the mayor of Atlanta did was whack. These brothers put on something that’s great for the community. They get tens of thousands of people and they continue to do it. All they asked for was just a little help—like a lot of these other corporations get.”
The tension appears rooted in broken promises. Despite Mayor Dickens speaking at Invest Fest in 2022 and holding a joint press conference at City Hall in 2024 pledging support, nothing materialized. Bilal told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that multiple calls with the mayor’s office yielded no results. “We were under the impression that we were going to do work with the mayor’s office because we met with them and they were enthusiastic. We set up a lot of calls, but nothing came from it. It’s not like we’re just expecting somebody to do something for us. But it’s a little different when it’s communicated that we’re going to help and this is going to be a top priority, and then that leads to nothing.”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 07: Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens speaks onstage during 2022 InvestFest at Georgia World Congress Center on August 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
The city’s position is that it can’t support every event. William Pate, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, told the AJC that Atlanta hosts more than 700 meetings and conventions annually. “Unfortunately, we are not in a position to provide financial support for every meeting,” he said.
Troy Millings later clarified the Breakfast Club comments in a YouTube video, emphasizing that their frustration was directed at city officials, not Atlantans in general. “I think when people heard City of Atlanta come out my mouth, they internalized it as I meant the people of Atlanta. By no means did I mean the people of Atlanta. For sure, we love Atlanta—over 60% of our company lives there.” He noted that conversations with city officials have continued since the radio appearance.
Invest Fest is scheduled for August 7-9 at the Georgia World Congress Center and expects to draw 25,000 attendees per day. Whether Atlanta’s city government and Earn Your Leisure can find common ground remains to be seen, but the public standoff has already raised questions about how municipalities invest in and support Black-led enterprises that generate significant economic activity.
