YG‘s early morning detention won’t derail his VERZUZ battle with YG, according to sources close to the event. The highly anticipated “Compton Forever” showdown is moving forward as planned.
Thursday’s battle will go on at 6:30 PM PT, pitting the two Compton rappers against each other in the latest installment of the live music series where artists perform their biggest hits head-to-head.
YG faces The Game in what’s shaping up to be a significant cultural moment for the West Coast hip-hop community.
The Burbank property linked to YG was subject to a SWAT response early Thursday morning as authorities executed a search warrant connected to the 2021 murder investigation of Drakeo the Ruler. YG and Drakeo had a well-documented beef, though YG has consistently denied involvement in Drakeo’s death.
According to CHP officials, YG was detained during the search warrant execution but was not arrested. He was released afterward without charges filed.
VERZUZ, created by producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, has become a staple in hip-hop culture since its inception. These battles have launched careers and solidified legacies, making them essential viewing for fans invested in rap’s ongoing narrative.
Whether YG or The Game reference this morning’s police involvement remains to be seen. In the unpredictable world of freestyle battle culture, nothing’s off limits when the cameras roll.
The event streams Thursday evening. Fans eager to witness two West Coast legends square off should tune in to catch what could be a memorable face-off.
Reality television drama just hit a new level. Taylor Frankie Paul is returning to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives for Season 5 following months of legal battles and wild allegations. The influencer’s comeback is happening, but it’s looking a little different this time around.
Paul is scheduled to film the Hulu show’s intro over two days, though she won’t join the rest of the cast for regular filming. According to insiders, she could appear on camera “at some point” during the season. Here’s the thing—despite everything going on behind the scenes, the entire cast and production crews are showing up for her. Reality television can be messy, but support matters.
The reality star recently entered a rehabilitation facility while navigating some serious custody disputes involving ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen and former husband Tate Paul. It’s heavy stuff, but she’s handling it with grace.
Paul shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 6, with Tate, as well as 2-year-old son Ever with Mortensen. Tate recently sought a temporary restraining order and sole custody of their children, though his request was reportedly denied. A source close to Paul claimed that filing was “a direct result” of Mortensen “telling Tate lies about her.”
“She feels Dakota will do anything to hurt her … including using the children, but she is a survivor,” the source said.
Paul and Mortensen have also been locked in a separate custody dispute over Ever. He received temporary sole custody in March, while Paul was initially granted supervised visits. Her visitation privileges were later expanded, which shows movement in the right direction.
It may only be mid-summer, but HBCU homecoming chatter is already taking over the timeline. On July 17, North Carolina A&T officially launched its 100-day countdown to the legendary “Greatest Homecoming on Earth” (GHOE), when a record-breaking 200,000 visitors are expected to flood Greensboro for the university’s historic centennial celebration, setting the stage for one of the biggest Black cultural events of the year.
From NC A&T’s landmark 100th anniversary celebration to massive citywide takeovers at Howard University and Jackson State, HBCU homecoming events continue to generate multi-million-dollar footprints, evolving into major corporate marketplaces year after year. We’re breaking down the 2024-2025 numbers, local economic impact, and overall scale that make these storied institutions’ homecomings a must-attend.
North Carolina A&T — The “Greatest Homecoming on Earth”
North Carolina A&T Homecoming parade (Photo: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University)
After drawing 132,000 attendees in 2024, NC A&T’s homecoming shattered expectations last fall with nearly 175,000 visitors. This year? The surge continues, heading toward a staggering 200,000-person turnout.
University leadership revealed during a recent media briefing that the expected crowd will be 14 times larger than the entire student body, temporarily expanding Greensboro’s population by over 60 percent. A massive wave of 200,000 supporters is expected to flood the city in October, and the historic homecoming is set to pump an eye-watering $50 million directly into the local economy.
Howard University — “The Yard”
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 11: The crowd at the Pepsi x ESSENCE “She Got Now” at Howard University Homecoming on October 11, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Pepsi)
Howard University brings a multi-million-dollar surge to Washington, D.C. Reporting from Fox 5 DC and Howard Alumni Relations confirmed that over 100,000 attendees flooded the Mecca for homecoming in 2025.
That massive crowd translates to massive business. According to Howard’s 2024 Economic Impact Study alongside the Greater Washington Partnership, student and visitor spending alone injects more than $25 million directly into local hospitality, restaurants, and Black-owned vendors across the District.
Atlanta University Center (Morehouse, Spelman and Clark Atlanta)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 25: Rapper Young Nudy performs during Morehouse & Spelman College Homecoming 2023 at Morehouse College on October 25, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
You can’t talk about HBCU homecoming culture without the Atlanta University Center (AUC), which combines the legendary power of Morehouse and Spelman, who share the same homecoming week. Clark Atlanta typically hosts during a different week, but the vibes are unmistakable.
Morehouse College
Among the highlights are the football game and pre-game tailgating. Henry Goodgame Jr., director of alumni engagement and giving at Morehouse College, told the Maroon Tiger that reported numbers for homecoming are approximately 23,000—roughly 13,000 at tailgate and 10,000 in the stadium, though the actual numbers could be higher.
The Spelhouse Takeover
All of the fun translates into a huge economic boost for the city. Atlanta’s HBCUs pump $1.1 billion into the local economy each year, according to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Economic Impact Report.
CAU’s Homecoming Block Party
Celebrated on campus and across Atlanta, Clark Atlanta University’s festivities include a parade, concerts, a football game, and that massive annual homecoming block party that brings everyone outside. The week-long event draws tens of thousands of students, alumni, and visitors annually.
Grambling State University
Don’t let the small town fool you. Grambling State University in north central Louisiana transforms the small town of Grambling into the beating heart of Black college culture during homecoming week.
Grounded in rich tradition and football royalty, the celebration draws over 17,000 fans packing Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium to near capacity, with thousands more flooding the surrounding grounds for legendary tailgating on The Yard and filling hotel capacity from Ruston to Monroe.
From the glamour of the Miss Grambling Coronation and high-energy Greek step shows to the legendary “World Famed Tiger Marching Band,” GSU homecoming is one you don’t want to miss.
Florida A&M University — The Marching 100 Takeover
TALLAHASSEE, FL October 18, 2025: Members of the Marching 100 perform during the halftime show. Florida A&M Rattlers win their Homecoming game over the Alcorn State Braves 33-28 (Photo by Glenn Beil/Florida A&M University via Getty Images)
When the Rattlers host homecoming, all of Tallahassee feels it. Known for drawing major music headliners, A-list alumni, and the world-famous Marching 100, FAMU’s week-long celebration flooded Florida’s capital with over 50,000 visitors in 2025, as reported by WTXL Tallahassee.
Beyond the legendary homecoming parade and game-day energy at Bragg Memorial Stadium, the sheer influx of alumni and visitors creates a multi-million-dollar economic boom for local hotels and businesses across North Florida. Restaurants and vendors told WTXL that record crowds turned homecoming weekend into one of their most profitable events of the year.
In just five days, FAMU’s homecoming week generated roughly $5.1 million in direct local impact, according to Visit Tallahassee data reported by WTXL.
Hampton University — Homecoming by the Sea
Hampton University’s homecoming draws thousands of alumni, families, and visitors to the city of Hampton, with an estimated attendance of over 18,000 people at last year’s festivities. With more than 90 years of tradition under its belt, Hampton University’s homecoming has become the premier economic engine for Coastal Virginia.
A recent UNCF report confirms that Hampton reigns as the top HBCU in the Commonwealth of Virginia for financial footprint, generating an astounding $530 million in total economic impact.
Jackson State University — SWAC Attendance King
MOBILE, ALABAMA – OCT 4: Jackson State University fans celebrate in the stands after a successful play during the Tigers’ matchup against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in the Gulf Coast Challenge at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on October 4, 2025, in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Aron Smith/Jackson State University via Getty Images)
Nobody packs a stadium quite like Jackson State. Holding the crown for the highest attendance in all of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) per HBCU Gameday, JSU’s homecoming is a vital economic engine for Mississippi’s capital city.
Between the homecoming parade, step show, reunion class brunch, and a packed stadium of 31,000-plus fans on game day, the week-long celebration generated over $7 million in localized revenue in 2025, per Visit Jackson’s Yolanda Clay-Moore. Tiger Pride means serious business.
Tennessee State University — The Nashville Takeover
When Tennessee State University takes over Nashville for homecoming, Music City completely transforms. Over 22,000 visitors turned out to watch the football game in Nissan Stadium, while a record 15,000 were outside tailgating.
Corporations, groups, and individuals made donations for scholarships that totaled more than $6 million, the university announced. From the electrifying parades and tailgates to the thrilling football game and concerts, Tennessee State University homecoming has become a cornerstone of Nashville’s cultural landscape. In 2026, TSU will celebrate 99 years of homecoming with pride.
Soulja Boy is pushing back on a child support lawsuit filed by his ex, Jackilyn Martinez. The rapper has requested a DNA test, according to court documents obtained by BlkCosmo, signaling he disputes paternity of the 3-year-old at the center of the case.
The child in question is KeAndre Cortez Way. In his response to the lawsuit filed late last year, Soulja Boy checked boxes indicating his willingness to cover pregnancy and legal costs if a DNA test confirms he is the father.
Martinez filed the suit seeking custody of the child and proposing visitation rights for the entertainer. In her filings, she alleged that Soulja only sent money after she “begged him to do so,” suggesting a pattern of financial avoidance during their time as a couple.
The situation escalated when Martinez included what she claims is an email from Soulja to her legal team. In it, he allegedly wrote: “Stop emailing me, you dumb bitch. There will be no litigation or settlement idk who the f*** u think u talking to.” The tone and language suggest deep friction between the two parties.
Martinez is asking the court to award her child support. With the DNA test now part of the court record, the case will likely hinge on its results. The matter remains ongoing.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 14: (L-R) Travis Scott, Benny Safdie, Elliot Page, Corey Hawkins, Tom Holland, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, John Leguizamo, Zendaya, Samantha Morton, Himesh Patel and Jon Bernthal attend the premiere of “The Odyssey” presented by Universal Pictures on July 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Universal Pictures)
The Odyssey is all anyone is talking about. It’s the biggest movie in the world right now and will likely land among the year’s most significant releases. Yet before the film even premiered, right-wing commentators spent considerable energy insisting Christopher Nolan had gone “woke” because he cast Black actors in prominent roles. But here’s the thing: did he really?
There are a few Black performers in the film, but they function like small chocolate chips scattered throughout a vanilla cookie. All the pre-release outrage seems aimed at a version of The Odyssey that never existed. Travis Scott may have delivered the first words on screen, but that amounts to the film’s Blackest moment, and it lasts roughly ten seconds. Christopher Nolan didn’t suddenly become Spike Lee. Let’s be honest about what’s actually happening.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 14: Travis Scott attends the premiere of “The Odyssey” presented by Universal Pictures on July 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Universal Pictures)
Lupita Nyong’o, the actress whose casting sent certain corners of the internet into overdrive, appears in only a handful of scenes. She plays two roles with minimal screen time, and in one of them her face is disfigured. Corey Hawkins sticks around slightly longer, but mainly because he portrays one of the film’s most despicable characters. You’ll read Travis Scott’s name in the credits longer than you’ll watch him on screen. Zendaya receives just enough visibility to remind you she’s there, but spends her time looking miserable about something or other.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 14: Zendaya attends “The Odyssey” New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on July 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/FilmMagic)
That’s the entire “woke takeover” people spent months complaining about. The version of The Odyssey conservatives invented in their heads contains far more Black representation than what Nolan actually delivered to theaters.
MAGA commentators convinced themselves Homer’s epic had been transformed into a cultural studies seminar when in reality, Nolan gave them what he’s been giving audiences for decades: a film as white as his sensibilities. Casting Nyong’o in a supporting role was enough to trigger months of panic about Western civilization crumbling.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 14: Lupita Nyong’o attends the premiere of “The Odyssey” presented by Universal Pictures on July 14, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Universal Pictures)
They imagined The Odyssey had become Black Panther: Ithaca Forever. Instead, they got what they were always going to get: a Christopher Nolan movie.
Months of preparation for a culture war ended up fighting against a handful of Black cameos. If that’s what passes for “woke” in 2026, the bar isn’t just low. It’s buried somewhere under the ruins of Troy.
Rapper YG had an unexpected run-in with cops Thursday morning when Burbank’s SWAT team showed up around 7 AM PT. He was detained during the police response but ultimately released without arrest.
The California Highway Patrol led the operation with assistance from Burbank SWAT, executing a search warrant connected to the ongoing investigation into rapper Drakeo the Ruler’s murder. The property in question is linked to YG, who had a well-documented feud with the late artist but has consistently denied involvement in his death.
According to CHP, YG was not arrested during the search warrant execution. He was detained and then released.
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. YG was scheduled to hit the stage Thursday evening in a highly anticipated “Compton Forever” Verzuz battle against fellow Compton legend The Game. The West Coast showdown was set to kick off at 6:30 PM PT, giving YG only hours between his police detention and one of the year’s biggest hip-hop matchups.
This morning’s encounter wasn’t YG’s first run-in with Burbank police. Back in October 2024, he was arrested on a misdemeanor DUI charge after officers found him outside his vehicle, which had gone over a curb. That incident resulted in an arrest; Thursday’s detention ended differently.
ARTS AND CRAFTS ROAST! Fans Are Dragging Tia Mowry’s New 33-Year-Old Art Teacher Boyfriend After Hard-Launching A “Thoughtful” $5 Collage For Her 48th Birthday!
Honey, clear out the digital gallery and put away the luxury gift guides, because the internet peanut gallery is officially grading the latest celebrity birthday drop—and baby, the report card is absolutely brutal! BlkCosmo has been tracking the catastrophic, hyper-ventilating comment sections taking over social media after Sister, Sister icon Tia Mowry celebrated her 48th birthday with her brand-new, heavily discussed younger man.
Tia—who recently made waves by hard-launching her romance with Javon’e Armada, a 33-year-old visual artist, designer, and community art educator—seemed completely over the moon celebrating her special day. But honey, the second the receipts hit the timeline detailing exactly what the schoolteacher gifted the multi-millionaire actress for her big day, her fanbase completely violently exploded into pure comedy and absolute disbelief! Instead of a blinding diamond bracelet or a designer handbag, Javon’e leaned heavily into his day job, hand-crafting a sentimental, mixed-media photo collage for his superstar lady love! You can learn more about Tia Mowry and her journey in the spotlight.
The Sweet Photo Dump vs. The “Elementary School” Critique
To understand why the internet is out here clutching their pearls, you have to look at how the gift was presented. Javon’e took to his official platforms to drop a heartfelt, emotional photo dump celebrating Tia’s birthday, showcasing their tight bond, romantic worldwide travels, and featuring the hand-made artistic collage as the ultimate piece of resistance.
While Tia looked completely touched by the sentiment, smiling and embracing the artistic gesture, her loyal followers were not letting it slide! Critics immediately pointed out that because Javon’e works as an educator and independent artist, he clearly doesn’t hold the massive budget to match the lavish lifestyle of an iconic TV veteran. But baby, the fans are screaming that he could have at least arranged a nice dinner experience instead of pulling out the craft supplies!
The Classroom Comparison: Commenters flooded the viral feeds, ruthlessly dragging the presentation. Fans are aggressively claiming that the collage looked like a last-minute project thrown together in a middle school arts and crafts elective class rather than a high-fashion gift fit for a Hollywood queen!
The Post-Divorce Era: Navigating the Cultural Backlash
Let’s look at the relationship dynamics directly like a grounded peer, not a rigid lecturer: Honey, this viral birthday roasting is hitting the digital streets at a highly sensitive time for Tia’s online brand.
Ever since her highly publicized 2023 divorce from her husband of 17 years, actor Cory Hardrict, the internet has been intensely monitoring Tia’s healing journey. When she finally hard-launched Javon’e, she proudly told the media she had “manifested” this peaceful, artistic new chapter. She shared that she was “very happy” and focused on her personal growth and cultural meditation practices during this transformative time.
But the wide 15-year age gap and the staggering financial difference between a global sitcom star and a local community art teacher has kept the critics working overtime. For a massive portion of the fanbase, seeing Tia transition from a traditional Hollywood marriage to receiving handmade paper collages is triggering a total matrix shutdown, with onlookers fiercely debating whether she’s truly living her best life or if she’s overlooking what she deserves. Some supporters appreciate the sentiment as genuine statement piece artistry, while skeptics wonder if she’s settling.
The Timelines Explode Into Absolute Chaos: “Did He Use A Coupon, Honey?!”
The second the screenshots of the birthday collage hit the algorithmic urban forums, the comment sections completely dissolved into pure, unadulterated comedy.
“Hold on a minute! Tia Mowry has been a household name since 1994, and this man gave her a poster board with cut-out photos for her forty-eighth birthday?! Is there a macaroni frame around it too?! He really gave her an assignment straight out of the syllabus, honey!” one viral user yelled on X, instantly securing tens of thousands of hysterical engagements. Another fan defended the romance, writing, “Y’all are so materialistic. She has her own money! A thoughtful, handmade gift from an artist means way more than a generic luxury accessory. Let her be happy!”
Neither Tia nor Javon’e have responded to the wave of digital critiques, with the actress continuing to block out the noise and enjoy her summer birthday vibes. We are keeping our notifications permanently locked to the feed to see if he steps up the game for anniversary season, so stay completely tuned to BlkCosmo, honey! What do you think about the handmade collage? Is it cute or cheap? Let’s talk about it below!
In recent years, several celebrities, ranging from actors to reality TV personalities, have thrown their hats in the political ring across the country. For a brief moment this week, Patrick Dempsey looked like he was about to do the very same. The Grey’s Anatomy star seriously considered a possible run for the U.S. Senate. Here is where he stands on that idea now.
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In recent years, several celebrities, ranging from actors to reality TV personalities, have thrown their hats in the political ring across the country. For a brief moment this week, Patrick Dempsey looked like he was about to do the very same. The Grey’s Anatomy star seriously considered a possible run for the U.S. Senate race. Here is where he stands on that idea now.
A celebrity’s name was briefly attached to a complicated U.S. Senate race
Patrick Dempsey caused a stir earlier this week, when his name was floated as a potential Senate candidate for his home state of Maine. The buzz around the famed actor and his potential candidacy started when Graham Platner, a nominee, withdrew from the race after an ex-girlfriend accused him of sexual assault. Platner has denied the claim, but his withdrawal has left the Democratic Party in a bit of a pickle. The party now needs a replacement who could unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Dempsey’s name entered the conversation partly through a survey conducted by Tavern Research, a Democratic polling firm, which listed him alongside other possible contenders, including former state Senate President Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah, a former director of Maine’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention. His name didn’t pop up out of the blue, though. Apparently, Dempsey has had conversations. He revealed that he’d been asked directly, “more than once,” whether he’d consider running.
Dempsey considered it and took a pass
While there was a fair bit of buzz about Patrick Dempsey taking his talent to the U.S. Senate, it is not going to happen. Dempsey addressed the speculation in the Portland Press Herald. In an opinion piece, Dempsey wrote that he has reflected on the idea, considered all angles, and has decided he will not be pursuing a career in politics. Sometimes the U.S. Senate race just isn’t in the cards.
Patrick Dempsey revealed that when he really sat down and thought about it, he actually had no real desire to serve in the Senate. At this point, he contends, political aspirations simply do not fit in with what he wants out of his life. Instead, he will continue to focus on acting, and the work the Dempsey Center, a nonprofit he founded in 2008, does for people undergoing cancer treatment. The impact of the nonprofit and how many people it can help will be his main focus moving forward.
Dempsey remains deeply connected to Maine’s politics, as he was raised in Maine and maintains an address in the state. Despite opting out of the race himself, Dempsey does have an idea of what he’d like to see from Maine’s next senator. He noted that he hopes the winner of the race is someone who leads with empathy, listens to others, and is willing to put in the work with the utmost integrity.
LaRoyce Hawkins will leave ‘Chicago P.D.’ early in season 14, according to reports.
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Chicago P.D. is saying goodbye to another beloved character. Chicago P.D. cast departures have become all too familiar lately, and this one’s hitting different for fans.
LaRoyce Hawkins is leaving the popular NBC drama early in season 14, Deadline reports. The actor, who’s been with the show since its 2014 premiere, played Officer Kevin Atwater—a character who became a fan favorite and a Chicago P.D. cast departures storyline that nobody wanted to see happen.
Hawkins brought real depth to Atwater over twelve seasons, making the character feel like someone you knew. The reactions from loyal viewers have been raw and honest—people are genuinely upset about losing him from the ensemble.
“We – all of us who are Atwater fans – are unwell,” one person commented on Instagram, saying that they “knew the day was coming” considering that the character was “absolutely underutilized.”
“I do not know what in the world the folks behind Chicago PD are thinking, but this is a ginormous loss,” they added.
“This is heartbreaking for a lot of us … Will not watch after you wrap!!!” another person chimed in.
“Had a feeling he was leaving Chicago PD,” someone else wrote. “Saw way too many signs of it as of late and it sucks definitely.”
Season 13 Paved the Way
As several fans observed, Chicago P.D. Season 13 set the stage perfectly for Atwater’s exit. Early in the season, he got involved with fellow officer Tasha Fox (Karen Obilom). She moved to Miami and extended an invitation for him to join her. The storyline kept building tension until Tasha returned with major news—she’s pregnant with Atwater’s baby. That situation gave the show a natural reason for Atwater to hand in his resignation and move to Florida to be with Tasha.
With Hawkins leaving the show, Chicago P.D. is casting for his replacement. The show is looking for “a Black cop who is an agent of chaos,” according to Deadline. It’s a high bar to follow Hawkins’ compelling portrayal of a character who evolved throughout his tenure.
Chicago P.D. Season 14 premieres Wednesday, October 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Episodes stream the next day on Peacock for those who want to catch up on all the drama.
A makeshift home made of a simple camping enclosure was all a 49-year-old, chronically unhoused Black man had in a Nashville public park. He had lived there for several years, until he was arrested, tased, and charged with a felony simply for camping on public property.
His experience reflects a stark national trend. Following a recent Supreme Court ruling, new laws across at least 14 states, including Tennessee, mean unhoused individuals like Joseph Lamont Williams face up to several years in prison for sleeping on public land. These acts are now classified as felonies according to the National Homelessness Law Center.
Speaking with NPR, Williams explained that he was one of two people arrested in the park on June 28. He faced two felony counts of camping and a misdemeanor charge of evading arrest under Tennessee’s strict anti-camping statute.
Passed in 2022, the law criminalizes basic survival activities like erecting tents or using bedding on public land between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Now classified as a Class E felony, a conviction carries a penalty of up to six years in prison and a $3,000 fine.
Williams pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge and was released from jail after nine days, according to NPR. Alissa Heydari, his court-appointed attorney who represented him in the camping case, noted that the arrest “makes what is already a very difficult life situation for Mr. Williams harder and worse.”
Upon his release, Williams was picked up by John Lozier, a neighbor and retired social worker who befriended him years ago while walking his dog through South Inglewood Park. With nowhere else to go, Williams asked Lozier to take him back to the same park where he was arrested in East Nashville, a historically Black community that has rapidly gentrified over the last two decades, displacing many of its longtime residents.
“It is basically because of finances,” 30-year East Nashville resident Brenda Ross told News Channel 5. “The rent has tripled over the last five years. A lot of people can’t afford to stay in the neighborhood anymore, and the developers are buying up everything.”
Williams agreed, recalling how the neighborhood has “changed so much” throughout the years. “The color boundaries, let’s keep it real, that’s changed. Putting more, better housing and stuff like that around. Knocking some old ones down,” he told NPR.
Despite the neighborhood’s transformation, Joseph Lamont Williams refused to be pushed out of the place he called home.
He’s turned down shelter beds for years, saying he doesn’t trust the system or service providers. So Williams adapted. He chose to sleep on picnic tables, used the sun to warm his food, and got his daily workout on the park’s monkey bars.
Although Williams avoids dwelling on the possibility of being arrested again, using long walks and songwriting to keep his mind off the anxiety, advocates for the unhoused say anti-camping laws are cruel and counterproductive.
Nashville, USA – May 4, 2012: Homeless man holds a sign that says Real People Real Stories and a newspaper with an article documenting the difficulty homeless people have of finding bathroom facilities in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
“Punishing people and using police to address homelessness only makes the crisis worse and prolongs people’s experience of homelessness,” said Devon Krinks, who oversees homelessness and public safety policy efforts for Cicero, as reported by NPR. “Most people I know experiencing homelessness are so hungry for freedom, for agency, for their dignity to be seen and recognized and understood. Jail erodes every aspect of a person’s agency.”
Last year, Old Tent City, Nashville’s oldest homeless enclave, was demolished, WPLN News reported. The encampment, located south of downtown near the Cumberland River and Interstate 24, had been a community for the unhoused for over 40 years. More than 100 people called Old Tent City home.
Now, it’s encircled by no-trespassing signs and fences as the future home of a 25-acre riverfront site, Wharf Park.
“Wharf Park is the next great pearl in a string of riverfront parks that have become the defining public spaces for Nashville’s thriving downtown and the region,” Agency Landscape + Planning said. “The future Wharf Park is endowed with great views, significant topography and expansive acreage.”
The Homelessness Planning Council reported that homelessness in Nashville has been on the rise. In December 2025, roughly 4,300 people experience homelessness in the city, an uptick of more than 30% in less than a year.
