Jay-Z kicked off his “Reasonable Doubt” 30th anniversary concert series with a scene-stealer: Beyoncé gave his hair a fresh trim right there in the stands at Yankee Stadium on Friday night. The moment happened before he took the stage, and the crowd loved it.
Jay-Z starts the 30th anniversary show with Beyoncé cutting his hair
Fans are already reading into it. The freshly buzzed look has people online speculating about new music coming soon. Whether there’s actual truth to that, the couple’s chemistry was undeniable, and people couldn’t stop talking about it.
The real magic happened when Beyoncé joined her husband on stage for “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” stepping in for Mary J. Blige’s feature. She didn’t just sing it either—she made it feel like a full moment, then gave Jay-Z his flowers before leaving the stage. “Give it up for my baby,” she told the crowd. Fans ate it up.
“Make some noise for the LEGENDARY Blue Ivy Carter” 🔥🔥💎
But there was one more performance that hit different. Jay-Z brought his 14-year-old daughter Blue Ivy on stage to perform “Feelin’ It,” the 1996 classic from his debut album. She played a piano solo at the end of the track, and the moment was genuinely touching—Jay-Z got emotional, and they embraced after wrapping it up.
Friday’s show was just the beginning. Saturday will focus on “The Blueprint” from 2001, and Sunday brings an “EXTRA INNINGS” concert combining both nights due to high demand. The series is a proper celebration of one of hip-hop’s most important catalogs.
The last time Christine and Elmore Wonsley saw their son, Nolan Wells, alive, he made them dinner. It was salmon, baked with the kind of pride only a young man comfortable in the kitchen can muster. After the meal, Wells hugged his parents, exchanged “I love yous,” and left. Three days later, his body was found off Mississippi’s Horn Island.
During a Friday, July 10 press conference, Nolan Wells‘ parents stood alongside civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton to speak not just about the circumstances of his death, but about the 18-year-old college football player himself. “This is not how I wanted the world to meet my son, but here we are,” Christine Wonsley said. The family has been pressing investigators for answers ever since Wells disappeared during a Fourth of July boating trip and was found dead on July 6. They’re conducting an independent investigation.
Rather than focus solely on the case’s unanswered questions, Wells’ parents used the platform to remember the young man they lost. Christine described her son as “the kindest soul,” someone who never judged anyone for race, appearance, or background. “He just wanted everyone to be in peace with one another,” she said. “God gave him this big heart, which always scared us.”
Screenshot from Facebook
Like many Black parents, Christine and Elmore had difficult conversations with Wells about what it means to be Black in America. When pressed about whether they were making the case about race, Christine was direct: “It’s not us feeding into racism or the stereotypes that come with that. Unfortunately, that is just a matter of fact.”
Christine shared a memory from when Wells was a toddler. During an argument between his parents, he burst into the room dancing. “It was like he could feel the tension,” she recalled. “He could feel that something wasn’t right. He was just a special kid.”
Football shaped much of Wells’ life and his bond with his father. Elmore described watching his son grow into manhood, and seeing how his younger siblings looked up to him. “When I look at my youngest, I’d say Nolan. Or when I look at Nolan, I’d say my youngest’s name. They were becoming men,” he said.
Elmore expressed skepticism about whether his son would have chosen to remain stranded on Horn Island. “I think me and his mother did a great job. That’s why it’s so hard for me to believe that he would just choose to stay on the island. It just wasn’t in his character,” he said.
The family thanked relatives, coaches, and friends who helped search for Wells. They eventually located his cellphone and car keys, but recovering his phone raised new concerns. Christine pointed out that Wells was typically someone who documented moments at social gatherings with videos and pictures. Yet she found nothing from July 4.
“There were no saved pictures,” she said. “That’s why we feel that things may have been deleted.” Elmore also questioned the circumstances of the search itself. “I don’t know a lot about water currents, but I would think that we would’ve saw his body,” he said, noting that nearby homes and docked boats suggested Nolan Wells “would’ve had help.”
The loss has reshaped the entire household. Elmore spoke about how his other children are grieving. “My son, Ethan, he’s hurting. My twins, the loss of a younger sibling is hurting them. For my family, this is going to be our new norm,” he said.
Still, he’s working to channel that grief into something his son would recognize. He’s encouraged his other children to honor Wells’ memory by striving to be their best. “I said, ‘Nolan wanted you to be the best you can be. He would want you to outdo him. Whenever you feel like you’re in a bind, call on your brother.'”
Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret; Bruce Glikas/Getty Images; Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty Images
Lupita Nyong’o‘s casting as Helen of Troy in the upcoming film “The Odyssey” has drawn the expected backlash from those claiming the choice represents “woke” casting. But the conversation it sparked is worth having: Black women have always been the beauty standard, regardless of what mainstream media has told us for decades. In Greek mythology, Helen was so stunning that her face literally launched a thousand ships. So we started thinking about which Black women could do this legendary character justice.
Whether they’re dark brown, light-skinned, or any shade in between, Lupita Nyong’o and countless other Black women embody that same timeless beauty. Here are some stunning Black stars who could absolutely nail the role.
Sanaa Lathan
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 30: Sanaa Lathan attends The American Heart Association’s Red Dress Collection Concert 2025 at Jazz at Lincoln Center on January 30, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)
After decades in Hollywood, Sanaa Lathan continues to prove that her beauty is timeless. With that kind of staying power and grace, she’d be a perfect fit for Helen of Troy.
Anok Yai
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Anok Yai attends The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 06, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
There’s an otherworldly elegance to Anok Yai that commands attention. Casting her as Helen of Troy wouldn’t just work—it would feel inevitable.
Deborah Ayorinde
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 30: Deborah Ayorinde attends Ebony Magazine’s Ebony’s Power 100 Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 30, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/WireImage)
From “Girls Trip” to everything since, Deborah Ayorinde has consistently delivered star quality. She has the presence and the look to carry a character as iconic as Helen of Troy.
Nia Long
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 12: Nia Long attends the Stage 6 and Screen Gems world premiere of “Missing” at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Downtown Los Angeles on January 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Nia Long’s appeal is timeless. Her beauty doesn’t need explanation, and neither does her place on this list. She could absolutely embody Helen of Troy.
Rihanna
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 24: Rihanna attends the “Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets” European Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square on July 24, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
It’s Rihanna. Enough said.
Kelly Rowland
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 28: Kelly Rowland speaks onstage during the 2026 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 28, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Kelly Rowland has only gotten more stunning over the years. Her confidence and beauty have climbed steadily, making her a perfect choice for a character defined by her legendary looks.
Shannon Thornton
Shannon Thornton at Essence Black Women in Hollywood held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
“P-Valley” fans already know Shannon Thornton is a stunner. Miss Mississippi has the look and charisma for a character as iconic as Helen of Troy.
Adut Akech
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: Adut Akech attends The King’s Trust 4th Annual Global Gala on May 01, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/WireImage)
Even with her recent step back to focus on motherhood, Adut Akech’s face card remains unmatched. She’d be a natural fit for Helen of Troy.
Leomie Anderson
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 25: Leomie Anderson attends the Amiri Menswear Spring/Summer 2027 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 25, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Model Leomie Anderson doesn’t get nearly enough recognition. She’s a head-turner from every angle and belongs on any list celebrating Black beauty.
Olandria
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 28: Olandria attends the 2026 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 28, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Brianna Bryson/FilmMagic)
Olandria went from “Love Island” to fashion week in what felt like no time. The trajectory makes sense when you see her face. She has the looks for Helen of Troy.
Yara Shahidi
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 11: Yara Shahidi attends the Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women dinner at The Pool on September 11, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
“Black-ish” and “Grown-ish” fans remember just how stylish and elegant Yara Shahidi is. She has both the beauty and the maturity to take on a younger version of Helen of Troy.
Lauren London
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: Lauren London attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix’s “You People” at Regency Village Theatre on January 17, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Lauren London’s dimples have been making people weak in the knees since she first stepped into the spotlight. She’s a stunning addition to any list celebrating Black beauty.
Tems
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 01: Tems attends The Fashion Awards 2025 presented by Pandora at the Royal Albert Hall on December 01, 2025, in London, England. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Tems has a beautiful voice and a beautiful face to match. She’d be a brilliant Helen of Troy.
Cardi B believes Karmelo Anthony’s 35-year prison sentence has more to do with the color of his skin than the evidence. The Grammy-winning rapper reacted after Anthony, a Black teenager from Texas, was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, 17, during a high school track meet in Frisco in 2025. Anthony, who was also 17 at the time, was sentenced to 35 years in prison. This case highlights troubling patterns within our mass incarceration system that disproportionately affect Black youth.
“It is a race thing, I’m pretty sure,” Cardi said during an X Spaces session. “Especially in Texas. This happens a lot in Texas.” She believes the case would have unfolded entirely differently if Anthony had been White. “If Anthony was White and he was surrounded by a bunch of Black football players, the case would have went extremely different,” she said. For deeper insight into racial inequities in the justice system, check out mass incarceration resources and analyses.
The confrontation began during a rain delay, when Anthony stood under a tent used by Metcalf’s team. Prosecutors said Anthony provoked the confrontation before stabbing Metcalf once in the chest, but Anthony’s defense team argued that he acted in self-defense. The jury found Anthony guilty of murder after about three hours of deliberations.
“I sure learned something from this,” said Cardi B. “I learned to tell my sons do not argue with no White boys. ‘Cause, baby, ain’t no law protecting us if something goes down with them. That’s what I learned from this case.” Her frustration reflects a broader conversation about fairness and protection—or lack thereof—for young Black men navigating spaces where they’re vastly outnumbered or misunderstood.
Anthony has filed an appeal following the conviction. His attorney, Mike Howard, said the defense believes “there are several important issues for the appellate courts to consider.” An appeal is the next part of the legal process and a right afforded every American, Howard explained. The fight for justice continues as the case moves forward.
Jack And Jill of America logo | Roosevelt, N.Y.: HBCU alumni and representatives from Divine Nine fraternities and sororities display symbols and pride for their organizations as they met with students and held interactive workshops to share the significance of pursuing higher education at HBCUs on September 28, 2023 in Roosevelt, New York. (Photo by Howard Schnapp /Newsday RM via Getty Images)
Right now, Black parents, educators, and community organizers are working overtime to figure out how to keep young people safe. As anxieties rise, families are turning to legacy institutions for shelter, security, and guidance. Black Greek organizations, Jack and Jill of America, and The Links have become more visible than ever—but their role in the community comes with a complicated history.
In a world where finding true sanctuary feels harder by the day, it’s natural to look to the most trusted pillars of Black culture for protection. But as we lean into these spaces, a polarizing question keeps coming up: Is this Black elitism, or is it essential community building? When it comes to Black Greek organizations, the line between indispensable safe haven and exclusive club has never felt thinner. Whether you view them as vital lifelines or expensive status symbols, here’s an unfiltered look at both sides.
The Birth of the Divine Nine
Portrait of a group of university students standing on stage during an event at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. (Cecil Williams/Claflin University via Getty Images)
In the early 1900s, being a Black student on a predominantly white college campus meant total isolation. Black students were banned from housing, barred from cafeterias, and locked out of campus organizations. That changed in 1906.
The first Black Greek-letter organization emerged from this hostile exclusion. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. started at Cornell University, followed by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Howard University in 1908. They were forged as literal safe havens designed to help Black students thrive in a system built to reject them.
Toxicity and Hazing
While the Divine Nine prides itself on lifelong brotherhood and sisterhood, modern critics argue that the culture is plagued by toxic gatekeeping and trauma-bonding. Despite decades of strict anti-hazing policies, dangerous underground initiation rituals continue to make headlines, sometimes resulting in severe psychological harm, physical pain, and even death.
Southern University’s Caleb Wilson Hazing Death
The Root documented the case of Caleb Wilson, the 20-year-old mechanical engineering student at Southern University who died in February 2025 after a fatal hazing ritual while pledging Omega Psi Phi. The Beta Sigma chapter was expelled by the university, and five men were indicted by a grand jury for manslaughter, felony hazing, and obstruction of justice.
Caleb Wilson’s parents sued the fraternity and the chapter for wrongful death and survival damages. His story is a devastating reminder of what happens when a legacy meant to protect Black lives becomes the very thing that takes them.
The High Price of Admission
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI – OCT 10: Jackson State University alumni and members of various fraternities and sororities gather on the Gibbs-Green Plaza to celebrate during the Yard Fest on October 10, 2025, in Jackson, Mississippi. (Photo by William H. Kelly III/Jackson State University via Getty Images)
Critics also point out a deep hypocrisy in their missions. While these organizations pledge to uplift the underserved, the staggering financial cost of membership—frequently running into thousands of dollars with ongoing quarterly or monthly dues—means they’re locking out working-class Black students. What started as campus activism has become an expensive status symbol.
Boots on the Ground
The Mu Omega of Omega Psi Phi, INC celebrates one hundred years and nearly 40 years of services in Philadelphia with a hundred acts of service culminating with the 40th anniversary of the James A. Minton Food and Toy Drive where they gave food and toys to 90 families in need in Philadelphia, PA on December 18, 2020. (Photo by Cory Clark/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Whatever critics say about social exclusivity, the Divine Nine’s modern philanthropic output can’t be ignored. These organizations thrive on civic action—voter registrations, massive health clinics, and millions in academic scholarships for HBCU students.
Gang Mentality
Still, social media timelines are regularly flooded with videos of grown adults in matching windbreakers taking up space in public—gatekeeping sidewalks and restaurant aisles because they believe a color combination and a stroll line gives them ownership of the territory.
Violence often goes viral, with people roasting members for having a bizarre amount of ride-or-die loyalty to an organization—and “friends they quite literally had to pay for”—despite not having a single drop of actual Greek blood in their DNA.
“Atp they just as close as gangs,” one TikTok user wrote after a video of a girl getting jumped by 15 AKAs went viral. Another added: “Yea someone mama would’ve been wearing a black dress and singing going up the yonder.”
The Vision Behind Jack And Jill of America
While Black college students were organizing on campuses, Black mothers were fighting a different battle at home. Founded in 1938 by Marion Stubbs Thomas in Philadelphia, Jack and Jill of America was born out of a simple yet powerful desire to give Black children a safe space to just be kids.
Today, Jack and Jill boasts 271 chapters nationwide, representing more than 50,000 family members providing social, cultural, and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of 2 and 19.
Allegations of Generational Snobbery
Throughout the years, Jack and Jill of America has earned the “bougie” label and has been frequently called out for fostering generational snobbery. Because the organization places overwhelming priority on legacy status—automatically preferring the children of existing members—it naturally keeps out everyday Black families without historical ties to Black high society.
Grueling Interview Process
Critics argue that the interview process, legacy requirements, and specific dress codes don’t actually protect Black childhood. Instead, they isolate a select group of wealthy children from the broader Black community, teaching them early to measure their worth by exclusive social standing and class privilege.
The Real-World Work
Behind that polished exterior lies an undeniable philanthropic network. Jack and Jill of America actively channels resources into community and charitable events, pioneering nationwide awareness around child development, mental growth, and legal protection of children’s rights.
Why The Links Formed
Seated on the left is Allene K. Clark Rayford. Allene K. Clark Rayford is a charter member of the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, chapter of The Links Incorporated, an international not-for-profit social and service organization. (Archives Department/Southern University and A&M College via Getty Images)
The Links, Incorporated, founded in Philadelphia in 1946, was engineered to pool the intellect, professional leverage, and financial resources of Black women who were otherwise locked out of mainstream civic leadership. According to their website, The Links is “one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other people of African ancestry.”
Old-Money Gatekeeping
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 20: (L-R) Racquel Oden, Lesley Horton Campbell, Mignon Espy, Susan Fales-Hill and Michelle Miller attend The Links Incorporated Greater New York Chapter Spring Luncheon on April 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
The Links faces heavy scrutiny for embodying elitist old-money culture. Unlike many organizations where qualified people can apply, membership is strictly invite-only, requiring sponsorship from existing members who are accused of favoring specific social classes or professional pedigrees.
Academic Donald Earl Collins has criticized members of the Black middle and upper classes for having attitudes and values similar to their white counterparts. He wrote: “Emphasizing harmony while knowing that millions of Americans of color are living off the crumbs of alleged racial progress is the mentality of an affluent African American who’s struck a Faustian bargain.”
The Links’ Legacy
The Links, Incorporated consists of more than 17,000 professional women of African descent in 299 chapters located in 41 states. The organization funds historic HBCU scholarships, has contributed more than one million documented hours of community service annually, and has gifted more than $27 million to charitable causes since its founding.
As the family of Nolan Wells searches for answers following his death after a July Fourth trip to Mississippi’s Horn Island, Jack and Jill of America is channeling collective grief into action. The nation’s oldest Black family organization released a statement this week honoring the 18-year-old college football player while calling on parents to have difficult conversations about friendship, accountability, and safety.
On Thursday, July 9, Jack and Jill of America shared the statement titled “Our Sons Deserve to Grow Old: In loving memory of Nolan Xavier Wells” across social media. It’s a direct acknowledgment of the pain Wells’ family is experiencing, paired with a broader challenge to the community about how we protect young Black men.
Screenshot: Instagram
“He was loved, gifted, and full of promise,” the organization wrote. “His passing calls us to reflect on the sacred responsibility we share to protect our children, strengthen their instincts, and build circles of care rooted in dignity, accountability, and mutual concern.”
The statement taps into a fear many parents carry while offering concrete guidance. Jack and Jill emphasized that protection starts with honest conversation. “That begins in knowing who our children are with, how they are moving, and whether the people around them are truly committed to their safety.”
The message reinforced a principle that resonates across generations: “Our sons deserve to grow old. Every Black child deserves to come home. No child should ever be treated as disposable.”
Practically, the organization reminded families to talk with their children, know their friends, create safety plans, and uphold the old-school wisdom that “If we go together, we leave together.”
Founded in 1938 by Marion Stubbs Thoman, Jack and Jill serves over 50,000 families nationwide. The nonprofit has long focused on educational, cultural, and social enrichment for African American children ages 2 to 19.
Wells disappeared during a boating trip to Horn Island on July 4. His friends returned to the mainland without him, prompting his mother, Christine Wonsley, to report him missing. His body was recovered two days later. The family has since retained civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump and called for a full, transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Relationship drama in the entertainment world just hit different when you’re navigating relationship drama with shared children involved. Deiondra Sanders is speaking her truth after Jacquees admitted his heart wasn’t fully available when he started things with her.
The singer recently jumped on a livestream with Jordyn Lucas to address the messy timeline between himself, ex Dreezy, and Deiondra—his current partner and mother of his son. Jacquees owned up to the fact that their split got “a little sloppy” once social media got involved. He also reflected on how he thought he was ready for something new at the time, but now sees it all differently.
“You not really ready for something else until you’re completely done with something,” he shared during the stream.
Deiondra didn’t call Jacquees by name in her social media posts, but fans connected the dots quick. What she shared was raw and honest—the kind of vulnerability that resonates when you’re processing heartbreak. She opened up about how people told her she could’ve had anybody, even an Olympic athlete or wealthy professional, but that’s never been what drives her choices.
“The truth is, I fell in love and was sold a dream, later to find out I was just a rebound,” she wrote in one post that had people talking. The pain in those words? Real.
She didn’t hold back either. “I was so in love that I ignored every warning. My family tried to tell me. Even his ex tried to tell me. Matter of fact, she made a whole song about it, and I still convinced myself that what we had was real.” Sometimes the hardest lessons come wrapped in the most beautiful packages—like a statement piece you thought completed your whole look, only to realize it wasn’t made for you.
“I just feel hurt, disappointed, and honestly, I need some time,” she continued, showing the kind of self-awareness that comes from real reflection. And later, she added the words that matter most: “I take full accountability.”
During that same livestream, Jacquees made it clear he has no regrets about their son and emphasized that everyone involved deserves respect. He praised Dreezy as both a talented artist and a skilled writer, while also acknowledging that Deiondra deserves happiness and support in her role as a mother. Sometimes healing looks like everyone taking accountability and moving forward with grace.
When colleges across the country have largely chosen to rewrite scholarship language to comply with the Trump administration’s restrictions on diversity initiatives, one prominent Black family in North Carolina decided to do something else entirely: take their money elsewhere.
For the first time in nearly 30 years, the Upperman family will not award new scholarships at the University of North Carolina Wilmington after refusing to alter the scholarship’s mission to satisfy the UNC System’s new “equality policy,” according to WHQR News. The Upperman family faced a choice that many donors haven’t: compromise on their founder’s legacy or walk away. They chose the latter. It’s a decision that carries weight. The family remains dedicated to honoring the legacy of their loved one, the late Dr. Leroy Upperman, even if it means pulling a scholarship in his name.
“I discussed it with my adult sons, and we decided the climate may never change,” Upperman’s daughter, Linda Upperman Smith, told WHQR. “There’s no way that we’re going to not follow my father’s wishes.”
Dr. Upperman was a pioneering Black physician whose family helped establish UNCW’s Upperman African American Cultural Center. After university officials asked Upperman Smith to remove language giving special consideration to students who demonstrated a commitment to the African American community, the family took a stand. Rather than revise the scholarship based on the school’s new diversity, equity and inclusion guidelines, the Upperman family voted to stop funding new awards and is exploring moving its roughly $1 million endowment to Howard University, Dr. Upperman’s alma mater, according to WECT.
“One thing about Black folks: we have always figured out a way to make things work,” Upperman Smith said.
The decision stands out at a moment when many universities and donors have quietly modified scholarship language to comply with changing legal and political landscapes surrounding DEI programs. According to UNCW Vice Chancellor Eddie Stuart, 18 active scholarships were found to be out of compliance with the UNC System’s policy. Most donors opted to revise their agreements rather than withdraw funding. The Uppermans chose another path.
Dr. Leroy Upperman. Screenshot from CCU Digital Commons
It’s a notable use of economic leverage by a Black family whose relationship with the university stretches back decades. Beyond scholarships, the family has invested in cultural programming, mentorship and student success at a campus where Black undergraduate enrollment has hovered around 4% to 5% for years, according to Data USA.
Technically, the scholarship did not require recipients to be Black. Instead, it prioritized students with an interest in or commitment to issues affecting African American communities, though recipients were often Black. University officials argued that evaluating that commitment could conflict with some provisions in the new equality policy.
Upperman Smith told WHQR the family’s decision is about preserving donor intent, not simply resisting administrative changes. “I’m tired, and I said they’re not going to beat me down every time I ran into some kind of roadblock with something; they’re not going to beat me down, and on some level I feel that they’ve won, but that’s only at UNC Wilmington, that they’ve won,” she said. “I put a lot of time, energy, sweat, and tears into the university, and it’s like everything has just crumpled.”
The move underscores a reality institutions may increasingly face: if donors believe the original purpose of their gifts can no longer be honored, they can take both their money and their legacy somewhere else.
Drake just threw down a million dollars on Conor McGregor to win at UFC 329 on Saturday, which is genuinely great news for Max Holloway.
The OVO rapper laid out his prediction Friday with characteristic flair. “THE MAC IS BACK?!?!?? The proper twelve drinking, tailored suit wearing, Lambo Yacht riding man with the Dubai tan that once had both belts in both hands … Say less @stake.”
If McGregor pulls off the upset, Drake walks away with $1.85 million in profit. That’s a solid return on confidence, or at least on a hunch.
Drake inked a sponsorship deal with the betting platform years ago, but his track record with public wagers has been consistently rough. Drake has taken losses on the NBA Finals, Super Bowl, UFC fights, and the World Cup.
Which means Holloway’s probably feeling pretty confident right now. The oddsmakers have him at -225 favorite status, while McGregor sits as an underdog at +185.
Still, this is combat sports. McGregor did beat Holloway in their first fight, though that was over a decade ago and he hasn’t fought in five years. Anything can genuinely happen when the cage door locks.
Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena will reveal whether Drake’s instinct pays off or adds another chapter to his betting losing streak.
domestic violence allegations have surfaced involving veteran radio personality Big Tigger. The beloved former host of BET’s “Rap City” has been named in police records as a suspect in a domestic violence investigation involving his wife, Alicia Brown.
Big Tigger’s real name is Darian Morgan. According to police documents obtained by TMZ, Brown was involved in an alleged assault during a May incident. The dispatch records indicate she received medical treatment for injuries before police were contacted. She was later taken to a hospital, though authorities noted her injuries were not life-threatening. The exact nature of how Brown was injured hasn’t been disclosed, nor has it been confirmed whether Big Tigger was arrested or if prosecutors have filed charges.
This situation touches on serious matters that affect many families. If you’re navigating similar circumstances, resources and support are available. The couple shares a son, whom Big Tigger welcomed with Brown in 2025 when he was 51.
As of now, neither Big Tigger nor Brown has issued a public statement addressing the report. The case remains under investigation as details continue to unfold.
