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NLE Choppa Fires Back At Jonathan Majors After...

It’s safe to say none of us had Jonathan Majors vs NLE Choppa on our 2025 Bingo cards, but the universe continues to surprise us. A clip of an unexpected interaction between the two stars went viral after Majors corrected the rapper during a Den of Kings discussion on Christianity. During the roundtable conversation, Choppa discussed his problems with religion, arguing that many Christians focus too much on Jesus rather than God. He said “We are made in the likeness of Jesus Christ,” before asked why people “praise their brother instead of their father.” In response to this, Majors interjected, insisting he “just gotta say something” before asking, “Have you read the Bible?” Choppa replied, “I’ve read it, listened to it, and received from source,” which is when Majors swiftly told him: “I would say read it again.” That comment made for some uncomfortable laughter from the rapper, and after the clip went viral, NLE Choppa had more to say. The Memphis native took to Instagram to address the situation, posting a series of photos including a screenshot of three Bible verses, a photo of himself praying, and a behind-the-scenes shot of Majors speaking with the rapper. In his caption, he referenced the actor’s comments, writing: “READ IT AGAIN.” Choppa went on to post the photo of himself and Majors on his Instagram Story, choosing a photo that seems to show the latter passionately talking about the subject and looking somewhat distressed. Over this photo, he wrote, “The eyes. They never lie Chico .” The rapper has since deleted the posts from his page, but it’s unclear whether the unlikely rivals squashed their beef, or if NLE Choppa was over the conversations surrounding it on social media. You can watch the entire conversation for yourself down below:  

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Lawsuit Filed After Black Postal Worker Dies In...

The family of Kingsley Fifi Bimpong has filed a lawsuit against the city of Eagan after the 50-year-old Black U.S. postal worker was not provided medical care for a stroke and died while in police custody. The newly filed federal lawsuit accuses Eagan, Minnesota, police and Dakota County jail staff of demonstrating “deliberate indifference” after officers ignored clear signs that Bimpong was having a massive stroke — instead assuming he was intoxicated. According to the complaint, Bimpong left his shift with the U.S. Postal Service early, around 10:42 p.m. on Nov. 16, 2024, due to a headache and decreased vision. While driving home, he attempted a left turn at a red light and drove into oncoming traffic, hitting the center median in the process. When officers approached Bimpong, who was still wearing his USPS uniform, he was reportedly confused, disoriented, and unable to state where he lived or worked—the classic and undeniable symptoms of a severe stroke. Despite the medical emergency, Bimpong was arrested and accused of being under the influence before being thrown in jail, spending nearly six hours in custody as his symptoms continued to worsen and his body and mind shut down. According to the lawsuit filed by civil rights attorney Katie Bennett, Sergeant Joseph Moseng summoned Officer Martin Jensen, a certified Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) trained to tell the difference between intoxication and medical crises, who allegedly dismissed his training, telling another officer that a full evaluation would be “a whole bunch of time wasted.” DRE protocol involves a 12-step evaluation to determine a person’s cause of impairment, which includes a check for vital signs and three separate checks for pulse. However, when Moseng requested this evaluation, Jensen only partially completed three of the steps and did not take Bimpong’s pulse once, the complaint alleges. When asked whether Bimpong should be taken to a hospital, he allegedly replied, “For what?” Instead of helping Bimpong receive medical attention he desperately needed, the officers arrested Bimpong on suspicion of DWI, a decision that transformed a medical crisis into a fatal torture. At the police station, his condition worsened as his signs of distress were continuously ignored. An emergency medical provider asked officers if they were planning to take him to the hospital, but the responding officer declined, saying, “It’s a whole thing.” Instead, officers transported Bimpong to the Dakota County Jail, the lawsuit says. Body camera footage captures Moseng starting to ask, “Is this dude having a stro—” before Jensen muted his mic—cutting off the word “stroke.” The lawsuit states that when Bimpong arrived at the jail, he lost his balance and had trouble walking, but his booking paperwork said he did not require further evaluation. Bimpong was reportedly placed in a cell with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving officers a clear view of Bimpong. Video surveillance from inside his cell shows him stumbling to the toilet, where he sat for several minutes before falling backward onto the floor. He remained there, rolling around in distress for hours. “He’s having more difficulty walking, he has muscle issues, he’s drooling, just continues to deteriorate, and then gets taken to jail and spirals as he’s lying on the floor, clearly suffering in front of the corrections officers, it’s just heartbreaking to see,” Katie Bennet said. Dakota County Jail procedure requires that all inmates be observed by a staff member at least once every 30 minutes. Multiple officers are recorded as observing Bimpong struggling on the ground for hours, while marking his status as “OK” in the jail’s system, the lawsuit says. “[He] ends up losing control of his bladder, rolling around in his own urine,” Bennett continued. “Clearly in pain and struggling for hours when no one is helping him.” After three hours of negligence, a nurse entered Bimpong’s cell, where he was found cold to the touch and unresponsive, the lawsuit states. The nurse administered Narcan three times with no effect, believing he’d overdosed. When paramedics finally arrived, Bimpong’s blood pressure was a deadly 240/216, signaling a hypertensive crisis. By the time the father of one was transported to the Dakota County Jail around 1 a.m., his stroke was catastrophic. His alcohol and drug screens came back negative, and a CT scan showed a hemorrhage and swelling in his brain. Bimpong was declared brain dead on Nov. 18, 2024, and taken off a ventilator the next day. Attorney Katie Bennett described the case as “one of the worst jail deaths we’ve ever seen,” adding, “The police and correctional officers acted on incorrect and unfounded assumptions about Kingsley as justification for treating a person suffering from classic stroke symptoms with callous indifference that resulted in his death. The shocking, deliberate indifference from local authorities stripped Kingsley of his last safeguard: the right to basic medical care. No one should lose their life in custody simply because those responsible choose silence and neglect over compassion and responsibility. A jail cell should never become a death sentence simply because cries for help were ignored.” Following Bimpong’s death, an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Corrections found that jail staff were behind on mandatory CPR and first-aid training, and that well-being checks were performed improperly. The jail also violated state law by failing to document medical information or conduct a mental health screening. Despite the overwhelming evidence of negligence, the City of Eagan defended its officers, releasing a statement claiming Bimpong “was not exhibiting an objectively serious medical condition that was obvious to lay persons at the time he was in custody.” That statement stands in stark contrast to video evidence and witness accounts describing his visible distress. The family’s federal lawsuit, filed by Robins Kaplan LLP, seeks $120 million in damages and policy changes within both the Eagan Police Department and Dakota County Jail. The suit names three Eagan officers and seven correctional officers as defendants, citing violations of Bimpong’s Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Kingsley Bimpong’s story is not an anomaly — it’s a symptom of a national crisis. Studies repeatedly show

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Airports Reject Trump Administration Propaganda Video Blaming Democrats...

The Rise of Real-Life Political Propaganda We’ve all seen dystopian movies where governments flood citizens with propaganda through giant screens and endless video loops. Usually, the person on those screens is not the hero. Yet, the Trump administration seems unaware of how closely current events in the U.S. resemble those fictional worlds. Fortunately, not everyone is willing to participate in this kind of authoritarian messaging. Many local officials and airports are drawing a line in the sand. Trump Administration Pushes Blame for Shutdown Earlier this month, reports surfaced that the Trump administration had ordered nearly every federal agency’s website to pin the government shutdown on the Democratic Party and “the radical left.” Now, according to the Washington Post, the administration wants airports nationwide to air a video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who blames Democrats for the ongoing shutdown. “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government,” Noem says in the video. “Because of this, many of our operations are impacted.” She adds that while TSA is doing its best to minimize travel delays, the department hopes Democrats will “soon recognize the importance of opening the government.” Airports Refuse to Air the Propaganda Video Thankfully, many airport officials across the country recognize how inappropriate this messaging is. Airports in Buffalo, Charlotte, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, and Portland have all refused to broadcast the video. Officials say showing the video could violate internal policies and even state and federal laws against using public resources for political activity. “We believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits use of public assets for political purposes and messaging,” said Molly Prescott, spokesperson for the Port of Portland. The Hatch Act, enacted in 1939, prevents federal employees from engaging in political activity while on the job. Oregon law also bars public employees from promoting or opposing political parties during work hours. In Westchester County, New York, County Executive Ken Jenkins echoed the sentiment, calling the video “inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials” and “unnecessarily alarmist.” Why the Administration Is Pushing the Message The timing of this campaign isn’t accidental. With the midterm elections approaching, polls show most voters blame Republicans—not Democrats—for the shutdown. Despite the Trump administration’s messaging efforts, the public largely views the party in power as responsible. That perception could spell trouble for congressional Republicans and the White House. Meanwhile, the shutdown continues to wreak havoc on U.S. travelers and workers. Airport Delays and Worker Hardship The longer the shutdown drags on, the more it impacts everyday Americans. Airlines and airports are facing staffing shortages, especially among air traffic controllers and TSA agents who are being forced to work without pay. According to CNBC, these shortages have delayed flights in Burbank, California, and Nashville, Tennessee. “It is safe to fly, but staffing shortages strain the system,” said a statement from Airlines for America, which represents major carriers such as Delta, United, and American Airlines. On one Sunday alone, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported 8,000 flight delays and 271 cancellations nationwide. Still, only one political party created a taxpayer-funded video to shift blame onto the other—something critics say crosses both legal and ethical lines. Final Thoughts: Remember in the Midterms As the government shutdown drags on, the Trump administration’s attempts to rewrite the narrative grow more desperate. But Americans are paying attention. Officials at airports across the country are standing up for integrity, neutrality, and democracy—reminding us that propaganda has no place

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ICE Raids in Chicago Spark Outrage as Residents...

Ongoing Tension Between ICE and Chicago Communities Federal immigration agents continue to face fierce resistance in Chicago as residents protest what they call aggressive and unjust enforcement tactics. Since the beginning of the Trump administration, the city has been a focal point for federal operations targeting undocumented immigrants. Community members, however, have made it clear they will not tolerate what they describe as intimidation and overreach by federal authorities. Tear Gas Used in Albany Park According to the Chicago Sun-Times, on Sunday federal agents deployed tear gas in the Albany Park neighborhood after detaining a man. Witnesses say onlookers tried to intervene, leading to a chaotic and violent scene. At around 12:30 p.m., dozens of residents gathered, shouting “traitor” and “Nazi” as ICE agents detained a man. Attorney Samay Gheewala, a local resident, said he tried to verify whether the agents had a warrant but was shoved and restrained. “They completely stonewalled me,” Gheewala said. “They refused to identify themselves.” Witnesses described federal agents pushing residents to the ground. Gheewala was injured but declined medical attention. Another resident said he joined the confrontation after seeing agents “bearing down on a man.” Comparing the actions to authoritarian regimes, he stated, “This is Nazi sh*t. When the state is failing, this is what they do.” Federal Court Restrictions Ignored A federal judge had previously issued a temporary restraining order requiring agents to issue at least two warnings before using riot control weapons like tear gas or pepper spray. However, witnesses say no such warnings were given — and none can be heard in videos circulating online. This order was just one of several recent judicial restrictions on the Trump administration, including limits on warrantless arrests and the deployment of the National Guard to U.S. cities such as Portland and Chicago. Logan Square Incident Near a School Earlier this month, another ICE operation in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood led to tear gas being deployed near an elementary school. Students reportedly ran for safety as teachers and staff formed a human barrier between the children and federal officers. Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the action: “The escalation of ICE raids does nothing to keep our young people safe; it makes them afraid and disrupts their learning,” Johnson said at a press conference. Federal Response to Community Outrage In a statement, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the agents, claiming they were impeded by protesters during a “targeted immigration enforcement operation.” She said officers used tear gas and pepper balls only after protesters refused to disperse. McLaughlin added that agents face “a surge in assaults, including sniper attacks and cars being used as weapons.” However, no concrete evidence has been provided to support those claims. Community Organizers and Officials Take Action In response to the repeated ICE raids, local volunteers—self-described as “guardian angels”—are now patrolling Chicago schools with whistles and know-your-rights pamphlets. Their mission: to protect children and families from surprise enforcement actions. At the Albany Park protest, community leaders and elected officials joined residents in standing up to ICE agents. Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33rd) and State Sen. Graciela Guzmán led rapid response groups, rushing to locations where ICE vehicles were spotted. While they managed to prevent some detentions, at least one person was reportedly taken by agents. “This is part of the chaos they like to bring to our communities,” Guzmán said. “Somebody was still kidnapped from our neighborhood today.” Chicago Pushes Back Against Federal Overreach Despite federal attempts to increase enforcement, Chicago’s residents and officials continue to resist what they see as politically motivated intimidation. As one protester put it: “We chased federal agents out of Albany Park today.” The city’s defiance has become a symbol of community resilience and local solidarity in the face of federal aggression.  

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Arthur Blank Foundation Donates $50M To HBCUs In...

Arthur Blank’s latest move is nothing short of monumental. Through the Arthur Blank Foundation, he has pledged $50 million over the next 10 years to support four of Atlanta’s most storied HBCUs (Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, Spelman College) with “gap scholarships” for students who are nearing graduation but have exhausted other financial aid. The idea is to lift the burden from students who are academically qualified but financially stuck, helping nearly 10,000 learners complete their degrees. To understand the depth of this move, it is helpful to examine the Arthur Blank Foundation itself. Blank, co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, has committed to giving away more than half of his wealth and has already funneled over $1.5 billion into causes across education, the arts, health, and infrastructure. In Georgia, his foundation has already supported HBCUs through previous gifts, including $10 million directed to Spelman for an innovation lab and $6 million to upgrade athletic facilities at various campuses. In this context, the new $50 million pledge represents the single most significant gift to HBCUs made by the Arthur Blank Foundation to date. HBCUs hold a legacy that is both rich and resilient. For over a century, they have been institutions of opportunity, educating generations, cultivating leadership, fueling movements, and evolving despite systemic underfunding and external barriers. Many of their students come from low-income households, first-generation college families, or areas with fewer resources. A large part of the attrition (students dropping out before finishing) is due not to capability, but to gaps in funding near the finish line when all other forms of aid have run out. The new scholarship pledge is precisely calibrated to address that “last mile” struggle. So how might this incoming money be used in practice? Gap scholarships would enable students to focus full-time on completing their coursework, rather than juggling extra jobs or accumulating debt. Funds could underwrite costs such as fees, textbooks, or living expenses that are often overlooked. Beyond direct student support, campuses might allocate portions towards administrative capacity to better manage retention, counseling and advising services, bridge programs, or improved infrastructure because making graduation easier is about more than covering tuition. When more students cross the finish line, alumni networks strengthen, institutional prestige grows, enrollment stabilizes, and the long-term cycle of reinvestment gains momentum. This gift is more than charity. It’s a strategic reinvestment in legacy, promise, and future leaders. It also emphasizes a truth long known: when HBCUs succeed, communities succeed. Shout out to Arthur Blank for making a difference!  

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Artist Spotlight

Avail Hollywood: Rising Southern Soul Star You Need...

https://youtu.be/knk2v4Wrujg?si=SLYiCRZpb688iqZy Avail Hollywood is a name steadily gaining traction in the Southern Soul and R&B scenes. Born Christopher Estell in Texarkana, Texas, he blends raw emotion, soulful vocals, and gritty storytelling to craft songs that resonate deeply with fans of grown-folk music. In this post, we’ll walk through his background, signature sound, discography, and what makes him a standout in Southern Soul. Background & Early Life Christopher Estell was born on July 24, 1983, in Texarkana, Texas. Last.fm+1 He comes from a musical family: his father, Collins Estell Sr., was a musician and guitarist, and his sisters also sang gospel. soulbluesmusic.com+1 Avail’s first musical gigs were in gospel: he served as a drummer for the group Shades of Ebony. soulbluesmusic.com+1 His stage name “Avail Hollywood” was inspired by a poster he once saw that read “Elvis Presley, Now Available in Hollywood.” soulbluesmusic.com+1 Musical Style & Signature Themes Avail Hollywood’s music is steeped in the Southern Soul tradition, but he brings his own flavor through several recurring elements: Emotional vulnerability: Many of his songs tackle pain, heartbreak, and personal struggle — especially “drinking” or “wasted” themes. Southern Soul RNB+3soulbluesmusic.com+3ReverbNation+3 Grown-folk appeal: His voice and subject matter are often tailored to adult relationships, maturity, and real-life challenges. N I C C project promotion+1 Blend of mid-tempo and slow ballads: He navigates between club-ready tracks and heart-wrenching ballads. soulbluesmusic.com+1 Instrumentation & production: He frequently uses horns, guitar riffs, soulful backing tracks, and polished production to frame his vocals. Southern Soul RNB+2soulbluesmusic.com+2 Discography & Key Albums Here are some of Avail Hollywood’s notable releases: Year Album Standout Tracks / Notes 2009 The Young Gunn Of Southern Soul “Don’t Leave Me,” “Show Me What U Working With” soulbluesmusic.com 2011 Drinking Again Title track helped cement his identity in the circuit soulbluesmusic.com+1 2013 Country Road Included “Club in the Woods” and “Halle Berry” soulbluesmusic.com 2014 Rehab Features “Rehab Ain’t Working,” “Kiss My Southern Soul” soulbluesmusic.com 2015 Wasted Confessions Explores relational conflict & honesty soulbluesmusic.com 2016 Old Skool Kinda Girl “Twenty Five and Up” was a fan favorite soulbluesmusic.com 2017 Good Whiskey Title track “Good Whiskey,” several singles charted soulbluesmusic.com+1 2019 Still King Includes “Girl You Bad,” “Unbelievable Booty” soulbluesmusic.com+2Southern Soul RNB+2 2020 Black Locomotive Tracks like “Box Top Chevy,” “Love Train” soulbluesmusic.com+2Southern Soul RNB+2 2021 Mississippi River Explores love, faith, and personal growth soulbluesmusic.com+1 2022 Love, Lies, Loyalty Continues his themes, showcasing maturity Southern Soul RNB 2024 King of Grown Folks Music His latest, reinforcing his “grown-folks” positioning soulbluesmusic.com+2N I C C project promotion+2 He maintains his own label, NLightn Records, and has released much of his work independently. soulbluesmusic.com+1 Notable Songs & Chart Impact “Girl You Bad” is one of his more popular singles and is often cited for its appealing hook and production. Southern Soul RNB+1 “I Had To Lie” charted in Daddy B. Nice’s Top 10 for September 2022. Southern Soul RNB His albums have made appearances on Southern Soul & R&B charts, gaining stronger recognition over time. soulbluesmusic.com+1 Challenges & Artistic Growth Over the years, Avail Hollywood has faced the tension between staying true to his core Southern Soul sound and expanding into newer territory. Critics and fans have noted: He briefly left the Southern Soul circuit in 2016 to explore songwriting opportunities in Nashville. Southern Soul RNB+1 But he returned and recommitted to building his catalog and presence among Southern Soul fans. Southern Soul RNB+2soulbluesmusic.com+2 His recent albums display more range and balance — combining love songs, reflective tracks, and upbeat numbers without losing emotional depth. Southern Soul RNB+1 Why Avail Hollywood Matters in Southern Soul Authentic voice & relatability — His willingness to be raw about mistakes, love, and personal struggles sets him apart. Longevity & consistency — Over a decade of releasing albums shows commitment and growth. Independent success — He’s built much of his career through self-reliance rather than big label backing. Blending traditions & modern sounds — While rooted in Southern Soul, he experiments with production and arrangement to stay fresh.

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John Legend-arily Roasts Donald Trump Over His Thirst...

Donald Trump was THIRSTY to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Everyone with the good sense that God gave ‘em knew good and damn well that there was no chance in hell that it would ever happen. However, that didn’t stop some of MAGAs most obsequious cheek-smoochers to campaign on his behalf and whine like school children when the prestigious awards was given to a more worthy honoree. Last night, Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter, composer John Legend trolled the Führer-in-chief by offering him some “advice” on how to become worthy and make himself more eligible for consideration for Alfred Nobel’s coveted award. Via DailyMail: “Stop declaring war on the American people, stop sending the military intro our cities simply because they’re run by Democrats.” “He’d have to stop all this authoritarian dictator sh*t, all the fascist sh*t, all the inhumane sh*t he’s been trying to do,’ Legend added.” Apparently, conservatives, who aren’t always that sharpest pencils in the box, aren’t able to detect sarcasm. All across social media, right-wingers are framing Legend’s comments as “support’ for the Orange Man. Again, these are people who think that Donald Trump is a devout Christian and loves the Lord. Only the slowest of the slow and the cultist of the cults could come to that conclusion. Despite Legend’s sarcasm, he did give Trump earnest praise for his efforts to end the genocide in Gaza by brokering an alleged “peace deal” between the two sides according to Daily Mail. ‘We all want to see peace in Gaza, in the West Bank,’ he declared in the video. ‘And President Trump has been instrumental in bringing about this new peace deal.’ And he added, ‘Let’s all pray that this deal is actually lasting, that it’s long-term. The people of Gaza have had their lives and their communities destroyed for the past two years.’ Many are inclined to believe that Trump’s “work” is in vain because Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will continue to bomb Gaza until his cruelty has been satisfied. We shall see. The post Sure, Jan: John Legend-arily Roasts Donald Trump Over His Thirst To Win Nobel Peace Prize appeared first on Bossip.

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NewsOne And Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School Of...

Now, just as it has been during all consequential periods throughout this nation’s history, it is critical that Black journalists committed to excavating intersectional truths and holding them up to the light are supported and platformed. But that isn’t what is happening in mainstream media, nor has it ever fully been. Instead, our voices are suppressed, distorted, and criminalized, while Artificial Intelligence dominates the media landscape and misinformation and disinformation continue to be unleashed. Let there be no mistake: The United States of America, as a white settler colonial project rooted in land theft, slavery, genocide, and rape, is unraveling at the seams. And those seams, sewn with injustice and interwoven with hate, are being stretched in ways that are unsustainable. Some people may find it comforting to blame all of this on the authoritarian, fascist regime currently occupying the White House, as well as a growing number of cities across the country occupied by Donald Trump’s militarized forces; but we did not arrive here by happenstance, nor as the result of one presidential election. Black people and other targeted communities are not shocked by these travesties even as we brace against the brazenness of the malevolent political actors enforcing them. Why? Because this nation’s past is its prologue. How, then, does one curate an unflinching truth about a country that has lied about the depth and quality of its character since its inception? As I’ve said previously, you begin by rooting the work in the tradition of the Black journalists who have come before, such as Ida B. Wells-Barnett, who taught us through her work at the Memphis Free Speech and beyond, to be both righteous and rigorous. You think of the Freedom’s Journal and the Woman’s Era, of the Chicago Defender and the New York Amsterdam News, of the Los Angeles Sentinel and Negro World. You think of all the Black journalists who have risked their lives to tell the truth. “Having lost my paper, had a price put on my life, and been made an exile from home for hinting at the truth, I felt I owed it to myself and to my race to tell the whole truth.” — Ida B. Wells-Barnett In service to that mission, I have long nurtured a vision of paving the way for young, Black journalists—the truth-tellers and cultural curators of our time—just as others have paved the way for me. Today, I am proud to announce the launch of the Bison ONE Newsroom, NewsOne’s exclusive partnership with student journalists under the tutelage of renowned, award-winning journalist, author, and professor Dr. Stacey Patton at Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications, named for the Founder & Chairperson of Urban One, NewsOne’s parent company and the largest Black-owned media company in the United States. Expanding on our iONE Digital NewsOne x Bison 2024 Election coverage, the Bison ONE Newsroom is a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind partnership between a national media corporation and an HBCU journalism program—a partnership that honors the power of HBCUs as incubators of cultural and political transformation. Blending in-depth journalism, real-time coverage, and heartfelt storytelling, this multi-media experience will serve as a pioneering blueprint for how narratives that attempt to obscure the humanity of Black people can be disrupted when Black institutions stand together and create something innovative, something lasting, something that is ours. Join us in celebrating and supporting these student leaders as they join the sacred tradition of Black journalism. Absorb their words and videos; respect their perspectives; listen to their hearts. Though times are perilous, and the road ahead treacherous, we have always had each other. We may face hate, but we still love. We may encounter lies, but our truths are unbreakable. Those in power may attempt to intimidate us into silence, but they can never imprison our thoughts, nor incarcerate our voices—voices that echo generations of freedom fighters who have come before and breathe life into all those who will come after. Because this is what legacy looks like—what resistance, revolution, and audacious, Black brilliance looks like. As our collective futures unfold, NewsOne is honored to pass the mic to emerging journalists who will shape the ways in which history will remember this urgent moment. We are the authors of our own stories. Let it be written. In solidarity, Kirsten West Savali, Vice President of Content, iONE Digital  

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Cardi Says She’s Pressing Pause On BIA Beef...

The gloves may be off, but the social media posts are on pause between Cardi B and BIA—for now, at least. “I’m not that bad person that people think I am,” said benevolent Belcalis. Source: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/ Jason Kempin/Getty Images for MTV / Getty As previously reported, the conflict between Cardi B and BIA originated when it seemed like the entire industry was beefing. It heated up after BIA released tracks that seemed to take shots at Cardi, who eventually clapped back with the diss track “Pretty & Petty,” on Am I the Drama? The mother of (almost) four didn’t hold back, hitting BIA with lines about everything from her looks and body to her industry relevance, even referring to her as “diarrhea BIA.” The tension was heightened when BIA was promoting her own latest project, Bianca, which dropped on Friday, October 10. Duriing a Hot 97 interview, BIA attempted to wave the white flag, denying that her debut album was dedicated to coming for Cardi. While she threw some subtle shade at Cardi’s lyrics, she stated that continuing the beef with an expecting mother was beneath her. “I can go get on your a** again, but it’s like, girl, enjoy your pregnancy. My mother didn’t raise me to be dragging a pregnant lady. That’s out,” BIA told Nessa. Cardi B And BIA: The ‘Bully’ And The Backstabbing Claims BIA’s attempt at ending the feud by stating “dragging a pregnant lady” quickly drew a fierce response from Cardi. As BOSSIP reported, Cardi took to X (formerly Twitter) Spaces to call BIA a “p***y” for conveniently moving on from the beef now that she’s winning. Cardi also accused BIA of sabotage, claiming BIA had thrown accusations about Cardi cheating on her estranged husband, Offset, with a gang member while Cardi was “five months pregnant with Blossom last year.” Cardi stated that the producer BIA allegedly spoke to confirmed the rumor, but Cardi dismissed it as completely false, stating that type of “hood n***a” wasn’t her type. Now, even with these backstabbing claims fresh in the air, Cardi is taking the “high road”—but only for the moment. During a recent livestream, Cardi confirmed that she had video ready for “Pretty & Petty,” but chose not to release it on the day BIA’s Bianca album dropped. She explained that she recognized the stress of releasing an album and didn’t want to add to it. “I know how stressful it is to put an album out and I know how fucked up you be in the mind when you put an album out and sh*t, so I feel like if I do a video to ‘Pretty & Petty as F***’ this week or today, I feel like I would be bullying,” Cardi told fans. Cardi then added a reason for her restraint, “I don’t wanna feel like a bully. Because when I bully, then God takes from me,” she said. She clarified that if BIA wasn’t actively “messing” with her and hadn’t mentioned her in her album, she wouldn’t do the video at all. However, she confirmed that she plans to release the video soon, saying, “Probably next week, I’ll do a video for ‘Pretty & Petty as F***.’ I’mma be nice to you because it’s your album day. I don’t wanna add to your stress. I’m not that bad person that people think I am.” The post Benevolent Belcalis: Cardi Says She’s Pressing Pause On BIA Beef Amid Rapper’s Album Release–‘I Feel Like I Would Be Bullying’ appeared first on Bossip.

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Megan Thee Stallion Named Mental Health Champion of...

Megan Thee Stallion just added another major honor to her growing list of achievements. The Grammy Award–winning rapper has been named Mental Health Champion of the Year by The Trevor Project, recognizing her continued advocacy for mental health awareness, particularly among BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. Honoring Mental Health Advocacy According to The Hollywood Reporter, the annual award celebrates public figures who use their platforms to challenge stigma and promote conversations about mental well-being. Megan now joins an inspiring list of past honorees, including Dua Lipa, Dylan Mulvaney, Janelle Monáe, and Lil Nas X. Building Resources and Safe Spaces Through her Pete & Thomas Foundation, named after her late parents, Megan continues to support initiatives that focus on education, housing, health, and wellness for underserved communities. In 2022, she launched BadBitchesHaveBadDaysToo.com, a free online resource connecting visitors to therapy directories, crisis hotlines, and mental health organizations—including The Trevor Project. Leading National Mental Health Campaigns Megan’s advocacy extends far beyond her music. She partnered with the California Department of Public Health for its “Never a Bother” suicide prevention campaign and joined the Ad Council’s “Seize the Awkward” initiative to encourage open dialogue about mental health. She’s also headlined Los Angeles Pride and spoken out against homophobia within the music industry. Megan’s Message of Love and Empathy In her acceptance statement, Megan emphasized her mission to use her platform for change: “My goal has always been to use my platform to help break stigmas around mental health and provide resources for those seeking safe spaces to have honest and heartfelt conversations,” she said. “Mental health impacts all of us, so it’s important to lead with love and empathy. I’m grateful for organizations like The Trevor Project that are committed to spreading awareness and supporting our LGBTQ+ youth in powerful ways.” The Trevor Project’s Praise The Trevor Project’s CEO, Jaymes Black, praised Megan as “an extraordinary role model,” especially for Black LGBTQ+ youth. “Her raw honesty, bold advocacy, and deep love for her community make her an extraordinary role model,” Black said. “Megan’s activism doesn’t just stop at words; she builds real, tangible resources for vulnerable communities that are too often overlooked. As a queer Black person, I wish I had someone like Megan to look up to when I was growing up.” A Well-Deserved Recognition Megan Thee Stallion becomes the fifth honoree to receive The Trevor Project’s Mental Health Champion of the Year Award. Her continued commitment to advocacy, community empowerment, and mental health awareness cements her legacy not just as a performer, but as a true champion for change. Congrats, Hottie Queen! 💅🏽    

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