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“I think Trump sees this as both an opportunity to be first and attach his name and likeness to something that is universally popular,” says Cameron Trimble, founder and CEO of Hip-Politics and the former Biden White House official.
President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he plans to return to his hometown, New York City, to attend the NBA finals at Madison Square Garden to watch the Knicks play in their first championship game since 1999.
“I think I’ll be going to one of the games. Yeah, I was invited by numerous people, and [Knicks/MSG owner] Jim [Dolan],” Trump said during a cabinet meeting at the White House. “The Knicks have…really suffered for years, and they’re doing right now very well.”
The president said he originally planned to attend the NBA semi-finals between the Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers; however, the New York team ultimately swept the contest to advance to the finals, 4-0.
If Trump does attend, he would become the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA finals game.
“Trump always wants to be the first to do things,” says Cameron Trimble, founder and CEO of Hip-Politics and the former White House Director of Digital Engagement under President Joe Biden. He tells theGrio, “It’s kind of ironic that Trump would be the first to be at an NBA finals, given the popularity of NBA finals in years past, and the popularity of [past presidents] in culture, from a Bill Clinton to Barack Obama to even George W. Bush, who was probably one of the most connected people to sports, having previously owned the Texas Rangers.”
But given Trump’s unpopularity in New York, where the Queens native was criminally convicted, clashed with elected officials, and saw his Trump Hotel vandalized on numerous occasions, Trump is likely to be met with something familiar whenever he visits the Big Apple or attends a sporting event: boos and protests.
“I think he’ll be met with resounding boos,” says Trimble.
Throughout his first and second terms, Trump has been met with boos at major sporting events numerous times. In November 2025, the president was booed at an NFL game between the Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions. Two months earlier, Trump was booed at the U.S. Open men’s singles championship match in New York City. During his first term, President Trump was booed while attending the World Series between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros.
Trimble tells theGrio that he believes Trump’s plan to attend the NBA finals at Madison Square Garden is less about spectating and more about politics.
“He understands his approval ratings are low,” said the former Biden official, who pointed to the unpopular U.S. war in Iran that is driving up gas prices and the rising cost of living, and the controversy over the Epstein files “cover-up.”
Facing political headwinds, Trimble said Trump likely sees attending one of the largest American sporting events in a city he once had “deep ties” to, and to cheer on a team that hasn’t won an NBA championship in more than 50 years, as an opportunity to inject himself into “cultural significance.”
“I think Trump sees this as both an opportunity to be first and attach his name and likeness to something that is universally popular,” he argued.
Trimble says he’s interested to see to what degree Trump will be met with protests, either from fans or athletes.
“Given the majority of the NBA is African American, you don’t have as many people…on other [sports] teams who have been as vocal politically. This is a time for them to maybe make some public demonstration on the highest stage,” Trimble told theGrio. He continued, “The NBA Players Association has an opportunity to help and guide the players in what this moment could potentially mean, given everything that is going on with their country, their fans.”
Trimble added, “Trump knows how to pick the right argument to distract us, and the NBA, more than any other professional sports league, has had the most players…[and] the culture of standing up for Black issues and standing up for minority issues.”
It wouldn’t be the first time that Trump has been met with protests or perceived protests from NBA players, some of whom have been highly critical of Trump, including LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant. Every team that has won the NBA championship during Trump’s first term declined to attend the White House for a celebratory ceremony, a tradition dating back to 1963 when President John F. Kennedy welcomed the Boston Celtics.
Last year’s NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, like past years, declined to attend the White House, citing a scheduling conflict.
But even if Trump is met with public ridicule from NBA players, Trimble says the president, never shy to take on a political sparring, would likely welcome it.
“He understands that if he can bait or potentially get one of them in a discussion or other folks in a discussion around any number of the things that he’s doing that people are against, I think he welcomes that kind of fight,” said Trimble.
He added, “By putting himself on the main stage, it gives him something to attack, it gives him something to put into the headlines in the media to distract again.”

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Between photo, a video, and rumored endorsements, here’s what’s going on with Jasmine Crockett, Wesley Bell, and Cori Bush.
Every week, every day, every minute, social media users are engaging in a new conversation. And recently, some timelines were flooded with debates about Jasmine Crockett, whether or not she endorsed Missouri congressman Wesley Bell, what this means for former congresswoman Cori Bush’s campaign against Bell, and more. So here is a breakdown of what has turned social media users into political analysts. 
Missouri is deep in campaign season, and among the many candidates putting their bids in the political race are Democratic candidate Bell, running for re-election, and Bush, hoping to win her seat back in the House of Representatives after losing to Bell.
On Saturday, May 16, St. Louis Democrats hosted their annual Democratic Gala. An event that politics and culture commentator Reecie Colbert tells theGrio is typically considered “neutral territory” as the organization does not make any political endorsement in the primaries. That evening, Crockett appeared as the event’s keynote speaker, during which Bell introduced her to the audience. Days after the event on May 18, the Missouri congressman shared a photo of him and Crockett on stage, writing: “It was an honor to welcome my friend and colleague Jasmine Crockett home to St. Louis Saturday night. Jasmine is one of the most effective fighters in Congress, and she had the St. Louis County Democrats Gala fired up and ready for the fight ahead.” 
The picture quickly sparked widespread endorsement on social media, as many saw the two’s appearance together as reflecting Crockett’s support for Bell’s campaign. 
While many social media users debated whether a photo is a fair way to assess political alliances, Dr. Christina Greer, a professor of political science, explained why some may see the photo as an endorsement. 
“Putting myself in the mind of just a lay person, if I see a very popular politician who can galvanize money and votes very quickly, if I see her next to someone in a highly charged competitive race,” Dr. Greer told theGrio. “I might make the leap. Now, it’s a leap, but make it nonetheless that this individual is endorsing someone, because if not in this moment, why would they necessarily be seen with them?” 
As social media users debated the photo, a video of Crockett surfaced online on May 21, where she is heard saying: “We are living in unprecedented times, and I can tell you there’s no one better for this moment for MO-1, to keep his eye on the prize, which is you, the people, than Wesley Bell.”  
Her comments in the video, paired with the circulating video, caused many social media users to believe that the Texas representative endorsed Bell. Many users have raised issues about Bell, whose campaign is reportedly supported by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Similarly, some users expressed disappointment at what they understood to be her endorsement of Bell over Bush, a fellow Black woman running in the same race. 
Can you imagine Jasmine Crockett endorse wesle Bell over the progressive black woman Cori Bush? I completely lost respect for Jasmine Crockett.. coming from a brother who supported her all the way. wesle Bell support Israel genocide.. they raise millions of dollars for him. He… pic.twitter.com/PPbwvIfQqJ
Amid the discourse, Crockett addressed the endorsement allegations in a series of posts on Threads, writing: “Y’all are hilarious! It’s 9:00 am where I am & I’m awakened to the same overly pressed paid losers talking sh-t. Now that I’ve got your attention, @thefirepac lists all of our FORMALLY endorsed candidates. When a MEMBER of CONGRESS invites you to their district on behalf of an org to speak, we aren’t sh-tty towards the member as some of you seemingly want a person to be.”
“When I’m speaking of a member, when asked to, I won’t tear them down. I will speak of what it is that I’ve seen of them & I spoke to what I’ve seen of the Congressman when in STL as he asked me to speak at his private event,” she continued, citing her demeanor when visiting St. Louis in 2024 when Bush was in office. “Maybe y’all’s nosey a—s would like to know that neither candidate has solicited my endorsement & the forms are open on thefirepac.com.” 
Ultimately, neither Crockett nor Bell has announced any form of formal endorsement. So, that leaves the question, what is this really about? And Colbert, like some users on social media, called out how Bush has been caught in the crosshairs of the discourse, despite some critics claiming to be Bush supporters. 
“So the strategy of amplifying that endorsement to the maximum extent possible cannot possibly be to aid in Cory Bush’s campaign. So, the alternative is that what it’s really about is it’s about trying to paint Jasmine as inauthentic or as AIPAC adjacent, as a liar. Those are the kind of three tacts that they used that they tried to take against her during her senate campaign, and even though she lost that campaign, even though she’s not on the ballot, that kind of strategy hasn’t dissipated at all,” Colbert told theGrio. “[Crockett] stirs up this resentment that people have, this fear that people have of the power of Black women. So, they do everything they can to undermine her. First, it was let’s undermine her Senate candidacy, and then now it’s let’s undermine her position in the party altogether.” 
“I just think that it’s not a Jasmine-specific thing, it’s a how this country and how people on every side of the spectrum treat Black women in leadership,” she concluded. 
Also reflecting on the polarizing reactions Crockett’s name appears to spark on social media, Dr. Greer believes there’s real credibility to some of Colbert’s reflections. 
“There are some people who have very strong feelings for Jasmine Crockett, and there are others who have very strong feelings against Jasmine Crockett, and so for the latter group, you know, there’s a certain sort of delicious delight that people take in saying, ‘look at this woman, you know, she is exactly who we thought she was,’ right? Untrustworthy and out for self, and the list goes on with the negatives,” the political professor shared. “But where is the fact-based information? There’s just so much rapid misinformation and disinformation online that makes truthful statements, relationships, and facts that much harder to counterbalance.”
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The Grammy-winning singer reflected on faith, grief, and their close relationship in a deeply personal post shared online.

Monica is mourning the loss of her father and sharing her grief publicly in an emotional message posted to social media.
In a heartfelt post shared online, the Grammy-winning singer reflected on the pain of saying goodbye while also expressing gratitude that her father was no longer suffering.
“Dad, I Love You & Letting You Go I honestly wasn’t prepared for but I’m Happy You are Free … No More Pain, No More Suffering,” Monica wrote.
The singer also shared memories of conversations she had with her father about faith and perseverance, recalling his words: “If God See Fit for Us To Keep Living, Then We Keep Living.”
Monica ended the tribute by calling herself “still your only girl,” underscoring the close bond she shared with her father.
The emotional post quickly drew thousands of reactions from fans, friends, and fellow social media users, many of whom offered condolences and prayers for Monica and her family. Others related personally to the singer’s grief, with many commenters reflecting on their own relationships with their fathers.
Monica has long been open about family, faith, and personal challenges throughout her career, often sharing candid reflections with supporters online. Fans responded to the latest post with messages encouraging the singer to take time to grieve privately and focus on healing.
Known for hits including “Angel of Mine,” “So Gone,” and “The Boy Is Mine,” Monica has remained active in music, television, and touring while maintaining a strong connection with longtime fans through social media.
As of now, the singer has not publicly shared additional details regarding her father’s passing.
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Instead of just admitting Trump is an old man who needs more frequent medical visits than a younger man, everyone at the White House is pretending they’re not sure how long a year is.
President Donald Trump paid a visit to Walter Reed National Military Hospital for what he called his “6-month physical,” or what he referred to last October as his “sort of semi-annual physical,” while the White House called it “routine yearly checkup,” despite it coming six months after his annual physical, which took place in April of last year.
Basically, instead of just admitting that Trump is an old man who needs to undergo more frequent medical visits than a younger man would need to, everybody at the White House is pretending they’re not sure how long a year is.
“Just finished my 6 month physical at Walter Reed Military Medical Center,” Trump posted on social media, according to CBS News. “Everything checked out PERFECTLY.”
The truth — which, ironically, can’t be found in any of the president’s “Truth” Social posts — is that Trump is suffering from the kind of chronic ailments that come with age, which might be less embarrassing for him if he hadn’t spent so much time harping on the perceived physical and cognitive decline of former President “Sleepy Joe” Biden, claiming to be a physically fit 35-year-old in the body of a clearly-not-fit 79-year-old, and claiming to have superior cognitive and intellectual abilities than that of much younger Democrats, who he says couldn’t pass the IQ test that he took, which actually turned out to be a dementia screening.
Just saying, perhaps if he didn’t spend so much time projecting his insecurities onto his political rivals, calling them “mentally impaired and “low IQ,” among other things, he wouldn’t need to keep going out of his way to preempt concerns that he’s a decaying corpse who just happens to still be drawing breath.
Here’s Trump trying to convince us that he’s getting “YOUNGER” in a caption over a photo of him standing next to Xi Jinping, the president of the People’s Republic of China.
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Of course, no one agreed that he looked like he was getting younger. Some did express concerns that he might be shrinking, though.
Anyway, his staff and Cabinet members are also working overtime to dismiss concerns that Trump might be in physical decline.
From CBS:
In July, the White House revealed the president experiences chronic venous insufficiency, a relatively common type of venous disease that occurs when veins in the legs are damaged, resulting in them not managing blood flow back to the heart as well as they should. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes on its website that the condition is “not a serious health threat” but “can be painful and disabling.” But White House physician Captain Sean Barbabella said that an examination revealed no evidence of a more serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease, and the president remains in “excellent” overall health.
While presidents have access to medical care at the White House, they typically visit Walter Reed for more extensive examinations. 
It’s worth noting that Trump turns 80 next month. He’d probably still call what he’s going through a midlife crisis, you know, with him physically being 35 and all.
SEE ALSO:
Trump Brags About Cognitive Test, Makes False 3rd-Term Claim

What’s Going On With Donald Trump’s Hand?

Trump’s Annual Exams At Walter Reed Seem To Be Happening Every 6 Months. Should We Be Concerned? was originally published on newsone.com

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Stephen Shore, U.S. 10, Post Falls, Idaho, August 25, 1974, 1974, printed later Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Gift of Joy of Giving Something Inc.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) has received a gift of 1,986 photographs from Joy of Giving Something Inc (JGS), a nonprofit organisation founded by Howard and Janet Stein. The donation includes works by more than 450 artists and nearly 200 photographic series from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The donated works largely come from the collection assembled by Howard Stein (1926-2011), a financier who began acquiring photographs in the 1980s and established JGS in 1998 to support photography and arts education initiatives.
Among the highlights of the gift are works by Charles Marville, Eugène Atget and Nadar, as well as rare daguerreotypes by Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey and prints by Gustave Le Gray. The donation also includes nearly 200 vernacular photographs and cased objects from the 19th century. Additionally, the gift includes works by the Modernist photographers Alfred Stieglitz, Dora Maar, László Moholy-Nagy and Man Ray, as well as images by the photojournalists and documentarians Berenice Abbott, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Leonard Freed, Marc Riboud, Mary Ellen Mark and Margaret Bourke-White. Contemporary artists represented in the donation include Adam Fuss, David Goldblatt, Gilles Peress and Rosalind Fox Solomon.
Alfred Stieglitz, Music No. 1, 1922 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Gift of Joy of Giving Something Inc.

The VMFA received a group of photographic portfolios and series from JGS in 2023, including Paul Strand’s Photographs of Mexico (1940) and Larry Clark’s Tulsa (1971). Following that transfer, the JGS’s board elected to donate the vast majority of the foundation’s remaining collection to the museum. The museum also received a grant to support the work required to catalogue and store the gifted works.
According to the VMFA, works from the JGS gift will feature prominently in the museum’s new photography galleries, which are scheduled to open in 2027 as part of the institution’s ongoing expansion and renovation project.
Evelyn Hofer, Girl with Bicycle, in the Coombe, Dublin, 1966 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Gift of Joy of Giving Something Inc
“One of the extraordinary aspects of this gift is that it enables the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to explore the work of so many talented photographers,” Alex Nyerges, the VMFA’s director and chief executive, said in a statement. “Together, these wonderful works will strengthen our ability to present the rich history of photography in focused ways and augment opportunities for display and public programming in the museum’s five new photography galleries.”
Other institutions that have received donations of works from the JGS’s collection include the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Peabody Essex Museum, the Yale Center for British Art, Harvard Art Museums and the Museum of the City of New York.
Richard Hedreen is donating a collection valued at $300m and $25m cash to create an art museum at Seattle University
“It is impossible to say in advance when photography is an art and when it is not”
Cohen photos go to Washington, DC

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Happy National Sunscreen Day! Here are six Black-owned sunscreen formulas that are white cast-free and provide lasting nourishment.
As the days get longer and Mother Nature provides an abundance of vitamin D, it’s time to take action. Although wearing less and going out more is the law for the summer season, keeping your skincare game on lock with sunscreen is also non-negotiable. Some elders have passed down the belief that “Black don’t crack,” but that doesn’t mean your melanin is exempt from sun damage. So this National Sunscreen Day (and beyond), a well-stocked sunscreen collection is a must.
I’ll admit that stepping into the sunscreen space can feel like a battle. From sifting through formulas that leave behind the pesky white cast or a greasy, sticky feel, the discomfort is enough to abort the plan altogether. However, with the risk of premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer looming, finding the right formula is essential. And this is where Black beauty brands shine.
What was once an industry that largely overlooked our needs has evolved into a space where Black business owners are carving out their own lane. With an abundance of brands prioritizing the needs of melanated consumers, proper sun protection is more accessible than ever. Whether traditional creams are your go-to or makeup-friendly alternatives are top of mind, Black beauty moguls have answered the call.
In honor of National Sunscreen Day, it’s time to spotlight six Black-owned sunscreen brands worthy of a place in your rotation. From spray formulas that make reapplication seamless to picks infused with skin-loving ingredients for a multitasking approach, you’ll finally understand why sunscreen remains the unsung hero of a well-rounded skincare routine.
Happy Shopping, beauties!
All products have been independently selected by our editors. Please note: we may receive an affiliate commission for products and services purchased through our website.
This tinted sunscreen is quite the crowd pleaser for a slew of reasons, including its lightweight, tinted formula that blends seamlessly into skin sans the fear of a gray or whitish tone. It also features zinc oxide, which works like a charm to sit on the surface of the skin to reflect UV rays for the perfect shield.
This dermatologist-designed chemical sunscreen is formulated with all skin types in mind. It’s lightweight, fragrance-free, and boasts the brand’s proprietary, vitamin C-packed Even Tone Defender formula that brightens your complexion and even your tone through the power of phytonutrients.

Don’t leave your lips out of the equation! Enjoy the best of both worlds and a little extra with this vanilla brown sugar scented lip balm that hydrates, protects, and gives your pout a tinge of color. 

BlackGirlSunscreen stands as a top pick in the sun protection lane, and this offering is no exception. The spray is infused with avocado and jojoba to soothe and moisturize skin from head to toe, and glycerin that locks in moisture for a comfortable feel that lasts. 

This sunscreen doesn’t stop at providing maximum sun protection; it works to enhance skin texture and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it’s non- comedogenic, hydrating, and helps to reduce inflammation. 

Unlike other sunscreens, this number is a do-it-all option that also keeps sustainability in mind. Formulated with niacinamide to tackle dark spots, hyaluronic acid to impart lasting moisture, and mineral SPF 30, this product provides a balanced approach to nourishment and sun protection for a healthy, even skin tone. Plus, it comes with a refillable case, which helps to minimize waste.

National Sunscreen Day: 6 Black-Owned Sunscreen Brands Worth Adding To Your Rotation was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

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The reality star and R&B legend celebrated turning 50 in Thailand – and we have major FOMO.
Fifty where?! Kandi Burruss just dropped pictures from her birthday girls’ trip on social media, and now we are questioning her age, her beauty secrets, and why we weren’t invited.
The now 50-year-old is serving body, attitude, style, and the kind of glow we need the details on immediately. And, of course, her girls understood the assignment.
The legendary R&B singer, Broadway producer, and Real Housewives of Atlanta favorite celebrated her milestone birthday in Thailand with her crew, including fellow RHOA star Shamea Morton. The ladies started the celebration in Bangkok before taking the party to Phuket.
From the photos and videos, Kandi – and her girls – had a time.
The birthday girl posed in a sparkling embellished bikini that showed off her curves and glowing skin. She paired the look with hoop earrings, a high ponytail, and simple flip-flops. Moisturized, smiling, and looking TF good, Kandi had us ready for every beauty, fitness, and vacation tip she is willing to share.
“Day 2 in #Phuket & we had a MF’n TIME!!!!” she wrote on Instagram while recapping the group’s time at Yona Beach.  
The ladies posed poolside in bikinis, danced together in coordinated pink swimsuits, and enjoyed plenty of time on the water. Kandi also shared a shopping-day clip featuring the crew leaving Dior with bags in hand. Because a milestone birthday trip calls for a little luxury.
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Kandi’s birthday celebration comes just days after she opened up about her divorce from Todd Tucker to the media. The former couple finalized their divorce in March after 11 years of marriage.  
“We’re doing our best to get along and get through this moment,” Kandi shared with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live. She has also been candid that she is “not healed” after the split.    
But on this trip, she was surrounded by women who showed up ready to celebrate her, dance with her, and make new memories. And that’s the type of sisterhood we love to see.
Kandi looks happy, sexy, and fully in her moment. Fifty has never looked better.
50 Where?! Kandi Burruss’ Birthday Trip Is Giving Body, Bikinis & Beautiful Sisterhood was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

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“It’s just a friendly reminder that there are still some people of goodwill that exist,” Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright, a close advisor to Clyburn, tells theGrio.
South Carolina Republicans stunningly defied President Donald Trump’s call to redraw its congressional map, rejecting an attempt to eliminate the majority-Black district held by longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn.
On Tuesday, 12 Republican members of the state Senate joined Democrats in abandoning a plan to cancel early voting, which was already underway, and reschedule a new congressional primary election under a new map that would’ve weakened the voting power of Black voters in Clyburn’s 6th Congressional District. Clyburn, 85, has served the district for more than 30 years.
Many Republicans who flipped on the Trump-backed plan to racially gerrymander Clyburn’s district cited concerns about canceling an election that already began on Tuesday. The move reportedly caught the Trump White House off guard.
“The people’s will was respected by way of the process in the South Carolina Senate,” Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright, a close longtime advisor to Congressman Clyburn and a South Carolina native, told theGrio. “It’s just a friendly reminder that there are still some people of goodwill that exist.”
Prior to the shocking vote in the South Carolina Senate, Clyburn sought to appeal to voters, urging them to cast their ballots early and send a message to South Carolina Republicans and Gov. Henry McMaster.
“I have no idea what that result will be. I do know this: that as many people that can vote should vote and challenge the process to throwing your vote out. We’ve done our part. Let’s see what the state senate would do to do its part,” said Clyburn, a powerful Black Democrat whose primary endorsement is credited for saving President Joe Biden’s once flailing campaign in 2020.
Seawright says the outcome in South Carolina is unique to the state and expressed uncertainty about whether similar Republican rejections of Trump’s campaign to pressure statewide Republicans to unprecedentedly redraw congressional maps mid-decade, as opposed to every 10 years after the U.S. Census.
“It’s very important to know that Jim Clyburn’s service to the state of South Carolina is also a very important factor in how folks maneuver at this moment, because what he’s done for our state, not just the 6th Congressional District, our state has benefited,” the Democratic strategist told theGrio. “I think that is certainly a sign that we don’t always have to agree, but we can agree to respect the work that has been done.”
Seawright said he also believes Republican members of the congressional delegation are secretly thrilled that redistricting was halted in South Carolina — at least until the 2028 elections.
“They would have had to wrestle with maps that they were not supportive of or comfortable with, but they wanted to continue their audition for an audience of one, Donald Trump, and what they say privately and what they yield in public have been two different things in this process,” he told theGrio.
The turn of events in South Carolina comes the same day that a federal court rejected Alabama Republicans’ efforts to redraw the state’s congressional map to eliminate one of two majority-Black districts. As theGrio previously reported, despite the victory for Black voters, the state could still appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has already ruled against a similar two-Black-majority district map in Louisiana, arguing that it is racially discriminatory against white voters under the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.
Since the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling on April 29, which amended Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and made it harder to prove racial discrimination in redistricting, a wave of southern states controlled by Republicans — including Tennessee, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Florida — have moved to redraw their maps, targeting majority-Black districts held by mostly Black members of Congress.
The wins for Black voters in South Carolina and Alabama give Democrats a fighting chance at winning the majority in Congress. Last August, Trump set off the current gerrymandering battle for control of Congress when he called on Texas Republicans to redistrict its map and guarantee the party five additional seats. Following Texas, Democratic-controlled states California and Virginia redrew their maps to offset the Republican advantage; however, the Virginia Supreme Court, in a shocking ruling, ruled on a technicality that the new map violated the state’s constitution.
Despite what transpired in South Carolina, Republicans maintain an advantage in the redistricting fight. Thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court, states across the South have sought to eliminate majority-districts by diluting the voting power of Black voters.
In response, the NAACP has called for an economic boycott of public university sports teams in states that have worked to weaken Black voting power. Additionally, the Congressional Black Caucus is now calling on all universities to speak out against the racial gerrymandering efforts that they note will significantly diminish Black representation.
“The Congressional Black Caucus is calling on Corporate America to publicly reaffirm its commitment to voting rights, equal representation, and the democratic principles so many companies pledged to uphold just a few years ago,” said U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, chair of the CBC. “Every institution that claims to believe in democracy has a responsibility to act like it.”

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The woman’s daughter says they returned to retrieve belongings when the encounter with security turned physical.
A Philadelphia-area woman is recovering in the hospital after being tackled by multiple security guards at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, in an incident captured on video that has gone viral and prompted the hotel to suspend several staff members.
As theGrio has reported on similar incidents, racial profiling and excessive force against Black people in public spaces has repeatedly led to viral moments that force institutions to respond only after the footage spreads, and Black people continue to face disproportionate scrutiny and aggression even in spaces where they are paying customers. BreakingAC.com reported that Camillia Williams, 36, a repeat guest at the hotel, suffered a dislocated leg, bruising across her body, and limited mobility in her wrists. The confrontation began around 1:30 a.m. Thursday when her room key card stopped working.
A post shared by Samirah Love ⚢ (@theemirahluv)
Her daughter, Samirah Mungin, documented the incident in a video posted to TikTok that spread widely. “My mom and her fiancé are regulars at the Hard Rock Hotel. However, in the last two trips, my mother has received key cards to the hotel rooms that have not granted her access to her rooms,” Mungin said. “She’s had to go back and forth to the front desk to get replacement keys that never end up working.”
When Williams went to the front desk to file a complaint, security called Atlantic City police. Officers also found an old 2012 warrant from Burlington County for a DUI charge. Williams was processed, charged with disorderly conduct on a summons, and released after her daughter paid the fine. The two then returned to the hotel to retrieve their belongings and locate Williams’ fiancé, which is when the physical confrontation occurred. Video shows her being tackled near the guest elevators by multiple guards as her daughter screamed, “Leave my mother!” in the background.
A post shared by Samirah Love ⚢ (@theemirahluv)
“We were paying guests at the hotel,” Mungin said in the video. “We are not criminals. We were not vandalizing. Neither one of us had bags on us. We were completely unarmed.” She noted her mother is 5’4”, 160 pounds, and was not threatening anyone. Mungin also addressed critics who questioned whether her mother bore responsibility. “When we see a video of a woman being brutally abused, especially a Black woman, we automatically assume that she is in some way at fault.”
Hard Rock suspended several security guards pending a comprehensive investigation and reached out to Williams to resolve the situation. The hotel said in a statement that guest and team safety remain its top priority and referred questions to the Atlantic City Police Department due to the active investigation.
A GoFundMe for Williams’ legal representation and medical costs has been established.

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The singer and reality TV personality took part in an MMA event at the UFC Apex on May 23, where he was KO’d by YouTube personality Supa Hot Fire.
Ray J is currently on the mend.
Days after participating in an MMA event that featured the likes of former NBA players Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley, the R&B singer is reportedly in a Las Vegas hospital, according to TMZ.
Sources close to the outlet said the “Wait A Minute” singer voluntarily checked himself into a hospital after being knocked out by YouTuber Supa Hot Fire on Saturday night. The singer’s much-publicized heart issues are among a concerning number of issues detailing his stay, along with the possibility of a concussion.
Last week, Ray took to Instagram to update his 2.8 million followers on his training for the fight, saying he’d been in the gym for no more than a week.
“We down to the final stages of this,” he began. “I only had a few days to train, so win, lose or draw, man, it’s more about the experience than anything, y’all.”
The 45-year-old’s initial foray into MMA lasted all of two rounds, with him being caught with an overhand right hand that temporarily stunned him before he crumpled to the canvas. Social media users quickly turned the incident into memes, comparing Ray to the iconic “Martin” episode where Martin Lawrence fought Hall of Fame pro boxer Tommy “Hitman” Hearns and got lumped up in comical fashion.
Ray J was just knocked out by Supah Hot Fire at Adin Ross’ boxing event pic.twitter.com/tvNnPPzS3B
Following the fight, Ray J claimed it was rigged and suggested something felt off, despite being vocal about his health condition going into the fight and his hopes that it would end early.
“Damn bro … like that? For real … that’s janky as f–k,” he told Supa Hot Fire in a post-fight interview. “I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to get nobody in trouble, but damn … we took an L tonight.”
In January, the “One Wish” singer claimed he had months to live due to drug and alcohol abuse turning his heart “black” and that “2027 was a wrap” for him.

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EXCLUSIVE: TheGrio obtained a portion of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s comprehensive “Block by Block” plan, which spotlights the Bronx and seeks to redress racial disparities in housing access and quality for Black New Yorkers.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is unveiling a new initiative on Tuesday aimed at advancing his goal of improving housing in the world’s largest city, which, for decades, has left Black New Yorkers in disparate conditions. TheGrio obtained a portion of Mamdani’s comprehensive “Block by Block” plan, which spotlights the Bronx and, according to the Mayor’s Office, seeks to promote healthy buildings and neighborhoods.
“At a moment when working people are being pushed out of the city they built, New York cannot afford half-measures or delays,” Mayor Mamdani, who will unveil his plan in a speech, said in a statement provided to theGrio. “This plan meets the housing crisis with the urgency it demands. We are setting the most ambitious housing production and preservation targets in the city’s modern history – and backing them up with investments to match – while also protecting tenants and homeowners, investing in public housing and ensuring the workers building that housing have good-paying, safe jobs.”
The “Block by Block” initiative’s focus on the Bronx is notable as it has the highest percentage of Black residents (34%) of any other borough in the city. The New York City Mayor’s Office emphasizes that housing quality and stability issues are more pronounced in the Bronx, where 10% of households are subject to an eviction each year and 26% report three or more key maintenance deficiencies in their homes. The borough has also seen deadly residential fires that have displaced and devastated New Yorkers.
Mamdani’s office says it is aware of the city’s legacy of racial discrimination and segregation, particularly in the South and Northwest parts of the Bronx, which is the birthplace of hip-hop in the 1970s. Those discriminatory practices include redlining, disinvestment, and pollution in areas that are disproportionately home to Black and Brown New Yorkers. The Mamdani administration, which marked 100 days in April, notes that poor housing quality has been exacerbated by neighborhood disparities like heat vulnerability, asthma risks, and access to broadband internet.
As exclusively reported by theGrio, Mamdani’s Bronx Plan under his “Block by Block” initiative includes several actions to improve housing quality, reduce health disparities, and build equity for low-income and working-class New Yorkers in the impoverished borough.
Probably the most consequential is Mayor Mamdani’s new pilot tenant-based equity program aimed at helping long-term tenants build wealth. The office notes that, despite renters’ contributions, the appreciation in property values goes entirely to owners. The pilot seeks to redress that imbalance, which disproportionately impacts Black New Yorkers who have been harmed by racial exclusion in the housing market.
As Mamdani vows to double down on affordable housing investments, the mayor’s office plans to ensure those investments are paired with infrastructure and amenities that reduce disparities. The Mamdani administration says it will help communities and tenants organize and exercise their collective power of self-determination.
The mayor’s office, through the Housing Preservation and Development agency, will provide building owners with assistance with low-cost interventions to improve housing conditions and prevent further deterioration. The administration will also seek to expand tenant and owner engagement workshops that emphasize the intersection of health and housing and input from community-based groups.
Mamdani’s office will coordinate community improvement plans in targeted areas where quality-of-life issues persist and, through HPD, pursue interventions such as maintaining vacant lots, improving sidewalk cleanliness through design changes, and installing lighting, safety, and accessibility features, as well as landscaping and public art. The mayor will also seek to expand child care centers and other community services.
“We must fight for both the tenants of today and the tenants of tomorrow,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Block by Block shows how New York City can do exactly that.” 
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May 26, 2026
Under the deal, Kemp and her production company, End of Episode, will develop television projects exclusively for Apple TV+,
Emmy-nominated television producer and writer Courtney A. Kemp has signed a multiyear overall agreement with Apple TV+, marking a new chapter for the creator behind the “Power” franchise and Netflix’s recently launched crime drama “Nemesis.”  
Under the deal, announced the week of May 21, Kemp and her production company, End of Episode, will develop television projects exclusively for Apple TV+, while the streamer also receives first-look rights to film projects created by the producer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 
The agreement arrives as “Nemesis,” Kemp’s newest crime thriller co-created with Tani Marole, continues to gain traction on Netflix. The series recently climbed to the No. 1 position in the United States and several international markets following its May debut.  
A post shared by COURTNEY KEMP (@courtneyakemp)
Kemp said Apple’s leadership and support for creator-driven storytelling made the company an ideal fit for her next phase of projects. Executives Zack Van Amburg, Jamie Erlicht and Matt Cherniss were specifically mentioned in her public statement regarding the partnership.  
“I’m so grateful to Zack [Van Amburg], Jamie [Erlicht] and Matt [Cherniss] for welcoming me to the Apple family. With their impeccable taste and strong support for their creators’ visions, Apple is the perfect place to develop my next projects. I couldn’t be more thrilled to bring my audience to Apple for more hard-hitting, high-stakes, multilayered stories that uplift the culture, yet reach beyond to universal viewership.”
Best known for creating the long-running “Power” television universe for Starz, Kemp helped build one of cable television’s most successful modern crime franchises, spawning multiple spinoffs including “Power Book II: Ghost,” “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” and the upcoming “Power: Origins.” Production on “Power: Origins” is currently underway in New York.  
“Nemesis,” meanwhile, represents Kemp’s first major scripted release tied to her previous Netflix partnership. The Los Angeles-set series follows a detective and criminal mastermind locked in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse pursuit. Actors Matthew Law and Y’lan Noel lead the cast.  
The move also reflects Apple TV+’s continued investment in high-profile creators as the streaming service expands its original programming slate amid intensifying competition in Hollywood’s streaming landscape.  
RELATED CONTENT: ‘The Breakfast Club’ Added To Netflix Live Streaming Lineup

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Check out our ultimate summer R&B and Hip Hop ’90s playlist curated by Chat CPT that will have you remembering when gas was 99 cents a gallon!
A time was had in the 90’s! Music played a pivotal role in black culture, catapulting some of the biggest names into mainstream, giving us budding stars household names like Mary J. Blige, Outkast, Erykah Badu, Will Smith, TLC, Mariah Carey, and more!
So we took it to Chat GPT to curate the ultimate summer R&B and Hip Hop playlist that encompasses the vibe and spirit of the 90s. Whether it was blasting from somebody’s uncle’s speakers at the cookout, playing through headphones on a summer bus ride, or soundtracking a family reunion, these songs instantly transport R&B and hip hop lovers back to summertime in the ’90s.
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Check out our ultimate summer R&B and Hip Hop ’90s playlist that will have you remembering when gas was 99 cents a gallon! From slow jams to party anthems, these records still hit decades later.
Featured on their debut album entitled Candy Rain, this single was released in 1994.
Released in 1991, this song served as the lead single from their fourth studio album.
This song was released in 1990 off their debut album
Released in 1993 this song was the lead single from his album “I’m Ready”
Released in 1994 this was the third single form their album CrazySexyCool
Officially released in 1999 this single is off his 400 Degreez album.
Released in 1996 this song came from his debut album
Released in 1996 this single came from their album titled Another Level.
This song dropped in 1993 and was later included on their “Pronounced Jah-Nay” album.
This was the second single off her debut album What’s the 411? released in 1992
Released in 1996 off her debut album Ill Na Na
Released in 1999 off his sophomore album, Where I Wanna Be
Released in 1995 off her fifth studio album Daydream
Released in 1998 off her debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Released in 1993 and later included on their Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik album
Released in 1992 off their album If I Ever Fall in Love
Released in 1997 from her live album.
What do you think? Did ChatGPT get it right? Tell us what song instantly takes YOU back to summertime in the ’90s? Tell us in the comments.

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DreamFi is designed to meet people where they are by helping unbanked and underbanked Americans with the financial tools they need.
Two men who built their names, one through landmark civil rights cases and the other through decades in hip-hop, are now turning their attention to the financial system.
Ben Crump, the civil rights attorney and co-founder of DreamFi, has partnered with rap legend LL Cool J to bring the fintech platform to unbanked and underbanked Americans. Their pitch is simple: you don’t need to be wealthy to start building wealth.
“It is not for the elites, it’s not for those who have all the money in the world. It is for that everyday person with $10, $20, $30, $40, all of that matters,” LL told TheGrio.
A post shared by DreamFi (@dreamfimoney)
The wealth gap they aim to address has long affected people of color disproportionately compared with their white counterparts. Limited access to traditional banking services continues to affect millions of unbanked and underbanked Americans.
According to a 2023 national survey by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 4.2% of U.S. households, about 5.6 million people, were unbanked, meaning no one in the household had a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union. In the same year, around 14.2% of U.S. households, about 19.0 million people, were considered underbanked. The findings point to enduring challenges in financial inclusion nationwide.
“In most communities of color, we have the unbanked and the underbanked members of our community that are still out there in those check-cashing lines around the corner because they don’t have bank accounts and they are literally paying 10, 15, 20%, sometimes 25% of their hard-earned check just to be able to cash it,” Crump said.
Both men root this work in family memory. For LL, it starts with his grandfather, a man who shined shoes, handled baggage at John F. Kennedy International Airport, worked the post office, and still came home to fix his own car to save money, all while pursuing an engineering degree.
“I learned how important it is to keep going. I learned that dreams don’t have deadlines,” LL said.
Observing his grandfather ultimately changed his mindset. The Queens native, born Todd Smith, said his grandparents have always shared words of wisdom that he lives by today.
LL stated that he could only imagine what life would have been like if his grandparents and his mom had access to financial services like the platform.
Crump also drew from similar sentiments: “I can only think what my beautiful Black mother would have been able to accomplish had she had the benefit of financial literacy,” he said. “God blessed me to be very successful, more successful than anybody in my family ever dreamed of, and what we have to do now is make room for other people at the table.”
While reflecting on his partnership with DreamFi, LL opened up about the financial mistakes he made in his life and how he could help communities lacking these resources by promoting financial literacy through the platform.
“When Ben founded the company and asked me to come on as a partner, be a part of what he was doing and support what he was doing, it [felt, to me,] really natural because I made so many financial mistakes as a little kid, getting into music early and buying every gold chain I could find and every car I could drive. So this felt [right] to me,” he said.
Financial literacy and money management are often not taught early enough. According to DreamFi’s Access and Equity Study, more than half of respondents (56%) said they rarely or never learned basic financial concepts such as budgeting in school. Additionally, many families do not teach financial literacy at home, widening gaps in financial education.
The study also found that more than half of Americans (54%) say they learned budgeting or financial planning from their parents or guardians. However, only 28% of parents and guardians say they feel confident teaching a child about financial literacy.
By race, about 79% of Black respondents sought out financial education, followed by 71% of Hispanic respondents and 69% of white respondents, per the study.
DreamFi is designed to meet people where they are, not where the traditional banking system expects them to be. It offers a debit card with direct deposit, credit monitoring, life insurance, affordable phone plans, roadside assistance, and financial literacy tools, all accessible through an app.
“You can have your money hit at 12 midnight, where you’re not having to wait in the check-cashing line. You can pay your bills to help build your credit,” Crump explained. “When your credit rating goes up, we tell you that you can afford to get a lower interest rate on your automobile, so that means you can save a little more money to put in a college fund for your children or save for a down payment for a home.”
LL framed the progression in more personal terms, showing how people can change their lives with the necessary mindset and tools to get started.
“First, learn how to swim. One day, you may have the boat. One day, you may have the life jacket. Learn how to swim, then move to the life jacket, then move to the surfboard, then move to the jet ski; there’s a progression that can take place here so that you can get your life together.”
DreamFi seeks to expand financial access and help Americans build long-term financial stability for future generations, according to its website.
For Crump, this is not just a business venture. He sees it as a continuation of the civil rights fight through financial empowerment. After suing major banks over discriminatory lending practices, he said he came to realize the courtroom alone is not enough.
“Economic access to capital is a civil right. Financial freedom is a civil right,” he said. “When you have financial freedom, it helps make all the other freedoms that much more obtainable.”
When asked how DreamFi could help move the needle where legislation and litigation have fallen short, he was equally direct about the current political climate.
“Right now, we know this government is not gonna save us. We have to look for ways to be self-sustaining,” Crump added.
Five years from now, both men measure success not in revenue but in changed lives; funerals people can afford, cars that get families to work, children with a head start.
“DreamFi is successful if our children have the benefit of having financial literacy — not just things, but a mentality that I understand I have to be disciplined, I have to be budgeted, and I have to have a plan on how I have financial freedom,” Crump said.
For LL, the real inheritance isn’t money, it’s mindset. He said, “passing on a mentality” and “passing on financial literacy” will create generational wealth. He also credits his grandparents and his partnership with DreamFi, saying he hopes to make a difference in communities that need it most.
“Instead of me just running around the country showing off and bragging about my wealth, I’m actually saying, you know what, I wanna redirect this and put this energy into something that’s gonna help the community,” LL said. “Dreams don’t have deadlines. Each one teach one.”

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Birthday Bash XXX turned into a full-scale love letter to the city, delivering the event’s first-ever All-Atlanta lineup and reminding everybody why Atlanta continues to shape the sound, style, and swagger of hip-hop. This wasn’t just another concert recap. It was a hometown celebration packed with legends, crowd favorites, and city pride from start to finish. Leading the night was T.I., whose headlining set doubled as a 20-year salute to both his landmark album King and the iconic film ATL, giving fans a live reminder of how deeply his music and presence are tied to the culture of the city.

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The lineup made that Atlanta-first energy hit even harder. Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, Waka Flocka, Soulja Boy, YK Niece, Travis Porter, Fabo, Pastor Troy, and Kilo Ali each brought their own era, flavor, and signature anthems to the stage, creating a gallery-worthy run of moments that felt both nostalgic and alive in real time. From trap heavyweights to club-era favorites, the night moved like a tour through Atlanta’s musical legacy, showing the depth of talent the city has produced and the staying power of the artists who helped define it.

Beyond the performances, Birthday Bash XXX also made room to honor Atlanta greatness in a deeper way, with legendary group Goodie Mob receiving this year’s Rico Wade Gamechanger Award. That tribute added heart and history to a night already rooted in hometown impact. This gallery captures the standout performances, surprise energy, and proud city-to-city connection that made Birthday Bash XXX feel bigger than a concert. It felt like Atlanta celebrating itself.

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Check Out Everything You Missed at BIRTHDAY BASH XXX Below

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