Tag: #BLACKLIVES

Georgia’s Taxpayers May Soon Bankroll Trump’s Defense

December 5, 2025

Georgia recently passed a law that could force Fulton County taxpayers to reimburse Donald Trump and his co-defendants for millions in legal fees after the election-interference case was dismissed. Estimates suggest claims could reach $10 million or more, though no payouts have been finalized yet CBS News The Hill san.com.

Case Collapse, Costly Consequences

Fulton County’s election‑interference case against Donald Trump and 18 co‑defendants was dismissed after DA Fani Willis was disqualified. That dismissal triggered Georgia’s new SB 244 law, which allows defendants to demand reimbursement of “reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.”

What’s Happening

  • Case dismissed: The sprawling Georgia election-interference case against Trump and 18 co-defendants was dropped in late November 2025 after Fulton County DA Fani Willis was disqualified due to a conflict of interest san.com.
  • New law (SB 244 / GA Code §17-11-6): Passed earlier this year, it allows defendants to seek reimbursement of “reasonable attorney’s fees and costs” if a prosecutor is disqualified and charges are dismissed The Hill san.com.
  • Potential claims: Trump’s legal team alone spent more than $5.5 million in Georgia since 2021. Co-defendants collectively spent millions more, with some raising funds through crowdfunding CBS News.
  • Taxpayer impact: Fulton County could be liable for millions, possibly tens of millions, depending on how many defendants file claims and what a judge approves CBS News The Hill.

The Price Tag

  • Trump: $5.5M+ in Georgia legal fees
  • GOP “fake electors”: $2.3M
  • Harrison Floyd: $363K (crowdfunded)
  • John Eastman: $937K (crowdfunded)
  • Jeff Clark: $153K (crowdfunded)
  • Total exposure: $10M+ and counting

Taxpayer Impact

Defendants have 45 days to file claims. Judge Scott McAfee will decide payouts. While Trump’s attorney insists reimbursements come from the DA’s budget, critics argue taxpayers ultimately foot the bill.

Risks & Fallout

  • Unprecedented precedent: Rarely are criminal defendants reimbursed.
  • Political fallout: Though bipartisan, the law is widely seen as Trump‑specific.
  • Budget strain: Fulton County faces millions in potential payouts.

Risks & Considerations

  • Unprecedented law: Reimbursing criminal defendants is rare in U.S. law, raising questions about fairness and precedent san.com.
  • Political fallout: The measure was passed with bipartisan support but is widely seen as tailored to Trump’s case The Hill san.com.
  • Uncertain totals: No official accounting yet of Fulton County’s own prosecution costs, which could add significantly to taxpayer exposure CBS News.

In short: Georgia’s dismissal of the Trump case has opened the door for Trump and co-defendants to demand millions back in legal fees. Whether taxpayers ultimately foot the bill depends on how judges interpret the new law and the claims filed in the coming weeks.

Sources: CBS News The Hill san.com

Advocacy Framing

This is more than a budget issue, it’s a democracy issue. Georgia’s taxpayers may soon bankroll the defense of those accused of undermining democratic institutions. Communities must mobilize to demand transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ethical leadership.

Call to Action:
Share this story. Demand accountability. Ask why public funds should defend those accused of attacking democracy.

Norovirus cases are surging across the U.S., with test positivity nearly doubling since late summer. States most impacted include Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming, Louisiana, Michigan, and Indiana. The CDC stresses that prevention hinges on thorough handwashing with soap and water, safe food handling, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces. NBC News CBS News ABC News CDC

November 30, 2025

Norovirus: America’s “Winter Vomiting Disease” on the Rise

Norovirus, often called the “winter vomiting disease”, is once again sweeping across the country. Unlike other viruses with a fat-based envelope that alcohol sanitizers can break down, norovirus is encased in a rugged protein shell called a capsid, making it resistant to hand sanitizers. That means soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most effective defense.

Current Trends and Data

  • CDC data shows nearly 14% of tests were positive for norovirus during the week ending Nov. 15, 2025, compared to just 7% three months earlier CBS News ABC News.
  • Last December saw a record-breaking 25% positivity rate, and experts warn this winter could bring another harsh season Gizmodo.
  • Epic Research and WastewaterSCAN data highlight the hardest-hit states: Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming, Louisiana, Michigan, and Indiana NBC News ABC News Gizmodo.
  • Outbreaks are being reported in schools, cruise ships, and communities nationwide, with more than 200 passengers sickened aboard a luxury cruise ship this fall CBS News.

CDC Recommendations for Prevention

The CDC emphasizes several key steps to stop norovirus from spreading CDC CDC:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or before preparing food.
  • Do not rely on hand sanitizer alone, it does not kill norovirus.
  • Avoid preparing food or caring for others while sick, and wait at least 48 hours after symptoms stop before resuming these activities.
  • Cook shellfish thoroughly to at least 145°F and wash fruits and vegetables well.
  • Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces using bleach-based solutions or EPA-approved disinfectants effective against norovirus.
  • Wash contaminated laundry with hot water and detergent, then machine dry at high heat.

Why This Matters

Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., responsible for 20 million infections annually, over 100,000 hospitalizations, and nearly 900 deaths each year CBS News. It spreads easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and person-to-person contact. Symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, can appear within 12–48 hours and last 1–3 days. Vulnerable groups include young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Community Call to Action

This surge is not just a public health issue, it’s a matter of community responsibility. By practicing rigorous hygiene, safe food handling, and responsible caregiving, we can protect ourselves and those most at risk. Norovirus thrives in close-contact environments, but prevention is in our hands, literally.

Sources: NBC News CBS News ABC News Gizmodo CDC CDC

California’s Proposition 50: Redistricting as a Defense of Democracy

November 7, 2025

By Charles Zackary King
Source: Reporting from The Associated Press

Why Proposition 50 Matters

On Election Day 2025, California voters approved Proposition 50, a measure that redraws congressional district boundaries in favor of Democrats. This wasn’t just about maps, it was about the future of American democracy.

The measure gives Democrats a chance to win as many as five additional House seats in 2026, directly countering Republican-led gerrymandering efforts in Texas. With Republicans currently holding a slim majority (219–213), those seats could determine control of the U.S. House, and with it, the ability to advance or block President Donald Trump’s agenda.

The Reason and the Why

Redistricting is often seen as a technical process, but in reality, it’s about power and representation. Texas Republicans, at Trump’s urging, moved to redraw their maps to secure five new GOP seats. California’s Proposition 50 was a direct response, a way to blunt that move and ensure Democrats remain competitive in the fight for the House.

Governor Gavin Newsom framed the measure as essential to saving democracy. He argued that without action, Trump and his allies would continue to manipulate electoral maps to entrench their power. Newsom’s words were clear: “If Democrats win the House majority, they can end Donald Trump’s presidency as we know it. It is all on the line, a bright line, in 2026.”

The Who

  • Governor Gavin Newsom spearheaded the campaign, throwing the full weight of his political operation behind it. His leadership made the measure possible, and his success here is seen as a test of his national viability ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run.
  • Former President Barack Obama lent his voice, urging Californians to stop Republicans “in their tracks” and warning against unchecked power.
  • California voters themselves made the decisive choice, approving the measure despite criticism that it undermines the independent commission created in 2008.

Critics like former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger argued that fighting Trump by adopting partisan maps “takes the power away from the people.” But supporters countered that failing to act would allow Trump and GOP-led states to rig the system unchecked.

Why This Was Possible

California is deeply blue, with strong Democratic infrastructure and voter turnout. Opponents of Proposition 50 struggled to raise money in one of the nation’s most expensive media markets, leaving Newsom and his allies to dominate the airwaves. Republican congressmen whose districts will be reshaped largely stayed silent, further weakening opposition.

The result was a lopsided campaign that foreshadowed the vote: a decisive victory for Democrats and a symbolic rejection of Trump’s attempts to manipulate democracy.

Saving Democracy

Proposition 50 is more than a state-level measure. It represents a broader national rejection of Trumpism and a commitment to protecting democratic institutions. Newsom appears to be one of the few governors willing to take bold, structural action to stop Trump from bending the rules to his advantage.

This fight is not over. The 2026 midterms will determine whether Democrats can seize control of the House and block Trump’s agenda. California’s move shows that when leaders act decisively, and when voters recognize the stakes, democracy can be defended.

Call to Action

This is a moment for reflection and action. Are we ready to defend democracy from manipulation? Are we ready to support leaders who take bold steps to protect fairness and representation?

 Subscribe to the blog for updates.
 Comment below to share your perspective.
 Let it be known: America can and will come together when people think, organize, and vote.

The Blue Wave is rising. Let’s make sure it carries us into 2026 and beyond.

Timeline Concept: Defending Democracy

Stage 1: Texas Redraw (2025)
Republicans, at Trump’s urging, redraw maps to secure 5 new GOP seats.
Theme: Manipulation of democracy.

Stage 2: California Response (2025)
Voters approve Proposition 50, giving Democrats a chance to win 5 seats.
Theme: Counteraction, protecting representation.

Stage 3: 2026 Midterms
Control of the U.S. House is on the line.
Theme: Choice between democracy and authoritarianism.

Stage 4: House Control
Democrats can seize majority, block Trump’s agenda, and restore balance.
Theme: Power shifts toward accountability.

Stage 5: Democracy at Stake
The fight is bigger than maps — it’s about saving democracy itself.
Theme: The Blue Wave rising.

The Blue Wave Begins: Election Day 2025 as a Rebuke of Trump

November 7, 2025

By Charles Zackary King
Sources: Reporting by Caitlin Yilek, Joe Walsh, and Kathryn Watson for CBS News

Sources

  • Caitlin Yilek, Joe Walsh, Kathryn Watson, CBS News Election Day 2025 Coverage

A Night of Sweeping Democratic Victories

On November 5, 2025, voters across the country delivered a powerful message. Democrats swept four major races:

  • New York City Mayoral Race – Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing the primary.
  • New Jersey Governor’s Race – Moderate Democrat Mikie Sherrill prevailed over Republican Jack Ciattarelli.
  • Virginia Governor’s Race – Moderate Democrat Abigail Spanberger defeated GOP candidate Winsome Earle-Sears.
  • California Proposition 50 – Voters approved a redistricting measure designed to counter GOP-led gerrymandering.

Exit polls revealed that voters were motivated by concerns about the economy and a broader discontent with the state of the nation. Yet beneath those concerns lay a deeper sentiment: a rejection of Donald Trump’s influence and his contribution to the erosion of democratic norms.

Trump’s Response: Defensiveness and Denial

In the aftermath, President Trump attempted to spin the losses. He told Fox News that Republicans “have to talk about” their successes, particularly on affordability and energy prices. He lamented Ciattarelli’s loss in New Jersey, noting that his endorsement “means a lot,” while distancing himself from Earle-Sears in Virginia.

Trump also lashed out at Mamdani, calling his victory speech “very angry” and warning that the new mayor should “be very nice to me.” He even suggested withholding federal funding from New York City, labeling Mamdani a “communist” despite his self-identification as a democratic socialist.

At the America Business Forum in Miami, Trump escalated his rhetoric, framing the 2026 midterms as a “choice between communism and common sense.” His words underscored the stark divide he seeks to create, one rooted in fear, division, and distortion.

What This Election Means

The victories of Sherrill, Spanberger, Mamdani, and the passage of Prop 50 represent more than just electoral wins. They symbolize a rebuke of Trumpism and a rejection of politics that “abandons the many and answers only to the few,” as Mamdani declared in his victory speech.

This moment is a reminder that when people think critically, organize, and vote, they can push back against the forces that strain our democracy. The results show that Americans are ready to rid themselves of the cancer that has weakened our institutions and divided our communities.

Historical Echoes

History teaches us that moments of democratic renewal often come after periods of deep division. Just as the Civil Rights Movement pushed back against segregation, and just as past waves of reform challenged corruption and inequality, Election Day 2025 signals a new chapter.

The parallels are clear: when citizens unite around shared values of justice, equity, and opportunity, they can overcome even the most entrenched forces of division. This election is not just about candidates, it is about reclaiming the soul of the nation.

The Coming Blue Wave

If Election Day 2025 is any indication, the Blue Wave is building momentum for the 2026 midterms. Voters are signaling that they want leaders who prioritize equity, justice, and opportunity, not fearmongering and authoritarianism.

This is a chance for the country to come together, to reflect on the damage done, and to chart a new path forward. The tide is turning, and the people are ready to save democracy from those who seek to dismantle it.

Call to Action

This blog is more than commentary; it’s a call to action. If you believe in saving our country, if you believe in democracy, equity, and justice, then join the conversation.

 Subscribe to the blog for updates.
 Comment below to share your thoughts.
 Let it be known: America can and will come together when people think, organize, and vote.

The Blue Wave is rising. Let’s make sure it carries us into 2026 and beyond.

Samuel Adegboyega: Building Digital Bridges Between Stories, Strategy & Sales

November 4, 2025

In an era where digital presence defines influence, Samuel Adegboyega is helping brands and authors do more than just show up helping them stand out.

Since 2020, Samuel has worked across platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and independent collaborations, empowering businesses and creatives to scale their online presence, drive consistent sales, and build lasting communities. His approach is rooted in strategy, creativity, and a deep respect for storytelling as a tool for transformation.

The Strategist Behind the Screen

Samuel’s digital marketing expertise is both broad and precise. He specializes in:

  • On-page SEO and backlink building to boost organic visibility
  • Content creation and social media management that spark engagement
  • Facebook and Instagram ads that convert attention into action

Whether launching a new product or revitalizing a legacy brand, Samuel blends organic growth with paid campaigns to deliver results that matter.

Championing Authors, One Page at a Time

For authors and publishing brands, Samuel is more than a marketer, he’s a partner in purpose. His services include:

  • Book editing, rewriting, and cover design
  • Cinematic book trailers and publishing support
  • Tailored marketing strategies to build readership and drive sales

He understands that every book is a legacy, and every author deserves a platform that honors their voice.

Visuals That Speak Volumes

With a creative edge in store design, photography, and digital art, Samuel crafts immersive brand experiences that resonate. His visuals don’t just look good, they tell stories, evoke emotion, and drive connection.

 Where Education Meets Innovation

Armed with a degree in Educational Technology from the University of Ilorin, Samuel integrates learning, tech, and marketing to deliver digital solutions that educate, inspire, and convert. His work reflects a belief that knowledge is power, and that power should be accessible, actionable, and beautifully delivered.

In a time of shifting trends and rising voices, Samuel Adegboyega is helping creators and businesses navigate the digital age with clarity, creativity, and conviction. Because in the end, it’s not just about being seen, it’s about being remembered.

Please connect with Samuel by clicking the links below:

fiverr.com/sammysprom

https://www.instagram.com/jesusamuel20?igsh=MWpiaHZhaHQ5MXk1NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.facebook.com/share/17pTW4ktYC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

“When Familiarity Becomes a Filter: CBS, Race, and the Cost of Corporate Realignment”

November 2, 2025

Credit: Original reporting by Ariel Zilber for the New York Post. Additional sourcing from Yahoo News, Deadline, and NewscastStudio. Radio & Television Business Report Yahoo NewscastStudio Deadline

In a moment that demands clarity, courage, and accountability, former CBS News associate producer Trey Sherman has ignited a firestorm with his viral TikTok alleging race-based layoffs at CBS News following sweeping cuts by its new parent company, Paramount Skydance. Sherman, who is Black, claims that every producer laid off from his team was a person of color, while white colleagues were reassigned or retained, a pattern he says reflects not just bias, but systemic exclusion.

This post is based on reporting by Ariel Zilber for the New York Post, and we encourage readers to review the original article for full context Yahoo.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1499782587879656

Sherman’s allegations come on the heels of a corporate merger that has reshaped the media landscape. David Ellison, son of tech billionaire and Trump ally Larry Ellison, now serves as Chairman and CEO of Paramount, which controls a vast portfolio of media brands including:

  • CBS News
  • CBS Entertainment
  • CBS Sports
  • Paramount Pictures
  • Paramount Television
  • Nickelodeon
  • MTV
  • Paramount+
  • Pluto TV
  • Showtime Networks
  • CBS Media Ventures (home to Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, The Mike Douglas Show, and The Insider) Radio & Television Business Report NewscastStudio Deadline

The new executive team includes:

  • Jeff Shell – President
  • Andy Gordon – Chief Strategy Officer & COO
  • George Cheeks – Chair of TV Media
  • Dana Goldberg – Co-Chair of Paramount Pictures & Chair of Paramount Television
  • Josh Greenstein – Co-Chair of Paramount Pictures & Vice Chair of Platforms
  • Cindy Holland – Chair of Direct-to-Consumer
  • Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon – General Counsel
  • Jim Sterner – Chief People Officer
  • Melissa Zukerman – Chief Communications Officer
  • Andrew Warren – Interim CFO NewscastStudio Deadline

But the real story isn’t just about names, it’s about values.

Sherman’s account paints a troubling picture: a Race & Culture Unit dissolved, African coverage shifted from Johannesburg to London, and a CBS executive allegedly admitting that retention decisions were based on “familiarity”, not merit, not equity, not excellence. Familiarity, in this case, seems to have favored whiteness.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Racism+in+America%3a+History+and+Current+Challenges&&view=detail&mid=641A24C39864F096B32C641A24C39864F096B32C&FORM=VRDGAR

And while Bari Weiss, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News, claims she wasn’t involved in the layoffs, her public stance against DEI initiatives, calling them “illiberal” and “anti-merit”, aligns with the broader dismantling of diversity efforts across the network Yahoo.

This raises urgent questions:

  • Why wasn’t CBS sold to someone like Byron Allen, whose media empire centers Black voices and legacy storytelling?
  • Why are major networks increasingly aligning with conservative agendas, including what some describe as a “repression bid” by President Donald Trump?
  • What does it mean when legacy media platforms silence the very voices they once promised to uplift?

We invite our readers, especially those who care about equity, truth, and representation, to reflect and respond:

 Do you still support CBS, Paramount+, and their affiliated media brands?
 Do you believe these layoffs reflect racial bias or corporate pragmatism?
 Should we be demanding ownership shifts toward leaders who reflect our communities and values?

This isn’t just a media story. It’s a legacy story. And legacy, as we know at AMIBW, must be protected, not erased.

Let us know your thoughts. Comment below. Share widely. And stay tuned for more coverage in Changing Trends and Times, America in Black and White, and AMIBW The Magazine.

Mansa Musa: The Legacy of the Lion King of Mali

October 22, 2025

By Charles Zackary King
Founder & CEO, America in Black and White | Blogger, Changing Trends and Times

Introduction

In a world where wealth is often measured by fleeting trends and digital valuations, the story of Mansa Musa stands as a timeless reminder of legacy, leadership, and cultural stewardship. Known as the richest man in recorded history, Musa’s reign over the Mali Empire in the 14th century was not just about gold, it was about vision, education, and the elevation of a people.

The Rise of a Legend

Mansa Musa ascended to power in 1312, inheriting an empire already rich in resources and influence. But under his leadership, Mali expanded its borders, deepened its cultural roots, and became a beacon of prosperity in West Africa. His empire stretched across modern-day Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Mauritania, and parts of Niger—making it one of the largest and most powerful of its time.

Wealth Beyond Imagination

Musa’s wealth was legendary. His empire controlled vast gold mines and taxed trans-Saharan trade routes dealing in salt, ivory, and other commodities. But it was his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 that truly stunned the world. Traveling with an entourage of 60,000 people and distributing gold so generously in Cairo that it disrupted the region’s economy for years, Musa’s journey was both a spiritual mission and a global statement.

A Builder of Culture and Faith

Upon returning from Mecca, Mansa Musa invested heavily in Islamic scholarship and architecture. He commissioned the construction of mosques, schools, and libraries—most notably the Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu. He invited scholars and architects from across the Muslim world, transforming Timbuktu into a center of learning and culture that would influence generations.

Legacy That Lives On

Mansa Musa died around 1337, but his legacy endures. He proved that African leadership could be visionary, global, and deeply rooted in cultural pride. His story challenges the erasure of African excellence from mainstream narratives and reminds us that wealth is not just material—it’s historical, intellectual, and communal.

Why Mansa Musa Matters Today

In the spirit of America in Black and White and Changing Trends and Times, Mansa Musa’s legacy speaks directly to our mission:

  • Civic education: His governance model emphasized justice, scholarship, and diplomacy.
  • Advocacy: He uplifted his people through infrastructure, faith, and international recognition.
  • Legacy-building: His impact was generational, not transactional.

As we continue to tell stories that empower and enlighten, let Mansa Musa be a reminder: Black history is global history. And legacy is built, not bought.

Derrick Jackson’s Bold Bid for Governor: Legacy, Leadership, and a Vision for Black Georgia

October 21, 2025

By Charles Zackary King
Founder, America in Black and White | AMIBW The Magazine

The original article titled “Derrick Jackson Discusses Campaign for Governor” was written by Christopher Smith and published on News & Talk WAOK.

Georgia State Representative Derrick Jackson isn’t just running for governor, he’s running on legacy, lived experience, and a moral obligation to serve. With a 42-year career that spans military command, corporate leadership, and legislative advocacy, Jackson’s campaign is rooted in justice, equity, and empowerment for all Georgians, especially Black communities historically left behind.

A Life of Service and Strategy

Jackson is a husband, father of seven, and retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander with 22 years of service, including seven deployments. After a decade in the corporate sector with General Electric, he transitioned into public service, winning election to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2016. He represented District 64 until 2023, and now serves District 68, marking nearly a decade of legislative leadership.

His record includes fighting for voting rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and small business support. But Jackson’s work in underserved communities goes deeper, he’s been a consistent voice for economic justice, healthcare access, and educational equity.

Legislative Impact: Raising the Floor for Black Georgians

Among Jackson’s most impactful legislative efforts is his sponsorship of a bill to raise Georgia’s minimum wage to $27/hour by 2028. The bill proposed a phased increase, starting at $15/hour and rising annually, designed to uplift working-class families, especially Black workers disproportionately affected by wage stagnation and attacks on diversity initiatives.

This legislation, though stalled in committee, remains a cornerstone of his campaign. It directly addresses the economic disparities that have long plagued Black communities in Georgia, where over half a million Black jobs were lost in the past year due to rollbacks in equity programs.

Campaign Agenda: A Georgia That Works for Us

Jackson’s gubernatorial platform is built on eight pillars, each designed to help Georgia families thrive. For Black Georgians, his agenda includes:

  • Medicaid Expansion to close healthcare gaps and prevent rural hospital closures
  • Repealing Harmful Laws like the six-week abortion ban and rent control restrictions
  • Investing in Black Farmers, Small Businesses, and Nonprofits with access to capital and policy inclusion
  • Environmental Justice to protect communities from pollution and neglect
  • Education Reform & Workforce Development with expanded access to trades, apprenticeships, and technical education
  • Reparations Advocacy, proposing 33% of Georgia’s $16B budget be allocated to Black families as a fulfillment of broken promises

Jackson’s message is clear: “We’re not just building a Georgia for business, we’re building a Georgia for families.”

Inspired by Legacy: John Lewis and the Spirit of Service

Jackson cites civil rights icon John Lewis as a moral compass for his campaign. “I have a moral obligation to run for governor,” he said on WAOK, invoking Lewis’s legacy of courage and conscience. His leadership style blends executive discipline with grassroots empathy, qualities he believes make him the only candidate truly qualified to serve as Georgia’s Commander-in-Chief.

A Call to Action

Jackson’s campaign isn’t powered by million-dollar donors, it’s powered by people. He urges Georgians to “Tell 10 to Tell 10,” mobilize their communities, and vote for a future rooted in dignity, equity, and opportunity.

For Black Georgians, this race is more than political, it’s generational. It’s about reclaiming the promise of Georgia and ensuring that every child, every elder, and every entrepreneur has a seat at the table.

When the Music Paused: Remembering D’Angelo’s Genius and Grace

October 15, 2025

By Charles Zackary King | America in Black and White

On October 14, 2025, the world lost one of its most enigmatic and electrifying voices. Michael Eugene Archer, known to us as D’Angelo, passed away at the age of 51 after a private and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His death marks not just the end of a life, but the silencing of a sound that redefined Black music for a generation.

The Rise of a Neo-Soul Prophet

Born in Richmond, Virginia, D’Angelo was raised in a deeply religious Pentecostal household. His musical gifts emerged early, nurtured by gospel traditions and sharpened by a hunger for authenticity. By 1995, he had already changed the game with Brown Sugar, a debut album that fused the rawness of hip-hop with the sensuality of classic soul. It wasn’t just music, it was a movement.

His follow-up, Voodoo (2000), was a masterclass in musical alchemy. Collaborating with the Soulquarians collective, D’Angelo summoned the spirits of Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, and Prince, while forging a sound entirely his own. The album’s standout track, “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” became iconic, not just for its stripped, down video, but for its emotional vulnerability and vocal brilliance.

But fame came with a price.

The Vanishing Act

After Voodoo, D’Angelo disappeared. The pressures of being a sex symbol, the weight of public expectation, and personal battles with addiction led him into a long hiatus. He became a recluse, rarely seen, often rumored, and deeply missed.

Then, in 2014, he returned with Black Messiah, an album that was both a political statement and a spiritual reckoning. Released during a time of social unrest, it became a soundtrack for resistance, echoing the cries of a community demanding justice.

The Father Behind the Fame

Though fiercely private, D’Angelo was a devoted father. He leaves behind three children:

  • Michael Archer Jr. (aka Swayvo Twain), his son with the late Angie Stone, who died in a tragic car accident in March 2025
  • Imani Archer, a gifted musician in her own right, who shared a touching tribute to her father after his passing
  • Morocco Archer, his youngest son, who has largely remained out of the public eye

His children now carry the torch of his legacy, not just in music, but in the quiet strength he modeled as a father.

Why the Industry Will Never Be the Same

D’Angelo didn’t flood the market with content. He gave us only three studio albums across three decades. But each one was seismic. He reminded us that Black music could be raw, spiritual, erotic, political, and timeless, all at once.

He was the heartbeat of neo-soul. A bridge between the sacred and the secular. A man who could make a Fender Rhodes whisper and a falsetto scream.

Artists like Lauryn Hill, Questlove, Raphael Saadiq, and Jay-Z collaborated with him, not just because of his talent, but because of his truth. He was one of one.

Rest in Power, D

D’Angelo’s passing leaves a void that no algorithm can fill. His music was never just about melody, it was about memory. About the ancestral pulse that lives in every chord, every lyric, every silence between the notes.

As we mourn, we also celebrate. Because D’Angelo didn’t just make music. He made moments. And those moments will echo for generations.

“We are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind.” D’Angelo’s family

Radioactive Shrimp Recall Expands: FDA Warns Kroger and Fred Meyer Shoppers

September 27, 2025

By Charles Zackary King | Inspired by reporting from Chris Bradford, The US Sun

In a chilling development that’s left seafood lovers reeling, the FDA has expanded its warning about potentially radioactive shrimp, this time targeting products sold at Kroger, Fred Meyer, and other affiliated stores. The recall follows earlier alerts involving Walmart and Sam’s Club, and now includes over 60,000 bags of frozen shrimp suspected of contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope known to damage DNA and increase cancer risk.

Among the recalled items:

  • Nearly 50,000 bags of Kroger’s Raw Colossal peel shrimp (blue band, best by April 2027)
  • Over 17,000 bags of AquaStar tail-on shrimp skewers
  • Around 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado medium peeled tail-off shrimp (best before October 22–23, 2027)

These products were sold between June 12 and September 17 across California, Georgia, Oregon, Texas, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Kroger-owned stores affected include Ralph’s, Fry’s, Fred Meyer, and Smith’s.

While no illnesses have been reported, the FDA and food safety experts urge consumers to take the recall seriously. Cesium-137 exposure can cause symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss. Experts recommend:

  • Do not consume the affected shrimp
  • Do not donate or feed it to pets
  • If unopened, keep it sealed and return it for a refund
  • If opened, wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds

Walmart previously recalled three types of Great Value brand frozen shrimp with best by dates of March 15, 2027. Arctic Shores and Sand Bar shrimp were also pulled from shelves in August.

Walmart stated:

“We work swiftly to block the item from being sold and remove it from our stores and clubs.”

This isn’t just a food safety issue, it’s a consumer trust issue. As radioactive concerns ripple through the seafood supply chain, the question becomes: how did this happen, and how do we prevent it from happening again?

📝 Original reporting by Chris Bradford, The US Sun. Source: FoodSafety.gov