As American Eagle faces backlash over ads featuring actress Sydney Sweeney—criticized by some for cultural insensitivity—another major clothing brand is drawing attention for a very different reason.
NADINE IJEWERE FOR RALPH LAUREN
Ralph Lauren recently launched its Oak Bluffs campaign, inspired by the sharp, classic style rooted in the traditions of historically Black American colleges and the rich cultural heritage of the Black community in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts—which is the namesake of the campaign.
According to the book Black Home Ownership on Martha’s Vineyard, Black families have owned property on the island since the 19th century. In many instances, these homes have been preserved and passed down through generations, becoming a lasting part of family and cultural legacy.
Martha’s Vineyard Museum Photo Collection
Building on the spirit of the 2022 Morehouse and Spelman collection. While long associated with affluent Ivy League institutions through its preppy fabrics the Ralph Lauren brand now channels that same sense of prestige into its HBCU and Oak Bluffs collections—this time celebrating a different facet of the Black American experience with fashion.
T.I. and Tiny Celebrate 15 Years of Marriage: A Hip-Hop Love Story That Endures
After 15 years of marriage, rapper T.I. and singer-songwriter Tameka “Tiny” Harris are proving that love can weather just about anything—especially in the spotlight.
The couple, who tied the knot on July 30, 2010, are marking a major milestone in their relationship. Despite the ups and downs that come with fame, family, and public scrutiny, T.I. and Tiny have remained one of hip-hop’s most enduring Black power couples.
A Journey Through Love, Fame, and Family
T.I. and Tiny first met in 2001 and dated for nearly a decade before officially saying “I do.” Over the years, they’ve built a blended family together, raising seven children and navigating the complexities of parenthood alongside their busy successful careers.
Tiny, best known for her work with the R&B group Xscape, has balanced music and motherhood while standing by T.I.’s side through various public challenges. T.I., a Grammy-winning rapper, actor, and entrepreneur, has also publicly expressed how much Tiny’s support has meant to him over the years.
In interviews and on social media, they’ve both acknowledged their struggles while expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and the love that endures.
As they mark 15 years together, fans are celebrating the couple’s resilience and commitment. Tiny recently shared a heartfelt post on Instagram featuring a montage of memories and a caption that read, “15 years, 7 kids, countless adventures, and we’re still standing. Love you for life, TIP.”
T.I responded with a heartfelt Facebook post as follows:
T.I. Official Facebook post on August 14, 2025
With 15 years of marriage behind them, T.I. and Tiny show no signs of slowing down. Whether working on new music, business ventures, or simply enjoying life with their family, the Harrises continue to show that real love takes work—but it’s worth it.
Rapper Kanye West’s newly launched YZY token on Solana rocketed up to $3 billion in value just 40 minutes after its launch, but concerns over insider sales dented a large portion of the gains.
In a Thursday X post, West, who officially goes by Ye, shared the contract address along with the website for Yeezy Money, which he describes as “A NEW ECONOMY, BUILT ON CHAIN.”
The website describes YZY as a currency to power transactions within “YZY MONEY,” a “financial system built on crypto rails.”
In a later post, West was seen saying, “the official YZY token just dropped.”
In response, one user posted a screenshot showing that back in February, Kanye West had warned fans he was offered $2 million to promote a fake cryptocurrency. The deal reportedly required him to pretend his account had been hacked after endorsing the token.
YZY skyrocketed to a $3 billion market cap within just 40 minutes of launch, with its price peaking at $3.16—a staggering 6,800% surge. But the rally was short-lived. The token has since plummeted over 74%, dropping to around $0.66 and leaving most early buyers deep in the red.
The exterior of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History
On August 11, Trump announced the deployment of roughly 800 National Guard troops and 500 federal law enforcement officers to Washington, D.C., a city he has harshly criticized, calling it filled with “savagery, filth, and scum.” This move came despite city data from the Metropolitan Police Department showing violent crime at a 30-year low. Several Republican-led states — Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee — joined Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia in sending National Guard troops to the capital.
The following day, Trump shifted his focus to the Smithsonian museums. On his social media platform, he criticized what he called the “WOKE” nature of their exhibits, claiming they center too heavily on “how bad slavery was.” He also announced that his team would begin a review of the museums, a decision that has frustrated many museum-goers who see the Smithsonian as a vital institution for public education and historical preservation.
Trump claimed in a social media post that the Smithsonian focuses too heavily on portraying the struggles of marginalized groups, saying it emphasizes “how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been” and includes “nothing about success, nothing about brightness, nothing about the future.”
While the Blacksonian presents an often difficult chronological history of the U.S. beginning with slavery, it also features numerous galleries that highlight joy, resilience, and hope for the future.
A Smithsonian exhibit of former iconic NBA player Michael Jordan.
Trump has indicated he may seek to cut federal funding for the Smithsonian Institution, similar to actions he’s taken against several elite universities. However, the Smithsonian holds a distinct status. Around 62% of its budget comes from federal funds, with the remainder supported by donations, endowments, and trust funds. It is also not part of the executive branch—rather, it is overseen by a 17-member Board of Regents.
In March, Trump signed an executive order accusing the Smithsonian of promoting a “divisive, race-centered ideology” and advancing narratives that depict American and Western values as inherently oppressive. The order grants Vice President JD Vance the authority to review Smithsonian programs and institutions, with the goal of removing what he has called “improper ideology.”
This marks a sharp contrast to Trump’s earlier stance. During his first term, he praised the National Museum of African American History and Culture, also known as the Blacksonian.
“I’m deeply proud that we now have a museum that honors the millions of African American men and women who built our national heritage, especially when it comes to faith, culture, and the unbreakable American spirit,” Trump said in 2017. “I know President [Barack] Obama was here for the museum’s opening last fall. And I’m honored to be the second sitting president to visit this great museum.”
It also seems to be a pivot from the declaration made at his former presidential rally in which he appeared proud of Black American history saying.
“You know, you’re just starting to get real credit for that, OK,” Trump said. “I don’t know if you know that, you’re just starting to get — you built the nation. We all built it, but you were such a massive part of it. Bigger than you were given credit for. Does that make sense?”
According to Pew Research, approximately 15% of Black voters supported Trump in 2024—up from just 8% in 2020?
Is it justified to threaten the Smithsonian’s funding when its mission is to preserve and present the full scope of American history specifically regarding Black Americans?
The City of Gary and Mayor Eddie Melton are inviting the community to a special two-day celebration at the iconic Theodore Roosevelt Highschool, which received a designation for being one of the “most endangered historic landmarks” from The National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2024. This celebration will honor Black American namely, Michael Jackson’s birthday and the enduring legacy of the Jackson family.
Top left to right: (singer) Deniece Williams, (actor, comedian) Chris Tucker, DJ Kid Capri, City Of Gary Mayor Eddie Melton Jr.
Festivities kick off on Thursday, August 28, at 10 a.m. with the unveiling of a new mural honoring Grammy Award-winning singer Deniece Williams, located at 25th and Broadway.
The celebration continues on Friday, August 29, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the 2300 Jackson Street Block Party in full swing. Hosted by actor and comedian Chris Tucker, the event will commemorate the King of Pop’s birthday with music, food, and live entertainment. DJ sets from Kid Capri, DJ K Ceasar, DJ All OWT, DJ Cheech Beats, and special surprise guests will keep the crowd energized all day long.
On Saturday, August 30, also from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., the tribute expands to honor the entire Jackson family. Original Jackson 5 members Jackie and Marlon Jackson will make a special appearance for a recognition ceremony that also celebrates the late Tito Jackson and his musical legacy.
Both days of the 2300 Jackson Street Block Party will be held at Theodore Roosevelt High School (730 W. 25th Avenue, Gary, IN), marking a historic celebration of the city’s most iconic musical family.
Larger than life in multiple ways, George Foreman won the admiration of sports fans and became a fixture in many American kitchens. A two-time heavyweight champion, businessman, author, and man of the cloth, Foreman passed away on Friday at the age of 76, as confirmed by his family and publicist.
“Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones,” Foreman’s family announced on Instagram. “A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”
Foreman, who won an Olympic gold medal in 1968, was a two-time heavyweight champion. He is also remembered for his legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” fight against Muhammad Ali in 1974 in Zaire, where Foreman suffered an upset defeat by eighth-round knockout. The fight remains one of the most iconic in boxing history, and the documentary “When We Were Kings,” which covered the event, won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
Photo Courtesy of: Getty Images
Inducted into both the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003, many regard Foreman as one of the top 25 boxers of all time. He also became the face of the George Foreman Grill, which debuted in 1994 and quickly turned into a global phenomenon, selling an estimated 100 million units in its first 25 years.
World renowned boxer George Foreman encircled by his family. Courtesy of Instagram.
Foreman is survived by his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, and their beloved 12 children—five sons and seven daughters. “Big George” famously named all of his sons George Edward Foreman so “they would always have something in common.”
The Olympian & minister has passed the baton to his descendants & it is safe to say that he has finished well.
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Pigs haven’t flown and hell hasn’t frozen over but God is working and Ye and Drake have made a mogul mends. The two icons have planted the hatchet and will unite on Dec. 9 to advocate for Larry Hoover’s release according to his son and namesake.
“Were going to get the word out to as many people as we can” said Larry Hoover Jr. “We got to let the powers that be know that we want Larry Hoover in our community” he expounded.
J. Prince has been a firm advocate for Hoover Sr. and conveyed plans for the duo to assist in freeing the presently imprisoned co creator of the Chicago gang Gangster Disciples via Instagram weeks back. Saying “IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN YOU PLAN TO FAIL. Good plans in the making to free our brother Larry Hoover with the support of @champagnepapi and @kanyewest #TheArtandScienceofRespect
Source: Instagram
Ye affirmed that notion by reposting Prince’s message on his own social media account. But is not new to the fight for Hoover’s ended 50 year confinement. The fashion designer met with former President Donald Trump in 2018 urging for clemency of Hoover after already serving a half of century in captivity. With two decades of that servitude being in isolation according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
“There’s infinite amounts of the universe and there’s alternate universe.” Kanye went on saying “it’s very important for me to get Hoover out because in an alternate universe, I am him and I have to go and get him free.” While adding “Because he was doing positive inside Chicago just like I’m moving back to Chicago, and it’s not just about, you know, getting on stage and being an entertainer and having a monolithic voice that’s forced to be a specific part.”
Ye went on to formally announce plans for the benefit concert on Saturday which is scheduled to commence on Saturday Dec. 9, with the support of Drake as a “special guest.”
Source: Instagram
The event will be held at the Los Angeles Coliseum and tickets will be available starting Monday 1p.m. Eastern Time.
Do you feel that the media has covered Ye and Drakes reconciliation as heavy as their rap dissolution? Are you hoping that Hoover is granted the legal redemption he’s worthy of?
