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Project Pat, a co-founder of Three 6 Mafia, is mourning the loss of his son, Patrick Houston Jr., who was fatally shot in Memphis, Tennessee, on Jan. 10. According to an online obituary, he was 22, People reported.

The Memphis Police Department confirmed to people that he died in a shooting near Charjean Park in the area of Ketchum Road and Long Street in Memphis. Police arrived after 1:15 p.m. and found Houston Jr. deceased at the scene from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. The Memphis Police Department shared this information with the public on X, formerly known as Twitter.

At 1:15 p.m., officers responded to the area of Ketchum Road and Long Street regarding a shooting. Officers located a male victim with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on the scene. This is an ongoing investigation. pic.twitter.com/nRQOlCvffA— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) January 10, 2025

No other information about the incident has been shared at this time.

A visitation and celebration of the 22-year-old’s life will be held on Jan. 25 at the M.J. Edwards Funeral Home Stage Road Chapel in Memphis, and a committal service will be held at Memphis Memory Gardens.

Pat, who gain notoriety working with Juicy J and DJ Paul in the ’90s, became a household name in 2000, when he wrote the hook for the Three 6 Mafia hit “Sippin’ on Some Syrup.” He went on to release several studio albums and work with artists like Drake, Rick Ross, Dee-1 and Denzel Curry.

According to Fox 13 Memphis, the Memphis Police Department has asked those with information about the incident to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-2274.

U.S. taxpayers may be eligible to get a stimulus check at the end of January if they didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. According to the IRS, many people didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, which is a refundable credit for people who didn’t get one or more stimulus payments. Those people are now eligible to get a $1,400 payment, USA Today reported.

Anthony Leonard Platt, the popular Atlanta artist professionally known as DJ Unk, has passed away at age 42. Platt’s wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, requesting privacy during the difficult time.

“Please respect me and my family. I just lost my husband, and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER,” Sherkita wrote, according to The Mirror US.

DJ Unk’s Rise to Fame

Platt rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his hit track “Walk It Out.” The song made it to the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart shortly after its release, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. In 2006, Unk released his debut album, Beat’n Down Yo Block! The project included two of his popular hits, “Walk It Out” and “2 Step,” which were often played at clubs throughout the country. Unk later released 2econd Season, his second studio album.

Tributes Pour In for DJ Unk

Many of DJ Unk’s peers and fans have expressed their condolences on social media.

“RIP Unk, glad to say we was able to make history together,” producer and artist DJ Montay wrote in a Facebook post.

The Atlanta Falcons also paid tribute, sharing a photo of the beloved artist performing while wearing a team jersey, a testament to his cultural impact in Atlanta and beyond.

Rest in Peace, DJ Unk 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vINpoPGqJO
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 25, 2025

According to Fox 5, reports indicated that Unk faced an undisclosed illness in 2009 that affected his career. However, his cause of death is not confirmed.

Social media users who follow the influential comedy squad known as the Retirement House are mourning Grey’s death. On Jan. 20, Mabel, Curtis, Eugene, Larry and Bubbe who worked with Rose shared the “sad news” with their followers. “You may […]

Target is following Donald Trump‘s plan to dismantle programs designed to support Black and LGBTQ+ rights. According to The Wall Street Journal the company announced on Friday that it is ending its workforce and supplier diversity programs, which were implemented in recent years.

Trump’s Executive Order Sparks Corporate Changes

After Trump issued an executive order this week to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, many corporations, including Target, appear to be shifting their strategies. Target, which established its DEI policies three years ago, said in a statement that the changes are being made “with the goal of driving growth and staying in step with the evolving external landscape.”

A Departure From Promises Made In 2020

This decision marks a stark contrast from 2020, when Target pledged to increase Black employee representation by 20%. At that time, the company also launched its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) program to enhance the shopping experience for Black communities. REACH aimed to spotlight products from Black-owned businesses, but the program is set to conclude this year.

Social Justice Movements Shaped Past Commitments

In the wake of the 2020 social justice movements following George Floyd’s death, Target joined many corporations in pledging support for equality. As part of those efforts, its stores across the country showcased merchandise celebrating Pride Month and Black History Month.

Blavity, Inc., the digital media and live events corporation behind Blavity.com and other platforms, has officially launched the Blavity Creator Collective Fellowship.

The paid, quarterly program for content creators seeks to “elevate emerging Black creators, providing mentorship, resources, and a platform to amplify their voices in the competitive creator economy.”

The fellowship comes as the company invested $1 million in “supporting Black creators through content partnerships and collaborations.” in 2024.

“Blavity Inc. has always stood as a beacon for Black creators, ensuring their stories are told authentically and their work is properly valued,” said Morgan DeBaun, Founder and CEO of Blavity Inc. “With the paid Blavity Creator Collective Fellowship, we are doubling down on our promise to remove financial barriers and create equitable opportunities in the creator economy, while continuing to invest in and empower the next generation of storytellers and innovators.”

Every quarter, a select cohort of creators will join the paid program “to produce high-quality, original video content aligned with Blavity’s flagship brands.” 

As the program’s official press release notes, benefits include:

Financial Investment: Fellows receive a competitive fellowship stipend, reflecting Blavity’s commitment to fairly valuing Black creators’ work and talent.

Mentorship: Creators will receive ongoing guidance from experienced creators and Blavity’s editorial teams.

Networking: Participants will gain direct access to industry leaders and creative professionals.

Hands-on Experience: Fellows will work in a structured content framework while retaining creative autonomy.

Professional Growth: A unique platform for visibility, audience engagement, and career development within the creator economy.

“Blavity’s trusted voice and unparalleled connection to Black audiences make us the premier partner for brands looking to authentically engage this influential demographic,” said Mike Hadgis, Chief Revenue Officer of Blavity Media Group. “Through the Blavity Creator Collective Fellowship, we’re creating a collaborative and contextually relevant environment where brands can align with talented creators who naturally embody their message. This program not only amplifies the reach of our partners but also ensures their campaigns resonate deeply within a community that drives cultural and economic trends.”

Sara Ergen, director of Blavity’s Creator program, added, “Our Creator Collective Fellowship is more than just an opportunity—it’s a platform for Black creators to amplify their voices, expand their content creation skillset, and join a collaborative network of expert in-house teams. Through intentional content creation, our creator fellows bring our Blavity brands to life, building meaningful connections with our audiences and brand partners. By fostering a space where creativity meets purpose, involvement in the fellowship inspires creators to craft content that resonates on a global scale, driving impact and shaping culture.”

“The Blavity Creator Collective Fellowship Program is built on the foundation of authenticity,” said Courtney Neal, Blavity’s Director of Content and Programming. We encourage creators to show up as their true selves, unapologetically sharing their stories, perspectives, and creativity. Our goal is to provide a platform where diverse voices are not only heard but celebrated, because we know that the most impactful content comes from those who embrace their unique identities and lived experiences.” 

You can apply for the Blavity Creator Collective Fellowship here.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order requiring the release of all remaining classified records on the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The move seeks transparency on some of the nation’s most widely debated historical events.

At the White House ceremonial tea before Monday’s inauguration, former second gentleman Doug Emhoff reportedly rebuffed Bruce Fischer, husband of Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., who refused to shake former Vice President Kamala Harris‘ hand earlier this month.

A person privy to the incident told CNN when Fischer extended his hand, Emhoff quickly rejected the handshake. The move mirrored Fischer’s refusal to shake Harris’ hand at his wife’s swearing-in on Jan. 3. Harris, After congratulating the third-term senator, Harris went to shake Fischer’s hand. He instead looked down, nodded and said, “Thank you.” A video of the snub went viral.

At Monday’s tea, Emhoff addressed Fischer’s snub, asking, “Why would you try to shake my hand when you wouldn’t shake my wife’s hand?”

Harris and the senator were not involved in the interaction, but Fischer apologized. The conversation cooled, and the two reportedly discussed golf and other topics.

Following their departure from Washington on Monday, Harris and Emhoff returned home to California on an all-female crew flight, NBC Los Angeles reported. According to WomanMagazine.com, it marked the “first time a Boeing C-32 aircraft was flown by women in military service.” The couple have actively supported areas affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, including Altadena, a historically Black neighborhood with immeasurable damage. They met with volunteers helping deliver meals to wildfire victims and visited a local fire station.

“It was really important to us before we went home, and we are some of the lucky ones; our home is still standing,” Harris told reporters at the station. “We wanted to come out and particularly to this extraordinary community and just let people know that we see them and that they are cared for.”

Rocky reportedly turned down a plea deal Lead attorney Joe Tacopina revealed to ABC News that his client, born Rakim Mayers, had turned down a plea deal and desired to proceed with a trial. “Yes, he was offered a plea […]