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Tag: Tuesday newsletter lead archives

  • Carrie Everett, First HBCU Miss North Carolina, Dies at 24

    It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Carrie Everett, a true trailblazer who shattered barriers in the pageant world. Everett, who made history as the first student from an HBCU to be crowned Miss North Carolina, died on Easter Sunday after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of gastric cancer. She was just 24 years old.

    A Historic Reign

    Everett, a student at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), captivated judges with her leadership, talent, and powerful advocacy during the 2024 Miss North Carolina pageant. Her victory was a monumental moment, proving that ambition and dreams can flourish regardless of background or institutional affiliation. She openly shared the financial hurdles she faced in pursuing pageantry, relying on community support to achieve her goal.

    Upon winning the crown, Everett expressed her desire for her achievement to inspire others. “I can be the first but not the last,” she told CBS 17, as reported by HBCU Gameday. “I want young women from all over the state and throughout the country attending HBCUs that this opportunity is for them.”

    Championing Equity in Pageantry

    During her reign, Everett dedicated herself to promoting equity within the pageant system. Her community service initiative, “We Need Equity to Build Communities,” aimed to break down barriers and encourage broader participation. She advocated for increased funding for wardrobe and accessibility, ensuring that aspiring contestants from diverse backgrounds could pursue scholarship opportunities.

    A Legacy of Inspiration

    Even as she battled her life-altering diagnosis of metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma, which she received in July 2025, Everett remained dedicated to her goals. She was pursuing a degree in vocal performance at NCCU, with plans to graduate in 2027. Her ambition, grace, and tenacity have left an indelible mark.

    NCCU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon remembered Everett as a “trailblazer who shared her inspirational talent and leadership with so many.” The university mourns the loss of their “fallen eagle,” whose legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of students and aspiring leaders.

    How has Carrie Everett’s story inspired you? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below to celebrate her remarkable life and legacy.

  • Usher Sells Cavaliers Stake, Focuses On ‘Good Good’ Investments

    Usher is making moves beyond the music charts! The Grammy-winning artist has recently sold his minority stake in the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, a team he’s been a part of since 2004. While he’s saying goodbye to his ownership role after more than two decades, Usher emphasizes that his investment philosophy remains focused on ‘good good’ ventures with cultural significance.

    A Savvy Investment Comes to a Close

    Usher initially invested $9 million for a 1% stake in the Cavaliers, partnering with Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert. During his ownership, the team achieved significant success, including a championship win in 2016 with LeBron James. The franchise’s valuation has since soared, with Forbes estimating it at $4.8 billion. Despite the impressive financial return, Usher confirmed the sale was a strategic decision and that his relationship with Gilbert remains strong.

    Speaking with Forbes, the 47-year-old entertainer shared his approach to investing: ‘I am open and available for ideas that I think give people some sort of cultural connection and experience. I don’t like to just invest in things just because of the numbers.’ For Usher, genuine organic ties to a venture are paramount, even if it means potentially overlooking purely analytical financial gains.

    Beyond Sports: A Diverse Portfolio

    Usher’s business acumen extends far beyond sports ownership. He’s involved in various startups and is collaborating with rapper Big Sean on a $1 million entertainment innovation incubator. He’s also investing in his adopted hometown of Atlanta, contributing to the massive $5 billion Centennial Yards development project aimed at transforming the downtown area into an entertainment hub.

    Through his Usher’s New Look Foundation, he actively supports Atlanta teens with mentorship programs. Despite his extensive experience, Usher remains eager to learn, seeking mentorship from seasoned investors as he continues to expand his diverse portfolio. His commitment to excellence is unwavering: ‘It is excellence or nothing for me.’

    What do you think of Usher’s investment strategy? Are there any other ventures you’d like to see him get involved in? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Maxine Waters, 87, Vows to Stay in Leadership

    At 87 years young, Democratic Representative Maxine Waters is making it clear she’s not ready to step down from Capitol Hill. The veteran California congresswoman is aiming to retain her leadership position as Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, should her party secure the majority in the upcoming November midterm elections.

    A Push for Continued Leadership Amidst Age Concerns

    If Democrats regain control, Waters would become the oldest leader in the committee’s history, tackling critical issues like cryptocurrency, the concerns of the one percent, and the role of Wall Street regulators. However, her age has become a point of discussion among some Democrats who question whether she still possesses the necessary drive for such a demanding role.

    Waters, affectionately known as ‘Auntie Maxine,’ dismisses these concerns with characteristic vigor. “If you take a look at my energy and what I do—I am Auntie Maxine,” she told Politico. “I’m the one who popularized ‘reclaiming my time.’ … I don’t know who’s got more energy, more concern. And so, Maxine Waters seems to be doing alright.”

    Support and Challenges to Her Tenure

    While Waters has shown no public signs of diminished capacity and maintains support from colleagues and aides, the question of age persists. Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL), a member of the Financial Services committee, acknowledged the need for “hard conversations” when individuals might be “visibly past their time,” but added, “That’s a mental issue, not an age issue. And I don’t have any concern that she’s mentally up for the job.”

    Others, like Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), agree that Waters is still effective, but the underlying question of future leadership remains. Her primary challenger, Myla Rahman, suggests it’s time to “pass the baton and let a new generation of leadership come have a seat at the table.”

    Public Opinion and Constitutional Rights

    Public sentiment also reflects a desire for age limits in elected office. A recent poll indicated that 63% of voters favor age limits, with 70 identified as a cut-off age. This sentiment could impact seasoned politicians like Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and Reps. Bennie Thompson and Jim Clyburn, if implemented.

    Despite these discussions, Waters remains steadfast, citing her legislative record and commitment to working across the aisle. Since her election to represent California’s 43rd Congressional District in 1991, she has successfully passed and implemented legislation. Waters believes in the democratic process: “I believe that everybody who wants to run should have an opportunity to run… And that’s the way the Constitution works. And that’s the way we should think about it.”

    What are your thoughts on age limits for elected officials? Do you believe experience or a new generation of leadership is more important? Share your views in the comments below!