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BET Gutted, DEI Killed, Media Bought—Trump’s Playbook in Action

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — From purging diversity programs to steamrolling media independence, Trump has unleashed a blitzkrieg of white nationalist policymaking under the guise of federal power.

Published

12 months ago

August 7, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

Donald Trump’s first eight months back in the White House have erased any illusion of restraint. He is not just following the Project 2025 playbook — the authoritarian blueprint he once claimed to know nothing about — he’s executing it with surgical precision. From purging diversity programs to steamrolling media independence, Trump has unleashed a blitzkrieg of white nationalist policymaking under the guise of federal power. And now, with the blessing of federal regulators, he has the media — including Black-owned and Black-centered platforms — under his heel. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently approved the $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global — parent company of CBS and BET — by Skydance Media. The merger was greenlit just days after Paramount paid a $16 million settlement to Trump, resolving a lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” interview with then-candidate Kamala Harris. Critics say the timing was no coincidence.

During a PBS interview, journalist Dylan Byers said plainly: “It certainly seems that way. All available evidence suggests that this was a payoff dressed up as a settlement.” The fear, said Byers, is that this is the new cost of doing business in Trump’s America. “If you need any deal to get done, any merger, any acquisition, you might be forced to cough up — the number seems to be — $16 million to the Trump Presidential Library.” Even more chilling is what the deal required: the gutting of DEI initiatives, the installation of a political ombudsman to monitor “bias,” and an additional $20 million in PSAs dedicated to causes “near and dear to the president’s heart.” One lone FCC commissioner voted against the deal, citing “overreach by the FCC and capitulation by Paramount.” Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman, was blunt in his public remarks: “President Trump is fundamentally reshaping the media landscape.” He applauded Trump’s direct attacks on legacy media giants like ABC, NBC, and CBS, now effectively under his influence.

That influence extends to content and culture. BET — a pillar of Black music, film, and storytelling — has abruptly suspended both the BET Hip Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards indefinitely. It’s a blow many in the Black community see as part of a larger strategy: silencing Black voices while making media whiter, safer, and Trump-approved. A viral video by TikTok user @TalkUrShxxtNene has ignited online conversations by connecting the dots that mainstream outlets have tiptoed around. “So, BET has suspended BET Hip Hop and the Soul Train Awards indefinitely,” the video begins. “Now I want everyone to pay attention to this s**t.” The post breaks down the timeline and details of the Paramount-Skydance merger, pointing out the suspicious coincidence of Stephen Colbert’s show being canceled, CBS executives changing their messaging, and the networks now reportedly having a “CC monitor for Trump.” “This is about Trump making the guillotine whiter,” she says in the video. “Only white people should be seen. And they’re going to dismantle BET whether we realize it or not.” “Little by little, they’re going to take BET away from us,” she warns.

Her video points to a larger agenda: the erasure of Black visibility in media, the collapse of Black cultural programming, and the sanitization of entertainment to reflect Trump’s white nationalist vision. “They’re eroding everyone else and leaving the white people there to sit,” she says. “Blue eyes and blonde hair are not the architects of beauty. That’s racism. That’s eugenics. And they’re going to keep throwing that in the entertainment space because everything is there. The media controls everything. And right now, Trump has it under his boot.” Under Skydance’s takeover — and with Trump’s hand guiding every major federal agency — CBS, BET, and other Paramount properties are being forced to undergo “comprehensive reviews” to ensure “viewpoint diversity.” Translated: no more liberal, inclusive, or racially conscious content that could offend MAGA sensibilities. During the same PBS segment, anchor Geoff Bennett asked Byers, “Is this sort of the new template for future media deals — this sort of new era of political appeasement?” “Yes,” Byers answered. “As long as everyone plays ball — pay the settlement, dismantle DEI, install a political censor — then your deal goes through. This is the way deals get done, at least so long as Trump is in office.”

Black voices, Black spaces, and Black storytelling are being sacrificed in these deals. Trump’s administration has already gutted DEI efforts in federal agencies, banned references to systemic racism, and pushed new education guidelines that eliminate or sanitize discussions of slavery and civil rights. This isn’t just about Trump controlling the message. It’s about erasing communities and histories he sees as expendable. And doing so by leveraging the federal government, corporate media, and billions of dollars in hush-money settlements. The media — once a check on presidential power — is now a pawn in his political empire. As @TalkUrShxxtNene concluded in her viral takedown, “Don’t be stupid. Everyone likes to see the glass half-full instead of that b**ch half-empty. This is what erasure looks like.”

Stacy M. Brown

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Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park

ATLANTA VOICE — A mural depicting late journalist Jovita Moore, painted on the exterior wall of a building now occupied by Bellwood Coffee in Grant Park, was painted over in April. Moore passed away in 2021 after decades of working in Atlanta television news. Bellwood Coffee owners stated in May they were unaware of Moore’s identity or significance to the community before painting over the mural.
The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

At the corner of Boulevard, SE. and Rosalia St., SE., directly across the street from an abandoned home and a Methodist Church, is Bellwood Coffee. One of hundreds of coffee shops in Atlanta, this place of business would not be worth a solitary discussion if not for the way its exterior walls are currently painted. There was once a mural depicting the late Jovita Moore, a beloved journalist who worked in Atlanta for decades. Moore, who passed away in 2021, mentored many of the people you see on television newscasts today. Though her legacy will never be forgotten, it was the mural of her image that was erased.

In April, members of the Grant Park community voiced their disgust at the mural, which graced a side wall of the building now occupied by Bellwood Coffee’s Grant Park location, before it was painted over. In its place are the words “Bellwood Coffee; Cocktails, Biscuits, Dry Goods, Air Conditioning. *Heat Too”. In May, the business owners responded to the community pushback on social media by acknowledging they did not know who Moore was before painting over her image. And later admitted that they did not attempt to find out what she meant to the community.

On May 21, the Bellwood Coffee Instagram account had a post about being “in close contact with Jovita’s family and are actively working on next steps in this process.” Two months later, the mural has not been replaced, repainted, or repositioned on the property. Nothing has been done. Black history is often erased, most recently by the current Presidential administration, but oftentimes on a smaller, quieter scale. The mural was originally painted by muralist Tommy Bronx, who had been in contact with the business owners about repainting it. As of July 6, Tommy Bronx had responded to a direct message via his Instagram account from The Atlanta Voice about any updates on his plans to repaint the mural.

“We’re currently working on it. You should see some movement in the weeks to come,” he wrote in a response.

On Monday, July 6, the business had several patrons inside and was running smoothly with three employees manning the counter. The Atlanta Voice dropped by Bellwood Coffee to get a look at the exterior wall where the mural once stood as a memorial to a journalist and mother who lost her life to brain cancer at the young age of 54. Moore’s image added some color to the block. The grey wall in its place does not.

A direct message was sent to the Bellwood Coffee Instagram account, and there hasn’t been a response as of 7 p.m. on Monday.

The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

Based on reporting by Atlanta Voice.

The post Jovita Moore Mural Still Has Not Been Repainted in Grant Park appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator

ATLANTA DAILY WORLD — A New York man faces felony hate crime charges for allegedly posting a threat against New York State Senator Lea Webb. James A. Crosby, 49, of Binghamton, was arrested by New York State Police after investigators determined he posted a threatening comment on a social media news post about a Juneteenth celebration.
The post ‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

A New York man is facing felony hate crime charges after allegedly posting that he’d be “proud to hang” New York State Senator Lea Webb from a tree in response to a news story about a Juneteenth celebration.

James A. Crosby, 49, of Binghamton, was arrested June 23 by New York State Police after investigators determined he posted a threatening comment on a WBNG 12 News Facebook post. “I’d be proud to hang her from a tree,” Crosby wrote, according to WBNG.

Crosby was charged with making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, a class C felony, per the New York State Police. He is currently being held at Broome County Jail.

During the subsequent investigation, state police found Crosby was in illegal possession of firearms despite being prohibited from owning them due to a prior felony conviction. Investigators recovered a rifle, a large-capacity ammunition feeding device, and a firearm suppressor — all prohibited under New York state law, per the NYSP.

Crosby was charged with four additional counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, all class D felonies.

Webb, who represents New York’s 52nd Senate District, had been a featured speaker at a Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony at Binghamton City Hall, where the celebration included prayers and the singing of the Black national anthem.

Police said Crosby’s comment was posted in response to a WBNG news story covering the event.

The day before his arrest, Crosby posted a Facebook apology claiming the comment “was not intended to be racial in any way” and was made in reference to what he described as a “criminal,” citing criticism of Webb over her use of nonprofit legal aid in a foreclosure case — a matter state watchdogs said created an appearance of a conflict of interest, per the Ithaca Voice. He was arrested the following day.

Webb issued a public statement June 25 condemning the threat.

“It was extremely disappointing and hurtful to see the now-deleted threat and attacks on my life in response to a story about Juneteenth, a national holiday that recognizes the ending of slavery in America,” she said. “Feedback and thoughts on policy are one thing, but to make a public call for lethal violence is absolutely unacceptable and dangerous. We must recognize our shared humanity and reject violence in all forms.”

She thanked Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and law enforcement for their “swift response.”

Following Crosby’s comments, social media users called for a boycott of his contracting business, Crosby Home Improvements.

The Binghamton City Democratic Committee also called for an investigation into the incident before his arrest.

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The post ‘Proud to hang her from a tree’: Man arrested for threatening Black Senator appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.

Based on reporting by Atlanta Daily World.

The post ‘Proud to Hang Her from a Tree’: Man Arrested for Threatening Black Senator appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations

NEW YORK CARIB NEWS — Outgoing CARICOM Chairman Terrance Drew called on regional leaders to build a stronger and more effective Caribbean Community that benefits future generations. Speaking at the 51st Regular Meeting, Drew urged modernization of governance structures and improved implementation of Community decisions to make CARICOM safer and more prosperous.
The post CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

4 weeks ago

July 8, 2026

Oakland Post

Speaking Sunday at the opening of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Saint Lucia, Dr. Terrance Drew said the region must modernize its governance structures, improve the implementation of Community decisions, and ensure CARICOM becomes safer, more prosperous, and more relevant to the lives of its citizens.

The meeting, being held under the theme “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” coincides with the Community’s 53rd anniversary. During the ceremony, Dr. Drew formally handed over the rotating CARICOM chairmanship to Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre.

Reflecting on his six-month tenure as chairman, Drew praised fellow regional leaders for maintaining their commitment to democracy, good governance, unity, and the rule of law despite mounting global economic and geopolitical challenges.

“Throughout these challenges, CARICOM chose engagement over isolation. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to a fair and rules-based international trading system and ensured that the interests of small developing states continued to be heard.”
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He highlighted progress made in strengthening the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, including deeper trade cooperation, expanded labour mobility, and efforts to lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. Drew also noted the Community’s growing partnerships beyond the Caribbean, particularly with the African Union, while stressing that every international partnership should advance the interests of all parties involved.

The outgoing chairman also expressed appreciation to Dr. Carla Barnett and the CARICOM Secretariat for their professionalism and unwavering support during his tenure.

“Whenever I called, you answered. Whenever support was required, you and your team responded with diligence, competence, and excellence.”

Dr. Drew urged the Secretariat to continue preserving its impartiality while faithfully implementing decisions made by Heads of Government, saying that balance has helped strengthen the regional integration movement.

The conference continues in Saint Lucia with regional leaders expected to deliberate on key issues including regional security, climate resilience, trade, economic integration, food security, Haiti, reparations, and strengthening the CSME.

Based on reporting by New York Carib News.

The post CARICOM: Strengthen Integration for Future Generations appeared first on BlackPressUSA.