The vibes were real, and the performances? Next level. 🔥

Maxwell, Latto, GloRilla, Musiq Soulchild, Jeezy, and more lit up the stage and gave the crowd unforgettable moments.

HBCU Original was on the scene, covering the event, connecting with the culture, and watching a few of the dopest performances of the night. 🎥🎙️

Let’s talk about it — Latto tore the set UP! Her energy, crowd control, and presence were undeniable. One of the most talked-about sets of the night.

Catch the full lineup and stay in the loop 👉🏾 therootspicnic.com

🎶 This was just Day One. More vibes to come!
#HBCUOriginal #RootsPicnic2025 #Latto #Maxwell #GloRilla #MusiqSoulchild #Jeezy #LiveMusic #BlackCulture #OnSetWithHBCUOriginal

PHILADELPHIA — Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Olympic bronze medalist and U.S. champion in the 100m, delivered one of her most impressive performances to date at the 2025 Grand Slam Track Philadelphia, winning the 200m in a personal-best 21.99 seconds. The time not only marked her first sub-22 but also set a new record at Franklin Field, beating Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas, who finished second in 22.10.

“Even though I’m primarily a 100m runner, the workouts that we do will prep me for the 200m,” said Jefferson-Wooden, who trains in Central Florida alongside Olympic 100m silver medalist Sha’Carri Richardson.

Jefferson-Wooden, who got married in March, plans to compete in both the 100m and 200m at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships, July 31–August 3. With this 200m win, she has positioned herself to potentially earn a spot on Team USA in a second sprint event.

HBCU Original was on the scene, bringing live coverage and behind-the-scenes access to fans supporting HBCU athletes and culture at elite track meets like this one.

Other Key Results:

• Ackera Nugent (Jamaica) took the 100m hurdles in 12.44.

• Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone placed fifth in the 100m hurdles at 12.70, just off her personal best of 12.65.

• Marco Arop (Canada) won the men’s 800m in 1:43.38, holding off American Josh Hoey (1:44.41).

• Kenny Bednarek claimed the men’s 200m in 19.95, staying undefeated on the Grand Slam circuit.

• Alison dos Santos (Brazil) remained perfect in the men’s 400m hurdles, clocking 48.11.

• Matthew Hudson-Smith (UK) captured the men’s 400m in 44.51.

• Marileidy Paulino (Dominican Republic) won the women’s 400m in a world-leading 49.12.

• Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) ran 3:58.04 to win the women’s 1500m.

For full meet results, visit:
👉 Grand Slam Track Official Results

By HBCU Original Staff
Published May 29, 2025

In 2025, Donald J. Trump has once again put his presidential pardon power on full display—this time in his second term, issuing a wave of clemency decisions that continue to spark debate across the nation.

Since his return to the White House, Trump has pardoned a broad list of individuals, many of whom have been at the center of political and legal controversies. The pardons have been hailed by supporters as efforts to correct what they see as unfair treatment by a “weaponized” justice system, while critics argue the moves reflect a pattern of shielding allies, amplifying a narrative of persecution, and undermining the legitimacy of law enforcement.

The Sweep: Pardoning January 6 Capitol Riot Defendants

Perhaps the most dramatic move came on Trump’s inauguration day, January 20, 2025. He granted full pardons to nearly 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot—ranging from nonviolent participants to those convicted of violent crimes against law enforcement officers.

Among the clemency recipients were prominent far-right figures like Enrique Tarrio, former Proud Boys leader, whose 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy was commuted, and Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, whose 18-year sentence was reduced to time served.

Trump described this mass pardon as an effort to “end a grave national injustice” and promote “national reconciliation,” but the move drew sharp criticism from many who viewed it as a dangerous dismissal of the violent assault on democracy.

High-Profile Pardons: From Dark Web to Political Figures

Among other notable pardons:

• Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous Silk Road dark web marketplace, was granted a full and unconditional pardon. Despite a life sentence for drug trafficking and money laundering, Ulbricht’s supporters in the libertarian and cryptocurrency communities hailed the pardon as a blow against government overreach.

• Rod Blagojevich, former Illinois Governor known for attempting to sell Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat, received a full pardon that cleared his criminal record after his sentence was commuted during Trump’s first term. Blagojevich has been vocal in his support for Trump, even calling himself a “Trump-ocrat.”

• NBA YoungBoy (Kentrell DeSean Gaulden), the popular rapper serving a sentence on a federal gun charge, was pardoned in late May 2025. YoungBoy expressed gratitude for the pardon, calling it an opportunity to rebuild his life and career.

Controversies and Political Alliances

Many of Trump’s pardons have focused on individuals with political or financial ties:

• Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola, convicted of fraud, was pardoned despite ongoing legal controversies. Milton and his wife have donated millions to Trump’s campaigns.

• Several cryptocurrency executives, including the co-founders of BitMEX, were pardoned after pleading guilty to violations related to anti-money laundering laws.

• Former Republican Tennessee Senator Brian Kelsey and former Virginia sheriff Scott Jenkins, both convicted of corruption-related charges, were also pardoned amid claims of political prosecution.

• Anti-abortion activists convicted for clinic blockades, including Lauren Handy—a figure associated with a highly controversial case involving the discovery of fetal remains—were granted clemency.

The Critics Speak Out

Civil rights advocates and legal experts warn these pardons may deepen distrust in the justice system. Dr. Tamika Hall, a legal analyst, commented:

“This series of pardons isn’t just about correcting miscarriages of justice. It’s a political tool to reward loyalty and erase accountability.”

They argue that pardons extended to January 6 defendants and politically connected figures send a troubling message about equal justice under the law.

Supporters Defend the Pardons

Trump supporters and some political commentators praise the clemency as a way to fight what they describe as “political persecution” and “selective prosecution.” They see the pardons as restoring balance to a system they believe unfairly targets conservatives and Trump allies.

What This Means for America

As the 2024 election aftermath unfolds and Trump maintains a strong hold over a large voting base, the 2025 pardons are more than legal acts—they are political statements shaping the national conversation around justice, loyalty, and power.

Whether viewed as rightful acts of mercy or as controversial power plays, Trump’s pardons will continue to be a defining part of his legacy—and a story that keeps the nation talking.

Join the Conversation:

What are your thoughts on President Trump’s 2025 pardons? Do you see them as justice served or political favoritism? Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @HBCUOriginal and share your voice.

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Five talented students from Southern University have won a prestigious Sports Emmy Award for their documentary, The Hidden Sport.

The award-winning project earned national acclaim for its compelling storytelling and high production value. The documentary was initially named a finalist, bringing significant attention to its creators and the legacy it honors.

The student team—Sydney Cuillier, Ashley Lovelace, Verbon Muhammad, Loren Sullivan, and Eric White—affectionately known as “The Dream Team,” created The Hidden Sport to shine a light on the iconic Southern University Human Jukebox marching band. The film explores the band’s cultural influence on sports at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Inspired by the relentless dedication of the Human Jukebox, the team was motivated to capture and celebrate the artistry, discipline, and athleticism that band members embody. After releasing a teaser of the documentary on social media, it quickly went viral, amassing over 100,000 views.

“We wanted to highlight the time, effort, and commitment these musicians pour into their craft,” said Cuillier. “They train and perform with the same intensity and rigor as athletes—that’s what gave birth to the idea of The Hidden Sport.”

The documentary is also a heartfelt tribute to two influential figures in Southern University’s athletic and musical community: Caleb Wilson, a dedicated band member, and Sean Wallace, a beloved football coach—both of whom passed away during the production. The students dedicated the film in their memory.

The winners were announced during the 2025 Sports Emmy Awards ceremony held in New York City on Tuesday, May 20.

In a gesture of giving back, the students plan to allocate part of the award proceeds to support the Human Jukebox program, its media team, and scholarships for future students pursuing similar creative paths.

One of the filmmakers, a native of Monroe, also helped bring regional pride to the Emmy-winning achievement.

During Morris Brown College’s 2025 commencement ceremony, Bishop T.D. Jakes delivered more than just an empowering message—he made a major impact. The renowned pastor and leader of The Potter’s House surprised the graduating class by announcing a $100,000 donation to the historic Atlanta-based HBCU.

The funds, delivered through the T.D. Jakes Foundation, will cover more than 150 workforce certification exams, opening doors for students to earn credentials in high-demand industries. The donation was a powerful reinforcement of Jakes’ core message: that true legacy isn’t just what we inherit, but what we intentionally invest in others.

Held on May 17 at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, the commencement celebrated 58 graduates who now move from the classroom into the world as changemakers. In a symbolic full-circle moment, Jakes was awarded an honorary doctorate from Morris Brown—home of the Wolverines—an institution that has weathered tremendous storms to reclaim its legacy.

Morris Brown made history in 2022 as the first HBCU to regain its accreditation after a 20-year struggle. Since then, it has reopened its doors not only to traditional students but also to those displaced by the recent closure of institutions like Limestone University. Despite past challenges, the college continues to rise—and contributions like Jakes’ are helping to ensure that future generations can rise with it.

“We’re under attack financially,” Morris Brown leaders noted, emphasizing how timely this donation is as many HBCUs continue to fight for stability and support. Yet Jakes encouraged the graduates to see themselves as the solution—not just for their college, but for the world.

“You’ve come too far not to get up,” Jakes declared. “Fight until you build your business or company, find a cure for cancer, franchise yourself, or get on your feet.”

May proved to be a powerful moment for Atlanta’s HBCU community overall. Civil rights icon Dr. Cornel West inspired Morehouse College graduates with a powerful address on “spiritual wickedness in high places,” while actress and advocate Taraji P. Henson reminded Spelman College seniors to lean on sisterhood in a world that too often tries to wear Black women down.

But at Morris Brown, T.D. Jakes left the class of 2025 with a call to action: build, lead, give, and most importantly—change the world.