A man from Florida was convicted of fraud for pretending to be a flight attendant and flying for free 120 times. On June 10, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported that a federal jury found 35-year-old Tiron Alexander guilty of wire fraud and unauthorized entry into a secure airport area, according to PEOPLE.
A release says, “In total, Alexander flew on 34 flights with the airline carrier without paying for any of them by posing as a flight attendant who worked for other airlines.”
“Over the 34 flights, Alexander claimed through the airline carrier’s website application process — a process that required an applicant to select whether they were a pilot or flight attendant and provide their employer, date of hire, and badge number information — that he worked for seven different airlines and had approximately 30 different badge numbers and dates of hire.” Officials said this about Alexander using a flight attendants’ website to book free flights from 2018 to 2024.
Alexander pretended to be a flight attendant for three airlines, allowing him to schedule over 120 free flights.
Alexander was convicted on June 5 and will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra on Aug. 25
“U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Antonio L. Pittman of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Atlanta Field Office, made the announcement.. TSA investigated the case,” per the release.
CNN reported that Alexander might go to prison for 20 years for wire fraud. He could also get 10 years for sneaking into a secure area of the airport.
A travel writer attended a family backyard party, where she spoke with a longtime flight attendant from a major U.S. airline. Their conversation shifted to plane etiquette, a favorite topic of hers. While she has many passenger experiences, the flight attendant’s insider stories offered her exciting new wisdom, according to Yahoo Creators.
The topic of the call button above the seats arose during their conversation. The travel writer asked if it was acceptable for a passenger to press it for a drink after sleeping through meal service. The flight attendant replied that doing so is viewed as “bad etiquette” and “generally frowned upon.”
When asked if it’s fine to press the call button? The flight attendant jokingly said, “Only if you’re dying… Just kidding… kind of.”
The travel writer learned that passengers should rethink pressing the call button for requests like a Sprite or a blanket. Some flyers view it as similar to room service; however, many flight attendants have a different viewpoint and do not appreciate using the call button for petty requests.
“They’re truly there for emergencies… We will answer it even if we’re strapped into our jump seat during turbulence or landing. So yes, it could be a big deal,” said the flight attendant.
The travel writer learned that the flight attendant didn’t mind when passengers used the call button for drinks. However, she stressed that not all flight crews share this same feeling.
“It will piss off probably 70 percent of flight attendants,” she continued.
When it comes to wealth creation and legacy building, business exits — the moment when a company is sold to a buyer or goes public — are often the ultimate milestone. For Black entrepreneurs, these exits not only represent personal success but also monumental achievements in representation, ownership, and generational wealth.
From billion-dollar tech buyouts to culturally iconic brand acquisitions, here are some of the most notable and highest-valued business exits in Black history:
One major lesson that can be learned is to never count your money until the deal is done. In 2022, nearly a decade after the acquisition, it was revealed that $200 million from the initial offer was lost after Dr. Dre (alongside singer Tyrese) shared a video rejoicing about being “the first billionaire in Hip Hop”—which nearly costed him the entire deal. Ultimately, the cards fell in his favor.
As co-founder, Dr. Dre did indeed become one of the wealthiest figures in hip-hop overnight. The deal included both Beats headphones and the Beats Music streaming service, and it helped cement Apple’s entry into audio and streaming dominance. Dre reportedly walked away with over $700 million from the sale.
Robert L. Johnson – BET – $3 Billion (2001)
Robert L. Johnson made history when he sold Black Entertainment Television (BET) to Viacom for nearly $3 billion in 2001. Founded in 1979 with his then-wife Sheila Johnson, BET became the first Black-owned company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The network revolutionized Black media representation and became a cultural cornerstone. The sale not only cemented BET’s legacy but also made Johnson the first African American billionaire. Since then, he has remained an influential figure in business, politics, and philanthropy.
Oprah Winfrey – OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) – $70 Million Stake Sale (2020)
Founder: Oprah Winfrey
As one of the most powerful figures in media, Oprah Winfrey expanded her empire with the launch of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) in 2011—a joint venture between her company Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications. In 2020, Discovery purchased an additional 24.5% stake in OWN from Harpo for $70 million, increasing its ownership to 95%. While Winfrey retained an influential role at the network, the deal reflected her ability to build, scale, and profit from a media brand rooted in purpose and storytelling. OWN has become a platform for diverse voices and narratives, further cementing Oprah’s legacy as a business icon.
George Foreman – Foreman Grill – $137.5 Million (1999)
Legendary boxer and entrepreneur George Foreman turned a simple kitchen appliance into a household name—and a personal fortune. While serving as the face of the George Foreman Grill, he reportedly earned over $200 million from the product’s success through licensing and royalties. In 1999, Foreman finalized a deal to sell the rights to his name and likeness to Salton, Inc. for $137.5 million. The payout included $113.75 million in cash spread over five years, plus $23.75 million in Salton stock. It remains one of the most lucrative endorsement deals ever for an athlete.
TIDAL – $297 Million (2021)
Jay-Z made headlines yet again when he sold a majority stake in TIDAL, the artist-owned streaming platform, to Jack Dorsey’s fintech company Square for $350 million. Jay-Z originally bought TIDAL for $56 million and later brought on several artists as co-owners. With the sale, Jay-Z reportedly netted over $150 million, all while remaining involved in the company’s leadership.
Charlotte Hornets – $3 Billion Valuation (2023)
In 2023, Michael Jordan sold his majority ownership in the Charlotte Hornets for an estimated $3 billion. Jordan originally purchased the team in 2010 for $275 million. Although it’s a sports franchise rather than a traditional business, the exit marks one of the largest and most profitable sales by a Black owner in U.S. history.
A pregnant news anchor in upstate New York shared live on air that her water broke, yet she continued hosting her show for another three hours, according to reports and social media posts. Olivia Jaquith, from WRGB, a CBS affiliate in Albany, announced her water broke just before 6 a.m. on Wednesday, and later explained the news on Facebook Live, according to the New York Post.
“This isn’t April Fools, Olivia’s water broke – in the newsroom, right?,” Julia Dunn, Jaquith’s co-anchor questioned.
Jaquith confirmed, “In the newsroom.”
Dunn gives the phone to Jaquith and tells her to explain what’s happening. Jaquith jokingly said, “I don’t know what’s going on, this is my first time, I’m new here.” She then shares that she felt discomfort the day before and saw a doctor who confirmed some contractions. When she got to work, her water broke in the bathroom just minutes before going live.
Jaquith, two days overdue, kept joking with her colleagues while working through the broadcast. Throughout the three-hour news show, she managed to bring humor to the team, balancing her labor with entertaining moments.
Dunn said in the beginning of the show, “We do have some breaking news this morning. Literally, Olivia’s water has broke, and she is anchoring the news now in active labor.”
Dunn noted that Jaquith’s contractions were two minutes apart.
“I’m happy to be here, and I’ll stay on the desk for as long as I possibly can… But if I disappear, that’s what’s going on,” Jaquith noted.
The broadcast team enjoyed Jaquith’s unique situation. A chyron displayed, “Days Past Due Date: 2.” At one point, a headline read, “Baby Watch” and “Here Comes Baby P, Good Luck Olivia.”
On Thursday, the anchor shared the exciting news that her first child, a baby boy, was born with her husband Tyn.
Do you like to “wake and bake?” it might be time to slow down on your favorite morning ritual.
According to WSBTV, a new study published last year by the American Heart Association says that “using marijuana resulted in a 36% higher combined odds of coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke.”
One #Atlanta woman, Gladys Johnson, is mourning the death of her 25-year-old son Darrell whose death she believes was caused by his use Delta-8 gummies.
“That was my baby. That was my friend,” Gladys Johnson told WSB.
According to the reporting, on March 10, 2024, Darnell and his girlfriend bought several packages of 500-milligram THC gummies. He collapsed not long after eating them.
“I’m forever going through the moment losing my baby brother,” said Darrell’s older brother, Travell Johnson.
Darrell’s cause of death was listed as atheroschlerotic cardiovascular disease caused by plaque buildup in the arteries.
“We really in the past decade have had some good studies that linked the use of marijuana, THC to more heart-related events including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, irregular heartbeat,” said Cardiologists like Dr. Pradyumna “Prad” Tummala.
“The American Heart Association has data showing since legalization we have had more incidents of heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and strokes,” said Dr. Tummala.
The cardiologist discourages patients who have a history of heart disease from using marijuana and other THC products.
Meanwhile, Darrell’s family is still mourning.
Gladys Johnson said, “Somebody else going to die. I’m gonna try to save somebody else.”
A Los Angeles TV station, KTLA, is under fire after tweeting the N-word on Friday, causing anger among viewers. They later explained it was a “technical error” and apologized. The offensive tweet was shared widely online before the station managed to remove it, per the New York Post.
The station quickly issued an apology.
They penned in a tweet, “KTLA experienced a technical error while adding language filters to our social media accounts, resulting in an offensive word being accidentally shared. We are appalled and apologize that this occurred.”
The news channel was talking about a feature on X that lets users “mute” specific words, preventing them from seeing tweets with those words. The station explained that the social media coordinator intended to add the N-word to the muted list but mistakenly posted it publicly instead.
The outlet said in a statement to The Post, “KTLA is investigating the exact cause of this incident, and we deeply regret what happened. We again apologize to KTLA’s audience and the greater Los Angeles community.”
This article will explore the exciting journey of mastering time management for scholarship applications! Effective time management is essential in empowering busy parents and their college-bound students to navigate the scholarship process easily and successfully. Let’s dive in!
Set Specific Goals: Break down the scholarship application process into manageable steps, such as researching scholarships, gathering materials (transcripts, recommendation letters), and writing the essay. Set deadlines for each step to keep yourself on track. Here is an easy-to-follow Weekly Scholarship Time Management Schedule.
Sunday – Planning & Organization
1–2 Hours: Plan & Organize the Week
Review the scholarship opportunities you’re applying for, including deadlines and
requirements.
Set weekly goals (e.g., complete an essay, request a recommendation letter,
submit one application).
Update your scholarship tracking sheet/spreadsheet with deadlines, materialsneeded, and status of your applications.
Break down larger tasks into smaller steps (e.g., “Draft intro paragraph for essay” or “Finalize recommendation letter request”).
Monday – Scholarship Research & Essay Writing
1 Hour: Research New Scholarships
Dedicate time to finding new scholarships for the week. Use scholarship search engines, and check for any local opportunities from businesses or community organizations.
1–2 Hours: Work on Scholarship Essays
Write or revise scholarship essays. Aim to finish a draft for one essay by the end of the session.
Focus on one essay per session. Break it into smaller tasks (e.g., brainstorming, outlining, writing, revising).
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Tuesday – Essay Writing & Application Preparation
1 Hour: Essay Review & Revision
Review and revise the scholarship essay you worked on Monday. Consider asking a teacher or family member to give feedback.
1 Hour: Prepare Application Materials
Gather and review any application materials you need (e.g., resume, transcript, recommendation letters). Ensure everything is up-to-date.
Wednesday – Recommendation Letters & Networking
1 Hour: Request Recommendation Letters
Reach out to teachers, mentors, or community leaders for recommendation letters. Be polite and give them ample time (at least 2–3 weeks).
Provide them with your resume and any scholarship-specific information to help them write a strong letter.
1 Hour: Work on Additional Essays
Continue working on scholarship essays. You could also start drafting personal statements if they’re needed for multiple applications.
Thursday – Application & Scholarship Submission
1 Hour: Submit Scholarships
If you have any scholarships due soon, aim to submit them today. Double-check that all materials (essays, recommendation letters, transcript) are uploaded.
1 Hour: Work on Scholarship Essay #2
Keep working through scholarship essays. Aim to finish one more by the end of the session.
Friday – Follow-up & Reflection
1 Hour: Follow-up on Applications
Check the status of applications you’ve submitted (confirm they’ve been received, follow up on recommendations if needed).
1 Hour: Reflect and Plan
Reflect on what you’ve accomplished during the week. Make adjustments to your plan if certain tasks need more time or attention.
Set your goals for the upcoming week.
Desola Lanre-Ologun/Unsplash
Saturday – Free Time/Buffer Time
Use this day as a buffer for catching up on any scholarship work you didn’t complete during the week.
1–2 Hours (Optional): Relax and Recharge
Use the weekend to relax, recharge, and spend time with friends or family.
Dedicate Focused Time Blocks: Set aside specific blocks of time for scholarship work. Limit distractions during these periods and focus solely on completing applications. Even 30-to 60-minute intervals of deep focus can make a big difference.
Prioritize Scholarships: Start with scholarships with the earliest deadlines or higher value. Prioritize those with fewer requirements and shorter essays to get them out of the way first.
Batch Similar Tasks: If you must write multiple essays or gather the same materials for different scholarships, do them all simultaneously. This approach saves time and energy by minimizing switching between tasks.
Use Templates: Create a template for recurring components like personal statements or essays that you can tweak for each scholarship. This way, you don’t have to start from scratch every time. The length of a personal statement for a scholarship application can vary depending on the specific scholarship requirements. However, most scholarship personal statements are typically around 500 to 1,000 words. For assistance with personal statements, Many teachers, especially English and writing teachers, are happy to help students with scholarship essays. They can provide feedback on structure, grammar, and clarity.
Discover a wealth of inspiration by visiting Scholarships.com! Head over to the student resource tab, where you’ll find an array of sample personal statements designed to spark your creativity and help you craft a standout application. Don’t miss out!
Stay Organized: Keep all scholarship materials organized in one place (digital or physical). This will help you quickly access everything you need, saving you time in the long run. See samples below.
Use Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or any planner app to mark important scholarship deadlines.
Set up reminders several days or a week in advance so you can prepare all materials beforehand.
Physical Planner:
If you prefer a paper planner, dedicate a section to scholarship deadlines.
Use sticky notes or highlighters to make important dates stand out.
Use a “To-Do” List System
Daily/Weekly Lists:
Make a list of scholarship tasks to complete each day or week, such as drafting essays, reviewing recommendation letters, or submitting applications.
Keep the list in your planner, notebook, or as a digital checklist (e.g., Google Keep, Todoist, or Trello).
Break Down Tasks:
For large tasks (like writing an essay), break them down into smaller, manageable steps (e.g., brainstorming, outlining, first draft, revisions).
Track Application Progress
Application Submission Status:
Create a simple table or section in your tracking spreadsheet to mark the status of each scholarship (e.g., “Not Started,” “In progress,” “Submitted”).
Follow-Up Dates:
If a scholarship requires additional follow-up (e.g., confirmation of submission, interview), include these follow-up dates and notes in your tracking system.
Keep a Digital Backup
Scan Physical Materials:
If you keep physical documents (e.g., printed essays, hard-copy transcripts), make sure to scan or take pictures of them so you have a backup in case anything is lost.
Create Templates:
For repetitive materials like personal statements or resumes, keep a master template that you can quickly adapt for different scholarships.
Organize Recommendation Letters
Ask Early:
Request recommendation letters well in advance (at least 2-3 weeks). Keep a list of which teachers or mentors you’ve asked, and when they confirm, they’ll write them.
Share Necessary Information:
Provide your recommenders with a detailed list of scholarships you’re applying for, as well as any specific requirements for the letter.
Track Submitted Letters:
Confirm when your recommenders submit the letters, and keep a record of submission status (e.g., “Letter submitted to Scholarship X”).
Create a “Scholarship Checklist”
For Each Scholarship:
Make a checklist of all required materials (essay, resume, recommendation letter, transcript, etc.).
Check off items as you complete them.
Review the checklist before submission to ensure you haven’t missed anything.
Christina @ wocintechchat.com/Unsplash
Use Your Network
Reach out to family through texts or emails about any available scholarships Connecting with college advisors and teachers is a great idea too. Many fast food and retail jobs offer scholarships, so don’t hesitate to ask at your workplace. Also, chat with friends in college about the scholarships they’ve applied for!
Follow up
It’s a great idea to send friendly follow-up calls and emails to confirm that your scholarship application has been received. Many applicants miss this crucial step, and a simple follow-up can make a real difference. Don’t forget, check your spam folder too! Your effort could pay off!
By following these strategies, you’ll stay organized, reduce stress, and increase your chances of completing multiple scholarships efficiently!
Omoyele Mcintosh is the founder of Fan Family Inc., a New York City-based service that focuses on college preparedness. She’s worked with countless parents and students, aiding them through the college process. She specifically exposes middle and high school students to both Ivy League and HBCU colleges through annual college campus tours. She serves as a resource by providing scholarship information and assistance with the FAFSA.
Contact: Follow Fan Family Inc. on Instagram @FanFamilyInc
Life has a way of introducing you to the right people at the right time.
After college, I landed my first “big girl” job as an executive assistant to one of the most well-respected music executives in the industry—at least, in my opinion. The role gave me a front-row seat to the inner workings of the music business. While I had the pleasure of meeting many talented artists, I found myself most drawn to the people behind the scenes. No offense to the artists (I love you all!), but their teams were the ones who truly fascinated me.
Managers, assistants, publicists, and photographers—each played a crucial role in an artist’s success. But one team, in particular, stood out. HDBeenDope’s crew didn’t just feel like colleagues; they felt like family. More than just a team, they were a collective—LABB, short for “Learn And Become Better.” It was more than a name; it was a philosophy, a shared identity.
Captured By Nickie Lee Rose
At the heart of this creative powerhouse? Nickie Rose.
Nicki isn’t just HD’s photographer—she’s his hype woman, accountability partner, and sister in every sense of the word. She plays a pivotal role in his journey, ensuring that his moments aren’t just lived but captured with an artistic vision that tells a story. And while her bond with HD is undeniable, her talent extends far beyond their circle.
“Me and my friends, we’re just so f*ing cool—why not be cool out loud?”** – Nicki Rose
Through her lens, Nicki has captured music giants such as Drake, Central Cee, Burna Boy, SZA, and many more. For this feature, we are thrilled to highlight her story.
The Origins of a Visionary
Captured By Nickie Lee Rose
The Origins of a Visionary
Hailing from the Bronx, NY, Nicki’s journey into photography started with hip-hop’s renowned publication, Word Up! Magazine—a cultural staple that shaped an entire generation’s perception of music and artists. “My mom used to cop them for me whenever I visited her in the Bronx. I’d cut out photos of Chris Brown, B2K, and 50 Cent and plaster them all over my wall.”
As she got older, her passion for collecting art transitioned to Tumblr, where she discovered photographers like RenellMedrano and artists like A$AP Rocky. “There was always some fly s***, very New York, and I wanted to take photos like that. So I asked my pops for a camera.”
That request set her on a path that would eventually lead to capturing some of the biggest names in music.
The Shot Seen Around the World
Captured By Nickie Lee Rose
When asked about her most notable project, Nickie doesn’t hesitate. “If you ask people on the outside, they’d probably say the photo of Drake and Central Cee at On The Radar.”
In July 2023, she was gifted a rare opportunity by her friend Gabe P, the creator of On The Radar—a chance to photograph two legends as a birthday present. “That was a big opportunity. The fact that he called me made me feel like, ‘Damn, motherfers really respect my s—that they would call me when legends are coming into town.’”
So, how did it feel to capture that moment? “I have this thing where I don’t fully realize what I’m doing—not even in the moment.” She explains, “It’s not until after, maybe when I post it or see it out in the world, that it really sinks in.”
For Nickie, the experience felt almost surreal—like it was tailor-made for her. “I have no idea how anyone else in the room felt, but from him asking to see the photos, requesting me to send them—even asking for my IG to follow—it all just validated that I’m good being me, no matter where I go.”
The Places That Stole Her Heart
For someone who has traveled the world, picking a favorite destination isn’t easy. But for Nicki, two places stand out above the rest.
“I’ve been bragging about this ever since I left—South Africa and Switzerland have my heart. Those are two places I just can’t let go of.”
Captured By Nickie Lee Rose
During her time on tour with Burna Boy, Nickie’s team surprised her with an early trip to Switzerland for her birthday, allowing her to take in its breathtaking landscapes before the tour resumed. “When I got there, I was like, ‘This is unbelievable.’ I really appreciate the team for that. Since I’m the only American on the crew, they always encourage me to explore and see that there’s so much more to the world.”
From the vibrant culture of South Africa to the serene beauty of Switzerland, these destinations left a lasting impression on Nickie—ones she continues to cherish long after leaving. “I tried to FaceTime everybody. I called my manager, Ju, but the call wouldn’t go through. I tried calling my mom, but that call didn’t go through either. That was the moment I realized—just like the Drake experience, that moment was cut out for me.”
Nickie’s Top Three Photographers
Captured By Nickie Lee Rose
So, who are the photographers that inspire Nicki Rose?
She lets out a playful groan.
“Oughh, I’m a fan of photographers who make me feel like, ‘Damn, I don’t think I could do that right now—let me go study and figure out how to level up.’”
“I look at her as an icon. She’s an Afro-Latina from the Bronx with an incredible mind and eye. She’s the full package of what it means to be a fly creator from the BX.”
As we step into 2025, Nicki is ready to move beyond the lens—not just as a photographer but as a creative visionary.
Captured By Nickie Lee Rose
“I want to step out from being just the person behind the lens. I know I’m multi-talented in so many ways, but my biggest blessing is my eye,” she shares. “I’ll still be in the visual space, but maybe stepping into directing or creative direction. It’s time to branch out.”
With a sharp artistic vision and an ever-evolving perspective, Nickie Rose’s next chapter is one to watch.
You can find Nickie in the BX or on IG AND TIKTOK, @NickieLeeRose
As a college student, It was my life’s mission to figure out my passion. I wanted to do so many things. From public relations to management. I didn’t have a clear answer to the classic “what do you want to be?” question. My go-to response became, “The Hip Hop Olivia Pope.” At the time, I was young, curious, and wide open to possibilities.
Then came an opportunity, a unique one.
A mentor of mine reached out with a suggestion: a local photographer was looking for an intern. Photography had never crossed my mind as a career or even an interest, but my mentor urged me to take the meeting, so I did. That’s when I met Ismail, better known as “Caligrafist.”
Ismail needed someone to assist him at events, handle emails, and manage day-to-day tasks. In exchange, I would get the chance to attend industry events. It sounded exciting to a young girl trying to get a foot in the door—a golden ticket to network and explore. However, I didn’t have the foresight to notice how deeply I’d fall in love with the culture of photographers in the NYC entertainment scene.
What struck me most was their ability to tell stories. Six different photographers could capture the same event, yet each one’s work would reveal a completely unique perspective. Their grit, determination, and creativity called out to me in a profound way.
This column is dedicated to those storytellers—the artists Behind The Lens—who document history through their craft. It’s about how they discovered photography, their creative processes, and what continues to inspire them.
Donjai Gilmore – The Harlem Prodigy
Captured By Donjai GilmoreCaptured By Donjai GilmoreCaptured By Donjai Gilmore
For my first interview, I had the privilege of sitting down with Harlem’s very own Donjai Gilmore. As we kicked off the conversation, I led with an icebreaker: “Give me one fun fact about yourself.” He grinned and said, “I always had a crush on the lady from LambChop. There was just something about her… she’s beautiful.”
Donjai—a photographer who has etched his place as a prominent figure in NYC’s photography scene, has a storied body of work. His portfolio reads like a who’s who of pop culture icons: fromcapturing rappers like Ice Spice, Eve, and Future, to photographing football legend David Beckham. Donjai has proven himself to be far more than just another kid from the Big Apple.
How It All Began for Donjai
Captured By Donjai Gilmore
His journey into photography started early, inspired by his love of Peter Parker—better known as Spider-Man. At just nine years old, Donjai was already honing his craft, taking courses at the International Center of Photography at The Point CDC in Hunts Point. He mentioned that the program is still available to this day and is “free 99.” They offer a wide range of gear andknowledge, such as cameras, film, and teach the old school art of dark room development. That early spark of creativity laid the foundation for a career that now stands as a testament to his vision and raw talent. “I was the youngest person in the program and messed up about 2 rolls of film and on the third roll they told me if I messed up this roll they were going to kick me out.”
Throughout his time in this program, Donjai was able to better his skills and ultimately became known as a child prodigy amongst staples within the photography community and even went on to be featured in segments on channel 13.
Captured By Donjai Gilmore
After staying in the program up until high school, Reflecting on his younger years, Donjai stated, “I lost my mom when I was 12, and the year after, I was starting high school. I had a good thing going, but didn’t realize it. I didn’t take full advantage of the opportunity. So I had to step back, figure out what was happening, and then put myself back in the game.” Despite the challenges, Donjai managed to build a strong sense of community that keeps growing and has opened up incredible opportunities for him.
Most Meaningful Shoot?
With 30 years of experience, I couldn’t resist asking him about his most meaningful shoot. He told me about his first friend from Brooklyn, Angie. She trusted him to do a maternity shoot, featuring her and her 2-year-old son, underwater. “I had never done a maternity shoot underwater before, so when she asked me, I was like, ‘Hell yeah!’”
When I asked why that shoot was so special, Donjai got real. “I think anything that documents life is meaningful. Black women are the backbone of society. That’s kind of like what this image depicts to me.” He went on to describe how beautiful it was to watch her teach her child to hold his breath underwater, all while showing him, in her own way, that his mother would always have his back.So, “who are some of your favorite shooters?,” I asked.
Captured By Donjai Gilmore
Donjai’s Big 3!
Captured By Donjai Gilmore
Donjai chuckled, “Ahhh, dammit, I don’t want to get beat up!” But after a little coaxing, he gave me his top three:
Jamel Shabazz tops Donjai’s list for his ability to capture the essence of an entire era. “He documented the whole era of New York—Black, flyness—just by being present and always having his camera on him.”
Donjai loves Johnny’s hustle. “He took advantage of every opportunity and really pioneered what all the up-and-coming photographers on Instagram are trying to become today.”
A former student of Donjai – “She took photography seriously beyond the program and put in the work to get her weight up.”
And an honorable mention goes to Flow, another one of his students who’s been making waves in the photography world.
Captured By Donjai Gilmore
What’s Next ?
As our conversation wrapped up, I asked Donjai what we could expect from him in 2025. He excitedly mentioned “you can look forward to seeing me teach in a full capacity again.” Donjai previously taught at Red Hook Labs during Hurricane Sandy. The program unfortunately ended due to the pandemic in 2020. He is excited to rekindle his love for teaching which he deems, “the gift that keeps on giving.”
Beyond teaching, Donjai revealed that we’ll also be seeing his work featured in more art galleries and exhibitions. It’s clear that his passion for the craft—and for giving back—continues to drive him forward.
We can’t wait! You can find Donjai in Harlem or on IG, TIKTOK, AND X @Donjaididit
The famous Six FlagsKingda Ka roller coaster, once deemed the tallest and fastest in the world, has collapsed in an implosion. Video footage captured the 456-foot-tall ride crashing down at the theme park in Jackson, New Jersey, early Friday morning, reports the New York Post.
Multiple explosions happened at the base of the ride just before it fell, sending smoke into the air. Aerial footage showed parts of the ride scattered across the park. Local officials had warned residents on social media to get ready for a series of quick explosions ahead of time.
“The noises may be startling, but please don’t be alarmed. Keep pets indoors if they are sensitive to loud sounds…. If you or someone you know is affected by loud noises, take necessary precautions,” a Facebook post by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s office.
Kingda Ka, built in 2005, had provided over 12 million rides before it was destroyed. Six Flags announced late last year that the popular ride would be removed to make way for a fresh launch coaster, which is expected to open in 2026.
