Target initiated the meeting with Sharpton, who has not yet endorsed a boycott but supports efforts to pressure the retailer into reaffirming its commitments. He said Target must recommit to racial equity and invest in Black-owned businesses or face the consequences.

“If an election changes your stance on fairness, we reserve the right to change ours,” Sharpton told CNBC. He emphasized the need for accountability, referencing Target’s earlier promises made after the 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, where the company is headquartered.

After the meeting, Sharpton called the conversation “constructive and candid.” He plans to confer with allies including Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, who began a 40-day boycott in March. The National Action Network, Sharpton’s civil rights group, will meet after Easter to determine next steps.

Target’s pullback began in January, when it ended its three-year DEI plan, stopped reporting progress to outside groups, and reduced efforts to feature Black- and minority-owned products. Days later, visits to Target stores began to drop. Analytics firm Placer.ai reported 10 consecutive weeks of year-over-year declines in foot traffic, reversing prior gains.

While the company hasn’t commented on the data, the timing has raised concerns that Target’s shift on DEI has alienated parts of its customer base. Sharpton’s advocacy marks one of the most visible pushbacks against a conservative movement targeting corporate diversity programs. Activists like Robby Starbuck have pressured companies via social media to scale down DEI initiatives.

Target joins Walmart, McDonald’s, and others that have retreated. In contrast, Costco stood firm, rejecting a shareholder proposal to reconsider its DEI commitments. NAN responded by encouraging “buy-cotts” at Costco stores, which saw a 7.5% traffic increase in March. Target’s traffic fell 6.5% in the same period.

Beyond political pressures, Target faces deeper challenges. Sales have stalled for four years. Shoppers are buying essentials over home goods and apparel. The company has struggled with inventory issues, theft, shipping costs, and Pride Month backlash. In February, it projected modest 1% growth for the year.

Al Sharpton’s message to Cornell remains pointed: “What changed?”

The staggering total more than doubles her previous best quarter and positions her as one of the most potent political fundraisers in the country. Her success arrives amid a growing push from progressives urging her to consider a 2028 primary challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Ocasio-Cortez, now sitting on over $8 million in available campaign funds, has spent recent weeks crisscrossing the country alongside Senator Bernie Sanders. Their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour has drawn thousands, energizing the party’s left flank and reinforcing Ocasio-Cortez’s place at the center of the progressive movement. The fundraising figures were disclosed in a Federal Election Commission filing submitted Tuesday.

Her campaign attributes the historic haul to a broad base of grassroots support. In a statement, campaign manager Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben said 64 percent of the contributions came from first-time donors. The average donation was just $21. Notably, none of the funds came from corporate PACs or lobbyists. Instead, the most common donor occupations were teachers and nurses—underscoring the congresswoman’s appeal among working-class voters.

Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged the surge of support in a message to her followers. “I cannot convey enough how grateful I am to the millions supporting us with your time, resources, and energy,” she wrote. “Your support has allowed us to rally people together at record scale to organize their communities.”

This quarter’s numbers eclipse her previous high of $4.4 million, raised in the summer of 2020 during her re-election campaign. The current fundraising performance comes as speculation swirls about her political future. Though she has not confirmed any plans to challenge Schumer, allies within the progressive movement are increasingly vocal in their desire to see her pursue higher office.

Sanders adviser Faiz Shakir weighed in on social media, framing the financial outpouring as a mandate. “The people are sending Democrats a message about the direction they would like to see,” he wrote.

Whether Ocasio-Cortez seizes that momentum to pursue a Senate run or continues building power in the House remains to be seen. What’s clear is that she has tapped into a deep well of enthusiasm—and is harnessing that energy to reshape the Democratic Party’s future.

The Candidates to Watch

Mayor Eric Adams (Incumbent, Democrat)

Eric Adams is running for a second term, leaning heavily on his record of tackling crime and keeping the city moving through a turbulent period. He points to a drop in major crimes as proof that his approach to public safety is working. But his time in office hasn’t been without controversy—budget cuts, a migrant crisis, and investigations into his campaign finances have put him on the defensive. Adams insists he’s the best person for the job, but he’s facing serious competition from within his own party.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo (Democrat)

Andrew Cuomo’s political comeback is in full swing. After resigning in 2021 amid sexual misconduct allegations, he’s back—this time setting his sights on City Hall. He’s secured key endorsements from unions representing city workers and law enforcement, positioning himself as the tough-on-crime candidate who can restore order. While Cuomo has a deep well of political experience, his entry into the race has reignited debates about his past controversies and whether New Yorkers are ready to give him another shot.

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (Democrat)

Adrienne Adams, the current City Council Speaker, hasn’t officially declared her candidacy, but her name keeps coming up in conversations about progressive alternatives to both Eric Adams and Cuomo. With a focus on affordable housing and community investment, she could appeal to voters looking for a break from the political establishment. If she jumps into the race, she could shake up the Democratic primary in a big way.

The Big Issues

Crime and Public Safety

Public safety remains a major concern for voters. Adams touts crime reductions under his watch, while Cuomo and others argue that a tougher approach is still needed. Expect heated debates over policing strategies, bail reform, and how to balance safety with justice.

Housing and Homelessness

The cost of living in New York City has never been higher, and homelessness is at crisis levels. Candidates will need to outline their plans for building affordable housing, protecting tenants, and addressing the shelter system’s shortcomings. Voters will be looking for real solutions, not just political talking points.

The Economy and Budget Challenges

The city is still recovering from the economic shocks of the pandemic, and balancing the budget has become a major challenge. With looming deficits and cuts to essential services, the next mayor will need a clear strategy for keeping the city financially stable without sacrificing key programs.

What’s Next?

With the Democratic primary still months away, the race is just getting started. More candidates could jump in, endorsements will roll out, and policy debates will intensify. One thing is certain: New Yorkers will have a lot to consider before casting their votes in what promises to be a high-stakes election. As the campaign unfolds, expect a battle not just over policies, but over leadership style, political baggage, and who can best navigate the challenges facing the city. For now, the race is wide open, and New York’s future is on the line.

On Tuesday (May 14), the hip-hop icon was seen courtside as the New York Knicks dominated the Indiana Pacers, securing a commanding 121-91 victory, propelling his hometown team to a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

“I’M IN MY NY SHIT, I REP THE GIANTS, JETS, NY KNICKSTHE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP, SO WE AIN’T NEVER, Y’ALL KNOW THE REST…. THE DRAGON AND @cory_litwin COURTSIDE AT THE @nyknicks @thegarden IT’S ALL THE WAY UP IN THE BIGGEST #BLOCKBUSTA WAY!!,” he shared on Instagram, alongside a snapshot of himself and Cory Litwin.

In another post, Busta cheered for his home team, exclaiming, “We’re on our New York shit — we up. We’re busting their ass,” in a short video clip. “YOU BETTER BELIEVE WHEN YOU SEE IT!!! @nyknicks GOT THE GAME IN A CHOKEHOLD CRAZZZZZZZY RIGHT NOW!!! LET’S GOOOOOO KNICKS!!!! ,” he captioned the clip.

However, it wasn’t his enthusiasm for the game that caught fans’ attention; it was his apparent reverse aging that stole the spotlight.

“Busta looks so much younger with hair & less weight on em ,” wrote one fan, taking to the comment section.

“Busta got a new hairline? Something look different on him,” added another.

“Busta look young asf ,” a third user commented.

Last year, the “Touch It” rapper revealed how joining 50 Cent’s “The Final Lap Tour,” helped him get his sexy back.

“I’m sexy. lost 37 pounds on that fuckin’ tour,” he revealed, speaking during an event to promote his 2023 release, Blockbusta. “I wasn’t asking if y’all thought I was sexy or not, I just wanted you muthaf**kas to understand I’m sexy, period,” the New York rapper added.

Taking to social media, alongside a photo of the Brooklyn-born DJ (real name Calvin LeBrun), 50 Cent extended his condolences to Cee’s loved ones.

“[praying hands emoji] R.I.P to the legend MR. C God bless him, to all his family and friends I send my condolences. [dove emoji],” he wrote on Instagram.

“NO WORDS,” wrote longtime collaborator and friend Big Daddy Kane.

Over on X/Twitter, Hot 97’s very own Peter Rosenberg wrote, “We have lost the iconic Mister Cee. I listened to him yesterday and am in complete shock. He was a dear friend to all of us, a wonderful man, and one of the most important and impactful DJs of all time. I love you Cee.”

“Rest In Peace DJ Mister Cee [broken heart emoji],” said DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Renowned Hip Hop journalist Elliott Wilson also expressed his condolences, stating, “Man, one of my favorite DJs is gone. The Finisher! May the great Mister Cee rest in peace [praying hands emoji].”

We previously reported that the legendary DJ Mister Cee has passed away as confirmed by the family on Wednesday (April 10).

The HOT 97 and WBLS family released the following statement:

“As a family at HOT 97 and WBLS, we’re deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Mister Cee. He wasn’t just a DJ; he was a pillar of our stations, bringing joy to countless listeners with his legendary Throwback at Noon and Friday Night Live sets.

Mr. Cee’s influence stretched far beyond the airwaves, shaping the very fabric of NYC’s DJ culture. Our hearts are heavy as we send our love and condolences to his family and the fans whose lives he touched through his music.

Rest easy, Mr. Cee. Your legacy will live forever.”

Widely known as The Finisher, Mister Cee played a pivotal role in NYC’s Hip Hop scene, notably as Big Daddy Kane’s DJ and a key figure in The Notorious B.I.G.’s rise. At HOT 97 for 21 years, he influenced radio culture, also launching careers for the likes of Jay Z, Alicia Keys, 50 Cent and more. He went on to continue his career at 94.7 The Block and SiriusXM’s Rock The Bells radio.

Keep scrolling for more tributes to DJ Mister Cee.

In New York, Medicaid protects over seven million people, many of whom are under the age of 30. But chronic underpayments put that system at risk, and threaten the coverage of mothers, children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Years of underpayments have created a multi-billion dollar funding gap that hurts hospitals, nursing homes, and other providers in Black and Latino neighborhoods, which exacerbates healthcare inequalities and fuels the disparate health outcomes in these communities.

George Gresham, 1199SEIU President, went on Ebro in the Morning on November 22, 2023 to raise awareness of this issue. Gresham explained that there’s a disparity in payments between Medicaid patients and privately insured patients. New York only partially reimburses hospitals when they care for Medicaid patients, compared to private insurers, who fully reimburse them for their services. Gresham compared the system to being raised in the segregation-era South, and the core unfairness of the policy, which is “separate and unequal” to many.

Right now, New York’s Medicaid program pays hospitals 30% less than the actual cost of care hospitals provide. When those costs aren’t fully reimbursed, the patients in those hospitals suffer: Mental health beds are lost, emergency room wait times grow longer, and staffing shortages get worse. Some hospitals in New York City are even closing. Hospitals in New York continue to struggle financially more than in the rest of the U.S.: 63% had an operating deficit in 2021. The state’s severe underfunding of Medicaid is a major cause.

On February 17, 2024, HOT 97 host TT Torrez marched alongside 1199SEIU healthcare workers at the annual Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus Conference in Albany. “We need to make sure that we have the resources for our hospitals!” TT said at the State Capitol. “We need to make sure our senior citizens have the right doctors and medication, we need to make sure our children have the right resources that they need to grow up and be productive members of their classrooms and communities,” she exclaimed to applause. The halls of the Empire State Plaza Concourse were flooded with healthcare workers and advocates who chanted for healthcare equity.

On Friday, March 22, Funk Flex was joined by Jadakiss and Jim Jones at a rally in Manhattan’s East Village for Medicaid Equity. Harlem-based Platinum-selling artist Jim Jones addressed the crowd about growing up on Medicaid and why this cause is important to him.

“I do not dabble in politics but I advocate for a good cause. And I know that gap is causing a big problem. And me being a kid growing up on Medicaid, I know how important these hospitals are. So we need the government, and the governor, to put that 30% or so” back into Medicaid payments, said Jones. “It’d be smooth sailing and these hospitals won’t start closing down due to what they’re causing.” Jones and Jadakiss then marched with thousands of healthcare workers, faith leaders, Medicaid patients, and community activists to the Governor’s office on 3rd Avenue, where Jones reiterated: “We need that 30!”

Learn more about Medicaid equity and healthcare justice at https://healthcareeducationproject.org/