It’s no secret that Black people are not monolithic. We come in all shapes, shades, sizes, and accents. However, recently, a corner of the internet’s minds were blown when Torgi Squire (@Starboysobersfitness) came across their TikTok feeds complaining about the weather. Squire, a Black man with locs and a thick Scottish accent, had many Black American TikTok users doing a double-take and forcing them to rethink their perception of the world and the people with it.    

This surprise sparked a viral moment for Squire with over 4 million views and unlocked a new trend on the social media app, “#blackscottishtiktok,” which is now filled with thousands of posts showcasing the Black communities in Scotland and the international fascination. 

@starboysobersfitness Yes, this accent comes in melanin too, welcome to black Scottish Tik Tok. @ABI💫 @Court @BashTheEntertainer #scottishtiktok #blackscottishtiktok #relatable #wecomeinmelanintoo #US ♬ original sound – Starboy|Fitness

“It’s been a whirlwind,” Squire told The Guardian. “Americans are kept in a bit of an echo chamber by their media, and their only point of reference for Scotland is either Braveheart, [Disney’s] Brave, or Shrek. They don’t seem to have much awareness of the diaspora, particularly when it comes to the UK, which is maybe why they’ve reacted with so much curiosity. But it’s not just Americans. I’ve had comments from people in England too, so there’s still surprise at a [B]lack person with a Scottish accent on both sides of the Atlantic.”

As more Black Scottish content creators gained international views and followers, Roy Wood Jr., comedian and host of CNN’s “Have I Got News For You,” sat down with Squire and some of the Black content creators in Scotland. While the trend has sparked discourse about how limited some Americans’ knowledge of the world is, Woods Jr. highlighted that the shock is a result of the lack of education. 

“[American schools] barely teach them [Americans] about [B]lack people in America”, he said. “People can laugh about dumb Americans not knowing there are [B]lack people in Scotland, but this tells us a lot about the differences between education systems and what governments define as history.”

He noted it also reveals “how much entertainment influences people’s stereotypical beliefs”. “Because if you told to [picture] a Scottish person, I would never [think of a Black person], but if you said a Black Brit. That’s not a surprise. We’ve seen enough of them,” Woods Jr. continued. “And then, if you said Scottish, I’m sorry that’s white. So I think that this whole, Black Scottish TikTok [trend] is just indicative of just the culture.” 

Just Woods Jr. says this is “an opportunity for black people across the whole diaspora to converse with one another,” Squire hopes that this trend ignites a sense of community amongst the 0.7% of Black people in Scotland’s population. 

“It’s quite isolated. I know a lot of other [B]lack content creators, some Scottish, some not, but it’s not like we all gather together. There’s no sense of community right now…not yet, but there will be,” Squire shared. 

Ultimately, it’s been an enriching experience across the world for both Americans and Black Scottish people. 

“The conversations I’ve had in the past week have really enriched my life,” Squire expressed. “It makes me happy that people are coming together.”

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Twitch streamer Cinna took the filter away from one of her streams the other day and gave the world a glimpse at precisely how she truly feels. No brand-safe words, no awkward backtracking, pure chest:

“Stay on that side, because for me it’s Free Palestine. That’s how I feel. It is what it is. I don’t force my beliefs on nobody, but Imma tell you what I believe. Free Palestine all day. To some people I’m a bad person.”

Not exactly the kind of statement you would want to give if you want your sponsors to be happy. But it was raw and honest and impossible to dismiss.

The Internet Reacts: Applause, Eye Rolls, and Capslock Outrages

Of course, Twitter and TikTok commentariat lost their minds. The other half foamed at the mouth. One of the critics mocked the timing: “Saying Free Palestine now is easy. Where were y’all a year ago?” And another subjected some subtle shading: “You only say it ‘cause it’s popular now.”

There were others who were prepared to coronate her: “Wow my opinion of her really went up,” someone wrote. Another practically knighted her by noting, “Massive respect to Cinna. Better late than never. Palestine must be free.”

And, naturally, the trolls were there on cue: “Streamers are using Free Palestine for clout points,” one indignant hater griped. Another became resentful with, “Enjoy watching people who don’t know the first thing about the Middle East saying it for internet brownie points.”

And lastly, the ultimate mic drop by one of the fans: “When you make your own money you can say it with your chest, take notes ya pssies.”

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Serena Williams is already feeling the pressure as the Sister of the Bride. 

During an appearance on the “Today” show earlier this week, the 43-year-old tennis pro gave updates on her big sister Venus Williams’ upcoming nuptials with her fiancé, 37-year-old Italian actor and producer Andrea Preti. 

“It’s actually overwhelming,” Serena admitted, noting that although Venus’s bachelorette party is already behind them, “we’re planning lots of different parties and events.” 

Despite her excitement, she said she’s reaching her limit with her bridal duties. 

“One more thing that you want me to do, and I’m done. That’s it,” she warned with a laugh.

After being first romantically linked to one another in 2024, Venus confirmed her engagement to Preti in July, revealing the happy news during a post-match interview at the DC Open. 

Speaking after her first singles win in over a year, Venus shared, “My fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing.” 

The confirmation came months after speculation began that the two might be engaged. The 45-year-old tennis champion was spotted in Rome looking smitten with Preti while wearing what appeared to be a glitzy diamond engagement ring. 

While on the “Today” show, Serena—herself married to tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian since November 2017 and the mom of two young daughters—offered her sister some advice as she prepares for married life. 

“My advice is just to always have fun, you know, to always go on dates, and to just take a moment and just like dance. Dancing lets your guard down. It just lets you feel vulnerable. You just have these different moments,” she said. “And I’m no expert. I definitely am not perfect.”

6

Adin Ross’ BRANDRISK 009 fight night broke the traditional depiction of blood and punches. Instead, the night sparked a whirlwind on the internet, focusing on the ring girls. A photo of these ladies, a common sight in the world of combat sports, was posted by Brand Risk Promotions, but the internet reaction turned this common sight into a storm of curiosity about who they are.

The woman that everybody yearns to find.

The internet sleuths, driven by the tweets, are convinced that they have solved the mystery. The dark-haired girl? That would be Victoria, also known as (@viptoriaaaa) on Instagram. The blonde? That would be Emily Trapp, a familiar name if you run in the proper circles of influencers. Of course, Twitter would not be Twitter without a storm of outrageous speculation, spirited debate, and a dash of pandemonium.

Not a word was spoken.

Supporters were unmoved, their tweets reverberating like a group diary of yearning for the internet:

“I’m taking the one on the left, honestly; give it to me.”

“Could someone please find their @?”

“Who are these magical ladies?”

“One on the right could peg me????????”

“Left bout a coo 7/10 right bout a 5/10 don’t let the net gas y’all”

“I see the trash phase getting recycled.”

“Elite Milk” Adin Ross is well aware of his intentions as he introduces the ring girls for BrandRisk 009. ????

This is the kind of raw excitement on the internet that makes Fight Night Twitter even more compelling than the fights.

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Howard University President Ben Vinson III is stepping down after less than two years. 

The announcement came on Friday, August 22, when the Board of Trustees revealed that his predecessor, Wayne A. I. Frederick, will return as interim president beginning September 1.

“On behalf of the Howard University Board of Trustees, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Vinson for his service and leadership as president,” said Leslie Hale, Howard University Board of Trustees chair. “We extend our very best wishes to him in his future endeavors.”

The board did not cite a specific reason for Vinson’s departure beyond noting that he would focus on family and continue his research. 

“Over the course of my tenure as President, I have worked with unwavering commitment to advance the strategic vision I believe best serves the future of this institution, including in the areas of AI, data science and analytics, and global and diasporic engagement,” he said. “My foremost priority has always been the well-being and success of this community, and I remain committed to ensuring a smooth and constructive transition. I am grateful to the Board, faculty, staff, students, and partners who have supported the work we’ve undertaken together.”  

He added, “It has been an honor to serve Howard. At this point, I will be taking some time to be with my family and continue my research activities. I look forward to using my experiences as president to continue to serve higher education in the future.”

Vinson, a historian of the African diaspora in Latin America, became Howard’s 18th president in September 2023. During his tenure, the university achieved the coveted “Carnegie R1” designation, making it the first and only historically Black college or university to reach the top-tier research status. His presidency also oversaw new artificial intelligence and data science initiatives and expanded partnerships with corporate and civic leaders.

However, his exit comes just as the new school year is beginning, adding to a period of heightened anxiety on campus. Beyond the national spotlight on higher education, students are grappling with the Trump administration’s federal takeover of D.C.’s local police department, which has fueled unease in the nation’s capital and on Howard’s campus. 

At the same time, Howard has faced backlash over tuition and billing errors this summer. In June, some students reported receiving surprise bills of up to several thousand dollars due to problems with the university’s new financial aid and payment system, NBC News reported. Many said they were blindsided after expecting scholarships or aid to cover costs, only to face unexpected balances. 

The confusion prompted protests, with at least one student claiming she was expelled after speaking out against the university’s handling of the issue.

In the meantime, the Board of Trustees has pledged to launch a national search for a permanent president. Officials said the process will engage students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and other stakeholders, with further details expected in the coming weeks.

Ciara is choosing joy, love, and faith over internet chatter, and she’s making it clear that her husband, Russell Wilson, needs no defending.

The Grammy-winning singer stopped by “The Breakfast Club” on Friday, where Charlamagne tha God asked her what she thought about people who insist on calling Wilson “corny.”

“I don’t even have to reply to that,” she said simply. “Why would I even respond to that, you know what I’m saying? I know what I know, and that’s all that matters.”

Since the beginning of their relationship in 2015, the “Goodies” and “1, 2 Step” hitmaker has been unapologetically clear that her quarterback husband isn’t just her partner. He’s a blessing, an answered prayer (if you know, you know). 

Describing him as “the most amazing human being you can know,” she noted that he is, “the smartest, most intelligent Black man that I have ever known, you know. What you see with him is really who he is. So, it’s beautiful, it’s different.”

When Charlamagne pointed out the long-running narrative that some men dismiss Wilson as “a simp,” Ciara pushed back, flipping the question back on the critics themselves.

“Well, I think it depends on…well, who’s the man saying it?” she shot back. For Ciara, the critique says more about the critic than it ever could about her husband. “It’s like someone’s saying the person doesn’t love someone, but have you ever loved someone right? Have you ever been loved right? So, sometimes, people, to me, speak out of pocket because they just don’t know.”

And while her relationship has simultaneously been social media’s couple goals and the source of social media criticism, Ciara says she leads with compassion rather than shade. 

“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but we don’t have to live, I don’t have to live my life to prove anything to anybody,” she concluded. “I think sometimes, too, people just have a perspective because of the way they see life. And that might just be their way, but, you know, to me, too bad for them if they want to live life a certain way and love people a certain way. Too bad for them.”

6

Sabrina Carpenter goes back to pop-girl bullsh*t, but in real life, she’s giving us everything we didn’t know we wanted. The young megastar revealed yesterday that there will be a new video for her new single “Tears” next Friday, August 29, in alignment with the release date for her most anticipated album Man’s Best Friend. Oh yes, girls, mark the calendar and prepare to prep your souls.

The teaser trailer is already straight-up cinema. Check it out: Sabrina in a cowboy hat, dramatically spread out across a fog-covered field of hay, exuding “country noir femme fatale” vibes like she’s gonna charm your dad and your boyfriend in the same breath. There’s a burning car in the distance because why not throw a dash of craziness into the heartbreak? The vibe is spooky, boozy, and drenched in the kind of over-the-top melodrama that only Sabrina can deliver. The teaser cuts to a black screen as the word “TEARS” appears in blood-red letters. Subtlety has officially taken flight.

And if the photos weren’t enough to get you queasy, let’s discuss numbers. An estimated 300,000 plus units will supposedly sell in Man’s Best Friend during one week, according to Hits Daily Double. To put that in perspective, that’s “I’m not just a pop princess, but I’m a chart-topping monster” territory.

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