Local Artist SIR DRU Levels Up

Date posted: November 9, 2025

Las Vegas’ own Andrew Thomas — popularly known as SIR DRU — is taking his talents to the digital stage. The local actor, artist, rapper, and promoter stars in the upcoming video game “Moshpit Mayhem,” set for release in November 2025 on Xbox and PlayStation. 

Adding to the excitement, two of his tracks — “Tired of Being Broke” and “Rebel Life” — will be featured in the game’s soundtrack. 

SIR DRU has already made his mark performing alongside top artists and rocking stages from House of Blues to Fremont Street Experience, Hard Rock Casino, and Treasure Island. He’s also opened the Sin City Hip Hop Awards — and now, he’s leveling up once again.

Grape Beyond

Date posted:

Las Vegas’ own Felecia Hodges is taking winemaking to extraordinary new heights

Las Vegas native Felecia Hodges is proving that passion and persistence make a perfect blend. As the founder of Orange Boots Wines, a boutique California-based label founded in 2021, Hodges has quickly made her mark in the world of winemaking. 

A proud graduate of USC, Hodges began her career as an independent fine and public art consultant, specializing in public art installations in airports. But her leap into the wine industry reflects a lifelong commitment to exploring new horizons — a journey recently recognized when three Orange Boots varietals (Arneis, NegroAmaro, and Tannat) earned silver and bronze medals at the prestigious Orange County Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition. 

Drawing on her diverse background and artistic vision, Hodges infuses every bottle with authenticity, innovation, and heart. Her guiding philosophy? “It’s all personal.”

HISTORIC BLACK VEGAS: Revisiting the Gettysburg Address

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BY CLAYTEE D. WHITE

The three-day Battle of Gettysburg claimed over 50,000 lives. Won by the Union, this 1863 battle took place across the first three days of July and changed the course of the Civil War — preventing General Lee from advancing into the North. President Lincoln’s Address on November 19, 1963 was short but one of the most powerful speeches of all times. 

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. 

But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate — we cannot consecrate — we cannot hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. 

In January 1863, African Americans were allowed to fight in the Civil War after the Emancipation Proclamation. By July 1863 at Gettysburg, Union Gen. George Meade forced the confederate army to retreat on July 4. As soon as I read this, my first thought was that Black soldiers could have made the difference in this battle. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refutes this line of thinking, but there are others in line with my thinking. I quote Henry Louis Gates Jr.’s article in The Root: 

“For every Southern boy fourteen years old,” William Faulkner famously wrote in “Intruder in the Dust” (1948), it is early in the afternoon on July 3, 1863, just before the order is given to attack the center of the Union line across an open field three-quarters of a mile long, which leads up to Cemetery Ridge at what will become the high water mark of the Confederacy — Pickett’s Charge. “This time. Maybe this time,” the fantasy goes. 

To it I might add the less well-known but equally fervent dream of many Black boys 14 years old, I’m sure: that when those grey and tattered butternut coats, their bayonets glistening in the summer sun, reach the apex of wood and stone, they and their African-American comrades are there to repulse the attack with the righteous fury of centuries of their enslaved ancestors, a clear victory of freedom over slavery that will drown out, once and for all, the wild rebel yell. 

What do you think?

HEALTHIER YOU: Putting a spotlight on National Prematurity Awareness Month

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BY DR. MARGUERITE BRATHWAITE OB-GYN

Each November, National Prematurity Awareness Month brings attention to an important public health issue affecting families across the United States. Every year, nearly 400,000 babies are born prematurely — that is, before completing the typical 37 to 40 weeks of pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 8 babies arrive early, missing critical weeks of growth and development that take place in the final stages of pregnancy. 

Preterm birth remains one of the leading causes of infant illness and mortality. Babies born too soon face an increased risk of long-term health challenges, including breathing difficulties, feeding problems, hearing and vision loss, cerebral palsy, and developmental or learning delays. 

Research shows that Black women in the United States have the highest rates of preterm birth — about 50% higher than white women. The CDC reports that the preterm birth rate for Black infants is 14.7%, compared to 9.5% for white infants, and this gap has widened in recent years. Experts link this disparity to the cumulative effects of systemic racism, chronic stress, and unequal access to quality healthcare. 

Studies suggest that daily exposure to racial discrimination, along with physical, social, and psychological stressors, can increase stress hormone levels in the body — potentially triggering early labor. Contributing factors may also include limited social support, judgment from others, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and underlying medical conditions. 

While not all preterm births can be prevented, there are several ways to promote a healthier pregnancy and reduce risks: 

• Maintain a healthy weight before pregnancy and gain an appropriate amount during it. 
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drug use, including misuse of prescription medications. 
• Manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and thyroid disorders. 
• Protect yourself from infections by practicing good hygiene and getting recommended vaccinations. 
• Reduce stress and practice regular self-care through relaxation, support networks, and rest. 
• Wait at least 18 months between giving birth and becoming pregnant again to allow the body to recover. 

At Women’s Innovative Care, we are committed to supporting mothers and families through every stage of pregnancy. Our team offers compassionate, comprehensive care to help women maintain healthy pregnancies and reduce the risk of preterm birth. 

Women’s Innovative Care is here for you, and we encourage you to make an appointment by calling (702) 413-7740 or visiting us at 851 South Rampart Blvd. Suite 165 in Las Vegas.

KNIGHT MOVES | Cool November Reign

Date posted:

By Craig Knight

It’s November! The air is crisp, the coffee’s warmer, and gratitude fills the air. This month is always about reflection and momentum. While October gave us a rare milestone — 2025 marking a full quarter of the way through this new century — November invites us to channel that same sense of possibility into action. 

Whether you’re wrapping up projects before year’s-end, prepping for the holidays, or just embracing hoodie-and-sweater weather, this is a powerful time to align your intentions with the future you want to create. 

Across the globe, the seasons remind us of balance. In the Northern Hemisphere, autumn is in full bloom — leaves falling, colors fading, and life gently urging us to let go. Down south, spring begins to blossom, whispering renewal. Wherever you are, November embodies release and rebirth. 

And in the world of sports, it’s peak season! 

Our UNLV Rebels continue their bowl-bound run with grit and pride. On Sundays, the Las Vegas Raiders are fighting through every down as the NFL season heats up. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights glide into another NHL season, defending their championship pedigree with power and precision. 

And let’s hear it for the Las Vegas Aces, who delivered yet another stunning performance, securing their third championship in four years! A’ja Wilson continues to redefine greatness, collecting her fourth MVP, third Defensive Player of the Year, second Finals MVP, and a scoring title — a résumé for the ages. She’s not just the face of the WNBA—she’s the movement. As far as I’m concerned, A’ja is our era’s Michael Jordan of women’s basketball. Bam!

November Holidays & Observances 

• Nov. 11 | Veterans Day: Honoring those who served. 
• Nov. 27 | Thanksgiving Day: A moment to reflect and give thanks. 
• Nov. 29 | Native American Heritage Day: Recognizing the first people of this land.

Monthly Awareness 

• Native American Heritage Month: Celebrating the culture, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. 
• Movember (Men’s Health Awareness): From mental health to prostate cancer, it’s time for men to take charge of their wellness. 
• National Family Caregivers Month: Honoring those who care for loved ones with compassion and strength. 
• Diabetes Awareness Month: Learn the signs, support the fight, and stay informed. 
• National Adoption Month: Raising awareness of the love and legacy that adoption brings to families. 

As we gather around the table, root for our teams, and give back to our communities, let’s be present and purposeful. November isn’t just a pause before the holidays. It’s a celebration of what we’ve achieved and a harbinger of everything we can still become.

Under the Glittering Lights

Date posted:

Broadway in The Hood opens Legacy Theater of Excellence

The stars shined bright at the grand opening of Broadway in the Hood’s new Legacy Theater of Excellence. Las Vegas luminaries turned out for a ribbon-cutting on the new building — a new dance studio dedicated to the art of movement, offering classes in everything from ballet and jazz to hip-hop and modern dance.

YOU! HAVE THE POWER  | Start Spreading the Good Black New

Date posted:

BY DR. ELLEN W. BROWN

In uncertain times, finding hope —and holding onto it — takes real strength. And even amid challenges, inspiration surrounds us in the stories we share, the communities we build, and the news we lift up together. 

How does the title of this month’s column resonate with you today? Does it stir something within, or leave you wondering what it truly means? In a world where the headlines often overwhelm us with negativity, it can be hard to find sparks of hope that keep us grounded and inspired. 

But rest assured: they’re out there. 

The question is: Where is the good news about Black life? 

One answer lies in the work of Editor-in-Chief Lori Lakin Hutcherson, the dynamic founder of Good Black News (GBN). With a background in television and film, Hutcherson recognized a deep need to spotlight positive stories within the Black community—stories of excellence, innovation, and resilience. 

In 2010, she launched Good Black News as a simple Facebook page, with no advertising budget and no paid staff. What began as one woman’s mission to shift the narrative has grown into a trusted media platform with over 100,000 followers. Today, GBN remains a beacon — amplifying achievements, elevating voices, and reminding us all that our stories matter. 

I encourage you to visit goodblacknews.org and see for yourself. Then share it. Talk about it. Pass it on. 

Because in times like these, finding and sharing Good Black News is more than an act of optimism. It’s an act of power. 

We are, without question, living through challenging times. Taking a brief retreat to regroup — whether that means spending time in reflection, community, or prayer — can recharge the spirit. But that retreat must be short-lived. We can’t stay silent or disengaged. 

We must remain woke in the original sense of awareness and vigilance. 

As NAACP President Derrick Johnson has warned, policies and executive actions in recent years have reversed progress many fought decades to achieve. The promise of equality is something we must continue to defend. 

And yet, there is good news. Every day, somewhere in our communities, Black people are breaking barriers, leading movements, creating art, building businesses, mentoring youth, and reshaping culture. 

We just have to look for it, lift it, and live it. 

So, let’s do our part: Read it. Watch it. Listen for it. Show up. Teach. Reach. Do. 

When we do, we stay informed, inspired, and — most importantly — empowered. Here’s a short list of good Black news sources:

• lasvegasblackimage.com 
• goodblacknews.org 
• thegrio.com 
• theroot.com 
• blackpublicmedia.org 

What stories of personal power would you like to see shared? This column is about raising awareness and action. Help us spread the message by sharing it with your family, friends, congregations, and communities. Together, we can make a difference. 

I welcome your thoughts, ideas, and stories. Reach out at ebrown.nci@gmail.com

Historic HBCU showdown in Vegas!

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The first-ever Las Vegas HBCU Football Classic brought electrifying energy to Allegiant Stadium as Jackson State University and Grambling State University faced off in a thrilling matchup. 

The weekend celebration united students, alumni, and fans from across the country with events honoring the proud traditions of these historic Black institutions. 

The highlight, of course, was the game — a clash of spirit, pride, and athletic excellence. A late field goal by Josh McCormick lifted Grambling to a 26-24 upset victory, and these pictorial highlights capture an unforgettable weekend.

Standing Together in Unity, Strength, Purpose and Power

Date posted:

Las Vegas hosts first-ever 1000 Black Men March to honor a pivotal moment in modern African-American history.

On October 11, the streets of Historic West Las Vegas came alive with a powerful display of unity and pride as hundreds of Black men gathered for the first-ever Las Vegas 1000 Black Men March. 

Organized by Minister Stretch Sanders, the march honored the legacy of the 1995 Million Man March in Washington, D.C. — a gathering that forever changed how Black men across America saw themselves, viewed the world, and engaged their families and communities. 

Just like the original gathering called by Min. Louis Farrakhan, the Las Vegas march was a call to action — urging brothers to stand together for peace, unity, family, and self-responsibility. 

“Minister Farrakhan called for two million Black men to march in 1995, and one million answered that call,” Sanders shared. “I was only six months old at the time, but I’ve heard so many stories from the men who went. One brother told me he was separated from his wife and kids, but after attending and seeing all those men standing proudly with their families, he went home and reunited with his. That story inspired me to bring that same spirit to Las Vegas.” 

Although the march didn’t reach its target of 1,000 men, it still drew over 400 participants — making it Las Vegas’ largest gathering of Black men in recent memory calling for unity, economic focus, family, and progress. Shoulder to shoulder, fathers, sons, pastors, coaches, and community leaders marched in solidarity, answering a higher call for growth, faith, and collective progress. 

“Our goal was simple,” Sanders said. “To bring Black men in Las Vegas together. If nothing else comes from this, we did our job.” 

The spirit of the day echoed the timeless message of Minister Farrakhan’s words: 

“We must accept the responsibility that God has put upon us — not only to be good husbands, fathers, and builders of our common unity — but to become the cornerstone and the builders of a new world.” 

As the march concluded, Sanders was already focused on what comes next. 

“We need Black men to go back into their communities,” he said, “and make them decent and safe places to live and grow. That’s how we keep the movement alive.” 

The Las Vegas 1000 Black Men March wasn’t just a moment—it was a reminder. A reminder that when Black men unite in purpose, they don’t just honor history—they make it.

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHERS: You Autumn Know

Date posted:

November is one of the best times to be in Las Vegas. The fall weather brings an air of anticipation for the holidays — bright sunshine and warm smiles everywhere you go. This issue of Las Vegas Black Image celebrates innovation and inspiration in our community. 

We are honored to showcase the 1000 Black Men March on this month’s cover and salute Minister Stretch Sanders for his vision and leadership in organizing this historic event. His march, commemorating the 1995 Million Man March in Washington D.C., represents unity, brotherhood, and positive action — values we hold dear. 

We also celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Felicia Hodges, founder of Orange Boots Wines. Her courage to explore new territory and create something truly her own is a powerful example of innovation and determination. 

In our Living section, you’ll find stories and features that uplift the heart and home — tips on creating welcoming spaces, a soul-stirring turkey dressing recipe, and guidance on “planting seeds” of love and kindness this winter season. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our exceptional executive publishing team, contributing writers, and advertisers — each of whom helps give our community a powerful voice. 

This month, we also celebrate the grand opening of Broadway in the Hood’s Legacy Theater of Excellence and the incredible Las Vegas Aces for capturing their third WNBA championship! And don’t miss our pictorial spotlight on the monumental Las Vegas HBCU Classic between Jackson State University and Grambling State University — an unforgettable event that brought the rhythm of our culture to the Silver State. 

All this and more awaits you in this inspiring issue of Las Vegas Black Image Magazine. We hope you enjoy every page

Rise,
Charles Tureaud & Kimberly Bailey Tureaud
Publishers
(702) 615-8216 
cdalasvegas@gmail.com
LasVegasBlackImage.com