The Infamous 3:Politics, Cocaine, and a Crown of Thorns

MIAMI, FL — In the heart of Miami’s Black community during the 1980s, three names echoed louder than any siren, sermon, or city hall meeting: Robert Hall, Isaac “Big Ike” Hicks., and Hulon Mitchell, better known as Yahweh ben Yahweh.

In barbershops and beauty salons, through landline phonee and house speakers, these men dominated conversations and commanded attention. Whether on the airwaves, in the streets, or from the pulpit, they each represented a piece of Black Miami's history — voices of power during a decade marked by racial tension, crack-era economics, and community awakening.

Robert Hall: The People’s Mouth piece

Robert Hall wasn’t just on the radio — he was the radio. As the host of The Robert Hall Report on WMBM 1490 AM, he delivered hard truths and community clarity. His voice, direct and unshaken, pierced through racial politics and institutional neglect.

During the 1980 Liberty City riots, Hall played a key role on the air, urging calm while calling out systemic injustice. “We’re turning into the kind of city we don’t want to be,” he warned — a message that resonated far beyond the airwaves.

A mentor to rising Black broadcasters and a lightning rod for accountability, Hall’s influence stretched into politics, media, and neighborhood advocacy. Though his time on-air ended in the mid-‘80s, his legacy still runs through the DNA of Black South Florida media.

Big Ike: From the Streets to the Skyline

If you knew Liberty City in the ‘80s, you knew the name Big Ike. Born in Georgia and raised on struggle, Isaac Hicks  blended the hustle of the streets with the vision of a mogul. Known for construction and cocaine — sometimes both at once — Big Ike wasn’t just in the game; he was rewriting the rules.

He turned drug profits into property and created jobs in neighborhoods the city overlooked. His construction crews built homes while the feds built cases. To many, he was a paradox: a figure walking the line between gangster and community savior.

Big Ike gave back, even if it came from the underground. And in doing so, he earned both fear and respect — an empire-builder whose reach rivaled city government.

Yahweh ben Yahweh: Prophet or Predator?

No figure stirred more controversy than Yahweh ben Yahweh. Leading the Nation of Yahweh, he declared himself a divine figure and called for Black self-sufficiency. His followers, clad in white, bought property, cleaned streets, and created businesses in struggling neighborhoods.

To the outside world, it looked like a spiritual revolution. But behind the faith, dark whispers grew louder — allegations of violence, coercion, even murder. Federal charges would later shadow his movement, splitting public opinion to this day.

To some, he was a visionary who restored dignity. To others, a cult leader masked in righteousness. Either way, his impact on Black Miami’s psyche is undeniable.

More Than Men — They Were Movements

Robert Hall. Big Ike. Yahweh ben Yahweh. These weren’t just names; they were institutions in their own right — shaping how Black Miami saw itself, resisted oppression, and fought for a better future.

One led with the mic, one with the money, one with the message. Together, they reflected an era where survival meant creativity, resistance, and, sometimes, contradiction.

Decades later, their legacies still live on:

Robert Hall’s radio broadcasts are archived on platforms like Spreaker.

Big Ike’s life is explored in documentaries and a Prime Video docuseries.

Yahweh ben Yahweh’s movement remains a subject of debate in multiple YouTube retrospectives.


Ask any longtime Miamian, and they’ll say it loud:
“If you ain’t hear about Robert Hall, Big Ike, or Yahweh ben Yahweh in the ‘80s — you ain’t really from the Crib.”

Beyond the Script: Challenging the Narrative of Black Wealth and Slavery

In the annals of American history, the portrayal of Black individuals has often been narrowly confined to the role of the oppressed—specifically, as slaves subjected to the inhumane conditions of plantation life. This monolithic narrative overshadows the complexities of Black existence, particularly the instances of Black wealth and agency that challenged the prevailing stereotypes of power and economic status. One such figure who embodies this complexity is Antoine Dubuclet, a sugar planter in Louisiana, who defied the script by becoming one of the wealthiest Black slaveholders in the antebellum South.

Dubuclet's story is a critical lens through which we can examine the broader historical context of Black wealth and the ownership of slaves. Born into a world where racial hierarchies dictated one's societal standing, Dubuclet rose to prominence, owning over a hundred slaves, both Black and white. His success as a planter not only illustrates the economic potential that existed within the Black community but also complicates the simplistic narrative that confines Black Americans to the roles of poverty and subjugation.

The existence of Black slaveholders like Dubuclet challenges the dominant historical narrative that often paints African Americans solely as victims of oppression. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about the complexities of slavery and economic agency. While it is crucial to recognize the brutality and injustice of slavery, it is equally important to acknowledge that some Black individuals navigated the harsh realities of their time in ways that allowed them to amass wealth and power, albeit through a deeply flawed and morally reprehensible system.

This nuanced understanding of Black history is essential, as it confronts the monolithic portrayal of Black people in popular discourse. By recognizing figures like Dubuclet, we open the door to a richer, more complex historical narrative that includes stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, and, yes, complicity within a system that perpetuated human suffering.

However, this acknowledgment does not absolve the institution of slavery of its horrors nor does it romanticize the existence of Black slaveholders. Instead, it serves as a reminder that history is rarely black and white. The struggles and achievements of Black individuals cannot be reduced to mere caricatures of slavery; they are multi-dimensional stories that reflect the realities of a society deeply entrenched in racial and economic inequalities.

As we continue to engage with our historical narratives, let us strive to include the voices and stories that have been marginalized. By doing so, we honor the complexity of Black experiences and challenge the scripts that have long defined them as solely impoverished victims. Antoine Dubuclet's legacy urges us to look deeper, to question the narratives we inherit, and to recognize the multifaceted nature of history—one that encompasses both the pain of oppression and the triumph of human spirit.

The Village Post

INTERNATIONAL: U.S. Bombings in Iran Labeled a Strategic Failure

Recent U.S.-led bombings targeting military installations in Iran are being described as ineffective, with minimal damage reported and key strategic targets left intact. International observers and defense analysts have criticized the operation for lacking precision and clarity of purpose. Iranian officials have condemned the attacks, calling them “acts of aggression” and promising a response.

While Washington has not officially commented on the operational outcomes, insiders suggest the strikes were intended as a show of force amid rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, the result appears to have emboldened hardliners in Tehran and strained diplomatic channels already hanging by a thread.

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NATIONAL: Congress Passes the Genius Act to Transform U.S. Education

In a major legislative move, Congress has passed the Genius Act, a bill aimed at revolutionizing public education across the United States. The act allocates billions in federal funding toward STEM education, advanced learning programs, and support for gifted youth, particularly in underserved communities.

Proponents of the bill say it will close the innovation gap between the U.S. and countries with stronger education systems. “This is about preparing the next generation of American leaders, inventors, and problem solvers,” said Senator Lara Meyers, a key sponsor of the legislation.

Critics argue that without equal access to technology and infrastructure, many school districts may struggle to implement the act effectively. Questions remain about long-term oversight and how resources will be distributed nationwide.

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LOCAL: Woman Found Dead Inside Broward Donation Box

Broward County officials are investigating the death of a woman found inside a donation box early Friday morning. The body was discovered by a passerby behind a shopping plaza, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement and emergency services.

Preliminary reports suggest the woman may have entered the bin seeking shelter or attempting to retrieve items, but became trapped inside. Her identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.

Authorities are urging the public to refrain from entering donation bins, which are often designed with anti-theft mechanisms that can pose serious risks. An autopsy is scheduled, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The NBA Is Clearing the East for a Knicks Finals Run—Here’s my Prediction

Don’t be surprised if the New York Knicks make the NBA Finals next season. Not because they bulldozed through the toughest teams in the East—but because the path is being paved for them in real time.

Let’s call it what it is: NBA ownership is gutting the Eastern Conference, and the timing couldn’t be more convenient. The Knicks are rising—and the competition is folding before the battle begins.

Start with the Boston Celtics. Once the dominant force of the East, they’ve already pulled the trigger on two shocking deals: Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis—gone. Just like that, two major pieces of their Finals-contending roster dismantled. And now, rumors are circling that Jaylen Brown might be next. A $300M star, and they're reportedly shopping him around. If that’s not waving the white flag, what is?

Then there’s the Indiana Pacers, who pushed the Knicks in last year’s playoffs and were building something dangerous. Not anymore. In separate deals, they’ve traded away Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis. And now, after reportedly dealing Myles Turner, they’re searching for center depth—clearly pivoting from contention to restructure.

Let’s not pretend this is all about “cap space” or “future flexibility.” This looks like a power shift by design. The East isn’t getting weaker by accident. It’s being disarmed.

And who benefits most? The New York Knicks.

Of course, the Knicks deserve credit. Jalen Brunson is a certified star, and Tom Thibodeau has them playing defense-first, gritty basketball. But that doesn’t change the fact that this is no longer the deep, competitive Eastern Conference we knew. The Knicks’ road to the Finals might look earned—but behind the scenes, it’s being engineered.

It’s no secret the NBA loves a Knicks Finals run. The money, the headlines, the ratings—it all explodes when MSG is in the spotlight. So when key competitors suddenly start selling off their best assets, ask yourself: is this about team-building—or building a narrative?

If—when—the Knicks hang that Eastern Conference banner, don’t just thank the players. Tip your hat to the owners and GMs across the East who cleared the way.

Because in this version of the NBA, the Finals aren’t just won they are planned