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Ahmaud Arbery's mother wants to do something special for her son to mark the 1-year anniversary of his death ... so she's organizing a public candlelight vigil.

Wanda Cooper-Jones tells TMZ ... Ahmaud's family will be gathering at his final resting place -- New Springfield Baptist Church in Waynesboro, GA -- on February 23 for the event.

Wanda says they're asking everyone to wear a blue ribbon in a show of solidarity and in remembrance of what happened. She says blue was Ahmaud's favorite color.

As we reported ... the 25-year-old was killed on Feb. 23, 2020 while jogging in Brunswick, GA, but it wasn't until graphic video of the incident surfaced in May that Ahmaud's death grabbed national headlines and ignited a demand for justice.

Nearly 3 months after the killing, Travis and Gregory McMichael were arrested and charged with murder in Ahmaud's killing ... along with alleged accomplice William "Roddy" Bryan.

As the anniversary approaches, Wanda says she's overcome with a sense of dread thinking about how her son died -- and it's a reminder her son is never coming back.

This past weekend, she remembered she and Ahmaud went to a barbershop together on Feb. 13, 2020 -- and, of course, it turned out to be the last time.

We're also told the family is working on launching a foundation in Ahmaud's honor -- something separate from the 2.23 Foundation ... which is not affiliated with the family.

Chris Harrison excusing historical racism has left former Black contestants from the franchise divided on how to proceed with the host's future -- some say he needs teaching, others want him gone for good.

We spoke to several Black 'Bachelor' and 'Bachelorette' alums from recent years, and the consensus is they're disappointed with the longtime host's downplaying of Rachael Kirkconnell's past ... which many have called straight up racist.

We're told Chris' apparent lack of interest in understanding why Rachael's prior actions were upsetting ... came off as him talking down to the Black community.

So, what does that mean for his future on the shows? Well, Marshana Ritchie ('Bachelor,' Season 12) and Leslie Hughes ('Bachelor,' Season 17) tell us Harrison needs a long break, and a lot education on Black history ... plus, sensitivity training before he returns.

Marquel Martin ('Bachelorette,' Season 10) and Robyn Jedkins ('Bachelor,' Season 17) both think Chris should be given a second chance -- and probably shouldn't be burned at the stake, but they add ... he needs to do better at understanding the Black perspective before speaking on these issues again.

Fan fave Mike Johnson ('Bachelorette,' Season 15) says he wants to see Chris do work in the African-American community before coming back, while genuinely attempting to connect to Black viewers ... who might see the show as skewed toward white audiences.

Now for some of the harsher takes, courtesy of DeMario Jackson ('Bachelorette,' Season 13) and Jubilee Sharpe ('Bachelor,' Season 20) ... they both want Chris gone permanently.

DeMario and Jubilee tell us they don't think Chris should be allowed to return as host, and that 'Bachelor' execs should turn the page entirely ... both in a new host, and a new environment within the franchise that's more inclusive of POC, from the top-down.

Jubilee says she sensed producers tended to focus more on the white, blue-eyed/blonde contestants more than anyone else. DeMario echoed that to us, and went on to say it was time 'Bachelor' producers truly cater to Black people if they really want to make them part of the fan base. Up to now, he feels it's been a lot of pandering.

Before this toothy tot was bringing a comic book character to life on screen, he was just another smiling sweetheart growing up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

This blonde baby recently stepped into the public eye -- after a long history of theater productions -- by scoring the role of a reprised comic book character in an ensemble television series airing on the CW. This close-knit cast has had continued success with their popular teen drama ... which currently just began its season 5.

He has also made an appearance on a spin-off series starring Lucy Hale.

Vincent Jackson -- a 3-time Pro Bowl wide receiver -- was found dead in a hotel room in Florida on Monday, officials confirm. He was only 38.

The former San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Bucs star was discovered by a housekeeper inside his room at the Homewood Suites hotel in Brandon, Florida (located in the Tampa area). Cops have released pics from the scene.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says it's investigating -- as there is no apparent cause of death. No signs of trauma, etc.

Jackson had been staying at the hotel since January 11 -- though it's unclear why he was living there considering he made a fortune during his 12 years as an NFL player.

Officials say Jackson's family filed a missing persons report regarding the NFL star on February 11. He was located on Feb. 12 and cops spoke with him.

"After assessing Jackson’s well-being, the missing persons case was canceled," officials say.

He was found dead in his hotel room days later.

Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a statement saying, "My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation that adored him."

"Mr. Jackson was a devoted man who put his family and community above everything else."

Jackson worked closely with the Sheriff's Dept and was even made an honorary deputy.

"He will be sorely missed by not only football fans across the country, but also the people here in Hillsborough County who reaped the benefits of his generous contributions."

Jackson was a star athlete in both football and basketball at the University of Northern Colorado before going 61st overall to the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Jackson played for the Chargers from 2005 to 2011, making the Pro Bowl twice.

He spent the latter part of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning a 3rd Pro Bowl spot in 2012.

The WR finally retired from the game in 2016. Jackson earned 540 receptions, 57 TDs and more than 9,000 receiving yards during his 12 seasons in the league ... and reportedly made more than $71 million in contract money during his NFL run.

Tributes are already starting to pour in ... his ex-Chargers teammate, Shawne Merriman, tweeted, "Man, no way. Praying for Vincent Jackson’s family. Dude was 3 years younger than me. Rest In Peace brother."

His alma mater also posted a tribute ...

The Chargers released a statement Monday ... saying, "We are shocked and deeply saddened by news of Vincent Jackson's sudden passing."

"Vincent was a fan favorite not only for his Pro Bowl play on the field but for the impact he made on the community off of it. The work he had done on behalf of military families through his foundation in the years since his retirement has been an inspiration to all of us."

"We simply cannot believe he's gone, and our hearts go out to his wife, Lindsey, their children, his parents, former teammates and everyone whose lives were touched by having known Vincent."

DJ Swearinger -- who played with Jackson on the Bucs in 2015 -- says, "My Goodness, may God be with your family Vincent Jackson! Rest In Peace! Og was a helluva teammate & a great guy frfr! Man I’m Praying for your Family."

NFL linebacker Tre Watson tweeted, "This Vincent Jackson story is so sad & really odd at the same time. Just doesn’t sound right."

Bucs star Mike Evans -- who played with Jackson for 2 seasons in TB -- shared his condolences ... saying, "V Jax thank you for everything I love you big bro. Praying for your family Rest in Paradise."

Harry Styles is a rarity in Hollywood ... according to his director/GF Olivia Wilde, who's giving him props for gladly taking a backseat to female costars.

Olivia is applauding Harry for not trying to hog the spotlight in the upcoming film, "Don't Worry Darling." Olivia's directing it and explained, "Most male actors don't want to play supporting roles in female-led films."

Olivia added that Florence Pugh -- the lead in the psychological thriller -- gets to "hold center stage," and Harry was happy to let her do so.

The director says HS stands out because the industry raises guys "to believe it lessens their power (i.e. financial value) to accept these roles, which is one of the reasons it's hard to get financing for movies focusing on female stories."

Harry, who replaced Shia LaBeouf to play Jack in the 1950s flick set in California, is no stranger to championing women, in general. In a 2019 Rolling Stone interview, he credited growing up with women -- his mother and sister -- for his feminist values.

He also said he doesn't want credit for being a feminist ... but Olivia's happy to shout it from the rooftops for her guy.

Tekashi 6ix9ine's attorney says the director of an upcoming docuseries who called the rapper a "horrible human being" should zip it ... because they've never even met.

Tekashi's attorney, Lance Lazzaro, tells TMZ ... "Supervillain" director Karam Gill is 100 percent wrong in his assessment of 69 and has no clue what he's talking about.

Gill started the war of words by telling the NY Post, "The public and media hates him because he is truly a horrible human being who has done terrible things." Gill also told the outlet Tekashi is "a toxic individual in our culture" who tries to get a reaction out of his every move.

Lazzaro tells us 6ix9ine had nothing to do with the docuseries and he's troubled by Gill's comments seeing as the director disparaged 69 without ever meeting him.

He also thinks the director is just talking to gain viewers and adds ... anyone who gets to know Tekashi realizes "he has a great heart."

The Colin Kaepernick TV production is taking security measures in the wake of a threat at the hands of anti-BLM protesters ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Executives on the project sent an email to the staff with measures to protect the cast and crew. We will not disclose the measures, but the honchos are clearly taking it seriously.

Production sources tell TMZ Sports, they were told the anti-BLM group was planning a protest last Friday at the location shoot. That protest did not materialize, but it caused worry among cast and crew.

The production -- starring Jaden Michael as CK -- was notified last week in a memo ... "anti-BLM sentiments may protest against the production."  Two production sources tell TMZ Sports there was also an ominous phone call made last week to the production office.

The production sources tell us the anti-BLM group that made the threat was the Proud Boys.

BTW ... we're told Colin was not on set last week.

The production -- "Colin in Black and White" -- chronicles Kaepernick's high school years and the racism he confronted. It highlights the events that inspired Colin's social activism. It's directed by Ava DuVernay and Colin will narrate the 6-part series.

Stacey Plaskett -- one of the House impeachment managers for Donald Trump's Senate trial -- clearly isn't pleased with his acquittal, but she thinks he'll face worse punishment ahead.

The Virgin Islands Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives joined "TMZ Live" Monday in the wake of Trump's second Senate acquittal, and she didn't hold back her feelings, calling the former President straight-up evil.

Now that the Senate trial is over, Plaskett told us she's all for the multiple state and federal investigations that could potentially lead to criminal charges or civil lawsuits against Trump. She strongly suggests he deserves "criminal punishment or otherwise for what he has done."

Plaskett also touches on a recent tragedy that befell her colleague -- lead impeachment manager Rep. Jamie Raskin -- whose son, Tommy, took his own life on December 31.

The insurrection is dividing heavy metal band Iced Earth ... the lead singer and bassist quit after the group's founder was arrested for allegedly raiding the Capitol.

Stu Block and Luke Appleton announced Monday they're no longer rocking with Iced Earth, citing Jon Schaffer's role in the deadly riot as the catalyst.

Stu, the lead singer, says the insurrection caused him to re-evaluate his life, work and future ... and Luke, the bassist, says he had no choice but to resign after what went down in D.C.

As we reported ... Iced Earth's founder turned himself in to the feds last month, and the FBI claims Schaffer sprayed Capitol police with "bear spray."

Schaffer's facing 6 charges in connection with the insurrection ... including violent entry, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and engaging in an act of physical violence in a Capitol building, among others.

With Stu and Luke out of the band, Iced Earth is down to just 2 members ... drummer Brent Smedley and Schaffer. Meanwhile, Iced Earth guitarist Jake Dreyer is distancing himself from the band.

Dr. Fauci has a million new reasons to smile, 'cause the guy just came up on a boatload of cash for sticking to the facts and the science during the pandemic.

The director of the NIAID was just awarded a million-dollar cash prize from the Dan David Foundation -- an Israeli nonprofit that funds and advocates for breakthroughs in science and technology. He's one of three recipients to get a cool mil ... all for "defending science."

There are past, present and future categories for the winners, and DF got etched in as the man of the present in the field of public health ... due to his work speaking on behalf of vaccines -- plus, everything else he's done on the pandemic front, in 2020 and beyond.

The Dan David Foundation said Fauci's storied legacy in HIV and AIDS research was also considered in granting him the award.

It's interesting ... although the org didn't mention Trump by name, they certainly alluded to him in their remarks -- saying, in part, they were giving this to Tony for "courageously defending science in the face of uninformed opposition during the challenging COVID crisis."

You'll recall ... Fauci recently said it was "liberating" to be able to speak truthfully and freely about how best to fight the virus, without a de facto muzzle on him from the very top.

Now that Tessica Brown's hair is finally 100 percent Gorilla Glue-free, she can get back to basics ... and enjoy a normal 'do again.

Sources close to Tessica tell TMZ ... she visited a barbershop on Valentine's Day morning to get her hair trimmed and styled after the procedure last week to remove the glue from her scalp.

We're told she visited the Below Zero shop in Violet, Louisiana to see a barber she knows ... and he gave her the cut for free after everything's she's been through.

As we've chronicled ... Tessica's received an outpouring of support ever since she revealed on TikTok that she'd made the terrible choice a month ago to substitute her normal got2b glued hairspray with Gorilla Glue Adhesive Spray.

Though the advice she received to rid her hair of the hardened glue didn't work, Bev Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Obeng came through for Tessica big time by performing a $12,500 procedure for free to get her out of the sticky situation.

Tessica also received more than $20k in donations for her plight, which as we first told you ... she plans on donating the majority of to the Restore Foundation -- which provides reconstructive surgery services for people around the world.

Our sources say Tessica's received hundreds of hair products for free as well -- including more got2b glued -- so she never reaches for Gorilla Glue again ... not that she would.

North West's oil painting -- which some call Bob Ross-esque -- actually caught the eyes of the folks keeping his legacy alive, and they wanna work with the young artiste.

Sarah Strohl from Bob Ross Inc. tells TMZ ... they were thrilled to discover North's painting -- despite all the online haters it drew -- and they're looking to nurture her talent by inviting her to visit the Bob Ross Experience in Muncie, Indiana.

Sarah says everyone at the late and iconic American painter's company is thrilled about Bob's apparent influence on a new generation ... represented by North.

If North accepts the invitation, we're told she'll get to check out Bob's paintings, up close and in-person. She'll also get a class in Bob's wet-on-wet technique with a certified Ross instructor -- that is, if she hasn't mastered it already.

The venue itself is pretty legendary ... it's the refurbished studio where Bob filmed his beloved series "The Joy of Painting" from 1983 to 1994.

The visit would be pretty cool for any young artist, but especially for North ... after all the bitter reaction to Kim Kardashian posting North's work of art.

As we reported ... Kim was pissed when haters came after North and questioned the authenticity of a piece she said North painted herself.

Apparently, things got bloody on Valentine's Day for Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox ... and they loved it.

The actress and rapper's love day celebration was more odd/unique than yours, as MGK rocked an orb with a drop of Megan's blood inside it. He proudly displayed the first blood Valentine piece on a necklace.

Megan seemed pretty excited about it ... saying, "There goes my heart manifest outside of my body draped in the towering silhouette of a most unusually handsome boy." Pretty damn poetic!

She added, "The journey will likely be perilous but there is no destination without him."

MGK's bloody pendant ain't all that unique -- both Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie famously wore vials of each other's blood while they were married in the early 2000s.

Didn't exactly work out for that duo, but Megan and MGK are going for it, anyway.

Claudia Conway's audition for the 'American Idol' judges finally aired ... showcasing the teen's talent as well as her politically famous folks.

Conway was one of several singers highlighted during the show's premiere Sunday. Katy Perry was quick to ask the 16-year-old "Are you okay?" as soon as she could. Claudia responded with a "No, but yes, I'm so good." She then sang a version of Rihanna's "Love On The Brain" which missed the mark with judges before singing Adele's "When We Were Young."

Eventually, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie each gave Claudia a "yes" ... moving her on to the next round.

Claudia was accompanied by her dad, George Conway, to the audition but her famous mom, Kellyanne, made a digital appearance thanks to the 'Idol' video board. Kellyanne celebrated Claudia's golden ticket and let her daughter know she was proud of her.

Kellyanne's relationship with her daughter has been the focus of a lot of attention lately. TMZ broke the story ... cops were called to the family's New Jersey home last month after Claudia posted a string of videos on TikTok of verbal spats with her mom.

Kodak Black visited Marjory Stoneman Douglas High on the third anniversary of the deadly mass shooting there ... and he came bearing gifts of education.

The rapper was in Parkland, FL Sunday for a memorial to honor the 17 victims claimed during the 2018 shooting rampage -- with upwards of 100 guests in attendance, including the Mayor and other town officials. Kodak was there for Meadow Pollack -- one of the students killed.

Kodak's attorney, Bradford Cohen, tells us KB was Meadow's favorite recording artist -- something he caught wind of and wanted to commemorate her with a scholarship in her name.

We're told Kodak established a $100k scholarship fund in Meadow's memory at the Nova Southeastern University Law School, for students wanting to study justice reform. That's where her brother, Hunter, is attending. Of course, Hunter was also at the ceremony, front and center.

Check out the video of Kodak discussing his intentions, and the warm reception he receives afterward ... not to mention a hug from Hunter. They later walked up to a table together to light a candle for the Parkland victims -- it's pretty moving to see up-close.

Rapper Cyhi the Prynce claims someone tried to gun him down on the highway in Atlanta ... and he's lucky to be alive after flipping his vehicle and crashing into a tree.

The Atlanta PD tells TMZ ... it responded to a car accident on February 11 at 11:41 PM and found an empty Bentley SUV flipped on its side off the road. Cops say while they were on the scene, the driver -- Cyhi -- walked back to his vehicle.

The police say Cyhi told them a red Maserati started chasing him on the highway, followed him as he got on an exit ramp and began shooting at his SUV. That's when he says he lost control and crashed into a tree.

Cyhi told cops he immediately got out of his vehicle and fled on foot into the woods to get away from the shooter.

He believes this was an attempt on his life, but on IG he said he doesn't know if it was "a mistaken identity, a robbery, or associated with something that I did when I was younger but I haven’t been in the streets in over a decade."

The rapper says after he crashed the suspects returned and shot up his vehicle some more, adding that it's "By the grace of god and my lord and savior jesus christ I am still here."

Cyhi says he wants whoever tried to kill him to know he doesn't want revenge ... he just wants "understanding and closure."