by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 10, 2026

Does Stephen A. Smith Have A 2028 Presidency Plan?

The sportscaster confirmed his plans.

After “teasing” people by saying that he may run for president in the 2028 election, and after going back and forth with whether he’d seriously run, sportscaster Stephen A. Smith recently revealed that he won’t pursue the office.

The controversial sports analyst, who has seemingly leaned more towards Republican views in recent years, appeared on Fox News‘ new podcast, Hang Out with Sean Hannity. Smith was the first guest of the new show, and after Hannity questioned his presidential aspirations, Smith confirmed that “it’s not happening.”

“Let me put the presidential aspirations to bed. If I have to give up my money, it’s not happening,” Smith said on the podcast.

Now that he claims he won’t be running for the highest political office in the land, Smith was asked for his choices if he had to get behind a candidate for the presidency. Surprisingly, his selection was the current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, according to Fox News.

The registered Democrat admited that he would cross the aisle and back Rubio, stating that the politician, especially in the current Trump administration, is the adult in the room.

“He’s an adult in the room. There is no questioning his qualifications for the job,” Smith told Hannity.

He also mentioned two other potential candidates for the office, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, as others he would consider for the position. He favored the two men over some Democrats who may run for the office in 2028, including two of Trump’s biggest foes, California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Smith has been one of the most controversial commentators and has spoken more on topics outside the realm of sports in recent years, including launching a SiriusXM program titled Straight Shooter with Stephen A.

Simone Biles, Houston, restaurant, taste of gold

by Mary Spiller

April 4, 2026

Simone Biles Debuts ‘Taste of Gold,’ Her First Restaurant, At Houston Airport

The Olympic champion launches her eatery at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has entered the hospitality industry, opening her first restaurant inside Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The café, named Taste of Gold, opened March 24 in Terminal A near Gate A8, offering travelers a new dining option inspired by the athlete’s record-breaking career.

The venue reflects Biles’ legacy, incorporating design elements that highlight her achievements in gymnastics. According to a release, the space features custom décor, including handcrafted art with gold accents that mirror details from her competition leotards. Multiple televisions are also installed throughout the restaurant, allowing guests to watch live sports while dining.

Biles said the project holds personal significance, especially given her frequent travel schedule. “As a frequent traveler, I am thrilled to partner with Athlete Playermaker Group to help create a place for people to relax and share meals during their travels through my hometown airport,” she said in a statement, as reported by People. She added that the restaurant is meant to welcome a wide audience, saying, “Whether you’re a fan of gymnastics, football or any sport, or just hungry for something yummy before or after your flight, I’d like to welcome you to Taste of Gold the way fans have welcomed me into their hearts over my career.”

The menu includes a range of casual upscale options such as sandwiches, salads and shareable plates. One featured item, described as Biles’ “personal favorite,” is Simone’s Skewers, which come with a choice of chicken, steak, shrimp or vegetables. Desserts are also available for travelers looking for a quick treat.

Biles celebrated the opening on social media, sharing photos from the launch event alongside her husband. “TASTE OF GOLD NOW OPEN IN IAH AIRPORT. Terminal A,” she wrote, adding in a separate post, “I can’t believe I have a freaking restaurant!!!!!!”

The restaurant was developed in collaboration with Athlete Playmaker Group, a company known for partnering with professional athletes on dining concepts. Co-founder Derek Missimo emphasized the importance of creating a sense of place within airport environments. “Airports are the front door to a city, but too often feel interchangeable,” he said. “Taste of Gold supports our goal of creating places that feel familiar and local, without sacrificing quality, speed or consistency.”

Houston airport officials also praised the addition. Francisco Cuellar, chief commercial development officer for Houston Airports, called the opening “a defining moment” for the airport’s dining program. He noted, “Taste of Gold captures Houston’s spirit—excellence, energy and ambition—and it raises the bar for what passengers can expect when they travel through IAH.”

The restaurant is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving passengers throughout the day.

RELATED CONTENT: Eat Like an Olympian: Simone Biles

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 4, 2026

Stephen Curry And Warren Buffett Team Up For Star-Studded Charity Auction To Raise Millions

Curry and his wife, Ayesha, have partnered with Warren Buffett to bring back A Seat at the Table, Buffett's long-running philanthropic lunch auction.

By Robert Hill

NBA star Stephen Curry and his wife, author Ayesha Curry, have partnered with Warren Buffett for a high-profile charity initiative as Buffett brings back his long-running philanthropic lunch auction.

The event, called “A Seat at the Table,” marks the return of Buffett’s charity auction, which has raised more than $50 million over the past two decades. This year’s event will feature Curry and Ayesha Curry as co-hosts, with proceeds benefiting both GLIDE and Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play, a foundation showcasing the collaboration between sports, business, and philanthropy.

The auction will take place online through eBay, opening May 7 at 7:30 p.m. PDT and closing May 14. The winning bidder will receive an invitation for up to eight people to attend a private lunch with Buffett and the Currys on June 24 in Omaha, Nebraska.

The initiative is expected to draw global attention while supporting community-focused causes.

“This event is about coming together again in a new way with people I admire, to support work that truly matters,” Buffett said in a statement, as reported by Heavy. “Partnering with Stephen and Ayesha… is something I’m very happy to be part of.”

Proceeds from the auction will be split between the San Francisco-based nonprofit GLIDE and Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation.

GLIDE focuses on fighting systemic injustices and creating pathways out of poverty, while Eat. Learn. Play, founded by the Currys, supports children’s well-being through access to meals, education, and opportunities in Oakland.

“For us, this is about using the platform we’ve been given to create something bigger than ourselves,” Stephen and Ayesha Curry said in a statement, as reported by Fortune. “With this incredible auction, we are excited to turn this moment into real impact for students and families throughout the Bay Area community. Eat. Learn. Play. was built on the idea that every child deserves the chance to thrive, and by partnering with Warren and his incredible team alongside Glide, together we can extend our efforts and impact even further.”

The charity auction began in 2000 and has become one of the most recognized philanthropic events tied to the business community. The last auction took place in 2022 and earned $19 million, pushing total funds raised to more than $50 million.

Buffett’s connection to the initiative was influenced by his late wife, Susan Thompson Buffett, who volunteered with GLIDE. Her involvement helped launch the charity lunch.

After stepping away from the auction in 2022, Buffett returned following the passing of GLIDE founder Cecil Williams. His decision to bring the event back alongside Stephen and Ayesha Curry signals a new chapter for the initiative and its continued impact.

Iran, Trump, air strikes, ceasefire, ground invasion

by Mary Spiller

April 4, 2026

U.S. ‘Double-Tap’ Airstrike On Iranian Bridge Sparks Global Backlash

Due to civilian casualties reported, critics are questioning military justification and have accused the U.S. of unlawful tactics.

A reported U.S. military strike on a bridge near Tehran has ignited widespread criticism, with legal experts and international observers raising concerns about civilian harm and potential violations of the laws of war. According to officials cited in reports, American forces under order of President Trump targeted the B1 bridge twice in what has been described as a “double tap” strike. A U.S. military source stated, according to Raw Story, the location was believed to be part of a supply route for Iranian missile and drone operations. However, Iranian authorities strongly disputed that claim.

The deputy governor of Alborz province said “there was absolutely no military activity on bridge B1,” asserting that the structure was not yet operational. Iranian officials reported that those killed and injured were civilians gathered nearby to celebrate a national holiday. The strike allegedly left eight people dead and dozens more wounded.

Criticism quickly followed from legal analysts. One former State Department attorney told the New York Times the bridge appeared to have been “targeted not to provide any military advantage but in the hopes of coercing Tehran and generating content.”

Donald Trump publicly praised the attack, sharing footage online and warning Iran to “MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT.” In a separate post, he added, “The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again – Much more to follow!”

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the strike, stating, “Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender.” He added that such actions “convey the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray.”

Reports indicate the strike occurred during “Day of Nature,” a holiday when families gather outdoors, raising further concerns about the timing and potential civilian impact.

The bridge itself was part of a major infrastructure project intended to connect Tehran with northern regions, making it a significant civilian asset.

An Al Jazeera reporter, Tohid Asadi, on scene stated, “Infrastructurally speaking, it was one of the most important projects,one of the most time-consuming and expensive projects, in the country.”

Reaction on social media and among public figures was swift and intense. Former Human Rights Watch leader Kenneth Roth alleged the attack constituted a “double tap,” noting that a second strike may have occurred while emergency responders were aiding victims.

The US military reportedly committed a "double tap" strike in Iran. The "two strikes had hit the bridge around an hour apart, the second arriving while emergency responders were assisting the wounded," even though rescue workers are protected civilians. https://t.co/h39L3yy2gO
— Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) April 2, 2026

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova described the incident in a single word: “Criminal.”

Criminal https://t.co/msGCYSNUR1
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) April 3, 2026

Other commentators echoed outrage, with media figures and activists condemning the strike in harsh terms.

IMPEACH & ARREST THIS SICK TERRORIST FUCK ALREADY https://t.co/LxlO6hv6e0
— Secular Talk (KyleKulinskiShow@bsky.social) (@KyleKulinski) April 3, 2026

Double-tapping is, quite literally, what President Coin does in the Hunger Games. It’s how Katniss’ sister dies. https://t.co/dvVljXBBOh
— Stefan Smith (@TheStefanSmith) April 3, 2026

Critics and advocates argue the incident underscores growing concerns about military escalation and adherence to international law.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 4, 2026

Fabolous Says He Refused To Smoke With Reginae Carter Out Of Respect For Lil Wayne

The rapper recalled a time when Lil Wayne's daughter asked him to pass the blunt and he didn't.

Queens recording artist Fabolous recently revealed that he refused to pass a blunt (a marijuana “cigarette”) to Reginae Carter, daughter of New Orleans rap legend Lil Wayne, while hanging out in a club.

The Neighborhood Talk shared a clip of Fab discussing the incident on his podcast, Let’s Rap About It, which he hosts with fellow rappers Maino, Jim Jones, and Dave East. The “Breathe” rapper recounted hanging out with Carter, explaining that while he was smoking, she asked for the blunt. He refused, out of respect for her father.

“So, one time I think we was like, at a club or something and I was smoking and she was like, ‘can I hit it? I’m like, nah, I’m not passing Wayne daughter…..’ Nah, you know what I’m saying?”

He explained that she had mentioned that most rappers treat her like their niece because of who her father is, and he agreed, saying he doesn’t view her as a friend. But, he, along with other artists, is protective of her and will make sure she is safe while she is out, like they would their own family members.

“As your peers, like even like while she out with us, we making sure she good and all of that. But I still look at her like, you know, I don’t look at her like, that’s my friend, and we, you know what I’m saying? Like, I still look at you, that’s when you go to respect that.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Meanwhile, Fabolous’ former girlfriend, Emily B., with whom he shares three children, shared on social media that one of their daughters, Journey Isabella, is autistic and nonverbal.

“My daughter Journey is autistic.
She is nonverbal.
She has sensory processing challenges.
She was born with PHACE syndrome.. a very rare congenital condition.”

Emily shared this information on April 3, World Autism Awareness Day. She invited people to follow her and Journey at A Special Journey @aspecialjourneyorg

“This is just the beginning,” she posted on Instagam.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EmilyB (@emilyb_)

Black Creator ,White Influencer, AI Photo

by Mary Spiller

April 4, 2026

Black Creator Confronts White Influencer Over AI Photo Swap: ‘Someone Castrated Me And Used My Image’

The original creator, Tatiana Elizabeth, called out Lauren Blake Boultier's 'creepy' misuse of her image.

A social media controversy is unfolding after a content creator was accused of using artificial intelligence to replicate another influencer’s viral photos without permission, prompting widespread backlash online. Tatiana Elizabeth publicly accused fellow influencer Lauren Blake Boultier of digitally altering images to make it appear as though she attended a high-profile tennis event by placing her face on Elizabeth’s body through the use of AI. The original photos were taken during the 2024 US Open, where Elizabeth had been invited as a guest of Serena Williams.

Elizabeth, who is Black, said she discovered the imitation while browsing social media. In a video addressing her followers, she described finding “someone who castrated me and decided to use my image and my environment,” adding that the manipulated images falsely showed Boultier, who is white, attending a separate event in Miami.

Using side-by-side comparisons, Elizabeth stated, “This is a real person who used AI to put her head on my body. She geotagged MIAMI… When my photo was taken at the US open two years ago.” She also questioned the motive behind the act, saying, “I’m just — I’m a little perplexed. I just wanna know what was the reason? Has social media gotten to our heads so much that we are completely disregarding couth? … She’s probably embarrassed, which she should be.”

@tatiana.elizabethh

it’s getting weird I’m moving to mars #fyp #greenscreen DECAPITATED lol not castrated *** long day lol 🫣

♬ original sound – Whitney Leavitt

The incident quickly drew strong reactions from online users, with one commenter writing, “This is creepy beyond reason.”

Boultier later contacted Elizabeth privately, acknowledging the situation and stating she was dealing with “a lot of moving parts.” In a longer response, she said, “I got hit with the most hateful things I’ve ever had said to me and my family and honestly I had to take a step back.” She denied knowingly copying the original images, claiming, “I actually hadn’t even seen the original whatsoever but my team and I been experimenting with AI tools… this was a huge wake up call for me. You don’t deserve this… I feel awful about it.”

Boultier claimed, “In that process [of using AI], an image was generated that was pretty much identical. I posted it without properly verifying it against the original, which I had not even seen… I should have checked, and I didn’t.”

Boultier added that she had consulted a public relations firm but felt their messaging “sounded disingenuous,” and said she reached out directly to “take accountability and apologize.”

Elizabeth, however, expressed skepticism about the explanation, saying she believed Boultier was “trying to shift blame onto her ‘team,’ and she’s trying to shift blame onto an ‘AI service.’” She further criticized the defense, noting, “I don’t know if she thinks I’m stupid, dumb, or blind… to use AI, you need a prompt.”

@tatiana.elizabethh

Keep the apology if there’s no accountability attached. Because if this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone… especially smaller creators #greenscreen

♬ original sound – Tatiana Elizabeth

Boultier later issued a public statement attributing the issue to a “third-party AI content agency,” acknowledging that the post used “the work and likeness of a Black creator in a way that is entirely inconsistent with my values.” She confirmed the post had been removed, that she apologized privately to Elizabeth, and that she would increase oversight moving forward.

View this post on Instagram

TikTok users, however, pointed out that Boultier still seemed to be avoiding accountability, stating things like, “She deleted my comment and limited ALL comments.”

by Mary Spiller

April 4, 2026

Racist Backlash Erupts After Historic Election Of Black Mayor In France

A wave of abuse and disinformation followed Bally Bagayoko’s win, exposing tensions over race and representation in France.

The recent election of Bally Bagayoko as mayor of Saint-Denis, a major suburb of Paris, has triggered a surge of racist harassment, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding race and political representation in France. Since Bagayoko’s mid-March victory, staff at city hall report receiving a steady stream of offensive and discriminatory phone calls. Callers have posed questions such as, “Hello? Is it true you have to wear a headscarf to go to school?” and “Is this the town of Blacks and Arabs?” In another instance, a caller reportedly remained silent while playing music by a Malian duo.

According to Kelly Kidou, who oversees reception services at city hall, and as reported by France 24, the frequency and tone of the calls mark a troubling escalation. “We’ve reached a new level in the openly racist remarks made by callers who take advantage of the anonymity of calls to let loose,” she said. Employees say these incidents have occurred multiple times daily since the election.

Bagayoko, 52, was born in France to Malian parents and represents the left-wing populist La France Insoumise (LFI or “France Unbowed”). His election is part of a broader shift that saw roughly 10 mayors of African descent win or retain office across the country. While many view these victories as progress, they have also drawn attention to persistent discrimination.

The backlash has extended beyond phone harassment. Several Black political figures alongside Bagayoko, including parliamentary vice-president Nadège Abomangoli, reportedly received letters depicting Black individuals in “a dehumanising and primitive manner.”

Disinformation has also circulated online. False claims spread on social media alleged that Bagayoko had referred to Saint-Denis as the “city of blacks.” In reality, he described it as “the city of kings – and of the living people” during a televised interview following his victory.

The controversy intensified after a televised debate on CNews, where a host questioned whether the mayor was “trying to push the limits.” A guest commentator escalated the rhetoric by invoking imagery associated with apes and tribal leadership, prompting outrage from advocacy groups and political leaders.

France’s prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, condemned the climate surrounding the attacks, warning against what he called the “normalisation of evil and racism.” Media outlets and political figures have also weighed in, with one editorial describing the situation as evidence of “xenophobic attacks” targeting newly elected officials from immigrant backgrounds.

The newspaper further noted, “That France should be surprised that mayors in the suburbs have names with North African and West African-sounding roots is sad and worrying,” adding that “a part of the country is in full regression.”

Fabien Roussel echoed these concerns, stating there is “deep-seated discrimination against people of the Muslim faith, Arabs and Black people who are stigmatized in an almost systemic manner, including in certain media outlets.”

Within Saint-Denis, the reaction has been mixed but increasingly unified. One local shop worker said the situation has become a frequent topic of conversation, noting that “everyone’s talking about it.” Despite the hostility, some residents say the backlash has strengthened community bonds. “Ultimately, it’s creating a sense of solidarity and a kind of esprit de corps in the town,” the worker said.

Community leaders have also voiced frustration. Mohammed Ouaddane, head of a local cultural association, described the attacks as degrading. “We’re being belittled,” he said, according to France 24. “They’re treating people like children, humiliating them. It’s shockingly violent. Basically, they’re telling them: you’ve elected a monkey!”

Ouaddane added that Saint-Denis represents a broader vision for the country’s future, calling it “a testing ground for this pluralism and for this France that is currently being rebuilt in a different way.”

Marcus Jordan, video, arrest, , lawsuit, credit card lawsuit

by Kandiss Edwards

April 4, 2026

Marcus Jordan Bodycam Video Shows Him Citing ‘NBA Nepo Baby’ Status During February 2025 DUI Arrest

By successfully navigating several court-ordered tasks, Jordan has transitioned into a six-month period of administrative probation.

Video of Marcus Jordan, the son of NBA legend Michael Jordan, attempting to use his father’s iconic status to influence law enforcement during his February 2025 DUI arrest has surfaced online.

Bodycam footage and arrest records indicate that the founder of the Trophy Room repeatedly identified himself as “Michael Jordan’s son.” Marcus was given a field sobriety test and refused a breathalyzer. Additionally, a substance found on his person was tested and identified as Ketamine.

Despite the initial controversy surrounding his interaction with officers, the legal proceedings concluded in April 2026. Marcus Jordan officially fulfilled the final requirements of a negotiated plea agreement by writing a formal 250-word apology letter submitted to the court.

The letter, which was a mandatory condition for the dismissal of the more severe DUI charges, saw Jordan expressing “sincere remorse” for his actions, All Hip Hop reported. The court accepted the written apology as a “good faith” gesture, signaling that the defendant had moved away from his earlier reliance on his family name and toward accepting individual responsibility for his conduct. This resolution allowed him to avoid jail time and a permanent criminal conviction, provided he adhered to a strict set of future conditions.

TMZ obtained footage of Marcus Jordan, Michael Jordan’s son, being arrested this morning. He attempted to avoid the arrest by mentioning his father’s name, but it didn’t work.
pic.twitter.com/2gFE8tzpIa
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) February 5, 2025

The closure of the case marks the end of a year-long legal saga that required Jordan to take multiple steps to accountability. By successfully navigating these court-ordered tasks, he has transitioned into a six-month period of administrative probation. The specific requirements satisfied to resolve the matter included:

Beyond the formal apology, Jordan completed 50 hours of community service and a comprehensive DUI education program, TMZ reported. He was also required to pay all associated court costs and fines, totaling several thousand dollars. Additionally, as part of his commitment to rehabilitation, Jordan had previously shared that he achieved a six-month sobriety milestone in late 2025, a move that likely factored into the court’s willingness to grant a favorable plea deal.

Marcus Jordan is not the only sports-related figure to have legal troubles surrounding DUIs. On March 27, Tiger Woods was involved in a rollover crash on Jupiter Island. As covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Woods was also in possession of a controlled substance and refused to submit to a urinalysis though he was given a breathalyzer test and blew a 0.00.

Woods has now been granted judicial permission to seek intensive inpatient treatment abroad. The 15-time major champion argued the need to seek treatment overseas was due to intensive media attention.

Fab Five, basketball, University of Michigan, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Ray Jackson, Juwan Howard

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 4, 2026

Chris Webber Confirms ‘Fab Five’ Reunion At Upcoming Michigan Final Four Game

'It’s been great working with Jalen back at Turner, and I’m glad to be doing this with Juwan, Jay, Jimmy, and Ray,' Webber said.

As the University of Michigan basketball team readies to take the court for this season’s Final Four matchup against the Arizona Wildcats, one of the school’s most famous alumni, Chris Webber, revealed to a fellow alumnus, Rich Eisen, that the Fab Five basketball team will be reunited this weekend.

Webber, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, appeared on The Rich Eisen Show and told the host that he, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson, collectively known as the Fab Five, will be together at the upcoming game, taking place on April 4.

The five former basketball players were the best freshman class in NCAA history, as all were starters for the University of Michigan during the 1991-92 season. They became the first all-freshman team to start in the NCAA title game.

“You know, we’ve been excited. We’ve been working on this for some time now,” Webber said. “It’s been great working with Jalen back at Turner, and I’m glad to be doing this with Juwan, Jay, Jimmy, and Ray. So excited.”

He then states that the five former teammates have not been seen in public together in quite some time.

“This is the first time all five of us have been together publicly in quite some time,” Webber told Eisen, who also attended Michigan. “Hopefully, the fans enjoy it like we do.”

Although Webber stated that it’s been quite some time, the Fab Five actually reunited just two years ago in 2024.

CBS Sports reported that the five former teammates gathered at a University of Michigan basketball game on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, to support Wolverines then-head coach Howard and their alma mater against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Crisler Center. Howard coached the Wolverines to a 73-65 win.

Ray Jackson was the only player who did not make it to the NBA, while Rose, Webber, and Howard had substantial careers in the league, and King, who did play for two NBA teams, had a long career in the now-defunct CBA (Continental Basketball Association).

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., events, assassination

by Ahsan Washington

April 4, 2026

Events Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King 58 Years After His Assassination

Across the United States, cities, civil rights groups, and various organizations are honoring and remembering Dr. King.

Fifty-eight years have passed since Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Lorraine Hotel, which is now the National Civil Rights Museum. King’s purpose in Memphis that tragic day was to support sanitation workers who were on strike and rallying for better wages and work conditions.

Across the United States, cities, civil rights groups, and various organizations are honoring and remembering Dr. King through programming that educates people about his life and mission, while preserving his legacy and advancing his movement.

National Civil Rights Museum

Memphis, Tennessee

The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, will hold its annual commemorative event at the site of Dr. King’s assassination on April 4. The program, titled “The Man, The Movement, The Momentum,” starts at 5:00 p.m. CT and features civil rights leaders alongside members of the public, who will participate in reflective discussions led by keynote speaker Nontombi Naomi Tutu. The event will end with a wreath-laying ceremony at 6:01 p.m., which marks the exact time King was shot at the Lorraine Motel.

The King Center

Atlanta, Georgia

The King Center in Atlanta holds official family remembrance and public programming at Dr. King’s legacy site to commemorate his life. The King Family Wreath-Laying Ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. ET, as family members join the public to pay formal tribute and reflect on his passing. At 5:00 p.m. ET, the Center holds a virtual/public discussion named “A Time to Break Silence: Faith, Moral Power, and the Crisis of Global Militarism,” which connects to King’s final year of activism and his opposition to war and economic injustice. The King Center’s institutional and familial observance stands apart from other cities. It is led by Dr. King’s family and takes place at his memorial site, which makes it one of the most definitive commemorations nationwide.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park

Indianapolis, Indiana

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Indianapolis reopens on April 4, with new outdoor exhibits at the historic site where Robert F. Kennedy announced King’s assassination in 1968. The event combines historical reflection with civic renewal to help residents discover the abundant stories of the space.

58th Annual MLK Candlelight Vigil & Festival

Houston, Texas

The Black Heritage Society will organize its 58th Annual MLK Assassination Candlelight Vigil & Festival at MacGregor Park on April 4 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. CT. The event will include speakers, live music, and a community vigil that ends with an hour of remembrance for Dr. King.

‘Beyond Vietnam’ Anniversary Service

New York City , New York

The Riverside Church hosts a special “Beyond Vietnam” Anniversary Service on April 5, which features philosopher and activist Cornel West. The service honors Dr. King’s historic anti-war speech, which he delivered from that very pulpit one year before he was assassinated.

Civil Rights Walking Tour

Birmingham, Alabama

On April 4, the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument hosts a guided walking tour called “The Church, Children & Community.” The experience guides participants through important civil rights landmarks that link King’s assassination to the wider Southern movement he directed.

MLK Memorial Anniversary Gathering

Washington, D.C.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is the location of April 4 events that unite community members for reflection, speeches, and moments of silence to mark the anniversary of Dr. King’s death. Observances focus primarily on King’s contributions to policy and public service.

The April 2026 observances of Dr. King’s assassination take place from the Lorraine Motel balcony in Memphis to church pulpits and public parks across the nation while maintaining exact time, place, and purpose. The events serve dual purposes because they both remember King and mobilize communities to advance his unfinished work.

by Mitti Hicks

April 4, 2026

404 Day Weekend In Atlanta: How This Black Collective Is Celebrating Culture, Community, and Giving Back

More than 100,000 people have participated in 404 Day since 2020, generating nearly $3 million for the local economy.

Unofficially, locals in Atlanta have always celebrated 404 Day on April 4 as an inside joke. The day usually involved scattered community events, local business specials or sales, and a “Happy 404 Day” acknowledgment from neighbors.

The day is a double entendre. Not only is it a reference to one of the city’s iconic area codes, but it’s also a day of reflection to pay respect to the city’s hometown legend and international icon, Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated in Memphis on this date in 1968.

Over the last several years, 404 Day has become an intentional celebration of culture, community, and charity, thanks to five local Black-led brands and cultural architects.

“I think it’s important to educate people on Atlanta’s culture,” Tory Edwards, co-founder of Atlanta Influences Everything, tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “We have people moving here from everywhere … and we have people coming here all the time. As the city changes, it’s important to respect the ground and legacy that inspires people to relocate or visit Atlanta.”

Edwards teamed up with his co-founder, Bem Joiner and Brandon Butler, founder of Butter.ATL; William “Bam” Sparks, co-founder of the Trap Music Museum; and Jah Rawlings, CEO of Finish First, to form an alliance known as the 404 Collective. Together, they all share a vision to unify culture, commerce, and community under one powerful movement.

From 404 Day! To A Sprawling Weekend of Events

What started as a single-day celebration has grown into a full weekend. In 2025, the collective seized on 404 Day, falling on a Friday for the first time, to expand into a multi-day series of weekend events.

404 Day Weekend 2026 began with a kickoff event on April 1, followed by the Annual 404 Fund Scholarship Gala on April 2, which brought together more than 350 of Atlanta’s change makers, community leaders, and creatives to invest in the next generation through scholarships. On April 3, the collective will host the From 404 With Love rooftop party at The Retreat by The Gathering Spot.

On 404 Day itself — April 4 — the celebration begins with the Run Atlanta 404Day! 5K at Underground Atlanta at 9 a.m., followed by the 404 Parade starting at the intersection of Peachtree Street and Ralph McGill Boulevard. The parade will feature more than 70 organizations, marching bands, dance teams, and floats. A family-friendly block party at Underground Atlanta runs from noon until 9 p.m., with vendors, food, trucks, and a health fair rounding out the day.

404 Day Weekend Atlanta’s Impact

404 Collective Scholarship Gala — Source: **Courtesy of The 404 Collective**

According to Discover Atlanta, the weekend plays a significant role in stimulating the local economy. More than 100,000 people have participated since 2020, generating nearly $3 million for the local economy.

Beyond that, the gala has provided students and local businesses with over $250,000 in scholarships or local grants.

“It’s very important for Black entrepreneurs and businesses like the 404 Collective to collaborate, work together, and collectively use our brilliance and expertise to create and build a better product and bigger impact,” said Jah Rawlings. “We are all passionate and dedicated to a common goal: to serve our city (404).”

The collective accepts donations year-round for its scholarship fund on www.404weekend.com.