George E. Johnson, Afro Sheen Founder And Black Business Pioneer, Dies At 99
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 6, 2026

George E. Johnson, Afro Sheen Founder And Black Business Pioneer, Dies At 99

Johnson died of natural causes at his downtown Chicago condominium, according to his son, John Edward Johnson, who confirmed his father's death

George E. Johnson, whose Johnson Products Co. became the first Black-owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange and helped transform the Black hair care industry, died July 6 in Chicago. He was 99, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

George died of natural causes at his downtown Chicago condominium, according to his son John Edward Johnson, who confirmed his father’s death to the outlet.  

“I think his legacy as a businessman and philanthropist speaks for itself,” John said.  

George founded Johnson Products in 1954 after working for the Black-owned cosmetics company S.B. Fuller. The Chicago-based company developed hair care products specifically for Black consumers, including Ultra Sheen, Classy Curl, Curly Perm, and Afro Sheen. 

In 1971, Johnson Products became the first Black-owned business to trade on the American Stock Exchange, marking a milestone for Black entrepreneurship in the United States.  

The company also became known for pioneering marketing strategies aimed at Black consumers. It was the first Black-owned company to sponsor the nationally syndicated television program Soul Train, helping expand both the brand’s national visibility and the show’s cultural reach.  

Born in a sharecropper’s shack in Richton, Mississippi, George moved to Chicago with his mother in 1929. He worked a series of jobs as a child before leaving high school to support his family. At age 17, he joined S.B. Fuller, where his experience in sales and product development laid the foundation for launching his own company a decade later.  

George remained active in business and philanthropy throughout his life, supporting educational initiatives and civic organizations while mentoring generations of entrepreneurs. In 2025, he published his memoir, Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from Soul Train to Wall Street, chronicling the company’s rise and his philosophy of leadership and service. 

Reflecting on the principles that shaped his career, the business pioneer said in a 2025 interview, “When you help people, people will help you. And if you serve them well, they’re going to make your business successful.”  

George’s legacy endures through the barriers he broke in American business, his influence on the Black beauty industry, and the opportunities he created for future generations of Black entrepreneurs.  

RELATED CONTENT: ‘AFRO SHEEN’ VISIONARIES GEORGE & JOAN JOHNSON BUILT A COSMETIC EMPIRE ON A PATH LESS TRAVELED

Danny Simmons, Jr.,
by Ida Harris

June 16, 2026

Beloved Artist Danny Simmons Has Transitioned, Leaving A Profound Legacy Behind

He is survived by family, friends, and the arts community.

Danny Simmons Jr., known for his Neo-African abstract expressionist art and poetry, has died. He was 72. The Simmons family announced his passing via social media June 15, expressing their grief but also paying homage to his life and legacy as a “brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and loving husband,” as well as a creative and “cherished friend.”

The painter and poet is the older brother of 1980s rapper-turned-clergyman Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, with whom he founded, in 1995, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization that has facilitated arts programming for underserved youth for more than 30 years. Danny was at the helm of both Rush Arts Gallery and Corridor Gallery, having showcased notable Black artists, such as Kehinde Wiley, Simone Leigh, Derrick Adams, and Sanford Biggers, early in their careers.  

In addition to spearheading arts institutions, Danny would go on to co-found Def Poetry Jam with Russell in 2001. As a poet himself, he was hands-on with curation and production, earning the show Peabody and Tony Awards in 2003.

Several family members have shared loving recollections of Danny, namely of his loving spirit, kindness, and selfless support of others. Russell referred to Danny as his “best friend” and said he was the “true artist in the family.”

“His poetry, art, and ideas shaped how we think and gave us the freedom to dream beyond limits,” Russell shared in an Instagram post. “He cared deeply about the underserved communities of color and encouraged us to give back.”

Danny was not only a patron of the arts but also a prolific writer, artist, and avid art collector. To his credit, the Jamaica, Queens, New York, native owned roughly 1500 African art pieces, not counting numerous other works of art in his personal collection. Danny has written four books of poetry, one novel, and a graphic novel. Danny’s artwork is widely collected, has been exhibited globally, and is part of the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Museum, Schomburg Center for Black Culture, The Smithsonian, and United Nations, to name a few. 

Danny’s latest body of work, Visual Expressions, is currently on view at The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio, through June 28. 

He is survived by his wife, Keia; son, Jamel; grandson; his two brothers; a host of nieces and nephews; extended family; dear friends; and the art community. 

RELATED CONTENT: Danny Simmons Talks the Impact of Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation

Stephen A. Smith, daughter
(Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
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.

RELATED CONTENT: Stephen A. Smith Boasts, ‘We Wouldn’t Have A Border Crisis Under My Watch’

ON THIS DAY: 250 Years Of Black America
by Ida Harris

July 10, 2026

ON THIS DAY: 250 Years Of Black America

July 10 marks some pretty remarkable moments in American history.

July 10 marks some pretty remarkable moments in American history. The first is the birth of David Dinkins, New York City’s first Black mayor, in 1927. Dinkins was a visionary and catalyst for cleaning up NYC. Amid decline and mayhem, Dinkins imagined the city as we now know it today.

Meanwhile, in 1972, Shirley Chisholm did the unimaginable. Chisholm became the first Black presidential candidate in a major party after becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968.

RELATED CONTENT: ON THIS DAY: JUNE 30, 1847

debt collection
photo credit: pexels
by Sidnee Michelle

July 10, 2026

Atlanta Leads U.S. In Debt Collection Complaints, New Study Finds

The study found that Georgia also ranked first among all states for debt collection complaints on a per-capita basis.

Metro Atlanta recorded the nation’s highest rate of debt collection complaints in 2025, according to Federal Trade Commission data released on July 8, underscoring a sharp increase in consumer reports tied to collection activity nationwide, CBS News reports.

The study also found that Georgia ranked first among all states for debt collection complaints on a per-capita basis. Nationally, consumers submitted more than 471,000 debt collection complaints to the FTC during 2025, more than twice the number filed in 2024.

Researchers said the increase reflects several factors, including growing consumer debt burdens, more aggressive collection efforts, and heightened awareness of the FTC’s complaint reporting process.

While debt collectors were the subject of many complaints, the report noted that not every case involved a legitimate collection agency. Some consumers said they did not believe they owed the alleged debt, while others suspected they were targeted by fraudulent callers posing as collectors.

Nearly one-half of all complaints filed in 2025 alleged abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior, according to the analysis.

Behind Georgia, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana posted the highest rates of complaints after population adjustments. Every state recorded an increase over 2024, with several experiencing triple-digit percentage growth.

On the metropolitan level, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Memphis joined Atlanta among the highest-ranking cities for complaints per capita. Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, New York, and Miami generated the greatest overall volume of FTC debt-collection complaints.

The report also identified adults ages 30 to 39 as the demographic that filed the largest share of complaints during 2025. Consumers aged 40 to 49 ranked second, followed by those aged 20 to 29.

Researchers said many people in those age groups are simultaneously managing mortgages, vehicle loans, student debt, and other financial obligations.

Consumer advocates encourage anyone contacted by a debt collector to request written verification before making a payment, avoid sharing personal or banking information until the debt has been verified, understand their rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, report abusive or suspicious collection practices to the FTC, and use available call-blocking or spam-filtering technology to reduce unwanted calls.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Army Veteran Shares Tips to Financial Freedom After Owing Over $87K In Debt

 Muse Image, Instagram
(Photo: Pixabay/Pexels)
by Sidnee Michelle

July 10, 2026

Your Public Instagram Photos Can Now Be Used For AI Consumption

The feature, called Muse Image, debuted on July 7, as part of Meta's expanding portfolio of generative AI products.

Meta’s latest artificial intelligence feature is prompting new questions about online privacy after the company confirmed that adults with public Instagram accounts are automatically eligible to have their publicly shared images used to generate AI-created content unless they choose to opt out, Mashable reports.

The feature, called Muse Image, debuted July 7, as part of Meta’s expanding portfolio of generative AI products. According to Meta, users can create AI-generated images by entering prompts that include an @mention of a public Instagram account, allowing the system to reference publicly available profile photos, posts, and Reels when generating new images.

The privacy implications of the rollout note that eligible public accounts are enrolled by default rather than through an opt-in process. Meta said the feature does not apply to private accounts or users younger than 18. Adults with public profiles, however, must manually disable the setting if they do not want their public content used in AI image generation.

Meta Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang promoted the feature on social media, encouraging users to “pull from your friends’ public Instagram profiles by @ mentioning them in your prompt” when creating AI-generated images.

The rollout has drawn criticism from privacy advocates, who argue the default setting gives users too little control over how their likeness can be repurposed through artificial intelligence. Meta’s help documentation states users are not notified when someone generates an image using their public profile, and that opting out later does not remove images that have already been created.

Meta said Muse Image includes safeguards intended to prevent abuse, including restrictions on generating sexual content or images involving minors. The company also applies a digital watermark, known as “Content Seal,” to AI-generated images to identify them as synthetic content.

Muse Image is now available across the Meta AI app, Instagram, and WhatsApp, with additional integrations planned for Facebook and Messenger as the company continues investing heavily in generative AI technology. The launch reflects intensifying competition among Meta, OpenAI, and Google to expand consumer AI tools amid growing scrutiny over how publicly available user content is collected, repurposed, and governed. 

RELATED CONTENT: Privacy Update: WhatsApp Shifts To Usernames Over Phone Numbers

Lonnie Bunch
Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III (photo credit: Black Enterprise)
by Selena Hill

July 10, 2026

Lonnie Bunch Pushes Back After White House Accuses Smithsonian Museum Of ‘Anti-Americanism’

The Smithsonian Institution defends its museums after the White House accused the National Museum of American History of promoting radical activism.

Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, III, is defending the nation’s largest museum complex after a scathing White House report accused the National Museum of American History of promoting “thinly veiled anti-Americanism” and “extreme political activism.”

The 162-page report, titled Saving America’s Story, was released by the White House Domestic Policy Council on July 4 as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to reshape how American history is presented at federally supported cultural institutions. The report alleges that the Smithsonian has become ideologically biased and argues that its exhibits fail to present a patriotic and unifying narrative of the nation’s past, Reuters reports.

“The thinly veiled anti-Americanism on display at NMAH is merely a symptom of the widespread belief among Smithsonian leadership that America is, and has been since Columbus first set foot in the New ​World, a fundamentally oppressive nation,” the ​White House report said, adding that the museum has moved “toward an extreme political activism.”

The report went on to accuse the museum of “anti-White activism,” “illegal alien activism,” and “transgender activism,” reports ABC News. It also criticizes museum exhibits and programming for emphasizing issues such as slavery, race, and systemic inequality.

“As it stands today, it would benefit most Americans, especially parents bringing their children for a tour, if the Smithsonian’s flagship history museum had a label at every entrance that reads: ‘Warning: the exhibits in this museum were prepared by people who don’t want you to love your country,'” reads the report.

The White House review was launched in response to the executive order President Donald Trump signed in March 2025 directing Vice President J.D. Vance and federal advisors “to remove improper ideology” from Smithsonian institutions that he believes cast America in a “negative light.”

In a memo sent to Smithsonian employees on July 7, Bunch rejected the administration’s characterization.

“While there will always be room for improvement, this report is not a fair characterization of the work and totality of the National Museum of American History,” Bunch wrote, according to Reuters.

Bunch, who became the Smithsonian’s first Black secretary in 2019 after founding the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, defended the institution’s commitment to presenting a complete account of the American experience. According to Reuters, he emphasized that while there is always room to improve, the museum remains committed to accurately portraying U.S. history rather than advancing a political agenda.

The Organization of American Historians, the nation’s largest professional association of U.S. historians, also condemned the White House report, calling it an attempt to pressure the institution into aligning its exhibits with the administration’s political agenda.

“In another example of executive branch overreach, the White House is seeking to coerce Smithsonian leadership to shape its presentation of U.S. history so that it serves the administration’s political agenda,” the organization said in a statement.

RELATED CONTENT: Confederate Flag Controversy Overshadows Trump’s ‘Great American State Fair’

Jobs, Workplace, Resenteeism,, federal employees
(Photo: Mizuno K/Pexels)
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 10, 2026

Ask Your Fairygodmentor®: I’m Exhausted From Code-Switching. What Happens If I Just Stop?

The best version of your professional self isn’t a carefully edited copy

Dear Fairygodmentor®, 

I just started my internship at this very prestigious company. I’m trying to learn to adult and be a great team member. I’m exhausted from code-switching. What happens if I just… stop?

-Simply Exhausted

Dear Simply Exhausted,

First off, let me say this: if you’re exhausted, it’s because you’re doing two jobs at the same time!

The first is the internship that you were hired to do. The second is managing everyone else’s comfort with who you are. 

It’s hard enough to be an intern and then add the pressure of code-switching to the mix?! Can a brotha or sista catch a break?!

Many early-career professionals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, learn quickly that success often feels tied to code-switching: adjusting how you speak, dress, express yourself, or even react to fit into workplace expectations.  It can often feel like you’re carrying an invisible backpack full of self-edits and self-corrections all day long.  And the backpack only gets heavier with time.

So what happens if you stop? Probably not what you think.  

The goal isn’t to swing from complete adaptation to complete rebellion.

The goal is learning the difference between professionalism and performing a version of you that leaves you exhausted.

How do you find the balance? Read on a little more so I can share the how.

1) Conduct an Authenticity Audit

Before you throw the entire script away, figure out which parts are helping you grow and which parts are sucking the life out of your soul.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I changing my behavior because it’s professionally appropriate?
  • Or am I changing it because I’m afraid people won’t accept the real me?
  • Which parts of my personality completely disappear when I walk into work?

Not every adjustment is code-switching.  Learning workplace norms is part of professional development.  But constantly filtering your flavor (personality, culture, humor, or communication style) can become emotionally expensive.  

If maintaining a behavior leaves you feeling exhausted rather than empowered, it’s worth taking some time to marinate on whether it’s serving your career, or simply helping others feel comfortable.

2) Experiment With “One Degree More You”

You don’t have to wake up tomorrow and become a completely different person.  

Try showing up as just a little more of yourself.

This could look like:

  • Speaking naturally instead of over-editing every sentence.
  • Sharing your perspective in meetings.
  • Wearing your hair or style it in ways that feel more authentic.
  • Talking about your interests without filtering them for approval.

Authenticity isn’t an on/off switch.  It’s a dimmer. 

I’m giving new meaning to the phrase “Turn up.” 

Turn it up gradually and observe what happens.

You’ll most likely find that the people who value your contributions care far less about your performance of “professionalism” than you thought.

3) Build a Personal Board of Directors

    No one, especially as an intern, should navigate workplace identity challenges alone.

    Find your people who can help you separate real feedback from perceived pressure:

    This could be: 

    • A trusted manager
    • A mentor (who may also be that trusted manager)
    • A former intern
    • An employee resource group leader
    • Someone who has successfully navigated the culture before you

    When you’re constantly questioning whether you’re “too much” or “not enough,” this outside perspective becomes invaluable as you continue to “adult” in the “real world”.

    Your board can remind you that belonging shouldn’t require becoming unrecognizable to yourself. 

    Pro Tip: Seek mentors who appreciate your authenticity, not just your adaptability.

    Simply Exhausted, the question that you should be asking yourself is whether you’re building a career that requires you to leave parts of yourself at the door every day.

    A good internship teaches you new skills. A great workplace makes room for who you really are.

    This experience will give you data on what you’ll want to look for in the future when the full time job opportunity presents itself. 

    Because the best version of your professional self isn’t a carefully edited copy. It’s the version that can succeed without disappearing. 

    You got this! 

    Yours truly,

    Your Fairygodmentor®

    About Joyel Crawford:

    Joyel Crawford, fairygodmentor, contributor
    (Photo: Kirten White Photography/BE)

    Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

    Have a question for Your Fairygodmentor®?

    Submit your career and leadership questions, whether it’s about navigating a micromanager, setting boundaries, negotiating for a raise, or handling burnout. Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!

    Imani Schectman, BIPOC brands
    Imani Schectman, founder of Open Market
    by Alisa Gumbs

    July 10, 2026

    15 Emerging BIPOC Brands Are Popping Up At Brooklyn Navy Yard This Summer

    Lifestyle marketplace Open Market has curated a Summer Atelier for all your shopping needs

    For New Yorkers who want to shop small as they beat the summer heat, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation has announced the launch of its second Yard Opportunity Shop storefront. The Summer Atelier, run by Black-owned lifestyle marketplace Open Market, features products from 15 BIPOC brands and will be open five days a week through Aug. 22.

    The Yard Opportunity Shop retail incubator program gives small, minority- and women-owned businesses the chance to operate out of a retail space at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on a three-month rotation.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Open Market to the Yard Opportunity Shop. Their mission to uplift small business owners and celebrate the diverse cultures of entrepreneurs across the country strongly aligns with Navy Yard’s vision,” said Lindsay Greene, president and CEO of the BNYDC, in a statement.

    Founder Imani Schectman launched Open Market in 2020 as a then-virtual lifestyle marketplace centered around showcasing emerging BIPOC entrepreneurs.

    “I built Open Market to elevate BIPOC creators and help their brands thrive. Having a brick-and-mortar space to bring people together has always been a goal of mine, and I’m thrilled to embark on this experience at the Brooklyn Navy Yard,” said Schectman in a statement. “The Summer Atelier is a beautiful celebration of culture and creativity, and I can’t wait to share the works of these amazing emerging brands with the broader Brooklyn community.”

    Schectman spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE exclusively about how BIPOC brands can get a foot in the door for retail opportunities:

    How do you choose which brands to participate in your activations?

    We take a deliberately organic and personal approach when choosing which brands to feature in our activations. Rather than relying on a single pipeline, we blend targeted research with community‑driven discovery. Some partnerships begin with our own strategic scouting, identifying brands whose values, creative direction, and audience alignment complement our vision. After running Open Market for six years now, we’ve also been able to create partnerships more naturally through word of mouth, referrals, and ongoing conversations within our growing network.

    This mix allows us to stay both intentional and adaptable: research ensures we’re curating brands that fit our standards, while personal connections help us uncover emerging voices and cultivate collaborations that feel authentic. The result is a roster shaped by genuine alignment, shared energy, and a sense of mutual possibility.

    How do you prepare those brands for these kinds of retail marketplaces?

    Preparing emerging brands for retail marketplaces is a hands‑on, collaborative process for us. We start with the basics, making sure each brand has a functioning website, a clear social presence, and the capacity to meet production and inventory needs. Those fundamentals matter, but they’re only part of the picture. We also provide resources for our brands, sharing pro tips on the latest trends and keys for success, as well as opportunities to connect with industry leaders and organizations. Having these brands plugged into our community prior to the Summer Atelier opening at the Brooklyn Navy Yard has helped make the process more seamless.

    We’re creating a marketplace filled with great products and services, yes, but we’re also building a community that strengthens us as people and as creators. What’s most important for us at Open Market is that the brands we work with are similarly community‑focused and genuinely aligned with what we’re building. We look for partners who believe in the larger vision and want to grow alongside us. That shared commitment is what makes these partnerships meaningful and sustainable.

    What do you think emerging BIPOC brands can do to better position themselves for opportunities?

    Emerging BIPOC-owned brands can better position themselves by strengthening both their foundations and their visibility. On the foundational side, having a polished website, a clear social presence, and reliable production and inventory systems is essential. Retail partners and marketplaces need to know a brand can meet demand, communicate effectively, and show up consistently.

    Beyond the basics, the biggest differentiator is clarity of identity and community connection. Brands that understand their story, their audience, and the cultural value they bring tend to stand out. Our Yard Opportunity Shop storefront and other pop-ups we’ve done give our brands visibility and access to a community of locals and potential new shoppers. Leaning into community, whether that’s local networks, digital communities, or industry circles, creates momentum and opens doors that traditional pathways sometimes overlook.

    Something I’ve learned is the importance of founders approaching opportunities with a collaborative mindset and being totally obsessed with making their business thrive. I’ve often thought to myself that I’ve had to be nearly delusional about Open Market’s success to keep driving the mission and the vision forward. The brands that thrive are the ones willing to grow with partners, invest in relationships, and see themselves as part of something larger. Infrastructure gets you ready for the opportunity; community and alignment help you sustain it.

    RELATED CONTENT: Brooklyn Entrepreneur Launches Black-Owned Champagne

    Serena Williams, Wimbledon, US Open
    Serena Williams first went professional in 1995 and would go on to become one of the all-time greatest tennis players, earning most of her wealth from prize winnings and lucrative endorsement deals. After retiring in 2022, she got into business and started companies like NiNe Two Six Productions and the wellness brand Will Perform. Today, Serena has an estimated net worth of $340 million: (Photo: Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)
    by Edwian Stokes

    July 9, 2026

    Serena Williams Targets Hard-Court Swing To Fuel Tennis And Business Empire

    Serena Williams plans to return for the upcoming U.S. hard-court season

    Serena Williams plans to return for the upcoming U.S. hard-court season before the US Open while managing her businesses. Williams, 44, injured her right knee during her opening-round singles loss to Maya Joint at Wimbledon. She withdrew from doubles with her sister, Venus Williams. Her team confirmed she does not plan to retire.

    “Her thoughts are to try and keep going,” Williams’ coach, Rennae Stubbs, told reporters at Wimbledon. “She’s got a lot of things to consider, her family, her businesses. But her goal is to keep going.” In a statement on social media, Williams shared, “I feel a responsibility to show my daughter and young athletes everywhere that setbacks can be overcome.”

    According to Tennis365, Williams is preparing a full singles schedule for the US Open starting Aug. 23. She may seek wildcard entries at WTA 1000 events such as the Canadian Open in Toronto and the Cincinnati Open.

    Williams’ career holds significant cultural and economic importance for the African American community. As one of the most successful Black athletes, she has broken barriers in a traditionally white-dominated sport. Her presence challenges narratives about aging, motherhood, and athletic longevity for Black women. Beyond her achievements, Williams mentors young athletes through programs like the Yetunde Price Resource Center and funds scholarships for underrepresented students. She also uses her position to advocate for racial and gender equality, motivating the next generation to pursue their goals on and off the court.

    Williams has turned her athletic success into financial power through Serena Ventures, her venture capital firm investing in founders from diverse backgrounds. Serena Ventures has backed companies like MasterClass, Impossible Foods, and Andela, supporting trailblazing leaders and driving change across industries. Her leadership in sports and business offers a model for economic empowerment and corporate leadership within the Black community.

    Some tennis analysts question the feasibility of her plans. On his podcast, former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski said Williams’ goals may be too ambitious given her limited recent play.

    “I’d be very surprised if she tries to go play in America on the hard courts because it’s much more difficult to go through the players on the hard courts,” Rusedski said, noting that the surface requires strong movement and precise shot accuracy.

    Stubbs noted hard courts offer a more stable footing for Williams’ knee than grass, and it is the surface on which she has been most successful. She won 13 of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles on hard courts.

    Williams addressed her health on Instagram, sharing updates on her rehabilitation. “The good news is my knee shouldn’t swell or collect that much fluid again,” she wrote. She expressed disappointment about missing Wimbledon doubles but remains positive about her recovery.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DaX-tPmDX4b/?hl=en&img_index=1

    According to People, doctors are monitoring her progress. If her rehabilitation proceeds as planned, Williams intends to partner with Venus Williams in the US Open doubles draw.

    RELATED CONTENT: AUTO FLEX: Serena Williams Turned A Tournament Purchase Into A Lincoln Legacy

    North Carolina DEI ban
    AI-generated Image Via Magnific
    by Selena Hill

    July 9, 2026

    Republican Lawmakers Dead DEI In North Carolina Schools And Colleges

    The measures became law immediately following the successful override votes

    North Carolina has become the latest state to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives after Republican lawmakers voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s vetoes of legislation prohibiting DEI programs in public schools, community colleges, and universities, reports EdNC.

    The North Carolina House of Representatives voted along party lines to override Stein’s vetoes of Senate Bill 227, which applies to public schools, and Senate Bill 558, which extends similar restrictions to the state’s public colleges and universities. The measures became law immediately following the successful override votes. A separate bill, House Bill 171, which would eliminate DEI programs in state agencies and local governments, also cleared the House and awaits a Senate veto override before becoming law.

    Under the new laws, public schools are prohibited from engaging in what Republicans describe as “discriminatory practices” or teaching “divisive concepts” in the classroom. Similar restrictions apply to North Carolina’s public colleges and universities, where DEI offices and initiatives are also affected.

    Following the vote, North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall praised the legislation, saying it ends “divisive DEI policies for good.” House Majority Leader Brenden Jones also defended the legislation, stating, “Every child in North Carolina deserves to walk into a classroom and be treated as an individual, not as a category.” He added, “Let us stand with parents and students. Let us stand with teachers who want to teach and not indoctrinate,” reports AfroTech.

    Gov. Stein, on the other hand, sharply criticized the Republican-led General Assembly’s priorities.

    “As the legislature leaves teachers and law enforcement officers waiting for hard-earned and desperately needed pay raises, members of the General Assembly are stoking the culture wars that divide us rather than fulfilling their long-overdue responsibility of passing a budget,” said the Democratic governor in his veto message.

    The legislation has also drawn opposition from educators and advocates who argue DEI initiatives foster inclusive learning environments. North Carolina Association of Educators President Tamika Walker Kelly pushed back on the characterization of DEI, saying, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion aren’t political talking points. They are the foundation of schools that are safe, welcoming, and strong for every child that steps through the schoolhouse door.”

    North Carolina joins a growing number of Republican-led states—including South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, and Kentucky—that have enacted legislation restricting DEI programs in public education and government institutions.

    RELATED CONTENT: DEI Isn’t Dead: New Research Finds Most Companies Still Back Workplace Inclusion

    Indra Nooyi
    photo credit: JeffBedford from Arlington, Virginia, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
    by Sidnee Michelle

    July 9, 2026

    Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi Says Overnight Campus Job Shaped Her Worth Ethic

    Nooyi reflected on arriving in the United States from India in 1978 to pursue a master's degree in public and private management at Yale.

    Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi said the overnight campus job she worked while attending graduate school at Yale University helped shape her work ethic and earned her the respect of classmates, offering new insight into the experiences that laid the foundation for her corporate leadership, Fortune reports.

    In an interview with former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Nooyi reflected on arriving in the United States from India in 1978 to pursue a master’s degree in public and private management at Yale. To help pay for her education, she worked as a dormitory receptionist from midnight until 5 a.m. before attending classes each morning.  

    “We worked our tail off because to us, we didn’t come there for the social life—we came there to study and to work hard and to move ahead,” Nooyi said. “So the goal we had was very, very clear: study, work hard, get great grades, and somehow land a job. That’s all the objective was at that time.”
    Nooyi said the demanding schedule ultimately changed how classmates viewed international students who balanced work and academics.

    “When we got consulting jobs or investment banking jobs, people looked at us and said, ‘Hey, these are brainiacs,'” she said. “Respect just went up—purely because of the hard work and all the efforts we put in… People realized that this was a grueling experience for us, and they respected us for that.”  

    She also reflected on the opportunities she found after immigrating to the United States.

    “I remember back in the old days, people would say they thought the streets might be paved with gold. Maybe they weren’t paved with gold, but they were paved with the possibility of ambition,” Nooyi said.  

    After graduating from Yale in 1980, Nooyi held leadership roles at Boston Consulting Group, Motorola, and Johnson & Johnson before joining PepsiCo Inc. in 1994. She became chief financial officer in 2001 and chief executive officer in 2006, serving until 2018. During her tenure, company revenue grew substantially, and she became one of the longest-serving female CEOs in the Fortune 500.  

    Nooyi said leadership is developed through experience rather than innate ability.

    “Leadership requires you to have people wanting to follow you—wanting to follow you with passion,” she said. “It’s a lifelong process. You have to watch, experience, practice, be put in situations where you have to follow leaders, and then you have to have people follow you.”

    She encouraged aspiring executives to observe experienced leaders closely, learn from both their successes and mistakes, and continuously refine their own leadership skills.  

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