Elevate Your Excellence: Jay Bailey Is The Architect Of Opportunity And The Global Blueprint For Black Entrepreneurship

by Keka Araújo

December 18, 2025

Elevate Your Excellence: Jay Bailey Is The Architect Of Opportunity And The Global Blueprint For Black Entrepreneurship

In 2016, President Barack Obama further solidified this legacy by awarding him the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his relentless volunteerism.

In the heart of a city long defined by its civil rights heritage and economic ambition, James “Jay” Bailey is drafting the next chapter of the American Dream.

As the president and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), Bailey does not merely lead an organization; he stewards a $50 million economic engine—the largest center in the world explicitly dedicated to empowering, scaling, and advancing the success of Black entrepreneurs.

Living by the poignant motto, “Build As We Climb,” Bailey has transformed 70,000 square feet of real estate into a sanctuary for innovation. Under his leadership, RICE has become a lighthouse for more than 500 entrepreneurs, directly fueling the creation of more than 2,000 sustained jobs in the Metro Atlanta area. It is a mission rooted in the legacy of the late Herman J. Russell, Sr., aimed at closing the wealth gap through tangible business growth and job creation.

An Atlanta native and a devoted Georgia Bulldog, Bailey’s trajectory has been marked by a commitment to service that has caught the attention of the highest offices in the land.

Three U.S. Presidents have recognized his leadership. In 2012, he was honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change,” cited explicitly for following in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In 2016, President Barack Obama further solidified Bailey’s legacy by awarding him the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his relentless volunteerism.

Bailey’s influence extends far beyond the walls of RICE. As a managing partner at Greenwood Archer, a minority-owned private equity firm, he actively directs capital toward forward-looking ventures. His October 2023 TED Talk on entrepreneurs “unlocking their full potential” further cemented his status as a global thought leader, providing a masterclass for aspiring founders on turning vision into institutional reality.

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Bailey’s board service reads like a directory of Georgia’s most influential institutions. From the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Georgia Forestry Foundation to his role as Chairman of Citizens Trust Bank’s Next Generation Advisory Board, he is a constant presence where strategy meets community impact.

His accolades reflect a career of consistent excellence. Named to the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “POWER 100” and recognized by Atlanta Magazine as one of the city’s 500 most powerful leaders in January, Bailey remains grounded in the organizations that shaped him.

“Congratulations to our President & CEO, Jay Bailey, on being named one of Atlanta Magazine’s top 500 Most Powerful Leaders of 2025. Jay’s visionary leadership continues to push boundaries, create uncommon access, and empower Black entrepreneurs across Atlanta and beyond. @atlantamagazine We’re proud to have him leading the RICE movement and shaping a stronger, more equitable future for all. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees,” the celebratory Instagram post expressed.

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He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, embodying the mentorship and brotherhood essential to the “Build As We Climb” philosophy.

Through every endeavor, Bailey remains a “change agent” in the truest sense. Alongside his wife, NBC News Correspondent Blayne Alexander, he represents a modern era of Atlanta leadership—one that is as savvy in the boardroom as it is dedicated to the neighborhood.

For Bailey, the goal is not just to see Black businesses survive but to ensure they dominate their respective industries. By providing the resources to inspire, innovate, and scale, he is undoubtedly ensuring that the wealth created today becomes the foundation for generations to come.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 18, 2025

Florida Tow Truck Driver Arrested After Allegedly Towing Car With 4-Year-Old Inside

Sergio Suarez, 34, was arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm.

A Florida tow truck driver has been charged with a felony for driving off with a 4-year-old girl as the father tried to intervene.

The incident was caught on surveillance video.

According to 7 News Miami, 34-year-old Sergio Suarez was arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. The incident took place in front of a restaurant in Sunrise, Florida.

As the vehicle owner went into a restaurant to pick up food, a video shows that, after he entered, the tow truck immediately lifted the car and drove away.

The father chased the truck, shouting at the driver that his daughter was in the car. He banged on the front window, telling the driver to stop, but the driver accelerated and drove off.

A moment later, the 4-year-old was seen leaving the moving car. The father retrieved his child, who suffered minor bruises to her arms and legs.

Police officers caught up with Suarez and arrested him. After retrieving the car and the girl, the police gave the father the keys to his vehicle.

The incident occurred on Dec. 14, and Suarez appeared in court before Broward Circuit Court Judge Corey Friedman the next day. “This is one that stuck out to me this morning,” Friedman said. “He towed a vehicle, allegedly, without checking whether or not there was anybody in the vehicle.”

Suarez’s attorney told the judge that his client checked the car three times and said no one was in the vehicle when he towed the car. He added his partner, “a spotter,” also looked at the car.

The judge disputed that. “He admitted that he didn’t look at the vehicle, and I think it’s also on surveillance,” Friedman said.

Suarez is currently out on bond.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 18, 2025

Woman Arrested For Allegedly Putting Razor Blades In Bread At Walmart Stores

Camille Benson is accused of allegedly placing razor blades into loaves of bread at two Walmart in Biloxi, Mississippi

A 33-year-old woman, Camille Benson, has been arrested after being accused of allegedly placing razor blades into loaves of bread at several Walmart stores in Mississippi.

According to The Associated Press, Benson was arrested Dec. 16 and charged with attempted mayhem for allegedly committing the heinous act at two Biloxi Walmarts. A judge set her bond at $100,000. The alleged tampering took place at a Walmart Supercenter and a Walmart Neighborhood Market.

Benson is currently at the Harrison County Jail.

Employees from both stores reported that customers found the razor blades after purchasing the loaves of bread. The first report was made on Dec. 5 at the Walmart Supercenter, and the second on Dec. 8 at the Walmart Neighborhood Market.

A customer informed the Supercenter on Dec. 14 that one of the loaves had been tampered with. The Biloxi Police Department was contacted the next day after employees discovered that additional loaves of bread had also been tampered with during their inspection of the merchandise.

The Biloxi Police Department believes that these are the only stores targeted and does not think any other stores have been targeted.

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People reported recent incidents based on a police statement it received.

“On December 15, 2025 the Biloxi Police Department responded to a retail location in the 2600 Block of CT Switzer Sr. Dr. Biloxi, MS, 39531 in response to patrons finding razor blades in loaves of bread that were displayed for sale located inside of the store,” the police said in a written statement. “On the same date Biloxi Police Officers also responded to the 2000 Block of Pass Rd. for the same complaint.”

Walmart also issued a statement regarding the incidents in Biloxi.

“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,” Walmart said in a written statement to The Associated Press. “We have removed and thoroughly inspected all potentially affected products at impacted stores in Biloxi. We appreciate law enforcement for their swift action and will continue cooperating with them as they investigate.”

Customers have been warned that if they purchased a product that has been tampered with, they should throw it out and visit their local Walmart for a full refund, the company said.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 18, 2025

Obama Obsessed: An Aging Trump Still Compares Himself to His Greatest Adversary

The current commander-in-chief recounted a conversation in which the former White House physician compared the health of former presidents.

Donald Trump said a former White House physician told him he is “by far the healthiest” president when compared with former President Barack Obama.

Trump made the comments Dec. 16 during a Hanukkah reception at the White House. While introducing Rep. Ronny Jackson, who previously served as White House physician, Trump was moved to speak.

The current commander-in-chief recounted a conversation in which Jackson was asked to compare the health of presidents he had treated.

“Ronny was asked, ‘Who’s the healthiest of all? Was it Barack Hussein Obama? Was it Sleepy Joe Biden? Or was it Donald Trump?’” Trump recounted at the event. “And he said ‘Trump was by far the healthiest.’”

Trump added, “He was the doctor for all three of us, and he said Trump was by far the healthiest. I love him.”

Jackson served as White House physician during the end of Obama’s presidency. He continued to serve in the early years of Trump’s first term. Though Trump claims Jackson made a comparison to Biden, the physician did not serve in that role during President Biden’s administration.

Trump’s remarks come amid renewed attention to his own medical history. He has a visible gut, has been caught sleeping during multiple televised meetings, and his skin is often discolored, though the reason behind the condition remains undisclosed.

Current White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella described the results as “perfectly normal.” However, Trump was diagnosed earlier this year with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting blood flow in the legs.

Comments and critiques about former presidents are a normal occurrence during the Trump presidency. Unfortunately, decorum is a lost art, and seemingly, Trump’s pettiness extends beyond mere words.

As the White House undergoes a $400 million renovation, new features are being added daily, including the latest addition, “The White House Walk of Fame.” The walk displays images of multiple presidents accompanied by an informative plaque. For political rivals of Trump, i.e., Obama and Biden, the inscriptions are less than flattering. The former presidents are described using extremely partisan language and nicknames far below their previous stations. Images of the plaques have been shared on social media.

One plaque under a depiction of former President Joe Biden reads, “Sleepy Joe Biden was, by far, the worst President in American History… Nicknamed both “Sleepy” and “Crooked,” Joe Biden was dominated by his Radical Left handlers.”

The plaque beneath former President Barack Obama’s portrait describes him as “one of the most divisive political figures in American History.” It goes on to negatively frame Obama’s two-term presidency.

And it comes as no shock to many that Trump drafted many of the inscriptions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the uncouth descriptions, stating, “They are eloquently written descriptions of each President and the legacy they left behind.”

by Kandiss Edwards

December 18, 2025

Major Retailers Are Charging Shoppers Return Fees For Purchased Items

Companies' claim that these new charges are part of a trend among major brands to recoup the costs of return handling and restocking.

Many major U.S. retailers are opting to charge fees for returned items this holiday season. Most in-person returns are still free, but as online shopping becomes increasingly popular, mailed returns come at a cost. The new shift in retail return policies could influence how customers shop and send back purchases.

JCPenney now charges $8 per returned package, and J.Crew charges $7.50, among other stores and online retailers that have introduced similar fees to offset the costs of processing returns. Retailers, including Zara, charge $4.95 per return request.

Many companies claim that these new charges are part of a trend among major brands to recoup the costs of return handling and restocking. According to the National Retail Federation, “total returns for the retail industry are projected to reach $849.9 billion in 2025.” Charging a return fee for even a small fraction of the cost will yield a pretty penny for corporations.

Fees for mailed returns are now common, with many retailers deducting the charge from the total refund when an item is sent back by mail rather than returned in-store. While common, it is certainly inconvenient for those receiving gifts. The fees also present problems for customers who purchased low-priced items.

Free returns are becoming a thing of the past. Major retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Macy’s, JCPenney, and J.Crew are now charging return fees — with costs ranging from $7.50 to $11.99 per return.

Why the change?
Retailers are facing record-high return volumes, projected to… pic.twitter.com/bhvGqTAPsU
— Cerv (@CervKnowledge) December 15, 2025

The new return fees reflect the desire of retailers to maximize profit, even at the literal cost of the consumer. Lowering the costs associated with reverse logistics — the handling, inspection, and restocking of returned merchandise — in the age of online shopping is a prudent place to profit.

For shoppers, that means evaluating return policies before completing a purchase. Additionally, customers should consider alternatives such as in-store returns, which often avoid fees. Those hoping to save on return items will also be more selective before adding to the cart. A little more time will need to be spent evaluating items more likely to fit and meet expectations on first delivery.

William McNeil, viral video, Recording The Police

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 18, 2025

Mount Vernon Cop On Dialysis Terminated Months Before Retirement, Ending Health Coverage

A Mount Vernon cop on dialysis is calling out the department for terminating him just months ahead of his retirement.

A Mount Vernon, New York, police officer with 19 years on the force is speaking out after receiving a termination notice just six months before retirement—a decision that jeopardizes his health benefits as he undergoes dialysis and waits for a kidney transplant.

Despite medical clearance to perform light-duty assignments at work, the department informed Derek Williams that he is unable to work and will be terminated on Dec. 31, ABC 7 NY reports. Williams, 45, shared his story alongside retired Mount Vernon officers who rallied in support of him.

A former member of the Elite Emergency Service Unit, Williams contracted COVID-19 in 2020 after months of working double shifts. Although doctors approved him for desk duty, the department classified his kidney failure as a non-job-related illness, denied his request for dialysis and accommodation, and halted his pay once he became too ill to work, leaving him just months short of qualifying for a reduced pension.

“I do nine hours of dialysis, seven days a week, to maintain my health. Without that, I wouldn’t survive,” Williams said.

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“Derek’s character caused him to come to work to support this city and the residents of this city during the worst pandemic that we’ve had,” said Shawn Harris, the former Mount Vernon police commissioner.

After receiving notice of his termination during the holiday season, Williams pleaded to keep his job, but his request was denied.

“I begged for my job back. I begged to come in whatever hours I’m capable of doing, and I was told there’s no light duty for me,” Williams said.

Williams is now speaking publicly as he awaits a decision on his application for a state disability pension while remaining on the kidney transplant waiting list.

“I just feel like they have no empathy, they have no compassion,” Williams said.

“To be blunt, if you’re terminating his employment, you’re terminating his life, in so many words,” Harris added.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 18, 2025

Obama Presidential Center Installation Will Celebrate The Beauty Of Black Women

Gates’s work for the center will occupy the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium within the Forum Building,

Artist Theaster Gates has been commissioned to create a major new artwork for the Obama Presidential Center, which centers on Black Women and Beauty.

Gates’s commission reflects his ongoing practice of elevating archives and everyday materials to celebrate Black cultural legacy. The artist and curator sources material from historical outlets such as the Johnson Publishing Company. The installations aim to add to the cultural and civic narrative of the nearly 20-acre campus set to open on Chicago’s South Side in spring 2026.

“The palette that I use is often materials that I find in the world. They carry so many stories. I’m often playing with photographs and archives to try to arrest all of these histories and bring them forward and make them interesting. It was amazing that I was tapped to create a permanent installation at the Obama Center. I was really proud. The project will pull from this wellspring of amazing historic Black images, particularly the Johnson Publishing Company’s archive. I will focus on Black women. And those will kind of demonstrate the ways in which Black folk have contributed to the political, social and economic fabric of our country,” Gates said in a promotional video by the Obama Foundation.

The long, two-part frieze will feature images printed on aluminum alloy and will be installed in the Forum Building’s interior space.

Gates’s work for the center will occupy the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium within the Forum Building. The area is named in memory of the Chicago teenager who marched in President Barack Obama’s second inauguration parade before her death from gun violence.

The installation’s subjects focus on the power and resilience of everyday life, especially emphasizing Black women and collective labor. Its concept is part of the Obama Foundation’s mission to integrate art throughout the presidential center’s civic spaces. The Obama Presidential Center includes a museum, a library, an education and community space, and commemorates the presidency of Barack Obama.

Gates, a Chicago native and founder of the Rebuild Foundation, has long used art and architecture to highlight and preserve cultural heritage, including community-driven projects such as the Stony Island Arts Bank and Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative.

His commission for the presidential center furthers his commitment to bringing together art, history, and architecture.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 18, 2025

HBCU Grad Becomes First To Earn Mechatronics Engineering Degree At South Carolina State

Omar Shaheed III will now take his talents to Boeing to work on the 787 Dreamliner.

One HBCU graduate has made history with his degree in mechatronics engineering from South Carolina State University.

Omar Shaheed III began his career at the HBCU as the first student of the newly established program. The Berkeley High School graduate was encouraged to attend a historically Black University by his own chairman of the Department of Engineering Technology, Dr. Hasanul Basher.

Despite not knowing much about the profession, Shaheed still took a chance on the program. From then on, he learned about this evolving sector of engineering. According to a press release obtained by Afrotech, mechatronics engineering seeks to “design, test and manufacture smart systems in robotics, assistive technology, human-machine interaction, manufacturing and unmanned systems.”

A part of the school’s newfound College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Transportation, Shaheed thrived in the program, scoring multiple internships throughout his matriculation.

He notably completed three internships at Boeing, working in various departments, from manufacturing to product engineering. The 23-year-old officially graduated from South Carolina State on Dec. 11, taking his teachings from the inaugural program with him.

He says the experiences shaped him for the career he is now embarking on with Boeing. He will join them again at their plant in Charleston, the home of their 787 Dreamliner aircraft production, according to their website.

“There [in Charleston] I clean up a lot of processes, but then I actually got to talk to the customers and get the different adjustments. Each 787 is a different plane… So I got to learn a lot about that,” Shaheed shared in the news release.

At the start of 2026, Shaheed will engage in a rotational role with the company. Operating on various parts of the Dreamliner’s production, Shaheed will lean on his South Carolina State education and direct background with Boeing.

He added, “All my internships have been in different areas because mechatronics is so versatile. So I’ve learned a lot.”

South Carolina State is already known as a pipeline for Black graduates in engineering, hosting the only Bachelor of Science program in nuclear engineering within the state and at an HBCU. Now, it has another feat under its belt as it continues to promote Black engineers in another capacity.

As the degree program’s first-ever graduate, Shaheed now serves as an inspiration to the next cohort of students wanting to dive into mechatronics. His historic graduation is a milestone for Black and HBCU graduates in engineering.

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by Jeffrey McKinney

December 17, 2025

Numerous Actions To Help Black Americans Build Wealth In 2026

A good foundation to building wealth in 2026 is examining what worked in prior years and enhancing that this year.

With 2026 nearly here, evaluating your financial status can be pivotal to ensuring your finances fuel wealth building.

The upside is that there are many actions you can apply to increase savings, protect investments, and reduce debt in the New Year. By starting now, you can see where you are in meeting your financial goals. Equally important, you can spot which adjustments are needed.

As such, you will be better positioned to handle an unexpected crisis such as job loss, large medical bills, or significant home repairs.

To help achieve financial stability, a good starting point is to review what has worked well in the past and enhance it this year. Do a thorough appraisal to set up doable goals.

Another key factor is to stay committed to reaching your milestones. Setting up a weekly or monthly checklist, frequently discussing the strategy with a financial adviser, or speaking with a family member or friend for accountability can help reveal whether you’re making progress. Stemming from BLACK ENTERPRISE research, the actions could consist of:

Consider a high-yield savings account

This could be favorable even with the Federal Reserve recently cutting interest rates. Be mindful that this should be done early in 2026 and not later in the year. The Fed’s rate cuts are made slowly and done in small doses. That could mean less impact on the higher rates this rare account typically pays its savers. And consider that with lower operating accounts, online savings platforms and fintech firms often pay more on these accounts than mainstream banks. And that is expected to continue.

Automate savings

This could be a good place to build up your savings, especially if you have payments deposited automatically regularly. By treating this account the same way you pay fixed costs like a mortgage, rent, or a car note, you can possibly grow your money seamlessly.

Construct a budget

Be proactive in checking where your money is going and pinpointing ways to cut unneeded expenses. Don’t forget it’s never too late to boost savings if that is not being done now. Be vigilant in cutting car loans, credit cards, student loans, and other debt you can.

Establish an emergency fund

Many people without this essential fund end up drawing money from checking or savings accounts, especially when something unforeseen or a disaster occurs. It’s recommended to have at least three to six months’ worth of expenses built up to provide this assistance.

Fund 401(k) or IRA

These accounts allow you to save for retirement and lower your taxable income. Take a Roth account, for instance. While taxes are paid on contributions, your withdrawals are commonly not taxed in retirement.

Explore compound interest

This occurs when you earn interest on your original principal and on accumulated interest over time. High-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs, for example, can compound money. Generally, a higher return on investment results in your money adding up more quickly. Consider discussing compound interest with wealth managers and investment advisors.

Leverage new tax breaks

Legislation passed earlier this year provides numerous breaks that allow individuals to save money when filing 2025 taxes. One is a $6,000 bonus deduction for those 65 or older. Learn more here .

Look at other ways to boost income

Doing this can help you conquer financial snags. Spreading out your income can come from several sources, including starting a side hustle, freelancing, consulting, or part-time work. The extra cash can augment your primary income.

Examine investments

Make sure your wealth portfolio lines up with your investment risk tolerance, planning horizons, and financial pursuits. Consider investing across multiple asset classes, such as stocks, real estate, and fixed income, to mitigate risk. Reach out to investment experts to reallocate your holdings if needed based on market fluctuations.

Eliminate existing debt

This can be advantageous if you carry high-interest debt. For instance, pay off high-interest credit card debt first and make minimum payments on other debts. Consolidate credit card debt with a lower or 0% annual percentage for as long as possible to erase debt before interest charges.

RELATED CONTENT: Wealth Building Strategies

by Kandiss Edwards

December 17, 2025

Statue Of Teen Civil Rights Activist Barbara Rose Johns Unveiled At U.S. Capitol

More than 200 members of Johns’s extended family attended the ceremony to celebrate her legacy of courage and commitment to justice.

On Dec. 16, a new statue honoring civil rights pioneer Barbara Rose Johns was unveiled in the U.S. Capitol.

The statue of Johns replaces a long-standing monument to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. The bronze figure of Johns was revealed in Emancipation Hall at a ceremony attended by national and state leaders, family members, and civil rights advocates. The Capitol ceremony, posted to YouTube, featured Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger.

“We are here to honor one of America’s true trailblazers, a woman who embodied the essence of the American spirit in her fight for liberty and justice and equal treatment under the law, the indomitable Barbara Rose Johns,” Johnson said during the event.

Gov. Youngkin celebrated the monument in a post on X, calling Johns’s contribution to Virginia an integral piece of the state’s history.

“Today we gathered in the Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol to dedicate the Barbara Rose Johns statue, to honor her legacy as a trailblazer, and ensure her story of courage and conscience is a story for generations to come. You can’t tell the story of Virginia, or the story of how our nation overcame segregation, without telling the story of Barbara Rose Johns,” he wrote.

Johns was 16 years old in 1951 when she led a student strike at R.R. Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia, to protest substandard and segregated school conditions. The students’ actions helped draw the attention of NAACP lawyers. The lawyers would file one of the five cases that the high court consolidated into Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled that “separate but equal” public schools were unconstitutional.

The statue depicts Johns holding a tattered book above her head and stands as one of Virginia’s two contributions to the National Statuary Hall Collection. It was created by sculptor Steven Weitzman and will be displayed in the Capitol Crypt.

More than 200 members of Johns’s extended family attended the ceremony to celebrate her legacy of courage and commitment to justice.