Pharrell, American Dream
(Photo: Kristina Bumphrey/WWD via Getty Images)

Pharrell Williams X Evian Present ‘The Fountain Of Youth’

Pharrell Willimas' 'Humanrace' emphasis the need for hydration in new partnership.


Evian is partnering with Pharrell Williams’ skincare line, “Humanrace.” for its “The Fountain Of Youth Campaign.” 

The design is minimalistic; its engraving reads, “This Is The Fountain Of Youth.”

According to Forbes, Evian will produce “two limited-edition glass bottles—still and sparkling—in striking blue and green.”

Creating glass bottles was an intentional decision made by Evian and Williams. The Louis Vuitton Creative Director wants people to be more aware of the environment. 

Williams is not calling for a no-waste lifestyle, yet he thinks intentionality can make an impact.

“We need to be mindful of how we impact the planet and strive to create products that are better for it,” he said.

The “Happy” singer’s skincare routine has popped up in discussion over the years, as he has maintained his physical appearance well during his decades-long career. Williams admits self-care and body maintenance was not always a top priority for him. At one point, he didn’t understand the need for hydration in daily wellness. That is no longer the case. 

“When I was younger, I didn’t really get how important hydration was. It wasn’t even on my radar. But as I dove deeper into health, I realized water is a fundamental part of wellness. Now, it’s a non-negotiable part of my daily routine.”

Williams spoke to Forbes about how the partnership connects with Humanrace’s vision. He believes the message of “The Fountain of Youth” is timely, and the world can benefit from increased emphasis on self-care and joy. 

“When we were creating it, the goal was to make something that resonates deeply and brings that sense of happiness to life. Really, that’s what wellness and youthfulness are all about, too. Finding joy in the little things and staying connected to that youthful energy, which is why it was perfect for the latest Evian campaign – we’re both aligned on our youthful joy for life.”

Williams is drinking his water and minding his many businesses. The Evian collaboration is only one in a list of highlights for Williams, this year. The designer was recently named a co-chair of the Met Gala’s exhibit, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, which is focused on Black men’s fashion over the years.

Along with co-chairing the Met Gala, Williams released his biopic, Piece by Piece, on Oct. 11. In true Williams fashion, he opted to tell his life story using an outside-of-the-box medium, in Lego movie format. 

William’s latest collaborations suit his eccentric style and love of imagination and creativity. Though the Evian collaboration is simple in comparison, it somehow fits.

RELATED CONTENT: A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo And Pharrell Williams, Among The ‘Superfine’ Men To Co-Chair Met Gala

Anita Davis, Tallahassee
photo credit: wikkimedia/OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Tallahassee To Rename Street After Civil Rights Activist Anita Davis

Tallahassee's city commission voted to rename the street to honor Anita Davis who opened doors for other Black politicians in the state.


The Tallahassee City Commission is working to rename a segment of Pasco Street after the late civil rights icon Anita Davis.

The street sign from Orange Avenue to Bragg Drive will soon read, “Anita Davis Place,” in honor of her legacy as a community leader and neighborhood activist in Florida’s state capital. According to ABC27, the location is in the area where Davis lived. The renaming is a tribute to Davis’ service as the first Black woman on the Leon County Commission and efforts that paved the way for members of the Tallahassee Black community to serve in local politics.

City commissioner Curtis Richardson credits Davis for paving the way for his political career in the Tally community. “Right now, many of the streets here in Tallahassee are named after prominent figures in our community,” he said, which BLACK ENTERPRISE recently covered, including a Nov. 11 renaming of a portion of Pasco Street now known as “T-Pain Lane.” Anita Davis Place is the Tallahassee City Commission’s latest effort to continue that tradition throughout the community. “I just think this is very deserving, it’s time and I’m happy to see it done,” Richardson said.

The Tallahassee City Commission voted to adopt a resolution to approve the renaming during an Oct. 16 meeting, according to Tallahassee Reports. Davis moved to Tally in 1979. Following 12 years as President of the state’s NAACP branch, she spearheaded significant initiatives as a member of the Leon County Commission, securing single-member districts for the commission and Leon County School Board to elect representatives centered on their specific needs. She made further strides in Tally’s Southside with the development of parks in Woodville, Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library, and a health clinic on Old Bainbridge Road. Leon County Government honored Davis with the naming of the County’s Anita L. Davis at Lake Henrietta Park in 2018 following her contribution to the restoration of Lake Munson.

Davis’ friend and neighbor, Althamese Barnes, attested to the work she’s done as a true member of the Tallahassee community. “Anita was of the people,” Barnes said. “Her forte and something this community really needed at that time was someone to work with our young people.”

Signs for “Anita Davis Place” are still in process and the city is in communication with family members to schedule a date for an official ceremony. The Tallahassee advocate died in 2021 and was buried at Tallahassee National Cemetery.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Male Achievers Program Name Is Safe Following Speculation

Black Men, Sparkfund
(Photo: Martin Kirigua/Pexels)

The Spark Fund Donates $200,000 To Support Mental Health For Black Men In Atlanta

'By supporting mental health, we can help break the stigma around seeking help and promote emotional well-being within our community.'


The Spark Fund, a collaboration between the Global Fund for Children and The Imperative, launched a youth-led initiative to donate $200,000 in grants to support Atlanta-based organizations focusing on Black male mental health. 

The initiative comprises a panel of Black men ages 18-30 who received educational tools to guide them through grant writing and equity training. The men then researched and selected five organizations to each receive a $40,000 grant.

The recipients: Black Male Initiative Georgia, Close Ties Leadership Program, Silence the Shame, and The Counseling Brothers of Atlanta. 

“As a 21-year-old Black man, I feel it is important to support the mental health of young Black men and boys because they face unique challenges related to systemic racism and societal expectations,” said Kenneth Jones, a Spark Fund participant. “By supporting mental health, we can help break the stigma around seeking help and promote emotional well-being within our community.”

Dr. Avery Rosser, president and CEO of The Counseling Brothers of Atlanta, expressed gratitude for receiving the grant. 

“These funds will allow us to provide reduced and free counseling services to Black boys and men in Atlanta, ensuring they have access to the support they deserve,” Rosser said in a press release. “Additionally, we will be able to offer specialized training for mental health professionals, helping them to better understand and address the unique experiences of Black men in counseling.”

According to a study conducted by Forbes, Georgia ranks 49 out of 50 when it comes to access to care. Other barriers to mental health care for Black men include inadequate insurance and a lack of mental health care providers. According to a study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, Black men represent only 4 percent of mental health professionals, which may contribute to a lack of culturally competent mental health professionals for Black men.

RELATED CONTENT: Grandmother’s Struggle Drives Insurance Leader To Aid Seniors Through Medicare

Palm Springs
Photo by George Rose/Getty Images

Palm Springs’ Displaced Black And Latino Families Tentatively Settle For $5.9M

In 2021, the city formally apologized to former section 14 residents.


In the 1960s, The city of Palm Springs forced several Black and Latino families out of a neighborhood known as Section 14. The town and former residents agreed to a tentative settlement agreement of $5.9 million to compensate former residents and their descendants for the financial and emotional trauma they endured. 

The neighborhood sat on a square-mile Native American reservation where more than 2,000 Black and Mexican American families once lived. 86-year-old Margarita Genera once lived in the neighborhood with her parents and two siblings before they were displaced.

“We have been fighting for a long time to tell our story,”  Genera said to The New York Times. 

Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein issued a statement acknowledging the city’s role in displacing former residences of section 14. 

“The City Council is deeply gratified that the former residents of Section 14 have agreed to accept what we believe is a fair and just settlement offer,” Bernstein said. 

The council will vote to allocate $10 million toward a first-time homebuyer assistance program. The committee will also propose an additional  $10 million for a community land trust and a monument to commemorate the neighborhood’s history. If approved, $1 million will go towards supporting small businesses in the community.

Pearl Devers, president of the Palm Springs Section 14 Survivors, lived in the neighborhood with her family until she was 12; her father helped to establish the city’s first NAACP chapter. The community activist recalls her family leaving their home abruptly. In a statement reported by The Associated Press, Devers said that the settlement will not erase the hardships they endured, but it does help to bring closure to the families. “While no amount of money can fully restore what we lost, this agreement helps pave the way for us all to finally move forward,” she said.

RELATED CONTENT: City Of Palm Springs Seeks Reparations Consultant To Address Restitution Claims By Black And Mexican Families Forcibly Evicted In 1950s To 1960s

Jay-Z, lawsuit, dropped
(Photo: Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images)

Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation Launches HBCU Champions For Financial Legacy Program

Jay-Z is launching a financial literacy program designed to support HBCU students and their surrounding communities.


Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation has introduced a financial literacy program designed to empower students at HBCUs along with members of their surrounding communities.

On Wednesday, The Shawn Carter Foundation announced the launch of its Champions for Financial Legacy program in partnership with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The financial education initiative aims to boost students’ financial literacy and equip them with the skills to build wealth within their communities, HuffPost reported.

It will launch in the spring at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, Norfolk State University and Virginia State University, before expanding to additional HBCUs in the future. The rapper, real name Shawn Carter, launched his foundation with his mother in 2003, who expressed her pride in launching the financial literacy program.

“Every day at the Shawn Carter Foundation, we dedicate ourselves to uplifting students and communities that are underserved,” Gloria Carter said in a statement.

“To launch a financial education program that will reach more students and communities, along with dedicated partners like Toyota and the Wharton School of Business, is a vision we are finally seeing come to fruition.”

She added, “We are so excited to see the incredible impact of CFFL unfold and look forward to its growth.”

Other partners in the Champions for Financial Legacy program include the Coalition for Equity and Opportunity and Toyota Motor North America. It’s a continuation of the more than $20 million The Shawn Carter Foundation has donated to community and scholarship programs dedicated to servicing at-risk youth.

The initiative’s Pennsylvania roots align with another project announced by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation earlier this year — an educational campaign in Philadelphia aimed at helping underprivileged students access private schooling. The Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) is a proposed legislative initiative aimed at providing $300 million in scholarships for K-12 students from low-income families.

These scholarships would support students attending the state’s lowest-performing public schools. While the campaign faced some criticism, Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez emphasized the positive intentions behind the effort.

RELATED CONTENT: Roc Nation Leads $300 Million Scholarship Initiative For Underprivileged Students

Chicago, Mayor, Brandon Johnson, national guard, Trump,
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. (Photo: Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Ex-Cons For Trump Leader Criticizes Chicago Mayor On Protecting Immigrants Over ‘Struggling’ Black Communities

Lots of back and forth here....


Former Chicago gangster-turned-activist and CEO of “Ex-cons for Community and Social Change,” Tyrone Muhammad, thinks Mayor Brandon Johnson is using Black people as a pawn after expressing concerns about President-elect Donald Trump’s deportation plan, Fox News reported. 

During a press conference on Nov. 12, Johnson alluded to Trump’s plan being geared toward more than just the Hispanic community but Black families. “His threat is not just towards new arrivals and undocumented families. His threats are also against Black families…we’re going to protect undocumented individuals,” Mayor Johnson said. 

“We’re going to protect Black folks, Brown folks, Asian folks. The city of Chicago will be better, stronger, and safer despite who’s in the White House.”

Muhammad caught wind of the comments and said Johnson is “using Black people and Black families as a scapegoat or a tool for his dirty practices and immigration” and that the deportation is happening because that’s what the American people want. “The American people have spoken,” he said. “Black people have spoken, all across Chicago and all across America … and given President Donald Trump a mandate to remove illegals out of our communities because we didn’t ask for them. … Our community should be given the resources first.” 

The nonprofit founder, who ran an independent Senate campaign to unseat Illinois Democratic legislator, Dick Durbin, continued to slam Johnson for allegedly providing resources to illegal immigrants and not the citizens and communities that have been “suffering for decades” in the Windy City. “If he really cared about Black families, the day the mayor thought about giving resources to non-citizens, illegals before he gave it to Black communities that have been suffering for decades, then he would be more true to his word about Black families, Muhammad said. 

“That’s a scapegoat using black people and Black families as a tool for his dirty practices and immigration.”

Muhammad has been vocal about his thoughts surrounding immigration in Chicago. As the former gang member who spent 20 years behind bars, he mentioned Venezuelan criminal gangs taking over buildings as being the “last straw” for the Black community. “When the black gangs here get fed up with the illegalities and criminal activities of these migrants or non-citizens, the city of Chicago is going to go up in flames, and there will be nothing the National Guard or the government can do about it when the bloodshed hits the streets,” he said, according to Voz

“It’ll be blacks against migrants. It is impossible to release gang members and criminals into our country through the borders and broken walls and infiltrate them in our community that’s already impoverished and broken.”

He is in support of Trump’s recent cabinet appointee of border czar and former acting ICE director, Tom Homan. To heighten support, Muhammad says he is willing to be on the grounds with Homan to “remove these illegals and these migrants” and identify where they should go as “they have greatly diminished our way of life here in Chicago.”

Johnson, however, has announced his defiance of Trump’s plan, stating that the city will shield all immigrants from federal agents. 

RELATED CONTENT: Chicago Mayor Relaunching Guaranteed Basic Income Program

Quincy jones, catalog, Michael Jackson
Wikimedia Commons, John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA

Quincy Jones’ Cancer-Related Cause Of Death Revealed

Autopsy results reveal Quincy Jones' private battle with pancreatic cancer.


Autopsy reports reveal that Quincy Jones had been privately battling pancreatic cancer, which he ultimately succumbed to at the time of his passing.

The death certificate released by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health lists pancreatic cancer as the official cause of death for the music icon, TMZ reports. The report confirms there were no other factors contributing to his passing. The news arrives one week after Jones passed away on Nov. 3 at age 91, peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Bel-Air, California.

At the time, no cause of death was shared, and it appears his battle with cancer was not publicly known. Jones was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Los Angeles this week, with attendance solely by his seven children, brother, two sisters, and other close family members. A bigger ceremony is being planned for a later date.

“Although this is an incredible loss for our family,” his family shared in a statement. “We celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

The statement continued. “He is truly one of a kind, and we will miss him dearly. We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”

Over his seven-decade career as a producer, composer, and arranger, Jones shattered racial barriers in the music industry. His influence stretched from the bubblegum pop era of the 1960s to iconic film scores for cult classics like The Wiz and The Color Purple. Jones earned numerous accolades for his collaborations with some of the world’s greatest artists, including Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and — most famously — Michael Jackson.

Jones is survived by his brother, two sisters, and seven children, including actresses Kidada Jones and Rashida Jones, who paid tribute to her dad following his death in a heartwarming Instagram post.

“He was a giant. An icon. A culture shifter. A genius,” Rashida wrote. “All accurate descriptions of my father but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love. He WAS love.”

She continued. “He made everyone he ever met feel loved and seen. That’s his legacy. I was fortunate enough to experience this love in close proximity. I’ll miss his hugs and kisses and unconditional devotion and advice. Daddy, it is an honor to be your daughter. Your love lives forever.”

RELATED CONTENT: Off the Wall with Legendary Producer Quincy Jones

Big Sean, Detroit Pistons
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Detroit Rapper Big Sean Connects With Chips Ahoy! For Capsule Collection

'My new merch collaboration with Chips Ahoy! at ComplexCon is about bringing big flavor and bold style together,' Big Sean says.


Hip-hop recording artist Big Sean has connected with America’s No. 1 chocolate chip cookie brand to collaborate on an exclusive capsule collection that will be featured at the upcoming ComplexCon.

Chips Ahoy! has announced that it hooked up with the Detroit rapper to introduce a cookie-inspired merch collection that will be revealed at ComplexCon. The cookie brand is also celebrating the Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, which comes in three flavors.

“My new merch collaboration with Chips Ahoy! at ComplexCon is about bringing big flavor and bold style together. Debuting the collection for a brand I’ve loved for years at an event where culture and creativity collide, is particularly special. See ya’ll in Vegas!” Big Sean said in a written statement.

The collection will showcase pieces that were co-designed by Big Sean. Those items include a Don Life T-shirt emblazoned with the Big Chewy Cookie, which is the latest item the brand is promoting. A premium heavyweight sweatshirt in a chocolate brown color, which has a large cookie design that shows off what a Chips Ahoy! cookie should look like. There is also a new oversized tote bag that has a perfectly sized slit to place the Big Chewy Cookie in or its new nostalgic lunchbox tin.

The capsule collection will debut in Las Vegas during ComplexCon on Nov. 16.

“When thinking about bringing together BIG names for our Big Chewy Cookie launch, we knew Complex and Big Sean would be the best partners to help us make a splash in fashion and culture while underscoring our passion for mouth-watering innovation,” said Jen Levin, senior brand manager at Chips Ahoy! “At over three times the size of the Chips Ahoy! Regular Chewy Cookie, this shareable, on-the-go choice brings happiness with each big, delicious bite. Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie is made with Gen Z Chips Ahoy! fans in mind –- so, collaborating with Big Sean at ComplexCon is the perfect way to share the product and exclusive merch collection with them.”

Those who are unable to make it to Vegas for the event can get a chance to win some Big Chewy Cookie cookies, which come in three flavors: Chocolatey Chip, Chocolatey Brownie, and Chocolatey Caramel. From now until Nov. 27, people can go to stories.complex.com/chipsahoysweeps.

The Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie is also available in convenience stores across the country and will be found in grocery and bigger stores in 2025.

RELATED CONTENT: Big Sean and Jhene Aiko File For Restraining Order Against Deranged Fan

rent, deceased woman,
Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

New Study Reveals The Most Affordable Cities With Affordable Rent

These cities minimum wage is higher than average and still barely affordable.


Oct. 21, Clever, a real estate company, published a study on the most affordable cities to live in for minimum wage workers. The federal minimum wage is set at $7.25 but varies depending on the state. The study considers state minimum wage and basic rental costs when determining which cities are the best. 

“Clever evaluated the 50 largest housing markets in the United States, looking at typical rent prices for units of various sizes and how they relate to the area’s minimum wage.”

Earning federal minimum wage means that a full-time employee will live below the poverty line. Pre-tax, the worker would make $1,190 monthly. Many of the locations listed are barely above the poverty line, the highest being Denver, Colorado at $18.29. Even as the top city for pay, Denver is no. 9 on the list. Buffalo, New York, holds the top spot with a $15.00 minimum wage and a lower average rent ratio. 

According to the study, residents of Buffalo still struggle to afford their dwelling according to statistical data.. 

“Minimum-wage workers in Buffalo can expect to pay 39% of their income for a typical one-bedroom unit. That’s the lowest rent-to-income ratio of any major city in the country but still higher than the common affordability threshold of 30%.”

The reality of today is that the housing and rental market is volatile. Many people are struggling under the weight of low pay, rising rent, hidden fees, and rising inflation. Moving to a city with a better wage-to-rent ratio may work to relieve financial stress on individuals and families. With the spirit of optimism in mind, BLACK ENTERPRISE is going to run down a few of the most affordable places to live. 

Buffalo, NY

Snuggled in the northeast corner of the U.S., Buffalo is a hop, skip, and jump away from Canada. The $15 minimum wage is double the federal wage. Residents can be sure to experience beautiful winters. The city is only 6 hours away from New York City.

https://twitter.com/i_love_ny/status/1856004175760703834?s=46

St. Louis, Missouri 

Home of the Gateway Arch, St. Louis is a city of man-made marvels. The city boasts a $12.30 minimum wage, and the average rental costs $984 monthly. The city has its own distinct, midwestern culture and thoroughly embraces its professional baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals.

https://twitter.com/chickenjoestl/status/1854320162369110258?s=46

Cincinnati, Ohio

Ohio is home to one of the greatest basketball players alive, LeBron James. Cincinnati cannot claim the honor of being the legend’s hometown. But the city tied with Cleveland and Kansas City, placing 6th on the affordable cities list.

Denver, Colorado 

Living near the mountains is not for everyone. Those with an affinity for extreme climates would fare well in a city that fluctuates from hot and dry summers to cold and snowy winters. With the highest minimum wage at $18.29, the mountains just might be bearable. 

Detroit, Michigan 

Detroit, better known as the Motor City and home of Motown Records, is steeped in culture. The city is ranked no. 10 on the list as 61% of a resident’s minimum wage income is needed to cover an average rent of $1,060. Still, if the cost of living in other areas is controlled, the other 39% may grant a decent quality of life.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Build-To-Rent’ Homes For Single Families Booming In Metro Atlanta

Black Women’s Voices Are Needed For New Cancer Study
photo credit: pexels

Black Women’s Voices Are Needed For New Cancer Study


The American Cancer Society  launched “Voices Of Black Women.” The program is designed to research the deadly disease, its causes, factors and its disproportionate effects on Black women. 

According to the American Cancer Society, the study is online and will not require in-person visits with a clinician. The goal is to get data from one-hundred thousand Black women via survey. The survey will include questions about past history, medical and personal. It will also delve into personal health habits. 

“The initial survey takes about one hour, with shorter follow-ups twice a year. These surveys contribute to our study of uncovering  day-to-day experiences affecting cancer risk.”

Black women have a “lower cancer incidence rate for Black women compared to White women.” Yet, Black women mortality rate is 12%  higher than that of white women.

As such it is vital to gain all data points possible to help women, specifically, Black women avoid and overcome cancer. The study is hoping to enroll 100,000 women, which would make it the organization’s largest study, focused on Black women and cancer, to date. 

 

Some Black women may be skeptical to volunteer for medical research. The medical field has an unethical and brutal history when it comes to Black women and bodily autonomy. The team of researchers for the “Voices of Black Women” acknowledges and addresses these concerns: 

The VOICES team recognizes that there is a history of Black women’s bodies being exploited to advance medical knowledge, yet Black women have received the fewest benefits compared to their male and White counterparts. Given this legacy of injustice, you may hesitate to become involved in this study. It is important that we hear and address your concerns about research, treat you with respect, and demonstrate cultural humility. In fact, the goals of VOICES of Black Women reflect this. Through a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (or DEI), the American Cancer Society aims to form fruitful partnerships with and amplify the voices of Black communities across the country.

While the acknowledgement gives hope that Black women will not be exploited the fact remains, that has not always been the case. In June 2024, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on the family of Henrietta Lacks’ family fight for justice. The decendants of Lacks are suing pharmaceutical company Ultragenyx for the use of Lacks’s “HeLa” cells to research and develop modern medicine. Lacks was subject to harsh and inhumane probing on her body. The theft of her biological property proved both useful and profitable for the medical community over the course of decades. 

The Lacks family scored a victory, earlier this year, when a federal judge denied Ultragenyx’s motion to dismiss their lawsuit. 

The “Voice of Black Women” Study is designed to be minimally invasive and hopefully the information gathered will help future generations. If you are interested in joining the study you can visit the Voices of Black Women’s official site.

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