Russell Westbrook, affordable homes, South L.A. , Los Angeles — (Photo: Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty Images)

by Edwian Stokes

August 17, 2026

Beyond The Triple-Double: Russell Westbrook Retires As An Unapologetic Pioneer On And Off The Court

The former NBA MVP leaves behind a historic athletic legacy and a framework for Black entrepreneurial autonomy.

Russell Westbrook did more than play basketball. He changed the way the game is played. For 18 seasons, his energy and passion set a new standard and inspired Black athletes to shape their own stories. His retirement, announced on Aug. 12, 2026, closes a career defined by excellence and a commitment to empowering others.

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A Statistical Titan and the Historic MVP Campaign

Westbrook shared his retirement news in a social media video narrated by Michael B. Jordan. He finished his career as the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, recording 209 over 18 seasons with seven teams and surpassing Oscar Robertson’s record. In the 2016-17 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he won MVP and averaged a triple-double for the entire season. He broke Robertson’s 55-year-old single-season record with 42 triple-doubles and repeated this feat three more times, setting a new bar for excellence. BLACK ENTERPRISE also recognized him as the first NBA player to reach 200 career triple-doubles.

Westbrook also became the highest-scoring point guard in NBA history. On Jan. 2, 2026, as a Sacramento Kings player, he passed Robertson’s career total of 26,710 points. By retirement, he ranked fifth all-time in assists and 14th in scoring. He earned nine All-Star selections, two scoring titles, and two All-Star Game MVP awards.

Revered by Peers Across the Association

While some critics focused on Westbrook’s intense playing style, his peers always respected his drive. After his retirement announcement, tributes poured in from around the league. Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks tweeted, “Damn Brodie… an absolute legend! What a fantastic career!” Dejounte Murray of the New Orleans Pelicans wrote, “GREATEST POINT GUARD EVER!”

Raymond Felton, a former teammate, spoke about Westbrook’s work ethic: “You’ve got these fools here who have so much to say about playing basketball and yet never do what we actually did… I know the hard work they put in. Every day after practice we’d take on extra shots and play one-on-one against each other. People don’t see that.” Doug Christie, former Sacramento Kings coach, praised Westbrook’s passion, saying, “Russ is a freak of nature. His competitiveness, his competitive drive, his spirit for keeping on playing as hard as he does… I’ve always been a fan of his, and it’s an absolute honor to have coached him.”

An Unapologetic Blueprint for Black Ownership

Westbrook’s influence reaches beyond the field to business and neighborhood initiatives. Westbrook, 37, earned $349 million in career earnings, according to Spotrac, a company that tracks player contracts. Through Russell Westbrook Enterprises, he focused on securing direct equity and establishing businesses. Rather than acting as a passive brand ambassador, he invested in various sectors, including becoming an investor in Leeds United and serving on the advisory board for Little Kitchen Academy to promote youth food literacy.

Westbrook also demonstrated an understanding of financial planning and career management. He restructured his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, taking one of the biggest single-season pay cuts in NBA history to focus on team chemistry and family while growing his business interests. His real estate work in South Los Angeles has helped create affordable housing and jobs. The Why Not? Foundation expanded mental health programs in Los Angeles and Altadena, funded counseling at youth centers, and gave scholarships to students in need. Through these efforts, Westbrook sets an example for Black athletes to build lasting economic independence.

Israel-Gaza War, Palestine flag, Johnathan, Kaye, investment banker, punching, viral, video, — (Photo: Matt Hrkac/Flickr)

by Sidnee Michelle

August 17, 2026

Burger King Worker Honored With Mural After Being Fired For ‘Free Palestine’ Statement

The mural shows Hamilton wearing her Burger King uniform and headset alongside the words "Free Palestine."

Artists in Gaza painted a mural honoring Arianna Hamilton, a former Burger King employee who was fired after telling an Israeli-American customer, “Free Palestine,” during an encounter at a Pennsylvania restaurant, Al Jazeera reports.

The mural shows Hamilton wearing her Burger King uniform and headset alongside the words “Free Palestine” and a crossed-out Burger King logo. The outlet reported the artwork was created in Gaza in solidarity with Hamilton after the incident drew widespread attention online.

Hamilton worked at an independently owned Burger King franchise in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, before losing her job following an exchange with musician Rami Feinstein.

Feinstein said Hamilton asked where he was from while he was ordering food for his family. He said he initially told her he was from Israel, prompting Hamilton to respond, “Free Palestine.” Video from the encounter shows Feinstein asking Hamilton to repeat the phrase before requesting a refund and leaving the restaurant.

Hamilton later disputed parts of Feinstein’s account. She said she had asked where he was from in the context of customers visiting Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley and that Feinstein initially said New Jersey before identifying himself as Israeli and showing her a Star of David necklace.

“That man did come in very aggressively. I did not ask him where he was from … like, originated from. I asked him where is he from, from the Lehigh Valley,” Hamilton said in a video posted to social media.

Hamilton said she did not consider her remark discriminatory and defended her decision to express her views.

“Absolutely, I wasn’t going to back down on ‘Free Palestine’ when he put the camera in my face,” she said. “I will forever speak on my views.”

Burger King apologized for Feinstein’s experience and said its restaurants should be places where “everyone should feel welcome, respected and free from discrimination.” The company added that it has “no tolerance for antisemitism, hate, or discrimination of any kind” and said it was working with the franchisee that owns and operates the restaurant.

After her firing, Hamilton launched an online fundraiser to help pay for rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and other expenses while she searches for work and pursues plans to attend college. The campaign raised roughly $240,000 by Aug. 11, according to published reports. Hamilton has said any money exceeding her needs would be partly donated to Palestinian families.

The Gaza mural has since brought renewed attention to Hamilton’s firing and the debate surrounding the encounter.

paycheck disruption, financial hardship — Photo by Nicola Barts/Pexels

by Sidnee Michelle

August 17, 2026

1-Week Delay In Pay Can Cause Hardship For Folks Living Check-To-Check

Half of Americans are living check to check

Half of Americans living paycheck to paycheck say a one-week delay in pay would cause major financial hardship, highlighting the strain even a brief income disruption can place on household finances, CNBC reports.

A SurveyMonkey Quarterly Money Survey found 50% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck said going one week without pay would create a major hardship. The survey also found 61% said their pay schedules do not align with when their expenses are due, potentially leaving workers short on cash even when their overall income can cover their bills.

The outlet recommends that workers facing a delayed or smaller-than-expected paycheck first determine how much money they need to cover essential expenses until their next payment arrives. Housing, utilities, medical expenses, and car payments should generally take priority because missing those payments can carry significant consequences.

Consumers can also review discretionary spending, including subscriptions, dining out, and nonessential purchases, to identify expenses they can temporarily reduce or postpone.

Workers dealing with a missing paycheck should first contact their employer to determine what caused the delay, whether it could happen again, and when they can expect payment. Consumers can also contact landlords, utility providers, and credit card issuers, which may offer payment extensions, waive late fees, or provide other accommodations.

For workers whose pay schedules do not align with their bills, changing payment due dates could provide additional flexibility. Some credit card issuers allow customers to move their due dates closer to when they regularly receive their paychecks.

Credit cards can provide a short-term bridge during an income disruption, but the outlet cautions against treating them as a long-term solution. Consumers who use credit should prioritize minimizing borrowing costs, paying at least the minimum amount by the due date, and avoiding cash advances, which typically carry additional fees and higher interest rates.

Consumers with good credit may also qualify for cards offering introductory 0% annual percentage rates. While those offers can temporarily prevent interest from accumulating, balances remaining after the promotional period may become subject to the card’s regular interest rate.

The outlet also recommends setting up a repayment plan before the next paycheck arrives because credit card interest generally accrues daily; paying down a balance as soon as funds become available can help reduce overall borrowing costs.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, foundation, widow, settlement — (Photo: Walt Disney Television/Flickr)

by Sidnee Michelle

August 17, 2026

Settlement Reached In Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Estate

Pamela Warner said she remains "hopeful that all parties will support the resolution."

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s mother has reached a proposed settlement with representatives for the late actor’s 9-year-old daughter amid an ongoing legal dispute over his estate, TMZ reports.

Pamela Warner told the outlet that she reached an agreement with her granddaughter’s guardians over the child’s inheritance. The proposed settlement still requires court approval. Warner’s widow, Tenisha Warner, did not appear to participate in the negotiations.

Pamela Warner said she remains “hopeful that all parties will support the resolution.”

Under the agreement, Warner’s daughter would receive the majority of the remaining trust and estate, according to the publication. The settlement would also cover the child’s college tuition.

Pamela Warner denied allegations that she tried to prevent her granddaughter from receiving financial support.

“Recent claims that Pamela sought to prevent her granddaughter from receiving financial support are untrue,” she said.

Pamela Warner also said her son was “thoughtful and deliberate in his estate planning to include all his loved ones.” She acknowledged that his trust was divided among herself, his father, and his sister, but said the actor made separate financial provisions for his wife and daughter.

The proposed settlement comes as Pamela Warner and Tenisha Warner remain involved in a separate legal dispute over the actor’s estate.

Tenisha Warner filed a civil complaint on July 20 in DeKalb County Superior Court in Georgia, alleging breach of contract and seeking approximately $1.28 million from her mother-in-law. The complaint alleges the money is owed under the couple’s premarital agreement and other financial obligations.

According to the complaint, Warner agreed to maintain a $1 million term life insurance policy naming his wife as the sole beneficiary. Tenisha Warner also alleges that he agreed to make annual contributions to her Roth IRA, pay her $16,000 for each wedding anniversary, and provide a monthly salary for her work as his chief of staff.

Tenisha Warner has said her husband intended to replace an estate plan created in 1996, but died before completing a new one.

Warner, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” died July 20, 2025, at age 54, in an accidental drowning while vacationing in Costa Rica.

The proposed settlement involving his daughter does not resolve Tenisha Warner’s separate claims against the estate.

The 1st BLACK ENTERPRISE Cover Birthed A 56-Year Legacy

by Derek Dingle

August 17, 2026

The 1st BLACK ENTERPRISE Cover Birthed A 56-Year Legacy

Founder and Publisher Earl G. Graves, Sr. launched a publication and gave birth to a media company.

In August 1970, the visionary Founder and Publisher Earl G. Graves, Sr. launched a publication and gave birth to a media company that to this day has enabled generations of African Americans to achieve “wealth for life” through building thriving businesses, gaining mobility in corporate America, and embracing sound money management and disciplined investing. As a result, it has been a source of inspiration and guidance for African Americans to become full participants in the economic mainstream as captains of industry, executives of immeasurable influence, and multigenerational wealth builders.

Charles Evers, the late mayor of Fayette, Mississippi, served as the magazine’s first cover subject and embodied Black entrepreneurs who emerged from the Civil Rights Movement and demonstrated the qualities required to be successful: Business savvy, political muscle, and boundless determination.

A member of BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s first advisory board, he developed and operated the profitable Medgar Evers Shopping Center, named in honor of his brother, the prominent civil rights leader slain by an assassin’s bullet in 1963.

by Kenneth Meeks

August 16, 2026

D.L. Hughley Talks Comedy & Why He Makes Us Laugh

D.L. Hughley gets personal, sharing a side never seen before.

D.L. Hughley had a top-billing spot on the comedy tour The Original Kings of Comedy. He was also an original host of BET’s Comic View and star of the ABC sitcom The Hughleys. He’s known for taking risks, overcoming setbacks, and speaking his piece.

A 2024 XCEL Summit Award honoree, Hughley is also a Peabody Award-winning radio and television host, commentator, and iconic stand-up comedian.

But there is a lesser-known side of him that he shared with fellow XCEL Summit Award Honoree Ed Gordon during a fireside chat. Hughley gets personal, sharing a side never seen before on stage or in the movies.

Check out the clip below:

As BLACK ENTERPRISE gears up for the upcoming 10^th anniversary of XCEL Summit for Men, BE offers a hint of what to expect from our honorees and speakers this Oct. 21 – 23, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, in Orlando, Florida. It’s a safe space for professional, career-oriented men of color to be honest with one another about the world around us.

Jared Armstrong, JAB Camp, Philadelphia — (Photo: Gene Gallin/Unsplash)

by Edwian Stokes

August 15, 2026

Jared Armstrong Builds A Purpose-Driven Sports Business Ecosystem On And Off The Court

The professional basketball player and entrepreneur is leveraging sports enterprise, and strategic associations.

Jared Armstrong is evolving the role of the modern athlete by building a sustainable, purpose-driven business while continuing his professional basketball career. His journey offers Black business professionals, executives, and aspiring founders a valuable example in asset creation, risk management, and planning for life after sports. Nearly half of professional athletes face financial hardship within five years of retirement. Armstrong challenges this trend by leveraging sports for financial empowerment, commercial partnerships, and community investment.

Turning Adversity into Entrepreneurial Equity

The 29-year-old Philadelphia native developed a passion for basketball at age 3, but his path was not straightforward. A rare foot condition disrupted his college prospects and led him to pursue a professional career overseas in Israel. Armstrong also overcame a highly publicized legal challenge related to his Black and Jewish identity to obtain Israeli citizenship.

Instead of letting physical setbacks limit his potential, Armstrong used his athletic platform to launch business ventures.

“I always just believed in myself,” Armstrong told Fox News Digital. “The rest is just about the hustle and the work and the brains that you can find and put together. My goal is basically trying to build a business, which is rare, while you’re playing. That way, when I’m done, I have something to fall back on.”

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Building an Ecosystem of Enterprise and Impact

What started as a youth basketball program has grown into JAB, a multifaceted platform integrating sports management, event production, real estate development, and youth mentorship. According to JAB Camp, the organization has served nearly 3,000 youth by combining athletic training with leadership and financial empowerment programs to build long-term economic confidence. Several alumni have earned college scholarships and launched neighborhood initiatives.

One participant, Malik Johnson, shared, “JAB taught me how to be a leader on and off the court. The financial training workshops helped my family plan for college, and now I mentor others in my neighborhood.”

Stories like Malik’s show how direct engagement and education through JAB produce lasting beneficial change in local communities.

Armstrong’s strategy includes infrastructure and community real estate development. Through the JAB Resilience Tour, he initiated renovation of 10 basketball courts in areas affected by violence after the October 2023 attacks. OK! Magazine reports his projects include court construction in Philadelphia and Israel with plans for further international expansion.

The $1 Million Tournament and Cross-Industry Ventures

Central to Armstrong’s growth strategy is the JAB Classic, a $1 million global basketball tournament set for Aug. 14 to 16 at Philadelphia’s historic Palestra. The event features eight teams from eight cities and is one of only two open tournaments with a million-dollar prize. It will showcase current and former NBA players such as Quinn Cook, Donte Greene, Erick Green, Jerome Randle, Lamar Peters, Darrun Hilliard, Taylor Funk, and Tyrese Martin of the Philadelphia 76ers.

The tournament has secured investment from ownership groups linked to the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers, as well as corporate support such as 350 pairs of sneakers donated by Shaquille O’Neal’s team.

Armstrong also shows that social purpose can differentiate a brand through cross-industry collaborations. He sought mission-driven organizations and approached potential collaborators with a clear vision focused on unity and impact. Facing early skepticism from those outside sports, he emphasized shared principles and mutual benefit to build successful alliances. For example, in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov and Federal Donuts & Chicken, he co-created the JAB Donut to promote cross-cultural unity and expand brand awareness beyond sports.

“We created two donuts to really symbolize unity and combating hate,” Armstrong told Inc. Magazine. “That was a part of the JAB tournament. It is a symbolic thing that we wanted to do to send a message to the world.”

Armstrong reveals how purpose-driven leadership, proactive equity building, and calculated diversification can turn personal resilience into continual commercial success. Like many African American athletes and professionals who strive to overcome barriers, Armstrong’s story shows that harnessing specific experiences and staying committed to purposeful growth can lead to generational wealth and meaningful influence. His journey motivates those confronting similar obstacles and aspiring to create sustained impact in sports, business, and beyond.

Hip-Hop Turned 53 Years Old, These Covers Highlight A Few Shakers And Movers

by Black Enterprise

August 15, 2026

Hip-Hop Turned 53 Years Old, These Covers Highlight A Few Shakers And Movers

Hip-Hop has come along way

Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins

Nick Cannon

Cam’Ron

Akon

50 Cent

Queen Latifah

Master P, Sean Combs

Will Smith

Wyclef Jean

Russel Simmons

David Banner

Spelman college, on this day — Photo credit: Broadmoor, Wikimedia Commons

by Black Enterprise

August 15, 2026

ON THIS DAY: Spelman College Added Nursing To Its Academic Program

The nursing school established Black excellence in the field

August 12, 1886: The first African-American nursing school officially opened at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. The program established the Black women’s excellence Spelman College is known for and pushing a golden standard among nursing students as they embarked on careers in the field of nursing.