Rihanna, Fenty
by Stacy Jackson

March 29, 2024

Rihanna Shares Desire To Braid Sons’ Hair: ‘It’s Something In Our Blood’

The singer told Vogue China braided hair is "a tradition left by our ancestors," so she immediately wanted to braid Rza's and Riot's hair.

As the muse for Vogue China‘s April issue, singer and business mogul Rihanna shared her desire to connect her sons to her roots with braids.

As a long-time avenue for self-expression and creative exploration, braided hairstyles have taken on a deeper meaning for the Fenty Beauty founder since becoming a mother. According to Vogue China, the 36-year-old entrepreneur’s perspective on hair has been reshaped by her newfound maternal role and an enhanced appreciation for the rich cultural heritage behind braiding traditions from diverse regions and communities around the world. This broadened understanding is partly influenced by her partner A$AP Rocky’s keen interest in the subject.

https://twitter.com/RihannaDaily/status/1772650712326922387

“This is a form of protection of our roots, and a tradition left by our ancestors… [it] makes us realize where we’ve come from,” Rihanna told Vogue China‘s Editor-in-Chief Margaret Zhang. “This is our lost history. I immediately wanted my children to have their hair braided… it’s something in our blood.”

The “Diamonds” singer’s April cover with Vogue China is a spread that embodies individuality through a range of cultural lenses. “When I learned that Rihanna’s co-curation of the issue was centered around beauty in individuality, I had to consider what else I could add to that conversation as an image-maker,” photographer Hailun Ma said, according to the magazine’s Instagram page.

As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Rihanna discussed mothering her two sons with rapper A$AP Rocky: Rza, 1, and Riot, seven months.

“The most beautiful thing… is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity, which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group,” the mother of two explained. “It’s really beautiful to see, and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be… they should embrace it completely because it’s beautiful, and it’s unique. I love them just that way.”

Rihanna mentioned how she is making her parents proud by living her dream.

On March 20, the superstar announced the expansion of Fenty Beauty to China. According to BE, the company debuted a 30-second commercial that featured women of color modeling products from the global beauty brand.

RELATED CONTENT: Rihanna Announces Fenty Beauty Expansion To China

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, At-Word Program, graduates
by Rafael Pena

March 29, 2024

22 Young Graduates In Atlanta Step Into Bright Futures Through Innovative Workforce Program

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens commended the graduates for their resilience and determination in overcoming challenges.

Nearly two dozen young individuals are celebrating a significant milestone as they graduate from a transformative program aimed at propelling them toward successful careers, WSBTV reports. Held at the At-Promise Center in southwest Atlanta, the March 28 graduation ceremony, witnessed the culmination of months of hard work and dedication. There were some 22 graduates of the center’s workforce development program, who were greeted and congratulated by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Dickens commended the graduates for their resilience and determination to overcome challenges and carve out their own paths to success.

“You have had to be resilient, you had to be strong, and you had to be determined, and you met your challenges and lived to tell your own story,” Dickens remarked, acknowledging the journey undertaken by each graduate.

Participants also received invaluable lessons on financial management and interpersonal relationships, ensuring they were well-rounded in both their personal and professional lives.

The workforce development program, a collaboration between the Atlanta Police Foundation and Urban League, spanned three months and provided participants aged 16 to 24 with comprehensive professional and vocational training. From mock interviews to resume building, the program equipped them with essential skills to navigate the complexities of the job market.

“The investment you’ll make in them does way more than just change their lives. It really helps to shape our entire community and our city,” Dickens said, underscoring the collective responsibility to support and uplift the next generation of leaders and professionals.

While the At-Work Program is currently offered at only one of the city’s three At-Promise Centers, there are plans for expansion. Mayor Dickens called upon businesses and individuals to contribute to the program by offering coaching, mentorships, internships, and job opportunities, emphasizing the transformative impact such investments can have on the lives of young people and the broader community.

RELATED CONTENT: New Skills at Work Initiative Can Help Black Americans Compete in the Future of Work

Louis Gossett
by Rafael Pena

March 29, 2024

Louis Gossett Jr., Trailblazing Actor And Oscar Winner, Passes Away at 87

Louis Gossett Jr. was the first Black man to win a Supporting Actor Oscar.

Louis Gossett Jr., the esteemed actor who was the first Black man to win a Supporting Actor Oscar whose career spanned over six decades, has passed away. He died on March 29 at the age of 87. The news of his death was confirmed by his family in a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.

In the statement, his family expressed their heartfelt regret and requested privacy during this difficult time. “It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time,” the statement read.

Reflecting on his groundbreaking achievement, Gossett expressed the significance of his win in his 2010 memoir, An Actor and a Gentleman, stating, “More than anything, it was a huge affirmation of my position as a Black actor.” His success paved the way for future generations of Black actors and artists, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and break through barriers of discrimination.

According to the Associated Press, Gossett’s journey to stardom began in his Brooklyn high school, where he discovered his passion for acting while sidelined from the basketball team due to injury. His debut performance in the school production of “You Can’t Take It with You” captivated audiences and ignited his passion for the stage.

Encouraged by his English teacher, Gossett ventured into Manhattan to audition for “Take a Giant Step,” where he secured a role and made his Broadway debut at the age of 16 in 1953. Despite his young age and lack of experience, Gossett approached the stage with confidence and determination, setting the stage for a remarkable career that would span over six decades.

Gossett’s illustrious career was marked by numerous acclaimed roles, including his portrayal of Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley in the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman, for which he won an Academy Award. Reflecting on his preparation for the role, Gossett trained rigorously for 30 days at the Marine Corps Recruitment Division, showcasing his commitment to authenticity and excellence.

He also garnered widespread acclaim for his role as Fiddler in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots,” a performance that earned him an Emmy Award and solidified his status as a versatile and gifted actor.

In addition to his acting prowess, Gossett was known for his philanthropy and activism, founding the Eracism Foundation with a mission to eradicate racism and promote cultural diversity and education.

As news of Gossett’s passing reverberates throughout the entertainment world, tributes pour in from colleagues, fans, and admirers, honoring his legacy as a trailblazer and cultural icon.

Man, Conviction, Racist Threats, Pregnant Black Woman
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 29, 2024

Tennessee Judge Has Bond Revoked and Booked In Jail After Testing Positive For Cocaine 

Let's hope she gets the help she needs...

Judge Melissa Boyd is on the other side of the law after her bond was revoked for testing positive for cocaine while out of custody. 

Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Melissa Boyd was booked into a Memphis jail on March 27 after a judge revoked her bond during a hearing. Boyd was initially released on a $5,000 bond but was ordered back after violating the conditions of her release, where she had to undergo drug screening and was told not to use drugs. 

Boyd faces accusations of coercing, influencing, or attempting to influence former campaign manager Lashanta Rudd to lie under oath during an official proceeding following Boyd’s 2022 election. At the time, she admitted to having a drug problem and was ordered into treatment.

Prosecutors said Boyd completed her drug treatment program in February 2024 but tested positive for cocaine and alcohol two weeks later.

After failing to take an additional drug test, prosecutors sought bond removal.

Judge Roy Morgan, who ruled, said, “A lot of effort has been offered, and it’s just not working. And that’s sad, just so sad.”

State law says judges can face charges after receiving two public reprimands, and this is not the first time Boyd has faced incriminating accusations. In May 2023, she was suspended after being accused of threatening an acquaintance, soliciting money by use of title, and substance abuse. The money in question was reportedly donated to a school where Boyd wore a judicial robe in a social media post. 

Boyd’s attorney, Carissa Shaw, says jail time isn’t the answer and that her client needs treatment. “So we are just worried about the perception of those battling addiction and understand this is a health crisis, and it’s not a punitive thing,” Shaw said. 

“It’s not anything anyone should be ashamed of.” 

District Attorney General of the 28th District Frederick Agee is willing to work with the defense to get Boyd the help she needs. Prosecutors have offered her a plea deal in her criminal case where she would be ordered to a long-term drug rehabilitation, including time living in a sober living house.

“She’s a drug addict, and she needs help, and sometimes we have to use the criminal justice system to help that person,” Agee said. 

Attorneys hope to discuss the recommended terms with Boyd before her trial, scheduled for April 24. However, the Tennessee General Assembly is expected to vote on April 4 on whether to remove Boyd from her position as judge.

Netflix, Good Times
by Jameelah Mullen

March 29, 2024

Netflix Drops A Trailer For Animated ‘Good Times’ Reboot And Folks Have Opinions

The edgy reboot consists of a star-studded cast and provocative story lines.

The trailer for Netflix’s animated Good Times reboot has dropped. It gives the audience a sneak peek into the R-rated series which follows a new Evans family as they are “scratching and surviving “in modern-day Chi-town.

The series features some of Black Hollywood’s most recognizable voices, including J.B. Smoove (Reggie), Yvette Nicole Brown (Beverly), Jay Pharoah (Junior), Marsai Martin (Grey), Gerald “Slink” Johnson (Dalvin), and Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola (Lashes by Lisa.) According to Netflix, the reboot will provide a fresh take on the Evans family who first entered our homes and hearts in 1974. Like the original, the show tells the story of a married couple with three children. The oldest son, Junior, is an artist. But that’s where the similarities end. 

“An animated reboot of the Norman Lear series finds the latest generation of the Evans family, cab driver Reggie and his wife, the ever-aspirational Beverly, scratching and surviving in one of the last remaining housing projects in Chicago, along with their teenage artist son, Junior, activist daughter Grey, and drug dealing infant son, Dalvin. It turns out the more things change, the more they stay the same, and keeping your head above water in a system with its knee on your neck is as challenging as ever. The only thing tougher than life is love, but in this family, there’s more than enough to go around.”

Black Twitter (X) users quickly weighed in to offer their opinions on the R-rated reboot, some calling it distasteful.


“This is disrespectful & distasteful. They took a show that was based on a solid hardworking family into a cartoon caricature of Black America. Tried to guise it under the show “Good Times” smmfh.”

User LucaGuadagnegro agreed.

Some users spoke out in support of the new series. 

“I’m walking right past the Respectable Negro Delegation and sitting down with a drink to enjoy this. And yes, they should’ve called it something different, but that’s a needless gripe,” user @MakinghisSTory said.

Lear gave the series his stamp of approval before his death in December of 2023 and he is credited as an executive producer on the show.

The 10-episode series will premiere April 12 on Netflix. Will you be tuning in?

RELATED CONTENT: Tyler Perry Expands Netflix Partnership to Include First-Look TV Deal 

Netflix, Good Times
by Jameelah Mullen

March 29, 2024

Netflix Drops A Trailer For Animated ‘Good Times’ Reboot And Folks Have Opinions

The edgy reboot consists of a star-studded cast and provocative story lines.

The trailer for Netflix’s animated Good Times reboot has dropped. It gives the audience a sneak peek into the R-rated series which follows a new Evans family as they are “scratching and surviving “in modern-day Chi-town.

The series features some of Black Hollywood’s most recognizable voices, including J.B. Smoove (Reggie), Yvette Nicole Brown (Beverly), Jay Pharoah (Junior), Marsai Martin (Grey), Gerald “Slink” Johnson (Dalvin), and Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola (Lashes by Lisa.) According to Netflix, the reboot will provide a fresh take on the Evans family who first entered our homes and hearts in 1974. Like the original, the show tells the story of a married couple with three children. The oldest son, Junior, is an artist. But that’s where the similarities end. 

“An animated reboot of the Norman Lear series finds the latest generation of the Evans family, cab driver Reggie and his wife, the ever-aspirational Beverly, scratching and surviving in one of the last remaining housing projects in Chicago, along with their teenage artist son, Junior, activist daughter Grey, and drug dealing infant son, Dalvin. It turns out the more things change, the more they stay the same, and keeping your head above water in a system with its knee on your neck is as challenging as ever. The only thing tougher than life is love, but in this family, there’s more than enough to go around.”

Black Twitter (X) users quickly weighed in to offer their opinions on the R-rated reboot, some calling it distasteful.


“This is disrespectful & distasteful. They took a show that was based on a solid hardworking family into a cartoon caricature of Black America. Tried to guise it under the show “Good Times” smmfh.”

User LucaGuadagnegro agreed.

Some users spoke out in support of the new series. 

“I’m walking right past the Respectable Negro Delegation and sitting down with a drink to enjoy this. And yes, they should’ve called it something different, but that’s a needless gripe,” user @MakinghisSTory said.

Lear gave the series his stamp of approval before his death in December of 2023 and he is credited as an executive producer on the show.

The 10-episode series will premiere April 12 on Netflix. Will you be tuning in?

RELATED CONTENT: Tyler Perry Expands Netflix Partnership to Include First-Look TV Deal 

Youth Leadership Summit, ‘Her Dream Deferred’
by Stacy Jackson

March 29, 2024

‘Her Dream Deferred’: Status Of Black Women And Girls’ Series Concludes With Youth Leadership Summit

The week-long series explores how Black women and girls have been targeted, silenced and displaced in education, health, Hollywood, and more.

As Women’s History Month approaches its closing, the African American Policy Forum (AAPF) hosted the 10th annual series of “Her Dream Deferred: A Week on the Status of Black Women and Girls.”

The weeklong series explored topics surrounding Black women and girls and racial and gender crisis they face in areas like education, maternal healthcare, and Hollywood. As the series concludes, attendees will gather on March 29 at 10:30 A.M. EDT for the Youth Leadership Summit: Girls & Women Reading and Leading Through Resistance. The program will inspire the next generation of activists and leaders through research, “artivism,’ and fellowship.

Additionally, guests will be invited to a private screening and talk-back of the 2024 Sundance Award-winning film “Daughters.” The session, moderated by AAPF’s Glenda Smiley and Angela Patton, will feature an opening address from the organization’s Black Girls Initiatives Research Coordinator, Venus Evans-Winters. Other workshop leaders and speakers include resident artists Abby Dobson, Gina Loring, and Dina Wright Joseph, author of “American Street” and “Black Enough,” Ibi Zoboi, and youth researchers.

Since its inception in 2015, “Her Dream Deferred” has amplified the voices and narratives of Black women and girls through a weeklong series of activities revolving around art and activism. In 2021, AAPF launched the “Status of Black Women” series to acknowledge the consequential political power of Black women voters in the 2020 election.

“The disregard of Black women and girls’ isn’t just the outcome of racism or sexism — it’s a part of a larger, coordinated assault on civil rights and democracy,” said AAPF Co-Founder and Executive Director Kimberlé Crenshaw. “Black women have become the most visible targets of the war on ‘woke’ that has unleashed a fury of attacks against anti-racism in various industries. From the questioning of Black women’s knowledge and leadership in academia to the dismantling of DEI positions held by Black women at corporations — Black women have been targeted, silenced, and displaced.”

From March 25-29, this year’s series called attention to these injustices. The week of events centered on Black women’s stories and and acknowledged the advocacy efforts that Crenshaw said “have been weaponized to curtail” their rights. This year’s programming included five events:

  • Ida B. Wells Symposium: VISION: America’s Tug of War for Racial Equality Broadcast
  • #SayHerName: An Artivism & Advocacy Book Club
  • “In the Bullseye of the Backlash” Panel
  • “You Carry the Dream: Reclaiming Rest & Resilience” Self-care Event
  • Youth Leadership Summit

This year’s series offered ticket-holders in-person and virtual options.

AAPF prepared the release of a new fact sheet titled “Status of Black Women in 2024.” The report focuses on political representation, state and private violence, education, reproductive justice, and issues facing youth.

RELATED CONTENT: Journalist Linsey Davis Empowers Girls Worldwide With New Children’s Book

University of Tennessee, board of directors
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 29, 2024

Tennessee State University Stripped Of Board of Trustees By GOP Governor 

Hope they know what they're doing.

Republican Gov. Bill Lee removed the Board of Trustees from Tennessee State University after signing legislation to replace them with new members. 

In a 66-25 vote placed on March 28 by a GOP-controlled state House, Lee supported the law without reason or comment. Instead, he uplifted the state’s only publicly funded HBCU for being a “remarkable institution” — before revealing he had already selected 10 new replacements. “I’m pleased to appoint these highly qualified individuals who will work alongside administrators and students to further secure TSU’s place as a leading institution,” Lee said.

The board, all of whom are TSU alumni, will be replaced by members from numerous business entities. According to WSMV, the eight already named include Trevia Chatman, president of Bank of America Memphis; Jeffery Norfleet, provost and VP for Administration at Shorter College; Marquita Qualls, founder and principal at Entropia Consulting; Terica Smith, deputy mayor and director of Human Resources for Madison County; and Charles Traughber, general counsel at Bridgestone Americas. 

Dwayne Tucker, CEO of LEAD Public Schools; Kevin Williams, president and CEO of GAA Manufacturing; and Dakasha Winton, SVP and Chief Government Relations Officer at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, are also on the list. 

While all new members are still awaiting confirmation by the Legislature, the move is critical as President Glenda Glover plans to retire at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. 

However, the move is not sitting well with Black Democratic lawmakers and community leaders, claiming the white state leaders are targeting the school unfairly and focusing on the wrong issues. 

Multiple blue-leaning Democrats, including Rep. Justin Pearson, filed last-minute motions and amendments that would have pushed the vote back or cut the number of board seats set to be eliminated to five rather than 10. “This is wrong and immoral. This perpetuates the racism that previous generations put into legislation today,” he passionately said.  

“Instead of us rectifying the problems that we created through racist policies by underfunding Tennessee State University, we’re now advocating to vacate their board.”

In 2023, the Tennessee Legislature provided TSU with a lump sum of $250 million to assist with infrastructure projects after being accused of underfunding the school for decades. However, House Majority Leader William Lamberth said that this was all about making the school successful. “All we’re talking about is the board … It’s vacating some personalities and bringing others in,” Lamberth said. 

“The goal is to make TSU successful.”

TSU students protested the bill, and the school released a statement, calling the decision “unfortunate.” “This is unprecedented, unfortunate, and uncharted waters for any public university in the state,” the statement read. “We believe this legislation will disrupt our students’ educational pursuits, harm the image of the University, and remove a Board that had achieved success in its enhanced governance of TSU.”

Bojangles, Birthday part
by Jameelah Mullen

March 29, 2024

Bojangles Restaurant Celebrates 105-Year-Old Customer’s Birthday With A Surprise Party

Charlie Lentz has been visiting his local Winston-Salem Bojangles restaurant every Sunday after church for decades.

Charlie Lentz has been visiting his local Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Bojangles restaurant every Sunday after church for decades. But this weekly ritual turned out to be the ultimate surprise for the restaurant regular. “Charlie came to Bojangles after church that day expecting to uphold his typical Sunday afternoon tradition, but instead walked into a birthday celebration,” Horace Spencer, Bojangles’ regional manager, told Business Insider.

Fentz said he was caught off guard by the unforeseen celebration. 

“This was a big surprise,” the restaurant regular told WXII-TV.

Fentz, who recently turned 105, was greeted by a crowd of party-goers who gathered to celebrate the milestone birthday. Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines joined family and friends as they sang the traditional and Stevie Wonder renditions of “Happy Birthday” to Fentz. Dressed in a suit and a bedazzled Bojangles velvet crown, the guest of honor sat on his throne as he was showered with gifts and well wishes. The attendees enjoyed cake, punch, and Fentz’s favorite Sunday meal, Bojangles chicken. 

“He’s very consistent with his order. His go-to is the leg and thigh 2 piece. And a lot of times before he even gets in the door, the employees have it ready for him.” Spencer told WXII TV.

Fentz, a World War II veteran, walked to church every Sunday until he was 90 years old. The local celebrity says he enjoys going out into the community so he rides the bus three times a day. He also said he was very close to his mother.

“I guess you could say I was a mama’s boy,” he said in an interview with WXII TV.

When asked what he is thankful for, the 105-year-old said he is thankful for life. 

“To be alive,” he told NBC News affiliate KYMA. “That’s what I’m thankful for, to be alive.”

RELATED CONTENT: Oldest Living Black World War II Veteran Turns 100 Years Old

Ray J, tonic network, Raycon global, television, company, wireless, sound, Norwood
by Rafael Pena

March 29, 2024

Ray J Reveals Financial Hardships While Launching His Tronix Television Network

Misunderstanding the terms of a $3 million loan while launching Tronix Network landed Ray J in financial hot water.

Ray J, the multifaceted artist and entrepreneur, has embarked on a new venture in the realm of television with the launch of his latest endeavor on March 25, Tronix Network, according to AfroTech. The singer, known for his hits like “One Wish” and “Wait A Minute,” has diversified his portfolio over the years, delving into the tech industry before venturing into network television.

His journey into entrepreneurship began with the establishment of Raytroniks, which introduced the Scoot-E bike brand in 2016. Later, he co-founded Raycon Global, experiencing significant growth in revenue. However, Ray J recently parted ways with Raycon Global, redirecting his focus towards the television industry.

In the interview with Forbes, Ray J expressed optimism about his foray into network television, citing his past experiences working with major networks like VH1 and MTV.

“We started doing reality TV when it first started, and everybody had their own way, their own lane. We focused on dating. We focused on ensemble shows. I got a chance to work with WeTV, BET, VH1, MTV, and we just kept flushing out big shows,” stated Ray J. “Then we went to the OTT side [Over-the-top media service], and we worked with Zeus Network, and we gave them exactly what they needed to start their engine, and it be successful today, with shows like ‘The Conversation,’ shows like ‘One Mo’ Chance’ and ‘Baddies.’”

However, Ray J’s path to launching Tronix Network was not without challenges. He disclosed to Forbes that he had initially misunderstood the terms of a $3 million loan, resulting in him spending all the funds and entering a period of financial strain. This experience, he admitted, humbled him and prompted a shift towards frugality and financial realism.

“I thought it was just a total different kind of loan, and I just misunderstood it. So, I ended up spending all of it thinking that I had some more left,” Ray J told Forbes. “So that was just a little weird, but I think being humbled like that and having two months to survive the times of just life was definitely something I think I needed, you know? So, you practice on being frugal, and we practice on being realistic with the money.”

Despite the setbacks, Ray J remains resilient and determined to make Tronix Network a success. He shared with Forbes that the self-funded network had already garnered positive feedback, signaling promising prospects for the future.

As Tronix Network prepares to unveil its lineup of shows, Ray J is confident in its potential to resonate with audiences. With a biweekly release schedule and a diverse range of content in the pipeline, he envisions Tronix Network becoming a source of pride and excitement for viewers.

RELATED CONTENT: Ray J Sells Shares Of Raycon Global To Launch Television Network

×