by Kandiss Edwards

May 4, 2026

ATLiens Outraged After Removal Of Jovita Moore Mural, Building Owner Responds

Bellwood Coffee admitted it made a mistake.

An Atlanta coffeehouse promises to restore the Jovita Moore mural after facing significant backlash for painting over the tribute dedicated to the late news anchor.

The mural was created in 2021 to honor the legacy of the Channel 2 Action News anchor following her passing from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Moore had been a staple of Atlanta journalism since 1998, and the mural served as a key local monument in the #JovitaStrong movement.

On May 1, news spread that the tribute had been covered by Bellwood Coffee shortly after the business moved into the Atlanta neighborhood. Many residents viewed the act as a disregard for the city’s culture and the legacy of a Black woman who was a foundational figure in Atlanta news. An X user, @3MuchHutch, posted about her disappointment.

“If you grew up in Atlanta/ been around a while you knew who Jovita Moore was and you know how the city responded when she died. This coffee shop just moved into my neighborhood and painted over a mural dedicated to her for their signage and honestly it’s not sitting well w/ me,” the post read.

In response to the outcry, Bellwood Coffee issued a series of statements on X to explain the decision and offer an apology. The shop owners initially stated that new windows installed during their building renovation “cut into the mural significantly,” making it difficult to preserve the original artwork in its entirety.

In a later post, the company admitted they made a mistake, stating, “We knew Jovita Moore’s story, but we truly had no idea how much this specific mural meant to the community of Atlanta… The truth is, the reasons aren’t good enough.”

To make amends, Bellwood Coffee has pledged to commission a brand-new mural honoring Moore and has invited community input to ensure the new tribute reflects the neighborhood’s wishes.

Hey, it’s us.

We knew Jovita Moore’s story, but we truly had no idea how much this specific mural meant to the community of Atlanta. Unfortunately, the windows in our buildout cut into the mural significantly. Seeing how much this mural meant to so many, we realize we made a…
— Bellwood Coffee (@Bellwoodcoffeee) May 1, 2026

The controversy over the mural comes at a time when Moore’s impact is being celebrated through tangible action. On May 2, hundreds of supporters gathered for the annual Race for Research, an event dedicated to funding brain cancer studies, WSBTV reported. The atmosphere was one of remembrance and hope as participants donned #JovitaStrong gear to continue the fight against the disease that took her life.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the first-ever “Jovita Moore Impact Award.” The honor was established to recognize individuals who embody Moore’s spirit of community service and journalistic excellence. This inaugural award serves as a powerful reminder that while paint on a wall can be covered, her influence on the city of Atlanta and the push for medical breakthroughs remains indelible.

by Kandiss Edwards

May 4, 2026

Calls Begin For Essence Festival To Exit New Orleans Amid Supreme Court Decision

Online figure Damian Wheeler and Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott seem in agreement that the festival should relocate to a state that "respects Black voices."

In the wake of the controversial U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding Louisiana’s congressional districts, a few online spectators are calling for the Essence Festival of Culture to leave New Orleans.

The Essence Festival, often referred to as “the party with a purpose,” is the largest annual cultural gathering in the United States. Essence Fest serves as a massive economic engine for New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. Activists argue that the festival’s presence provides significant tax revenue and global prestige to a state government that they claim is actively working to disenfranchise Black voters.

Online figure Damian Wheeler and Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott seem in agreement that the festival should relocate to a state that “respects Black voices.”

In a post on X, Mayor Scott appealed to Essence.

“The 92% told me ya’ll should be looking for a new home because them folk down there are doing what they do – being racist…Wakanda is ready!”

@MayorBMScott the #CIAA and Essence Festival in the same City would be crazy work for Baltimore, @MayorBMScott @GovWesMoore make it happen…. pic.twitter.com/LciZ2nuDSr
— Darron Wheeler Entertainment (@DWheelerEnt) May 2, 2026

The Supreme Court recently intervened in a longstanding legal battle over the state’s redistricting. A lower court’s order that would have required Louisiana to include a second Black-majority district for the 2024 elections has been nullified. The move allows the state to proceed with a map that critics argue dilutes the voting power of Black residents, sparking immediate outrage and a push for economic boycotts.

New Orleans city officials and local business owners would suffer over the loss of the festival. Essence brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city each July, generating an estimated economic impact of over $300 million, according to Essence’s Impact Analysis. While the city itself remains a Democratic stronghold, the state-level redistricting decisions have placed the festival in the middle of a tug-of-war between cultural celebration and political strategy.

As of early May 2026, Essence Ventures has not officially announced plans to move the festival.

by Keka Araújo

May 3, 2026

Young Black Scholar Publishes 500-Page Study Challenging Myths About Work And Systemic Inequality

Kafele’s research examines the financial infrastructure behind city development

B. Libre Kafele (Baruti Libre Kafele), a young African American scholar, lecturer, political scientist, and political economist, has released groundbreaking research that provides a fact-based analysis of how urban development, monetary systems, and housing policies disproportionately affect Black communities and other historically marginalized populations across the United States, offering critical insight into the structural roots of economic inequality.

His extensive research has been published in his two new self-published books, Capital in the City: Urban Development, Socio-Economic Inflation and Monetary Power, and Who Pays for Development: Housing, Money and Power in American Cities.

Kafele’s research examines the financial infrastructure behind city development, with a particular focus on how economic policies, inflation, and institutional power shape access to housing, wealth, and opportunity. In Capital in the City, he details the relationship between monetary policy and urban growth, emphasizing how systemic financial practices influence inequality. In Who Pays for Development, he analyzes the cost of development, demonstrating how the burden is often shifted onto working-class residents, particularly in Black urban communities.

These publications contribute to ongoing discussions within the Black community regarding economic justice, housing access, and systemic inequality. By presenting both historical context and contemporary analysis, Kafele’s work equips readers to better understand and critically engage with the economic systems shaping their communities.

Both books are now available at BarutiLibre.com and Amazon.

Previously appeared on Blacknews.com.

hair loss, diabetes medicine, doctor, Black women

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 3, 2026

Black-Owned Dermatology Center Founder Expands Services With New Hair Loss Treatment Center

The launch also reflects Aglow Dermatology’s broader mission: to close gaps in dermatologic care.

Dina D. Strachan, MD, a Harvard-educated, board-certified dermatologist, is the founder and CEO of Aglow Dermatology, a leading Black-owned dermatology practice in New York City’s borough of Manhattan. Recently, she announced the launch of her new Hair Loss Center of Excellence, a specialized initiative dedicated to diagnosing and treating hair and scalp disorders across all hair types and textures.

Dr. Strachan, who is also an NYU faculty member and a nationally recognized expert in complex hair and scalp conditions, is known to a broader audience as an on-camera expert featured in the Netflix docuseries The Black Beauty Effect, where she lends her expertise on skin, hair, and representation in dermatology.

As interest in hair restoration has grown, so has confusion about treatment options—particularly for patients with textured hair, who are often underserved or misinformed. The Hair Loss Center of Excellence was created to bring medical clarity, evidence-based treatment, and equitable care to patients seeking effective, individualized solutions.

“Hair loss is a medical condition that deserves careful evaluation and thoughtful treatment,” said Dr. Strachan. “Too often, patients are given generalized advice or cosmetic solutions without a proper diagnosis. Our goal is to provide clear answers and personalized treatment plans grounded in sound medical science, while ensuring that people of all hair textures receive the same level of expertise and attention.”

Dr. Strachan is widely known for her expertise in diagnosing and managing hair loss conditions that disproportionately affect African Americans, including scarring alopecias such as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), a condition that is frequently underrecognized or misdiagnosed. Her work emphasizes early diagnosis, prevention of permanent hair loss, and culturally competent care that accounts for styling practices, hair care traditions, and patient priorities.

Aglow Dermatology has built a reputation for combining medical excellence with a nuanced understanding of skin and hair issues in people of color. The new Center of Excellence formalizes that commitment, offering structured, in-depth evaluations for patients with complex or treatment-resistant hair loss. These dedicated sessions will be held monthly to allow for comprehensive assessment and management, while standard hair loss consultations remain available year-round.

The launch also reflects Aglow Dermatology’s broader mission: to close gaps in dermatologic care, improve outcomes through education and early intervention, and ensure that advances in dermatology are accessible to all patients– not just a subset.

Patients will benefit from:

• Detailed diagnostic evaluations of hair and scalp disorders
• Evidence-based medical and procedural treatment options
• Expertise in both scarring and non-scarring alopecias
• Care tailored to all hair textures, including tightly coiled and curly hair
• Guidance on safe hair care practices and avoidance of harmful or ineffective treatments

Previously appeared on BlackNews.com.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 3, 2026

Former Pastor Says ‘God Doesn’t Need Your Money,’ Calls Out Prosperity Gospel Culture

Reuben Armstrong, a former minister-turned-best-selling author and activist, is stepping into one of the most controversial religious debates in America with his bold new book, God Doesn’t Need Your Money: God Isn’t Collecting, Your Pastor Is. He says that every Sunday, millions of Americans who are struggling financially are being victimized as they place both their faith and their money in the hands of churches across the country, especially Black churches.

Armstrong is confronting what he describes as a culture of pressure, guilt, and blind giving, where believers are encouraged to give faithfully but discouraged from asking honest questions about how their money is used.

He comments, “As a former minister myself, I’ve seen how this system works from the inside. Congregations are often made to feel guilty if they don’t give, pressured to hand over money meant for bills, rent, even food for their families, all while being promised a blessing. That’s not faith. That’s a system taking advantage of belief.”

Armstrong points directly to the influence of high-profile megachurch leaders such as T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, and Jamal Bryant as central figures in the rise of prosperity-driven church culture – a system he says has reshaped how millions view faith, money, and leadership. He argues that this culture has created an environment in which financial sacrifice is expected, but financial transparency is rarely demanded.

“This isn’t about attacking God,” he says. “This is about exposing a system that has learned how to profit from people’s belief in God.”

Armstrong says the conversation is especially urgent in the Black church, where faith, loyalty, and financial sacrifice have long been deeply connected–– but emphasizes that the issue extends across all modern megachurch systems. With trust in major institutions continuing to decline across the country, he believes churches cannot remain beyond scrutiny simply because the subject is uncomfortable.

His book, God Doesn’t Need Your Money: God Isn’t Collecting, Your Pastor Is, is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats.

Previously posted on BlackNews.com.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 3, 2026

Black Entrepreneur Unveils First-Ever Heated Cake Stand—Revolutionizing How Desserts Are Served

Velvera is now available on VelveraWarm.com and Amazon, with continued product development and scaling underway.

At just 25 years old, Cortrell Winkfield is redefining how desserts are served and experienced with the launch of Velvera, the world’s first heated cake stand designed to keep cakes, pastries, and baked goods warm while on display.

He says that the concept first came to him in a dream when he was 22 years old. In the dream, he saw his grandmother placing a pineapple upside-down cake onto a glowing digital cake stand. He woke up immediately, wrote down the vision, and began developing the idea that would eventually become Velvera. From that moment, Winkfield took action, filing over 11 patents to protect the innovation and bring the concept to life.

Velvera combines elegance and functionality, offering a sleek cake display with built-in warming technology and adjustable temperature control. The product is designed for both home and professional use, allowing bakers, hosts, and businesses to elevate presentation while maintaining optimal serving temperature.

“This isn’t just a product–it’s a new category,” he says. “Velvera is about creating an experience. When people see it, they immediately understand the value.”

The brand has already gained national attention, appearing on The Tamron Hall Show and being covered by WAVE News in Louisville, following viral traction on social media. With its cordless, rechargeable capability and modern design, Velvera is positioned as both a functional kitchen innovation and a premium lifestyle brand. The company aims to expand into retail, hospitality, and event spaces, with plans to grow beyond a single product into a full ecosystem of elevated serving solutions.

Velvera is now available for purchase on VelveraWarm.com and Amazon, with ongoing product development and scaling.

Previously posted on Blacknews.com.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 2, 2026

Ole Miss Football Star Trinidad Chambliss Is Amazed By His NIL Earnings, ‘Wow, I Have That Much Money’

Ole Miss star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss still can't believe how much money he's earning from NIL deals.

Trinidad Chambliss, star quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels, is still reeling over his million-dollar NIL earnings that have him leading among the top 50 highest-paid college athletes in the nation.

In a recent profile with Vanity Fair’s Bomani Jones, Chambliss said he’s still amazed by his NIL earnings, recalling his early college playing career in 2023 on the Ferris State Bulldogs, where he lived on just $100 for two weeks of groceries.

“It’s just wild to see, like, the first check hit and it’s like, Wow, I have that much money. That’s crazy,” Chambliss said.

As Chambliss enters his sixth college season and second with Ole Miss, he’s projected by On3 to be among the top 50 highest-paid college athletes, with an NIL valuation of $1.6 million. He says he now has a financial advisor, agent, and marketing team in place while staying focused on football.

At the same time, Chambliss was facing a legal battle after a Mississippi court ruled against the NCAA over its denial of his request for an additional year of eligibility tied to health issues at Ferris State. The NCAA’s appeal, arguing that the documentation was insufficient, was also rejected, and Chambliss was granted an additional year at Ole Miss.

Now one of the hottest names in the NIL space, Chambliss has landed deals with AT&T and others. With a $1.6 million valuation that could double or triple this season, he’s emerging as a strong NFL Draft prospect—potentially earning more than projections for rookies selected outside the top 54 picks, according to Spotrac.

Chambliss and defensive end Suntarine Perkins are viewed as top prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft, though early projections suggest that could shift—several mock drafts feature players from the Ole Miss Rebels. Running back Kewan Lacy and defensive tackle Will Echoles are already being mocked as first-round picks.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 1, 2026

That’s Wassup! Druski Becomes Youngest BET Awards Host

“I grew up watching the BET Awards and, to know the comedic legends that hosted before me set the bar so high, I’m just grateful to be a part of the history."

Comedian and content creator Druski will host the “BET Awards” 2026, taking place live at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

The 31-year-old comedian is the ceremony’s youngest-ever host, supplanting Kevin Hart, who hosted the show in 2011.

I WILL BE HOSTING THE 2026 BET AWARDS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7HNKzpzLkF
— DRUSKI (@druski) April 30, 2026

“It’s an honor to be the youngest host EVER for the BET Awards,” Druski said in a written statement. “I grew up watching the BET Awards and, to know the comedic legends that hosted before me set the bar so high, I’m just grateful to be a part of the history. BUT I’m still bringing my brand of comedy to the stage, so expect a little chaos, a lot of laughs, and some of your favorite Druski characters to pop out along the way.”

The BET Awards can be seen on various channels under the Paramount umbrella, including BET, BET HER, and CMT. Additional announcements, including nominees and performers, are expected.

For now, the BET Experience 2026 (BETX), three days of immersive, fan-focused events, takes place June 25-27, before the awards show airs.

Druski’s popularity has been steadily rising—and has ruffled MAGA members feathers—after recently releasing a video, “How Conservative Women in America Act.” The video shows Druski in full drag, wearing white makeup and a blonde wig, seemingly mocking Turning Point USA’s CEO, Erika Kirk.

The clip has amassed more than 100 million views after being released.

He has caused several controversies, including an ongoing skit for his fictional record company, Coulda Been Records. In a viral clip from over two years ago, he was seen being chased by Cash Money Records’ Birdman and having his jewelry snatched. Earlier this year, while targeting preachers at mega churches, he upset many pastors with his portrayal of popular televangelists.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 1, 2026

All-Black Women Dental Practice Breaks New Ground With Tech-Driven Care

An all-Black women–led dental practice in Houston is redefining care with a tech-driven approach and a mission to close gaps in access to quality dental services.

Dr. Ashandra Batiste is redefining the dental industry with her multimillion-dollar, tech-driven practice led entirely by an all-Black team of women dentists.

Inspired by her training at Howard University College of Dentistry, where she embraced a culture of excellence and collective ownership, Dr. Batiste credits that foundation for shaping her approach to Elite Dental Wellness—a multimillion-dollar Houston practice led by an all-Black team of women dentists, where breaking down barriers to quality dental care is the mission.

“There’s still this disparity in healthcare where people are like, ‘I didn’t even know that you guys existed’ … That is insane to me that in the year 2026, people are still like, ‘Wow, there’s Black female dentists,’” Batiste told Afro Tech.

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A post shared by Elite Dental Wellness (@elitedentalwellness)

At Elite Dental Wellness, Dr. Batiste works alongside Dr. Lindsey Sinclair Miller, Dr. Sarah Glenn, and Dr. Tamaara Willis to offer comprehensive care, from preventive and restorative services to cosmetic and emergency dentistry. The practice is focused on closing gaps in access by serving patients with or without traditional insurance.

Technology also plays a key role, with tools like the Nomad X-ray system for more efficient, lower-radiation imaging, and the PerioLase MVP-7 for minimally invasive gum therapy that can replace traditional surgery.

“You have some periodontists who don’t use it … But then again, where’s the empathy at? How are you thinking about your patients?” asked Dr. Willis, the practice’s periodontist, who is the only provider performing the procedure and specializes in both dental implants and LANAP therapy. “You’re gonna take them through all that pain, you’re gonna take them through the sensitivity, you’re gonna take them through their teeth looking long like piano keys just because you can get the same result when it’s unnecessary?”

Looking ahead, Elite Dental Wellness is leaning into technology, using AI-powered scanners that can instantly preview results for Invisalign, crowns, and veneers to enhance patient care. The team is also engaging the community through its Glam & Glow event, featuring women-owned vendors offering services like lash extensions, brow grooming, glam makeup, and nutrition consulting.

The event takes place May 9 at the practice’s office in Houston and requires an RSVP.

by Kandiss Edwards

May 1, 2026

TSU And Meharry College Offering Full Ride To Young Black Men Interested In Medical Field

The scholarship was established to honor the pioneering legacy of alumnus Dr. Levi Watkins Jr.

The Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund is seeking candidates interested in pursuing medical and dental professions.

The scholarship was established to honor Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr., the TSU alumnus and cardiac surgeon who revolutionized medicine with the first internal defibrillator implantation.

The fund is designed to remove the cost barriers that often discourage underrepresented students from pursuing high-level medical careers. By providing significant financial support, the endowment allows scholars to bypass the traditional eight-year educational route in favor of a streamlined seven-year curriculum without the burden of overwhelming student debt. Currently, the applicant pool is meager, which leaves the opportunity wide open, according to the Mutual Alliance Restoring Community Hope (MARCH) Foundation.

The endowment specifically rewards academic high achievers who meet the rigorous standards of the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute. Eligible students must be interested in the medical field. Additionally, they must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 28 or a 1300 on the SAT.

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Scholarship recipients will gain more than just tuition assistance. Funds are utilized to support:

Accelerated Undergraduate Study: Covering the intensive three-year pre-medical phase at TSU.
Professional Transition: Supporting the bridge into the four-year medical or dental programs at Meharry Medical College, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, or the Frist College of Medicine.
Professional Identity: Funding essential milestones such as the White Coat Ceremony and specialized physician shadowing opportunities.

The financial security provided by the fund has allowed scholars to focus entirely on their demanding coursework, resulting in a 61% increase in the Biology Department’s graduation rate at TSU. Furthermore, the inaugural cohort of scholarship recipients produced the university’s top two graduates in 2024, both of whom maintained perfect 4.0 GPAs throughout their accelerated undergraduate tenure.