• Fashion & Beauty

by Mary Spiller

April 13, 2026

‘Beyond The Gates’ Turns On-Screen Style Into Reality With ChelseaKat Fashion Line

The CBS drama expands its cultural footprint as fictional handbags debut in real-world collaboration with Black designers.

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A television drama known for its focus on Black affluence and cultural identity is now extending its influence beyond the screen, transforming fictional fashion and bags into a real-world product line shaped by audience demand and creative collaboration.

“Beyond the Gates,” a series produced by CBS Studios in partnership with the NAACP and Procter & Gamble, has introduced a collection of handbags inspired by its storyline. The “ChelseaKat” line—created as a fictional brand in the show—has now been developed into a purchasable product through a partnership with F&W Style.

The move reflects a broader shift in how television engages audiences, blending storytelling with consumer experience. While soap operas have historically influenced fashion trends, this effort goes further by directly translating narrative elements into tangible goods.

Actor Colby Nixon, who portrays Kat Richardson, described the experience as surreal. “It’s so historic,” Nixon said in an interview with Essence. “Being new to TV and film… that was already insane… But then, when I found out that we are actually creating a ChelseaKat bag that is being sold, and it is named after our characters, I was in awe.”

Set in a fictional, affluent Black community in Washington, D.C., the series uses fashion as a storytelling device, with wardrobe choices reflecting character arcs and social status. The introduction of ChelseaKat bags allows viewers to engage more directly with that world by purchasing items tied to the show’s aesthetic and themes.

Costume design also plays a central role. Nixon credited the show’s fashion team, noting, “Every single fashion choice…all of it is handpicked, detail-oriented…Everything is so precise… and it truly takes a village.”

For RhonniRose Mantilla, who plays Chelsea Hamilton in Beyond the Gates, the project mirrors her character’s journey. “She’s very bold and very brave… and she’s complicated,” Mantilla said. “As a young Black woman, she comes from power, but she’s creating her own power.” She added that the role resonates with viewers navigating their own growth: “Hopefully anyone in their twenties can watch and feel like, ‘I’m going to be brave…I’m going to step out on faith.’”

Behind the scenes, the idea originated with Executive Producer Sheila Ducksworth, who saw an opportunity to expand the show’s universe. “The purses were in the script; we just needed someone who actually makes purses,” she explained.

That role was filled by designer Alexandria Alli, whose brand F&W Style helped bring the concept to life. Alli said fan engagement quickly shaped the collection’s evolution. “People were DMing, emailing… telling us what they wanted,” she said, noting how audience feedback influenced new color variations. “They feel like they’re being heard… and being able to deliver that—there’s just no better experience than this.”

Several designs pay tribute to historically Black sororities, incorporating signature color schemes tied to the National Pan-Hellenic Council. This intentionality reflects the show’s broader commitment to cultural authenticity.

Ducksworth emphasized that the series was always meant to portray a specific reality.

“There are so many gated communities that are predominantly Black… living a life that is incredible in many ways,” she said. “So it was very much on purpose that this world exists.”

As the show gains recognition—including industry awards and nominations—it continues to build a multidimensional brand.

By merging narrative, fashion, and audience participation, “Beyond the Gates” is not only telling stories but also reshaping how viewers engage with them—turning style into both a symbol and a product.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Beyond The Gates’ Brings Excellence To The First Black-Led Soap Opera

• Media

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 12, 2026

You the Birthday: Breaking Down Latest Trend Started By Black TikTok

According to Black TikTok, if you become the center of attention, you might be the birthday.

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A new “You The Birthday” trend created by Black TikTok is making the rounds across the internet.

The phrase stands as the latest viral hit started by Black creators on the video-sharing platform. But those not in the know remain confused on what the phrase means, and, furthermore, how to use it.

One TikToker, named The Trill Professor, gave a break down on the how the phrase plays into AAVE’s fluid grammatical structure.

@thetrillprofessor “You the birthday” 🤝 AAVE #aave #english #teachersoftiktok ♬ original sound – Travis

“Just context, intonation, and cultural understanding doing all of the work,” explained the TikToker, real name Travis G. Hubbard, on how the phrase came to life.

Hubbard, a current Ph.D. candidate in literacy, language and culture, told TODAY about the term’s new connotations.

“When someone says ‘you the birthday,’ they are positioning the subject as a metaphorical embodiment of everything the word birthday connotes — celebration, joy, the reason everyone showed up,” Hubbard explained. “You are not at a birthday…You are not having a birthday. You are the birthday. The subject becomes the thing itself.”

Forbes said it’s a way to say someone is acting as the main character of a situation, “trying too hard, acting over-the-top or expecting fawning, birthday-like attention from everyone in the room.”

It can also be a term of endearment or a jab at the directed individual. Of course, this also depends on the context.

In the video, Hubbard added, “And Black English does this constantly and beautifully.”

For example, some TikTokers have left comments calling someone “the birthday” if they achieve a goal or made a good point on a subject. On the flip-side, users also hurl out the phrase to those exhibiting obnoxious behavior, or who want to stand out unnecessarily.

As the phrase became popular on TikTok and other platforms, elder internet users expressed their confusion. Gen-Zers eventually came to the rescue while clowning millennials for not initially keeping up.

you lost, you the birthday address🤣😭

— 🅰️várîcèbábÿ (@weiwaduche) April 9, 2026

The phrase spawned other versions that follow a similar linguistic pattern. Whenever another TikToker does something or expresses a feeling that perpetuates a certain trait, savvy users now call them another word, evolving the phrase while remaining mostly true to its original rules.

TikTokers even played into this expanded trend on Hubbards’ video.

“He explained the birthday, he the birth certificate,” shared one commenter, comparing his explanation of the context to the identification document.

Another stated, “video long, you the birthday month.”

“This is layered, you the birthday cake,” joked another.

Like many trends, Black TikTok is already aware of the larger world catching onto “you the birthday,” signaling that party may end early in favor of the next viral phrase.

RELATED CONTENT: Lizzo Wants To ‘Bring Back Gatekeeping’ To Stop White People ‘Talking Like Black People’

• News

by Mary Spiller

April 12, 2026

Black Colorado Ranch-Owning Couple Says Easter Shooting Marks Alarming Escalation In Ongoing Dispute

The Black-owned farm operators say years of alleged harassment have escalated.

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A Black Colorado couple says a recent shooting on their property has intensified long-standing fears for their safety, marking what they describe as a dangerous escalation in a years-long conflict surrounding their Black-owned ranch.

Courtney “CW” and Nicole Mallery, owners of Freedom Acres Ranch, reported that the incident happened Easter weekend.

“Shots were fired at our ranch. We are alive, but something inside us has been shaken in a way that cannot be put back easily,” the couple wrote in a statement shared on social media.

The Mallerys say the shooting is part of a broader pattern of hostility they have experienced since settling in rural Colorado. In interviews, they described repeated acts of intimidation, including alleged surveillance, property damage, and online harassment.

“We are no longer speaking about harassment. We are no longer speaking about intimidation. We are speaking about survival,” they said.

The family relocated to Colorado after being displaced by Hurricane Harvey, hoping to rebuild their lives through farming and community-based food production. Instead, they say they have encountered ongoing tensions with neighbors and a series of troubling incidents, including the unexplained deaths of livestock and confrontations involving firearms, as reported by BET.

At one point, the couple faced criminal charges, including felony stalking and theft-related allegations. Those charges were later dismissed by prosecutors, according to reports. The Mallerys maintain that the legal actions were part of a broader effort to force them off their land.

The couple has also criticized the response of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, claiming authorities failed to adequately address their repeated complaints over several years. Law enforcement officials have denied wrongdoing, and no arrests have been made in connection with the Easter weekend shooting.

Seeking intervention, the Mallerys are calling on state leaders to investigate their situation.

Supporters argue the case reflects broader challenges faced by Black farmers in the United States, including historical discrimination and barriers to land ownership. For the Mallerys, the issue is immediate and personal.

“All we want to do is farm and feed our community,” they said. “How much terror must a family endure before it is taken seriously?”

As the investigation continues, the couple says they remain committed to their land.

RELATED CONTENT: Siege On The Soil: Black Farmers Forced To Legislate Their Survival Against ‘Old Guard’ Harassment In Colorado

• Beauty

by Mary Spiller

April 12, 2026

The Doux Secures Investment To Fuel Growth As Natural Hair Brand Expands Nationwide

Founders Maya and Brian Smith are continuing to build on their multimillion-dollar success with a new partnership aimed at scaling distribution.

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Natural haircare company The Doux is entering a new phase of growth after securing a minority investment from VMG Partners, a move designed to strengthen its position in the competitive beauty market.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Maya Smith and Brian Smith, the brand has evolved from a single overseas salon into a multimillion-dollar business with products now sold across major retailers in the United States and abroad.

Maya Smith, a licensed cosmetologist, launched the venture while living in Germany.

“I opened a salon because at the time, there weren’t really any hair spaces overseas that really focused on curly hair,” Maya told AfroTech. What began as a local solution soon expanded into product development, with formulations starting in 2010 and a formal launch following in 2012.

After returning to the U.S., the company’s retail presence grew rapidly. Its products, including styling foams and curl enhancers, eventually landed on shelves at major chains such as Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Sally Beauty, while reachin markets in the United Kingdom.

The company reported $38 million in revenue and $7.3 million in earnings in 2025.. “It snowballed from there. We’ve grown exponentially, and the businesses stayed profitable,” she said, according to AfroTech.

Smith acknowledged that expanding within large retail environments comes with logistical challenges.

“When you get into mass, you have your distribution, you have materials, and inventory,” she explained, noting that sustaining growth requires careful planning and resources. The new investment is expected to help address those demands and support further expansion.

For the founders, maintaining control over the brand’s identity was a key factor in selecting VMG Partners. “They let us be founders. They let us be us. They don’t touch our brand,” she said.

The partnership reflects a broader trend of increased investor interest in culturally driven beauty brands, particularly those serving underserved markets. With additional capital and infrastructure, The Doux aims to broaden its reach while staying rooted in the community that inspired its creation.

“It was important to us that we’ve always moved really smartly when it comes to what’s next for The Doux,” she said.

RELATED CONTENT: The Doux Honors International Women’s Day With ‘Our Kind Of Women’ Photo Exhibit In Atlanta

• Technology

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 12, 2026

NSA Warns Americans To Reboot Internet Routers Over Cybersecurity Attacks

Internet users should do weekly reboots of their devices and routers.

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The National Security Agency is warning Americans to reboot their internet routers amid cybersecurity threats.

The NSA has informed U.S. internet users of potential attacks targeting home networks to steal civilians’ personal data. To protect this sensitive information, the NSA is urging Americans to take certain preventative measures.

“Don’t be a victim,” warned the NSA in a new statement. “Malicious cyber actors may leverage your home network to gain access to personal, private, and confidential information.”

Forbes emphasized how U.S. households could fall victim to hackers, particularly the APT28, also known as Fancy Bear. The group is reportedly working for Russia’s military to round up this data.

The stolen information is then utilized by the nation’s GRU intelligence agency for nefarious means, prompting the NSA to support the FBI’s public call against the Russian cyber actors.

NSA supports @FBI PSA on Russian GRU cyber actors exploiting routers. Take action today to stay secure.

To learn more and for best practices, read NSA’s press release.https://t.co/JMgFuSLL3U#Cybersecurity #NSA #NetworkDefense #RouterSecurity

— NSA/CSS (@NSAGov) April 8, 2026

The NSA wants internet users to update their technology, specifically getting rid of older routers in exchange for ones with more modern security measures.

Older networks and internet practices may open the door for security risks. Given this, the NSA has urged Americans to incorporate safety updates into their tech routines. This includes “changing default usernames and passwords, disabling remote management interfaces from the Internet, updating to latest firmware versions, and upgrading end-of-support devices.”

How often internet users should do this, however, is more constant than one may think. The NSA declared that router reboots, or turning devices on and off again, should occur on a weekly basis “at a minimum.”

The FCC also released a ban on Wi-Fi routers manufactured in foreign countries, citing them as more susceptible to certain breaches. Although this ban is primarily on newer models, most Americans use these popular brands to keep the internet flowing through their homes.

In a list compiled by Ookla, heavily-used brands like NETGEAR, TP-Link, Google Nest, and Eero also rank among the top 10 vendors used by U.S. internet users. As it stands, no U.S.-made Wi-Fi routers are available to mitigate the issue.

RELATED CONTENT: 4 Essential Mobile Security Steps to Safeguard Your Money

• BE Global

by Mary Spiller

April 12, 2026

BAFTA Finds No Bias In N-Word Incident During Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo Presentation, Cites Process Failures

Am independent report cited "structural weaknesses" as the cause of the onstage incident.

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An independent review into a controversial moment at the 2026 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Film Awards has concluded that internal shortcomings contributed to an attendee yelling the N-word at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.

The findings, released more than a month after the ceremony, point to “a number of structural weaknesses in BAFTA’s planning, escalation procedures, and crisis coordination arrangements,” while emphasizing there was no indication of “malicious intent” or “institutional racism.”

The controversy stemmed from an on-stage disruption during the Feb. 22 broadcast, when Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson involuntarily yelled out “N***er” while the actors were presenting. The moment quickly eclipsed the event itself, prompting criticism from viewers and attendees alike.

Much of the public reaction also targeted the BBC, which aired a delayed version of the ceremony but failed to remove the offensive language. BAFTA, however, faced scrutiny for how it responded in real time. Host Alan Cumming asked for audience understanding regarding Tourette syndrome, a move some critics said overlooked the immediate emotional impact on Black attendees and viewers, as reported by Variety.

“The review is clear that while this was not a failure of intent, BAFTA’s planning and processes have not kept pace with its diversity and inclusion goals,” BAFTA’s board said in a statement. It added that the organization “did not adequately anticipate or fully prepare for the impact of such an incident in a live event environment.”

The organization said it “apologizes unreservedly” to Black audiences “for whom the racist language used carries real pain, brutality, and trauma,” as well as to individuals with Tourette syndrome who may have faced “unfair judgement, stigma, and distress.”

BAFTA outlined steps including enhancing communication protocols, refining escalation systems, and adopting a more comprehensive approach to accessibility and inclusion. These efforts aim to better anticipate risks and ensure all participants’ experiences are considered during live broadcasts.

The review, conducted by RISE Associates, described the situation as a “complex intersection of disability, live broadcast risk, and the use of language with a profound and painful historical context.” While it did not find deliberate wrongdoing, it stressed that early warning signs were not properly addressed and that a lack of clear leadership hindered the organization’s ability to respond effectively.

The BBC conducted a separate internal review, later acknowledging that its broadcast contained a “clear breach” of editorial standards, though it maintained the mistake was unintentional. Officials said confusion arose when editors believed they had already removed the offensive moment.

Ultimately, the BAFTA report concluded that the issue reflected outdated systems rather than systemic bias. It noted “the available evidence does not support” institutional racism. Instead, the findings suggest that operational gaps failed to keep pace with the demands of modern, inclusive live programming.

BAFTA leadership said the goal is to prevent similar incidents and rebuild trust among audiences, participants, and the broader creative community.

RELATED CONTENT: Delroy Lindo Addresses BAFTA Racial Slur Controversy At NAACP Image Awards

• Politics

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 12, 2026

Florida Enacts SAVE Act, Requiring Driver’s Licenses To Include Citizenship Status

The state's version of the SAVE Act could prompt discrimination toward immigrations.

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The Florida SAVE Act is now official state law after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill this month.

DeSantis legalized Florida’s take on voter eligibility April 1. The new law is an iteration of the Trump-supported federal bill, which Congress remains deadlocked amid the government shutdown.

For the upcoming midterm elections, Floridians will see new provisions for voter registration and ID requirements. According to WINK News, new licenses will include one’s citizenship status, appearing on all new and renewed forms of the identification starting next January.

Before the bill’s signing, Florida voters could use various forms of identification to cast their ballot. This included student IDs and other IDs that showed one’s picture. Now, poll workers must verify citizenship through documents brought in by voters or a database check.

This documentation includes a birth certificate or passport to prove one’s U.S. citizenship, as well as Social Security and proof of residence. For immigrant Florida voters, the requirements are even stricter, with this demographic needing a judge’s order as well.

If records do not confirm a voter’s citizenship status, the voter may cast only a provisional ballot. However, for one’s vote to officially count in elections, they must still provide the required documents to verify eligibility later.

Voting rights groups have spoken out against the Florida SAVE Act, citing concerns about voter disenfranchisement. Many demographics, particularly older citizens and people of color, lack the documents needed to confirm citizenship.

Systemic, racial, and financial barriers have prevented many from obtaining such legal documents. Local naysayers have also deemed the law an “invasion of privacy,” which could result in discrimination against immigrants.

“First and foremost, it’s an invasion of privacy,” said Thomas Kennedy, a policy analyst with the Florida Immigrant Coalition. “Think about the day-to-day instances where you use an ID, whether you go to a restaurant or a bar or the movies or any sort of administrative dealing.”

Despite the backlash, Florida has opted to move forward with citizenship-verified voter regulations within its state lines. Although DeSantis remains confident in the new verification procedure, the FIC and ACLU have filed complaints against the legislation.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Vows To Make Voter ID A Requirement Before Midterm Elections

• Celebrity News

by Mary Spiller

April 12, 2026

Usher, Chris Brown Go Cinematic For R&B Tour Announcement

A co-headlining stadium run was teased with a dramatic video as fans await dates and new music releases.

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R&B stars Usher and Chris Brown are joining forces for a major co-headlining stadium tour, marking a high-profile collaboration between two of the genre’s most recognizable names. The artists revealed plans for the “R&B Tour,” also referred to as “Raymond & Brown,” on April 10, accompanied by a cinematic promotional video shared across social media.

The announcement was captioned, “ITS TIME! #R&BTOUR #Raymond&Brown,” signaling what appears to be a large-scale live event expected later this year.

The teaser clip presents a stylized sequence in which the two performers ride motorcycles through city streets before arriving at a venue. In the video, they enter an elevator that transports them to a packed stadium, building anticipation for the upcoming shows. At one point, Usher declares, “It’s time,” with Brown responding, “Hell yeah,” as the scene transitions to a roaring crowd.

Though official tour dates and locations have not yet been released, the announcement has already generated excitement among fans and industry figures. Producer Hitmaka reacted online, writing, “Watching yall do ‘Party’ gone be insane. Our first number 1,” referencing one of the duo’s past collaborations.

The two artists have a history of working together, previously teaming up on songs like “New Flame,” “Party,” and a remix of “Back to Sleep,” all of which performed strongly on the charts. Their reunion on stage is expected to highlight these past hits while potentially introducing new material.

The tour news comes as Brown prepares to release his upcoming studio album, Brown, scheduled to drop on May 8. He recently released a new single titled “Obvious,” following an earlier track, “It Depends,” which featured Bryson Tiller. Usher later appeared on a remix of that song, further fueling speculation about continued collaborations between the two.

Brown is also coming off a highly successful touring run. His “Breezy Bowl XX” tour reportedly generated nearly $300 million in revenue. It sold close to two million tickets across dozens of shows in North America and Europe, underscoring his strong draw as a live performer.

While additional details about the “R&B Tour” remain under wraps, the pairing of Usher and Brown signals a major moment for contemporary R&B, with fans now awaiting a full schedule and ticket information.

RELATED CONTENT: Usher Talks ‘Good Good’ Investment Practices Since Selling Minority Stake In Cleveland Cavaliers

• BE Global

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 12, 2026

New Swedish Exhibit Will Reclaim Of Legacy 18th Century Black Diarist Through His Own Words

The famed Black Swede will have his own works displayed in the landmark exhibition.

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An underresearched historic Black diarist will get his own shine in a new Swedish exhibit.

The National Museum in Stockholm will explore the life of Adolf Ludvig Gustav Fredrik Albrecht Couschi, also historically known as Badin, particularly through the writings he left behind. The exhibit, titled “Badin – Beyond Surface and Mask,” will not only examine his controversial remembrance in Swedish history, but also his own perception of his livelihood.

Badin arrived at the Swedish Royal Court in 1760. According to The Guardian, he appeared before the royals as a “gift” to Queen Louisa Ulrika. He was granted the name Badin, a French word for “joke” or “prankster,” as he rose through the ranks of civil society.

Before entering Sweden, historians believe Badin began his life as an enslaved person. He “belonged” to various noblemen across Europe before landing in the country.

Badin documented his life through diary entries and an autobiography about his experiences in Swedish society. As he became more immersed in the country’s noble circles, he held new titles including chamberlain, court secretary, ballet master, and civil servant.

While historians slighted his memory, Badin will receive what many feel is an overdue spotlight at the museum. Although not an unknown figure in Swedish history, famous works offered a surface-level, if not outright racist, depiction of the famed Black Swede.

However, a fellow Black Swede wants to change the narrative surrounding the diarist. Artist Salad Hilowle has paid homage to his muse through a new commissioned film, which will accompany Badin’s own works throughout the exhibit.

“I’m always talking about how he [Badin] was an image, and he was the other, and now the other is also an artist. Time has changed in Sweden. It’s a super strong moment,” explained Hilowle.

The film, “Maroonen” or “The Marooned,” speaks on Badin’s experience as a Black man whose life is summed up in others’ words.

Hilowle added, “The image of him is everywhere, but no one seems to hear or read his own voice.”

Badin lived in Sweden at a time when only 20 Black people officially existed in the country. However, his experience as a notable figure in the Royal court makes his legacy unique, yet the exact details were previously unknown.

“He has an in-between position in the court,” shared the exhibition’s curator, Åsa Bharathi Larsson. “He is free, but he isn’t part of the royal family. We don’t know anything about his real family, but he has a status and a different relationship with the royal family than perhaps other court servants had.”

Badin’s name may also hint at how he navigated life as a Black man during this era. The Queen ensured his education, but he could have adopted a comedic persona to evade perception as a threat.

With Badin’s life and death shaped by others, the film and exhibit will spark a new interest in the authentic life of the famed Black Swede. Now, the Black diarist’s words will speak on his own behalf for the first time in history.

RELATED CONTENT: This Ghanaian Canadian Artist And Lego Sculptor Ekow Nimako Builds ‘Unequivocally Black’

• Entrepreneurship

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 12, 2026

Black Business District In Little Rock Aims To Reclaim Former Glory

The Little Rock district uses shipping containers as it host its shops through Juneteenth.

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A Black business district in Little Rock, Arkansas, has plans to re-establish an almost-forgotten legacy.

The district, located along West Ninth Street in the city, opened with over 20 Black-owned shops. However, the strip of vendors doesn’t reside in typical brick-and-mortar stores.

According to the Arkansas Times, these shops are positioned in transformed shipping containers. The reimagined district held a grand opening on April 8, with visitors passing by each unique storefront to patronize the new businesses.

City leaders, including Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr., gathered at the district to celebrate the launch. While a modern take on the traditional shopping plaza, the business district is a callback to a Black entrepreneurial haven once found in the area generations ago.

The project, titled “Beyond the Divide: Reconnecting W. Ninth Street to the Hearts of Little Rock,” wants to reclaim the area’s storied history. Like many historic Black hubs, the initial district fell victim to urban renewal policies that destroyed it in the early 1960s. Now, Little Rock officials hope to revive the corridor’s origins, highlighting the area’s historic pride.

“Under the guise of urban renewal, this area was redlined,” explained Scott at the launch event. “And then the federal government cemented those red lines through I-630, and it cut off economic activity that was created by the Black residents of this great city. And so that’s the reason why you see that not so much has happened. We are very grateful that in that time we’ve been able to bring some things back.”

Today, guests can browse handmade goods, sample food, and connect with the district’s diverse merchants. Patrons will be able to enjoy the grounds through Juneteenth, allowing more to enjoy this unique piece of revived history.

As for its unorthodox grounds, the district received national support for the venture. Hugg & Hall Mobile Storage provided the shipping containers themselves, allowing vendors to bypass lengthy and costly store constructions. Alongside a $45,000 grant by Smart Growth America, which helps rebuild areas through community-focused design, the area was brought back to life.

“We hope that this project will help people to pause, to take a look at the space differently and to understand that West Ninth Street is more than what is visible today,” explained Key Fletcher, director of the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a group co-hosting a local “Juneteenth in da Rock” celebration with Beyond The Divide. “We hope that what is happening today can be carried forward to future generations, because this community has never disappeared. It has endured. It has adapted, and it has held on to its identity, even with so much around it changing.”

Community members have embraced the project, expressing their own excitement to join this legacy development. While currently a short-term venture, Beyond The Divide’s mission to sustain Little Rock’s Black entrepreneurial sector will continue.

 “I hope, and I feel like we’re doing our homage to the Black entrepreneurs who were here before us,” shared one vendor, Krystal Cornelius. “You can’t stop Black people, you can’t stop us. So here we are back, and I’m hoping that we’re doing it proud.”

RELATED CONTENT: East Harlem 125th Street BID Set To Revitalize Businesses