Ryan Coogler, sinners — (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

by Jameelah Mullen

April 9, 2026

A Seat At The Table: Ryan Coogler Joins Filmmaker Leadership Council, Aiming To Shape The Future Of Cinema

The filmmaker won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Sinners in March 2026.

Oscar-winner Ryan Coogler is taking his expertise to the next level by joining the Filmmaker Leadership Council, Cinema United’s newly formed coalition designed to champion the future of movies.

The council aims to increase interest in cinema attendance amid competition from streaming services. The council will work directly with Cinema United to provide feedback and recommendations on industry hurdles, including theatrical release windows, marketing, promotion, and technology.

Jerry Bruckheimer, a veteran film producer, chairs the Filmmaker Leadership Council. Other team members include veteran filmmakers Brad Bird, Jason Reitman, and Celine Song. Producer Emma Thomas, who will serve as vice chair of the committee, emphasized the importance of the council’s mission.

“There is a profound cultural value in gathering together with a group of strangers and connecting while experiencing something special on the big screen,” Thomas said in a statement. “That shared moment —the laughter, the tears, the collective intake of breath — is irreplaceable, Thomas told Variety.

In 2016, after the success of his film, Creed, which grossed about $173 million at the box office, Coogler was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the voting body behind the Oscars. Receiving an invitation to join the Academy is a highly coveted milestone for many directors. But Coogler famously declined the invitation, saying he doesn’t like the competitive nature of awards.

“It’s not out of animosity,” Coogler told The New York Times. “And I’m not good at judging things, bro. The act of ‘Hey, pick the best thing’ is very stressful for me, even when there’s no stakes involved,” the Oakland native told the outlet in a December 2025 interview.

Coogler’s decision to join the Cinema United council appears to align with his broader ethos, which prioritizes collaboration over critique.

Coogler emerged on the scene in 2013 with Fruitvale Station, based on the true story of Oscar Grant III, a 22-year-old unarmed Black man who was fatally shot by BART transit police at Oakland’s Fruitvale subway station. In 2018, he released Black Panther, a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film. The record-breaking film grossed $292 million in North America in its first week of release. His most recent project, Sinners, received 16 Academy Award nominations, making it the most nominated film in history.

Gerber, Black Boy Joy — Photo by JGI/Jamie Grill via Getty Images

by Kandiss Edwards

April 9, 2026

Bless Him! 5-Year-Old Spends 200 Days On Transplant List Before Finally Receiving A Heart

Khu'meri Williams turned six on April 5.

Five-year-old Khu’meri Williams, who spent more than 200 days in the hospital walls battling a severe cardiac condition, has finally received a heart transplant.

His journey reached al turning point when his family learned that a matching heart had been located, ending a period of medical uncertainty that began during the previous summer.

In April, the surgical team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta performed the transplant operation. On Day 202, Khu’meri got a new heart. On Day 212, he was discharged from the hospital.

His departure was celebrated by hospital employees and Khumeri’s ringing of the ceremonial bell, signaling an end to his ordeal.

“Khumeri’s purpose during his time at Children’s wasn’t just to receive a new heart, but to spread joy to everyone around him,” his mom, Sara Gibson, told Atlanta News First.

An Atlanta 6 y/o boy, Khu’meri Williams, spent 212 days in the hospital battling severe heart failure before receiving a life-saving heart transplant.

He has now returned home to continue his recovery with lifelong medications and lifestyle adjustments. pic.twitter.com/FHKPF5TAZu
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) April 7, 2026

Returning to a normal routine has been a joyous occasion. Though the now 6-year-old will have a lifelong medication regimen, he is able to participate in everyday activities. Khu’meri expressed his gratitude to the medical team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

“Thank you for taking such good care of me,” he said.

While the transplant represents a major victory, Khu’meri will require ongoing medical supervision to monitor the new organ’s health. Pediatric transplant recipients not only follow a strict regimen of medication but also require multiple follow-up appointments to prevent complications.

As of 2025, Black or African American individuals represent approximately 27% of all candidates on the national organ transplant waiting list, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Black people only account for 23% of total organ transplant recipients in 2024.

Statistics specifically regarding heart transplants show that Black patients make up nearly 29% of those waiting for a match.

Larry Hoover, gov. Pritzker — photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Hoover

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2026

Larry Hoover, Gangster Disciple Founder, Seeks Prison Release, Former Mob Prosecutor Co-Signs: ‘He’s Grown Up’

"Larry Hoover poses no risk of danger to the community," John Gleeson says.

Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover is getting support from a former New York mob prosecutor as he petitions an Illinois parole board for his release.

John Gleeson, the former prosecutor of mob boss John Gotti, addressed the Illinois Prisoner Review Board on April 7, in support of Larry Hoover’s clemency request to Gov. JB Pritzker, saying the 75-year-old has matured over his five decades in prison and shown genuine remorse for his crimes.

“Larry Hoover poses no risk of danger to the community,” Gleeson said, as cited by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Gleeson’s support carries some serious weight. Beyond prosecuting major mob figures, he also served as a federal judge and on the U.S. Sentencing Commission before joining Hoover’s legal team. He was joined by Hoover’s wife, Winndye, and other supporters before a three-member panel at a prisoner review board hearing in downtown Chicago.

“He’s not a monster,” Winndye told the board. “His family loves him.”

The group has grown more hopeful about his release after years of denials, especially following a federal clemency granted last year from President Donald Trump for a drug conspiracy conviction. Hoover was subsequently moved from a Colorado supermax facility to another prison to continue serving his state murder sentence, though his current location has not been disclosed due to security concerns.

Prosecutors opposing Hoover’s release were also present, including Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Enrique Abraham, who argued that granting clemency would downplay the severity of Hoover’s crimes and pose a risk to public safety. Abraham pointed to Hoover’s role in ordering the 1973 killing of William “Pooky” Young as evidence of his willingness to protect his criminal enterprise at all costs, adding that even at an older age, Hoover could still pose a threat through actions carried out by others.

“William Young never got a second chance,” Abraham said.

The board will review the testimony and send a confidential clemency recommendation to Pritzker who will make the final decision. The panel typically takes about two months to issue its recommendation.

REV. AL SHARPTON — (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 9, 2026

Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Flock To New York To Woo Black Voters At Al Sharpton’s NAN Convention

Democratic strategist Joel Payne referred to Black voters as “the core” to party engagement as the NAN event “starts to give you a sense of what this field is going to look like.”

Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) Convention in New York City is drawing potential 2028 Democratic contenders looking to engage Black voters, The Hill reported.

Scheduled to attend the April 8-11 convention include former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. While none have formally announced 2028 campaigns or openly said they were running, the NAN convention is a great way to put issues in front of Black voters, who have historically shaped the outcome of Democratic races.

Democratic strategist Joel Payne said the NAN convention “starts to give you a sense of what this field is going to look like.”

“Black voters are a core—if not the core—group of constituents in the Democratic coalition, and this is the first time these candidates are going to be sized up,” Payne said. “It’s a chance to reset narratives and set what your public profile might be.”

Shapiro spoke to the crowd, warning that “everyone is less safe” under President Donald Trump’s leadership, blaming him for a new surge of antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and bigotry.

“There’s more chaos, there’s more cruelty in our world,” Shapiro said, according to WRIC. “Even if we disagree on health care policy or tax policy or whatever, we should at least, at a baseline, have an honorable president of the United States. We do not have that right now.”

Shapiro touched on his electability and his commitment to Black priorities on stage, describing Pennsylvania as “the ultimate swing state” that defends DEI programs and insists that law enforcement be held accountable when they do something wrong.

However, all eyes are still on Harris, the former vice president, to take over the Oval Office in 2028. “She is the pace car,” Payne said. “She is where the story starts.”

It is still unclear whether she will run again, offering voters only a slight insight into her thoughts. During a conversation with podcaster and author Sharon McMahon, Harris said, “I haven’t decided” and “I might.”

Sharpton thinks Harris should give it another try.

“I wouldn’t ignore the fact that she’s absolutely a potent force in the Black community,” the civil rights leader said.

But there is the younger voter demographic to be concerned with. Democratic strategist Basil Smikle, who also served as the executive director of the New York State Democratic Party, feels that will be the true test.

“Harris is best known and likely most favored by the audience, but some voters, particularly younger ones, wonder if she should run again despite how well she campaigned last summer,” Smikle said.

Other speakers on the agenda include Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, California Rep. Ro Khanna, and Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego.

But Ashley Sharpton, Rev. Sharpton’s youngest daughter, believes Harris can bring the energy, just like she did in her 107-day campaign. “That’s why people come,” she said. “They want to get some of that energy, that consistency, that base.”

Anti-ICE protest, Georgia, — Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-group-of-students-inside-the-classroom-6209799/

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2026

From Debate To Copy and Paste: How AI Drains Flavor From College Discussions

From elementary school through college, more students are turning to large language models to think for them, raising concerns about declining cognitive skills and academic performance.

With AI in full throttle, Ivy League students are noticing that ChatGPT is seeping into seminars, turning what used to be discussions riddled with individuality into flat, predictable discourse.

Amanda, a Yale student, recently highlighted the shift, telling CNN about an awkward classroom moment when she noticed “someone typing ferociously on their laptop, asking [AI] the same question my professor had just posed about the reading.”

“Everyone now kind of sounds the same,” she said. “I feel like during my freshman year in college, I would sit in seminars where everyone had something different to contribute. Although people would piggyback off each other, they approached from different angles and offered different commentary.”

From elementary school through college, more students are turning to large language models to do their thinking for them, raising concerns about declining cognitive skills and academic performance. By early 2026, an estimated 54%–60% of U.S. students were using generative AI for schoolwork, a jump of more than 15 percentage points in just one to two years.

While the tools can boost efficiency, experts warn they encourage “cognitive offloading,” weakening critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, concerns shared by about 70% of teachers. Jessica, a Yale senior, described how AI is now the go-to source at the start of nearly every class.

“At the beginning of class, you could see every single person putting every single PDF [into AI],” she said.

Some reports suggest up to 86% of students and 80% of undergraduates are using AI for schoolwork. While it can boost grades with quick, polished results, it may come at the cost of deeper learning, potentially leading to weaker performance over time without the tool.

Meanwhile, educators are expressing growing worry about the trend, with about 88% of faculty having raised concerns about declining critical thinking. Even among students, 60% say they worry about AI’s impact on their own learning.

Beyoncé, CÉCRED, Beyonce, Beauty SpaceNK, United Kingdom — (Photo: Julian Dakdouk/Parkwood Media/WireImage via Parkwood )

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 9, 2026

Beyoncé Brings The Stars Out To The Cécred Hair Show In Celebration Of New Styling Collection

Beyoncé herself appeared at the all-white affair to celebrate the Cécred styling collection.

Beyoncé hosted a star-studded event for her Cécred haircare brand, drawing a crowd of high-profile guests.

The singer made a special appearance at her haircare brand’s event, alongside her mother, Tina Knowles, and eldest daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. The hair show was in honor of the launch of Cécred’s new styling collection.

As the new collection features holding gels, hairsprays, mousses, and more to keep a perfect look intact, the event featured live demonstrations of the new styling collection for attendees. According to USA Today, while it is unknown when the elusive singer held the event, photos of the event emerged on social media on April 8.

At the all-white affair, Beyoncé matched the theme, wearing an off-white blazer-and-skirt set with a cream silk blouse. She not only spoke on stage with her mother and child, but also connected with some special guests to snap pictures.

The event featured dancers, live demonstrations, and hairstylists showcasing the six-piece collection in real time.

Fellow Houstonian Monaleo showed off her link-up with Queen Bey. The rapper threw up some fun hand signs with the brand owner, including the Texas “hook ’em” signal.

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A post shared by MONALEO 🪷 (@themonaleo)

Chloe Bailey, who is signed to Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment, also attended the event, according to social media posts. As for other star attendees, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles graced the event, all about women-empowered haircare.

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A post shared by Chlöe (@chloebailey)

The haircare brand is the latest wave of products claiming to be backed by science, and is also co-owned by the elder Knowles. The collection, with products ranging from $18 to $38, was officially released on March 19. The “Cowboy Carter” Tour-approved assortment follows previous collections, including Cécred’s foundation and protection lines.

The brand reflects Beyoncé’s background as the daughter of a hairstylist and focuses on haircare across a range of textures. Now, the singer and her mother have created a new community through Cécred that champions hair health, diversity, and products that nurture one’s tresses.

Dawn Staley,Gamecocks Players,Israel , Airstrikes — Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2026

Coach Geno Finally Gives Coach Dawn Staley The Apology She Deserved

UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma has finally issued a formal apology to South Carolina coach Dawn Staley.

It took a few days, but UConn Huskies coach Geno Auriemma has issued a formal apology to South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, acknowledging his behavior after his team’s Final Four loss in the NCAA tournament.

On April 7, Auriemma issued his second statement in four days, acknowledging he “lost” himself after an outburst directed at Staley in the final seconds of the highly anticipated national semifinal, ESPN reports.

“This morning, Dawn Staley and I spoke about our interaction after the game last Friday,” Auriemma’s statement read. “I apologized to Dawn, her staff, and her team. I’ve lost more games in the Final Four than any coach in history. But Friday, I lost something more important. I lost myself.

He continued. “Those who know me know I have nothing but respect and admiration for the game and the coaches who coach it. Dawn and her team deserved to win, and they deserved better from me. Women’s basketball deserved better. My university, my athletes, my former players, and our fans deserved better.

Auriemma closed his apology by confirming that he and Staley have made amends and are moving forward.

“Dawn and I have agreed to move on, and we hope the focus will shift back to the growth in women’s basketball. The game deserves it.”

Staley also echoed their reconciliation in a statement released earlier that day, saying she has a “great deal of respect” for Auriemma and that “one moment doesn’t define a career or diminish his impact on the game.” She urged everyone to “turn the page” on the incident and focus on continuing to elevate women’s basketball.

The statement follows a viral moment on April 3, when tensions flared just before the final buzzer of South Carolina’s 62–48 win over previously undefeated UConn. Auriemma approached Dawn Staley for a handshake but appeared to confront her angrily, prompting a heated exchange before officials and staff stepped in.

The next day, Auriemma, college basketball’s winningest coach and a 12-time national champion, issued an apology to South Carolina’s team and staff but did not mention Staley by name, drawing backlash. With his latest apology and Staley’s response, the two appear to have moved past the incident.

Gen-Z, Broke, Work, Retire — (Photo: Uriel Mont/Pexels)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 9, 2026

Gen-Z Workers Navigate Tougher Job Market As AI Replaces Thousands Of Roles Monthly

AI is seemingly pushing Gen-Z workers out the job market, as automation replaces entry-level responsibilities.

Gen Z workers are being replaced by AI by the thousands, according to new data.

Detailed in Fortune, Goldman Sachs published new research on the impact of AI on the workforce, and the news may trouble those in their early careers. The report shows that AI is steadily replacing 16,000 roles each month. This influx has taken away opportunities in an already struggling market.

Economists at Goldman examined occupations in which AI can heavily substitute primary responsibilities. They developed a new framework to determine which roles are most affected by AI substitution and augmentation since the launch of ChatGPT.

While its widespread use has led to other job curations, often helping employees streamline certain work duties, AI’s implementation has also eliminated entry-level roles. Specifically, these numbers are even higher overall, averaging 25,000 jobs per month over the past year.

However, Goldman economists also determined that 9,000 new roles were created through augmentation, which led to the smaller estimate. AI-driven infrastructure will require more personnel for data centers and construction, as well as labor-intensive roles to expand into new markets. Despite this, the roles AI takes away greatly outweigh the new ones offered, creating unemployment gaps.

The findings concluded that unemployment rates differed widely between entry-level and upper-level workers in these fields. AI implementation also widened the wage gap for these employees across professions.

The Fortune article noted that a 1-standard-deviation increase in AI substitution translated into an average 3.3 percentage-point increase in these wage gaps. This leaves Gen-Z workers at a particular disadvantage as advanced tech establishes itself across various professions.

Students are already taking note of market shifts, even basing their degree choices on AI. Covered on BLACK ENTERPRISE, more co-eds are choosing degrees that are less likely to rely on automation for duties, securing their place in the future workforce through “AI-resilient” sectors such as nursing or early childhood education.

Despite the drawbacks, Fortune noted that Gen-Z still has some leverage in the evolving workforce. The generation is most familiar with advanced technology. This technological literacy will help them gain a leg up over older employees who may lack some technological savviness.

While AI has a polarizing impact on the future of job growth, it remains important for Gen Z workers to strengthen their skills with the tech. As various industries continue to fast-track integration, further knowledge could very well benefit early professionals’ futures.

Obamas, Higher Ground, Disney, Netflix — (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 9, 2026

Obama Presidential Center Drops Ticket Sale Dates And Preps For Summer Opening

General sale for tickets to the Obama Presidential Center will begin May 6.

The Obama Presidential Center Museum looks forward to its inaugural summer as it announces ticket sale dates.

The highly anticipated Center is getting ready for its June 19 opening in Chicago’s Southside Jackson Park. As the Windy City prepares for its latest attraction, the Obama Foundation shared more on how to step inside the museum.

NBC Chicago confirmed that tickets for the cultural landmark will officially go on sale May 6, offering visitors near and far a chance to witness the years-in-the-making development. However, certain members of the Obama Foundation can secure their timed slots even earlier.

Founding members of the foundation will have access to ticket purchases starting April 21. Purchases come with timed entry and grant ticket holders access to all four levels of the museum.

The Obama Center expects to make waves across the country, welcoming all to witness the legacy of the first Black president and first lady. With immersive exhibits and other features, such as a basketball court, library, recording studio, and visitor garden, diverse attendees can find something to enjoy as the Center opens this June.

“The Obama Presidential Center Museum shares the remarkable story of President Obama and Michelle Obama and those who inspired their journey. Dynamic exhibits across four floors explore the promise of democracy and the work of the Obama presidency,” detailed the Obama Foundation on its website.

As for how much a trip to the Obama Presidential Center will cost, it depends on where one lives. Illinois residents 12 years of age and older will get a reduced fare of $26, compared to the standard cost of $30.

For younger visitors, children’s prices will range from $15 to $23, with kids under two able to enter for free. Locals who prefer not to spend the cash can also take advantage of the state’s Free Days Programs, occurring every Tuesday during select hours starting June 23.

First responders, educators, and military personnel can also expect tickets at the box office. Fans of the Obamas and cultural enthusiasts are encouraged to stay alert for when tickets are live for purchase.

MacKenzie Scott — (Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)

by Janee Bolden

April 9, 2026

MacKenzie Scott’s HBCU Giving Tops $1B, Redefining What Transformational Philanthropy Looks Like

MacKenzie Scott celebrated multiple milestones this week, both personal and philanthropic.

On Tuesday, as Scott celebrated her 55^th birthday, news broke that her latest HBCU donation, $42 million gifted to Elizabeth City State University on the North Carolina school’s Founders Day, officially pushed her HBCU giving past the $1 billion mark.

“I want to express our deepest gratitude to MacKenzie Scott for this remarkable act of generosity and for her recognition of the critical role that HBCUs play in expanding opportunity and strengthening communities,” Chancellor S. Keith Hargrove Sr. said in a statement released by the university.

The funds will be used to support ECSU’s ASCEND 2030 strategy by expanding endowed scholarships, strengthening academic programming, and investing in campus infrastructure across academic, residential, and athletic spaces.

“Gifts like this do more than provide resources; they accelerate momentum,” Hargrove said. “This gift allows institutions like Elizabeth City State University to move boldly toward the future while remaining grounded in the mission that has guided us for 135 years.”

The billionaire philanthropist has now directed more than $1 billion in total donations to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), marking one of the most significant sustained investments in Black higher education in recent history.

The milestone reflects years of strategic, high-impact giving. Since 2020, Scott has consistently delivered large, often unrestricted gifts to HBCUs—funding that institutions can deploy at their discretion, rather than navigating the constraints that typically come with major donations.

Traditional philanthropy often arrives with conditions, reporting requirements, or donor-directed priorities. Scott’s approach flips that model, giving institutions both capital and autonomy, allowing leadership to decide where the need is most urgent, whether that’s scholarships, infrastructure, or long-term endowment growth.

Her HBCU giving spans dozens of institutions, with several headline-making contributions:

• $38 million to Alabama State University (2025)

• $42 million to Alcorn State University (2025)

• $50 million to Bowie State University (2025); $25 million (2020)

• $20 million to Claflin University (2020)

• $38 million to Clark Atlanta University; $15 million (2020)

• $20 million to Delaware State University (2020)

• $19 million to Dillard University (2025); $5 million (2020)

• $15 million to Elizabeth City State University (2020)

• $30 million to Hampton University(2020)

• $80 million to Howard University (2025); $40 million (2020)

• $20 million to Lincoln University (2020)

• $20 million to Morehouse College (2020)

• $63 million to Morgan State University (2025); $40 million (2020)

• $50 million to Norfolk State University (2025); $40 million (2020)

• $45 million to North Carolina A&T State University (2020)

• $63 million to Prairie View A&M University (2025); $50 million (2020)

• $38 million to Spelman College (2025); $20 million (2020)

• $6 million to Tougaloo (2020)

• $20 million to Tuskegee University (2020)

• $38 million to University of Maryland Eastern Shore (2025)

• $19 million to Voorhees University (2025)

• $50 million to Winston-Salem State University (2025)

• $20 million to Xavier University of Louisiana (2020)

Many of these gifts rank among the largest single donations in each institution’s history.

The results have been substantial.

Institutions that have received Scott’s funding have reported increases in enrollment, improved student retention, and expanded program offerings—evidence that flexible capital can translate into real, measurable outcomes.

But beyond the numbers, Scott’s approach is also shifting expectations around what large-scale giving can look like.

In 2019, MacKenzie Scott received a 4% stake in Amazon following her divorce from Jeff Bezos and committed to giving away at least half of her $28.4 billion fortune through the Giving Pledge. Since signing the pledge, she has distributed billions across education, racial equity, and community-focused organizations. Her continued focus on HBCUs signals a long-term investment in institutions that have historically done more with less.

In a higher education landscape increasingly shaped by political pressure, funding gaps, and rising costs, such unrestricted support is rare.

It is also, for many institutions, transformative.

As HBCUs continue to navigate both opportunity and challenge, Scott’s billion-dollar milestone underscores a broader shift in how impact is measured.