Forbes Names Top Immigrant Changemakers, Black And Brown Leaders Take Center Stage
The ranking was released as part of the media company's commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026.
Among those recognized on the new Forbes list are several prominent Black entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and artists whose work spans industries from artificial intelligence and finance to entertainment and publishing.
Forbes unveiled its inaugural “Forbes 250: America’s Most Successful Living Immigrants” list, recognizing foreign-born leaders whose contributions have helped shape U.S. business, technology, culture, and philanthropy.
The ranking, released as part of the media company’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, spotlights immigrants who have generated significant economic and cultural impact after building their careers in the United States. Forbes editors evaluated candidates based on factors such as influence, wealth creation, leadership, and societal contributions.
Cameroonian-born NBA star Joel Embiid, who became a U.S. citizen in 2022, was included for his achievements on and off the court.
Other honorees include Nigerian-born author and speaker Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
According to Forbes, nearly 50 million foreign-born residents live in the United States, accounting for roughly 15% of the nation’s population. The publication said immigrants have founded or co-founded many of the country’s largest companies and continue to play a significant role in driving innovation and economic growth.
“Since its inception, America has been a place where people come to turn ambition into opportunity and possibility into reality,” Forbes Chief Content Officer Randall Lane said in a statement announcing the ranking.
Ice Cube’s Big3 Basketball League To Go Public In Historic $290M Deal
This transition to public ownership is significant for the African American community.
The Big3 basketball league plans to become the first publicly traded professional sports league in U.S. history through a $290 million business combination agreement.
The 3-on-3 league, co-founded by O’Shea Jackson Sr. (Ice Cube) and Jeff Kwatinetz, announced on June 12 that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Graf Global Corp., a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).
After closing, the combined entity will be renamed Big3 Basketball Holdings, Inc. Management expects to list the company on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE American, or Nasdaq in the fourth quarter of 2026. The ticker symbol will be TONT, referencing three-on-three.
Key upcoming milestones for the Big3 include securing regulatory approvals for the merger and finalizing the business combination with Graf Global Corp. The league also plans to expand its franchise model by announcing and selling more city-based teams before the public listing. Effective investor communications and preparation of financial disclosures will be essential before the anticipated public market debut in 2026.
This initiative enables fans to purchase shares of the league, becoming part owners and participating directly in its potential growth, a privilege traditionally reserved for institutional investors or billionaires. Shares are expected to be available to the public through major online brokerage platforms once the company is listed. Interested fans can use new or existing brokerage accounts to buy and sell Big3 stock, following standard procedures for publicly traded companies.
“You can’t participate in the upside of the team besides winning,” Ice Cube said in an interview with Bloomberg. “And we need the fans for the league to be successful, so it’s a match made in heaven.”
While TKO Group Holdings, parent company of UFC and WWE, has been publicly traded since September 2023, major American team sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB remain private. This highlights the Big3’s pioneering approach.
By taking the Big3 public, Ice Cube and Kwatinetz bypass traditional venture capital channels and create direct opportunities for Black investors, fans, and communities to build generational wealth through sports equity. This change challenges ownership models that have historically excluded minority executives from top leadership roles in sports.
“Going public is our next step,” Ice Cube said in a statement. “This lifts us to a bigger stage, accelerates our international potential, and gives our fans a way to grow with us, support us, and participate in our success. According to a Business Wire press release, Mark King will join the BIG3 as Chairman of the Board, while Ice Cube continues as chief executive officer, Sean Bannon remains president, and Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler stays on as commissioner.
James Graf, chief executive officer of Graf Global Corp., emphasized the limited availability of sports equities for typical investors.
“There are few, if any, opportunities for public markets investors to own equity directly in professional sports leagues or teams,” Graf said in a press statement. “We believe such investments may deliver uncorrelated returns over time, especially seeing the appreciation of team values and the growth of sports advertising across media.”
The Big3 is shifting from a touring model to city-based teams. In 2024, it sold its first local franchise in Los Angeles to DCB Sports for $10 million. The league plans to establish more city-based franchises in upcoming seasons, targeting major metropolitan areas such as New York, Chicago, Miami, and Houston. This expansion aims to build local fan bases and support long-term growth by entering markets with strong basketball cultures.
The ninth season begins June 20 in Los Angeles with four games, including Detroit Amps vs. DMV Trilogy and LA Riot vs. Miami 305. The championship game will be held on Aug. 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Small Business Owners Are Replacing Entire Teams With AI
Entrepreneurs are increasingly managing teams of AI agents that handle customer service, finances, and administrative tasks
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the workplace, some small business owners are no longer just using AI tools; rather, they’re managing entire teams of AI agents.
According to a recent report from Entrepreneur, entrepreneurs are deploying autonomous AI agents to perform tasks traditionally handled by employees, including customer service, scheduling, bookkeeping, email management, and research. The shift marks a significant evolution from using AI as a simple assistant to treating it as a digital workforce.
The trend was originally highlighted in a New York Times article that explored the rise of AI systems, including open-source platforms such as OpenClaw, which allow users to create AI agents capable of independently completing multi-step tasks across software programs and websites. These agents can browse the internet, send emails, organize files, and execute workflows with limited human intervention.
According to the NYT, small business owners are now overseeing entire teams of AI agents, with the technology taking on core operations like customer service. Rather than using AI as a tool, founders are managing it as a workforce.
The growing adoption of AI agents comes as advances in generative AI make it easier for entrepreneurs to launch and operate businesses with fewer employees. A recent report from the Nasdaq Economic Institute found that one-person business formations have surged since early 2025, fueled in part by AI-powered automation tools, reports Axios.
Still, experts caution that AI agents require oversight. While the technology can automate repetitive and time-consuming work, business leaders remain responsible for strategic decisions, financial management, and quality control. Security researchers have also warned that powerful autonomous agents can introduce new cybersecurity risks if not properly governed.
AI agents are becoming digital employees that help small businesses scale faster, operate more efficiently, and compete with larger organizations at a fraction of the cost.
Scott Bell, a bankruptcy lawyer, told the NYT that he was initially skeptical of AI tools and used them as assistants rather than decision-makers. Now he uses AI agents to manage client intake, respond to email inquiries, and organize documents. He’s convinced that AI will infiltrate every aspect of corporate work.
“Of course, that’s going to put me out of a job, as well, at some point,” he told the Times. “AI will, probably sooner than later, be able to do what I do, for a lot cheaper than I can, and quicker.”
Atlanta Business League Honors City Leaders At Annual CEO Awards Luncheon
Hosted annually by the Atlanta Business League, the luncheon recognizes executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
The Atlanta Business League honored several of the city’s business and civic leaders during its 47th annual CEO Awards Luncheon on June 2 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, recognizing contributions to economic development, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who received the event’s highest honor, the Herman J. Russell CEO of the Year Award, in 2025, delivered remarks during the ceremony and highlighted the role business leaders play in supporting economic opportunity across the city.
“Atlanta works best when it works for all of us,” Dickens said. “To this year’s honorees, we thank you for creating a space where leadership is uplifted.”
The prestigious award was presented to Brian McGowan, president of Centennial Yards, a major downtown Atlanta redevelopment project. The award recognizes leadership and impact within the region’s business community.
ABL board member Attorney Rodney Strong told BLACK ENTERPRISE that McGowan was a “good pick,” particularly for his work transforming the blight near the downtown Castleberry area.
Among the other honorees, The Gathering Spot co-founders TK Petersen and Ryan Wilson received the Visions of Excellence Award. Lisa Borders, former president of the Atlanta City Council and former president of the WNBA, received the Distinguished Service Award. Eddy Benoit, CEO of The Benoit Group, was named Entrepreneur of the Year.
The Atlanta Business League recognizes executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders whose work has influenced Atlanta’s economic landscape. The organization, founded in 1933, advocates for the growth and advancement of minority-owned businesses throughout the region and is the first and largest trade organization for Black businesses in the world. The Atlanta Business League was established as an affiliate of the National Business League, which was founded by Dr. Booker T. Washington in 1900, according to the organization’s website.
The Atlanta Business League said its annual CEO Awards program remains one of the organization’s signature events, highlighting leadership achievements while supporting its broader mission of advancing economic inclusion and business development.
Young multiethnic people with different sexual orientation and body types celebrating pride and protesting for equal rights for lgbt members - Milan|Lombardy
These are among the biggest Pride events happening this year that brings people together.
Pride celebrations are taking place across the country throughout 2026, but a handful of premier events stand out for their size, cultural significance, entertainment lineups, and community impact. Whether you’re looking for massive parades, street festivals, or destination-worthy celebrations, these are among the biggest Pride events happening this year that bring people together.
One of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, NYC Pride remains the gold standard for Pride events. The 2026 festivities culminate on June 28 with the annual Pride March and PrideFest, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ street festival. The celebration traces its roots to the Stonewall uprising and regularly attracts millions of spectators and participants.
2. Capital Pride — Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital hosts one of the country’s most influential Pride celebrations, featuring a June parade, festival, concerts, and community events throughout Pride Month. Capital Pride draws visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic and is known for blending celebration with advocacy and political visibility.
Chicago’s Pride Parade is among the largest in the world, attracting more than 1 million spectators annually. The citywide celebration on June 28 includes Pride Fest, concerts, neighborhood events, and a parade route that winds through several of Chicago’s most vibrant LGBTQ+ communities.
4. San Francisco Pride — San Francisco, California
As one of the birthplaces of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, San Francisco Pride remains a major cultural event. The June 27 & 28 celebration combines activism, entertainment, community programming, and one of the nation’s most recognizable Pride parades.
5. LA Pride & WeHo Pride — Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles hosts multiple Pride celebrations, with WeHo Pride serving as a centerpiece. The early June 2026 event featured a major parade and performances from nationally recognized artists, drawing thousands to West Hollywood throughout Pride Weekend.
Held annually in October, Atlanta Pride is among the largest Pride celebrations in the Southeast. The October 10 and 11 event attracts attendees from across the region and serves as a major cultural and economic driver for the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
This Unusual Advice Can Help Entrepreneurs And Corporate Professionals Succeed
Javid Louis Says Don’t Underestimate the Golden Rule. It’s Still Works Today!
“Be nice to the doorman. They are the people who get you in the building.” It’s probably one of the more unique pieces of advice anyone will ever hear in their career, but to Javid Louis, director of Social Media at Ticketmaster, it was an important lesson.
Louis shared this advice with Black Enterprise staff writer Jeroslyn JoVonn three years ago during an interview for the XCEL Summit for Men (then known as the Black Men XCEL Summit) Spotlight series. And as we approach the 10th anniversary of the XCEL Summit, BLACK ENTERPRISE editors believe the advice is still relevant today for young African American entrepreneurs and professionals. For Louis, it aligns with his leadership style to treat others as he would want to be treated.
In the accompanying excerpt from the Spotlight interview, Louis offers additional insight to help you succeed. Hear it directly from Louis in this short clip.
Tennessee Law Requires Proof Of Citizenship And Proficiency In English To Obtain Driver’s License
Republican lawmakers say the law was passed for public safety and to prevent undocumented workers from driving.
A new Tennessee law set to take effect in January is reigniting debate over immigration after Republican lawmakers approved stricter requirements for obtaining a driver’s license and registering a vehicle.
The legislation will require applicants to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency before obtaining a driver’s license or registering a vehicle in the state. The law also introduces new English-language proficiency requirements for driver’s license applicants. Supporters say the measures are designed to improve public safety and strengthen immigration enforcement, while critics argue the law could create unnecessary barriers for legal immigrants and international workers, reports Local 3 News.
Under the new policy, applicants who cannot initially take the written driver’s license exam in English may receive a limited license after completing the test in another language. However, they will be required to return after the first year and pass a written English exam.
Republican Tennessee Rep. Michele Reneau told Local 3 News that the law was designed to improve road safety and ensure that drivers understand roadway instructions written in English. Supporters also argue that the law is a tool to discourage unauthorized immigration and close perceived loopholes in the state’s licensing and vehicle registration systems.
“This is just an important step in tightening the noose around this illegal immigration issue,” said Reneau. “It’s really important for the safety of Tennesseans to be able to make it as difficult as possible, and hopefully that discouragement by not being able to get that license will discourage them from driving.”
Critics, however, warn that the law could have unintended economic consequences. Terry Olsen, a Chattanooga immigration lawyer, said the new law will negatively affect the state’s economic growth by potentially making Tennessee less attractive to international talent and foreign investment.
“I would just like everyone to understand that I think that we’re changing 30 years of growth,” he told the local news channel.
Olsen also argued that traffic signs rely more on color than on language. Furthermore, he says that in a country dependent on vehicles for mobility, prohibiting non-residents from registering cars and denying them licenses based on language could harm the economy by affecting relationships with international companies.
“When you have companies looking where to locate, they look at factors…Trade teams look at schools, education, quality of life movement, and part of that movement and quality of life would be driving, and so when you have a culture in the U.S. that’s about cars, and we don’t have where you can take a train or a bus or can walk somewhere, it really reduces these factors.”
According to research conducted by personal finance company Achieve in January, 78% of Americans said they would be unwilling to date someone carrying short-term debt, including credit card balances, personal loans, and buy-now-pay-later obligations. Nearly half of respondents surveyed (45%) would be unwilling to date someone carrying more than $25,000 in short-term debt. Meanwhile, 28% said even $10,000 or less in debt would be enough to make them reconsider pursuing a relationship. Only 22% said debt would not affect their dating decisions.
Women appeared to be slightly more cautious than men when evaluating a partner’s debt burden, as 80% viewed debt as a relationship dealbreaker compared to 74% of men. Divorced respondents were among the most likely to express concerns about dating someone with significant debt.
The research also found that Americans expect financial transparency early in a relationship. Seventy-two percent of respondents said debt should be discussed within the first six months of dating, while 85% believe partners should be upfront about their financial situation. In addition, 60% said discovering hidden debt could be grounds for ending a relationship.
However, experts note that the amount of debt may be less important than the circumstances behind it. Medical expenses, student loans, and temporary financial setbacks may be viewed differently than credit card debt accumulated through overspending.
The findings signal that financial compatibility is a key component for those in the dating market as inflation and the cost of living continue to rise. Investopedia reported that many Americans see debt as a reflection of financial habits, responsibility, and long-term compatibility.
The Village Market Got 35 Black-Owned Businesses Into The Busiest Airport In The World
Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon talks about the evolution of her business and its new retail outpost, The Village Retail, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
In April, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—the busiest airport in both the country and the world—cut the ribbon on one of its newest shops: The Village Retail by The Village Market.
Offering apparel, accessories, bath and beauty products, and home goods from Atlanta-based Black-owned brands, it was celebrated by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens as an authentic representation of Atlanta’s culture, creators, and entrepreneurs.
But for Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, founder of The Village Market, it was the culmination of five years of vision, hard work, and building community.
“When I lift, when I rise, and you come with me, that is how we shift and transform community. That’s how we disrupt space,” Hallmon says. “And that is how 35 Black businesses are now in literally one of the busiest concourses in the world.”
What was your goal when you created The Village Market?
I wanted people to buy Black and not from a place of protest. I do not believe in the mindset of support Black people because you’re mad at somebody else. I believe that we should choose our people every single day. And it’s not a reaction. It is a lifestyle. It is an active choice. So when I launched The Village Market 10 years ago, it was literally me striving to shift the mindset that in order for our businesses to thrive and grow, we need community to be tethered to us.
It started as pop-ups, and then I began to get the vision of what it would look like to open a retail store in a high-traffic destination in Atlanta that’s open seven days a week. My first location, Ponce City Market, is the second-highest traffic location in Atlanta. When I decided to do the deal with Ponce City Market, I needed them to be very clear on who I was and what my work is: that I create space and access for Black businesses. So I led with that. Now, in this climate that’s probably a little too strong, but six years ago, it was clarity; it was conviction about who I am and why I’m building.
Many entrepreneurs have aspirations of being in retail and likely cannot afford it because it’s intimidating. You don’t have the cash flow, you don’t have the evidence of being open. But guess what? I do, and now we do, and now you do. We’re not going in as a single person. We’re coming in as a company that represents a village six years strong, a seven-figure company.
How did you get into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
Five years ago, I wrote the vision now to be in the world’s busiest airport. I did not know what I was doing. I didn’t even understand what I was writing in my journal with the pen on paper. I had no idea, but I was clear that I was going to do it. Because I am all about ‘Where is the space where the people assemble?’ and ‘How do I put my community on a global stage?’
There is no airport that is busier than Atlanta, seeing over 108 million annual customers/300,000 on a daily basis. We’re located on one of the busiest concourses in America, Concourse B. And we’re in the heart, in the center, prime real estate. Everything I wrote has come to pass.
It was a lot of red tape. It was a lot of hard work. It was a lot of people saying ‘I don’t know.’ But I knew. Because I know that if you can get into the world’s busiest airport, then what’s next? And that is how I need us to believe and dream as entrepreneurs: ‘Is … what is next?’
Your work is all about building community. What do you need from the village for Black businesses to thrive?
I need you to buy Black. I need you to recommend Black. I need you to write reviews for Black businesses. I need you to have strategic partnerships with Black businesses. All that is doing. Doing is action. So my tagline for Village Market was “support is a verb.”
I needed our people to understand the assignment. The assignment is: spend your money where your people are. That is an action; that is a verb. And then I told my design team, I need you to make it cute because people like to wear cute things, and I want people to have a sense of pride and ownership. So every single time they activated that verb, they felt that they were tied to a community. If you can get people to feel that your brand is their brand, you will never have to beg for customers again.
But you must be a good steward with all that trust. That means you have to be the things that you post about. We will create the best businesses. We will have the best customer service. We will create a workplace that is healthy for our staff. We have to treat people well when folks are not looking. You can’t run past everyday people because you see an influencer in the room. The community is the influence.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs who are trying to achieve big goals?
When people tell you no, don’t take it personally. They were not given a vision. They were not given the tools. Many of their nos are simply because of conditioning of what they have not seen. But you have. If you have the vision, it is possible.
