Howard University, Autodesk, College of Engineering and Architecture Makerspace, HBCU
(Photo: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
by Selena Hill

July 29, 2026

New York Gov. Extends SUNY And CUNY Admission To Students Disenrolled From Howard University

Gov. Kathy Hochul is directing New York's public university systems to fast-track admissions.


New York is moving quickly to support students impacted by Howard University’s decision to disenroll more than 500 incoming first-year students just weeks before the start of the fall semester.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced July 27 that she has directed the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) systems to expedite admissions for students affected by Howard’s enrollment decision, ensuring eligible New York residents have another path to begin college this fall.

The move comes after Howard University removed 502 admitted first-year students who failed to meet payment, payment plan, or financial aid reporting deadlines weeks before the Fall 2026 semester begins Aug. 17. Howard has said the action was necessary to plan for housing, financial aid, academic programs, and student support services before classes begin, reports Inside Higher Ed.

“Hundreds of students, including New Yorkers, are scrambling and scared since they’ve been disenrolled from their intended college just a few weeks before classes are set to begin,” Gov. Hochul said in a statement. “New York is home to the nation’s finest systems of public higher education, and we are ready to welcome these talented students with the opportunity they deserve. To every student who is worried that their educational future has been disrupted: New York is ready to support and empower you.”

Under her directive, participating SUNY and CUNY campuses with available capacity will provide expedited admissions reviews. New York residents affected by Howard’s decision will also be eligible for an $800 credit to offset the nonrefundable enrollment deposit they paid to Howard University. State officials said the effort will use existing enrollment capacity so it does not reduce opportunities for other students seeking admission.

“CUNY’s mission is to expand access to higher education for all students, not restrict it based on financial means,” CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said in a statement, according to The New York Amsterdam News. “To these students currently facing uncertainty and left in academic limbo: our doors are open, our admissions are expedited, and your dream of a college degree remains well within reach. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her vision and swift action to help these displaced students find a home in our public university system.”

RELATED CONTENT: Tuskegee University Mandates Campus Business Dress Code For Students

Tennessee State University
(Photo: Wikimedia)
by Sidnee Michelle

July 29, 2026

Tennessee State University Names Jennifer Bell Interim Athletic Director Amid Investigation

Bell will oversee the athletics department while the investigation is underway.

Tennessee State University named longtime athletics administrator Jennifer Bell interim athletic director July 24, after placing Athletic Director Mikki Allen on administrative leave pending an internal investigation into the athletics department’s leadership, HBCU Sports reports.

The Mid-Southern University Promotes A Seasoned Professional

Bell will oversee the athletics department while the investigation is underway. The university said the review was initiated after concerns raised by six head coaches prompted an examination of the department’s leadership, communication, and operations.

A Tennessee State veteran with more than 30 years of experience, Bell currently serves as the executive senior associate athletic director for student-athlete services and as a senior woman administrator. During her tenure, she has led initiatives in compliance, academic support, and student-athlete services while holding several senior leadership positions within the athletics department.

Bell joined Tennessee State Athletics in 1991 as an assistant women’s basketball coach under former head coach and athletics director Teresa Phillips. After spending 11 years on the coaching staff, she transitioned to athletics administration, where she has remained in leadership roles for more than two decades.

Tennessee State said Bell’s decades of institutional experience and familiarity with the athletics program position her to lead the department during the transition while the review continues.

Allen, who has served as Tennessee State’s athletic director since 2020, was placed on administrative leave July 23. The university has not publicly disclosed the specific concerns that prompted the investigation beyond stating that the review stems from issues raised by six head coaches regarding the department’s leadership, communication, and day-to-day operations.

The university has not announced a timeline for completing the investigation or whether Allen will return to the role once the review concludes.

RELATED CONTENT: Aced It! Tennis Phenom Sydney Brantley Signs With Tennessee State University

Angelica Whaley, founder of luxury brand Belle Être
Angelica Whaley, founder of Belle Être
by Alisa Gumbs

July 29, 2026

Angelica Whaley Is Building a Luxury Brand In An Uncertain Economy—Here’s How

The founder of lingerie line Belle Être opens up about what luxury consumers want.

Angelica Whaley might have been destined to start a luxury brand. She has a lifelong appreciation for luxurious fabrics like lace and silk, which started with her mother’s long satin robes, which she would steal to serve as her wardrobe during playtime.

In 2020, she launched Belle Être, which translates to “Beautiful Being,” a lingerie and intimate apparel brand that offers bodysuits, robes, sleepwear, and more. Having survived its first five years, the company is now focused on expanding its product collections, collaborating with fashion creators and influencers, and becoming a recognizable name within the luxury intimate apparel industry.

“Belle Être was created to remind women that confidence begins from within,” Whaley said in a statement. “Luxury isn’t reserved for special occasions—it should be part of how women feel every single day. I wanted to create pieces that make women feel beautiful, empowered, and unapologetically feminine.”

Whaley shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE exclusively what she’s learned as an entrepreneur in the luxury market:

What was it like launching a luxury brand during the pandemic and now growing it in a time of economic uncertainty?

Launching Belle Être during the pandemic was both one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. At a time when the world felt uncertain, people were spending more time at home and redefining what self-care meant to them. I realized that luxury wasn’t just about going out or making a statement—it was about how you felt when you looked in the mirror.

Today, we’re navigating a different kind of uncertainty with the economy, but I’ve found that the core of our brand remains the same. Women are becoming more intentional with their purchases. They aren’t necessarily buying more; they’re buying better. That has reinforced our commitment to creating timeless pieces that women will reach for again and again instead of chasing fast fashion or fleeting trends.

What has that experience taught you about business?

It’s taught me that adaptability is one of the greatest assets an entrepreneur can have. Markets change, consumer habits evolve, and unexpected challenges are inevitable. Rather than resisting change, I’ve learned to listen closely to our customers and let their needs guide our decisions.

It’s also reminded me that strong brands are built on trust, not trends. If you consistently deliver quality, authenticity, and an exceptional customer experience, people remember that. Relationships ultimately outlast marketing campaigns.

How have you been able to communicate to customers that luxury is worth spending on?

For me, luxury has never been about a logo or a price tag. It’s about craftsmanship, confidence, and longevity.

I want our customers to feel that every detail—from the fit and fabrics to the packaging and overall experience—reflects genuine care. When a woman invests in something beautifully made that fits well and makes her feel confident, she’s investing in herself.

We also encourage thoughtful purchasing. Instead of buying multiple pieces that won’t last, invest in a few timeless essentials you’ll love wearing for years. That’s a more meaningful—and often more economical—approach to luxury.

Aside from the quality of the product itself, what would you say consumers expect from a luxury brand?

Today’s luxury consumer expects authenticity above all else. They want to know the story behind the brand, understand its values, and feel a genuine connection with the people creating the products.

They also expect consistency. Every interaction—from browsing a website to opening a package to receiving customer service—should feel intentional and elevated.

Perhaps most importantly, consumers want to feel seen. Luxury is becoming more inclusive, and customers expect brands to create products and experiences that celebrate women of different backgrounds, body types, and stages of life.

What insights can you share about the luxury market for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to be in this space?

My biggest advice is to never confuse luxury with high prices. Luxury is about creating value that people can genuinely feel.

Pay attention to every detail because your customers certainly will. Invest in quality, create a memorable customer experience, and stay consistent with your brand identity. In the luxury space, reputation is one of your greatest assets, and it’s built over time through consistency.

Most importantly, build a brand with purpose. Consumers today are incredibly thoughtful. They want to support founders who have a clear vision, authentic values, and a meaningful reason for creating what they do. If your mission is genuine and your products reflect that mission, you’ll create something that resonates far beyond a single purchase.

RELATED CONTENT: Kroger Announces New Black-Owned Brands Section In Ohio Store

ON THIS DAY: July 29, 2008 Congress Issued Apology For Slavery
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 29, 2026

ON THIS DAY: July 29, 2008 Congress Issued Apology For Slavery

The apology did not establish monetary compensation or financial reparations to the descendants of enslaved individuals.

The United States House of Representatives fundamentally reshaped the nation’s political landscape on July 29, 2008, by formally approving a historic non-binding resolution that acknowledged the profound horrors of chattel slavery and systemic Jim Crow segregation. Introduced by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN)—a white lawmaker serving a majority-Black constituency in Memphis—House Resolution 194 marked the very first instance in American history where a branch of the federal government issued an official apology for the institutional enslavement of African Americans.

What Is House Resolution 194 and How Did It Pass?

House Resolution 194 was officially introduced to address centuries of unacknowledged systemic harm perpetrated against millions of African Americans. Passed via a simple voice vote in the House of Representatives, the historic document explicitly outlined the brutal realities of chattel slavery and the subsequent legal frameworks of segregation that systematically denied Black Americans basic civil liberties, economic independence, and voting rights between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries.

Rep. Steve Cohen crafted the legislation to ensure that the federal government acknowledged its role in permitting state-sanctioned oppression. While individual states like Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina had previously passed similar measures at the local level, House Resolution 194 elevated the historic effort to the federal stage, securing bipartisan approval without requiring a formal roll-call vote.

Why Did House Resolution 194 Omit Financial Reparations?

Despite its unprecedented nature, House Resolution 194 remains a subject of intense political analysis due to its deliberate legal boundaries. As a nonbinding resolution, the measure served exclusively as a symbolic federal acknowledgment rather than a binding statute. It carried no enforceable legal liability for the U.S. government, nor did it establish any framework for monetary compensation or financial reparations to the descendants of enslaved individuals. The language of House Resolution 194 specifically focused on moral accountability, stating that the long-term economic, psychological, and social vestiges of Jim Crow persist today. While community advocates and civil rights leaders emphasized that symbolic gestures must eventually translate into material policy solutions, lawmakers designed the nonbinding resolution to focus on historical reconciliation, preserving a distinction between institutional repentance and legal financial obligations.

How Does House Resolution 194 Impact Contemporary Restorative Justice?

The passage of House Resolution 194 catalyzed subsequent legislative actions across Capitol Hill, including the Senate’s companion measure, Senate Concurrent Resolution 26, passed in June 2009. By embedding an official acknowledgment of historic atrocities into the Congressional Record, House Resolution 194 established an foundational baseline for ongoing debates surrounding H.R. 40—the federal proposal to establish a commission studying reparations and national truth and reconciliation efforts.

Ultimately, House Resolution 194 remains a pivotal milestone in American political history, demonstrating how legislative actions shape national memory, public education, and the ongoing quest for racial justice.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘March On Washington 2026: Defend the Vote’ Planned For Aug. 28

Just for Teens
photo credit: pexels
by Sidnee Michelle

July 29, 2026

‘Just For Teens’ Skincare Brand Expands To Nearly 10,000 Dollar General Stores

The expansion marks another step in the company's retail growth strategy after its products demand increased.

Black-owned skincare company Just for Teens will expand its national retail footprint to nearly 10,000 Dollar General stores by September 2026, giving the Atlanta-based brand broader access to consumers through one of the nation’s largest discount retailers, The Atlanta Voice reports.

Just for Teens partnered with Dollar General, which serves thousands of rural, suburban, and underserved communities — a decision that has helped keep prices low while expanding access during one of the year’s busiest shopping seasons. 

The expansion marks another step in the company’s retail growth strategy after its products increased from approximately 4,000 Dollar General locations in September 2025 to more than 8,000 stores today. Founder Brian Reynolds said the latest rollout will include the company’s scented pimple patches, which are scheduled to arrive in stores in September.

Reynolds said the opportunity stemmed from participating in Dollar General’s small-business supplier program, which helps emerging businesses secure shelf space with the retailer.

“Success is measured by how many customers and families you can serve and positively impact their lives,” Reynolds said. “We wanted a young person in a small town to have the same access to quality skincare as someone shopping at a specialty beauty retailer, and parents shouldn’t have to pay premium prices to help their kids feel confident.” 

Founded in 2020, Just for Teens develops skincare products designed for younger consumers, including facial cleansers, moisturizers, mineral creams, pimple patches, sun patches, and bite patches. Reynolds said the company’s retail presence has accelerated over the past 18 months as it expanded into major chain stores.

Dollar General operates more than 20,000 stores nationwide, including more than 1,130 locations in Georgia — its second-largest market by store count behind Texas, according to the retailer. The company has a market capitalization of about $26 billion, according to CompaniesMarketCap.

For Reynolds, securing shelf space with a national retailer has allowed the brand to reach customers in communities that extend far beyond its Atlanta roots.

“It’s fascinating to go into random stores in small towns and see your products on shelves,” Reynolds said.

He recalled learning that a friend found Just for Teens pimple patches at a Dollar General outside St. Louis, highlighting the brand’s expanding national reach.

“We’re growing really quickly,” Reynolds said.

The September rollout is expected to further increase the company’s visibility as Just for Teens continues to compete for market share in the growing skincare industry while demonstrating how national retail partnerships can help Black-owned consumer brands scale their businesses.

“It’s not just young people who love our products. Parents tell us they appreciate the value, and many use the clear patches too,” Reynolds said. “We designed something that makes skincare fun for kids while offering something practical enough for the whole family.” 

RELATED CONTENT: 8 Beauty Buys For A Polished Look And They’re All Black-Owned  

XCEL Summit for men, Dexter Brown
Courtesy of Dexter Brown
by Kenneth Meeks

July 29, 2026

The Secrets Behind Dell Technologies’ Use of Artificial Intelligence

Vice President Dexter Brown Shares Insight into the Strategy to Make A.I. the Fabric and Backbone of the Corporation

BLACK ENTERPRISE proved that Artificial Intelligence is no longer limited to research labs or specific industries. It’s being incorporated into products, services, and processes in areas ranging from healthcare and finance to transportation and entertainment, transforming how we live, work, and lead. Dell Technologies is also taking away the human touch when it comes to collecting and storing customer information. According to Dexter Brown, vice president of Global Customer Delivery at Dell Technologies, the impact AI has on Dell is impressive. It is a tool to help agents become more efficient and accurate in its data collection. And it isn’t for the agent’s benefit; it’s for the customer.

At the 2025 XCEL Summit for Men, Brown told a conference of young professional men of color that the use of AI technology is the future. And now more than ever, establishing a reputation for understanding the opportunities and risks associated with the rapid development and widespread integration of AI is critical to your career success. And while different AI models are applied to difference departments, Brown shares how AI is used in customer service. As we approach the 10thanniversary of the summit this fall, BE reminds these young professionals that if you are considering a career in AI, then stand out as a top performer and effective leader in the age of AI. Hear it from Dexter Brown himself in this short video clip.

Aliko Dangote Joins The $30 Billion Club, First African To Do So
Investment Corporation of Dubai, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
by Sidnee Michelle

July 28, 2026

Africa’s Richest Man Aliko Dangote Secures Record $2.5B Investment Ahead Of Refinery IPO

The fundraising attracted several institutional investors, including the Africa Finance Corporation and African Export-Import Bank.

Africa’s richest person, Aliko Dangote, has secured a record $2.5 billion private capital investment for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, providing new funding to expand the facility and advance plans for a future initial public offering, Business Africa reports. 

The financing, announced by Dangote Industries, is being described as the largest publicly disclosed private capital raise in Africa. The investment will help increase the refinery’s processing capacity from 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028, further expanding one of the continent’s largest energy infrastructure projects, according to the Financial Times.

The fundraising attracted several institutional investors, including the Africa Finance Corporation and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), reflecting continued investor interest in the refinery as it prepares for a planned listing on the Nigerian Exchange.

In a statement, Dangote Industries said the investment underscores confidence in the company’s long-term vision for expanding fuel production across Africa.

“This capital raise demonstrates global investor confidence in our vision to transform Africa’s energy landscape through world-class infrastructure,” the company said.

Located in the Lekki Free Zone near Lagos, Nigeria, the refinery began production in 2024 after years of delays. Since then, it has steadily increased production of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum products, helping reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel while supplying customers across Africa and international markets, according to the outlet. 

Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers but has historically relied on imported refined petroleum products due to limited domestic refining capacity. Industry observers say the refinery’s continued expansion could strengthen regional fuel supplies while reducing import costs for several African nations.

The latest investment comes ahead of a planned IPO that analysts told the Financial Times could become the largest public offering in African history. The publication reported that the refinery could be valued at approximately $40 billion, although the company has not announced a timeline for the listing.

Dangote, whose business interests include cement, fertilizer, sugar, and energy, has said the refinery is intended to improve Africa’s energy security by increasing domestic refining capacity and reducing the continent’s reliance on imported fuels.

RELATED CONTENT: Aliko Dangote First African to Join $30 Billion Club

layoffs, Byron Allen, Allen Media Group
Byron Allen, chairman and chief executive officer of Allen Media Group, on Oct. 12, 2023. (Photo by Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
by Selena Hill

July 28, 2026

Media Mogul Byron Allen Cuts 35% Of BuzzFeed Staff

The layoffs mark Byron Allen’s first major restructuring since acquiring a controlling stake in BuzzFeed.

Less than two months after taking control of BuzzFeed, media entrepreneur Byron Allen is making one of his biggest moves yet.

BuzzFeed announced it will eliminate approximately 35% of its workforce, impacting about 180 employees and contractors across BuzzFeed, HuffPost, and Tasty. The restructuring represents Allen’s first major operational overhaul since acquiring a controlling stake in the legacy digital media company in a $120 million deal and being appointed as chairman and CEO. BuzzFeed Founder Jonah Peretti has since been named president of BuzzFeed AI, reports Deadline.

Layoffs And Operations Explained

According to the company’s SEC filing, the layoffs are intended to streamline operations, preserve cash, and move the company toward sustained profitability and positive cash flow. BuzzFeed estimates the restructuring will generate between $29 million and $32 million in annualized savings, though it expects to incur $6.5 million to $8.5 million in one-time restructuring costs, Bloomberg Law reports.

In a memo to employees, company leadership acknowledged the painful decision, writing that the cuts are “required to put our business on a path to profitable and sustainable growth.” Executives also noted they had explored multiple cost-saving measures before eliminating positions.

For Allen, the layoffs illustrate the high-stakes reality of reviving media brands in an advertising market that continues to challenge publishers. The billionaire has made it clear that BuzzFeed, HuffPost, and Tasty will serve as key pieces of a broader strategy centered on free, ad-supported streaming, creator-driven programming, and AI-powered media experiences, reports TheWrap.

The move also highlights a broader trend reshaping the media industry, where owners are increasingly prioritizing operational efficiency while investing in technology and new distribution models. Whether the workforce reductions ultimately position BuzzFeed for a successful turnaround remains to be seen. The company is expected to report its next earnings results on Aug. 4, providing investors with an early look at whether Allen’s transformation strategy is gaining traction.

RELATED CONTENT: Byron Allen Reveals Plans For A Hostile Takeover Of STARZ On ‘The Breakfast Club’

South Carolina, school, Black Education
(Photos: GlobalStock/Getty Images)
by Sidnee Michelle

July 28, 2026

Georgia District’s 4-Day School Week Draws Interest From Educators Across The Southeast

The additional day away from the classroom provides benefits for students and teachers

A northwest Georgia school district’s four-day school week is drawing interest from educators across the Southeast after district leaders said the schedule has improved student outcomes, boosted staff morale, and reduced discipline issues, WRDW.com reports.

The Chattooga County School District began the 2026-27 school year on Friday, July 24, with students returning to a Tuesday-through-Friday schedule. The district first adopted the four-day instructional week in 2010 as a cost-saving measure and has largely maintained the model since then.

Superintendent Michelle Helie said the district has experienced stronger academic performance, improved employee morale, and fewer disciplinary incidents under the schedule. Although Chattooga County temporarily returned to a traditional five-day week for two years, district officials ultimately reinstated the four-day calendar after evaluating its results.

Helie said the additional day away from the classroom provides practical benefits for students and families, particularly those balancing medical appointments and work-based learning opportunities.

“For us, having that Monday allows our students time to go to doctors’ appointments,” Helie said to the outlet. “We have students who also work. That’s a part of our work-based learning program that’s at the high school, and it gives them an extra day to get that in.”

The schedule also lengthens each instructional day, giving teachers additional classroom time while providing a three-day weekend for rest and preparation, Helie said.

“You get to recover on the weekends. You get that three-day week, and then the teachers have extra instructional time during the school day because we have a longer day, and so it gives them more time per class period to do things in the classroom,” she said.

As interest in alternative school calendars grows, Chattooga County has become a resource for other districts evaluating similar models. Helie said five or six Georgia school districts have contacted the district during the past two years seeking data on the four-day schedule. School systems in Tennessee and Alabama have also requested information about the implementation and outcomes.

Under the current calendar, high school students attend classes from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, while elementary and middle school students attend from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The district meets state instructional time requirements through longer school days, making Chattooga County one of a growing number of districts being watched as educators consider alternatives to the traditional five-day school week.

RELATED CONTENT: NEW STUDY SUGGESTS A 4-DAY WORKWEEK IS BETTER FOR PRODUCTIVITY THAN TRADITIONAL 5 DAYS IN OFFICE

Arizona State University influencer
AI-generated image via Magnific
by Selena Hill

July 28, 2026

Arizona State University Capitalizes On Content Creation With New Degree Program

The college launched a bachelor's degree program that teaches students how to become influencers

Becoming a content creator isn’t just a side hustle —it’s a business. That’s why Arizona State University is preparing its students to tap into the billion-dollar creator economy.

This fall, the university’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication will launch a Bachelor of Arts in Content Creation, a program designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing creator economy, which is projected to reach $480 billion by 2027, according to Goldman Sachs.

While some folks may frown on the idea of getting a degree to become an influencer, ASU says the curriculum is about much more than chasing viral moments. The program teaches students how to build sustainable brands through video and podcast production, audience analytics, digital storytelling and monetization strategies. Instead of simply learning how to rack up likes, students will graduate with measurable audience growth and a real digital portfolio after spending a semester building a following on the platform of their choice.

“I don’t know any content creator who wouldn’t benefit from having world-class faculty whose sole mission is to help you and support your growth as a creator,” Jessica Pucci, senior associate dean at the Cronkite School, told Arizona’s Family news station.

Students will also learn how to evaluate content performance across platforms and develop data-driven strategies to grow their brands—skills that increasingly overlap with marketing, advertising, and entrepreneurship. Anna Elizabeth, a part-time content creator and full-time medical assistant, said the degree could have shortened the learning curve.

“There’s editing, there’s marketing strategies of it. There’s like, ‘How do I get PR? How do I get brands to notice me?'” she told AZ Family. “It’s a little bit difficult to understand that portion if you haven’t done it for a long time.”

Black creators have long shaped internet culture, yet many still struggle to capture the wealth generated from their influence. A program that teaches intellectual property, brand partnerships, analytics, and monetization could help close that gap by turning cultural capital into generational wealth. As the creator economy continues to grow, the biggest flex may not be going viral—it’s knowing how to build a business that has staying power.

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