by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 18, 2025

Ne-Yo To Make Broadway Debut In Alicia Key’s ‘Hell’s Kitchen,’ The Musical

Ne-Yo will become the next R&B singer to take on the role of Davis.

Ne-Yo is taking his music skills to musicals as he makes his Broadway debut in Hell’s Kitchen.

The award-winning singer-songwriter will take the stage at Shubert Theatre starting Dec. 4. The R&B crooner will join the talented cast in the Tony Award-winning for Best Musical, which features the lyrics from fellow music legend, Alicia Keys.

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Hell’s Kitchen explores the diverse New York City neighborhood and its culture through the eyes of Ali, a 17-year-old girl inspired by Keys. In this latest run, Ne-Yo will take on the role of Davis, Ali’s father.

Speaking on this latest venture, Ne-Yo called his role a chance to explore storytelling outside of his traditional artistic medium.

“I’ve performed on a lot of stages in my life, but making my Broadway debut in HELL’S KITCHEN is something truly special,” NE-YO said in a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Alicia created a world that’s real, raw, and full of soul, and stepping into the role of ‘Davis’ lets me explore a whole new side of storytelling. I’m honored to join this incredible cast and creative team, and I can’t wait to bring everything I’ve got to the Shubert Theatre.”

While a novice to Broadway, Ne-Yo has taken on live theatrical performances before. In the 2015 NBC televised special of The Wiz, the “Sexy Love” singer played the iconic Scarecrow to delight viewers across the country.

Now, he also takes stage acting to the highest level in the Theater district. Of his casting, Keys emphasized Ne-Yo’s “special talent” that will bring a “magic” energy to the production.

“I’m so excited that NE-YO is making his Broadway debut and joining the HELL’S KITCHEN family at the iconic Shubert Theatre,” said Keys. “His special talent is going to bring even more magic to this powerful show! Our story is about finding community, finding your place, and we are excited to welcome him into the role of ‘Davis’! This is going to unforgettable!”

However, Ne-Yo is not the first celebrated singer to join the star-studded cast. Ahead of his debut, Yolanda Adams will join the musical as Miss Liza Jane, with Tank also playing the “dream come true” role of Davis.

Ne-Yo has forged a very successful music career, penning top-charting hits for himself and other greats such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and more. Expanding genres from pop to traditional R&B, the three-time Grammy-winner also launches his Broadway career ahead of the 20-year anniversary of his acclaimed debut album, In My Own Words.

He joins a Hell’s Kitchen cast led by Amanda Reid, Jessica Vosk, and Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis until Jan. 25. Tickets for the limited-edition run are available now.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 18, 2025

Chicago Mayor Redirects City Funds To Food Banks And Community Orgs Amid SNAP Cuts

Chicago Mayor redirects city funds amid looming changes to the SNAP program.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is springing into action following the more than month-long halt on SNAP benefits during the government shutdown and impending changes to the government-run program.

On Nov. 15, Johnson signed an executive order redirecting city funds to food banks and organizations fighting food insecurity to boost funding for food assistance programs, Block Club Chicago reports. The swift action follows a surge in demand following disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the 43-day federal government shutdown.

“I am proud to sign an emergency executive order that will mobilize a citywide response that protects food access, supports small businesses, and strengthens the longstanding community base networks that serve our residents,” Johnson said.

While SNAP benefits have been restored since the shutdown officially ended on Nov. 12, the Trump administration has already announced new changes and stricter eligibility rules set to take effect in December.

In addition to increasing support for food pantries, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations fighting food insecurity, the executive order will also aid independent retailers and restaurants. According to the Mayor’s office, these businesses are facing a “one-two punch” of reduced SNAP spending plus customer losses driven by immigration enforcement fears, and growing demand for free or donated goods.

“We cannot accept Chicagoans going hungry as a result of the Trump administration’s war on poor and working people,” Johnson said in a press release. “This executive order mobilizes City departments and allows us to partner with philanthropic partners to get food into the neighborhoods where it is needed most.”

About two million Illinoisans rely on SNAP to help cover groceries and other essentials, such as baby formula. With the shutdown ending last week, states nationwide are rushing to resume SNAP distributions. Illinois has been issuing partial payments since Nov. 7 without federal support. Full federal benefits will be paid this month, and Illinois recipients are expected to receive their complete November allotments by Nov. 20, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services.

New SNAP rules taking effect Dec. 1 under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill will tighten eligibility and leave many without food assistance.

Adults ages 18–65 must now work at least 80 hours a month or be enrolled in school or job training to qualify—expanding previous work requirements that applied only to those 18–54 without dependents under 18.

Exemptions have also been narrowed to only those caring for children under 14, eliminating prior exceptions for unhoused individuals, veterans, and others. Overall, cuts to the program are projected to total $186 billion.

New Jersey, Anchor tax relief program, 2024, 1500, stimulus, payments, checks

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 18, 2025

Treasury Secretary Gives Reality Check On $2K Rebate Promised By Trump

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said "We will see" on if the checks come into fruition.

The U.S. Treasury Secretary has given a different answer about the reality of $2K rebate checks than Donald Trump.

The supposed rebate checks would help subsidize the cost of tariffs enacted during his second presidency. Despite Trump’s proclamation that every American earning under a certain income level will receive the checks, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent shared some insight on what needs to happen for citizens to cash in.

According to CNN, Bessent appeared on the Nov. 16 episode of Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” to provide a clearer timeline for if and when the rebates would arrive. If approved, they would go to ‘working families” with an income limit, but he did not specify the exact criteria.

“We will see. We need legislation for that,” explained Bessent. “Those could go out.”

While asserting that the check’s implementations are not solely in Trump’s hands, Bessent also blamed another branch of government if Americans do not receive the tariff rebates. He noted the role the Supreme Court plays in getting the checks out there.

Currently, the Supreme Court sits at odds with Trump over his implementation of tariffs, which they could strike down if they decide against Trump’s use of emergency law.

“I don’t think this ruling is going to go against us, but if it does, what’s (the Supreme Court’s) plan for refunds? Because how is this going to get to consumers? Are they just going to hand some of these importers big windfalls?” added Bessent.

While many doubt the checks will come into fruition, Trump officials remain positively vague about their rollout. The president posted on Truth Social, sharing his perspective on the success of tariffs and how the substantial rebates will be granted to most citizens. Funding for the rebates would reportedly come from the collected tariffs.

“People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS! We are now the Richest, Most Respected Country In the World, With Almost No Inflation, and A Record Stock Market Price. 401k’s are Highest EVER… A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high-income people!) will be paid to everyone,” wrote the president.

While Trump remains unabashedly sure about the checks, his team remains cautiously optimistic about whether the necessary parties will approve their allocation. In the meantime, the continuation of trade agreements with testy partners like China makes current items, like technology, also in flux price-wise.

However, given the upcoming holiday season, the Trump administration appears eager to use this win to validate the president’s pricey tax and inflation moves.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 18, 2025

Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Public Service Program Expands on Creating A Career Pipeline To DC Government

University leadership welcomed the initiative as an extension of their missions

Written by Sean Mitchell

Facing a wave of retirements and persistent vacancies across city agencies, Washington, D.C., launched a first-of-its-kind apprenticeship pipeline in 2024 that placed graduating seniors from the District’s two HBCUs into year-long, paid positions across municipal departments—to convert many of those apprentices into full-time public servants.

The initiative, announced by Mayor Muriel Bowser, paired Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) with the Department of Employment Services (DOES) and participating city agencies to recruit 25 apprentices. At the program’s end in its first year in June, 24 out of the 25 apprentices had completed it.

“We want the best and the brightest, the people who are passionate about our community, to work at D.C. Government,” Mayor Bowser said at the announcement.

“This program will keep talent in D.C. and bring young leaders into D.C. Government,” she added.

The program, called the HBCU Public Service Program, is designed around a cohort model. Apprentices become full-time employees at host agencies, supported by structured professional development, mentorship, and university-based coursework. DOES’s official Request for Applications (RFA) outlines the framework: paid placements, benefits, networking opportunities, and post-program advancement prospects.

The first cohort included 25 graduating seniors from Howard University and UDC who had been placed in key District agencies, including the Department of Employment Services (DOES), the Department of Behavioral Health, DC Water, and the Office of the Attorney General.

The strategy responds to a long-standing challenge. According to city officials and workforce analysts, the District faces what they call a “silver tsunami” of retirements paired with inequities in employment pipelines.

“Our workforce … has gotten older, and we haven’t necessarily built that pipeline,” said Kenneth Walker, Deputy Director of Federal Workforce Programs at DOES. He added that unpaid internship models were insufficient; paid apprenticeships offered the commitment and stability needed to generate impact.

University leadership welcomed the initiative as an extension of their missions. UDC President Maurice D. Edington described it as “a perfect fit” for the university’s workforce development pathways.

Former Howard University President Ben Vinson III called the program “visionary,” saying it aligned with Howard’s emphasis on leadership, truth, and service, and recognized that many students come to campus already oriented toward public service.

With promising early benchmarks, DOES reported a 96% completion rate of the first cohort and early internal promotions for participants. Questions remain about scale and long-term retention. The RFA stipulates that apprentices must maintain D.C. residency and that converted positions emerge from existing or newly budgeted roles. Many observers say success should also be measured by how many apprentices transition into lasting careers, and the quality of support provided during and after their term.

In its second year, the program is expanding its criteria for both applicants and learning institutions by opening it to all students and institutions, not just HBCUs.

“Based on the success of Cohort One, we were able to expand our footprint to where this opportunity is available to any college student that is looking to work within the district,” Walker said. “It was very important for our directors to make sure those opportunities existed across all colleges and universities. So, that was the vision — same program, same model … we just broadened our applicant pool.”

For students and the D.C. government alike, the program is a strategic investment. The cohort helps agencies fill hard-to-staff roles—from technology and social services to operations—while also fostering more equitable employment pathways. If the pilot’s results hold, the model could be scaled or replicated in other jurisdictions grappling with similar talent-pipeline and equity challenges.

Jay-Z, old west, black folks, book of Clarence, new testament, film, produce, movie, Reebok, super bowl

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 18, 2025

Roc Nation Distribution Launches Platform To Amplify Independent Artists

Not everybody is happy with the conditions.

Roc Nation Distribution has launched a state-of-the-art dashboard designed to help independent artists expand their global reach.

Announced on Nov. 17, the new platform will serve as a centralized hub where independent artists can access resources and tools to strengthen their fanbases, according to a press release. Through a personalized dashboard, artists can access advanced streaming analytics, real-time audience and social media insights, and distribute their music to more than 200 platforms.

The dashboard is free to use. Artists keep ownership of their masters and retain 85% of their earnings, as the platform’s proprietary technology is built to give Roc Nation Distribution artists greater control, insight, and opportunity.

“The introduction of this new dashboard will be a game-changer for independent artists releasing music with Roc Nation Distribution,” said Roc Nation Distribution President Krystian Santini. “It’s a one-stop shop that will enable artists to receive a holistic understanding of their followers, so they can build impactful strategies and broaden their music’s reach without financial barriers. This dashboard is democratizing access to tools and information historically reserved for the very few established label superstars. Our technology is uniquely ours and sets a new standard with no equivalent in today’s music industry.”

Additional features include streamlined royalty payments, publishing administration, rights management, and motion artwork uploads for DSPs. Beyond advanced social metrics, the dashboard streamlines payments and revenue splits, offering automatic deposits to bank accounts or PayPal, and built-in tools for seamless royalty sharing with collaborators. Artists can also store contributor information and save progress on uploads and metadata, making it easier to build releases on tight timelines.

The platform is receiving mixed reviews online from some who criticize the 15% royalty split.

“An 85/15 split to press “upload” is madness,” popular indie artist Russ wrote on X. “Major labels take 15% distro off the top too so it seems like they just modeled the business off of that. If you’re an artist, this makes no sense to sign up for imo.”

an 85/15 split to press “upload” is madness

major labels take 15% distro off the top too so it seems like they just modeled the business off of that

if you’re an artist, this makes no sense to sign up for imo https://t.co/Tr600Gy9Zy
— RUSS (@russdiemon) November 17, 2025

“People who think this is a good deal don’t know anything about distribution,” another X user wrote. “There are services that charge a relatively small yearly fee, and in return, you keep 100% of your royalties. 15% is absolute madness, especially if your songs become successful. Don’t fall for this BS.”

Many artists see value in choosing Roc Nation to distribute their independent music over companies with less star power. The platform is already used by Grammy winners like Rapsody, Grammy nominees like Clipse, and standout artists such as Flau’jae, The LOX, SAINt JHN, Westside Gunn, and Bootsy Collins.

After NFL Debut, Shedeur Sanders Discovers Someone Broke Into His Home

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 18, 2025

After NFL Debut, Shedeur Sanders Discovers Someone Broke Into His Home

No information was released regarding what may have been stolen, if anything.

NFL rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders finally made his debut for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Nov. 16, but that joy was short-lived. First, his team lost the game. Then, he discovered that someone had broken into his home.

According to Cleveland.com, Sanders’ house was broken into, but no information was provided on whether anything was taken. There are no reported suspects.

The Medina County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a crime had taken place in Granger Township, where Sanders lives.

Sadly, there has been a rash of break-ins at the homes of NFL players on game days. Recently, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan have been victims.

Sanders woes began long before the break-in. After being projected as a top-three NFL Draft pick, he slipped to the fifth round and was selected as 155th overall. As a backup to another rookie, Dillon Gabriel, Sanders entered the game at the start of the second half after Gabriel suffered a concussion.

The former University of Colorado at Boulder star finished 4 of 16 for 47 yards and one interception in the Browns’ 23 to 16 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

If Gabriel is kept out of the Browns’ next game against the Las Vegas Raiders due to concussion protocol, Sanders is the most likely starter.

Sanders knows he did not play up to his potential.

“I don’t think I played good,” he said, according to ESPN. “I don’t think I played good at all. I think there’s a lot of things we need to look at during the week and go and just get comfortable with even throwing routes with [wide receiver] Jerry [Jeudy] and throwing routes with all those guys. I think that was my first ball to him all year. But other than that, I just think overall, we just got to go next week and understand, so that we have a week to prepare stuff I like to do.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 18, 2025

Baltimore Police Officer Indicted For Chasing Down, Hitting Black Man With Police Vehicle

Robert Parks was arrested after a video showed him allegedly hitting a Black man with his vehicle. He has been indicted and faces multiple charges that can land him in prison for up to 65 years

Robert Parks, a Baltimore police officer who was arrested after a viral video allegedly showed him hitting a Black man with his vehicle, has been indicted and faces charges of attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first and second degrees, reckless driving, and misconduct in office.

According to People, Parks, who was initially suspended with pay after the video surfaced online, has now been suspended without pay after being charged with various crimes. The incident occurred last month and was captured on a mobile phone. Officials have also stated that they reviewed several surveillance videos in the area, which reveal further details about the alleged criminal activity.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates revealed the charges at a press conference, saying he found some of those videos “disturbing” and that the viral video doesn’t show everything that happened.

“The charges brought forward in this indictment reflect the seriousness and dangerous nature of the actions we all witnessed in the viral video of Officer Parks driving his vehicle directly at the civilian while on duty,” Bates said.

Parks surrendered on Nov. 12 and was released the next day on his own recognizance, the media outlet was told.

The incident occurred on Oct. 28, when the officer rolled up on several individuals standing in front of a liquor store. He allegedly approached them and advised them to move. One of the men walked away, and after Parks re-entered his vehicle, he drove next to the man and called out to him to come over. Parks then got out of the police car and allegedly said, “Don’t make it worse. I’m going to be straight up with you. I’m going to be straight up with you. You gotta come,” according to the indictment.

The man said no. Parks says to him, “All right, I’m gonna call the dogs and come get you.”

The video shows Parks getting back into the car, and as the man walks away, he is seen accelerating his vehicle toward the individual. After realizing the car is heading toward him, the man runs away from Parks. You can see Parks driving after the man, driving on the sidewalk, and then chasing him across the street. The person filming the scene tries to catch up to the vehicle, but it comes back around and crashes into the front yard of a house.

Parks is then seen using his radio, seemingly calling for backup.

WARNING: Adult language

@1grandssxnn
Smh watch this Shxt #FUCKBALTIMOREPOLICE swear they for us
♬ original sound – 1grandsxnn_

If Parks is found guilty of all charges, he faces a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.

fire, Tesla, Elon Musk, group, attack, France

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 18, 2025

Tesla Wins Ruling Stunting Racial Bias Class Action Lawsuit Prompted By Black Workers

A class action lawsuit claiming racial bias at a Tesla assembly plant will not move forward as planned.

A California judge had ruled in favor of Tesla, stunting the progression of a class action lawsuit over racial bias against Black workers.

The ruling would prohibit 6,000 Black Tesla workers at one of the electric car company’s flagship plants from moving forward with a class-action lawsuit. According to Reuters, California Superior Court Judge Peter Borkon made the shocking decision Nov. 14.

Initially filed in 2017, the lawsuit claimed that Black workers at the Tesla plant were enduring long bouts of racism and harassment. The legal documents claimed that workers faced slurs as well as saw nooses hung up around the assembly lines.

Borkin based his decision on the fact that many of the workers selected to testify in the 2026 trial were unwilling to take the stand. The 200 workers were chosen at random, but too many opted out of the crucial component to make the lawsuit have legs. The judge then said he could not trust the experiences of a significantly reduced pool of workers, leading him to strike the class action.

However, the plaintiff’s lawyers argued that the opt-outs were not motivated by ill intent. Instead, the attorney, Lawrence Organ, asserted that these workers cannot afford to miss work to participate in what could become a lengthy trial. While the prosecution currently lies at a standstill, Organ emphasized that these workers remain committed to seeking justice.

“Either together with other victims, or separately, these courageous Black workers will overcome Tesla’s endless delays and continue fighting to hold the company accountable,” he explained.

As it stands, these workers will have to seek legal action individually, which could prevent the car company from being held accountable on a grander scale. However, this is not Tesla’s first bout with a racial discrimination claim either. Although a trial for this lawsuit seems unlikely at this time, a trial prompted by a California state civil rights agency will proceed.

The Elon Musk-led tech company must also face additional racial discrimination claims, including another prompted by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. As for this latest ruling, Tesla declined to comment, reiterating its stance against workplace harassment and adding that employees who perpetuated it were fired. Just like last year, the company settled with one Black worker at the same plant for the apparent discrimination.

Nicki Minaj, Trump, gold card,citizenship

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 18, 2025

Nicki Minaj Working With Trump Administration Against Alleged Christian Persecution In Nigeria

Nicki Minaj confirmed the arrangement on X.

Nicki Minaj will address the United Nations Nov. 18 in collaboration with the Trump administration on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

A Time reporter broke the news on Nov. 16 in an X post, which Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz confirmed with a retweet. He described Minaj as “not only arguably the greatest female recording artist, but also a principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.”

He added, “I’m grateful she’s leveraging her massive platform to spotlight the atrocities against Christians in Nigeria, and I look forward to standing with her as we discuss the steps the president and his administration are taking to end the persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters.”

The “Anaconda” rapper followed up in a separate tweet confirming her participation in the effort and expressing her gratitude to take part in an “opportunity of this magnitude.”

“The Barbz & I will never stand down in the face of injustice. We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose,” she added, referencing her loyal fanbase.

Minaj’s work with the Trump administration comes days after she responded to one of Trump’s Truth Social posts, where he condemned the Nigerian government for failing to prevent the alleged plight of Nigerian Christians.

“Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude,” Minaj wrote on X. “We live in a country where we can freely worship God … Thank you to the president & his team for taking this seriously. God bless every persecuted Christian.”

Minaj’s latest social media moves are the latest to raise debate over her potential support for the Trump administration and the MAGA movement. Although she has not confirmed her political affiliations, the rapper is facing online criticism for her perceived alignment with the president.

RELATED CONTENT: Nicki Minaj is Officially a Comic Book Character

Shaquille O’Neal, shaq, Georgia, Sheriff's Office

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 18, 2025

Shaq Surprises Atlanta Boys And Girls Club Gala With $20K Gifts To ‘Youth Of The Year’ Winners

Shaq gave $10,000 each to the two winners.

Shaquille O’Neal gave $20,000 to two accomplished teens in Metro Atlanta.

The NBA legend personally attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s Youth of the Year Gala to offer the gift. The Nov. 7 event, which honored two exemplary members of the Metro Atlanta chapter, is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

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A post shared by Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro ATL (@bgcma)

The Youth of the Year program celebrates outstanding teenagers who are a part of the Boys and Girls Club community. The honor recognizes their exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and community service, with public speaking and career readiness skills strengthened through the months-long initiative.

Shaq spoke at the gala and shared the impact the Boys and Girls Clubs had on him.

“This organization changed my life, just like it’s changing the lives of every young person who walks through the blue doors in Atlanta today,” O’Neal said, according to a press release. “When I was growing up, the Ccub was my safe place. It was a place that made room for my big dreams and connected me with people who believed in me, like Ms. Banks.”

He also emphasized how leadership starts today, regardless of one’s age, status, or title. He encouraged attendees to set an example for others.

A surprise guest at the event, Shaq announced the five finalists for the award. Atlanta news anchor Monica Pearson hosted the gala. The theme: “The Power Of Now.”

Along with Shaq’s gifts, the two winners received scholarships. The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA), supported by public figures and local leaders alike, utilizes this initiative to provide local youth with the opportunity to aim higher.