by Sharelle B. McNair

April 29, 2026

DOJ Pushes Firing Squad Option As Public Opinion On Death Penalty Shifts

Data from the Death Penalty Information Center lists close to 2,100 prisoners on death row across the country including Dylann Roof, who killed nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina after praying with him.

Following executive actions from President Donald Trump, the Department of Justice is exploring expanded execution methods, including allowing firing squads in federal death row cases, according to a recent memo.

In an April 24 memo, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the DOJ is working to “strengthen” the federal death penalty. The plan includes reinstating lethal injection protocols used during Trump’s first term and exploring additional methods, including firing squads.

“Expanding the protocol to include additional manners of execution, such as the firing squad, and streamlining internal processes to expedite death penalty cases.”

In a statement, Blanche criticized the Biden-Harris administration for allegedly failing “in its duty to protect the American people by refusing to pursue and carry out the ultimate punishment against the most dangerous criminals.”

During his term in office, former President Joe Biden placed a moratorium on several federal executions and reversed some work done to expand the death penalty in other cases, done under Trump’s first term.

Death penalty support and sentencing have declined significantly, with sentences down more than 80% over the past two decades and public support falling to 52% overall, including 47% among millennials and 42% among Gen Z.

There is also a sense from Americans that firing squads are a controversial method of execution involving multiple shooters. During the tour of her book, “Secrets of the Killing State,” Corinna Lain, a George E. Allen chair in Law at the University of Richmond (UR), said that as fans spoke out against the practice.

“One person said to me, as I was on a book tour this fall, ‘Well, that’s what murderers do,’” the author said.

“The firing squad is bloody. It is violent. It is a grotesque thing to see.”

While labeling firing squads as a form of “dehumanization” and as “explicit brutality,” Lain points out that not only is the method highly controversial, but it is also only legal in five states – South Carolina, Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Utah.

Lain also argued that resources could be better spent elsewhere, noting that replacing death sentences with life without parole would significantly reduce costs.

“You would save millions of dollars by just converting those death sentences to life without parole, or just abolishing the death penalty and going for life without parole,” the expert said.

Data from the Death Penalty Information Center lists close to 2,100 prisoners on death row across the country. Some names made headlines for their crimes, including Robert Bowers, known for performing the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history, killing 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, and Dylann Roof, who killed nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, after praying with them.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 29, 2026

Racism-Related Stress May Contribute To High Black Maternal Mortality Rates, Study Finds

New research from the U.K. points to a connection between racism-related stress and the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates among Black women.

New research points to potential links between racism, economic deprivation, and the elevated rates of maternal mortality among Black women.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge analyzed 44 studies on pregnancy health and found that Black women showed higher levels of oxidative stress, inflammation, and uteroplacental vascular resistance—factors linked to poorer outcomes, The Guardian reports. The findings suggest that socioenvironmental stressors, including systemic racism and deprivation, may have measurable biological effects that impact the body’s ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

“Pregnancy and childbirth put great stress on a woman’s body. Black women may experience additional strain due to factors including systemic racism, socioeconomic disadvantage, and environmental stressors,” said Grace Amedor, of the University of Cambridge, the first author of the peer-reviewed study.

Published in Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism, the study highlights how pregnancy-related strain can disrupt key biological processes, raising the risk of conditions like preeclampsia. Despite clear evidence of disparities, researchers say the lack of meaningful action remains deeply concerning.

“I was surprised that although this disparity had been known for a long time, there was little research into the potential underlying physiological reasons,” Amedor said.

Increased uteroplacental vascular resistance—when blood vessels constrict—can limit blood flow to the placenta, while elevated oxidative stress occurs when harmful molecules overwhelm the body’s defenses. Higher inflammation is also linked to poorer pregnancy outcomes.

These conditions are closely tied to risks such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction, all of which can negatively impact the health of both mother and child. In the US, Black women are up to 60% more likely to develop preeclampsia—often in more severe forms—due to systemic racism, chronic stress, existing health disparities, and unequal access to care, rather than genetics alone. Research also shows U.S.-born Black women face higher risks than those born abroad, underscoring the role of environmental factors.

“It’s important that we don’t stop trying to tackle the root causes that lead to worse pregnancy outcomes in Black women, which are the socioeconomic disparities and the systemic racism they can experience throughout their lives,” Amedor said.

In the UK, Black women are 2.7 times more likely to die during childbirth than white women and face higher rates of severe complications and perinatal mental health conditions. Black babies are also twice as likely to be stillborn. Researchers say the findings highlight the urgency of addressing the global Black maternal health crisis.

“It is unacceptable that Black women and babies continue to face significantly higher health risks during pregnancy and childbirth than white women in the UK,” said Dr. Jenny Barber, the vice-president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

“This study explores how important physiological processes may be impacted by systemic racism and socioeconomic disadvantages, which could be a factor in the persistently poorer outcomes impacting Black women. We hope the findings encourages further research in this area.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 29, 2026

Anti-Violence Activist Guilty Of Second-Degree Murder in Shooting to Avenge Son’s Death

Lumumba Sayers Sr. left an anti-gun rally before confronting Malcom Watson at a park in Colorado.

An MMA fighter and anti-violence activist in Aurora, Colorado, was found guilty of second-degree murder earlier this week in a fatal shooting carried out in retaliation for his son’s death.

Lumumba Sayers Sr., 47, was convicted of second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and attempted tampering in connection with the fatal shooting of Malcolm Watson, KDVR reports.

Watson, 28, was killed in August 2024 in front of friends and family while attending his son’s fifth birthday party at a park in Commerce City, about 11 miles from Aurora.

Authorities say Sayers Sr., a well-known anti-violence advocate who worked to prevent youth violence at a gym in Aurora, arrived at the party uninvited, approached Watson, and shot him.

Witnesses believe the attack was an act of retaliation for the killing of his son, Lumumba Sayers Jr. Watson was reportedly a friend of Tyrell Braxton, who killed Sayers Jr. during an August 2023 gunfight that killed another person and injured two more.

Braxton was sentenced in 2025 to more than 16 years in prison for the shooting.

According to the New York Post, Sayers Sr., who had been leading his son’s anti-violence foundation, “Gloves Up Guns Down,” went directly from an anti-gun rally to Watson’s child’s birthday party, where authorities say he shot him at close range.

Witnesses at the party had also been present during the August 2023 shooting that killed Sayers Jr.. In addition, Sayers Sr.’s daughter and the mother of Watson’s children, were both injured .

Sayers Sr., who was acquitted of first-degree murder, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24.

by Kandiss Edwards

April 29, 2026

Postal Worker Convicted Of Stealing Mother’s Day Cards

The U.S. Postal Service continues to encourage residents to report any suspected mail theft.

On April 17, Patrick E. Wright, a former U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee, was sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to stealing mail while working as a letter carrier in Portland.

Wright was sentenced to 45 days in federal prison and two years of supervised release. Additionally, the 44-year-old has been ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.

According to the District of Oregon’s U.S. Attorney’s Office, the investigation into Wright began when the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) received complaints from residents on Wright’s delivery route. Residents reported graduation, birthday, and holiday greeting cards that were either never delivered or arrived late, The Oregonian reported. Additionally, residents said many delivered envelopes were clearly tampered with, and the cash or gift cards were missing.

In a coordinated sting, federal agents placed “test” greeting cards in the mail parcels on Wright’s route. Investigators observed him open the mail and pocket its contents before continuing his deliveries. When confronted by federal agents, Wright admitted to the thefts, which spanned multiple months in 2004.

By targeting greeting cards, Wright specifically exploited personal moments of celebration and connection between family and friends for his own financial gain. As part of his supervised release, Wright is prohibited from any future employment that involves the handling of mail or sensitive financial information.

The U.S. Postal Service continues to encourage residents to report any suspected mail tampering or theft to its hotline to ensure the continued security of the nation’s mail system.

As the postal service works to maintain its integrity and accountability for its employees, it is also struggling to stay afloat with the current economic shifts. Effective April 26, the USPS has implemented a temporary 8% price increase on several key shipping services, including Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and USPS Ground Advantage.

BLACK ENTERPRISE covered the rate adjustment, which is scheduled to remain in place through January 17, 2027. Postal officials state that this temporary hike is necessary to better align shipping costs with current transportation and market expenses. The adjustment is part of the agency’s 10-year “Delivering for America” financial sustainability plan.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 29, 2026

Charlamagne Tha God Credits ‘People Who Are Not Being Performative’ As Real Social Media Influencers

Charlamagne tha God is sharing his take on what defines a true influencer, saying it’s not about followers or likes but about staying authentic.

Charlamagne tha God took the stage at POSSIBLE 2026 in Miami Beach alongside Bob Pittman for a live taping of his podcast, Math & Magic. The conversation, centered on “The Future of Influence,” explored how influence is built in today’s media landscape and driven by constant content, fragmented platforms, and the rise of AI-generated material.

As a seasoned voice in content creation, Charlamagne believes authenticity is the simplest way to build influence in today’s ever-evolving social media landscape.

“When I think about authenticity, I think about people who are not being performative,” he said. “We get on the radio every morning, and we do radio, and then it is consumed across platforms. We aren’t going in to try to sell you anything, and I think that’s why we’ve become authentic.”

He added, “Show up, and be who you are.”

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When it comes to social media influence, Charlamagne pushed back on the idea that follower count defines impact, noting that someone with a few thousand engaged followers can be more influential than someone with millions.

“Marketers think influencers are people who have millions of followers or a celebrity, but in reality, there could be someone with 5-10k followers, and they are showing me something I’ve never seen before,” he said, adding that, “We think 100 people isn’t a lot, but if 100 people were at your front door, you’d call the police.”

Charlamagne’s perspective was one of many standout moments at POSSIBLE 2026 in Miami. Now in its fourth year, the event brings together industry leaders to spark ideas, build connections, and shape the future of marketing.

The founder and CEO of The Black Effect Podcast Network was among more than 100 speakers at the event, joining voices like Issa Rae—founder of HOORAE Media and creator of “Insecure”—who closed the conference with a session on how brands, creators, and culture are reshaping entertainment. Alexis Ohanian, founder of Seven Seven Six, an early-stage venture capital firm, and husband of Serena Williams, also spoke on the rise of women’s sports and the opportunities it presents for brands.

Over the three-day conference, more than 5,400 industry leaders and innovators across marketing, tech, media, entertainment, and culture gathered for programming across nine curated tracks, spanning three core pillars: Consumer Marketing & Communication, Business & Society, and Technology & Innovation.

Enterprise, EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Age discrimination

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 29, 2026

EEOC Prioritizes ‘Racism Against White Men’ Job Discrimination Cases

Seeking anonymity out of fear of professional repercussions, the current and former staff members say they are concerned about the agency’s future as the practice of upholding the nation’s civil rights laws has been abandoned.

Staff of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claim to be under pressure to prioritize job discrimination cases of “racism against white men” to match the agenda of President Donald Trump, The New York Times reported.

Agency investigators and lawyers are being forced to pursue and put some cases on the fast track with little evidence and major legal battles. More than a dozen current and former employees, identifying as Republicans and Democrats, blamed EEOC GOP chair Andrea Lucas, who is committed to carrying out some of Trump’s controversial executive orders.

Seeking anonymity out of fear of professional repercussions, the current and former staff members say they are concerned about the agency’s future as the practice of upholding the nation’s civil rights laws has been abandoned.

As Lucas has been an avid supporter of anti- diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, employees say cases showcasing claims of “reverse D.E.I.” and racism against white men have been accelerated to the top of case files. Commission spokesperson Connor Clegg boasted that the agency recovered nearly $660 million for roughly 18,000 discrimination victims during the 2025 fiscal year, including a record $528 million through settlements and mediation. “Instead of pulling punches, Chair Lucas is committed to following through on her promise to pursue a colorblind, evenhanded enforcement agenda,” Clegg said.

But former EEOC general counsel under President Barack Obama, David Lopez, called Lucas’s bold outreach to white men and behind-the-scenes reports of expedited discrimination cases against white people troubling. “It’s a head scratcher why the E.E.O.C.’s prioritization of limited resources based on race, both overtly and in practice, does not raise constitutional questions,” he said.

However, it may be Lucas who is under pressure from the WHite House. After being appointed to the position by Trump in 2025, the chair told staff that the Trump administration is pushing her and the team to produce anti-DEI cases that the administration favors. Vice President JD Vance even referred to the practice as “evil” after Lucas put out a video encouraging white men to come forward with job discrimination claims.

In a letter to CEOs, general counsels, and board chairs of America’s leading companies, she warned DEI policies or practices may be deemed illegal if employment decisions are based even just in part on a person’s race, sex, or other protected characteristic. “The EEOC stands ready to combat such discrimination,” she wrote, according to NPR, adding, “We are the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, not the Equitable Employment Outcomes Commission.”

To date, the EEOC has gone after companies and organizations like Nike and Planned Parenthood in discrimination probes. They investigated the athletic wear company’s hiring goals and career development practices to determine whether they disadvantage white people.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois settled for $500,000 in a lawsuit that accused the organization of discrimination against white employees with DEI efforts.

by Mitti Hicks

April 29, 2026

HBCU St. Augustine’s Files for Bankruptcy, Drops Current Accreditation Fight

The current accreditation status is expected to conclude on May 15. SAU leaders say they will focus on supporting students through teach-out agreements and building a pathway toward reaccreditation.

Raleigh, North Carolina’s St. Augustine’s University has announced several changes to position the institution for long-term success, including filing for bankruptcy, leadership changes, and ending litigation related to its accreditation status.

In a news release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the University’s Board of Trustees decided to initiate a “voluntary Chapter 11 restructuring process.”

“[The decision] reflects a deliberate and strategic step to advance the University’s long-term sustainability while addressing current financial realities,” university leaders wrote in a statement.

The university will continue to operate throughout the process. In the meantime, it said it is working on a reorganization plan to submit to the Court that outlines SAU’s path forward. In the meantime, while leaders develop the plan, some restructuring changes are already underway. Interim President Dr. Jennie Ward-Robinson is stepping down, and the Board has appointed Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples to be interim president.

With the current accreditation status expected to conclude on May 15, SAU leaders say they will focus on supporting students through teach-out agreements, developing non-degree certificates and apprenticeship programs, and building a pathway toward reaccreditation.

“These steps position the University to move forward with clarity and purpose, continuing its mission of preparing students academically, socially, and spiritually for leadership in a complex, diverse, and rapidly changing world,” the university said in a statement.

For the past several years, Saint Augustine’s has faced several financial battles due to lawsuits over unpaid services. The institution has faced financial issues totaling more than $30 million and nearly $10 million in tax liens, as previously reported by BE.

The university was placed on probation after failing to meet accreditation standards and lost its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school’s appeal to reinstate its accreditation was denied, prompting a heated town hall meeting on April 11, attended by alumni, current students, and community members.

army, doctor, misconduct,Maj. Blaine McGraw Fort hood,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 29, 2026

Popular 90s Actor On Life Support After Being Misdiagnosed For Months

He is suffering from MRSA pneumonia.

Actor Samuel Monroe Jr., known for roles in several 1990s films, is on life support after being diagnosed with MRSA pneumonia.

According to TMZ, Monroe’s wife, Shawna Stewart, said he was hospitalized after being repeatedly misdiagnosed. She clarified the meningitis went untreated for months due to repeated misdiagnoses, allowing the infection to spread to his spine and brain. He was diagnosed April 28 with MRSA.

“Around 18 months ago, Samuel was in Las Vegas filming, and unfortunately, that is where he contracted meningitis,” she said. “He went to several different hospitals, where his condition was repeatedly misdiagnosed, and because of this negligence, the meningitis went untreated for eight months.”

She said that by the time the infection was rightfully identified, it had “already spread not only to his spine but also to his brain.”

Joyce Patton, Monroe’s mother, took to Facebook to ask for prayers for her son.

“Please pray for Samuel Monroe Jr. my son who is now on life support. God don’t make no mistakes but he is gracious and I am humbly asking for his mercy and grace for Sam. I love you son to the moon and back 100 times.”

Tayonna Stewart, Shawna’s daughter, has set up a GoFundMe requesting $50,000 to cover the medical expenses they have incurred over the past 9 months and future health care costs.

Stewart and Monroe have two children together, Kingston, 12, and Brooklynn, 11.

Monroe has been seen in various films in the 1990s, including Menace II Society, Set It Off, Tales from the Hood, Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice, What Goes Around Comes Around, and The Players Club.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 29, 2026

From Soda To Shots Fired: Taco Bell Worker Arrested After Violent Dispute

A Taco Bell worker in West Palm Beach is in police custody for shooting at a group of women following an argument over a fountain drink.

A Taco Bell worker in West Palm Beach, Florida, is in police custody after allegedly firing a gun and assaulting a group of women over an argument related to fountain soda.

Police say a dispute over using a water cup for soda quickly escalated when D’Mari Jy’Quan Patterson, 20, allegedly fired a gun inside and outside the restaurant, KATV reported. Investigators said three women had asked for a water cup, but one filled it with soda, sparking a verbal confrontation with Patterson that turned violent.

Video circulating online appears to show Patterson arguing with the women before pulling out what looks like a gun, racking it, and firing a shot.

Taco Bell Employee Opens Fire After Customer Fills argument over filling Water Cup with Soda pic.twitter.com/sJss7sXwc4
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) April 29, 2026

Investigators say one woman was shot and collapsed to the floor, while another suffered a graze wound, and a third fled the restaurant. Police allege Patterson chased her outside and fired again, missing her but shattering a window near the entrance.

The three women drove themselves to JFK North Medical Center, where two were treated for minor injuries and released, while the third was unharmed, police said. After the shooting, Patterson called 911, claiming a customer had jumped behind the counter. He admitted to firing the gun and told officers he placed it in the management office before they arrived, an arrest affidavit states.

Panicked diners rushed for the exits while others ducked under tables — some unsure if they had even heard gunfire, the outlet reported. In the aftermath, some patrons appeared to brush off the incident, treating the chaos as an unsettling reflection of a changing norm.

“I mean, it doesn’t surprise me the world we live in today,” one customer said.

“It’s not a problem — things happen, and we just take it as it is and go from there,” another added.

Investigators said Patterson claimed he believed the women were armed, but no weapons were found. After reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements, police said Patterson’s self-defense claim was not supported, noting the woman appeared to be leaving when additional shots were fired.

Patterson was arrested on April 27 and charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Jail records show he remains in custody awaiting court proceedings.

The restaurant was temporarily closed as police secured the scene, causing traffic delays along Military Trail. The case is under review by the State Attorney’s Office.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 29, 2026

Some U.S. Passports Will Feature Trump’s Face In Honor Of 250th Anniversary

After the news broke on social media, users expressed bouts of being fed up with being forced to see his face on things with one user expressing concern about traveling overseas as Americans seemingly aren't the most liked in other countries.

The State Department is reportedly planning limited-edition U.S. passports featuring President Donald Trump’s likeness as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, according to the New York Times.

The April 28 announcement came from the State Department, revealing plans for new limited-edition passports to be made available this summer in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary. The “limited number of specially designed” passports will feature “customized artwork and enhanced imagery,” showing Trump’s likeness with a serious look in front of the Constitution.

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State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the passports will be available to any American citizen who applies at the Washington Passport Agency when the rollout begins, with the design as the default option and continuing until inventory runs out. “Online options or other locations will maintain the existing passport design,” State Department officials said.

The back cover will feature an image from John Trumbull’s “The Declaration of Independence” painting. Current passports showcase an image of Percy Moran’s painting of Francis Scott Key, the morning after the bombardment of Fort McHenry, on the front inside cover, with lines from the anthem also printed inside.

Passports are the latest move by government agencies that will display Trump’s likeness. In 2025, the Department of the Interior, which oversees national parks, unveiled “commemorative new designs” for park passes, one of which featured the president’s face alongside George Washington’s, sparking backlash.

And this is no different.

After the news broke on social media, users expressed frustration at being forced to see his face on things. One user expressed concern about traveling overseas, as Americans seemingly aren’t the most liked in other countries. “Great, as if Americans weren’t already going to be hated abroad,” @libertyoneill wrote.

Others asked Trump to “give us a break,” while others were happy they had already renewed their passports for the next 10 years.

“I am so glad I already renewed my passport for the next 10 years, so I don’t have to have this man’s face plastered on it. He wants to be on our money, on our passports, in our houses… why do you need your face all over the place?” @brianjrashad said.

While park passes and passports got through, not every proposal to have this name and likeness appear has been approved. Like Trump adding pressure on Democratic Senator and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York to rename New York City’s Penn Station after him. He threatened to withhold billions of dollars in frozen federal infrastructure funds.

Even adding his name to the Kennedy Center and the United States Institute of Peace has been caught up in lawsuits.