Atl Labor Day Classic, DeVonn Baker and Jerry Freeman, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University — Photo credit: Emmanuel Faminu.

by Ashlei Stevens

September 3, 2026

ATL Labor Day Classic Kicks Off With HBCU Football Rivalry

A historic matchup is taking on new life.

A historic matchup is taking on new life as the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers compete against the Clark Atlanta University Panthers at the inaugural ATL Labor Day Classic. The weekend of festivities kicks off Friday, Sept. 4, with events for families, fans, students, and alums, as the ATL Labor Day Classic aims to bring culture and community together for one weekend.

Creating a series of large-scale activations and events and hosting the game on Labor Day weekend has never been done before in the more than 120-year history of this historic football rivalry, according to the Classic’s executive directors, DeVonn Baker and Jerry Freeman.

“We didn’t create this rivalry,” said Freeman. “What we’re building is a bigger stage around it, so alumni, students, families, and the entire Atlanta community can experience everything that makes this game — and these institutions — special.”

Baker, a Boston-based realtor and property manager, and Freeman, an Atlanta-based real estate developer and entrepreneur, met as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. line brothers in 1991 while students at Morehouse. This long-standing friendship between the two entrepreneurs, rooted in brotherhood, has sparked a new venture together. They spoke to each school about moving the game earlier in the season and creating experiences throughout the weekend to bring a bigger crowd to the Atlanta University Center (AUC).

“DeVonn and I got together on this game and said, ‘Hey, here’s an opportunity to do something big for the schools,’” Freeman told BLACK ENTERPRISE, “and we have been working together very close. In fact, we talk more now than we’ve ever talked in our lives. So, we’re having a good time doing this.”

Freeman is co-founder of 91 Sixty Seven Sports & Entertainment, which developed and promoted the Classic in cooperation with Morehouse College Athletics, Clark Atlanta University Athletics, and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Throughout the weekend, attendees will experience the bands, school spirit, fellowship, and pageantry that make a historically Black College and University (HBCU) game day unique. Festivities are expected to include fan experiences such as tailgating, alumni gatherings, hospitality events, entertainment, and community-centered activities.

A highlight of the Classic, says Baker and Freeman, is an experience for young fans: an HBCU Tour brought by DTLR Radio, including a chance to audition onsite for MTV’s long-running, hit improv show “Wild ‘N Out,” with the show’s host and creator Nick Cannon. Students can enjoy performances by Dess Dior, EJ Jones, YK Niece, Breskii, Fat Smakx and more. The Classic ends with a Unity Brunch on Sunday.

Gathering proceeds from the weekend, 91 Sixty-Seven Sports & Entertainment will make a contribution to support college athletics, Freeman said, adding that high school students are also invited to attend the Fan Fest “and see what it’s like to be at an HBCU.”

Baker says he looks forward to the opportunity for alumni of both schools to mentor younger generations, and he views the Classic as a way to give back.

“As a proud HBCU alum, we need to give back– give of our time, our talents, and our coins. That helps build the foundation so we can have these students get scholarships and they can afford to be a part and matriculate through college,” Baker told BE.

While this is the inaugural event, organizers envision the ATL Labor Day Classic becoming a staple event and tradition in Atlanta—one that highlights the rivalry, camaraderie, and value of these historic institutions.

Both men said Atlanta is the “HBCU Capital” with thousands of AUC alumni who remain to live and work in the city.

“Atlanta’s the place to have a game like this. It is the place that people come on Labor Day weekend. This is the stage, and this is the place. So, we’re very excited that we were able to do this at this time of year,” Freeman said.

The game takes place Saturday, Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. at B.T. Harvey Stadium at Morehouse College. Broadcast and streaming details will be announced soon.

For more information, visit atllabordayclassic.com, follow @atllabordayclassic on social media, and watch the BLACK ENTERPRISE “Class is in Session” podcast interview with Baker and Freeman.

food recalls, Salmonella, E.Coli, foodborne illnesses, contamination — (Image: Getty Images)

by Sidnee Michelle

September 3, 2026

Food Recalls Sweep U.S. As Candy, Produce, And Frozen Goods Raise Safety Concerns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has posted multiple food recall notices in recent weeks involving sprouts, mangoes, frozen fruit bars, bread, candy, and other products.

Consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators, freezers, and pantries as federal regulators investigate foodborne illness outbreaks and companies recall products over concerns ranging from Salmonella and E. coli to glass and undeclared allergens.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has posted multiple food recall notices in recent weeks involving sprouts, mangoes, frozen fruit bars, bread, candy, and other products. The recalls are not connected to a single outbreak and carry different health risks.

Among the most serious is an ongoing multistate outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts distributed by Minneapolis-based Everything Sprouts. As of Aug. 31, 55 people across 15 states had been infected with strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or Salmonella. Four people were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported.

Everything Sprouts recalled certain Calco and Everything Sprouts alfalfa sprouts on Aug. 22 and later expanded its recall to certain Robust Radish Sprout Mix products.

Another Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, has resulted in 431 illnesses and 57 hospitalizations across 32 states. The outbreak has prompted recalls of products including salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, and other prepared foods.

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The recalls also extend to Halloween candy. Crystal Temptations recalled its Halloween Chocolatey Eyeballs Aug. 31 because the candy contains undeclared milk, which can cause serious or life-threatening reactions in people with milk allergies or severe sensitivities.

The candy was distributed through Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Sierra Trading Post stores in 13 states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming. The recall covers five package sizes ranging from 7 to 16 ounces.

The company said a TJX analyst discovered that candy containing whey, a milk ingredient, had been distributed in packaging that did not disclose milk. No illnesses have been reported. Consumers are instructed to destroy the candy and contact Crystal Temptations directly with proof of purchase for a refund rather than return it to stores.

Separately, Panorama Produce recalled Martina-brand mangoes sold at select Walmart stores in four states because of possible Salmonella contamination.

Other recent recalls include select Outshine Fruit Bars because of possible glass contamination, and Prince Bakery breads containing undeclared milk or sesame.

Consumers can check the FDA’s recall database for affected lot numbers, product photographs, distribution information, and recall-specific instructions.

Cassandra Wilson, jazz vocalist — Photo credit: Scott Penner, Wikimedia Commons

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 3, 2026

Cassandra Wilson, Mississippi’s Own Jazz Vocalist, Dies At 70

Watch our favorite performances from the late, great jazz vocalist.

Cassandra Wilson, the two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist, composer, and producer whose velvety contralto voice and genre-defying arrangements redefined modern American music, has died. She was 70 years old.

Wilson passed away peacefully Sept. 1 at her home in Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by close family, friends, and her manager, according to a statement provided by her longtime manager, Robert Torre. The official cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Wilson’s seminal 1993 album, Blue Light ’til Dawn, fundamentally shifted the trajectory of contemporary jazz by blending traditional acoustic jazz with Delta blues, folk, country, and soul.

In 2022, she received the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters fellowship, the nation’s highest honor for jazz musicians.

Check out BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s favorite performances by the late, great Ms. Wilson:

by Black Enterprise

September 3, 2026

3 Leadership Traits That Can Help Shape The Future Of Work

Strong leadership has always been a competitive advantage.

Originally published on ADP

Key takeaways

Leadership today requires more than delivering business results. The most effective leaders build trust, support their people, and help organizations navigate change while maintaining a strong focus on performance and growth.
The “Three C’s” — Courage, Curiosity, and Clarity — are essential for future-ready leadership. Courage enables decisive action in uncertainty, curiosity drives learning and innovation, and clarity aligns teams around shared goals and priorities.
Leadership is a skill, not just a title. Organizations that invest in developing leaders at every level can strengthen engagement, build a robust leadership pipeline, and create the agility needed for long-term success.

Strong leadership has always been a competitive advantage. But in today’s rapidly changing business environment, leaders are being asked to do more than drive results—they’re expected to build trust, navigate uncertainty, inspire teams, and create workplaces where people can thrive.

Those themes were front and center at the 20th annual BLACK ENTERPRISE® Women of Power Summit held recently in Las Vegas, Nevada, where a diverse group of leaders from across industries gathered to discuss leadership, influence, and career growth in the modern workforce.

Featured among the speakers was Nicole Ulmer Hill, VP of Service at ADP, who serves on ADP’s Women in Leadership Board and is passionate about advancing leadership opportunities for women. During the panel discussion on “The Next Generation of C-Suite Leaders,” she joined fellow executives in exploring how leadership expectations are evolving and what organizations can do to prepare current and future leaders for success.

One message stood out: the leaders who make the greatest impact are often those who balance business performance with a strong commitment to people.

The power of the three C’s

During the discussion, panelists highlighted three qualities that can help leaders navigate change and drive meaningful growth:

Courage

Whether it’s embracing new technology, navigating workforce challenges, or making difficult business decisions, leadership often requires stepping into the unknown. Courage allows leaders to take decisive action, advocate for their teams, and move organizations forward—even during periods of uncertainty.

Curiosity

The future of work continues to evolve. Leaders who remain curious are better positioned to adapt, learn from different perspectives, and identify new opportunities for innovation. Curiosity encourages continuous learning and helps organizations stay agile in a changing marketplace.

Clarity

In times of complexity, clarity becomes essential. Leaders who communicate a clear vision, establish priorities, and align teams around common goals can foster greater confidence, engagement, and execution across their organizations.

Leadership beyond titles

One of the summit’s most compelling themes was that leadership isn’t defined by a title alone. Leadership is reflected in how individuals influence others, make decisions, and create positive outcomes for their teams, customers, and organizations.

For business owners and organizational leaders, this perspective underscores the importance of investing in leadership development at every level. Building a strong pipeline of future leaders can strengthen resilience, support growth, and help organizations prepare for what’s next.

“The leaders who will shape the future aren’t those who have all the answers,” said Hill. “They’re the ones who lead with courage, stay curious enough to keep learning, and provide the clarity that helps others succeed. That’s how we build organizations where people want to grow, contribute, and lead.”

Building the leaders of tomorrow

The conversations at the 2026 Women of Power Summit served as a timely reminder that purposeful leadership remains one of the most powerful drivers of organizational success. Whether leading a small business, managing a growing workforce, or shaping enterprise strategy, leaders who demonstrate courage, curiosity, and clarity are better equipped to navigate change and inspire their teams.

“One of my biggest takeaways from the Women of Power Summit was hearing emerging and established leaders share a common vision for the future of work,” recalls Hill. “People still want to grow, contribute, and lead, but they want leadership that is purposeful, sustainable, and people-centered. That conversation reinforced why courage, curiosity, and clarity are more important than ever.”

As organizations continue to face evolving workforce expectations, developing leaders at every level can help strengthen engagement, support succession planning, and build the agility needed for long-term growth.

To learn more about strategies and solutions that can help you attract, develop, and retain top talent, explore ADP’s Talent Solutions and discover how your organization can build a stronger workforce for the future.

Gary, Indiana, blackout, NIPSCO — 'I Love Gary' Pop Up Arts Displayed at Gateway Park in 2019 (Photo Credit: Wikimedia)

by Selena Hill

September 3, 2026

Predominately Black Community In Indiana Regains Power After Suffering Weeks Without

A severe storm left thousands without electricity in majority-Black Gary, Indiana.

A two-week power outage in Gary, Indiana, has underscored how vulnerable businesses and residents can become when severe weather collides with aging infrastructure.

Thousands of people in the majority-Black city were left without electricity after a powerful storm swept through Northwest Indiana on Aug. 11. State officials estimated that the storm caused up to $5 billion in damage across Gary and other Indiana communities.

In Gary, which CNN describes as “one of the poorest and blackest cities in America,” more than 38,300 homes and businesses lost power. As a result, grocery stores were forced to close, gas stations ran out of fuel, and residents struggled to access basic services while crews worked to restore the electrical grid. By Monday, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton told Democracy Now! that 95% to 97%of the city had regained power, though some residents remained without electricity because their homes had sustained damage.

“We’re still in the recovery phase, as we speak,” Melton said.

The outage has also raised questions about the city’s relationship with Northern Indiana Public Service Company, or NIPSCO, the privately owned utility responsible for much of the area’s electricity distribution. Asset management firm Blackstone is a partial owner of NIPSCO’s parent company. Melton, who previously worked for NIPSCO, said he was concerned that Gary was not initially identified separately in the company’s estimated restoration schedule. He said the omission made it difficult for city officials and residents to track the response.

“When we did not see Gary listed in the beginning, it was — it felt as if we were being left behind and overlooked,” Melton said.

Officials in Indiana estimate the storm might have caused up to $5 billion in damage in Gary and other communities. pic.twitter.com/17Oq8vdjUy
— Democracy Now! (@democracynow) August 31, 2026

The storm has prompted calls for investment in what Melton described as infrastructure “hardening.” He said the utility should examine stronger poles, upgraded transformers, circuitry, and other improvements capable of withstanding increasingly severe storms.

“We’ve never seen wind this strong before,” Melton said. “They need to ensure that the utility grid system is going to sustain that type of wind.”

The city has received a federal natural disaster declaration, with FEMA resources being deployed as recovery continues.

Gary is roughly 80% Black and has experienced decades of economic decline following the loss of industrial jobs. The city once had more than 175,000 residents in the 1960s, but its population is now below 70,000, with about one-third of residents living below the poverty line. Gary is best known as being the birthplace of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5.

Nicki Minaj, Trump, SBA, small business competition, Million Dollar Pitch Competition — Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage) (Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

by Selena Hill

September 3, 2026

Nicki Minaj To Judge Trump’s $1M SBA ‘Shark-Tank’ Competition

Five small businesses will pitch their companies before Nicki Minaj, Grant Cardone, Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, and actor Dean Cain.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will feature high-profile MAGA-loving celebrities in a new reality TV-like competition created by the Trump administration.

Five entrepreneurs will participate in the agency’s Million Dollar Pitch Competition before a panel of judges that includes rapper and entrepreneur Nicki Minaj, investor Grant Cardone, and Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia. Actor Dean Cain, who is best known for his starring role in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman in the 1990s, will host the live finale on Sept. 18 in Washington, D.C.

According to a press release, the small business owners will compete for a share of a $1 million cash prize, with the first-place winner receiving $400,000, followed by $250,000 for second place, $150,000 for third, $125,000 for fourth, and $75,000 for fifth.

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said the celebrity judges bring experience spanning entertainment, real estate, technology, and entrepreneurship.

“Great American entrepreneurs themselves, Nicki Minaj, Grant Cardone, Joe Gebbia, and Dean Cain will only add to the excitement of this historic celebration of free enterprise in the finale of our Million Dollar Pitch Competition,” said Loeffler in a statement.

She added that the judges’ backgrounds could help highlight the finalists and the role of small businesses in the economy.

“Their presence will be invaluable in highlighting the unique and inspiring stories of the five finalists competing for $1 million in growth capital, and the importance of Main Street businesses in powering American strength.”

The competition is part of the SBA’s Freedom 250 initiative, launched by the Trump administration last year to mark the country’s 250th birthday in July. The finalists are Compotech Inc. of Brewer, Maine; Winton Machine of Suwanee, Georgia; Plas-Tech Tooling of Garner, Iowa; Red River of Gillette, Wyoming; and VetPowered LLC of San Diego, California.

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Minaj’s public stance on politics and immigration has shifted dramatically in recent years. Once outspoken about the treatment of migrant children, the Trinidad and Tobago-born artist has since aligned herself with the MAGA movement and praised Trump’s leadership. In January, she described herself as “probably the president’s No. 1 fan” while speaking at a Treasury Department summit in Washington, D.C. She also revealed that she received Trump’s gold card, which gives wealthy immigrants a fast-track to retain U.S. citizenship with a $1 million contribution, free of charge.

Cardone has also publicly endorsed Trump’s tariff plans and tax perspectives, arguing that trade measures help reduce inflation and fix the economy. Meanwhile, Trump tapped Gebbia to serve as the U.S. first chief design officer, and Cain joined Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as an honorary officer, reports BuzzFeed.

Knowledge withholding, AI fears, AI training — (Photo: Mizuno K/Pexels)

by Sidnee Michelle

September 3, 2026

Employees Conceal Their Expertise To Ward Off AI Replacement

The findings come as companies increasingly seek employee data and institutional knowledge to develop AI tools

Workers are increasingly withholding their expertise from colleagues as fears grow that companies could use their knowledge to train artificial intelligence (AI) systems that eventually replace them, Fast Company reports.

A survey of 4,000 knowledge workers in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada found that 35% were withholding knowledge because they feared being replaced by artificial intelligence. Another 38% said they were reluctant to train colleagues in areas they considered personal strengths, according to research from technology consultancy Adaptavist.

The findings come as companies increasingly seek employee data and institutional knowledge to develop AI tools capable of performing workplace tasks.

Meta told thousands of U.S. employees in spring 2026 that software installed on work computers would collect information, including mouse movements, clicks, and keystrokes, to help train AI agents using examples of how employees perform their jobs.

Other companies have turned institutional knowledge into AI resources. McKinsey & Co., for example, developed Lilli, an internal generative AI platform that draws from the consulting firm’s research and expertise.

But some of the knowledge employers hope to transfer cannot easily be captured through documents, workflows, or workplace activity. Experienced workers often make decisions based on judgment developed over years, including recognizing patterns, exceptions, and subtle warning signs that may not appear in written procedures.

Research suggests concerns about AI could make employees less willing to share that expertise. A three-wave study involving 348 knowledge workers found that collaboration between employees and AI increased feelings of job insecurity, which in turn contributed to workers hiding knowledge.

The findings come amid continued concerns about AI’s impact on employment. More than 175,000 technology workers have been laid off in 2026, according to figures cited by Fast Company, as companies restructure operations while expanding their use of AI.

Job Offers, Equity Award Package, salary requirements, wages — Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-gets-the-job-5439381/

by Sidnee Michelle

September 3, 2026

American Workers Want At Least $88K To Take A New Job

It's the lowest salary a worker would be willing to accept for a new position.

American workers say it would take more money than ever to persuade them to accept a new job, as uncertainty in the labor market makes switching employers a potentially bigger risk, Business Insider reports.

The average reservation wage — the lowest salary a worker would be willing to accept for a new position — reached a record $88,387 in July 2026, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s latest Survey of Consumer Expectations Labor Market survey. That figure has increased by more than $10,000 since March 2025.

The increase was most pronounced among men, college graduates, and workers younger than 45, according to the New York Fed. The survey, updated every four months, tracks Americans’ experiences and expectations involving earnings, job searches, employment transitions, and job offers.

The record salary threshold comes as workers appear increasingly cautious about their prospects of securing another position. The average expected probability of receiving at least one job offer within the next four months fell 1.1 percentage points to 18% in July, the lowest level since March 2021. The decline was largest among women, people without college degrees, and workers younger than 45.

Meanwhile, more Americans are testing the job market. The share of respondents who said they searched for a job during the previous four weeks increased to 24.9% in July from 22.5% in March 2026. The increase was most pronounced among people earning less than $60,000 annually.

The findings illustrate a complicated environment for workers weighing whether to remain with their current employer or pursue another opportunity. Business Insider reported that concerns surrounding layoffs, a challenging hiring environment, and artificial intelligence have made changing jobs feel riskier for some employed workers.

Some measures of satisfaction among employed workers improved. Satisfaction with wages increased 2.9 percentage points from March, while satisfaction with nonwage benefits rose 3.6 percentage points. Satisfaction with promotion opportunities increased 0.9 percentage points. Still, satisfaction with wages and advancement opportunities remained near the record lows recorded in March 2026.

The results suggest workers may increasingly expect a larger financial incentive before assuming the uncertainty that comes with changing employers.

Muhammad Ali — (Photo: Bernard Gotfryd, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

by Edwian Stokes

September 3, 2026

‘For The Ville’ Tributes Muhammad Ali With Football Apparel

The Cardinals and adidas unite to celebrate 'The Greatest.'

Muhammad Ali turned each place he entered into a platform promoting Black pride, principle, and conviction. Just as the “Louisville Lip” from Kentucky shaped global culture decades ago, the University of Louisville today shows that Ali’s legacy lives on not only in museums but also on the field.

The latest alternate set of uniforms, “For The Ville”, which the University of Louisville football team and Adidas have introduced, is a clear homage to Ali’s famous boxing style. The Cardinals will wear the all-black outfit when they play Stanford University at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on Oct. 31.

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Boxing Heritage Meets Gridiron Performance

The ‘For The Ville’ design is based on the classic fighting attire that Ali wore throughout his career. The jersey has a black background with arched white ‘Louisville’ letters in a vintage sans-serif font, much like that used on Everlast’s boxing gear. Three gold stripes on both the collar and the pants, along with circular gold accents on the hips, stand for Ali’s 1960 Olympic gold medal and his championship belts. The red gloves finish off the outfit and mirror traditional boxing gloves.

“Muhammad Ali was not just the greatest athlete of the 20th century; he was a global benchmark for courage and authenticity,” said an adidas design representative during the uniform unveil. “Translating his classic ring aesthetic into a modern football uniform allows us to celebrate his enduring impact directly in his hometown.”

The uniform reflects the style associated with boxing, with all of its design features aiming to mimic Ali’s equipment. Unlike many other tribute uniforms at Louisville and elsewhere in the country, which usually rely on commemorative patches or specific colors, this one incorporates gold details and references both Ali’s Olympic and championship background—a combination unique in collegiate football. As a result, the collection stands out both in terms of style and its appeal to fans and collectors who are seeking merchandise with significant cultural and business value.

“When our players step onto the field wearing this uniform, they aren’t just representing a university—they are stepping into the standard set by The Greatest,” said Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm during the uniform’s announcement. “Ali showed the world what confidence, discipline, and Louisville pride look like.”

This is the third time that Louisville has paid homage to Ali, after introducing an all-white uniform in 2019 and the gold-trimmed 2024 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ design; the Adidas design directors concentrated on specific details to convey the boxing heritage in the football uniforms.

“Our goal was to capture Ali’s swagger, grace, and relentless fighting spirit in modern athletic apparel,” Adidas football design representatives stated in release notes.

A Legacy of Cultural and Commercial Equity

BLACK ENTERPRISE has chronicled Ali’s evolution from heavyweight champion to global corporate icon. From his 1971 U.S. Supreme Court draft-refusal victory to major commercial ventures such as Amazon’s Ali biographical series produced by Jay-Z.

Since Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies have enabled Black student-athletes to build equity in their personal brands, Louisville’s Ali collection provides an example of how that community heritage can connect to the business side of modern sports merchandise.

Off-White Ib Kamara, Virgil Abloh, LVMH — Former Off-White Creative Director Ib Kamara (Photo Credit: Wikimedia)

by Selena Hill

September 2, 2026

Off-White Creative Director Ib Kamara Announces Exit From The Iconic Fashion Label

The creative director leaves the luxury streetwear label four years after succeeding Off-White Founder Virgil Abloh.

Ib Kamara is stepping away from Off-White after working at the fashion house founded by the late Virgil Abloh.

Kamara’s departure was announced on Aug. 31 after he spent four years guiding the brand’s creative direction following Abloh’s death in November 2021.

“Off-White is bigger than any one idea, exactly as Virgil intended — a house with genuine values, rooted in culture, community, and the belief that fashion can speak to everyone,” Kamara said in a statement, according to Vogue. “I leave with enormous pride in all we have made.”

Born in Sierra Leone and raised partly in Gambia, Kamara built a career spanning styling, publishing, art direction, and fashion design before reaching the top creative role at one of the industry’s most recognizable labels. He first connected with Abloh on Instagram in 2019 and began working with the brand as a stylist. Following Abloh’s untimely passing, Kamara became Off-White’s art and image director before officially taking over as creative director in 2024. During his tenure, LVMH acquired a 60% majority stake in Off-White in 2021, while Abloh retained the remaining 40%.

The label’s former parent company, New Guards Group, was sold to Farfetch for $675 million in 2019. After Farfetch’s collapse, LVMH sold Off-White to Bluestar Alliance in 2024. Joey Gabbay, the CEO of Bluestar Alliance, credited Kamara for helping carry the label forward.

“We are deeply grateful for Ib’s vision, creativity, and the remarkable energy he brought to Off-White throughout his tenure,” Gabbay said.

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Off-White has yet to announce a new creative director. However, the appointment will be closely watched as Bluestar Alliance determines how to build on a brand whose identity remains deeply connected to Abloh’s legacy. Founded in 2013, Off-White helped blur the line between luxury fashion and streetwear, becoming a major force in the industry’s embrace of culturally driven, accessible design.

Abloh once described his ultimate design ambition as “making a global community” beyond the elitism and territorial boundaries of fashion subcultures. That mission remains one of Off-White’s most valuable assets — and its next creative leader will inherit the challenge of turning that cultural equity into the brand’s next era.