by Ahsan Washington

January 7, 2026

Can’t Make It To The Gym? Get Fit With These Black-Owned Wellness Apps

The fitness industry has shifted from studios to smartphones.

The fitness industry has shifted from studios to smartphones. Black founders are developing apps that serve the distinct requirements of Black bodies, minds, and wellness paths through structured movement and culturally affirming coaching and integrated health tracking.

These diverse fitness and wellness apps have representation and cultural relevance, enhancing engagement and outcomes in communities that have been historically underserved by mainstream wellness technology.

Check out these apps that go beyond movement tracking to build community and establish sustainable habits—no gym membership required.

The BLAQUE Movement App—Fitness + Wellness Built for Black Bodies

The BLAQUE Movement App, founded by T’Nisha Symone and developed in collaboration with a collective of Black fitness professionals, serves as a fitness and wellness platform that delivers customized movement plans with nutrition guidance, self-care support, daily meditation messages, and group chat functionality. BLAQUE focuses on Black holistic wellness by uniting physical activity with nutritional support, stress-relief techniques, and community support.

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bEHR Health—Community-Driven Health Tracking + Coaching

Established by public health expert Kwame Terra, bEHR Health provides culturally sensitive coaching with an automatically updated health score, personalized AI coaching, and connections to healthcare providers. The app offers accessible, high-quality health-tracking and coaching services for Black communities at affordable monthly rates.

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Actively Black App—Rewards Movement + Builds Community

The athleisure and wellness platform Actively Black has introduced a mobile app that integrates with Apple Health and Google Health. Users earn points through movement, which they can exchange for gear, content, and community perks. Actively Black combines wellness with cultural elements and community economic systems through this reward-based user motivation approach.

Shine—Inclusive Self-Care & Mind-Body Wellness Tools

The company Shine was started by Black entrepreneur Marah Lidey in 2016 to provide self-care guidance tools, meditation practices, and community support for fitness resilience and overall wellness. Shine has millions of users worldwide across iOS and Android. Shine provides culturally inclusive tools to maintain both mental and emotional fitness.

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Exhale—Rest, Breathwork & Emotional Reset for BIWOC

The guided wellness app Exhale, developed by mindfulness coach Katara McCarty, focuses on breathwork with meditation and emotional restoration for Black, Indigenous, and women of color. The app runs on iOS and Android platforms and delivers meditative content designed to enhance holistic health alongside sustainable fitness.

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Echoing Green, Black-Led Women Groups, investors, social media, Fund, blog, network, Innovators, Black Founders, Black Businesses,Kathryn Finney'

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 7, 2026

South Fulton Swears In Its First Black Woman Mayor, Replacing Controversial Predecessor

Gumbs was a vocal critic of the city's previous, and highly controversial, mayor.

The City of South Fulton has begun a new era of leadership, swearing in its first Black woman mayor.

Carmalitha Gumbs, a founding City Council member, was sworn in at the historic inauguration ceremony on Jan. 5. She will take over leading the Metro Atlanta city, which had previously been rattled with controversies surrounding her predecessor.

Gumbs hopes to restore trust and foster growth between city leadership and South Fulton residents. According to WSB-TV, she wants not only to revitalize the city’s landscape but also to rebuild public confidence in elected officials.

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“This ceremony was more than a milestone,” wrote the newly elected mayor. “It reaffirmed our city’s commitment to inclusive leadership, thoughtful governance, and a future built with intention. As we begin this four-year term, I am ready to serve, lead, and work alongside our residents to move South Fulton forward with purpose, unity, and vision.”

The achievement comes as they leave behind former South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau. Kamau’s tenure was riddled with allegations of misused funds and legal issues. Amid escalating tensions with City Council members such as Gumbs over his leadership, Kamau initially opted not to seek reelection.

However, in August, the mayor announced his reelection bid, which was previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE. Despite audit investigations that revealed he spent $70,000 in city funds on unauthorized travel expenses, Kamau fought back against council members’ opposition to his continued leadership. Gumbs also remarked on the incessant misspending, as she submitted her own run to lead South Fulton instead.

“Residents deserve to know that their elected officials are acting in the public’s best interest — not using taxpayer dollars for personal benefit… I remain committed to a government that is ethical, fiscally responsible, and transparent,” she wrote of the findings in July. ” This moment must be a turning point. We owe our constituents nothing less.”

Despite his incumbency, Kamau placed sixth in the mayoral race held in November. Gumbs later beat out opponent Mark Baker in a runoff conducted the following month, securing nearly 60% of the votes.

Now, Gumbs will take over the reins as she tries to further advance South Fulton as a Metro Atlanta hub for business and entertainment.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 6, 2026

Kevin Hart Joins Authentic Brands Group For Strategic Partnership

'I’ve spent years building businesses and creating opportunities, and joining Authentic gives me the platform and global infrastructure to take my brand to the next level.'

Comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hart has joined Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) in a strategic partnership under which the company will manage Hart and his brand.

In announcing the partnership, Authentic has stated that Hart becomes a shareholder and the company will co-own Hart’s brand. Authentic is a global sports, media, entertainment, and lifestyle platform with a portfolio of more than 50 brands. They can reach nearly one billion social media followers and generate $32 billion in annual systemwide retail sales worldwide.

“This partnership is about acceleration, growth, and diversification. I’ve spent years building businesses and creating opportunities, and joining Authentic gives me the platform and global infrastructure to take my brand to the next level,” Hart said in a written statement. “Becoming a shareholder allows me to co-own some of the most recognizable IP of all time while building my own brand legacy. I want the Hart name to live on for generations to come and be something that my grandkids and their grandkids will be able to be proud of.”

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Hart brings a portfolio of successful ventures under his brand umbrella, including Hartbeat Productions, Gran Coramino, Fabletics, and other businesses, along with his resume of blockbuster films, global comedy tours, streaming platforms, consumer products, fitness partnerships, and more. He also has 292 million social media followers worldwide.

“Kevin is one of the most dynamic entertainers and entrepreneurs of our time,” said Jamie Salter, founder, chairman, and CEO of Authentic. “His creative vision, business instincts, and cultural impact are unmatched. Kevin sees what we see: the power of brand ownership and the opportunity to build a global, long-term business. His investment in Authentic also reflects our mutual confidence and shared vision for that growth.”

Hart joins a roster of partners across sports, culture, and entertainment, including David Beckham and Shaquille O’Neal.

Corey Salter, president of Entertainment and International at Authentic, added, “Our strategy has always been to partner with visionary leaders who are building brands with long-term global relevance. Kevin represents the future of entertainment-driven IP, and together we will expand his brand across new categories and geographies, strengthening the entire Authentic network.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 6, 2026

Georgia Loses 2 Black Leaders As Reps. Karen Bennett, Lynn Heffner Resign

A special election will be scheduled to fill both House seats, representing District 94, including parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett County, and District 130, covering Augusta.

Just five days into the new year, Georgia lost two Democratic state leaders — Reps. Karen Bennett and Lynn Heffner — ahead of the competitive 2026 midterm season, 11 Alive reported.

Both women stepped down for different reasons, with Heffner submitting a formal resignation letter, citing issues with rebuilding her home, while Bennett retired from the legislature on Jan. 1 after being accused of falsely receiving roughly $14,000 in unemployment funds meant for people who lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

A special election will be scheduled to fill both House seats, representing District 94, including parts of DeKalb and Gwinnett County, and District 130, covering Augusta.

Heffner, who has served since 2022, cited needing to focus on her home after it suffered severe structural damage at the hands of Hurricane Helene. She called serving the district “one of the greatest honors of my life” and, in a statement, said her work within public service isn’t done. “I am deeply grateful for your leadership during a period of significant challenge for Georgia, particularly in guiding the state through disaster recovery, economic resilience, and support for military families and veterans. It has been an honor to serve during your administration and to contribute, in my role, to advancing policies that strengthen our communities,” Heffner wrote.

“While my service in elected office concludes, my commitment to the people of Georgia remains steadfast. I will continue to support our state and its citizens in every appropriate capacity. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.”

The state leader said she is committed to advocating for military families, veterans, underserved communities, and the elderly after serving on a number of committees such as Defense & Veterans Affairs, Economic Development & Tourism, and Intragovernmental Coordination, according to Fox News 54.

In her retirement letter, Bennett said “serving in this capacity has truly been a labor of love and one that I will miss,” and that she was “proud of the work accomplished by the Georgia General Assembly when we came together to advance policies that strengthened our state and improved the lives of all Georgians.”

Days later, the state leader, who had served since 2013, was indicted after court documents from the U.S. District Court in Atlanta claimed Bennett applied for federal pandemic relief funds listing two employers, the state General Assembly and Metro Therapy, in 2020. Bennett pleaded not guilty and was released on $10,000 bond, as she is the second state House Democrat accused of illegally exploiting the program, following Rep. Sharon Henderson, who was arrested and charged in December 2025.

Both departures leave the House with 98 Republicans and 79 Democrats.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 6, 2026

Jamaican-American Mayor Honored As One Of Most Influential Black Women In South Florida

The mayor has created new initiatives and programming to help underserved members of her community.

Denise Grant, the Jamaica-born Mayor of Lauderhill, Florida, has received a tremendous honor as a prominent Black woman in business.

For her achievement in public service, Grant became part of Legacy Magazine‘s 2025 list of Florida’s Most Influential and Prominent Black Women in Business and Industry. Grant became mayor of the South Florida city following her win in the November 2024 election.

Since her appointment, Grant has used her platform to help underserved constituents. According to the Jamaica Observer, the mayor has provided senior utility relief, allocating almost $1 million to help elderly residents with their water bills. As a champion of food security, she also designated $100,000 to help South Florida families put food on their tables.

As a civic leader and voice for the advancement of Florida’s infrastructure and initiative, Legacy Magazine opted to recognize her accomplishment. Of the honor, Grant thanked the other Black women nominees in the region for their impact across the state.

“I thank God, the source of my existence, [and] thus dedicate this achievement to my mother, whose unwavering support has been important to my journey. I am also inspired by the phenomenal Black women across South Florida who made this year’s list; their influence, leadership and legacy are undeniable,” she said.

Mayor Grant continues to establish herself as a dynamic elected official, engaging the community through policy-focused discussions and mentorship programs for the city’s youth. From Tea Time with Seniors to her Adopt a Park initiative, her tenure has brought progress and opportunity to the Lauderhill community.

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As a pioneer who is shifting the local political landscape, the South Florida mayor continues to launch equitable initiatives that uplift all community members.

She added, “This recognition is not just about me; it’s about the city of Lauderhill and our collective efforts to drive innovation, advance equity, and create opportunities for future generations. I am proud to lead a city that embodies these values, and I look forward to continuing our work together to make Lauderhill shine.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 6, 2026

Say What? Words Like ‘Black,’ ‘Women,’ ‘Disability,’ And ‘Tribal’ Are Now Banned From Head Start Grant Applications

One Head Start director labels the issue as an "impossible situation" since the federal Head Start Act holds many of the words that programs are now being forced to stray away from.

Head Start early childhood programs are fighting back against the Trump administration in a lawsuit after being told words like “Black,” “disability,” “female,” “minority,” “trauma,” “tribal,” and “women” must be removed from funding applications — or be denied, NPR reports.

The list, submitted Dec. 5, includes 200 words, including “accessible” and “belong” in a lawsuit from programs in states including Pennsylvania, Washington, Wisconsin, and Illinois, all against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The group argues that the Trump administration’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ban in federal programs conflicts with Head Start’s statutory mandate, which includes providing “linguistically and culturally appropriate” services, in addition to early intervention services for disabled children.

The list revelation came after the executive director of a Wisconsin-based Head Start program submitted a Sept. 30, 2025, application for funding and was rejected after 50 years. Two months later, the director, Mary Roe, said she received two emails from HHS instructing her to “please remove the following words from your application” — a total of 19 words, including “racism,” “race,” and “racial” were listed.

Her application was returned, but shortly after, Roe received another email from her appointed HHS program specialist saying, “I wanted to follow up with you concerning your application.” “I sent it back asking for the removal of particular words, and I wanted to provide you with the complete list of words to make sure they are not in your applications,” the specialist explained.

Roe labels the issue an “impossible situation” since the federal Head Start Act contains many of the words that programs are now being forced to avoid. One of Head Start’s longstanding responsibilities is “to create inclusive and accessible classrooms for children with disabilities,” but now HHS is pushing against the words “disability,” “disabilities,” and “inclusion” in funding applications.

With the list now out in the public, Head Start centers could be forced to eliminate the definition of DEI, which the former lead of the Office of Child Care, Ruth Friedman, calls fear. “Grantees are sort of self-selecting out of those activities beforehand because of fear and direction they’re getting from the Office of Head Start that they can’t do these important research-based activities anymore that are important for children’s learning and that are actually required by law,” Friedman, who served under former President Joe Biden, said, according to Associated Press.

The move is another attack on DEI handed down by President Donald Trump who signed a January 2025 executive order labeling “illegal DEI and DEIA policies not only violate the text and spirit of our longstanding Federal civil-rights laws” but “also undermine our national unity, as they deny, discredit, and undermine the traditional American values of hard work, excellence, and individual achievement in favor of an unlawful, corrosive, and pernicious identity-based spoils system.”

Since then, the domino effect targeted college campuses, retail, nonprofits, grants, and more.

‘Dressed For The Part’ Boutique Opens On Rikers Island

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 6, 2026

‘Dressed For The Part’ Boutique Opens On Rikers Island

'This idea began years ago when I first reached out to DOC about establishing a space where incarcerated men could access proper business attire. This boutique is more than a project; it’s a legacy,' said Kevin Livingston, founder of 100 Suits.

A men’s boutique, “Dressed for the Part,” has been launched at New York City’s Rikers Island prison through a partnership between the New York City Department of Correction (DOC) and 100 Suits.

The DOC announced that the boutique is located at the Eric M. Taylor Center on Rikers Island. This continues the partnership between the DOC and 100 Suits, which has been in place since 2016. The organization empowers underserved and marginalized communities by providing professional attire, workforce development, and community development programs to inmates.

“A suit is so much more than stitching and fabric — it may support someone’s confidence to pursue opportunities once they return to the community,” said NYC Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie in a written statement. “Effective, well-designed programs like this not only foster personal reform but also contribute to safer, stronger facilities. When we invest in people, we improve our jails—and ultimately, our city.”

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The two entities have worked together, with 100 Suits offering inmates comedy shows, holiday meals, poetry slams, and other programming designed to promote dignity, healing, and community connection.

Dressed for the Part will offer business wear, including suits, ties, formal pants, button-up shirts, shoes, accessories, and more. There are on-site fitting rooms and mirrors for personalized fittings. The boutique will provide an upscale shopping experience, supporting individuals in custody with the essentials they need for court appearances, job interviews, program graduations, and reentry into society.

“I am beyond excited to officially launch this 100 Suits Boutique in partnership with the Department of Corrections,” said Kevin Livingston, founder of 100 Suits. “This idea began years ago when I first reached out to DOC about establishing a space where incarcerated men could access proper business attire. This boutique is more than a project; it’s a legacy. A legacy rooted in restoring dignity, instilling confidence, and building futures for those who’ve often been forgotten. I look forward to continuing this deep and meaningful relationship with the Department of Corrections through this vision. Together, we are not just changing clothes, we are changing lives.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 6, 2026

Kevin Durant Scores Game-Winning 3-Point Shot While Breaking One Of Michael Jordan’s Records

The Houston Rockets player accomplishes the feat against his former team, the Phoenix Suns

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant added another accolade to his NBA Hall of Fame-worthy career when he surpassed a record that Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan held. Durant, who is 37 years old, has scored 771 points in his first 30 games with the Rockets in his first year with the franchise, which breaks Jordan’s record of scoring 737 points at the age of 38 when he played his first year with the Washington Wizards.

According to The Sporting News, Durant broke the record for having the most points by a player age-35 or older through the first 30 games with a new team. Durant accomplished the feat against the team he played with last season, the Phoenix Suns, as the Rockets won 100-97.

Kevin Durant has 771 points through 30 career games with Houston, the most by any player age-35 or older through 30 career games with a new team.

The only other player with at least 700:

Michael Jordan, Was 737 pic.twitter.com/XSS22SixqY

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) January 5, 2026

It was definitely a great feeling for Durant, who also hit the game-winning three-point shot.

According to The New York Post, Durant was acquired in an offseason trade, and he felt the team blamed him for the team not jelling and for not making a legitimate run at the championship. They were expected to be one of the last teams standing before the season started last year. After the game, he told reporters he did not want to leave the team and felt like he was the scapegoat for the season not meeting the high expectations. After reaching the Western Conference semifinals three seasons ago and being swept two years ago, the team did not make the playoffs last season, finishing 36-46.

“A place that I didn’t want to leave. My first time being — I don’t want to sound too dramatic, but I will — to be kicked out of a place. And feel like I’ve been scapegoated for the issues that we had as a team last year, yeah, it felt good to beat them and hit a game-winning shot.”

First Black Chief Deputy, Georgia, Sheriff

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 6, 2026

New Jersey Cops Learn Using The ‘N-Word’ Can Get Them Officially Fired

A whistleblower recorded the two men discussing prior cases.

A judge has ruled that two New Jersey cops caught on tape using the n-word in racist rants can officially be fired after collecting six-figure salaries while on suspension, the New York Post reports.

Superior Court Judge Lisa Miralles Walsh ruled Clark County Police Chief Pedro Matos and Sergeant Joseph Teston can finally be disciplined following a 2019 investigation.

Whistleblower Lt. Antonio Manata recorded the two men discussing prior cases. In reference to a 2017 case involving a bias incident where a black puppet was found hanging at a local high school, Matos was heard saying, “Because I want to prove that them f****** n******.” On a different tape, Teston was overheard saying that a Black suspect had a “big f****** monkey head.”

The scandal blew up, according to NJ.com, after it was revealed that Clark Township issued a $400,000 settlement to Manata in 2020 after he threatened to release the recordings of the officers and former longtime mayor, Sal Bonaccorso, who was also recorded using racial slurs and referring to women in law enforcement as “f****** disasters.”

Attorney General Matthew Platkin called for Matos and Teston to be fired in November 2023 after the criminal investigation was delayed. He also pushed for a third officer involved, Capt. Vincent Concina, to be demoted after he was accused of retaliating against Manata.

Bonaccorso is currently serving three years of probation following a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit official misconduct and forgery. However, Jersey taxpayers were unknowingly paying the racist cops over $2.6 million in salary alone since their suspension. Matos was paid $979,298, while Concina received $178,979, and Teston received $147,556.

Each officer’s payment increased by more than 14% after their 2020 suspension.

In lawsuits later dismissed, the three police officers argued the recordings violated their procedural safeguards. Their attorneys claimed the lengthy delays in investigations were “ungodly” and felt their clients should not face consequences as a result. According to New Jersey state law, internal affairs charges must be filed within 45 days of gathering “sufficient information” to support the charges, starting as soon as a criminal investigation wraps up.

The officers claim the investigation against them concluded by April 2022, roughly a year and a half before Platkin’s office submitted a report.

Benin, Bronze, Dutch, Netherlands, Nigeria

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 6, 2026

Netherlands To Repatriate ‘Benin Bronzes’ To Nigeria, Returning Artifacts To Rightful Home

The museum will return the items in an agreement with the Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

A Dutch museum will repatriate its portion of the Benin Bronzes to their rightful home in Nigeria.

According to Good News Network, the Museum Volkenkunde will return the 119 artifacts that initially belonged to the old Kingdom of Benin. The kingdom’s origins lie in modern-day Nigeria, not the modern nation of Benin, as the West African nation plans to accept the stolen items back into its rightful ownership.

The British took the famed bronze statues in the 19th century, and the British Museum still holds the majority of them. The hundreds of stolen artifacts became a major point in the issue of looted art, with the items spread across the Western art world. In 2022, Nigeria sent out formal requests to museums to return the stolen items.

Now, the Netherlands’ folk art museum has agreed to return its share of the items to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments. The commission made a statement about the “good example” set by the Dutch, while hoping that they would influence other nations to follow suit on repatriation.

“We thank the Netherlands for their cooperation and hope this will set a good example for other nations of the world in terms of repatriation of lost or looted antiquities,” Olugible Holloway, the commission’s director, said in a statement obtained by Euro News.

The Dutch culture and education minister also issued a statement about the importance of returning the Benin Bronzes. Calling them “indispensable” to Nigerian history and culture, the government official considered the repatriation an act of global responsibility.

“Cultural heritage is essential for telling and living the history of a country and a community,” Eppo Bruins, the Dutch culture and education minister, said. “The Benin Bronzes are indispensable to Nigeria. It is good that they are going back.”

In the U.S., some of the statues are currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution. However, following Nigeria’s public request, the museum entered a loan agreement to keep nine of these statues on display until the end of 2026.