On June 9, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and Visit Baltimore announced the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament will continue its run in Baltimore to 2026, due to its success in 2023.

​​​​“We are proud that the CIAA Tournament will call Baltimore home for the next three years. The tournament belongs in Charm City,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore in a statement.

“In order for this to be Maryland’s decade, it needs to be Baltimore’s time. Each year, this tournament is our opportunity to showcase what our state has to offer, bring people to Maryland, and drive economic growth.”

Baltimore offered a lot for this year’s attendees. This year, the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament took place from Feb. 21-26 at the newly remodeled CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. The event had an extremely high turnout, drawing over 38,000 fans across 22 basketball games in five days, surpassing last year’s attendance by 5.6%.

Based on the initial turnstile numbers tallying who entered the arena during tournament week with and without paid entry, the CIAA tournament garnered 63,844 people. 

CIAA tournament events occurred at multiple locations around the city, including BWI Airport, Penn Station and several hotels. Three hundred volunteers provided support and information for the 26 events and 22 basketball games during the tournament. 

The event also generated $17.7 million in participant and spectator off-site spending. The food and beverage sector generated $5.4 million, lodging $4 million, $3.4 million in entertainment and attractions, $3.2 million in retail spending, and transportation and local rideshare companies achieved $1.7 million.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott spoke about the experience, highlighting Baltimore’s connection with the sport.

“As a city with deep roots in the sport of basketball, it is so fitting for the world-class CIAA Tournament to stay right here in Baltimore.” Mayor Scott said.

“This has been an incredible opportunity to highlight some of the best HBCUs in the country that we have here in the State of Maryland: Morgan State University, Coppin State University, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and of course, our CIAA member institution Bowie State University,” 

Scott also expressed his hope for the games in the future, saying, “For the past two years, the tournament has been nothing short of a slam dunk for our residents, our budding small business community, our die-hard basketball fans, and all spectators and visitors alike. We look forward to making the games bigger and better in the coming years while showcasing the best of Baltimore.” 

Bowie State University President and Board Chair, Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, shared the CIAA’s anticipation for the future:

“The CIAA is so excited about the continued growth of the CIAA tournament in Charm City, and your investment and partnership of Visit Baltimore to ensure its success.”

Because of the work of the State of Maryland, Baltimore City, and the Local Organizing Committee, this year’s CIAA Tournament accrued a total economic impact of $29.6 million, supporting 1,500 jobs and generating $2.5 million in state and local taxes. 

President and CEO of Visit Baltimore, Al Hutchison, shared his gratitude to the CIAA for its continued support of Baltimore. “I am grateful for the twelve presidents’ confidence in Baltimore to continue hosting the tournament through 2026,” said Hutchison. “The CIAA is an excellent example of what major events and conventions are doing for our city’s tourism recovery in terms of economic impact, and we are absolutely thrilled to welcome them to Baltimore for an additional year.”

The City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, Visit Baltimore, and the Local Host Committee donated $1.2 Million to the CIAA General Scholarship Fund that supports the conference’s 12 member institutions, which consists of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This contribution was made possible by Baltimore’s local businesses that make up the Local Host Committee, as well as corporate donations from partners including Whiting-Turner, Bank of America, Under Armor, CareFirst, Verizon, Wells Fargo, Tom Joyner Foundation, BGE, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, the Baltimore Orioles, the Baltimore Ravens, Horseshoe Casino, Fraport USA, DTLR, T.Rowe Price and many others.

The CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament will return to Baltimore from Feb. 26-March 3 in 2024. For more information on next year’s event and hotel lodging information, visit theciaa.com.

RELATED CONTENT: Baltimore’s Downtown BOOST Program Is Providing Black Entrepreneurs With Storefronts And More

• Women

by Jameelah Mullen

June 12, 2023

Trendsetting Sports Agent Nicole Lynn Tapped To Speak At Clemson University

---

 Sports agent Nicole Lynn is scheduled to speak at  Clemson University’s Women’s Roundtable which will be held Nov. 2, 2023, in Greenville, South Carolina, according to Clemson News.

The Women’s Roundtable is a networking event that focuses on investing in and promoting the development of women and girls who are pursing careers in STEM fields. Now in its third year, the Women’s Roundtable will host approximately 500 participants who will come together to discuss various topics including education, self-care and navigating male-dominated educational and professional spaces.  

Lynn will join a panel of female trailblazers that include Emmy Award winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and poet Tanaya Winder.

Lynn made history in 2015 when she became the first Black woman to represent a top three NFL draft pick player. She made history again in 2023 when she secured a a 5-year, $255 million contract for her client Jalen Hurts making him the highest paid player in NFL history.

The history making agent’s client roster includes a list of notable athletes such as Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Marvin Wilson and New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. 

Lynn received her Bachelors and Juris doctorate degrees from Oklahoma State University. She worked as financial analyst on Wall Street before becoming a successful sports agent. 

Lynn’s goal is to to help athletes become better prepared for long-term financial freedom.

“I’m passionate about teaching financial literacy, teaching ‘adulting’ skills, and really getting these guys across the finish line, and in and out of a career in the NFL into the rest of their lives.” She told Sports Illustrated in 2022.

In 2021, Lynn  became the President of Football Operations at Klutch Sports Group, the agency that represents top athletes such as Lebron James and Anthony Davis. In the same year, she published Agent You, a book that shares tips on how to achieve career and entrepreneurial goals. 

RELATED CONTENT: Game Changer: Nicole Lynn Named President of Football For Klutch Sports Group

• Events

by KJ Edwards

June 11, 2023

ICYMI: BLACK ENTERPRISE Disruptor Summit ATL Was One For Books

---

The BLACK ENTERPRISE  Disruptor Summit took Atlanta by storm this weekend. The event’s focus is to create space for entrepreneurs to access knowledge, contacts and tools to further their businesses. Professional curiosity and joy was present all three days of the event. The vision of the summit was to help “unlock the power of wealth and entrepreneurship to make economic changes to our community and close the racial wealth gap.”  Employing minority-owned vendors and seeking out leading Black voices, in business,  are a few of the ways the Disruptor Summit is participating in that economic change. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise)

The event did not lack in quality or diversity. In an effort to be a driving force behind black business growth, the Disruptor Summit offered One-on-One Business Coaching and business pitch training. Multiple minority-owned food trucks were in attendance to  feed attendees literal hunger, as the offered seminars, training, and panels fed their minds.

Insight from entrepreneurs, who  are shaking up their industries, was abundant. Founder and CEO of The Slutty Vegan, Aisha “Pinky” Cole, spoke with BE’s own Selena Hill  about her massive success as a restaurateur. Her message focused on how paying attention to your needs can inspire a disruptive creation.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise)

Yandy Smith, owner of the lifestyle brand EGL, spoke about stepping outside of your comfort zone. She credits reaching out to people who are different from her as the key to some of her most successful ventures. Smith impressed upon attendees of the conference that the ability to see beyond physical appearance, or boisterous personality, is vital in forging meaningful business relationships. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise)

Social media influencers shared nuggets of advice they use to build flourishing platforms and be disruptors in business spaces. Creators of Earn Your Leisure, Troy Millings and Rahad Bilal discussed networking and bringing value to your industry.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise)

The BLACK ENTERPRISE Disruptor Summit went all out bringing out industry leaders, business innovators and eager entrepreneurs. The event fostered communication and collaboration amongst peers. New entrepreneurs networked with founders of multi-million dollar enterprises in search of  the keys to success. The diversity of the summit and its speakers shows there is more than one way to succeed. There is more than one way to lead. There is more than one way to disrupt. 

RELATED CONTENT: BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Disruptor Panelists Dropped Gems On Attendees, Here Are Some Key Takeaways

• Lifestyle

by Ahsan Washington

June 11, 2023

7 Exquisite Liquors To Gift Your King On Father’s Day

---

With Father’s Day just days away, you’re probably thinking of good gifts to fit the dope dads in your life. Well, leave it to BLACK ENTERPRISE to conjure up the smoothest, elite liquors to gift dad on his special day. Whether it’s a father, grandfather, godfather, father, uncle or mentor, a good pairing of libations can never go wrong, especially if dad is a spirits connoisseur. Be it a cool, laid back dad or the turn up type of dad, BLACK ENTERPRISE has got your choice of spirits covered. Here are seven exquisite liquors to gift your king on Father’s Day

1) HENNESSY VS

Is your father a NBA basketball fan? Hennessey partnered with the NBA and released a limited line of Hennessey VS for its “In The Paint” project to “bring art and basketball to local communities.” Created in 2023, this limited-edition design is wrapped around a 750ml bottle and priced at $69.99. It’s the perfect gift for fathers. It has a hint of apples, grapes, vanilla and oak. 

PURCHASE HERE

by Demetria Marie

June 11, 2023

The Business Forecast: What’s Your Horoscope Telling You About Your Business Dealings?

---

It’s June and we’ve reached the midpoint of the year. It’s a good time to explore the health of your business. Is your budget where it needs to be? Are you on the path to meet your quarterly goals? Have you checked in on your business forecast? Are your projections on track?

These are good questions to reflect on this month, as we transition into the second half of the year. Make space on your calendar to lean in on your business horoscope.

This month take the time to adjust and create a strategy that will support your goals throughout the year. The halfway mark of the year is a good time to assess if your expectations for 2023 are aligned with what your reports and data is telling you. If the math ain’t mathing, create a plan.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, hire support. Taking the time now to assess your goals will prepare you for success for the coming months. Now, let’s get into this business forecast and horoscope for the month of June.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

You’re way overdue on launching that new idea. You’ve spent enough months, maybe even years, researching and building a dynamic strategy.  Let’s be honest Aries, you are over prepared. The only thing that’s stopping you from moving forward is you!

It’s time to launch, stop holding back. 

Taurus (April 20 – May 21)

The next level of your success requires support. It is time to invest in that training program, mentorship or learning course. Taurus, you know what your strengths are and you also know where you can improve. Invest in some training. A few courses will better prepare you for the blessings coming your way. 

Gemini (May 21 – June 21)

Have you thought about hiring someone to help out on that project?  You can do it by yourself, but do you really need to? You have the budget to add more members to your team. Do it. Distributing the tasks with others will give you more time to focus on other areas of your life. Don’t use all of your energy working in a silo. 

Cancer (June 21 – July 23)

If you’ve been hesitant about going into partnership with another person, don’t be. It’s going to work out in your favor. Be very clear in the contract what your expectations are for each other. Also, be proactive about scheduling check-ins to make sure you all are on the same page. It’ll work out only if you all communicate clearly. 

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 23)

It’s time to part ways with that project. The bad luck that’s been happening is an indication that this isn’t a good fit for your investment. It might be hard to step away, but it is time to do so. Cut your losses! 

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 23)

Don’t be afraid to invest your money, Virgo. You are currently holding on a little, too, tightly to your money. Do you think it is going to blow away? There are opportunities presented to you that are risk-free and still you won’t commit. How are you planning on growing and strengthening your business if you aren’t willing to invest? Lean into what this horoscope is trying to tell you.

Libra ( Sept. 23 – Oct. 23) 

Libra, now is a good time to plan to pay off some debt. If you aren’t able to put money towards a balance today, set a plan to have it done by the end of the year. We’re halfway through the year and should already start thinking of 2024. Clearing up debt allows your business to take on additional projects without there being a big financial strain. 

Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 22)

Take some time off. You’ve been working hard on this project and it’s starting to feel overwhelming. The break away could help clear your mind and bring new fresh ideas to help the situation. Taking a step back and heeding this horoscope will give you a new perspective. 

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 – Dec. 22)

Sagittarius, you are a visionary and good at coming up with ideas. This is your superpower. Don’t forget that generating ideas and business strategies is your talent. You may have hit a creative block recently. Don’t let that stress you. Spend a little time alone doing things that you love and watch how the ideas start flowing back. 

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 20)

Have you picked a mentee yet because It is time for you to start mentoring the talent around you. You’re a great leader however you’re ready to step back and give space to new voices in your business industry. This is your calling. 

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 19)

Make this upcoming project a collaboration with other people in your same business industry. You want to be in community with people Aquarius and not in competition. Working together with people on this business project would strengthen your connection and network. 

Pisces  (Feb. 19 – March 21)

Pick your battles. Now is not the time to fight against the business plan your partners have in place. Let them take the lead on this strategy and tell them your concerns with the plan. If they are unwilling to understand, don’t argue with them. Some people learn better when they fail. 

RELATED CONTENT: Meet the Business Astrologist Who is Helping People Find their Dream Career

• Entertainment

by Melanie Yvette

June 11, 2023

‘BMF’ Producer Suspended For Threatening Striking Writers With His SUV

---

In a deeply disturbing turn of events, allegations have emerged regarding a BMF producer who reportedly resorted to extreme measures, pretending to almost hit striking writers with a truck, Complex reported.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the power dynamics and tensions that can arise in labor disputes, and highlights the need for a safe and respectful working environment.

Writer Brian Egeston (House of Payne, The Game) were at a WGA strike in Hollywood, and shared details of the incident on Twitter, citing producer Ian Woolf as the alleged truck driver.

In a series of Tweets, Egeston documented that Woolf simulated almost hitting him and fellow writer Gabriel Alejandro Garza (The Flash) with his SUV.

“When you pointed your SUV at me as though it were a weapon and slammed the breaks within six feet of writers, I felt the hate and aggression of scenarios similar to Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and others who have been harmed at the hands of hate-filled oppressors,” Egeston

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MAN WHO ALMOST KILLED ME ON THE WGA PICKET LINE TODAY.

A thread… pic.twitter.com/tImgeGpguC

— Brian Egeston (@TheBrianwrites) June 8, 2023

The alleged threats made by the BMF producer against the striking writers—with a motor vehicle—represent a distressing incident within the entertainment industry.

The alleged incident serves as a reminder of the power imbalances that exist in labor disputes and the urgent need for a safe and respectful working environment.

Garza, who is also a strike captain, supported Egeston’s claims about the producer, taking to Twitter to confirm the incident. Garza noted that him and Egeston weren’t “impeding traffic” and was suddenly shocked when another writer told him to “look out” as Egeston pulled him away with him. It was at that moment that Garza said he heard a “vehicle skidding as it sped into the driveway, and turned to see an SUV coming to a stop.” Garza even stated that he made eye contact with the producer of the hit series BMF, as he “hit the accelerator one more time” and followed up with hitting the brakes and “skidding even closer” to them.

Gabriel Alejandro Garza here. I'm a WGA Strike Captain, and the other writer standing next to Brian when this happened. I joined Twitter jsut know to post this: pic.twitter.com/5UJ3Ddm0Tk

— GG (@GG2116921532691) June 9, 2023

Since this incident, Lionsgate has reportedly suspended Woolf, telling Deadline that they “take acts of intimidation and threats of violence seriously and investigate them thoroughly.”

We’re not sure how this might impact BMF or Starz.

RELATED CONTENT: Gains In Diversity Among Hollywood Writers At Stake In Strike

• News

by Iman Milner

June 11, 2023

The White House Will Host A Juneteenth Concert Featuring Jennifer Hudson And HBCU Bands

---

The White House has announced a Juneteenth musical celebration set to take place on Tuesday, June 13.

In 2021, President Biden signed legislation that established Juneteenth as a federal holiday in hopes of bringing into collective consciousness the importance of a historic day in our nation. And, as June is Black Music Month, it is only right the momentous holiday be celebrated with a concert featuring some of our most talented artists as well as students from HBCUs.

The event, which is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Pernod Ricard USA, STARZ #TaketheLead Initiative and The Recording Academy, will feature appearances by Jennifer Hudson, Method Man, Audra McDonald, Ledisi and Colman Domingo. In addition, students from Tennessee State University, Morgan State University and Hampton University will perform for invited guests. P Valley star Nicco Annan and Raising Kanan’s Patina Miller are also slated to make appearances.

The White House says the concert is part of a larger plan to highlight the accomplishments of Black musicians and creators during the month for which President Biden declared a special proclamation.

“Much of Black music is rooted in African rhythms, coupled with the experience of slavery and struggle in America,” he said via an official White House statement. “Barred from expressing themselves in their native tongues, enslaved people developed a language to articulate their hopes, dreams, sense of loss, and tenacity to overcome the harrowing nature of their lives.”

For President Biden, the cultural significance of Black music is crucial to the fabric of the progress in this nation.

“This month, we celebrate the songs and artists that challenge us to think critically, stand up to injustice, and believe in ourselves.  We recommit to expanding the promise of dignity and opportunity for all Americans.  And we revel in the sounds, spirit, and soul of some of the very best music ever created,” he said.

Celebrate Juneteenth 2023 with BLACK ENTERPRISE with month-long content that explores the history of prosperity and banking, and the future of investing and financial literacy for Black communities.

RELATED CONTENT: The Meaning of Juneteenth: A Blast From The Past That Somehow Escaped Us

As WNBA star Brittney Griner made her way through a Dallas airport, a white man walked up on her spewing patriotic rhetoric. In a video clip shared on social media, YouTube personality Alex Stein is recorded allegedly ambushing the 6-foot-9 women’s basketball player with questions about her stance on the United States.

“Do you still wanna boycott America, Brittney?” Stein yelled. 

A man intervenes and attempts to block Stein from the harassment but fails miserably. He asks Stein “why are you doing this?” and tells him several times to “stop.” Stein refuses and at one point someone calls him “weird.”

The clip posted on The Shade Room Instagram profile shows Stein telling the man “Get off me,” and being physically and verbally aggressive, pushing himself into what appears to be Griner’s personal space. 

“I’m weird? She hates America,” the agitator said. 

“What about the merchant of death, Brit?”

Though Griner is not visible in the video, the encounter gives the impression that despite being a high profile athlete for the WNBA, she is an unprotected Black woman. The incident leaves open to question the concerns around safety and security for women players in the league. 

Griner’s Phoenix, Mercury teammate Breanna Turner tweeted her concerns and added context to the account:

“Player safety while traveling should be at the forefront. People following with cameras saying wild remarks is never acceptable. Excessive harassment. Our team nervously huddled in a corner unsure how to move about. We demand better.”

Player safety while traveling should be at the forefront. People following with cameras saying wild remarks is never acceptable. Excessive harassment. Our team nervously huddled in a corner unsure how to move about. We demand better.

— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) June 10, 2023

Stein, apparently, not one to go away quietly, found his way to Turner’s post to respond to hers and other social media users’ comments.

The WNBA issued a statement via Twitter, calling the occurrence and Stein’s actions both “inappropriate and unfortunate.”

pic.twitter.com/xC9vZjcp3S

— WNBA (@WNBA) June 10, 2023

The statement read that “The safety of Brittney and All WNBA players are top priority,” and that preseason arrangements around Griner’s safety had been addressed “to ensure her safety during her travel, which included charter flights for WNBA games and assigned security personnel with her at all times.”

RELATED CONTENT: Brittney Griner Makes Emotional Return To Phoenix Mercury In WNBA Opener

There’s a history-making concert coming to celebrate hip hop’s 50th birthday that will celebrate those who laid the foundation for the art form.

Hip hop legends DJ Jazzy Jeff and Doug E Fresh have teamed up with veteran promoter/manager Charlie Mack for their one-night-only “Mixtape Live” event that brings together 50 pioneer MCs from the 1970s, 1980s & 1990s on one stage for a historical celebration of hip hop’s 50th anniversary.

Curated by the Grammy Award-winning DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Greatest Entertainer and Human Beatbox Doug E. Fresh, and Charlie Mack, an insider in the entertainment industry and longtime promoter and manager who helped introduce acts like Fresh Prince (aka Will Smith).

The “Mixtape Live” concert takes place on June 17, 2023, at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic, New Jersey, and will feature 50 of the greatest hip-hop pioneers performing live on one stage with legendary DJ Kool Red Alert spinning on the ones and twos.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DJ Jazzy Jeff (@djjazzyjeff)

The “Mixtape Live” will showcase the likes of Sugar Hill Gang, Melly Mell & Scorpio of the Furious Five, Fearless Four, Roxanne Shante, Kurtis Blow, Cold Crush Brothers, Mc Shan, Peter Gunz, Positive K, Mr. Cheeks, Yo-Yo, EPMD, Chubb Rock, Monie Love, Lords of the Underground, Milk Dee, Onyx and many more.

The night will celebrate hip-hop’s influence in global mainstream culture and how the art form shaped numerous genres of music. Since its birth on August 11, 1973, in the rec room of an apartment building in the Bronx, hip-hop has evolved from a promising art to one of the biggest-selling formats in music and a leading force in worldwide culture.

With June being Black Music Month and to highlight Juneteenth and Father’s Day, this hip-hop concert will reach historic heights and break the Guinness Book of World Records by having 50 artists performing live on one stage and one night only. Joining in the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop “Mixtape Live” and hosts of the June 17th concert are legendary female radio hosts, Lady B of 107.9 WRNB, Patty Jackson & Mimi Brown of WDAS 105.3.

For tickets or more information on the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Mixtape Live, visit www.ticketsmasters.com or www.ppshows.com.

Press play below to hear Doug E Fresh, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Charlie Mack speak about the significance of the concert and tease what special guest appearances fans can expect.

Meet Commissioner Alicia Reece, a passionate Cincinnati native and politician who made it her mission to develop the city’s first-ever Black Music Walk of Fame.

The Cincinnati Music Festival kicks off on July 20 and this year’s festival will be like no other as it includes the grand opening of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame! The new public exhibit serves as an unforgettable celebration of Black music, culture, and lifestyle and Cincinnati’s role in producing musical greats that made major impacts on the industry worldwide.

It’s engaging and immersive in ways that take visitors through an augmented reality experience where they can perform alongside Penny Ford and Bootsy Collins, and hear music while walking through eight-foot-tall media towers.

But the new Walk of Fame wouldn’t exist if not for Commissioner Reece who founded the interactive outdoor exhibit as a result of her family’s music legacy and knowing the significant role Black Ohio musicians played in the creation of today’s sound.

The Hamilton County Commission President is the daughter of the late Barbara Howard, a professional singer who once opened for Stevie Wonder, and Steven Reece, a former Motown intern who went on to start his own record label. Growing up surrounded by music, which included house visits from the likes of Bootsy Collins and Penny Ford, it only made sense for Commissioner Reece to honor her parent’s legacy by developing the city’s official Black Music Walk of Fame.

Located between the Andrew Brady Music Center and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Reece made sure a new “music corridor” would be added that celebrated the city’s Black music icons in an area known for once serving as a safe space for escaped slaves.

“it’s perfect to create what I call this music corridor because the missing link was black music legends that are from our area,” Reece told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

It took $24 million to develop the wheelchair-accessible space that honors Black music and serves as the first-of-its-kind experience. It wasn’t easy to accomplish, but it’s a feat Commissioner Reece is encouraging other Black women to do in an effort to preserve Black history and celebrate the contributions of the Black community.

“As a Black woman, this is the first time an African American woman is doing a development of this kind in our state, and probably in our country,” she said.

“I think for me, it’s very, very important because I want to inspire other Black women to be able to develop these types of major projects in major real estate.”

Commissioner Reece takes great pride in her monumental accomplishment that she credits to the Black entrepreneurship she was engulfed in during her childhood. In fact, she can vividly remember seeing the pride her father expressed when he was featured in an issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine.

“I came through Black entrepreneurship, a family-owned business. And so I understand the struggles of how to make something out of nothing,” she said.

“I’m always intrigued and inspired to do that. And every time we do that, we’re opening a door and open it a little bit wider for other African Americans to be able to have these opportunities.”

Each year new inductees are added with Bootsy Collins, Charles Fold, The Isley Brothers, and Otis Williams among the 2021 inductees, and Penny Ford, techno-funk band Midnight Star, hip hop producer Hi-Tek and jazz musician Wilbert Longmire being inducted in 2022, via the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Big names are set to be inducted in 2023, including the band Deele, featuring LA Reid and Babyface, Louise Shropshire, Philippe Wynne and the Godfather of soul, James Brown, WLWT reports.