Michelle Obama Surprises Maryland Graduates After Viral Student Campaign
It fulfilled a goal that seniors had pursued through a social media campaign shared widely during the school year
Former first lady Michelle Obama surprised graduates at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School with a virtual commencement message on June 1. This followed months of student-led efforts to get her to participate in the ceremony, Bethesda Today reports.
The video was shown during the graduation ceremony in Montgomery County, Maryland. It fulfilled a goal that seniors had pursued through a social media campaign that was widely shared during the school year. Students repeatedly posted videos and messages asking Obama to be their commencement speaker.
In her message to the Class of 2026, Michelle Obama congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to stay resilient as they enter the next stage of their lives.
“You all have so much to be proud of,” Obama told the graduates. “We need your heart, your ideas, your optimism, more than ever. Participation in our democracy is the only way to build a community and a country that reflects who you are and what you believe.”
Her surprise appearance capped a month-long campaign launched by students at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. They turned to social media in late 2025 to attract Obama’s attention. Videos featured student organizations, athletic teams, and classmates collectively asking the former first lady to give their commencement address. The effort gained both regional and national attention.
Although Obama did not attend the ceremony in person, students received the recognition they had sought. This offered graduates a personalized message from one of the nation’s most recognizable public figures.
School officials and graduates viewed her appearance as the result of an unusual grassroots campaign that showed the power of student engagement and persistence. The virtual address added a memorable touch to graduation day and recognized the seniors’ months of advocacy, organization, and outreach.
The Atlanta-based vegan fast-food chain announced it has signed franchise deals in both markets, marking a significant milestone in the company’s transition to a franchise-led growth model. The move comes as the brand seeks to rebuild and scale following a turbulent financial period that included corporate restructuring, store closures, and bankruptcy proceedings, reports 11Alive.
According to a company statement, Cole Hayes said the company is prioritizing partners who not only have business experience but who are also familiar with the cultural identity and impact of the Slutty Vegan brand. Franchise veteran Brandi Forte will lead development efforts in Washington, D.C., a market Cole views as a strategic fit for the brand’s mission and customer base.
“I was intentional about partnering with operators who understand our business and the culture,” Cole Hayes said in a statement, reports WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta.
Franchisees Khadejah Davis and Jamel Douglas will open and operate a new location in Atlanta, becoming the first official Slutty Vegan franchise owners in the restaurant’s hometown. The business partners currently operate Juici Patties locations and have experience scaling restaurant brands, the company said.
“Atlanta is where Slutty Vegan was born, and we’re planting deeper roots here while establishing our presence in D.C.,” Cole Hayes said. “This is bigger than the burgers. We’re creating opportunity and legacy.”
Founded in 2018, Slutty Vegan grew from a food truck into one of the nation’s most recognizable Black-owned restaurant brands. The company became known for its plant-based burgers with provocative names and its ability to attract both vegan and non-vegan customers. At its peak, the brand operated 14 locations around the country and reportedly achieved a valuation of approximately $100 million. However, rapid growth also brought financial challenges.
In March, Cole Hayes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing debts that included more than $1.2 million owed to the U.S. Small Business Administration and nearly $192,000 in state tax obligations. Despite the filing, Cole has publicly framed bankruptcy as a business tool for restructuring rather than a sign of failure.
“People think that bankruptcy is a bad thing. It is a tool. People use it all the time, so I am tapping into the tool. And I pray that tapping into this tool will relieve me of some of the responsibilities from a company that I no longer own,” Cole Hayes told Page Six.
“I’ve made the Time 100 list, the Forbes 1000 list, twice the cover of magazines. I’ve did all of the things. So just because you see bankruptcy and just because you see a little bit of breakdown, don’t ever erase the history of being that girl,” she said.
OneUnited Bank President and Owner Teri Williams and Circle of One Marketing President and CEO Suzan McDowell, the co-hosts of the "Who's Your Ma Honey?" podcast (Photo courtesy of OneUnited Bank)
OneUnited Bank Launches ‘Who’s Your Ma Honey?’ Podcast To Help Listeners Turn Shame Into Strength
The new 10-episode series explores how overcoming undeserved shame can unlock entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth.
OneUnited Bank is tackling the silent barrier that often blocks people from fully realizing personal and financial success: shame.
Last month, the bank launched Who’s Your Ma Honey?, a new podcast designed to help guests confront and overcome “undeserved shame.” The 10-episode series premiered May 7 and is now available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Audible. Hosted by OneUnited Bank President and Owner Teri Williams and Circle of One Marketing President and CEO Suzan McDowell, the podcast features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, advocates, elected officials, and community leaders who share how experiences of shame ultimately became sources of resilience and empowerment.
According to a statement released by OneUnited Bank, the show aims to uncover “the hidden presence of undeserved shame—the mix of unjustified guilt and unwarranted stigma—to help guests reclaim the source of their ultimate superpower.” The concept aligns with OneUnited Bank’s long-standing mission of promoting financial empowerment and community development.
Through candid conversations with esteemed Black leaders, Who’s Your Ma Honey? seeks to transform painful memories into powerful lessons, demonstrating how adversity can become the foundation for leadership, entrepreneurship, and generational wealth. Season one guests include journalist Karen Hunter, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial, activist Sybrina Fulton, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, entrepreneur Felicia Hatcher, and BMe Community Founder Trabian Shorters.
Source: (R-L: OneUnited Bank President and Owner Teri Williams, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial, and Circle of One Marketing President and CEO Suzan McDowell on the set of the “Who’s Your Ma Honey?” podcast (Photo courtesy of OneUnited Bank)
The inspiration for the podcast stems from Williams’ own personal journey. Growing up in Indiantown, Florida, she earned a full scholarship to Brown University. As she navigated the transition from a small Southern town to an Ivy League institution, she said she became ashamed of her roots and, in the process, lost touch with the memory of her great-grandmother, Annie Coachman, affectionately known as “Ma Honey.” Coachman was an entrepreneur who owned a penny candy store, juke joint, barbecue pit, and rental properties in the segregated South.
“For years, I lost the memory of my great-grandmother and the impact she had on my life. My memory loss was rooted in shame,” Williams said in a statement. “We all have a Ma Honey; someone or something we’ve been undeservedly ashamed of—that is actually the source of everything we’ve become. This show is about finding that truth, sometimes uncovering it in real time.”
Source: R-L: OneUnited Bank President and Owner Teri Williams, Rep. Frederica S. Wilson, and Circle of One Marketing President and CEO Suzan McDowell on the set of the “Who’s Your Ma Honey?” podcast (Photo courtesy of OneUnited Bank)
Williams believes reclaiming those formative experiences can help individuals heal emotional wounds while strengthening the resilience needed to build wealth and create lasting opportunities.
How Sam’s Club CEO Latriece Watkins Became One Of The Most Powerful Women In Business
Watkins, who became president and CEO of Sam's Club in February 2026, debuted at No. 87 on Fortune's 2026 Most Powerful Women
Just months after taking the helm of Sam’s Club, CEO Latriece Watkins has been recognized by Fortune as one of the world’s most influential business leaders, highlighting a nearly three-decade career that has positioned her at the forefront of one of retail’s largest membership-based chains.
Watkins, who became president and CEO of Sam’s Club in February 2026, debuted at No. 87 on Fortune’s 2026 Most Powerful Women in Business list, which was released May 27. The annual ranking recognizes women shaping major industries across the global economy.
She now oversees a business generating roughly $96 billion in annual revenue and operating 601 locations across the United States. Fortune reports that if Sam’s Club operated as a standalone company, it would rank No. 43 on the Fortune 500, placing it ahead of several major publicly traded corporations.
A lawyer by training, Watkins joined Walmart in 1997 as a real estate intern and spent nearly 30 years advancing through leadership roles across the retail giant. Before assuming her current position, she served as the chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S., guiding product strategy and merchandising operations.
Reflecting on her career path, Watkins told the site, “I was at a retail company, and I never really knew what we actually did every day,” explaining that a conversation with longtime Walmart executive, former Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, encouraged her to move closer to the company’s core retail operations.
Her appointment also places her in a role that has historically served as a launching pad for some of retail’s most prominent executives. Former Sam’s Club leaders have gone on to lead Walmart, Target, and Walgreens, underscoring the strategic importance of the position within the retail industry.
As Watkins begins her first year leading Sam’s Club, she will guide the warehouse retailer’s next phase of growth and competition in the evolving membership-club market.
Rick Ross has several brands, businesses, and investments under his belt across multiple industries, and now he's celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album Port of Miami by taking the show on the road.
Rick Ross Employs An All-Black Production Crew To Celebrate 20 Years Of Success
Ross’s road to wealth is one to be studied
Rick Ross has a clear trajectory: to live up to being the “biggest boss” thus far. The rapper-turned serial entrepreneur has his hand in several business ventures. To date, the “Hustlin” artist has quite the number of brands, businesses, and investments under his belt across multiple industries, and now he’s celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut albumPort of Miami by taking the show on the road.
The tour kicked off in the rapper’s hometown of Miami at the James L. Knight Center, and featured guest appearances from DJ Khaled, Uncle Luke of the infamous group 2 Live Crew, and Trina, whose hip-hop careers also grew out of Florida.
“This is my guy right here, I love him to death,” Uncle Luke shared with an amped up audience. “I love you man. I love everything you’re doing.”
Uncle Luke continued: “l’ve always watched you, from the first time you gave me that CD at the Carroll City flea market.”
Ross received the adoration and reflected: “183rd Street Flea Market, I remember like it was yesterday.”
Ross has come a long way from those humble beginnings. His current endeavors include Wingstop and Checkers franchises; Belaire and Bumbu spirits; and an investment in Jetdoc, a healthcare management system, alongside endorsements in health and beauty, beverage, luggage, and automotive products, to name a few. Of course, among Ross’ boss moves is the purchase of a personal jet, a fleet of collectible cars, and his real estate portfolio.
Ross’ road to wealth is worth studying. The Port of Miami 20 Tour runs till August, stopping in 16 additional cities throughout the country. The 5th annual Rick Ross Car Show takes place in Georgia at his Atlanta mansion, The Promise Land, on Saturday, June 13, from 9 AM- 6 PM.
New York Reparations Hearing Erupts As Descendants Of African Slaves Clash With Liberal Organizations
Tensions flared during a New York reparations hearing as Black residents argued compensation should be reserved for descendants of enslaved Americans
Tension flared at a recent New York State reparations hearing as advocates for descendants of enslaved Americans clashed with civil rights groups and lawmakers over who should qualify for any future reparations program.
The heated exchange occurred during a recent public hearing hosted by the New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies in Hempstead, Long Island. The commission, which was established by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2023, is tasked with studying the legacy of slavery and recommending potential reparative measures for people of African descent in New York.
Much of the debate centered on whether reparations should be reserved exclusively for descendants of enslaved Americans, often referred to by some as “Foundational Black Americans,” or whether eligibility should extend to all Black residents impacted by systemic discrimination, including those who migrated to the U.S. by choice.
“As Foundational Black Americans who’ve been here since the founding of the country, coming in as slaves, and also indigenous people who are here, we have a claim to the country,” Aubrey Muhammad told Fox News Digital. “We have our own culture, and we deserve to be compensated for what our ancestors have been put through.”
Muhammad was among several members of the United States Freedmen Project who argued that reparations should be based on lineage rather than race. According to Fox News, supporters contend that a lineage-based approach would be more likely to withstand constitutional challenges.
Tensions escalated when representatives from the New York Civil Liberties Union advocated for a broader interpretation of reparative justice.
“These government policies have affected Black New Yorkers regardless of lineage,” said Susan Gottehrer, the director of the Nassau County chapter of the NYCLU. “Excluding a subset of Black Americans would leave a significant portion of documented racial injustice completely unexamined.”
The comments drew criticism from descendants-only advocates.
“They want to erase our story, dilute our story by adding in a bunch of people who just got here, whose ancestors did not build this country,” said Brooke Lean while sporting a Freedmen Project shirt.
Others focused on the form reparations should take. “I think that we are owed a debt,” attendee Caprice Reins said, while another participant, Tanasia Poke, argued that financial compensation represents the only path to “true justice.”
Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, one of the lawmakers who helped create the commission, defended a broader examination of slavery’s legacy.
“When we draft the legislation for the commission, we want to ensure that we’re having a thorough conversation about slavery and its harms, whether it’s mass incarceration, health disparities, the lack of educational opportunity for folks, or the wealth gap,” Solages said.
The commission will continue gathering public feedback before issuing recommendations to state leaders. Any reparations program would ultimately require approval from the New York Legislature and governor.
The Bay Area And ‘MoAD’ Puts Its Black Arts Community Front And Center
San Francisco's Black art scene is thriving.
The Golden Gate Bridge. Cable cars with a backdrop of San Francisco Bay. Fog rolling over the hills. That’s often the version of San Francisco that people see on postcards and crave when they finally make a trip to Northern California.
Situated at the center of San Francisco’s premier arts and culture corridor, the contemporary art museum is solely dedicated to the art of the African diaspora. Its reach extends far beyond its walls with world-class exhibitions, robust community programming, and an education initiative that serves more than 50 Title One schools across the Bay Area.
At the helm is Monetta White, executive director and CEO, who is notably a native San Franciscan. Leading MoAD is personal for White.
“I want to make sure that the representation of Black culture is here and shown,” she says. “The Bay Area has been a beacon of Black art … and to be able to really highlight those artists, to see them, to give them their flowers, especially for the older artists that hadn’t been seen, it really is a big thing for us.”
MoAD Celebrates 10 Years of Highlighting Black Artists In Emerging Artists Program
MoAD’s commitment to Black artists through its Emerging Artists Program is celebrating its 10th anniversary. It’s through this program that the late and great multimedia artist JoeSam. had his first-ever museum show. A well-known figure in Bay Area art circles, Sam spent decades creating without ever receiving institutional recognition until MoAD changed that. He passed away not long after the exhibition closed but had a chance to stand in a room and see his work on museum walls.
“That, to me, made me really proud,” White says.
Stories like Sam’s are exactly why MoAD’s Emerging Artist Program matters. Now celebrating its 10th year, the program functions as a launchpad for Bay Area artists at pivotal moments in their careers. Emerging, White is careful to clarify, has nothing to do with age or credentials.
“It’s really about timing and impact,” she explains.
The current cohort comprises Jasmine Ross, Demetri Broxton, Dorian Reed, and Tahirah Rasheed, who will each present solo exhibitions through early 2027, accompanied by artist talks, honoraria, and the kind of visibility that moves careers forward.
White says that a solo exhibition at a major museum, at the right moment, can change the entire trajectory of a career, opening doors to galleries, collectors, and institutions and creating pathways toward long-term financial sustainability.
But if there is one event that crystallizes everything MoAD stands for and gives travelers a specific reason to put San Francisco on the calendar, it is Nexus.
Now in its third year, Nexus: San Francisco Bay Area Black Art Week is a city-wide celebration of Black art and culture running Sept. 30 through Oct. 3. What began as a bold idea has grown into a national draw, pulling artists, collectors, and culture enthusiasts from across the country to the Bay Area for a week of exhibitions, artist talks, openings, and events rooted entirely in the richness of Black creative expression. MoAD leads the charge.
“If you’re looking for what’s happening in San Francisco around Black art,” White says, “this is something you should check out.”
For the culturally curious traveler, Nexus is more than an invitation. It is a reason to go. Find more information about Nexus, including the artists and exhibitions, on the event’s website.
Peabo Bryson, Legendary R&B Singer And Balladeer Behind Disney Classics, Dies At 75
The two-time Grammy Award winning singer leaves a legacy that has spanned more than five decades
Peabo Bryson, the celebrated R&B singer and songwriter whose powerful vocals belted generations of love songs and multiple Disney hits, has died at the age of 75.
On May 31, CBS News reported that Bryson was under medical supervision after suffering a stroke. His family then released a statement on Wednesday revealing that the two-time Grammy Award-winning artist “transitioned peacefully” on the evening of June 2 “surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”
Known for his rich baritone voice and emotionally charged ballads, Bryson enjoyed a career that spanned more than 50 years. He earned widespread acclaim for chart-topping R&B hits such as “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So Into You,” “Can You Stop the Rain,” “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again,” and “Reaching for the Sky.” However, he became a household name through his iconic Disney collaborations, including “Beauty and the Beast,” a duet with legendary singer Celine Dion featured in Disney’s 1991 animated classic. The song won Best Original Song at the Academy Awards in 1992 as well as the 1993 Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
He later won another Grammy alongside R&B veteran Regina Belle for “A Whole New World,” the signature song from Disney’s “Aladdin,” which became one of the most recognizable movie soundtracks of the 1990s.
Born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, the singer emerged as one of R&B’s premier vocalists during the 1970s and 1980s. His smooth delivery and romantic ballads made him a staple on urban radio and helped establish him as one of the genre’s most respected performers. Throughout his career, Bryson also collaborated with acclaimed singer Natalie Cole on the 1979 album “We’re The Best of Friends” and with Roberta Flack on the 1983 project “Born to Love,” which included the hit single “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love.”
In the statement, the family reflected on the profound impact of his music and legacy.
“For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments. His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched,” they said.
The family also expressed gratitude for the support they have received following his passing.
“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” the family shared. “While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
The singer leaves behind his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson; their eight-year-old son, Robert; his daughter, Linda Bryson; and three grandchildren.
TikTok And Instagram Nix AI-Influencers That Cosplay Black Women
A new investigation raises concerns about digital exploitation, consent, and the growing use of AI-generated Black female influencers
Whether people embrace it or fear it, artificial intelligence has infiltrated almost every aspect of the internet. From the controversial AI-generated content that President Trump has posted on Truth Social to the AI artists topping the music charts and the hundreds of thousands of workers being displaced by AI, AI has become inescapable. However, as AI disrupts the workforce and reshapes how content is created and consumed, it is also raising concerns about consent, ownership, and exploitation. A recent investigation by Glamour UK found that AI-generated influencers modeled after Black women are attracting millions of views online, often without the knowledge or permission of the women whose content and likenesses inspire them.
According to the report, these viral TikTok and Instagram accounts often feature dark-skinned Black women performing dance trends and creating lifestyle content. However, they’re not operated by real people. Instead, many are AI-generated personas designed to attract engagement and drive users toward paid subscription platforms featuring sexualized content.
According to Glamour, the creators behind these accounts frequently build AI models by scraping content from real Black women online. The technology can replicate facial features, body types, movements, and mannerisms. The investigation also revealed that many of the AI-generated characters are depicted with exaggerated physical traits and hypersexualized features. In some cases, the avatars are portrayed with unnaturally dark skin tones and content that appears increasingly tailored toward adult audiences, reinforcing longstanding stereotypes about Black women.
A 21-year-old TikTok creator based in Sierra Leone identified as Josephine says she was shocked to discover that her videos were being replicated by an AI influencer. One video, which featured a realistic, dark-skinned female avatar mimicking a dance video she had posted nearly four years earlier, garnered substantial views, far surpassing her original video.
“I thought someone was tagging me in their own version,” she told Glamour. “But then I realized it wasn’t even a real person. It was an AI version of a Black woman with a dark skin tone that didn’t look real, recreating my every move. From my network of creators, I had heard that there were dark-skinned AI-generated Black women going viral on TikTok. I never gave anyone permission to use my video. I felt like someone had created a sloppy caricature of me for views and likes.”
Cybersecurity expert Sarah Armstrong-Smith referenced the AI deepfakes as a form of “synthetic doppelgänging.”
“There’s enough similarity to mimic the look, traits, and personality of a real human, but giving it a synthetic and AI look…to try to bypass any potential claims on identity theft, or copyright infringement,” she told Glamour. “These AI-generated female personas can pose significant risks to real women and girls who are disproportionately targeted by non-consensual image manipulation, including sexual exploitation and reputational damage,” she added.
TikTok says multiple accounts and content were removed for violating its community guidelines, which prohibit content that promotes sexual services as well as AI that uses content published by private individuals without consent. The social media platform also bans spam and impersonation accounts. Furthermore, a spokesperson for TikTok notes that more than 1 billion videos have been labeled as AI-generated on the platform to help users identify content generated by humans versus artificial intelligence. Likewise, a spokesperson for Meta told the publication that accounts violating its policies have also been removed.
Still, as fake influencers become more sophisticated and widespread, critics say stronger safeguards, greater transparency, and clearer legal protections will be necessary to prevent the exploitation and monetization of people’s identities, particularly those of Black women, who have historically been disproportionately targeted by harmful stereotypes.
Amid All That JAŸ-Z Fanfare Philly Entrepreneurs Shine At The 2026 Roots Picnic
The annual festival returned this past weekend, celebrating music, entrepreneurship, culture, and community.
Over 80,000 people from around the country gathered in the City of Brotherly Love for the annual Roots Picnic, one of the nation’s premier celebrations of Black music, culture, and entrepreneurship.
Held for the first time at Philadelphia’s historic Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park, the two-day festival featured more than 20 performances and a lineup that spanned generations of hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul from Erykah Badu to Brandy to Kehlani. Shawn “JAŸ-Z” Carter headlined Saturday night’s festivities alongside The Roots, commemorating the 30th anniversary of his debut album “Reasonable Doubt”.
Source: Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter performs with Beanie Segal and Freeway at the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia (Photo Courtesy of Roots Picnic/Roc Nation)
During his set, the rap icon brought out a slew of Philly-born artists, including Meek Mill, Jazmine Sullivan, Bilal, and State Property’s very own, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Peedi Crakk, and Young Gunz.
Source: Black Thought and Erykah Badu perform during Roots Picnic 2026 on May 31, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Live Nation Urban | Courtesy of The Roots Picnic)
In addition to being the most talked-about moment of the festival, the performance served as a reminder of the Roots Picnic’s evolution from a hometown gathering founded by the Grammy Award-winning group, The Roots, into a nationally recognized cultural engine that generates economic opportunities for Philadelphia creatives, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Among them was a prominent Philadelphia visual artist and entrepreneur who goes by the name Kellso and @TheArtBully on Instagram. He spent the weekend creating a live mural of his hometown and selling his merch.
“I’m working on this nice little dope piece inspired by the city I love, the city that I’m from, the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia,” he told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “It’s a lot of jazz, hip-hop vibes in this painting. I’m just trying to bring some dopeness and creativity along with the energy that’s here today.”
Kellso, who was attending his fourth Roots Picnic, said the visibility the festival provides for local Black entrepreneurs is invaluable.
“It’s very important…especially when the youth can see that, they get to see that there’s more possibilities,” he said. “Just seeing people that look like you in these spaces doing dope things brings inspiration. One of the highest human acts is to inspire.”
Source: Attendees at the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia (Photo courtesy of Roots Picnic | Credit: Frankie Vergara)
The entrepreneurial spirit was evident throughout the festival grounds. Tanisha Rinehard, co-founder of Philly Girls Jump, an organization that inspires fitness, fun, and community through jumping double dutch, said she returned to Roots Picnic for the third year to continue encouraging festival-goers to get active.
“Roots Picnic is for the culture. And I always say that double-dutch is intertwined with our cultural fabric. It means everything for us to be here today. We had so much fun in the ropes because the ropes are for everybody. It’s intergenerational fun.”
Philadelphia restaurateur Chef Kurt Evans, owner of Black Dragon in West Philadelphia, partnered with McDonald’s for its Chef’s Remix activation.
“I’m remixing the McDonald’s McCrispy Strip,” Evans told BE. “I put my spin on it from our restaurant, Black Dragon, where we do soul Chinese food.”
Evans added that The Roots Picnic is more than just a music festival—it’s a hub for Black culture, community, and commerce.
“The Roots represent Black ownership,” he said. “They do a lot of work investing in young creatives, entrepreneurs, and bringing everybody together in the city of Philadelphia. That’s very important.”
Source: Roots Picnic 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Photo courtesy of Roots Picnic | Sam Shapiro Media)
Community impact was also front and center through organizations like Barbershop Books, a nonprofit that has partnered with more than 200 barbershops nationwide to provide more than 23,000 Black boys with access to children’s books each month. Founder Alvin Irby partnered with Emerson Collective to provide free haircuts and hair braiding services while raising awareness about literacy initiatives serving Black boys.
“We create child-friendly reading spaces in Black barbershops across the country,” Irby said. “Here in Philadelphia, we have over 40 barbershop partners all with a colorful, kid-sized bookshelf with books recommended by Black boys.”
As music legends, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders gathered in Philly, the Roots Picnic reinforced what its founders have championed for years: Black culture is not only worthy of celebration—it is a powerful catalyst for opportunity that continues to shape the future of Philadelphia and beyond.
