• Environment

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 24, 2026

Nigerian-American Entrepreneurs Forge Company To ‘Releaf’ Palm Waste Into Profits

Releaf not only helps the environment, it puts more profits back into the hands of small farmers in Nigeria.

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Two Nigerian-American entrepreneurs returned to the motherland to lead their own impact in the oil palm market.

Ikenna Nzewi and Uzo Ayogu founded “Releaf” in 2017, which turns palm waste into environmentally-friendly profits. The duo brought technological advancements to the agricultural sector, discovering a new way to boost the value of the palm oil process.

According to Business Insider Africa, the business owners developed a palm nut processing system called Kraken to eliminate excessive waste for smaller farmers. Now, these palm nut growers can have higher yields of production, while reducing the release of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.

Their game-changing invention came from a long line of ideas to help Releaf find its footing in the climate and agritech industry. They settled on the idea for waste reduction after voyaging across different states in Nigeria, connecting with local farmers to see where their impact was most needed.

They discovered why Nigeria regressed from the leading global palm oil producer to relying on imports for the popular vegetable oil. Advancement stalled due to the processing system: small farmers rely on manual processing methods, which require tedious work for little return.

With nearly a quarter of produce cast aside during production, Nzewi and Agoyu realized that their focus needed to be on sharpening these processes. The Kraken is more efficient and less costly than the de-shelling machines originally on the market, making it more viable for small farmers, which make up a bulk of Nigerian’s agricultural demographic.

“It took two years of intensive R&D,” Nzewi told the news outlet. “From the outset, we wanted to build West Africa’s most advanced palm nut processing technology.”

Releaf’s environmental impact stems from its recycling of the leftover palm kernel shells. Through their climate arm of Releaf Earth, the kernels are now used for industrial biochar production.

Biochar, a stable form of carbon made by heating organic material in a low-oxygen environment, can stay in soil for centuries, reducing the amount of carbon that could harm the environment. Furthermore, this biochar enriches the soil, making it a “win-win” for both the farmers and the business.

Nzewi added, “These are technologies that remove carbon and store it in a way that it can’t return to the atmosphere for up to 1,000 years.”

Despite its list of benefits, scaling Releaf has remained a challenge due to decreased funding efforts across Africa. However, its dual-ended profit potential has warmed investors to Releaf’s operations, especially as it transforms waste into its own valuable sector. The company recently shared a delivery of carbon removal credits to Salesforce, establishing itself with major corporations across industries.

With plans to reduce up to 700,000 metric tons of CO₂e and recycle 50,000 metric tons of waste biomass by the end of the decade, Releaf has ambitious goals to prove its innovative processes work. They also plan to scale their collaborations and other partnerships, bringing African visionaries into global discussions for agricultural tech.

RELATED CONTENT: Aliko Dangote, Africa’s Richest Man, Appoints Daughters, To Key Business Roles

• Women

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 24, 2026

Freer Records Releases First Album From A Woman Behind Bars

B. Alexis is making unofficial history as the first woman inmate to release an album from behind bars.

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Meet B. Alexis, an inmate serving a 30-year sentence for murder who is making unofficial history as the first woman to release a full-length album from behind bars. She released her “9th and Gasoline” album and “Black Barbie” single on Freer Records.

Freer Records, a label that works with “prison-impacted” musicians, and Alexis have chosen to keep her real name and the location of her incarceration private to avoid potential retaliation from prison staff against inmates who make music.

Unlike others who have filmed videos on contraband cellphones and faced consequences, she has avoided that route, hoping her work can speak for itself without adding to the sentence she’s already serving.

“I think the pros are well worth any risks,” Alexis told The Marshall Project in a message relayed by her label. “Anything I endeavor to do concerning my music is out of integrity, so the risks or consequences don’t bother me.”

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Alexis is one of a select group of artists involved in Freer Records’ bold initiative to amplify incarcerated voices through its “Die Jim Crow” movement, the label’s original name. Based in New York, Freer is currently the only label dedicated to working in prisons, collaborating with artists in Colorado, California, and an undisclosed third state.

BL Shirelle, the label’s co-executive director and producer of “9th and Gasoline,” said she had to learn how to navigate negotiations with correctional facilities to bring in recording equipment.

”They might put you in the gym or the janitors’ closet,” she said. “We build pretty impressive soundproof studios out of PVC pipe and old blankets.”

It was in 2019, when Freer—a nonprofit—was granted permission to hold auditions at Alexis’ facility, that the team was captivated by her undeniable talent and story. Alexis was only 17 when she shot and killed a woman four years after being forced into sex work at age 13, a lifestyle she raps about in her music.

”Women often glorify prostitution in music, but she wrote about genuinely trying to survive off her body, and it stuck with me for weeks,” Shirelle said. “She uses everything as a teachable moment and doesn’t feel sorry for herself.”

On the album, released in February 2026, Alexis confronts her past and personal trauma, from watching her son Ja’mir grow up behind prison walls to ultimately losing him to an unsolved homicide, while also offering messages of hope and healing.

On the lead single “Black Barbie,” she delivers a deeply introspective performance, seemingly speaking to a version of herself: “I see the hurt and pain you try to hide behind your eyes,” she raps.

To promote the track, the label used a Barbie doll from the year Alexis was born, creating a video where the doll breaks free from its packaging, sheds its clothes, and dances in liberation—only to be handcuffed and placed back inside.

”When I wrote ‘Black Barbie,’ I was in a place of feeling inadequate, like I could not measure up to the expectations of those around me,” Alexis shared. “I started thinking about the young women in my ‘hood who I thought had it all. I realized I really wasn’t too different from them. We all were trying to fake it ’til we made it.”

Despite Alexis’ face appearing on the album cover, she has not faced any retaliation from her facility, and both she and her label hope it remains that way.

RELATED CONTENT: NYC Mayor Receives Jailhouse Baptism From Al Sharpton On Good Friday

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

March 24, 2026

New York Cosmetology Schools Must Now Teach Kinky, Coily, And Curly Haircare

Under the revised guidelines, cosmetology programs must now provide specific instruction on curl care.

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To combat “hair discrimination” and ensure equity in the beauty industry, New York State has laid out guidelines for cosmetology schools to incorporate training for textured and curly hair.

 The new requirement, highlighted in a March 18 report by the New York State Register, aims to close a long-standing gap in professional haircare that has historically marginalized Black and Brown consumers. The legislation updates the state’s decades-old licensing requirements, stipulating that students must demonstrate proficiency in working with all hair types—ranging from straight to coily (Type 4C)—to receive a cosmetology license.

Under the revised guidelines, cosmetology programs must now provide specific instruction on curl pattern recognition to help students identify the needs of different hair densities and textures. Additionally, the curriculum prioritizes chemical safety, ensuring the proper application of relaxers, perms, and color treatments on fragile hair. The intent is to provide quality care for highly textured strands that react differently than straight hair. Students are required to achieve mastery in styling techniques such as protective styles, braids, and twists. 

The new guidelines provide a way to enforce New York’s version of the CROWN Act, which was signed in 2019 to ban hair-based discrimination in workplaces and schools. Though the CROWN Act made it illegal to discriminate against natural hair, the market lacked properly trained professionals. The gap in expert stylists makes it difficult for some to find safe, high-quality care. By making textured hair training a requirement, the state ensures that every New Yorker can walk into any licensed salon and receive professional, dignified service.

New York is not the only state making strides in hair equality. Pennsylvania recently became the 28th state to pass its own version of the CROWN Act. BLACK ENTERPRISE covered the passage of the Pennsylvania Hair Crown Act by the state legislature. With overwhelming support, the state legislature reached a bipartisan agreement to protect residents from discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles like braids, locs, and twists. Gov. Shapiro signed the Act into law in November 2025, citing the need to protect individual freedom without discrimination.

“Real freedom means being respected for who you are — no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to,” Gov. Shapiro said in a statement. ”For too long, many Pennsylvanians have faced discrimination simply for hairstyles that reflect their identity and culture — that ends today.”

RELATED CONTENT: Pennsylvania Poised To Outlaw Hair-Based Discrimination As Crown Act Heads To Governor

• Leadership

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 24, 2026

Push Back Against Unrealistic Demands Without Damaging Your Leadership Reputation

You’re not difficult, the expectations are

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Dear Fairygodmentor®, 

My manager’s expectations are unrealistic — and I’m afraid of being labeled ‘difficult’ as a Black woman leader. How do I push back without pushing myself out the door?

-Not Difficult but Determined

Dear Difficult but Determined,

The struggle is real! As Black women, we’re praised for our resilience but often penalized for our resistance. We’re expected to overdeliver without complaint, while knowing that pushing back could label you as being “difficult,” “aggressive,” or (my all-time ‘favorite’) “angry.”

Being in the workplace is like walking a tightrope daily, blindfolded, looking down at a field of career-ending landmines. Let’s take off that blindfold to help you navigate this space we call the workplace.

Here are some actions you can take to set expectations that meet reality during your next one-on-one session without being pushy.

Set the Intention of Collaboration and Support. I’ve shared this idea many times, but it begs repeating. Set the intention of collaboration and support. When you set the intention of collaboration and support right off the bat, it should put your manager at ease that you’re working with them and not against them. Always keep the best interests of the business and its success in mind. If the expectations are unrealistic, ask yourself what tools, resources, or actions from your manager would best set you up for success so that the business ultimately benefits.   

Actively Listen. I don’t know what specific requests they will be sharing at the next meeting, but I can tell that you’re developing stress and anxiety around this. When we stress ourselves out, our ears shut down, and we immediately go internal. It’s going to be hard to do…but listen. And while you’re listening, take notes so you can check for understanding and be clear on what’s being said by repeating back what you’ve heard.  

“So what I hear you saying is…”(repeat what was said) to clarify that you’re on the same page.  

Some other examples: 

“So when you said…, would it be fair to say that you meant…and felt…?” 

“Have I understood correctly that when I did…, you felt…?”

Checking for understanding isn’t pushing back. It’s ensuring that you and your manager are on the same page, strategy-wise.

Show Receipts. It’s helpful to have supporting evidence of unrealistic expectations. If you can measure time spent, productivity, profit loss, etc., due to these requests, show the proof. Low productivity results in a loss of profits. That’s a huge red flag to leadership. Sometimes it helps to paint the picture for them so they can see the impact of these unrealistic expectations. Leaders come to the table with solutions. Request support or extra resources to assist you with these tasks or requests. 

Fix Your Face. Sometimes when we’re receiving information—especially if it’s not positive —we can find ourselves internally shouting back, imagining what to say next, scrunching up our faces, rolling our eyes, sighing… be aware of your non-verbal cues. THIS is KEY! All of these non-verbal actions not only show defensiveness but also continue to perpetuate the stereotype that we are an angry Black woman. And don’t smile unless you mean it. Smirking isn’t cute. I find it a best practice to enlist a Fix Your Face Buddy who can help keep an eye on you during calls or in-person meetings to help you keep your branding right and tight.

Push Back Powerfully and Professionally. You’ve heard that old saying, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.” That is key when communicating your boundaries. Always put the best interests of the business in mind. This keeps the conversation on the professional and not the personal. 

Pushing back in peace can sound like:

• “I want to make sure I deliver this well. Given my current workload, what other priorities would you suggest we shift so I can give this the attention it deserves?”

• “Help me understand how this fits against the goals we outlined for this quarter so I can organize my work appropriately.”

• “To execute this at the level you’re expecting, I’ll need either additional time or support. Which would you prefer?”

If called out to add more to your plate in a team meeting setting:

• “To deliver that well, we’ll need to revisit the timeline or resources.”

• “I can absolutely take that on. What should I move to make space for it?”

• If someone low-key questions your judgment: “Can you say more about that?” “What about my actions is giving you pause?”

Reclaiming your boundaries is a leadership skill, not a liability.

You’re not being pushy but persistent in maintaining your professionalism and productivity for the organization.

Keep your head up, Queen! 

You got this!

Yours truly,

Your Fairygodmentor®

About Joyel Crawford:

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

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