Better Black Business Initiative Launches Career Program For Justice-Impacted Youth
The nonprofit launched From Lock-Up to Lift-Up.
The Better Black Business Initiative is launching a new program aimed at helping justice-impacted young people overcome barriers to employment and build pathways to long-term economic opportunity.
The Minneapolis-based nonprofit announced Sept. 14 the launch of From Lock-Up to Lift-Up, an initiative that will connect young people with education, mentorship, employers, and community resources.
The program is designed to help participants move beyond barriers associated with involvement in the justice system while developing professional networks, skills, and access to employment opportunities.
Cummins Inc. is supporting the Better Black Business Initiative’s expansion and launch of the program.
“Every person who walks through this program is capable of more than the label the system gave them,” LeBrent Speed, executive director of the Better Black Business Initiative, said in a statement.
“From Lock-Up to Lift-Up is about helping young people see that potential in themselves and connecting them with the people, resources, and opportunities that can help them build what comes next.”
As part of the initiative, the organization will host its inaugural Lock-Up to Lift-Up Youth Empowerment Summit on Oct. 24 at Junior Achievement North in St. Paul, Minnesota. The event, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., will serve young people ages 16-24.
Participants will have access to workshops, mentors, speakers, and community resources, along with opportunities to connect directly with employers and community organizations.
“Strong communities are built by investing in people and creating pathways to opportunity,” said Tonya Sisco, executive director of corporate responsibility at Cummins.
“Through From Lock Up to Lift Up, young people will gain connections, mentorship, and resources to build a brighter future. We’re proud to invest in B3I to expand opportunity in the communities where our employees live and work.”
General registration for the summit is $20, with group discounts and scholarships available.
The Better Black Business Initiative, also known as B3I, is a nonprofit based in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, focused on economic empowerment in the Black community. Its programs include the I’m a BOSS Youth Business Camp, From Lock-Up to Lift-Up, and mentorship and coaching initiatives.
5 Things You May Not Know About XCEL Award Honoree Dr. Bernard Harris
The trailblazing astronaut, physician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist has spent decades turning groundbreaking achievements into opportunities for the next generation.
Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. has already secured his place in history.
In 1995, he became the first African American to perform a spacewalk, stepping outside the Space Shuttle Discovery during NASA’s STS-63 mission. Over the course of two space missions, he logged more than 438 hours in space and traveled more than 7.2 million miles, according to the Kennedy Space Center. However, Harris’ legacy extends well beyond the historic moment that made him a household name.
The physician-turned-astronaut has built an equally impressive career across medicine, business, STEM education, philanthropy, and venture capital. In recognition of his accomplishments, Harris will receive an XCEL Award at the 2026 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit For Men, taking place Oct. 21–23 in Orlando, Florida.
Here are five things you may not know about the pioneering astronaut.
1. Watching the Moon Landing at 13 Changed His Life
Harris’ dream of becoming an astronaut began in his teens. At 13, he watched the Apollo 11 moon landing and became captivated by the possibility of space exploration. That early fascination with space eventually became a career.
Harris earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Houston before attending medical school. He later completed an internal medicine residency at the Mayo Clinic and a fellowship at NASA’s Ames Research Center, according to The Harris Institute.
2. He Was a Doctor Before He Became an Astronaut
Harris didn’t enter NASA simply as a pilot or engineer. He entered the space program as a physician and scientist. His medical training led him to study one of the most significant challenges facing humans in space: how the body responds to prolonged exposure to microgravity.
At NASA, Harris researched musculoskeletal physiology and space adaptation, including bone loss. He also helped develop medical devices designed to extend the amount of time astronauts could safely remain in space.
During his first spaceflight aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, Harris conducted medical experiments that helped advance the understanding of healthcare in space.
3. He Helped Pioneer Telemedicine
Long before telehealth became commonplace on Earth, Harris was helping demonstrate what remote medicine could look like from orbit.
During his career as an astronaut, he conducted what the University of Illinois College of Medicine describes as the first telemedicine conference from space with the Mayo Clinic. Today, patients can consult physicians remotely using smartphones, computers, and connected medical devices. Harris was exploring the possibilities of remotely delivered medical care decades earlier, under the extraordinary conditions of spaceflight.
His work illustrates a recurring theme throughout his career: solving problems that may initially seem futuristic and finding ways those innovations can eventually benefit people on Earth.
4. He Left NASA and Became a Venture Capitalist
After leaving NASA in 1996, Harris transitioned into entrepreneurship and investment. He is now CEO and managing partner of Vesalius Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on early- to mid-stage healthcare technologies and companies.
His business career reflects his broader interest in innovation and technology—and his belief that scientific breakthroughs can drive economic and social progress.
5. He Built a Pipeline for the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
Perhaps one of the most important parts of Harris’s legacy has happened far from a rocket launchpad.
He also launched the Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp to expose middle school students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and encourage them to pursue careers in those fields. The program began at the University of Houston and has since expanded to more than 50 college campuses nationwide.
A Legacy Beyond Space
Dr. Bernard Harris’ historic spacewalk may be the achievement most associated with his name, but it is only one chapter in a much larger story. His career has crossed medicine, aerospace, business, education, philanthropy, and technology.
For his inspirational achievements and remarkable impact, he will be honored at the 2026 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit For Men.
The 2026 XCEL Summit For Men takes place Oct. 21–23 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida.
Workers Without College Degrees Are Thriving In A Tough Job Market
The trend marks a departure from much of the past 20 years.
Americans without college degrees are experiencing one of their strongest job markets in decades, a striking shift as many young college graduates face increasingly difficult employment prospects, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The unemployment rate for workers ages 22 to 34 who never graduated from college has rarely been lower over the past two decades, according to a new Burning Glass Institute analysis.
The trend marks a departure from much of the past 20 years, when unemployment among younger workers with and without college degrees generally moved in the same direction. Now, workers without degrees are experiencing some of their strongest employment conditions since 2003, while college graduates are navigating one of their more challenging job markets.
Demand for workers in construction, manufacturing, food service, and other occupations requiring physical or in-person labor has helped fuel the shift. Labor shortages in some industries have intensified as older workers retire and immigration declines, the outlet reports.
Meanwhile, college-educated workers are confronting a different set of pressures. More Americans have earned college degrees, increasing competition for professional positions, while employers are adopting artificial intelligence to perform some tasks traditionally handled by entry-level workers.
The divide is particularly pronounced among younger Americans. College-educated workers ages 22 to 34 have experienced worse unemployment conditions during only a handful of periods over the past two decades, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Recession, according to the analysis.
Still, the findings do not mean college graduates have higher unemployment rates overall. Rather, the institute compared each education group with its own unemployment history since 2003. Degree holders continue to maintain an employment advantage across the broader workforce.
For the 12 months ending in July, unemployment among college graduates ages 25 to 54 averaged 2.7%, compared with 3.6% among workers with some college education and 4.7% among those whose highest level of education was a high school diploma, the outlet reports.
The changing labor market comes as employers increasingly reconsider degree requirements for some positions. Previous Burning Glass Institute research projected that eliminating unnecessary bachelor’s degree requirements could open an additional 1.4 million jobs to workers without college degrees over five years.
Shaq Takes the Classroom: NBA Legend Teaches College Students Credit Mastery With Credit One Bank
Shaquille O'Neal is using his business expertise to advance financial empowerment on college campuses nationwide.
For decades, O’Neal has used his leadership and business skills to build a diverse portfolio outside basketball. Now, the Hall of Famer and four-time NBA champion is returning to campuses to help students achieve financial success.
From the Hardwood to the Head of the Class
In partnership with Credit One Bank, O’Neal is launching the Credit Tip Off Tour this fall, visiting four campuses to teach students about credit management and financial decision-making. As honorary “Credit Professor,” O’Neal will lead participatory sessions with Credit One Bank Chief Marketing Officer Michael Coleman. The tour, including stops at Georgia State University and Southern Methodist University, provides practical credit guidance and activities to make personal finance accessible.
“Credit education isn’t often taught in school, so we built this tour with Shaquille O’Neal to empower young people to make informed credit decisions,” Coleman said in a statement announcing the partnership. O’Neal noted that learning financial fundamentals early gives young adults the foundation to navigate adulthood confidently and independently.
“I learned credit the hard way,” O’Neal said in a statement released by Credit One Bank. “Nobody broke it down for me back then. Now I’ve got kids in college, kids right out of it, and I want them starting smarter than I did.”
The campus tour focuses on key principles including credit utilization, payment history, and credit management. These skills affect a person’s ability to secure business loans, purchase real estate, and establish commercial credit after graduation.
Navigating Student Debt and Financial Reality
The program launches at a critical time for college students. Financial data from WalletHub and College Finance show that about 85% of students have at least one credit card, with average balances between $2,100 and $3,280. Nearly 65% report active credit card debt, and over 37% pay only the minimum or fall behind on payments. High balances and credit utilization could hurt credit scores for up to seven years.
For the African American business community, O’Neal’s initiative demonstrates that income alone does not generate lasting wealth. Despite earning nearly $286 million in NBA salary over his 19-year career, as tracked by Spotrac, O’Neal built his fortune through diversifying into technology, real estate, franchises, and brand licensing.
Building a Legacy of Financial Empowerment
O’Neal’s latest venture reflects his ongoing pledge to business growth, as BLACK ENTERPRISE reported. His investments include fast-food franchises such as Papa John’s and Big Chicken, as well as majority stakes in creative agencies, tech startups, and commercial real estate. BLACK ENTERPRISE also highlighted O’Neal’s key rule for financial longevity: saving 75% of his income and reinvesting in ventures that benefit the community.
This educational tour extends O’Neal’s involvement in higher education. According to Money.com and BLACK ENTERPRISE, O’Neal previously committed $29 million to Campus.edu to support accredited community college courses for students nationwide. Through financial empowerment, O’Neal is equipping emerging Black entrepreneurs and young professionals with tangible tools for long-term financial independence.
Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III (photo credit: Black Enterprise)
The Smithsonian Institution, a complex that includes museums, libraries, research centers, and the National Zoo, has been publicly scrutinized by President Trump. In August 2025, Trump called for a “comprehensive internal review” of eight Smithsonian museums, and directed them to “celebrate American exceptionalism.”
“Smithsonian leadership does not present American history as a shared national inheritance to be taught and celebrated, but instead views American history as a ‘prime tool’ to advance ideas of social justice and the radical transformation of our society,” Trump wrote in the executive order, according to The Independent.
Bunch also defended the museum in an email to staff, writing, “At the Smithsonian, our work is driven by scholarship, accuracy and an uncompromising commitment to tell the fullness of America’s story,” reports NPR.
Although Bunch did not say the political attacks prompted his retirement, his departure comes as the Smithsonian faces an unusually public fight over its independence and the way it tells the American story.
Bunch became the Smithsonian’s first African American secretary and its first historian to hold the top job in 2019. Prior to his historic appointment, he served as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, creating a permanent national institution devoted to the history and culture of Black America. The museum has since welcomed more than 13 million visitors and is preparing to mark its 10th anniversary.
Bunch’s elevation to the Smithsonian’s top position represented a milestone for Black leadership at an institution tasked with preserving and interpreting the nation’s history. His career also reflected the growing influence of Black historians and cultural leaders in shaping how that history is presented to the public.
“It is time for my next chapter,” Bunch said in announcing his retirement, adding that he intends to continue working to “protect the integrity of the Smithsonian” and champion a history that reflects the country’s complexity.
Smithsonian Chancellor and Chief Justice John Roberts praised Bunch for his leadership, saying he had “pursued excellence in the telling of our nation’s story.”
The Smithsonian Board of Regents will appoint an acting secretary and conduct a national search for Bunch’s successor.
In Baton Rouge, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin seized the opportunity to expand his roster since a Louisiana state judge had granted a temporary restraining order permitting some athletes to use a fifth year of eligibility. He rushed to recruit tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, both of whom had already entered into contracts with the NFL and had taken part in professional training camps that summer.
Kiffin defended his approach by citing the judicial system, saying, “More than 100 athletes from a variety of sports have been cleared and told that they could play—that’s a court order.” Furthermore, during the press conference, he said that if LSU did not act on these free agents cleared by the court, rival universities would readily take them.
Power Four Conferences Draw a Line
A negative reaction was felt immediately in college sports after the decision to allow former NFL players to join college teams. In August 2026, the Big Ten, SEC, Big 12, and ACC enacted emergency measures that banned athletes who had signed professional contracts or appeared on professional rosters from participating in college competition. The SEC gave Commissioner Greg Sankey extensive powers to enforce these rules, including the power to suspend coaches and to impose penalties on noncompliant schools.
California Golden Bears General Manager and former NFL head coach Ron Rivera reinforced the need for clear boundaries in an interview with AP Sports, stating, “I think when somebody makes a decision, goes in a certain direction, I think they’ve made their decision. I’m disappointed that people are looking for ways to cheat the system.”
Even Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry weighed in on the ongoing eligibility debate, according to Yahoo Sports, offering a pragmatic defense of players: “Don’t hate the player; hate the game.”
Following meetings with the Presidents, Chancellors, and Athletics Directors of the Southeastern Conference, the SEC will enforce the following policy: pic.twitter.com/LohWnb7G1J
The rigorous measures introduced at the collegiate level stem from broader instability within the judiciary surrounding NCAA administration. In June 2026, the NCAA passed a rule that granted eligible status for five seasons of play but excluded the class of high school graduates in 2022. This action prompted more than 60 lawsuits from athletes seeking an extra year of competition and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights.
Louisiana and Texas state courts granted injunctions in support of the athletes, while the appellate courts in Tennessee, Ohio, and Colorado denied similar orders. As reported by Fox Sports and EssentiallySports, the important preliminary injunction hearing in Baton Rouge on Sept. 3, in the 9th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish, before Judge William Jorden will have to decide if conference bans can stand up to legal challenges before the roster deadlines, just over 48 hours before the LSU Tigers kick off the season at home against Clemson on Sept. 5.
Economic Implications for Black Wealth Building
The issue in this case extends beyond the NCAA’s procedures. It amounts to a serious threat to Black generational wealth because, in the past, college football has provided young Black men with university degrees, professional networks, and early-stage capital through NIL agreements.
Allowing universities to bring former professional athletes back into their college sports programs takes away limited financial resources, NIL funds, and available roster spots from student-athletes between 18 and 22 years of age. The return of experienced professionals creates fewer opportunities for Black youth who depend on these paths to enter business, corporate, or professional sports careers. Maintaining a clear distinction between professional and collegiate football is essential if the college sports system is to continue supporting future Black enterprise.
The new categories span film, television, and music.
The NAACP Image Awards is expanding its global reach with 10 new categories dedicated to African artists and entertainers, beginning with the 58th NAACP Image Awards in 2027, Billboard reports.
The new categories give African creatives recognition as entertainment from the continent continues to expand its cultural and commercial influence worldwide.
According to the outlet, the additions are part of a broader expansion of the annual awards program, which recognizes Black achievement and representation across entertainment and culture.
In film, the new categories include Outstanding African Motion Picture, Outstanding Actor in an African Motion Picture, Outstanding Actress in an African Motion Picture, and Outstanding Directing in an African Motion Picture.
Television will add Outstanding African Television Series, Outstanding Actor in an African Television Series, and Outstanding Actress in an African Television Series. The three music categories are Outstanding African Album, Outstanding African Song, and Outstanding African New Artist.
The dedicated categories arrive amid continued international growth in African entertainment, particularly music. Afrobeats, amapiano, and other genres originating on the continent have gained larger audiences internationally, while African artists have secured greater visibility on major global charts, streaming platforms, and awards stages.
The 58th NAACP Image Awards will include 108 categories across motion pictures, television, streaming, music, literature, and podcasts. The awards are also bringing back daytime drama categories and adding Outstanding Scripted Vertical Series.
Submissions for the 2027 awards opened Aug. 31 and will close Nov. 13, 2026, with literary submissions due Nov. 6. Eligible projects and performances must have been released or occurred between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2026.
The nominating committee will vote from Dec. 4 to 18, 2026. Nominees will be announced Jan. 7, 2027, when public voting will begin. Public voting will close Feb. 1.
A date for the 58th NAACP Image Awards ceremony has not yet been announced.
The addition of 10 dedicated categories gives African talent a larger presence within the NAACP Image Awards while extending the program’s recognition of Black artistic achievement across the global diaspora.
“Art tells all our stories; the past and the present, but is not always accessible to everyone,” said Knowles-Carter in a statement released by her management company and record label Parkwood Entertainment. “I have always been impressed with the Studio Museum in Harlem because of its intention to make the Museum an integral part of the community. I have been introduced to several of my favorite young and upcoming Black artists through exhibits at the Museum. It is a place of inspiration where all audiences can discover new stories through the canvases of diverse storytellers that reflect our humanity.”
Founded in 1968, the Museum describes its mission as serving as a “nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally.” Its artist-in-residence program has helped launch the careers of generations of Black artists. Thelma Golden, the museum’s director and chief curator, said Beyoncé’s contribution would help the institution continue that work.
“I am deeply grateful to Beyoncé, both for the generosity of this gift, especially on her birthday, and for recognizing the vital role that the Studio Museum plays in people’s lives,” Golden said. “Our institution was founded to shift the arts landscape and reimagine who that landscape serves.”
The donation underscores the growing role that high-profile Black cultural figures can play in supporting institutions that preserve and expand access to Black creative work.
5 Things You May Not Know About 2026 XCEL IMPACT Honoree Taye Diggs
The celebrated actor, producer, and stage performer is among BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 2026 XCEL IMPACT Award honorees
For more than three decades, Taye Diggs has built a career spanning Broadway, film, television, publishing, and entrepreneurship.
The celebrated actor, producer, and stage performer is among BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 2026 XCEL IMPACT Award honorees, joining influential leaders recognized for their achievements across business, culture, and their respective industries. Diggs will be honored during the XCEL Summit for Men, taking place Oct. 21-23 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida.
Audiences may know Diggs from films such as “The Best Man,” “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” and “Brown Sugar,” or television series including “Private Practice” and “All American.” However, his work extends beyond the Hollywood roles that made him a household name.
From breaking barriers on Broadway to writing children’s books centered on identity and entering the media startup space, here are five things you may not know about XCEL IMPACT honoree Taye Diggs.
1. His career began on Broadway before Hollywood came calling.
Before Diggs became a leading man on the big screen, he built his foundation in theater.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in musical theater from Syracuse University, Diggs appeared in the 1994 Broadway revival of “Carousel.” His breakthrough came two years later when he originated the role of Benjamin Coffin III, known as Benny, in the Broadway production of “Rent.”
The musical became a cultural phenomenon and won the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Diggs later reprised the role in the 2005 film adaptation.
His Broadway career has continued throughout his time in Hollywood, with appearances in productions including “Chicago,” “Wicked,” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”
2. Diggs made Broadway history with “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”
Nearly two decades after his “Rent” breakthrough, Diggs returned to Broadway and made history.
In 2015, he became the first Black actor to take on the title role in the Broadway production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”
The milestone added another dimension to a career in which Diggs has moved between stage, television, and film while taking on roles across genres. His theater background has remained central to his professional identity even as his television and film career expanded.
3. He has written children’s books exploring race and identity.
Diggs has also used children’s literature to explore self-esteem, race, and identity.
He collaborated with longtime friend and illustrator Shane W. Evans on “Chocolate Me!,” a children’s book inspired by Diggs’ experiences growing up Black in a predominantly white neighborhood. The story follows a young Black boy learning to embrace the physical characteristics that make him different after other children tease him.
Diggs and Evans later collaborated on “Mixed Me!,” which centers on a biracial child navigating questions about his identity.
His work as an author has expanded his storytelling beyond entertainment while giving young readers stories that encourage confidence and self-acceptance.
4. He co-founded a contemporary dance company.
Diggs’ creative work has also extended into dance.
He and fellow performer Andrew Palermo co-founded dre.dance, a contemporary dance company that developed performances addressing social and cultural issues.
The venture allowed Diggs to work behind the scenes as a creative leader while expanding his involvement in the performing arts beyond acting. The company’s work included “beyond.words,” a production exploring autism through movement.
The endeavor is another example of Diggs using his entertainment career to create projects and opportunities outside traditional Hollywood roles.
5. He is taking on entrepreneurship through Microhouse Films.
After decades in established entertainment formats, Diggs is turning his attention to an emerging corner of the media industry.
Diggs is a co-founder of Microhouse Films, a creator-focused entertainment startup centered on microdramas — short, serialized programs designed primarily for mobile viewing.
The platform gives independent creators an avenue to develop and distribute short-form scripted projects while participating in a format that has gained traction as audiences increasingly consume entertainment on their phones.
For Diggs, the venture represents a shift from primarily performing and producing within existing entertainment systems to helping build a platform for creating and distributing content.
That evolution adds entrepreneurship to an already expansive résumé.
From his Broadway beginnings to his work in film and television, children’s publishing, and now digital media, Taye Diggs has spent more than 30 years expanding the scope of his career. His selection as a 2026 XCEL IMPACT Award honoree recognizes a body of work that has crossed industries while helping broaden the representation of Black performers and storytellers across entertainment.
Gospel Legend Kirk Franklin Partners With Uptown Records
The 20-time Grammy winner's new partnership with Uptown Records expands the label’s reach into gospel.
Kirk Franklin is taking his next career move uptown.
The superstar gospel artist, songwriter, and producer has entered into a partnership with the recently relaunched Uptown Records, alongside his Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group, according to Variety.
The partnership brings one of gospel’s most influential, business-minded artists into a label ecosystem rooted in hip-hop and R&B. The newly revived record label’s current roster includes Yung Miami, G Herbo, Trap Dickey, 9B Meechie, and producer ATL Jacob.
For Franklin, the move also represents another chapter in a career that has stretched across music, entrepreneurship, and entertainment.
“To be a part of the Uptown family is a genuine honor,” said the 20-time Grammy Award-winning artist. “I feel energized by the entire team’s enthusiasm and support already. It’s a blessing, and I’m beyond thankful and excited for what the future holds. Let’s make history together!”
In conjunction with the announcement, Franklin released a music video for his latest single, “Thank You for Everything,” featuring gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard of the Clark Sisters. It also comes just weeks before he will receive an XCEL Award at the 2026 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit for Men, taking place Oct. 21–23 in Orlando, Florida.
The partnership gives Uptown a major entry point into gospel at a time when Franklin remains a dominant force in the genre. His latest work has continued to earn mainstream recognition. “Do It Again” was named Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, according to BET. The song also received a 2026 Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song.
Natina Nimene, an Uptown executive and executive vice president of urban audience and artist relations at Republic Collective, highlighted Franklin’s long-term influence.
“No one has shaped gospel and sustained its influence from one decade to the next quite like Kirk Franklin,” Nimene said. “His impact is transformational and we are honored that he has entrusted Uptown as his partner for this next chapter and the incredible body of work he has planned.”
TRIBL Music Group is also part of the partnership. Phil Thornton, executive vice president of TRIBL Music Group and Insignia Assets, said the collaboration is designed to build on Franklin’s cultural footprint.
“Kirk Franklin’s legacy and impact on music and culture are undeniable,” Thornton said. “At TRIBL, we’re proud to collaborate with Kirk, Fo Yo Soul and Uptown Records to celebrate that legacy while helping amplify the music and vision still ahead.”
