‘Of My Chest’: Reclaiming ‘The Reginald Lewis Cover’ Mainstream Media’s Revisionist History
Alfred Edmond Jr. personally reported the narrative as a young associate editor.
In this edition of the Off My Chest, a commentary series by BLACK ENTERPRISE Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, Alfred Edmond Jr., addresses widespread social media misattributions around iconic dealmaker Reginald Lewis. BLACK ENTERPRISE published the landmark story on its November 1987 cover, documenting the first Black-owned enterprise to cross the billion-dollar revenue threshold. Edmond makes it plain— that mainstream business outlets have glazed over the fact that BE broke the news of Lewis’s historic $985 million leveraged buyout of TLC Beatrice International Foods in 1987, while actively repurposing the story and iconography.
According to a new analysis from the Pew Research Center, 60% of Americans identify as working class, up from 54% in 2024. The finding comes as workers across income levels grapple with higher costs and a changing definition of what it means to be financially secure, reports Business Insider.
The study shows that more middle-income Americans describe themselves as “working class,” while half of high-income families earning more than $155,600 also identify with the term.
The report also revealed that median weekly earnings increased 8.4% between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2026. However, consumer prices rose 5.5% during the same period. While wages outpaced inflation during that time, the broader financial picture remains complicated for households balancing housing, food, transportation, debt, and savings. A higher salary does not automatically translate into financial security if larger paychecks are being absorbed by the rising cost of living.
The Pew findings also found that the share of Americans considered middle class fell from 61% in 1971 to 51% in 2023. Even among Americans who reported having their bills and expenses covered and maintaining several months of emergency savings, half still identified as working class, signaling that financial comfort does not necessarily define their perception. The numbers suggest that traditional markers of economic success — a consistent paycheck, savings, and the ability to cover monthly expenses — may no longer be enough for many Americans to feel financially secure.
Politics also appears to influence the way people label themselves. Steven Shepard, the associate director of political research at Pew and one of the report’s authors, said Republicans are more likely than Democrats to identify as working class when other factors are held equal.
For workers building careers and businesses, doing well in today’s economy increasingly comes down to whether their income creates breathing room — and whether people believe their overall financial position is getting stronger rather than more challenging.
During a recent episode of the Caregiving & Conversations podcast titled “Peace of Mind Is a Phone Call Away,” host Miss Tiff sat down with Gary Lovelace, co-founder of Checkwell Call, to discuss how conversational voice technology addresses the ongoing challenges of eldercare. The episode highlights how automated check-ins offer critical assistance to family caregivers by providing daily verification of an older adult’s health status while preserving their personal autonomy.
Lovelace developed the platform alongside business partner Sean Jeffries after navigating the complexities of caring for his 86-year-old mother in Atlanta. Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) alongside mobility decline, his mother maintained a fierce desire to live on her own. Recognizing that busy work schedules often keep adult children and caregivers from checking in regularly, the founders created Checkwell Call to perform automated daily senior wellness checks that act as an informational triage system.
“Wouldn’t it be great to have some sort of peace of mind that your loved one is doing fine—not to replace calling, but just to have that peace of mind, kind of like triage?” Lovelace noted during the broadcast, explaining the company’s initial concept.
The service functions through an AI voice agent named Ava that places automated phone calls at scheduled times tailored to the senior’s routine. Rather than relying on rigid keypad prompts, the platform engages in natural, two-way dialogue to evaluate key health metrics. The voice agent inquires about current pain levels, emotional mood, meal status, hydration, medication adherence, and general home safety. Following each conversation, the system sends immediate notifications to designated family members via text message and email, while archiving transcripts and audio recordings in a caregiver portal.
How Does AI Support Everyday Family Caregiving?
For millions of households, balancing professional responsibilities with caregiving duties creates constant anxiety regarding an aging parent’s physical safety. Automated daily senior wellness checks bridge this gap by providing early-morning confirmation of well-being before routine workdays begin.
The technology serves as a non-invasive tool rather than a replacement for genuine human connection. By offloading routine status inquiries—such as verifying whether medication was taken or meals were eaten—family members can focus their personal phone calls on meaningful emotional bonding rather than transactional questioning. As Lovelace shared, utilizing the service streamlines family interactions:
“By the time I talk to her during the day, I don’t have to go through all the litanies of ‘Are you feeling pain today? Did you eat?’ because we already did that. So now we can just talk about the fun mother-son stuff instead of me with these drill-sergeant questions.”
The collection of daily responses allows families to track subtle health trends over time, providing actionable data for future medical consultations.
Can Voice Technology Enhance Senior Care Organizations?
Beyond individual households, care management agencies and nonprofit organizations face severe staffing shortages that limit their operational reach. Integrating conversational AI enables caseworkers to triage large client populations simultaneously, transforming how senior care organizations allocate resources.
Rather than spending hours conducting individual routine phone calls, agencies can deploy automated check-ins across hundreds of clients at a designated morning hour. Case managers receive instant dashboard updates highlighting missed calls or elevated pain scores, allowing them to prioritize urgent home visits immediately.
“At 9:00, you can call all 100 people… and by 9:05 [updates are] on your dashboard,” Lovelace said. “They can work with who to reach out to for the next step, as opposed to waiting throughout the day and finding out Miss Johnson’s been laying on the floor since 9:00 a.m.”
By pairing direct industry experience with adaptive voice tools, Checkwell Call illustrates how ethical artificial intelligence can preserve independent living for aging adults while delivering essential peace of mind to family caregivers across the country. To learn more, visit the Checkwell Call website here.
Your AI-Generated Resume Could Be Hurting Your Job Search
This does not necessarily mean AI-generated résumés are being automatically rejected.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has made it easier for job seekers to produce polished résumés and apply for positions at scale, but the growing use of the technology could also make it more difficult for qualified candidates to stand out in an increasingly crowded hiring market, Inc.com reports.
Job applications per opening increased 111% from 2022 to 2025, rising from an average of 116 to 244, according to data from hiring platform Greenhouse. The company analyzed more than 640 million applications across more than 6,000 companies during that period. Greenhouse also reports that 65% of candidates use AI at some point in the application process, including for résumés and cover letters.
The dynamic has contributed to what Greenhouse Co-Founder and CEO Dan Chait calls an “AI doom loop”: Job seekers increasingly use AI to pursue opportunities while employers turn to automated tools to manage the growing volume of applications.
That doesn’t necessarily mean AI-generated résumés are being automatically rejected.
A study examining how applicant tracking systems operate found that 92% of 25 U.S. recruiters interviewed said their systems did not automatically rejectrésumés based on content, formatting, or design. Instead, automated screening can include eligibility questions and ranking or scoring tools that help recruiters prioritize applicants.
The findings challenge a common assumption that applicant tracking systems automatically discard most résumés before recruiters see them. They also underscore another problem for job seekers: With employers processing substantially more applications, qualified candidates must compete for attention within larger applicant pools.
For workers using AI, the technology can still serve as a tool to refine application materials. However, Inc. contributor Ethan Fixell argues candidates should avoid allowing automation to replace the experience, accomplishments, and individual perspective that distinguish them from other applicants.
Fixell recommends targeting positions that closely align with a candidate’s qualifications, building professional relationships, and highlighting measurable accomplishments rather than relying primarily on keyword optimization or mass applications.
Candidates should also be able to substantiate the skills and accomplishments presented on their résumés once they reach the interview stage.
As employers and applicants continue adopting AI, the hiring process is increasingly becoming a battle for signal amid volume. For job seekers, using AI to strengthen an application may be useful, but demonstrating relevant experience, measurable results, and professional judgment remains critical to standing out.
Scottie Pippen’s Classic Kicks Outpace Air Jordan In August Retail Triumph
Pippen achieved notable commercial success in the global footwear market.
For six championship seasons in Chicago, Scottie Pippen was the ultimate co-architect of a basketball dynasty, navigating the perpetual eclipse cast by Michael Jordan’s towering legacy. Yet in the relentless multibillion-dollar machinery of modern sneaker commerce, where culture, economic clout, and heritage collide, the narrative had a historic shift. This August, Pippen didn’t just share the floor with His Airness; he claimed the throne.
“This is the pair I’ve been waiting for,” said collector and sneaker YouTuber Jay The Sneaker Guy.
In contrast, Jordan Brand launched two high-profile releases on Aug. 22: the Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Laser” ($165) and the legendary Air Jordan 3 “Laser” ($230). Both Jordan models remained on retail shelves after release, with pairs trading below retail value on the resale platform StockX.
That contrasts sharply with earlier years, when new Air Jordan releases sold out within minutes and were often heavily marked up on the resale market, underscoring the remarkable aspect of Pippen’s success at retail this August.
Scarcity, Nostalgia, and Black Economic Power
Industry analysts credit this shift to effective market strategy and supply management. “Jordan Brand continuously pushes out retro Air Jordans in new and OG colorways, causing even the most treasured sneakers to sit on shelves and discount racks,” Sports IllustratedKicks reported. “Meanwhile, Pippen’s retro Nike shoes are released more sporadically.”
Pippen first wore the striking shoe, which was designed by Wilson Smith, during the historic 1995–96 season with the Chicago Bulls, a campaign in which the team achieved a record 72 wins and only 10 losses before winning the NBA title. The bold “AIR” letters along the sides of the shoe remain one of the most recognizable design features in Black athletic fashion history.
American civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick attends the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)
Colin Kaepernick Named Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Of The Year
The former quarterback has been acknowledged for turning personal sacrifice into social impact.
The Muhammad Ali Center has formally named Colin Kaepernick as the recipient of its prestigious Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award, in appreciation of the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback, civil rights activist, and entrepreneur. The award will be given to him at the 13th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards on Nov. 7 in Louisville, Kentucky.
The recognition is significant, as Kaepernick’s social justice commitment mirrors Ali’s stance against injustice and has made him a game-changing leader who stands on Ali’s shoulders.
From the Sideline to the Boardroom
In August 2016, Kaepernick started a global movement by kneeling while the national anthem was being sung before an NFL preseason match to protest racial injustice and police brutality. As the Associated Press reported, this action provoked substantial political opposition. It ultimately ended his NFL career, even though he had performed brilliantly and shown strong leadership during Super Bowl XLVII and over six seasons.
As the sports industry pulled away from the issue, Kaepernick established a base for local organizing and Black ownership. Starting in 2015 with his Know Your Rights Camp, he has given young Black people access to legal education, health resources, and various tools. He has also donated more than $1 million to grassroots projects through his ‘Million Dollar Pledge.’
Kaepernick has also taken on leadership roles in business and media. Through Kaepernick Publishing, he supports independent Black voices by stressing the importance of ownership and control over creative work; his most popular children’s books address social justice and self-empowerment. Through projects such as Lumi, an AI-powered platform aimed at improving literacy, Kaepernick focuses on giving underserved communities access to essential tools. By investing in and helping establish companies where Black leaders shape the vision and drive impact, he shows others how they, too, can realize sustainable change through entrepreneurship. Furthermore, he has won an Emmy Award for Nike’s “Dream Crazy” campaign, BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported.
Carrying the Champ’s Torch
According to Lonnie Ali, co-founder of the Muhammad Ali Center, Kaepernick’s journey represents the champion’s own sacrifices.
“Colin was chosen for his courage to stand against racial injustice and his unwavering commitment to empowering underserved communities,” said Ali in an official press release. “Like Muhammad, Colin has used his platform to advocate for equality, human dignity, and social change, even when doing so came at significant personal and professional cost.”
For Kaepernick, the fact of winning this award is not simply an indication of his journey, but also a sign that he should carry on with his work.
“Receiving the Muhammad Ali Center’s Humanitarian of the Year Award is an incredible honor,” Kaepernick said in a statement. “Muhammad Ali lived with an uncommon courage to stand firmly in his convictions, even when doing so came at a great personal cost… To be recognized in his name is simultaneously humbling and a responsibility.”
Creating a series of large-scale activations and events and hosting the game on Labor Day weekend has never been done before in the more than 120-year history of this historic football rivalry, according to the Classic’s executive directors, DeVonn Baker and Jerry Freeman.
“We didn’t create this rivalry,” said Freeman. “What we’re building is a bigger stage around it, so alumni, students, families, and the entire Atlanta community can experience everything that makes this game — and these institutions — special.”
Baker, a Boston-based realtor and property manager, and Freeman, an Atlanta-based real estate developer and entrepreneur, met as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. line brothers in 1991 while students at Morehouse. This long-standing friendship between the two entrepreneurs, rooted in brotherhood, has sparked a new venture together. They spoke to each school about moving the game earlier in the season and creating experiences throughout the weekend to bring a bigger crowd to the Atlanta University Center (AUC).
“DeVonn and I got together on this game and said, ‘Hey, here’s an opportunity to do something big for the schools,’” Freeman told BLACK ENTERPRISE, “and we have been working together very close. In fact, we talk more now than we’ve ever talked in our lives. So, we’re having a good time doing this.”
Freeman is co-founder of 91 Sixty Seven Sports & Entertainment, which developed and promoted the Classic in cooperation with Morehouse College Athletics, Clark Atlanta University Athletics, and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Throughout the weekend, attendees will experience the bands, school spirit, fellowship, and pageantry that make a historically Black College and University (HBCU) game day unique. Festivities are expected to include fan experiences such as tailgating, alumni gatherings, hospitality events, entertainment, and community-centered activities.
A highlight of the Classic, says Baker and Freeman, is an experience for young fans: an HBCU Tour brought by DTLR Radio, including a chance to audition onsite for MTV’s long-running, hit improv show “Wild ‘N Out,” with the show’s host and creator Nick Cannon. Students can enjoy performances by Dess Dior, EJ Jones, YK Niece, Breskii, Fat Smakx and more. The Classic ends with a Unity Brunch on Sunday.
Gathering proceeds from the weekend, 91 Sixty-Seven Sports & Entertainment will make a contribution to support college athletics, Freeman said, adding that high school students are also invited to attend the Fan Fest “and see what it’s like to be at an HBCU.”
Baker says he looks forward to the opportunity for alumni of both schools to mentor younger generations, and he views the Classic as a way to give back.
“As a proud HBCU alum, we need to give back– give of our time, our talents, and our coins. That helps build the foundation so we can have these students get scholarships and they can afford to be a part and matriculate through college,” Baker told BE.
While this is the inaugural event, organizers envision the ATL Labor Day Classic becoming a staple event and tradition in Atlanta—one that highlights the rivalry, camaraderie, and value of these historic institutions.
Both men said Atlanta is the “HBCU Capital” with thousands of AUC alumni who remain to live and work in the city.
“Atlanta’s the place to have a game like this. It is the place that people come on Labor Day weekend. This is the stage, and this is the place. So, we’re very excited that we were able to do this at this time of year,” Freeman said.
The game takes place Saturday, Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. at B.T. Harvey Stadium at Morehouse College. Broadcast and streaming details will be announced soon.
Food Recalls Sweep U.S. As Candy, Produce, And Frozen Goods Raise Safety Concerns
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has posted multiple food recall notices in recent weeks involving sprouts, mangoes, frozen fruit bars, bread, candy, and other products.
Consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators, freezers, and pantries as federal regulators investigate foodborne illness outbreaks and companies recall products over concerns ranging from Salmonella and E. coli to glass and undeclared allergens.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has posted multiple food recall notices in recent weeks involving sprouts, mangoes, frozen fruit bars, bread, candy, and other products. The recalls are not connected to a single outbreak and carry different health risks.
Among the most serious is an ongoing multistate outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts distributed by Minneapolis-based Everything Sprouts. As of Aug. 31, 55 people across 15 states had been infected with strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or Salmonella. Four people were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported.
Everything Sprouts recalled certain Calco and Everything Sprouts alfalfa sprouts on Aug. 22 and later expanded its recall to certain Robust Radish Sprout Mix products.
Another Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, has resulted in 431 illnesses and 57 hospitalizations across 32 states. The outbreak has prompted recalls of products including salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, and other prepared foods.
The recalls also extend to Halloween candy. Crystal Temptations recalled its Halloween Chocolatey Eyeballs Aug. 31 because the candy contains undeclared milk, which can cause serious or life-threatening reactions in people with milk allergies or severe sensitivities.
The candy was distributed through Marshalls, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Sierra Trading Post stores in 13 states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming. The recall covers five package sizes ranging from 7 to 16 ounces.
The company said a TJX analyst discovered that candy containing whey, a milk ingredient, had been distributed in packaging that did not disclose milk. No illnesses have been reported. Consumers are instructed to destroy the candy and contact Crystal Temptations directly with proof of purchase for a refund rather than return it to stores.
Consumers can check the FDA’s recall database for affected lot numbers, product photographs, distribution information, and recall-specific instructions.
Wilson passed away peacefully Sept. 1 at her home in Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by close family, friends, and her manager, according to a statement provided by her longtime manager, Robert Torre. The official cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Wilson’s seminal 1993 album, Blue Light ’til Dawn, fundamentally shifted the trajectory of contemporary jazz by blending traditional acoustic jazz with Delta blues, folk, country, and soul.
Leadership today requires more than delivering business results. The most effective leaders build trust, support their people, and help organizations navigate change while maintaining a strong focus on performance and growth.
The “Three C’s” — Courage, Curiosity, and Clarity — are essential for future-ready leadership. Courage enables decisive action in uncertainty, curiosity drives learning and innovation, and clarity aligns teams around shared goals and priorities.
Leadership is a skill, not just a title. Organizations that invest in developing leaders at every level can strengthen engagement, build a robust leadership pipeline, and create the agility needed for long-term success.
Strong leadership has always been a competitive advantage. But in today’s rapidly changing business environment, leaders are being asked to do more than drive results—they’re expected to build trust, navigate uncertainty, inspire teams, and create workplaces where people can thrive.
Those themes were front and center at the 20th annual BLACK ENTERPRISE® Women of Power Summit held recently in Las Vegas, Nevada, where a diverse group of leaders from across industries gathered to discuss leadership, influence, and career growth in the modern workforce.
Featured among the speakers was Nicole Ulmer Hill, VP of Service at ADP, who serves on ADP’s Women in Leadership Board and is passionate about advancing leadership opportunities for women. During the panel discussion on “The Next Generation of C-Suite Leaders,” she joined fellow executives in exploring how leadership expectations are evolving and what organizations can do to prepare current and future leaders for success.
One message stood out: the leaders who make the greatest impact are often those who balance business performance with a strong commitment to people.
The power of the three C’s
During the discussion, panelists highlighted three qualities that can help leaders navigate change and drive meaningful growth:
Courage
Whether it’s embracing new technology, navigating workforce challenges, or making difficult business decisions, leadership often requires stepping into the unknown. Courage allows leaders to take decisive action, advocate for their teams, and move organizations forward—even during periods of uncertainty.
Curiosity
The future of work continues to evolve. Leaders who remain curious are better positioned to adapt, learn from different perspectives, and identify new opportunities for innovation. Curiosity encourages continuous learning and helps organizations stay agile in a changing marketplace.
Clarity
In times of complexity, clarity becomes essential. Leaders who communicate a clear vision, establish priorities, and align teams around common goals can foster greater confidence, engagement, and execution across their organizations.
Leadership beyond titles
One of the summit’s most compelling themes was that leadership isn’t defined by a title alone. Leadership is reflected in how individuals influence others, make decisions, and create positive outcomes for their teams, customers, and organizations.
For business owners and organizational leaders, this perspective underscores the importance of investing in leadership development at every level. Building a strong pipeline of future leaders can strengthen resilience, support growth, and help organizations prepare for what’s next.
“The leaders who will shape the future aren’t those who have all the answers,” said Hill. “They’re the ones who lead with courage, stay curious enough to keep learning, and provide the clarity that helps others succeed. That’s how we build organizations where people want to grow, contribute, and lead.”
Building the leaders of tomorrow
The conversations at the 2026 Women of Power Summit served as a timely reminder that purposeful leadership remains one of the most powerful drivers of organizational success. Whether leading a small business, managing a growing workforce, or shaping enterprise strategy, leaders who demonstrate courage, curiosity, and clarity are better equipped to navigate change and inspire their teams.
“One of my biggest takeaways from the Women of Power Summit was hearing emerging and established leaders share a common vision for the future of work,” recalls Hill. “People still want to grow, contribute, and lead, but they want leadership that is purposeful, sustainable, and people-centered. That conversation reinforced why courage, curiosity, and clarity are more important than ever.”
As organizations continue to face evolving workforce expectations, developing leaders at every level can help strengthen engagement, support succession planning, and build the agility needed for long-term growth.
