by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 8, 2025

Roger Dundas Champions Black Canadian Businesses At The Heart Of Multicultural Toronto

An entrepreneur who built Canada's largest Black business directory

Written by Noel Walker

Toronto pulses with Caribbean Carnival energy each summer—steel pan rhythms echoing through downtown streets, elaborate masquerader costumes dazzling crowds, and the enticing aromas of jerk chicken and roti drifting from food vendors. Yet beyond Caribana’s week-long celebration, the city’s multicultural foundation thrives year-round through Mexican cantinas, Jamaican neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, which draw millions of international visitors annually. Within this vibrant ecosystem, Roger Dundas has built something transformative: ByBlacks.com, Canada’s premier Black media platform and business directory that is reshaping how Black Canadian stories are told while connecting over 4,000 verified businesses nationwide.

Since launching ByBlacks.com in February 2013, Dundas has transformed his digital startup into a nationally recognized media powerhouse, earning three national ethnic press awards and recognition from the Prime Minister. The Toronto-based publisher has become synonymous with authentic Black Canadian media by maintaining editorial standards that prioritize cultural integrity over mainstream appeal.

“It’s interesting that they have done that grouping,” Dundas says of BIPOC categorization in media and business. “I kind of understand it, but because Black people have been discriminated against the most, it’s sometimes unfair to bunch us with other people that are getting privileges and benefits that we are not accessing. To me, an underrepresented business owner is a Black business.”

Building Canada’s Largest Black Business Infrastructure

Dundas’s business philosophy drives ByBlacks.com’s dual approach: authentic storytelling paired with practical community resources. The platform features only Black Canadian writers, ensuring that every piece maintains cultural relevance while covering topics ranging from politics to parenting across Canada’s diverse Black communities.

“We are covering all stories. It doesn’t matter your background, sexual orientation, or religion. Once you are Black, you’re open to having your story told if it aligns with our mandate,” Dundas emphasizes.

This editorial commitment extends to the platform’s cornerstone feature: the Black Business Directory, now housing over 4,000 verified listings spanning restaurants, professional services, healthcare providers, and cultural businesses. Dundas describes it as Canada’s largest Black business directory, with his team conducting monthly “broken link checkers” and periodic cleanups, ensuring only active, digitally present businesses remain listed.

The directory’s impact transcends simple listings. It functions as an economic engine circulating Black dollars within communities while serving as a cultural bridge for Toronto’s multicultural tourism industry.

“A lot of people reach out to us to find a restaurant in Winnipeg or Vancouver, a hairdresser in Hamilton,” Dundas explains. “People often comment on the fact that they want to go to a Black dentist and they’re able to go on the site directory and find just that, whether it’s an accountant, realtor, mortgage broker, etc.”

This infrastructure sets Toronto apart from other multicultural destinations. While many cities offer surface-level cultural experiences, Dundas’s verified directory ensures visitors have access to authentic Black-owned businesses year-round, and not just during festival seasons. The platform’s sophisticated maintenance ensures that tourists consistently find current, operating businesses offering genuine local experiences.

Restaurant Week: Strategic Crisis Response

When COVID-19 devastated Canada’s restaurant industry in 2020, Dundas identified an opportunity within the crisis. Recognizing that many Black-owned restaurants operated takeout-focused models, making them pandemic-resilient, he launched ByBlacks Restaurant Week in May 2021.

“COVID started in 2020, restaurants were being decimated, but here’s something where discrimination actually helped: Black restaurants, because most Black restaurants were take-out only,” Dundas explains. “They didn’t really have the dining expense to begin with, so they were mostly take-out restaurants, and during the pandemic, they were able to block off their places with proper COVID precautions and shields, and just sell.”

With 20% of directory-listed businesses being food-related, Restaurant Week became both a community support initiative and a tourism marketing tool. The annual May event, starting the Monday after Mother’s Day, accommodates diverse business models from high-end establishments offering three-course prix fixe menus to patty shops providing “$10 specials.”

Dundas designed the initiative with Toronto’s demographics in mind. Since Black Canadians comprise less than 13% of the city’s population, according to 2021 census data, its success relies on attracting a broader market.

“We’re only 4% of the population. So you need to get that 96%, to actually come buy your food or get them to at least try it, and if they like it, they’ll be back. The mission for Restaurant Week is to get people purchasing Black food, period. Eat Black Food is the statement on our marketing,” he emphasizes, explicitly targeting Toronto’s multicultural resident and visitor base.

Strategic Community Partnerships

Dundas’s approach extends beyond media and business listings into systemic community support. His 2019 partnership with One Vision, One Voice created culturally relevant online resources for Black families navigating child welfare systems, addressing discrimination while providing practical support during family crises.

“Racism is entrenched across all Canadian institutions, making platforms like ByBlacks.com a necessity rather than a choice,” Dundas notes.

Beyond formal partnerships, Dundas provides business consulting to tons of Black entrepreneurs, offering guidance on digital presence, resource access, and business strategy. This mentorship creates a pipeline, strengthening the entire directory ecosystem.

Cultural Authenticity as Business Strategy

ByBlacks.com’s competitive advantage lies in refusing to homogenize Black Canadian experiences. Whether covering Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival scene, African immigrant entrepreneurship stories, or Nova Scotia’s historic Black communities, every narrative receives equal editorial treatment.

“We refuse to limit coverage to specific ethnic subgroups, celebrating Blackness in all its diversity and complexity,” Dundas states.

This inclusive approach maximizes both audience reach and business directory utility while maintaining cultural integrity.

Expansion Plans and Legacy Building

Dundas positions ByBlacks.com for significant growth, with aspirational priorities that include launching podcasts to bridge generational community gaps and exploring potential expansion into the U.S. and UK Black communities.

“To build a legacy not just of media, but of empowerment, representation, and genuine cultural celebration,” Dundas explains as his ultimate vision.

The platform’s success metrics validate this approach: consistent directory growth, national media recognition, and measurable economic impact through increased Black business spending. Dundas has created sustainable community-serving media that grows stronger through authentic cultural representation.

As Toronto continues to attract global multicultural tourism, platforms like ByBlacks.com provide authentic cultural infrastructure, making the city genuinely welcoming to diverse visitors.

by Keka Araújo

September 8, 2025

Tyler Smith Aims To Be First Gen Z Man Elected To Texas House, Vows To Fight For Families

In a bid to represent District 138 in the Texas House of Representatives, Tyler Smith, a Democrat, announced his candidacy today to BLACK ENTERPRISE, promising to champion the needs of Houston families.

Running in the Democratic primary election on March 3, 2026, Smith aims to unseat incumbent Republican Rep. Lacey Hull.

Smith is positioning himself as a leader who will focus on lowering costs and expanding opportunities, contrasting himself with Hull’s voting record.

“We don’t have to live like this. After thirty years of Republican control, Texas families are paying the price, and there’s nothing to show for it,” Smith told BE.

The motivated vicegenarian added, “Families in our district are working harder than ever but paying more and getting less.”

If elected, Smith would become the first Gen Z man to serve in the Texas House and the youngest legislator in the chamber. A Texas Southern University graduate and a former fellow in the Obama Foundation Leaders program, Smith has dedicated his career to public service.

His background includes work in Congress with Sen. Jon Ossoff and a role with Everytown for Gun Safety, where he has built a reputation for forging bipartisan coalitions.

On Policy and Bipartisan Solutions

When asked about his approach to bridging the partisan divide in Austin, Smith referenced his work on gun safety legislation in conservative states.

“In Louisiana, we brought the NRA and local gun groups to a neutral stance on a bill banning the sale of Glock switch devices,” he stated. “We made some concessions on penalties, but ultimately passed a strong, life-saving bill nearly intact.”

Smith is confident that this collaborative spirit can be replicated in Texas. He pointed to the recent legislative success of a bill to create exceptions to Texas’s abortion ban. “People said it could never be done – but it can be done, even in Texas,” he said.

Focus on Public Health and Economic Policy

Smith criticized his opponent, Rep. Hull, for her stance on public health, citing her response to a measles outbreak and her efforts to roll back vaccine requirements. “Lacey Hull poses a real threat to public health in Texas,” he said.

If elected, Smith plans to address the state’s healthcare crisis by fighting to expand Medicaid, which would leverage federal funds that Texas has left unclaimed. He believes this is a critical step to ensure that every Texan can afford a doctor’s visit.

On economic policy, Smith noted the stagnation of the minimum wage over the past three decades of Republican control.

“I’ll work tirelessly to find common ground on practical, bipartisan solutions to lower the cost of living for everyday Texans,” he stated.

Smith’s economic priorities include raising the minimum wage, investing in affordable housing, and reducing prescription drug prices by joining multi-state purchasing pools.

Bringing a New Voice to Austin

Addressing concerns about his age and experience, the young politician emphasized his determination and skill set.

“While I may be young, I bring the experience, determination, and grit needed to get things done,” he said, citing his leadership roles in his fraternity and with a large nonprofit. “I’m running to bring that same spirit of collaboration and commitment to the Texas Legislature—because I believe real change happens when we focus less on who gets the credit and more on delivering results for the people we serve.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 8, 2025

Angie Stone’s Family Sues Trucking Company Over Singer’s Death

Angie Stone’s children have filed a wrongful death lawsuit over the circumstances surrounding her tragic passing.

A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Angie Stone’s children is revealing her exact cause of death and the disturbing details surrounding it.

On Sept. 2, Sheila Hopkins, who survived the crash that killed Angie Stone, joined the singer’s children, Diamond Stone and Michael D’Angelo Archer, in filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Georgia, The Associated Press reported. The suit claims Stone survived the initial wreck caused by the Sprinter van’s driver but was fatally struck by an 18-wheeler carrying sugar as she tried to exit the vehicle.

Stone, 63, was traveling with her band and entourage in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van returning to Atlanta after a Mardi Gras ball performance in Mobile, Alabama, when the driver lost control and flipped the vehicle. All passengers survived the initial crash, and bystanders assisted several in crawling out. But as Stone attempted to exit, an 18-wheeler hauling sugar slammed into the van, ejecting and pinning her beneath it, where she died, according to the lawsuit. Hopkins, still inside, was injured.

Hopkins and Stone’s two children are now suing the van driver, the truck driver, the van’s owners, the trucking company (CSRT of Cedar Rapids, Iowa), and the truck manufacturer (Daimler Truck North America of Portland, Oregon). The lawsuit alleges the truck’s collision-avoidance system failed to detect the van stopped on the highway and that the truck driver, distracted by music on headphones, never braked before hitting the vehicle at nearly 70 mph (110 kph).

Stone first rose to fame with the pioneering female hip-hop group The Sequence, whose hit “Funk You Up” was later sampled by artists like Dr. Dre. She went on to join Vertical Hold before launching a successful solo career, scoring chart-topping hits such as “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” “Baby” with Betty Wright, “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” and “Brotha.”

Her 2001 album Mahogany Soul reached No. 22 on the Billboard 200, while 2007’s The Art of Love & War peaked at No. 11. Beyond music, Stone appeared in films and on Broadway, notably as Big Mama Morton in Chicago, and earned numerous accolades, including two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. In 2024, she was inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame.

by Mitti Hicks

September 8, 2025

Black Women Disproportionately Impacted By Breast Cancer Costs

Having health insurance does not necessarily protect against the financial distress

Black women bear a heavy financial burden when it comes breast cancer, a disease that already affects them disproportionately. Black women already face a 40% higher breast cancer death rate than white women with a similar diagnosis rate.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Black women are also disproportionately impacted financially and emotionally during treatment. Having health insurance does not necessarily protect against the financial distress associated with cancer.

Patients with cancer carry a high burden of financial distress and are more likely to experience financial crises, such as bankruptcy.Research from NIH also shows that financial toxicity has been shown to affect both survival and overall quality of life adversely.

Here’s how the costs associated with breast cancer disproportionately affect women of color, as first reported by RollingOut.

Costs Disparities For Black Women

The average treatment for Breast cancer costs anywhere between $20,000 and $120,000, depending on the stage. The costs are higher in some cases. Black women have higher rates of poverty and lower access to comprehensive health insurance, which creates additional stress amid treatment and recovery.

Some costs that arise during treatment include lost income, transportation expenses to specialized treatment centers, childcare costs, and out-of-pocket medication costs.

Delay in Diagnosis and Treatment

According to breastcancer.org, Black women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. The delay in diagnosis is directly linked to the barriers, including the lack of mammography facilities and oncology specialists, as well as insurance limitations.

After Black women are diagnosed, they wait longer for surgery and treatment as a result of scheduling challenges and insurance approval. This provides an opportunity for the cancer to progress.

As the National Institutes of Health concludes, Black women with breast cancer experience a significantly worse financial impact. Disproportionate financial strain may contribute to higher stress, lower treatment compliance, and worse outcomes by race. Policies that help to limit the effect of cancer-related financial strain are needed.

Donald Trump,judge, DEI, Executive orders

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 8, 2025

Fans Booed Donald Trump Real Bad When He Pulled Up To The US Open

Many fans had to wait longer to enter the stadium, missing start of men's final, even after a late start time due to the President's appearance

The President of the United States appeared at the U.S. Open in New York City, sparking boos from the fans in attendance, as paying fans had an elongated wait to enter the Arthur Ashe Stadium due to the enhanced security measures implemented for President Trump’s visit.

Various reports circulated through the media stating that the 47th president was booed when he was shown on the Jumbotron during the U.S. Open men’s final Sept. 7 in Flushing, Queens. The Huffington Post reported that the crowd booed Trump several times while tennis players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz were on the court.

The tennis match was scheduled to start at 2 p.m. However, with extra security measures in place and with the arrival of Trump at the stadium, fans were kept outside longer than usual, and the game started nearly an hour later due to the president’s appearance at Arthur Ashe. During the national anthem, the audience did not seem happy with Trump as he was met with boos. Anytime he was shown on the Jumbotron screen, the crowd let out the boos, although at one point, the crowd reportedly cheered for Trump, but it was short-lived.

Other White House officials attending the event with him included Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, along with several family members of the president.

ESPN reported that the Secret Service responded to the president’s appearance at the U.S. Open.

“We recognize that enhanced security for the President’s visit to the US Open may have contributed to delays for attendees. We sincerely thank every fan for their patience and understanding. Protecting the President required a comprehensive effort, and we are grateful to the US Tennis community and our New York public safety partners for their essential collaboration and support.”

The likelihood that Trump would be booed was an issue that the United States Tennis Association (USTA) tried to prepare for before the game. Reuters reported that the USTA sent a message to media outlets to “censor any reaction or protest to President Donald Trump during his appearance” at the stadium before the tennis match.

According to Newsweek, a memo obtained by tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg’s Substack publication Bounces, the association requested that networks “refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity.”

Alcaraz did win the match in four sets.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 8, 2025

Angel Reese Invests In TOGETHXR, A Women Athlete-Founded Media Company

The WNBA all-star continues to put her money toward elevating women's sports.

Angel Reese is the latest investor in TOGETHXR, the media and e-commerce company founded by her peers in women’s sports.

Reese will join the ownership cohort comprised of sports legends such as former soccer star Alex Morgan, professional snowboarder Chloe Kim, former WNBA player Sue Bird, and Olympic swimmer Simone Manuel. Through TOGETHXR, The Chicago Sky forward expands her advocacy for women athletes’ representation and media coverage.

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“It’s huge for me,” Reese explained to USA Today. “It means standing alongside women who aren’t just legends in their sports, but real trailblazers in business and culture. They’ve opened doors for so many of us, and now I get to lock arms with them and keep pushing things forward. That’s powerful.”

Established in 2019, TOGETHXR serves as a pipeline for equitable coverage and storytelling of women’s sports, as it also builds a home where these athletes gain overdue recognition for their talents. Through their content, they display the nuanced and dynamic lives of women sports stars no matter the court, field, or even pool.

TOGETHXR leads this inclusive movement where women’s receive their fair proportion of sports coverage, shaping a new media landscape that champions these athletes for a stronger future. With Reese now on board, the media company adds another vocal advocate within the WNBA.

“TOGETHXR was built to challenge the system and prove what we’ve always known: that women in sports set the standard, shift the story, and drive the conversations that matter,” added co-owner Bird on Reese’s addition. “Angel Reese is already doing that. She brings a confidence and leadership that not only defines her but adds to the legacy we’re building as we continue to push women’s sports forward.”

Reese has never been afraid to put her money where her passions lie. The two-time WNBA all-star has already invested in other avenues of women’s sports, choosing to support women’s soccer team, DC Power Football Club, in May 2024. The choice held a personal touch, too, as the Washington, D.C.-based sports club sits not too far from Reese’s own hometown near Baltimore, Maryland.

In celebration of her investment, the company will also release a limited edition Angel x TOGETHXR jersey. The special item further highlights its commitment to sports culture, media, and branding.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 8, 2025

Taraji P. Henson Pours Up A New Era With Sweet Red Wine Blend In Seven Daughters Collaboration

The wine is the latest pour from her collaboration with Seven Daughters Moscato.

Taraji P. Henson is all about creating her own brand empire.

The renowned actress has revealed her new era in the wine industry, debuting a sweet red blend in her latest collaboration with Seven Daughters Moscato. Right before the leaves start to fall, Henson is getting her fans ready for the weather change with this crisp yet sensual new blend.

“I’m a true red wine lover, and this Red Blend reflects everything I look for in a wine: bold, full of heart, and made to stand out. I’m so excited to see what people think and to continue providing them with quality wines that bring people together,” shared Henson, according to Essence.

Henson has already partnered with Seven Daughters for its Moscato relaunch last year. Now, on the heels of a successful re-entry to the markets, Henson is expanding her efforts to take the brand further.

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Her partnership with Seven Daughters stemmed from a trip to Italy, where she discovered her love for the country’s wine and wine-making. Now, this latest blend is a personal effort from the entrepreneur, who hopes to make it a staple in multiple households.

She added, “Whether you’re celebrating the big moments or just enjoying a Tuesday night with your girls, Seven Daughters is about fostering community, creating those special connections, and never settling for ordinary. This red blend is perfect for year-round celebrations–-served chilled, of course–-because we deserve to celebrate it all.”

The Sweet Red features Marzemino, Corvina, and Merlot grapes sourced from local vineyards across Veneto, Italy. Priced at $14.99, the drink will allow anyone to drink like a movie star at an accessible cost. The drink is also versatile, as the brand noted its featured pairings with various flavor profiles.

“This slightly effervescent wine is perfectly balanced with flavors of almond, fresh white peaches, orange zest and lemon meringue, and boasts robust floral and citrus aromas with strong notes of peach and honeysuckle,” shared its description. “A delightful, refreshing wine to drink chilled by itself, mixed in a cocktail, or paired beautifully with a range of unexpected cuisines and multiple flavor profiles, everything from spicy Thai food to fruit-forward desserts.”

The drink also promotes sisterhood and empowerment in each pour, essential to the Taraji x Seven Daughters story. With this endeavor, she hopes to create “magical moments of connection and lasting memories,” especially as a Black woman in the wine industry.

With additional notes of vibrant wild berries and warm spice, the Seven Daughters Sweet Red Blend makes the perfect wine for the colder seasons, even when best served chilled.

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 8, 2025

Halle Berry Puts Pressure On Gavin Newsom To Shine The Light On Menopause

Berry, her menopause advocacy company Respin Health, and supplement company Perelel Health, spearheaded a campaign, “Turn Up The Heat,” in effort for Newsom to sign AB 432, pushing for a requirement that health plans cover menopause-related treatments.

Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry has slowly become the face of menopause, a period of reproductive changes that women face after 50, and now she is turning to politicians to get the word out — starting with outspoken California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Politico reports.

Berry, her menopause advocacy company Respin Health, and supplement company Perelel Health spearheaded a campaign, “Turn Up The Heat,” in an effort to encourage Newsom to sign AB 432. The legislation, created by California Democratic Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, requires health plans to cover menopause-related treatments.

With the anticipation that the bill will pass in the last weeks of the Golden State’s session after a modified version was shot down by Newsom in 2024, the legislation offers incentives for doctors to receive additional training on menopause beyond what was learned in medical school.

Berry says the lack of menopause education has caused wear and tear as she goes through this stage in her life. The first Black woman to win the Academy Award for “Best Actress” admitted that she suffered for years after being misdiagnosed and spent thousands of dollars before learning that she was experiencing the effects of perimenopause at 54.

“It’s sort of a desert island for women in midlife,” Berry said.

“We’re half the population, and we’ve gone far too long being ignored. It’s really a human rights issue.”

Through the campaign, Respin and Perelel Health are sending emails to customers in addition to posting messages on social media, encouraging people to send a message to Newsom, hoping that will put the pen in his hand to sign the bill if it hits his desk.

“By sending this letter, you’ll send a message to Sacramento that California women deserve the care, understanding, and resources to navigate menopause with dignity and health,” the campaign reads.

“Together, we can close the gap in care and create a future where no woman is left to face menopause alone.”

https://twitter.com/emilyjacobs/status/1963240568261345729

By definition, menopause is the period when a woman’s menstrual cycle slows down and eventually ends, marking the transition out of fertility between the ages of 45 and 55. The dreaded time period comes with dozens of symptoms — starting as early as 10 years before — in addition to hormonal changes such as hot flashes and changes to heart health and the immune system.

Labeled as a sex symbol as soon as she stepped into the Hollywood limelight, Berry, now 59, started her journey into menopausal advocacy back in May 2024 after standing on the steps of Capitol Hill, supported by female members of Congress, and shouting, “I’m in menopause!” according to Forbes. During her speech, she touched on how this time in women’s lives can be just as sexy as being in the 30s and 40s, given the proper education on what’s happening to women’s bodies.

“For so long, people have put me in this sex symbol box,” Berry said.

“For someone like me to speak about going through menopause, which has been so stigmatized, if I can say, ‘Hey, it’s sexy to arrive at this time of our life, it’s actually a privilege to age.’ I hope I’m giving [women] the courage to stand tall and accept that we don’t have to stay eternally 30. I mean, who wants to stay eternally 30?”

She isn’t alone in the fight as the legislative push started in 2023 with the bipartisan “Advancing Menopause and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act,” a would-be federal bill that would’ve allocated $275 million for federal research on menopause. However, with President Donald Trump’s return to office, advocates like Berry’s group had to pivot.

However, the policy change conversations with state lawmakers and governors have not stopped, with Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Patty Murray (D-WA) planning to reintroduce the legislation alongside Berry for Menopause Awareness Month in October. “We will keep pushing, and we will keep going to Washington and doing what we’re doing, but we really feel like we can get real things done on a state level,” the mom of two said.

“It’s a smaller bite, it’s a tiny win, but all of these tiny wins will add up to the big win.”

by Kandiss Edwards

September 8, 2025

That’s Wassup! Baltimore Boys Welcomed Back To School With Manly Handshakes

Baltimore Collegiate scholars were met with handshakes from men across the city to welcome them back to school.

On the first day of school, boys at Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys received more than a simple “welcome back.” The young scholars were met with handshakes from men across their city. The welcome handshake tradition is now in its 11th year.

The gesture offers students a dose of encouragement before they even enter their classrooms. The children filed past a line of male community members, including City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates, before being greeted personally with hands and words of affirmation. Many believe the gesture is about more than a greeting. It’s a subtle lesson in presentation.

Baltimore Collegiate School’s CEO Edwin Avent said to 11 Alive, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

For that reason, the boys are encouraged to dress well, tuck in their shirts, wear belts, and polished shoes. On the first day of school, men across the city make it possible to see what that looks like in action. For many of the boys, these handshakes are a daily reminder that the wider community is rooting for their success.

The ritual bridges school and city, connecting young hands to adult support and positive expectation. This welcoming ceremony has become a defining moment for the young students arriving on campus, signaling that their growth, conduct, and presence matter. As they walk from the gate to the classroom, each handshake carries weight. A lingering message that they are seen, valued, and capable of walking confidently toward their future.

Founded in 2015, Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys is a tuition-free public charter serving students in grades 4 through 8. It was created with an urgent mission to disrupt the cradle-to-prison pipeline for young men in Baltimore. The institution offers a rigorous liberal-arts education grounded in character, leadership, and critical thinking. The school blends academics with the arts, debate, athletics, and advisory support to help young boys not only succeed in school but thrive as thoughtful, self-confident community leaders.

by Jameelah Mullen

September 8, 2025

Thousands Needed For Cancer Study To Improve Black Women’s Health

According to the American Cancer Society, Black women face significantly higher death rates and lower survival rates compared to white women.

Research shows that Black women tend to have the highest death rates of any racial or ethnic group for most cancers. Last year, the American Cancer Society launched a study aimed at researching and improving the health outcomes of Black women disproportionately impacted by the disease. Researchers are seeking 100,000 women to participate, but so far, only 4,000 have enrolled.

The study, “Voices of Black Women,” aims to utilize these studies to help develop specialized treatments for Black women.

“Including Black women in research is a crucial step toward improving cancer outcomes and eliminating disparities. By joining together, we can gain valuable insights into the diverse experiences and health challenges faced by Black women and learn how to deliver culturally competent and effective interventions, treatments, and preventive measures,“ The American Cancer Society says on its website.

Visiting Scientific Director Dr. Lauren McCullough spoke with KCRA News to explain the study and outline the requirements for potential participants. McCullough said that eligible participants must fill out a consent form and a one-hour health history survey covering personal and family medical history, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors related to their home and workplace. They will complete this survey twice a year.

The lead researcher on the project and Senior Vice President of Population Science, Dr. Alpa Patel, acknowledged the history of Black women being victims of medical mistreatment and discrimination, which has caused distrust of medical professionals and may also lead to low participation in studies such as this one.

“That historic mistrust is very real and has been central in the way we’ve designed our approach around this study,” Patel told KCRA News.

Patel noted that the research team and advisory board consist mostly of Black and Brown women who specialize in the health of Black women.

“I often say that we’re doing this with Black women, not for Black women, because this is a partnership,” she said.

The American Cancer Society urges Black women ages 25–55, from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., who have never been diagnosed with cancer, to apply on its website.