To Successful Entrepreneurs, Time Is More Than Relative
George Fraser says time is more precious than money
If you didn’t know that XCEL Summit for Men Award honoree George Fraser is the chairman and CEO of FraserNet, a networking organization connecting entrepreneurs and professionals with clients, helping them build business, and accelerating their careers, the world might think Fraser is a professor who helped Albert Einstein propose the Theory of Relativity.
Fraser’s theory is centered around the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make: Believing they have plenty of time.
Not true.
For entrepreneurs, time is the only currency they spend, and they never know how much is left. Therefore, Fraser warned in his acceptance speech at this past BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit for Men, “Use your time wisely.”
In building a successful business, entrepreneurs will experience a lot of obstacles, but ultimately, Fraser advises, don’t waste your time in the process. It’s a precious commodity no one gets back. And when everyone’s career is over, he hopes each person’s body of work will be summed up in two words: “He mattered!” And as BE approaches the 10th anniversary of the XCEL Summit, take a moment to ask yourself: “Do you matter? And to whom? And for what?”
AUTO FLEX: Serena Williams Turned A Tournament Purchase Into A Lincoln Legacy
Lincoln's one-of-a-kind custom Navigator isn't just a luxury vehicle, it's a monument to Black excellence, entrepreneurial vision, and the art of knowing your worth.
By Kimatni D. Rawlins
In 1998, a teenage Serena Williams did what champions do: she invested in herself.Fresh from her first major tournament earnings, she walked into a dealership and drove off in a Lincoln Navigator, the undisputed champion of sports utility vehicles at the time. She named it Ginger.
That singular act of self-determination, equal parts swagger and sentimentality, planted the seed for what would become one of the most extraordinary automotive collaborations in recent memory. More than two decades later, Lincoln didn’t just invite Serena back into the fold; they handed her the design studio. The result is a bespoke, one-of-a-kind Navigator that functions less like a vehicle and more like an autobiography, rendered in Perfect Rose paint, sheepskin carpet, and laser-engraved steel.
The luxury automotive industry is littered with celebrity endorsements that feel transactional at best. What distinguishes the Serena–Lincoln partnership is a relationship far more valuable than any marketing budget: authenticity. Lincoln’s Global Design Director Christine Park Cheng and her team understood this distinction acutely. They weren’t designing for an ambassador; they were creating for a woman who chose Lincoln before Lincoln chose her.
For BLACK ENTERPRISE readers who understand the compounding power of authentic brand equity, this matters. Serena’s relationship with Lincoln mirrors the kind of organic brand-building that translates into generational cultural currency. It’s the difference between being featured in a campaign and being the inspiration for the product itself.
The vehicle was shown at a private design presentation and walk-around at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan — a rare, invitation-only glimpse into the collaboration’s genesis. Standing inches from the finished Navigator, the intentionality becomes real. The exterior wears Perfect Rose, a deeper interpretation of Lincoln’s Sunrise Copper, infused with Serena’s beloved pink and a constellation-inspired sparkle effect. High Gloss Black panels, Satin Rose Copper grille jewels, and Custom Satin Obsidian trim ride on 24” wheels that communicate prestige. A hand-painted rose with an embedded heart graces the B-pillar and rear tailgate: symbols of femininity, tenacity, and love, fused into one image.
The interior concept is christened Clay Court & Afterglow, a rich, warm-brown leather that imitates the clay courts she played on. Lighter Afterglow Tan adds dimension and softness, creating what the design team describes as a feeling of “embrace.” For a woman who has spent decades in the competitive field, that deliberate invitation to exhale carries profound weight.
Engineering marvels include the 30-way Perfect Position Seats, a Revel Ultima 3D sound system with 28 speakers, the panoramic 48” LCD screen, and the hand-painted Big and Little Dipper constellations dancing across the center console. But it was the laser-engraved sill plates with her mantra, “keep going,” and bearing the birth years of her daughters, Olympia and Adira, in the rear, her own name on the driver’s side, and husband on the passenger side that emotionally touched her. When Serena saw them, she wept.
“She is a true class act and a champion in every sense,” said Christine Park Cheng, Lincoln’s global design director. “We couldn’t be prouder to have her behind our wheel.”
Lincoln’s Rejuvenate wellness system, integrating massaging seats, adaptive ambient lighting, and nature-themed audio, reflects a broader driving experience around high-performance individuals and the infrastructure of rest. For Serena Williams, a champion, entrepreneur, designer, and mother of two, a vehicle that doubles as a mobile sanctuary is not an indulgence. It is a strategic resource.
Lincoln has long mastered the art of energy restoration. The XL body frame, illuminated grille, adaptive suspension, and ventilated massaging seats compose a sanctuary on wheels. This bespoke edition simply elevates that sanctuary to the level of a shrine.
When Serena first laid eyes on the completed Navigator at Lincoln’s studio, she broke into elation: “This deserves a clap, a standing ovation. She’s beautiful!” The spontaneity of that moment is the entire thesis. Lincoln didn’t just build Serena Williams a luxury SUV. They presented her with a monument that began with a young Black woman who trusted her own taste and desires.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Kimatni Rawlins/BE
Kimatni D. Rawlins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Automotive Rhythms, a premier multicultural automotive lifestyle publication. His coverage spans luxury vehicles, motorsport, and the intersection of car culture with Black excellence.
Beyoncé’s Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund To Invest $250K In Cosmetology Schools In The U.S. And U.K.
The fund will support the next generation of hair professionals through educational scholarships
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s haircare brand Cécred and her nonprofit, the BeyGOOD Foundation, are launching the 2026 Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund to support aspiring hairstylists, barbers, and hair professionals.
According to a press release, the initiative will return for a third year with a $250,000 commitment focused on educational support and workforce development for the next generation of beauty professionals. The program will provide grants to 10 cosmetology and barbering institutions across the United States and the United Kingdom, with each school receiving $25,000 in scholarship funding.
“As a licensed cosmetologist and former salon owner, I’ll never forget my own beginnings at Franklin School and the pure passion it takes to succeed in this craft,” said Knowles-Carter’s mother, Tina Knowles, who serves as Cécred’s vice chairwoman and chair of the Board of Directors at BeyGOOD Foundation.
“Today, the cost of tuition, tools, and equipment is hitting record highs, making it harder for aspiring cosmetologists to afford their education. By expanding our grants from five to ten schools this year, we are providing vital financial support so these talented students can focus on their training and pursue their passions. We are committed to uplifting the next generation of hair professionals and giving them the tuition support they need.”
Since its launch in 2024, the Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund has awarded $1 million in student scholarships and salon business grants to 133 students and salon owners. This year, the Fund will award grants to more schools, providing vital tuition support to keep beauty school affordable.
In 2024, the Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund launched with a $500,000 investment to support salon owners, barbershop operators, and cosmetology students in cities such as Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New Jersey. Last year, the program awarded grants to salon and barbershop owners and provided mentorship and business development support through partnerships with organizations such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council.
The latest expansion reflects the growing economic power of the Black beauty industry, which has increasingly become a pipeline for entrepreneurship, brand ownership, and generational wealth creation. The beauty and personal care market continues to be one of the most influential consumer sectors, driven by Black consumers and creators.
Stephanie Mills Survived The Music Industry, Now She Does Business Her Way
The Grammy Award-winning songstress shows no signs of slowing down.
Stephanie Mills is a consummate professional who has worked the stage since the tender age of nine. Mills’ resume dates back to the 1970s. Her career wins include the viral success of Broadway’s original run of The Wiz— which Mills dominated in the lead role of Dorothy, her status as a top reigning R&B songstress throughout the 1980s and 90s, starting her own record label and most recently, being a legendary diva, alongside Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle, and Chaka Khan, on the Black Promoter’s Collective’s tour, The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage. The 69-year-old is as spry as ever and is slated to take the stage Saturday, May 23, to perform with Karen White and Take 6, in metro Atlanta at the newly-built VyStar Amphitheater.
Mills shows no signs of slowing down. Due to overwhelming popular demand, the Queens tour is in its third iteration. She gives props to the concert and her “sister” performers, regarding the collective moment as “history.” When asked what the most rewarding part of the tour is, Mills said, “That we’re all still singing in our original keys.”
“I was telling them that we are survivors of this business,” Mills told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“You know, there’s so many of us that have gone on, but we’ve survived, and that’s important.”
Witnessing Mills perform is magical, as is the way she connects with a multigenerational audience. She credits that to the love she has for her craft. Mills expressed that she gets a sense that concertgoers can feel the love and “appreciation” she has for them.
“As an artist, you never know who’s watching, and if they like your music … and everybody seems to love my music. I’ve reached a lot of people, and I’m grateful for that. That’s everything to me.”
Mills’ gratitude for her fanbase runs deep. So much so that she privileges them when selecting tracks from her vast catalog to include in the show’s playlists. The songbird tends to keep an ear out for what they respond to or scream out.
“I usually go after the hits, but then there’s some album songs that people like and I’ll try to put those on as well,” Mills said.
Among the plethora of songs in her catalog, Mills’ favorite songs to perform are “Power of Love” and “Starlight.” The former was originally a gospel song titled “Power of God” and especially resonates with her because it was written by her dear friend, Angela Winbush. Reggie Lucas and James Mtume penned the latter. Mills reminisced on the days of recording the song and how she became enchanted with it.
Mills has been performing since her youth. She was 11 years old when she was cast in her first Broadway show. Surprisingly, she didn’t want to audition for the “Wiz.” Her mother made her go. She locked down the lead role in the musical at age 16, and the rest is Black history. Mills’ presence contributed to keeping the door open for other Black women to take the stage on Broadway.
“After the Wiz,” you had “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” “Raisin in the Sun,” “Sophisticated Ladies,” … “ Dreamgirls,” all these Black shows were on Broadway,” Mills recalled. “And it was very interesting … I don’t know if that will ever happen again because of what we’re up against today.”
Mills is referring to the political climate and the feverish push for Black erasure. She’s a fan of what Kandi Burruss has accomplished on Broadway with the revival of the “Wiz,” “Othello,” and “The Piano Lesson.”
“I think we need more of that to get the shows that we want to see on Broadway. I really do think that it’s important that we have our producers, and I think it’s a wonderful thing.”
Motown, 20th Century Fox, and MCA are all major record companies Mills has been signed to over the years. However, she established JM Records, an independent record company, to control her own musical output. The Grammy Award-winning artist has reached the point in her career where grinding as an artist in the music industry takes a backseat to the enjoyment of creating and performing.
“I have my own label, and it’s just me on it,” Mills says. “I wanted to be able to record and release singles that I liked. I didn’t think the executives had their finger on the pulse of what I wanted to sound like. My company is just me, and it’s for me to release whenever I want to.”
Not only is Mills producing her own tunes, but she’s also navigating the new music landscape where digital streaming and promotion are king. She plays an active role in getting her songs to fans. She isn’t hands-off.
“I’m very active,” Mills told BE. “You have to have independent people service your record, and I’ve learned how to do it digitally. I’ve learned how to put things out the way they’re doing it now …. with streaming and everything.”
Mills is all entertainment. To date, her great work is being a mother to her son, Farad, and it’s a role she takes much pride in. Mills is a mom first, adjusting her career around motherhood because she never wanted to be away from her child. Farad spends a lot of time on the road with Mills. He’s even involved in her shows, often introducing her to the stage or coming as she wraps her set and escorting her offstage.
“Farad was born with Down Syndrome, and I hit the ground running with him,” Mills said.
“I immediately got him what he needed, and I did what I had to do as a mother to make sure he grew up and was educated. It was very important for me for my son to be educated.”
She went on to share: “He has written a book. He already has another book in the can …. And that makes me very, very proud.”
Mills is looking forward to the road ahead, one filled with love, bliss, and more music.
If in the Atlanta area during Memorial Day weekend, check out her upcoming show Saturday, May 23, at VyStar Amphitheater, located at 4650 N. Henry Blvd., Stockbridge, Georgia 30281. Doors open at 6 PM. The show begins at 8 PM. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster or at the box office.
Experts Say U.S. Students Have Been Falling Behind Academically Long Before The Pandemic
A new report reveals U.S. students are struggling in reading and math at levels not seen in decades
A new report is sounding the alarm on the state of education in America, revealing that students are performing worse academically than a decade ago, and that declines in reading and math scores began years before the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the newly released Education Scorecard, a joint initiative from researchers at Harvard University, Stanford University, and Dartmouth College, academic performance among students in grades 3 through 8 has steadily declined since 2013. The report analyzed reading and math scores from more than 100 school districts nationwide between 2009 and 2025, reports ABC News.
Researchers found that reading scores had already begun slipping before the pandemic, with student performance from 2017 to 2019 nearly as poor as scores recorded at the height of COVID-era school disruptions. Meanwhile, eighth-grade reading scores in 2025 reportedly fell to their lowest levels since 1990.
Tom Kane, a faculty director at Harvard’s Center for Education Policy Research and one of the report’s authors, described the decline as a “learning recession.” He pointed to the rise of social media and changes in federal education policy as possible contributors to the academic downturn.
“The ‘learning recession’ started a decade ago, after policymakers switched off the early warning system of test-based accountability and social media took over children’s lives,” Kane said in a statement released with the report, according to ABC News.
The report also highlighted the end of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2015 as a potential turning point. The law, which required schools to track and report student progress, was replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act. Researchers suggested that reduced academic accountability, combined with growing screen time and social media use among students, may have hurt students’ ability to learn. Additional factors linked to declining student performance include chronic absenteeism, classroom disengagement, and insufficient literacy reforms.
Still, some education experts say the data should serve as a call to action. Elaine Allensworth, who serves as the executive director of the UChicago Consortium on School Research, told ABC News that the findings underscore the need for schools to better support student engagement and address the root causes behind reduced academic growth.
George Clinton Files Suit Against UMG For $1.1 M In Royalty Payments
George Clinton is suing Universal Music Group over claims the company withheld more than $1.1 million in royalties tied to his legendary music catalog
Funk pioneer George Clinton is taking legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging the record label withheld more than $1.1 million in royalty payments tied to his legendary catalog for over three years.
According to a federal lawsuit filed in Michigan on May 15, Clinton claims that UMG Recordings froze 100% of the royalties across multiple royalty accounts connected to his work with Parliament-Funkadelic and his solo work. The complaint accuses the label of breach of contract and alleges the payments were improperly withheld during an ongoing legal dispute involving the estate of late Parliament-Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell. The lawsuit reportedly alleges that UMG used the separate dispute as justification for suspending Clinton’s royalty payouts entirely, despite Clinton maintaining that he remains contractually entitled to the earnings, reports Music Business Worldwide.
“This is a straightforward breach of contract case arising from UMG’s decision to withhold 100% of royalties payable to Plaintiff under governing recording agreements based on a third-party lawsuit to which UMG is not a party, in which UMG faces no claim, in which UMG could incur no liability, and in which the third party has now lost on summary judgment,” the complaint states.
Clinton, widely recognized as one of the architects of funk music, helped shape generations of Black music and culture through influential groups like Parliament and Funkadelic. His music has been heavily sampled across hip-hop, R&B, and pop for decades, making ownership rights and royalty payments surrounding his catalog especially valuable. Artists ranging from Dr. Dre to Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar have incorporated elements of Clinton’s sound into their work.
The lawsuit arrives as broader conversations continue around artist ownership, masters rights, intellectual property protections, and transparency within the music industry. For entrepreneurs, executives, and creators in the music business, Clinton’s lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding contracts, protecting intellectual property, and maintaining visibility into revenue streams. As intellectual property increasingly becomes one of the most valuable assets in entertainment, media, tech, and branding, legal clarity and ownership rights can determine whether creators benefit from the wealth generated by their work.
Dystany Spurlock Becomes The 1st Black Woman To Compete In Top NASCAR National Series
The historic debut occurred during the 2026 Truck Series season, one of NASCAR's top national circuits.
Dystany Spurlock made history on May 15, becoming the first Black woman to compete in one of NASCAR’s three national touring series. This moment marks a significant step for diversity in American motorsports, even though an early crash ended her race.
The 34-year-old driver took part in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware, driving the No. 69 MBM Motorsports Ford. Her historic debut occurred during the 2026 Truck Series season, one of NASCAR’s top national circuits.
“Being a first is never what I strived to be. I just so happened to be that. But being able to be that example for other little girls and little boys that look like me is amazing. I didn’t have that representation when I grew up, and this road has not been easy,” Spurlock told Good Morning America.
“I’m very excited to get back on an oval. I hear [Dover] has a few characteristics like Rockingham [Speedway]. So, yeah, I’m ready to get out there and see what it’s really like,” she told NASCAR.com.
Spurlock’s race ended on Lap 39 when her truck lost traction while entering a turn and crashed into the outside wall, forcing her out of the race. She finished 36th in the field. NASCAR later released footage of the incident from the Dover event.
While the result was disappointing, the Richmond, Virginia, native said the importance of the moment goes beyond the final standings, Spurlock expressed her hope that her visibility in the sport creates opportunities and inspiration for future generations of Black racers, especially young girls who often do not see themselves represented in motorsports.
Before joining NASCAR, Spurlock raced professionally in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle events. In 2025, she became only the second Black woman to compete in the Virginia NHRA Nationals, building a career focused on breaking barriers in motorsports.
The American Bar Association Caves To Trump’s Pressure To Eliminate DEI Rule For Law Schools
The American Bar Association’s decision marks another major rollback of DEI efforts in higher education amid mounting political pressure from the Trump administration
The American Bar Association (ABA) is facing growing backlash after voting to weaken longstanding diversity, equity, and inclusion standards tied to law school accreditation — a move critics say could reshape the future of legal education in America.
According to Bloomberg Law, the ABA recently approved changes to its accreditation policies in light of ongoing pressure from the Trump administration and conservative lawmakers targeting DEI initiatives. The revised standards weaken previous requirements that accredited law schools were once required to demonstrate a commitment to building diverse student bodies and faculty, and to fostering inclusive learning environments. ABA officials argued the changes were intended to “simplify the requirements and reduce burden on law schools,” while also responding to scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Education.
The decision arrives as DEI programs across corporate America, higher education, and the legal industry continue to face political attacks. Since returning to the office last year, President Trump has aggressively targeted diversity policies through executive orders and federal lawsuits. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice urged the ABA to eliminate its diversity requirements or risk losing its authority as a law school accreditor.
Legal educators and civil rights advocates warn that the rollback could have lasting effects for representation in the legal profession, particularly for Black students and other historically marginalized groups. Critics argue that weakening diversity standards may reduce pathways into a profession already struggling with racial disparities in hiring, leadership, and judicial appointments.
The ABA’s move also reflects a broader shift happening across the legal industry. Several corporations and law firms have already scaled back DEI hiring programs and fellowship initiatives amid growing political and legal pressure, Bloomberg Law reports.
Killer Mike Unveils Plan To Turn Atlanta Renters Into Homeowners
This initiative aims to help residents move from renting to owning homes in neighborhoods where housing costs are rising.
Atlanta rapper and activist Killer Mike is getting more involved in the city’s affordable housing discussion with a new rent-to-own program, Build-to-Ownership (B20), to help residents move from renting to owning homes in neighborhoods where housing costs are rising.
The Grammy-winning artist, whose real name is Michael Render, announced May 19 that the program will run through his real estate company, Blackmon Real Estate, in collaboration with Bridge Tower Co-CEO Jackson Su. It will focus on creating pathways to ownership for Atlantans who have difficulty securing traditional financing. The initiative is expected to target working-class residents and families looking for long-term housing stability in the metro area.
“This initiative is about bringing homeownership within reach for people who crave the stability that ownership offers. This will ultimately create stronger communities. It will also help families build wealth. Wealth is defined by the ability to own land, and through the B2O program, we are making sure that the people who make Atlanta great have a real stake in its future. We are building houses, yes, but we are also plotting, planning, and organizing for the long-term economic prosperity of our community,” Killer Mike said in a press release.
This program comes as Atlanta continues to face affordability challenges due to population growth, rising home prices, and a shortage of affordable housing. Housing advocates and city leaders are increasingly calling for alternatives such as lease-to-own and down payment assistance programs to help residents stay in the city as rents and property values rise.
Render has previously invested in community development and housing projects throughout Atlanta. In past efforts, he worked with developers to expand access to smaller, affordable homes designed to make ownership achievable for Black families and middle-income buyers.
Details about the new initiative, including eligibility requirements and the number of homes to be included, have not yet been made public.
Earlier this month, Atlanta Housing officials announced plans to increase financial support for qualifying voucher recipients who want to become homeowners. Some eligible residents could receive up to $60,000 to help with down payments.
Twin Brothers Launch Motion-Activated ‘Poop-Alert’ Sign To Control Dog Waste
Originally published on BlackNews.com.
Keith and Kenneth Evans, African American twin brothers from Camden, New Jersey, are the masterminds behind a new invention called Poop-Alert™ by BarkBack. Their interactive, motion-activated talking yard sign automatically plays a voice reminder when someone walks nearby, encouraging them to clean up after their dog.
Unlike traditional static signs that are often ignored, Poop-Alert™ by BarkBack grabs attention in real time. Even more, it really does help homeowners, businesses, and property managers solve one of the most frustrating everyday problems — people not picking up after their pets.
“Most signs get ignored. We wanted something that actually speaks up when it matters,” the brothers say. “It’s about solving a real problem in a simple but effective way.”
How it Works
• Motion sensor detects movement up to 15–20 feet away • Built-in speaker plays a customizable voice message • Weather-resistant design for outdoor use • Rechargeable battery with optional solar add-on • Easy setup in lawns, businesses, or shared spaces
More Than Just a Pet Sign
While originally designed for pet waste reminders, Poop-Alert™ by BarkBack is part of a new category of interactive talking signs that can be used by small businesses to promote products or sales, by property management for reminders, for event messaging, and for custom warnings or greetings.
Customers can personalize their sign with their own message and voice recording, making it a unique and engaging communication tool.
Turning Frustration into Innovation
The idea for Poop-Alert™ by BarkBack came from a common issue faced by many homeowners — repeatedly having to deal with pet waste left in their yards. Instead of relying on passive signage, BarkBack developed a proactive solution that engages people in the moment, increasing the likelihood of behavior change.
As awareness grows, it is attracting attention from homeowners seeking practical solutions and businesses interested in using interactive signage to engage customers in new ways.
Poop-Alert™ by BarkBack is currently patent-pending, underscoring its unique design and innovative functionality.
