South Carolina state — photo credit: Attitude2000, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 18, 2025

HBCU Grad Becomes First To Earn Mechatronics Engineering Degree At South Carolina State

Omar Shaheed III will now take his talents to Boeing to work on the 787 Dreamliner.

One HBCU graduate has made history with his degree in mechatronics engineering from South Carolina State University.

Omar Shaheed III began his career at the HBCU as the first student of the newly established program. The Berkeley High School graduate was encouraged to attend a historically Black University by his own chairman of the Department of Engineering Technology, Dr. Hasanul Basher.

Despite not knowing much about the profession, Shaheed still took a chance on the program. From then on, he learned about this evolving sector of engineering. According to a press release obtained by Afrotech, mechatronics engineering seeks to “design, test and manufacture smart systems in robotics, assistive technology, human-machine interaction, manufacturing and unmanned systems.”

A part of the school’s newfound College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Transportation, Shaheed thrived in the program, scoring multiple internships throughout his matriculation.

He notably completed three internships at Boeing, working in various departments, from manufacturing to product engineering. The 23-year-old officially graduated from South Carolina State on Dec. 11, taking his teachings from the inaugural program with him.

He says the experiences shaped him for the career he is now embarking on with Boeing. He will join them again at their plant in Charleston, the home of their 787 Dreamliner aircraft production, according to their website.

“There [in Charleston] I clean up a lot of processes, but then I actually got to talk to the customers and get the different adjustments. Each 787 is a different plane… So I got to learn a lot about that,” Shaheed shared in the news release.

At the start of 2026, Shaheed will engage in a rotational role with the company. Operating on various parts of the Dreamliner’s production, Shaheed will lean on his South Carolina State education and direct background with Boeing.

He added, “All my internships have been in different areas because mechatronics is so versatile. So I’ve learned a lot.”

South Carolina State is already known as a pipeline for Black graduates in engineering, hosting the only Bachelor of Science program in nuclear engineering within the state and at an HBCU. Now, it has another feat under its belt as it continues to promote Black engineers in another capacity.

As the degree program’s first-ever graduate, Shaheed now serves as an inspiration to the next cohort of students wanting to dive into mechatronics. His historic graduation is a milestone for Black and HBCU graduates in engineering.

live, within, means, hacks, money, wealth, income, net worth, budgenista, Tiffany cliche, investment, budget, assess, money, — Photo by Andrey Popov/Getty Images

by Jeffrey McKinney

December 17, 2025

Numerous Actions To Help Black Americans Build Wealth In 2026

A good foundation to building wealth in 2026 is examining what worked in prior years and enhancing that this year.

With 2026 nearly here, evaluating your financial status can be pivotal to ensuring your finances fuel wealth building.

The upside is that there are many actions you can apply to increase savings, protect investments, and reduce debt in the New Year. By starting now, you can see where you are in meeting your financial goals. Equally important, you can spot which adjustments are needed.

As such, you will be better positioned to handle an unexpected crisis such as job loss, large medical bills, or significant home repairs.

To help achieve financial stability, a good starting point is to review what has worked well in the past and enhance it this year. Do a thorough appraisal to set up doable goals.

Another key factor is to stay committed to reaching your milestones. Setting up a weekly or monthly checklist, frequently discussing the strategy with a financial adviser, or speaking with a family member or friend for accountability can help reveal whether you’re making progress. Stemming from BLACK ENTERPRISE research, the actions could consist of:

Consider a high-yield savings account

This could be favorable even with the Federal Reserve recently cutting interest rates. Be mindful that this should be done early in 2026 and not later in the year. The Fed’s rate cuts are made slowly and done in small doses. That could mean less impact on the higher rates this rare account typically pays its savers. And consider that with lower operating accounts, online savings platforms and fintech firms often pay more on these accounts than mainstream banks. And that is expected to continue.

Automate savings

This could be a good place to build up your savings, especially if you have payments deposited automatically regularly. By treating this account the same way you pay fixed costs like a mortgage, rent, or a car note, you can possibly grow your money seamlessly.

Construct a budget

Be proactive in checking where your money is going and pinpointing ways to cut unneeded expenses. Don’t forget it’s never too late to boost savings if that is not being done now. Be vigilant in cutting car loans, credit cards, student loans, and other debt you can.

Establish an emergency fund

Many people without this essential fund end up drawing money from checking or savings accounts, especially when something unforeseen or a disaster occurs. It’s recommended to have at least three to six months’ worth of expenses built up to provide this assistance.

Fund 401(k) or IRA

These accounts allow you to save for retirement and lower your taxable income. Take a Roth account, for instance. While taxes are paid on contributions, your withdrawals are commonly not taxed in retirement.

Explore compound interest

This occurs when you earn interest on your original principal and on accumulated interest over time. High-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs, for example, can compound money. Generally, a higher return on investment results in your money adding up more quickly. Consider discussing compound interest with wealth managers and investment advisors.

Leverage new tax breaks

Legislation passed earlier this year provides numerous breaks that allow individuals to save money when filing 2025 taxes. One is a $6,000 bonus deduction for those 65 or older. Learn more here .

Look at other ways to boost income

Doing this can help you conquer financial snags. Spreading out your income can come from several sources, including starting a side hustle, freelancing, consulting, or part-time work. The extra cash can augment your primary income.

Examine investments

Make sure your wealth portfolio lines up with your investment risk tolerance, planning horizons, and financial pursuits. Consider investing across multiple asset classes, such as stocks, real estate, and fixed income, to mitigate risk. Reach out to investment experts to reallocate your holdings if needed based on market fluctuations.

Eliminate existing debt

This can be advantageous if you carry high-interest debt. For instance, pay off high-interest credit card debt first and make minimum payments on other debts. Consolidate credit card debt with a lower or 0% annual percentage for as long as possible to erase debt before interest charges.

RELATED CONTENT: Wealth Building Strategies

U.S. Capitol — PHOTO CREDIT: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Kandiss Edwards

December 17, 2025

Statue Of Teen Civil Rights Activist Barbara Rose Johns Unveiled At U.S. Capitol

More than 200 members of Johns’s extended family attended the ceremony to celebrate her legacy of courage and commitment to justice.

On Dec. 16, a new statue honoring civil rights pioneer Barbara Rose Johns was unveiled in the U.S. Capitol.

The statue of Johns replaces a long-standing monument to Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. The bronze figure of Johns was revealed in Emancipation Hall at a ceremony attended by national and state leaders, family members, and civil rights advocates. The Capitol ceremony, posted to YouTube, featured Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger.

“We are here to honor one of America’s true trailblazers, a woman who embodied the essence of the American spirit in her fight for liberty and justice and equal treatment under the law, the indomitable Barbara Rose Johns,” Johnson said during the event.

Gov. Youngkin celebrated the monument in a post on X, calling Johns’s contribution to Virginia an integral piece of the state’s history.

“Today we gathered in the Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol to dedicate the Barbara Rose Johns statue, to honor her legacy as a trailblazer, and ensure her story of courage and conscience is a story for generations to come. You can’t tell the story of Virginia, or the story of how our nation overcame segregation, without telling the story of Barbara Rose Johns,” he wrote.

Johns was 16 years old in 1951 when she led a student strike at R.R. Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia, to protest substandard and segregated school conditions. The students’ actions helped draw the attention of NAACP lawyers. The lawyers would file one of the five cases that the high court consolidated into Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled that “separate but equal” public schools were unconstitutional.

The statue depicts Johns holding a tattered book above her head and stands as one of Virginia’s two contributions to the National Statuary Hall Collection. It was created by sculptor Steven Weitzman and will be displayed in the Capitol Crypt.

More than 200 members of Johns’s extended family attended the ceremony to celebrate her legacy of courage and commitment to justice.

Echoing Green, Black-Led Women Groups, investors, social media, Fund, blog, network, Innovators, Black Founders, Black Businesses,Kathryn Finney' — (Photo: Hiraman/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 17, 2025

June Ambrose Named Global Ambassador And Creative Director Of Naturalizer

June Ambrose is fusing fashion and functionality in Naturalizer's newest footwear as the legendary brand's new creative director.

June Ambrose quickly bounced back following her exit from Puma, landing a creative director and global ambassador role at Naturalizer.

Dubbed Naturalizer Sport, Ambrose’s latest venture will launch with three capsule collections set for spring 2026, Hypebae reports. Believing that uncomfortable shoes are simply “rude,” the stylist and designer prioritized blending fashion with functionality, perfectly aligning with Naturalizer’s legacy as the first brand to craft shoes specifically for women’s feet in 1927.

“I created a collection that really feels like it’s for the future of how women want to go through the streets and through life,” Ambrose said during a walkthrough of a Naturalizer showroom.

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A post shared by Hypebae (@hypebae)

Renowned for decades of fashion innovation, Ambrose aimed to create a shoe line that combined the comfort of a sneaker with the elegance of a stiletto pump.

“When you think about sport and footwear, you think sneaker. I wanted to merge those two worlds with comfort first and fashion second,” she explained. “And I approached developing each shoe and style with a character in mind.”

Together, the duo designed stylish yet practical footwear, including lace-up pointed pumps inspired by classic trainers, chunky slip-on models, and sporty strappy flats.

“I wanted it to be multi-generational, multicultural, and be able to attract a consumer who wanted to dance in her pumps, who wanted her sneakers to feel like a fashion statement, and incorporating mesh and that foam cushion sole and last was very important to me,” Ambrose said.

With the new partnership, Ambrose aims to introduce Naturalizer to a new generation of trendsetters, bridging past and present while ushering in a new era of stylish, women-focused footwear.

“The foundation starts with a good pair of shoes. It could start at the top or the bottom,” she said. “Naturalizer was the first company to create a woman’s last (shoe form). There is intention in the DNA of the brand. They understand that a woman’s foot is not a man’s foot.”

National Basketball Players Association, PLYRS UNTD — Photo by raymondclarkeimages/flickr

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 17, 2025

What’s Going On With NBA’s Gambling Scandal?

Chauncey Billups and Rozier have both pleaded not guilty to all charges

With Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups (currently on unpaid leave) and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier (also not playing, nor getting paid) having been arrested after allegedly being embroiled in an illegal gambling scheme, one Wall Street Journal writer feels that Billups won’t go to jail. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke about the scandal for the first time since both men were arrested, and what he may do for the Heat since the scandal has removed Rozier from the roster until the situation plays itself out.

The Wall Street Journal‘s Jonathan Shapiro recently wrote that Billups will walk away from the case without going to prison. With the belief that Billups and maybe even Rozier were included in the indictments for publicity purposes. It was also reported that the mafia was involved in the scheme to bilk players. Allegedly using “insider” information from people like Billups, Rozier, and others about NBA players’ status, the info was used to hedge bets. That was one of the schemes alleged.

Both men, among others, were accused of partaking in illegal sports betting and rigged poker games.

Stating that he “used to prosecute federal gambling cases,” Shapiro believes that “none of the Brooklyn cases ever get to trial.”

According to The Associated Press, Silver told reporters he is considering offering the Heat some form of “satisfactory relief” because Rozier is not eligible to play, as no one knows how the case will turn out.

“This is an unprecedented situation,” Silver said.

Since Rozier is technically still on the team’s roster, any financial moves or roster changes that rely on the Heat’s salary structure (based on Rozier’s salary amount) will affect the team.

“We’re going to try to work something through, work this out with them,” Silver said. “But there’s no obvious solution here. I would just say that there’s no doubt at the moment they have a player that can’t perform services for them. … Obviously, he hasn’t been convicted of anything yet, either — but this is an unfortunate circumstance. Sometimes there’s these unique events, and maybe sometimes they require a unique solution.”

Both Billups and Rozier have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 17, 2025

Mother Speaks Out After Son Taken By DHS Is Assaulted In Foster Care ‘My Child Is Not Protected’

A mother whose teenage son was removed from her home by DHS says he has been abused while in the agency’s care.

A mother in Oklahoma is speaking out, sharing a harrowing video of her son after he was assaulted in the foster care facility where he was placed following an incident in which she recorded him throwing rocks at her car.

A now-viral video captures the moment Chaquilla Ta’junea’s teenage son hurled rocks at her car as she and his three younger children cried inside. Ta’junea later wrote on Facebook, in a post shared by The Neighborhood Talk, that the incident was the final straw that led to her son’s removal from her home.

“This is why my son is out of my home,” she wrote. “Multiple episodes like this, and I have 3 younger kids, which you can hear them screaming in the video.”

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Ta’junea later confirmed that after reporting the incident, her son was taken into custody by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS), stressing that no abuse or neglect occurred and that he is “just a child who needs help.”

“I’m just a mother working on trying to help my child, regardless if it’s with me or family,” she wrote. “My son is not being protected under DHS custody.”

Days later, Ta’junea shared a follow-up video showing her son bruised and bloodied during a video call, where he apologized and begged to come home after allegedly being physically assaulted at the DHS facility where he was placed. In the clip, she says she is documenting his injuries “in case anything happens” while he remains in state care, and that she is urgently working to have him removed from the foster placement and returned to safety.

“Dis is what DHS allow to go on in foster homes. My child is not protected at all,” she wrote in a post shared online.

Under Oklahoma law, once DHS takes custody of a child, the state assumes full responsibility for that child’s safety, stability, and well-being. Child welfare planning is guided by three core principles: safety, permanency, and overall well-being. Advocates have long raised concerns that older youth in DHS custody are especially vulnerable and often overlooked. Anyone with information or concerns about a child’s safety is urged to report it immediately to both DHS and local law enforcement.

Black History Month Kennedy center, — ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Singer Dionne Warwick performs onstage at City National Grove of Anaheim on December 15, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

by Kandiss Edwards

December 17, 2025

Dionne Warwick Sued For Allegedly Trying To ‘Walk On By’ Paying Artists Rights Firm

Artists Rights Enforcement Corporation says it is entitled to ongoing payments under a long-standing agreement with Warwick.

Music legend Dionne Warwick is being sued by a royalty management firm that claims it is owed a share of proceeds connected to the use of her song “Walk On By” in Doja Cat’s hit “Paint the Town Red.”

On Dec. 15, the lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by Artists Rights Enforcement Corporation. The company alleges it negotiated the sample deal that allowed Doja Cat to use Warwick’s 1964 recording. The company says it is entitled to ongoing payments under a long-standing agreement with Warwick, Billboard reported.

According to the complaint cited by the outlet, Warwick entered into an agreement with Artists Rights in 2002, under which the company would enforce and license her rights. In exchange, Warwick would split 50% of recovered royalties and settlements. The lawsuit states that the agreement applied “in perpetuity.”

Artists Rights alleges that it played a central role in securing compensation related to “Paint the Town Red,” which heavily samples “Walk On By.” The firm stated that it “provided resources and assistance to Warwick for decades at no cost to her so that she could obtain fair compensation for her vast body of work, which she had not been receiving.”

Dionne Warwick Sued by Rights Firm Over Doja Cat Sample Deal Fees: ‘Trying to Evade Paying’https://t.co/2fxuLn11Ia
— billboard (@billboard) December 16, 2025

The complaint further alleges that Warwick later attempted to terminate the agreement and instructed music companies to send royalty payments directly to her rather than to Artists Rights.

“After decades of service, Ms. Warwick is now trying to evade paying Artists Rights hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit claims Artists Rights’ enforcement efforts increased Warwick’s royalty income by “approximately sixtyfold.” Artists Rights firm is seeking damages, interest, and a court declaration affirming its right to continued payments from Warwick.

Pitchfork reported that neither Doja Cat nor her record label is named as a defendant in the case. Representatives for Warwick did not respond to requests for comment from the outlet at the time of publication.

According to Billboard, the lawsuit adds to broader industry scrutiny around legacy artist contracts and how older agreements are interpreted as catalog recordings generate new revenue through sampling and streaming.

mental health, workplace, personal change, generational change, managers, change, utilize systems, increase communication — photo credit: Getty Images

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 17, 2025

As Employers Require Workers To Return To Office, Spacing Issues Mount

Desk shortages may reveal more about a company's plans for its workforce.

As social distancing becomes a thing of the past, companies want employees to return to commuting for in-person work. While most employees are following employers’ requests, many have noticed that their work environments literally cannot fit this demand.

This issue has already taken shape at big tech companies like Instagram, which, according to Business Insider, has already had to shift gears in light of desk shortages.

With workers competing for desks to fulfill RTO demands, the issue raises the question of why these mandates remain.

Other big-name companies like AT&T and Amazon are faced with a similar conundrum, with the former previously saying it could not guarantee all employees would have available desk space. The shortage has led to in-office antics among employees to ensure their space, such as JP Morgan employees arriving extra early or leaving possessions on desks to claim them.

What seems to be an easily resolvable issue has yet to be resolved, partially due to poor logistical planning. The mandates are often issued by the highest levels of management, not by those overseeing office spaces, leading to a gap in communication about what is needed to get everyone back in.

Another reason has more sinister undertones. Some experts view the inept seating arrangements as an indicator of a “soft layoff.”

“Having insufficient seating is all part of the plan,” shared Nick Bloom, an economics professor at Stanford University. “If you want a 10% head count reduction, you only need seating for 90% of the folks.”

Other companies opted to downsize their spaces in light of the pandemic-induced remote work environment. However, sourcing a larger office to accommodate these new return-to-office requests takes time, leaving workers to maneuver in the meantime.

Desk shortages are among other issues associated with a brisk shift away from remote and even hybrid work, with Wi-Fi capabilities, desk equipment, and additional meeting rooms also in short supply. Given all these logistical concerns, experts want companies to unpack why they absolutely need everyone back in person.

One corporate culture consultant, Melissa Daimler, says employers are “conflating productivity and effectiveness with proximity,” preferring to see employees actually doing the work even if productivity did not lag during the remote era.

But in an age where remote work persists, the spacing issue could cause more strife in an already fraught job market.

Terence Crawford, Canelo Alvarez, bellts, — Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia. Commons

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 17, 2025

In Shocking Move, Undefeated Boxing Champ Terence Crawford Retires

"I gave this sport everything I had. I faced the best, moved through weight classes, and made history on my own terms. 42-0."

Terence Crawford, the current No. 1 pound-for-pound five-division champion, is unexpectedly walking away with an undefeated record and open mouths around the sports world.

Crawford, who beat Canelo Alvarez in September to become the undisputed super middleweight champion, revealed his decision to retire on his YouTube channel, saying that he had nothing left to prove.

The champion posted a photo of hanging boxing gloves to accentuate his point.

Walking away as a great with nothing else left to prove. #CrawfordERA #1P4P #3xUndisputed #5DivisionChampion #4xLinealChampion #BWAAFighterOfTheYear #2xEspyAwardWinner https://t.co/GwK3TYnIz6 pic.twitter.com/4DElhAJXIg
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) December 16, 2025

“I gave this sport everything I had. I faced the best, moved through weight classes, and made history on my own terms. 42-0. 3x Undisputed. 5 Division World Champion. No shortcuts. No excuses.”

Crawford insisted that this wasn’t an end.

“This isn’t goodbye to boxing…it’s a thank you. Thank you to my family, my team, my city, and the fans who rode with me through every chapter. Thank you to the sport for shaping the man I am today. The gloves may have come off, but legacy is forever.”

The boxer was recently stripped of his World Boxing Council (WBC) super middleweight title after refusing to pay the sanctioning fees to the organization.

According to ESPN, Crawford leaves with an undefeated record of 42-0, with 31 knockouts. The undisputed super middleweight champion was also the undisputed welterweight champion after knocking out Errol Spence Jr. in July 2023. He became the undisputed junior welterweight champion after defeating Julius Indongo in August 2017.

Crawford has fought in five different weight classes (lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight, junior middleweight, and super middleweight) and has won 18 major world championships.

He was ranked No. 1 on ESPN’s Top 100 fighters of 2025.

Rick Ross, Rapper — Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 17, 2025

Rick Ross’ 3rd Book, ‘Renaissance Of A Boss: Notes From A Creative Reawakening,’ On Deck For 2026

"This isn’t just a book; it’s a manual for greatness."

Showing he is still out here “Hustlin,” recording artist Rick Ross is prepping the release of his third book, Renaissance of a Boss: Notes from a Creative Reawakening.

According to People, the book is scheduled for release May 12, 2026.

“This isn’t just a book; it’s a manual for greatness,” Ross told the magazine in a written statement. “I’m cutting out the noise and showing you that when you execute with precision, success is too easy.”

In a social media post, the Florida-bred entrepreneur told his followers “the book is about that journey.”

It’s about rediscovering that fire, the creative process, and what it truly means to be the biggest.

It’s time. For twenty years, we’ve been hustlin’. Now, I’m taking you on a different kind of journey.

I hit the road to find a new spark, asking the big questions and finding answers in unexpected places. This book is about that journey. It’s about rediscovering that fire, the… pic.twitter.com/0EpGqW25Yw

— Yung Rénzél 👑 (@RickRoss) December 16, 2025

In 2020, Ross released Hurricanes: A Memoir. Two years later, he followed up with “The Perfect Day to Boss Up.”

The successful businessman was celebrated in his birthplace, Clarksdale, Mississippi, on June 19, when the town officially renamed a downtown street “Rick Ross Way.” for his various achievements, which include hosting a popular car show in Georgia, the city recognized his achievements.

“The City of Clarksdale is proud to announce the official naming of a downtown street in honor of Grammy-nominated, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and cultural icon Rick Ross,” according to an official statement from the city of Clarksdale. “Clarksdale leaders and community members will gather to celebrate Ross’ contributions and recognize the positive light he has brought to his ancestral hometown.”