by Sharelle B. McNair

August 22, 2025

The Pattern Is Clear: Trump Attacks Cities Governed By Black Women

Strategists feel it's no surprise that Trump is stooping to new lows in his attacks on Black women and the cities they lead since they are breaking barriers that he can't touch.

Since President Donald Trump started his second White House term, there has been one common denominator of the cities being attacked for lack of sharing common ground: they are all led by Black women, 19th News reports.

Los Angeles, Washington D.C., New York City, and more have felt the wrath of Trump’s anti-Democratic, anti-diversity, anti-unity tactics under the leadership of strong Black women trying to lead the cities they love to grow. Shortly after his January 2025 inauguration, the president launched a massive anti-immigration campaign, targeting the City of Angels first. Mayor Karen Bass stood firm on the frontlines, coming face-to-face with federal agents seen harassing legal and illegal immigrants in addition to peaceful protestors.

He slowly made his way to the Midwest and East Coast, continuously battling New York Attorney General Letitia James, who hasn’t let go of her responsibility to hold the president accountable for his past alleged crimes. Most recently, he caused havoc in his own backyard of Washington D.C., led by Mayor Muriel Bowser, deploying troops of the National Guard and federal agents to take over for the Metropolitan Police Department to tackle the alleged growing crime in “Chocolate City.”

Political scientist at the College of the Holy Cross, Sydney Carr-Glenn feels it’s no surprise that Trump is stooping to new lows in his attacks on Black women and the cities they lead, since they are breaking barriers that he can’t touch.” “We have seen Black women really ascending to these roles of political prominence in recent years in ways we haven’t seen before,” she said, highlighting wins at the local, state, and federal level.

As high-profile critics like Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and not to mention the first Black women to serve as Vice President, Kamala Harris, she calls the reign of “sister” “an exciting time in our American government.” Trump feels the need to send a warning. “So, where is the next place to let the backlash flow? It’s in cities with very visible executives that are Black women,” she said.

“This is in many ways a political warning, a political message, to say to these Black women and other Black mayors and other women of color mayors, ‘Your leadership can be challenged, too.’”

The mayors and advocates aren’t blind to what’s taking place within White House walls. New York and Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Yvette Clarke, called the policing methods “blatantly racist and despicable power grab,” according to USA Today. Van R. Johnson, mayor of Savannah, Georgia, and president of the African American Mayors Association, said leaders like her can’t help but feel a type of way.” “We just can’t help but feel in some kind of way that we’re being specifically profiled,” Johnson said.

“That’s not right. That’s not fair. We want our federal government to work with us. We’re just a phone call away.”

The attacks also targeted members of Congress — like New Jersey’s Rep. LaMonica McIver, the first sitting member to be prosecuted by the Trump administration for standing up for her constituents, and Rep. Nicole Collier, who stood firm as Texas’ Republican leaders tried to monitor the movements of Democratic leaders.

However, Victoria Woodards, mayor of Tacoma, Washington, says that Black women mayors have no choice but to be resilient amid the harsh realities of balancing community needs on top of battling it out with state and federal governments. “These are women who, despite all of the things that have been in their way or barriers that have come to them, are still fighting the fight. They are still getting up every day and going to city hall,” Woodards said.

“They are still doing the jobs, because that’s what’s required of us.”

by Ahsan Washington

August 22, 2025

Move Over Rideshare, These Black-Owned Transportation Companies Go Above And Beyond A Car Ride

These companies are worth patronizing

The transportation industry is worth the spin. Just ask these Black entrepreneurs who have taken the wheel and created thriving businesses in the transportation sector. These seven Black business owners run transportation companies that go beyond typical rideshare services, offering everything from high end limo rides to safe commuting for children and medical patients. Black-owned transport companies are doing more than getting people from point A to point B, they are also a source of community service and help boost the economy in the regions they operate.

Takes A Village Transportation

Takes A Village Transportation, a company out of Atlanta, Georgia, is run by Amia Mize. Since 2015, Takes A Village has been providing a dependable way for children to get to and from school as well as to extracurricular activities. What sets them apart is their passion for keeping kids safe. They’ve managed to rack up thousands of trips without an accident or incident, which is a testament to the company’s commitment to the community and its customers.

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Black Pearl Transportation

Black Pearl Transportation is a Chicago-based company owned by Bruce Hill. Black Pearl has a luxury fleet that includes sedans, limousines and even party buses. The company has been in business since 2017, offering top-notch service for a diversity of events and groups. Black Pearl’s goal is to make getting around easy and stylish.

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Door To Door II, Inc.

Door To Door II, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based company that provides transportation for individuals requiring care but not in an emergency. It is owned by Makiesha Franklins and has been in operation since 2002. The company covers the entire L.A. County and offers a range of services. If a wheelchair is needed to get around, they’ve got you covered, or if a person needs to be moved on a gurney, Door To Door II, Inc. can do that too. The company also helps people who are mobile but need a bit of assistance and support.

Executive Select Transport Professionals LLC

Executive Select Transport Professionals LLC is a Houston-based business that has been around since 2016. It is owned by Willie M. Garrison Jr., who also serves as CEO. What the company provides is pretty straightforward. It offers black car services that help people get to and from the airport or around town for work. The thing that sets them apart is that the owner is hands-on, ensuring customer satisfaction.

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Kidault

Kidault, a company based in New York City, is making a name for itself. It was started by Elizabeth “Liz” Shepherd, a woman with a vision. She launched Kidault back in 2018 with a goal to make kid-friendly transport a lot safer and easier for families. Kidault offers rides, carpools and school runs all tailored around kids and their families. The business focuses on safety and community, and verifying that its services are kid centric

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I Love Luxury Transportation

I Love Luxury Transportation operates in Memphis, Tennessee. It offers a range of vehicles from limousines to party buses. The company’s been around since 2023, and is run by Mark Hearns. The company has a fleet of vehicles, which is ideal for events and groups of any size. If you’re in Memphis, I Love Luxury Transportation can definitely support your needs, it’s definitely worth considering.

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Boss Transport & Family Services

Boss Transport & Family Services is a company based in Washington, D.C., that plays a crucial role—assisting people with transportation when needed. The company offers a range of services, including wheelchair and stretcher transport, as well as ambulatory transport for individuals who are mobile but may require some assistance. Boss Transport & Family also handles hospital discharges, which can be a hassle, especially when it involves long-distance trips with nurses on board. The guy who started it all, George Odoi, got the company up and running back in 2006. Boss Transport & Family offers support with 24/7 availability and trips that cross state lines.

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by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 22, 2025

50 Cent To Bring State-Of-The-Art G-Dome To Shreveport

Orville Hall, G-Unit Growth Advisor said, 'it will become a seven-day tourist destination.'

50 Cent is making another play in Louisiana as the G-Unit boss and his team have informed the folks in Shreveport, that they have plans to build a G-Dome in the southern city.

According to KSLA, at a recent meeting in Shreveport, one of 50’s team members assured the city that they will be expanding in the city after building a temporary G-Dome for last year’s “Humor and Harmony” event that took place in August. The admission was made during the Aug. 18 meeting of the Caddo Parish Economic Development Committee.

The G-Dome was a temporary venue built for after-parties following events at “Humor and Harmony.”

At the meeting, the committee discussed the “advancement and extension of the economic impact of the G-Unit Studios in Caddo Parish.” Orville Hall, who is the growth advisor for G-Unit, spoke to the committee and told them to expect some changes. Although he did not give an exact timeline or many details, he did assure them that it’s happening.

“So for the people of Shreveport, just watch what’s coming. Watch what’s coming. You’re in the right city,” Hall told them.

50 Cent alluded to the G-Dome becoming a permanent venue in the city on his social media account earlier this month.

“Don’t worry the permanent G-DOME will be being built shortly and now I know what we just had wasn’t big enough. Let’s go, let’s get it! @bransoncognac @lecheminduroi“

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Your Wyoming Link reported that Hall anticipates the venue will be in place in eight months.

“This one will be a structure, a permanent structure. And to add to it, Curtis is adding a beautiful green park around it so that people can use during the day if they having lunch downtown or visitors. Because what Curtis knows he can do for this city is that it will become a seven-day tourist destination.”

KSLA also reported that Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux’s office has already confirmed that the Humor & Harmony Festival will make its return to the city in March of 2026.

by Jeffrey McKinney

August 22, 2025

5 Networking Tips To Help Black Entrepreneurs Make New Connections And Spur Business Growth

Networking helps The Coven build meaningful relationships, expand its brand reach, and meet potential franchisees.

Alex West Steinman is a prime example of how a Black woman entrepreneur uses networking to build a vibrant business.

She is the CEO and co-founder of The Coven, purportedly the first Black woman-owned coworking franchise. By applying a franchise model, it has expanded from two locations to eight sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Carolina in just two years.

Steinman told BLACK ENTERPRISE via email that the firm is focused on expanding in underdog cities and expanding to places with pent-up demand for coworking. It offers a community space to everyone. It also helps prepare women, transgender, and non-binary people for entrepreneurship.

Now, the business is aiming for 10 locations by late this year. Of the 6 franchises sold, about 67% of the deals have been directly tied to networking. Two of their eight locations are owned by the Minneapolis-based firm. The transactions are a significant development, as a typical franchisee must pay a $50,000 licensing fee as part of the initial startup costs, according to the firm’s website.

Steinman shared how the business utilizes networking–-including traveling this year to new communities to build strong relationships with potential members and partners-–to expand its brand reach and meet potential franchisees. “When you don’t have a huge marketing budget, you have to rely on expanding your network in other ways.”

Through this strategy, Steinman says The Coven has connected with dozens of people across the country, building excitement and traction in new markets. The action has been fruitful. Steinman says revenue growth for the overall business is 30% for the first six months compared to the same period last year. She says the eight franchises now collectively have thousands of members. She shared that The Coven closed a $2 million seed round last year to help expand nationally.

“If we hadn’t continued to build and nurture these relationships, we wouldn’t be here. Networking fuels our growth, our impact, and our future.”

She stressed that when people from varied industries, backgrounds, and experiences share space and truly see each other, they uncover opportunities they wouldn’t have found alone.

“It’s a reminder that networking isn’t about collecting business cards, but about building trust, sharing ideas, and opening doors for collaboration.”

Further, Steinman says the principle extends far beyond coworking. She says that whether you’re an entrepreneur, community leader, or corporate team, intentionally creating opportunities for authentic connection can lead to partnerships that drive long-term impact, as it has for her firm’s members and The Coven itself.

Steinman provided five networking tips for Black entrepreneurs to help grow their business:

Attend Events Not Specific to Networking

Attending events that aren’t explicitly labeled as “networking” can be one of the most powerful ways to build meaningful relationships. When you’re in a space centered on a shared experience — such as dinner, a community panel, or a conference session — you’re engaging with people more naturally and authentically.

The key: Focus on being present, listening actively, and showing genuine curiosity. Instead of trying to relate to everything the person says, attempt to ask deeper questions that get to the root of why they enjoy a hobby, where they learned an activity, or how they approach a challenge!

Join a Hobby Group

Hobby groups are an underrated networking goldmine. When you engage in something you enjoy, like a book club, gardening circle, or cooking class, you’re automatically surrounding yourself with people who value learning, creativity, and consistency. That’s fertile ground for connection.

I’ve seen folks land speaking gigs, clients, and even investors through relationships that started in a yoga studio or movie club. The biggest benefit? Trust. Shared hobbies create a sense of camaraderie that makes professional collaboration feel more natural and mutually supportive.

Get a Coworking Membership

Coworking spaces are like built-in ecosystems for networking, especially if you choose one that aligns with your values or industry. You’re not just renting a desk, you’re joining a community of entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who are actively working on something and often willing to collaborate, refer, or mentor.

At The Coven, I’ve seen members ask to borrow a charger and end up co-founding businesses together. That’s the power of proximity! More than 80% of our members report making a connection that has led to more money, a new job, a new client, or a new friend. Also, coworking exposes you to new ways of thinking.

Do Your Research

See who’s going to the events you’re attending and prepare a list of people you’re interested in talking to. Reach out to those people before you go, so they know how to look for you and you have a bit of rapport ahead of the event. Be mindful that it’s harder to break or interrupt somebody’s conversation, and you may feel nervous walking up to someone you haven’t connected with before. Doing your research helps you show up with intention, and that confidence can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a meaningful relationship.

Follow Up After

This is where real networking begins. It shows gratitude for someone’s time, signals that you’re thoughtful and intentional, and opens the door to a longer-term relationship. A simple message noting something you appreciated about the initial conversation can turn a passing chat into a future collaboration. It shows that you’re not just following up to get something — you’re offering value. Consistent, sincere follow-up keeps you top of mind and builds the kind of trust that leads to deals, partnerships, or even friendships down the road.

Baltimore Community Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Circle Scores $1M In Effort To Support Residents

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 22, 2025

Baltimore Community Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Circle Scores $1M In Effort To Support Residents

Data showcases just how much Black households support aligning organizations and causes, giving 25% more of their annual income in comparison to white households.

During Black Philanthropy Month, the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) celebrated its Black Philanthropy Circle (BPC) reaching $1 million in grants toward nonprofit organizations that support Black residents and communities, according to a press release.

As a donor-advised fund started in 2022 supporting Black-centered nonprofits for industries including arts and culture, education, economic welfare, community organization, environmental, human services, and health and wellness, BPC exceeds contributions with voting members committing $10,000 year after year to the BPC Fund — supporting a goal of $250,000 in awarded grants each year. Data shows giving circles throughout the U.S. host members that contribute just under $500 each, and the average charitable U.S. donor is listed as being 64 years old.

The age demographic of the group’s donor base is just shy of 45 years old.

Thanks to the thoughtful givers, 10 Baltimore nonprofits were named 2025 grant recipients. The list includes Arts Everyday, Inc., Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust, Inc., Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women, Black Women Build (Baltimore), Eastside Uplift, Inc., Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, Inc., HeartSmiles Inc., Innovation Works Baltimore, Open Works, Inc., and Parks & People Foundation.

Co-founder of the Black Philanthropy Circle, Alicia Wilson, says BPC continues to prove Charm City’s “rich history of Black philanthropy.” “The power of the Black Philanthropy Circle is the pooling of our funds together to support Black-led nonprofits and those that impact the Black community,” the vice president for civic engagement and opportunity at Johns Hopkins University said.

Data from Forbes highlights the significant support African American households provide to aligning organizations and causes, allocating 25% more of their annual income compared to white households. The estimated total is $11 billion per year, making African Americans one of the largest giving groups in the U.S. and a powerful voice in supporting causes they care about.

“This milestone accomplishment by Black Philanthropy Circle is an undeniable example that Black success and wealth thrive in Baltimore and enable investment in Baltimore,” said BCF’s president and CEO, Shanaysha Sauls.

“BCF is proud to partner with this growing community of dedicated Baltimoreans whose values and culture are reflected in their collective generosity.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 22, 2025

Baller Jaylen Brown’s Dad Arrested For An Alleged Stabbing In Sin City

He is being charged with attempted murder for an incident that took place in Las Vegas

Quenton Marselles Brown, the father of Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, was recently arrested for attempted murder in Las Vegas.

According to KSNV, the 57-year-old patriarch, who goes by his middle name, Marselles, was booked Aug. 21 for allegedly stabbing someone at All American Park. The two engaged in an altercation after Marselles hit the driver’s side door, which led to tempers flaring. The girlfriend of the stabbing victim told police officers that they were sitting in their vehicle, and when Marselles parked right beside them, he got out of his car on the passenger side, and he hit the driver’s door, setting off the confrontation.

The stabbing victim got out of his car to check to see if there was damage, and Marselles remarked that “it was just a bump,” and allegedly called the man a “b**ch a**.” That set the boyfriend off as he hit Marselles’ side mirror in response to his comments. That move supposedly elevated the situation, causing Marselles to ask him “if he wanted to go,” to which the victim stated that he wanted to.

A witness to the attack stated that Marselles swung his weapon at the victim 25 times.

An attorney for Marselles, Arnold Weinstock, claimed that his client stated that the victim had a gun and struck him with it during the altercation. His bail had been set at $300,000.

The boyfriend turned his back and Marselles “briskly walked after him while producing [an] unknown object from his right side,” according to the victim’s girlfriend. The boyfriend was stabbed several times as she stated that Marselles “swung his arm in a straight stabbing motion and struck [the boyfriend] in his back.” After trying to fight back, the victim went back to the car, and then they drove to a nearby pharmacy, where they waited for an ambulance to arrive.

The judge set a bail of $300,000 for Quenton Marcelles Brown. He’s charged with attempted murder after a stabbing yesterday. Here’s what his attorney is saying: @News3LV pic.twitter.com/vwGWKp4BDq
— Jane Davenport (@reporterjanedav) August 21, 2025

The victim suffered stab wounds to his back, upper right clavicle area, and left hand, plus a broken right rib that might need surgery. He was listed in critical condition.

Police officials said that when Marselles was arrested, he told them that the altercation was “over a door ding.”

“He spontaneously uttered that this was all over a door ding without being asked any questions by Patrol officers,” the police report stated.

by Jameelah Mullen

August 22, 2025

‘Leave Me Alone’ Missing Texas Woman Found In ‘Lost Tribe’ In Scotland

She is safe... or is she?

A Texas woman reported missing by her family has been found alive. Kaura Taylor is a member of a “lost African tribe” who resides in a forest near Jedburgh, Scotland.

Taylor took to social media to reveal that she is a member of the Kingdom of Kubula, a tribe of Hebrews expelled from Scotland by Queen Elizabeth I more than 400 years ago.

The group includes 36-year-old King Athene 36, whose birth name is Kofi Offeh, his wife, Queen Nandi, a mother of seven, whose legal name is Jean Gasho, and Taylor, who now goes by Asant, identifying as the “inferior mistress” and “surrogate to the Queen.”

Taylor recently posted a video from the camp where she sent a message to her followers and the authorities.

“To the U.K. authorities, obviously, I am not missing. Leave me alone. I’m an adult, not a helpless child.”

In the video, Taylor addressed “ the woman who is posing as her loving mother” and claimed that she was the victim of childhood sexual abuse.

Authorities served the tribe eviction notices and burned down their tents, but the tribe’s king states that it “rejects” the law.

“We follow the laws of the creator—everything belongs to the ones who made it,” said the tribe’s King.

“Many people do not have the eyes to see and the ears to hear,” King Athene said in a video posted to social media. “They see things and they judge without understanding. This includes the government of Great Britain, who say that culture and religion is tolerant in Great Britain, but the Kingdom of Kubala has suffered trials and tribulations at the hands of authorities, who do not understand or tolerate. But the Kingdom of Kubala cannot be destroyed, for we are helped by the creator of the heavens and the earth, our God. Until then, no one will be able to destroy the Kingdom of Kubala.”

It is unclear when exactly Taylor left the United States and how she met the couple.

by Ashlei Stevens

August 22, 2025

The 2025 Black Enterprise Smart HBCU Hackathon: A Decade Of Building Black Tech Excellence

The 2025 BE Smart HBCU Hackathon returns for its 10th year and will be bigger and more impactful than ever.

The 2025 BE Smart HBCU Hackathon returns for its 10th year and will be bigger and more impactful than ever. Hosted by BLACK ENTERPRISE and presented by American Airlines, the Hackathon is an all-expenses-paid coding competition featuring students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), showcasing their computer science skills and competing for top-notch jobs and internships in the emerging technology field.

The Hackathon returns to Charlotte, Nov. 5 – 8, 2025, where the mayor of The Queen City will be joining to greet students from more than two dozen HBCUs. The competition will feature 300 students this year, from up to 30 HBCUs – more than ever in years past. Registration is now open through Sept. 15 at blackenterprise.com/hackathon.

Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE, is eager to invite HBCUs to register to compete as the Hackathon celebrates 10 years of innovation, elevation, and execution.

Competitors must be junior or senior computer science, computer engineering, and cybersecurity majors who form teams to develop technical solutions to solve real-world challenges. A panel of judges examines each team’s application impact, technical complexity, and user-friendliness while also rating teams on their pitch and presentation skills. A suite of prizes is offered for winners, including AAdvantage miles from American Airlines, savvy digital devices, and useful tech gear.

Sponsors for the 10th annual BE Smart Hackathon also include The City of Charlotte, Fidelity Investments, McDonald’s, Manulife John Hancock, NASCAR, Nationwide, PepsiCo, Toyota, Verizon, and Visa. This marks the largest Hackathon sponsor pool to date.

“I also want to take the time to applaud all of you for your unwavering commitment and partnership in our creation and expansion of platforms to showcase diverse talent and offer opportunities to future tech innovators and business leaders,” Graves said to partners and participants last fall. “I am so proud of our BE Smart Hackathon and its participants. It has met its goal of providing a showcase for HBCU students to display their technical expertise and gain exposure to the top companies in global business.”

Source: **The 2024 winning Hackathon team was Protege, comprised of Spelman College seniors.**

The 2024 winning team was Protégé, comprised of Spelman College seniors Brianna Bray, A’laysia Miller-Chambliss, Morgan Lee, and Jasmine Singleton. The winning team received 100,000 AAdvantage miles from American Airlines, a MacBook Air, and a DJI Drones Mini 4 Pro.

Other top winners from last year included teams from Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama, who won second and third places, respectively. Receiving the judges’ highest technical score was Morgan State University, which is also the only HBCU to participate in all of the past nine years of the Hackathon.

Hackathon participants are truly living up to this year’s theme: “Built Different. Built Brilliant.” Join in on year ten of elevating excellence and register by Sept. 15 at blackenterprise.com/hackathon.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 22, 2025

Apollonia Fights To Stop Prince Estate From Trademarking Her Name

Patty Kotero, known as Apollonia, has formally asked a federal judge to confirm her rights to the name she’s used professionally for decades.

Actress and singer Patty Kotero, better known as Apollonia, has formally asked a federal judge to confirm her rights to the name she’s used professionally for decades.

In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, Kotero seeks a court declaration that she owns the “Apollonia” trademark. Kotero intends to stop R&B legend Prince’s estate, Paisley Park Enterprises, from canceling her trademark registrations. She says the estate filed its own application for “Apollonia” in June and sought to wipe out her existing claims.

“In fact, Prince himself consented to and encouraged Apollonia in her professional endeavors as ‘Apollonia,’” the filing states per Reuters. “There is only one Apollonia, and Apollonia is the source of the goods and services provided under this name.”

Kotero’s lawsuit reveals that neither Prince nor any of his representatives raised concerns about her using the name while he was alive. She argues that the established use of her legacy moniker should stop any late claim from being valid. Without court intervention, she explains, the estate could force her to stop using her well-known stage name or bring a trademark infringement suit against her.

Her team says this is more than a branding issue. The use of “Apollonia” is her identity, her career, and her livelihood.

Apollonia Kotero’s connection to her stage name dates back to 1984, when Prince cast her as his co-star in Purple Rain. Additionally, the star introduced her as the lead singer of Apollonia 6. From that moment, “Apollonia” became more than a screen credit. The name became her professional identity. The stage name is tied to her music, acting, and decades of live performances. She’s continued to record, tour, and make public appearances under the name for over 40 years. During these years, she carved out a career independent of Prince’s estate.

The case, Kotero v. Paisley Park Enterprises, is now before the Central District of California and waiting for initial court action. So far, neither the estate nor Sony Music has offered a response.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 22, 2025

Big Boi Announces Limited-Edition Washing Machines That Play ‘So Fresh, So Clean’ After Each Cycle

Big Boi's new partnership give five lucky fans a chance to win limited-edition washing machines that play "So Fresh, So Clean."

Big Boi of Outkast has teamed up to launch a line of limited-edition washing machines that play one of the duo’s chart-topping hits at the end of each wash cycle.

Whirlpool, the home appliance giant, managed to tap Big Boi for a special giveaway of five limited-edition front-load washers that play the iconic hit “So Fresh, So Clean” after each cycle. These unique washers are made to add the wow factor to any home with their matte black finish, swarm of hand-placed crystals, and a certified “fresh and clean” badge personally signed by Big Boi.

“They called up and was like, you know, the kings of ‘so fresh, so clean’ and the washing machine kings need to get together,” Big Boi told The Blast of the partnership.

“We are on theme, we are on code, we got the same mission — to be the cleanest that we can be and the freshest we can be, and they was like, we want to put your song on the new Whirlpool washing machine. I thought it was just a chime, but they have the original track playing at the end of the wash cycle, so I was like, oh man, that’s dope, I gotta do it.”

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Big Boi showcased a demo for the partnership and giveaway on Instagram, giving fans a peek at some of his rare collectibles, including the checkered suit from the “The Way You Move” video and his pet owls, Hootie and Hoodini. He then walked over to the limited-edition Whirlpool washers and demonstrated how they play his and André 3000’s 2000 hit from their Grammy-winning Stankonia album after each cycle.

“I think the rarest has to be this,” Big Boi said, pointing to the washers. “Whirlpool made me my own washing machine.”

Now, a few lucky fans can win one of five washers just like Big Boi’s from Aug. 19 to Sept. 23, 2025. To enter, follow @WhirlpoolUSA on Instagram, like the Sweepstakes post, and comment #whirlpoolsofresh. Tagging a friend earns an extra entry. Winners will be notified via Instagram DM.

For those who want the regular Whirlpool Smart Front Load Washer with FreshFlow Vent System, it’s available in stores and online, just without the music feature.