• Women

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 19, 2026

Essence Fest, Aiming For A Refresh, Names Teyana Taylor Chief Curator

Taylor's creative collective, The Aunties, will collaborate closely with Essence’s programing, talent, and community teams.

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Following mixed reactions to the 2025 Essence Festival, the iconic annual event is aiming to restore its reputation by appointing Teyana Taylor as its new chief curator.

The Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe-winning multi-hyphenate was named the inaugural chief curator of the Essence Festival of Culture on March 18. Her creative collective, The Aunties, will collaborate closely with Essence’s programing, talent, and community teams to curate this year’s festival in New Orleans.

Taylor’s addition to the 2026 lineup builds on what Essence Festival of Culture has branded its “Ladies First” theme, following last week’s announcement of a powerhouse, female-led roster of headliners, including Cardi B, Patti LaBelle, and Brandy and Monica.

“We said ladies first, and we meant it. Not just on the stage, but behind the scenes too,” Essence captioned an Instagram announcement. “We are excited to announce Teyana Taylor is stepping in as Chief Curator for the 2026 ESSENCE Festival, and you already know the vibes are about to be next level.”

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Fans have voiced excitement and support, with many hopeful that Taylor will “bring the Essence Festival back to its truth and glory,” as India Arie put it.

“We counting on you Teyana,” Arie wrote.

“I hope she’s been listening cause she can turn things around for sure,” added someone else.

The announcement of headliners and Taylor’s appointment come amid reports that festival organizers owe more than $400,000—initially estimated at around $456,000—to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from the 2025 event, a sum that accounted for a significant share of the festival’s daytime programming costs.

On March 9, Essence Festival of Culture organizers said they had reached agreements to pay all contractors from last year’s event, after New Orleans officials warned that unpaid balances could jeopardize government incentives for the July 2026 festival. Sundial Media Group, the New York-based owner of Essence, said in a statement it had “addressed all financial issues” with festival partners and is now focused on planning this year’s event, set for July 3–5.

RELATED CONTENT: Essence Festival Of Culture Unveils 2026 Lineup

• Celebrity News

by Kandiss Edwards

March 19, 2026

Mystikal Is The ‘Danger’: Rapper Pleads Guilty To Rape 20 Years After First Conviction

Tyler was initially accused of first-degree rape, simple criminal damage to property, domestic abuse battery by strangulation, simple robbery, and false imprisonment in 2022.

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On March 17, New Orleans rapper Mystikal, real name Michael Tyler, pleaded guilty to third-degree rape charges.

Tyler was accused and arrested for first-degree rape, simple criminal damage to property, domestic abuse battery by strangulation, simple robbery, and false imprisonment in 2022. The crime was made public by the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. In August of 2022, the Sheriff’s office responded to a call at the local hospital. There, the alleged victim identified the rapper as her assailant. 

Tyler was accused of choking and raping the unnamed woman after claiming she stole money from him. As a result of his suspicion, he physically assaulted the woman, stole her keys, and forced her to send him funds via Cash App. Pleading down to lesser charges will reduce the severity of his penalties, as the rapper was facing a life sentence. Though life is no longer on the table, Tyler still faces up to 25 years in prison, USA Today reported.

All Hip Hop reported on alleged details surrounding the violent sexual assault. The outlet claims that Tyler was allegedly under the influence of unspecified drugs. Furthermore, he forced the victim to pray with him to cleanse her body of any “bad spirits” before the assault. Tyler initially denied the allegations, alleging the accusation was an attempt to extort him for $1,000.

Once a successful recording artist of hit records “Shake Ya A**” and “Danger,” the 55-year-old is no stranger to serving jail time. Nor is he a stranger to sexual assault against women. The rapper has been charged with rape three times over the course of two decades. He was convicted of his first crime in 2003 and served six years in prison. The rapper also registered as a sex offender upon his release. 

In 2012, Tyler was arrested and convicted of domestic abuse and served three months in jail. Though he was not convicted in 2017, he was arrested for similar crimes to the current-day rape and kidnapping. Those charges were subsequently dropped. 

RELATED CONTENT: Rapper Mystikal Arrested on Rape, Domestic Violence Charges in Louisiana

• Environment

by Jameelah Mullen

March 19, 2026

With Gold Teeth And A Masters Degree, This Black Scientist Is Changing The Face Of Microbiology

Jordon King lights up the Florida Everglades, saving the environment one social media post at a time.

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A South Florida scientist and social media influencer turned his passion for microbiology into a flourishing online platform, breaking the mold in scientific research, reaching a new audience, and challenging conventions in the field. 

Jordon King documents his learning adventures for his over 200,000 followers across various social media platforms from Everglades National Park, a key research destination in Florida. King mentions that many of his followers often comment on his appearance, which includes dreadlocks and a gold grill, styles not typically associated with people working in the industry.

“I think what makes me stand out is my personal style. Me just being myself and not conforming to the standard of a scientist, King told NBC News.

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King’s research focuses on “floc” and what it can reveal about changes in the Everglades, over time, caused by human intervention, such as freshwater restoration.

“Floc is looser, and soil is more compact,” King explained to NBC News. “The floc is what helps to form the sediment, so without floc, there is no sediment, and without sediment, there are no plants because they need it to grow, and without plants, animals don’t have anything to eat, and then the ecosystem becomes a whole mess,” King said.

His self-directed research earned him a master’s degree from Florida International University. The 23-year-old said he contacted 40 professors, but only two responded, with one of them helping him start his research journey. King says he decided to share his academic research on social media and in schools to raise awareness and inspire others to pursue environmental sciences.  

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jordon King (@kidflamess)

“It feels so good to not only talk to our future generation, but also inspire them using my career in environmental science. As a scientist, I feel like it is my duty to do this. This was definitely a surreal moment for me and I hope to visit more schools in the near future,” King said in a social media post highlighting his visit to a South Florida elementary school. Along with teaching others about microbiology, King also uses his platform to share stories of other Black microbiologists, who make up less than 3% of scientists in the field.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Female Doctor And Innovator Launches Identity-Affirming STEAM Subscription Box For Black Children

• Legal

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 19, 2026

The Raid, The Remix, And The Reckoning: Afroman Wins Legal Victory Against Ohio Police

Afroman successfully defeated an Ohio police defamation lawsuit after officers raided his home, seized his money, and even eyeing his lemon pound cake.

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After letting his music speak for itself, rapper Afroman has emerged victorious in a defamation lawsuit filed against him by Ohio police.

On March 18, Grammy-nominated rapper Afroman won a defamation lawsuit brought by seven Ohio deputies over music videos that used home security footage to mock a 2022 raid on his home, CBS News reported. The raid, conducted by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, was tied to drug trafficking and kidnapping allegations, though no charges were ever filed.

Officers seized thousands in cash, electronics, and other items, with Afroman saying only $4,600 was returned, fueling his claims that police took his property. He later used the footage to criticize the raid, prompting deputies to sue for defamation and invasion of privacy, a case he ultimately won.

“It’s not only for artists. It’s for Americans,” Afroman said after winning the case. “We have freedom of speech. They … did me wrong and sued me because I was talking about it.”

“It’s for the people, by the people,” he added. “So when the people can’t use their freedom of speech, bring up the problem, address the problem, take care of the problem, then the problem never gets solved.”

The case tested the boundaries of parody and how far artists can go in criticizing public officials, with deputies seeking nearly $4 million in damages.

“No reasonable person would expect a police officer not to be criticized,” defense attorney David Osborne argued, noting officers have long been the subject of public scrutiny.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office deputies claimed they faced harassment after the music videos received more than 3 million views on YouTube and went viral. The clips show officers breaking down Afroman’s door, searching his belongings, and eyeing a cake in his kitchen, which inspired his song “Lemon Pound Cake.”

In his testimony, Afroman, who lives in Winchester, about 50 miles outside Cincinnati, said he had every right to share his experience with fans and friends. He added that the raid left his children, then 10 and 12, traumatized. His attorney argued in closing that exaggeration is common in artistic expression, especially when used for social commentary.

“The whole raid was a mistake. All of this is their fault. If they hadn’t have wrongly raided my house, there would be no lawsuit. I would not know their names,” Afroman said. “They wouldn’t be on my home surveillance system, and there would be no songs, nothing.”

RELATED CONTENT: Afroman’s Day In Court: Why the Artist is Being Sued for Turning a Police Raid Into a Hit

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 19, 2026

‘GOAT Back Outside’: JAŸ-Z Announces Anniversary Shows At NYC’s Yankee Stadium

Roc Nation announced the news on its website.

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Brooklyn billionaire Sean “JAŸ-Z” Carter announced he will have two celebratory concerts in the home of hip-hop at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York, this summer.

The rapper, who earlier this year kicked off the celebration by releasing the original “Dead Presidents” song, which debuted before his classic 1996 debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” will be in The Bronx on July 10 and July 11. The first night will be JAŸ-Z 30, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of his first album, while July 11 will be JAŸ-Z 25, an ode to his 2001 project, “The Blueprint.”

Roc Nation announced the news on its website on March 18.

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Jigga’s announcement comes immediately after it was revealed that the “Politics As Usual” lyricist will co-headline the popular Roots Picnic with The Roots this year, which will take place in Philadelphia on May 30 and 31.

The festival will take place at the historic Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.

“Moving the Roots Picnic to Belmont Plateau and bringing JAŸ-Z and The Roots together to perform are both bucket-list moments for us,” Manager of The Roots and President of Live Nation Urban Shawn Gee said in a written statement. “After meeting with Mayor Cherelle Parker and hearing her vision for Philadelphia 250, she truly inspired us to dream even bigger, and we’re grateful to her, Commissioner Susan Slawson, Jazelle Jones, and everyone who helped make it happen. We can’t wait to see everyone in May at the Plat.”

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Since the reissue of “Dead Presidents,” fans have been speculating about the recording artist’s moves regarding shows and new music. Roc Nation has set up a website, JAYZ30.com, to keep people abreast of his anticipated moves, but it has also posted other songs on the site since it initially featured the reissue earlier this year.

Fans are definitely taking note and are reacting to the news that one of hip-hop’s finest will be performing at least three times this year!

RELATED CONTENT: Organizers Claim Target Boycott Continues Despite Claims It Ended, Pastor Jamal Bryant To Address Backlash

• Fashion & Beauty

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 19, 2026

Courtney Adeleye Makes History With Both Haircare Businesses Stocked At Major Retailers

Adeleye celebrated her second hair and skincare brand to hit Walmart's shelves.

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One business owner’s success has doubled as major retailers now stock both her haircare brands.

Courtney Adeleye already made headlines with her natural haircare brand, The Mane Choice. Emphasizing natural ingredients that focused on hair length and retention, the brand became a leader in the beauty industry, resulting in her business growth as well.

The former nurse turned the brand into a multimillion-dollar entity, beginning operations from home. The Mane Choice and its acclaimed shampoos, deep conditioners, and hair-growth vitamins passed $100 million in sales by 2019.

“There were not many brands that used natural ingredients and specialized in healthy hair growth at the same time,” Adeleye told Entrepreneur in a 2023 profile. “So, I started mixing my own products at home and infused them with vitamins, nutrients, and healthy ingredients.”

Like many successful founders, Adeleye decided to pursue an acquisition to secure new ownership and grow the business. That same year, she sold The Mane Choice to MAV Beauty Brands for $61.5 million, according to WWD.

However, Adeleye’s entrepreneurial spirit did not waver. She then began developing another brand that ties skincare and haircare together. Using the knowledge gained from her last venture, she created Watch & Sea Beauty. This brand, however, specializes in using plant- and ocean-based ingredients, staying true to her original business ethos of natural sourcing.

Now, Watch & Sea Beauty has formed its own wave. Its assortment of scalp cleansers and complexion serums has taken over shelves at CVS and Walmart. With her second brand stocked by the latter, Adeleye has a new claim to fame as a barrier-breaking entrepreneur.

On social media, she celebrated the feat, noting that it occurred during Women’s History Month. In the post, she showed off both her current and former haircare brands on Walmart shelves.

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A post shared by Courtney Adeleye | Watch & Sea Beauty CEO (@courtneyadeleye)

“For every moment I doubted whether I belonged in rooms that weren’t built for me. We just closed out Black History Month, and now we’re stepping into Women’s History Month, and I can’t think of a more powerful time to share this news. History isn’t just something we read about. We are OUT HERE MAKING IT,” she wrote in the caption.

Although she no longer owns The Mane Choice, she still remarked that two Black-women-founded brands are available for nationwide distribution through the commerce giant.

“Not only has it not been done by an African-American woman, but it’s also never been done by [an] African-American person ever,” she explained in the video.

Watch & Sea Beauty has also found additional distributors, with products available at Target and H.E.B. As she scales another successful launch, Adeleye is proving Black woman can have their own haircare and beauty empires.

• Womens History Month

by Ahsan Washington

March 19, 2026

Lean Into Women’s History Month With These Events: Week 3

Museums, libraries, and cultural institutions throughout the country host programming around women's history.

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The National Women’s History Alliance educators started Women’s History Month after launching the initial Women’s History Week in 1980 to improve women’s representation in American history education.

The United States government recognized its first official Women’s History Month through a declaration by President Jimmy Carter before Congress, which extended recognition to March 1987.

Museums, libraries, and cultural institutions throughout the country host programming around women’s history that includes exhibitions, film screenings, and public discussion panels to showcase women’s achievements, leadership, scholarship, and contributions. 

And with that BLACK ENTERPRISE’s four-week series on things to do to celebrate Women’s History Month continues.

Schomburg Center Women’s Jazz Festival—Harlem, New York 

The Annual Women’s Jazz Festival at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture continues its 30-year legacy of spotlighting the profound contributions of Black women to the jazz canon. Programming started March 16 and runs through March 30

This year’s sold-out series—featuring Ms. Lisa Fischer, Kandace Springs, and Dee Dee Bridgewater—serves a dual purpose: celebrating world-class artistry while funding the archives that protect global African diaspora history. Those interested can catch performances on YouTube. 

Women’s History Month Programming, National Center for Civil and Human Rights—Atlanta

From March 19-March 31, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. the National Center for Civil and Human Rights will host a month-long exhibition for Women’s History Month, with gallery programming featuring historians and educators. The programming includes curator-guided exhibitions and discussions focusing on Black women civil rights leaders who contributed to voting rights, equality and justice movements.

Truth’s Table Live Conversation on Faith and Justice—Charleston

Authors and podcast hosts Ekemini Uwan and Christina Edmondson lead a live discussion about faith and justice and activism through intellectual contributions. The International African American Museum will host the event on Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m. in Charleston, South Carolina. The event seeks to link Women’s History Month events with discussions about the major impact of Black women intellectuals on social justice movements.

Women Filmmakers Showcase—Laredo, Texas

The Women Filmmakers Showcase presents a screening of movies made by women filmmakers Friday, March 20, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Laredo Film Society. The showcase promotes women storytellers who create films that help increase the representation of women, especially Black women, in the film industry.

RELATED CONTENT: The 20th Annual ‘Women Of Power’ Summit Finishes Strong With Powerhouse Programming [PICS]

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 19, 2026

Prairie View A&M, Howard University Make History By Winning First NCAA Tournament Games

Both schools advance to the first round of games with Prairie A&M playing No. 1 Florida, while Howard faces No. 1 Michigan

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Exactly a year after recording only five wins in the regular season, Prairie View A&M’s successful one-season turnaround, which led to the team taking home the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament title, has resulted in the team winning its very first NCAA Tournament game in school history, joining Howard University in doing so the previous night.

The school won its game in the play-in First Four tournament on March 18, defeating the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, 67-55. After Howard University won its First Four contest against the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 86-83 (Howard’s very first NCAA Tournament victory as well) on March 17, HBCUs are currently undefeated!

The Panthers face their toughest test in their next match against the No. 1 seed, the University of Florida, on March 20 at Benchmark International Arena.

The trio of Dontae Horne, Cory Wells, and Lance Williams held the team down by scoring a combined 54 out of the team’s 67 points. Horne produced a game-high 25 points, while adding seven rebounds and four steals. Wells contributed with a double-double when he scored 19 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Williams, who had 10 points, also recorded two steals and had two blocked shots.

According to ESPN, Prairie View A&M became the third team to win an NCAA tournament game after a season in which it won five or fewer games, since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Iowa State and Fairleigh Dickinson were the other two schools.

Meanwhile, Howard University matched its all-time high in games won with its win over UMBC. They are now 24-10, matching their highest win total since finishing 24-14 for the 1986-87 season. They will face the No. 1 seed Michigan on March 19.

Senior Ose Okojie scored a career-high 23 points to lead the team in scoring. Bryce Harris, the MEAC Player of the Year and Tournament MVP, recorded a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Cedric Taylor II, a First Team All-MEAC selection, contributed with 15 points and six rebounds.

Both teams will be seeking their second win and to advance to the next round of the NCAA Tournament.

RELATED CONTENT: 3 HBCUs Playing In NCAA Basketball Tournament For First Time In 32 Years

• Politics

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 19, 2026

Oil Surges Past $110 After Iran Retaliates By Striking World’s Largest Liquefied Natural Gas Facility

The attacks sent shockwaves to United States gas pumps as the price of crude oil went above $110 per barrel.

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The conflict in the Middle East reached new heights March 19—in addition to U.S. gas prices—after Iran attacked the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas complex in Qatar, NPR reports. 

In addition to the natural gas facility, the Middle Eastern country targeted a gas field and facility in the United Arab Emirates, and launched missiles and drones on an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia and two gas units in Kuwait. All attacks stemmed from Israel bombing Iran’s South Pars gas field on March 18. 

Iran stood firm on its warnings after the Revolutionary Guards threatened counterstrikes on several energy facilities across the countries “in the coming hours” after the giant South Pars field, the largest gas reserves in the world, was attacked. 

The attacks sent shockwaves throughout the market, making its way to United States gas pumps. Amid the attacks, the price of crude oil went above $110 per barrel as of March 19, which was a 50% increase from the start of the war back in February, according to the Associated Press. 

American voters are feeling it the most. Some are grieving over the loss of family members who served in the military; others are feeling the financial stress at the pumps.

During an interview with President Donald Trump voters in Middlesburg, Pennsylvania, one woman made headlines for calling the president a “worthless piece of s***,” but admitted to making a mistake after voting for him three times. “It’s not our war,” she added.

While one man said he doesn’t mind paying more at the pumps and supports Trump’s decision to invade, another woman touched on how her truck driving husband has to pay “like $2 more” for diesel gas.

But neither the president nor Vice President JD Vance seem to think this won’t last long. Trump even took America out of the attack, putting all the blame on Israel.

“Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as the South Pars Gas Field in Iran. A relatively small section of the whole has been hit,” he wrote on his Truth Social social media platform. 

“I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran….Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as the South Pars Gas Field in Iran. A relatively small section of the whole has been hit,” he added.. 

“The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen.” 

During a trip to Michigan, Vance blamed the rising gas prices at the pumps on the Biden administration.

“Look, gas prices are up. And we know they’re up, and we know that people are hurting because of it. And we’re doing everything we can to ensure they stay lower,” he said. 

“This is a temporary blip,” Vance added. “What happened under the Biden administration is the gas prices were high for four years. Gas prices are higher right now and frankly they’re not even as high as they were during the certain parts of the Biden administration because of what’s going on in the Middle East it’s not going to last forever, we’re going to take care of business.” 

In the meantime, the three Gulf countries condemned the attacks from Iran.

“What little trust there was has completely been shattered, has been shattered on multiple levels,” the Saudi Kingdom’s foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan, said. “The patience that is being exhibited is not unlimited.”

RELATED CONTENT: Airline Ticket Prices Jump Worldwide As Iran War Pushes Fuel Costs Higher

• Celebrity News

by Kandiss Edwards

March 19, 2026

Shaquille O’Neal To Cover Funeral Costs For 12-Year-Old Who Died After Bus Stop Fight

The NBA legend wanted to show "love, support, and compassion" to Jada West's grieving family.

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Shaquille O’Neal will pay for the funeral expenses of 12-year-old Jada West, who died following an altercation near a school bus stop.

In a statement, the NBA legend confirmed the joint effort between him and other local law enforcement leaders from Henry and Douglas counties. Jada died March 8, three days after a fight with another girl in her neighborhood. She was a sixth-grade student at Mason Creek Middle School in Georgia.

O’Neal, known for his acts of kindness and philanthropy stepped in to show “love, support, and compassion during such a painful moment,” ABC News reported.

“This story touched my heart the moment I saw it in the media,” O’Neal said. “As a father, my heart goes out to Jada’s family. No parent should ever have to bury their child, and if there is anything I can do to ease even a small part of that burden, then it is the right thing to do.”

O’Neal, who was appointed the chief of community relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in 2025, is coordinating the donation with Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett and Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds. 

“When a child’s life is taken so tragically, it affects all of us,” Pounds said. “Our goal is simple. We want Jada’s family to know that they are not alone.”

The circumstances surrounding the fight are still being investigated. The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office is actively reviewing evidence to determine if criminal charges against the other child involved Jada’s death are warranted.

The Douglas County School described Jada as “an upbeat, kind, and vibrant student.” 

“This incident did not occur on school property or during school hours, and there is nothing to indicate that this is related to any on-campus activity,” the school district’s statement said.

RELATED CONTENT: Shaq Surprises Paralyzed Teen With VIP Basketball Dream Trip