• Entrepreneurship

by Black Enterprise

August 14, 2025

Verniese Brown To Make NY Fashion Week Debut 6 Months After Starting Luxury Handbag Brand

Verniese Brown is commited to building not just a label but a legacy.

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In a rarely seen feat in the world of luxury fashion, Black entrepreneur and designer Verniese Brown will make her New York Fashion Week debut this September, six months after founding her luxury handbag brand, VIE LORIE.

The milestone not only marks the arrival of a new name in high fashion but highlights the extraordinary determination, talent, and vision of a Black woman breaking into one of the industry’s most exclusive spaces.

Founded in February 2025, VIE LORIE has achieved in half a year what many fashion houses spend years striving toward. Without the backing of a large corporate machine, Brown has built a brand that is already turning heads among influential women, celebrities, and style insiders.

From private trunk shows in Atlanta and Chicago to being embraced by award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, VIE LORIE’s designs have quickly become synonymous with elegance, strength, and intentionality.

The brand’s signature handbags—such as The Valencia, The Vittoria, and The Vanna—are celebrated for their sculptural silhouettes, meticulous craftsmanship, and timeless design. Each piece tells a story of power and grace, reflecting Verniese Brown’s commitment to building not just a label, but a legacy.

The highly anticipated NYFW debut will take place at the Hall des Lumières, an immersive, art-filled venue as grand and inspiring as the brand itself. The presentation will unveil VIE LORIE’s newest collection, featuring fresh color stories, evolved structures, and the same quiet sophistication that has defined its meteoric rise.

“This is more than a show; it’s a statement,” said Brown. “As a Black woman designing in the luxury space, I want to show that we can create at the highest level without compromise—and that our stories belong on the biggest stages.”

With no traditional advertising, VIE LORIE’s growth has been fueled by word-of-mouth, personal connections, and a loyal client base that values both artistry and authenticity. Brown’s rapid ascent serves as an inspiring reminder that with clarity, discipline, and an unwavering vision, breaking barriers is possible—even in the most elite corners of fashion.

Six months in, VIE LORIE has already proven it belongs in the conversation. This September at New York Fashion Week, the world will see exactly why.

About
Founded in 2025 by Verniese Brown, VIE LORIE is a Black woman-owned luxury handbag brand dedicated to timeless design, meticulous craftsmanship, and the empowerment of women who lead with intention. Each handbag is crafted as a statement piece, embodying elegance, strength, and legacy.

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• Celebrity News

by Mary Spiller

August 14, 2025

Beyoncé Wins First Emmy For ‘Beyoncé Bowl’ Costume Design, Edging Closer To EGOT Status

Beyoncé received the Emmy for the costume design work on her “Beyoncé Bowl” performance.

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Beyoncé has won her first Primetime Emmy Award for costume design for her “Beyoncé Bowl” halftime show, a Western-inspired performance that streamed on Netflix during the NFL’s Christmas Day game.

The honor, announced Aug. 12 by the Television Academy in its juried categories, recognizes Beyoncé and her creative team — Shiona Turini, Erica Rice, Molly Peters, Chelsea Staebell, and Timothy White — in the category of Outstanding Costumes for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program.

“This is historic,” one observer said. “It feels like Beyoncé has unlocked a new door.”

Panels of industry experts decide juried Emmy categories and have no formal nominees. Winners will receive their awards during the Creative Arts Emmys in Los Angeles next month.

After 10 previous nominations without a win, Beyoncé’s Emmy marks a milestone in her career and moves her closer to EGOT status, needing only an Oscar and a Tony to complete the rare quartet of awards.

The 13-minute halftime show, held in Beyoncé’s hometown of Houston, featured live performances of “16 Carriages,” “Blackbird,” and “Ya Ya” from her Cowboy Carter album. With over 500 performers — including Post Malone and Blue Ivy Carter — the performance celebrated Black Southern and Western heritage, setting streaming records.

Netflix reported the event peaked at 27 million viewers during the game and an additional 50 million streams within 10 days, with #BeyonceBowl even trending higher than #Christmas on X.

In addition to her costume design win, Beyoncé remains in contention for two more Emmys at the upcoming Creative Arts ceremony: Outstanding Variety Special (Live) and Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special. Adding intrigue, her husband Jay-Z is also nominated as executive producer for Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, which is up for the same variety special award.

With 35 Grammy Awards already to her name, Beyoncé’s latest recognition underscores her influence both on stage and behind the scenes.

RELATED CONTENT: Elevating Your Excellence: Jotaka Eaddy Is The Strategist Behind The Movement

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

August 14, 2025

Travis Hunter’s GPA Proves His Academic Commitment Is As Strong As His NFL Aspirations

Travis Hunter's final GPA reveals he is who he thinks he is, a former student and rookie NFL player reaching for excellence.

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Travis Hunter made his preseason debut Aug. 9. Commentators are dissecting the Jaguars wide-receiver and cornerback’s performance on the field. However, the release of the former University of Colorado student’s transcript has many talking about his play off the field, Fox reported.

He graduated in May 2025 with a degree in anthropology and a perfect 4.0 GPA. He finished his college career as the first player in Colorado history to be a unanimous First-Team All-American and First-Team Academic All-American. His first-team Academic All-America honors was earned for the second consecutive year. 

His final GPA was revealed via X post. 

The account @LockedOnBuffs captioned the post with praise for the athlete, “Travis Hunter is truly one of a kind.”

Hunter’s university success does not come as a shock. In fall 2023, he posted a 4.0 GPA and followed that with a 3.908 GPA in spring 2024. His dedication to academic excellence earned  him recognition alongside Colorado legends. Only he and Joe Romig have achieved First-Team All-America and Academic All-America honors in program history.

Since his exit from the university he has continued to see success. Hunter was selected No. 2 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. In his debut, he had 10 snaps on offense and eight on defense. Additionally, Hunter caught two passes for nine yards in his debut. 

“I was a little nervous at first,” he said in a post-game conference. “After the first play, I was good.” 

Head coach Liam Coen praised Hunter’s offensive instincts and option-route acumen, but stressed the need for more tape review on the defensive side. Coen remarked that Hunter “made a couple good catches on some option routes” and noted a missed tackle on defense.

Hunter’s unique combination of athleticism and academic discipline has already captured the spotlight. As the first true two-way player in recent NFL memory, he symbolizes a rare kind of potential.

Graduating with stellar grades and entering the NFL are only two in a list of celebrations for the star. Hunter is also celebrating his recent nuptials. In May 2025, Hunter married his girlfriend of three years, Leanna Lenee, in a lavish ceremony in Tennessee. 

It appears positivity is following the rookie NFL player; hopefully it continues into the upcoming football season and beyond. 

RELATED CONTENT: Travis Hunter Becomes First Non-Quarterback To Receive Entire NFL Signing Bonus Up Front

• News

by Kandiss Edwards

August 14, 2025

Missouri Politician Justice Horn Harassed By An Armed And Dangerous Karen

Horn is no stranger to targeted harassment.

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Missouri legislative candidate Justice Horn says he experienced racial harassment while canvassing in a Lake Tapawingo neighborhood. 

The incident was partially caught on video and posted to Horn’s TikTok page. He overlaid the video with the words, “Knocking [on] doors as a Black Man – She followed me with a weapon.” Horn wrote that the encounter was “deeply unsettling” and explained the interaction at length in his caption. 

“I was speaking with a kind older resident at a door when another woman suddenly interrupted our conversation and asked her, “Ma’am, are you okay?

The woman I was speaking to replied, ‘Yeah, why would you ask that?’ She responded, ‘I was just making sure he’s not dangerous,’ and then aggressively confronted me about why I was in the neighborhood—afterward, she followed me down the street with a hooked pole and removed my campaign literature from a doorstep.”

Horn says he began to document the interaction by recording on his cellphone. Once the unidentified woman noticed the camera her story changed. The woman claimed her harassment and removal of campaign literature was in response to Horn illegally soliciting neighbors.

Horn is no stranger to targeted harassment. In 2022, several of his campaign signs were defaced with homophobic slurs, according to KMBC-TV. He said then that the vandalism would not deter him from continuing to run for office. 

Despite repeated intimidation, he remains committed to local canvassing and advocating for his community.

“Let me be clear: this behavior does not represent the many good-hearted people I’ve had the privilege of meeting here. Yes, it shook me. But I’m not backing down. I came here to meet voters, listen, and serve—and that’s exactly what I intend to keep doing,” Horn wrote.

Similar harassment has targeted other Black political figures. In 2023, Colorado Springs’ first Black mayor, Yemi Mobolade, testified in court about a disturbing campaign stunt, the AP News reported.  Mobolade was witness to a cross burning in front of his campaign signs. Additionally, the paraphernalia was defaced with racial slurs. 

“It felt very targeted against me… that symbol of hate… was now directed toward me,” Mobolade told jurors. 

Prosecutors said the act was intended to create fear and influence the election, a claim supported by three separate convictions in the case.

Horn and Mobolade continue to serve their perspective communities. Both men stand as examples of resilience against racial discrimination in politics.

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• Women

by Kandiss Edwards

August 14, 2025

Ujima Invited Black Women To Martha’s Vineyard For An Exercise In ‘Joy’

Black women gathered on Martha's Vineyard at the historic Inkwell Beach to rest, reset, and 'Polar Bear' plunge into ice-cold waters.

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For its 10th anniversary, Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community hosted “Healing the Healers” on Martha’s Vineyard.

Founded in 2015, the organization works to uplift Black communities via advocacy, policy influence, and community healing. Its advocacy centers on Black girls and women and, specifically, the violence inflicted on those marginalized sectors.

“Healing the Healers” was a wellness activation that culminates in a gathering at Inkwell Beach. Partnering with the iconic Polar Bears of Martha’s Vineyard, Ujima offered a sacred moment of rest, connection, and resilience in a 78-year-old tradition.

Since 1948, Black swimmers and beach goers have gathered at 7:30 a.m. to plunge into the Atlantic on Inkwell Beach, the first desegregated beach on Martha’s Vineyard.

Ujima gathered more than 70 individuals, ranging in age from 15 to 86, by the ocean, where they plunged into the cold Atlantic waters at 7:30 a.m. on the first Saturday in August. The activation acted as both a pause and a power reset for those who take on the majority of care for their communities.

Caroline Hunter, longtime Polar Bears leader, described the experience to Essence.

“Everything we do is about community, about positivity, and joy,” she said. “The songs we sing and the exercises we lead are all rooted in the tradition of ‘call and response,’ because as Black people, there is power in the oral tradition, and what we’ve witnessed since childhood is that we generate joy through our collective voice.”

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A post shared by Ujima (@ujimacommunity)

According to the report, participants mimicked lifting motions while singing “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder,” intertwining meditative practices with physical movement. 

CEO, Karma Cottman, spoke about the importance of creating our own spaces in turbulent times.

“Black leaders, Black led programs are under siege. Being in a space of healing… feels like a luxury that we can’t afford…But in order for us to face it…we have to be okay, we have to be healthy, we have to be whole,” Cottman told Essence.

Established on principles of collective responsibility, Ujima’s programming extends beyond symbolic events. The organization also hosts annual receptions celebrating impact. On Aug. 1, it honored Hunter and the Polar Bears at its “Toast to 10 Years” event. The ceremony recognized its decades of leadership, community building, and healing. 

Founded in 1946, the Polar Bears began as a spiritual and health-centered ritual at Inkwell Beach, the only beach historically accessible to Black Islanders during segregation. Today, it continues as a symbol of reclamation, belonging, and collective healing. 

As federal support for Black-led organizations faces increasing threats, Ujima stands firm. Through deeply rooted, restorative experiences, it reminds Black women that rest is a form of resistance, and healing is still possible even in the coldest water.

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• Health and Wellness

by Ida Harris

August 14, 2025

BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Town Hall Meeting Explores ’Investing In Our Health To Grow Our Wealth’

Tune in and join the discourse

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Health is a critical component not only in sustaining one’s life but also maintaining your quality of life and the lives of those you are responsible for—particularly for African Americans. Wealth is directly linked to health. If we are not in good health the pathway to wealth becomes shaky. 

Historically, African Americans are negatively impacted by poor health at a disproportionate rate compared to other ethnicities. According to the American Heart Association, 60% of Black Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and are more likely to die of the condition by 54% than white Americans, a recent study from Tulane University reveals. Diabetes in Black communities is an epidemic. African Americans are suffering from neuropathy, CVD, kidney disease, stroke, and amputation, as a result of poorly managed mellitus. Too, African Americans are disproportionately affected with over 12% of the population diagnosed compared to roughly 7.4% of non-Hispanic white individuals, the CDC reports. When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, Black people are, again, at a much higher risk than their white counterparts. The prevalence of preventable diseases and early deaths among Black people results in a devastating loss of earning power and potential to build generational wealth. 

These are serious concerns that demand public attention. 

BLACK ENTERPRISE and Nationwide are bringing these topics to the forefront in a virtual town hall discussion, “Investing In Our Health To Grow Our Wealth,” which will be moderated by Alfred Edmond Jr., BE’s SVP and executive editor. Joining the conversation are leading experts in the medical field: Dr. Michael H. Forde DRPH, AMSPH Health Equity, Dr. Karleena Tuggle-McDaniel, MD, FACS, Co-founder of ProBLK Health Vitamins, and Dr. Philippe Douyon, MD, founder of Inle Brain Institute. 

We invite you to tune in and join this conversation on Aug. 14 at 8:00 PM EST by clicking here to access the program. 

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• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 14, 2025

Diddy Is Open To Counseling Domestic Abusers To Avoid Lengthy Jail Sentence

'And sometimes, people like him can be the best spokesperson to try to help,' his attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, says.

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Sean “Diddy” Combs is working hard to win over the judge ahead of his October sentencing. His latest plea: serving as an anti-domestic violence counselor.

Diddy’s defense lawyer, Alexandra Shapiro, revealed the disgraced hip-hop mogul’s redemption plan, which includes aspirations to become an anti-domestic violence advocate who counsels other domestic abusers.

“That’s something that he actively wants to pursue in the future,” Shapiro told Business Insider.

The Bad Boy founder is willing “to help in whatever ways he can to kind of encourage other people not to do this and really to help in positive ways in the future,” Shaprio added.

“The idea is that he would work with programs and be able to go in and talk to people, talk to youth, talk to others about the issue in a proactive way and be an advocate for this,” Shapiro said. “And sometimes, people like him can be the best spokesperson to try to help.”

Diddy’s attorneys plan to include his proposal to become an anti-domestic violence advocate in his sentencing filings, where he will seek a sentence of time served, Shapiro said. This will take the time he’s already spent in jail awaiting trial into account and fulfill his entire sentence.

The embattled music producer has been in New York City’s notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest last September. While he was found not guilty of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, his recent conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution could send him to prison for 20 years.

But Shapiro is confident the Manhattan judge overseeing the criminal case will “consider these arguments that we’re going to make about Sean’s future, his redemption,” she said. Despite a troubling video showing him violently assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a hotel, Shapiro believes Diddy’s status as a public figure and the potential positive influence he can have on society may factor into the judge’s decision.

While Diddy “has had struggles in the past with the domestic violence problem,” he’s accomplished a “tremendous amount,” Shapiro said.

“He’s a self-made person who’s done so much. And we’re hopeful that the judge will look at the whole person and consider the impact he could have in the future, the positive impact, and give him the benefit of the doubt.”

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• Education

by Kandiss Edwards

August 14, 2025

North Fulton Alumnae Chapter Of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Launches ‘Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy’

Named for the distinguished educator and widow of Malcolm X, the academy is designed to challenge and inspire girls ages 11 to 14. 

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The North Fulton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. recently launched the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy.

The academy serves young ladies in the Metro Atlanta area. Programs provided are a blend of academic enrichment, community service, and leadership development.

Named for Dr. Betty Shabazz, distinguished educator and widow of Malcolm X,  the academy is designed to challenge and inspire girls ages 11 to 14. 

The North Fulton Alumnae Chapter was officially chartered in April. The initiative is a part of Delta Sigma Theta’s wider national commitment to educational development.

“The Delta Academy was created out of an urgent sense that bold action is needed to address the issues confronting our young females, such as academic failure and low self-esteem,” the organization’s website states.

The launch reflects the DP sorority’s commitment to sisterhood and service. The program is active in all quadrants of Georgia and nationwide.

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A post shared by Southfield Alumnae Chapter | Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (@southfielddst)

The Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy is a carefully curated experience designed to “catch the dreams of tomorrow.”  

For young women ages 14-18, Delta Sigma Theta also offers the Delta Gems (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) program. Its goals are similar to the younger youth initiative: 

• To instill the need to excel academically;
• To provide tools that enable girls to sharpen and enhance their skills to achieve high levels of academic success;
• To assist girls in proper goal setting and planning for their futures in high school and beyond; and
• To create compassionate, caring, and community-minded young women by actively involving them in service learning and community service opportunities.

North Fulton Alumnae Chapter’s initiative comes at an opportune time for Georgia youth as many are suffering from multiple mental health conditions. According to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, “1 in 8 teens suffer from depression” in Georgia. 

RELATED CONTENT: Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Partners With Boys & Girls Clubs Of America To Address Youth Mental Health Crisis

• Arts and Culture

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 14, 2025

‘Proud New Yorker’ Chuck Schumer Introduces Bi-Partisan Legislation To Expand Hip-Hop Celebration

The New York politician says he is proud to have collaborated with friends and hip-hop legends like KRS1 and DJ Kool Herc to make sure hip-hop is preserved and celebrated.

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Mic check, one two, one two! The art of hip-hop is receiving the recognition it deserves thanks to bipartisan support from Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to expand the celebration with August as “Hip-Hop Recognition Month” and celebrate the history in the month of November, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. 

Currently, August 11 is recognized as National Hip-Hop Celebration Day, made official by Schumer, a native of Brooklyn, in July 2023. During a speech on the Senate floor during the genre’s 50th anniversary, Schumer highlighted how the art form “has transcended language, race, age, both geographic and socioeconomic barriers.” “It’s a uniquely American art form that quickly blossomed into a global movement, and we are proud today that this resolution, honoring the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, has passed,” he said, according to PBS.

In a statement, the New York politician said he is proud to have collaborated with friends and genre legends like KRS-One and DJ Kool Herc to make sure it is preserved and celebrated. “And now I am proud to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of hip-hop to designate August 11th as ‘Hip Hop Celebration Day,’ the month of August as ‘Hip Hop Recognition Month’ and the month of November as ‘Hip Hop History Month,’” the politician said. 

The art form has come a long way since it was born in a basement party in the New York City suburb of the Bronx in 1973. More than 50 years later, the genre has expanded, giving fans music from artists such as LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, Jay-Z, OutKast, Nicki Minaj and more, now known as leaders of the craft. The work of Schumer and Cassidy was celebrated by music industry leaders and businesses who recognize the genre as being more than just music. “Hip-hop has always been more than music – it is an American cultural movement that has provided a soundtrack to social change,” executives from Sony Music said. 

“It is a powerful form of creative expression here in the U.S. and around the globe.” 

Apple Music personality and music journalist Ebro Darden labeled the craft as being the “core to the platform.”  “Hip-Hop exemplifies cross-cultural expression while always being at the forefront of using technology in the art,” he said. 

Government officials have often leaned on the music form to support endeavors, bringing a new beat to the world of politics and calling for change, starting with Public Enemy’s 1989 smash-hit “Fight The Power.” Presidential candidates such as former president Barack Obama not only had massive support from icons like Young Jeezy, who penned “My President Is Black” to celebrate the iconic election, but also curated playlists that often held songs from heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar and the Hot Girl herself, Megan Thee Stallion.

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• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 14, 2025

Former NBA Player Sebastian Telfair Asks Trump For Pardon Before 6-Month Prison Sentence

'I know Donald Trump’s got some big things going on, but Donald Trump, I need you to come holla,’ give your boy a pardon so I could stay home with my baby,” Telfair told TMZ.

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Sebastian Telfair, one of 18 former NBA players charged and convicted in an insurance scheme, asked President Donald Trump for a pardon before he headed to prison.

According to TMZ, Telfair was slated to go to prison on Aug. 12.

He was first sentenced to time served plus supervised release for three years, but, according to Sportico, the former point guard did not adhere to the terms of the agreement and was sentenced to six months in prison.

Telfair, who was a high school basketball phenom, also did not report to the U.S. Probation Office. Since he neglected to hold up his end of the deal, U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni instructed him to report to prison on Aug. 12 to serve his sentence.

TMZ cameras caught up with Telfair, who made his plea to the commander in chief. Telfair did express that he was at fault, but felt like it was “definitely some bull**it.”

“I know Donald Trump’s got some big things going on, but Donald Trump, I need you to come holla,’ give your boy a pardon so I could stay home with my baby,” Telfair said.

After being questioned about what happened, Telfair said it was “just paperwork.”

“I’m definitely mad I put myself in this situation,” he said. “But we definitely have got some wins coming. So, my fans, just hold tight.”

As he prepared to go in for not fulfilling his promise to the court system, he pleaded with the president.

“Trump, go check in on my story, and you’re definitely going to want to pardon me. You’ll hold me accountable and want me to continue to go do good. But I did too good to being sending anybody to jail.

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