Hip-Hop Stars Who Went From Rap To Business Owners
by Ahsan Washington

August 13, 2025

Hip-Hop Stars Who Went From Rap To Business Owners

Hip-Hop created millionaires out emcees

Aug. 11 is hip-hop’s official birthday. On this day, 52 years ago, not only was a genre of music born, but a culture was birthed too. This culture would go on to create industries that made millionaires out of emcees. The financial impact of hip-hop extends far beyond the revenue generated from record sales, streaming services, or music chart rankings. Some of these artists have made a significant impact by leveraging their lyrics to enter and dominate various industries, including fashion, food, technology, and TV. These hip-hop artists are proof that a mic can be a tool to becoming a prosperous business owner. They’re not just rappers; they are moguls who have managed to turn their brand and music into a launching pad for bigger things.

Cardi B

Cardi B, a Bronx native, has taken the world by storm. She’s made an impact in the booze, fashion, and endorsement scenes. Her no-holds-barred personality has been a factor in building her brand. I mean, it’s hard not to love her.. It shows in the numbers. Her vodka-infused whipped cream line, Whipshots, was a hit, selling over 2 million cans in one year. Cardi B’s got a knack for business. It’s pretty impressive. She’s worked with some names, like Reebok and Fashion Nova, which goes to show she’s more than a talented musician. 

Ice Cube

Ice Cube, the musician and film producer, made a move into sports entertainment when he co-founded the Big3 Basketball League back in 2017. What’s’ really cool about this league is that it gives NBA players a chance to keep doing what they love — playing ball. For Ice Cube, it’s about expanding his reach beyond the movie business. By creating this platform, he’s not only helping out these athletes, but he’s also carving out a new niche for himself.

E-40

E-40 is a legend in West Coast hip-hop. His success doesn’t stop at music. In 2013, started his own brand, Earl Stevens Selections. This isn’t some hobby, though. He’s created a line of alcohol from wine to tequila. If that isn’t enough, E-40 also jumped into the food scene, backing companies like Lumpia Company. 

Rick Ross

Rick Ross is a serial entrepreneur. His “Hustlin’” persona isn’t just about the music; it’s a way of life. Back in 2011, the rapper moved into the food business, opening a Wingstop restaurant. That was just the start. Now, he owns over two dozen Wingstop locations across the country. Ross isn’t one to put all his eggs in one basket. He also has a stake in Checkers and Belaire Rosé. What sets Ross apart is his willingness to take risks. His business ventures are a testament to his approach. 

Nipsey Hussle

Nipsey Hussle was a rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who made a difference. He opened The Marathon Clothing store back in 2017. But that was the beginning. He also invested his money in real estate and programs that teach kids about technology. What’s amazing is how his legacy lives on, inspiring people in South Los Angeles to this day. 

50 Cent

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson became a household name for making financial decisions to move from booze to fashion to film and TV. It all started back in 2003 with the success of his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Before long, 50 Cent was building a business empire. One of his moves was selling his stake in Vitamin Water. Reportedly, the sale raked in a cool $100 million. After cashing out, 50 Cent expanded his business ventures. Curtis Jackson’s production company, G Unit Films, has made some waves. It’s the force behind the popular Power franchise on Starz. That helped cement his status as a player in the entertainment business.

Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre changed the game when it comes to audio tech and music production. He co-founded Beats Electronics back in 2006. His insane ability to pick out sound made Beats by Dre a household name. Apple ended up buying the company for $3 billion in 2014. That’s a deal. It cemented Dr. Dre’s spot as one of the highest-paid in hip-hop. 

Nas

Nas is a name that is mainly associated with music. What’s less known is that he’s also a pretty savvy investor. He co-founded Queensbridge Venture Partners, a venture capital firm that’s made some smart investments over the years. The firm got in on the ground floor with companies like Dropbox, Lyft, Coinbase, and even Ring, the doorbell maker. 

Jay-Z

Jay-Z went from being a rap star to building a business empire. He’s got his hands in all sorts of industries, like Roc Nation for sports and entertainment. Hov owns the champagne company called Armand de Brignac. He’s also invested in some tech companies, including Tidal and Uber. What’s really impressive is that in 2019, Jay-Z became a billionaire in hip-hop. 

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Morehouse, aviation
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 13, 2025

Elin Air Takes Off As History-Making Aviation Company In Nigeria

The aviation company has completed a 7,800 landings check on one of its planes, the first to ever occur in Africa.

Elin Air is showcasing the potential of the aviation industry within Africa and, more specifically, Nigeria.

The private Nigerian airline, however, did not reach a historic milestone with long-haul flights. Instead, its prowess lies in its maintenance of aircraft systems. Elin Air became the first African-based aviation company to complete a 7,800 landings check for a Bombardier Challenger CL604.

Elin Air’s CEO, Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich, believes that Africa always had the talent and capabilities to fulfill this goal, and has now proved it to the international aviation scene.

“To us, this milestone is not just a technical achievement; it’s a statement of possibility,” she told Business Insider Africa. “Completing the 7,800 landings check locally demonstrates that Nigeria possesses the talent, infrastructure, and discipline to deliver complex aviation projects to the highest international standards.”

According to The Punch, the 7,800-landing check is one of the “most comprehensive inspections” for an aircraft. It involves the complete disassembly, inspection, overhaul, and reassembly of major systems and structures, and often requiring more than 6,000 man-hours.

She continued, “For Elin Air, it reinforces our brand promise: operational excellence rooted in African capability. For the wider industry, it serves as a proof of concept that we can reduce our dependence on foreign facilities, keep revenue within the country, and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.”

The procedure took place at Elin Air’s hangar facility, with a homegrown team of Nigerian engineers completing the measure from April to June 2025. The team removed and serviced key parts of the aircraft, include its engines, fuel tanks, and flight control systems. They also conducted additional 600-hour and 1,200-hour inspections, while refurbishing the airplane’s interior to modern luxury standards.

“By entrusting our local engineers and technicians with this project, we gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their competence on a global stage,” Jack-Rich said. “It was also a deliberate stand: to demonstrate that with the right training, leadership, and resources, Nigerian professionals can meet and even surpass global standards,” she added.

While they still underwent challenges and tight deadlines, their adaptability and determination proved worthwhile. Jack-Rich believes this achievement is the first step toward making Elin Air the “go-to African hub for world-class maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.”

Elin Air has already established a pipeline for Nigerians to spread their own wings in aviation through apprenticeships, international exchange programs, and sponsored technical certifications. The company hopes to create a movement where Nigerian and African aviation enthusiasts become leaders in the industry.

“Five years from now, I want Elin Air to be remembered as the company that not only met, but also set, global aviation standards in Africa,” Jack-Rich said. “I want our legacy to be a combination of safety, excellence, and transformation, hundreds of highly skilled professionals trained, thousands of safe flights completed, and Nigeria positioned as a respected name in international aviation. “

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Florida Woman, Arrested , Child Neglect, Alleged Abuse, Girlfriend's Son
by Sharelle B. McNair

August 13, 2025

Community Leaders In Cincinnati Question Racial Disparity In July Brawl Arrests

Since the viral incident, six people -- all Black -- have been charged so far in the street fight.

Black community leaders in Cincinnati are weighing in on why Black participants of the massive July 2025 brawl were arrested over white individuals, demanding that action be taken, WCPO 9 reports. 

Rep. Cecil Thomas (D-Ohio) called on Black community leaders to join him for a meeting at New Prospect Baptist Church to discuss growing concerns related to the viral brawl in the downtown area. For the leaders that were there, Thomas said Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge’s failure to press charges on the white man who appeared to have slapped a Black man, allegedly starting the altercation, “raises serious questions on whether there is bias involved in the investigation.” “The Black community of this city demands to be respected, and until justice is fully served, this city can not and will not move forward,” Thomas said, met with applause. 

Most of the speakers — including former juvenile Judge Tracie Hunter, Council Member Scotty Johnson, Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, and Pastors Damon Lynch and Leslie Jones — and members of the audience shared similar sentiments to Thomas. Lynch questioned why the person who allegedly instigated the brawl hasn’t been held accountable. “So, what incited and who incited the riot?” Lynch asked. 

“If the riot is because of the slap, who incited the riot? And how are the only people charged — I’ll say it again — the ones who look like me?” 

The Vice Mayor claims it shouldn’t be so hard to charge all persons involved. “It’s been over two weeks,” Lemon Kearney said, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. “We saw that video. We saw who incited the violence.”

Since the viral incident, six people —  all Black — have been charged so far in the street fight. In addition to the conversations about growing crime in the downtown area, the fight started discussions about the racial divide not only in Cincinnati but also within the country. Lemon Kearney bought it up, pushing a narrative that all persons involved should be arrested and charged, regardless of their skin color. “Everybody involved in that violence needs to be charged,” she said. 

“And we cannot divide by race and say only the Black people are going to be charged, but we’re not going to charge the white people who incited the violence.”

Instead of being charged, white participants like Holly, a woman allegedly injured in the fight, were given the opportunity to speak out during a press conference hosted by Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno. Moreno released photos of Holly’s injuries and spoke out about the incident, saying, “When I saw the video, I thought that woman had died.”

Other leaders, such as Vice President and former state Sen. JD Vance, and gubernatorial hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, also spoke out against the violence. But Pastor Jones said now is not the time to use issues of the Black community against them for political gain, as Vance’s half-brother, Cory Bowman, is in the running for Cincinnati mayor. “Do not politicize our pain. Our communities are not battlegrounds for political agendas,” the pastor said. 

“Our young people are restless and they’re watching,” said Jones. “Our community is restless, and they’re watching.”

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Allen Iverson, Hampton., Morgan State University
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 13, 2025

Allen Iverson Announces Book Tour To Promote New Memoir ‘Misunderstood’

Allen Iverson is getting up close and personal with fans on his four-city book tour to promote his memoir.

Allen Iverson will hit the road this fall to promote his debut memoir, Misunderstood.

The 11-time NBA All-Star took to Instagram on Aug. 11 to announce a four-city book tour for his new memoir. From Oct. 7–10, the 2001 NBA MVP will make stops in New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans to share Misunderstood with fans for the first time.

“I’m excited to announce that my book tour kicks off this October! I can’t wait to share my memoir with you,” Iverson wrote. “Grab your copy now at bit.ly/AllenIversonBook, or click the link in my bio.”

The tour news comes after Iverson’s June reveal of his memoir, which he calls a candid reflection on the highs and lows of his life beyond the basketball court.

“I’m excited to announce that I’m releasing my memoir, MISUNDERSTOOD, this fall,” he shared in an Instagram announcement. “This book is a look back at my life beyond the game, the struggles, the triumphs, and everything in between that made me who I am today. It’s raw, it’s authentic, and it’s me.”

According to the overview, the memoir will explore Iverson’s challenging childhood in Virginia, his rise as the No. 1 overall draft pick, and his groundbreaking, often controversial professional basketball career that sometimes overshadowed his success on the court.

“Misunderstood lifts the veil and brings you into the mind of the pugnacious, ultra-talented misfit whose foremost goal, more than fame or fortune, was always to lift his family and friends out of poverty and violence,” a description states. “In his memoir, Iverson explores how he completely shattered the mold dictating what an NBA star could be in the 1990s and 2000s, all while dealing with legal troubles and personal traumas that only contributed to his sense of individualism and star power.”

Iverson played 14 seasons in the NBA and is widely regarded as one of the most influential players in basketball history. Nicknamed “The Answer,” Iverson was known for his lightning-fast crossover, scoring ability, and unapologetic authenticity. He is an 11-time NBA All-Star, the 2001 league MVP, and a Hall of Fame inductee.

Drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996, he transformed the game both on and off the court, breaking barriers with his style, attitude, and cultural impact. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Iverson’s legacy as a trailblazer and icon of basketball culture remains unmatched.

“This is the unforgettable story of a trailblazer who not only changed the game of basketball but rewrote the rules of what it means to rise, fall, and rise again while staying unapologetically true to himself,” the overview states.

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Atlanta church, medical debt
by Sharelle B. McNair

August 12, 2025

Historic Black Church Sues NY Proud Boys Chapter In Trademark Battle

National Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio condemned the court’s initial ruling on the group’s trademark loss, saying during an interview, “I wipe my ass with it.”

Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, a historic Black institution in Washington, D.C., has filed a lawsuit against the New York chapter of the white nationalist group The Proud Boys for using the name and logo on merchandise, as the church controls the “Proud Boys” trademark, WTOP reports. 

In a suit filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York, Metropolitan AME accused the Hudson Valley Proud Boys Chapter, president William Pepe, and 100 “John Does” of trademark infringement for use of the name and black and yellow wreath logo in online recruitment efforts and merchandise sales. The church sent a cease-and-desist letter to Pepe, demanding that the chapter stop using the Proud Boys name within its communications.

While the group continues to deny any ties to white supremacy, Metropolitan “is trying to evolve the ‘Proud Boys’ name to be associated with the Church’s mission of love and humanity, rather than white supremacy, hatred, and violence, and in doing so transform and improve the goodwill the Church inherited in connection therewith.” 

The lawsuit is just another dent in the five-year-long battle between the group and the church, starting in December 2020 when the Proud Boys destroyed Black Lives Matter signs at two historically Black churches following a pro-Donald Trump rally. According to WUSA 9, a D.C. judge awarded the church $2.8 million in damages and condemned the Proud Boys for their “hateful and overtly racist conduct.”

The New York chapter and Pepe allegedly violated the trademark awarded to the church after failing to pay the multimillion-dollar judgment for vandalizing the property in late 2020. “Defendants’ continued and unauthorized use of the ‘Proud Boys’ trademark without payment of licensing or royalty fees dissipates the value of the trademark and violates the lien’s prohibition against the unauthorized dealing or disposition of the trademark,” the group of attorneys – Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, and Paul Weiss, representing Metropolitan wrote in the suit. 

The church secured the rights to the group’s name in February 2025 after the Proud Boys paid only $1,500 of the judgment. Metropolitan was granted the rights in February 2025 and awarded the rights for the church to seize money that the group made through sales of items bearing the trademark.

Metropolitan has promoted the yellow and black color scheme on its website with look-alike shirts with lines like “Stay Proud, Stay Black.”

National Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who had his prison sentence pardoned by President Donald Trump after his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, proudly condemned the court’s initial ruling on the group’s trademark loss. During an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, he said, “I wipe my ass with it.”

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Diddy, Trump, Pardon
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 12, 2025

Diddy’s Lawyer Thinks A Trump Pardon Is The Key To His Client’s Political ‘Conversion’

One of Diddy's lawyers believes he might switch political allegiance if granted a pardon by Trump.

The father of one of the lawyers defending Sean “Diddy” Combs believes the disgraced music mogul will turn “Team Trump” if he receives a presidential pardon.

Mark Geragos, father of Diddy’s defense lawyer, Teny Geragos, and an acting consultant on the Bad Boy founder’s sex trafficking case, recently took to his 2 Angry Men podcast to weigh in on the Diddy-Trump rumors. According to Geragos, a longtime attorney for Diddy, there could be a possible party switch if Trump leverages his presidential power to benefit Diddy.

“You want to know the truth? I think yes,” Geragos said when asked if Diddy would turn into a Trump supporter if he received an official pardon. “Do you know why? I don’t know that it would be like a fealty oath or anything else.”

With a long list of celebrity clients, Geragos believes Trump and Diddy will find common ground through their federal cases, both of which have turned their personal lives into high-profile media spectacles.

“There’s something about that fraternity of people who have been accused and have gone through the process that gives you an affinity,” he explained. “It would not surprise me to hear Sean say: ‘I now get it. I understand it. I was wrong then.’ I don’t know if I would say he’s pledging loyalty, but I think we would probably say: ‘I now get what he went through.’”

Geragos’ latest take follows Trump’s apparent softening of his stance on pardoning Diddy, recalling the rap producer’s past criticisms of him during election campaigns.

“When I ran for office, he was very hostile,” Trump said earlier this month. “It’s hard, you know? We’re human beings. And we don’t like to have things cloud our judgment, right? But when you knew someone and you were fine, and then you run for office, and he made some terrible statements. So I don’t know … It makes it more difficult to do.”

Diddy remains in jail awaiting his October sentencing after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was acquitted of the more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges.

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Sha’Carri Richardson
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 12, 2025

Sha’Carri Richardson Apologizes To Track Star Boyfriend After Domestic Altercation At Airport

Richardson made a public video and statement expressing her remorse for the domestic dispute.

Sha’Carri Richardson wants her apology to be as loud as her actions.

The Olympian has publicly apologized to her boyfriend, fellow track and field athlete Christian Coleman, after Richardson was arrested for allegedly assaulting him. The 25-year-old shared videos on her Instagram story, taking accountability for the incident that occurred at the Seattle airport on July 27.

“More than anything, definitely a lot of self-reflection, a lot of understanding of not only putting myself in a compromising situation with somebody that I have a deep care and appreciation for as well, is something that — holding myself accountable,” she said in the videos posted Aug. 11, as reported by the New York Post. “I’m taking this time to not only see myself but get myself a certain level of help that overall is going to reflect who I truly am in my heart and in my spirit, and not allowing this moment, but accepting this moment to be more.”

As previously covered on BLACK ENTERPRISE, police arrested Richardson on a domestic violence charge for the interaction. In the recorded security footage, Richardson shoved her long-time partner multiple times in the security area of the airport.

Despite her detainment for nearly a day, Richardson, alongside Coleman, went on to compete in the USATF Outdoor Championships preliminary rounds. However, she failed to qualify for the final in the 200-meter race.

Richardson later took the time to reflect on her actions off the track, leading her to express remorse for her alleged actions.

“So my only thing is, I want to be more. Not just only for myself, for my family, my fans,” she added. I overly appreciate y’all supporting me and showing love and even holding me accountable to being my best self. “So more than anything, I refused to run away … but face everything that comes to me head-on because everything on the other side is greater, but you gotta go through in order to get there.”

Richardson then followed up the next day with a typed apology. The Shade Room reposted a screenshot of the statement Richardson shared on Instagram.

“I apologize to Christian. He came into my life [and] gave me more than a relationship but a greater understanding of unconditional love than what I’ve experienced in my past. Due to my trauma and pain, I was blind [and] blocked off to not only receive it but give it. I love him [and] to him I can’t apologize enough. My apology should be just as loud as my actions, honestly louder. To Christian, I love you and I am so sorry.”

When initially asked about the incident, Coleman expressed empathy for his long-time love over the ordeal. He also declined to press charges.

“For me personally, I feel like it was a sucky situation all round,” Coleman said Aug. 3. “I don’t feel like she should have been arrested. I mean, people have discussions and emotions and stuff like that. She has things that she needs to work on for herself, of course. So do I, so do you, so does everybody.

He added, “She just has a lot of things going on, a lot of emotions and forces going on inside of her that not only I can’t understand, but nobody can because she’s one of one. And I’m one of one too… She’s going to be just fine. I’m going to be good too. So, it is what it is.”

However, no word on where the two currently stand in their relationship.

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Malcolm X, daughters, lawsuit, Ben Crump
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 12, 2025

Central Park MTA Station Becomes 110 St-Malcolm X Plaza

Harlem commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance by renaming a Harlem-based subway station in Malcolm X's honor.

A Harlem-based train station for New York City’s MTA has officially been renamed the Malcolm X Plaza to honor the famed civil rights leader.

The 110 St-Central Park North subway station for the 2 and 3 trains has officially been renamed to 110 St-Malcolm X Plaza, the MTA announced on August 10. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was joined by the slain revolutionary’s daughters in Harlem to sign the legislation during the 51st annual Harlem Week celebration.

“Starting today, the 110th Street–Central Park North station proudly bears the name of one of Harlem’s most powerful voices: Malcolm X,” Gov Hochul announced. “Honored to join his daughters in celebrating their father’s unwavering fight for justice.”

The renaming pays tribute to the influential civil rights leader who spent many years in Harlem, residing there as a teenager and again in the final chapter of his life. The announcement was made during this year’s Harlem Week celebration, and also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance, an era born after the Great Migration, when 175,000 Black residents moved to Harlem seeking refuge from the racist Jim Crow South.

“One of the best ways to celebrate the rich history and community of Harlem is to recognize the contributions of Malcolm X and the Harlem Renaissance to New York and to the world,” Hochul said.

“From the struggle for civil rights and equality to boundary-breaking cultural impacts of American icons like Zora Neale Hurston and Duke Ellington, Harlem has been at the center of progress in our nation for generations.”

Born Malcolm Little before changing his last name to X following his conversion to Islam, Malcolm X was regarded as a powerful voice in the civil rights movement. Known for his advocacy of Black racial pride and resistance to oppression, he rose to prominence as the national spokesperson for the Nation of Islam in the 1950s and early 1960s.

His frequent criticism of integration and the nonviolent protest practiced by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. often painted the two as enemies, but they shared a mutual respect, meeting briefly in 1964 and recognizing the shared goal of achieving justice for Black Americans despite differing strategies. After leaving the Nation of Islam in 1964, Malcolm X founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity and broadened his vision to include global human rights advocacy before his assassination in Harlem in February 1965.

Harlem was central to his life and activism, as he lived, worked, and preached there, delivering speeches at local mosques and on street corners that galvanized the community and cemented his legacy as one of the neighborhood’s and world’s most influential leaders. The subway station renaming joins other parts of Harlem already bearing his name, including Malcolm X Boulevard, also known as Lenox Avenue, which stretches from 110th Street to 147th Street, the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market, and the Malcolm Shabazz Plaza.

“Renaming this subway station as Malcolm X Plaza is more than symbolic; it’s a powerful, permanent reminder that Harlem remembers its heroes,” said Yusef Salaam, Councilmember and one of the exonerated Central Park 5. “Every rider who passes through will encounter the name of a man who dared to speak truth to power, who demanded dignity for the oppressed, and who inspired generations to rise above adversity.”

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Morgan State University
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 12, 2025

Morgan State University On Track To Become Next HBCU With Research-1 Status

The school expects to gain R-1 status by 2030.

Morgan State University is on track to accomplish a significant feat, becoming the next HBCU with Research-1 status.

The Baltimore-based institution embarked on a journey to reach R-1 status in 2020. At the time, the school’s president, David Kwabena Wilson, announced its quest to obtain a Research One Carnegie classification. Five years later, they are making significant progress in reaching this goal.

According to the Baltimore Banner, the school had only $17.2 million in research spending and 71 doctoral students in its 2020 graduating class. Now, the school has secured more than $65 million in research funding, with $10 million projected for 2026.

Morgan State has also increased its number of doctoral graduates, with 100 expected at next spring’s commencement. Wilson, who has led the HBCU since 2010, has grand hopes for Morgan State’s potential once it reaches R-1 status.

“We are very close to becoming a tenant on the penthouse level of research in this country,” explained Wilson. “When we get there, we won’t be like anyone else currently on that floor. We are distinctly Morgan.”

To reach this goal, the school increased the number of grant applications completed by faculty members, doubling the number of proposals within the five years. Wilson also sought investment from politicians and philanthropic leaders to fund the venture, not wanting to rely solely on state funding.

“You’ll never ever hear me asking the state to spend anything on Morgan,” added Wilson. “Instead, I ask them to invest in Morgan.”

Established in 1890 as the Centenary Biblical Institute, Morgan State has emerged as the largest historically Black institution in Maryland, with nearly 10,000 students enrolled. It currently holds an R2 status as a doctoral-degree-granting university.

Reaching R-1 status would significantly boost Morgan State’s competitiveness among other universities. The classification would also widen research opportunities, alongside a greater appeal to students and faculty.

The school has already improved its resources and buildings in its science departments. This includes not only its newly opened $171 million Health and Human Services building, but also a $337 million science center currently under construction. Upon completion, the 246,000-square-foot building will house the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences.

The school expects to gain the Carnegie classification by 2030. It can also apply for the status during its round in 2028. If approved, it will become the second HBCU to hold the distinction currently. The only other HBCU with R-1 status remains Howard University.

State and local leaders have also championed this cause, such as Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.

“Baltimore knows that Morgan State is Baltimore’s University,” Scott said at the time. “This groundbreaking is the next step in Morgan’s transformation, an investment in STEM programs that the school is known for, and important progress on the road to becoming a top-tier, R1 research institution.”

The school intends to keep climbing no matter the political shifts that may cause challenges. Like many schools, especially HBCUs, Morgan State faced federal cuts prompted by the Trump administration. However, the HBCU’s leadership remains determined to elevate the school to R-1.

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department of Labor,
by Mitti Hicks

August 12, 2025

U.S. Labor Dept. Announces $30M In Grants To Train Workers For High-Demand Jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a high demand for high-skilled fields such as nursing, specialized care, and scientists. There is also a need for skilled trades such as electricians, machinists, and plumbers.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced Monday up to $30 million in grants to train the workforce for high-demand jobs nationwide. The funding will help to address critical workforce needs nationwide.

Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), the Trump administration says the funding will provide outcome-based reimbursements to employers for providing training in high-demand and emerging industries that align with President Trump’s Executive Order 14278, Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future, Executive Order 14629, Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, and America’s AI Action Plan.

Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said the funding echoes the President’s call to “Make America Skilled Again,” which aims to provide states with the resources and flexibility needed to meet their workforce demands. 

“The Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grants will ensure employers drive workforce training that is critical for their business needs, while also upskilling workers and developing a critical talent pipeline to fulfill this Administration’s goal of putting American workers and employers first,” she said in a statement. “These grant opportunities will help fill the good-paying, in-demand jobs being created by President Trump’s successful efforts to restore America as the world’s leading manufacturing superpower and secure our position as the dominant global leader in AI.”

What To Know About The Available Grants From the U.S. Labor Department

According to the Labor Department, grants of up to $8 million will be awarded to State Workforce Agencies to establish and administer training funds that encourage businesses to create and expand innovative training programs.

“These programs will help make sure both new hires and workers with more experience are able to gain the critical skills they need to meet the evolving workforce demands of their industries,” Labor Department leaders said in a news release.

Artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, nuclear energy, domestic mineral production, and information technology are all industries that will be prioritized. In addition, the department intends to award at least $5 million to build a pipeline of skilled American workers in the shipbuilding industry.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a high demand for high-skilled fields such as nursing, specialized care, and science. There is also a need for skilled tradespeople such as electricians, machinists, and plumbers.

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