Shaquille ONEAL, Reebok, Angel Reese — Photo credit: courtesy of from Zach Rosenfield (RMG-PR)

by Edwian Stokes

May 16, 2026

Reebok Brand Is Benefiting From The Shaquille O’Neal Effect

The NBA great was named president of Reebok Basketball in 2023

Reebok, one of the nation’s most recognizable sneaker brands, is experiencing a cultural resurgence thanks to NBA veteran Shaquille O’Neal, according to Yahoo Finance. O’Neal is the company’s first-ever president of Reebok Basketball. In addition to his role, O’Neal is the second-largest individual shareholder in Reebok’s parent company, Authentic Brands Group.

Authentic Brands Group finalized its $2.5 billion acquisition of Reebok from Adidas in March 2022. Reebok is one of many long-standing American brands in its portfolio, such as Brooks Brothers, Champion, GUESS, Juicy Couture, and Quick Silver.

O’Neal was named president in 2023. Later that year, the company signed then-LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese to Reebok’s first NIL deal. Reese’s signing led “a shift toward younger, culturally relevant athletes to compete with Nike and Jordan Brand.”

O’Neal told Yahoo Finance the resurgence of Reebok is “fun.”

“We do a wonderful job of content,” Shaq said. “We’re very careful of the players we select. One of our first selections was Angel Reese … Her shoe has just been sold out.”

O’Neal, who is no stranger to corporate pitching, expressed that he enjoys reintroducing the brand to a younger audience:

“I take it personal. I’ll go to a kid [and they’ll say] ‘oh, I never heard of Reebok. Well you know who Allen Iverson is? ‘oh the A.I.’s’ those are Reeboks, …try to reintroduce Reebok to the youth…”

Jamie Salter, the CEO of Authentic Brands, credits O’Neal’s sureness in revitalizing Reebok: “[Reebok] got out of sport, and Shaq’s like ‘Jamie, we’re going to get into this, and we’re going right back into sport.”

After an internal scan of the other companies in the Authentic Brands portfolio, Salter said, “60 percent of the business is classics, it’s fashion.”

O’Neal was unswayed, telling Salter, “You look after that piece of the puzzle, I’ll look after the sports side.”

Salters admits O’Neal’s assessment was correct.

“Sure enough, we’re back in basketball, we’re back in soccer, we’re back in football…so we’re getting back to the roots of where Reebok started,” Salter added.

According to Yahoo, O’Neal has been the public face of the “Return of the Classics” campaign, reproducing classic“silhouettes” like the Shaq Attack and Iverson’s signature shoe, the Question.

“We just do things that are very, very strategic,” O’Neal added. “We’ve doubled in business and we plan on continuing to grow.”

Black girls in media — Photo credit: Ciera Sharae photography

by Tierra Smith

May 16, 2026

Black Girls In Media Hosts ‘Lights, Camera, Influence’ Summit In Dallas

Consistency Helped Build Pour Minds Into A Media Powerhouse

Black Girls in Media is helping women turn social media influence into financial stability.

At the Lights, Camera, Influence Summit on May 3 in Dallas, hundreds of content creators, journalists, entrepreneurs, and students gathered to learn strategies for building a sustainable career in media and content creation.

The fourth annual summit featured two panel discussions: Influence That Pays, with Niyah Gonzalez, Amani Wortham, Chanell Sykes, Erica M., and Faithe Williams, and Power, Pay & Positioning, featuring Majesty Acheampong, Tashara Parker, Peakmill, and Asa Dugger. Hosted by Leah Henry, the experience also included a portrait studio by Orcinus Media, beauty lounge activation by Dhair Boutique, an open bar sponsored by Sir Davis, and Black-owned vendors, including mocktails by Sensori, beverages by Mo Matcha, and skincare & home fragrance by Ngozi Body.

The fireside chat featured BGIM Founder Tasha McCaskiel and Pour Minds co-host Lex P, who reflected on her journey from being a college radio host at Texas Southern University to building one of culture’s most recognizable podcasts alongside best friend and co-host Drea Nicole.

Pour Minds has built a loyal following through relatable girl chat about relationships, music, and navigating life in your 30s, as well as celebrity interviews and viral moments. According to Lex P, the formula behind the podcast’s growth is straightforward: consistency, authenticity, and teamwork.

“You have to train your audience,” said the Orange, Texas, native.

For the past seven years, the duo has consistently released episodes on YouTube every Friday, creating a routine their audience has come to expect.

However, despite talent and grit, revenue can fluctuate.

“There are months where you might make $80,000, and the next month you might wait on two dollars, and then the next six months you make $50,000,” Lex P said. “You have to manage that.”

Behind the scenes, Pour Minds operates with a growing team that includes producers, managers, and interns. Lex P explains that the team must be paid, even if it means going without.

“There is no such thing as a successful person who doesn’t have a team behind them,” said Lex P, who also co-hosts with Drea Nicole the Travel Queens series on BET HER.

Lex P also spoke candidly about being underestimated because of her outspoken personality, something she says many Black women experience regardless of their accomplishments.

“I am used to people underestimating me. I am a Black woman,” she said. “They still underestimate Beyoncé, child. We’re all proving the world wrong, and we’re gonna continue to do it.”

As the fastest-growing segment of entrepreneurs, Black women are increasingly building platforms, communities, and businesses independently. In an uncertain economy, creators like Lex P prove that social media influence can create a pathway to financial independence, ownership, and long-term sustainability.

“The same brands that laughed at us have come knocking. Don’t be afraid to walk away. They want us to feel grateful for crumbs — but we deserve the same rates as everyone else,” she said.

The Docket Diva, LaJanee Alford, Court reporting ,trial — Courtesy of LaJanee Alford

by Kandiss Edwards

May 16, 2026

The Docket Diva Is In The Courtroom Where It All Goes Down

The truth of federal indictments often gets lost between the trial of public perception and the actual rule of law.

High-profile legal matters are regularly being fought in the courtroom and the court of public opinion. Federal indictments and viral courtroom clips dominate the 24-hour news cycle. The truth often gets lost between the trial of public perception and the actual rule of law.

Enter LaJanee Alford, known as the “Docket Diva.” A veteran of traditional journalism schools. Her resume includes stints at Black media juggernauts The Shade Room and BET. The Docket Diva has carved out a unique niche: translating dense legal jargon for everyday people while maintaining a deep “cultural fluency” in hip-hop.

“I break down dense legal jargon for everyday people,” she said. “The distinction between me and others is that I don’t just regurgitate what I heard in the courtroom. I provide a legal analyst’s explanation of what it means and how it culturally impacts our communities.”

Identifying as a “journalist by nature,” Alford transitioned from entertainment news and social media strategy into legal reporting to find work that was both meaningful and challenging. Her approach is rooted in the rigors of traditional reporting, verified sources, and constant fact-checking. She employs all tools at her disposal to ensure her reporting is not sensationalized. The Docket Diva’s methods range from attending trials, pulling courtroom transcripts, lawsuit filings, and sources “that are right next to the defendant.”

While she embraces traditional journalism, her approach is adapted to engage a generation with short attention spans. Her work exists on multiple social media platforms, broken down to make it digestible. On X, she has multiple threads following court cases relevant to the Black community and hip-hop. As an independent journalist, she is making an impact.

“My Project 2025, Page 159 exclusive created a 5-day news cycle and was amplified by Charlamagne Tha God, Don Cheadle and more.”

The Docket Diva, LaJanee, Court reporting ,trial — Courtesy of

Alford argues that her perspective as a Black woman is essential when covering cases that disproportionately affect the Black community.

“I’m Black, so I’m fluid in hip-hop culture,” Alford said. “It ain’t something that I learned. I’m born into it.”

One of the greatest challenges in modern legal reporting, she notes, is the rampant spread of misinformation. She cites the Sean “Diddy” Combs case as a prime example of how the public often conflates moral outrage with legal charges. The rap mogul was sentenced to three years in prison, yet many felt the court was too lenient. The Docket Diva made her stance clear, though the mogul has done “evil things,” his charges and subsequent convictions did not support a longer sentence.

“With Diddy, people always refer to the [Cassie] video, but if he was charged with domestic violence, it wouldn’t even be a federal case.”

To give clarity, the Docket Diva stepped in for the community. She wants to provide accurate information that sheds light on the inner workings of the criminal justice system, specifically regarding Black people.

“I wanted to be precise. I wanted to be reliable. I wanted to be truthful,” she said of her pivot to legal reporting. “If I can’t verify, I don’t report on it. ”If I can’t explain it to myself, I don’t try to explain it to other people.”

voter ID bill, Rep. Bryan Steil — (Photo: Getty Images)

by Selena Hill

May 15, 2026

Local Leaders Call Georgia’s New Nonpartisan Election Law Racist

Critics argue House Bill 369 unfairly targets predominantly Black, Democratic-leaning counties and could disenfranchise voters

A newly signed Georgia law that will make several local elections nonpartisan in five Metro Atlanta counties is drawing fierce criticism from local leaders, voting rights advocates, and elected officials who argue the legislation disproportionately impacts Black voters and Democratic strongholds.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed House Bill 369 into law May 12, setting the stage for major changes to local elections beginning in 2028, reports CBS News. Under the law, candidates for offices, including district attorney, county commissioner, sheriff, clerk of court, probate judge, and tax commissioner in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties, will no longer appear on ballots with Democratic or Republican party labels.

Supporters of the legislation say the measure encourages voters to focus on candidates’ qualifications and performance instead of party affiliation. But opponents say the law selectively targets heavily Democratic and predominantly Black counties.

“These are counties that have historically been Democratic. These are counties that are predominantly African American,” Mary-Pat Hector, a DeKalb County voter and the CEO of RISE, a nonprofit that promotes youth advocacy, told CBS News. “This contributes to a more concerted effort to suppress Black voters.”

Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid publicly opposed the measure, while labor leader Sandra Lee Williams called the bill “an effort to suppress the vote.”

Political experts say removing party identifiers could create confusion for voters, particularly in local races that receive limited media coverage.

“Those parties are important in structuring political competition,” Emory University political science professor Zachary Peskowitz told CBS News. “They provide a lot of information to voters about what candidates stand for, particularly in these local county elections where there’s not a lot of media coverage.”

Meanwhile, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson questioned why the law only applies to five specific counties. “If fairness and election integrity are truly the goal, why does this bill target five counties and not all 159 across the entire state of Georgia?”

Critics have also noted that many of the offices potentially impacted by the legislation are currently held by Black women, fueling concerns about racial and political motivations behind the bill. “It is definitely, definitely racism at its fullest,” one local leader told the news outlet.

The law is set to take effect in 2028, but local officials are signaling plans to take legal action against the legislation.

Charles Barkley, spanking — Photo by Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Sidnee Michelle

May 15, 2026

Charles Barkley Sounds Off On Homophobia In Sports Following Jason Collins Death

During a May 13 broadcast of ESPN's "Inside the NBA," Barkley reflected on Collins' legacy

Former NBA star and TV analyst Charles Barkley spoke frankly about homophobia in professional sports while honoring the late Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in a major U.S. professional sports league.

During a May 13 broadcast of ESPN’s “Inside the NBA,” Barkley reflected on Collins’ legacy following the former Brooklyn Nets center’s death earlier this week at age 47 after battling Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Collins came out in 2013 through an essay in Sports Illustrated, becoming a key figure in professional sports and LGBTQ visibility.

“There is such animosity toward the gay community. That’s what’s really unfortunate. If you think there’s not more gay players in the NFL, Major League Baseball and the NBA, you’re just stupid,” Barkley said.

While discussing Collins’ impact, Barkley said that many athletes in the NBA, NFL, and Major League Baseball are still afraid to talk about their sexuality because of ongoing prejudice. The Hall of Famer noted that society remains very homophobic and criticized attitudes toward the LGBTQ community, including within parts of the Black community.

“We live in a homophobic society”
– Charles Barkley on the passing of Jason Collins

America is not “afraid of homosexuals.”
We’re just sick & tired of having LGBTQ Pride shoved down our throats in sports, our jobs, tv/movies, & education. pic.twitter.com/LqX07l42kW
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) May 14, 2026

Barkley’s comments quickly sparked debate online and in sports media. Some praised the former Phoenix Suns star for openly supporting LGBTQ athletes on a national platform.

Others, including commentary published by Fox News’ OutKick, criticized Barkley’s comments as overly political and accused the broadcaster of turning Collins’ death into a broader social commentary.

Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA after being selected in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft out of Stanford University. He played for several franchises, including the Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards, and became well known for both his defensive play and advocacy work after retirement.

RoDina Williams, Illinoisan, Doctorate In Clinical Laboratory Science — (Photo: artisteer/Getty Images)

by Selena Hill

May 15, 2026

Nigeria Bans Honorary Degree Recipients From Using ‘Dr.’ Title Amid Fraud Crackdown

Officials say the move is aimed at curbing abuse, political patronage, and the growing misuse of honorary academic titles.

The Nigerian government is cracking down on the use of honorary academic titles after announcing that recipients of honorary degrees can no longer legally use the title “Dr.” before their names.

According to Citizen Digital, Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) issued the directive as part of a broader effort to combat fraud, political favoritism, and the misuse of honorary awards. The commission warned that honorary doctorate recipients who continue to publicly present themselves as medical doctors or as holders of academically earned doctorates could face sanctions.

In a statement, the NUC described the widespread use of honorary titles as “deceptive” and said the practice has increasingly blurred the line between earned academic qualifications and ceremonial recognitions. Officials argued that the abuse has undermined the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.

Universities traditionally award honorary degrees to recognize individuals for notable contributions to society, philanthropy, business, entertainment, or public service. However, the degrees do not require the years of academic coursework, research, or dissertation work typically associated with a Ph.D. or professional doctorate.

The controversy surrounding honorary titles has grown in Nigeria over the years as politicians, religious leaders, celebrities, and business executives increasingly adopt the “Dr.” prefix after receiving ceremonial honors.

Critics have accused some universities of turning honorary degrees into political favors or status symbols rather than preserving their intended purpose as symbolic recognitions of achievement.

The NUC said only individuals who have completed accredited academic doctorate programs or professional medical training should use the “Dr.” designation in formal and public settings.

The move arrives as several African nations intensify efforts to restore trust in academic institutions and combat credential fraud. Nigeria has faced repeated scrutiny over fake degree scandals in recent years, including investigations involving forged foreign university credentials among public officials, reports Fast Company.

While supporters say the policy will strengthen academic credibility and reduce public deception, critics argue that enforcement could prove difficult in a country where honorary titles often carry social prestige and political influence.

American Express, AI, small businesses, entrepreneurs, AI — photo credit: Marcus Quigmire from Florida, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 15, 2026

American Express Expands AI Education With New Scholarship Programs For Small Businesses

This week, the financial services company announced two programs focused on AI training and workforce development

American Express is expanding its efforts in artificial intelligence education with a new initiative aimed at helping small businesses understand and use AI tools in their daily work.

The financial services company announced two programs focused on AI training and workforce development in partnership with nonprofits Generation and Scholarship America. Many entrepreneurs want to integrate generative AI into areas like customer service, marketing, scheduling, and administrative tasks, but they often lack the technical knowledge to use the technology effectively.

One of the new programs, called “AI Upskilling for Small Business,” will provide online courses in English and Spanish for business owners and employees worldwide. According to American Express, the curriculum will emphasize practical applications instead of broad theoretical concepts. It will include specialized tracks in digital marketing, customer success, and general AI operations.

The company is also introducing the “Smart Futures for Small Business Scholarships” program. This initiative will provide eligible U.S. workers with financial support for AI certification courses offered by accredited institutions and technology vendors. Scholarship recipients can receive funds to develop technical skills that are becoming essential in various industries.

Jennifer Skyler, the chief corporate affairs officer at American Express, stated that the company aims to help smaller businesses move from trying out AI to using it consistently as a productivity tool.

“These initiatives were designed to help small businesses move from Gen AI exploration to practical application, equipping them to drive productivity and help unlock new opportunities for growth,” Skyler said.

This announcement reflects a broader trend in the small business economy. A 2025 American Express Trendex report found that over half of surveyed small businesses were already using AI, with many noting improvements in efficiency, employee productivity, and customer service. However, most business owners acknowledged they were still figuring out how to use the technology strategically.

Industry analysts say the need for AI education is increasing as small businesses face pressure to modernize without the budgets or staffing resources often available to large corporations. American Express has not revealed how many businesses it expects to participate in the new training programs.

Revisiting Troy Taylor’s Viral Moment As XCEL Summit For Men Approaches It’s 10-Year Anniversary

by Kenneth Meeks

May 15, 2026

Revisiting Troy Taylor’s Viral Moment As XCEL Summit For Men Approaches It’s 10-Year Anniversary

Taylor reminds the Black men in the room that America is their country, too

Coca-Cola Beverage of Florida CEO Troy Taylor shares why staying connected to friends, communities, and people in general creates opportunities that benefit everyone. Several people honored with the same Black Enterprise XCEL Award he received at the 2025 XCEL Summit for Men were people Taylor had done business with over the years. He names fellow honoree Larry Fitzgerald as a prime example. He says “togetherness” is how communities grow stronger and larger. This was his message to the attendees. It’s also the message that BLACK ENTERPRISE embraces. And Taylor reminded the Black men in the room that America is their country, too, despite what is going on in Washington, DC, under the current presidential administration. Hear it directly from Troy Taylor himself in this short clip.

Trump, South Africa, Welcome packages, Afrikaners — (Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

by Sidnee Michelle

May 14, 2026

Trump Says Americans’ Finances Aren’t On His Mind As Inflation Climbs

Trump told reporters he was not considering the economic impact on Americans "even a little bit" during a recent interview.

President Donald Trump faces new criticism after saying he does not think about Americans’ financial struggles while inflation keeps rising and Black households report increasing economic pressure across the country.

While giving comments on the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran, Trump told reporters he was not considering the economic impact on Americans “even a little bit” as his administration focuses on military and diplomatic efforts abroad. His remarks came on the same day new federal data showed inflation rose 3.8% in April compared to a year earlier, the highest increase in three years.

“The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran: they can’t have a nuclear weapon. I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody,” the president said.

According to a U.S. Department of Labor report, increases in gas, food, and housing costs were among the largest contributors to the latest inflation surge. Analysts and advocacy groups warned that Black Americans are facing greater hardship due to long-standing wealth and wage gaps.

The report pointed out that Black unemployment recently climbed to 7.3%, staying near levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery period. Civil rights organizations argued that the rising cost of living is worsening existing economic inequalities in Black communities.

Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, criticized Trump’s response, accusing the administration of overlooking the financial realities that working-class Americans face as prices continue to rise ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. He told The Grio, “The reckless Republican war of choice in Iran is crushing the financial situation of the American people. Donald Trump just made clear he doesn’t give a damn. At what point have you had enough?”

NAACP President Derrick Johnson also blamed Trump for increasing consumer costs and financial strain nationwide.

He told The Grio, “Life is getting more and more unaffordable every single day, and you bet that all of us will send Donald Trump a clear message in November when we head to the polls.”

Target, stock decline, turnaround — Photo by Mike Mozart/flickr

by Selena Hill

May 14, 2026

Target Stock Hits Worst 3-Day Stretch In More Than A Year

Investors are growing uneasy about whether the retail giant can sustain momentum after years of sluggish sales, declining store traffic, and mounting consumer complaints

Why is Target’s Stock Dropping?

Shares of Target dropped more than 5% on Monday, marking the retailer’s steepest one-day decline since August and extending its losing streak to three consecutive trading sessions. According to The Wall Street Journal’s The Barron’s Daily report, the latest drop erased nearly 9% of the company’s value over the past three days — its worst three-day performance in more than a year — as analysts and investors raise concerns about the company’s long-term turnaround plan.

Market Performance vs. Reality:

The selloff comes despite Target posting a surprisingly strong rally earlier this year. The retailer’s stock had climbed more than 20% year-to-date, outperforming many competitors and even the broader S&P 500. But now, some on Wall Street fear the optimism may have outpaced reality.

Leadership Concerns:

Investor anxiety intensified Monday following a report questioning whether Target CEO Michael Fiddelke can restore the retailer’s former momentum. Critics argue that while Fiddelke understands the company’s culture and operations, his long history inside the organization may limit his ability to deliver the bold transformation some analysts believe Target desperately needs.

Concerns also grew after Barclays analyst Seth Sigman reiterated an “Underweight” rating on the company and maintained a $115 price target, below Target’s recent trading level. Sigman acknowledged that Target likely delivered a solid first quarter but suggested much of the improvement came from easy operational fixes rather than meaningful long-term growth strategies.

“Overall, our key take is that we feel better about Target getting back to the baseline after the sales/margin reset in 2025,” Sigman reportedly noted, “but less clear on how that grows.”

Upcoming Earnings and Consumer Trends:

The company is also heading into a highly anticipated earnings report scheduled for May 20, adding another layer of pressure for investors worried about slowing consumer spending.

Target has struggled to regain its footing since late 2021, when its stock reached record highs. Since then, shares have lost roughly half their value amid declining store traffic, weak sales, customer complaints, and a nationwide Target boycott launched last year by Black faith and social justice leaders. Furthermore, analysts warn that rising gas prices and tighter household budgets could cause consumers to cut back on discretionary purchases.