by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 24, 2025

Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Features First Luxury Watch Auction

'The Art of Time: Rare & Coveted Watches' will be accepting bids until July 29.

Pharrell Williams’ auction site, Joopiter, has unveiled its latest collection, “The Art of Time: Rare & Coveted Watches.”

According to GQ, the collection of luxury timepieces, which started accepting bids on July 17, will be open until July 29. The auction includes pieces from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Franck Muller, and Hermès.

Of course, there’s a preview of the auction on social media.

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A post shared by JOOPITER (@joopiterofficial)

In March, Joopiter produced “On Another Planet: The Collection of Kid Cudi.” The auction featured 75 items chosen by the rapper himself. The items purchased reportedly generated $857,439, with a custom Jacob & Co. 14-karat N.E.R.D. pendant bringing in $243,750, making it the highest-priced item at the auction.

In June, the site went in a different (but still high-end) direction, auctioning a 1986-87 Fleer autographed rookie card of Michael Jordan, who then played for the Chicago Bulls. The hoops legend’s card sold for $2.5 million.

Now, the site is on to watches.

“Our first watch auction is a natural evolution, driven by the enthusiasm of our international collectors and our commitment to curating what’s truly exceptional,” Caitlin Donovan, Joopiter’s global head of sale, explained to GQ. “We’re excited to bring JOOPITER’s distinct perspective into the world of watch collecting.”

If you’re going to bid on any of the 27 watches, you better have some breathing room in your checking account.

The timepieces available range in starting bids from $3,000 for a Blancpain Villeret Split Second Chronograph Ref. 1186 “Soleil Blue” (expected to be sold at a price between $10,000 to $20,000) to a $290,000 bid for a Patek Philippe Celestial Ref. 6104R-001 (expected to be auctioned off for $300,000 to $600,000).

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 24, 2025

Former HBCU President Joins UNCF As Newest Leadership Appointment

The "Hip Hop Prez" will bring his expertise on Black greek life and former leadership history to the role.

A former HBCU president is taking his leadership talents to the United Negro College Fund in its latest appointment.

The UNCF will bring in Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough as its new executive vice president of Research & Member Engagement. Kimbrough expects to utilize his extensive expertise in Black collegiate tradition and his previous work experience at HBCUs in the role. The self-proclaimed “Hip Hop Prez” also announced the exciting news on social media.

Been waiting for a yes out there with my name on it.

Found it.

https://t.co/k78d625QR0
— Walter M. Kimbrough (@HipHopPrez) July 19, 2025

“Been waiting for a yes out there with my name on it,” wrote the academic, seemingly referencing his quest for a new, fulfilling role. “Found it.”

While also a top scholar on Black fraternities and sororities, Kimbrough previously worked at several historically black institutions, holding leadership roles at Dillard University and Philander Smith University. Before joining the UNCF, he served as interim president of Talladega College.

Now, Kimbrough will work directly with the Office of the President, led by Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of the UNCF. Lomax also told UNCF staffers that Kimbrough was chosen to become a “transformational” force within the organization.

“Dr. Kimbrough’s appointment is the culmination of our lengthy search for a transformational leader,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax of the hiring decision, according to Diverse Education.

Kimbrough will oversee four major UNCF initiatives as he begins his tenure. The programs all focus on deeper engagement while working with their 37-member institutions.

This includes the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI), which provides critical data and analysis on HBCUs and their place in academia. Other initiatives include the Institute for Capacity Building (ICB), which establishes Kimbrough as a lead consultant to these member schools, and the HBCUv Digital Learning Solution, which enhances online learning capabilities for students. These programs will also be accompanied by others in development that serve Black youth throughout the K-12 education pipeline.

As a former HBCU president himself, Kimbrough also understands the challenges these leaders face. Now, he will advise them through UNCF as they further their institutions for a stronger future.

“I have had the great honor to serve four UNCF member institutions, three as president, and for over 20 years, I benefited from the advocacy and support of UNCF,” Kimbrough told Diverse Education. “This position allows me to pour back into UNCF, its member institutions, and students.”

by Black Enterprise

July 24, 2025

Introducing The First Black Woman-Owned Investing App That Offers Multilingual Financial Education

Sabrina Lamb is the founder and CEO of Wekeza

Meet Sabrina Lamb, the founder and CEO of Wekeza, the first Black woman-owned global investing app that delivers multilingual financial education and access to U.S. stocks—starting at just $1—serving individuals, families, schools, and cities across the African Diaspora. With the launch of this app, Sabrina, an NAACP Image Award-nominated author, is breaking barriers in financial education and investing.

Breaking Language Barriers, Building Wealth

Wekeza, a Techstars-backed fintech, offers financial education in English, French, Swahili, Hausa, Wolof, Zulu, and Haitian Creole, empowering members to invest in U.S. publicly traded companies through fractional and whole shares.

“We learn to invest better when education speaks our language and honors our culture,” says Sabrina. “Wekeza connects deeply with the African Diaspora experience, breaking down barriers to generational wealth.”

Building on Lamb’s award-winning nonprofit WorldofMoney.org, which has financially educated over 50,000 children globally, Wekeza expands access to investing for adults. “I never thought investing was an option for my family,” said Fritz Celestin of Brooklyn, New York. “But with Wekeza, we’re finally making confident financial decisions about our future together.”

Tackling the Racial Wealth Gap

According to the Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net worth of Black households was roughly 15% of that of white households through 2022, around $44,900 compared to $285,000. Wekeza addresses this persistent global disparity through culturally grounded education, accessible investment tools, and licensed financial professionals.

Founder Recognition and Partnerships

Sabrina Lamb, a NAACP-nominated best-selling author of Do I Look Like An ATM?, has presided over NASDAQ, testified before Congress, and was a Pharrell Williams Black Ambition Prize finalist. Wekeza partners with Mastercard, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and the Opportunity Project in Tulsa, OK, to strengthen financial access and inclusion.

Download the app from Google Play and Apple’s App Store now to join the global community and start building generational wealth.

by Kandiss Edwards

July 24, 2025

Ladies First! Uber To Test ‘Women Preferences’ Options For Drivers And Riders in U.S.

"Women Preferences" allows women the opportunity to choose between men and women passengers and drivers in Uber settings, if available.

This fall, Uber will launch a pilot program that enables women to request female drivers.

“Women Preferences,” which will roll out in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Detroit, allows passengers to select the gender of their riders. Conversely, women drivers will be allowed to choose only women customers.

To access the setting, women customers will see “Women Drivers” as a settings option. While the setting does not guarantee a match with a female driver, it increases the chances. If women drivers are unavailable, a standard ride will arrive. Women drivers can also choose the “Women Rider Preference” to accept customer requests from women only.

“Across the U.S., women riders and drivers have told us they want the option to be matched with other women on trips,” Uber said in a statement. “We’ve heard them — and now we’re introducing new ways to give them even more control over how they ride and drive.”

https://twitter.com/Uber/status/1948006766639272358

The program has already been implemented Germany and France. The company introduced similar tools in Saudi Arabia in 2019, following the legalization of women’s driving rights. Since then, Women’s Preferences has expanded to more than 40 countries. 

Uber is currently in legal proceedings due to multiple sexual assaults reported by its employees. The 2021–2022 Uber safety report detailed 2,717 serious sexual assault or misconduct incidents. As a result, numerous previous customers are suing the company.

According to Reuters, the lawsuit claims the app did not include “a feature to match passengers with drivers of the same gender.”

Consumer advocates view the feature as a step forward, as only women assigned female in the app are eligible to participate. The feature does not account for nonbinary riders. However, in 2023, Lyft launched its Women+ Connect feature, which supports both women and nonbinary riders and drivers. 

Additionally, Uber offers other tools to increase safety for all customers, including encrypted audio recordings, RideCheck alerts, trip sharing and 24/7 in-app support. 

As the pilot rolls out, the company will monitor usage and wait times to determine if the program is successful and ready for a nationwide rollout.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 24, 2025

NFL Player Bobby Wagner Becomes Part-Owner Of WNBA’s Seattle Storm

'It’s an honor to join the Seattle Storm ownership group and support a franchise that has consistently set the standard in women’s professional sports,' said Wagner.

NFL linebacker Bobby Wagner has recently signed on to become part of the WNBA‘s Seattle Storm’s ownership group.

The franchise announced on July 23 that the Super Bowl XLVIII Champion will join the team’s ownership group. Wagner was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012 and played with the franchise until 2021.

We’re proud to announce that Bobby Wagner is joining the Seattle Storm ownership group!

A Super Bowl champion and All-Pro linebacker, @Bwagz will become the first active NFL player to have equity in a WNBA team.

📰 https://t.co/szpy4qpbNh pic.twitter.com/7B6yXI8rvS

— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) July 23, 2025

“It’s an honor to join the Seattle Storm ownership group and support a franchise that has consistently set the standard in women’s professional sports,” said Wagner in a written statement. “This is about more than basketball; it’s about investing in a legacy of excellence, empowering women, and continuing to elevate the game for future generations.”

The Storm has won four championships while making 19 playoff appearances in the 25 years that the team has been in the WNBA. Last year, the ownership group opened a $64 million training facility, BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance, dedicated to the Storm’s vision for the future of women’s basketball. They were ranked as the league’s third most valuable team in the WNBA.

The team’s co-owner, Lisa Brummel, welcomed Warner to the ownership group.

“Bobby is a hometown hero who has had an immeasurable impact on the Seattle community,” said Brummel. “He shares our desire to grow the game and knows the value and importance of investing in women’s sports. As we continue to build on the incredible legacy of the Storm franchise, we are excited to add Bobby’s experience and expertise to the mix.”

Wagner now plays for the Washington Commanders after stints with the Los Angeles Rams (2022) and a return to the Seahawks in 2023.

He was a second-round pick by the Seahawks and holds three of the team’s records for most tackles in a single season, and leads all active players in total tackles. Wagner has been to 10 Pro Bowls and named to 11 All-Pro teams.

The Storm has a winning record of 14-10 after losing the last game it played against the Dallas Wings, 87-63.

Black female student in the classroom, Public School, Classroom

by Jameelah Mullen

July 24, 2025

Black Girls Code and The Doux Launch The ‘Black Beauty’ AI Challenge

The tech-based contest is designed to empower black girls and women to redefine Black beauty.

Black Girls Code (BGC) and The Doux are teaming up to launch the Black Beauty AI Challenge, a contest that provides an opportunity for Black girls and young women to use AI as a tool to create original videos that reflect how they define beauty, style, and culture.

“If Black creators don’t guide what AI learns from us, we risk being overlooked—or worse, misrepresented by others,” said Maya Smith, CEO and creative director of The Doux said in a press release.

“The Black Beauty AI challenge is about taking control of that narrative by challenging girls to run the code.”

The Black Beauty AI Challenge invites participants to submit their entries, which a panel of judges will evaluate for a chance to win up to $1,500 in cash prizes.

Participants will create a 60–90 second AI-generated video that showcases their unique perspective on Black beauty. Judges will evaluate submissions in two age-based categories:

Youth Track: Ages 13–17

Young Adult Track: Ages 18–25

To ensure a level playing field, entries will be accepted using these free AI software tools, including Kaiber.ai, Runway ML, Luma Labs, Pika, CapCut, or Canva. Judges will consider submissions created with paid platforms for honorary recognition only. Prizes include:

– $1,500 – People’s Choice

– $1,000 – 1st place

– $750 – 2nd place

– $500 – 3rd place

– $150 Doux gift card – 4th place

– $100 Doux gift card – Honorary Mentions

“At Black Girls Code, we show girls and young women that technology is theirs to shape and to connect to their lived experiences because the future of AI is being written right now,” said Cristina Mancini, CEO of Black Girls Code in a statement.

Both Mancini and Smith will join a panel of judges that includes top journalists from the beauty industry.

No prior coding or tech experience is needed. All participants must identify as female and live in the continental United States. The top entries in each age group will be featured on Instagram and TikTok. Finalists and winning videos will also be displayed at a NYC pop-up gallery on MLK Day 2026.

Founded in 2011, Black Girls Code (BGC) aims to build a more inclusive tech industry by educating and empowering Black girls and young women with the skills necessary to succeed in technology through culturally relevant educational programs designed for learners aged 7-18. The organization also offers career advancement initiatives for young adults aged 18 and older.

The Doux is an Atlanta-based haircare brand founded in 2018 by Maya and Brian Smith. Maya Smith, CEO, co-founder, and creative director, started her career as a licensed cosmetologist, working with diverse hair textures in both the United States and Germany. She noticed a gap in the market where the unique needs of textured hair were often overlooked. To fill this need, Maya Smith created The Doux to address those needs. The brand combines high-quality products with a striking aesthetic inspired by ’90s hip-hop, offering products like Mousse Def, Crazy Sexy Curl, Big Poppa, and Bonita Afro Balm. The Doux is available for purchase online and at major retailers, including Walmart, Sally Beauty, and CVS.

by Ahsan Washington

July 24, 2025

7 Thoughtful Quotes From Malcolm-Jamal Warner

He will be missed.

We are still mourning the loss of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who went above and beyond his well known character as Theo Huxtable. He was recognized as an artist involved in poetry and music while sharing insightful commentary on Black culture that carried significant emotional and intellectual value with his audience. Warner openly discussed topics such as legacy preservation, personal identity, and dealing with loss on various platforms. These reflections offer a peek into his commitment to living a life based on honesty and purpose.

1.) “The hood side, ultimately historically, is what has always created American culture.”

Warner delves into how “the hood” serves as the cornerstone of mainstream culture on his podcast, Not All Hood: Here and Now Archive,

2.) “Black survival in of itself is Black excellence.”

Warner questions the notion that success is only linked to achievements and emphasizes the determination and courage needed to conquer and overcome obstacles.

3.) “I will be able to leave this earth knowing—and people knowing—that I was a good person…with all of the darkness in the world—it is possible to maintain your soul and be a good person.”

Warner appeared on the Hot & Bothered podcast and shared the importance of integrity and the value of staying true to one’s principles and moral convictions in challenging situations.

4.) “If you’ve ever seen someone take their final breath, there’s this peace that comes over them.”

Warner reflects on the memories of his grandfather and how their shared experiences shaped him as a person and developed his beliefs and character.

5.) “I remember my mother said, ‘Mr. Cosby gave you immortality…but then…there’s another lane of legacy that I get to leave.’”

He shows his respect for his character Theo Huxtable from The Cosby Show and emphasizes the impact the character had on 1980s culture while also recognizing the lasting influence of his personal growth and charitable work outside of television.

Warner talks passionately of experiences across the spectrum of Blackness, pointing out the richness and diversity present in Black communities and emphasizing the importance of presenting the multitude of viewpoints that reflect the true complexity in Black communities.

7.) “Sweetness doesn’t make you weak—it makes you strong.”

Warner looks back on how being compassionate and vulnerable can be sources of strength. He shares stories about Ennis Cosby’s kindness, resilience, and influence.

Black women, corporate America, corprorate ladder

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 24, 2025

Black Women Are Still Struggling To Advance In Corporate America, Study Finds

Black women are still being overlooked in the workplace, a new report finds.

“The 2024 McKinsey Women in the Workplace Report” shows “white women on the rise,” while Black women remain overlooked, under-supported, under-promoted, and penalized for the very leadership traits companies say they value, according to one critic.

The report, crafted from a survey of nearly 300 companies employing over 10 million people, found that workplace bias continues to hit Black women the hardest. While women overall have made notable strides, Black women remain underrepresented, holding just seven percent of C-suite positions (a modest four percent rise since 2017) and receiving little to no mentorship to help them advance, leaving them trailing far behind their white counterparts.

Business coach and Three Trees Center for Change founder Ben Motley said this dynamic creates a workplace reality where white women in C-suite roles often “take on the same toxic behaviors as white men.”

“The report does state that there’s been a steady rise in women in leadership positions. But in reality, it’s just a rise in white women,” he said in an Instagram video. “It’s still built on the same systems of control that have harmed so many for so long in the workplace.”

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A post shared by Ben the Curious (@benthecurious)

The ignited calls for social justice and inclusion in 2020 saw slight gains for Black women professionals in 2021 and 2022. But the recent report saw “Black women’s promotion rates this year regressed to 2020 levels.”

At the current rate, white women could reach workplace parity in about 22 years, but for Black women, it would take twice as long. Companies share some of the blame. Many have scaled back the career development, mentorship, and sponsorship programs once intended to help women advance.

“Relatively few companies track these programs’ outcomes, and in all cases, companies are investing in fewer programs designed to advance women of color,” the report said.

With mentorship often at the heart of promotions and raises, the report found Black women trail behind white women in this key area.

“Given that employees with consistent manager support are more likely to be promoted, this very likely disadvantages women of color.”

The report also revealed a double standard in the workplace where white women are often praised for showing vulnerability, while Black women are penalized for the same traits. Qualities like empathy, authenticity, and emotional honesty are frequently touted as ideal leadership skills but are viewed as shortcomings when expressed by Black women.

While white women are making strides that boost overall female representation, the persistent disparities facing Black women expose deeper systemic issues, ones that, according to Motley, only fuel more workplace toxicity.

“So white people, my belief is that the last thing we need is more white women climbing into positions of power just to sustain the abusive systems that have harmed everybody,” he said. “We need leaders who are willing to challenge and disrupt the system because if your style of leadership only works for people who look like you, it’s not leadership at all.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 24, 2025

Prince’s ‘Sign O’ The Times’ Receives Limited-Run At IMAX Theaters

The legendary Prince is coming to an IMAX theater near you.

Prince’s iconic 1987 concert film Sign O’ The Times is set to hit IMAX screens for the first time ever, with a limited theatrical run.

Prince’s classic live concert film, which served as the follow-up to his 1986 romantic drama Under the Cherry Moon, will hit IMAX theaters globally for one week only beginning on Aug. 29, Billboard reported. Fans of the music icon can relive the Grammy-nominated concert film, featuring Sheila E. tearing up the drums and Sheena Easton delivering a fiery live performance of “U Got the Look.”

The film, which combines live footage and scripted scenes, earned Prince a Grammy nomination for “Album of the Year.” The IMAX version will be “enhanced with IMAX’s precision surround sound audio, customized theatre geometry, and crystal-clear images. Prince’s virtuoso performance is set to mesmerize fans old and new in the most epic format available,” a press release announced.

Its release marked a daring chapter for Prince, who directed, scored, and starred in it after parting ways with his longtime band, The Revolution, ahead of his ninth studio album. For Sign O’ The Times, he assembled a brand-new lineup, featuring powerhouse performances from Sheila E. and Sheena Easton, alongside trusted collaborators like Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, keyboardist Dr. Fink, and drummer Bobby Z.

The film’s soundtrack showcases live renditions of Prince’s Billboard Top 10 classics “U Got the Look” and “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man,” along with Top 100 track “If I Was Your Girlfriend.” While the Sign O’ The Times album didn’t match the commercial success of Prince’s previous three records, it cemented his status as a visionary performer, adding to the musical film legacy built by icons like himself and Michael Jackson, a tradition Beyoncé continues to carry into the modern era.

RELATED CONTENT: Prince’s Sister Tyka Nelson Dies At Age 64

Kim Scott, Cleveland, City Planner, Felony Theft, Falsifying Documents

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 24, 2025

Not So Fast: Judge Presses Pause Button On DEI Ban In Mississippi Schools And Universities

As of April 2025, the law bans any type of offices, courses, training or programs to be conducted related to DEI or be composed of “divisive topics.”

A federal judge imposed a temporary pause on the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ban within Mississippi schools and universities due to a restraining order request from education advocates, according to the Associated Press.

U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate approved the request from a group of plaintiffs, including the Mississippi Association of Educators and Jackson State University, a HBCU, as the group feels the law focuses on the “preferred views” of Mississippi’s state government on students, educators, and families in addition to violating the First and Fourteenth Amendments. “We are fighting to protect the constitutional rights of teachers and students to share ideas and to receive and exchange knowledge,” a statement from the group’s legal representative, ACLU of Mississippi, read.

“We look forward to our day in court.”

As of April 2025, the law bans any offices, courses, training, or programs to be conducted related to DEI or that are composed of “divisive topics.” Educational institutions found in violation are subject to losing state funding. Wingate highlighted why he ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, touching on how the law has already impacted certain institutions such as Jackson State. Faculty members have been barred from discussing gender theory or systemic racism. “Suppressing constitutional speech through vague prohibitions and the specter of financial retribution does not serve the public good — it undermines it,” Wingate wrote in his ruling.

“Institutions have spent the intervening months attempting to interpret and implement the statute, often erring on the side of caution by canceling or defunding programming that arguably falls within its prohibitions. This prolonged period of uncertainty has deepened the chilling effect.”

The good news is that the restraining order will remain in place until Wingate rules on another request from the plaintiffs for a preliminary injunction, which could result in a longer-term order preventing the law from going into full force while matters play out in court. The move is being called a “critical first step” by the ACLU.

According to The Hill, Mississippi is one of roughly 16 states that have passed bills placing limitations on DEI in some shape, way, or form since 2023 as a result of the Supreme Court overturning the affirmative action ruling. The controversial ruling targeted diversity statements, DEI-related courses, or mandatory training within schools and businesses.

One of the headlining events included the Fearless Fund, the first venture capital firm built by Black women, being forced to end its popular grant program for Black-women business owners after being sued by a conservative group with anti-DEI viewpoints.

Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Features First Luxury Watch Auction

Former HBCU President Joins UNCF As Newest Leadership Appointment

Introducing The First Black Woman-Owned Investing App That Offers Multilingual Financial Education

Ladies First! Uber To Test ‘Women Preferences’ Options For Drivers And Riders in U.S.

NFL Player Bobby Wagner Becomes Part-Owner Of WNBA’s Seattle Storm

Black Girls Code and The Doux Launch The ‘Black Beauty’ AI Challenge

7 Thoughtful Quotes From Malcolm-Jamal Warner

1.) “The hood side, ultimately historically, is what has always created American culture.”

2.) “Black survival in of itself is Black excellence.”

3.) “I will be able to leave this earth knowing—and people knowing—that I was a good person…with all of the darkness in the world—it is possible to maintain your soul and be a good person.”

4.) “If you’ve ever seen someone take their final breath, there’s this peace that comes over them.”

5.) “I remember my mother said, ‘Mr. Cosby gave you immortality…but then…there’s another lane of legacy that I get to leave.’”

6.) “When we talk about the Black community, we tend to speak of it as a monolith…there are so many different facets.”

7.) “Sweetness doesn’t make you weak—it makes you strong.”

Black Women Are Still Struggling To Advance In Corporate America, Study Finds

Prince’s ‘Sign O’ The Times’ Receives Limited-Run At IMAX Theaters

Not So Fast: Judge Presses Pause Button On DEI Ban In Mississippi Schools And Universities