Master P Wants To Take Rap Snacks Public And Create Investment Opportunities
The entrepreneur connected Rap Snacks' potential expansion to a larger push for Black business ownership.
Master P wants to take Rap Snacks public, a move the rapper and entrepreneur says could create investment opportunities for Black consumers and help address the racial wealth gap, according to AfroTech.
Master P, whose legal name is Percy Miller, is a limited partner in Rap Snacks and maintains a stake in the company, AfroTech reported. He also recently discussed the brand’s future with Forbes, saying an initial public offering could be the company’s next step, although no final decision has been made.
“Our next goal is to go public,” Master P told Forbes. “The next level is taking the company public. We ain’t decide yet, but that’s something.”
Master P said the potential move could allow consumers who have supported Rap Snacks to become investors and participate financially in the company’s growth.
“We have to show our people how to bridge the wealth gap,” he said. “If we take this company public, then now we get the local people in the community, the culture to be able to invest into this brand, and then they make money with us, we make it together.”
Rap Snacks was founded in 1994. The company has built its brand around hip-hop culture through products and partnerships featuring rappers and other entertainers. Rap Snacks products are available in 40 cities and national retail chains, including Walmart, Kroger, Sam’s Club, and Target, according to the outlet.
Master P also pointed to the challenges Black-owned businesses face in securing retail shelf space and achieving long-term sustainability.
“For James to have the Rap Snacks and for us to be partners and the adversity that we went through, when you look at an African American-owned business, it’s all about shelving space, and it’s all about sustainability,” he said of its founder.
“And look, after 30 years, still here.”
The entrepreneur connected Rap Snacks’ potential expansion to a larger push for Black business ownership and representation among the nation’s biggest companies.
“How do you build these Fortune 500 companies?” Master P said. “So, we want to change that narrative.”
DATE: OCT 21-23, 2026 | LOCATION: HYATT REGENCY GRAND CYPRESS | ORLANDO, FL
The XCEL Summit For Men is the nation’s leading conference dedicated to elevating and empowering men—celebrating their excellence through the XCEL Awards and equipping them with the tools to thrive at every level of leadership, from entry-level to the C-suite.
The XCEL Summit For Men is the nation’s leading conference dedicated to elevating and empowering men—celebrating their excellence through the XCEL Awards and equipping them with the tools to thrive at every level of leadership, from entry-level to the C-suite.
20-time Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and music icon
Kirk Franklin is a 20-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and music icon. For over three decades, he has been a transformative force in contemporary Gospel music, blending Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop into a sound that resonates across generations. Widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative figures in modern music, Franklin continues to expand the reach of Gospel while redefining its place in mainstream culture.
In October 2023, Franklin released his critically acclaimed album Father’s Day (Fo Yo Soul/RCA), featuring the #1 hit single “All Things,” which earned him his 20th GRAMMY Award at the 2024 ceremony for Best Gospel Performance/Song. In 2025, he followed up with the powerful new single “Do It Again,” which reached #1 on the Gospel charts and further affirmed his ability to deliver both timely and timeless messages through music.
Franklin recently received the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards, recognizing his decades-long influence across music, culture, and entertainment. He also debuted the original series Den of Kings, a bold and compelling platform that explores faith, leadership, and personal growth. The series quickly gained traction, surpassing 1 million views in less than a week and marking a significant moment in faith-based storytelling.
Beyond the studio and stage, Franklin headlined The Reunion Tour 2.0, bringing together Gospel greats including Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, The Clark Sisters, Marvin Sapp, and Kierra Sheard-Kelly. His ability to bridge generations and genres is reflected in collaborations with artists such as Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, and Demi Lovato, extending the message of Gospel music to audiences around the world.
Franklin remains committed to developing the next generation of talent and uplifting communities. Through initiatives like Camp Lotus, he mentors aspiring artists and creatives, while also supporting organizations such as Compassion International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His SiriusXM channel, Kirk Franklin’s Praise, and his work as an executive producer across television and film, including Kingdom Business on BET and Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas on Lifetime, highlight his continued impact across multiple platforms.
Kirk Franklin continues to stand as a trailblazer whose influence reaches far beyond music. Whether performing, creating, or mentoring, he inspires millions with a message grounded in faith, love, and resilience.
Robert L. Johnson is the Founder and Chairman of The RLJ Companies, LLC, an innovative business network, and owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate, 401k financial management services, automobile dealerships, digital gaming, sports betting, and Italian menswear clothing.
Prior to forming The RLJ Companies, Mr. Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET), the nation's first Black-owned cable TV network.
In 1991 Johnson took BET public, making the network the first African American company to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2011, Johnson took RLJ Lodging Trust, a real estate investment trust (REIT), public. In 2012, RLJ Entertainment, Inc., a streaming services company, marked the third time Johnson successfully took a company public.
Mr. Johnson serves on the following boards: RLJ Lodging Trust; The Business Council; and Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Mr. Johnson holds a master’s degree in international affairs from the Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies from the University of Illinois.
Dr. Harris is currently CEO & Managing Partner of Vesalius Ventures, Inc., a venture capital firm that invests in early to mid-stage Healthcare technologies and companies. He is responsible for managing a portfolio of private assets of early and mid-stage venture investments and operating companies.
He served as CEO and Executive Director, National Math & Science Initiative and led the organization’s efforts to improve teacher effectiveness and student achievement in communities across the country. He has been involved in math and science education for over 25 years through his philanthropy as founder of the Harris Institute & Foundation.
Dr. Harris was at NASA for ten years, where he conducted research in musculoskeletal physiology and clinical investigations of space adaptation and developed in-flight medical devices to extend Astronaut stays in space. A veteran astronaut for over thirty years, he has logged more than 438 hours and traveled over 7.2 million miles in space.
He is a member of the Board of Directors for Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX), MassMutual, Solventum (NYSE: SOLV), and U.S. Physical Therapy (NYSE: USPH). Dr. Harris served as a Board of Director/Trustee for Salient Midstream & MLP Fund and Salient MF Trust, and Barings Fund & BBDC. In addition, he is on the nonprofit Boards of the Texas Medical Center (past Chair), Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, STEMNext and the Harris Institute & Foundation.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Houston, a Master of Medical Science from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Houston, and a Doctorate of Medicine from Texas Tech University School of Medicine. He completed a Residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, a National Research Council Fellowship in Endocrinology at the NASA Ames Research Center, and trained as a Flight Surgeon at the Aerospace School of Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base. He is also a licensed private pilot and certified scuba diver.
Dr. Harris is the recipient of numerous awards, including nine honorary doctorates, NASA Space Flight Medal, NASA Award of Merit, National Space Grant Distinguished Services Award, James Bryant Conant Award, a fellow of the American College of Physicians, a fellow of the American Telemedicine Association, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the recipient of the 2000 Horatio Alger Award and 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. In May 2025, Dr. Harris was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
He is the author of “Dream Walker: A Journey of Achievement and Inspiration” 2010 and “Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go Of Fear To Find Your Highest Potential” 2025.
Hall of Fame athlete, visionary entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and
corporate leader
Isiah Thomas is a Hall of Fame athlete, visionary entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and corporate leader whose influence spans professional sports, global business, and social impact. Widely regarded as one of the Top 10 greatest players in NBA history, Thomas is the only player to defeat Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan in playoff series during their MVP-level peaks — all without a single NBA Top 50 teammate. A 12-time NBA All-Star, 2-time NBA Champion, and 1990 NBA Finals MVP, he led the Detroit Pistons to back-to-back titles while topping the team in both scoring and assists.
Following his legendary 13-year playing career, Thomas transitioned seamlessly into the business world. He became the first NBA player to serve as Chairman and CEO of a publicly traded company and now leads Isiah Enterprises (formerly One World Products, Inc. – OTCQB: OWPC), a pioneer in renewable materials for the automotive and packaging industries through its Eco Bio Plastics division. He is also the owner of Cheurlin Champagne, imported under Isiah Imports — the largest Black-owned champagne house in the world — blending authentic French heritage with modern cultural influence.
As the founder of Isiah International LLC, Thomas’ ventures span real estate, sports, consumer brands, and technology. His business leadership earned him a spot on the cover of Forbes after reviving American Speedy Printing, and he co-founded Popcorn Indiana/BOOMCHICKAPOP, cementing his reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and early pioneer in sports media and technology.
Thomas currently serves on the boards of several major public companies, including UWM Holdings Corp. (NYSE: UWM), StratCap (NASDAQ: SCT), and Madison Square Garden Entertainment & Sphere Entertainment (NYSE: MSGE / SPHR).
Beyond business and basketball, Thomas is deeply committed to education and social change. He holds a Master’s degree in Education from UC Berkeley (4.3 GPA) and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University. His groundbreaking thesis, Books and Basketball: Black Males, Athletes, and Academic Achievement, was an early critique of NCAA practices that foreshadowed today’s NIL reforms.
A passionate philanthropist, Thomas founded the Peace Games, organized Detroit’s historic “No Crime Day” in 1986, and continues to invest in scholarships, education, and community empowerment. He is also a leading advocate for diversity in sports media and leadership, using his platform to create pathways for future generations.
Profile
Calvin Butler is president and chief executive officer of Exelon. Butler oversees Exelon’s six local electric and natural gas companies – Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO and Pepco. Together, they form one of the nation’s largest utility companies by customer count, serving approximately 11 million electric and gas customers in New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, Delaware, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. Butler serves on Exelon’s Executive Committee and is a member of the company’s Board of Directors.
Professional History
Prior to being promoted to CEO on Dec. 31, 2022, Butler had been president and chief operating officer of Exelon. Previously, he served in roles of increasing responsibility at Exelon, including senior executive vice president and COO (2021), Exelon Utilities CEO (2019) and as CEO of BGE from 2014 to 2019. Prior to that role, Butler served as BGE’s senior vice president for Regulatory and External Affairs. He also held various leadership positions at ComEd, including senior vice president of Corporate Affairs and vice president of Governmental and Legislative Affairs.
Before joining Exelon in 2008, Butler held senior leadership roles in external affairs as well as manufacturing with the print, digital and supply chain solutions company R.R. Donnelley. Butler spent his early career with Central Illinois Light Company (CILCORP, Inc.), where he worked in government affairs, legal and strategy.
Industry and Civic Involvement
Butler serves as the chairman of the Board of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. Butler also serves on the Board of Directors for Battelle, Emerson Electric, Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose, the Economic Club of Chicago, the Greater Washington Partnership, the Caves Valley Golf Club, and the Annika Sorenstam Foundation. He is on the Board of Directors and serves as the vice chair of the Institute of International Education (IIE) and on the Board of Governors for Argonne National Laboratory. He is a member of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, the James Madison Council of the Library of Congress and serves on the Board of Directors of and is a previous chair of the Greater Baltimore Committee. He is immediate past chair of the Board of Directors of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and is also a past chair of the Gridwise Alliance, an advocacy organization promoting modernization and innovation for the nation’s electrical grid.
Jalen Rose created the blueprint for how athletes catapult professional sports careers into successful corporate and philanthropic empires. Rose burst onto the scene as a member of the “Fab Five” for the University of Michigan, where he was recognized as the leader of a group of freshmen that increased the global popularity and indelibly shifted the cultural impact of basketball and hip-hop. After a successful 13-year NBA career, Jalen is now a CEO, Philanthropist, Multi-Media Personality, Executive Producer, Actor, NY Times Best-Selling Author, and Brand Ambassador, establishing himself as a modern-day Renaissance Man.
As the Co-Founder and CEO of the recently launched Same Page Entertainment, Rose is a driving force for the cultural resurgence of his native Detroit. The Detroit-based multi-media production company develops, produces, finances, and distributes scripted and unscripted film, television and podcasts. Founded alongside Tom Gores, Chairman and Founder of Platinum Equity and owner of the Detroit Pistons, Same Page Entertainment is rooted in building stories that celebrate culture, champion new voices and spark meaningful conversations that bring communities closer together. No stranger to the TV & Film industry, Rose produced the critically acclaimed documentary The Fab Five for ESPN’s 30 for 30 franchise, and the viral “81 Olives” video. As an actor, Jalen has appeared in several projects, including South West High, Running Point, The Cookout 2, BMF, Fresh off the Boat, Just Wright, The Game, and Barbershop.
Long before it became common for active athletes to work in media, Rose broke ground as the first active NBA player to serve as a basketball analyst for his work with The Best Damn Sports Show Period for FOX Sports, and covering the NBA Playoffs for TNT. He later helped launch ESPN’s Get Up as an original host, while contributing as an analyst across SportsCenter and NBA Countdown. Currently a college basketball analyst for TNT Sports and making guest appearances on Inside the NBA, he spent 18 years as a lead analyst for ABC/ESPN – most notably as co-host of the award-winning Jalen & Jacoby podcast, which brought ESPN’s Grantland to the forefront and cemented his status as a top multi-media personality. Rose also expanded into print and audio through a partnership with the New York Post on “Renaissance Man,” a weekly column and podcast series. In addition, he served as a studio analyst with NBC Sports and Peacock during the 2024-25 season as part of Big Ten College Countdown, amid the network’s expanded college basketball coverage. In 2015, Rose released his New York Times bestseller, Got to Give the People What They Want: True Stories and Flagrant Opinions from Center Court, with Crown Archetype.
Selected in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft, Rose played 13 seasons in the NBA where he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2000 and was an instrumental player for the Indiana Pacers reaching the NBA Finals. Despite all of his basketball accolades and cultural impact, Rose has made his biggest contributions off the court founding the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in 2011. The open-enrollment, tuition-free public charter high school located in the Detroit neighborhood where he grew up now serves more than 400 students annually and over 1,000 alumni, with a 95% graduation rate and 100% college and postsecondary acceptance. Rose has consistently centered his work around the city that shaped him, guided by a belief that access, representation and opportunity are inseparable from lasting impact.
Currently a Board Member of the National Basketball Players Association Foundation, Rose’s contributions to society through sports, philanthropy and business have earned him numerous honors, including the NBA’s Bob Lanier Community Impact Award, the National Civil Rights Museum’s Sports Legacy Award, the Inaugural Charter School Trailblazer Award from the National Alliance of Charter Schools, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Mannie Jackson Basketball Human Spirit Award, the University of Michigan’s President’s Medal of Excellence.
Victor J. Glover, Jr. was selected as an astronaut in 2013 while serving as a Legislative Fellow in the United States Senate.
He served as pilot of the Crew-1 dragon spacecraft, named Resilience, which flew to the International Space Station, where he also served as Flight Engineer for Expedition 64/65. Glover most recently served as Pilot of NASA’s Artemis II mission around the Moon. The crew launched on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket at 6:35 p.m. EDT April 1, 2026, from Launch Pad 39B at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. With 8.8 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, the American-built rocket propelled the crew inside the Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, to space, delivering it to orbit with pinpoint accuracy. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen splashed down at 8:07 p.m. EDT April 10, 2026 off the coast of San Diego, completing a nearly 10-day journey that took them 252,756 miles from home at their farthest distance from Earth.
The California native earned an undergraduate engineering degree as a two sport athlete, while serving his community. Glover is a Naval Aviator and was a test pilot in the F/A‐18 Hornet, Super Hornet and EA‐18G Growler. He and his family have been stationed in many locations in the United States and Japan and have deployed in combat and peacetime.
Brandon M. Scott is the 52nd mayor of Baltimore, the youngest person to hold his position
in over a century. Mayor Scott is committed to ending gun violence, investing in our youth,
restoring trust in government, and building a better, more equitable Baltimore for all. In
November 2024, he made history as the first Baltimore mayor in 20 years to win re election.
Growing up in Park Heights, Mayor Scott witnessed firsthand the effects of disinvestment
in Baltimore’s communities and youth. This experience shaped his administration’s
priorities, resulting in substantial investments in education and recreation, including 14
new/renovated schools, 9 new/renovated recreation centers, and $100 million dedicated
to previously stalled housing projects in underserved neighborhoods.
During his first term, Mayor Scott spearheaded historic reductions in violence-–including a
40% decrease in homicides—through Baltimore’s first-ever Comprehensive Violence
Prevention Plan. The City also saw an 18% decrease in vacant properties, reaching the
lowest number in two decades.
Before becoming Mayor in 2020, Scott was unanimously elected president of the Baltimore
City Council by his colleagues after serving on the City Council for eight years, representing
Baltimore’s 2nd District. He was one of the youngest people ever elected to the Council.
Mayor Scott has emerged as a political leader known for his authentic, straightforward
approach. He serves as Co-Chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns and as First Vice President
of the African American Mayors Association.
He is often sought after as an adviser and policy expert on violence reduction strategies by
organizations and other elected officials, including the White House Office of Gun Violence
Prevention under former President Joe Biden. He previously chaired the National League of
Cities Large Cities Council.
Mayor Scott is a community leader, public servant, and son of Baltimore City. A proud
Baltimorean and lifelong resident, Scott is a graduate of MERVO High School and St. Mary’s
College of Maryland. He resides in the Westfield neighborhood of Northeast Baltimore with
his wife Hana, and their children Ceron, Charm, and Camden
Taye Diggs is a celebrated actor, producer and stage performer whose dynamic career spans film, television and Broadway. Most recently, Diggs starred in “Terry McMillan Presents: His, Hers & Ours,” opposite Lesley-Ann Brandt, as well as “Forever,” alongside Meagan Good. He is also set to lend his voice to the iconic role of King Triton in “Ariel,” the Disney/Disney Junior animated series, starring opposite Amber Riley as Ursula.
On television, Diggs is widely recognized for his starring role as Billy Baker, a former NFL player turned high school football coach, on The CW’s hit series “All American.” His extensive television credits also include series regular roles in “Private Practice,” the Grey’s Anatomy spinoff and the TNT crime drama “Murder in the First.” He has delivered memorable recurring performances in acclaimed series such as “Ally McBeal,” “The West Wing,” “Will & Grace,” “The Good Wife,” “Rosewood” and “Empire,” where he portrayed city councilman Angelo Dubois.
In addition to his work in front of the camera, Diggs has built an impressive portfolio as a producer. He served as both producer and star of the critically acclaimed UPN series “Kevin Hill,” as well as the ABC drama “Day Break.” His film producing credits include “Til Death Do Us Part” and “Incarnation.”
Diggs made his feature film debut in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” starring opposite Angela Bassett as Winston Shakespeare, a performance that launched his successful film career. He went on to appear in a wide range of films, including “Chicago,” where he portrayed The Bandleader in the Academy Award-winning adaptation directed by Rob Marshall, and “Rent,” reprising his original Broadway role as Benjamin Coffin III in the film adaptation of the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical.
A distinguished presence on stage, Diggs originated his role in “Rent” on Broadway and has since appeared in major productions including “Chicago,” “Wicked” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” further cementing his reputation as a versatile and accomplished performer.
Additional film credits include “Go,” “The Wood,” “The Best Man,” “House on Haunted Hill,” “The Way of the Gun,” “Brown Sugar,” “Equilibrium” and “The Best Man Holiday,” among others.
With a career defined by range, longevity and cultural impact, Taye Diggs continues to be a leading force in entertainment across multiple platforms.
Everette Taylor is CEO of Kickstarter, the world’s premiere crowdfunding platform for creative projects. Under Everette’s leadership, Kickstarter was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Companies for trailblazing the future of work and for the company’s global impact in the creator economy.
Prior to joining Kickstarter, Everette most recently served as the CMO of Artsy, the largest online marketplace for buying and selling fine art. During his time at Artsy he was recognized by Business Insider as one of the World's Most Innovative CMOs and by Forbes as one of the World's Most Influential CMOs due to the business seeing record revenue growth and brand awareness.
As a marketing executive and CMO, he helped lead Skurt, an on-demand rental car company, and Qualaroo, a B2B software company, to successful acquisitions. He also co-founded and led growth of GrowthHackers, the largest community for growth marketers, which established Taylor as one of the most sought-after marketers in the tech industry. Everette’s other marketing achievements include becoming the youngest CMO for Sticker Mule, a popular e-commerce company, and overseeing growth strategy for new social products for Microsoft.
As a founder, Everette started his first company, EZ Events, at age 19, and it was successfully acquired in 2011. In 2013 he established ET Enterprises, a diverse portfolio of companies including PopSocial, MilliSense, ArtX, and GrowthHackers. As CEO of PopSocial, he was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2018 for his innovation in the social media marketing space, and Forbes 30 under 30 All-Star in 2019 for exponentially growing the company.
As a public speaker, Everette has spoken in 20+ countries and throughout the United States, sharing his story of overcoming adversity and thought leadership on entrepreneurship, tech, marketing, startups, art, mental health, and diversity.
Everette has also established himself as an in-demand digital influencer and brand ambassador. He has been the face of campaigns for companies including General Motors, Intel, Amazon, Adobe, Toyota, American Express, Chevy, Google, Wells Fargo, Marriott, Disney, Lexus, Intuit, Merrill Lynch, AT&T, and more. In 2017 he was named National Brand Ambassador for NASA's Startup Initiative.
In 2019, Everette received an honorary doctorate degree from
Hands down the best event l've ever been to. It ain't even close - the brotherhood I got from being at this event is legit the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“Every year, I try to attend. There are very few events that focus specifically on Men; focusing our efforts, refining our talents and developing lasting networks that serve us personally and professionally.”
“A great conference to attend, to participate in, and to witness great men doing great and awesome things in their lives and the lives of so many others. The networking was on
fire and I know many new collaborations and opportunities have been birthed.”
Previous
Next
HYATT REGENCY GRAND CYPRESS
Guest room rates: Single/Double – $249 plus applicable fees and taxes.
A daily resort fee of $10 is applied to each room of your stay for amenities.
All individual confirmations will be charged a deposit equal to one (1) night room, tax and resort fee at the time of reservation.
Individual reservations can be canceled without a penalty up to five (5) days before arrival. Guests must cancel by 5:00 pm EST to avoid being charged one (1) night room and tax.
Check In: 4:00 pm
Check Out: 11:00 am
Room assignments prior to Check-in time are on a “space availability” basis. Guests occupying their room beyond check-out time, without the Hotel’s authorization will be charged for an additional night.
Amenities include daily round-trip transportation to Disney, Universal Studio and Disney Springs. Pickleball court access, bike rentals, rock climbing wall, sailboats, paddle boards, kayaks, golf course, basketball court, access to jogging course and nightly movies at the pool.
Dr. Bernard Harris accepted the prestigious Icon Award at BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s XCEL Summit for Men held in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 21-23. The historic astronaut reflected on a career shaped by
BLACK ENTERPRISE will celebrate a decade of economic empowerment, corporate leadership, and cultural influence when it hosts the 10th Anniversary of XCEL Summit for Men from Oct. 21–23, 2026, at
Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE, has officially convened corporate trailblazers, entrepreneurs, and visionary leaders nationwide for the landmark 10th anniversary of the XCEL Summit for Men, scheduled for
Elevating your executive career requires strategic advocacy. Black male professionals aiming to attend the upcoming BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit For Men should leverage direct employer sponsorship to fund their attendance. Rather than paying out
For many years, professional sports depended on Black athletes for their skills and cultural impact, while mostly white ownership groups enjoyed steady economic benefits. Record-breaking contract guarantees are now causing
Scammers Are Using AI, Making It Harder For Elders To Peep Fraud
Experts told the outlet that elder fraud is underreported, suggesting the actual financial toll could be higher.
Artificial intelligence is giving scammers new tools to target older Americans, adding another financial and emotional burden for adults already caring for aging parents and their own children, USA Today reports. Americans 60 and older filed more than 200,000 cybercrime elder fraud complaints with the FBI in 2025, reporting nearly $8 billion in losses.
Experts told the outlet that elder fraud is underreported, suggesting the actual financial toll could be higher.
The growing threat is particularly concerning for members of the “sandwich generation,” adults simultaneously caring for children and aging parents. Some caregivers are now monitoring their parents’ bank accounts, phone calls, text messages, and mail to help prevent fraud.
Clayton LiaBraaten, senior executive spokesperson for caller ID and spam-blocking app Truecaller, told the outlet that scammers are using AI to identify potential victims and exploit personal information.
In one recent case, a widow lost more than $7,000 after scammers claimed they had worked with her late husband to conceal tax evasion. They told her she needed to pay them to protect what remained of her inheritance.
Using AI, scammers are “scouring obituaries and looking for vulnerabilities,” LiaBraaten said. “It’s so disgusting, I can barely keep my cool about it.”
AI can allow criminals to research potential victims, develop personalized scripts, and generate deepfake images, voices, and videos, according to LiaBraaten. The technology can also enable scammers to make thousands of calls simultaneously.
Ian Bednowitz, general manager at identity theft protection service LifeLock, experienced the effects of elder fraud after his mother’s paid caregiver stole her identity in 2016 and opened fraudulent loans and credit cards.
“I was already under financial stress, taking care of my mom,” Bednowitz said. “I can’t tell you the despair and weight that I felt.”
Cybersecurity expert and author Patrick Coughlin said the consequences can extend beyond financial losses. Shame can cause victims to delay disclosing fraud, potentially allowing scammers to steal more money.
Bednowitz urged families to prioritize financial and data security alongside physical and mental health.
“Don’t wait until something happens, because then it’s a lot harder to resolve,” he said. “Make sure that you’re protecting all of their data, not just their physical and mental health.”
It’s whether this opportunity is actually leading somewhere.
The Opportunity Test
Not every stretch assignment deserves your stretch. Ask yourself four questions:
1. Is this temporary…or permanent? There’s a huge difference between “Can you cover while she’s on maternity leave?” and “Can you just keep doing this?” Temporary opportunities build resumes. Permanent “temporary” just builds resentment.
2. Are you learning…or just carrying? This one’s huge.
If you’re:
• leading meetings
• making decisions
• presenting to executives
• managing relationships
• learning budgeting
that’s leadership experience.
If you’re simply doing twice the work…that’s workload. Those aren’t the same thing.
3. Does leadership actually see it? If nobody knows you’re doing it…it doesn’t exist. Visibility matters. You’re not bragging. I’m talking about visibility. As Muhummad Ali said “It ain’t braggin’ if it’s the truth.” I share this sentiment in my book Show Your Ask. It shouldn’t sound like “Look what I did.” Instead, it should sound like, “I’d love to share what I’ve learned while leading this project.”
4. Is there an exit strategy? This is where most people get stuck.
Ask:
“What does success look like?”
“When will responsibilities transition back?”
“How will this experience factor into future opportunities?”
If nobody can answer…that’s information.
Don’t let a temporary opportunity quietly become your permanent job description.
The Career Investment Test
Every extra assignment is one of the two things.
A Career Investment
It gives you:
• new skills
• visibility
• relationships
• measurable wins
• promotion stories
OR
Career Debt
You invest time.
Your company collects interest.
You get tired.
Nothing changes.
So when should you ask?
It shouldn’t sound like “I’ve been working really hard.” Instead, it should sound like “I’ve successfully led X over the past three months, improved Y, reduced Z, and I’d love to discuss how this experience positions me for future leadership opportunities.”
That’s a completely different conversation. You’re not asking for gratitude. You’re simply presenting evidence. Facts, not feelings.
Never confuse being indispensable with being irreplaceable. Indispensable employees often get more work. Irreplaceable leaders get more opportunities.
Be like the Beyoncé song; be Irreplaceable.
You got this!
Sincerely,
Your Fairygodmentor®
About Joyel Crawford
(Photo: Kirten White Photography/BE)
Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and the founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that develops empowered, results-driven leaders through engaging leadership development coaching, training, and facilitation.
Have a question about handling a micromanager? Are you having difficulty navigating spaces because of your hair? Is work stressing you out? Do you need support coaching poor performance, or are you wondering how to negotiate and get the job offer you desire effectively? Do you have any questions about career and leadership development?
The 56-Year Legacy Of BLACK ENTERPRISE Informs Its Future
Celebrating 55 years of BLACK ENTERPRISE is more than just a milestone
BLACK ENTERPRISE is celebrating 55 years, and it’s far more than just a milestone; it’s a testament to a legacy of empowerment and staying power. Earl G. Graves Sr was the visionary who spearheaded this incredible mission in 1970, to amplify the stories of Black entrepreneurs and business leaders when no one else would.
For over half a century, BE has been the definitive source for Black business and economic progress. It was a seminal concept birthed from Mr. Graves’ belief that economic empowerment is the cornerstone of true liberation for Black communities. From its first issue to the evolution into a leading multimedia company, BE has not only reported on history; it has contributed to shaping it.
The next 55 years of BE are poised to build on this historical legacy of empowering Black Americans. Under the leadership of CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., the company has shifted from a print publication to a multifaceted multimedia platform.
The future of BE is centered on maintaining its continued impact in a rapidly changing world. Key areas of focus include:
Digital Expansion:BE is a leader in digital content, including podcasts and video, ensuring its message of economic empowerment reaches a global audience across multiple platforms. This digital-first approach is crucial for reaching younger generations and providing real-time information.
Targeted Events: Signature events, such as the Women of Power Summit and theXCEL Summit For Men, continue to be vital spaces for networking, professional development, and celebrating excellence. These gatherings provide tangible connections and inspiration that can’t be replicated online.
Advocacy and Education:BE remains a fierce advocate for economic equity and financial literacy. Our content and initiatives are designed to give Black Americans the tools they need to build wealth, succeed in corporate America, and scale their businesses, directly addressing the wealth gap.
As “Butch” Graves Jr. himself has stated, the company’s core mission is to empower its audience to become full participants in wealth creation within the global economy. This commitment to “elevating your excellence” ensures that BE will remain a crucial force in the decades to come.
Kvontay Devon Pringle, 26, operates five Facebook accounts featuring different types of content, according to the outlet. Pringle provided the outlet with screenshots of invoices and accounts indicating his content can generate as much as $17,000 a month, though the earnings have not been independently verified.
One of Pringle’s recent posts featured an AI-generated image of a fictional boy named Kevin alongside a story claiming the child had been sent home from school for wearing a pleated skirt with his uniform.
The post generated 8.2 million views and prompted widespread debate online. But the child and the incident were fabricated. Pringle said it took him about 10 minutes to create and publish the post.
“It’s honestly wild to me that a story about a boy who doesn’t even exist became this massive conversation online,” Pringle told the outlet.
“I think it shows how advanced AI has gotten, and how hard it can be for the average person to tell the difference.”
Pringle said the post generated an estimated $2,800 through Meta, Facebook’s parent company. The outlet said it could not independently verify that figure.
Some websites reported the fictional story as fact, raising concerns about how realistic AI-generated content can be and how easily misinformation can spread online. Pringle later added an AI label to the post.
Pringle, who previously operated a carpet-cleaning business, describes himself as a “comedian and storyteller” rather than a rage-bait creator. He said he writes the stories himself and uses AI to generate some of the accompanying images.
“I look at AI as another tool for creating content and telling stories,” Pringle said. “Movies aren’t real; reality TV isn’t always as real as it looks, and people tell fictional stories online every day.”
Pringle is also teaching his content strategy to others. He hosts nearly 100 students on the online education platform Skool, where he teaches aspiring creators how to produce viral content.
Pringle said his Facebook posts are not created with the intention of deceiving or harming people, though he acknowledged that users may feel misled after discovering the stories are fictional.
His growing business underscores how AI-generated content and engagement-based monetization are creating new opportunities for creators — while raising questions about transparency and the increasingly difficult task of distinguishing fabricated social media posts from reality.
Nissan Unveils Infiniti QX65 While Staying Committed To Community Uplift
The company believes in innovation and investment.
The Infiniti QX65 crossover just dropped, and it is the grandmaster of all Infinitis thus far. This top-tier status is realized in its design, drive, technology, and how it stands out from the brand’s earlier sports utility vehicle models.
The evolution marks a cornerstone release in the brand’s ambitious five-year strategy to launch five new vehicles. Kim Coure, product specialist for product marketing at Infiniti, broke down key elements of the QX65 as a bold statement of intent designed to revitalize the brand’s standing in the competitive premium midsize crossover segment, starting with its price.
“We are launching five new products over the next five years to really change the brand and really invigorate where we are as a brand for Infiniti,” Coure told BLACK ENTERPRISE during the reveal.
The new nameplate, which hit the market in May, is already exceeding internal sales targets as early customer deliveries accelerate. Starting at a base price of $53,990 and scaling up to approximately $70,000 for the fully equipped Autograph trim. Drawing direct visual inspiration from the iconic Infiniti FX fastback silhouette, the QX65 pairs a sleek exterior profile with intricate Japanese design philosophy. The front fascia incorporates a dramatic grille modeled after a bamboo forest in a storm, bordered by signature piano-key daylight running lamps.
“If you are an enthusiast of Infiniti [from] way back, you remember the FX,” Coure said. “The FX is kind of what started this crossover segment, and Infiniti was the first player in that segment. So the designers used the inspiration of the FX and that fastback design to create the look of this car.”
The vehicle features an exclusive three-layer paint finish embedded with gold-coated glass flakes, creating a shimmering optical effect under natural sunlight.
What Are the Key Technology Features in the QX65?
The interior of the QX65 features dual 12-inch screens, 64-color ambient lighting, and red leather trim with gold accents. Proximity-sensing smart entry automatically unlocks the doors and lights up a welcome path as you approach.
Key technology features include:
Active-Cooling Wireless Charger: Uses an internal fan, raised pad, and magnetic positioning to charge phones quickly without overheating.
20-Speaker Klipsch Audio System: Tailors sound frequencies to the driver using an acoustic hearing test.
Driver Headrest Speakers: Delivers phone calls and navigation directions directly to the driver without disturbing passengers.
How Does the Infiniti QX65 Perform and Compare in Luxury Utility?
The QX65 includes hands-free highway driving via ProPILOT 2.0 with automated lane changes and driver monitoring, plus remote climate control using the MyINFINITI app.
Functional and comfort highlights include:
Top-in-Class Space: Features best-in-class rear legroom (with sliding seats) and extra underfloor cargo storage.
Spacious Trunk: Broad design easily fits four golf bags flat.
Autograph Trim Perks: Includes 21-inch wheels, power-folding rear seats, and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats.
Beyond vehicle innovation
Infiniti and its parent company, Nissan, maintain a deep commitment to social responsibility and community uplift in Mississippi—anchored by nearby manufacturing operations at the Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant.
Through philanthropic arms like the Nissan Neighbors initiative and The Nissan Foundation, the corporate group actively invests in local educational, environmental, and humanitarian programs across Mississippi. Key regional efforts include:
STEM Education & HBCU Support: Direct funding for Mississippi’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—such as Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, and Tougaloo College—to foster youth engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and develop future workforce leaders.
Community & Housing Development: Multi-year partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area, where employee volunteers build homes alongside local families in the Jackson metropolitan area.
Humanitarian Aid: Regular grants and hands-on volunteering for local non-profit organizations, including food insecurity relief through groups like Stewpot Community Services in Canton and Jackson.
Nia Long Shares Her Grandmother’s Grit And Growth To Encourage Black Entrepreneurs
In recognition of Black Business Month, Intuit, who recently partnered with the actress, shares her message to small business owners.
Owning a small business comes with more than its fair share of challenges. And for Black entrepreneurs, that road can be even more difficult. But sometimes inspiration and encouragement come from surprising places—like actress Nia Long, who recently spoke about the importance of Black business.
Long is partnering with Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp to celebrate the latest winners of their Small Business Hero Program, an initiative that recognizes and empowers small business owners who are making a meaningful impact in their communities. As part of the partnership, she helped honor three entrepreneurs at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles in July, presenting each with a $20,000 grant to support the continued growth of their businesses.
The partnership was especially meaningful for Long, who grew up seeing the struggles and successes of Black entrepreneurs firsthand through her grandmother, a hairstylist who built her own salon after immigrating to the U.S.
“Coming from a family where my grandmother was a hairstylist who came to this country from Trinidad, but was born in Grenada—the first thing she did was start doing hair in our kitchen in Brooklyn. That eventually evolved into her opening a small salon,” Long shared. “She was a small business owner, and I remember she would come home and her feet would be achy, but she would still make us dinner and make sure we were taken care of.”
A word from Long on what matters
Here’s more of what she had to say about Black entrepreneurs, their needs, their challenges, and their importance to our communities:
On ownership, economic empowerment and inspiring the next generation: “There’s a lot of pride in owning something and doing something that no one else is doing. There’s growth, economic development within the community, and you’re inspiring your children to take chances on themselves. There’s just a deep sense of confidence that comes out of that pride.”
On the importance of Black businesses and building community: “Because how else do we connect with one another? How else do we build together? It is important for us to know what other business-minded people are inspired to do. This is how you build community—by supporting, coming together, and utilizing one another in a way that benefits both businesses.”
On what Black women entrepreneurs need to succeed: “We are capable of doing all things when we have realistic expectations, when we recognize that there is no time to waste, and that we fully understand the foundation of our businesses. Also, understanding our strengths and weaknesses—I think that is key because sometimes you need to pass the job along to a team member in order to have the correct balance for success.”
On overcoming barriers around access, funding, visibility and support: “Keep showing up to events like this, keep having conversations about your needs, and change the way in which we think. If we keep thinking about what we don’t have, then we’re spending less time on what we can build.”
Her message to Black entrepreneurs: “Keep going. You have to keep going. There is a lane for you, there is a place for you, and there is a purpose for you.”
B2K On Money, Maturity And The Business Of A Comeback
The four artists are approaching business with a level of intentionality.
Written By Janeé Bolden
B2K has spent the better part of 25 years proving that some legacies don’t fade; they evolve. Since bursting onto the scene in 2001 with hits like “Uh Huh,” “Gots Ta Be,” and the chart-topping “Bump, Bump, Bump,” Omarion, Lil Fizz, J-Boog, and Raz B helped define an era of R&B. The group sold millions of records, earned Platinum certifications, won a Billboard Music Award, and cultivated a fan base that has continued to show up through solo careers, reality television, reunion tours, and now, a long-awaited return to the studio.
The road hasn’t been without its detours. Public breakups, personal growth, and years spent pursuing individual paths made a reunion seem uncertain at times. But after 25 years, the group says the biggest change isn’t just their chemistry. It’s their mindset.
As B2K prepares to release Eclipse, its first studio album since 2002’s Pandemonium, the four artists are approaching business with a level of intentionality that only comes with experience. The teenagers who once splurged on luxury cars and jewelry are now talking about budgets, investing, commercial real estate, technology, touring as a long-term business model, and creating wealth that extends beyond entertainment.
BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with B2K to talk about the financial lessons they learned the hard way, how they’ve redefined success, and why they believe this chapter is their most meaningful yet.
Twenty-five years later, why is now the right time for a new B2K project?
Omarion: I think it’s time because we’ve all matured. We all have grown through our personal, individual experiences and as a collective. That’s something the world hasn’t really seen. We’ve lived our lives out loud, we’ve reconciled, we’ve taken accountability. If that story has been told, I haven’t seen it.
J-Boog: It’s really about timing. We all have our individual careers and different things we’re pursuing, but right now everybody has the availability to invest the time. And then it’s God. He’s in control. He’s going to set the table, and I feel like this is the table He set for us. It all just made sense.
Looking back at your first run, what’s the biggest financial lesson you wish you’d learned earlier?
Raz B: There’s a big difference between earning money and understanding financial literacy and learning how to manage your money and where to put it. Investing in different sectors creates multiple revenue streams. Learn how to make your money grow for you.
J-Boog: Stay away from the car dealership, stay away from the club, and stay away from the jewelry—those three.
Fizz: Those are all my weaknesses.
J-Boog: We made an abundance of money, but we were young and influenced by everything around us. I wouldn’t take those memories back because I had a ball, but now, as a father, I’m focused on building generational wealth and putting my money in places where it can grow instead of just blow.
Omarion: Money shouldn’t be emotional. It should support your life and your livelihood. We made a lot of money, but it would have been nice to have a financial guru tell us, ‘These moments are not going to last forever.’ Now it’s about budgeting, doing your own due diligence, and understanding your finances instead of blindly trusting other people.
Did you have financial mentors, or did you have to become your own teachers?
Fizz: We really had to become our own financial literacy teachers. I was living beyond my means.
Raz B: I had three cars and a motorcycle when I was 19.
J-Boog: We all live and learn.
Raz B: I definitely learned when the repo man pulled up.
How are you thinking about building wealth outside of music today?
J-Boog: I’m a day trader. I’m heavily invested in the stock market. I’m also interested in commercial real estate and television and film production.
Omarion: Technology. There are so many opportunities there. I invest in things I actually like. That’s an important lesson. You don’t have to know everything, but you should invest in things you genuinely believe in.
Raz B: I’ve invested in a company called Fanbase, in its early phases in the first round; technology, real estate renovations, and stocks. I’m also looking into other businesses. I want to invest in porta-potties. I’ve been looking at this investment for some time.
Fizz: My biggest investment is myself and my son. One of the things… you always want to put your money into something you love so it doesn’t feel like work… I invest in my son and watching him grow into the man I know he can be.
What opportunities do artists have today to build wealth beyond album sales?
Omarion: There are companies now that make artists more of a partner instead of just offering distribution. There are a lot of creative opportunities if you’re willing to look for them.
J-Boog: Learn how to trade. Whether it’s stocks, futures, or day trading, technology has opened up opportunities for people to build wealth from anywhere. If you understand how to compound your money over time, you can create another stream of income.
Touring has always been a huge part of B2K’s success. Why is live performance still such an important business strategy?
Raz B: Touring is a huge component of long-term success. There comes a time when radio isn’t playing your records as much, but if you have a loyal fan base and people know you put on a great live show, they’ll keep showing up. We’ve been fortunate enough to tour arenas for the past 20 years, and hopefully stadiums are next.
Omarion: Touring is hand-to-hand combat. It’s where you really connect with your audience. You’re turning up your energy, your visibility, and your finances all at once. We’ll keep touring because that’s always been special for us.
How has your definition of wealth changed?
J-Boog: I’m not at a place where I feel like I have to show people I have money. I do what I want to do, when I want to do it. That’s wealth to me. People I know who have the most money look like they have no money… until you get into their real life.
Raz B: Real wealth is how you take care of yourself. Your health, your family, your knowledge. That’s real wealth.
Omarion: Abundance isn’t just having a lot of money. It’s having access. It’s having relationships. It’s having people who genuinely love you and will be there for you. That’s wealth.
Finally, why did you decide to call the album Eclipse?
Omarion: It has depth. It tells the story of B2K. We came to eclipse the game. We came to get everything that’s owed to us, whether that’s Grammys or even EGOTs. That’s what I’m shooting for.
J-Boog: It’s also a message to our fans. It’s been 25 years since B2K first came on the scene. If it took this long to get another B2K album, this is like an eclipse. Don’t miss it. Every physical copy, every piece of memorabilia, every souvenir is part of this moment. One day it’ll be worth something. It’s an investment for our fans too.
ON THIS DAY: Aug. 18 Marks The Beginning Of Slavery In America
Kidnapped Africans were distinguished by race and exploited for free labor.
In late August 1619, the English privateer ship White Lion anchored at Point Comfort (modern-day Hampton, Virginia,) carrying a cargo of “20 and odd” captive Angolans. Exchanged with colony leaders for food and essential supplies, these individuals became the first documented Africans brought to English North America, who were then distinguished by race, enslaved, and exploited for free labor.
