by Ahsan Washington

April 20, 2026

4/20 Guide: Cannabis, Music And Business Events To Get With

This year’s calendar features a diverse range of activations

As the cannabis industry matures, 4/20 has evolved from an informal counterculture holiday into a sophisticated intersection of entertainment, entrepreneurship, and community building. This year’s calendar features a diverse range of activations —from legendary hip-hop performances in iconic outdoor venues to curated networking sessions designed for the next generation of industry leaders.

420 on the Rocks (Morrison, Colorado) — West Coast icons Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube headline this premier concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater on April 20. The AEG-presented lineup includes Too $hort and Czarface, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and showtime at 7 p.m. This event is a central destination for cannabis culture, merging hip-hop history with the modern 4/20 holiday experience.

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Vibe & Eat 4/20 Networking Experience (Baltimore) — Entrepreneurs @chefcapes and @tequierojugo host this professional social event on April 20 at JÜGO Fresco. Running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the experience focuses on community-building for creatives and founders. By combining infused culinary arts with structured networking sessions, the event fosters collaboration among Black professionals and entrepreneurs in a high-energy environment.

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Negro Jeoparty (Los Angeles) — Produced by Antidepressants Media, this Black culture-driven trivia experience returns to the Rockwell Lounge on April 21. The event merges comedy and community with “the art of the herb,” featuring interactive gameplay centered on Black history and pop culture. It provides a unique alternative to traditional nightlife by creating a space for cultural joy and connection.

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Cannafest ATL: A 4/20 Celebration for the Culture (Atlanta) — Organized by Rick’s Rulez, this curated community activation takes place April 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at a private location. The event connects Black creatives and entrepreneurs through a marketplace of premium vendors and live performances. It prioritizes intentional networking and spiritual growth, encouraging professional involvement within the modern cannabis industry.

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High on Vibes with Jadakiss (Brooklyn, New York) — In case you missed it, legendary rapper Jadakiss hosted a curated nightlife-meets-cannabis experience on April 19. Designed for cultural tastemakers, the event features live DJ performances and premium cannabis pairings in a VIP setting. This Brooklyn activation serves as a key component of Jadakiss’ expanding cannabis business portfolio, bridging the gap between hip-hop legacy and commercial industry growth.

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Treasury Sec, Tax Withholding Adjustments,

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 20, 2026

Treasury Sec Encourages Tax Withholding Adjustments, But Bigger Paychecks Could Cost Later

Adjustments to tax withholding may be the right move for those paying more than they owe.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says taxpayers should adjust their tax withholding this year, which would put more money back into their paychecks.

With the Tax Day deadline passed, Bessent wants Americans to take advantage of new policies that could result in more money each payday. He encouraged taxpayers to get more out of this tax year by adjusting their withholding status.

“I want to encourage everyone out there watching today to change their withholding if they haven’t already done so,” he said during an April 15 White House press briefing recorded on C-SPAN.

According to USA.gov, tax withholding is the portion of a W-2 employee’s paycheck that is withheld and sent directly to the IRS to cover expected taxes owed. However, employees can adjust how much, if any, money is taken from their checks. This also depends on new life changes, such as having a child or holding multiple jobs.

“If you change your withholding, then you will get an automatic real wage increase … on a weekly or a monthly basis, and you will be able to keep more of your money this calendar year,” Bessent added.

This advice comes on the heels of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful” bill and during Financial Literacy Month. According to CNBC, the legislation implemented deductions for tips, overtime, and auto loan interest. However, the law took effect halfway through 2025, leaving employers without updated withholding tables, which also contributed to larger refunds.

While adjusters could see more money in the short term, this could come with its own drawbacks. With April as Financial Literacy Month, one should have an estimation of what they could owe next tax season.

If one received a higher-than-normal tax refund, it may make sense to lower their withholdings, even if no significant life changes occurred. However, they could run the risk of having a balance next season if they take back more than what Uncle Sam owes them.

Furthermore, tax experts say that tax withholding is a tricky situation, with everyday taxpayers unable to guarantee they will owe no money next season. Yahoo Finance also reports that one could incur underpayment penalties if one’s total withholding doesn’t cover 90% of the taxes on one’s returns.

However, taxpayers seeking to avoid overpayment can use the free IRS tax withholding estimator to estimate their expected taxes. While that can help employees make the best decision about withholding, it does not guarantee precise calculations, especially in more complex financial situations.

For those who don’t mind getting their money back at the end of tax season, they can skip out on the bigger paychecks, while also avoiding paying Uncle Sam further. On the other hand, those who could greatly benefit from keeping their money may find the adjustment worth any potential risk.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 19, 2026

Tee Time With Purpose: Les Birdies Hits 50 Years Of Uplifting Black Women In Golf

The golf club will host a gala and golf tournament to reflect on its enduring legacy.

A Black women-founded golf club in Cincinnati is teeing off for a significant milestone.

The Les Birdies Golf Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary as it embarks on another era of trailblazing programming. Its members will gather on the greens for the event, which celebrates its history and continued purpose.

Its golfers remember how the founding members created a lane that encouraged inclusivity in the sport. Given the exclusive nature of other golf clubs, Les Birdies offered Black women a new way to practice their own swings in 1976.

“We were not welcome in many places, and the golf course was not an exception,” recalled Jackie Parker, the club’s membership chair, to WCPO.

Through the gumption of Theresa Bassette, Barbara Cooksey, Mamie Lewis, Kathleen Tolbert, and others, these Black women golfers decided to play by their own rules. Remarking on this enduring legacy, Les Birdies will commemorate a half-century of service with a 50th anniversary gala.

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The gala will reflect on Les Birdies’ dedication to making the sport accessible to Black women golfers. While the group has expanded over generations, its work goes beyond the golf course.

Although teaching Black women the art of the swing is a part of their programming, Les Birdies has fostered a mentorship program and sisterhood. With members of all ages, they have launched tutoring services, scholarship opportunities, and more for women and girls throughout the Cincinnati area.

Alongside a gala, this commemorative year will also feature a 50th Anniversary golf tournament. At the July 18 event, golfers also will “[play] it forward” for the next generation to change the look of golf.

“What began on the course grew into a powerful platform for impact—supporting students through scholarship tournaments, engaging youth through outreach programs, and building meaningful community partnerships,” described the Les Birdies golf club. “Through these efforts, the club has helped young people pursue higher education and introduced countless youth to the game of golf.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 19, 2026

Jackson State University Appoints First Alumna President To Lead HBCU Permanently

Dr. Denise Gregory is the insitution's first alumna president and second woman to take on the position.

Jackson State University has found its long-term leader, appointing its first alumna president.

Dr. Denise Jones Gregory will take over as the 14th president of the Mississippi HBCU. The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning named Gregory as the permanent successor after years of leadership turnover.

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Before her transition as the school’s official leader, Gregory held the position on an interim basis since May 2025. With her steadfast leadership, the board has decided to upgrade Gregory’s title as they move JSU to a new era, The Grio reported.

JSU had faced previous trials of appointing a president that fulfilled their long-term vision, resulting in leadership shuffles that plagued the university for the past decade. Now, they hope to stabilize the institution while Gregory paves the way.

The school also aims for Gregory’s tenure to combat donor uncertainties and enrollment lulls with this new issuance. To do so, the school and state officials opted to look into its wide alumni base. Within it, they found an esteemed scholar and academic leader with Gregory.

An alum of JSU, graduating with her bachelor’s in chemistry, Gregory scaled her educational journey with a doctoral degree. She received her doctorate from the Georgia Institute of Technology, returning to Jackson to work for her alma mater.

Before her most prestigious appointment to-date, she served as provost and vice president of academic affairs at the HBCU. Following an 8-month-long search process for the next leader, the Board of Trustees solidified their confidence in Gregory to propel JSU to its greatest potential.

“The Board of Trustees put a tremendous amount of time and energy into this search process, and we are confident in Dr. Gregory’s ability to help write the next chapter,” said Dr. Steven Cunningham, vice president of the board and chair of the search committee, of the homegrown selection.

Her appointment, however, overcame its own roadblocks. The Board had to overrule a policy that interim presidents could not be considered for permanent roles, in order for Gregory to take on the position. As the JSU community called for greater transparency and sustainable hirings, Gregory’s appointment hopes to soothe tensions between the HBCU’s campus and the state.

by Ann Brown

April 19, 2026

NAACP Sues Elon Musk’s xAI Over Alleged Pollution From Southern Data Centers

The affected areas include neighborhoods near the Tennessee-Mississippi border.

The NAACP has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI. The lawsuit accuses xAI of violating federal environmental laws by operating unpermitted gas turbines at a data center in the South.

The lawsuit, filed in Mississippi federal court on April 14, focuses on xAI’s “Colossus” and “Colossus II” data centers, which power the company’s chatbot technology. According to the complaint, the facilities use dozens of methane gas turbines that allegedly emit harmful pollutants into nearby residential communities, Futurism reports.

The NAACP alleges that xAI violates the Clean Air Act of 1970 by operating these turbines without proper permits. The civil rights organization is seeking to halt the use of the methane gas turbines and impose financial penalties on xAI for what it describes as ongoing environmental harm.

“All too often, big corporations like xAI treat our communities and families like obstacles to be pushed aside,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson told the Guardian. “We cannot afford to normalize this kind of environmental injustice — where billion-dollar companies set up polluting operations in Black neighborhoods without any permits and think they’ll get away with it because the people don’t have the power to fight back.”

The affected areas include neighborhoods near the Tennessee-Mississippi border, particularly around Memphis and Southaven, Tennessee. Many of these communities are historically Black and have long faced environmental challenges, including higher rates of asthma, respiratory illness, and cancer risks above the national average.

Environmental advocates say the turbines release nitrogen oxides and other toxic substances, including formaldehyde, which are known to have serious long-term health effects. In addition to air pollution, residents have also complained about persistent noise from the equipment, further impacting the quality of life.

“A data center should not be a potential death sentence for a community’s health,” Abre’ Conner, the NAACP’s director of environmental and climate justice, said in a statement. “By looking to evade clear air laws to operate dirty turbines that emit pollution and known carcinogens, these companies are following a shameful, familiar pattern: asking Black and frontline communities to bear the toxic brunt of ‘innovation’.”

xAI did not respond to the Guardian’s request for comment.

The lawsuit also calls for xAI to install what regulators describe as the “best available control technology” to limit emissions if operations continue.

The NAACP has also sued xAI for its Colossus facility in Memphis.

Brett Cowart, Black hair, Length & Locs, Length and Locs, brettcandoitbetter

by Kandiss Edwards

April 19, 2026

‘Can Do It Better’: How Brett Cowart Built Length & Locs From The Roots Up

Cowart explains how she went from a personal solo stylist to having a family-run operation.

For Brett Cowart, the hair industry isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about overcoming “hair trauma” and building a legacy. Based in Clinton, Maryland, Cowart has turned a personal necessity into a multibrand enterprise, navigating physical setbacks and the complexities of government-style contract administration to ensure her business, Length & Locs, thrives in an up-and-coming area and competitive online market.

Cowart spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE about the transition from her solo styling to a family-run operation and why she believes she can always “do it better.”

BE: Tell us what made you decide to go for it and start this business?

I still am the only person who does my hair because I have hair trauma. I would braid my hair, and when the full loc phase came about, I would do all these full locs on myself and clients. Once I perfected the method, I was like, “Oh, I got something going.”

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BE: How did you begin the process of filtering out how to actually make money, rather than just “playing with hair”?

Before I went full throttle with the hair business, my background was in subcontracts and contract administration. I already knew how to do price analysis, comparing rates, and all that stuff. It was easy to slide over because I knew what a profit margin should actually be based on, analyzing rates in the government world.

BE: Initially, you were the only one working. Is that still the case?

No. Things got busy, and I had a cousin who had no experience; she came in and picked it up. Then I had a college student, my son’s girlfriend; she didn’t have a job, and she picked it up, too. She’s still working with me, and that’s how we are still pumping out locs. It’s a family affair.

BE: What are the names of your businesses?

The first one I call Sweet CDIB, which stands for “Can Do It Better.” That goes with all my businesses. The new shop is Length & Locs. I’m venturing now into expanding the loose bundles business because we already sold them, so I’m making it all collide.

BE: What do you want people to know about Length & Locs specifically?

It’s the best of both worlds because I have tested all the hair for the loc extensions and all the hair for the bundles. I’m one of those people who switch up a lot. I know what it’s like to get trash hair. I am the worst customer because I’m so picky, so I give the customers everything I would want.

BE: You mentioned your family is involved. How many children do you have?

I’ve got a 23-year-old and a 6-year-old. My son, 23, actually runs the inventory and does the orders. He’s basically mini-me. He doesn’t love it, but he better go ahead and contribute to this generational wealth! He’s building something.

Cowart’s journey from a basement tinkerer to a business owner in the DMV area is a testament to the power of “doing it better.” By combining a meticulous eye for quality with the analytical rigor of contract administration, she has created a sustainable model that involves her family and serves a community that, like her, is tired of “trash hair.” For Cowart, the goal is clear: building a brand that lasts for the next generation.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 19, 2026

Obama And NYC Mayor Mamdani Read, Sing With Bronx Preschoolers To Hype Childcare Push

Obama officially met the famed mayor as the two sang songs and read books to NYC pre-schoolers.

Former President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are officially partners in storytime.

The two political figures met for the first time to read to New York City pre-schoolers at an early childhood center in the Bronx. CNN reported that the duo came together April 18 for the event, reading from a children’s book to the students and the public’s amusement.

The link-up comes as Mamdani rolls out applications for the city’s 2-k program, calling in big names to help promote the expanded universal childcare initiative. Obama opted to lend his skills to the program, singing “Wheels on the Bus” with Mamdani to the young children.

Barack Obama and Zohran Mamdani sing ‘Wheels on the Bus’ at a childcare center in the Bronx. pic.twitter.com/mdra2jCsJa
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 18, 2026

“In between singing wheels on the bus, the two leaders discussed the Mayor’s vision for the City and the importance of giving New York’s Cutest the strongest start possible,” shared Mamdani Press Secretary Joe Calvello in a statement.

Mamdani has ambitious plans to fulfill his promises to New Yorkers, one of which is to expand universal childcare. The program will enable thousands of local families to participate in the initiative, providing parents and children with the opportunity to grow. He also teamed up with Bronx-born rapper Cardi B to further promote the program.

The two leaders met in private before joining the classroom, finally holding a meeting since Mamdani’s appointment this January. With their schedules aligning, Obama and Mamdani decided to spend time with New York City’s smallest residents.

However, Obama and Mamdani did not speak with reporters about their shared engagement. Instead, they kept their conversations kid-friendly, bypassing the press on their way out.

While Obama did not endorse Mamdani during his 2025 campaign, he had reportedly reached out to the elected official upon his win in November. Obama offered advice for his upcoming term, emphasizing the importance of hiring officials dedicated to helping New York and fulfilling his vision for the city.

Obama, however, is not the only president Mamdani has cozied up to. Surprisingly, the Democratic socialist has a relatively good relationship with current Commander-in-Chief Donald Trump. The two have met and spoken several times since Mamdani took office, with Trump having initially high thoughts of the NYC mayor.

However, their relationship may have taken a turn as Mamdani rolls out another one of his promises, taxing the rich. Trump criticized the pied-à-terre tax, accusing the mayor of “destroying New York” with his proposition. The policy imposes a tax on NYC homeowners who do not primarily reside in the city and who own second properties valued at over $5 million.

Despite the backlash, Mamdani remained unfazed as he continues to put his plans into action across New York City.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 19, 2026

Ethiopian Fashion Creator Goes Viral For Turning Disposable Materials Into Statement Looks

Kalu Putik is equalizing the playing field of high fashion.

An Ethiopian fashion creator is turning found resources into statement pieces.

Known on the internet as as kaluputics, Kalu Putik is showing that anything can become a fashionable look. He has gained traction on social media for his unique approach to fashion that thrives on innovation and resourcefulness.

With over 562,000 followers on Instagram alone and 703,000 followers on TikTok, Putik is proving the impossible with fashion. Standing in front of a wall with makeshift shoe stands, he has taken materials found across his home area to create looks that showcase his creativity as an emerging visionary. Now, fashion enthusiasts have applauded his skill and eye for turning disposable materials into distinct outfits.

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Putik now has a wide-ranging list of admirers, including A-listers like Sza, who have marveled at his unique designs with refurbished fabrics and other materials. Others also hinted that established fashion houses might be biting off Putik’s aesthetic.

“Balenciaga in the lab as we speak,” shared one commenter.

Another emphasized, “So the fact he has vision is genius. All he needs is proper tools and environment and he definitely has the makings of a designer.”

@kalu.putic
♬ original sound – @”kalu.putic

According to LinkedIn, the emerging designer is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. The LinkedIn user Jolyon Varley praised Putik’s ability to transform leftover materials into fashionable pieces.

“All using locally sourced materials and everyday objects to create his looks,” wrote Varley. “No expensive tools. Just an insane eye for creativity and whatever he can find around him.”

@kalu.putic
♬ original sound – @”kalu.putic

Varley also noted that larger fashion brands have taken notice of social media users who rely less on money and fame but have a desire to create and become new trendsetters. While this Ethiopian fashion creator leads the way in new-age designs, the fashion industry is taking more notice of him as he curates bold new looks.

Otis Redding Center for the Arts, Zelma Redding, Macon, Georgia

by Kandiss Edwards

April 19, 2026

Otis Redding Center Marks One-Year Milestone, Blending Music, Community, And Legacy

Central to the celebration were the performances by students from the Otis Music Camp.

Even as more than five decades have passed since the untimely death of soul legend Otis Redding, his family remains steadfast in their mission to nurture his creative spirit. This commitment is most visible through the Otis Redding Center for the Arts, a vibrant cultural landmark that recently celebrated its one-year anniversary in the heart of downtown Macon, Georgia. The milestone event served not only as a party but as a living testament to the Redding family’s efforts to bridge the gap between a historic musical legacy and the aspirations of the city’s youth.

The anniversary festivities transformed the center’s campus into a lively community affair, highlighting the relationship between the arts and local commerce. The day featured an array of community vendors and small businesses, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs alongside the music nurtured through the center’s programs. The atmosphere was carefully crafted and family-oriented, with both a DJ and live band. A steady rhythm of classic soul and R&B hits paid homage to the legends of yore while keeping the energy high for attendees of all ages.

Central to the celebration were the performances by students from the Otis Music Camp. These young musicians, ranging in age from 12 to 18, displayed a level of technical proficiency that suggests a bright future for the musical arts. From the soulful trill of the clarinet to the rhythmic precision of the guitar, the students showcased a diverse range of instrumental talent. Their vocal performances further underscored the center’s success in vocal coaching and stage presence, proving that the next generation of soul music is in capable hands.

Beyond the music, the anniversary offered the public a closer look at the 15,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. The campus is designed with meticulous attention to detail, featuring high-tech spaces like the O3 Recording Studio and specialized private lesson rooms. Notably, the Zelma Redding Amphitheater stands as a centerpiece for outdoor performance. The O3 Amphitheater is named in honor of Redding’s widow, whose leadership has been vital to the estate’s longevity.

A hallmark of the facility is its commitment to accessibility. The building was constructed using universal design principles, ensuring it is fully navigable for individuals with physical disabilities. This focus on inclusivity ensures that the center’s programs remain open to all aspiring artists, regardless of their physical challenges. By providing this infrastructure, the Redding family has created a transformative space that does more than just remember a legend; it actively builds the artists of tomorrow.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 19, 2026

‘I’m Not Performing!’: Cardi B Threatens To Walk In Atlanta Over Disrespect To Her Team — Then Closes Out Smash Tour Strong

State Farm Arena staffers in Atlanta were reportedly rude to Cardi's team, prompting the rapper to publicly check them on the issue.

Cardi B does not tolerate disrespect toward her team, almost canceling the final stop on her “Little Miss Drama” Tour in Atlanta over the issue on April 18.

The Bronx-born rapper threatened to cancel the April 18 show after getting in a verbal fight with staffers at State Farm Arena. According to Complex, Cardi was concerned about how the arena’s employees treated her team. This incident led her to step in and check the alleged disrespectful behavior.

While not sharing details on what prompted the rudeness, the 33-year-old reportedly called out the arena’s attitude toward her people. She even threatened not to perform due to the issue.

Famously unafraid to speak about the behind-the-scenes of her life, the entertainer even showed part of the altercation on Instagram Live ahead of the event. DJ Akademiks showed part of the recorded livestream, in which Cardi yelled at the arena’s management.

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“Your f***ing employees are being disrespectful… I’m not performing today,” expressed Cardi B. “We got in here, your employees are being fucking rude for no reason, being rude for no reason. I feel a certain type of way, because you being disrespectful. I did 35 shows, and I never had a problem, and we’ve been kind to everybody.”

Cardi B then warned on social media about abusing power and how she remains unafraid to call out others for doing so. However, instead of taking out her frustrations on the fans, Cardi assured that the show would go on.

When you hold power and authority, use it with kindness and respect. Never abuse it… because not everyone will endure your arrogance in silence. Treat others exactly like you demand to be treated. Atlanta… I’ll see you soon.
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) April 19, 2026

“When you hold power and authority, use it with kindness and respect,” asserted the mother of four. “Never abuse it… because not everyone will endure your arrogance in silence. Treat others exactly like you demand to be treated. Atlanta… I’ll see you soon.”

The closeout show officially ended the “Little Miss Drama” tour for the rapper, who began the slew of concerts Feb. 11. To accompany her second LP, “Am I The Drama?,” the tour featured 35 shows across 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada, including a two-night stint in Atlanta.

According to Baller Alert, Cardi B cashed in on her first headlining arena tour. She reportedly earned $70 million from her sold-out shows, solidifying her place as a dominant figure in female rap.

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