Uber, Lyft, union, California Gig Workers Union, Service Employees International Union, Assembly Bill 1340 — (Photo: Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

by Sidnee Michelle

August 18, 2026

California Uber, Lyft Drivers Move Closer To Unionizing

The milestone follows more than a decade of organizing by rideshare drivers seeking greater influence over pay, benefits, and working conditions.

Uber and Lyft drivers in California are closer to gaining union representation after state regulators determined a newly formed union secured enough support to move toward certification, The LA Times reports.

The California Public Employment Relations Board notified the California Gig Workers Union that it had secured support from at least 30% of active rideshare drivers statewide. The union is expected to be certified after a 30-day waiting period if no other qualifying organization emerges.

The milestone follows more than a decade of organizing by rideshare drivers seeking greater influence over pay, benefits, and working conditions.

“We worked tirelessly to win this union, spending thousands of hours, calling, texting, and meeting our fellow drivers all across the state,” Fresno-based rideshare driver Vikaas Shanker said in a statement.

“For too long, we have been without what we need to work and survive. Establishing our union is the first step toward change.”

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The California Gig Workers Union was formed with support from the Service Employees International Union. Assembly Bill 1340, passed last year, established a framework that allows rideshare drivers to unionize and collectively bargain while retaining their status as independent contractors.

Uber initially opposed AB 1340 but dropped its opposition following the passage of separate legislation that changed insurance requirements for rideshare companies.

“PERB’s certification is the next step in delivering on AB 1340, a historic compromise that gives drivers a pathway to representation while preserving the independence and flexibility they’ve consistently said they value most,” Ramona Prieto, Uber’s Western U.S. head of public policy and communications, said in a statement.

California followed Massachusetts in allowing rideshare drivers to unionize. Massachusetts voters approved collective bargaining rights for rideshare drivers in 2024, and the App Drivers Union was certified in May to represent about 70,000 Uber and Lyft drivers. Illinois also recently approved legislation granting drivers organizing rights.

California has about 350,000 ride-hailing drivers, according to SEIU Local 521. Drivers remain classified as independent contractors under Proposition 22, the 2020 ballot measure that established specific earnings and benefit requirements for app-based drivers while excluding them from many protections afforded to employees.

Lyft Communications Director CJ Macklin said the company is committed to engaging “in good faith” as the process moves forward.

The union hopes to begin bargaining by the end of 2026, according to CalMatters.

“A union for gig drivers isn’t just about improving pay and working conditions at the bargaining table; it’s also about making sure that gig drivers have a voice in every decision that impacts their livelihoods,” SEIU Local 521 Chief Elected Officer Riko Mendez said. “Gig drivers deserve a seat at the table.”

ON THIS DAY: The Father Of Pan-Africanism Was Born

by Black Enterprise

August 17, 2026

ON THIS DAY: The Father Of Pan-Africanism Was Born

His philosophy continues to shape global civil rights.

Born Aug. 17, 1887, in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr. emerged as one of the most influential political leaders and Pan-Africanist thinkers of the 20th century. As founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), Garvey galvanized millions worldwide under the banner of Black self-reliance, economic independence, and pride in African heritage. His enduring philosophy continues to shape global civil rights, Black liberation movements, and Pan-African thought.

Business, partnerships, entrepreneurs — (Photo: Getty Images)

by Black Enterprise

August 17, 2026

Alfred Edmond Jr. Warns Entrepreneurs Against Flawed Business Partnership Pitches

The primary catalyst for failed collaboration stems from relying on passive exposure rather than mutual revenue generation.

In a candid commentary on corporate collaborations, BLACK ENTERPRISE Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer Alfred Edmond Jr. issues a direct warning to entrepreneurs regarding the pervasive misinterpretation of a strategic business partnership. Edmond details how nearly 90% of outreach to media executives fails because founders prioritize empty promises of brand visibility over measurable, bottom-line value. By mistaking marketing amplification for genuine economic alignment, ill-prepared companies often burn bridges rather than secure collaborative growth opportunities.

Edmond speaks to this common faux pas as he breaks down a few elements to help you do better.

Claressa Shields, boxing, middleweight champion — BE

by Sidnee Michelle

August 17, 2026

Claressa Shields Dropped 38 Pounds And Picked Up Middleweight Titles In TKO Win

Shields and Scott became the first women's boxing match to headline an event at State Farm Arena.

Claressa Shields reclaimed two middleweight world titles with a sixth-round stoppage of Kaye Scott on Aug. 15, completing a dramatic move down from heavyweight while keeping her undefeated professional record intact, ESPN reports.

Shields defeated Scott at State Farm Arena in Atlanta to capture the WBA and WBC middleweight championships. The 31-year-old improved to 19-0 with four knockouts, while Scott, a 42-year-old Australian, fell to 5-2-1.

Shields controlled the fight with her hand speed, accuracy and body attack before increasing the pressure in the later rounds. In the sixth, Shields connected with a left hook that sent Scott backward into the ropes, prompting a count.

After the action resumed, Shields attacked again with a series of punches as Scott struggled to respond. Scott’s corner threw in the towel, ending the fight and giving Shields her second stoppage victory in nine years.

The win marked Shields’ return to the 160-pound division for the first time since she defeated Maricela Cornejo by unanimous decision in June 2023.

Getting back to middleweight required a significant physical transformation. Shields said she dropped 38 pounds during a 14-week training camp after competing at heavyweight, where she became undisputed champion.

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Shields previously became undisputed champion at middleweight before moving up in weight. She has now won world championships across five weight divisions and remains the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Her Atlanta appearance also made history. Shields and Scott became the first women’s boxing match to headline an event at State Farm Arena.

With the middleweight belts back in her possession, Shields is already looking toward another major matchup.

Among the possibilities is Britain’s Lauren Price, an undefeated Olympic gold medalist and unified welterweight champion. Shields has also identified Canadian middleweight Tammara Thibeault as a potential opponent as she pursues additional championships at 160 pounds.

The victory adds another accomplishment to Shields’ professional career, which follows an amateur run that included Olympic gold medals at the 2012 London Games and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

Russell Westbrook, affordable homes, South L.A. , Los Angeles — (Photo: Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty Images)

by Edwian Stokes

August 17, 2026

Beyond The Triple-Double: Russell Westbrook Retires As An Unapologetic Pioneer On And Off The Court

The former NBA MVP leaves behind a historic athletic legacy and a framework for Black entrepreneurial autonomy.

Russell Westbrook did more than play basketball. He changed the way the game is played. For 18 seasons, his energy and passion set a new standard and inspired Black athletes to shape their own stories. His retirement, announced on Aug. 12, 2026, closes a career defined by excellence and a commitment to empowering others.

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A Statistical Titan and the Historic MVP Campaign

Westbrook shared his retirement news in a social media video narrated by Michael B. Jordan. He finished his career as the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, recording 209 over 18 seasons with seven teams and surpassing Oscar Robertson’s record. In the 2016-17 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he won MVP and averaged a triple-double for the entire season. He broke Robertson’s 55-year-old single-season record with 42 triple-doubles and repeated this feat three more times, setting a new bar for excellence. BLACK ENTERPRISE also recognized him as the first NBA player to reach 200 career triple-doubles.

Westbrook also became the highest-scoring point guard in NBA history. On Jan. 2, 2026, as a Sacramento Kings player, he passed Robertson’s career total of 26,710 points. By retirement, he ranked fifth all-time in assists and 14th in scoring. He earned nine All-Star selections, two scoring titles, and two All-Star Game MVP awards.

Revered by Peers Across the Association

While some critics focused on Westbrook’s intense playing style, his peers always respected his drive. After his retirement announcement, tributes poured in from around the league. Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks tweeted, “Damn Brodie… an absolute legend! What a fantastic career!” Dejounte Murray of the New Orleans Pelicans wrote, “GREATEST POINT GUARD EVER!”

Raymond Felton, a former teammate, spoke about Westbrook’s work ethic: “You’ve got these fools here who have so much to say about playing basketball and yet never do what we actually did… I know the hard work they put in. Every day after practice we’d take on extra shots and play one-on-one against each other. People don’t see that.” Doug Christie, former Sacramento Kings coach, praised Westbrook’s passion, saying, “Russ is a freak of nature. His competitiveness, his competitive drive, his spirit for keeping on playing as hard as he does… I’ve always been a fan of his, and it’s an absolute honor to have coached him.”

An Unapologetic Blueprint for Black Ownership

Westbrook’s influence reaches beyond the field to business and neighborhood initiatives. Westbrook, 37, earned $349 million in career earnings, according to Spotrac, a company that tracks player contracts. Through Russell Westbrook Enterprises, he focused on securing direct equity and establishing businesses. Rather than acting as a passive brand ambassador, he invested in various sectors, including becoming an investor in Leeds United and serving on the advisory board for Little Kitchen Academy to promote youth food literacy.

Westbrook also demonstrated an understanding of financial planning and career management. He restructured his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, taking one of the biggest single-season pay cuts in NBA history to focus on team chemistry and family while growing his business interests. His real estate work in South Los Angeles has helped create affordable housing and jobs. The Why Not? Foundation expanded mental health programs in Los Angeles and Altadena, funded counseling at youth centers, and gave scholarships to students in need. Through these efforts, Westbrook sets an example for Black athletes to build lasting economic independence.

Israel-Gaza War, Palestine flag, Johnathan, Kaye, investment banker, punching, viral, video, — (Photo: Matt Hrkac/Flickr)

by Sidnee Michelle

August 17, 2026

Burger King Worker Honored With Mural After Being Fired For ‘Free Palestine’ Statement

The mural shows Hamilton wearing her Burger King uniform and headset alongside the words "Free Palestine."

Artists in Gaza painted a mural honoring Arianna Hamilton, a former Burger King employee who was fired after telling an Israeli-American customer, “Free Palestine,” during an encounter at a Pennsylvania restaurant, Al Jazeera reports.

The mural shows Hamilton wearing her Burger King uniform and headset alongside the words “Free Palestine” and a crossed-out Burger King logo. The outlet reported the artwork was created in Gaza in solidarity with Hamilton after the incident drew widespread attention online.

Hamilton worked at an independently owned Burger King franchise in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, before losing her job following an exchange with musician Rami Feinstein.

Feinstein said Hamilton asked where he was from while he was ordering food for his family. He said he initially told her he was from Israel, prompting Hamilton to respond, “Free Palestine.” Video from the encounter shows Feinstein asking Hamilton to repeat the phrase before requesting a refund and leaving the restaurant.

Hamilton later disputed parts of Feinstein’s account. She said she had asked where he was from in the context of customers visiting Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley and that Feinstein initially said New Jersey before identifying himself as Israeli and showing her a Star of David necklace.

“That man did come in very aggressively. I did not ask him where he was from … like, originated from. I asked him where is he from, from the Lehigh Valley,” Hamilton said in a video posted to social media.

Hamilton said she did not consider her remark discriminatory and defended her decision to express her views.

“Absolutely, I wasn’t going to back down on ‘Free Palestine’ when he put the camera in my face,” she said. “I will forever speak on my views.”

Burger King apologized for Feinstein’s experience and said its restaurants should be places where “everyone should feel welcome, respected and free from discrimination.” The company added that it has “no tolerance for antisemitism, hate, or discrimination of any kind” and said it was working with the franchisee that owns and operates the restaurant.

After her firing, Hamilton launched an online fundraiser to help pay for rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and other expenses while she searches for work and pursues plans to attend college. The campaign raised roughly $240,000 by Aug. 11, according to published reports. Hamilton has said any money exceeding her needs would be partly donated to Palestinian families.

The Gaza mural has since brought renewed attention to Hamilton’s firing and the debate surrounding the encounter.

paycheck disruption, financial hardship — Photo by Nicola Barts/Pexels

by Sidnee Michelle

August 17, 2026

1-Week Delay In Pay Can Cause Hardship For Folks Living Check-To-Check

Half of Americans are living check to check

Half of Americans living paycheck to paycheck say a one-week delay in pay would cause major financial hardship, highlighting the strain even a brief income disruption can place on household finances, CNBC reports.

A SurveyMonkey Quarterly Money Survey found 50% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck said going one week without pay would create a major hardship. The survey also found 61% said their pay schedules do not align with when their expenses are due, potentially leaving workers short on cash even when their overall income can cover their bills.

The outlet recommends that workers facing a delayed or smaller-than-expected paycheck first determine how much money they need to cover essential expenses until their next payment arrives. Housing, utilities, medical expenses, and car payments should generally take priority because missing those payments can carry significant consequences.

Consumers can also review discretionary spending, including subscriptions, dining out, and nonessential purchases, to identify expenses they can temporarily reduce or postpone.

Workers dealing with a missing paycheck should first contact their employer to determine what caused the delay, whether it could happen again, and when they can expect payment. Consumers can also contact landlords, utility providers, and credit card issuers, which may offer payment extensions, waive late fees, or provide other accommodations.

For workers whose pay schedules do not align with their bills, changing payment due dates could provide additional flexibility. Some credit card issuers allow customers to move their due dates closer to when they regularly receive their paychecks.

Credit cards can provide a short-term bridge during an income disruption, but the outlet cautions against treating them as a long-term solution. Consumers who use credit should prioritize minimizing borrowing costs, paying at least the minimum amount by the due date, and avoiding cash advances, which typically carry additional fees and higher interest rates.

Consumers with good credit may also qualify for cards offering introductory 0% annual percentage rates. While those offers can temporarily prevent interest from accumulating, balances remaining after the promotional period may become subject to the card’s regular interest rate.

The outlet also recommends setting up a repayment plan before the next paycheck arrives because credit card interest generally accrues daily; paying down a balance as soon as funds become available can help reduce overall borrowing costs.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, estate dispute, widow, settlement — (Photo: Walt Disney Television/Flickr)

by Sidnee Michelle

August 17, 2026

Settlement Reached In Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Estate

Pamela Warner said she remains "hopeful that all parties will support the resolution."

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s mother has reached a proposed settlement with representatives for the late actor’s 9-year-old daughter amid an ongoing legal dispute over his estate, TMZ reports.

Pamela Warner told the outlet that she reached an agreement with her granddaughter’s guardians over the child’s inheritance. The proposed settlement still requires court approval. Warner’s widow, Tenisha Warner, did not appear to participate in the negotiations.

Pamela Warner said she remains “hopeful that all parties will support the resolution.”

Under the agreement, Warner’s daughter would receive the majority of the remaining trust and estate, according to the publication. The settlement would also cover the child’s college tuition.

Pamela Warner denied allegations that she tried to prevent her granddaughter from receiving financial support.

“Recent claims that Pamela sought to prevent her granddaughter from receiving financial support are untrue,” she said.

Pamela Warner also said her son was “thoughtful and deliberate in his estate planning to include all his loved ones.” She acknowledged that his trust was divided among herself, his father, and his sister, but said the actor made separate financial provisions for his wife and daughter.

The proposed settlement comes as Pamela Warner and Tenisha Warner remain involved in a separate legal dispute over the actor’s estate.

Tenisha Warner filed a civil complaint on July 20 in DeKalb County Superior Court in Georgia, alleging breach of contract and seeking approximately $1.28 million from her mother-in-law. The complaint alleges the money is owed under the couple’s premarital agreement and other financial obligations.

According to the complaint, Warner agreed to maintain a $1 million term life insurance policy naming his wife as the sole beneficiary. Tenisha Warner also alleges that he agreed to make annual contributions to her Roth IRA, pay her $16,000 for each wedding anniversary, and provide a monthly salary for her work as his chief of staff.

Tenisha Warner has said her husband intended to replace an estate plan created in 1996, but died before completing a new one.

Warner, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” died July 20, 2025, at age 54, in an accidental drowning while vacationing in Costa Rica.

The proposed settlement involving his daughter does not resolve Tenisha Warner’s separate claims against the estate.

The 1st BLACK ENTERPRISE Cover Birthed A 56-Year Legacy

by Derek Dingle

August 17, 2026

The 1st BLACK ENTERPRISE Cover Birthed A 56-Year Legacy

Founder and Publisher Earl G. Graves, Sr. launched a publication and gave birth to a media company.

In August 1970, the visionary Founder and Publisher Earl G. Graves, Sr. launched a publication and gave birth to a media company that to this day has enabled generations of African Americans to achieve “wealth for life” through building thriving businesses, gaining mobility in corporate America, and embracing sound money management and disciplined investing. As a result, it has been a source of inspiration and guidance for African Americans to become full participants in the economic mainstream as captains of industry, executives of immeasurable influence, and multigenerational wealth builders.

Charles Evers, the late mayor of Fayette, Mississippi, served as the magazine’s first cover subject and embodied Black entrepreneurs who emerged from the Civil Rights Movement and demonstrated the qualities required to be successful: Business savvy, political muscle, and boundless determination.

A member of BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s first advisory board, he developed and operated the profitable Medgar Evers Shopping Center, named in honor of his brother, the prominent civil rights leader slain by an assassin’s bullet in 1963.