Juneteenth, festivals, holiday — (Photo: USAG- Humphreys/flickr)

by Sidnee Michelle

June 19, 2026

Black On The Block Marks 5th Anniversary With Los Angeles Juneteenth Festival

The festival included performances by R&B artists Jacquees and Kenyon Dixon, along with interactive experiences.

Black on the Block, a marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses, celebrated its fifth anniversary with a Juneteenth festival on June 13 at Los Angeles Center Studios, bringing together more than 150 vendors, performers, and community members, The LA Local reports.

Founders Lanie and Char Edwards said the event, held at 500 S. Bixel St., was expected to draw thousands of attendees and highlighted Black entrepreneurship through retail vendors, food offerings, live entertainment, and networking opportunities.

The festival included performances by R&B artists Jacquees and Kenyon Dixon, along with interactive experiences, a children’s area, and a rooftop VIP section. Admission was free for children ages 12 and younger, according to the event’s website.

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Founded in Los Angeles in 2021, Black on the Block has expanded its marketplace events to cities including Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C.

“We are sisters and both small business owners. We saw the gaps and the issues of small businesses and wanted to fill that, plus give visibility and funding opportunities to Black-owned businesses,” the sister duo told Fox LA 11.

Organizers said the platform was created to increase visibility and sales opportunities for Black-owned businesses while fostering connections between entrepreneurs and consumers.

The event was scheduled ahead of Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Former President Joe Biden signed legislation establishing Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.

Black on the Block is one of several Juneteenth events taking place across Los Angeles County in June, reflecting continued interest in celebrations that recognize Black history, culture, and economic empowerment.

The festival comes as Black-owned businesses continue to seek greater access to consumers and investment opportunities. Black On The Block vendors said that events such as this one can help entrepreneurs build brand awareness and connect with new customers.

Drake, rapper, drake OVO, Authentic Brands — (Photo: Prince Williams/Wireimage)

by Selena Hill

June 18, 2026

Drake Reportedly Exploring Sale of 50% Stake Of OVO Brand To Authentic Brands Group

Partnering with one of the world's largest brand licensing firms could significantly expand OVO's global licensing and retail footprint.

As Drake continues to dominate music charts with the success of his latest album Iceman, the rapper may also be preparing to make a major business move.

According to Puck News, Drake and his team are in discussions to sell a 50% stake in October’s Very Own (OVO), the lifestyle and apparel brand he co-founded, to Authentic Brands Group (ABG), a global brand development and licensing company known for managing some of the world’s most recognizable consumer brands. While financial terms have not been disclosed, the transaction could represent one of the most significant business moves in the history of the Toronto-born brand.

Founded by Drake, Oliver El-Khatib, and Noah “40” Shebib, OVO evolved from a music collective into a globally recognized fashion and lifestyle company. The brand has built a loyal following through limited-edition drops and collaborations with major organizations, including professional sports leagues and entertainment properties, reports HotNewHipHop.

A partnership with ABG could dramatically expand OVO’s licensing opportunities. The New York-based company oversees a portfolio of more than 50 brands and generates more than $36 billion in annual global retail sales through its extensive network of partners and retail channels. Its portfolio includes brands such as Champion, Reebok, Sports Illustrated, and Lee, along with the intellectual property rights associated with cultural icons including Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe.

Industry observers note that ABG’s business model centers on scaling brands through licensing, strategic partnerships, and global distribution. If completed, the deal could position OVO for broader international expansion while allowing Drake and his partners to retain significant ownership and creative influence.

Neither Drake nor Authentic Brands Group has publicly confirmed the negotiations. Sources indicate discussions are ongoing, and it remains unclear whether the deal will ultimately be finalized. Still, the reported talks underscore the growing value of celebrity-founded brands and highlight how artists are increasingly leveraging their cultural influence to build scalable business empires beyond music.

Gift, Fathers Day, Present, Father's Day — (Image: iStock / Hispanolistic)

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 18, 2026

5 Last Minute Gifts From Black-Owned Brands For Father’s Day

Each selection centers craftsmanship, culture and intentional design, making it easier to find something meaningful dads

Father’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the fathers and father figures who show up, lead and pour into their families year-round. This curated list highlights standout Black-owned brands offering thoughtful, high-quality gifts across categories, from grooming and apparel to beverages. Each selection centers craftsmanship, culture and intentional design, making it easier to support Black entrepreneurs while finding something meaningful for every type of dad.

1. Grooming Upgrade: King’s Kare Beard Growth Kit

For the dad who takes pride in his beard, the beard care essentials from King’s Kare⁠ include oils and grooming products designed to nourish and maintain healthy facial hair.

Best for: The self-care enthusiast or first-time beard grower.

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2. Coffee Lover’s Pick: BLK & Bold Specialty Coffee

Founded by entrepreneurs Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson, BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages⁠ offers premium coffee blends while donating a portion of profits to youth-focused initiatives.

Best for: The dad who starts every morning with a fresh brew.

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3. Everyday Essential: Blackbyrd Goods Handmade Leather Wallet

Crafted in small batches, the leather goods from Blackbyrd Goods⁠ combine durability with timeless style.

Best for: The dad who appreciates quality craftsmanship.

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4. Backyard Grill Hero: Uncle Clarence BBQ Sauce Gift Set

Upgrade cookout season with flavorful sauces from Uncle Clarence BBQ⁠, a family-owned business known for bold, Southern-inspired flavors.

Best for: The grill master who never misses a weekend barbecue.

5. Coffee-and-Mug Combo: Black Coffee Company Gift Set

The “WOKE” mug and organic coffee bundle from Black Coffee Company⁠ makes an easy, ready-to-give gift.

Best for: The fathers who loves a conversation starter with his caffeine fix.

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If shipping deadlines have passed, pair any of these gifts with a handwritten note or digital gift card for an instant Father’s Day win.

Atlanta church, medical debt — (Photo: Andrew Patrick/Pexels)

by Selena Hill

June 18, 2026

Black Churches Lead Movement To Encourage Consumers To ‘Spend In The Black’

A growing faith-led initiative is urging Black consumers to support Black-owned businesses.

Black churches are stepping beyond the pulpit and into community leadership with a renewed focus on economic empowerment.

Black Churches Are Taking Initiative

Salem Baptist Church of Chicago recently partnered with elected officials and community leaders to launch “Spend in the Black,” a faith-driven initiative designed to encourage consumers to support Black-owned businesses. The movement, led by Rev. Dr. Charlie E. Dates, senior pastor of Salem Baptist Church and Progressive Baptist Church, aims to transform everyday spending habits into a tool for collective economic growth.

“This is about resurrecting the Black dollar,” Dates told The St. Louis American. “So rather than being in the red, we are spending in the Black.”

What Is Spend In The Black?

The initiative has taken shape through large-scale vendor marketplaces on Chicago’s South Side, where more than 100 Black-owned businesses have gathered to sell products ranging from food and coffee to jewelry and beauty items. Organizers say the events are designed to recreate the economic vitality once found in historic Black business districts while helping a new generation of entrepreneurs build sustainable enterprises.

According to Alderman William Hall, the economic impact can be substantial.

“We can literally see half a million to $1 million spent between three blocks,” Hall said.

Business owners participating in the initiative say the support has already produced tangible results. Stephanie Hart, owner of Brown Sugar Bakery, described the effort as “absolutely a blessing” and “so inspiring and encouraging.” After more than two decades operating on 75th Street, Hart said seeing dozens of Black entrepreneurs gathered together has renewed optimism about the corridor’s future.

“Last year’s event gave all the established businesses hope for a future—that we won’t be alone over here, that there’ll be new businesses and fresh blood,” Hart said. She added that the community support generated through the initiative resulted in “the absolute largest day that we have ever had.”

Organizers say “Spend in the Black” is not intended to be a one-day event but rather a long-term strategy that encourages churches, consumers, and entrepreneurs to work together to build sustainable economic ecosystems rooted in community.

The effort arrives as Black consumers continue to wield significant economic influence. Black consumers account for more than $370 billion in spending across consumer packaged goods, general merchandise, and quick-service restaurants, according to recent market research.

Queer, Native Son Channel, LGBTQ+ — Photo by Anete Lusina/Pexels

by Sidnee Michelle

June 18, 2026

Native Son Launches Fellowship For Black LGBTQ+ Creators Focused On HIV Awareness

The Native Son Fellowship, supported by Gilead Sciences, will debut during the organization's 10th Anniversary Awards Weekend.

Native Son has launched a fellowship program to support Black LGBTQ+ creators, advocates, and cultural leaders working to expand awareness of HIV prevention, testing, and treatment resources.

The Native Son Fellowship, supported by Gilead Sciences, will debut during the organization’s 10th Anniversary Awards Weekend, scheduled for June 19-21 in New York. According to a news release, the program aims to equip participants with tools and platforms to foster conversations about health equity, representation, and community wellness.

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The initiative builds on an existing partnership between Native Son and Gilead Sciences focused on increasing access to culturally relevant health information and reducing barriers to HIV care.

“Gilead Sciences is proud to support platforms like the Native Son Awards that celebrate leadership, elevate culture, and amplify trusted voices across Black communities,” Rashad Burgess, vice president of Corporate Responsibility at Gilead Sciences, said in a statement.

“Our work at Gilead is grounded in the belief that scientific breakthroughs only matter if they reach the people they are designed to serve. Through partnerships like this, we’re helping confront stigma, remove barriers to care, and advance healthier, more equitable futures.”

The inaugural fellowship cohort includes visual artist Osaze Akil; filmmaker and photographer LaQuann Dawson; content creator Frank Grimsley; therapist and podcast host Shahem McLaurin; filmmaker Trey Sherman; and fashion commentator Jay Tibbitts.

Participants will attend a creator lab, a storytelling incubator, the Native Son Awards, and a fireside conversation featuring singer and actor Terrell Carter and playwright and actor Jordan E. Cooper. The program also includes a post-event advisory roundtable and ongoing content development focused on HIV awareness and community wellness.

“Native Son was founded to create opportunities for Black queer men to be seen, celebrated, and connected to one another,” Emil Wilbekin, founder and CEO of Native Son, said.

“This fellowship builds upon that mission by investing directly in a new generation of storytellers and cultural leaders whose voices carry tremendous influence within our communities.”

Founded in 2016, this national organization focuses on advocacy, leadership development, and cultural engagement for Black queer communities. Past award honorees include Colman Domingo, Billy Porter, Don Lemon, and Lil Nas X.

Robert F. Smith, internships, entry-level jobs, AI — (Photo: Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

by Selena Hill

June 18, 2026

Billionaire Robert F. Smith Urges Companies Not To Replace Interns With AI

The billionaire investor warns companies not to abandon early-career talent pipelines

As companies increasingly adopt artificial intelligence to streamline operations and automate tasks, billionaire investor Robert F. Smith is urging business leaders not to sacrifice internship programs in the process.

Speaking at Fortune’s Brainstorm Tech conference in Aspen, Colorado, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners warned that while AI is poised to significantly alter the labor market, organizations must continue creating opportunities for young professionals to enter the workforce.

“I would continue to encourage all of you and businesses that you operate and own to make sure you don’t destroy your intern program,” Smith said, according to Fortune. “That’s an important part of bringing people along and, honestly, of creating optimism and a new group of technologists and thinkers who can carry this world.”

Smith’s comments come as companies across industries experiment with AI agents and automation tools capable of performing tasks once handled by entry-level employees. While acknowledging that the technology will create disruption, he argued that organizations still have a responsibility to develop future talent.

“Agents are workers, workers do tasks, some of those tasks get aggregated into jobs, and there is going to be a massive impact on jobs, no question about it,” Smith said. “Some may say [it will be] a big loss, some may say an expansion—there’s going to be some mix till we reach different states of equilibrium.”

For Smith, the issue is personal. According to Fortune, the Denver native repeatedly contacted Bell Labs as a teenager seeking an internship despite the program being reserved for college upperclassmen. His persistence paid off when the renowned research institution eventually accepted him, setting him on a path that would later help shape one of the most successful careers in private equity. During his time at Bell Labs, Smith developed a semiconductor reliability test and later returned for additional internships while attending Cornell University. Today, Smith oversees Vista Equity Partners, a technology-focused investment firm with approximately 90 software companies in its portfolio.

As AI continues to transform corporate America, Smith believes the solution is not to eliminate entry-level opportunities but to ensure young workers are included in the next chapter of technological innovation. The future of AI should include a pathway for the next generation of talent, not replace it.

California, High Schools, Fourth of July, raise money, grants, Businesswomen, Financial Literacy, broke — (Photo by blackCAT/Getty Images)

by Sidnee Michelle

June 18, 2026

Job Training Program Gets A Boost With ‘Workforce Pell Grants’ Available To Students

The workforce Pell Grant program expands federal financial aid eligibility beyond traditional degree programs

Students enrolled in eligible short-term job training programs will be able to access federal Pell Grants beginning July 1, 2026, under a new initiative aimed at helping workers prepare for high-demand careers, The Washington Post reports.

The workforce Pell Grants program expands federal financial aid eligibility beyond traditional degree programs to certain training courses that can be completed in as few as eight weeks. The initiative was authorized through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law on July 4, 2025.

Eligible programs include training in fields such as nursing, commercial truck driving, welding, child care, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning repair. Participating programs must demonstrate strong completion rates, positive earnings outcomes, and alignment with workforce needs to maintain eligibility, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

The department issued final regulations for the program on May 18, 2026, allowing colleges and training providers to begin offering approved programs ahead of the July rollout.

Education leaders said awareness remains a challenge as institutions prepare for implementation.

“There’s a huge awareness gap,” Devin Purgason, associate vice president of student experience, marketing, and outreach at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, told The Hechinger Report.

A survey conducted by education technology company Ellucian found that fewer than half of prospective students interested in nondegree programs were aware that financial aid may be available for short-term workforce training.

State agencies are responsible for determining which programs meet federal requirements, a process that higher education organizations say could prove complex as the initiative expands nationwide.

Supporters say the program could increase access to career training and help address workforce shortages. Critics have raised concerns that inadequate oversight could allow low-performing programs, particularly at some for-profit institutions, to receive federal funding.

Additional guidance on program eligibility and implementation is expected from the U.S. Department of Education before the program launches July 1.

RELATED CONTENT: 10 Free Resources for Learning New Job Skills

Black Census, Black Futures Lab, Black Census Project — The Black Census Project was designed to gather data from Black communities to help shape public policy and political agendas.

by Selena Hill

June 18, 2026

Black Census Project To Poll Record Number Of Black Americans Amid Economic And Civil Rights Concerns

The 2026 Black Census Project aims to gather insights from 300,000 Black Americans as communities confront economic uncertainty, voting rights rollbacks, and growing political unrest

As Black communities across the country grapple with economic instability, attacks on diversity initiatives, and growing concerns over voting rights, the 2026 Black Census Project is launching its largest survey effort yet to better understand the priorities and future vision of Black Americans.

The initiative, led by the Black Futures Lab, aims to collect responses from 300,000 Black Americans this year, making it one of the largest surveys focused specifically on Black communities in U.S. history, reports TheGrio. Originally launched in 2018 by Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza, the Black Census Project was designed to gather data from Black communities to help shape public policy and political agendas. Organizers say this year’s survey arrives during a particularly urgent moment, as Black voters face mounting political and economic challenges nationwide.

“This year’s survey is more forward-looking and rooted in Black dreams,” Alexsis Rodgers, managing director of strategy and impact at Black Futures Lab, told TheGrio. Rodgers said the project is focused not only on documenting the struggles Black Americans face, but also on understanding what Black communities believe the future of government, economic opportunity, and political power should look like.

The survey comes amid renewed national debate over voting rights and Black political representation following recent legal and legislative battles in several Southern states. Civil rights advocates have raised alarms over redistricting efforts and court rulings that critics say weaken protections once guaranteed under the Voting Rights Act, reports The Guardian.

According to Black Futures Lab, previous editions of the Black Census Project directly influenced policy proposals related to housing affordability, healthcare, and economic equity. This year’s survey explores broader structural questions, including whether Americans still trust the two-party system, whether the Electoral College should be reformed, and what role government should play in addressing racial and economic inequality.

Rodgers said the project is ultimately about reclaiming the ability to imagine a stronger future despite present-day hardships.

“We’re under so much attack that it’s robbing us of the space and the freedom to dream,” she told TheGrio.

SBA, Biden administration, small business, loans, startup, funding — (Photo: Luis Alvarez/Getty Images)

by Selena Hill

June 17, 2026

A Christian Entrepreneur Opens, ‘Eve’s Garden,’ Indiana’s First Black-Owned Deli

Faith-based entrepreneur Myka Gurvitz made history with the launch of Eve's Garden Deli in Indianapolis.

Indiana’s first Black-owned deli has officially opened its doors in Indianapolis, marking a significant milestone for Black entrepreneurship in the Midwest.

Located in the Broad Ripple neighborhood, Eve’s Garden Deli is the brainchild of entrepreneur Myka Gurvitz, who says the business is about much more than serving sandwiches and comfort food. It’s also about creating a legacy for her family and community. The deli, which opened in June, sells sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and other lunch favorites, reports local news channel WTHR.

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For Gurvitz, the opening represents years of hard work and perseverance. “It’s very important to me to make history,” she told WTHR, speaking about the historic achievement.

In addition to her work ethic, Gurvitz credits her faith for guiding her through her entrepreneurial journey.

“Eve’s Garden Deli is from Eve from the bible,” she said. “Just leap out on faith,” she added. “Anything you do, I always put God first.”

The mother and entrepreneur says her children and extended family have also played an active role in supporting the business as it gets off the ground.

“I’ve adopted some children through my children, so they all help out,” Gurvitz said.

For Gurvitz, the deli’s success won’t be measured solely by sales. She hopes her story inspires others to pursue their own business dreams and break new ground in their communities.

The opening comes at a time when Black-owned businesses continue to face barriers in accessing capital and scaling operations. Yet, entrepreneurs across the country are increasingly finding ways to build generational wealth through ownership, particularly in industries where Black representation remains limited.

Maryland, reparations — Photo by Daniel Lobo/Flickr

by Sidnee Michelle

June 17, 2026

Trump Administration To Challenge Housing Reparations Program For Black Residents

The filing marks the Trump administration's latest effort to scrutinize government programs that consider race in awarding benefits.

The U.S. Department of Justice moved on June 16 to intervene in a federal lawsuit challenging a housing reparations program in Evanston, Illinois, arguing the initiative unlawfully distributes benefits based on race, Reuters reports.

The filing marks the Trump administration’s latest effort to scrutinize government programs that consider race in awarding benefits.

The lawsuit centers on Evanston’s Local Reparations Restorative Housing Program, which provides grants of up to $25,000 to eligible Black residents and their descendants for housing-related expenses. City officials created the program to address the effects of discriminatory housing practices, including redlining and restrictive covenants that affected Black residents between 1919 and 1969.

According to court filings, Justice Department attorneys said the program violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment because eligibility is limited to Black residents who meet specific ancestry and residency requirements.

Federal attorneys argued the city’s program is not narrowly tailored to remedy past discrimination and relies on race-based criteria without requiring individualized proof of harm.

Evanston launched the initiative in 2021 after approving the nation’s first municipally funded reparations program in 2019. The effort is financed through revenue generated by the city’s cannabis sales tax.

Mayor Daniel Biss said the city intends to defend the program against the federal challenge.

“We are prepared to defend our program,” Biss said, according to the outlet.

Former Evanston Alderwoman Robin Rue Simmons, who spearheaded the initiative, said the program addresses decades of documented housing discrimination that contributed to persistent racial wealth disparities.

“Evanston has set a new precedent. It has shown that racial reparations are possible,” Simmons said to ABC7 Chicago.

The outcome of the case could influence similar reparations efforts under consideration in other cities as local governments explore policies aimed at addressing the long-term effects of historic racial discrimination in housing.