Angela Bassett, met gala, girl in a pink dress, Laura wheeler Waring
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: Angela Bassett attends the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever World Premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on October 26, 2022. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney), BE
by Ida Harris

May 5, 2026

Angela Basset’s Met Gala Gown Is A Nod To Harlem Renaissance Painter Laura Wheeler Waring

Angela Bassett didn’t just wear a gown—she wore history.

Angela Bassett hit the 2026 Met Gala red carpet, outfitted in a splendid rosy pink gown accented with floral appliqué and intricate beading that cascaded from her hip line to the Museum floor. The gown, designed by Prabal Gurung, paid homage to Laura Wheeler Waring, a prolific portrait artist who painted during the Harlem Renaissance. Waring’s most notable painting, “Girl In A Pink Dress,” is the source of inspiration for Bassett’s “Fashion is Art” attire, which is on par with “Costume Art,” the theme for this year’s Metropolitan Museum of Art Gala. Bassett is keeping Waring’s legacy alive. By referencing “Girl In A Pink Dress,” Bassett didn’t just wear a gown—she wore history.

During the Harlem Renaissance, Waring painted African Americans, placing emphasis on Black dignity and prestige. As well, Waring’s subjects included the most prominent Black individuals of that era: W.E.B Du Bois, James Weldon Johnson, and opera singer Marion Anderson, whose portrait towers over six feet and is part of the National Portrait Gallery’s collection.

In 2024, Waring’s work was revisited in the museum’s historic exhibition, The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism, curated by Denise Murrell. A standout artwork from that show is Waring’s “Girl In A Pink Dress,” an oil on canvas painted circa 1927. The MET store currently sells custom prints ranging from $30 to $125, depending on size and dimensions. 

Bassett, 67, has a reputation for turning heads. At the 2025 Met Gala event, her look was all the rage. The Black Panther actress popped out in a Superfine dandy get-up and topped it off with a bell hat and a cane. Albeit fictional, even Bassett’s Wakanda wear was jaw-dropping. And surely diehard Bassett fans would remember when the Waiting To Exhale star “did the thing” for her role in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” Basset stunned audiences with box braids, defined biceps, and a sculpted physique as she played opposite Taye Diggs in the 1990s romance film. 

In April, Bassett was an honoree at BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 2026 Women of Power Summit. 

RELATED CONTENT: The Metropolitan Museum Of Art Is Having A Black Moment With The ‘Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism’ Show

Ethiopian, Fashion Creator, Viral
Photo by Ron Lach, Pexels
by Ahsan Washington

May 4, 2026

Black Fashion Designers To Know Ahead Of Met Gala 2026

These visionaries aren't just meeting the theme—they are defining the new aesthetic

Coming off the heels of last year’s historical Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibition, the 2026 gala moves the conversation from the archives to the cutting edge. As co-chair, Beyoncé leads a vanguard of icons up the limestone steps; the focus is no longer on the history of the garment but on the designer as a contemporary artist.

For the 2026 Met Gala, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has set a formidable challenge: Costume Art, with a dress code that declares “Fashion is Art.” While the theme invites the global elite to treat the body as a living canvas, the evening’s true gravity lies with the Black designers who have long operated at the intersection of sculpture, identity, and avant-garde construction. From the razor-sharp architectural lines of LaQuan Smith to the narrative-heavy textiles of Thebe Magugu, these visionaries aren’t just meeting the theme—they are defining the new aesthetic.

The Architects of Glamour

  • Christopher John Rogers (CJR): Often referred to in the media as the architect of “pragmatic glamour,” Rogers is a master of structural geometry. His March 2026 collection, “No Strings,” emphasized the emotionality of dress, utilizing signature architectural volume and vibrant color-blocking that turns the body into a living canvas.
  • LaQuan Smith: Known for sculptural, body-conscious silhouettes, Smith reaffirmed his “high-glam” edge at NYFW Fall/Winter 2026. His mastery of high-shine fabrics and provocative tailoring positions him to lead a carpet celebrating the human form.
  • Olivier Rousteing (Balmain): As Balmain’s creative director, Rousteing bridges historical couture and futuristic concepts. His architectural design approach and luxurious detailing make him an ideal choice for the complex, technically advanced garments required for an art-driven theme.

The Storytellers

  • Grace Wales Bonner: The master of “intellectual elegance,” Wales Bonner blends European tailoring with Afro-Atlantic expression. Her 2026 collections, Jewel and Morning Raga, draw inspiration from modernist architecture and musical traditions, making her a leading voice for fashion as a narrative art form.
    • Wales Bonner 2026 Collection & Met Gala History
  • Thebe Magugu: A South African visionary who uses luxury tailoring to present historical and socio-political stories. His garments are known for their deep cultural significance and visual elegance, making him a prime candidate to dress celebrities for an art-centric gala.
  • Kerby Jean-Raymond (Pyer Moss): Jean-Raymond treats the runway as a site for social critique. His work, which merges fashion with performance art and historical storytelling, aligns perfectly with the Met’s tradition of treating clothing as a medium for identity and history.

The Tailoring Experts

  • Sergio Hudson: Representing modern American power dressing, Hudson’s Fall/Winter 2026 show marked a decade of design authority. His aesthetic features clean lines and “opera-level drama,” providing a refined, commanding presence that translates perfectly to the Met Gala stairs.
  • Romeo Hunte: Born in Brooklyn, Hunte combines luxury craftsmanship with “streetwear deconstruction.” His asymmetrical, structurally experimental designs transform common items into avant-garde pieces, aligning with the Gala’s theme of artistic reinterpretation.

RELATED CONTENT: Designer Desyrée Nicole Marks 5 Years In Atlanta Flagship While Redefining Modern Menswear

FAMU, Florida A and M University,DI, Black History Month
(Photo: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
by Kandiss Edwards

May 4, 2026

FAMU’s First Head Woman Drum Major Stands ‘Head And Shoulders’ Above The Rest

Oloyede’s journey to the graduation stage has been defined by a series of trailblazing achievements.

Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Spring 2026 commencement speaker, Omar Goff, announced that Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede has signed a brand endorsement deal with Head & Shoulders.

Oloyede, a senior theatre major, made history as the first female head drum major in the 79-year legacy of FAMU’s legendary “Marching 100″ in June 2025. The May 2 announcement marks one of the most significant commercial milestones for a student leader in HBCU history, HBCU Gameday reported. 

Oloyede’s journey to the graduation stage has been defined by a series of trailblazing achievements. Throughout the 2025–2026 season, she appeared in a commercial for the Michael Jackson biopic Michael and was featured in an NBA on Prime campaign with rapper Common.  In December 2025, Oloyede famously delayed her original graduation date to lead the band in the “Band of the Year” competition in Atlanta, choosing to finish her final season on the field with the “Marching 100” before walking the stage in the spring.

The endorsement deal follows a string of monumental career milestones, covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, that have expanded Oloyede’s influence far beyond the football field. On March 15, 2026, she made a stunning appearance at the 98th Academy Awards, performing as part of the cast for the musical showcase of the record-breaking film Sinners. Sharing the stage with Misty Copeland and Miles Caton, Oloyede executed precise baton choreography, bringing the energy of HBCU band culture to a global audience of millions.

Furthermore, 2026 has been a year of profound personal and professional recognition for the trailblazer. Just days after her Oscar Award show debut, her history-making leadership was immortalized in a featured exhibit at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. During the same season, she reached a significant personal milestone by crossing into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Oloyede’s exceptional senior year, combined with her new corporate partnership, solidifies Oloyede as a soaring example of 2026 Black excellence.

RELATED CONTENT: Ludacris Drops In On FAMU For His Pull Over Challenge

Student Loan, credit score, Laptop, stress, FICO Credit Score, bank account
(Photo: Yan Krukau/Pexels)
by Kandiss Edwards

May 4, 2026

Trump Administration Decides Which Professions Deserve Student Loan Assistance

The policy, unveiled May 3 by the Department of Education, creates a rigid "Value-Based" funding model.

New “Return on Investment” (ROI) standards could cause irreparable harm to future degree holders and workforce diversity.

The policy, unveiled on May 3 by the Department of Education, creates a rigid “Value-Based” funding model. Under these rules, the federal government will revoke financial aid eligibility for degree programs that do not meet specific post-graduation salary benchmarks. While framed as a measure to protect consumers, critics argue the move effectively punishes students for pursuing socially essential but lower-paying careers.

The core of the controversy lies in the “Earnings Threshold,” which requires program graduates to earn more than the average high school graduate within five years. For students currently enrolled in or considering fields such as social work, education, community nursing, and the arts, the Earnings Threshold requirement creates uncertainty about their future, Fortune reported.

By tethering federal loans strictly to raw salary data, the government is incentivizing students to abandon “passion-led” public service roles in favor of high-profit corporate sectors. Programs at smaller regional colleges and minority-serving institutions, which often serve first-generation students entering community-focused roles, are most likely to be flagged as “low ROI,” potentially cutting off the only accessible path to higher education for these populations.

If colleges shutter programs to avoid losing federal funding, future students may find themselves in regions where essential degrees, such as early childhood education, are no longer offered. The new transparency requirements, including mandatory Financial Fact Sheets, are being criticized for reducing the college experience to a mere transaction. Critics argue that by forcing students to view their education primarily as a debt-to-earnings ratio, the government is stripping away the civic and intellectual value of a degree.

In a March 2 statement, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education spoke about the potential harm to the educational landscape.

“If education is not included in the professional student category, we can expect reduced enrollment in education graduate programs, higher drop-out rates when students do enroll, and increased shortages in key education occupations.” 

This federal shift arrives as the efficiency movement gains momentum. While initiatives like the UNC System’s three-year degree pilot and the nationwide “College in 3” movement aim to lower costs, the combination of these accelerated paths and the new federal ROI sanctions could create a hollowed-out educational landscape. Future degree holders may be forced into narrow, hyper-specialized tracks designed to meet federal salary quotas.

RELATED CONTENT: Report: Black Women Face Significant Income Disparities Despite Education, Labor Force Strides

Rick Fox
Rick Fox in 2019 (Photo: Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)
by Kandiss Edwards

May 4, 2026

Rick Fox Squabbles Up While Campaigning For Bahamas’ General Election, ‘I’m Going To Defend Myself’

The heat of the campaign trail has not been without its physical tensions.

Former NBA player Rick Fox got into an altercation at a campaign event as he and over 50 millionaires compete in the Bahamas’ upcoming general election.

The heat of the campaign trail has not been without its physical tensions. Fox was involved in a heated verbal and physical altercation with a man on the streets of the Bahamas. Video footage of the incident surfaced on X showing the former NBA forward in a tense standoff.

Speaking with local reporters, Fox asserted his right to protect himself and those around him.

“And if you’re going to swear and threaten people’s lives and say you’re going to your car to get something, then I’m going to react. I’m going to defend my team, I’m going to defend myself, and I’m going to defend anybody that is in the area, quite frankly, because that was a dangerous situation,” he said.

The influx of high-net-worth candidates like Fox marks a significant turning point as successful business leaders pivot from private enterprise to public service. Fox, a three-time NBA champion who has built a diverse portfolio in esports and sustainable building technology, is running on a platform of economic revitalization and climate resilience. Fox is reportedly a Free National Movement candidate for the Garden Hills constituency, Our News Bahamas reported.

The 2026 election cycle is unprecedented in the Bahamas, with nearly a quarter of parliamentary seats contested by individuals with net worths exceeding $1 million. Fox leads the group with a net worth of $469 million, the Tribune reported. The candidate pool includes established hospitality moguls, international financiers, and tech innovators who argue that their financial independence makes them less susceptible to traditional political corruption.

“I’ve spent my life competing at the highest levels,” Fox stated during a recent campaign event. “Now, I’m bringing that same intensity to ensure that every Bahamian has the opportunity to thrive in a sustainable, modern economy.”

RELATED CONTENT: Former NBA Champion Rick Fox Launches Bid For Parliament In the Bahamas

Jovita Moore
Jovita Moore, photo via WSB-TV
by Kandiss Edwards

May 4, 2026

ATLiens Outraged After Removal Of Jovita Moore Mural, Building Owner Responds

Bellwood Coffee admitted it made a mistake.

An Atlanta coffeehouse promises to restore the Jovita Moore mural after facing significant backlash for painting over the tribute dedicated to the late news anchor.

The mural was created in 2021 to honor the legacy of the Channel 2 Action News anchor following her passing from glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Moore had been a staple of Atlanta journalism since 1998, and the mural served as a key local monument in the #JovitaStrong movement.

On May 1, news spread that the tribute had been covered by Bellwood Coffee shortly after the business moved into the Atlanta neighborhood. Many residents viewed the act as a disregard for the city’s culture and the legacy of a Black woman who was a foundational figure in Atlanta news. An X user, @3MuchHutch, posted about her disappointment.

“If you grew up in Atlanta/ been around a while you knew who Jovita Moore was and you know how the city responded when she died. This coffee shop just moved into my neighborhood and painted over a mural dedicated to her for their signage and honestly it’s not sitting well w/ me,” the post read.

In response to the outcry, Bellwood Coffee issued a series of statements on X to explain the decision and offer an apology. The shop owners initially stated that new windows installed during their building renovation “cut into the mural significantly,” making it difficult to preserve the original artwork in its entirety.

In a later post, the company admitted they made a mistake, stating, “We knew Jovita Moore’s story, but we truly had no idea how much this specific mural meant to the community of Atlanta… The truth is, the reasons aren’t good enough.”

To make amends, Bellwood Coffee has pledged to commission a brand-new mural honoring Moore and has invited community input to ensure the new tribute reflects the neighborhood’s wishes.

The controversy over the mural comes at a time when Moore’s impact is being celebrated through tangible action. On May 2, hundreds of supporters gathered for the annual Race for Research, an event dedicated to funding brain cancer studies, WSBTV reported. The atmosphere was one of remembrance and hope as participants donned #JovitaStrong gear to continue the fight against the disease that took her life.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the first-ever “Jovita Moore Impact Award.” The honor was established to recognize individuals who embody Moore’s spirit of community service and journalistic excellence. This inaugural award serves as a powerful reminder that while paint on a wall can be covered, her influence on the city of Atlanta and the push for medical breakthroughs remains indelible.

RELATED CONTENT: Atlanta Graphic Designer Pays Tribute To Late News Anchor Jovita Moore With Latest Piece

essence Fest, new orleans
Capturing The Moment at the [[:en:Essence Music Festival|Essence Festival of Culture]] 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana in July 2025.
by Kandiss Edwards

May 4, 2026

Calls Begin For Essence Festival To Exit New Orleans Amid Supreme Court Decision

Online figure Damian Wheeler and Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott seem in agreement that the festival should relocate to a state that "respects Black voices."

In the wake of the controversial U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding Louisiana’s congressional districts, a few online spectators are calling for the Essence Festival of Culture to leave New Orleans.

The Essence Festival, often referred to as “the party with a purpose,” is the largest annual cultural gathering in the United States. Essence Fest serves as a massive economic engine for New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. Activists argue that the festival’s presence provides significant tax revenue and global prestige to a state government that they claim is actively working to disenfranchise Black voters.

Online figure Damian Wheeler and Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott seem in agreement that the festival should relocate to a state that “respects Black voices.”

In a post on X, Mayor Scott appealed to Essence.

“The 92% told me ya’ll should be looking for a new home because them folk down there are doing what they do –  being racist…Wakanda is ready!”

The Supreme Court recently intervened in a longstanding legal battle over the state’s redistricting. A lower court’s order that would have required Louisiana to include a second Black-majority district for the 2024 elections has been nullified. The move allows the state to proceed with a map that critics argue dilutes the voting power of Black residents, sparking immediate outrage and a push for economic boycotts.

New Orleans city officials and local business owners would suffer over the loss of the festival. Essence brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city each July, generating an estimated economic impact of over $300 million, according to Essence’s Impact Analysis. While the city itself remains a Democratic stronghold, the state-level redistricting decisions have placed the festival in the middle of a tug-of-war between cultural celebration and political strategy.

As of early May 2026, Essence Ventures has not officially announced plans to move the festival.

RELATED CONTENT: Essence Fest Sees Booking Decline As Tourism Faces Hit From Broader Economic Struggles

Corporations, Federal Taxes, Money
Karolina Grabowska/Pexels
by Keka Araújo

May 3, 2026

Young Black Scholar Publishes 500-Page Study Challenging Myths About Work And Systemic Inequality

Kafele’s research examines the financial infrastructure behind city development

 B. Libre Kafele (Baruti Libre Kafele), a young African American scholar, lecturer, political scientist, and political economist, has released groundbreaking research that provides a fact-based analysis of how urban development, monetary systems, and housing policies disproportionately affect Black communities and other historically marginalized populations across the United States, offering critical insight into the structural roots of economic inequality.

His extensive research has been published in his two new self-published books, Capital in the City: Urban Development, Socio-Economic Inflation and Monetary Power, and Who Pays for Development: Housing, Money and Power in American Cities.

Kafele’s research examines the financial infrastructure behind city development, with a particular focus on how economic policies, inflation, and institutional power shape access to housing, wealth, and opportunity. In Capital in the City, he details the relationship between monetary policy and urban growth, emphasizing how systemic financial practices influence inequality. In Who Pays for Development, he analyzes the cost of development, demonstrating how the burden is often shifted onto working-class residents, particularly in Black urban communities.

These publications contribute to ongoing discussions within the Black community regarding economic justice, housing access, and systemic inequality. By presenting both historical context and contemporary analysis, Kafele’s work equips readers to better understand and critically engage with the economic systems shaping their communities.

Both books are now available at BarutiLibre.com and Amazon.

Previously appeared on Blacknews.com.

RELATED CONTENT: Appeals Courts Hands Conservatives Victory, Allowing Texas To Require Ten Commandments Posted In Classrooms

hair loss, diabetes medicine, doctor, Black women
Photo by Miriam Alonso: https://www.pexels.com/photo/positive-african-american-woman-doing-hairstyle-looking-at-mirror-7585808/
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 3, 2026

Black-Owned Dermatology Center Founder Expands Services With New Hair Loss Treatment Center

The launch also reflects Aglow Dermatology’s broader mission: to close gaps in dermatologic care.

Dina D. Strachan, MD, a Harvard-educated, board-certified dermatologist, is the founder and CEO of Aglow Dermatology, a leading Black-owned dermatology practice in New York City’s borough of Manhattan. Recently, she announced the launch of her new Hair Loss Center of Excellence, a specialized initiative dedicated to diagnosing and treating hair and scalp disorders across all hair types and textures.

Dr. Strachan, who is also an NYU faculty member and a nationally recognized expert in complex hair and scalp conditions, is known to a broader audience as an on-camera expert featured in the Netflix docuseries The Black Beauty Effect, where she lends her expertise on skin, hair, and representation in dermatology.

As interest in hair restoration has grown, so has confusion about treatment options—particularly for patients with textured hair, who are often underserved or misinformed. The Hair Loss Center of Excellence was created to bring medical clarity, evidence-based treatment, and equitable care to patients seeking effective, individualized solutions.

“Hair loss is a medical condition that deserves careful evaluation and thoughtful treatment,” said Dr. Strachan. “Too often, patients are given generalized advice or cosmetic solutions without a proper diagnosis. Our goal is to provide clear answers and personalized treatment plans grounded in sound medical science, while ensuring that people of all hair textures receive the same level of expertise and attention.”

Dr. Strachan is widely known for her expertise in diagnosing and managing hair loss conditions that disproportionately affect African Americans, including scarring alopecias such as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), a condition that is frequently underrecognized or misdiagnosed. Her work emphasizes early diagnosis, prevention of permanent hair loss, and culturally competent care that accounts for styling practices, hair care traditions, and patient priorities.

Aglow Dermatology has built a reputation for combining medical excellence with a nuanced understanding of skin and hair issues in people of color. The new Center of Excellence formalizes that commitment, offering structured, in-depth evaluations for patients with complex or treatment-resistant hair loss. These dedicated sessions will be held monthly to allow for comprehensive assessment and management, while standard hair loss consultations remain available year-round.

The launch also reflects Aglow Dermatology’s broader mission: to close gaps in dermatologic care, improve outcomes through education and early intervention, and ensure that advances in dermatology are accessible to all patients– not just a subset.

Patients will benefit from:

• Detailed diagnostic evaluations of hair and scalp disorders
• Evidence-based medical and procedural treatment options
• Expertise in both scarring and non-scarring alopecias
• Care tailored to all hair textures, including tightly coiled and curly hair
• Guidance on safe hair care practices and avoidance of harmful or ineffective treatments

Previously appeared on BlackNews.com.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Minding Our Own Business—’ A Spotlight On Diaspora Enterprise and Culture: Lu Smith

PASTOR, GOD, MONEY, Reuben Armstrong
Photo by Ivan S from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/priest-holding-bible-and-rosary-8957581/
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 3, 2026

Former Pastor Says ‘God Doesn’t Need Your Money,’ Calls Out Prosperity Gospel Culture

Reuben Armstrong, a former minister-turned-best-selling author and activist, is stepping into one of the most controversial religious debates in America with his bold new book, God Doesn’t Need Your Money: God Isn’t Collecting, Your Pastor Is. He says that every Sunday, millions of Americans who are struggling financially are being victimized as they place both their faith and their money in the hands of churches across the country, especially Black churches.

Armstrong is confronting what he describes as a culture of pressure, guilt, and blind giving, where believers are encouraged to give faithfully but discouraged from asking honest questions about how their money is used.

He comments, “As a former minister myself, I’ve seen how this system works from the inside. Congregations are often made to feel guilty if they don’t give, pressured to hand over money meant for bills, rent, even food for their families, all while being promised a blessing. That’s not faith. That’s a system taking advantage of belief.”

Armstrong points directly to the influence of high-profile megachurch leaders such as T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, and Jamal Bryant as central figures in the rise of prosperity-driven church culture – a system he says has reshaped how millions view faith, money, and leadership. He argues that this culture has created an environment in which financial sacrifice is expected, but financial transparency is rarely demanded.

“This isn’t about attacking God,” he says. “This is about exposing a system that has learned how to profit from people’s belief in God.”

Armstrong says the conversation is especially urgent in the Black church, where faith, loyalty, and financial sacrifice have long been deeply connected–– but emphasizes that the issue extends across all modern megachurch systems. With trust in major institutions continuing to decline across the country, he believes churches cannot remain beyond scrutiny simply because the subject is uncomfortable.

His book, God Doesn’t Need Your Money: God Isn’t Collecting, Your Pastor Is, is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats.

Previously posted on BlackNews.com.

RELATED CONTENT: Organizers Claim Target Boycott Continues Despite Claims It Ended, Pastor Jamal Bryant To Address Backlash


×