by Sharelle B. McNair

March 16, 2026

Gun Rights Advocates Seen Handing Out AR-15 Magazine Rounds Outside Virginia Capitol Amid Assault Weapon Ban

Protestors like Todd Askins and Jason Redman of TurboVets feel “our rights are being assaulted” with the proposed legislation.

Gun rights advocates felt the best way to protest the new ban on the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in Virginia was to hand out AR-15 magazines outside of the Virginia Capitol building.

Hundreds gathered outside the building on March 14 for a rally to protest the new legislation that was sent to the desk of new Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger to sign, WTVR reports. If she signs, after July 1, the sale, manufacture, and importation of guns classified as assault weapons and magazines holding more than 15 rounds will be prohibited. But those who are already owners are allowed to keep them. Advocate Todd Askins was one of the protestors seen handing out close to $30,000 worth of 30-round capacity magazines.

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He said he feels “our rights are being assaulted,” while Jason Redman of TurboVets labeled the legislation as being a broader threat to constitutional rights. “Here in Virginia, right now, we are seeing drastic attempts to erode one of our most important freedoms: Our Second Amendment,” Redman said.

If signed, Virginia would become the 10th state to enact such bans, according to the Washington Examiner.

But it seems Redman and Askins aren’t the only ones who feel the bill is unconstitutional. Recently, the D.C. Court of Appeals ruled that banning magazines with over 10 rounds is a violation of the Second Amendment, with President Donald Trump’s DOJ pushing a lawsuit against the District of Columbia over its assault weapons ban.

But they are up for a fight. The bill’s sponsor, state Democratic Sen. Saddam Salim, described the law as being intended to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, citing the 2007 mass shooting at Virginia Tech, known as one of the deadliest in U.S. history. “The overall goal of this bill is to ensure that we have less weapons of war on the street,” Salim said.

Salim claimed the lack of legislative action against gun violence has gone on too long. But advocates have pushed back on his argument, citing that the V-Tech assailant used a .22-caliber Walther and a 9 mm Glock — both being handguns — and not AR-15s.

However, there are several times when assault rifles were deemed as a threat to those who were not. . Like in St. Louis, when Mark McCloskey and his wife Patricia made headlines for pointing assault weapons at a group of peaceful Black Lives Matter protestors passing by their home.

As the video of the protestors handing out magazines, the same ones to be banned under the proposed legislation and donated by manufacturer Magpul, comments started to flood in with criticism — especially when a magazine was handed to a child. “This is so weird .. and they give it to a kid but they think drag queens are bad for kids?,” @el-danny_c wrote.

Other users feel these participants should be signed up to go to war “since they want to play war games.” “Sign them up and ship them out to Iran They want to play war games,” @damonwilliamscomedy said.

There seems to be some positive parameters under the legislation, if signed into law, like owners who no longer want their assault weapons being allowed to transfer them to a licensed firearms dealer or to someone outside of state lines who has licenses to legally own one.

The weapons can also be inherited by an immediate family member, but some groups, such as law enforcement and federal facility security personnel, are exempt from these restrictions.

Misty Copeland Returns To Dance For ‘Sinners’ Performance At Oscars Amid Ballet Diss

Copeland returned from ballet retirement to take part in the historic Oscars performance.

Misty Copeland has returned to the ballet scene for one night after an Oscar nominee dissed the art form.

Copeland laced up her shoes to dance on the Oscars stage during ‘Sinners’ star Miles Canton and Raphael Saddiq’s performance of “I Lied To You.” The song was a hit off the film’s soundtrack and nominated for best song at the March 15 awards ceremony.

The first Black principal dancer for the American Ballet took part in the special showcase, which celebrated the song’s ties to blues music. Despite retiring last October, Copeland graced the stage yet again as a highlight of the Oscar night.

As for Copeland’s participation, her return to ballet highlighted the art form’s storied history and enduring appeal, despite recent comments dismissing the discipline. However, her inclusion in the performance was already in the works, with “Sinners” Director Ryan Coogler having special plans for her look.

“Ryan Coogler was really interested in having me wear a costume that represented one of the iconic roles that I’ve danced in my career,” Copeland shared, according to Vogue. “Swan Lake came up and then Firebird. And I think Firebird really connected to the film and the song in particular, in which there are all of these different spirits of history and culture and music and dance coming up.”

Her outfit also made history for the evening, with her Firebird costume used in the original 1982 production by the Dance Theater of Harlem. The costume even features a Sankofa emblem, a symbol used by the Akan people of Ghana. The symbol’s meaning of “‘going back to get it’ further ties to the film’s theme of connection across generations.

While a vibrant display of Black artistic culture, the performance held another bout of significance. “Marty Supreme” actor Timothee Chalamet, who lost in the “Best Actor” category to “Sinners” lead Michael B. Jordan, made divisive comments regarding older art forms such as ballet and opera.

Many fans and artists in these fields lost respect for the actor after he undermined the art forms during a recent CNN town hall. Naysayers described the comments as offensive and tone-deaf, especially for a fellow artist.

Before making her grand statement on stage, Copeland joined in the critique of Chalamet’s words as the comments gained traction. Previously covered on BLACK ENTERPRISE, she noted how Chalamet invited her to help with his “Marty Supreme” promotion despite his views toward ballet.

While she understood how interest in these arts has declined, that does not mean their overall impact has withered away. Copeland also proclaimed that Chalamet would not even have his esteemed acting career if these disciplines had not paved the way for cinema.

The ballet prodigy added, “[Chalamet] wouldn’t be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren’t for opera and ballet and their relevance in that medium. So all of these mediums have a space and we shouldn’t be comparing them.”

While her words garnered praise, her Oscars dance in front of Chalamet also proved that ballet and opera remain relevant in society and the arts.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 16, 2026

Snoop Dogg Hits A Legal Roadblock: Breaking Down The “Smoke Weed Everyday” Trademark Refusal

By Caleb L. Green

Few artists have shaped modern culture the way Snoop Dogg has. His influence spans music, media, and the cannabis industry, where he has become one of the most recognizable business figures in the world. It made perfect sense that his company, DR ETC HOLDCO LLC, recently sought federal trademark protection for the phrase “SMOKE WEED EVERYDAY,” a line that has lived rent-free in hip-hop history since “The Next Episode.”

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), however, was not impressed. In a detailed Office Action issued on March 10, 2026, the USPTO refused the application on two major grounds, each rooted in established trademark doctrine and the limits of federal cannabis regulation.

But understanding why the refusal occurred requires stepping back to examine what Snoop’s team applied for. The trademark application covered a broad mix of goods and services, including retail and online store services offering cannabis products, hemp-derived goods, aromatherapy items, brownies, cookies, gummies, oils, and even goods connected to psychedelic-assisted therapy.

The first problem for the USPTO was the phrase itself. In the office action refusal, the USPTO explained that “SMOKE WEED EVERYDAY” is not viewed by the public as a trademark at all, but as a common expression. The examiner pointed to widespread marketplace evidence showing the phrase appearing on Amazon, Redbubble, and similar platforms across a variety of sellers. The legal standard is straightforward: a trademark must tell consumers that a product comes from one particular source. According to the USPTO, this phrase functions instead as a widely used slogan or message associated with cannabis culture, not with any one company. Because the phrase is already in heavy circulation and used by many unrelated sellers, the examiner concluded that consumers would not perceive it as identifying goods from Snoop’s company.

The USPTO’s refusal referenced prior decisions involving messages such as “EVERYBODY VS RACISM” and “NO MORE RINOS,” where applicants were also denied protection because the wording was used widely in public discourse rather than as a brand identifier. The refusal emphasized that when a phrase becomes too common, the USPTO cannot grant exclusive rights to it to any one person or company. Attempts to overcome this kind of refusal by proving acquired distinctiveness, moving to the Supplemental Register, or submitting different specimens are not permitted. The examiner made that point clearly.

If that refusal alone did not stop the application in its tracks, the second one certainly did. A significant portion of the goods and services listed in the application was subject to federal cannabis restrictions under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The USPTO explained that certain items in the application—particularly the consumable products like brownies, cookies, gummies, and other ingestible goods containing Delta9 THC—are considered “adulterated foods” under federal law. The FDA has repeatedly stated that, aside from a few specific hempseed derivatives, it has not recognized cannabis or cannabis-derived ingredients as generally safe food additives. As a result, introducing these products into interstate commerce remains unlawful under the FDCA, which in turn means that no valid federal trademark rights can arise from their sale.

The USPTO’s reasoning follows longstanding policy: if the use of a mark in commerce would itself violate federal law, the application must be refused. The refusal cited not only the FDCA but also recent USPTO and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decisions that reinforce this rule. Even though many states have liberal cannabis laws, federal trademark protection remains tied to compliance with federal statutes, not state-level legalization. For cannabis entrepreneurs, this remains one of the most significant structural barriers to brand protection.

Despite the two refusals, Snoop’s application is not beyond saving, although the path forward is narrow. The USPTO suggested that the applicant could amend the goods and services to remove items that violate federal law. It also recommended clarifying certain descriptions, such as narrowing “cannabis products” to specify precisely which lawful hemp-derived goods are being offered. The examiner noted that “essential oils,” as listed, were too broad because they could encompass ingestible items, which again would fall under federal restrictions. Properly limiting the identification to non-ingestible, non-therapeutic, cosmetic, or smoking-related oils could help salvage portions of the application.

Snoop’s team could also choose to remove the consumable goods entirely and refocus the application on areas that do not trigger FDCA problems. Many cannabis-adjacent brands instead pursue trademark protection for media, entertainment, apparel, and lifestyle services, which remain a lawful basis for federal registration. Filing a trademark application in those categories might provide a clearer path to protecting the phrase in other contexts, even if it cannot be directly tied to ingestible THC products.

For Black founders, creatives, and cannabis entrepreneurs, the lessons from this refusal extend far beyond celebrity branding. First, popular expressions—even culturally iconic ones—are extremely difficult to claim as trademarks if the public already uses them freely. A phrase that feels integral to your brand may be impossible to monopolize if it has already entered everyday language. Second, the cannabis industry still operates within a complex legal patchwork where federal trademark law moves at a slower pace than culture or state regulation. Even the biggest names face the same federal barriers as smaller players.

Finally, the wording of your goods and services in a trademark application matters more than many people realize. One impermissible item can jeopardize an entire filing. The most effective protection strategies often involve a layered approach: securing your company name, distinctive logos, unique taglines, and the non-restricted parts of your brand ecosystem while monitoring the regulatory landscape for future opportunities.

Snoop Dogg has succeeded over the decades because he understands how to evolve with the times while staying rooted in authenticity. His trademark challenges here are not so much setbacks as reflections of how federal law continues to lag behind cultural and economic reality. For now, the phrase “SMOKE WEED EVERYDAY” may remain in the public domain, but the broader takeaway is clear. Anyone building within cannabis, culture, or lifestyle branding needs a smart, forward-thinking trademark strategy that respects both where the law is and where it is heading.

The 20th Annual ‘Women Of Power’ Summit Finishes Strong With Powerhouse Programming [PICS]

by Ida Harris

March 16, 2026

The 20th Annual ‘Women Of Power’ Summit Finishes Strong With Powerhouse Programming [PICS]

BLACK ENTERPRISE has done it again

BLACK ENTERPRISE has done it again—presented a powerful Women of Power Summit. Like the 19 summits before it, the 2026 summit is one for the books.

Over 1,500 powerful Black women executives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries held court at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, to celebrate 20 years of Women of Power.

The entire week was loaded with powerful programming, including wellness, workshops, panels, coaching, networking—and partying with like minds. Megan Goode whipped out an incredible workout while Iyanla Vanzant dropped jewels. Jotaka Eaddy, Bozoma Saint John, and Angela Rye shined bright as luminary honorees.

Check it out in the following gallery:

Black Enterprise Women in Power Summit – Las Vegas 2026

A Black Female Podcast Host Broke Into The Top 1% Globally — No Ads, No PR, Just Real Conversations

by Black Enterprise

March 16, 2026

A Black Female Podcast Host Broke Into The Top 1% Globally — No Ads, No PR, Just Real Conversations

The show highlights voices from entrepreneurship and everyday leadership.

Originally published on BlackNews.com

In a digital world driven by optics and algorithms, authenticity is becoming the rarest currency.

In less than a year, The Real Connect Podcast, hosted by communications and relationship expert Tamika Carlton, rose to the Top 25 in the Relationships category on Apple Podcasts, signaling a growing appetite for conversations that move beyond performance and into truth.

Where social feeds reward curated vulnerability and polished success, The Real Connect centers raw honesty, emotional presence, and lived experience. The show explores grief, burnout, ambition, boundaries, faith, masculinity, and the emotional labor required to “look fine” in a culture that rarely asks if you actually are.

While the show occasionally features recognizable voices like Top Chef Season 22 winner Tristen Epps and Law & Order: Organized Crime star Danielle Moné Truitt, its growth has never depended on celebrity appeal. The conversations themselves are honest, vulnerable, and often unexpectedly revealing, with guests sharing reflections and experiences they didn’t necessarily plan to discuss.

The show also highlights voices from entrepreneurship and everyday leadership, including Nayana Ferguson, the first Black woman to found a tequila brand; Rachel Kennedy, an author, entrepreneur, and relationship builder; and Tiffani Hawes, one of Atlanta’s best-known closing attorneys.

The mix of recognizable figures and everyday leaders reflects the core premise of The Real Connect: meaningful connection isn’t reserved for the famous. Real connection is felt, not performed. It happens when people are willing to show up honestly and share the parts of their story that often go unspoken.

Carlton’s mission is personal. Having lost her father suddenly and later facing the possibility of losing her husband unexpectedly, she was confronted with a truth many avoid: connection is not a lifestyle accessory. It is survival.

“We’re surrounded by people playing roles,” says Carlton. “But when life breaks you open, performance doesn’t hold you. People do.”

At a time when one in four adults reports frequent loneliness and public trust in institutions continues to decline, The Real Connect offers a space where truth is prioritized over image and emotional depth over engagement metrics.

“If we made more intentional effort toward our partners, our friendships, our colleagues through kindness, accountability, and remembering each other’s humanity, we wouldn’t be living in such deep division,” Carlton adds. “Disconnection doesn’t just harm relationships. It destabilizes everything.”

New episodes of The Real Connect Podcast are available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Tamika Carlton is a relationship and communications expert, entrepreneur, and author, leading an urgent cultural conversation about connection in an increasingly disconnected digital world. She is the visionary behind The Real Connect Podcast, which reached the Top 25 on Apple Podcasts in less than a year. Her message is clearly resonating, with a rapidly expanding audience seeking deeper, more meaningful connections.

Through her growing platform, she is on a mission to build a community of 1 million people committed to cultivating authentic human connection, challenging the reality that only 14 percent of people report being truly happy today. For more information, visit TamikaCarlton

by Mary Spiller

March 16, 2026

Giving Up Your American Passport? It Just Got 80% Cheaper To Renounce Citizenship

The State Department rule reduces cost of giving up U.S. nationality from $2,350 to $450, citing efforts to ease financial barriers.

The U.S. Department of State has sharply reduced the fee required for Americans who wish to formally give up their U.S. citizenship, lowering the charge from $2,350 to $450 under a new rule that took effect March 13. Officials said the updated price restores the cost to the same amount the government charged when it first introduced a fee for citizenship renunciation in 2010. The adjustment, originally announced in 2023 but only recently implemented, was described as a policy change designed to lessen the financial burden on applicants seeking a Certificate of Loss of Nationality.

The certificate is issued after individuals complete the formal process of renouncing citizenship outside the United States.

Applicants must appear before a U.S. diplomatic or consular officer abroad and confirm both verbally and in writing that they understand the consequences before taking an official oath of renunciation. The State Department then reviews the request before granting approval and issuing the document.

According to Fox News, government officials previously raised the fee significantly in 2015, increasing it from $450 to $2,350. At the time, the higher price was intended in part to help cover administrative costs as the number of Americans seeking to give up their citizenship grew in the early 2010s. According to the State Department, the number of applications rose from 956 cases in 2010 to 3,436 in 2014.

The department now estimates that roughly 4,661 people apply each year for a Certificate of Loss of Nationality. Despite the price reduction, officials said the new $450 charge still falls short of the government’s actual processing expenses. The change is expected to decrease federal revenue from the fee by about $8.9 million annually. Funds collected through the charge are deposited into the U.S. Treasury rather than used to support the State Department’s consular operations.

Advocacy groups representing Americans living abroad had long criticized the higher fee. Some organizations argued that the cost created an unnecessary obstacle to people attempting to exercise their legal right to renounce citizenship. Legal challenges were filed contesting the policy, including claims that the process should not carry any fee at all.

One of those groups, the Association of Accidental Americans, welcomed the change. Its president, Fabien Lehagre, said in a statement that the reduction “acknowledges the necessity of making this fundamental right accessible to all.”

Lehagre noted that the decision followed years of advocacy from the organization. According to the group, thousands of individuals paid the previous $2,350 fee after the government first announced plans to reduce the charge but before the new rule took effect.

While the updated policy lowers the financial barrier, the State Department has not released new data on how many Americans have recently renounced their citizenship.

Former Security Guard, Jasmine Crockett, Police Standoff, Dallas

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 15, 2026

Former Security Guard For Rep. Jasmine Crockett Fatally Shot During Police Standoff In Dallas

Diamon-Mazairre Robinson, 39, had an active federal warrant for impersonating a police officer.

A former security guard for Rep. Jasmine Crockett was fatally shot Wednesday, March 11 during a police standoff in Dallas.

CBS News Texas reported that Diamon-Mazairre Robinson, 39, recently served as a member of the politician’s security team and went by the alias of Mike King.

A federal investigation into Robinson led to a standoff with the Dallas Fugitive Unit, who had an active warrant for Robinson impersonating a police officer. Robinson reportedly had seven arrests for theft, all occurring between 2009 and 2012.

CBS News reports that he pleaded guilty to his sentences for those convictions, but was fined no more than $2,500 and sentences of probation from 1 to 5 years, and in one case, 10 years.

He used an alias to launch several businesses, including helping off-duty cops find security gigs.

Officers discovered Robinson as he barricaded himself inside a vehicle parked at the Children’s Medical Center in Dallas.

CBS News reported that officers used tear gas to lure Robinson out of the vehicle. Robinson exited the car, pointing a gun at the officers.

During a press conference shared on social media, Chief Daniel C. Comeaux of the Dallas Police Department confirmed Robinson died during the standoff.

OIS at 1900 Medical District Drive https://t.co/cWOeKf0akr
— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) March 12, 2026

Before his death, Robinson, using his alias to impersonate a police officer himself, also oversaw security teams at hotels across downtown Dallas, as well as his local church. Despite his criminal background, Robinson was able to gain access to the high-profile security gig with Crockett.

Robinson worked with Crockett as recently as this year. The local news outlet confirmed his identity in pictures with the congresswoman during her failed run for U.S. Senate.

Neither Crockett nor her press team has released a comment on Robinson.

by Mary Spiller

March 15, 2026

Hip-Hop Legend DJ Lord Sear Dies At 52

He was also Eminem’s longtime DJ.

Lord Sear, the DJ and hip-hop radio host who became a familiar voice to fans through his work on Shade 45, has died at the age of 52.

News of his death was shared March 11 through a statement on his social media accounts. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed, as reported by TMZ.

Sear, whose career spanned decades across radio, music, and live touring, built a reputation as a major presence in hip-hop broadcasting. A tribute posted to his Instagram page highlighted his lasting impact, stating that “he was more than a voice on the radio—he was a force, a friend, and family to so many of us.”

The radio personality became closely associated with Eminem after joining the rapper’s SiriusXM channel, Shade 45, when it launched in 2004. The station quickly became a central platform for hip-hop programming, and Sear was described as a key member of the channel’s team from its earliest days.

Eminem paid tribute to his longtime collaborator in a message shared on social media. “Sear was one of the greatest people to be around, I will never forget how he made me laugh on our tour together,” the rapper wrote.

Eminem added that Sear “made the world a better place and I’m gonna seriously miss that.”

Sear was one of the greatest people to be around, I will never forget how he made me laugh on our tour together. Our time on @Shade45 together was always some of my favorite interviews. He made the world a better place and I’m gonna seriously miss that. Rest in peace Lil Trey… pic.twitter.com/JXs6mVzPKG
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) March 12, 2026

Beyond radio broadcasting, Sear was involved in multiple areas of hip-hop entertainment. He toured with Eminem during the “Anger Management Tour” in the early 2000s and worked as a rapper, DJ, and producer. His voice also appeared in video games such as Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto IV, expanding his presence beyond the music industry.

Sear initially gained recognition while touring with rapper Kurious. He later became involved with the influential college radio program Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito, a show widely credited with introducing future hip-hop stars like Jay-Z, Nas, and the Wu-Tang Clan to wider audiences.

Sear also collaborated musically with a variety of artists, appearing on projects with performers such as Beastie Boys and Big Pun. In recent years, he hosted his own program on SiriusXM, The Lord Sear Special.

Following news of his passing, numerous artists and entertainers expressed their condolences online. Actor Jaleel White wrote in the comments beneath the tribute that he would never return to the SiriusXM building without thinking of Sear, describing him as someone whose “spirit was gynormous.”

Hip-hop artists including Xzibit, Ludacris, E-40, and Fat Joe also shared messages honoring his life and contributions.

With decades spent promoting hip-hop music and artists, Sear’s voice became a recognizable part of the genre’s radio landscape. Colleagues say his enthusiasm, humor, and dedication to the culture made him an enduring figure within the community he helped amplify.

Hip-Hop, Fab 5 Freddy, Graffiti, Music, And Culture, Memoir, 'Everybody’s Fly'

by Mary Spiller

March 15, 2026

Hip-Hop Legend Fab 5 Freddy Chronicles Graffiti, Music, And Culture In Memoir ‘Everybody’s Fly’

The memoir examines how Freddy helped bridge the worlds of graffiti art, music, film, and fashion during hip-hop’s formative years.

Hip-hop pioneer Fab 5 Freddy recently appeared in Atlanta for a special cultural event combining a book discussion and a screening of a landmark hip-hop film.

Hosted by A Cappella Books at the Tara Theatre, the March 12 event included a conversation with Freddy about his autobiography, Everybody’s Fly: A Life of Art, Music, and Changing the Culture, followed by a screening of the 1982 film Wild Style. The event was moderated by cultural journalist Christopher Daniel and aimed to explore Freddy’s influence on the development of hip-hop as both a musical movement and a broader artistic culture.

As reported by Arts ATL, the memoir traces the career of the Brooklyn-born personality, whose real name is Frederick Brathwaite, and examines how he helped bridge the worlds of graffiti art, music, film, and fashion during hip-hop’s formative years. Freddy was deeply involved in the cultural movement as it grew from an underground scene in New York City into a worldwide phenomenon.

In the book’s introduction, Freddy reflects on his mission to elevate graffiti into a recognized art form.

“I [was] determined to bring graffiti-inspired art into the art world for real,” he writes. “I hooked up with the downtown post-punk scene, where everything was avant-garde: art, music, film, fashion.” He adds that by connecting that artistic community with the emerging rap scene from uptown New York, “we helped evolve it into the global force we call Hip-Hop.”

Hip-hop and art pioneer Fab 5 Freddy’s new memoir is a love letter and eulogy to an intensely fertile and creative period in New York.

He tells us about what drove him to write it all down now. https://t.co/qCqKIHnIE0
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) March 10, 2026

Wild Style is widely considered one of the earliest films to portray hip-hop culture. The movie follows the fictional story of a graffiti artist navigating New York’s underground creative scene. Freddy co-produced the film and composed its score and appeared as a promoter and former graffiti writer.

The film also features several influential figures from hip-hop’s early days, including DJs, dancers, and graffiti artists who helped shape the movement. Its depiction of street art, breakdancing, and rap music captured a moment when the culture was still developing in neighborhoods across New York.

Freddy’s career expanded beyond the street art and music scenes. He became a music video producer, actor, and host of the influential MTV program, Yo! MTV Raps, which introduced hip-hop to a wider television audience during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His collaborations and connections stretched across multiple creative worlds, bringing together artists, musicians, and designers.

Freddy credits his understanding of culture from writer Albert Murray: “For a culture to be complete, it must have its own music, dance, and visual art—an interconnection among three elements.”

Oprah, H.E.R., Sheldon Candis, HBCU Series, 'The B Side'

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 15, 2026

Oprah And H.E.R. Tap Sheldon Candis To Direct Their HBCU Series, ‘The B Side’

The show is another project in development focusing on the diverse lives and culture found at HBCUs.

Oprah Winfrey and H.E.R. have found the director for their upcoming HBCU drama series.

Titled The B-Side, the show is being developed by the Black-women-producing duo of Winfrey and H.E.R. The show will focus on the students and communities surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Now, the series has gained more momentum with Sheldon Candis appointed to the director’s chair, as reported by HBCU Buzz. A Baltimore native, Candis has directed multiple projects, such as the 2012 feature Luv and 2022 DC Comics superhero series Naomi. The USC Film School graduate also directed an episode for Colin in Black & White, a 2021 limited series based on the life of former NFL quarterback and racial justice activist Colin Kaepernick.

Now, Candis will help lead this new series focusing on this unique sector of Black America. The series will center on students as they matriculate through these esteemed institutions, exploring their identity, ambition, and sacrifices to reach their dreams beyond graduation.

The B-Side will also offer viewers a widened scope on the culture and challenges surrounding these schools. Since 90s sitcom A Different World first aired, a modern interest in HBCUs has grown. Now, this project aims to take viewers back to the yard.

The coming-of-age drama speeds up development as another HBCU series, a Netflix reboot of the beloved Cosby Show spinoff, begins production. While that show will expand upon the characters and community at the fictional Hillman College, The B Side will offer another story in HBCU storytelling.

With Candis now involved in the project, the show can continue its search for a cast and a network for distribution. The news comes amid reports that another HBCU project involving Winfrey and H.E.R., a dance-related film titled Major, has signed on Jamal Sims as its director, as reported by Deadline.

As several HBCU-focused projects get ready for production, the entertainment landscape is now making way for underrepresented stories to take over the big and small screen.