SpaceX’s Rise Could Soon Reach Millions Of Retirement Accounts Through Index Funds
As Elon Musk’s aerospace company moves closer to major stock indexes, financial experts say everyday investors may gain exposure whether they choose to or not.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is poised to become more than just a Wall Street phenomenon. For millions of Americans, the company could soon become a part of their retirement portfolios even if they never intentionally buy a single share.
According to the Associated Press, the aerospace giant’s highly anticipated public debut has sparked growing discussion about the role of index funds and how they could automatically add SpaceX stock to the retirement accounts of everyday investors. The company recently completed what is expected to be the largest initial public offering in history, raising approximately $75 billion and reaching a valuation of roughly $2.1 trillion.
The issue centers on index funds, investment vehicles that automatically track market benchmarks such as the Nasdaq-100 or S&P 500. Once a company is added to one of these indexes, funds that mirror those benchmarks are generally required to purchase shares, creating demand from millions of investors who may not even realize they now own a stake in the company, reports WSLS.
SpaceX appears particularly well-positioned for rapid inclusion. Nasdaq recently changed its rules to allow certain mega-cap companies to enter the Nasdaq-100 after as few as 15 trading days, significantly accelerating the timeline for index-fund ownership. Analysts say that if SpaceX joins major indexes, retirement accounts invested in popular exchange-traded funds and mutual funds could quickly gain exposure to the company.
The development has sparked debate among market observers. Supporters argue that index inclusion reflects SpaceX’s growing importance to the economy and gives ordinary investors access to one of the world’s most influential technology companies. Critics, however, question whether passive investors should automatically inherit exposure to a company that some analysts believe is richly valued and carries significant execution risks. Morningstar analysts told AP that SpaceX’s IPO valuation may be substantially higher than what they believe the company is worth.
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“Michelle Obama is a man, am I right, America?” Hokit said during a post-fight interview with right-wing podcaster Joe Rogan at UFC Freedom 250, the first professional sporting event to take place at the White House.
For many, the comment might seem easy to dismiss as simply crude, ignorant, or attention-seeking. Others treated it as a joke. But the remark deserves a deeper examination, not because it was new, but because it was all too familiar. And continues to be just as harmful.
Michelle Obama’s is a target of racist and sexist remarks
Michelle Obama has spent years being subjected to racist and sexist attacks questioning her appearance, femininity, and womanhood. But long before social media made these statements commonplace, Black women have been forced to navigate a society that often denies them the grace, softness, and humanity routinely afforded to white women. It is part of a growing phenomenon often referred to as transvestigation, the conspiracy theory that public figures, particularly cis women–a person who was assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman– are secretly transgender. While often dismissed as internet nonsense, these accusations are rooted in the same logic that fuels anti-trans panic: the belief that strangers have the authority to inspect, evaluate, and determine who is “really” a woman.
For years, opponents of transgender equality have framed their efforts as a matter of protecting women. We have heard arguments about bathrooms, sports, identification documents, healthcare, and public accommodations. We are told that these debates are about safety, fairness, and common sense. But this past Sunday revealed something else.
What happened at the White House was not simply an attack on Michelle Obama. It was a reminder of how racism, misogyny, and transphobia often work together and how the harm of anti-trans rhetoric extends far beyond transgender people. And the insult only works if people agree that being perceived as transgender is something shameful. The joke relies on the assumption that being mistaken for a trans woman is inherently humiliating. That assumption is not incidental to the attack. It is the attack.
Already, transgender women often bear the brunt of this system. They face harassment, discrimination, and violence simply for existing in public. Being publicly accused, singled out, or “outed” can lead to discrimination, harassment, loss of employment, housing instability, and violence. And Black transgender women in particular continue to face disproportionate rates of violence and fatal attacks. But once we normalize the idea that womanhood can be questioned based on appearance, there is no logical stopping point. The policing of gender has never remained confined to one group. The scrutiny inevitably expands to anyone who fails to conform to society’s expectations. And our society continues to attempt to treat womanhood as something that must be verified, inspected, and proven. Everyone has become vulnerable. The question stops being whether someone is a woman and becomes whether they are woman enough. And we’ve already seen the consequences.
And Black women, in particular, have long been forced to carry this burden.
A Eurocentric Standard of Femininity
The National Black Justice Collective has noted that women of color are disproportionately accused of being transgender or intersex because of racist assumptions about their bodies and rigid demands for gender conformity. Across the country, cisgender women have reported being harassed in public restrooms because someone decided they looked too masculine. Female athletes have had their bodies scrutinized and their identities questioned. Women whose appearance falls outside narrow and often white-centered Eurocentric beauty standards are subjected to invasive speculation about their bodies and identities.
The history of misogynoir, the specific intersection of anti-Black racism and sexism experienced by Black women, is filled with examples of Black women being denied femininity. Black women have been stereotyped as aggressive, masculine, hypersexual, physically imposing, and fundamentally different from the delicate idea of womanhood that American culture has historically reserved for white women.
World-class athletes like Venus and Serena Williams and Brittney Griner have had their bodies mocked and masculinized. Artists such as Ciara and Megan Thee Stallion have faced similar attacks online. Time and again, Black women are told that their strength makes them less feminine, that their physical features make them suspicious, or that their existence somehow requires explanation.
And so the message becomes clear. If a woman does not fit a narrow, Eurocentric standard of femininity, her womanhood becomes open for debate. And that same logic sits at the heart of modern anti-trans rhetoric.
That is why transphobia, or transmisia, a term that I personally prefer because it shifts the conversation from fear to active prejudice and systemic discrimination, is not solely a transgender issue. It is a cultural and justice issue. And it’s why this is not merely a disagreement about language or policy. This shapes how people move through the world. It influences who is protected and who is considered deserving of dignity. A reality that other activists have been saying for years.
And frankly, it’s getting old, and it’s getting tired.
When a public figure can stand on White House grounds and casually repeat transphobic and racist language about a former first lady, it signals how normalized this rhetoric has become. It tells us that questioning a woman’s identity has become acceptable entertainment. It tells us that some people still view accusations of being transgender as a punchline. That trans people are a joke to them.
But there is nothing funny about a culture that teaches people to distrust women based on how they look. There is nothing harmless about rhetoric that encourages strangers to evaluate, investigate, and challenge another person’s identity. And there is certainly nothing protective about a movement that claims to defend women while simultaneously creating an environment where women are constantly forced to prove themselves.
It’s not that Michelle Obama deserves better because she is Michelle Obama. It’s that all women, cis, trans, and/or queer, deserve better because they are people.
We should not have to meet a particular standard of beauty, softness, size, race, or presentation to be respected and treated with decency. We should not have to perform femininity to satisfy strangers. And we should not have to fear that our identities will be questioned simply because someone believes we do not look the way a woman is supposed to look.
The answer is not deciding who counts as a woman. It is recognizing the humanity of all women and rejecting the systems that encourage us to treat their identities as public property. Because the moment we grant people permission to decide who is “really” a woman, we create a world where every woman is subject to judgment and none of us are truly safe from it.
Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney (41): Senior pastor and South Carolina State Senator dedicated to justice and community uplift.
Cynthia Graham Hurd (54): Lifelong librarian who spent 31 years opening doors of literacy and opportunity.
Susie Jackson (87): Beloved church matriarch, longtime choir member, and the emotional anchor of her family.
Ethel Lee Lance (70): Deeply devoted church sexton who cared for the historic sanctuary and welcomed all with love.
Rev. Depayne Middleton-Doctor (49): Ordained minister, university administrator, and devoted mother of four.
Tywanza Sanders (26): Brave recent college graduate, aspiring entrepreneur, and poet who died protecting his family.
Rev. Daniel L. Simmons Sr. (74): Retired pastor and veteran who continued to serve and share his deep wisdom.
Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton (45): Revered minister, high school track coach, and speech therapist who inspired youth.
Rev. Myra Thompson (59): Passionate educator and newly licensed minister dedicated to spiritual leadership.
In the wake of unimaginable tragedy, the families of the victims answered hatred with profound grace, extending forgiveness and uniting a nation. Today, we carry forward the legacy of the Emanuel Nine by committing to love, justice, and community. May their light continue to shine.
Forbes Names Top Immigrant Changemakers, Black And Brown Leaders Take Center Stage
The ranking was released as part of the media company's commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026.
Among those recognized on the new Forbes list are several prominent Black entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and artists whose work spans industries from artificial intelligence and finance to entertainment and publishing.
Forbes unveiled its inaugural “Forbes 250: America’s Most Successful Living Immigrants” list, recognizing foreign-born leaders whose contributions have helped shape U.S. business, technology, culture, and philanthropy.
The ranking, released as part of the media company’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, spotlights immigrants who have generated significant economic and cultural impact after building their careers in the United States. Forbes editors evaluated candidates based on factors such as influence, wealth creation, leadership, and societal contributions.
Cameroonian-born NBA star Joel Embiid, who became a U.S. citizen in 2022, was included for his achievements on and off the court.
Other honorees include Nigerian-born author and speaker Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
According to Forbes, nearly 50 million foreign-born residents live in the United States, accounting for roughly 15% of the nation’s population. The publication said immigrants have founded or co-founded many of the country’s largest companies and continue to play a significant role in driving innovation and economic growth.
“Since its inception, America has been a place where people come to turn ambition into opportunity and possibility into reality,” Forbes Chief Content Officer Randall Lane said in a statement announcing the ranking.
Ice Cube’s Big3 Basketball League To Go Public In Historic $290M Deal
This transition to public ownership is significant for the African American community.
The Big3 basketball league plans to become the first publicly traded professional sports league in U.S. history through a $290 million business combination agreement.
The 3-on-3 league, co-founded by O’Shea Jackson Sr. (Ice Cube) and Jeff Kwatinetz, announced on June 12 that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Graf Global Corp., a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).
After closing, the combined entity will be renamed Big3 Basketball Holdings, Inc. Management expects to list the company on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE American, or Nasdaq in the fourth quarter of 2026. The ticker symbol will be TONT, referencing three-on-three.
Key upcoming milestones for the Big3 include securing regulatory approvals for the merger and finalizing the business combination with Graf Global Corp. The league also plans to expand its franchise model by announcing and selling more city-based teams before the public listing. Effective investor communications and preparation of financial disclosures will be essential before the anticipated public market debut in 2026.
This initiative enables fans to purchase shares of the league, becoming part owners and participating directly in its potential growth, a privilege traditionally reserved for institutional investors or billionaires. Shares are expected to be available to the public through major online brokerage platforms once the company is listed. Interested fans can use new or existing brokerage accounts to buy and sell Big3 stock, following standard procedures for publicly traded companies.
“You can’t participate in the upside of the team besides winning,” Ice Cube said in an interview with Bloomberg. “And we need the fans for the league to be successful, so it’s a match made in heaven.”
While TKO Group Holdings, parent company of UFC and WWE, has been publicly traded since September 2023, major American team sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB remain private. This highlights the Big3’s pioneering approach.
By taking the Big3 public, Ice Cube and Kwatinetz bypass traditional venture capital channels and create direct opportunities for Black investors, fans, and communities to build generational wealth through sports equity. This change challenges ownership models that have historically excluded minority executives from top leadership roles in sports.
“Going public is our next step,” Ice Cube said in a statement. “This lifts us to a bigger stage, accelerates our international potential, and gives our fans a way to grow with us, support us, and participate in our success. According to a Business Wire press release, Mark King will join the BIG3 as Chairman of the Board, while Ice Cube continues as chief executive officer, Sean Bannon remains president, and Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler stays on as commissioner.
James Graf, chief executive officer of Graf Global Corp., emphasized the limited availability of sports equities for typical investors.
“There are few, if any, opportunities for public markets investors to own equity directly in professional sports leagues or teams,” Graf said in a press statement. “We believe such investments may deliver uncorrelated returns over time, especially seeing the appreciation of team values and the growth of sports advertising across media.”
The Big3 is shifting from a touring model to city-based teams. In 2024, it sold its first local franchise in Los Angeles to DCB Sports for $10 million. The league plans to establish more city-based franchises in upcoming seasons, targeting major metropolitan areas such as New York, Chicago, Miami, and Houston. This expansion aims to build local fan bases and support long-term growth by entering markets with strong basketball cultures.
The ninth season begins June 20 in Los Angeles with four games, including Detroit Amps vs. DMV Trilogy and LA Riot vs. Miami 305. The championship game will be held on Aug. 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Small Business Owners Are Replacing Entire Teams With AI
Entrepreneurs are increasingly managing teams of AI agents that handle customer service, finances, and administrative tasks
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the workplace, some small business owners are no longer just using AI tools; rather, they’re managing entire teams of AI agents.
According to a recent report from Entrepreneur, entrepreneurs are deploying autonomous AI agents to perform tasks traditionally handled by employees, including customer service, scheduling, bookkeeping, email management, and research. The shift marks a significant evolution from using AI as a simple assistant to treating it as a digital workforce.
The trend was originally highlighted in a New York Times article that explored the rise of AI systems, including open-source platforms such as OpenClaw, which allow users to create AI agents capable of independently completing multi-step tasks across software programs and websites. These agents can browse the internet, send emails, organize files, and execute workflows with limited human intervention.
According to the NYT, small business owners are now overseeing entire teams of AI agents, with the technology taking on core operations like customer service. Rather than using AI as a tool, founders are managing it as a workforce.
The growing adoption of AI agents comes as advances in generative AI make it easier for entrepreneurs to launch and operate businesses with fewer employees. A recent report from the Nasdaq Economic Institute found that one-person business formations have surged since early 2025, fueled in part by AI-powered automation tools, reports Axios.
Still, experts caution that AI agents require oversight. While the technology can automate repetitive and time-consuming work, business leaders remain responsible for strategic decisions, financial management, and quality control. Security researchers have also warned that powerful autonomous agents can introduce new cybersecurity risks if not properly governed.
AI agents are becoming digital employees that help small businesses scale faster, operate more efficiently, and compete with larger organizations at a fraction of the cost.
Scott Bell, a bankruptcy lawyer, told the NYT that he was initially skeptical of AI tools and used them as assistants rather than decision-makers. Now he uses AI agents to manage client intake, respond to email inquiries, and organize documents. He’s convinced that AI will infiltrate every aspect of corporate work.
“Of course, that’s going to put me out of a job, as well, at some point,” he told the Times. “AI will, probably sooner than later, be able to do what I do, for a lot cheaper than I can, and quicker.”
Atlanta Business League Honors City Leaders At Annual CEO Awards Luncheon
Hosted annually by the Atlanta Business League, the luncheon recognizes executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
The Atlanta Business League honored several of the city’s business and civic leaders during its 47th annual CEO Awards Luncheon on June 2 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, recognizing contributions to economic development, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who received the event’s highest honor, the Herman J. Russell CEO of the Year Award, in 2025, delivered remarks during the ceremony and highlighted the role business leaders play in supporting economic opportunity across the city.
“Atlanta works best when it works for all of us,” Dickens said. “To this year’s honorees, we thank you for creating a space where leadership is uplifted.”
The prestigious award was presented to Brian McGowan, president of Centennial Yards, a major downtown Atlanta redevelopment project. The award recognizes leadership and impact within the region’s business community.
ABL board member Attorney Rodney Strong told BLACK ENTERPRISE that McGowan was a “good pick,” particularly for his work transforming the blight near the downtown Castleberry area.
Among the other honorees, The Gathering Spot co-founders TK Petersen and Ryan Wilson received the Visions of Excellence Award. Lisa Borders, former president of the Atlanta City Council and former president of the WNBA, received the Distinguished Service Award. Eddy Benoit, CEO of The Benoit Group, was named Entrepreneur of the Year.
The Atlanta Business League recognizes executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders whose work has influenced Atlanta’s economic landscape. The organization, founded in 1933, advocates for the growth and advancement of minority-owned businesses throughout the region and is the first and largest trade organization for Black businesses in the world. The Atlanta Business League was established as an affiliate of the National Business League, which was founded by Dr. Booker T. Washington in 1900, according to the organization’s website.
The Atlanta Business League said its annual CEO Awards program remains one of the organization’s signature events, highlighting leadership achievements while supporting its broader mission of advancing economic inclusion and business development.
Young multiethnic people with different sexual orientation and body types celebrating pride and protesting for equal rights for lgbt members - Milan|Lombardy
These are among the biggest Pride events happening this year that brings people together.
Pride celebrations are taking place across the country throughout 2026, but a handful of premier events stand out for their size, cultural significance, entertainment lineups, and community impact. Whether you’re looking for massive parades, street festivals, or destination-worthy celebrations, these are among the biggest Pride events happening this year that bring people together.
One of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, NYC Pride remains the gold standard for Pride events. The 2026 festivities culminate on June 28 with the annual Pride March and PrideFest, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ street festival. The celebration traces its roots to the Stonewall uprising and regularly attracts millions of spectators and participants.
2. Capital Pride — Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital hosts one of the country’s most influential Pride celebrations, featuring a June parade, festival, concerts, and community events throughout Pride Month. Capital Pride draws visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic and is known for blending celebration with advocacy and political visibility.
Chicago’s Pride Parade is among the largest in the world, attracting more than 1 million spectators annually. The citywide celebration on June 28 includes Pride Fest, concerts, neighborhood events, and a parade route that winds through several of Chicago’s most vibrant LGBTQ+ communities.
4. San Francisco Pride — San Francisco, California
As one of the birthplaces of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, San Francisco Pride remains a major cultural event. The June 27 & 28 celebration combines activism, entertainment, community programming, and one of the nation’s most recognizable Pride parades.
5. LA Pride & WeHo Pride — Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles hosts multiple Pride celebrations, with WeHo Pride serving as a centerpiece. The early June 2026 event featured a major parade and performances from nationally recognized artists, drawing thousands to West Hollywood throughout Pride Weekend.
Held annually in October, Atlanta Pride is among the largest Pride celebrations in the Southeast. The October 10 and 11 event attracts attendees from across the region and serves as a major cultural and economic driver for the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
