This Unusual Advice Can Help Entrepreneurs And Corporate Professionals Succeed
Javid Louis Says Don’t Underestimate the Golden Rule. It’s Still Works Today!
“Be nice to the doorman. They are the people who get you in the building.” It’s probably one of the more unique pieces of advice anyone will ever hear in their career, but to Javid Louis, director of Social Media at Ticketmaster, it was an important lesson.
Louis shared this advice with Black Enterprise staff writer Jeroslyn JoVonn three years ago during an interview for the XCEL Summit for Men (then known as the Black Men XCEL Summit) Spotlight series. And as we approach the 10th anniversary of the XCEL Summit, BLACK ENTERPRISE editors believe the advice is still relevant today for young African American entrepreneurs and professionals. For Louis, it aligns with his leadership style to treat others as he would want to be treated.
In the accompanying excerpt from the Spotlight interview, Louis offers additional insight to help you succeed. Hear it directly from Louis in this short clip.
Tennessee Law Requires Proof Of Citizenship And Proficiency In English To Obtain Driver’s License
Republican lawmakers say the law was passed for public safety and to prevent undocumented workers from driving.
A new Tennessee law set to take effect in January is reigniting debate over immigration after Republican lawmakers approved stricter requirements for obtaining a driver’s license and registering a vehicle.
The legislation will require applicants to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful residency before obtaining a driver’s license or registering a vehicle in the state. The law also introduces new English-language proficiency requirements for driver’s license applicants. Supporters say the measures are designed to improve public safety and strengthen immigration enforcement, while critics argue the law could create unnecessary barriers for legal immigrants and international workers, reports Local 3 News.
Under the new policy, applicants who cannot initially take the written driver’s license exam in English may receive a limited license after completing the test in another language. However, they will be required to return after the first year and pass a written English exam.
Republican Tennessee Rep. Michele Reneau told Local 3 News that the law was designed to improve road safety and ensure that drivers understand roadway instructions written in English. Supporters also argue that the law is a tool to discourage unauthorized immigration and close perceived loopholes in the state’s licensing and vehicle registration systems.
“This is just an important step in tightening the noose around this illegal immigration issue,” said Reneau. “It’s really important for the safety of Tennesseans to be able to make it as difficult as possible, and hopefully that discouragement by not being able to get that license will discourage them from driving.”
Critics, however, warn that the law could have unintended economic consequences. Terry Olsen, a Chattanooga immigration lawyer, said the new law will negatively affect the state’s economic growth by potentially making Tennessee less attractive to international talent and foreign investment.
“I would just like everyone to understand that I think that we’re changing 30 years of growth,” he told the local news channel.
Olsen also argued that traffic signs rely more on color than on language. Furthermore, he says that in a country dependent on vehicles for mobility, prohibiting non-residents from registering cars and denying them licenses based on language could harm the economy by affecting relationships with international companies.
“When you have companies looking where to locate, they look at factors…Trade teams look at schools, education, quality of life movement, and part of that movement and quality of life would be driving, and so when you have a culture in the U.S. that’s about cars, and we don’t have where you can take a train or a bus or can walk somewhere, it really reduces these factors.”
According to research conducted by personal finance company Achieve in January, 78% of Americans said they would be unwilling to date someone carrying short-term debt, including credit card balances, personal loans, and buy-now-pay-later obligations. Nearly half of respondents surveyed (45%) would be unwilling to date someone carrying more than $25,000 in short-term debt. Meanwhile, 28% said even $10,000 or less in debt would be enough to make them reconsider pursuing a relationship. Only 22% said debt would not affect their dating decisions.
Women appeared to be slightly more cautious than men when evaluating a partner’s debt burden, as 80% viewed debt as a relationship dealbreaker compared to 74% of men. Divorced respondents were among the most likely to express concerns about dating someone with significant debt.
The research also found that Americans expect financial transparency early in a relationship. Seventy-two percent of respondents said debt should be discussed within the first six months of dating, while 85% believe partners should be upfront about their financial situation. In addition, 60% said discovering hidden debt could be grounds for ending a relationship.
However, experts note that the amount of debt may be less important than the circumstances behind it. Medical expenses, student loans, and temporary financial setbacks may be viewed differently than credit card debt accumulated through overspending.
The findings signal that financial compatibility is a key component for those in the dating market as inflation and the cost of living continue to rise. Investopedia reported that many Americans see debt as a reflection of financial habits, responsibility, and long-term compatibility.
The Village Market Got 35 Black-Owned Businesses Into The Busiest Airport In The World
Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon talks about the evolution of her business and its new retail outpost, The Village Retail, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
In April, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—the busiest airport in both the country and the world—cut the ribbon on one of its newest shops: The Village Retail by The Village Market.
Offering apparel, accessories, bath and beauty products, and home goods from Atlanta-based Black-owned brands, it was celebrated by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens as an authentic representation of Atlanta’s culture, creators, and entrepreneurs.
But for Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, founder of The Village Market, it was the culmination of five years of vision, hard work, and building community.
“When I lift, when I rise, and you come with me, that is how we shift and transform community. That’s how we disrupt space,” Hallmon says. “And that is how 35 Black businesses are now in literally one of the busiest concourses in the world.”
What was your goal when you created The Village Market?
I wanted people to buy Black and not from a place of protest. I do not believe in the mindset of support Black people because you’re mad at somebody else. I believe that we should choose our people every single day. And it’s not a reaction. It is a lifestyle. It is an active choice. So when I launched The Village Market 10 years ago, it was literally me striving to shift the mindset that in order for our businesses to thrive and grow, we need community to be tethered to us.
It started as pop-ups, and then I began to get the vision of what it would look like to open a retail store in a high-traffic destination in Atlanta that’s open seven days a week. My first location, Ponce City Market, is the second-highest traffic location in Atlanta. When I decided to do the deal with Ponce City Market, I needed them to be very clear on who I was and what my work is: that I create space and access for Black businesses. So I led with that. Now, in this climate that’s probably a little too strong, but six years ago, it was clarity; it was conviction about who I am and why I’m building.
Many entrepreneurs have aspirations of being in retail and likely cannot afford it because it’s intimidating. You don’t have the cash flow, you don’t have the evidence of being open. But guess what? I do, and now we do, and now you do. We’re not going in as a single person. We’re coming in as a company that represents a village six years strong, a seven-figure company.
How did you get into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
Five years ago, I wrote the vision now to be in the world’s busiest airport. I did not know what I was doing. I didn’t even understand what I was writing in my journal with the pen on paper. I had no idea, but I was clear that I was going to do it. Because I am all about ‘Where is the space where the people assemble?’ and ‘How do I put my community on a global stage?’
There is no airport that is busier than Atlanta, seeing over 108 million annual customers/300,000 on a daily basis. We’re located on one of the busiest concourses in America, Concourse B. And we’re in the heart, in the center, prime real estate. Everything I wrote has come to pass.
It was a lot of red tape. It was a lot of hard work. It was a lot of people saying ‘I don’t know.’ But I knew. Because I know that if you can get into the world’s busiest airport, then what’s next? And that is how I need us to believe and dream as entrepreneurs: ‘Is … what is next?’
Your work is all about building community. What do you need from the village for Black businesses to thrive?
I need you to buy Black. I need you to recommend Black. I need you to write reviews for Black businesses. I need you to have strategic partnerships with Black businesses. All that is doing. Doing is action. So my tagline for Village Market was “support is a verb.”
I needed our people to understand the assignment. The assignment is: spend your money where your people are. That is an action; that is a verb. And then I told my design team, I need you to make it cute because people like to wear cute things, and I want people to have a sense of pride and ownership. So every single time they activated that verb, they felt that they were tied to a community. If you can get people to feel that your brand is their brand, you will never have to beg for customers again.
But you must be a good steward with all that trust. That means you have to be the things that you post about. We will create the best businesses. We will have the best customer service. We will create a workplace that is healthy for our staff. We have to treat people well when folks are not looking. You can’t run past everyday people because you see an influencer in the room. The community is the influence.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs who are trying to achieve big goals?
When people tell you no, don’t take it personally. They were not given a vision. They were not given the tools. Many of their nos are simply because of conditioning of what they have not seen. But you have. If you have the vision, it is possible.
Carnegie Hall Set To Host ‘Power Network Summit’ Where Hip-Hop Meets High Finance
The historic event bridges hip-hop culture, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology
On Friday, June 19, 2026, Carnegie Hall will host its fourth annual Power Network summit as part of the United in Sound: America at 250 festival. Hosted by radio legend Ed Lover, the historic event bridges hip-hop culture, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology to deliver a blueprint for minority wealth creation.
The Lineup: Golden Era Meets Big Band Jazz
The evening features legendary New York MCs backed by the expansive, live orchestration of a jazz big band. Headliners Ghostface Killah of the Wu-Tang Clan and Big Daddy Kane will share the stage with Igmar Thomas’ Revive Big Band, alongside featured performances by DOE and sets by DJ Jon Quick.
The Strategy: Tech, Capital, and Financial Freedom
In a segment curated by ESSENCE Communications, a high-level retail and tech panel brings together Beatrice Dixon of The Honey Pot Company, Arian Simone of Fearless Fund, and Kay Malcolm of Oracle, with Sundial Media CEO Kirk McDonald moderating.
The digital frontier takes center stage during tech masterclasses featuring AI automation strategies with Alicia Lyttle, known as the “Queen of AI,” alongside blockchain-driven economics with Derek Ferguson, who will present the Vibranium Network as the world’s first socio-economic network built on the blockchain.
The economic track culminates in a frank, wealth-building conversation between John Hope Bryant of Operation HOPE, Racquel Oden of HSBC, and Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, the financial media visionaries behind Earn Your Leisure.
Opening remarks for the evening will be delivered by national civic leaders, including Rev. Al Sharpton, Shavon Arline-Bradley, and Melanie L. Campbell.
Carnegie Hall doors open at 7:00 PM. To ensure a prompt start to the live schedule, all guests must be seated by 8:00 PM. Admission passes start at $29, which includes a $24 base ticket and a $5 facility fee, with specialized group rates available for blocks of 10 or more tickets.
Beloved Artist Danny Simmons Has Transitioned, Leaving A Profound Legacy Behind
He is survived by family, friends, and the arts community.
Danny Simmons Jr., known for his Neo-African abstract expressionist art and poetry, has died. He was 72. The Simmons family announced his passing via social media June 15, expressing their grief but also paying homage to his life and legacy as a “brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and loving husband,” as well as a creative and “cherished friend.”
The painter and poet is the older brother of 1980s rapper-turned-clergyman Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, with whom he founded, in 1995, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization that has facilitated arts programming for underserved youth for more than 30 years. Danny was at the helm of both Rush Arts Gallery and Corridor Gallery, having showcased notable Black artists, such as Kehinde Wiley, Simone Leigh, Derrick Adams, and Sanford Biggers, early in their careers.
In addition to spearheading arts institutions, Danny would go on to co-found Def Poetry Jam with Russell in 2001. As a poet himself, he was hands-on with curation and production, earning the show Peabody and Tony Awards in 2003.
Several family members have shared loving recollections of Danny, namely of his loving spirit, kindness, and selfless support of others. Russell referred to Danny as his “best friend” and said he was the “true artist in the family.”
“His poetry, art, and ideas shaped how we think and gave us the freedom to dream beyond limits,” Russell shared in an Instagram post. “He cared deeply about the underserved communities of color and encouraged us to give back.”
Danny was not only a patron of the arts but also a prolific writer, artist, and avid art collector. To his credit, the Jamaica, Queens, New York, native owned roughly 1500 African art pieces, not counting numerous other works of art in his personal collection. Danny has written four books of poetry, one novel, and a graphic novel. Danny’s artwork is widely collected, has been exhibited globally, and is part of the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Museum, Schomburg Center for Black Culture, The Smithsonian, and United Nations, to name a few.
Danny’s latest body of work, Visual Expressions, is currently on view at The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio, through June 28.
He is survived by his wife, Keia; son, Jamel; grandson; his two brothers; a host of nieces and nephews; extended family; dear friends; and the art community.
Jay-Z’s Partnership With Target Sparks Debate With Black Consumers
Some online users are criticizing the hip-hop billionaire for partnering with Target for the release of the 30th-anniversary edition of "Reasonable Doubt"
A new business partnership by hip-hop mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has sparked outrage online.
Complex reported that Target is releasing an exclusive anniversary edition of his 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt, featuring commemorative packaging, a unique vinyl color variant, and previously unreleased versions of select tracks. While some fans welcomed the special 30th-anniversary collector’s release, others questioned Carter’s decision to partner with the retail giant, which has faced lingering backlash and an ongoing boycott. Pastor Jamal Bryant and other Black social justice and religious leaders have called on the Black community to stop shopping at Target after the retailer rolled back several diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
The popular Instagram platform Essence of Black Culture accused Carter of allowing his brand to be manipulated in a way that undermines efforts to hold corporations accountable.
“With the success the Black community had boycotting them, he made himself available to be used to directly smack the community in the face,” the blog said.
The blog also pointed to Carter’s controversial decision to partner with the NFL back in 2019 while activists were calling for a boycott over the league’s firing of former quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who took a knee on the field in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Likewise, cultural commentator and digital creator Imani B. accused the rap mogul of hurting the Black community’s effort to stand up against organizations that act against their collective interests.
Supporters, however, defended the hip-hop billionaire on Threads, noting that exclusive retail partnerships have long been a standard part of the music business while both he and his wife, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, have donated and supported causes to empower the Black community. Others pointed to Carter’s unapologetic stance as a capitalist and argued that the deal should be viewed as a strategic marketing move.
16 Colleges Now Cost More Than $100K A Year To Attend
The annual cost of attendance — which includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and other expenses — surpassed the six-figure mark.
Sixteen U.S. colleges and universities will cost more than $100,000 a year to attend during the 2026-27 academic year, according to Princeton Review Data. This data underscores growing concerns about college affordability nationwide, CNBC reports.
The annual cost of attendance — which includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and other expenses — surpassed the six-figure mark at institutions including Duke University, Georgetown University, New York University, and the University of Chicago, according to findings from The Princeton Review’s upcoming “The Best 392 Colleges” guide. Brown University, Northwestern University, and Pepperdine University each reported annual costs exceeding $99,000.
Higher education analyst Jeff Selingo said the milestone reflects a long-term trend of rising college prices that is beginning to test families’ willingness to pay.
“We have been moving toward this six-figure price tag for a long time, and now we are here — and for a lot of people that feels significant,” Selingo said.
The rising costs are also influencing enrollment decisions. Data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center show undergraduate enrollment continues to grow modestly, with gains concentrated at community colleges and four-year public universities.
“There is a group of institutions that used to be able to command increasing their price without a problem, and now they are finding students and families pushing back,” Selingo said.
Despite the headline-grabbing sticker prices, education experts note that many students pay substantially less than the advertised cost because of institutional aid.
“The cost of college is sobering — no doubt about that,” Robert Franek, editor in chief of The Princeton Review, said in a statement. “With some schools’ sticker prices crossing the $100,000 mark, paying for college seems all the more daunting.”
Several elite institutions have expanded financial aid programs in recent years. Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offer tuition-free attendance for many undergraduate students from families earning up to $200,000 annually, according to those universities.
The National Association of College and University Business Officers reported that private colleges provided an average tuition discount rate of 57% for first-time, full-time undergraduates during the 2025-26 academic year. The organization said schools awarded roughly 57 cents in grant aid for every dollar of potential undergraduate tuition revenue.
“The data tell a clear story: Don’t rule out a private college due to its sticker price, because odds are very good that you will receive a grant from that school,” NACUBO President and CEO Kara Freeman said in a statement.
A separate Sallie Mae report, “How America Pays for College,” found families typically cover only about half of college expenses through income and savings, with scholarships, grants, and student loans accounting for much of the remainder.
New Small Business Administration Rule Limits Loan Access To U.S. Citizens Only
This marks a shift that immigration advocates and business owners say could significantly restrict access to capital for thousands.
Legal permanent residents are no longer eligible for U.S. Small Business Administration-backed (SBA) loans under a policy change implemented in March 2026. This marks a shift that immigration advocates and business owners say could significantly restrict access to capital for thousands of entrepreneurs, NPR reports.
According to the outlet, the policy is part of a broader federal effort to tighten eligibility standards for public benefits and lending programs tied to immigration status.
The SBA’s 7(a) and 504 loan programs, two of the agency’s primary financing tools, are affected by the rule. Those programs are widely used by small businesses to fund startup costs, purchase equipment, acquire property, or expand operations. Under the updated policy, even partial ownership by a noncitizen who is not a U.S. national can disqualify a business from receiving SBA-backed financing.
The agency has said the changes are intended to ensure federal lending programs prioritize U.S. citizens. However, critics argue the policy narrows access to capital for long-established business owners who are legally authorized to live and work in the United States.
In announcing the policy change, the SBA referred to permanent residents as “foreign nationals.”
Immigration and business advocates warned the rule could have broader economic consequences, particularly in states with large immigrant populations and high rates of small-business formation, including California. They said the restriction could limit entrepreneurship and reduce access to lower-cost federal lending options that many startups rely on in early stages.
Some immigrant entrepreneurs told NPR that they were concerned about the uncertainty the policy creates, particularly for business owners who have historically depended on SBA-backed loans to scale operations or stabilize cash flow.
“The SBA led me to my success of the American dream,” said entrepreneur Sayuri Tsuchitani, who took advantage of a pandemic-era funding program to open a Japanese head spa.
While the rule does not prevent noncitizens from owning businesses or seeking private financing, SBA-backed loans are often considered more accessible than conventional bank loans due to federal guarantees and comparatively favorable terms.
Najee Dorsey, Founder of ‘Black Art In America’ Commissioned By The Woodson Museum For Historic ‘America 250’ Mural
The ambitious mural will tackle all four of the exhibition’s major historical themes
As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is ensuring Black history remains at the forefront of the national conversation. The museum has officially commissioned acclaimed artist, curator, and Black Art In America founder Najee Dorsey to create a monumental mural for its upcoming presentation of Many Voices, One Nation: Our Community.
“It’s Huge,” Dorsey told BLACK ENTERPRISE about the opportunity. The commissioned artist said he is “honored, humbled, and proud” to have been chosen to execute the mural.
Opening in July 2026, the landmark exhibition is presented through the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program in partnership with Florida Humanities. In a major win for cultural preservation, The Woodson was selected as one of only three organizations in the entire state of Florida to host the exhibition, which explores the diverse cultures and experiences that have shaped the American narrative.
Reclaiming the Narrative
Dorsey’s massive 30-foot-by-10-foot mural will serve as the crown jewel of The Woodson’s local interpretation. The work is designed to challenge traditional, whitewashed accounts of American history by centering stories of Black resilience, migration, resistance, and cultural excellence.
“Through powerful visual storytelling, he challenges audiences to reflect on the many voices that have shaped the American experience,” Terri Lipsey Scott, executive director of The Woodson told BAIA. “Silence can no longer define these narratives… Dorsey gives voice to stories too often overlooked, ensuring that the contributions, struggles, resilience, and triumphs of African Americans are recognized as an integral part of our shared national story.”
A 30-Foot Blueprint of Black Resilience
The ambitious mural will tackle all four of the exhibition’s major historical themes, bridging the past with the present:
Unsettling History (1492–1776)
Peopling an Expanding Nation (1776–1900)
New Americans, Continuing Debates (1900–Today)
Negotiating the Promise of America
“America’s 250th anniversary offers a tremendous opportunity to remember the long history of resistance in America, and to shape the narratives of resistance today,” Dorsey said. “This mural seeks to honor those voices, invite reflection on our history, and inspire thought about our current circumstances.”
