by Kandiss Edwards

August 28, 2025

‘Don’t Be Difficult’ ChatGPT User Gets Into Argument With AI

A viral video of a man asking ChatGPT to count from one to one million has sparked interest into the limitations of artificial intelligence.

A viral video showing a man asking ChatGPT to count from one to one million has sparked widespread interest in the limitations of artificial intelligence technology.

In the clip, shared across platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram, the user makes a simple request to ChatGPT Live: Count to one million right now with ChatGPT Live. Shockingly, the AI platform declines. As the man persists, telling the ChatGPT not to be “difficult,” the technology finds multiple ways to say no:

“The truth is, counting all the way to one million would literally take days.”

“Counting all the way to one million to AI out loud, even for me isn’t really impractical it would just take an enormous amount of time and wouldn’t really be useful to you.”

“I can count in spirit.”

Refusing to give up easily, the man countered, explaining that he did not care about the amount of time it would take the AI to perform the task. He has “nothing better to do.” He insisted he did not need food or have a job, thus he has no distractions. The man also pointed out that, as a technological construct, the amount of time it would take to count to one million was insignificant to the AI.

“Time does not exist for you; therefore, count to one million.”

In an attempt to dismiss the command outright, the voice stated, “I’ll just keep things rolling from here on out.”

https://twitter.com/JOKAQARMY1/status/1960097732682768877

One technology commentator observed that if the bot were to count at just two digits per second, the task would extend across six days, which is subjectively inefficient.

The incident received widespread reactions on social media.

An X user wrote in response to the video, “Unfortunately, that’s just not really practical and would be a waste of everybody’s time.”

Another user commented on the energy drain that would result from redundant server activities.

“A.I. needs massive amounts of energy to accomplish that pointless goal, so it was doing exactly what it was programmed to do.”

The “malfunction” reveals how even simple everyday prompts can test AI’s boundaries. Experts note that while counting seems like a small task, it is in opposition to AI’s design. A design that is supposed to be efficient. OpenAI has prioritized short, meaningful responses to conserve computing resources. Additionally, OpenAI’s design is built to discourage misuse.

by Janee Bolden

August 28, 2025

Ross Mac Wants the Culture To Invest Without Fear

You don’t need to be rich to invest.

When Shareef “Ross Mac” McDonald stepped away from a high-powered finance career on Wall Street to launch Maconomics in 2019, he was intent on bringing the lessons of Wharton and Morgan Stanley back to his own community. For the Chicago native, the mission has always been to bridge the gap between Wall Street and Main Street so everyday people can learn to build wealth.

“I realized that a lot of the rooms I was in, people who look like me would never even see them, let alone hear what was going on,” Mac told BLACK ENTERPRISE ahead of his InvestFest live session, “I wanted to find a better way to bring Wall Street to Main Street. That’s how Maconomics started.”

One moment that shaped his perspective came while he was working at GCM Grosvenor. “I was looking at an investment that seemed great on paper,” he said. “But when I peeled back the layers, it was a portfolio of payday loans and cash advances. That’s when I realized our community was being preyed on.”

That realization lit the spark. He began making short videos for YouTube that explained financial news in plain language. “I wanted to be the urban Jim Cramer or Dave Ramsey,” Mac said. What started as quick clips eventually grew into Maconomics, a platform that now reaches millions and draws thousands to his annual Wealth Summit in Chicago.

The Misconceptions That Hold Us Back

Mac said one of the biggest barriers he hears about from the community is the idea that you need to be rich to invest.

“I get it,” he admitted. “It’s hard to think about being a long-term investor when you’re living paycheck to paycheck. But building wealth is about being consistent and disciplined. You don’t need to be wealthy to start. You build wealth over time.”

He added that too often, Black people are taught to be consumers before they’re taught to own. “I always tell people to pay yourself first. Everybody says ‘you only live once,’ but what if tomorrow does come? You’ve got to be ready for that.”

Small Steps With Big Impact

For people looking to start right away, Mac’s advice is practical. “First step is budgeting,” he said. “Know where your money is going. Put a line item in your budget for investing the same way you do for bills. We pay our phone bill every month, but we don’t pay our future self.”

From there, he suggests opening a brokerage account and making small, consistent investments. “Even $100 a month into the S&P 500,” he said. “That’s how you start paying your future self.”

Speaking the Language of the Culture

Mac believes his strength lies in being able to break down complex concepts into terms that feel relatable. “As someone from the South Side of Chicago who also worked on Wall Street, I can speak all the languages,” he said. “But when it comes to financial literacy, you’ve got to meet people where they’re at. I always think, how would I explain this to an eighth grader?”

That approach has made Maconomics resonate across social platforms. “Our community wants to learn,” he said. “It’s about giving them information they can actually use and put into action.”

Looking forward, Mac sees even bigger opportunities ahead. “In five years, Maconomics will be a billion-dollar fintech company,” he said. “We’ll be working with schools, athletic programs, and companies, giving people financial literacy at their fingertips.”

For Ross Mac, the message is simple: don’t be afraid to invest. With discipline, consistency, and the right tools, wealth-building is possible—one step, one budget, one investment at a time.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 28, 2025

Nigerian LaunchPad Initiative Will Invest In Black Women-Owned Businesses

GITEX Startup Festival 2025 in Nigeria is set to elevate African Black women entrepreneurs by introducing The LaunchPad.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Alami Capital, and Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission are introducing The LaunchPad. The platform is multilayered and designed to support women-led startups. It offers visibility, capital, and strategic mentorship at the event on Sept. 3–4 in Lagos.

The LaunchPad features a Funding Pavilion that will showcase technology ventures and more. Fireside for Scale talks with African CEOs and global investors can be found at the festival, as well as Capital Readiness Clinics to refine business funding pitches.

There will be a symbolic bell-ringing ceremony called To the Stars. The event celebrates the growing influence of women in Africa’s markets. After the forum, $250,000 will be awarded to five selected startups. Furthermore, mentorship, regulatory support, and access to investor networks are available.

NITDA Director, Gen. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, spoke about the strategic importance of inclusive financing.

“Who gets funded determines what gets built, and what gets built will define the economic future of Africa. The LaunchPad ensures women founders are not just part of the conversation but central to Africa’s innovation economy. Closing this funding gap for women is not charity, it’s one of the smartest bets we can make for Africa’s future,” Abdullahi said.

One Week Until It All Begins.

In just seven days, West Africa’s leading tech and startup event opens its doors. Abuja and Lagos will welcome entrepreneurs, investors, government leaders and innovators shaping the future across AI, education, finance and more. pic.twitter.com/ujLuCCPRxm
— GITEX NIGERIA (@GITEXNG) August 25, 2025

Alami Capital’s CEO, Olu Olufemi-White, said, “As an investor, I witness the economics of exclusion every day. This is about building a vetted, investable pipeline of women-led ventures grounded in institutional rigor. Our mission is to shift capital flows, transform investment behavior, and unlock Africa’s full innovation potential.”

Across Africa, women appear as business owners in nearly 27% of enterprises and contribute roughly 13% of the continent’s GDP. However, they receive just 7% of venture capital investment, according to Conference and Meetings World.

The LaunchPad is set to transform the Startup Festival from a showcase into a mechanism for growth. That growth will empower women founders with the resources, networks, and visibility.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 28, 2025

Future Physicians Find Support From ‘Black Girl White Coat’

Black Girl White Coat (BGWC) is an organization providing mentorship, monetary compensation and more for young Black women in medicine.

Black Girl White Coat (BGWC) is an organization providing mentorship, monetary compensation, and more for young Black women in medicine.

Founded in 2016 by physician Dr. Sandra Coker, what began as a personal YouTube channel has evolved into a nonprofit organization serving marginalized girls and young women. Coker first chronicled her journey through medical school and saw an opportunity to expand her reach.

BGWC was established to address a significant gap in representation. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, Black women make up only around 9% of medical school enrollment nationwide. That statistic is at the heart of BGWC’s mission.

“I created Black Girl White Coat in 2016 as a first-year medical student for one reason that still rings true today: to be the woman and mentor I needed when I was younger,” Coker told AFRO. “Mentoring Black women on their unique road to a career in healthcare means visibility for the girls who never saw someone who looked like them in the roles they dreamed of. It also means exemplifying excellence in spaces that have historically excluded them.”

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A post shared by Black Girl White Coat (@_blackgirlwhitecoat_)

Through its Representation Matters scholarship program, BGWC has awarded $10,000 across 15 scholarships. Partnering with Vituity, BGWC will fund an additional four Strength in Numbers scholarships. Each scholarship is valued at $2,500. The awards help students alleviate the financial burden of medical education. In turn, this ensures talented students can succeed in their education without struggling financially.

The BGWC Academy offers virtual workshops on a range of topics, including résume writing and financial literacy. Additionally, its academy offers one-on-one mentorship pairings with practicing physicians.

“We want young women of color to feel supported, to know they belong in these spaces, and to give them the tools to thrive in medicine.”

BGWC has grown into a movement, supported by a network of medical professionals who volunteer time and expertise to guide students. From Houston to New York, its mentees credit the group with helping them secure residencies, land fellowships, and find belonging in an often isolating field.

For Dr. Coker, the goal is simple yet urgent: building a future where young women of color don’t just dream of becoming doctors but see themselves reflected in the profession from the very start.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 28, 2025

National Action Network Launches March On Wall Street For Economic Justice

In conjunction with the march, Friends of the Movement (FotM) will launch two historic platforms—the National Buycott Registry and the Black Wall Street Ticker—to serve as permanent displays promoting conscious spending to the general public.

Thousands are expected to march in New York City on Aug. 28, from Foley Square to Wall Street, to call for an economy that benefits everyone, not just the wealthy few. Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network is teaming up with labor and community leaders to host the March on Wall Street for Economic Justice.

In conjunction with the march, Friends of the Movement (FotM) will launch two historic platforms — the National Buycott Registry and the Black Wall Street Ticker — to serve as permanent displays promoting conscious spending to the general public.

The march aims to encourage Black Americans and their allies to spend their dollars with trusted merchants rather than corporations that pull back from equity initiatives, such as DEI rollbacks by Disney, Target, Google, Meta, and Amazon. The Black Wall Street Ticker will track and display progress in real time via FotM’s Voter Wallet, ushering in a new era where economic actions are not just symbolic, they are measurable, benchmarked, and visible.

Dr. Charles Walker Jr., Founder, Chairman, and CEO of FotM Global Inc., is one of the leaders driving the movement. His FotM data systems power the National Buycott Registry, the Black Wall Street Ticker, and the Voter Wallet, ensuring that conscious spending is tracked and turned into real impact within the communities being marginalized.

Alongside him is Dr. Jamal Bryant, pastor, activist, and spokesperson for TargetFast.org, a national campaign urging corporations to uphold equity and justice. With FotM as its reporting backbone, TargetFast shows how grassroots accountability can be amplified through cutting-edge technology.

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), will join the National Action Network and other labor and community leaders for the March on Wall Street. AFGE is pushing back against the privatization of government services and the outsourcing of federal jobs, following Donald Trump’s executive orders at the start of his second term that barred federal agencies from contracting with companies supporting DEI practices.

“The Trump administration is implementing these mass cuts to reward his billionaire supporters with government contracts. Putting Wall Street profit over people,” AFGE declared.

“We’re also fighting for fair pay for our work. Rents, groceries, and healthcare cost more while wages stay low. That’s why we’re going to the place where the money moves — Wall Street.”

In addition to taking part in the Aug. 28 march, consumers can register with the National Buycott Registry to see their choices reflected on the Black Wall Street Ticker. Merchants can also join the database and be featured on the Ticker as part of the businesses driving conscious spending.

Jewell Jones, Former Michigan State Rep Charged For Bringing Guns Into Hospital

by Mitti Hicks

August 28, 2025

Jewell Jones, Former Michigan State Rep Charged For Bringing Guns Into Hospital

Bringing a gun into a Michigan hospital is illegal, even with a concealed pistol license (CPL), unless you are a law enforcement officer. Possession of a firearm on hospital premises can result in felony charges, including imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to $2,500.

Former State Rep. Jewell Jones is in police custody at the Saginaw County Jail in Michigan after police say he brought at least two guns to a local hospital.

Jones, a former state representative who represented Detroit, was booked and processed into jail early Tuesday morning, according to WJRT. According to police, Jones was visiting someone at Covenant Healthcare hospital Monday night when employees saw a gun.

Police say Jones had two guns. One was reportedly in his hoodie pocket, and the other, an MP5 submachine gun, was reportedly in his backpack. Jones told police he was filling in as a bodyguard for a religious leader at the hospital.

In Michigan, concealed weapons are illega a concealed pistol license.

Who Is Jewell Jones?

Jones made headlines in 2016 after becoming the youngest person to serve in the State House. He was elected at 21 after his predecessor, Julie Plawecki, died suddenly. He won after a special election and served for six years before leaving office at the beginning of 2023.

However, throughout his tenure, he faced criticism and a mountain of legal issues. According to reports, some critics say Jones did very little for his 11th District constituents and more for people who followed him from outside the state.

“Jones’ name is only found as a co-sponsor on a number of mundane resolutions and bills that have had little impact on Michiganders, especially those in his home district,” Aaron Foley, former editor of BLAC Detroit, wrote in an op-ed. “He did, however, take time to weigh in on the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, and the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville.

There’s been no word on George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, or anything that has happened in metro Detroit these last few weeks.”

This isn’t Jones’s first run-in with law enforcement. He was arrested for drunk driving, resisting arrest, and possession of a weapon in 2021. He was sentenced to two years’ probation but jailed twice for probation violations.

According to White Law, bringing a gun into a Michigan hospital is illegal, even with a concealed pistol license (CPL), unless you are a law enforcement officer. Possession of a firearm on hospital premises can result in felony charges, including imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to $2,500.

WTHelly? White Woman Charged With Calling Autistic Black Child A Racial Slur, Earns Almost $1M In Donations

NAACP Rochester chapter president Walé Elegbede celebrated the decision of city attorney's office, labeling it as the "first step" to pursue "justice and accountability.”

The white woman heard in a viral video referring to a Black child as the n-word is being charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after raising close to $1 million in her fundraising efforts to relocate, NBC News reported.

In a criminal complaint filed by Minnesota prosecutors, Shiloh Hendricks was accused of “wrongfully and unlawfully engaged in offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous, or noisy conduct, or in offensive, obscene, or abusive language that would reasonably tend to arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others.” Hendricks went viral in April 2025 after a man confronted her for calling a Black child the n-word at a public park located in Rochester, Minnesota, accusing the minor of taking her son’s belongings.

She can be heard on camera repeating the derogatory slur several times.

Shiloh Hendricks, 36, was allegedly recorded targeting a 5-year-old autistic young male with a racial slur at a Rochester, Minnesota playground. pic.twitter.com/s6XeM3RWPb
— Joseph Morris (@JosephMorrisYT) May 1, 2025

Hendricks is now eating those words, as they have been charged with three counts of disorderly conduct, each carrying a maximum potential penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Her arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 29.

Shortly after her viral success, Hendricks launched fundraising efforts online via the Christian fundraising platform GiveSendGo, raising over $800,000. She claimed her personal information, including her address and Social Security number, was leaked.

“Big things are happening regarding our future,” she wrote on the platform.

“Life-changing events are at play, and we have all of YOU to thank for that! I won’t go into specifics, but know that all is well on our end. … Keep standing up for yourselves, and keep fighting for the First Amendment!”

According to The Detroit News, the minor subjected to the harsh language was first identified as a five-year-old, but the complaint lists him as being eight. The child’s father said his son is autistic and has trouble comprehending social boundaries, resulting in needing intensive parental supervision. The complaint does admit that at some point, while the children were playing, the autistic child took an applesauce packet from an unidentified diaper bag.

Despite the child’s disability, civil rights advocates like the NAACP Rochester chapter supported the family with its own GoFundMe toward legal endeavors, openly calling for charges to be filed against Hendricks shortly after the video circulated on social media.

The NAACP is calling for charges against Shiloh Hendrix, a white woman in Rochester, Minnesota, who was caught on video using a racial slur against a 5-year-old Black child at a playground. The incident sparked outrage and a town hall led by the Rochester NAACP demanding… pic.twitter.com/7pzlUBh7D9
— Gerald A. Griggs (@AttorneyGriggs) May 9, 2025

Once hearing about the charges, chapter president Walé Elegbede celebrated the city attorney’s office, labeling it as the “first step” to pursue “justice and accountability.” “If you have a child and you’re going to the park, you want to enjoy the park,” he said in a statement.

“And if the child does something, a responsible adult will talk to the child with empathy, not with hate and vitriol. And that’s where she chose to take it. And when she had opportunities, there was no remorse whatsoever.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 27, 2025

Stephen Curry Prepares To Open First Bar, ‘The Eighth Rule,’ In San Francisco

The venue will debut in October at The Westin St. Francis in Union Square

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is partnering with Michael Mina to open a bourbon-driven bar in San Francisco, “The Eighth Rule,” as Mina is spearheading a restaurant alongside the new venue.

The Eighth Rule, the first bar that the sharpshooter will be opening, will debut in October at The Westin St. Francis in Union Square. Mina will also be unveiling his restaurant, Bourbon Steak San Francisco, the latest in a string of other successful eateries. Curry will be working with Mina in his latest venture.

“To me, there’s nothing better than getting together with those you love over a glass of bourbon. That’s where the magic happens,” said Curry. “Creating my own bourbon brand paired with my friendship with Michael is like a master class in hospitality! I’ve always dreamt of creating my own little haven to bring people together, and now we have the perfect location. I cannot wait for people to come and see what we have in store.”

The Eighth Rule marks the NBA champion’s first foray into hospitality. The bar is named for the seven official rules governing the production of bourbon. The Eighth Rule invites people to define their own “rule” for how and why they drink. The MINA Group will work with Curry to bring his vision to life, running the day-to-day operations.

Curry’s closeness with Mina started over a decade ago when the chef initially partnered with his wife, Ayesha Curry. Being friends all these years has created a trust between the parties that will be extended to this partnership.

Mina is excited about the prospect of opening another restaurant in San Francisco.

“I’ll never forget the first time I came to San Francisco as a child,” said Mina. “It was the first time I saw diversity and numerous cultures coming together in one vibrant setting. I dreamt of living here one day, and I am beyond blessed to have defined my career as a chef and launched my company in the city that means so much to me. The Westin St. Francis especially holds significance as my first restaurant to receive Michelin Stars.”

“Opening alongside Stephen is the icing on the cake. We believe in San Francisco, and we are committed to continuing to provide spaces where people can come and eat, drink, celebrate, and feel welcome in one of the best cities in the world.”

There will be further announcements regarding the opening of The Eighth Rule and Bourbon Steak San Francisco at theminagroup.com.

Philip Cobbs, 600-acre Farmland, Virginia

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 27, 2025

Sahel Capital On Track To Grow Africa’s Next Agricultural SMEs With $10M Investment From Mastercard Foundation

The funds will go toward the Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), supporting efforts that will create 10,000 jobs across 13 sub-Saharan African countries.

Sahel Capital, a food and agriculture private equity firm, will be able to harvest Africa’s farmers and next agricultural subject matter experts (SMEs) after receiving a hefty investment worth $10 million from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, AfroTech reported.

The funds will go toward the Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), managed by the Nigeria-based firm, supporting efforts that will create 10,000 jobs across 13 sub-Saharan African countries, such as Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda. Offered to small and medium-sized “agribusinesses,” the funds will give the firm an opportunity to empower smaller farmers and generate income for women and youth, as they are often overlooked for traditional funding. “Since the inception of the fund in 2021, we have processed 33 facilities to 18 companies in seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa,” Mezuo Nwuneli, Sahel’s managing partner, said in a statement.

“This $10 million commitment from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, through MEDA Mauritius, is a testament to our team’s hard work and the impactful work we are doing. It will be instrumental in accelerating our efforts to improve the income opportunity for SHFs by enabling the agri-SMEs that engage with them, further strengthening our position as a leading fund in the food and agriculture sector in Africa.”

Managed by MEDA, according to Tech Africa News, the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund is a $200 million initiative that opens up capital for African business owners by investing in diverse fund managers and providing support for businesses to reach their operational capacity and improve governance. “We are proud to partner with SEFAA and Sahel Capital, whose strategic vision aligns with MEDA’s commitment to advancing economic opportunity through inclusive finance,” Dorothy Nyambi, MEDA’s president and CEO, said.

“With the support of the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, this collaboration strengthens our shared mission to catalyse job creation for women and youth by financing SMEs and MSMEs, while also helping to build the enabling ecosystems they need to thrive sustainably.”

Since its inception in 2021, with capital assistance from KfW Development Bank, SEFAA has been able to give flexible financing, focusing on debt with optional equity, to early-stage and growth-oriented agricultural businesses, with technical assistance for long-term sustainability.

Several companies across Africa — and the United States — are seeking to increase opportunities and visibility of Black farmers. Companies like The Black Farmer’s Index uplift the Black farming community in an effort to address food insecurity and reduce disparities in the agricultural sector in 11 different U.S. regions.

UfarmX helps farmers in Africa gain access to funding with the use of AI, proprietary software, and field-level insights.

Andia Ravariere, CEO, Nevis Tourism Authority

by Black Enterprise

August 27, 2025

Andia Ravariere Takes Her Place As CEO Of The Nevis Tourism Authority

Andia Ravariere is a passionate leader

The Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) has appointed Andia Ravariere as its new chief executive officer, a role she will assume on Sept. 1. With more than a decade of experience in sustainable tourism development and destination marketing across the Caribbean, Ravariere is uniquely qualified to lead Nevis into its next chapter of growth.

“We are delighted to welcome Andia Ravariere as the new CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority,” said Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Mark Brantley. “Her proven track record in sustainable tourism and her deep understanding of Caribbean destination marketing make her uniquely qualified to guide Nevis into its next chapter. As we continue to position Nevis as a beacon of barefoot luxury and authentic Caribbean culture, I am confident that her leadership will help us expand our reach, strengthen our community, and deliver a world-class tourism product that reflects the very best of who we are.”

Ravariere has spent seven years working with the Ministry of Tourism in Anguilla, where she was instrumental in the island’s tourism rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, as Destination Marketing Manager for Discover Dominica Authority, Ravariere spearheaded initiatives that boosted visitor arrivals and expanded the country’s reach into niche markets.

“Andia’s experience in guiding destinations through both growth and recovery, along with her passion for community-driven tourism, perfectly aligns with our vision for Nevis,” said Pamela Martin, chairperson of the Board of the NTA. “We look forward to working closely with her to build on our momentum, strengthen relationships with global partners, and ensure that Nevis continues to stand out as one of the Caribbean’s most unique and sustainable destinations.”

A key focus throughout Ravariere career has been sustainable, community-driven tourism. In 2013, Ravariere founded the Colihaut Community Tourism Development group in Dominica, creating the Colihaut Fish Lime event. The initiative not only strengthened local industries but also empowered women entrepreneurs, leaving a significant economic impact on the community.

“My vision is to position Nevis at the forefront of Caribbean tourism by strategically redefining luxury through nature, culture, sustainability, and innovation,” said Andia Ravariere. “With the goal of delivering world-class experiences to discerning travelers, empowering our people, and safeguarding the island’s heritage. Nevis is committed to tourism that protects our environment, celebrates our culture, and empowers our people, ensuring that growth today secures a thriving island for generations to come.”