Defense Secretary Announced Pentagon To Take ‘Sledgehammer’ To ‘Oldest DEI Program’ For Federal Contracts
According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), the program provides eligible small businesses with access to contracting opportunities in the federal marketplace.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has announced plans for the Pentagon to “sledgehammer” the 8(a) Program, a federal contracting program that has aimed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners since it was created in 1978. In the Trump administration’s priority of dismantling programs and initiatives geared toward historically marginalized Americans, Hegseth called the program the “oldest DEI program in the federal government.”
According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), the program provides eligible small businesses with access to federal contracting opportunities. The program also provides businesses that participate in the program with training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their “ability to compete effectively in the American economy.”
For small businesses to be eligible to participate, they would have to be majority-owned by U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged.” In FY2019, the SBA awarded firms $30.3 billion in federal contracts, including $9.5 bullion in 8(a) set-aside funding.
He also alleges that “in many, many instances,” the businesses that benefit from the program don’t actually perform the contracted work, even claiming the program is a “breeding ground” for fraud.
What Small Businesses Can Expect Moving Forward With Hegseth, Pentagon
In his new initiative, Hegseth said he is ordering a line-by-line review of every small-business, sole-source 8(a) contract over $20 million.
“If a contract doesn’t make us more lethal, it’s gone. We have no room in our budget for wasteful DEI contracts that don’t help us win wars.”
Hegseth, who some organizations have deemed unfit to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Defense because of his lack of senior leadership and bureaucratic experience compared to his recent predecessors, added that the goal is to spend taxpayer dollars to build “our defense industrial base with businesses large and small that share our mission.”
He said money will not be used to “line the pockets of beltway fraudsters, or to advance the agenda of DEI apologists. Only lethality.”
The Kendrick Effect: LSU’s Viral Hip-Hop Set Breaks The Internet
The team took home 2nd place for their Kendrick-inspired hip-hop set.
The Louisiana State University Dance Team is coming off a season with major wins for their hip-hop and Jazz performances.
As the routines made waves on social media, the hip-hop performance received major love, drawing inspiration from another viral showcase: Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show. They saved their catchy performance for the 2026 UDA College & Dance Team National Championships, which took place Jan. 18.
The collegiate rendition went viral for paying tribute to the “Not Like Us” rapper’s historic set.
The routine transitioned through Lamar’s recent hits as the dancers showcased hip-hop elements. From “Squabble Up” and “TV Off” to his infamous diss track against rap adversary Drake, the performance delighted audiences and the internet alike. The team even included Samuel L. Jackson’s audio from the Halftime show, adding to the set’s theatrics.
Their outfits also paid homage to the West Coast rapper. Underneath their dazzling denim-blue sets, the team rocked briefs with “be humble” written along the front. The phrase had become synonymous withLamar’ss brand since his 2017 album “DAMN””
Now, the LSU dance team has something to brag about: they secured second place, their highest ranking ever, in both the Lamar-inspired set and the jazz routine. However, the hip-hop set’ss scores were just short of beating the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the standings.
While the LSU dance team did not take home first place, the internet declared them the people’s winner of the night. Commenters flocked to viral clips of the performance to give the talented dancers their flowers, crowning them for their tribute performance.
One user wrote, “They should’ve taken first place! Hands-down, best hip-hop routine””
Another wrote, “This was insane, they deserved 1st place!!””
Although the team did not take home the top prize, they brought back the cultural moment that continues to inspire performers across stages.
As performance views keep climbing, dance enthusiasts can keep the debate going by watching the LSU Dance team’s hip-hop routine below.
The Honorary Oscar recipient and Emmy-winning actress is being recognized as one of this year’s Legacy Honorees for her impactful contributions across the business of entertainment. Bassett will be honored before a room of influential women, celebrating more than three decades of her groundbreaking work as an actress, director, and executive producer.
From iconic films like What’s Love Got to Do with It, Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and Black Panther, to her award-winning work on 9-1-1 — which she also executive produces — Bassett has captivated audiences for more than four decades. Her appearance at this year’s Women of Power Summit celebrates a career that began in the 1980s and includes Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and an Honorary Academy Award.
Bassett is joined among this year’s Legacy Honorees by Carla Harris, senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley; Shellye Archambeau, advisor, author, and former CEO of MetricStream; Rosalind ‘Roz’ Brewer, interim president of Spelman College; and Bennie Wiley, director on the boards of BNY Mellon Mutual Funds and CBIZ. Collectively, the honorees are being celebrated for their exceptional leadership and influence across business, the arts, education, government, and other key sectors.
The Luminary Honorees join this year’s Legacy Honorees, recognized for their cross-sector impact and leadership as the next generation of Women of Power. The 2026 Luminary recipients include Shelly Cayette-Weston, president of business operations for the NBA’s Hornets Sports & Entertainment; Jotaka Eaddy, founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies; and Sandra Douglass Morgan, president of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Beyond celebrating Black women leaders, attendees will be energized through dynamic panel discussions, powerful keynotes, and engaging fireside chats. With professional development panels, skills workshops, work-life strategy sessions, meaningful networking, and candid conversations with top industry leaders, the Women of Power Summit is designed to equip women with the tools to grow their careers and drive impact at every level of leadership.
This year’s Summit is especially meaningful as it marks 20 Years of Power! Register for the BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit 2026 HERE.
Fulton County Jail Nurse Gets Arrested After Sneaking Drugs And Wings To Inmates For Cash
An explicit note led to the downfall of the jail nurse's lucrative scheme.
A nurse at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta got herself into legal trouble for unlawfully holding down her incarcerated patients.
The contract nurse allegedly snuck marijuana, jewelry, and a popular Atlanta food staple into the correctional facility to make some extra cash. Naomi Marie Anthony was promptly arrested Jan. 15 while reporting to work as the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office uncovered the scheme.
According to Fox 5, Anthony would smuggle tobacco products, marijuana, and even chicken wings from American Deli to keep inmates feeling at home. As detailed in the discovery, the ruse initially began when Anthony sparked a romance with one of the inmates.
Staffers later found an incriminating note detailing the illegal plan. The letter explicitly mentioned the plan for Anthony to smuggle in marijuana, using desperate measures to carry it out. It also seemingly referenced the sexual relationship between her and one of her inmates-turned-clients, Antoine McCray.
“Bring in weed, food put in trash for inmate, sexing in nurse station, McCray Antoine Feti BK# 2407249, Nurse Anthony, pays her $1300 through Cash App,” detailed the note obtained byWSB-TV.
The note, however, only uncovered the surface of Anthony’s dedication to the ruse and McCray. Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat told the news outlet of the “matching rings” she bought for her incarcerated lover.
As the note prompted an investigation into Anthony’s actions, subsequent surveillance footage appeared to confirm her involvement. The footage exposed Anthony as she passed out the items to some inmates inside the jail, a final blow that led to her warrant.
Anthony now faces a felony charge of obtaining, procuring, or giving an inmate tobacco products without authorization. However, it remains undisclosed how much money the jail nurse earned from her unusual services, most of which came from CashApp payments.
In light of the shocking discovery, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has announced the deployment of new security technology as officials report for duty. The X-ray detection machines aim to stop the smuggling of illegal items so that schemes like Anthony’s don’t get past the bars. In the affidavit, prosecutors also alleged that the woman snuck the items up her private parts to get past security.
However, it remains unclear how large the scheme had become or whether other officials received the items and conducted payouts.
Compassion Vs. Contract: Florida Bride Battles Venue For Refund After Fiancé’s Unexpected Death
According to Florida law, she may still be on the hook for the money.
Tye Hinson and William Coney’s love story began two decades ago at an Orlando shopping mall. It was supposed to culminate this May at a ballroom in Lake Mary. Instead, Hinson is navigating the aftermath of a fatal heart attack that claimed her fiancé’s life at age 42, and a legal stalemate with the venue meant to host their celebration.
Hinson is currently fighting to recover $7,609 paid to the Crystal Ballroom in Lake Mary, Florida, a suburb of Orlando. The venue, citing a strictly enforced non-refundable contract, has declined the request.
“I called them two days after he passed away to make them aware,” Hinson said. “This wasn’t like a cancellation. This was a person dying.”
The couple, who met at Fashion Square Mall while Coney was a student at Full Sail University, selected the all-inclusive space to accommodate their guest list. Hinson made her final payment just forty-eight hours before Coney’s sudden death, shortly before Thanksgiving.
According to Hinson, a ballroom employee suggested she use the $7,600 balance to host a memorial service on what would have been her wedding day—a suggestion Hinson found deeply distressing.
Lukasz Rogowski, the owner of Crystal Ballroom, expressed sympathy but stood firm on the company’s fiscal policies. He noted that the contract explicitly discloses its non-refund policy and encourages clients to purchase third-party cancellation insurance.
“Offering compassion and offering refunds are not the same thing, and both must exist within a framework that is fair, transparent, and consistent for all clients,” Rogowski told News 6. He argued that a full-service venue incurs overhead and staffing costs months in advance, unlike individual vendors who may have more flexibility.
Hinson, a cosmetologist who handles makeup for weddings, says she understands contracts but believes extreme circumstances warrant exceptions. She noted that she once issued a refund when a hurricane destroyed a client’s home.
“My compassion as a human being carries over into my business,” she said.
Hinson says all her other wedding vendors—including photographers and florists—refunded payments and voided contracts despite having similar non-refundable clauses. Rogowski, however, maintains that the venue’s policies protect the business and its staff from the financial volatility of life events.
Under Florida law, the death of a party rarely serves as an automatic “kill switch” for a contract. Under Florida law, death generally doesn’t void an agreement unless it’s for “personal services.” Instead, the deceased’s estate typically steps in to handle liabilities. General contract law holds that personal representatives must fulfill non-personal duties, with estate assets handling the costs.
While specific statutes like F.S. 489.121 govern construction completion and F.S. 768.19 handles wrongful death, probate laws like F.S. 733.104 confirm that contract claims generally survive the individual. In essence, death transfers contractual obligations to the estate rather than terminating the agreement, leaving the agreement’s survival dependent on specific terms and the feasibility of performance.
The dispute has grown increasingly tense as Hinson’s wedding planner, Patricia Aro, claims the venue has communicated more readily with the media than with the grieving bride.
“We are concerned to note that the owner of Crystal Ballroom Lake Mary was able to respond promptly to News 6 yet has still not provided any written or verbal response directly to Tye’s cancellation notice or our team,” Aro said.
To support Hinson, Aro launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Support for Tye After Tragic Loss,” which highlights the financial burden Hinson now faces.
“What was meant to be a season of celebration has become a time of unimaginable grief, heartbreak, and painful readjustment,” the campaign states. “While we understand contracts and policies exist, we believe compassion and care should always lead the way, especially after such a tragic loss. We are hoping that Crystal Ballroom will choose empathy and do the right thing for someone who has already lost so much.”
The campaign also clarifies that until the venue chooses to “do the right thing,” the funds raised will help support the bride as she awaits a compassionate response. At the time of publication, the campaign has raised more than $5,000.
News 6 discovered Rogowski’s name among the list of donors to that GoFundMe. The ballroom owner did not publicize his $525 contribution until a reporter contacted him. Rogowski indicated that he made the donation in his personal capacity, not on behalf of Crystal Ballroom.
For Hinson, the $7,609 represents more than just a lost investment; it is a painful reminder of a future that vanished in an instant. She remains hopeful the venue will recognize that a person’s death is not a mere cancellation, but a tragedy that requires a shift in the standard rules of business.
African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Awards $5M To Historically Black Churches
The fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is awarding $1 million to each church.
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund has awarded $5 million in grants to five historically Black churches. The fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is awarding $1 million each to First African Baptist Church in Beaufort, South Carolina; Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ in Chicago; Second Baptist Church in Los Angeles; Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia; and Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma.
“These churches represent multifaceted legacies spanning critical moments in American history and culture,” said Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. Leggs announced the funding on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. He adds, “Thanks to generous funding from the Lilly Endowment Inc. and our team’s strategic partnership, the Action Fund is ensuring that these historic churches can continue to exist as civic spaces of faith, education, beauty, and belonging for generations to come.”
The National Trust for Historic Preservation works to protect historic landscapes and buildings that represent America’s diverse cultural experience. Chartered by Congress in 1949 as a privately funded organization, the National Trust is committed to honoring the histories of all Americans and partners with allies to save places, educate the public, and use preservation to address urgent challenges and serve communities today.
The Role Of Historically Black Churches
Historically Black churches have played a vital role in shaping American history and civil rights. Black churches have long served as the cornerstones in the communities beyond faith. They are often the headquarters of social change and stand as symbols of resilience and cultural achievement.
Second Baptist Church in Los Angeles, for example, has long been a hub for community organizing, faith leadership, community service, and civic engagement. The church has hosted several NAACP national conventions and has welcomed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X into its doors.
In Chicago, the first bricks of Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ were laid by Bishop William Roberts and his deacons in 1922. Decades later, the church hosted the funeral of 15-year-old Emmett Till in 1955.
Mother Bethel AME Church currently sits on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by Black Americans in the U.S. Built in 1794, it is the birthplace of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination, founded by Rev. Richard Allen.
“We are profoundly grateful for this generous $1M grant from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, which will empower Mother Bethel to continue its vital work in the community and preserve our rich African American history,” Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness, the pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church, said in a statement. “This contribution demonstrates the commitment to the historical significance of this landmark as a beacon for social justice and a critical institution in the founding of America.”
White House Press Secretary Warned CBS To Air Trump Interview Uncut or Face Lawsuit, Recording Shows
The exchange futher underscores President Trump’s ongoing pressure on media outlets for their reporting practices.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt warned CBS News that the network could face legal action if it failed to broadcast an interview with President Donald Trump in full, according to an audio recording. The exchange took place ahead of an interview conducted earlier this week and highlights President Trump’s continued willingness to threaten litigation against news organizations.
In the recording, Leavitt relayed a direct message from the president to newly appointed CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil. “He said, ‘Make sure you guys don’t cut the tape. Make sure the interview is out in full,’” Leavitt told Dokoupil. She then added, quoting Trump more bluntly: “‘If it’s not out in full, we’ll sue your a** off.’”
Dokoupil responded, saying, “He always says that!” The New York Times first reported the audio exchange. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
CBS News ultimately aired the interview in its entirety, a decision the network said had already been made prior to the conversation.
“The moment we booked this interview, we made the independent decision to air it unedited and in its entirety,” a CBS spokeswoman said in a statement. That message was reiterated again on Jan. 17, when CBS News confirmed the interview had run without edits, as originally planned.
According to a person familiar with the situation, some CBS staffers interpreted Leavitt’s comments as joking rather than a serious legal threat. Leavitt, however, defended her position when reached for comment.
“The American people deserve to watch President Trump’s full interviews, unedited, no cuts,” she said. “And guess what? The interview ran in full.”
Despite the levity some in the room perceived, Trump has repeatedly demonstrated that legal threats against the press are not merely rhetorical. Prior to the 2024 election, Trump sued CBS News over its editing of a 60 Minutes interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris.
His lawsuit alleged the edits were intended to “confuse, deceive, and mislead the public” and sway the election. CBS countered that the segment was edited for time, a standard industry practice. The case was settled out of court in July for $16 million.
The dispute occurred during a period of major corporate change for CBS News. In the summer, Paramount — CBS’s parent company — was acquired by Skydance. Skydance CEO David Ellison, the son of Trump ally and Oracle co-founder, Larry Ellison, later facilitated the purchase of the conservative outlet The Free Press and installed its founder, Bari Weiss, as editor-in-chief of CBS News.
Weiss’s tenure has been marked by layoffs and internal concern about editorial direction. In December, she faced backlash from 60 Minutes staff after shelving a segment on El Salvador’s CECOT prison because there was no on-camera interview with the administration.
Dokoupil, who assumed the anchor role earlier this month, has acknowledged declining public confidence in the media, saying on air, “People do not trust us like they used to.”
Trump, for his part, has continued to publicly criticize CBS News. In a December post on Truth Social, he wrote, “THEY ARE NO BETTER THAN THE OLD OWNERSHIP, who just paid me millions of Dollars for FAKE REPORTING about your favorite President, ME!” adding, “Since they bought it, 60 Minutes has actually gotten WORSE!”
Tax Expert Bria Harris Breaks Down How New Tax Laws Could Boost Your Refund
New tax legislation means that Individuals and entrepreneurs can leverage various deductions and credits in 2026.
With ample new tax breaks available to them, individuals and businesses can potentially get larger refunds, trim their tax bills, and greatly cut costs during the approaching tax-filing season. They are entering a new period of tax planning under new tax laws, where they could benefit from leveraging widespread changes such as the earned income tax credit for individuals and a hefty deduction for seniors.
In the business world, there are tax deductions tied to retirement plans they offer employees, deductions for asset and equipment costs, and other investment tax breaks.
Many of the changes stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed in July 2025. It means that individuals and entrepreneurs can leverage numerous deductions and credits. The law comes as the IRS tax deadline for filing 2025 individual returns for most people is April 15.
On average, people are expected to save nearly $3,000 in 2026, with about 85% of households getting a tax cut. Companies and small businesses will get extended tax cuts, yet how much they might pocket could vary depending on income and deductions.
Bria Harris, the owner and CEO of Impress Tax Service, shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE some best strategies individuals and businesses may do well to consider with the IRS, indicating the first day of filing occurs on Jan. 26. With a doctorate in philosophy, accounting, and business, Harris is a certified tax expert with 10 years of industry experience.
She stated that many Americans are expected to receive larger federal refunds this year, with analysts estimating that the average refund could be about $1,000 higher and that total refunds nationwide could be tens of billions of dollars more than last year.
She indicated a significant portion of the boost may come from enhancements to the child tax credit (now up to $2,200 per qualifying child) and the earned income tax credit (up to about $8,231 for families with three or more children).
However, not everyone will qualify for the increase. Harris says eligibility depends on income, filing status, SSN requirements, and whether each taxpayer meets the rules for the credits. To maximize benefits, she suggested that taxpayers review their eligibility for the expanded credits, adjust their withholding early, and file electronically with direct deposit for faster refunds.
When filing returns this year, she says individuals should confirm they are using the updated standard deduction amounts for 2025 returns. They are $15,750 for singles, $31,500 for married filing jointly, and $23,625 for head of household. She says those deductions directly lower taxable income and can largely boost tax savings or refunds.
Harris explained that seniors and those who are blind may qualify for additional deductions, including the new $6,000 senior bonus deduction that can further trim their tax bill. When filing with a professional tax office, like Impress Tax Service, and answering all questions accurately, the tax software will automatically apply the credits and deductions a taxpayer qualifies for.
On the “no tax on tips” and “no tax on overtime” provisions, she says not all occupations will benefit equally. Harris says the tip deduction mainly applies to workers in jobs that customarily and regularly receive voluntary tips. They include servers, bartenders, hotel staff, valets, taxi drivers, hairstylists, barbers, nail techs, massage therapists, entertainers, and delivery workers, among others.
She says the overtime deduction is broader and based on whether an employee receives qualified overtime pay under federal wage rules, not on occupation, so many hourly workers across industries may benefit from that portion.
She says even if someone doesn’t qualify for the tip or overtime benefits, they may still see tax savings from the higher standard deduction and expanded credits for individuals if eligible.
Under recent tax law updates, Harris says the adoption tax credit for 2025 and beyond has been expanded and is now partially refundable. She says it allows qualifying families to receive up to $17,280 per eligible child, with up to $5,000 potentially refundable, even if they have little or no tax liability. “This update helps make adoption more affordable by increasing direct tax savings and the chance of a larger refund at filing time.”
However, the credit is subject to income phase-out limits, so higher-income taxpayers may see the credit reduced or eliminated. Families must meet strict eligibility rules, including adopting an eligible child and having properly documented qualified adoption expenses. “Because the rules are detailed and income-sensitive, taxpayers should review their situation with a professional to ensure they maximize the credit correctly.”
For individual taxpayers, Harris says maximizing retirement contributions is one of the smartest ways to lower your tax bill now while building long-term wealth. The reason: Contributions to a traditional 401(k) or traditional IRA are made pre-tax, which directly reduces taxable income for the year. Conversely, she says Roth contributions don’t lower taxes today but allow earnings to grow tax-free, which is extremely valuable in retirement.
She recommended taxpayers try to contribute as much as they possibly can, review income limits for Roth eligibility and IRA deductions, and use credits like the Saver’s Credit when eligible to optimize immediate tax savings and long-term financial growth.
For business owners, Harris says one of the most powerful tax moves right now is offering or contributing to employees’ 401(k) or IRA plans. She says they can generate tax credits for startup plans, employer contributions, and auto-enrollment, while also allowing employer contributions to be fully deductible as a business expense.
She advises that companies should also evaluate capital purchases and investments for benefits like Section 179 expense and bonus depreciation. She says it allows them to deduct large amounts of equipment and asset costs upfront instead of over time.
In addition, qualifying R&D expenses may generate valuable credits, and expanded business interest deductions can further reduce taxable income. “Strategic tax planning before year-end helps businesses lower current tax liability, improve cash flow, and create long-term tax efficiency for future years.”
Exclusive: Shaq Drops Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS, Gummies With Game
'I wanted to come up with something different.... I wanted to create a candy that you could play with before you eat it.'
NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has gone down as one of the greatest centers of all time to have bounced a ball on the basketball court. Post-playing days, he is slowly emerging as one of the greatest entrepreneurs ever to own multiple businesses. The TNT analyst has recently introduced Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS, his latest product from his partnership with The Hershey Company.
Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS comes with three crunchy gummy balls in watermelon, strawberry, and orange flavors. As an added bonus, a chewy, sour mango ring is also included. With his record-playing days behind him, his focus has been on building an empire that can rival anyone, especially when it comes to the sports world.
BLACK ENTERPRISE got the opportunity to speak with, according to Shaq himself, the “world’s biggest kid” about the new product and how his mindset helps him succeed in the business world.
The gentle giant (now that he doesn’t have to play ball anymore) started his alliance with The Hershey Company in 2024 when he introduced the Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies to the world. He stated that he visited Hershey, Pennsylvania, “so many times,” to make sure the product reached a point that it was ready for public consumption, that, even though the gummies may have been good, he had his game face on in the same way he did while playing with the legendary Kobe Bryant.
“When I’m dealing with the young scientist that’s making the candy, I go on basketball mode. Same thing I did with Kobe Bryant, ‘You great, but I’m not gonna tell you you’re great.’ So maybe you’re pushing yourself to do a little more, so, yeah, I’m eating them, and I’m like, damn, this is good, but I can’t tell them what’s good. ‘I don’t like it.’ And that’s just a test to see if he can come up with something better. So, a couple weeks later, uh, it’s close, but I don’t like it, and, like, the young kid, he wasn’t soft, like, he took pride in his work.’
That mentality forced the young scientist to strive harder to make the “world’s biggest kid,” content with the product. After six or seven tries, he hit the mark, and the gummies were released with Shaq’s satisfaction. The world agreed as it became a successful launch, even winning several awards in the process.
Although it was Shaq’s first product with Hershey, he didn’t have a specific number goal, but he knew it had to be a great working relationship to be deemed successful.
“I learned a long time ago that when you focus on a relationship, everything else will fall in place. I never come in and say, I’m gonna sell 20 million bags. For me, a thousand bags is successful. But, business-wise, if you got the right partner, you got the right distribution, you got the right location in the stores, you got the right marketing behind it. People will see it.”
So, this time around, it had to be a different offering.
“I wanted to come up with something different. And so we came up with the Shaq SLAM. There’s, like, a play on slams, and there’s three little gummy balls with a sour ring, and, you know, I wanted to create a candy that you could play with before you eat it.”
He also explained why he decided to do a deal with a company better known for its chocolate to launch a gummy product. Growing up on Hershey products made it easier for him to become a partner with the popular brand. Loving the candy as a child and into adulthood just made it seem right.
“I grew up on Hershey’s on all their candies, and I love all their candies. So, you know, the fact that they are doing this venture with me. You know, it’s like, they’re putting me on their team. I can’t let them down, so, you know, I knew we were gonna be successful, but I don’t look at success in numbers, even though the numbers are great. “
But, inquiring minds want to know why he went with gummies when it could have been chocolate, hard candies, or anything else?
After looking at the many categories of offerings the company presented, the CEO asked him what he wanted to choose before he left the initial meeting.
“Man, I used to love gummies growing up in Germany. ‘He’s like, That’s what we’re gonna do.'”
For Black professionals — especially those who’ve already had to navigate glass cliffs, limited advancement, and constant proving of ourselves — job uncertainty hits differently.
Dear Fairygodmentor®, My company recently announced that 2026 is a “rebuild year.” They’re reorganizing teams, cutting budgets, freezing promotions — and everyone’s walking on eggshells. I’m worried about job security and not sure how to stand out without overworking. How do I protect my career during a transition like this? — Rebuild Season Nervous
Dear Nervous,
When a company says they’re entering a “rebuild year,” it often feels like code for:
“We’re changing things…and your role may or may not make it. May the odds be ever in your favor!”
And for Black professionals — especially those who’ve already had to navigate glass cliffs, limited advancement, and constant proving of ourselves — job uncertainty hits differently.
But here’s the good news: A rebuild year doesn’t have to be a threat. It can actually be a strategic window for you to reinforce, reintroduce, and re-energize your professional value.
Here’s how to move smartly — not fearfully — through this season:
1. Get Crystal Clear on the New Priorities
Don’t guess what leadership wants — Show Your Ask! Try questions like:
• “What does success look like this quarter?”
• “What are the biggest challenges we’re rebuilding to address?”
• “Would you like to hear a few ideas I have for our team’s success?
Alignment is your first layer of protection. And I say this often, but leaders don’t just seek problems, they create solutions. That last bullet item is a way for you to shine a light on your ability to strategize and stay visible. Show your value. I’ll get into more of this in a bit.
When you know the mission, you can position yourself as essential to it.
2. Make Your Value Visible — Not Just Valuable
Don’t fall for that old adage “If you work hard – your hard work will speak for itself.” It doesn’t. As I say in my book, Show Your Ask, “It’s one thing to know your value, it’s another thing to show it.”
During rebuild years, visibility is currency.
Share your wins. Document your results. Send periodic updates on progress.
I’m going to keep saying this over and over again, it’s not bragging — it’s branding.
When leaders know your impact, they’re more likely to preserve your job when the org chart shifts.
3. Strengthen Key Relationships
Rebuild seasons rely on collaboration, trust, and reputation. Communication breaks down, and self-preservation builds up. This is the time to:
• reconnect with partners
• build alliances
• volunteer for visibility-building projects (not burnout builders)
• nurture relationships with decision-makers
You want people mentioning your name in rooms you’ll never enter saying, “We need them.”
4. Be Ready and Stay Ready
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile regularly. Not because you’re leaving your job immediately — but because you should always have options.
An updated resume is emotional insurance.
It reminds you: You are employable. You are talented. You are not trapped.
5. Pay Attention to Whether This Rebuild Includes You
Sometimes companies rebuild around you. Other times…they’re making decisions that shrink your role, erase responsibilities, or redirect influence.
Be aware of the following:
• decreasing authority
• vague feedback (this is a big one, push for specifics!)
• removed responsibilities
• unclear future plans for your team
If you’re seeing this happen to you, it may be time to prepare for your own rebuild — one that centers your growth, not the company’s survival.
Nervous, the economy may be unpredictable, but your career strategy doesn’t have to be. A rebuild year is not just the company’s moment to reorganize. It’s your opportunity to reinforce your value, expand your visibility, and ensure that whatever happens — you remain in control of your professional story.
You’re not powerless. You’re preparing.
With strategy and confidence, Your Fairygodmentor®
About Joyel Crawford:
Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.
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