Peep This Breakdown Of The Income You Need At Each Decade Of Your Life
About 34.5 million U.S. households fall short of the necessary baseline for 'essential wealth.'
Three in four Americans lack sufficient age-based income to handle unexpected financial setbacks and reach major life milestones, according to a report from The Aspen Institute.
The research introduces the concept of “essential wealth,” defined as having six weeks of take-home pay in cash savings combined with a net worth high enough to secure homeownership and retirement readiness.
About 34.5 million U.S. households fall short of that baseline, driving widespread financial pessimism despite overall economic stability and stock market gains.
While income covers day-to-day living expenses, short-term savings protect households from economic shocks, the report noted. Meanwhile, long-term assets such as real estate and investment accounts provide financial stability and independence, offering a clearer picture of economic health than salary alone.
To reach essential wealth, the think tank estimates the following net worth targets across life stages:
Reesa Teesa Turns Her Viral ‘Who TF Did I Marry?’ Story Into New Tell-All Memoir
The TikTok creator's memoir is about healing, ownership, and building a lasting brand.
Two years after captivating millions with her marathon TikTok series “Who TF Did I Marry?”, Tareasa “Reesa Teesa” Johnson is proving that viral moments don’t have to end with social media. Instead, she’s transforming one of the internet’s most talked-about sagas into a new milestone.
Johnson announced that she is releasing a new memoir titled What TF Do I Do Now? on Aug. 18, which shifts the spotlight away from the man who inspired her famous 52-part series and back onto herself. While the original videos chronicled the unraveling of her marriage to a man she alleged repeatedly lied about his identity, finances, and family, the book explores the deeper emotional work that followed.
“The ‘Who TF Did I Marry?’ [series] was really about this year and a half of my life with this one individual, but there’s so much more to me that led me to make the decision to be in that relationship,” Johnson told PEOPLE. “There were times while writing chapters that I cried. I had some moments where I second-guessed how vulnerable I wanted to be.”
“It takes a type of vulnerability that I did not know before, and yet I’m proud that I pushed through,” Johnson said. “I’m proud that I pushed through instead of being like, ‘No, I’m not saying that,’ or, ‘No, I’m not putting that in there.'”
She added that writing the book required a level of honesty beyond what audiences saw on social media.
“We’ve been taught, ‘Hey, you wanna keep it to yourself. Don’t share it, it’s private, a secret,'” Johnson said. “Some things are private, but in writing this book, my goal was to make sure no one feels as alone as I did… I want the reader to resonate with something in that book. To do that, I was gonna have to be very raw.”
The memoir also forced Johnson to confront difficult truths about herself.
“I have a history and relationships that I’m not necessarily proud of,” she admitted. “This is your habit. This is how you behave in relationships, and maybe that’s why they haven’t been successful, because there are things about you that you need to change.”
Since her series amassed more than 400 million views, she has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), secured a scripted television adaptation starring Natasha Rothwell, and expanded her platform beyond TikTok. Rather than allowing a viral moment to define her, Johnson is building a multimedia business rooted in authentic storytelling. Her advice to other creators is to think beyond social media.
“No longer do you have to limit yourself,” she said. “Social media can open the door for a much bigger world than you ever thought. If you have an idea or a story, think bigger, because social media can actually be your step toward book, television, podcast, or movie deals.”
Her Name Is Christopher: How This Black Woman’s Parents Used Strategy To Challenge Hiring Bias
This woman's unconventional name illustrates the lengths Black families take to level the playing field for their children.
Christopher Stewart is accustomed to getting surprise reactions every time she introduces herself or walks into a job interview. The 40-year-old New York hospitality professional has spent her entire life explaining that, yes, Christopher is her legal first name—and yes, she’s a Black woman.
Stewart recently shared on TikTok that her parents intentionally gave her what she describes as a “plain white male name,” believing it would give her an advantage in her career. The strategy, she says, was simple: use her name to secure job interviews and then let her qualifications speak for themselves once she met with a potential employer, reports Upworthy.
Her story has gone viral, garnering 2.2 million views and sparking conversation about racial and gender bias in hiring. It also points to the calculated decisions many Black families have made to help their children navigate systemic barriers.
According to Stewart, the approach worked. She told TODAY that employers have often expressed confusion when they realized Christopher Stewart was a woman. One recruiter reportedly ended a phone call believing she was joking, while others admitted they expected to meet a man. Despite the initial surprise, Stewart said those moments frequently evolved into productive conversations centered on her experience and credentials.
Stewart, who built a successful career in New York’s restaurant industry before transitioning into hospitality management, says she has grown to embrace the name her parents carefully selected.
Her story isn’t simply about an unconventional first name. It’s about the strategies Black families have historically employed to expand access to opportunity in workplaces where first impressions can begin long before a handshake. For Black professionals, Stewart’s experience supports research that finds that applicants with names signaling they are white and/or male have a greater likelihood of landing a job interview. Even though many employers have adopted diversity initiatives, concerns about implicit bias in résumé screening remain, particularly as companies increasingly rely on automated hiring systems and AI-powered applicant-tracking software.
DATE: OCT 21-23, 2026 | LOCATION: HYATT REGENCY GRAND CYPRESS | ORLANDO, FL
The XCEL Summit For Men is the nation’s leading conference dedicated to elevating and empowering men—celebrating their excellence through the XCEL Awards and equipping them with the tools to thrive at every level of leadership, from entry-level to the C-suite.
The XCEL Summit For Men is the nation’s leading conference dedicated to elevating and empowering men—celebrating their excellence through the XCEL Awards and equipping them with the tools to thrive at every level of leadership, from entry-level to the C-suite.
20-time Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and music icon
Kirk Franklin is a 20-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and music icon. For over three decades, he has been a transformative force in contemporary Gospel music, blending Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop into a sound that resonates across generations. Widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative figures in modern music, Franklin continues to expand the reach of Gospel while redefining its place in mainstream culture.
In October 2023, Franklin released his critically acclaimed album Father’s Day (Fo Yo Soul/RCA), featuring the #1 hit single “All Things,” which earned him his 20th GRAMMY Award at the 2024 ceremony for Best Gospel Performance/Song. In 2025, he followed up with the powerful new single “Do It Again,” which reached #1 on the Gospel charts and further affirmed his ability to deliver both timely and timeless messages through music.
Franklin recently received the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards, recognizing his decades-long influence across music, culture, and entertainment. He also debuted the original series Den of Kings, a bold and compelling platform that explores faith, leadership, and personal growth. The series quickly gained traction, surpassing 1 million views in less than a week and marking a significant moment in faith-based storytelling.
Beyond the studio and stage, Franklin headlined The Reunion Tour 2.0, bringing together Gospel greats including Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, The Clark Sisters, Marvin Sapp, and Kierra Sheard-Kelly. His ability to bridge generations and genres is reflected in collaborations with artists such as Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, and Demi Lovato, extending the message of Gospel music to audiences around the world.
Franklin remains committed to developing the next generation of talent and uplifting communities. Through initiatives like Camp Lotus, he mentors aspiring artists and creatives, while also supporting organizations such as Compassion International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His SiriusXM channel, Kirk Franklin’s Praise, and his work as an executive producer across television and film, including Kingdom Business on BET and Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas on Lifetime, highlight his continued impact across multiple platforms.
Kirk Franklin continues to stand as a trailblazer whose influence reaches far beyond music. Whether performing, creating, or mentoring, he inspires millions with a message grounded in faith, love, and resilience.
Robert L. Johnson is the Founder and Chairman of The RLJ Companies, LLC, an innovative business network, and owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate, 401k financial management services, automobile dealerships, digital gaming, sports betting, and Italian menswear clothing.
Prior to forming The RLJ Companies, Mr. Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET), the nation's first Black-owned cable TV network.
In 1991 Johnson took BET public, making the network the first African American company to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2011, Johnson took RLJ Lodging Trust, a real estate investment trust (REIT), public. In 2012, RLJ Entertainment, Inc., a streaming services company, marked the third time Johnson successfully took a company public.
Mr. Johnson serves on the following boards: RLJ Lodging Trust; The Business Council; and Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Mr. Johnson holds a master’s degree in international affairs from the Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies from the University of Illinois.
Dr. Harris is currently CEO & Managing Partner of Vesalius Ventures, Inc., a venture capital firm that invests in early to mid-stage Healthcare technologies and companies. He is responsible for managing a portfolio of private assets of early and mid-stage venture investments and operating companies.
He served as CEO and Executive Director, National Math & Science Initiative and led the organization’s efforts to improve teacher effectiveness and student achievement in communities across the country. He has been involved in math and science education for over 25 years through his philanthropy as founder of the Harris Institute & Foundation.
Dr. Harris was at NASA for ten years, where he conducted research in musculoskeletal physiology and clinical investigations of space adaptation and developed in-flight medical devices to extend Astronaut stays in space. A veteran astronaut for over thirty years, he has logged more than 438 hours and traveled over 7.2 million miles in space.
He is a member of the Board of Directors for Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX), MassMutual, Solventum (NYSE: SOLV), and U.S. Physical Therapy (NYSE: USPH). Dr. Harris served as a Board of Director/Trustee for Salient Midstream & MLP Fund and Salient MF Trust, and Barings Fund & BBDC. In addition, he is on the nonprofit Boards of the Texas Medical Center (past Chair), Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, STEMNext and the Harris Institute & Foundation.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Houston, a Master of Medical Science from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Houston, and a Doctorate of Medicine from Texas Tech University School of Medicine. He completed a Residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, a National Research Council Fellowship in Endocrinology at the NASA Ames Research Center, and trained as a Flight Surgeon at the Aerospace School of Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base. He is also a licensed private pilot and certified scuba diver.
Dr. Harris is the recipient of numerous awards, including nine honorary doctorates, NASA Space Flight Medal, NASA Award of Merit, National Space Grant Distinguished Services Award, James Bryant Conant Award, a fellow of the American College of Physicians, a fellow of the American Telemedicine Association, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the recipient of the 2000 Horatio Alger Award and 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. In May 2025, Dr. Harris was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
He is the author of “Dream Walker: A Journey of Achievement and Inspiration” 2010 and “Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go Of Fear To Find Your Highest Potential” 2025.
Hall of Fame athlete, visionary entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and
corporate leader
Isiah Thomas is a Hall of Fame athlete, visionary entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and corporate leader whose influence spans professional sports, global business, and social impact. Widely regarded as one of the Top 10 greatest players in NBA history, Thomas is the only player to defeat Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan in playoff series during their MVP-level peaks — all without a single NBA Top 50 teammate. A 12-time NBA All-Star, 2-time NBA Champion, and 1990 NBA Finals MVP, he led the Detroit Pistons to back-to-back titles while topping the team in both scoring and assists.
Following his legendary 13-year playing career, Thomas transitioned seamlessly into the business world. He became the first NBA player to serve as Chairman and CEO of a publicly traded company and now leads Isiah Enterprises (formerly One World Products, Inc. – OTCQB: OWPC), a pioneer in renewable materials for the automotive and packaging industries through its Eco Bio Plastics division. He is also the owner of Cheurlin Champagne, imported under Isiah Imports — the largest Black-owned champagne house in the world — blending authentic French heritage with modern cultural influence.
As the founder of Isiah International LLC, Thomas’ ventures span real estate, sports, consumer brands, and technology. His business leadership earned him a spot on the cover of Forbes after reviving American Speedy Printing, and he co-founded Popcorn Indiana/BOOMCHICKAPOP, cementing his reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and early pioneer in sports media and technology.
Thomas currently serves on the boards of several major public companies, including UWM Holdings Corp. (NYSE: UWM), StratCap (NASDAQ: SCT), and Madison Square Garden Entertainment & Sphere Entertainment (NYSE: MSGE / SPHR).
Beyond business and basketball, Thomas is deeply committed to education and social change. He holds a Master’s degree in Education from UC Berkeley (4.3 GPA) and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University. His groundbreaking thesis, Books and Basketball: Black Males, Athletes, and Academic Achievement, was an early critique of NCAA practices that foreshadowed today’s NIL reforms.
A passionate philanthropist, Thomas founded the Peace Games, organized Detroit’s historic “No Crime Day” in 1986, and continues to invest in scholarships, education, and community empowerment. He is also a leading advocate for diversity in sports media and leadership, using his platform to create pathways for future generations.
Profile
Calvin Butler is president and chief executive officer of Exelon. Butler oversees Exelon’s six local electric and natural gas companies – Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO and Pepco. Together, they form one of the nation’s largest utility companies by customer count, serving approximately 11 million electric and gas customers in New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, Delaware, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. Butler serves on Exelon’s Executive Committee and is a member of the company’s Board of Directors.
Professional History
Prior to being promoted to CEO on Dec. 31, 2022, Butler had been president and chief operating officer of Exelon. Previously, he served in roles of increasing responsibility at Exelon, including senior executive vice president and COO (2021), Exelon Utilities CEO (2019) and as CEO of BGE from 2014 to 2019. Prior to that role, Butler served as BGE’s senior vice president for Regulatory and External Affairs. He also held various leadership positions at ComEd, including senior vice president of Corporate Affairs and vice president of Governmental and Legislative Affairs.
Before joining Exelon in 2008, Butler held senior leadership roles in external affairs as well as manufacturing with the print, digital and supply chain solutions company R.R. Donnelley. Butler spent his early career with Central Illinois Light Company (CILCORP, Inc.), where he worked in government affairs, legal and strategy.
Industry and Civic Involvement
Butler serves as the chairman of the Board of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. Butler also serves on the Board of Directors for Battelle, Emerson Electric, Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose, the Economic Club of Chicago, the Greater Washington Partnership, the Caves Valley Golf Club, and the Annika Sorenstam Foundation. He is on the Board of Directors and serves as the vice chair of the Institute of International Education (IIE) and on the Board of Governors for Argonne National Laboratory. He is a member of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, the James Madison Council of the Library of Congress and serves on the Board of Directors of and is a previous chair of the Greater Baltimore Committee. He is immediate past chair of the Board of Directors of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and is also a past chair of the Gridwise Alliance, an advocacy organization promoting modernization and innovation for the nation’s electrical grid.
Jalen Rose created the blueprint for how athletes catapult professional sports careers into successful corporate and philanthropic empires. Rose burst onto the scene as a member of the “Fab Five” for the University of Michigan, where he was recognized as the leader of a group of freshmen that increased the global popularity and indelibly shifted the cultural impact of basketball and hip-hop. After a successful 13-year NBA career, Jalen is now a CEO, Philanthropist, Multi-Media Personality, Executive Producer, Actor, NY Times Best-Selling Author, and Brand Ambassador, establishing himself as a modern-day Renaissance Man.
As the Co-Founder and CEO of the recently launched Same Page Entertainment, Rose is a driving force for the cultural resurgence of his native Detroit. The Detroit-based multi-media production company develops, produces, finances, and distributes scripted and unscripted film, television and podcasts. Founded alongside Tom Gores, Chairman and Founder of Platinum Equity and owner of the Detroit Pistons, Same Page Entertainment is rooted in building stories that celebrate culture, champion new voices and spark meaningful conversations that bring communities closer together. No stranger to the TV & Film industry, Rose produced the critically acclaimed documentary The Fab Five for ESPN’s 30 for 30 franchise, and the viral “81 Olives” video. As an actor, Jalen has appeared in several projects, including South West High, Running Point, The Cookout 2, BMF, Fresh off the Boat, Just Wright, The Game, and Barbershop.
Long before it became common for active athletes to work in media, Rose broke ground as the first active NBA player to serve as a basketball analyst for his work with The Best Damn Sports Show Period for FOX Sports, and covering the NBA Playoffs for TNT. He later helped launch ESPN’s Get Up as an original host, while contributing as an analyst across SportsCenter and NBA Countdown. Currently a college basketball analyst for TNT Sports and making guest appearances on Inside the NBA, he spent 18 years as a lead analyst for ABC/ESPN – most notably as co-host of the award-winning Jalen & Jacoby podcast, which brought ESPN’s Grantland to the forefront and cemented his status as a top multi-media personality. Rose also expanded into print and audio through a partnership with the New York Post on “Renaissance Man,” a weekly column and podcast series. In addition, he served as a studio analyst with NBC Sports and Peacock during the 2024-25 season as part of Big Ten College Countdown, amid the network’s expanded college basketball coverage. In 2015, Rose released his New York Times bestseller, Got to Give the People What They Want: True Stories and Flagrant Opinions from Center Court, with Crown Archetype.
Selected in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft, Rose played 13 seasons in the NBA where he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2000 and was an instrumental player for the Indiana Pacers reaching the NBA Finals. Despite all of his basketball accolades and cultural impact, Rose has made his biggest contributions off the court founding the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in 2011. The open-enrollment, tuition-free public charter high school located in the Detroit neighborhood where he grew up now serves more than 400 students annually and over 1,000 alumni, with a 95% graduation rate and 100% college and postsecondary acceptance. Rose has consistently centered his work around the city that shaped him, guided by a belief that access, representation and opportunity are inseparable from lasting impact.
Currently a Board Member of the National Basketball Players Association Foundation, Rose’s contributions to society through sports, philanthropy and business have earned him numerous honors, including the NBA’s Bob Lanier Community Impact Award, the National Civil Rights Museum’s Sports Legacy Award, the Inaugural Charter School Trailblazer Award from the National Alliance of Charter Schools, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Mannie Jackson Basketball Human Spirit Award, the University of Michigan’s President’s Medal of Excellence.
Victor J. Glover, Jr. was selected as an astronaut in 2013 while serving as a Legislative Fellow in the United States Senate.
He served as pilot of the Crew-1 dragon spacecraft, named Resilience, which flew to the International Space Station, where he also served as Flight Engineer for Expedition 64/65. Glover most recently served as Pilot of NASA’s Artemis II mission around the Moon. The crew launched on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket at 6:35 p.m. EDT April 1, 2026, from Launch Pad 39B at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. With 8.8 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, the American-built rocket propelled the crew inside the Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, to space, delivering it to orbit with pinpoint accuracy. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen splashed down at 8:07 p.m. EDT April 10, 2026 off the coast of San Diego, completing a nearly 10-day journey that took them 252,756 miles from home at their farthest distance from Earth.
The California native earned an undergraduate engineering degree as a two sport athlete, while serving his community. Glover is a Naval Aviator and was a test pilot in the F/A‐18 Hornet, Super Hornet and EA‐18G Growler. He and his family have been stationed in many locations in the United States and Japan and have deployed in combat and peacetime.
Brandon M. Scott is the 52nd mayor of Baltimore, the youngest person to hold his position
in over a century. Mayor Scott is committed to ending gun violence, investing in our youth,
restoring trust in government, and building a better, more equitable Baltimore for all. In
November 2024, he made history as the first Baltimore mayor in 20 years to win re election.
Growing up in Park Heights, Mayor Scott witnessed firsthand the effects of disinvestment
in Baltimore’s communities and youth. This experience shaped his administration’s
priorities, resulting in substantial investments in education and recreation, including 14
new/renovated schools, 9 new/renovated recreation centers, and $100 million dedicated
to previously stalled housing projects in underserved neighborhoods.
During his first term, Mayor Scott spearheaded historic reductions in violence-–including a
40% decrease in homicides—through Baltimore’s first-ever Comprehensive Violence
Prevention Plan. The City also saw an 18% decrease in vacant properties, reaching the
lowest number in two decades.
Before becoming Mayor in 2020, Scott was unanimously elected president of the Baltimore
City Council by his colleagues after serving on the City Council for eight years, representing
Baltimore’s 2nd District. He was one of the youngest people ever elected to the Council.
Mayor Scott has emerged as a political leader known for his authentic, straightforward
approach. He serves as Co-Chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns and as First Vice President
of the African American Mayors Association.
He is often sought after as an adviser and policy expert on violence reduction strategies by
organizations and other elected officials, including the White House Office of Gun Violence
Prevention under former President Joe Biden. He previously chaired the National League of
Cities Large Cities Council.
Mayor Scott is a community leader, public servant, and son of Baltimore City. A proud
Baltimorean and lifelong resident, Scott is a graduate of MERVO High School and St. Mary’s
College of Maryland. He resides in the Westfield neighborhood of Northeast Baltimore with
his wife Hana, and their children Ceron, Charm, and Camden
Hands down the best event l've ever been to. It ain't even close - the brotherhood I got from being at this event is legit the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“Every year, I try to attend. There are very few events that focus specifically on Men; focusing our efforts, refining our talents and developing lasting networks that serve us personally and professionally.”
“A great conference to attend, to participate in, and to witness great men doing great and awesome things in their lives and the lives of so many others. The networking was on
fire and I know many new collaborations and opportunities have been birthed.”
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HYATT REGENCY GRAND CYPRESS
Guest room rates: Single/Double – $249 plus applicable fees and taxes.
A daily resort fee of $10 is applied to each room of your stay for amenities.
All individual confirmations will be charged a deposit equal to one (1) night room, tax and resort fee at the time of reservation.
Individual reservations can be canceled without a penalty up to five (5) days before arrival. Guests must cancel by 5:00 pm EST to avoid being charged one (1) night room and tax.
Check In: 4:00 pm
Check Out: 11:00 am
Room assignments prior to Check-in time are on a “space availability” basis. Guests occupying their room beyond check-out time, without the Hotel’s authorization will be charged for an additional night.
Amenities include daily round-trip transportation to Disney, Universal Studio and Disney Springs. Pickleball court access, bike rentals, rock climbing wall, sailboats, paddle boards, kayaks, golf course, basketball court, access to jogging course and nightly movies at the pool.
Dr. Bernard Harris accepted the prestigious Icon Award at BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s XCEL Summit for Men held in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 21-23. The historic astronaut reflected on a career shaped by
BLACK ENTERPRISE will celebrate a decade of economic empowerment, corporate leadership, and cultural influence when it hosts the 10th Anniversary of XCEL Summit for Men from Oct. 21–23, 2026, at
Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE, has officially convened corporate trailblazers, entrepreneurs, and visionary leaders nationwide for the landmark 10th anniversary of the XCEL Summit for Men, scheduled for
Elevating your executive career requires strategic advocacy. Black male professionals aiming to attend the upcoming BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit For Men should leverage direct employer sponsorship to fund their attendance. Rather than paying out
For many years, professional sports depended on Black athletes for their skills and cultural impact, while mostly white ownership groups enjoyed steady economic benefits. Record-breaking contract guarantees are now causing
Metta World Peace Learned A Valuable Lesson In His Failure To Invest
Former NBA star Metta World Peace explains how missing out on Vitaminwater's $4.1 billion payout influenced his shift to building a portfolio of 40 companies.
For Black athletes and creators, shifting from upfront endorsement payments to equity stakes is a key step to building long-term wealth. Metta World Peace recently discussed how missing a major investment opportunity early in his career led to his transformation into an investor with multiple companies.
On the Drink Champs podcast, the former basketball star, 46, shared that he declined an opportunity to invest $235,000 in Vitaminwater in 2007. Although he promoted the brand on his jerseys and supported local projects, World Peace chose immediate payment instead of equity.
“I turned that deal down because I’m like, ‘Pay me,’” World Peace explained during the episode. “In that deal, I didn’t know what equity was. When I came into the league… in our neighborhood, you have a certain amount of capital… How you going to 10x that? That’s what we call an investment today.”
In May 2007, just months later, Glacéau, Vitaminwater’s parent company, was acquired by The Coca-Cola Co. for $4.1 billion in cash, according to CBS News. While World Peace missed this payout, hip-hop mogul 50 Cent secured an equity position and earned an estimated $100 million from the acquisition, as reported by AfroTech.
Metta World Peace Explains How Not Understanding Equity Caused Him To Miss Out On This Investment, But He Doesn’t Regret It https://t.co/y83hGpf3uY
“People were talking about how much money I made, but I was focused on the fact that $4.1 billion was made,” 50 Cent previously told Forbes. “I think I can do a bigger deal in the future.”
World Peace’s experience is highly relevant to the Black business community. Historically, Black athletes and entertainers have contributed cultural influence but often been excluded from long-term enterprise value. For those from underserved communities with limited financial capital, immediate cash from endorsements often outweighs less familiar investment options like venture equity. Closing this gap starts with access to financial education and resources tailored to their experiences. Programs like Operation HOPE, The National Urban League, and the Black Business School offer culturally relevant financial empowerment courses, mentorship, and guidance. By seeking these resources, emerging athletes and creators can empower themselves to make well-informed financial decisions and chart a path to lasting wealth.
This story illustrates the value of financial empowerment in Black sports and business communities. Instead of letting early monetary errors define his path, World Peace used the missed Vitaminwater opportunity as a foundation for growth. He now manages a diverse portfolio of 40 companies, including ventures in tech startups, sports media, health and wellness brands, and real estate. By building businesses across industries, World Peace shows how Black athletes and creators can harness investment opportunities to create lasting impact.
“Don’t give up. That’s the main thing,” World Peace said on Drink Champs. “Yeah, at that time I didn’t know, and it wasn’t because I was dumb; it was because I was in the hood. And there’s a lot of people that’s in the hood that’s making mistakes. What I’m trying to say is, ‘Listen, don’t take the bait.’”
As Black professionals, athletes, and founders increasingly seek ownership and representation, World Peace’s journey acts as both an instructive story and a guide. It shows that while early mistakes can be costly, pursuing financial empowerment can create generational wealth.
About 1 Out Of 3 Americans Have No Emergency Savings
The findings come as many Americans continue to grapple with higher housing, grocery, insurance, and healthcare costs
About 32% of Americans have no emergency savings, according to a recent survey, highlighting the financial pressure many households continue to face as elevated living costs, persistent inflation, and economic uncertainty make it difficult to build a financial safety net, Yahoo Finance reports.
The Empower survey findings come as many Americans continue to grapple with higher housing, grocery, insurance, and healthcare costs, leaving little room to save even as inflation has eased from its post-pandemic peak. Empower’s survey found that 39% of respondents identified rising prices as the biggest barrier to building emergency savings.
A separate Yahoo Finance-Marist poll painted a similarly concerning picture. The survey found that 35% of respondents said their savings would not last one month if they lost their primary source of income, underscoring how financially vulnerable many households remain.
The data also suggests that economic pressures, rather than irresponsible spending, are driving much of the nation’s savings shortfall. According to the poll, 47% of respondents cited the cost of living as the primary reason they struggle to save. Another 11% pointed to unexpected expenses, while 10% blamed changes in income or employment. An additional 10% said existing financial obligations limited their ability to save, and just 8% identified overspending as the primary cause.
Federal Reserve data shows the savings gap is especially pronounced among adults younger than 30 and people without a high school diploma, groups that generally report the lowest levels of emergency savings.
Some households also take on additional work or withdraw money from retirement accounts to cover emergencies. While those strategies may provide temporary relief, early withdrawals from retirement plans can trigger taxes and penalties while reducing long-term retirement savings.
Setting aside small amounts from every paycheck, directing future raises toward savings, using interest-bearing savings accounts, and temporarily reducing discretionary spending can help households gradually establish a financial cushion and reduce their reliance on debt when unexpected expenses arise.
The shift comes as AI automates more routine tasks and changes the skills employers value.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how companies hire, train, and promote employees, prompting some workplace leaders to argue that developing skills—not climbing the corporate ladder—will become the new measure of career success, Fast Company reports.
What is “wildflowering” in career development?
Macaire Montini, vice president of People and Culture at human resources platform HiBob, believes employers should move away from rigid promotion tracks and instead build career development around employees’ individual strengths as AI continues to reshape the workforce.
Montini describes the approach as “wildflowering,” a concept centered on allowing careers to evolve based on employees’ abilities and interests rather than predetermined milestones or job titles.
“Instead of homogenizing, it actually is leaning into someone’s gifts,” Montini told the outlet.
Why are companies moving away from traditional career ladders?
The shift comes as AI automates more routine tasks and changes the skills employers value. At the same time, many organizations have flattened management structures, creating fewer leadership openings and making traditional career progression less predictable.
Rather than expecting employees to move directly from entry-level roles into management, Montini said companies should encourage workers to build experience across departments, projects, and responsibilities before advancing into leadership positions.
How should businesses introduce AI to their workforce?
She said organizations also need to rethink how they introduce AI into the workplace. Simply providing employees with new technology, she argued, is not enough if businesses fail to invest in training and collaboration.
“A lot of companies are giving people AI tools like musical instruments, and they’re expecting a symphony to come out of that,” Montini said. “People are going to be too busy trying to teach themselves how to use the clarinet … and not how to work harmoniously together.”
Are job titles losing their value?
Montini also questioned whether job titles should remain the primary indicator of career advancement. Instead, she said employees should be recognized for developing new capabilities that prepare them for future opportunities inside or outside their current organization.
“In the U.S., we have a lot of title inflation, because it’s been the only way to actually retain the employees that are job hopping that want to move up or out,” she said. “I really want to get us to a place where we make sure you have the skills that will make it here, or make it elsewhere, because we are looking at you as a whole person.”
As an example, Montini pointed to Microsoft’s neurodiverse hiring program, which she said demonstrates how organizations can design work around employees’ natural strengths instead of expecting everyone to follow the same career path.
How can organizations build resilience during AI adoption?
She acknowledged that adapting to AI will not look the same across the workforce, particularly as employees from multiple generations navigate rapidly changing workplace expectations. Still, she argued that employers have an opportunity to build more resilient organizations by investing in continuous learning instead of relying on traditional promotion models.
“Your job is going to change. The nature of your job is going to change,” Montini said. “We really need to invest in those people that are willing to take that journey with us.”
As AI continues to redefine the workplace, companies that prioritize workforce development and transferable skills may be better positioned to retain talent while preparing employees for jobs that continue to evolve.
Keke Palmer, Creme of Nature, And BLACK ENTERPRISE To Bring Wellness And Leadership To Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
BLACK ENTERPRISE and Creme of Nature are partnering to curate conversations around beauty, business, wellness, and leadership during the annual festival.
Keke Palmer is bringing more than star power to the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF). The Emmy Award-winning actress, singer, and entrepreneur will lead a two-day experience that blends beauty, wellness, and leadership at an activation curated by Creme of Nature in partnership with BLACK ENTERPRISE.
To close out the annual film festival, Creme of Nature’s “Unstoppable on the Vineyard” will serve as a hub for festivalgoers seeking inspiration, self-care, and community. The activation will include hair touch-ups, product sampling, celebrity stylist demos, and immersive experiences that celebrate textured hair on Aug.14 – 15. It will also include programming designed to spark meaningful conversations around confidence, intentional living, and healthy hair maintenance while creating a space where Black women can recharge and connect.
At the heart of the activation is a live panel discussion titled “The Beauty of Balance: Finding Peace & Purpose in Leadership” featuring Palmer, Chandra Coleman, the SVP of Marketing at Revlon Hair, Emmy Award-winning hairstylist Angela C. Stevens, Creme of Nature Global Brand Director Nikia Bowman, and Selena Hill, the Director of Multiplatform Content at BLACK ENTERPRISE. Together, the panelists will explore the importance of balancing beauty and wellness with leadership, career success, and growth.
“My hope is that everyone walks away with new insights, a little inspiration, and the confidence to embrace their unique beauty on their own terms,” said Palmer, who was named Creme of Nature’s first chief brand officer in 2024, in a statement to VIBE. Since then, the multihyphenate entertainer has helped shape the brand’s storytelling and community engagement strategy. “I’ve always believed that confidence starts with owning your story, and for many of us, hair is a big part of that story,” she continued.
Creme of Nature will also spotlight holistic wellness through a guided meditation and breathing session led by integrative wellness expert Devi Brown and Palmer. Hosted by Hill, the session will serve to teach Black professional and entrepreneurial women techniques that help them prioritize mental health and mindfulness.
In addition, Creme of Nature will host an interactive audience Q&A with Stevens alongside celebrity hairstylist and natural hair educator Felicia Leatherwood, providing attendees with tools, insight, and information about maintaining healthy hair. Hill will also moderate a panel discussion between Stevens and Bowman that explores the evolution of natural hair, the impact of cultural shifts on beauty standards, and the relationship between healthy haircare and self-confidence.
For Black entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives attending MVAAFF, the “Unstoppable on the Vineyard” activation represents more than a beauty experience. Rather, it will serve as a space that fosters professional development, wellness, and community.
[VIDEO]: Alfred Edmond Jr. Enters The Chat On Support For Black Media
The Black media landscape could be a force to reckon with ...
As the collective response to former NFL player and sports correspondent Ryan Clark’s downright disrespectful dismissal from ESPN makes its rounds across social media, BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s Chief Content Officer and EVP, Alfred Edmond Jr., enters the chat.
An interesting conversation on forming Black media conglomerates has bubbled up. The concept in a nutshell is that if Black media personalities and companies could just come together, the Black media landscape would be a force to reckon with—so much so that Black audiences would have no use for white media. The discussions, appearing on Instagram Threads, reveal just how little the public understands about how mass media operates or how it is funded.
It should come as no surprise that Black media outlets and media professionals have a steeper mountain to climb when it comes to success and sustainability in the media landscape, particularly when compared to their white counterparts. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, advertiser spending with Black media has increased, but the total percentage of ad dollars spent, 1.6%, is abysmal.
In the following video, Edmond provides commentary on the myriad ways Black solidarity in the industry might look— and he offers an insider education on how media works.
County CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson announced the launch of the Digital Shield initiative after the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the funding. The initiative will deploy technology from Flock Safety, a public safety technology company that provides automated license plate recognition systems used by law enforcement agencies nationwide.
County officials said the system is intended to help investigators identify stolen vehicles, locate suspects, and generate investigative leads by capturing license plate data and sharing information in real time with participating law enforcement agencies.
“Digital Shield is about protecting every corner of DeKalb,” Cochran Johnson said in a statement. “This unprecedented investment gives our police department the tools to prevent crime, solve cases faster, and give residents the peace of mind they deserve. This is a defining moment for how we reimagine public safety in our county.”
According to the county, cameras will be installed at locations identified through public safety data, including major roadways, neighborhood entrances, and high-traffic intersections. Officials said the technology will integrate with DeKalb’s Real Time Crime Center and allow investigators to collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions that also use Flock Safety’s platform.
The county said the initiative will include policies intended to promote transparency, accountability, and responsible management of collected data.
The investment is part of a broader public safety strategy under Cochran Johnson’s administration. County officials said recent efforts have included increasing police officer pay and benefits, expanding recruitment initiatives, and investing in officer training and retention.
Cochran Johnson thanked the Board of Commissioners for unanimously approving the funding.
“I want to thank the Board for unanimously approving this investment,” she said. “With Digital Shield, and through our ongoing commitment to supporting and investing in our officers, DeKalb is taking bold steps to strengthen public safety and protect the security of our residents.”
Implementation of the Digital Shield initiative is expected to begin immediately, with county officials anticipating full deployment over the next year.
While automated license plate recognition technology has been adopted by hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country to support criminal investigations and recover stolen vehicles, its use has also prompted ongoing discussions among privacy advocates about data retention, oversight, and civil liberties. DeKalb County officials said the Digital Shield initiative includes safeguards designed to ensure transparency and ethical use of the technology.
