by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 5, 2025

The Recording Academy Elects First Black Woman Chair Of The Board Of Trustees

Dr. Green’s election marks several historic firsts for the Recording Academy

Dr. Chelsey Green is making history after becoming the first Black woman elected chair of the Recording Academy Board of Trustees.

On June 1, following its annual Board of Trustees meeting, the Recording Academy elected its National Officers and 19 new leaders to serve on the 2025–2027 board of trustees, Variety reports. Green was named chair of the board, with Evan Bogart elected vice chair, Jennifer Blakeman as secretary/treasurer, and Tammy Hurt as chair emeritus.

Dr. Green’s election marks several historic firsts for the Recording Academy. In addition to becoming the first Black woman elected chair, Dr. Green, 39, is also the youngest person ever elected to serve as chair. She succeeds Tammy Hurt, who held the role since 2021, making this the first time in the Academy’s history that two women have consecutively held its top leadership position.

The recording artist, entrepreneur, and educator, who leads her ensemble, Chelsey Green and The Green Project, is the third Black officer elected to serve as chair, following Jimmy Jam (2007–2009) and Harvey Mason Jr. (2019–2021), who later became the Academy’s CEO.

“I am honored to welcome both our newly elected board and national officers to the Recording Academy, made up of passionate, talented leaders who care deeply about music and the people who create it,” Mason Jr. said in a statement. “Together, their extensive background in the industry will help us to continue to push the Academy forward and drive meaningful change.”

The elected officers commit their time to advancing the Recording Academy’s mission and helping guide its overall direction. In collaboration with Mason Jr. and senior Academy leadership, board members support efforts to serve the music community through advocacy, education, direct support, and the celebration of musical excellence.

Dr. Green has devoted her career to advancing equity in the music industry. A classically trained musician with roots in jazz, R&B, soul, and funk, her artistry shines through five studio albums and performances with a diverse range of artists from Kirk Franklin and Lizzo to Stevie Wonder and Wu-Tang Clan. She has also made orchestral debuts with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Alexandria Symphony, and the United States Air Force Band, among others. Beyond the stage, her advocacy includes leading educational concerts, artist residencies, and community workshops, while serving as an associate professor at Berklee College of Music.

by Jameelah Mullen

June 5, 2025

Damola Adamolekun Breathes Life Into Red Lobster And Its Throwback Menu

Red Lobster Damola Adamolekun takes it back to the old school.

Thanks to its new CEO, Damola Adamolekun, Red Lobster is revamping its menu with a nod to the past. The restaurant chain will bring back some of its most popular items from years gone by.

Adamolekun, announced the changes in an Instagram video.

“We’re bringing back some fan favorites,” he said. “Yup, they’re back, and there’s plenty under $20 on the menu.”

A awwwww

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Adamolekun didn’t specify how many dishes would make a comeback, but he did assure customers that the beloved Cheddar Bay biscuits will remain a staple.

“We got that right the first time,” the Nigerian-American said about the crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Before taking on the role of CEO, the Harvard graduate said he visited several of the restaurants’ locations to assess customers’ needs. Adamolekun told the Wall Street Journal that customers “want quality food in a comfortable setting and to connect with the history of the brand.”

The 36-year-old CEO may fulfill customers’ desires by reintroducing nostalgic menu items like hushpuppies, which the company announced in November of last year would return to the menu.

In August 2024, Adamolekun became the youngest CEO in the company’s 56-year history. He guided the seafood chain restaurant out of bankruptcy and into a modernized era, adopting a public-facing approach and frequently appearing in the chain’s social media campaigns. This approach seemed to resonate with many social media users.

“Great ad! CEO is super impressive and compelling, charismatic on camera! Good move!” a social media user commented on Red Lobster’s Instagram post.

“Dude just got me to follow Red Lobster on IG” another commenter wrote.

Before joining Red Lobster, Adamolekun was the first Black CEO of P.F. Chang’s, where he revitalized the brand. He generated over $1 billion in annual revenue while leading the Asian-inspired food chain, according to the National Restaurant Association.

Adamolekun is applying his proven business acumen at Red Lobster, working to improve service, upgrade the menu, and modernize the uniforms and restaurant interiors.

“I’ve been a Red Lobster fan since my first dining experience as a 9-year-old at our Springfield, Illinois, restaurant,” Adamolekun said on The Breakfast Club.

The former Goldman Sachs intern received a business degree from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

by Kandiss Edwards

June 5, 2025

A 66-Year-Old Comic Book About Dr. King Is Still Being Used To Teach Non-Violence

The text remains as relevant in 2025

A comic book about Martin Luther King, released in 1958, is still a resource for teaching non-violence.

Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story, written by Alfred Hassler, tells the story of the Civil Rights movement’s non-violent resistance and its charismatic leader. The text remains as relevant in 2025 as it did in 1958, the Associated Press reported.

Ariel Gold, executive director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation’s (FOR) US branch, of which Hassler is a member, spoke about the relevance of the comic in today’s society.

“We are a pacifist organization, and we believe deeply in the transformative power of non-violence,” Gold said

“And where this comic really fits into that is that we know that non-violence is more than a catchphrase, and it’s really something that comes out of a deep philosophy of love and an intensive strategy for political change.”

The comic gained immediate success upon its announcement. The 16-page offering was preordered by the NAACP and many other groups for 10 cents per copy.

Martin Luther King and the Montgomery story : how 50,000 Negroes found a new way to end racial discrimination … In comic book form, complete work digitized: https://t.co/DS3JJkWDUb pic.twitter.com/HM0cDib08a
— Beinecke Library (@BeineckeLibrary) January 15, 2023

Dr. King’s message of peace and non-violence reverberated throughout America through comic art in 1958. Eventually, Martin Luther King and the Story of Montgomery would see international acceptance. The text has been utilized in anti-apartheid activism in South Africa, Arab Spring uprisings, and Latin American ecclesial base communities.

Even Dr. King praised the comic, stating in a letter published in FOR’s Fellowship magazine, “You have done a marvelous job of grasping the underlying truth and philosophy of the movement.”

Today, the comic is available in six languages, including English and Arabic, and is a staple in peace and justice studies classes. Future versions in additional languages are planned, ensuring its message of King, the boycott, and non-violence continues to reach new generations.

Clara Adams, North Salinas High School, track, 400-meter

by Keka Araújo

June 5, 2025

Controversial Celebration Costs Cali Teen Her Track Championship

Adams had an outstanding season, setting school records in the 100, 200, 400, and 800 meters within the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Cypress Division.

A highly anticipated state championship victory for North Salinas High School sophomore Clara Adams was dramatically revoked Saturday after officials deemed her celebratory use of a fire extinguisher an unsportsmanlike act. The decision, which stripped Adams of her 400-meter state title and barred her from the 200-meter event, has ignited a fierce debate, including accusations of racial motivation.

Adams had just finished first in the 400-meter state championship final, cementing her status as the fastest 400-meter runner in California this season. Her 53.24-second time was just a tick behind her own Central Coast Section (CCS) record of 53.23 seconds set on May 17, which remains the fastest in the state.

The controversy erupted when Adams’ father, David Adams, handed her a fire extinguisher from the stands. In a moment of celebration, she stepped off the track and sprayed her cleats. While her father insisted the celebratory act was done off the track and not disrespectful to opponents, California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) officials disagreed.

“I don’t know what’s going through my mind right now,” Adams told the Monterey Herald after the decision. “I’m disappointed and I feel robbed. I am in shock. They (officials) yelled at me and told me, ‘We’re not letting you on the podium.’ They took my moment away from me.”

Her father, David Adams, who also coaches her, defended his daughter’s actions.

“I told Clara, ‘You’re on fire,’” he said. “She did not do it in front of her opponents. She wasn’t disrespecting anyone.”

He added, “She was on the other side of the wall. I told her to step off the track. She did not spray her shoes on the track.”

Adams, who is Black, stated his belief that the punishment was “racially motivated.”

The family’s protest of the disqualification was ultimately unsuccessful, as the decision was upheld, preventing her from securing a second straight podium finish in the event.

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The gold medal for the 400 meters was subsequently awarded to Madison Mosby, a senior at Saint Mary’s Academy in Inglewood, who finished with a time of 53.52 seconds. The disqualification from the 400 meters also resulted in Adams being barred from competing in the 200-meter race, where she was considered a strong contender, having qualified second fastest in trials after shaving nearly half a second off her best time.

The incident quickly became a topic of discussion across the high school sports community and on social media, with many questioning the proportionality of the punishment for a spontaneous act of joy. Critics argue that while rules are necessary, the intent behind the action should be considered, especially when it didn’t impede other competitors or damage property. However, proponents of the CIF’s decision emphasize the importance of maintaining strict adherence to regulations to ensure fair play and prevent potential safety hazards. The lack of a clear, widely understood precedent for such a specific celebration, and the swiftness of the ruling, has left many athletes and coaches pondering the boundaries of permissible conduct after a victory.

Longtime track and field followers may recall a similar celebration by former world record holder and Olympian Maurice Greene in 2004. Greene’s act was more theatrical, involving him running to the middle of the track, removing his shoes, and having his coach spray them with an extinguisher after winning a 100-meter race.

Despite the controversy, North Salinas head track coach Alan Green acknowledged Adams’s exceptional performance.

“It’s a very unfortunate event,” Green said. “We are all heartbroken. Clara ran an incredible 400 race and is the fastest 400-meter girl in the state.” Green added that Adams was simply “trying to have some fun at the finish line.”

Adams had an outstanding season, setting school records in the 100, 200, 400, and 800 meters within the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Cypress Division. She also holds the Monterey County record in the 400 and is now No. 2 all-time in the county in the 200, behind Monterey’s Sani Roseby’s mark of 23.52, set in 1999.

Though the state title was officially stripped, her performance leaves little doubt about her talent and potential in the sport.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 5, 2025

Job Openings Make Surprising Rise Amid Increased Layoffs

Job openings rose nationwide in April despite high layoffs.

U.S. job openings unexpectedly increased in April alongside gains in hiring and layoffs, signaling a relatively stable labor market.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey on June 3, revealing nearly 7.4 million available positions in April, NBC News reported. The spike increased by 191,000 from March and surpassed the 7.1 million projected by economists surveyed by FactSet.

Year over year, job openings decreased by 228,000, or approximately 3%. The ratio of job openings to unemployed workers declined slightly to 1.03 to 1, nearly matching March’s level. Both hiring and layoffs saw an increase, with hires rising by 169,000 to 5.6 million and layoffs increasing by 196,000 to 1.79 million.

Despite the increase in job openings, the number of quits — a key measure of worker confidence in finding new employment — dipped by 150,000 to 3.2 million.

“The labor market is returning to more normal levels despite the uncertainty within the macro outlook,” said Jeffrey Roach, chief economist at LPL Research. “Underlying patterns in hirings and firings suggest the labor market is holding steady.”

The report follows other indicators showing a slowdown in hiring. Economists project job growth of 125,000, down from April’s 177,000, yet still reflective of a resilient labor market. The unemployment rate is expected to remain steady at 4.2%.

Federal Reserve officials are closely monitoring key economic data to assess how various factors are influencing the broader economy. While there are concerns that tariffs could fuel inflation and curb hiring, there are no concrete economic indicators. However, sentiment surveys reflect growing anxiety about both issues.

“For many sectors, I’m not hearing that the labor markets are changing in material ways,” Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said in a scrum with reporters Tuesday. “At the macro level, I haven’t gotten sort of a strong overarching picture or impression that things are moving in a significant way, and we’ll just have to see if that stays or whether something changes.”

Clarksdale, Ryan Coogler, 'Sinners,' Food Apartheid, Fresh Produce, Black-Owned Grocery, financing, grroceries

by Stacy Jackson

June 5, 2025

Financing Groceries: More Shoppers Are Buying Now And Paying Later For Food

Some consumers view the increased demand for "buy now, pay later" loans as a signal that financial stress is rising among Americans.

The current state of the economy is in question as shoppers have resorted to financing their groceries through “buy now, pay later” loans.

An option typically used for major purchases, such as electronics and vacations, is on the rise as more consumers utilize it to purchase everyday essentials. With food prices reportedly 28% higher than they were in 2020, more consumers are using “buy now, pay later” loans as a helpful way to manage their cash flow. However, according to The New York Times, other consumers say the increased use of companies like Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay for everyday essentials may signal a rise in financial stress among Americans.

“I don’t think there’s any question that it is at least a sign of how much people are struggling,” said Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree. “If you’re living paycheck to paycheck and you’re on a tight budget and you have several of these loans out at one time, it can be very easy to get over your skis here.”

A recent LendingTree survey revealed that the rate of consumers using buy-now, pay-later loans to finance groceries has increased from 14% to nearly a quarter since last year. A 2023 report from Bankrate found Black consumers were 63% more likely to use buy now, pay later loans compared to white consumers. Last month, the Federal Reserve reported in its annual survey of U.S. households that lower-income households earning less than $50,000 a year accounted for the largest group of buy now, pay later users.

For 29-year-old Tia Hodge, the buy now, pay later plans are convenient for spreading out payments for groceries, a bill that totaled $400 for the Austell, Georgia, resident in April. With the use of her Klarna app, she was able to split her payment into four installments with zero interest. Randis Dennies, 42, also finds convenience in using a loan option. “I’ve used the loans for groceries and even to pay my phone bill,” said Dennies. “When everything has gotten so expensive — groceries, gas — it makes my life easier to use these loans to buy my groceries or whatever else I need at that moment.”

Glenbrook Partners payments expert Christopher Uriarte doesn’t see the rise in using buy now, pay later loans as “a sign of the financial apocalypse per se.”

Several consumers view buy now, pay later options as part of the industry’s growth. For some, the ability to finance expenses such as gas, rent, electricity, internet, heat, and even streaming services has presented a more affordable alternative to traditional credit cards.

As previously noted by BLACK ENTERPRISE, President Donald Trump’s recent tariff demands have already prompted major retailers, manufacturing companies and brands like Walmart, Mattel, Adidas, Temu, Procter & Gamble, and Black & Decker to raise prices in their plans moving forward. Financial experts advise shoppers to be responsible when using the loan options to avoid additional financial strain. According to the Federal Reserve’s survey, nearly a quarter of all buy now, pay later users reportedly made a late payment last year, a sharp rise compared to 2023.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, governor endorsement

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 5, 2025

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Sues For Arrest At Immigration Detention Center

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a lawsuit over his arrest at a federal immigration detention center.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump ally, interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, following his arrest at a federal immigration detention center last month.

On June 3, the New Jersey mayor filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Newark, accusing Habba of defamation and violating his constitutional rights, according to NBC News. Baraka claims Habba, former personal lawyer to Donald Trump, and Homeland Security Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel infringed on his Fourth Amendment protections against false arrest and malicious prosecution.

The Newark mayor, one of six Democrats running for governor of New Jersey, was arrested for trespassing on May 9 after he and several members of Congress tried to enter a Newark Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility to assess detainee conditions. The charges were later dismissed.

Attorneys for Baraka say Habba “directed and ratified the unlawful arrest” of Baraka and acted as a “political operative” by defaming him in inflammatory statements on social media and in TV interviews.

“Habba was not serving in a prosecutorial function when she acted with DHS agents in the scheme to arrest Mayor Baraka,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory damages for “pain, suffering, stress, and humiliation,” along with punitive damages related to the incident. Baraka’s lawsuit draws significantly from remarks made by U.S. Magistrate Judge André Espinosa, who criticized Habba’s office and federal prosecutors for what he called a “worrisome misstep” in their handling of Baraka’s arrest. Espinosa noted that the “apparent rush” to file charges, followed by an “embarrassing retraction,” pointed to a failure to uphold the office’s traditionally high standards.

“It’s easy for people to believe that a mayor being arrested, especially a mayor that looks like me, has been arrested for something other than what just happened,” Baraka said during a press conference. “When people see me in cuffs, they automatically believe I did something wrong.”

In addition to Baraka’s arrest, the Justice Department later filed charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) for allegedly assaulting, resisting, and obstructing law enforcement during the incident at the facility. The DOJ sued Newark and several other New Jersey cities—Paterson, Hoboken, and Jersey City—over their sanctuary policies, a lawsuit Baraka calls “absurd.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 5, 2025

Stephen A. Smith Lands SiriusXM Deal

The sports personality will start in September and the show will be aired on Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 82)

Stephen A. Smith has signed a deal with satellite radio network SiriusXM.

Smith shared the news while appearing on The Howard Stern Show at his new home on SiriusXM. The company announced it has inked the ESPN anchor to a multi-year agreement. He is bringing his trademark style to a new audience that will not be limited to sports.

“To say that I’m excited would be an understatement,” Smith said in a written statement. “I’ve been on Mad Dog before, had the time of my life. So I’m loving the fact that I get to reunite with my guy, Mad Dog, on his turf. That, in itself, is a beautiful thing. But to then add a weekly show where I have a potent platform to discuss riveting subjects in the world of Pop Culture, Politics and Social Commentary…let’s just say it doesn’t get any better than that. September can’t come soon enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in radio…especially going back and forth with the callers. Can’t wait to get re-started. Buckle Up! I’m coming!”

The sportscaster, who recently signed a contract extension with ESPN, which will now pay him $25 million annually, has added the Sirius XM gig to his already busy schedule.

Smith will host and executive two shows, as both are slated to start in September and will air on Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 82). His sports talk show will air weekdays to join a daily Mad Dog Sports Radio lineup that features Mad Dog Unleashed, hosted by Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo.

Smith will also start another show that will air weekly, incorporating current events, pop culture, and social commentary-focused content. This show will air each week on a non-sports SiriusXM channel, to be announced later.

“Stephen A. is a singular talent and one of the most influential voices in media today,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “While so many people know him for his unparalleled sports commentary, his interests extend far beyond the borders of sports and into the worlds of politics, news, entertainment and so much more. SiriusXM gives him the unfiltered creative freedom to delve into any topic and allows him to showcase his unique talents and perspectives.”

Listeners should anticipate Smith’s Mad Dog Sports Radio show starting Tuesday, Sept. 2.

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 5, 2025

Jasmine Crockett Sets Eye On House Oversight Committee Leadership Position

The House Oversight Committee is known for holding the executive branch of the federal government - and President Donald Trump - accountable.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) wants to take her position on the U.S. House Oversight Committee to the next level as a ranking member.

In a letter posted to X, Crockett announced her plans to seek the position, stating it was time to return to serving the American people.

“In this moment, Americans are demanding a more strategic, aggressive, and energetic fight,” Crockett wrote.

“Understanding that fierce urgency, I formally announce my candidacy for Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform—with a focus on standing up for American families, defending the Constitution and the rule of law, and ensuring the government serves the people, not the privileged few.”

As the current Vice Ranking Member of the committee, Crockett is seeking the position last held by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), who died May 21 after a battle with cancer. He served in the position after being elected in 2023. Crockett is seeking to restore normalcy to the committee, arguing that these are unprecedented times. “These are not normal times—and this cannot be a business-as-usual moment,” she continued on X.

I’m officially running to be the Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee.

These are not normal times—and this cannot be a business-as-usual moment.

Read my full letter to my colleagues here:https://t.co/8HvTIVCuSB
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) June 3, 2025

By definition, according to Fox 4 News, the House Oversight Committee is known for holding the executive branch of the federal government, including President Donald Trump, accountable. Since joining the committee, Crockett has made her presence known by speaking up for the American people on issues that some of her colleagues don’t speak up on enough.

The outspoken congresswoman has gone viral on social media several times for tense exchanges with Republican lawmakers over key issues concerning voters. In May 2024, the catchphrase “bleach blonde bad built butch body” was born after Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene attacked her during a committee hearing for wearing fake eyelashes. She also spoke up for members of the LGBTQ+ community after Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) spoke out against transgender Americans.

It is followers of Trump, such as Greene and Mace, who pushed Crockett to make the move to hierarchy within the committee ranks, labeling the country as being “in an existential crisis.”

“The Administration has refused to respect congressional authority, abide by lawful judicial orders, or respond to public outrage,” Crockett continues in her announcement. “The magnitude of these unprecedented times warrants a resistance and tactics never before seen. We must pull back the curtain on the unmitigated chaos under Trump 2.0 and translate our findings to the American people in a way they can digest.”

Crockett isn’t the only Democratic leader seeking the gavel, but she is the youngest at 44 years old. California Rep. Robert Garcia, 47, Reps. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), 70, and Kweisi Mfume of Maryland, 76, also threw in their bid for the seat.

FAMU, Florida A and M University,DI, Black History Month

by Stacy Jackson

June 5, 2025

FAMU President-Elect Marva Johnson Reportedly Offered $650K Salary

Johnson's proposed base salary is nearly $200,000 more than previous FAMU president Larry Robinson.

Marva Johnson is set to serve as the next president at Florida A&M and the HBCU is reportedly offering her a higher salary compared to previous leaders there—though it’s shy of what she originally requested.

The five-year contract, which is set to begin Aug. 1, proposes a $650,000 salary for Johnson who awaits final confirmation to become FAMU’s 13th president.

That amount is $100,000 less than what the president-elect initially asked for in her application, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. University stakeholders said her asking base salary of $750,000 is beyond what the HBCU can afford. But she is eligible for annual performance bonuses of $86,000.

According to the contract, eligibility for the annual bonus will be determined by the president’s “overall evaluation of ‘Exceptional’ or ‘Outstanding’ from the Board in her annual evaluation.”

Additionally, Johnson’s contract proposes that she would be entitled to annual base salary increases each year of the agreement “in an amount of three percent (3%) over the previous year’s base salary.” Trustees approved to pay Johnson anywhere from $450,000 to $750,000 for the position. The agreement also proposed that a maximum of $200,000 can be contributed by the state toward the total base salary.

The lawyer’s proposed base salary of $650,000 is nearly $200,000 higher than that of former President Larry Robinson who made just over $450,000 at the completion of his seven-year tenure. Interim President Timothy Beard currently receives a $400,000 base salary.

Johnson, currently a corporate lobbyist, was appointed as FAMU’s next president May 16 following a 8-4 vote by board members. The pick has faced backlash from students and alumni who disapproved of the MAGA-aligned president-elect.

The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees announces Marva Johnson, J.D., as President-elect! The appointment will move to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors. pic.twitter.com/Aicfwbizk0
— Florida A&M University (@FAMU_1887) May 16, 2025

FAMU’s Board of Trustees will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, June 6, to vote on the contract for Johnson. The virtual meeting is open to the public.

If confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors, she will be granted access to live in the FAMU president’s on-campus house, a $1,200 monthly allowance for reimbursement of car expenses, club memberships, and business and travel expenses. The contract also guarantees faculty employment at the HBCU’s College of Law following the completion of her tenure as president.

WTXL noted that Johnson’s approval will be discussed for final confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors on June 18.