The 11-week virtual program is designed to help U.S.-based female owners and co-owners with brick-and-mortar business in the food or beverage industries. By offering this educational, training and networking program, WEL provides business owners with the chance to excel and evolve as a leader and discover ways to optimize their business model, as well as identify improvements on internal systems and create best strategies for long-term growth.
The Foundation’s educational partner is Cornell University. Virtual sessions will be led by Cornell faculty in addition to JBF staff, industry leaders and other experts.
WEL’s goal is to address systemic issues that women business owners face in their professional journeys and provide tools, resources, and secure networks to guarantee success and more so to see an increase of women-owned businesses and leadership throughout the growing industry.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be at least 21 years old and a woman or nonbinary individual. Applicants must have a minimum of $1 million in annual revenue and be committed to the mandatory attendance policy for each session. The application deadline is June 6 at 11:59 PM PT. Those who make the cut will be notified August 1. The program starts September 8.
As the foundation continues to encourage Black women and other women of color to participate, a number of Black chefs and restaurants have received the prestigious James Beard Award, which recognizes “ the exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability and a culture” for all to succeed in.
In 2024, Rashida Holmes of Bridgetown Roti in Los Angeles was named one of the Outstanding Chef semifinalists. The Caribbean-American pop-up restaurant is known for its vegan and protein pattie offerings.
Black Churches 4 Digital Equity Coalition To Host National Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study
National Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study will connect communities from coast to coast in a mission to advance digital equity.
Worship is taking an innovative turn this Juneteenth as Black Churches 4 Digital Equity Coalition prepares to celebrate legacy, innovation, and empowerment at its National Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study.
To equip Black communities with essential skills for navigating an increasingly digital society, the coalition is committed to ensuring that Black churches continue to play a vital role in guiding their congregations through the complexities of today’s society. Dr. Fallon Wilson, vice president of Policy at the Multicultural Media, Telecom, and Internet Council, stated in a press release that Black churches serve as community anchors. “The gap between those with access to technology and those without has become more apparent, influencing areas such as education, health, employment, and the ability to maintain connections with others,” Wilson said.
To connect communities and advance digital equity, sponsors and partners with Black Churches 4 Digital Equity have curated the digital bible study for attendees to immerse themselves in educational workshops and interactive sessions designed to provide access to training and resources focused on digital literacy, technology, and workforce preparation. In-person and virtual workshops will invite the community to expand knowledge on artificial intelligence, data privacy, Public Interest Technology, tech careers, cybersecurity, and other digital skills. The coalition’s Digital Opportunity Bible Study Toolkit will provide participants with a mini-workforce lesson plan.
@BlackChurchesDE's Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study features an amazing lineup of speakers & invited guests who will help foster discussions on equipping Black communities w/ workforce development skills for an AI-driven job market.
— Black Churches 4 Digital Equity Coalition (@BlackChurchesDE) May 21, 2025
“Recognizing the critical role Black churches play in their communities and their mission to serve, Black Churches 4 Digital Equity Coalition believes they must be involved in significant initiatives such as the Juneteenth National Digital Opportunity Bible Study to empower and equip Black communities with workforce development skills for an AI-driven job market,” Wilson said.
Attendees of the 2025 National Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study will experience uplifting musical performances in celebration of Juneteenth and gain insights from a lineup of keynote speakers, including: Dr. Wilson; Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III, Senior Pastor of Greater Grace Temple of David; Rev. Traci Blackmon, CEO & Founder of HopeBuilds, LLC; among others.
Embrace the spirit of Juneteenth and community advancement from coast to coast as Greater Grace Temple of David and Bishop co-hosts the National Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study in Detroit, Michigan, on June 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST. Event sessions will be streamed online via Zoom and hosted by Minister Grant-King, Associate Pastor of Ebenezer Everywhere. Register now!
Charles Barkley: ‘The Best I Can Do Is 2 Years’ On ‘Inside the NBA’
The former NBA player says he will not fulfill his just-signed 7-year contract with TNT.
Philadelphia 76ers legend Charles Barkley has threatened to retire from television work several times. This time, after signing another deal, he says that all he “can do is two years.”
The “Round Mound of Rebound” appeared on The Dan Patrick Show Monday, June 2, to discuss his current situation with the Inside the NBA, which he co-hosts with Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson. He admitted that although his contract is for seven years, he intends to fulfill the first two years.
TNT, which has televised NBA games since 1989, recently lost the right to air the program after failed negotiations with the league. ESPN picked up the popular pre-game and post-game program for the upcoming NBA season.
Barkley told Patrick that he had signed his deal with TNT the previous week in preparation for the 2025-26 basketball season.
“Listen, I actually have seven years left on my contract. Like, yeah, there’s no way I’m working seven years. I said I’m going to be a good soldier for Kenny, Ernie and Shaq, and the people I work with, because I love the people I work with, especially behind the scenes. But the best I can do is two years.”
TNT tried to get him to commit to more, but Barkley, 62, is adamant about his terms.
“I said, ‘But the best I can do is two years.’ And them other five years, they got no chance of happening. So I said, ‘You know what, I’ll give y’all two years.’ They’re like, ‘Can we get three?’ I said, ‘I just told you, I’m gonna give you two.'”
“I actually have 7 years left on my contract…I’m gonna be a good soldier for Kenny, Ernie, and Shaq, and the people I work with…But the best I can do is 2 years.”
– Charles Barkley breaks down his new contract, and discusses his emotions taping the final show on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/rfXB1028rv
Last year, the NBA secured agreements with Disney, Comcast’s NBCUniversal, and Amazon for three separate game packages, including WNBA games, totaling $76 billion over 11 years, beginning with the 2025-26 season.
Black Women Of Luxelle Brokerage Buy, Sell, Lease Atlanta’s Luxury Real Estate
Agent recruitment for Luxelle Brokerage began last month.
The ladies of Luxelle Brokerage are bringing a bold new real estate venture to Georgia, and they are ready to close deals on some of Atlanta’s most luxurious properties through their latest launch, Luxelle Brokerage.
Real estate powerhouses Keianna Williams and Ebony Austin are setting a new standard with Luxelle Brokerage. They are ready to help clients buy, sell, and lease properties in the Buckhead area. A press release stated that Luxelle Brokerage will guide the next generation of homeowners, investors, and community leaders as they navigate the world of real estate.
Williams and Austin view their partnership as a vision extending beyond real estate. “It’s about legacy, faith, and elevating our community,” said Williams, while Austin stated, “Luxelle is not just a business—it’s a movement to make luxury real estate approachable and purposeful.”
When the duo formed Luxelle Brokerage in April, they hoped to introduce the real estate world to a luxurious, yet accessible experience. Their goal was to extend homeownership opportunities to those seeking to build generational wealth.
Williams has been in the real estate industry since 2006. Her road to becoming a licensed broker began in December 2024, when she was prompted to sign up for the broker course in January. She completed the course and passed the final exam within five weeks, successfully passing the Georgia Real Estate Broker State Exam in March and obtaining her license. Williams has worked with several investors, represented buyers and sellers, collaborated with commercial clients, and managed properties.
Austin, the founder and CEO of Nouveau Hospitality Group, is widely known for her impact in both hospitality and real estate. She is a real estate developer, builder, and philanthropist who has already invested more than $1 million toward HBCU scholarships and other housing initiatives. Together, the founders are building somethingthat “empowers others to own their futures” and proving that Black women create magic when they unite.
An official grand opening for Luxelle Brokerage is scheduled for June 2025 in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Agent recruitment began at the end of May.
NBA Legends To Give $40K in Scholarships To HBCU Business Students
The fund will grant $5,000 to eight students studying business at a HBCU.
The Social Change Fund United, created by NBA legends Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony, is making a significant impact on HBCU business students.
The fund, started in 2020, will now provide $40,000 in scholarships for students studying finance and entrepreneurship. Its founders aimed to support diverse communities in response to the growing social and racial justice movements of that year.
“It was a real moment,” Anthony told Fast Companyin April. “We were watching a moment in society and our community, and our country, and it’s right in front of our faces, and the world was watching. It was a moment where I had to figure out, ‘Da-n, what do I want to do?’ And I think everyone was asking that same question. We just talked, came together, and we founded the Social Change Fund United.”
The scholarship will award $5,000 to eight students from any Historically Black College or University (HBCU) with a passion for business. Although applications have closed, the venture will continue to support recipients who want to use their entrepreneurial ambitions for social change.
“What we did was create a really clear vision on what we wanted to do on strategy, how do we advance equity, how do we advance social justice, criminal justice reform, and strategic partnerships,” Anthony said. “We became very intentional in our outreach, our partnerships, and just the messages that are out there. It took something tragic to happen for us—me, Dwayne, CP—to really have a vision on what we wanted to do.”
The Social Change Fund United also includes an executive council comprised of fellow NBA and WNBA stars, including Candace Parker and CJ McCollum. While supported by advisors in the sports and media management sphere, the fund continues to promote equitable and sustainable change for underrepresented groups.
Not only does the fund provide financial allotments and other resources to support the next generation, it fosters communal backing and partnerships to drive its mission further. With over $182,000 in grant funding across 24 U.S. cities, the Social Change Fund United offers a new avenue to combat racial injustice.
Winners of the scholarships will be announced July 1.
Here’s How Chemist Ron Robinson Is Paving The Way For Innovative Skincare In A Booming Industry
The innovator had dreams of becoming a doctor and never once thought he would be “a big beauty guy.”
For more than 30 years, cosmetic chemist and creator of the skincare brand BeautyStat, Ron Robinson, has developed best-selling skincare products, and now he is sharing with beauty industry fans just how he does it.
Starting his career studying biology and chemistry at Adelphi University in New York, Robinson dreamed of becoming a doctor; never once did he think he would be “a big beauty guy.” However, something about the popular Bioré Pore Strips drew him in. “What I like is that you get to see instant results, what was being pulled out of your pores,” he told Beauty Matter.
“That’s one of the things that I think about today: How do we provide that instant gratification?”
That question and research launched him into a career as a Product Development Manager in the Clinique division at beauty conglomerate Estée Lauder. After finding himself working for major brands like Lancôme, Revlon, and Avon, Robinson started BeautyStat, a beauty blog and social media agency, in 2009. It was there that, while working to discredit beauty myths and having prominent clients like Stila Cosmetics, Coty, and P&G Beauty, his audience began to question the stability of vitamin C and oxidation.
The BeautyStat skincare brand was born, leading to the creation of stabilized vitamin C.
His company laid its foundation around prioritizing third-party validation and clinical testing, with triple-patented stable vitamin C leading the way and supported by five years of research. Robinson says the thought process always goes back to what the consumer wants and needs. “For me, it goes back to the consumer. It’s understanding what the consumer needs but also how to surprise them,” the chemist said.
“That’s what’s unique about me as a cosmetic chemist developer and now brand founder: the ability to take what consumers are looking for and respond with an exciting ingredient or delivery system that is unique.”
Using active ingredients in 20% strength created its most popular product, Universal C Skin Refiner, which contains peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and pomegranate in an updated formula to provide anti-aging and brightening benefits. Robinson calls it “brightenaging” and hopes to simplify skincare routines with multiple benefit offerings.
His brand’s popularity — over 48,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram — has led to major partnerships with celebrities like Hailey Bieber. Labeled the genius behind her Rhode Skin brand, according to Daily Mail, Robinson highlighted the use of peptides, a short chain of amino acids that improve the skin and decrease inflammation, as the celebrity ingredient in Bieber’s viral Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment. Robinson predicts peptides will be the next up-and-coming “gold standard” of beauty regimens, claiming, “that’s what I see will continue to grow.”
“There’s going to be so many different types out there, and all can be created to create a unique action on the skin,” he continued.
Despite several brands and products on the shelves, Robinson lists three that should always be used and never go away — cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer — claiming those are key to making sure skin stays pristine as time goes on. “If you do those regularly and commit to that, I think you will be really good as you get older,” Robinson said.
Family Demands Hate Crime Charges In Attack Of Black HS Senior At Rock Concert
A family is demanding justice for a Black teen who was attacked while attending a rock concert.
A disturbing video captures the moment a mob violently assaulted a 17-year-old high school senior during a rock concert in Palmdale, California.
The family of Elijah Green is calling on Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman to pursue hate crime charges against the four males caught on video repeatedly punching and kicking him as he lay curled on the ground, ABC7 Eyewitness News reports. Green’s family has filed a criminal complaint, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the incident.
“As a mother, watching my son get nearly beaten to death by a racist mob, while no one helped him, is something I’ll never forget,” Roneika Green, the victim’s mother, said in a statement. “He did everything he could to protect himself, but he never had a chance. My son was beaten because he’s Black. This is clearly a hate crime, and I demand justice.”
Green says he was at an open field rock concert last month when he was suddenly targeted in an unprovoked attack by a group of males, some of whom he recognized from a party the night before. At that party, he said he had lost his balance and accidentally bumped into a young woman who then accused him of groping her. Green said he apologized immediately, but the woman remained visibly upset.
“The moment I turn around, someone comes from behind and punched me in the back of my head, and I just started getting jumped,” Green said of the attack. “No one came to help me.”
Green said he had hoped to see the girl he accidentally bumped into at the concert to clear the air, but she wasn’t there. Instead, he claims several of the same men from the party showed up and, without any clear reason, attacked him while hurling racial slurs.
“There was no confrontation leading up to it,” he said.
Green’s mother was heartbroken when she arrived home to see her son bloody and bruised from the beating.
“His ear was swollen, his finger was dislocated from trying to protect himself,” she said. “It just makes me cry because this is my child.”
The teen’s family is demanding justice and wants the attackers charged with a hate crime.
“Hate has no place in our community,” the DA’s office said in a statement. “These crimes, if proven true, attack our sense of safety, dignity, and community. While a case has not yet been presented to our office for filing consideration, we will pursue the maximum, appropriate penalties for any hate crime that has been filed, which we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Southern Black Girls’ Annual Black Girls Dream Conference To Return In Atlanta
The 2025 conference will feature an innovative tech zone for Black girls and women to explore technology and digital creativity.
The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium’s Black Girls Dream Conference is back for another year of empowering Black girls and women emerging as leaders across the South.
The two-day conference will celebrate its 2025 theme and declaration, “She Got Next,” to continue its mission to uplift the next generation of creators and changemakers. According to a press release, attendees will convene at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta to participate in workshops, creative showcases, an innovative tech zone, and take advantage of endless networking opportunities.
The conference will be a “life-changing” experience for this year’s attendees, boasting a robust lineup of interactive activities, panel discussions, and presentations. This year’s programming will include powerful speakers and welcome guests into an authentic sisterhood curated under the Consortium’s commitment to invest in and equip Black women for a future in leadership. Sessions will cover mental wellness, health, beauty, social justice, financial literacy, STEM, arts and culture, and economic opportunity.
“Here, Black girls, femme identifying youth, and women are not only celebrated, but empowered to dream without limits,” said Chancee Lundy, executive director of the Consortium. The impact of the conference is expected to “ripple far beyond today as we instill hope, a sense of purpose, excellence, and community building that will last for a lifetime.”
This year’s event aims to leave event-goers with the necessary tools, confidence, and community as they emerge as innovative leaders in their communities and beyond.
“We’re creating a powerful ecosystem where Black girls and women can access the resources, mentorship, and community they need to turn their boldest dreams into reality,” said the Consortium’s Founder, LaTosha Brown. “This is about building a future where Black girls don’t just have a seat at the table—they’re designing, building, and owning the entire room.”
Southern Black Girls has already awarded $10.2 million to 220 Black women-led organizations and nearly $ 500,000 in grants to over 800 girls through its initiatives, and the funding is increasing! The Consortium will recognize its latest grant recipients during a special ceremony at the 2025 conference, marking the first time it will showcase organizations and individuals who have received funding.
Beyond The Mic: Rick Ross Receives High Honor From Georgia Congresswoman
The rapper was given the honor in preparation for his 4th annual car show taking place in Fayetteville
Recording artist Rick Ross received a proclamation from Georgia State Rep. Nikema Williams while sharing what to expect at this year’s annual car show at his Fayetteville estate.
The God Did rapper accepted the proclamation from a representative of Williams, who shared the public official’s acknowledgement of all the community work Ross performs in her district. In accepting the honor, Ross thanked her and everyone who had worked to make the proclamation a reality.
“First and foremost, I gotta thank… God is great! I have to thank Miss Williams and everybody [who] made this happen. I’m grateful. Let’s keep working, let’s keep going, thank you.”
The brief ceremony took place at a VIP media day thrown by the businessman at the Luc Belaire Creative Space in Atlanta.
Fox 5 Atlanta reported that the evening presented Ross with an opportunity to give attendees a preview of what they can expect at his upcoming car show, in its fourth year, on June 7.
“Every year we’ve got better and better. We’ve invested more and more—more detail, more, you know, just everything just to go smooth,” Ross said at the event. “Just thinking about the people that’s coming in to enjoy the actual car show. So I’m excited for it. I look forward to it this Saturday, June 7th. Bring your family out. We’re going to have a great time.”
It’s estimated that the popular car show will welcome approximately 8,000 people who will feast their eyes on the car collection and other activities planned for the day, as well as spot their favorite celebrities in attendance.
“It’s really a great networking event,” Ross said. “It’s a lot of celebrities. It’s a lot of entertainers. It’s a lot of CEOs, and it’s just really a lot of people who love to come out and have a good time. So it’s always great energy.”
Sundresses & Seersuckers: The Atlanta Festival That Funds Scholarships For Young Black Men
Chapter leaders welcome help and volunteers from the Atlanta professional community.
Sundresses & Seersuckers is a party with a purpose. For 2025, the Delta Mu Mu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is expecting to draw its largest crowd yet for the Atlanta fundraiser, an estimated 15,000 people attendees. The historically Black fraternity hosts what has become a national celebration for professionals worldwide.
The go-to summer social event offers community and connection with a curated blend of upscale events, networking opportunities, and educational engagement. Amid the unforgettable fun and excitement, the festival is a critical charitable event. Sundresses & Seersuckers is the fraternity’s largest fundraiser, directly supporting Commitment to Excellence, Inc. (CTE) and its Black Rhinos Mentoring Program.
Delta Mu Mu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
“The Black Rhinos Program helps young men meet the challenges and deal with problems they come across every day,” Peter Simmons tells BLACK ENTERPRISE, adding that the fraternity serves more than 100 young Black male students each school term through the program. “We mentor and provide workshops on etiquette, business, dating, activities such as changing a tire and tying a tie.”
The program’s name is inspired by the Black rhinoceros in Africa—an endangered species.
“We feel like our young men all are endangered, and the Black rhino village is designed to protect them,” Simmons adds.
The money raised from Sundresses & Seersuckers helps with the programming for young men between grades eight and 12. The funding doesn’t stop at funding the Black Rhinos Mentoring Program. It provides 15 young men from the Atlanta area with a $5,000 scholarship for college, another space with fewer Black men.
Concerns As Fewer Black Men Enroll In College
There is a downward trend in the number of Black men enrolling in colleges and universities across the country, especially in HBCUs. Data from the American Institute on Boys and Men show a 25% drop in Black male enrollment at HBCUs since 2010. The figure nationwide is 22%.
Rising tuition costs and cultural barriers are significant factors contributing to the decline. That’s why the men of the Delta Mu Mu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi are stepping in and trying to enroll and keep young Black men in school.
“The trend is dramatically going in the wrong direction. This shouts out the need for mentorship […] so they’re ready for college and [also] have money to attend,” says Jonathan Matthews, scholarship chair for the Delta Mu Mu Chapter. “Once you get into college, there’s no guarantee that you will finish. We also track progress through cohorts to ensure that students are on track to finish [college] in four or five years.”
Photo Credit: Anthony Ashford Jr
As Sundresses & Seersuckers continue to grow and become a must-attend event, the Delta Mu Mu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi hopes this will allow them to expand its mentorship program and offer more scholarships. Chapter leaders say the fraternity plans to award two full-ride scholarships to young Black male students who attend a state school in Georgia.
How To Support The Black Rhinos Mentoring Program Through Festival and Beyond
Sundresses & Seersuckers XIV takes place from June 5 to June 8 and features an incredible mix of work and play—panels, networking, and parties. The event starts with a meet-and-greet on Thursday, June 5, followed by a curated vendor fair showcasing Black-owned businesses, artisans, brands, and more on Friday, June 6.
A Divine 9 Doctors Panel will take place on Saturday, June 7, at the Hyatt Regency to provide attendees and the community with insights into health and wellness.
Photo Credit: Larry Johnson of Creative Mindz Media
The main event takes place June 7 at the Home Depot Backyard, starting at 5 p.m. with live DJ sets, creative photo opportunities, curated cocktails, and more. An afterparty will follow at the Hyatt Regency at 11 p.m. For a complete list of events and ticket information, please visit the festival website.
Aside from Sundresses & Seersuckers, the men with Delta Mu Mu fund raise for the Black Rhinos Mentoring Program year-round. The chapter also raises money through its non-profit, Commitment to Excellence.
Photo Credit: Kerri Phox of Phox Photography
“Since 2009, we have awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships and about the same equal amount in programmatic support for the Black Rhinos mentoring,” says Patrick C. Daniel, CTE chairman. “It takes a village and community to support the growth and development of our young men.”
He adds, “Many of the young men we serve would not have the opportunities for exposure and information without the programmatic support we provide.”
Chapter leaders welcome help and volunteers from the Atlanta professional community for career fairs and workshops. As the chapter works toward its goal of offering mentorship to more young men, it is also seeking larger spaces to host events. The chapter can be reached by clicking here.
