nfl, draft, black quarterbacks — (Photo: Jean-Daniel Francoeur/Pexels)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 29, 2026

Virginia Union Star Curtis Allen Invited to 2 NFL Rookie Mini-Camps

The undrafted football player gets the chance to join an NFL roster.

Curtis Allen, the Virginia Union football star who was not selected in the recent NFL Draft, will get a chance to earn a roster spot.

The running back has received rookie minicamp invitations from the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions, and the Atlanta Falcons, according to CBS6 sports anchor Sean Robertson.

“Spoke with Harlon Hill winner (@HarlonHillAward) Curtis Allen (@Almightyallen1) earlier and the former #VUU (@VUU_Football) standout told me he has TWO Rookie Minicamp invites with the Seahawks and Falcons!”

Spoke with Harlon Hill winner (@HarlonHillAward) Curtis Allen (@Almightyallen1) earlier and the former #VUU (@VUU_Football) standout told me he has TWO Rookie Mini-Camp invites with the Seahawks and Falcons! @CBS6 @Seahawks @AtlantaFalcons pic.twitter.com/aLW9Inbo8P
— Sean Robertson (@CBS6SportsSean) April 28, 2026

At Virginia Union, Allen became he first player from an HBCU to win the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best NCAA Division II football player. He was also awarded the Deacon Jones Trophy as the top HBCU football player and named the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) Player of the Year.

The school announced in March that Allen was also named the RVA (Richmond, Va.) Sports Male Athlete of the Year, by the Richmond Region Tourism.

“Curtis Allen winning RVA Sports Male Athlete of the Year is a testament to who he is, not just the plays he makes, but the character he carries,” said VUU Head Football Coach Dr. Alvin Parker, in a written statement. “He has earned all of the awards he has received this year because of his work ethic, humility, and heart.”

Last season, Allen led the nation in rushing (and had a school-record 369 yards in a single game); rushed for a school-record 30 touchdowns; rushed for more than 200 yards in a game four times; led the Panthers in total offensive production; ranked among the CIAA leaders in touchdowns and all-purpose yards; recorded multiple 100-yard performances during the regular season; and earned All-CIAA honors.

Black Entrepreneur , SBA Small Business Person Of The Year, Mississippi, National Small Business Week — (Photo: RDNE Stock project/via Pexels)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 29, 2026

Black-Owned Tea House Reopens In Detroit, Partners With Bookstore To Revive City’s West Side

Nice's Tea House is serving warm cups and community investment with its new home.

The Black-owned Nice’s Tea House does more than provide warm cups of its specialty teas. The shop, founded in 2022, has a new home to delight Detroiters as they engage with one another for a bigger purpose.

Nice’s new space inside the Howard Family Bookstore, another Black-owned business, takes over a revamped building on Detroit’s west side. Since its April 15 grand opening, locals have flocked to the area, making it a new beacon of the city’s evolving culture.

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The decision to revamp the business model comes from Nice’s owner, Antonice Strickland, who wanted to ground the tea house’s mission to better Detroit.

Despite successful pop-ups and partnerships, Strickland knew that Nice’s could fulfill her vision if it were established in one place.

“Nice’s Tea House has always been rooted in intention, creating space for people to slow down, connect, and take care of themselves,” said Strickland in a press release. “The intention hasn’t changed. The method has. This next chapter is about partnership, about presence, and about building something that truly lives in community.”

The tea house’s placement on Puritan Avenue further fulfills this purpose of community, bringing natives to patronize and uplift the surrounding area.

While Detroit has grappled with urban decay that has impacted its infrastructure, homegrown initiatives like these have sought to combat this decline. Furthermore, Strickland wants to change the narrative surrounding the wellness movement, emphasizing accessibility and communal focus in her own approach.

“Wellness isn’t new to us,” Strickland added. “It’s in how we gather, how we care for ourselves, how we pause. Tea is just one way to reconnect to that.”

Now, residents can sip on a cup of Audacious Detroit Chai or other specialty blends that pay homage to the owner’s native roots. Alongside the Howard Family Bookstore, Nice’s Tea House has greater plans to redevelop the area through neighborhood investment and engagement.

Damon Jones, — Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 29, 2026

Damon Jones Pleads Guilty In NBA Gambling Scandal

He faces a possible prison sentence of 48-63 months

Former NBA player Damon Jones has pleaded guilty to federal charges tied to a multimillion-dollar gambling scheme, according to prosecutors.

Jones pleaded guilty April 28 in Brooklyn federal court to two counts of wire fraud conspiracy. One count stems from using insider information from NBA teams, players, and coaches to place illegal bets. The other relates to his role in a nationwide scheme involving rigged poker games.

Prosecutors said the scheme resulted in losses exceeding $10 million.

“As shown by his guilty pleas today, Damon Jones converted his fame and ties to professional basketball into a multi-faceted criminal betting operation. He used a private locker room and medical information from multiple NBA teams to cheat legitimate sportsbooks. He also, separately, lured unsuspecting victims to high-stakes, rigged poker games,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. in a statement.

“Jones will now face the consequences for his corrupt conduct. Insider betting and rigged poker schemes erode the integrity of American sports and fair contests. This Office will continue in its strong tradition of holding accountable anyone who seeks to profit through fraud and corruption.”

According to ESPN, Jones acknowledged his participation in both court hearings, citing “insider information that I obtained as a result of my relationships as a former player.” He also read a prepared statement apologizing to his loved ones, peers, and the NBA.

“I would like to sincerely apologize to the court, my family, my peers, and also the National Basketball Association,” Jones said.

Jones will be back in court for sentencing on Jan. 6. He faces a possible prison sentence of 48-63 months. In the sports betting case, sentencing guidelines call for a prison term of 21-27 months. In the poker case, Jones faces 63-78 months in prison, but prosecutors have agreed to reduce the sentence by 15 months in exchange for a guilty plea.

The former player also agreed to forfeit $73,000 in the two cases.

South Carolina state — photo credit: Attitude2000, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 29, 2026

Amid Protests, South Carolina Lt. Gov Says Trump Has ‘Done More For HBCUs’ Than Other Administrations

In a video posted on X, Evette referred to the protests against her as “woke mobs”

South Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette encouraged students of South Carolina State University to “bring it on” after they were seen staging a sit-in, in protest of her being selected as the speaker for the school’s upcoming commencement ceremony.

In a video posted on X, Evette referred to the protests as “woke mobs” and professed President Donald Trump and conservatives “have done more for HBCUs than any administration in history,” saying “facts trump feelings in the real world.” “I must be doing something right because woke mobs are coming after me for being a champion of eliminating radical DEI scams on college campuses,” she said.

“So bring it on. Just like President Trump, I’ll never back down or bend a knee to the woke radicals. On ending DEI on campuses once and for all, stay tuned, I’m going to have a lot more to say about this later. In the meantime, I look forward to celebrating commencement with the students and faculty at SC State.”

Let’s be clear: facts trump feelings in the real world. President @realDonaldTrump and conservatives have done more for HBCUs than any administration in history.

Here is my response to the protests today at S.C. State University. pic.twitter.com/HYF4XjzZd0
— Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette (@PamelaEvette) April 28, 2026

Students protested on the HBCU campus after word got out that Evette, who is also running for governor, was selected as the speaker for the May 8 ceremony, according to HBCU Game Day.

Video was taken of students with signs chanting “we are not a mob, we are just aware.”

@alon.nn
South Carolina State University students protesting against Pamela Evette speaking at 2026 commencement ceremony after she publicly called these HBCU students a “Woke Mob” and “Radicals”. #scstate #scsu #pamelaevette
♬ existing – your warm arms

Another video shows the sit-in where a student spoke to leadership, questioning Evette’s selection and calling it a “morality issue.” “We’ve been here four, five years, and for commencement we should have someone that is going to celebrate us,” the student said.

“How can someone who goes against everything we stand for and believe in, morality-wise, how can that person uplift me on my day of stepping into the real world?”

@macm20
Students at South Carolina State made their voices heard loud and clear. After learning that Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, whose campaign messaging has centered on anti-DEI rhetoric, support for ICE policies, and alignment with Trump-era politics—was selected as their graduation speaker, many students organized protests in opposition. For them, this wasn’t just about a speaker, it was about what she represents. Policies and positions that, in their view, directly impact marginalized communities and create real harm. Evette’s response only added fuel to the fire. Rather than acknowledging student concerns or opening space for dialogue, her reaction came across as dismissive and negative, reinforcing the belief among many that she isn’t interested in listening to, or standing up for, those most affected by the policies she supports. Graduation should be a moment of pride and unity. Instead, it’s become a flashpoint, raising bigger questions about leadership, accountability, and whether those in power are truly serving the people they represent. #SouthCarolina #SCState #StudentVoices #Graduation
♬ original sound – MARGO ANDERSON

The student’s thoughts were supported by an online petition, with more than 2,000 signatures, seeking a new speaker, arguing that Evette’s presence doesn’t reflect the values and mission of the university. University President Alexander Conyers met with students during the sit-in but did not say whether plans to change speakers were underway. “She has a story if you would listen to it. She’s a female business owner. a millionaire business owner. She has a story that none of you may not know that I’m not fully aware of. I know a lot of it,” Conyers said while addressing students.

“But again, a decision was discussed. I’ve heard your concerns, and as updates become available, we will certainly update you.

As videos made their way around social media, advocates and former state elected leaders like Bakari Sellers offered support. “There is a rich tradition of protests at @Scstatebdogs. I truly hope the students don’t allow you to pervert that campus’ legacy. I hope every graduate walks out,” he wrote on X.

“You have never once uttered the words “Orangeburg Massacre,” now you are talking about eliminating DEI and speaking at SC State?!?” Sellers said on X.

firing squad DOJ — Photo by Jaxon Matthew Willis from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/soldiers-on-muster-on-tennis-court-15807740/

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 29, 2026

DOJ Pushes Firing Squad Option As Public Opinion On Death Penalty Shifts

Data from the Death Penalty Information Center lists close to 2,100 prisoners on death row across the country including Dylann Roof, who killed nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina after praying with him.

Following executive actions from President Donald Trump, the Department of Justice is exploring expanded execution methods, including allowing firing squads in federal death row cases, according to a recent memo.

In an April 24 memo, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the DOJ is working to “strengthen” the federal death penalty. The plan includes reinstating lethal injection protocols used during Trump’s first term and exploring additional methods, including firing squads.

“Expanding the protocol to include additional manners of execution, such as the firing squad, and streamlining internal processes to expedite death penalty cases.”

In a statement, Blanche criticized the Biden-Harris administration for allegedly failing “in its duty to protect the American people by refusing to pursue and carry out the ultimate punishment against the most dangerous criminals.”

During his term in office, former President Joe Biden placed a moratorium on several federal executions and reversed some work done to expand the death penalty in other cases, done under Trump’s first term.

Death penalty support and sentencing have declined significantly, with sentences down more than 80% over the past two decades and public support falling to 52% overall, including 47% among millennials and 42% among Gen Z.

There is also a sense from Americans that firing squads are a controversial method of execution involving multiple shooters. During the tour of her book, “Secrets of the Killing State,” Corinna Lain, a George E. Allen chair in Law at the University of Richmond (UR), said that as fans spoke out against the practice.

“One person said to me, as I was on a book tour this fall, ‘Well, that’s what murderers do,’” the author said.

“The firing squad is bloody. It is violent. It is a grotesque thing to see.”

While labeling firing squads as a form of “dehumanization” and as “explicit brutality,” Lain points out that not only is the method highly controversial, but it is also only legal in five states – South Carolina, Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Utah.

Lain also argued that resources could be better spent elsewhere, noting that replacing death sentences with life without parole would significantly reduce costs.

“You would save millions of dollars by just converting those death sentences to life without parole, or just abolishing the death penalty and going for life without parole,” the expert said.

Data from the Death Penalty Information Center lists close to 2,100 prisoners on death row across the country. Some names made headlines for their crimes, including Robert Bowers, known for performing the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history, killing 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, and Dylann Roof, who killed nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, after praying with them.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 29, 2026

Racism-Related Stress May Contribute To High Black Maternal Mortality Rates, Study Finds

New research from the U.K. points to a connection between racism-related stress and the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates among Black women.

New research points to potential links between racism, economic deprivation, and the elevated rates of maternal mortality among Black women.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge analyzed 44 studies on pregnancy health and found that Black women showed higher levels of oxidative stress, inflammation, and uteroplacental vascular resistance—factors linked to poorer outcomes, The Guardian reports. The findings suggest that socioenvironmental stressors, including systemic racism and deprivation, may have measurable biological effects that impact the body’s ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

“Pregnancy and childbirth put great stress on a woman’s body. Black women may experience additional strain due to factors including systemic racism, socioeconomic disadvantage, and environmental stressors,” said Grace Amedor, of the University of Cambridge, the first author of the peer-reviewed study.

Published in Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism, the study highlights how pregnancy-related strain can disrupt key biological processes, raising the risk of conditions like preeclampsia. Despite clear evidence of disparities, researchers say the lack of meaningful action remains deeply concerning.

“I was surprised that although this disparity had been known for a long time, there was little research into the potential underlying physiological reasons,” Amedor said.

Increased uteroplacental vascular resistance—when blood vessels constrict—can limit blood flow to the placenta, while elevated oxidative stress occurs when harmful molecules overwhelm the body’s defenses. Higher inflammation is also linked to poorer pregnancy outcomes.

These conditions are closely tied to risks such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction, all of which can negatively impact the health of both mother and child. In the US, Black women are up to 60% more likely to develop preeclampsia—often in more severe forms—due to systemic racism, chronic stress, existing health disparities, and unequal access to care, rather than genetics alone. Research also shows U.S.-born Black women face higher risks than those born abroad, underscoring the role of environmental factors.

“It’s important that we don’t stop trying to tackle the root causes that lead to worse pregnancy outcomes in Black women, which are the socioeconomic disparities and the systemic racism they can experience throughout their lives,” Amedor said.

In the UK, Black women are 2.7 times more likely to die during childbirth than white women and face higher rates of severe complications and perinatal mental health conditions. Black babies are also twice as likely to be stillborn. Researchers say the findings highlight the urgency of addressing the global Black maternal health crisis.

“It is unacceptable that Black women and babies continue to face significantly higher health risks during pregnancy and childbirth than white women in the UK,” said Dr. Jenny Barber, the vice-president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

“This study explores how important physiological processes may be impacted by systemic racism and socioeconomic disadvantages, which could be a factor in the persistently poorer outcomes impacting Black women. We hope the findings encourages further research in this area.”

manslaughter, Florida, Black neighbor — Via istock

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 29, 2026

Anti-Violence Activist Guilty Of Second-Degree Murder in Shooting to Avenge Son’s Death

Lumumba Sayers Sr. left an anti-gun rally before confronting Malcom Watson at a park in Colorado.

An MMA fighter and anti-violence activist in Aurora, Colorado, was found guilty of second-degree murder earlier this week in a fatal shooting carried out in retaliation for his son’s death.

Lumumba Sayers Sr., 47, was convicted of second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and attempted tampering in connection with the fatal shooting of Malcolm Watson, KDVR reports.

Watson, 28, was killed in August 2024 in front of friends and family while attending his son’s fifth birthday party at a park in Commerce City, about 11 miles from Aurora.

Authorities say Sayers Sr., a well-known anti-violence advocate who worked to prevent youth violence at a gym in Aurora, arrived at the party uninvited, approached Watson, and shot him.

Witnesses believe the attack was an act of retaliation for the killing of his son, Lumumba Sayers Jr. Watson was reportedly a friend of Tyrell Braxton, who killed Sayers Jr. during an August 2023 gunfight that killed another person and injured two more.

Braxton was sentenced in 2025 to more than 16 years in prison for the shooting.

According to the New York Post, Sayers Sr., who had been leading his son’s anti-violence foundation, “Gloves Up Guns Down,” went directly from an anti-gun rally to Watson’s child’s birthday party, where authorities say he shot him at close range.

Witnesses at the party had also been present during the August 2023 shooting that killed Sayers Jr.. In addition, Sayers Sr.’s daughter and the mother of Watson’s children, were both injured .

Sayers Sr., who was acquitted of first-degree murder, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24.

USPS, postal service — Photo by Ekaterina Belinskaya: https://www.pexels.com/photo/postal-service-van-parked-on-a-street-sidewalk-4744769/

by Kandiss Edwards

April 29, 2026

Postal Worker Convicted Of Stealing Mother’s Day Cards

The U.S. Postal Service continues to encourage residents to report any suspected mail theft.

On April 17, Patrick E. Wright, a former U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee, was sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to stealing mail while working as a letter carrier in Portland.

Wright was sentenced to 45 days in federal prison and two years of supervised release. Additionally, the 44-year-old has been ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution.

According to the District of Oregon’s U.S. Attorney’s Office, the investigation into Wright began when the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG) received complaints from residents on Wright’s delivery route. Residents reported graduation, birthday, and holiday greeting cards that were either never delivered or arrived late, The Oregonian reported. Additionally, residents said many delivered envelopes were clearly tampered with, and the cash or gift cards were missing.

In a coordinated sting, federal agents placed “test” greeting cards in the mail parcels on Wright’s route. Investigators observed him open the mail and pocket its contents before continuing his deliveries. When confronted by federal agents, Wright admitted to the thefts, which spanned multiple months in 2004.

By targeting greeting cards, Wright specifically exploited personal moments of celebration and connection between family and friends for his own financial gain. As part of his supervised release, Wright is prohibited from any future employment that involves the handling of mail or sensitive financial information.

The U.S. Postal Service continues to encourage residents to report any suspected mail tampering or theft to its hotline to ensure the continued security of the nation’s mail system.

As the postal service works to maintain its integrity and accountability for its employees, it is also struggling to stay afloat with the current economic shifts. Effective April 26, the USPS has implemented a temporary 8% price increase on several key shipping services, including Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and USPS Ground Advantage.

BLACK ENTERPRISE covered the rate adjustment, which is scheduled to remain in place through January 17, 2027. Postal officials state that this temporary hike is necessary to better align shipping costs with current transportation and market expenses. The adjustment is part of the agency’s 10-year “Delivering for America” financial sustainability plan.

Charlamagne Tha God, AI, MeetKai — (Photo: Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 29, 2026

Charlamagne Tha God Credits ‘People Who Are Not Being Performative’ As Real Social Media Influencers

Charlamagne tha God is sharing his take on what defines a true influencer, saying it’s not about followers or likes but about staying authentic.

Charlamagne tha God took the stage at POSSIBLE 2026 in Miami Beach alongside Bob Pittman for a live taping of his podcast, Math & Magic. The conversation, centered on “The Future of Influence,” explored how influence is built in today’s media landscape and driven by constant content, fragmented platforms, and the rise of AI-generated material.

As a seasoned voice in content creation, Charlamagne believes authenticity is the simplest way to build influence in today’s ever-evolving social media landscape.

“When I think about authenticity, I think about people who are not being performative,” he said. “We get on the radio every morning, and we do radio, and then it is consumed across platforms. We aren’t going in to try to sell you anything, and I think that’s why we’ve become authentic.”

He added, “Show up, and be who you are.”

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When it comes to social media influence, Charlamagne pushed back on the idea that follower count defines impact, noting that someone with a few thousand engaged followers can be more influential than someone with millions.

“Marketers think influencers are people who have millions of followers or a celebrity, but in reality, there could be someone with 5-10k followers, and they are showing me something I’ve never seen before,” he said, adding that, “We think 100 people isn’t a lot, but if 100 people were at your front door, you’d call the police.”

Charlamagne’s perspective was one of many standout moments at POSSIBLE 2026 in Miami. Now in its fourth year, the event brings together industry leaders to spark ideas, build connections, and shape the future of marketing.

The founder and CEO of The Black Effect Podcast Network was among more than 100 speakers at the event, joining voices like Issa Rae—founder of HOORAE Media and creator of “Insecure”—who closed the conference with a session on how brands, creators, and culture are reshaping entertainment. Alexis Ohanian, founder of Seven Seven Six, an early-stage venture capital firm, and husband of Serena Williams, also spoke on the rise of women’s sports and the opportunities it presents for brands.

Over the three-day conference, more than 5,400 industry leaders and innovators across marketing, tech, media, entertainment, and culture gathered for programming across nine curated tracks, spanning three core pillars: Consumer Marketing & Communication, Business & Society, and Technology & Innovation.

Enterprise, EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Age discrimination — (Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 29, 2026

EEOC Prioritizes ‘Racism Against White Men’ Job Discrimination Cases

Seeking anonymity out of fear of professional repercussions, the current and former staff members say they are concerned about the agency’s future as the practice of upholding the nation’s civil rights laws has been abandoned.

Staff of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claim to be under pressure to prioritize job discrimination cases of “racism against white men” to match the agenda of President Donald Trump, The New York Times reported.

Agency investigators and lawyers are being forced to pursue and put some cases on the fast track with little evidence and major legal battles. More than a dozen current and former employees, identifying as Republicans and Democrats, blamed EEOC GOP chair Andrea Lucas, who is committed to carrying out some of Trump’s controversial executive orders.

Seeking anonymity out of fear of professional repercussions, the current and former staff members say they are concerned about the agency’s future as the practice of upholding the nation’s civil rights laws has been abandoned.

As Lucas has been an avid supporter of anti- diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, employees say cases showcasing claims of “reverse D.E.I.” and racism against white men have been accelerated to the top of case files. Commission spokesperson Connor Clegg boasted that the agency recovered nearly $660 million for roughly 18,000 discrimination victims during the 2025 fiscal year, including a record $528 million through settlements and mediation. “Instead of pulling punches, Chair Lucas is committed to following through on her promise to pursue a colorblind, evenhanded enforcement agenda,” Clegg said.

But former EEOC general counsel under President Barack Obama, David Lopez, called Lucas’s bold outreach to white men and behind-the-scenes reports of expedited discrimination cases against white people troubling. “It’s a head scratcher why the E.E.O.C.’s prioritization of limited resources based on race, both overtly and in practice, does not raise constitutional questions,” he said.

However, it may be Lucas who is under pressure from the WHite House. After being appointed to the position by Trump in 2025, the chair told staff that the Trump administration is pushing her and the team to produce anti-DEI cases that the administration favors. Vice President JD Vance even referred to the practice as “evil” after Lucas put out a video encouraging white men to come forward with job discrimination claims.

In a letter to CEOs, general counsels, and board chairs of America’s leading companies, she warned DEI policies or practices may be deemed illegal if employment decisions are based even just in part on a person’s race, sex, or other protected characteristic. “The EEOC stands ready to combat such discrimination,” she wrote, according to NPR, adding, “We are the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, not the Equitable Employment Outcomes Commission.”

To date, the EEOC has gone after companies and organizations like Nike and Planned Parenthood in discrimination probes. They investigated the athletic wear company’s hiring goals and career development practices to determine whether they disadvantage white people.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois settled for $500,000 in a lawsuit that accused the organization of discrimination against white employees with DEI efforts.