by Black Enterprise

March 13, 2026

Kevin Powell To Host Multimedia Summit For NYC Public High School Students

Powell will be joined by other multimedia professionals to lead workshops.

By Lillien Cirino

Kevin Powell, Grammy-nominated poet, filmmaker, journalist, and public speaker, is set to host a multimedia summit for public high school students in collaboration with the New York City Department of Education. The event is open to students from all five boroughs and will take place March 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Francis College—located at 179 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, New York. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for attendees.

Other multimedia professionals will join Powell to lead workshops on the following five topics: How to Be a Writer; How to Produce Films and Videos; How to Create a Podcast; How to Make and Place Music; and How to Be a Photographer.

This event leans into public speaking, one of Powell’s many strengths. Powell is best known for his work as a public speaker, writer, activist, and television personality. His journey as a public figure began in 1992, when he appeared in the first season of the MTV reality series “The Real World.” In the same year, he became a senior writer at VIBE magazine, where he covered hip-hop culture and interviewed major artists, including Tupac Shakur.

Powell started to build his career as an author, publishing his first book in 1992, titled “In the Tradition: An Anthology of Young Black Writers.” Since then, Powell has released more than a dozen books, including his newest poetry collection, “A Poem for Evangeline, and Other Songs.“

Powell is also known for his activism and political engagement. He has advocated for issues such as racial justice, ending violence against women, youth empowerment, and community development. Throughout his career, Powell has used his platform to encourage social change and highlight hip-hop’s cultural and political influence.

Teen Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II Leads Women’s History Month Talk On Youth Power And Leadership

by Kandiss Edwards

March 13, 2026

Teen Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II Leads Women’s History Month Talk On Youth Power And Leadership

Tillman spoke about her scholarship and ways to walk in leadership.

Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II, a 19-year-old scholar and founder of the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, joined Excelsior University for a Women’s History Month conversation focused on youth empowerment, mental health, and sustainable leadership.

Tillman, a former child prodigy who earned her doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health from Arizona State University at age 17, is an alumna of Excelsior University. During the event, titled “Leading the Change: A Women’s History Month Conversation with Dorothy Jean Tillman II,” she reflected on her academic journey and the importance of community support systems. During the interview, Tillman spoke about her scholarship and ways to walk in leadership. Additionally, she recognized the women who paved the way for others to walk roads less traveled.

“I am proud to stand among these remarkable women who have not only broken barriers but have also dedicated their lives to positive change,” Tillman said.

Tillman joined Daniel Pasco Aguilar, the founding director of the Center for Social Justice and chief diversity officer at Excelsior University, and spoke about her research and initiatives that center the growth and mental health of the youth. Her insight and personal story provide students with practical direction. She is determined to effect change, whether it’s through children’s books, speaking engagements, or youth mental health advocacy. Dr. Tillman is living women’s history.

While Tillman holds a place in women’s history, she is not content to let her past be her legacy. The Excelsior alum is hoping to inspire the future by penning an upcoming children’s book, “The Grass is Greener: Where You Water It.” She explained the title as a metaphor for focusing energy on positive growth rather than ruminating on problems.

“Focus and worrying is equivalent to worshiping a problem,” Tillman said. “It’s important to water that garden and to focus on that garden so you can see flowers bloom there.”

The goal, according to the book’s description, is to teach “young readers the importance of self-love, patience, and personal growth” while “reinforcing the idea that true happiness comes from within.”

“The Grass is Greener: Where You Water It” is scheduled for release on Earth Day, April 22.

houston|homeless, beyonce, kelly rowalnd

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 13, 2026

Destiny Fulfilled! The Knowles-Rowland House Will Open To Combat Homelessness In Houston

The Knowles-Rowland House expects to officially open in summer 2026.

Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland have united again in their hometown of Houston, but this time not for music.

Instead, the former Destiny’s Child members are finishing the final touches on the Knowles-Rowland House, a $8.4 million housing project to address homelessness. According to BET News, the home will feature 31 units for individuals facing housing instability, with 16 designated as accessibility units for individuals with mobility or sensory impairments.

The home’s downtown location is deeply personal for the two singers, who began their careers in the Houston area. The home expects to open in summer 2026, helping those in the Houston community gain permanent shelter. The project was initially announced in 2023, as previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE.

The initiative is a reimagining of the pre-established Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth. Once a facility to engage the local community, the building suffered damages brought on by Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and a fire four years later. Although its slew of infrastructural issues led to its vacancy, the building will gain new life for another social cause.

However, the housing project will do more than provide shelter, offering resources and opportunities to transform its residents’ livilhoods. Sponsored by Bread for Life and in partnership with the Temenos Community Development Corporation, The Knowles-Rowland House will also provide mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, life skills training, and more to uplift inhabitants.

As native Houstonians, Beyoncé and Kelly will have an even greater impact on the future of the Texas city. Beyoncé’s mom and former Destiny’s Child designer, Tina Knowles, reposted a snippet sharing the recent development of the Knowles-Rowland House.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinaknowles)

Once the units finish, the Knowles-Rowland house will offer a new opportunity for its special residents. According to Smart Cities Dive, Houston faced a 16% increase in its unhoused population in 2025, making this home a timely addition to city initiatives to address homelessness.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 13, 2026

Retired Boxer Tommy Hearns Placed Under Conservatorship Of Son, Ronald

'I'm fine. I want the world to know that I'm doing fine. I feel good,' Hearns said

Legendary retired boxer Tommy Hearns has been placed under the conservatorship of his oldest son, Ronald Hearns.

According to WXYZ, the man known in the sport as “The Hitman” is also under Ronald’s guardianship after a court hearing on March 11. Ronald would be the sole person to make decisions regarding his father’s personal affairs, including financial and medical matters, under a ruling by Oakland County Chief Probate Judge Pro Tempore Daniel A. O’Brien.

The boxer spoke to the media outlet about the recent decision.

“I’m fine. I want the world to know that I’m doing fine. I feel good,” Hearns said in an exclusive conversation. “I just want things to just be calm and good, and just move smoothly.”

The move comes after a diagnosis of dementia was disclosed by the family. He also recently lost his home due to tax foreclosure, but he is living with Ronald.

In recent court appearances, family members complained that he was being kept from other members of the family and that he may have been a victim of financial exploitation and alleged kidnapping by some relatives. At an emergency guardianship hearing on Feb. 23, Judge O’Brien heard from family members and Adult Protective Services (APS) workers who were searching for Hearns after being told that Tommy’s daughter and his sister would not disclose his whereabouts.

APS officials were suspicious after Hearns’ sister, Louise, started a GoFundMe fundraiser for the 67-year-old former boxer.

Before the judge’s ruling, all family members agreed to appoint Ronald as Tommy’s guardian and conservator.

“My dad is a great man, has a big heart, and for him to be going through this type of situation at this time in his life is terrible,” said Ronald.

Now that everyone is on board with Tommy’s care, he feels better about his situation.

“Knowing that you’ve been loved and been thought about, it’s a good feeling because people don’t have to think about you or care anything about you at all. But when people do care about you, and they really do love you… ” It’s a good feeling for me,” Tommy said.

The fighter has won six championship titles and, during his career, became the first boxer to win titles in five different weight classes. He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.

BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Women Of Power Summit Revisits The Spirit Of Its Past 20 Years

by Ida Harris

March 13, 2026

BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Women Of Power Summit Revisits The Spirit Of Its Past 20 Years

The energy that filled the room was electric

On March 11, over 1,500 Black women executives, entrepreneurs, and visionaries filled the Grand Ballroom of Bellagio Resort & Casino to celebrate 20 years of BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Women of Power Summit and its 2026 Legacy Awards honorees. The energy that filled the room was electric and it was just day one. BE’s CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. welcomed attendees, sharing the summit’s history, which was conceived by his mother Barbara Graves, and giving flowers to its earliest supporters. Check out the illustrious evening in the following gallery:

The Tyler Twins for Black Enterprise Women Of Power 2026

Butch Graves Black Enterprise, Women of Power — The Tyler Twins for Black Enterprise Women Of Power 2026

LEGACY GALA — The Tyler Twins for Black Enterprise Women Of Power 2026

by Kandiss Edwards

March 13, 2026

Jalen Hurts Explores What’s ‘Better Than A Touchdown’ In New Children’s Book

Illustrated by Nneka Myers, ‘Better Than A Touchdown’ draws from Hurts’ own childhood experiences.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl LIX MVP Jalen Hurts has added a new title to his resume: children’s book author. His debut picture book, Better Than a Touchdown, arrived in bookstores nationwide on March 10.

Illustrated by Nneka Myers, the story draws from Hurts’ own childhood experiences. The narrative follows a young protagonist named Jalen who enters a new school year eager to try out for the football team, only to discover that the program has been cut. Facing this setback, Jalen and his friends must rely on community support and persistence to save the day.

The project was inspired by Hurts’ adolescent memories of school book fairs. During a recent appearance on Good Morning America, Hurts recalled how seeing books by NFL players like Tiki and Ronde Barber showed him that representation mattered.

“Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve brought into my adult life were passed down to me during childhood, like the importance of doing something bigger than yourself,” Hurts said in a statement. “I’m excited to share some of that wisdom with a new generation of kids in ‘Better Than a Touchdown.'”

The book is a core component of Hurts’ philanthropic efforts through the Jalen Hurts Foundation. The foundation has previously donated over $200,000 for air conditioning units in Philadelphia schools. A vocal supporter for education, Hurts is now leveraging the book to launch new literacy programs. Hurts noted that the book’s central theme is that an acorn already contains everything it needs to become an oak tree. It’s a message he hopes resonates with young readers facing their own obstacles.

“I hope this book strikes a chord of resilience, encourages self-belief and resonates with not only kids, but also teachers, mentors and parents,” Hurts said.

Hurts released Better Than A Touchdown to coincide with “Eagles Spirit Days,” a new initiative launched by the School District of Philadelphia to celebrate the quarterback’s continued investment in local students.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 12, 2026

Blavity Media Group Named Exclusive Sales And Activation Partner For The Gathering Spot

The collaboration aims to create a new platform connecting brands with some of Black America’s most influential professionals through both digital media and private gathering spaces.

Blavity Media Group (BMG) and The Gathering Spot (TGS) have entered into an exclusive partnership designed to celebrate and amplify Black excellence.

Announced on March 10, BMG has been named the exclusive sales and activation partner for TGS’s sponsorship portfolio, AfroTech reported. The collaboration aims to create a new platform connecting brands with some of Black America’s most influential professionals through both digital media and private gathering spaces.

“The Gathering Spot built physical spaces with the same philosophy we brought to digital media: that Black professionals deserve to be seen fully, not as a demographic, but as a community,” said Blavity Inc. CEO and Co-founder, Morgan DeBaun. “Together, we’re creating something that reflects how our audience actually lives, online and offline, in content and in community. For brands that want to show up authentically, this is the way in.”

“Our community lives online and offline. Now our partners and brands can show up in both places authentically,” she added in a LinkedIn announcement.

The partnership will offer a limited number of sponsorship opportunities, giving brands access to TGS’s private membership network of leaders, executives, and founders shaping business, politics, and culture. The organization serves more than 11,000 members across four locations in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Sponsors will also gain perks such as category-exclusive placements across TGS clubs, curated member experiences, and custom on-site activations promoted through BMG’s digital platforms — including brands like AfroTech, Blavity, and Travel Noire — which reach more than 32 million monthly users.

“From day one, The Gathering Spot has been about what happens when Black people have a space where they’re celebrated, not tolerated,” said Ryan Wilson, CEO and co-founder of The Gathering Spot. “Our members are building generational wealth, launching companies, and shaping industries. Blavity mirrors these notions across media. This partnership gives brands access to the rooms where those conversations and decisions are happening.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 12, 2026

Kash Patel Calls On UFC Fighters To Train FBI Agents

Taking place March 15 and 16 at the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the training seminars will give agents a first-hand experience into UFC fighters’ training methods in addition to fighting techniques and tactics.

While the country is worried about rebuttal from Iran, one of the country’s leaders, FBI Director Kash Patel, tried to ease their minds by announcing that Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters will be training FBI agents, calling it a “historic opportunity,” Deadline reported.

Taking place March 15 and 16 at the FBI Special Agent Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the training seminars will give agents a first-hand experience into UFC fighters’ training methods, fighting techniques, and tactics. During his announcement, Patel said the seminars are open to “academy students as well as senior FBI staff from around the world.” “I’m thrilled to announce this historic seminar between the FBI and the UFC at Quantico,” Patel said in a statement.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our FBI agents to learn and train with some of the greatest athletes on earth — helping the world’s premier law enforcement agency be even better prepared to protect the American people.”

Patel, who was under scrutiny for celebrating with the U.S Men’s Olympic hockey team in the locker room after their Gold Medal victory in Italy, has been floating around the idea for quite some time, first pushing it with FBI field leaders after taking charge at the Bureau last year.

The fighting agency, founded by longtime President Donald Trump supporter and CEO Dana White, has made its way into the talks of political leaders over the past few years. After speaking at the Republican National Convention before Trump’s win, Patel and White have been working together to highlight UFC more, even announcing a fight at the White House on Trump’s birthday. The director has praised White for changing “the game in the mixed martial arts industry” and talked about being honored to work with him. “We are grateful for their shared love of our nation, so that we can better defend her,” he said.

In a statement from UFC, the mixed martial arts company shared the same excitement, labeling the effort as “part of an overall initiative by the FBI to provide its agents with exciting, innovative training options and to constantly look for opportunities to revamp and improve their preparation.” But on social media,some people aren’t feeling it, alluding that the administration’s priorities are all over the place. “Because let me guess nothing says serious federal investigation like a spinning back kick demonstration,” @LikeChrisss said on X.

Because let me guess nothing says serious federal investigation like a spinning back kick demonstration.
— Chrismy is going to the World Cup. (@LikeChrisss) March 12, 2026

Others are questioning if the training will be at the expense of American tax payers, calling it “nuts.” “I’m going to guess these UFC fighters aren’t doing it for free and even though the FBI have trained world renowned EXPERTS on their existing payroll…the American Taxpayer will be on the hook for this. It is just sickening,” @DeandaSharone said.

https://twitter.com/DeandaSharone/status/2032090862348337499

According to Variety, some of the UFC heavy-hitting trainers include current interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethe; the first UFC BMF champion, Jorge Masvidal; former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman; former UFC strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha and more.

White says he is “proud” to support this initiative as he has “tremendous respect for the FBI and the work they do every day to protect this country.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 12, 2026

Nigerian-American Dentist Blends Innovation, Wellness In Brand For ‘The Future Of Oral Health’

This Nigerian-American dentist has revolutionized the oral health industry, creating a company that integrates innovation and wellness to promote healthy smiles.

When Dr. Abi Oladele decided to pursue dentistry, she fell in love with how the medical discipline combined art and science into its practice. As she learned how to sculpt captivating smiles, she sought to extend her legacy beyond typical dental work.

She wanted to create a company to help anyone achieve optimal oral health at home, officially launching Dentrogen in late January.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DENTROGEN (@dentrogen)

“Dentrogen was created with one purpose, to redefine the future of oral care. I’m Dr. Abiola Oladele. And as a dentist, I’ve seen how innovation in dentistry has stalled. Most people don’t realize how much dentistry still relies on outdated tools and thinking. I knew I didn’t just want to treat patients, I wanted to change the dental experience,” she shared to Instagram.

The HBCU alumna, who obtained her bachelor’s degree at Howard University, already belongs to a small cohort. As a Black dentist, she and her fellow oral health professionals make up only 3.7% of the industry, according to data from the Delta Dental Institute.

While still working to increase this representation, she also developed her idea for Dentrogen, a preventative oral health company, in 2022. She brought her project to life while working for a practice in Los Angeles. While not performing root canal treatments, she is curating a community that ties oral health to wellness.

“We can focus on the aesthetics, we can focus on all those things, which is great, but at the end of the day, health is the No. 1 thing that we should all be focusing on before anything else,” she told AfroTech.

Dentrogen, named after the hydrogen element, seeks to become a “foundational force in the future of oral health,” according to its website. The company comprises products from Black Fiber Coconut Floss to Elemental Brightening Toothpaste, all of which are science-backed methods to improve one’s smile.

“How about health is the aesthetic, having healthy teeth, having teeth that you’re not worrying about gum disease, you’re not worrying about all these cavities, preventing it before it happens. That’s the true beauty. I wanted Dentrogen to kind of showcase that,” explained Oladele.

The company’s mission is to prevent severe oral health issues by addressing them at the root. Its signature toothpaste offers a fluoride-free alternative, complete with traditional ingredients such as aloe vera to help with gum comfort and swelling. As for their black-fiber floss, the use of coconut oil and bamboo provides modern advancements to make everyday flossing more efficient.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DENTROGEN (@dentrogen)

She aims to expand Dentrogen in the upcoming years, wisely incorporating AI as she sees fit, while the company explores dental manufacturing and supplies. In the meantime, those curious about Dentrogen can check out its initial product rollout.

“Oral care can be smarter, cleaner, and better,” added the doctor. ” Dentrogen isn’t just a company, it’s a platform for change.”

by Kandiss Edwards

March 12, 2026

Snoop Dogg And Rap Snacks Drop 3 Health-Conscious Chip Flavors

The launch signals a strategic shift for Rap Snacks.

Rap and overall entertainment icon Snoop Dogg and entrepreneur James Lindsay have launched a new line of health-conscious kettle chips at Costco. This marks the first time their hip-hop driven snack brands have entered the larger warehouse retail market.

The collaboration features the Snoop Box, a 36-count variety pack produced through a partnership between Rap Snacks and Lindsay’s “better-for-you” label, Do The Right Thing. The product debuted March 9 at Costco locations across six states, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Alaska.

“I joined Rap Snacks because it represents culture, ownership, and community,” Snoop Dogg said in a statement. “With Do The Right Thing, we’re showing the youth that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or authenticity to make better choices. We’re giving our communities options that still hit on taste, speak to our language, and support a healthier lifestyle.”

The variety pack includes three distinct flavors: Maple BBQ, Sour Cream, Cheddar & Ranch, and a signature blend called “All In,” which combines salt and vinegar, cheddar, barbecue, onion, and garlic.

WE UP @SnoopDogg

Rap Snacks Do The Right Thing Variety Box is hitting Costco VERY soon‼️ pic.twitter.com/grPg0AYWpH
— Official Rap Snacks (@RapSnacksNow) March 4, 2026

The launch signals a strategic shift for Rap Snacks, a brand known for its deep ties to hip-hop culture and specialty retail. By partnering with a major warehouse club, the company will hopefully scale its reach while marketing cleaner ingredients. The chips are cooked in 100% avocado oil and are marketed as being free of gluten, GMOs, and artificial colors.

James Lindsay, who serves as the founder and CEO of both brands, said the move into Costco was designed to bring the brand’s mission to a mainstream audience. He noted that the partnership with Snoop Dogg felt natural, given the rapper’s long history with the Rap Snacks family.

While the initial rollout is limited to the Pacific Northwest and select Western states, the company indicated that a national expansion is anticipated. Rap Snacks currently maintains a presence in more than 40,000 retail locations nationwide through various partnerships.