Jamail Johnson Uses A Biblical Lesson To Lead Careers To Thee Promised Land
Mentorship has the power to part the Red Seas.
How Jamail Johnson Shows Up
Jamail Johnson learned an important lesson from his father that has helped him throughout his career: to show up as himself. It’s basic, but authentic. And his authentic self is heavily religious. It was apparent when Johnson, a marriage counselor and professional speaker for Relationship Counseling Tools, L.L.C., sat down with BLACK ENTERPRISE at the XCEL Summit for MenSpotlight Series several years ago.
Leaning Into The Word
From Johnson’s biblical interpretation, every great man in the Bible followed the steps of another great man, he said. Joshua led his people to the Promised Land, just as Moses led them across the Red Sea. It’s mentorship at its best. And while BE isn’t venturing into the religious genre, we admit that just as the Bible remains relevant today, so does Johnson’s perspective on mentorship. We’re re-sharing Johnson’s sentiment with today’s young African Americans embarking on careers in corporate America because positive insights come from everywhere.
Nigerian-Australian Model Says AI Lightened His Skin And Eyes In New Menswear Campaign
The complaint alleges the retailer created an AI-generated version of his likeness
Nigerian-Australian model Elii Emeghebo has filed a racial discrimination complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission, alleging menswear retailer Peter Jackson used artificial intelligence (AI) to digitally alter his appearance by lightening his skin and changing his facial features without his consent, raising new legal questions about AI’s growing role in advertising, Afrotech reports.
The complaint, first reported June 30 by ABC News Australia, alleges the retailer exceeded the terms of Emeghebo’s modeling agreement by creating and displaying an AI-generated version of his likeness in a Sydney storefront. According to the filing, his contract authorized the use of his original photographs only across the company’s digital platforms and did not permit AI-generated modifications or additional commercial uses.
Emeghebo said he discovered the altered image while walking past one of the retailer’s stores.
“My nose was reshaped, my skin tone and my eye colour was significantly lightened, and there’s some reshaping around my eyebrows and my eye shape to be more Eurocentric and a lot less black,” he told the Australian outlet.
“It’s not a good thing when you go from a shoot, something you’re really proud of … and you walk past the shop and see basically you, but without your identity there. It was really confronting and really unfair.”
Paloma Buhagiar Cole, principal legal officer at Victoria’s Young Workers Centre, which is representing Emeghebo, argued that responsibility lies with those who chose to publish the altered image.
“Human beings chose to use those particular images and decided the image that is devoid of Elii’s identity was the one they wanted to use,” Cole said.
“He had a very specific contract that allowed for specific use … so they haven’t actually paid for the use of that image here,” she added.
Peter Jackson acknowledged using “AI-assisted tools” that produced what it described as a “substantially transformed image” of Emeghebo but denied race played any role in the editing process.
The company said the model was fully compensated for the original photo shoot and maintained that his unaltered photographs were used in accordance with the parties’ agreement.
“Any suggestion that we intentionally engaged in racial discrimination is false, and we reject it unequivocally,” the company said.
The complaint adds to a growing number of disputes over AI-generated advertising, highlighting unresolved questions surrounding consent, compensation, and the legal protections afforded to models whose likenesses are digitally altered for commercial use.
Donovan Mitchell uses his early NBA success to reinvest in the community. After signing his rookie contract, he allocated $250,000 of his first $1 million to his nonprofit, SPIDACARES, establishing a model for athletes to build sustainable equity in underserved communities. Since its founding, SPIDACARES has awarded over 50 scholarships to Black and brown youth and provided more than 20 grants to local organizations, supporting hundreds of students and families.
Mitchell, a New York native, was the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft and signed a four-year, $14.6 million rookie contract. Unlike many new athletes who focus on luxury purchases, he prioritized family security and philanthropy.
Driving Economic Mobility
In addition to providing a home and vehicle for his mother and establishing a $300,000 tuition fund for his sister, Mitchell focused on social entrepreneurship. Under his mother’s leadership as director, SPIDACARES awards grants and scholarships to advance educational equity. Recipients are selected through a competitive process that considers academic performance, leadership potential, and financial need. Priority is given to Black and brown students who demonstrate community involvement and a commitment to excellence, ensuring support reaches those most likely to benefit.
Mitchell’s economic plan addresses generational wealth gaps and institutional neglect in the African American community. Black and brown youth often face significant financial barriers to elite prep schools and higher education, which are key pathways to leadership roles.
By funding scholarships for minority students to attend top private schools and colleges, Mitchell expands access for underserved groups.
“We have the scholarship program where we bring Black and brown children who may not have the finances to go to private school and bring them there through basketball,” Mitchell noted in an interview documented by Andscape. “A lot of it is giving kids the opportunity, especially minority kids.”
From a sports business perspective, Mitchell’s efforts reflect a growing trend of athletes serving as venture philanthropists. Increasingly, high-earning athletes use their capital to fund targeted socio-economic development rather than relying solely on endorsements. For example, NBA stars LeBron James and Chris Paul have launched their own foundations. The LeBron James Family Foundation funds the I PROMISE School in Akron, while Paul’s Chris Paul Family Foundation supports academic and athletic opportunities for minority youth. Like Mitchell, these athletes create long-term impact by directing personal earnings into education and community programs.
SPIDACARES uses sports as an economic equalizer. Mitchell’s journey from Brewster Academy to the University of Louisville, as noted by USA Basketball, demonstrates how athletic and academic support can transform a family’s economic prospects.
By formalizing his charitable giving early in his career, Mitchell ensures his financial legacy extends beyond basketball, turning athletic earnings into ongoing community advancement. Looking ahead, he plans to expand SPIDACARES by developing mentoring programs and building partnerships with schools and community centers nationwide. His long-term vision is to create opportunities for thousands of underserved students and support the next generation of leaders through education, sports, and career development. He remains committed to growing the foundation’s impact each year and establishing SPIDACARES as a lasting institution for positive social change.
National Basketball Players Association Launch PLYRS UNTD, Shifting Black Athlete Influence From Endorsement To Ownership
Under incoming Executive Director David Kelly, the new consumer brand replaces Think450, highlighting the value of NBA players through ownership and direct fan engagement.
On June 22, the National Basketball Players Association announced PLYRS UNTD, a consumer-facing brand that channels NBA players’ collective influence into business equity, content, and fan experiences.
“Instead of just renting out player talent to the league and teams, we’re operating as the enterprise itself, using our unified voice to build equity and drive the market,” said incoming NBPA Executive Director and PLYRS UNTD CEO David Kelly.
Centered around its official tagline, “Own the Game”, PLYRS UNTD empowers athletes and fans to take control of their own value. Featuring 22 NBA players, the PLYRS UNTD short film was designed to capture their off-court presence and showcase their collective power. PLYRS UNTD is the NBPA’s new fan-facing brand that transforms collective player influence into products, partnerships, and business opportunities. #PLYRSUNTD
Why It Is Transformative
For decades, professional athletes, especially Black athletes who make up about 70% of NBA rosters, have driven global trends in fashion, music, and lifestyle. However, the sports industry has traditionally limited players to salaried or endorsement roles, while external brands and league owners have retained long-term equity and intellectual property rights in players’ likenesses. PLYRS UNTD marks a shift from that model to economic self-determination. By removing corporate intermediaries and engaging fans directly, the union creates a model for generational wealth beyond players’ active careers. Players will launch branded content series, co-create product lines, and host member-only digital experiences that connect fans with them outside the court. These projects give players a stake in new ventures instead of limiting their involvement to traditional sponsorships.
Additionally, the union formed a content partnership with Enjoy Basketball, a digital media and lifestyle company co-founded by YouTube creator Kenny Beecham, to showcase players’ off-court interests. To provide physical spaces for content creation and training, the union will open the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center in Los Angeles this summer. This expands on its existing facility in New York. The 24/7 off-season hub will let players train, connect with brands, and produce media within a player-owned ecosystem.
This business shift aligns with a wider trend among professional sports unions. Earlier this month, the NHL Players’ Association launched the NHLPA Player Collective to increase “helmet-off” awareness and expand global commercial revenue. Both PLYRS UNTD and the NHLPA Player Collective aim to amplify players’ voices and earnings off the field. However, the NBPA places distinct emphasis on player ownership and direct fan engagement. In comparison, the NHLPA’s initiative focuses on building players’ personal brands and growing exposure for hockey athletes, whereas PLYRS UNTD grants NBA players equity in content, experiences, and product ventures. These parallel efforts reflect a wider movement across sports to center athletes not simply as endorsers but as equity partners and brand leaders.
Kelly, formerly the union’s general counsel and a Golden State Warriors executive, will begin as executive director on July 1. He succeeds Andre Iguodala, who assumed the role in late 2023.
Coco Gauff To Make Filmmaking Debut with Docu-Shorts On Tennis History And Trailblazer Zina Garrison
iROC Media Group teams with Tennis Channel and Religion of Sports for new premium series
Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff is making her filmmaking debut with two original “Tennis Story” documentary shorts on tennis history and trailblazer Zina Garrison. She has partnered with Tennis Channel and Religion of Sports to executive produce these projects.
Gauff’s production company, iROC Media Group, will co-produce the projects with Religion of Sports, the award-winning collective co-founded by Tom Brady and Michael Strahan. The documentaries will premiere later this summer on Tennis Channel and its app. Blex Media says this marks the first in a series of premium releases.
The first untitled film studies the evolution of tennis fashion as a platform for cultural articulation and identity, both on and off the court.
The second project spotlights tennis legend Zina Garrison. According to USTS, Garrison became the first African American woman to reach a Wimbledon singles final since Althea Gibson, who achieved the feat in 1957 and 1958. Garrison reached the Wimbledon final in 1990, and Olympics.com reports that she also earned Olympic gold and bronze medals at the 1988 Seoul Games.
By using her growing media empire to spotlight Garrison, Gauff bridges generational divides and honors pioneers who endured system-wide hurdles. Gauff said she was inspired to explore these topics by her own experiences as a young Black athlete navigating the world of tennis and by a desire to learn from and elevate stories that resonate with her. Highlighting figures like Garrison connects her journey to those who came before, emphasizing the impact of representation and the importance of sharing underrepresented histories. This broader purpose frames the project within Gauff’s expanding role as a storyteller.
“I’ve always loved how tennis extends beyond the court and influences culture,” Gauff said in a statement. “Zina Garrison’s story is equally personal to me. She is a trailblazer whose resilience, excellence, and impact on the game have inspired generations, including me.”
Vashni Korin will direct the production, with Chelsea Marotta serving as producer.
Tennis Channel CEO Jeff Blackburn praised Gauff’s new venture, noting her ability and foresight as a champion now shine through her storytelling. In addition, Tennis Channel launched “Tennis Story: The Vault,” a curated streaming collection of 20 short documentaries featuring global icons like Kobe Bryant and Ben Shelton.
Gauff’s move into executive production reflects a broader trend of young Black athletes shaping their own narratives. Her debut fits with the shift toward athlete-led storytelling, following stars like LeBron James, who produced “Shut Up and Dribble,” and Serena Williams, whose docuseries explored her career on and off the court. By joining these leaders, Gauff spotlights the growing movement of athletes using documentary film as a platform for authentic representation.
Starbucks Will Pay Baristas To Create TikTok Content
The coffee giant is partnering with TikTok for the launch of an employee creator network that encourages workers to post content
Starbucks is tapping into the creator economy by paying some of its own employees to promote the brand on TikTok.
The coffee chain has partnered with TikTok to pilot a custom Creator Network within the platform’s Content Suite, becoming the first brand to test the new employee-generated content program, reports Marketing Dive. The initiative expands Starbucks’ Green Apron Creators program, launched in 2024 to encourage baristas to share behind-the-scenes experiences and customer interactions on social media.
The pilot, which launches this summer, will allow Starbucks to send creative briefs to participating employees while compensating select creators through ad revenue sharing. The company says the program is intended to elevate the authentic voices of baristas already building audiences online.
“Every day, our partners bring Starbucks to life by creating moments of connection with our customers and with each other. And more than ever, they are sharing those moments with the world online in authentic, creative and unique ways,” Erin Silvoy, Starbucks’ senior vice president of global marketing, said in a statement, according to Marketing Dive. “Collaborating with TikTok provided us with the opportunity to build a customized tool that allows us to celebrate and amplify our partners’ authentic storytelling,” Silvoy added.
The move comes as brands increasingly embrace employee-generated content to reach younger consumers who value authenticity over polished advertising. According to data cited by Marketing Dive, 61% of Gen Z consumers—and 40% of consumers overall—frequently discover new products or services through employee-created content. The report also found that 61% of consumers believe workers should be compensated when promoting their employers on social media.
Starbucks says its employees already post about the company at three times the rate of workers at comparable restaurant chains, giving the brand a deep pool of organic content that can now be repurposed for paid campaigns.
TikTok said its Creator Networks are designed to help brands organize communities of employees, partners, and advocates while allowing creators to earn revenue generated from their content.
“As we continue to innovate in the employee creator space, we see this pilot as an opportunity to learn, test, and evolve what comes next,” Silvoy said.
Alicia Keys And Swizz Beatz’s 15-Year-Old Son Makes 7-Figure Investment In Sports Drink Using Kendrick Lamar Royalties
Egypt Dean is showing that he has drive, tenacity, and hustle like his parents
At just 15 years old, Egypt Dean is already showing that he has the same drive, tenacity, and hustle as his superstar parents.
Dean, the son of 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys and legendary hip hop producer and entrepreneur Swizz Beatz, has made a seven-figure investment in Ballislife HYDRO, a new sports beverage created for the next generation of athletes. According to a press release, the high school student used royalty income generated from a beat he created for Kendrick Lamar when he was just five years old. Dean, who is also a competitive basketball player, said his investment was fueled by both his entrepreneurial ambitions and his love for the sport.
“As someone who loves the game and spends many hours training and competing, I connected immediately with what Ballislife Hydro is building,” Dean said in a statement. “Basketball has always been a huge part of my life, and I love how HYDRO is a better option to stay hydrated with less sugar and still tastes amazing. This was an opportunity to invest in something I genuinely believe in, a brand that’s connected to the game and built for athletes like me.”
Ballislife HYDRO is a wellness-focused sports drink developed through a partnership between Ballislife Inc. and Varon USA. The company says the beverage is designed for consumers seeking healthier hydration with less sugar, no caffeine, and fewer artificial ingredients. Ballislife Drink Inc., the company behind the sports drink, announced the investment on June 24, saying Dean’s earnings from the Kendrick Lamar placement “helped provide the foundation for his investment in Ballislife HYDRO,” making him “a rare example of a young entrepreneur reinvesting the proceeds of his own creative work into a company aligned with his passions and values.”
Benjamin Varon Schubert, the co-founder and CEO of Ballislife Drink, said Dean stood out not because of his age but because of his business mindset.
“Most teenagers spend money. Egypt chose to invest it,” Schubert said. “What impressed us wasn’t his age, it was the conviction behind the decision. He discovered the brand as an athlete, believed in the mission, and chose to put his own capital behind what we’re building. That’s the kind of long-term thinking you rarely see at any age.”
According to the company, the relationship between Dean and Ballislife began after he discovered the beverage at the brand’s All-American Camp last summer and organically promoted it to his nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram. That post led to discussions and eventually evolved into an investment partnership.
“Our relationship with Egypt began last summer when he discovered Hydro at our All-American Camp and organically shared it with his audience on Instagram,” said Matt Rodriguez, CEO of Ballislife Inc. and co-founder of Ballislife Drink. “At just 15 years old, he’s already thinking beyond endorsements and looking to build something meaningful. That’s what makes this partnership so unique.”
Dean’s parents said they support their son’s decision to pursue entrepreneurship at an early age.
“We’ve always encouraged our children to pursue their passions and make thoughtful decisions,” Swizz Beatz said. “Egypt did his homework, believed in the opportunity, and invested because it aligned with who he is. We’re proud to support him as he continues building his own path.”
7 Things Black People Can Celebrate This Fourth Of July
There are plenty of reasons to embrace the holiday on your own term
For many Black Americans, the Fourth of July is a day of reflection as much as celebration. While the nation’s history includes painful chapters of slavery and inequality, the holiday also offers an opportunity to honor Black excellence, community, culture and the progress that continues to shape the American story. Whether you’re gathering with family, supporting Black-owned businesses or attending events that celebrate the richness of the Black experience, there are plenty of reasons to embrace the holiday on your own terms. Here are seven things Black people can celebrate this Fourth of July.
1. AEBL Returns for Another Summer of Basketball, Culture, and Community
The Atlanta Entertainment Basketball League (AEBL) officially tips off its 2026 season on July 4, bringing elite men’s and women’s basketball, youth clinics, networking events, and community programming to Atlanta through Aug, 23. Since launching in 2013, the league has become a summertime institution, creating economic opportunities while investing in the city’s next generation of athletes and leaders.
2. Red Rooster Harlem’s World Cup Dining Experience
Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster Harlem has partnered with NYC Tourism + Conventions and the NY/NJ World Cup Host Committee for a $26 “Five Boroughs Winners Special” available through July 19. Guests can enjoy a prix fixe meal while celebrating Harlem’s food scene during the FIFA World Cup festivities.
3. The ESSENCE Festival of Culture Returns to New Orleans
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture returns to New Orleans from July 3-5, once again transforming Fourth of July weekend into the nation’s largest celebration of Black culture. The festival features concerts, speakers, Black-owned businesses, wellness programming, and networking opportunities for thousands of attendees.
5. Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America Includes Juneteenth Programming
Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America festival runs through July 4, uniquely connecting Juneteenth and Independence Day with educational programming, concerts, museum events, and community celebrations that offer a broader perspective on freedom and American and Black American history.
6. Detroit’s “Not Our Independence Day” Honors Black History
Detroit’s Shrine of the Black Madonna hosts its annual “Not Our Independence Day” observance during the holiday weekend. The program features music, reflection, and a reading of Frederick Douglass’ famous speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”offering historical context and community dialogue.
7. AfroComedy Independence Festival Brings Laughter to the Holiday Weekend
The AfroComedy Independence Festival takes place on July 4 in Lanham, Maryland, combining stand-up comedy, music, food, and community for a celebration centered on Black joy and culture. The event offers families and young professionals another way to spend the holiday weekend outside of traditional fireworks celebrations.
OPINION: Black Neighborhoods Are Getting Hotter—Literally
Extreme heat is a serious public health issue.
Written By Diamond Spratling
Being Black in the summertime felt good. The barbecues, the cookouts, the music, the block parties, being outside almost every day grooving to the latest hits, proved the summer wasn’t just a season; it was a feeling.
Growing up on the west side of Detroit, summer felt magnificent. I could play outside all day with the other kids on the block from sunup to sundown. Sure, I’d come inside every few hours for a snack or a freeze pop to cool down, but for the most part, nothing could pull me away from being outside. Looking back, I realize those were some of the happiest moments of my childhood.
For many Black families, summer has always been about community. Sitting on the porch talking with neighbors, walking up the street to visit your grandma, tending to your garden, spending hours laughing with cousins until the streetlights came on. These weren’t just activities; they were how we stayed connected to one another. And during a time when it feels like almost everything is working to keep us divided, those spaces for connection matter now more than ever. But what happens when the very spaces that bring us together become too hot to enjoy?
For generations, Black communities have made life happen outside. Yet, because of decades of discriminatory policies like redlining, many of our neighborhoods were built differently—fewer trees, less shade, more asphalt, more concrete, and more highways. The result is what many people now call urban heat islands, communities that absorb and trap heat, making temperatures significantly higher than nearby neighborhoods.
And the problem is getting worse. In Atlanta, some neighborhoods can be more than 10 degrees hotter than communities located just a few miles away. The same parks, sidewalks, porches, bus stops, and gathering spaces that serve as the heartbeat of community life are becoming increasingly difficult and sometimes dangerous to use during the hottest days of the year.
This is about more than rising temperatures; it’s about what happens when climate change and decades of disinvestment begin to erode the spaces and traditions that hold communities together. It’s about the eldest lady in your neighborhood who can’t sit comfortably on her porch in the evening—the child whose playground is too hot to use. The family reunion forced indoors because the heat index is dangerously high. The neighbor who skips his daily walk because the temperatures feel unbearable.
Extreme heat is a serious public health issue. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, respiratory challenges, and increased stress all become more likely as temperatures rise. And our elders, young children, outdoor workers, and people with chronic illnesses are often the most vulnerable.
The disparities extend beyond heat alone. In Atlanta, there is almost a 25-year difference in life expectancy between residents of Bankhead and Buckhead. While many factors contribute to that gap, where you live continues to shape your health outcomes, your opportunities, and increasingly, your exposure to extreme heat. The reality is that climate change is not impacting every community equally. The neighborhoods that have historically experienced disinvestment are often the same neighborhoods now experiencing the greatest heat burden.
As cities develop climate solutions, we must ensure that Black communities are not left behind. More tree canopy, cooler public spaces, equitable infrastructure investments, and community-centered planning are not luxuries; they are necessities.
Because everyone deserves a summer they can enjoy, everyone deserves to sit on their porch, gather with family, visit their neighbors, and enjoy the simple joys that make community possible. And no one should have to risk their health just to spend time outside in the neighborhood they call home.
I often think about the little girl who spent her summers running up and down the block, laughing with friends until the streetlights came on. The little girl who could spend hours outside and never once think about whether it was too hot to play. I want that for our children today, and for generations to come.
Lori Harvey Joins Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino As Chief Creative Advisor
Harvey will serve as Gran Coramino's chief creative advisor, leading the company's new "Coramino Woman" initiative
Gran Coramino Tequila has named entrepreneur and model Lori Harvey as its first celebrity partner outside of co-founder Kevin Hart, marking a strategic shift as the premium tequila brand expands its marketing efforts toward women, the company announced July 2.
Harvey will serve as Gran Coramino’s chief creative advisor, leading the company’s new “Coramino Woman” initiative, a long-term platform designed to engage female consumers through marketing campaigns, cultural activations, and brand storytelling. The appointment comes as the tequila brand looks to build on its reported growth following more than $200 million in retail sales, according to Gran Coramino.
The brand, co-founded by comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hart and 11th-generation tequila master Juan Domingo Beckmann, said Harvey will oversee creative direction across campaigns, experiential events, talent partnerships, and visual branding beginning with the Coramino Summer campaign, which launches during summer 2026.
“We’ve spent the last four years building Gran Coramino Tequila with me at the center. As the brand has grown exponentially, we knew it was time to expand our focus on the female audience and bring in a woman whom our audience trusts and has the creative vision to launch the Coramino Woman campaign and initiative. Lori is the perfect choice; her audience is loyal, her taste is impeccable, and she is an expert in fully immersing herself into a brand’s ecosystem to make a real impact. I’ve always said I am just getting started, and betting on Lori the way I bet on myself is another example of how Gran Coramino is the tequila for the hardest workers in the room,” Hart said in a statement.
The company said the appointment reflects its next phase of growth after reporting an 85% increase in sales during 2025. While Gran Coramino has previously centered its marketing around Hart, executives said Harvey will help broaden the brand’s appeal through luxury, lifestyle, beauty, and sports-focused programming.
According to Harvard Business Review, women influence an estimated 70% to 80% of consumer purchasing decisions in the United States. Industry research also shows women represent one of the fastest-growing demographics within the premium spirits category, with tequila continuing to gain market share among consumers seeking higher-end offerings.
“Luxury, for me, has always been about intention. It’s about choosing quality, creating meaningful experiences, and surrounding yourself with things that feel authentic to who you are. What Kevin created with Gran Coramino is more than a product; it’s a brand with purpose, standards, and a clear point of view. That’s why coming on as Chief Brand and Creative Advisor is so exciting because it’s a role where I have real creative impact. I can’t wait to help shape the next chapter of Gran Coramino in a way that speaks directly to women who appreciate elevated experiences and aren’t afraid to define success on their own terms. My goal is to create something that feels aspirational, effortless, and genuinely reflective of the lifestyle we’re building around the brand,” Harvey said.
Gran Coramino produces Reposado, Cristalino, and Añejo tequilas at La Rojeña Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. The company said Harvey’s creative direction will begin appearing across campaigns, curated events, and consumer experiences throughout the remainder of 2026.
