Nia Long Shares Her Grandmother’s Grit And Growth To Encourage Black Entrepreneurs
In recognition of Black Business Month, Intuit, who recently partnered with the actress, shares her message to small business owners.
Owning a small business comes with more than its fair share of challenges. And for Black entrepreneurs, that road can be even more difficult. But sometimes inspiration and encouragement come from surprising places—like actress Nia Long, who recently spoke about the importance of Black business.
Long is partnering with Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp to celebrate the latest winners of their Small Business Hero Program, an initiative that recognizes and empowers small business owners who are making a meaningful impact in their communities. As part of the partnership, she helped honor three entrepreneurs at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles in July, presenting each with a $20,000 grant to support the continued growth of their businesses.
The partnership was especially meaningful for Long, who grew up seeing the struggles and successes of Black entrepreneurs firsthand through her grandmother, a hairstylist who built her own salon after immigrating to the U.S.
“Coming from a family where my grandmother was a hairstylist who came to this country from Trinidad, but was born in Grenada—the first thing she did was start doing hair in our kitchen in Brooklyn. That eventually evolved into her opening a small salon,” Long shared. “She was a small business owner, and I remember she would come home and her feet would be achy, but she would still make us dinner and make sure we were taken care of.”
A word from Long on what matters
Here’s more of what she had to say about Black entrepreneurs, their needs, their challenges, and their importance to our communities:
On ownership, economic empowerment and inspiring the next generation: “There’s a lot of pride in owning something and doing something that no one else is doing. There’s growth, economic development within the community, and you’re inspiring your children to take chances on themselves. There’s just a deep sense of confidence that comes out of that pride.”
On the importance of Black businesses and building community: “Because how else do we connect with one another? How else do we build together? It is important for us to know what other business-minded people are inspired to do. This is how you build community—by supporting, coming together, and utilizing one another in a way that benefits both businesses.”
On what Black women entrepreneurs need to succeed: “We are capable of doing all things when we have realistic expectations, when we recognize that there is no time to waste, and that we fully understand the foundation of our businesses. Also, understanding our strengths and weaknesses—I think that is key because sometimes you need to pass the job along to a team member in order to have the correct balance for success.”
On overcoming barriers around access, funding, visibility and support: “Keep showing up to events like this, keep having conversations about your needs, and change the way in which we think. If we keep thinking about what we don’t have, then we’re spending less time on what we can build.”
Her message to Black entrepreneurs: “Keep going. You have to keep going. There is a lane for you, there is a place for you, and there is a purpose for you.”
B2K On Money, Maturity And The Business Of A Comeback
The four artists are approaching business with a level of intentionality.
Written By Janeé Bolden
B2K has spent the better part of 25 years proving that some legacies don’t fade; they evolve. Since bursting onto the scene in 2001 with hits like “Uh Huh,” “Gots Ta Be,” and the chart-topping “Bump, Bump, Bump,” Omarion, Lil Fizz, J-Boog, and Raz B helped define an era of R&B. The group sold millions of records, earned Platinum certifications, won a Billboard Music Award, and cultivated a fan base that has continued to show up through solo careers, reality television, reunion tours, and now, a long-awaited return to the studio.
The road hasn’t been without its detours. Public breakups, personal growth, and years spent pursuing individual paths made a reunion seem uncertain at times. But after 25 years, the group says the biggest change isn’t just their chemistry. It’s their mindset.
As B2K prepares to release Eclipse, its first studio album since 2002’s Pandemonium, the four artists are approaching business with a level of intentionality that only comes with experience. The teenagers who once splurged on luxury cars and jewelry are now talking about budgets, investing, commercial real estate, technology, touring as a long-term business model, and creating wealth that extends beyond entertainment.
BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with B2K to talk about the financial lessons they learned the hard way, how they’ve redefined success, and why they believe this chapter is their most meaningful yet.
Twenty-five years later, why is now the right time for a new B2K project?
Omarion: I think it’s time because we’ve all matured. We all have grown through our personal, individual experiences and as a collective. That’s something the world hasn’t really seen. We’ve lived our lives out loud, we’ve reconciled, we’ve taken accountability. If that story has been told, I haven’t seen it.
J-Boog: It’s really about timing. We all have our individual careers and different things we’re pursuing, but right now everybody has the availability to invest the time. And then it’s God. He’s in control. He’s going to set the table, and I feel like this is the table He set for us. It all just made sense.
Looking back at your first run, what’s the biggest financial lesson you wish you’d learned earlier?
Raz B: There’s a big difference between earning money and understanding financial literacy and learning how to manage your money and where to put it. Investing in different sectors creates multiple revenue streams. Learn how to make your money grow for you.
J-Boog: Stay away from the car dealership, stay away from the club, and stay away from the jewelry—those three.
Fizz: Those are all my weaknesses.
J-Boog: We made an abundance of money, but we were young and influenced by everything around us. I wouldn’t take those memories back because I had a ball, but now, as a father, I’m focused on building generational wealth and putting my money in places where it can grow instead of just blow.
Omarion: Money shouldn’t be emotional. It should support your life and your livelihood. We made a lot of money, but it would have been nice to have a financial guru tell us, ‘These moments are not going to last forever.’ Now it’s about budgeting, doing your own due diligence, and understanding your finances instead of blindly trusting other people.
Did you have financial mentors, or did you have to become your own teachers?
Fizz: We really had to become our own financial literacy teachers. I was living beyond my means.
Raz B: I had three cars and a motorcycle when I was 19.
J-Boog: We all live and learn.
Raz B: I definitely learned when the repo man pulled up.
How are you thinking about building wealth outside of music today?
J-Boog: I’m a day trader. I’m heavily invested in the stock market. I’m also interested in commercial real estate and television and film production.
Omarion: Technology. There are so many opportunities there. I invest in things I actually like. That’s an important lesson. You don’t have to know everything, but you should invest in things you genuinely believe in.
Raz B: I’ve invested in a company called Fanbase, in its early phases in the first round; technology, real estate renovations, and stocks. I’m also looking into other businesses. I want to invest in porta-potties. I’ve been looking at this investment for some time.
Fizz: My biggest investment is myself and my son. One of the things… you always want to put your money into something you love so it doesn’t feel like work… I invest in my son and watching him grow into the man I know he can be.
What opportunities do artists have today to build wealth beyond album sales?
Omarion: There are companies now that make artists more of a partner instead of just offering distribution. There are a lot of creative opportunities if you’re willing to look for them.
J-Boog: Learn how to trade. Whether it’s stocks, futures, or day trading, technology has opened up opportunities for people to build wealth from anywhere. If you understand how to compound your money over time, you can create another stream of income.
Touring has always been a huge part of B2K’s success. Why is live performance still such an important business strategy?
Raz B: Touring is a huge component of long-term success. There comes a time when radio isn’t playing your records as much, but if you have a loyal fan base and people know you put on a great live show, they’ll keep showing up. We’ve been fortunate enough to tour arenas for the past 20 years, and hopefully stadiums are next.
Omarion: Touring is hand-to-hand combat. It’s where you really connect with your audience. You’re turning up your energy, your visibility, and your finances all at once. We’ll keep touring because that’s always been special for us.
How has your definition of wealth changed?
J-Boog: I’m not at a place where I feel like I have to show people I have money. I do what I want to do, when I want to do it. That’s wealth to me. People I know who have the most money look like they have no money… until you get into their real life.
Raz B: Real wealth is how you take care of yourself. Your health, your family, your knowledge. That’s real wealth.
Omarion: Abundance isn’t just having a lot of money. It’s having access. It’s having relationships. It’s having people who genuinely love you and will be there for you. That’s wealth.
Finally, why did you decide to call the album Eclipse?
Omarion: It has depth. It tells the story of B2K. We came to eclipse the game. We came to get everything that’s owed to us, whether that’s Grammys or even EGOTs. That’s what I’m shooting for.
J-Boog: It’s also a message to our fans. It’s been 25 years since B2K first came on the scene. If it took this long to get another B2K album, this is like an eclipse. Don’t miss it. Every physical copy, every piece of memorabilia, every souvenir is part of this moment. One day it’ll be worth something. It’s an investment for our fans too.
ON THIS DAY: Aug. 18 Marks The Beginning Of Slavery In America
Kidnapped Africans were distinguished by race and exploited for free labor.
In late August 1619, the English privateer ship White Lion anchored at Point Comfort (modern-day Hampton, Virginia,) carrying a cargo of “20 and odd” captive Angolans. Exchanged with colony leaders for food and essential supplies, these individuals became the first documented Africans brought to English North America, who were then distinguished by race, enslaved, and exploited for free labor.
California Uber, Lyft Drivers Move Closer To Unionizing
The milestone follows more than a decade of organizing by rideshare drivers seeking greater influence over pay, benefits, and working conditions.
Uber and Lyft drivers in California are closer to gaining union representation after state regulators determined a newly formed union secured enough support to move toward certification, The LA Times reports.
The California Public Employment Relations Board notified the California Gig Workers Union that it had secured support from at least 30% of active rideshare drivers statewide. The union is expected to be certified after a 30-day waiting period if no other qualifying organization emerges.
The milestone follows more than a decade of organizing by rideshare drivers seeking greater influence over pay, benefits, and working conditions.
“We worked tirelessly to win this union, spending thousands of hours, calling, texting, and meeting our fellow drivers all across the state,” Fresno-based rideshare driver Vikaas Shanker said in a statement.
“For too long, we have been without what we need to work and survive. Establishing our union is the first step toward change.”
The California Gig Workers Union was formed with support from the Service Employees International Union. Assembly Bill 1340, passed last year, established a framework that allows rideshare drivers to unionize and collectively bargain while retaining their status as independent contractors.
Uber initially opposed AB 1340 but dropped its opposition following the passage of separate legislation that changed insurance requirements for rideshare companies.
“PERB’s certification is the next step in delivering on AB 1340, a historic compromise that gives drivers a pathway to representation while preserving the independence and flexibility they’ve consistently said they value most,” Ramona Prieto, Uber’s Western U.S. head of public policy and communications, said in a statement.
California followed Massachusetts in allowing rideshare drivers to unionize. Massachusetts voters approved collective bargaining rights for rideshare drivers in 2024, and the App Drivers Union was certified in May to represent about 70,000 Uber and Lyft drivers. Illinois also recently approved legislation granting drivers organizing rights.
California has about 350,000 ride-hailing drivers, according to SEIU Local 521. Drivers remain classified as independent contractors under Proposition 22, the 2020 ballot measure that established specific earnings and benefit requirements for app-based drivers while excluding them from many protections afforded to employees.
Lyft Communications Director CJ Macklin said the company is committed to engaging “in good faith” as the process moves forward.
The union hopes to begin bargaining by the end of 2026, according to CalMatters.
“A union for gig drivers isn’t just about improving pay and working conditions at the bargaining table; it’s also about making sure that gig drivers have a voice in every decision that impacts their livelihoods,” SEIU Local 521 Chief Elected Officer Riko Mendez said. “Gig drivers deserve a seat at the table.”
ON THIS DAY: The Father Of Pan-Africanism Was Born
His philosophy continues to shape global civil rights.
Born Aug. 17, 1887, in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr. emerged as one of the most influential political leaders and Pan-Africanist thinkers of the 20th century. As founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), Garvey galvanized millions worldwide under the banner of Black self-reliance, economic independence, and pride in African heritage. His enduring philosophy continues to shape global civil rights, Black liberation movements, and Pan-African thought.
Alfred Edmond Jr. Warns Entrepreneurs Against Flawed Business Partnership Pitches
The primary catalyst for failed collaboration stems from relying on passive exposure rather than mutual revenue generation.
In a candid commentary on corporate collaborations, BLACK ENTERPRISE Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer Alfred Edmond Jr. issues a direct warning to entrepreneurs regarding the pervasive misinterpretation of a strategic business partnership. Edmond details how nearly 90% of outreach to media executives fails because founders prioritize empty promises of brand visibility over measurable, bottom-line value. By mistaking marketing amplification for genuine economic alignment, ill-prepared companies often burn bridges rather than secure collaborative growth opportunities.
Edmond speaks to this common faux pas as he breaks down a few elements to help you do better.
Claressa Shields Dropped 38 Pounds And Picked Up Middleweight Titles In TKO Win
Shields and Scott became the first women's boxing match to headline an event at State Farm Arena.
Claressa Shields reclaimed two middleweight world titles with a sixth-round stoppage of Kaye Scott on Aug. 15, completing a dramatic move down from heavyweight while keeping her undefeated professional record intact, ESPN reports.
Shields defeated Scott at State Farm Arena in Atlanta to capture the WBA and WBC middleweight championships. The 31-year-old improved to 19-0 with four knockouts, while Scott, a 42-year-old Australian, fell to 5-2-1.
Shields controlled the fight with her hand speed, accuracy and body attack before increasing the pressure in the later rounds. In the sixth, Shields connected with a left hook that sent Scott backward into the ropes, prompting a count.
After the action resumed, Shields attacked again with a series of punches as Scott struggled to respond. Scott’s corner threw in the towel, ending the fight and giving Shields her second stoppage victory in nine years.
The win marked Shields’ return to the 160-pound division for the first time since she defeated Maricela Cornejo by unanimous decision in June 2023.
Getting back to middleweight required a significant physical transformation. Shields said she dropped 38 pounds during a 14-week training camp after competing at heavyweight, where she became undisputed champion.
Shields previously became undisputed champion at middleweight before moving up in weight. She has now won world championships across five weight divisions and remains the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Her Atlanta appearance also made history. Shields and Scott became the first women’s boxing match to headline an event at State Farm Arena.
With the middleweight belts back in her possession, Shields is already looking toward another major matchup.
Among the possibilities is Britain’s Lauren Price, an undefeated Olympic gold medalist and unified welterweight champion. Shields has also identified Canadian middleweight Tammara Thibeault as a potential opponent as she pursues additional championships at 160 pounds.
The victory adds another accomplishment to Shields’ professional career, which follows an amateur run that included Olympic gold medals at the 2012 London Games and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Beyond The Triple-Double: Russell Westbrook Retires As An Unapologetic Pioneer On And Off The Court
The former NBA MVP leaves behind a historic athletic legacy and a framework for Black entrepreneurial autonomy.
Russell Westbrook did more than play basketball. He changed the way the game is played. For 18 seasons, his energy and passion set a new standard and inspired Black athletes to shape their own stories. His retirement, announced on Aug. 12, 2026, closes a career defined by excellence and a commitment to empowering others.
Westbrook shared his retirement news in a social media video narrated by Michael B. Jordan. He finished his career as the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles, recording 209 over 18 seasons with seven teams and surpassing Oscar Robertson’s record. In the 2016-17 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he won MVP and averaged a triple-double for the entire season. He broke Robertson’s 55-year-old single-season record with 42 triple-doubles and repeated this feat three more times, setting a new bar for excellence. BLACK ENTERPRISE also recognized him as the first NBA player to reach 200 career triple-doubles.
Westbrook also became the highest-scoring point guard in NBA history. On Jan. 2, 2026, as a Sacramento Kings player, he passed Robertson’s career total of 26,710 points. By retirement, he ranked fifth all-time in assists and 14th in scoring. He earned nine All-Star selections, two scoring titles, and two All-Star Game MVP awards.
Revered by Peers Across the Association
While some critics focused on Westbrook’s intense playing style, his peers always respected his drive. After his retirement announcement, tributes poured in from around the league. Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks tweeted, “Damn Brodie… an absolute legend! What a fantastic career!” Dejounte Murray of the New Orleans Pelicans wrote, “GREATEST POINT GUARD EVER!”
Raymond Felton, a former teammate, spoke about Westbrook’s work ethic: “You’ve got these fools here who have so much to say about playing basketball and yet never do what we actually did… I know the hard work they put in. Every day after practice we’d take on extra shots and play one-on-one against each other. People don’t see that.” Doug Christie, former Sacramento Kings coach, praised Westbrook’s passion, saying, “Russ is a freak of nature. His competitiveness, his competitive drive, his spirit for keeping on playing as hard as he does… I’ve always been a fan of his, and it’s an absolute honor to have coached him.”
An Unapologetic Blueprint for Black Ownership
Westbrook’s influence reaches beyond the field to business and neighborhood initiatives. Westbrook, 37, earned $349 million in career earnings, according to Spotrac, a company that tracks player contracts. Through Russell Westbrook Enterprises, he focused on securing direct equity and establishing businesses. Rather than acting as a passive brand ambassador, he invested in various sectors, including becoming an investor in Leeds United and serving on the advisory board for Little Kitchen Academy to promote youth food literacy.
Burger King Worker Honored With Mural After Being Fired For ‘Free Palestine’ Statement
The mural shows Hamilton wearing her Burger King uniform and headset alongside the words "Free Palestine."
Artists in Gaza painted a mural honoring Arianna Hamilton, a former Burger King employee who was fired after telling an Israeli-American customer, “Free Palestine,” during an encounter at a Pennsylvania restaurant, Al Jazeera reports.
The mural shows Hamilton wearing her Burger King uniform and headset alongside the words “Free Palestine” and a crossed-out Burger King logo. The outlet reported the artwork was created in Gaza in solidarity with Hamilton after the incident drew widespread attention online.
Hamilton worked at an independently owned Burger King franchise in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, before losing her job following an exchange with musician Rami Feinstein.
Feinstein said Hamilton asked where he was from while he was ordering food for his family. He said he initially told her he was from Israel, prompting Hamilton to respond, “Free Palestine.” Video from the encounter shows Feinstein asking Hamilton to repeat the phrase before requesting a refund and leaving the restaurant.
Hamilton later disputed parts of Feinstein’s account. She said she had asked where he was from in the context of customers visiting Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley and that Feinstein initially said New Jersey before identifying himself as Israeli and showing her a Star of David necklace.
“That man did come in very aggressively. I did not ask him where he was from … like, originated from. I asked him where is he from, from the Lehigh Valley,” Hamilton said in a video posted to social media.
Hamilton said she did not consider her remark discriminatory and defended her decision to express her views.
“Absolutely, I wasn’t going to back down on ‘Free Palestine’ when he put the camera in my face,” she said. “I will forever speak on my views.”
Burger King apologized for Feinstein’s experience and said its restaurants should be places where “everyone should feel welcome, respected and free from discrimination.” The company added that it has “no tolerance for antisemitism, hate, or discrimination of any kind” and said it was working with the franchisee that owns and operates the restaurant.
After her firing, Hamilton launched an online fundraiser to help pay for rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and other expenses while she searches for work and pursues plans to attend college. The campaign raised roughly $240,000 by Aug. 11, according to published reports. Hamilton has said any money exceeding her needs would be partly donated to Palestinian families.
The Gaza mural has since brought renewed attention to Hamilton’s firing and the debate surrounding the encounter.
1-Week Delay In Pay Can Cause Hardship For Folks Living Check-To-Check
Half of Americans are living check to check
Half of Americans living paycheck to paycheck say a one-week delay in pay would cause major financial hardship, highlighting the strain even a brief income disruption can place on household finances, CNBC reports.
A SurveyMonkey Quarterly Money Survey found 50% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck said going one week without pay would create a major hardship. The survey also found 61% said their pay schedules do not align with when their expenses are due, potentially leaving workers short on cash even when their overall income can cover their bills.
The outlet recommends that workers facing a delayed or smaller-than-expected paycheck first determine how much money they need to cover essential expenses until their next payment arrives. Housing, utilities, medical expenses, and car payments should generally take priority because missing those payments can carry significant consequences.
Consumers can also review discretionary spending, including subscriptions, dining out, and nonessential purchases, to identify expenses they can temporarily reduce or postpone.
Workers dealing with a missing paycheck should first contact their employer to determine what caused the delay, whether it could happen again, and when they can expect payment. Consumers can also contact landlords, utility providers, and credit card issuers, which may offer payment extensions, waive late fees, or provide other accommodations.
For workers whose pay schedules do not align with their bills, changing payment due dates could provide additional flexibility. Some credit card issuers allow customers to move their due dates closer to when they regularly receive their paychecks.
Credit cards can provide a short-term bridge during an income disruption, but the outlet cautions against treating them as a long-term solution. Consumers who use credit should prioritize minimizing borrowing costs, paying at least the minimum amount by the due date, and avoiding cash advances, which typically carry additional fees and higher interest rates.
Consumers with good credit may also qualify for cards offering introductory 0% annual percentage rates. While those offers can temporarily prevent interest from accumulating, balances remaining after the promotional period may become subject to the card’s regular interest rate.
The outlet also recommends setting up a repayment plan before the next paycheck arrives because credit card interest generally accrues daily; paying down a balance as soon as funds become available can help reduce overall borrowing costs.
