AI, artificial intelligence, trends, technology, skills, HiBob, career advancement — (Image: iStock)

by Sidnee Michelle

June 9, 2026

Maryland Moves To Make AI Literacy A Requirement For Public School Students

The measure also calls for AI literacy to be integrated into workforce readiness and computer science standards.

Maryland will require public schools to incorporate literacy for artificial intelligence (AI) into classroom instruction under a new law designed to prepare students for a workforce increasingly shaped by emerging technologies.

The Artificial Intelligence Ready Schools Act directs the Maryland State Department of Education to develop guidance for the use of AI in public schools and requires local school systems to establish their own policies within 120 days of the state’s recommendations, according to Afrotech.

The recent measure also calls for AI literacy to be integrated into workforce readiness and computer science standards for students in kindergarten through 12th grade by June 1, 2027. The law additionally requires professional development opportunities for educators and administrators, and creates the Maryland AI Education Collaborative on Artificial Intelligence in K-12 Education to provide recommendations and best practices for schools.

The legislation was sponsored by state Sens. Benjamin Brooks, Katie Fry Hester, Kevin M. Harris, Dalya Attar, Brian J. Feldman, and Ron Watson.

Supporters say statewide standards are necessary as AI tools become more common in classrooms and workplaces.

“They’re going to graduate in a world where nearly every career uses AI in some way,” Hester told WBAL-TV 11 News. “I felt like it was our responsibility to make sure that they were prepared to enter the workforce knowing how to use AI.”

Hester said the legislation is intended to provide consistent guidance for school districts that have adopted varying approaches to the technology.

“It embraces AI, and it also puts the guardrails in place,” she said. “I just didn’t want Maryland students falling behind simply because their system lacked that level of guidance.”

Some Maryland districts have already begun introducing students to artificial intelligence tools. In Howard County, high school students have access to education-focused Gemini AI accounts as part of classroom instruction.

Danielle Dunn, a media specialist at Hammond High School, said formal instruction is critical because students are already using AI outside of school settings.

“If we don’t teach kids how to use it, they’re going to learn on their own and not learn well,” Dunn also told the outlet.

The law places Maryland among a growing number of states exploring how artificial intelligence can be incorporated into K-12 education while establishing safeguards for its use in schools.

Company culture, scaling up, — via istock

by Kenneth Meeks

June 9, 2026

Collaborations Can Move Your Career Forward

Dr. Obari Cartman says it starts with recognizing the art of leadership

As president of the Chicago Association of Black Psychologists, Dr. Obari Cartman understands the psychology of leadership. When he sat down with BLACK ENTERPRISE Deputy Chief Content Officer Alisa Gumbs for a 2023 Spotlight Series at the XCEL Summit for Men, his strategy then remains relevant today. We’re revisiting that interview because some advice never changes. Cartman encourages an open space so his team can showcase their individual talents. But first, each person must show up as his or her authentic self. His experience as a leader demonstrated how collaboration creates synergy that is more valuable than the sum of its parts. As we approach the 10^th anniversary of the XCEL Summit for Men, Black Enterprise encourages young entrepreneurs, leaders, and managers to click on this short clip because we’re confident Cartman’s insight will help you navigate your career.

JUNE 9 1963: Fannie Lou Hamer Was Beaten And Jailed For Your Right To Vote

by Ida Harris

June 9, 2026

JUNE 9 1963: Fannie Lou Hamer Was Beaten And Jailed For Your Right To Vote

Hamer bravely shared the harrowing details at he 1964 Democratic National Convention.

Fannie Lou Hamer was a woman of little means but great determination. She mobilized hundreds of Black Mississippians to register to vote at a time when Jim Crow had the region in a chokehold. Hamer was harassed, threatened, jailed, and severely assaulted in her attempt to fight racism.

On June 9, 1963, Hamer was arrested and brutally beaten with batons by two Black prisoners at the behest of racist police officers. Hamer bravely shared the harrowing details of this event at the Democratic National Convention in 1964.

READ HAMER’S ENTIRE TESTIMONY HERE.

Hamer is heralded as one of the famed activists coming out of Mississippi and the civil rights movement. The civil rights leader had a down-home, grassroots approach to fighting for equality in the Deep South and was very vocal about voting rights for African Americans.

She died March 14, 1977, at age 59, after aggressively fighting breast cancer.

Dr. Ayanna Howard (Photo credit: www.spelman.edu)

by Selena Hill

June 9, 2026

Spelman College Appoints Roboticist And AI Pioneer Dr. Ayanna Howard As President

The former NASA engineer and AI pioneer will lead the HBCU

Spelman College has named Dr. Ayanna Howard, a nationally recognized roboticist, entrepreneur, and artificial intelligence pioneer, as its 12th president, positioning the leading historically Black college for women for a future shaped by innovation and technological advancement.

The appointment was announced June 5 by the Spelman College Board of Trustees following a national search that engaged trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumnae, and other stakeholders. Howard will assume the presidency on Aug. 1.

Howard currently serves as dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University, where she holds the Monte Ahuja Endowed Dean’s Chair. Her career spans leadership roles in higher education, industry, entrepreneurship, and government, including service at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Georgia Institute of Technology.

“Dr. Howard is the visionary leader Spelman needs at this pivotal moment in our history,” said Lovette Russell, chair of the Spelman College Board of Trustees, in a press release. “Throughout this search process, we sought a leader who would honor Spelman’s legacy while boldly advancing our future, and Dr. Howard embodies that vision.”

Russell added that Howard is dedicated to the institution’s commitment to preparing Black women to conquer challenges in today’s society and the future.

“She understands the opportunities and challenges shaping higher education today and shares Spelman’s unwavering commitment to preparing Black women to lead and drive change. The Board is excited about Spelman’s future under her leadership and confident she will build upon the College’s remarkable momentum for generations to come.”

Howard said she is eager to build on Spelman’s legacy while helping students navigate a rapidly evolving world.

“I am deeply honored and excited to join Spelman College, and the amazing faculty, staff, and trustees that have shaped generations of Black women,” Howard said. “Students choose Spelman because they want to make a difference in the world, and as the world changes, we must equip them to thrive.”

“At a time when technology, the workforce, and society are evolving rapidly, Spelman’s mission has never been more important,” she continued. “I look forward to building on the College’s legacy while honoring its tradition, values, and sisterhood.”

Howard is the co-founder of Zyrobotics, which develops educational and therapeutic technologies for children with special needs, and Black in Robotics, an organization dedicated to increasing representation in the robotics profession. She has authored more than 300 publications and was named to Forbes’ “America’s Top 50 Women in Tech.”

Howard succeeds interim president Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, who expressed confidence in the college’s future under its new leader.

“As we continue to invest in Spelman’s future through initiatives like Spelman Forward, I am confident Dr. Howard will build upon this strong foundation and help lead Spelman to even greater heights,” Brewer said.

Howard assumes the role as Spelman celebrates its 19th consecutive year as the nation’s top-ranked HBCU and continues its legacy as a leading producer of Black women earning doctoral degrees in STEM fields.

Obamas, Higher Ground, Disney, Netflix — (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

by Sidnee Michelle

June 9, 2026

Construction Of Obama Presidential Center Fueled By 4 Black-Owned Companies

The foundation said the partnership was intended to expand opportunities for diverse and local businesses.

Four Black-owned construction firms were among the key contractors involved in building the Obama Presidential Center, which is scheduled to open June 19 in Chicago’s Jackson Park, Afrotech reports.

The firms — Powers & Sons Construction Co., Brown & Momen, UJAMAA Construction, and Safeway Construction — partnered with Turner Construction Co. through Lakeside Alliance, a joint venture selected by the Obama Foundation in 2018 to manage construction of the project.

The foundation said the partnership was intended to expand opportunities for diverse and local businesses while building the center on Chicago’s South Side.

The 19.3-acre Obama Presidential Center campus will include a museum, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, outdoor recreational areas, a fruit and vegetable garden, and a two-acre playground, according to the Obama Foundation. The center’s opening will coincide with Juneteenth celebrations on June 19, 2026.

Construction spanned nearly a decade and involved approximately 4,500 workers, whose names and contributions will be recognized through a permanent Worker Appreciation Wall inside the center.

Former President Barack Obama has said the center is designed to serve as a gathering place where visitors can exchange ideas and become more engaged in their communities.

Ernest Brown, founder of Brown & Momen, reflected on the project’s significance during an interview with ABC7 Chicago.

“There’s some wow factors that we even get captivated looking at and paying homage to,” Brown said.

Kelly Powers Baria, executive vice president of Powers & Sons Construction, said the project challenged participating companies and workers to meet high standards while fostering community involvement.

“It forces everyone to achieve, to reach for the highest standard,” Turner Construction’s Junisa Brima said to the outlet. “It’s bringing community and bringing people together, people from many different backgrounds.”

Powers Baria also said that local students were invited to visit the construction site and help build picnic tables used by workers during the project.

According to the Obama Foundation, the center is expected to become a hub for public programming, education, and community engagement on Chicago’s South Side after opening to visitors on June 19.

Courtesy of Jauron Snead

by Black Enterprise

June 9, 2026

Meet The Couple Making History With A Line Of Luxury, Handcrafted Watches

The brand combines entrepreneurship with their personal love story

Originally published in BlackNews.com

Jauron Snead is celebrating the launch of J Marquel Watch Company, a Black-owned luxury watch and timepiece brand that he is building alongside his fiancée and business partner, Takela Williams. Together, the couple is turning years of struggle, perseverance, and unwavering faith into a business rooted in love, purpose, and legacy.

For Snead, the journey to entrepreneurship was never easy. After surviving a devastating act of gun violence that left him permanently paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair, he faced not only the physical challenges of life in a wheelchair but also the emotional and financial hardships that often come with being overlooked for employment opportunities because of a disability. Decades after the shooting, he still cannot walk. Yet despite the setbacks, he refused to allow his circumstances to define his future.

Instead, he leaned into a dream that had quietly lived inside him since childhood. In the eighth grade, Snead received his very first watch from his grandmother, a gift that left a lasting impression on him. To him, the watch represented far more than style. It symbolized time, discipline, ambition, and the importance of building something meaningful that could outlive him.

Years later, while reflecting on life and imagining a better future, Snead began envisioning a luxury watch company that would inspire people to value both time and legacy. With the support of his fiancée, Takela, that vision slowly became reality. Today, the couple’s brand combines entrepreneurship with their personal love story as they work side by side to build a brand that reflects resilience, elegance, and hope.

“This company represents overcoming adversity and believing in yourself even when the odds are against you,” he said. “For Takela and me, this is bigger than watches. It’s about proving that your past does not have to limit your future.”

The couple’s upcoming promotional photos feature both Snead and Williams proudly wearing the watches together, symbolizing not only the launch of a new luxury brand but also the strength of partnership, commitment, and shared vision. Their story is one of perseverance through pain, choosing love through hardship, and building something lasting together despite the obstacles life placed in front of them.

J Marquel Watch Company’s collections, including its Daydream and Odyssey lines, are designed to reflect sophistication, ambition, and timeless purpose. But behind every watch is a deeper message: that even after tragedy, setbacks, and rejection, it is still possible to dream again, build again, and create a legacy that inspires others.

About
Based in Albany, Georgia, J Marquel Watch Company is a luxury watch brand built on a foundation of resilience, love, and legacy. The company creates high-quality timepieces designed to inspire ambition, purpose, and timeless style. Also, be sure to follow the brand on Instagram @JMarquelWatches

Stephen Curry, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Thirty Ink — Stephen Curry at the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Dallas' American Airlines Center in May 2022. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

by Edwian Stokes

June 9, 2026

Steph Curry’s $400M Li-Ning Deal Redefines The Sports Business Empire

The Golden State star prioritizes global equity and brand autonomy

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has officially ended the most high-profile sneaker free agency in modern NBA history. Curry agreed to a landmark 10-year endorsement contract with Chinese sportswear giant Li-Ning worth more than $400 million, ESPN’s Shams Charania shared on X.

This long-term agreement provides a global foundation for the next phase of Curry Brand, giving Curry significant influence over international growth and brand autonomy. While high-value athlete-brand partnerships are common, like LeBron James’s reported lifetime Nike contract and Michael Jordan’s creation of the Jordan Brand, Curry’s deal stands out for its scale, operational control, and international reach. Industry sources say Curry declined at least one other lucrative offer to prioritize long-term control and expansion, especially in global retail markets.

https://twitter.com/bballforever_/status/2061932607064178875

The agreement lets Curry Brand expand beyond basketball footwear into athleisure and golf, broadening its product range and market presence. It also includes plans for standalone retail stores in the United States and China. Curry now has the authority to independently sign and recruit both male and female athletes. This strategy creates new revenue streams and boosts brand visibility by targeting top U.S. high schools, WNBA, and collegiate talent in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era.

This strategic move to Asia follows a mutual split with Under Armour, ending a 13-year partnership amid corporate restructuring and a decline in brand value. During free agency, Curry sparked market speculation by wearing various shoe brands, including Nike Kobe 6 “Mambacita” sneakers on a road trip to San Antonio.

Curry’s decision was informed by performance testing and peer feedback. He tested signature footwear from Golden State teammate Jimmy Butler and Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade (both Li-Ning athletes), who led Li-Ning’s initial NBA expansion with the “Way of Wade” line. “A company truly rooted in sports and innovation,” Curry announced via social media. “Together, we will continue the Curry Brand mission with stories, platforms, and products that will inspire the next generation around the globe.”

Sports Center host Treavor Scales breaks down Steph Curry’s new shoe deal and looks back at some of his favorite shoes of NBA greats.

From a market perspective, the 10-year agreement challenges the multibillion-dollar model established by Michael Jordan’s Jordan Brand at Nike. At 38, Curry’s contract extends beyond his NBA career. By securing full ownership of his intellectual property and a leadership role in brand expansion, Curry is partnering with an international company ready to launch standalone retail stores. He leverages his cultural influence in major Eastern markets to build a global lifestyle brand that will outlast his playing years.

Quincy Wilson, Olympics, Track, mens 4 x 400, mens, Richardson, Paris olympics, track and field — Photo: BOOM/Pexels)

by Edwian Stokes

June 8, 2026

Bison Boom: Howard University Leads Historic Surge To NCAA Track Championships

Howard University’s strong performance spotlights a growing athletic and economic renaissance within HBCU sports

At the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field East Regional, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) delivered a definitive statement: nine women’s entries from these institutions will advance to the upcoming NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Howard University’s strong performance spotlights a growing athletic and economic renaissance within HBCU sports. For business and sports communities, this surge is more than an athletic distinction; it shows the return on investment in Black collegiate sports and boosts the cultural capital of these historic institutions. According to Howard Magazine, the university achieved a record 65% increase in fundraising revenue from alums, marking a significant milestone for Howard’s athletic programs. These trends show that strategic investment in HBCU programs yields measurable returns, both financially and in national profile.

https://twitter.com/HUBisonSports/status/2060905239847321976?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Howard University Anchors the Field

At the regional meet, Howard established itself as the premier program by qualifying seven student-athletes across four entries. Sophomore Yahnari Lyons earned her ticket to Oregon in the 200-meter dash, clocking 22.72 seconds to secure second in her heat.

https://twitter.com/HUBisonSports/status/2060901953605910585

The Bison also showed elite depth in the 400-meter hurdles. Cenaiya Billups won her quarterfinal heat with a personal-best 55.09 seconds. Teammate Aniya Woodruff followed by winning her heat with a personal-best 55.43 seconds. Howard’s 4×100-meter relay team—Lyons, Nilijah Darden, Mackenzie Robinson, Marcia Sey, and Ai’yana Gray-Williams—capped the historic weekend by qualifying with a season-best time of 43.23 seconds.

The Howard University contingent accounted for over half of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) regional field, confirming its rise toward national powerhouse status.

Field and Hurdle Dominance Across the HBCU Landscape

Beyond Howard’s track dominance, several other HBCUs used the national stage to display elite field and hurdle talent. North Carolina A&T shone in field events. Senior Spirit Morgan cleared 1.82 meters (5 feet, 11½ inches) in the high jump. Junior Olivia Dowd advanced in the triple jump with a personal-best leap of 13.23 meters. Southern University’s Tashina Alase ran 12.74 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles quarterfinals, finishing second among all Eastern competitors. Alabama State freshman Daedrian Beville earned a national berth in the triple jump with a 13.21-meter mark. Florida A&M’s women’s 4×100-meter relay team advanced with a season-best 43.31 seconds.

https://twitter.com/BamaStateSports/status/2054318010677031045

Why It Matters: Business, Branding, and Cultural Equity

The rise of HBCU athletes on the NCAA Division I stage resonates with the African American community and corporate stakeholders. In past years, underfunding led many talented Black athletes to seek visibility beyond HBCUs. Now, these institutions demonstrate elite coaching, strong infrastructure, and a culture that develops world-class talent.

From a business perspective, programs like Howard and North Carolina A&T fuel a cycle of brand equity. Corporate sponsors are drawn by high-profile athletic success, while student enrollment rises and revenue grows. In recent years, Howard Athletics has attracted brand partnerships with companies such as Nike, Gatorade, and Wells Fargo. Nike outfits teams in exclusive apparel, and Gatorade provides financial support and high-profile athlete activations. North Carolina A&T has secured regional sponsorships from Toyota and Bank of America, which support team travel and community events. These partnerships exhibit a growing trend: corporate investment is moving from short-term publicity to greater involvement with HBCU athletic programs, combining cash infusions with scholarship funds, product deals, and campaign activations. As media platforms seek greater engagement with Black consumers, these athletes serve as ambassadors, positioning HBCU Track and Field as a top corporate investment.

“Howard is on track to become a national powerhouse, and the women’s team is leading that charge,” noted Howard Vice President of Athletics Kery Davis, summarizing the shifting paradigm.

For African Americans, witnessing an all-Black women’s contingent excel in technical disciplines such as hurdles and field events gives profound cultural validation. This achievement reaffirms the legacy of institutions founded to uplift Black excellence, and it proves their ability to compete—and win—at the pinnacle of collegiate sports.

The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, starting June 10 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, will offer these nine entries the chance to convert regional dominance into national hardware—armed with both elite credentials and momentum.

Cupshe racism — Cupshe's Limitless Campaign (Photo Credit: Cupshe via PR Newswire)

by Selena Hill

June 8, 2026

Cupshe Employee Axed For Emailing That The Swimwear Brand Would ‘Not Collab With Black People’

A Black talent manager is speaking out after she says she received a racist email from a former employee at the swimwear brand

Cupshe, an online swimwear brand for women of all sizes, is facing backlash after a talent manager shared an email allegedly sent by a company representative stating that the brand would “not collab with Black people this campaign.”

Niasia Boykin, the founder of influencer management agency The Brownstone Collective, shared a screenshot of an email she received from a former Cupshe representative regarding a potential creator partnership. According to the screenshots, Boykin had pitched creators for an upcoming campaign before receiving a response explicitly stating that the company would not collaborate with Black people on that initiative.

“Cupshe told me they ‘would not collab with Black people this campaign,'” Boykin wrote in a social media post June 4 that has since received nearly 12,000 likes and 2,000 comments. “I run a talent agency. I pitched them on behalf of my creators. This was their response,” she continued. “This is racial discrimination. It is illegal. And it happens in influencer marketing more than anyone wants to admit, usually just more quietly than this.”

In a separate post later that day, Boykin shared a screenshot of an email from another Cupshe representative apologizing for the initial message.

“Hi Niasia, Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We are shocked and devastated to see this email. The message you received is not reflective of Cupshe, our values, or the way we partner with our creators. We cherish our relationships with our creators and we sincerely apologize for the experience and any harm or frustration it may have caused,” the email states.

It continued, “As a result, the employee responsible is no longer with the company. We have taken immediate action internally and are reviewing our processes to ensure our standards are upheld moving forward. Again, we appreciate you bringing this to our attention. If you’d like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Boykin, however, criticized the company’s alleged response, noting that a follow-up apology email she received was unsigned. “Smh what kind of apology is this with no name attached?” she wrote, according to People.

The incident has sparked strong reactions from social media users calling for accountability and greater transparency from brands regarding how they select creators for marketing campaigns. Following the backlash, the fashion retailer confirmed to People that it was “aware of the situation” and had terminated the employee responsible for sending the email. Cupshe also emphasized that the comments did not reflect the company’s values or the way it works with creators and partners.

“Our team was disturbed to learn that these interactions took place. The employee responsible was four days into her employment when this occurred, and was immediately terminated. The comments made do not in any way reflect Cupshe’s practices, or the way we engage with creators and partners both internally and externally. We deeply regret the harm and disappointment this incident has caused,” reads the statement.

“As a company works with a diverse cohort of creators, we are disheartened by this incident and how it has misrepresented us,” the representative continues. “We are conducting a thorough internal review and are committed to strengthening our hiring, training, and oversight processes to help ensure this does not happen again, and that every Cupshe team member aligns with our core values and priorities.”

Idris and Sabrina Elba speak at TIME's inaugural TIME100 Impact Dinner: Leaders Shaping the Future of Philanthropy in New York City on May 21, 2026 (Photo Credit: Black Enterprise/Selena Hill)

by Selena Hill

June 8, 2026

Idris And Sabrina Elba, Chance The Rapper, Stress The Need For Social Change At TIME100 Philanthropy Impact Dinner

Idris and Sabrina Elba, Chance the Rapper, and Tony and Dr. Awele Elumelu were among the global change makers honored at TIME's philanthropy celebration.

Actor and activist Idris Elba and his wife, entrepreneur and humanitarian Sabrina Dhowre Elba, were honored amongst some of the world’s most influential changemakers last month at TIME’s TIME100 Impact Dinner: Leaders Shaping the Future of Philanthropy, an event celebrating individuals using their platforms, wealth, and influence to drive social change around the world.

Held in New York City, the dinner brought together philanthropists, business leaders, entertainers, and advocates recognized on TIME’s 2026 TIME100 Philanthropy list. During the event, Sabrina Elba reflected on the significance of being recognized for the couple’s humanitarian work through their Elba Hope Foundation, which tackles issues like food insecurity, sustainability, and youth advocacy.

“It’s moments like this that helped me feel like the impact of the work that we do is being felt,” she said.

The Somali-Canadian model also talked about their goal to shift the world’s perception of Africa as a continent of strength and resilience.

“The way a people are seen determines where empathy is extended, and it determines where investment is directed, where opportunity is offered, and most importantly, whose full humanity is permitted to be recognized,” Sabrina said. “Africa has been rendered through such a narrow lens of deficit and defined by need rather than contribution and struggle rather than strength. And we are really here to champion the changing of that narrative,” she added, “talent, obviously, is universal, but opportunity isn’t.”

Among the honorees was Grammy Award-winning artist and activist Chance the Rapper, who created Social Works Chicago to support public education, youth development, and community investment in his hometown.

“I think that is the duty and the vow that we’re taking by celebrating ourselves tonight––is that we’re continuing to look out for the children, that we are building a world that’s safe for them,” he said.

Nigerian business leaders Tony Elumelu and Dr. Awele Elumelu were also recognized for their work through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has become one of Africa’s most influential philanthropic organizations. Since launching its entrepreneurship program, the foundation has empowered more than 27,000 entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries through training, mentorship, and seed funding. Tony, who has long championed entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic transformation, talked about the importance of philanthropy and economic empowerment.

“The world is in need more than ever before,” he said, urging leaders to invest in opportunities that create lasting change.

The leaders gathered at the event discussed a broader vision for modern philanthropy—one rooted not only in charitable giving but also in creating systems that expand opportunity and empower communities. For them, philanthropy is a tool to drive economic mobility, strengthen communities, and build a more equitable future for future generations.