South Carolina, school, Black Education — (Photos: GlobalStock/Getty Images)

by Sidnee Michelle

July 28, 2026

Georgia District’s 4-Day School Week Draws Interest From Educators Across The Southeast

The additional day away from the classroom provides benefits for students and teachers

A northwest Georgia school district’s four-day school week is drawing interest from educators across the Southeast after district leaders said the schedule has improved student outcomes, boosted staff morale, and reduced discipline issues, WRDW.com reports.

The Chattooga County School District began the 2026-27 school year on Friday, July 24, with students returning to a Tuesday-through-Friday schedule. The district first adopted the four-day instructional week in 2010 as a cost-saving measure and has largely maintained the model since then.

Superintendent Michelle Helie said the district has experienced stronger academic performance, improved employee morale, and fewer disciplinary incidents under the schedule. Although Chattooga County temporarily returned to a traditional five-day week for two years, district officials ultimately reinstated the four-day calendar after evaluating its results.

Helie said the additional day away from the classroom provides practical benefits for students and families, particularly those balancing medical appointments and work-based learning opportunities.

“For us, having that Monday allows our students time to go to doctors’ appointments,” Helie said to the outlet. “We have students who also work. That’s a part of our work-based learning program that’s at the high school, and it gives them an extra day to get that in.”

The schedule also lengthens each instructional day, giving teachers additional classroom time while providing a three-day weekend for rest and preparation, Helie said.

“You get to recover on the weekends. You get that three-day week, and then the teachers have extra instructional time during the school day because we have a longer day, and so it gives them more time per class period to do things in the classroom,” she said.

As interest in alternative school calendars grows, Chattooga County has become a resource for other districts evaluating similar models. Helie said five or six Georgia school districts have contacted the district during the past two years seeking data on the four-day schedule. School systems in Tennessee and Alabama have also requested information about the implementation and outcomes.

Under the current calendar, high school students attend classes from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, while elementary and middle school students attend from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The district meets state instructional time requirements through longer school days, making Chattooga County one of a growing number of districts being watched as educators consider alternatives to the traditional five-day school week.

Arizona State University influencer — AI-generated image via Magnific

by Selena Hill

July 28, 2026

Arizona State University Capitalizes On Content Creation With New Degree Program

The college launched a bachelor's degree program that teaches students how to become influencers

Becoming a content creator isn’t just a side hustle —it’s a business. That’s why Arizona State University is preparing its students to tap into the billion-dollar creator economy.

This fall, the university’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication will launch a Bachelor of Arts in Content Creation, a program designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing creator economy, which is projected to reach $480 billion by 2027, according to Goldman Sachs.

While some folks may frown on the idea of getting a degree to become an influencer, ASU says the curriculum is about much more than chasing viral moments. The program teaches students how to build sustainable brands through video and podcast production, audience analytics, digital storytelling and monetization strategies. Instead of simply learning how to rack up likes, students will graduate with measurable audience growth and a real digital portfolio after spending a semester building a following on the platform of their choice.

“I don’t know any content creator who wouldn’t benefit from having world-class faculty whose sole mission is to help you and support your growth as a creator,” Jessica Pucci, senior associate dean at the Cronkite School, told Arizona’s Family news station.

Students will also learn how to evaluate content performance across platforms and develop data-driven strategies to grow their brands—skills that increasingly overlap with marketing, advertising, and entrepreneurship. Anna Elizabeth, a part-time content creator and full-time medical assistant, said the degree could have shortened the learning curve.

“There’s editing, there’s marketing strategies of it. There’s like, ‘How do I get PR? How do I get brands to notice me?'” she told AZ Family. “It’s a little bit difficult to understand that portion if you haven’t done it for a long time.”

Black creators have long shaped internet culture, yet many still struggle to capture the wealth generated from their influence. A program that teaches intellectual property, brand partnerships, analytics, and monetization could help close that gap by turning cultural capital into generational wealth. As the creator economy continues to grow, the biggest flex may not be going viral—it’s knowing how to build a business that has staying power.

Hakeem Jeffries, Congressional Black Caucus, CBC, Nancy Mace — Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) conducts a news conference after the House Democrats caucus meeting in the Capitol on Wednesday. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

by Selena Hill

July 28, 2026

Republican Lawmaker’s Push To Eliminate the Congressional Black Caucus, Democrats Call It ‘Racist’

Rep. Nancy Mace called the CBC and other race-based caucuses “federally sanctioned segregation."

Rep. Nancy Mace has introduced a House resolution to eliminate congressional caucuses organized by race or ethnicity, placing the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) squarely in the middle of the latest political battle over diversity and representation in Washington.

Republican Lawmakers Turn Their Attention To Congressional Caucuses

The South Carolina Republican’s proposal would prohibit House caucuses formed around race, ethnicity, or national origin, effectively dismantling organizations including the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. The measure could also affect several Republican-affiliated staff organizations organized around similar identities. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Mace argued that “Race-based caucuses are not diversity. They are federally-sanctioned segregation.” She added, “You do not get to lecture America about inclusion while running an organization which checks your skin color at the door.”

Democratic Leaders Call Out Racism

The proposal was met with swift resistance from Democratic leadership and members of the CBC, who argue that the organizations serve as policy-driven coalitions advocating for historically underrepresented communities. In a joint statement, Democratic leaders said the caucuses “existed long before Nancy Mace arrived in Congress, and will remain long after she fades into irrelevancy,” reports Yahoo News.

“Nancy Mace rose to infamy for her cheap political stunts, and this is just the latest distraction from her failed primary and complete inability to deliver for her constituents,” wrote the coalition of Democrats, referring to Mace’s unsuccessful run for South Carolina governor.

“Members of Congress have every right to organize around shared policy priorities and the constituencies they serve. There are dozens of bipartisan congressional caucuses dedicated to ethnic communities, geographic regions, industries, veterans, faith traditions, and countless other interests,” the caucuses continued. “Singling out the Congressional Tri-Caucus—which represents nearly half of all Americans—is racist and a shameless attempt to silence the voices of minorities.”

The Congressional Black Caucus Has Put In Work For 55 Years

Founded in 1971, the CBC has historically championed legislation addressing voting rights, economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, healthcare disparities, education, and minority business development. The CBC has been one of Congress’s most influential voices on issues affecting Black entrepreneurs, from access to capital for minority-owned businesses to investments in underserved communities. Critics say any effort to weaken or eliminate the caucus raises broader questions about who advocates for policies designed to close racial wealth gaps and expand economic opportunity.

ON THIS DAY: The 14th Amendment Is Adopted Into The U.S. Constitution

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 28, 2026

ON THIS DAY: The 14th Amendment Is Adopted Into The U.S. Constitution

The landmark addition extended vital legal safeguards to newly freed individuals.

On July 28, 1868, the United States officially adopted the 14th Amendment. This landmark addition guaranteed citizenship, equal protection, and due process rights to anyone born or naturalized in the country, extending vital legal safeguards to newly freed individuals.

Beyond granting birthright citizenship, due process, and equal protection to formerly enslaved individuals:

It overturned Dred Scott, which had previously denied Black Americans citizenship.
It repealed the 3/5ths Clause of Article I, altering how congressional representation was calculated.
It disqualified former Confederate leaders who had broken oaths to the Union from holding public office.

Mental Health, corporate America — (Photo: Monstera Production/Pexels)

by Kenneth Meeks

July 28, 2026

Dr. Philippe Douyon Wants Men To Take Charge Of Their Mental Health And Career

Neurologist Dr. Philippe Douyon helps you protect your mental health at work so you perform under pressure.

African American men are under constant pressure to perform, especially in high-profile corporate environments. Dr. Philippe Douyon, neurologist and founder of the Inle BrainFit Institute, spoke on a panel at last year’s XCEL Summit for Men to help protect young African American professionals’ mental health. And BLACK ENTERPRISE believes Douyon’s message is of importance because protecting mental health is a critical necessity for achieving success in corporate America. As we approach the 10^thanniversary of the XCEL Summit for Men, BE wants to revisit proactive strategies and lifestyle choices you can use to build emotional resilience and protect your mental health. In the process, you’ll take charge of your career and unleash the genius inside you. Take a look.

Working From Home Boosts Productivity In Gen Z Employees

A new survey shows that most young employees are more productive when working from home.

As many companies continue pushing employees back into the office, a new study suggests Gen Z workers may have been right all along: home is where they do their best work.

What The Survey Says About The Numbers

According to a new survey commissioned by workplace design firm Diamond Interiors, 53% of Gen Z employees say they are more productive when working remotely than they are in a traditional office. The findings add fresh momentum to the debate over return-to-office mandates as employers across industries continue weighing flexibility against in-person collaboration, reports TechRadar.

Researchers found that younger workers credit their increased productivity to fewer distractions, better control over their environment, and greater comfort while working from home. Many young professionals also entered the workforce after spending their college years learning remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, making them less accustomed to noisy, open-office environments.

“The traditional office isn’t necessarily broken, but it hasn’t evolved at the pace people have,” Rebecca Waller, head of Design at Diamond Interiors, said in a statement. “Open-plan spaces can be fantastic for collaboration, but they often fall short when it comes to supporting focused, individual work. Today’s workforce, especially younger generations, expect environments that flex with the task at hand.”

Workspaces Haven’t Evolved With The Times

The report argues that employers face a choice: redesign office spaces to better accommodate focused work or recognize remote work as a legitimate long-term productivity strategy rather than a temporary solution birthed during the pandemic.

The findings arrive as workplace leaders remain divided over the future of hybrid work. While many executives argue that in-person work strengthens company culture, mentorship, and collaboration, employees—particularly younger professionals—continue to prioritize flexibility and work-life balance.

Still, remote work is not without its challenges. Researchers have noted that fully remote arrangements can reduce spontaneous collaboration and make it harder for younger employees to build workplace relationships and learn through informal interactions with colleagues.

Invest Atlanta, housing, elderly — https://nappy.co/photo/oXC1l00om7w9vuyQKsoK7

by Sidnee Michelle

July 27, 2026

Lyn Siawe Launches ‘Your Work Buddy,’ A Monetizing Platform For Freelancers

Siawe said the idea for Your Work Buddy emerged while she worked as a technology consultant at Accenture.

After nearly two decades in finance and technology, entrepreneur Lyn Siawe is helping tech professionals transform their expertise into income through her latest startup, Your Work Buddy, a talent marketplace that connects freelancers with businesses seeking specialized skills, Afrotech reports.

A Nigerian native, Siawe moved to the United States at age 16 after completing high school. She studied economics and finance at the University of Houston before earning her degree from Southern New Hampshire University, launching a career that ultimately inspired her move into entrepreneurship.

Before founding Your Work Buddy, Siawe launched Ziva’s World, an educational children’s platform focused on social issues. Over the past 11 years, the brand expanded into children’s books and fragrance products and secured a partnership with Walmart, according to the outlet.

Siawe said the idea for Your Work Buddy emerged while she worked as a technology consultant at Accenture, where she struggled to find resources after volunteering to create a custom report.

“I remember I had a situation where I had to create a custom report,” Siawe said. “No one asked me, so I volunteered to do it because what I realized is that in the tech world, you have to reinvent yourself to be an asset, to be valuable.”

That experience exposed what she saw as a gap in professional support, leading her to build a platform that matches businesses with freelancers and professionals in software engineering, coding, design, marketing, sales, and writing.

“The primary goal is to turn tech expertise into ownership,” Siawe told the publication. “Your knowledge will become your portfolio … and your knowledge will become your assets.”

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Freelancers create verified profiles by submitting identification and employment history, while clients pay for services at the time of booking. The platform maintains payment records and identity verification to help resolve disputes, trace transactions, and process refunds when necessary.

Your Work Buddy offers free and paid membership options. The free plan includes five client conversations and biweekly payouts. A $19.99 monthly subscription provides unlimited client outreach, on-demand withdrawals, and the ability to sell digital products such as templates, guides, toolkits, and courses.

“You know your worth. You know how many years you’ve put into building all of these special skills and expertise,” Siawe said. “As long as you understand that your knowledge becomes your asset, you own your space.”

The company is bootstrapped and is pursuing investment and grant funding. Your Work Buddy is available through a mobile web app and on iOS and Android devices.

savers credit, retirement — SDI Productions/Getty Images

by Sidnee Michelle

July 27, 2026

These States May Help Retirees Keep Most Of Their Retirement Income

The analysis found that state tax policies can significantly affect how much money is kept in retirement.

Americans looking to reduce their tax bills in retirement may find relief in a growing number of states that exempt retirement income or do not levy a broad-based state income tax, according to Investopedia.

The analysis found that state tax policies can significantly affect how much retirees keep from pensions, Social Security benefits, and retirement account withdrawals. While federal taxes still apply in many cases, state rules vary widely, making location an important financial consideration for retirees.

According to the outlet, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina provide broad tax exemptions on retirement income. Depending on the state’s tax code, those exemptions may apply to Social Security benefits, pensions, military retirement pay, or distributions from retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts. Eligibility and exemption amounts differ by state.

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The report also identified nine states that do not impose a broad-based state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Because those states do not tax wage income, most retirement income is also exempt from state income tax. Washington is an exception in that it levies a tax on certain high-value capital gains but does not tax wages or most retirement income.

Beyond those state-specific policies, Investopedia reported that 41 states do not tax Social Security benefits, 37 states exempt most military retirement pay, and 16 states offer at least partial tax exemptions for pension income. Those policies can produce meaningful differences in annual tax liability depending on how retirees receive their income.

The analysis noted that retirement taxes represent only one component of the overall cost of retirement. Property taxes, sales taxes, housing costs, healthcare expenses, and estate or inheritance tax laws differ by state and may influence where retirees choose to live. As states continue to take different approaches to taxing retirement income, those policies remain a key factor for Americans evaluating where to spend their retirement years.

Idris Elba, investing, Huel — (Photo: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

by Sidnee Michelle

July 27, 2026

Idris Elba Invests $1M To Equip 100K African Creators With AI

Elba said the partnership is designed to close the gap between talent and opportunity across Africa's creative industries.

Actor Idris Elba is investing nearly $1 million to expand access to artificial intelligence tools for nearly 100,000 creators across five African countries, along with Google; a move aimed at helping artists, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs overcome financial barriers to content production, Bloomberg reports.

The initiative will provide Google’s Gemini AI assistant and other AI-powered tools to creators in Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and Sierra Leone. The program is intended to help emerging creatives produce digital content and scale their work without the large budgets typically required for film, media, and other creative projects.

“We think about all those creatives who don’t have access to these enormous studio budgets,” James Manyika, Google’s senior vice president for research and technology, told the outlet. “AI is potentially a tool that can enable them to do work that they couldn’t otherwise do because they don’t have huge budgets.”

Elba said the partnership is designed to close the gap between talent and opportunity across Africa’s creative industries.

“The barrier is not a lack of vision — it’s a lack of access. Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not.”

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The technology initiative complements several creative infrastructure projects Elba is leading across the continent. In 2024, he announced plans to develop a film studio in Zanzibar, Tanzania, which Zanzibar Investment Minister Shariff Ali Sharif said could rival Hollywood, Nollywood, and Bollywood.

At the time of the announcement, a spokesperson for Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan told the BBC the project could create economic opportunities not only for Tanzania but also for countries across Eastern and Central Africa if completed successfully.

According to Bloomberg, Elba is also developing a creative village in Ghana to support local filmmakers, artists, and storytellers while increasing the production of culturally authentic content for global streaming platforms.

“Being from the creative sector and working across Africa, I see the real bottlenecks that can be alleviated with technical and financial solutions. The creative economy is often overlooked, but it can be a major economic driver,” Elba told OkayAfrica.

Elba described his long-term strategy as “multilayered,” saying it extends beyond building studios and educational programs.

“I’ve been working on this jigsaw for years. It isn’t just building studios or creating education programs. It’s about creating an environment that allows creativity to happen. So I’m interested in how we can change that.”

Marsai Martin — Photo credit: (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz)

by Sidnee Michelle

July 27, 2026

Marsai Martin’s Foundation Reaches 10K Students, Launches Financial Fellowship

Marsai Martin is expanding her efforts to help young people build long-term financial security.

Actor, producer, and entrepreneur Marsai Martin is expanding her efforts to help young people build long-term financial security, as her nonprofit reaches a major milestone and launches a new scholarship initiative for college students, Afrotech reports.

Marsai’s Way Foundation empowers the youth

Martin’s Marsai’s Way Foundation has served more than 10,000 students through programs focused on education, mentorship, scholarships, and leadership development, according to the organization’s website. The nonprofit also announced the launch of the FICO Financial Empowerment Fellowship, a new program that will award ten college students $1,500 scholarships while equipping them with financial literacy and leadership skills.

The fellowship builds on a three-year partnership between Martin and Seeds of Fortune Inc., announced earlier in 2026, to provide financial education, wealth-building strategies, and career development resources to 10,000 young women.

Founded in honor of Martin’s late cousin, Marsai Chari Murray, the Marsai’s Way Foundation seeks to expand educational opportunities for underserved youth while encouraging the next generation of leaders. Martin, who was named after her cousin, said the organization reflects a legacy of creating opportunities for others.

“If a way was made for me, then I have a responsibility to make one for someone else,” Martin wrote in an Instagram post announcing the foundation’s milestone.

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The foundation’s work centers on four key pillars: scholarships, health and wellness, leadership development, and financial literacy. Its programs are supported by 36 partners worldwide.

The foundation has expanded programming

The foundation’s newest initiative, the FICO Financial Empowerment Fellowship, is designed to help students better understand personal finance, credit, and wealth-building. Financial literacy has become an increasing priority for organizations seeking to equip young adults with the tools needed to make informed financial decisions and build long-term economic stability.

Ten fellows will receive $1,500 scholarships, financial education from FICO, and leadership training through Seeds of Fortune Inc. Participants also will help classmates and community members access financial education resources that promote healthier financial habits.

“We spend so much time preparing for our careers, but understanding your finances is just as important,” Martin wrote in a separate Instagram post.

“Learning how credit works, making smart financial decisions, and building wealth for your future — those are life skills that create opportunities.”

Selected fellows will also attend the Marsai Martin Resolution Brunch, where they will connect with Martin, fellow participants, and other community leaders.

Applications are open to students enrolled in two- or four-year colleges and universities, as well as accredited trade and vocational programs in the United States. The deadline to apply is Sept. 21.