by Kandiss Edwards

May 14, 2025

Georgia Rep. Inga Willis On A Mission To Raise Awareness On Toxic Braiding Hair

A Georgia represent wants to pick up where the FDA left off in regard to harmful hair sold to consumers.

Georgia State Rep. Inga Willis is calling for a resolution to study the health impacts of synthetic hair products, following a Channel 2 Action News investigation highlighting the presence of cancer-causing chemicals in certain synthetic braiding hair brands.

Rep. Willis’s resolution seeks to hold manufacturers accountable and ensure that consumers are informed about the potential risks associated with these products. The study aims to pave the way for safer alternatives and more transparent labeling practices.

Willis intends to bring together experts, including chemists, toxicologists, physicians, and survivors, to examine the issue thoroughly. Willis believes that increased awareness can lead to legislative changes and better consumer protection.

The investigation revealed that all 10 tested synthetic hair brands contain harmful chemicals, with three brands specifically found to have benzene, a chemical linked to leukemia. This discovery has raised significant concerns, especially within communities of color where such hair products are widely used.

Rep. Willis emphasized the importance of this study, stating, “What products are we using that are knowingly or unintentionally causing harm to our community?”

In response to the findings, some companies have defended their products. For instance, Magic Fingers and Sensationnel questioned the testing methods used in the study, asserting that their products are safe when used as intended.

“We strongly disagree with the claims Consumer Reports makes about the potential risk to consumers that could arise from the safe and common use of our products. We unequivocally stand by the safety of Sensationnel products, and our company urges consumers to continue to confidently use Sensationnel products,” the company told Channel 2.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to scrutinize the safety of beauty products, particularly those marketed to Black consumers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also proposed banning certain chemicals found in hair straightening products due to cancer risks. The government has repeatedly missed its self-imposed deadline for implementing the ban. Hopefully, Willis’s inquiry will draw newfound attention to the hazards associated with Black beauty.

Jack and Jill, Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King Day

by Kandiss Edwards

May 14, 2025

Dr. King’s Family Home Will Get A Facelift From The National Park Service

The home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and wife Coretta Scott King will soon be rehabbed and available to the public.

The National Park Service (NPS) is calling for the public to weigh in on plans for the historic King Family Home in Atlanta’s Vine City neighborhood, Atlanta News First reported.

To engage the community, the NPS scheduled two public meetings: a virtual meeting on May 13 at 2 p.m., and an in-person meeting on May 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Westside Future Fund, located at 970 Jefferson Street NW.

Since acquiring the property in 2018, the National Park Service has worked to stabilize the aging structure to preserve its historical integrity. Centering visitors, the plan is to rehabilitate the property. Providing safe and accessible means to experience the King Family Home through guided tours, while maintaining the site’s structural and historical integrity. The NPS is also taking into consideration the location of the home, parking issues, and accessibility when discussing opening the space to the public.

The property was purchased by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King in 1964 and served as their family home and a hub for civil rights activities until Dr. King’s assassination in 1968. Coretta Scott King continued to reside there, furthering her husband’s legacy and establishing the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center, now known as the King Center.

John Ahmann, a nearby resident, spoke about the importance of the site, “What’s so amazing is the inspiration that Dr. King and all those associated continue to give, and by bringing this home online for people to see it, you bring that story even more to life.”

The public comment period for the project is open until May 30, 2025. Interested individuals can review the proposed plans and submit comments through the NPS Planning, Environment & Public Comment website.

This initiative represents a significant step in preserving a vital piece of American history, ensuring that future generations can learn from and be inspired by the life and work of Dr. King and his family.

Jenifer Lewis, Actress, St. Louis Walk Of Fame, Washington University, WashU, commencement,Simone Biies

by Keka Araújo

May 14, 2025

St. Louis Legend Jenifer Lewis Awarded Honorary Doctorate, Tells WashU Graduates To Prioritize Mental Health

A two-time author and passionate community activist, Lewis returned to her hometown and received her honorary doctorate from WashU during the university’s commencement ceremony.

Actress, activist, and author Jenifer Lewis, celebrated as a St. Louis legend by way of Kinloch, delivered a heartfelt and humorous address to the Brown School Class of 2025 at Washington University in St. Louis on Saturday.

She urged graduates to prioritize their mental health, lead with love, and avoid getting “stuck in traffic.”

On May 12, the university awarded her an honorary doctorate. The actress was bestowed the honor of Doctor of Fine Arts.

Lewis, known as “The Mother of Black Hollywood” for her decades of work from “Black-ish” to Broadway, spoke at the Washington University Brown School’s Recognition Ceremony on the Danforth Campus.

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She has long used her platform to champion mental health awareness, inclusion, and belonging, urging others to live boldly and unapologetically as their true selves. Lewis shared her personal journey with mental health, revealing her 1991 “nervous breakdown” during the AIDS epidemic. “That very day, I got up off the floor and somehow, I found the courage to dig down deep into my soul to say three of the most powerful words on planet Earth: ‘I need help,” Lewis told the crowd.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1992, Lewis recounted her initial reluctance toward therapy, using a traffic metaphor to illustrate her avoidance of difficult topics. Recalling her first session, Lewis joked, “I repeatedly told my therapist I was late for the appointment because of traffic, until finally shouting, ‘Because I don’t want to talk about my childhood.’

From then on, I think she scheduled her personal therapy sessions right after mine” (Washington University in St. Louis, 2025). She advised the graduates, “Do everything in your power not to get stuck in traffic — be it a plane, train, Uber, or scooter,” encouraging self-reflection. “Ask yourself: Who is stuck? Who wants a fast fix? Who is hoping for a shortcut to greatness?” Lewis also spoke of a harrowing fall in Tanzania in 2022 that resulted in a fractured hip socket, requiring extensive surgery and recovery. “Lying in bed forced me to become an observer of life, a human being as opposed to a human doing,” she reflected.

A two-time author and passionate community activist, Lewis returned to her hometown and received her honorary doctorate from WashU during the university’s commencement ceremony.

She concluded her speech with a message of resilience and purpose. “Self-care is always first, so that your mind, body, and spirit will be aligned to walk through come what may,” Lewis stated. “All things occur for the purpose of enlightenment. No matter where you go, lead with love and let your light shine — and last but certainly not least, please leave an hour early and don’t get stuck in traffic.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 14, 2025

‘Radical Reparations’ Author Heads To D.C. To Reintroduce Reparations Now Resolution

Democratic leaders and activists are taking to Washington, D.C., to push for reparations legislation.

Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter, the distinguished Professor of Sociology behind the book Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation, is in Washington, D.C., to advance his ongoing push for reparations.

Hunter will be joined by Sen. Cory Booker and other legislators in an advocacy call for reparations and a reintroduction of the Reparations Now resolution. The week-long push for reparations includes a congressional briefing on advancing reparative justice on May 13 and a May 15 press conference with Rep. Summer Lee at the House Triangle to reintroduce the Reparations Now resolution, and the National Reparations Rally with the National Reparations Network, timed to coincide with Malcolm X’s 100th birthday.

“As we grapple with the traumas of our history, we must give the proper attention to the possibility of reparations in order to truly heal,” Hunter said in a press release. “I will never stop working to bring reparations into the national conversation of justice and healing.”

Joining Booker and Lee in the push for reparations includes Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Rep. Hank Johnson. The Democratic leaders are showing their commitment to the fight following their reintroduction of reparations legislation in February.

Presented during Black History Month, Pressley co-led the reintroduction of H.R. 40—the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, alongside Sen. Booker. Pressley stressed the bill’s importance, saying, “Reparations are a necessary step in achieving justice.”

“We are in a moment of anti-Blackness on steroids, and we refuse to be silent,” Pressley said. “We will not back down in our pursuit of racial justice.”

As the Trump Administration carries out its unprecedented onslaught of anti-Black policies, I’m joining colleagues in introducing #HR40Reparations.

An essential step toward repairing the harm of slavery and its aftermath.

Tune in:https://t.co/oitgIA6GJt
— Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) February 12, 2025

The bill aims to create a federal commission to examine the enduring effects of slavery and its aftermath, with the goal of developing actionable reparation proposals for African American descendants of enslaved people. It also underscores that reparations can take many forms—often financial, but also other measures designed to address and repair the lasting harm of slavery and systemic racism.

Lee’s reintroduction of the Reparations Now resolution builds on the groundwork laid by former Rep. Cori Bush, who introduced it in 2023.

“We as a nation have not yet truly acknowledged and grappled with the ways slavery, racism, and white supremacy continue to disadvantage African Americans,” Booker said in January. “Commissioning a study to better understand where our country has fallen short will help lawmakers better address the racial disparities and inequalities that persist today as a result of generational injustices.”

lawsuit, Floyd Mayweather, Boxer, unpaid wages

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 14, 2025

Floyd Mayweather Responds To Reports Concerning Financial Issues

'Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but if that's what you call having two private jets, owning 100 buildings, and being able to do what you want, then I’m pretty sure everybody is going bankrupt'

After recent reports of retired boxer Floyd Mayweather having financial issues and doubts about a real estate deal he claims he invested $402 million in, he commented on the whispers about him at a recent real estate forum in New York City.

According to The Real Deal, Mayweather shared his views on recent news as he appeared at The Real Deal’s New York City Forum. In typical Mayweather fashion, he responded while onstage when his financial status was questioned.

“Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but if that’s what you call having two private jets, owning 100 buildings, and being able to do what you want, then I’m pretty sure everybody is going bankrupt,” he stated.

The speculation about Mayweather’s real estate dealings was published in a report by Business Insider. In March, the media outlet discovered that the sale that Mayweather mentioned on his social media account may not have taken place. The Real Deal previously reported that the retiree had invested $402 million into a 1,000-unit affordable housing portfolio with more than 60 buildings in Manhattan. The deal was reportedly made with Josh Gotlib of Black Spruce Management. The media outlet stated that the multifamily deal for properties is concentrated in Upper Manhattan and would be one of the city’s biggest deals this year.

Yet, Business Insider stated that based on property records in New York City, there was no evidence or paperwork of a sale of that magnitude after the boxer’s announcement. They reported that a spokesperson from the NYC Housing Partnership stated that it had not been alerted of a pending sale.

Based on the more detailed article from the media outlet, Mayweather filed a lawsuit against Business Insider. He told the forum audience it was his first time suing a media company.

“This is my first time ever filing a lawsuit against a media company for speaking [badly] about my company,” Mayweather said. “I work hard to build my name, to build my reputation, and I’m not gonna let anyone go out there and smear my name.”

Las Vegas Aces, wnba, A'ja Wilson, sneakers

by Stacy Jackson

May 14, 2025

WNBA Players Association Negotiating New Collective Bargaining Agreement Terms

WNBA Players' Association president Nneka Ogwumike hopes negotiations are finalized by 2026

The WNBA and its players association, the WNBPA, have begun negotiations on its latest collective bargaining agreement.

On the agenda: the salary cap, roster sizes, eligibility, and season duration.

According to ESPN, the new agreement follows the WNBPA’s decision last October to terminate the current CBA two years early, at the conclusion of this season.

“This league is transforming,” said WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike. “As a players association, we want to evolve with it and have that be reflected in how players are taken care of and how our protections are not getting lapped by the evolution of this league.”

Due to improved WNBA revenue streams, players will seek to achieve increased salaries and a share in the gains of owners as the league progresses. Noting the current $249,244 supermax, a source said player salaries could possibly reach $1 million, with a salary cap ranging from $4 million to $5 million per team.

“When we talk about salary and compensation, it’s not just about the number,” Ogwumike said. “It’s about revenue share and the salary structure. I think it’s taken people a long time to understand that’s how we’ve been thinking about it.”

In the new agreement, players also hope charter travel will be negotiated. Last May, the WNBA announced a two-year, $50 million commitment to provide full-time charter service throughout the regular season. The initiative prioritized player safety with the rise in popularity of WNBA athletes.

For league owners, other topics are at the forefront of the agreement. That reportedly includes maintaining yearly draft terms regarding the hard salary cap and core-player designation in order for teams to have an equal opportunity to secure and keep players.

Owners may also seek more prioritization from players in their commitments to their WNBA teams over international committments.

“The prioritization rule has been a flashpoint for players, who historically could make more money playing internationally than in the WNBA,” ESPN’s Kevin Pelton wrote. “The arrival of Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited as opportunities to play professionally in the United States during the WNBA’s offseason has changed the conversation to a degree, but prioritization remains a key issue for international players in particular,”

Ogwumike said the league witnessed a record number of international players drafted in the first round last month. Additionally, team owners may be willing to negotiate on how teams handle both short- and long-term player injuries.

Other matters that have come up in conversation include increasing WNBA roster sizes from the 12-player max, extending the schedule to 44 games, and updating draft eligibility rules.

“With the benefit of hindsight, when you read the earlier CBAs, one of the takeaways is that the players were forced to feel grateful just to have a league,” said WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson. “I believe we moved past that mindset in 2020.”

The WNBPA anticipates negotiations will be finalized in time to begin the 2026 season.

by Ahsan Washington

May 13, 2025

Celebrating Stevie Wonder’s 75th Birthday With 13 Of His Greatest Hits

Happy birthday to a real one

On May 13, 1950, a star was born in Saginaw, Michigan, and it was none other than Stevland Hardaway Judkins, famously known as Stevie Wonder. Stevie is a musical genius who has wowed millions of people with his incredibly beautiful catalogue of songs. BLACK ENTERPRISE cherry-picked 13 of Stevie’s must-hear tracks to celebrate the sound of a true master of his own and the Motown sound. Stevie Wonder is a legend.

Happy birthday to a real one.

Knocks Me Off My Feet

“Knocks Me Off My Feet” dropped in 1976 on Stevie’s legendary album, Songs in the Key of Life. It’s a jazzy love song that perfectly nails that head-over-heels feeling for someone.

Golden Lady

“Golden Lady” hit the scene in 1973 on Stevie’s Innervisions album. This song is a smooth romantic number that flies under the radar. It’s one of Stevie’s most slept-on love tracks.

If You Really Love Me

“If You Really Love Me” came out in 1971 on Stevie’s album, Where I’m Coming From. It defines a pivotal moment in his career where Stevie’s sound gets funkier. The song hits different when you realize it’s him finding his voice.

Part-Time Lover

So “Part-Time Lover” came out in 1985 on Stevie’s In Square Circle album. It’s a perfect mix of classic Motown vibes with a glossy ’80s synth-pop production. “Part-Time Lover” has a tune that lives in your head for days.

Lately

“Lately” dropped in 1980 as part of Stevie Wonder’s Hotter Than July album. It’s such a raw, gut-wrenching ballad about watching someone you love slowly drift away. Stevie really pours out his heart and vocals on this one. It’s so visceral that you can feel every ounce of pain in his voice.

For Once in My Life

“For Once in My Life” dropped back in 1968 on the album with the same title. It’s a heartfelt love anthem where someone finally finds their person. It’s performed with raw emotion and soul and could easily give listeners goosebumps.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” dropped back in 1970 on Stevie’s album “Signed, Sealed & Delivered.” This track is worth adding to your playlist. It’s energetic and catchy. Stevie co-produced the song.

Master Blaster (Jammin)

“Master Blaster (Jammin’)” debuted in 1980 on Stevie Wonder’s album “Hotter Than July. It’s a feel-good tribute to Bob Marley with that unmistakable Stevie Wonder groove woven throughout.

Superstition

Stevie dropped “Superstition” back in 1972 on Talking Book. Stevie doesn’t hold back and offers funk and soul effortlessly.

Isn’t She Lovely

“Isn’t She Lovely” dropped in 1976 as part of Stevie Wonder’s masterpiece album Songs in the Key of Life. The song is dedicated to his daughter Aisha and is laced with Stevie’s soulful signature harmonica playing. Stevie balances technical brilliance with raw emotional honesty. It is definitely one of those timeless gems.

Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing

“Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” dropped back in 1973 on the Innervisions album. It has a Latin jazz vibe that makes you want to move, plus those playful lyrics that will put a smile on your face. The whole song is basically a musical hug. It’s like a little pocket of sunshine from the 70s that never gets old.

You Haven’t Done Nothin’

Oh man, “You Haven’t Done Nothin'” hit the scene back in 1974. It was tucked into Stevie Wonder’s absolutely brilliant album Fulfillingness First Finale. Why should you give it a spin? Well, it’s this deliciously funky political statement that Stevie aimed straight at Nixon’s administration during the whole Watergate mess. The cherry on top? He got the Jackson 5 to lend their harmonies on the backup vocals. It’s vintage 70s protest music with a groove that still feels relevant today.

Happy Birthday

Stevie dropped “Happy Birthday” back in 1981 on his Hotter Than July album. He wrote it to push for MLK’s birthday to become a national holiday. Stevie is clever in how he mixed the vibe with social activism, carrying a serious message about equality. MLK Day finally became official in ’83.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 13, 2025

Home Depot Quietly Removes DEI Policy From Website

The Home Depot is the latest mega retailer to roll back DEI efforts in accordance with Trump's executive order.

The Home Depot is joining mega-retailers like Walmart and Target in rolling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies on its website in accordance with President Donald Trump’s executive order.

The large home improvement retailer quietly replaced its DEI webpage with one that now reads “WeAreTHD,” The Street reports. The change focuses on Home Depot’s “competitive wages and benefits” for employees rather than the “inclusive” work environment it previously boasted.

“Our culture and our associates provide intangible and hard-to-replicate competitive advantages, which have been key to helping us navigate challenging market conditions,” the new page reads. “This includes investing in competitive wages and benefits while also providing the culture, tools, training, and development opportunities that make working at The Home Depot an enjoyable and rewarding experience.”

“These actions are the foundation of our core values of taking care of our people, entrepreneurial spirit, building strong relationships, and respect for all people,” the page continues.

As recently as March 2024, the same webpage was found under the Responsibility tab of the company’s website and highlighted the retailer’s commitment to workplace inclusivity as a key reason to work there.

“We strive to ensure that our company culture maintains a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment so that we can attract and retain the best employees, amplify their unique experiences and ideas, and strengthen the communities where we operate,” the old DEI page read.

Now, the page is only accessible through the Wayback Machine archive. It was reportedly taken down around March 28, after originally going live on July 22, 2022.

The change follows President Trump’s executive order at the start of his return to office, which calls for businesses to eliminate DEI programs. Since issuing the order, major retailers like Walmart and Target have also taken down similar initiatives from their websites, facing backlash and boycotts.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 13, 2025

Alicia Keys And Stepson Nasir Dean Share Their ‘Personal Connection’ In New Self-Care Campaign

Alicia Keys gets soulfully candid with her stepson, Nasir Dean.

Alicia Keys joined her stepson, Nasir Dean, for a heartfelt conversation about their personal “connection” and life perspectives as part of The Skin Deep x Keys Soulcare campaign.

The Grammy winner’s Soulcare joined forces with The Skin Deep for the YouTube channel’s first digital series collaboration with a beauty brand, People reports. The three-part campaign features healing conversations between loved ones. Keys and Nasir wrap the series in the final episode with a candid deep dive into their family connection and soulful approach to life in honor of Mother’s Day.

The conversation starts light, with Nasir getting Keys to laugh when asked to do a playful impression of her. But the chat quickly turned reflective when Nasir asked the “Fallin'” singer, “What experience best illustrates our connection, and why?”

“Reading together,” Keys says after some thought.

Nasir agrees and notes the mention is a “good one.”

The discussion only got deeper as Keys returned reflective questions to her stepson that revealed her deep love for family and the importance she places on being surrounded by love.

“How do you know I’m truly taking care of my soul?” Keys asks Nasir.

“When we’re all together,” he tells her.

After taking part in the deep dive, Keys praised the experience for helping people tap into their truest selves and deepen their connection with a loved one.

“I was blown away by what took place in this space,” she said. “These questions opened up a whole new vibration between us. Reminded me of what is possible when you are fully in the moment and hearing each other. We had so much fun.”

Nasir added, “This took my love of Umi to a whole new level.”

The conversation highlighted the beautiful, blended family dynamic between Keys and her husband, Swizz Beatz, who share two sons—Egypt Daoud and Genesis Ali—alongside Beatz’s three children from previous relationships: Prince Nasir, Kasseem Jr., and Nicole. Other episodes in the digital series see motivational podcaster Justin Frett and lifestyle blogger Darren Graham explore the depths of their friendship in episode one, and creator Kiana Leroux and her 5-year-old daughter Soleil enjoy a playful chat about their mommy-daughter bond in episode two.

TED Talks, Brooklyn, comedy show, Black-Owned Comedy Venue, black music

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 13, 2025

‘Masters Of The Mic’ Brings Legendary Rappers To Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati In August

If you're a fan of 1980s and early 1990s hip-hop, get to The Queen City this summer

Cincinnati will host a bevy of legendary hip-hop artists when the “Masters of the Mic” hits The Queen City this summer.

According to Local 12, Warren G, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, Talib Kweli, and Arrested Development will play the Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati Friday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster through the “Master of the Mic” website.

Warren G, who is known for being one of the first producers to bring what became known as the G-Funk sound, was introduced to the hip-hop world through his 1994 hit song, “Regulate” (featuring Nate Dogg). He linked Snoop Dogg with Dr. Dre, helping form one of hip-hop’s best-known acts.

Slick Rick, originally from England, sharpened his lyrical skills in the Bronx while part of Doug E. Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew. With his imagination and creative lyrics, he became one of hip-hop’s greatest storytellers, an an influence to many emcees who came after him.

Big Daddy Kane, arguably one of the first sex symbols of hip-hop, was also a master of lyricism. He birthed other Brooklyn rappers, like The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z, in making the borough popular for having skilled wordsmiths who knew how to “put words together like a letterman.”

Talib Kweli started as a backpack rapper who became known for his conscious lyrics and activism after starting his rap career with Cincinnati producer and DJ, Hi-Tek before connecting with fellow Brooklyn lyricist, Mos Def (now known as Yasiin Bey), to form Black Star.

Atlanta’s Arrested Development assembled a cast of musicians who penned socially driven lyrics and infused their songs with actvism. Its debut 1992 album, 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of…, was a critical and commercial success.