by Sharelle B. McNair

May 13, 2025

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Fires Judge Who Fights Back Against Trump

Leadership from the EEOC also alerted her that she may be fired due to accusations of “profoundly unprofessional” conduct.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is under fire for terminating an administrative judge in New York who allegedly resisted directives from the Trump administration, including an executive order from President Donald Trump to label male and female as two “immutable” sexes, Associated Press reports.

EEOC Administrative Judge Karen Ortiz was placed on administrative leave after spearheading an email to the agency’s new Trump-appointed lead, Acting Chair Andrea Lucas, and over 1,000 colleagues, criticizing Trump’s executive order in February 2025. Leadership from the EEOC also alerted her that she may be fired due to accusations of “profoundly unprofessional” conduct. “Of particular concern, your February email was ultimately circulated to multiple press outlets, potentially resulting in significant reputational harm to the agency,” the notice read.

In Ortiz’s email to Lucas, the judge said, “You are not fit to be our chair, much less hold a license to practice law.” “I will not compromise my ethics and my duty to uphold the law,” read the leaked letter on Reddit. Despite receiving praise on the platform, the agency, conditioned to protect workers’ civil rights, revoked the judge’s email privileges for close to seven days and issued a written reprimand for “discourteous conduct.”

According to The New York Times, Ortiz didn’t stop there and sent more emails to Lucas, calling on her to resign and accusing her of misconduct. One accusation included Ortiz asking the leader what she was permitting herself to be involved in. She then linked the email to a video of the Tears for Fears song “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” The move led Ortiz’s supervisor, New York District Office Acting District Director Arlean Nieto, to accuse her of “conduct unbecoming of a federal employee” and failing to follow the agency’s email policy.

Ortiz’s actions were cited in a White House proposal on April 18 to make it easier to fire federal workers. The EEOC judge was listed as an example of bureaucrats who “use the protections the system gives them to oppose presidential policies and impose their own preferences.” However, Ortiz says she isn’t bothered by being called out, claiming Trump “just gave me an even bigger platform.” She has plans to fight back, but has no regrets about what was said. “These are quite literally trumped-up charges,” she said.

“I stand behind my actions, which support the rule of law and the trans community.” Since Trump took office in January 2025, the EEOC has gone through major changes, including eliminating three Democratic commissioners who stood in his way of dismantling diversity and inclusion programs, ending protections for transgender and nonbinary workers, and other campaign priorities. After one of the fired commissioners, Jocelyn Samuels, filed a lawsuit arguing her termination was a violation of the Civil Rights Act, the president has since named an assistant U.S. attorney in Florida, Brittany Panuccio, to fill one of the vacancies — if confirmed by the Senate.

With Panuccio potentially in place, the EEOC would establish another Republican majority 2-1, leaving room for Trump to make more major policy changes.

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 13, 2025

Air Traffic Controller Shortage Creates Job Opportunities for Recent College Grads

The United States aviation industry is in the worst air traffic controller shortage in almost 30 years

The United States aviation industry is in the middle of the worst air traffic controller shortage in almost 30 years. Incidents, including the January American Airlines flight that crashed mid-air in Washington, D.C., have become al too common.

The industry has come up with a plan, CNN reports, that involves targeting recent college grads.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has partnered with five schools on the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative Program, targeting recent college graduates in an effort to fill vacancies in air traffic control towers.

The program is available at the University of North Dakota, the University of Oklahoma, the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in upstate New York, Florida’s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Tulsa Community College in Oklahoma.

The program’s website labels it as a non-funded partnership between the FAA and selected colleges, offering two- and four-year non-engineering aviation degree programs. Students learn basic air traffic control and aviation administration skills with the goal of “providing qualified candidates for developmental air traffic control specialist positions.”

Graduates are eligible to bypass the first five weeks of the FAA Academy’s initial qualification training in Oklahoma City.

The downside is that participants enter a tumultuous industry that features dated and failing air traffic control technology. The Department of Transportation announced in mid-May that a new system will be in use by 2028.

The announcement comes as Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey has faced an increase in air traffic control issues. Some air traffic controllers thre have told travelers to avoid the airport if they can. On May 11, the FAA issued a 45-minute ground stop following an equipment outage. The incident occurred just 48 hours after controllers’ radar suffered a 90-second blackout on May 9.

Two Tulsa Community College students, Tiana Murphy and Rebecca Nobles, are set to graduate from the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative Program on Monday, CNN reports.

“Academically, I was never a naturally strong student, but coming to (Tulsa Community College) and fully immersing myself in air traffic control has ignited a real passion in me,” Murphy told CNN.

Terry Daniel, the air traffic control program coordinator at Tulsa Community College, said graduates “go in and there’s an experienced controller that is plugged in next to them, and they will not be on their own for one year to 18 months.”

Issues like what occurred in Newark has Nobles excited. She said entering the workforce is giving her the encouragement “to get out there and help.”

by Stacy Jackson

May 13, 2025

Houston’s Kindred Stories Bookstore Begins Next Chapter At New Location

Join Kindred Stories as the bookstore hosts its soft opening at the new location in Eldorado Ballroom from May 10-16.

Community bookstore Kindred Stories is saying farewell to its spot in Houston’s Third Ward and entering a new chapter in a bigger space inside the Eldorado Ballroom.

The move is just across the street for the independent bookstore, which opened its doors in the Third Ward three and a half years ago to provide a space for the community to explore Black authors. “We immediately realized we needed something bigger,” Kindred Stories stated in an April 4 announcement on Instagram. “Being open 6 days a week and hosting hundreds of events, we are so proud of the ways we maximized our small space and beautiful Reading Garden, but alas, it’s time to move on, and we couldn’t be more ready.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kindred Stories (@kindredstorieshtx)

As Kindred Stories picks up and leaves its location at 2304 Stuart Street, the community is in for a treat at the new site designed in collaboration with interior design studio Gin Design Group to provide a joy-filled space for visitors. Ahead of its May 17 grand re-opening, the bookstore is giving the community a sneak peek of the new space during a soft opening from May 10-16. Over the last few months, the Kindred Stories team has been working hard creating a space that its incredible Houston community deserves. “We are grateful to the folk who got us here and the folk who will continue to sustain us,” Kindred Stories stated. As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Kindred Stories owner Terri Hamm launched the bookstore in September 2021, and the location has always been a significant factor in the bookstore’s success. In 2024, store manager Chaneka Williams said location was important, thinking about what type of audience the bookstore would draw.

Since its launch during the global pandemic, Kindred Stories has offered the community a space to explore poetry, essays, and literature on cooking, arts and culture, history, horror, wellness, and more. “Kindred Stories is a community space and bookstore that doesn’t just highlight Black literature but celebrates our stories in all their diverse and genre-spanning glory,” the website stated. “Every book on the shelves is written by a Black author or other marginalized voice, and every display can spotlight a unique aspect of Black storytelling and craft.”

As the bookstore gets settled in, the team encourages the community to lend its support by attending an event, signing up for the newsletter, or purchasing books in bulk through its website or Book Shop.

Visit Kindred Stories at its new location at 2310 Elgin Street, Unit 2, Houston, Texas, 77004. The bookstore will resume its full schedule next month.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 13, 2025

Usher Shares New Insight On His Childhood In Commencement Speech at Emory University

Usher shared a deeply personal story from his childhood to inspire the graduates.

Please address Usher as Dr. Usher Raymond IV. The R&B legend received an honorary doctorate while giving a keynote speech during Emory University’s commencement.

After receiving his Doctor of Humane Letters, Usher shared a powerful story from his childhood to inspire the graduates. He accepted the honor on behalf of all who faced doubt when pursuing their dreams.

“I’m not just accepting this honor for myself. I’m accepting it for every kid who’s ever been told, ‘Your dream was too big; your neighborhood was overlooked, or your voice was too quiet.’ For me, this moment is far more than a ceremonial moment filled with accolades and celebration for things that we all have done. It’s personally deep for me,” he began, as reported by Vibe.

The new degree holder revealed that he was placed in remedial classes upon moving from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Atlanta. Usher called the placement a “judgment on my ability” that could have stifled his ambitions. However, he took it as a challenge to prove naysayers wrong about his future.

“Though I was misunderstood and passed on, that was the point of investment that I had to make in order to find my purpose,” he shared in the nearly 20-minute speech. “Because of that passion, I felt it would lead me in the right direction, and it has.”

He believes the traditional school system could not “handle” a kid like little Usher. With his knack for entertaining, the “Good Good” singer decided to showcase and hone that skill.

“Before I could sing, before I could dance, before I was a doctor,” he joked, “I had passion.”

However, Emory’s recognition of his achievement in the arts marks a “full circle” moment. The honor proved to Usher that he would always be alright in the end.

“To go from that moment to standing here and being honored by one of the most prestigious institutions, Emory [University], is truly full circle and proof that the journey is the destination.”

The R&B superstar is continuing his Past Present Future tour while honoring the journey that got him there.

Queens tour Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Stephanie Mills

by Ida Harris

May 13, 2025

Gladys Knight, Stephanie Mills, Patti LaBelle, And Chaka Khan Bring 6 Decades Of Soul To ‘Queens Tour’

These four icons have shaped the sound of Black music

The Queens Tour: 4 Legends is off and running on the West Coast, giving eager audiences thee best of R&B Royalty—that is—Gladys Knight, Stephanie Mills, Patti Labelle, and Chaka Khan. To make it plain, the Black Promoters Collective has curated a historical moment in time that, quite frankly, many will never witness again. Four divas gracing a stage in what may very well be the final time they shine collectively. These four icons have shaped the sound of Black music and set the bar way high with their respective talents and consummate professionalism across six decades. On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum Arena, Ms. Gladys, Stephanie, Patti, and Chaka reminded boomers, Gen Xers, millennials, and Gen Zers, who TF they are—without explanation or introduction. The musical instruments embedded in their throats and diaphragms spoke for themself. They are baddies.

Gladys Knight opened the show with “Taste of Bitter Love,” a 1980s hit performed with her soulful background singers, The Pips. Knight, who turns 81 on May 28, wears red well and still commands an audience with her deep, raspy, soulful voice. Knight is literally the contralto that keeps on giving, knocking out her set with much ease, floating through her classics: “Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “Love Overboard,” and “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” before handing the stage over to Stephanie Mills.

The theater-trained singer and actress recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the original Broadway play The Wiz. Mills still performs with the same vigor and enthusiasm as she did when she was a 16-year-old cast as Dorothy in 1975. There’s something about Stephanie and how the Grammy Award-winning songstress makes her fans “Feel Good All Over.” The 68-year-old is a top-tier soprano with a discography to back it up. And Stephanie’s range and showmanship are undefeated. Mills sang Los Angeles concertgoers full circle from the late 1970s with “What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin’” through the 1980s with “Never Knew Love Like This Before,” and 1990s “I Learned To Respect The Power of Love,” and back. Stephanie is gospel. The “Two Hearts” singer gave disco, rhythm & blues, soul, and body rolls—then closed out her set with a gritty offering of “Home.”

Patti Labelle has not slowed her roll since she sang “Lady Marmalade,” as one-third of Labelle, a group of soul sisters out of Philadelphia and Trenton, New Jersey. Patti embodies icon status and bodied a slew of classic hits in dramatic soprano as only Ms. Labelle can. Audience members sang crowd favorites, “If Only You Knew,” and “Love, Need, And Want You,” and “Somebody Loves You” along with Patti. And just when folks thought her set was done, Labelle re-emerged with a viral moment. Patti, 81, is known for her glam, elaborate hairstyles and fancy fanwork, jumped into the trending “Boots on the Ground” line dance song popularized by South Carolina native 803 Fresh. Patti led the arena in a spectacular call and response, asking, “Where them fans at?”

On the heels of Patti’s stellar performance, Chaka Khan showed up in full Chaka regalia, the Black boho style that has been quite fitting on Chaka for over five decades—and the mezzo-soprano roar to match. It doesn’t hurt that Trina Broussard is one of three fabulous performers holding her down on background vocals as she breezes through notable hits such as “My Funny Valentine,” “Sweet Thing,” and “I’m Every Woman.” Concertgoers lost their sh*t, though, when Chaka revealed that Stevie Wonder was in the crowd and had written, “Tell Me Something Good.” The Queen called Stevie on stage to share their story and longtime friendship and to perform the chart-topper.

One thing’s for certain, and two things for sure: The Queens have aged beautifully and gracefully, but their vocal range and abilities have remained unchanged. The 2025 Queens Tour runs through Oct. 5. Check the Black Promoters website for major cities and tickets.

RoDina Williams, Illinoisan, Doctorate In Clinical Laboratory Science

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 13, 2025

From Grandma To Graduate: 82-Year-Old Earns Master’s From Samford University, Proving Resilience No Matter One’s Age

Cunningham went back for her second degree after getting her bachelor's at 78-years-old.

Most grandmothers attend graduations to watch their loved ones cross the stage. However, this 82-year-old decided to embark on her own academic pursuits.

Vivian Cunningham first obtained her bachelor’s degree from Samford University at the inspiring age of 78. However, she decided to take things up a notch, going for her master’s just a few years later. She finally finished her second degree, walking at her graduation on May 3.

“I felt like I was just as young as the other students,” she joked in the school’s news release.

With her studies completed from Samford’s Cumberland School of Law, the great-grandmother and lifelong scholar has received praise for her remarkable efforts. Since making headlines for her bachelor’s, Cunningham has also earned a fan club inspired by her determination.

“I’m so glad I made an impact on somebody’s life,” she said. “This must have been my destiny to inspire people.”

Cunningham has gone further than inspiring multigenerational students, establishing a leadership scholarship in her name. Her relationship with her alma mater also led to Samford covering her tuition and fees if she pursued her Master’s. For the avid learner, the choice was easy.

“I just wanted to keep learning. I’m not one who wants to just stay at home,” she said. “Samford has been good to me.”

Cunningham says two things kept her going to pursue her goals: God and Curtis Mayfield. The latter helped with his hit 1964 song “Keep On Pushing,” released when Cunningham was around 21.

“I played that song all the time, because I knew that I was going to keep pushing,” she said. “If a class ever had me frustrated, I’d listen to Curtis Mayfield. Just keep on pushing, Viv. Just keep on pushing.”

She added, “God has gotten me through this journey. I prayed a lot of nights: ‘Lord, let me please write this paper.’ For something like this, you really must have faith for all these years.”

With her latest degree, Cunningham has learned legal principles and writing standards. The 82-year-old graduate celebrated her commencement with multiple family members in attendance, including her daughter, son, and 100-year-old mother.

“Four years ago, I was incredibly excited when my mother earned her bachelor’s degree,” said her daughter, Tarra Barnes. “But watching her determination and hard work—and seeing her push through the late nights to reach this next level—has deepened my pride in a profound way. It’s truly inspiring to see someone you love accomplish such a challenging and meaningful goal. Graduation weekend was one I’ll always treasure.”

Grand Rapids, Settlement, Girl, 11, Handcuffed, police

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 13, 2025

Rodney O Sues Kendrick Lamar, Future, Metro Boomin For Sampling ‘Everlasting Bass’ For Collaborative Song, ‘Like That’

He claims he's received no payments after clearing the sample

West Coast rapper Rodney O has filed a lawsuit against fellow recording artists Kendrick Lamar, Future, and Metro Boomin over unpaid royalties from “Like That,” the song that elevated the rift between Lamar and Drake.

According to TMZ, although Metro Boomin sampled Rodney O & Joe Cooley’s 1986 song, Everlasting Bass, for the song that featured Lamar dissing Drake and J. Cole, he has not been paid anything from the producer using his record as the underlying track to the song.

Speaking to the media outlet, Rodney stated that he does not have beef with the three artists but insists that Epic Records and Barry White’s estate are the reasons he has not seen any payouts. Everlasting Bass lifted White’s 1973 song “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby” for the song they recorded almost 40 years ago.

Coincidentally, in October 2024, the Estate of Barry White sued Rodney for copyright infringement for not receiving its permission to sample White’s work for what he created in 1986. The estate admitted to waiting almost 40 years to file the lawsuit because the sampled work was “released prior to the internet and was not widely distributed,” which leaves the estate “unaware of the song when it was first released.”

During Rodney’s conversation with TMZ, he stated he did not even know Lamar was supposed to be on the track because what he was sent did not have his vocals on the song. He said Epic sent it to him just before it was released, and only Future’s vocals appeared on the track.

“I didn’t even know Kendrick was on it until a day before when somebody called and said, ‘I heard Kendrick is on that record,’” he said. “And I said, ‘No, I have the record. He’s not on there, and the song was like two minutes.”

However, the media outlet spoke to a representative of Metro and was told that not only did they get clearance from Rodney, but he was paid $50,000 for the sample. The rep stated that the recording artist’s beef is with White’s estate, and they may be holding up his royalty payments.

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 13, 2025

Baby Boomers Lean On Housing Market For Survival As The Cost Of Assisted Living Exceeds Expectations

Forty-four percent of home-equity loans are being taken out by seniors which Whitney calls “counterintuitive.”

Fortune reports that a housing crisis may be brewing as baby boomers hoard their homes and refuse to move into financially out-of-reach assisted living facilities.

Financial analyst Meredith Whitney said the baby boomer generation is keeping their hard-earned homes because moving into assisted living spaces is just as costly. During an interview, Whitney highlighted that some older Americans are strapped for cash and borrowing against their homes. Forty-four percent of home-equity loans are being taken out by seniors, which she calls “counterintuitive.” “It’s crazy, right?” she questioned.

Whitney’s viewpoints vastly differ from the standard narrative that most baby boomers are financially secure and sitting on wads of cash. It may be true for some, as seniors account for 42% of all homebuyers compared to millennials, who account for 29%. “I divide it into different cohorts,” Whitney said.

“So the senior, which everyone thinks ‘the boomers have all this money’—that’s a small portion. Seniors are living paycheck to paycheck.”

The generation collectively has $75 trillion of wealth. However, Whitney, also known as the “Oracle of Wall Street,” who predicted the Great Financial Crisis, estimated that only 1 in 10 seniors can afford assisted-living facilities, forcing many to stay in their homes with super-high mortgage rates.

As a result, the rates have created a “lock-in” effect, described as when homeowners who got into the market at low rates are hesitant to buy new homes given today’s increased borrowing costs. “This is one of the problems with the housing inventory,” Whitney said during the Bloomberg TV interview. “They’re staying in their houses longer because they can’t afford to move out.”

The burden isn’t just on boomers. Their millennial and Gen X children are stuck with unaffordable long-term care for their aging parents. As the elders no longer have the means for long-term care, according to Yahoo News, the next generations typically leave their jobs or work less to provide care. Social Security experts call it a “sacrifice” that can potentially hurt them financially currently and in the future. “The bigger issue is you can create almost a cycle of poverty,” said Professor of Gerontology at the University of Massachusetts Boston, Marc Cohen.

“It’s not something that just sticks with one generation. The costs are borne communally.”

A 2023 Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies report confirmed that privately provided long-term care, like assisted living communities and home healthcare, is out of reach for the average middle-class citizen. Less than 15% of Americans 75 and older living alone in major US cities could afford to pay for assisted living or home health aide visits without dipping into their savings. There may not be much assistance from the federal government, as the Trump administration focuses on Medicare, the government’s health insurance program for older people.

Medicare also doesn’t cover most long-term healthcare.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 13, 2025

Simone Biles Sticks Commencement Speech As Keynote Speaker At Washington University In St. Louis

Biles talked about not giving into pressures of perfection.

Simone Biles has stuck the landing with her latest challenge, a commencement speech at Washington University in St. Louis.

The legendary gymnast withstood a rainy day to address the graduates at WashU, giving a 12-minute speech to encourage them as they celebrate this milestone. However, she first acknowledged her anxiety about performing in a new capacity at the May 12 event.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SIMONE BILES (@simonebiles)

“You might think I’m used to the spotlight, but I would probably feel more comfortable if they had allowed me to vault onto the stage or do a little floor routine,” joked the newly-crowned Dr. Biles, according to NBC Sports. “But really, today is your day. While I may be considered an elite athlete, I know that you are elite students.”

Receiving her Doctorate in Humane Letters, the seven-time Olympic Gold medalist talked about her dreams outside floor routines. She initially wanted to study pediatric medicine, particularly at UCLA, but her prowess in gymnastics led her to another career instead.

“I always dreamed of going to college, not just to be part of a collegiate gymnastics team, but to study medicine, to become a children’s nurse or a pediatrician, and to enjoy all the fun of a college campus,” said Biles. “But for me, that dream bumped up against others, and ultimately I chose a different path. But I do think my path and yours have a lot in common, although mine probably included a few more sequins and leotards.”

Biles’ decision to pursue professional gymnastics resulted in sports glory. She most recently competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning three gold medals at the games, which she earned from her team final and all-around.

However, Biles remains a staunch advocate for the mental health of athletes. She champions this effort by taking breaks when needed for her well-being, with many calling it a “bold” move. She encouraged her fellow graduates of WashU to stay bold and not succumb to others’ expectations of perfection.“

“The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be bold,” she expressed to the crowd. “It needs you to care and to keep going even when things don’t go as planned.”

Biles can add another accolade to her incredibly stacked resume: keynote speaker.

by Mitti Hicks

May 13, 2025

FEMA Cuts Emergency Training Ahead of Hurricane Season

Forecasters predict an intense hurricane season in 2025 with eerie similarities to the destructive 2024 season

With hurricane season less than two weeks away, U.S. federal disaster agency FEMA has cut its training for state and local emergency managers.

Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that reducing or cutting training could leave storm-prone communities less prepared to deal with hurricanes’ aftermath.

Forecasters predict an intense hurricane season in 2025 and say forecasts already indicate eerie similarities to the destructive 2024 season. One key indicator for this year’s forecast is the warm waters in the Gulf and Caribbean, which fuel storm development.

Shore Daily News reports that AccuWeather predicts 13 to 18 named storms in 2025, including seven to 10 hurricanes, three to five major hurricanes, and three to six direct impacts on the United States.

Another alarming prediction from AccuWeather is that the season is expected to start fast. Forecasters predict the season, which begins June 1, will then have a lull followed by a pick-up from September through November, like last year’s pattern.

‘Don’t Get In My Way’ FEMA Acting Director Warns

FEMA’s decision to cut training couldn’t come at a worse time.

The 2024 season was one of the costliest on record. AccuWeather estimates that storms in 2024 caused approximately $500 billion in total damages and economic losses.

President Donald Trump recently fired FEMA’s acting chief, Cameron Hamilton, a day after Hamilton told lawmakers the agency should be preserved. His sentiments come amid unprecedented layoffs across federal agencies as the administration prioritizes reducing the federal workforce.

Hamilton’s successor, David Richardson, reportedly told FEMA employees that he would “run right over” any staff opposed to his implementation of Trump’s vision for a smaller agency. On a call, the Associated Press reports, he warned the 20% of staffers he estimates could resist change.

“Don’t get in my way if you’re those 20% of the people,” Richardson said, according to the AP. “I know all the tricks. I am as bent on achieving the president’s intent as I was on making sure that I did my duty when I took my Marines to Iraq.”