by Mary Spiller

April 11, 2026

Eric Adams Granted Albanian Citizenship As Former NYC Mayor Eyes Life Abroad

New York’s ex-mayor’s international ties deepen following honorary citizenship amid post-elected office travels and past controversies.

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been granted Albanian citizenship, marking a significant step toward his stated desire to step away from public office and potentially live overseas.

The announcement came April 10, with Albanian President Bajram Begaj approving the honorary status at Adams’ request. A spokesperson for the former mayor confirmed the development, noting his longstanding relationship with Albanian communities.

“The decision by the Republic of Albania to grant Mayor Adams citizenship reflects that enduring relationship and mutual respect,” spokesperson Todd Shapiro told The Associated Press, adding that it “further strengthens the bond between New York and Albania.”

Adams has often portrayed himself as a globally minded leader, having made multiple international trips during and after his time in office. He previously visited Albania, describing the purpose of one trip as an effort “to say hello to a friend and learn from a friend and build a relationship with a friendship that will not allow our oceans or seas to divide us.”

While it remains unclear how Adams plans to utilize his new citizenship, he has openly discussed his ambition to relocate abroad once his political career concludes. In 2018, he remarked, “When I retire from government, I’m going to live in Baku,” referencing the capital of Azerbaijan. He later suggested an interest in settling in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Adams’ international travel has also drawn scrutiny in the past. During his tenure as mayor, trips to Turkey became part of a federal investigation that alleged he accepted improper travel benefits from foreign nationals. Adams denied any wrongdoing, and the Justice Department eventually dismissed the case under President Donald Trump.

Following the end of his reelection campaign, Adams traveled to Albania again, where he met with Prime Minister Edi Rama, cabinet officials, and business leaders. Portions of that visit were reportedly funded by the Albanian government.

Since leaving office, Adams has maintained a global presence, with reported visits to Dubai and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has also indicated plans to pursue business opportunities abroad, including a potential trip to Senegal.

In addition to his travels, Adams recently ventured into cryptocurrency, launching a digital coin aimed at combating “antisemitism” and “anti-Americanism,” though it quickly lost significant value.

As Adams explores life beyond City Hall, his new citizenship underscores a broader pivot toward international engagement and a possible future outside the United States.

by Black Enterprise

April 11, 2026

Black Maternal Health Week Marks 10 Years: 8 Black-Led Events Nationwide

Black Maternal Health Week, from April 11 to 15, is more than a health campaign; it is a radical reclamation of the birthing experience.

Black Maternal Health Week, from April 11 to 15, is more than a health campaign; it is a radical reclamation of the birthing experience. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026 under the theme “Rooted in Justice & Joy,” the movement shifts the focus from “at-risk” statistics to systemic accountability. Led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the initiative argues that the maternal health crisis results from medical negligence and structural racism rather than Black biology.

This milestone year emphasizes that awareness is meaningless without action. Organizers say true equity requires a shift from hospital-centric models to Black-led grassroots care—such as doulas and midwives—and the legislative muscle of the Momnibus Act. The solutions already exist within Black communities; the healthcare system simply needs to listen, fund them, and step aside.

Check out this year’s programs that include community-based grassroots activities:

The South (Georgia & Florida)

2026 Black Maternal Health Walk & Community Fair Location: Candler Park, Atlanta, GA
Date/Time: April 11 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Host: Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA)
Details: A community event featuring a guided walk, yoga, and access to culturally appropriate maternal health resources.
ATL Black Maternal Health Week Block Party Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, Atlanta, GA
Date/Time: April 11 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Host: 4Kira4Moms
Details: A family-oriented outreach event with free health screenings, “dad games,” and food trucks focused on preventing maternal mortality.
MOMMA Fest & Race for Black Mommas Location: Tampa, FL
Date/Time: April 11–12
Host: University of South Florida (USF) Health
Details: A two-day event combining physical activity and advocacy to highlight regional maternal health disparities.

The West (California)

5th Annual Community Baby Shower & Resource Fair Location: 12021 Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Date/Time: April 11 (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-community-baby-shower-resource-fair-tickets-1984935554677)
Host: Black Infants and Families Los Angeles
Details: Practical support and somatic grounding sessions for Black families during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Black Mamas Birthing Tour Location: Los Angeles, CA
Date/Time: April 12| 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Host: Black Women for Wellness, check https://www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org/black_mamas_birthing_tour
Details: An educational tour designed to inform families about birthing options and culturally appropriate care access.

The Southwest (Texas)

Black Mamas ATX Summit Launch Location: Austin, TX
Date/Time: April 11
Host: Black Mamas ATX & Austin Public Health
Details: A leadership summit focused on reforming local health systems and achieving fair healthcare access across Texas.

The Midwest (Missouri & Illinois)

3rd Annual Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Conference Location: SIUE Health Sciences Building, St. Louis Metro Area
Date/Time: April 11| 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Details: A professional and community conference discussing birth equity and culturally competent care solutions.

The Northeast (New York)

Walking for Our Mothers Location: Drummer’s Grove (Prospect Park), Brooklyn, NY
Date/Time: April 11| 11:00 AM
Details: A community solidarity walk honoring Black mothers and demanding improved maternal health outcomes.

AI, artificial intelligence, trends, A.I., journey, technology, DryMerge, AI, job interview

by Kandiss Edwards

April 11, 2026

Employees Are Leaning On AI To Handle Light Weight Tasks

By automating routine inquiries or scheduling, companies can maintain output with smaller teams.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally altering menial tasks in the American workplace.

Analysis conducted by Ipsos and Epoch AI suggests the technology is more likely to transform job descriptions than to eliminate entire professions. The comprehensive study examines the integration of automated systems into the labor market. It indicates that while AI can perform specific duties, it often lacks the complex reasoning and social intelligence required for complete roles. Researchers found that approximately 25% of work tasks across various industries could eventually be handled by automated tools. However, this does not translate to a 25% reduction in the workforce. Instead, the data suggests a shift in which employees will use AI to handle repetitive or data-intensive tasks, allowing them to focus on high-level decision-making.

The impact of this technology varies significantly by sector. White-collar professions, particularly those involving administrative support, legal research, and financial analysis, face the highest exposure to automation. In these fields, AI can draft documents, review contracts, and process large datasets faster than humans. Conversely, manual labor and service-oriented roles—such as construction, healthcare, and maintenance—remain largely shielded from current AI capabilities due to the physical dexterity and real-world navigation these jobs require.

Economists note that the current technological transition mirrors previous industrial shifts. While certain tasks become obsolete, new roles emerge to manage, refine, and oversee the automated systems. The demand for “AI literacy” is rising, as companies seek workers who can effectively prompt and verify the output of generative tools. This evolution suggests that the future of employment will depend on a worker’s ability to collaborate with digital systems rather than compete against them.

While AI boosts productivity for corporations, it could lead to wage stagnation for entry-level positions where tasks are easily automated. To mitigate these risks, educational institutions are being urged to update curricula to emphasize uniquely human skills, such as critical thinking, ethics, and interpersonal communication.

Businesses are investing heavily in AI to combat labor shortages and rising operational costs. By automating routine inquiries or scheduling, companies can maintain output with smaller teams. Yet, the human element remains vital for maintaining quality control and fostering client relationships.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 11, 2026

BET’s President Louis Carr Cites God As The Reason Behind Budding Career While Taking Network To New Heights

Carr took over for former BET leader Scott Mills after serving for roughly 40 years at the popular network, with a majority of his tenure leading as president of media sales.

With only 90 days under his tenure, new President of Black Entertainment Television (BET) Louis Carr spoke with Forbes senior writer Jabari Young on The Enterprise Zone at Nasdaq MarketSite about the future of the network’s programming under Paramount Skydance, the challenges of operating during a period of shifting, and giving God all the credit for his 30-year career.

Young started the conversation by highlighting the drama in the world, ranging from an unstable economy to a budding war. But when asked about how he stays motivated, Carr said “God’s been better than good.” He continued to provide an executive summary of his role in his new position, which he assumed in December 2025. “I educate people on Black culture, Black lifestyle, and the influence it has on the broader community,” he said.

“I think that when you think about some of the misinformation and sort of the deception you see in our communities, it’s because people are not informed. They don’t understand. They’re getting wrong information and they’re only getting half of the information.”

Carr took over for former BET leader Scott Mills after serving for roughly 40 years at the popular network, with a majority of his tenure as president of media sales. In that role, he generated over $10 billion in advertising revenue. When asked about his feelings when offered the job, Carr said it came as a complete surprise. “I didn’t see it coming,” he said.

“What I saw was: I’ve had an amazing career. It’s time to go do something else.”

That something else is leading to a range of new opportunities at BET, including the revival of popular award shows, stand-up comedy, and more. That’s Carr’s way of making sure the uninformed stay informed. “One of the things is we’ve decided the lanes we’re going to play in. Those lanes are community, culture, and connection. I think brands that serve Black consumers have to be engaged in the community. They expect that, they expect to be seen, they expect to be heard, they expect to be respected, and they expect to be understood,” the Chicago native said.

“And we do that 24 hours a day. And you know our brand was created and led by Black culture, and that’s what we do probably better than anybody else.”

During the conversation, he credited mentors such as BET Founder Robert Johnson and BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s Founder Earl Graves Sr. for helping shape his approach to leadership throughout his career, labeling the history makers as “waymakers.” He was pushed into sales by a close friend, which led him to work for Johnson Publishing Company and then BE prior to being recruited to BET.

And he stayed.

Young touched on the importance of longevity in one’s career, as it speaks volumes about how Carr got where he is. Carr said the secret to being successful in one place is “reinvention and change.” “Being able to adapt to change, being able to reinvent yourself, being able to understand what’s next, whether that’s in technology, in process, or in systems,” he admitted.

“And I think because our community continues to evolve, our consumers continue to have impact, it wasn’t really difficult. That’s what kept me there for almost 40 years.”

SHAVONE., MLS, San Diego FC, Playmakers Music Collective

by Janee Bolden

April 11, 2026

SHAVONE. Teams Up With MLS And San Diego FC For Historic Women’s Anthem ‘SDFSHE’

SHAVONE., born Shavone Charles, is using the moment to do something intentional.

There’s a new play happening among music, sports, and SHAVONE. is right in the middle of it.

Major League Soccer and San Diego FC have tapped the artist, executive, and cultural strategist to write and executive-produce “SDFSHE,” a women’s anthem that is also the first original song ever commissioned through MLS’s Playmakers initiative and the official launch of the Playmakers Music Collective.

The track drops April 10 on streaming platforms, but it won’t just live online. It’s set to debut live in front of more than 30,000 fans at San Diego FC’s April 11 match, bringing the music straight onto the field.

The official music video for “SDFSHE” was shot and directed by San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium, the team’s home in San Diego, California. Starring SHAVONE. and featured artists, the video was produced entirely by the club and brings the song to life on the grounds where San Diego FC is making history in Major League Soccer.

MLS has been steadily pushing deeper into culture, and this move feels like part of a larger play, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. Music is becoming a bigger part of how leagues show up, not just as entertainment but as a way to connect with fans beyond the game.

SHAVONE., born Shavone Charles, is using the moment to do something intentional.

“‘SDFSHE’ is about building real opportunities for artists in San Diego, especially women,” she said. “This project is about creating access, amplifying local voices, and showing what’s possible when leagues invest in the creative communities that shape their cities.”

The song features rising San Diego artists Santa Mykah, Ms. Connie, and Isaura, grounding the project in the city’s actual creative scene.

And this isn’t a one-off.

The Playmakers Music Collective is designed as an ongoing platform, not just a campaign. SHAVONE. will serve as a founding artist-in-residence, helping to shape what comes next alongside her creative platform, Future of Creatives, and a team of collaborators.

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A post shared by SHAVONE. ® (@shavonec)

They plan to roll out more original music throughout the season, building toward a larger project in summer 2026.

San Diego FC has already been positioning to differentiate itself from other clubs, with an ownership group that includes Issa Rae and Tems. This latest move leans even further into that identity, blending sports, music, and culture in a way that feels very intentional.

For SHAVONE., it’s also about shifting how these partnerships work.

“Through Future of Creatives and our collaboration with MLS and San Diego FC, we are soundtracking the season and evolving music’s role in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports,” she said.

Founded by Tony Martinez and San Diego FC, the Playmakers Collective is designed to identify and elevate platforms for musicians and artists through original music projects, collaborative productions, and community-rooted programming.

“The Playmakers initiative has always been about creating real pathways for the creative community in San Diego. Launching the Music Collective and releasing ‘SDFSHE’ is a natural extension of that,” Martinez said via statement. “It’s about giving artists a platform to be seen, heard, and supported at a level that reflects the culture they represent. This is what it looks like when a club invests in its city beyond the game.”

At a time when leagues are trying to figure out how to stay culturally relevant, this feels like a glimpse at what the future might look like.

“SDFSHE” marks SHAVONE.’s second major sports-anchored release. Her debut single and Spotify campaign celebrating WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes’ 50th anniversary went viral with support from the WNBA, Nike, and Spotify, and “SDFSHE” continues that momentum, now bringing her home to San Diego and into Major League Soccer.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rainbow coalition, Black men xcel

by Kandiss Edwards

April 10, 2026

Yusef Jackson, Son Of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Will Lead Rainbow Push Into The Future

The decision to elevate Yusef was made by the coalition’s board to ensure organizational continuity.

The Rainbow PUSH Coalition has selected Yusef Jackson as its next leader following the death of the organization’s founder and global civil rights icon, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

The appointment of Yusef Jackson follows a brief period of leadership uncertainty after the resignation of Rev. Frederick Haynes III. Haynes had initially been chosen to succeed the elder Jackson. According to Politico, the decision to elevate Yusef was made by the coalition’s board to ensure organizational continuity and to preserve the founder’s lifelong mission of economic and social justice.

In an X post, Rainbow PUSH Coalition announced Yusef’s appointment. The organization expressed its enthusiastic support in the current times, “demand more,” and Yusef is presumably the right choice to push for more.

“With the appointment of Yusef D. Jackson as President and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, we are reminded that this is not just a leadership transition—it’s a call to action. We are living in a moment that demands more: more courage, more unity, more commitment to justice. The fight for civil rights and economic equity is not behind us—it’s right now,” the post read.

With the appointment of Yusef D. Jackson as President and CEO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, we are reminded that this is not just a leadership transition—it’s a call to action.

We are living in a moment that demands more: more courage, more unity, more commitment to justice.… pic.twitter.com/pOi0NqaVUp
— RainbowPUSHCoalition (@RPCoalition) April 9, 2026

Rev. Jackson, a two-time presidential candidate and protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., died on Feb. 17 at the age of 84. His passing in Chicago came after several years of significant health challenges, including a long battle with a neurological disorder.

The Rev. Jackson’s death has prompted a national reflection on a career that spanned more than six decades. From his early work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to his historic Rainbow Coalition presidential runs in the 1980s, Jackson was instrumental in expanding the Democratic Party’s base. Additionally, his work led to the registration of millions of new voters. In his later years, despite the physical toll of progressive supranuclear palsy, he remained a presence at major civil rights demonstrations and political conventions.

WNBA, 2024 Season, Basketball, DICK BARNETT, BIG3

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 10, 2026

WNBA Welcomes Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia As Newest Expansion Teams

The new season starts on Friday, May 8

As the WNBA embarks on its 30th season, the league and the NBA Board of Governors have formally approved three expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia.

The league, which had previously approved the expansion last July, made it official on April 9. The new franchises are joining other teams that will start playing this year, the Portland Fire & Toronto Tempo, after the league welcomed the Golden State Valkyries in 2025. Cleveland will begin playing in 2028, then Detroit in 2029, with Philadelphia starting in 2030.

The news comes ahead of this year’s WNBA Draft, taking place Monday, April 13, at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City.

The Dallas Wings will be selecting first as they hold the top pick, followed by the Minnesota Lynx at No. 2 and the Seattle Storm at No. 3. The Washington Mystics will pick with the No. 4 selection, and the Chicago Sky follows them with the fifth. The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, as the expansion teams, will select sixth and seventh.

The list of players invited to this year’s draft is: Lauren Betts (UCLA), Azzi Fudd (Connecticut), Awa Fam Thiam (Spain National Team), Olivia Miles (TCU), Nell Angloma (France), Angela Dugalić (UCLA), Gabriela Jaquez (UCLA), Flau’jae Johnson (LSU), Raven Johnson (South Carolina), Gianna Kneepkens (UCLA), Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina), Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss), Madina Okot (South Carolina/Kenya), Kiki Rice (UCLA), and Marta Suárez (TCU/Spain).

The new season starts on Friday, May 8. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is excited about the upcoming season.

“Season 30 arrives at the perfect transformational moment in our league’s history–– marking both a defining milestone and the beginning of a new era for the WNBA. The unprecedented growth and momentum we’re experiencing today is the result of three decades of commitment-–from players, teams, fans, partners, and investors. As we step into this next dynamic era together, Season 30 is tracking to be our most memorable yet–– celebrating both how far we’ve come while highlighting the limitless opportunities ahead as we continue to elevate women’s basketball to new heights.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 10, 2026

Livingstone College Signs Imani Thomas To Volleyball Squad

She is the daughter of former NBA player Etan Thomas

Livingstone College has announced that it has signed Imani Thomas, the daughter of former NBA player Etan Thomas, to play for the school’s volleyball team.

According to HBCU Gameday, the Bowie, Maryland, native, who attended Bishop McNamara High School, was introduced via the school’s social media account.

“Signed ✍️

Welcome to Blue Bear Nation, Imani! 🩵
We are excited to welcome her from Bowie, Maryland. Imani finished her high school career at Bishop McNamara High School, where she was a varsity standout. We are adding a dynamic incoming freshman to our roster!”

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A post shared by Livingstone College Volleyball (@livingstonevball)

She is reportedly heading to the HBCU after battling an injury (shin splits) during the 2025 travel season, according to her father. It was discovered that the injury had developed into a stress fracture. But the family decided that healing the shin was the priority for long-term success, leading to the Livingstone signing. Etan said his daughter was devastated that she missed key events, including college camps, but was rehabbing the injury so she could return to the sport.

Imani’s father, who was born in Harlem, played in the NBA after being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2000 NBA Draft as the 12th overall pick (although he never played with the team before being traded). He played his collegiate career at Syracuse University (1996-2000) after playing at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He also played for the Washington Wizards (2001-2009), the Oklahoma Thunder (2009-2010), and the Atlanta Hawks (2010-2011). He had stats averaging 5.7 points on 51.3% field goal percentage, grabbing 4.7 rebounds, while dishing out .4 assists over the course of his NBA career. He played the center position. He is currently a podcaster, where he can be heard discussing basketball (The Rematch), and writes a weekly column for BasketballNews.com.

by Selena Hill

April 10, 2026

Will Packer Urges People to See “You, Me & Tuscany” In Theaters

The success of his new film could determine the fate of other Black rom-coms in Hollywood

Hollywood producer Will Packer is bringing Black-led rom-coms back to theaters.

His latest film, “You, Me & Tuscany,” hit theaters on April 10, starring actress and Grammy-nominated singer Halle Bailey and Rege-Jean Page, the British actor best known for starring in the Netflix hit Bridgerton. In the movie, Bailey plays an adventurous 20-something-year-old New Yorker who takes a spontaneous trip to Tuscany, Italy, and gets trapped in a never-ending web of lies. While there, she falls for an attractive, charismatic, hardworking Italian man played by Page and comes to terms with her truth.

Packer, who produced blockbusters like “Girls Trip” and “Think Like A Man,” says Black love could make a comeback on the big screen, depending on how much support his new film receives in theaters.

“Anytime is a good time for a rom-com fronted by two incredible Black leads,” he told Black Enterprise on the red carpet at the film’s world premiere in New York on Wednesday.

“It’s a universal story. The leads happen to be Black, and I think that makes it all the better. I love the fact that a movie about love and joy — no trauma, just a good time — is back in theaters.”

Last month, writer and director Nina Lee revealed on X that entertainment studios and executives were waiting to see how “You, Me & Tuscany” performed at the box office before backing her new project.

1. Met with a studio about my already shot romcom and they won’t buy it until
They see how You, Me & Tuscany does

2. Met with an exec about a romance script I have, they won’t buy it until
They see how You, Me & Tuscany does

3. Go see this film!
— nina lee (@NinaSerafina) March 25, 2026

Packer responded to Lee’s tweet, acknowledging that “You, Me & Tuscany” could unlock a new wave of investments in Black storytelling.

Could change a lot of people’s lives. Hollywood has always been reactive not proactive but in the current IP obsessed environment A LOT of eyes are on an Original Romantic Comedy with two Black leads. https://t.co/AiZSeWclbs
— Will Packer (@willpowerpacker) March 26, 2026

The issue, Packer said, is steeped in historic racial bias and discrimination that Black creatives continue to face in the industry.

“Hollywood has a paltry track record of putting Black folks in the leads in front of the camera,” he told BE at the premiere.

On top of that, he says that romantic comedies are now being made for streaming services.

“Romantic comedies, as a genre–you haven’t seen as many on the big screen because Hollywood stopped making them for the big screen. So, a rom-com with Black leads, a lot of eyes are on this.”

The award-winning filmmaker pointed to what he described as the golden age of Black rom-coms, noting that Hollywood studios may produce these films again only if there’s strong demand.

“You had The Best Man, Think Like a Man, Love & Basketball, Love Jones, The Wood, Two Can Play That Game, Brown Sugar [and] all that stuff because audiences were going to see those movies in theaters,” he said. However, he says audiences have the power to shift the direction of filmmaking, arguing that “Hollywood is reactive. We tell them what kind of movies we want to see.”

Although Packer acknowledged that going to a movie theater in the Netflix and chill era can be “exhausting,” he still urged movie lovers to buy tickets to see “You, Me & Tuscany.” Every ticket sold signals to Hollywood that Black love stories are worthy of investments.

“If it’s for you and you want to have a good time and have some escapist fare that’s aspirational, come out and let’s believe in love again.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 10, 2026

Lowe’s Invests $250M To Train Plumbers, Carpenters, And Electricians, Skills ‘Critical To The Future’

Lowe's is investing $250 million over the next decade to train the next generation of plumbers, carpenters, and electricians.

Lowe’s is investing $250 million to train the next generation of plumbers, carpenters, and electricians—skills its CEO calls “critical to the future.”

On April 7, Lowe’s announced a $250 million, decade-long investment to train 250,000 workers in skilled trades like plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work, Fortune reports. CEO Marvin Ellison said the move responds to shifting workforce trends, making trade education vital to the country’s future.

“We’re a company that believes strongly in the future of AI,” Ellison said. “But in a world where administrative and analytical occupations are going to be increasingly dominated with the acceleration of AI, we think the skilled-trades initiative is going to be even more important here in the near future.”

While AI continues to expand across industries, it can’t repair what’s broken or build the physical infrastructure—like the data centers it operates from that power the digital economy.

“As powerful as AI will become, AI can’t climb a ladder to change the batteries in your smoke detector,” Ellison said. “It can’t change your furnace filter; it can’t clean your dryer vent; it can’t repair a hole on your roof.”

The investment comes as the Associated Builders and Contractors estimates the U.S. will need about 350,000 additional construction workers in 2026, rising to 456,000 in 2027. Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters face similar shortages, and while demand and wages are increasing, the training pipeline hasn’t kept up.

The investment is personal for Ellison, who grew up in Brownsville, Tennessee, and saw tradespeople—plumbers, electricians, and mechanics—as some of the most respected professionals in his community. While he pursued degrees from the University of Memphis and Emory University, his brother became a welder, a path Ellison says has long been undervalued.

“There’s not that one option is better or worse; it’s all about that there are different paths to trying to obtain prosperity, and we all, me included, need to do a better job of presenting skilled trades as rewarding, viable careers, not just backup plans,” he said. “These trades are really a way to create meaningful wealth for yourself, and it’s a way to earn a very dignified living, and you can do it with a lot less debt.”

While companies like BlackRock and Google have recently invested in trade training, including a partnership with the Electrical Training Alliance, Ellison says more action is needed. He warns that the skilled-labor shortage could become not just an economic issue, but a national one.

“We know we can’t do it alone,” he said. “This is going to be so critical to the future, not only of our company, but to our country.”