by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 5, 2025

Your Future Is Waiting: 3 Power Moves Every New Graduate Should Make

Aim for potential not perfection

Dear Fairygodmentor,

As a soon-to-be graduate, I feel overwhelmed by all the advice about finding the perfect job. How do I take the first steps toward a meaningful career?
Best Regards,

Gen Z Dreamer

Dear Gen Z Dreamer,

I want to start this letter by first celebrating your achievement of completing four years of higher education! You did it! This is quite an accomplishment!

I overstand! The advice from others is extremely overwhelming and oftentimes confusing. I want to share three power moves to help you take the first steps toward a meaningful career.

Power Move 1: Let Go of Perfection and Aim for Potential

I want to hold your hand when I say this with all of the positive intentions in my heart. You may not find the perfect job right out of the gate. I can already hear the gasps of dismay when I share this reality, but you know me–I like to keep things real. Hear me out.

The job you may ultimately get right out of college may not check all your boxes for “My Perfect Job.” The salary may be a bit lower than expected. They may not offer 100% remote work access. It may be a bit further of a commute for you. Your time off may not be as robust as you’d like. Try to focus on the potential versus perfection.

Ask yourself: Does this new job have the potential to take you further? Will it help you develop your career? Will it be the foot in the door to help you grow and gain more experience?

What I need you to focus on when you’re looking for your first job out of college is not perfection, but whether it’s got the potential to connect to your passion and talents. Why did you spend the last four years majoring in (fill in your major here)? There must have been a reason you chose to focus on that topic for so long.

Is there something else you wanted to explore in your first job that may not be aligned with your major? I know I wanted to help people reach their goals. My initial perfect job once I graduated from college was the idea of being a guidance counselor since I majored in Psychology. Once I realized that to be a guidance counselor, you needed a graduate degree of some sort, I discovered that I needed to work in a field that was guidance counselor adjacent.

I was working with teens in an outplacement adolescent day treatment unit at a medical school. It was a great job. It was not the perfect job. I still had to live at home with my parents; it barely paid for gas and other expenses, and vacation was nonexistent, but ultimately, it was very rewarding. It had the potential of opening doors for my ability to gain some experience as a guidance counselor.

The path to the “Perfect Job” isn’t a straight line.

I chose to work at another company for 18 years to get my Master’s degree covered by their tuition reimbursement program. What started as a vehicle to get my MBA turned into a career of leadership development. In a way, I still ended up a guidance counselor. It’s just that I work with adults and not teens as I originally planned.

Stay flexible.

Power Move 2: A resume isn’t everything

As one of my Fairygodmentors used to tell me when I was out looking for work, “It’s not what you know, it’s about who knows you.”

Another harsh truth is that your resume isn’t the only thing to get your foot in the door when applying for a job. You need to network. This can be done in person and virtually.

As an Auntie Fairygodmentor®, I’d lean in more heavily on in-person networking, or at least trying to connect with a human who’s tied to the company you’re trying to join. There’s something about a face-to-face interaction that seals the deal for the humanity of the position. You’re not just a name on a piece of paper with experience, but a human being.

That’s why I also can’t stress this enough–please leverage your LinkedIn profile. Connect with recruiters, employees, and heck, even the CEO of the organizations where you aspire to work. Comment on their posts, attend any events where the leadership is speaking, or ask to connect with them via DM. Some may think this is pushy. I like to call it professional persistence. Pro Tip: Respect people’s boundaries.

Power Move 3: Do your Research

Please do some research on the companies and organizations that you’re interviewing with. Incorporate that passion for working with them with the research you’ve done into the cover letter (I can’t stand them either, but some companies take submitting them very seriously), interview, and thank you notes.

As a former hiring manager, there is nothing worse than sitting across from a candidate who has no clue what or who they’re interviewing for or with. Did they just go through a merger or acquisition? Are they relocating to a new building? How can you add value to this organization, knowing what you do about what’s currently going on? Reading trade magazines, following them on LinkedIn (see a pattern here?), doing a Google search, or reading business journals will give you up-to-date information.

By sharing that you took the time to research this company and your passion for working for them–you’ll soar to the top of the candidate list.

Aim for potential, not perfection. Understand that you’ll need more than your resume to get your foot in the door, and finally, research and show your passion for the company or organization where you want to work. These three power moves will set you up for success as you transition to the next chapter of your success story. Congrats again, Gen Z Dreamer!

You got this!

Yours truly,

Your Fairygodmentor®

Joyel Crawford, fairygodmentor, contributor — (Photo: Kirten White Photography/BE)

About Joyel Crawford:

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

Have a question for Your Fairygodmentor®?

Submit your career and leadership questions, whether it’s about navigating a micromanager, setting boundaries, negotiating for a raise, or handling burnout. Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 5, 2025

Target CEO’s Massive Pay Cut Revealed Amid DEI Backlash And Trump’s Tariffs

Cornell only earned $9.9 million in 2024 -- a 45% drop from 2023 and the lowest since 2016.

A new report revealed that Target CEO Brian Cornell’s salary dropped 87% from his compensation peak of $77.5 million in 2020, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Cornell only earned $9.9 million in 2024 — a 45% drop from 2023 and the lowest since 2016. With a salary of $1,400,000, he also received a bonus worth $785,400. However, the decline in payment highlights the financial struggles that the Minneapolis-based retailer has suffered in recent years, in addition to political backlash.

Target fell short of annual performance targets in 2023 and missed an even wider margin in 2024. Brand executives seemingly receive equity awards for medium-term performance over three years in correlation with their colleagues. During the 2022-2024 performance period, the retailer’s performance fell short of sales, earnings, and return on specific invested capital sales goals.

As a result, Target leaders earned 61.6% of the combined goal.

For Cornell, he received $5.5 million from those performance-based equity awards; in 2023, he earned $13.6 million. If the company underperforms on goals, as it did, the pay could be less.

Pay for Cornell and fellow Target leaders could decrease even more amid backlash from the company’s controversial dial-back on DEI and President Donald Trump’s growing tariffs. Target’s DEI announcement resulted in a massive boycott from Black and other consumers after a call to action from civil rights leaders. Cornell and Rev. Al Sharpton met to come to common ground, and the leader referred to the conversation as “constructive and candid.”

Sharpton and Rev. Jamal Bryant called for the boycott after the retailer officially ended its three-year-long DEI goals in January 2025, shortly after Trump took office, targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. After Cornell announced that the brand would no longer send company reports and data to external diversity-focused groups such as the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Index, stores nationwide experienced declining traffic and sales.

Catering to Trump’s tactics may have some adverse consequences, as Cornell accused incoming tariffs on products from Mexico of having grave effects on the price of fruits and vegetables sold in stores. According to the Daily Beast, Cornell said customers “will likely see price increases over the next couple of days.” “If there’s a 25 percent tariff, those prices will go up,” he said in March 2025.

Diddy, delay, trial, judge Prison, Sean combs

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 5, 2025

Jury Selection Begins For Federal Trial Against Diddy

The trial is expected to last two months, with an expected May 12 start

The jury selection for the federal trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs, who has been in jail since September 2024 on multiple charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, starts May 5, while the expected start of the trial is May 12. According to USA Today, prospective jurors will gather in a New York City courtroom to be assessed by prosecutors and defense attorneys to determine the best people to see their side of the case. Diddy has been charged with two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, and one count of racketeering. Attorneys for Diddy rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors on May 2. Terms for the proposed deal were not disclosed, but he pleaded not guilty at his first court appearance in 2024. The arrest took place after federal raids were conducted at his homes in Miami and Los Angeles in March 2024.

Prosecutors added a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charge after claiming that the Bad Boy founder coerced alleged victims through intimidation and drugs to take part in parties labeled “freak offs.”

After denying a motion to postpone the trial for two months, Judge Arun Subramanian stated that Diddy’s attorneys had enough time to prepare. “It is unclear why there isn’t sufficient time to prepare.”

So now, a gathering of 150 potential jurors has been summoned to try to pare it down to a jury of 12, with alternates.

TMZ has reported that the jury selection will be difficult for both sides, although prosecutors have an edge. Public perception based on media reports and the reputation of Diddy’s attitude over the years may work against him, as well as the anticipated showing of the Cassie video, which aired on CNN last year, that shows Diddy assaulting his former girlfriend. Although he made a public apology, the severity of what was seen may still be etched in people’s minds.

But defense attorneys may be able to get some sympathetic people on the jury who, outside of the Cassie video (which isn’t included in the charges against Diddy), will want other proof. Race will probably play a part in the selection, as will the selection of men and women based on who they think would be more sympathetic to the No Way Out artist.

The trial is expected to last two months, so some potential jurors may not want to commit for that length of time. Both sides will also have to consider the biases for and against such a major celebrity, as they may have views based on who is on trial rather than hearing all the evidence and defense presented at trial.

In TMZ’s “Downfall of Diddy” documentary, a mock jury did say that their thought process began and ended with the video they saw of Cassie.

‘Ms. Pat Settles It’ Season 2 Mid-Season Return Promises Non-Stop Hilarity

by Kandiss Edwards

May 5, 2025

‘Ms. Pat Settles It’ Season 2 Mid-Season Return Promises Non-Stop Hilarity

Ms. Pat is bringing sheer shenanigans to the second half of 'Ms. Pat Settles It.'

Comedian Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams is celebrating the second half of Season 2 of her BET courtroom comedy series Miss Pat Settles It. In a recent interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Ms. Pat shared her enthusiasm for the show’s continuation. She also spoke about her Ms. Pat scripted television show and her comedic journey.

Season 2 of Ms. Pat Settles It is well underway. The first half of the season has aired, and the comedian says she’s pleased about the remaining episodes.

“I’m feeling great, you know, people caught the first half of it earlier this year, so now we’re making the other half of it.”

Ms. Pat presides over real-life disputes with the jury comprising friends, family, and special guests, including Ray J, Tamar Braxton, and more. While Pat is the seasoned comedian on set, she admits the guests often can make her laugh. She recounts an episode involving two women who met in federal prison. Ms. Pat describes uncontrollably laughing at the shenanigans of the plaintiff, a woman who “weighed 102lbs, but she was ready to fight.”

Beyond her courtroom rule, Ms. Pat draws from personal experiences in her comedy. She stressed the importance of timing when addressing sensitive topics about her history. She describes her comedy and personality as “raw.” Still, she emphasizes she shares only when the time is right.

For instance, she postponed an episode about her experience with molestation until the third season of the Ms. Pat Show because she wasn’t initially prepared to tackle it.

Discussing her comedic evolution, Ms. Pat acknowledges she has grown significantly since her early days in stand-up.

“I’ve grown a lot. I realize I’m not the only person that’s been through something, so when I open my mouth and say the things that I’ve been through, I’m not just speaking for Ms. Pat, I’m speaking for everybody,” she said.

When asked about advice for aspiring comedians, especially Black women, Ms. Pat emphasized perseverance.

“Do you. Don’t stop. The key to anything in life is to keep going. Stop worrying about everybody else pointing to you. Point to yourself.”

Fans can catch new episodes of Ms. Pat Settles It, airing Wednesdays at 10/9C on BET. Additionally, the Ms. Pat Show is set to return for its 5th season this fall.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Trump, ballroom, DC Hillbillies

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 5, 2025

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Calls Trump ‘Terrified,’ Says He’s Threatened by Strong Black Women After ‘Low I.Q.’ Insult

Crockett did not mince words about the Trump administration and its loyal followers, especially some of her white women colleagues.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) had some words for President Donald Trump herself after hearing he called her a “low I.Q. person” during an interview with NBC News.

Trump sat down with NBC’s Kristen Welker for an interview, during which he answered various questions following his first 100 days in office. During the talk, he mentioned the Texas lawmaker by name when claiming the Democratic Party is in “total disarray.” After hearing her speak, the President said she is “definitely a low I.Q. person.”

Crockett caught wind of Trump’s comments and decided to clap back on X, saying that while he claims she is “new,” her name is constantly coming out of his mouth. “For you to be in charge of the WHOLE country, you sure do have my name in your mouth a lot,” Crockett wrote.

“Every time you say my name, you’re reminding the world that you’re terrified of smart, bold Black women telling the truth and holding you accountable. So keep talking…”

For you to be in charge of the WHOLE country, you sure do have my name in your mouth a lot.

Every time you say my name, you’re reminding the world that you’re terrified of smart, bold Black women telling the truth and holding you accountable.

So keep talking… https://t.co/c9C9bWAPpA
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) May 4, 2025

According to Fox News, she continued to press back against the President’s claim while appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” saying she would “absolutely” take a head-to-head I.Q. test against Trump.

The first-term Democratic leader has had no problem showing off her I.Q. when clapping back at the Trump administration and its loyal followers, especially some of her white women colleagues. In January 2025, Corckett got into a viral spat with South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace during a House Oversight Committee meeting where they voted to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports at federally funded institutions.

Mace threatened a fight outside the House walls after referring to Crockett as a “child,” saying, “If you want to take it outside, we can do that.” Crockett and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have also gotten into verbal spats on numerous occasions, resulting in her referring to MTG as “dumb and a lowlife” during her sit-down with Kimmel.

Jasmine Crockett while on Jimmy Kimmel last night:

“Marjorie Taylor Greene is dumb and a lowlife.”

Rep. Crockett says it like it is! pic.twitter.com/5wwFOZjrpU
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) April 23, 2025

After being criticized for allegedly referring to Texas’ Gov. Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as “Governor Hot Wheels,” Crockett’s GOP state colleague Randy Weber said he was looking “forward to introducing my resolution to censure you for your words and actions” after telling her that “words have meanings & actions have consequences.”

However, voters on social media seemingly agree with Crockett’s claim of Trump’s fear of Black women. Former Democratic National Convention member Khary Penebaker (@kharyp) supported the idea, stating Black women continue to bruise his ego. “Trump can’t stop crowing about @RepJasmine because fearless Black women torch his paper-thin ego,” he wrote in response.

“Keep her name rolling, Don—it spotlights your terror of truth & your party’s allergy to accountability. We’re here, we’re loud, & we’re voting. Deal w/ it convict.”

Ruby Bridges, national civil rights museum

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 5, 2025

Ruby Bridges To Return For Annual Reading Festival At The National Civil Rights Museum

The civil rights icon will read her latest novel, "Ruby Bridges: A Talk With My Teacher," at the festival.

Ruby Bridges will make her return to the National Civil Rights Museum for her annual reading festival, held on the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board decision.

On May 17, Bridges will attend the eighth iteration of the Memphis event promoting equality, education, and youth empowerment. The civil rights icon will also showcase her latest book, “Ruby Bridges: A Talk With My Teacher,” focusing on racial justice and uplifting young voices.

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Bridges remains a revered figure in American history as one of the first Black students to desegregate a New Orleans elementary school. Her historic feat did not come without its challenges, facing racist mobs and threats as she entered her first day of kindergarten at the previously all-white William Frantz Elementary school.

Her courage to continue her studies at 6 years old makes her a long-lasting example of strength, determination, and resilience. Now, the equality activist hopes to share her story and instill these same lessons in the next generation.

“Ruby Bridges represents the courage and clarity we need today,” said museum President Dr. Russ Wigginton, in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “This festival connects her enduring legacy to new generations of kids determined to build a better world.”

At the event sponsored by Sylvamo, Bridges will host a reading of “A Talk With My Teacher.” The novel pays tribute to Barbara Henry, an educator who supported Bridges while she became a face of the 1960s desegregation crisis. The book empowers children and their adult allies to help one another as they endure new challenges today, including censorship, book bans, and restricted teachings on Black history in America.

The festival will also include book giveaways and guest readings by other authors, including Michael G. Long and his children’s book on the life of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin. Complete with arts & crafts, music, and youth-centered fun, the festival offers a family-friendly activity to promote diversity and foster youth empowerment. Bridges has partnered with the museum to bring the festival to life since receiving its Freedom Award in 2015.

“Books and stories help children express themselves and imagine a better world,” shared Bridges. “This festival helps make sure their voices are heard.”

The festival also holds even greater significance as its scheduled date coincides with the anniversary of the Brown v Board of Education Supreme Court decision. Remembering how the decision led to the desegregation of all U.S. schools, this year’s event will honor the legacy of students like Bridges who strived to make society more equal.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 5, 2025

Talladega College, Alabama’s Oldest HBCU, Names New President

Willie L. Todd Jr. currently serves as president of Denmark Technical College in South Carolina

Talladega College, the oldest HBCU in Alabama, named Willie L. Todd Jr. as its 22nd president on Saturday, May 3, according to AL.com.

Todd replaces interim President Walter Kimbrough, who took over in July 2024 after Gregory J. Vincent retired.

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Previously, Todd served as the president and chief executive officer of Denmark Technical College in South Carolina. Originally from West Point, Georgia, Todd earned his Ph.D. in English from Georgia State University and has 32 years of professional experience.

“His experience and dedication will be invaluable as we navigate the next chapter of Talladega College’s rich history and continue on our path forward to build back better and stronger,” said Rica Lewis-Payton, chair of the board of trustees. “I look forward to working with President Todd, and I believe that he is equipped with the skills and experiences to help the college achieve its goals.”

Todd officially begins his tenure on July 1. The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. member also highlighted the resilient legacy of his newest school while stressing his idea of what the school can become.

“This institution was founded in defiance of limitation and in pursuit of possibility,” explained Todd, who graduated from Albany State University. “That legacy calls us to lead with boldness and integrity. As a proud product of an HBCU and a lifelong servant of these sacred institutions, I believe the time has come to reimagine liberal arts education as a dynamic force for the future.”

Todd’s time at Denmark Tech makes him an optimal candidate for the position. Since beginning the role in 2020, his leadership saw an 870% increase in fundraising, a 400% increase in scholarship offerings, and a 54% increase in enrollment.

With over $32 million raised in five years, the school also saw its probationary notice given by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges removed within a year, Talladega College said in a news release.

“Infused with his passion for advancing Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Todd reimagined DTC’s future through a bold vision, compassion, creative problem-solving, and a student-centered approach that expanded student leadership while building a culture of care,” the colleg added.

The South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners named Todd the 2022 CEO/President of the Year. He also became the first president of DTC to lead the Presidents’ Council for the South Carolina Technical College System.

Todd also served in leadership roles at multiple HBCUs, including Wiley University and Norfolk State.

Now, Todd will embark to “forge a culture of true collaboration, grounded in shared vision and mutual respect, with the Board of Trustees, administration, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the greater Talladega College community.”

Inaugural HBCU Film Festival, Black Filmmakers, Detroit

by Ahsan Washington

May 5, 2025

10 Movies That Explore Themes Of Black Motherhood

These films focus on the complexities of Black moms

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, BLACK ENTERPRISE has pulled together a list of Black films that spotlight maternal resilience and beauty. These aren’t just movies, they’re windows into the complex lives of Black mothers and their transformative impact on families and communities alike.

From tear-jerking family tales to gritty, thought-provoking narratives, each film explores Black motherhood. Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate or just need some inspiration? These films deliver a powerful tribute to the women who’ve shaped us.

Claudine

Claudine isn’t just your run-of-the-mill romance drama. In 1974, John Berry directed this gem set in Harlem. It follows a single mom juggling six kids, a job as a maid, and the nightmare of the welfare system, all while trying to have a love life. It also gives an honest portrayal of Black families’ resilience when the deck is stacked against them.

The film doesn’t shy away from topical issues, such as poverty, social injustice, and the uphill battle Black families experience in a welfare system that seems designed to keep them down. Despite heavy themes, there’s plenty of humor. The stellar performances alone make Claudine worth watching.

Eve’s Bayou

The 1997 gem, directed by the talented Kasi Lemmons, set in Louisiana during the 1960s follows a young girl who starts digging up some pretty heavy family secrets. The film portrays the crucial role of mothers and the influence they have on their children.

Precious

Lee Daniels’ unflinching drama explores the life of a Harlem teen in the 1980s facing unimaginable challenges. Sixteen-year-old Precious (Gabourey Sidibe) faces illiteracy, abuse, and a second pregnancy by her father while living with her violent mother. The story takes a turn when Precious finds hope through an alternative high school. Beyond Sidibe’s gripping, Oscar-nominated performance and Mo’Nique’s Oscar-winning role, the movie is ultimately a story of resilience in a harsh reality.

Holiday Heart

Ving Rhames plas a religious drag queen who takes in a struggling addict played by Alfre Woodard and her daughter in Robert Townsend’s 2000 effort. The movie does a great justice in tackling unconventional family bonds, not shying away from depicting taboos and stereotypes, while delivers a message of hope and acceptance.

Losing Isaiah

This 1995 drama stars Halle Berry as a former drug abuser who abandoned her baby, only to learn years later that a white social worker (Jessica Lange) has adopted her son, Isaiah. The film, set in Chicago, doesn’t shy away from the emotional and tense custody battle as Berry, in one of her best performances, tries to reclaim her motherhood. The movie asks some uncomfortable questions about race, motherhood, and belonging.

Alma’s Rainbow

Ayoka Chenzira directs this 1994 coming-of-age masterpiece set in Brooklyn, New York. The movie examines the complex bond between a teenager and her mother and aunt, who shape her life, and explores Black womanhood across generations and through varying relationships.

The Secret Life Of Bees

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, this 2008 film follows a young girl’s journey through South Carolina as she digs into her mother’s mysterious past. Visually stunning, the film shares a heartfelt exploration of motherhood, racial tensions, and the healing process.

Earth Mama

Savanah Leaf’s incredible 2023 film hits you right in the heart. It follows a young Black mother in Oakland, California, who is fighting a fierce battle to gain back custody of her children, but keeps running into systemic barriers. Earth Mama is a raw choice for those interested in a movie that does not sugar-coat the tough realities of motherhood. It is intimate and displays what a mother’s resilience looks like.

The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story

Directed by Nelson George, this 2016 film covers NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s mom and the unusual sacrifices she made to help her son. It shows how a mom’s love and support can make all the difference. This tale is worth checking out for those curious about the unsung heroes as well as the lives behind famous athletes.

The Single Moms Club

This 2014 film, written and directed by Tyler Perry, follows five women raising children on their own who create their own support group. Despite their different backgrounds and upbringings, these mothers find strength in each other’s company and collective struggles.

by Daniel Johnson

May 5, 2025

Texas Voucher Bill Sparks Backlash: Critics Say Plan Prioritizes Wealthy Families

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation establishing a private school voucher program into law

On May 3, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation establishing a private school voucher program into law, helping it pass by replacing Texas Republicans who would have voted against the bill with loyalists in primaries or when these holdouts retired, according to The Texas Tribune.

The law goes into effect in late 2026. Ahead of that, the Texas Comptroller is tasked with creating the Education Savings Account program.

According to The Texas Tribune, Senate Bill 2 allows families to use public taxpayer dollars to fund their child’s education at an accredited private school or to pay for other school-related expenses such as textbooks, transportation, or therapy. The fund’s $1 billion earmark establishes it as one of the largest pieces of school choice legislation in the country.

The issue has been the source of contention in Texas for years. Democrats and rural Republicans in the state who fought against it say vouchers could eventually harm public school systems, which the State of Texas already underfunds, and many of Texas’ low-income residents who can’t afford private school, even with the support of a voucher.

Voucher programs in other states have already been exposed as beneficial to wealthy families who could already afford private schooling, at the expense of students of color, special needs students, and low-income students, as well as leading to disappointing academic scores for students.

“Remember this day next time a school closes in your neighborhood,” Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) said at a news conference. “Remember this day next time a beloved teacher quits because they can’t support their family on their salary. Remember this day next time your local property taxes rise because the state government is not doing its fair share of school funding. And if recession comes and we are forced to make even deeper cuts to public education, remember this day.”

Texas Rep. Gene Wu, (D-Houston) the Democratic Caucus Chair, was critical of the program’s uncapped four-tier system. “Billionaires can use it, and there’s just no explanation of why. If the point is about lifting poor people up, then just make it about poor people.”

As ABC-13 reports, although the bill purports to prioritize low-income students and remain open to all income levels, these aims created doubt for education policy and public education experts about the ability of the state to assist the Texas children who need the most assistance.

Josh Cowen, an education policy professor at Michigan State University, and a critic of voucher programs, told the outlet that there’s no way to deliver a win for Abbott and help lower- and middle-income families simultaneously.

“(Lawmakers) are in a tough spot, the ones that really want to do this for real, for kids. What they’re trying to do is craft a universal voucher bill to give a win to the governor and at the same time adhere to a message, and maybe even a policy, that’s intended to help lower-income and middle-income families. And those two are conflicting goals,” Cowen said.

In April, State Rep. Jolanda Jones (D-Houston) argued during an emergency town hall in Houston’s historically Black Third Ward community that the voucher program amounted to a two-tiered education system that only benefited Texans who could already afford private schools.

“Public dollars should not be spent in private places and spaces,” Jones said then. “We do not want vouchers because it’s not a good education for all, it’s just great education for some. Most private schools are upwards of $30,000, and $10,000 all that does is it’s welfare, a subsidiary for rich people.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 5, 2025

The 2025 Met Gala: Why Its Display Of ‘Superfine’ Black Fashion And Dandyism Matters Now

Fashion's biggest night will highlight Black expression and excellence will highlight Black Dandyism.

As the 2025 Met Gala approaches, all eyes will focus on its A-list attendees and their interpretation of its “Superfine” Black style theme.

As fashion’s biggest night, celebrities from all sectors will grace the wide red carpet with their looks. However, attending the Met Gala comes at a steep price. At $75,000 per ticket, an invitation speaks more to one’s status and pockets than most.

Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Met Gala has always served as a fundraiser for the museum’s Costume Institute. According to NBC News, this year will bring Black culture to the forefront on May 5.

Its theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” pays tribute to the influence of Black men’s dress since the early 20th century. Moreover, it will explore the impact of Black Dandyism, with the Dandy being an “impeccably” groomed and stylish man, on fashion.

“So, what exactly is Black dandyism? At its core, it’s a fashion revolution, a movement steeped in history, resistance, and pride,” detailed Vogue. “But its impact stretches far beyond the sartorial. It’s a cultural statement, an act of protest, and, above all, an enduring celebration of individuality.”

Monica L. Miller, a guest curator of the exhibit and author of 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, explained the nuanced development of Black style.

“Black style is really related to thinking about how fashion and power connect,” explained Miller in the video for Vogue. “The way that people are styled, are fashioned or fashion themselves, in response to the degree of agency that they feel—silhouettes change, use of pattern, color—all of those things change in relation to time, and relationship to history.”

According to Miller, “Superfine” has 12 signature traits, including ownership, presence, distinction, disguise, and cosmopolitanism. The exhibit itself will take place in the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the MET. Wintour, the longtime editor-in-chief of Vogue, is a decades-long chair of the gala.

Wintour will be accompanied by co-chairs Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton. LeBron James will serve as honorary co-chair. Its host committee includes André 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dapper Dan, Doechii, and Usher

The spotlight on Black fashion, happening amid a national push against DEI efforts, hopes to combat sentiments that diverse representation does not matter.

“It is something that comes to mind, because the Met Gala has these themes that emphasizes all three of those touch points of DEI,” said celebrity stylist Avon Dorsey, who is launching Brother, a Black men’s fashion magazine, next month. “To highlight the importance of Black culture, specifically Black men, is something that’s needed in the world to stand up against the stereotypes and misinformation and push forward our reality.”

By encapsulating Black expression and excellence, the 2025 Met Gala hopes to spread awareness on Black Dandyism.

“We know that Black men throughout history have always come and shown up and shown out, whether it was a church suit or whether it’s with a top hat or fashion like how our uncles and grandfathers used to wear,” Dorsey added. So, knowing that this exhibit focuses on Black men specifically and the style of Black men, is an amazing thing, especially with the way that the world is right now.”

Interested watchers can catch all the Met Gala’s red-carpet looks on platforms like Vogue.com and E! News.