• Lifestyle

by Black Enterprise

June 2, 2026

‘Spanish For Black Girls’ To Host 7th Trip For Professional Black Women

The 8-day immersive experience in San Jose, Costa Rica, combines practical conversational Spanish training

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As more professional women seek opportunities to expand globally, increase career confidence, and travel with ease, Spanish for Black Girls continues its mission to help Black women become conversationally confident in Spanish through its highly sought-after Costa Rica Spanish Immersion Experience.

For the past five years, founder Kaywanda Lamb has helped professional Black women move beyond fear and classroom memorization into real-world Spanish conversations that create confidence, connection, and cultural freedom in her Spanish course plus community. She’s hosted six immersion trips to Costa Rica and Mexico, and this coming trip, slated for Jan. 16-23, 2027, will be her seventh immersion trip for professional Black women.

The eight-day immersive experience in San Jose, Costa Rica, combines practical conversational Spanish training, cultural exploration, sisterhood, and luxury travel into a single transformational experience designed specifically for ambitious Black women who desire to speak Spanish confidently in business, travel, and everyday life.

“Too many brilliant Black women have spent years studying Spanish without ever feeling confident enough to actually speak it,” said Lamb. “This immersion experience changes that. We create an environment where women feel safe, supported, and empowered to use Spanish in real-life situations while building lifelong memories and friendships.”

The Costa Rica immersion experience includes:

• Daily Spanish conversation workshops
• Guided speaking practice with native Spanish speakers
• Cultural excursions and local experiences
• Boutique accommodations and curated experiences
• Networking and sisterhood with professional Black women
• Real-world Spanish practice in restaurants, markets, shops, and community settings
• Personalized support from an experienced Spanish educator
• 1-year access to the Spanish for Black Girls™ course (optional but recommended)

Unlike traditional language programs, Spanish for Black Girls™ focuses heavily on practical communication and confidence-building. Participants range from beginners to intermediate learners and include attorneys, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, and corporate leaders.

Many students report leaving the immersion experience feeling transformed not only in their Spanish ability, but in how they see themselves navigating the world. The immersion trip also reflects a growing trend among professional Black women seeking global experiences, cultural enrichment, and educational travel opportunities that feel safe, empowering, and community-centered.

“I enjoyed Costa Rica. I got everything I wanted. I wanted immersion and vacation, and I got both. I had been in the course for 6 months, practicing with Kaywanda and other professionals, when I decided to join the immersion trip to Costa Rica. It’s been eye-opening learning Spanish on this level with so much support. Getting the chance to practice with native speakers all day, every day, while abroad, and seeing that they understood me was truly rewarding. I highly recommend the Spanish for Black Girls™ course plus community to any Black woman ready to improve her Spanish-speaking skills. It’s an amazing feeling to learn conversational Spanish and be taught by an educator who understands you. I can see the difference in my ability and my confidence in speaking from when I first started,” says Marissa I. of Chicago.

“Our students don’t just leave knowing more Spanish and understanding more about the people and their history,” Lamb added. “They leave transformed. They already know they belong in global spaces, and now they have the confidence to speak for themselves. They realize they can communicate, connect, and move through the world with confidence anytime they wish.”

What the research shows about the Spanish language

According to an article by Enrique Martínez García of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and María Teresa Martínez García of the University of Utah, published in The Observatorio Cervantes at Harvard University, Spanish has a significant impact on business.

Based on a 2018 survey conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, the report shows that 9 out of 10 U.S. companies need employees who speak languages other than English. Demand for languages like Spanish has grown significantly over the last five years and is expected to continue to grow. The sectors most likely to see an increase in this demand are healthcare and social services (64%), followed by retail (59%), education (57%), professional and technical services (55%), and construction (54%). The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages report (2019) also reveals that 97% of businesses utilize the non-English-language abilities of their workforce in national markets, while only 54% use them in international markets. The most sought-after language is Spanish, with 85% of companies reporting a need for Spanish-speaking employees. Moreover, 42% of companies that already employ Spanish-speaking workers indicate they are currently seeking more employees with proficiency in the language.

The Costa Rica immersion experience is part of the broader Spanish for Black Girls™ movement, which helps professional Black women learn conversational Spanish through structured coaching, community, immersion, and culturally affirming support, enabling them to navigate new opportunities at home and abroad.

There are a limited number of spots for the upcoming Costa Rica immersion experience. Space is intentionally limited to maintain a boutique and personalized environment.

To learn more about the Costa Rica immersion experience, visit SpanishforBlackGirls.com/costa-rica-trip/.

Lamb is a seasoned, certified educator with over 20 years of Spanish teaching experience and recently returned from San Jose, Costa Rica, where she took professional Black women in her Spanish for Black Girls™ course abroad for her signature language immersion experience in January 2026.

She launched Spanish for Black Girls™ in 2021 to create a more accessible pathway for Black women to become bilingual and has revolutionized the way Black women learn Spanish. Lamb has been featured on various platforms, including Good Morning America, ABC, and NBC, and is the author of several books. She is a certified principal and has served as an adjunct professor, teaching Spanish to native speakers. She also taught high school Spanish for 16 years and holds a Master’s degree in Spanish Literature from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Spanish for Black Girls™ is a groundbreaking conversational Spanish course and community that teaches ambitious professional Black women the Spanish language for travel, everyday life, and business. Spanish for Black Girls™ is a trusted resource for professional Black women who want to level up their language skills, connect with the Spanish-speaking community, and improve their bottom line. The course covers multiple scenarios in an interactive format to help students learn Spanish, and students have access to live bi-weekly Q&A with Lamb to ask questions and practice with other professional Black women.

To learn more about the course and the immersion trip, visit SpanishforBlackGirls.com.

Also, be sure to follow on Instagram @SpanishForBlackGirls

• Money

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 2, 2026

Black Farmers File Lawsuit Against USDA Over $127M In Cancelled Grants

Plaintiffs argue the USDA violated federal law and due process protections when it abruptly revoked grant agreements.

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More than two dozen organizations that support Black farmers and other underserved agricultural producers have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), alleging the agency unlawfully canceled more than $127 million in previously awarded grants.

The legal challenge, filed in federal court, stems from the USDA’s decision to terminate grants issued through the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access (LCM) Program, a Biden-era initiative designed to help farmers secure land ownership, access financing, and expand market opportunities. The program distributed nearly $300 million to community organizations, tribal governments, universities and farmer associations beginning in 2023.

Plaintiffs argue the USDA violated federal law and due process protections when it abruptly revoked grant agreements that had already been approved and, in some cases, partially implemented. The lawsuit seeks restoration of the funding and enforcement of the agency’s original grant commitments.

Among the affected groups is the 2020 Farmers Cooperative, which had planned to use a $13 million award to help Black farmers acquire equipment, purchase land, and receive technical assistance. According to court filings and participating organizations, the canceled grants threatened projects already underway across multiple states.

“There’s no secret to land loss in the country. There’s no secret to how this country was built, so when you’re providing preferential treatment to some and not others, that is my biggest problem,” Sharon Mallory, executive director of the 2020 Farmers Cooperative, said. “When you try to wipe out things just based upon DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion], you really miss the whole impact of what agriculture is really all about. To cancel those grants only compounds an issue that America didn’t have a good grip on.”

The USDA has defended broader funding cuts by arguing that some programs relied on diversity, equity and inclusion criteria that the agency believes are inconsistent with current federal priorities. The agency has also moved to eliminate race- and sex-based considerations in several agricultural programs following legal challenges and policy changes under the Trump administration.

The dispute highlights long-standing tensions surrounding federal agricultural assistance and racial equity in farming. Black farmers have historically faced discrimination in access to loans, land, and federal support programs, leading to decades of legal battles with the USDA. Today, Black-owned farms represent less than 2% of U.S. farming operations, according to The Grio.

A court decision on the plaintiffs’ request for preliminary relief could determine whether the canceled funding will be restored while the broader case proceeds.

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• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 2, 2026

A Scotch Bonnet Pepper Shortage Has The Caribbean Hot Sauce Industry In A Chokehold

Producers in Jamaica and Antigua report that back-to-back hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and agricultural weaknesses have made it harder to obtain the peppers

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A shortage of Scotch bonnet peppers, a key ingredient in many Caribbean hot sauces, is causing problems for manufacturers across the region. Extreme weather, crop diseases, and pests are reducing harvests and increasing production costs.

Hot sauce producers in Jamaica and Antigua report that back-to-back hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and agricultural weaknesses have made it harder to obtain Scotch bonnet. This supply issue arises as global demand for Caribbean-style hot sauces continues to grow, with many sold in major international retailers such as Walmart, Tesco, and Woolworths (Australia), according to the BBC.

Jamaica-based Associated Manufacturers, which produces the Walkerswood brand, claims losses from weather-related issues have already impacted its operations.

“We were hugely limited, and we had to cancel orders,” Sean Garbutt of Walkerswood told the BBC.

Garbutt mentioned that many farmers switched to more resilient crops after hurricane damage, which reduced Scotch bonnet production.

The company exports over 95% of its products, with about two-thirds going to the United States. Garbutt emphasized that maintaining the signature appearance and heat level of their Scotch bonnet sauce relies on a steady supply of fresh yellow peppers.

Climate-related disruptions have also impacted other manufacturers. Drew Gray, whose family operates Gray’s Pepper in Jamaica, told the BBC that “back-to-back hurricanes wiped off most of the crop, so product has been scarce.”

“Right after Melissa, Scotch bonnets went up maybe 10-fold,” Gray said. “Over the last two years, there’s been an overall increase of about 40% to 50%.”

Agricultural officials say the challenges go beyond weather. Dwight Forrester of Jamaica’s Rural Agricultural Development Authority claims Scotch bonnets are susceptible to viruses and pests, including gall midges, despite being one of the country’s most critical export crops.

To tackle the problem, Jamaica’s government has provided Scotch bonnet seeds to hundreds of farmers. Meanwhile, some manufacturers are investing in research to develop more resilient pepper varieties. Others are diversifying production by incorporating different peppers that can better handle changing climate conditions.

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• Career

by Karima Mariama-Arthur, Esq.

June 2, 2026

Rising Tide Capital Appoints Visionary Leader, Dr. Joynicole Martinez, Its New CEO

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BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with Dr. Joynicole Martinez, the new CEO of Rising Tide Capital (RTC), for an important conversation about how the company’s vision will advance under her extraordinary leadership. RTC is a national nonprofit expanding access to entrepreneurship and building economic resilience through business ownership. Since its founding, the company has empowered over 11,000 entrepreneurs through its Community Business Academy and advisory services, helping launch businesses that generate millions in economic activity and create jobs in underserved communities nationwide.

BLACK ENTERPRISE: How have your previous roles and achievements prepared you for the position of CEO of Rising Tide Capital (RTC)?

Dr. Joynicole Martine: My career has always centered on service, healing, and advancing public health in mission-driven organizations. Over 25 years, I’ve worked as an epidemiologist and nonprofit leader, focusing on fundraising, strategy, and operations across sectors such as healthcare, housing, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic mobility. These roles have taught me how to balance vision with execution—skills I now apply as CEO of RTC to drive our strategic growth and foster inclusive entrepreneurship.

I started at RTC as a consultant, then became chief advancement and innovation officer, and most recently served as president. In these roles, I led major funding proposals, built key partnerships, and helped develop a scalable model for entrepreneurship support. Seeing RTC’s positive impact on entrepreneurs and communities inspired me to guide the organization through its next phase of growth and ensure our mission thrives.

The Future of Rising Tide Capital

What is your vision for the future of RTC?

My vision is for RTC to become the nation’s most trusted and effective entrepreneurship support organization for under-resourced communities, anchored in New Jersey but expanding through a network of national partners. We will deepen our core offerings—comprehensive curricula, individualized coaching, access to capital, and a strong alumni community—while building the infrastructure to support more partners and clients nationwide.

To drive growth and innovation, I will:

• Strengthen core programs with clear pathways from education to capital to revenue growth and job creation.
• Invest in data, technology, and curriculum innovation to personalize learning and quickly respond to entrepreneurs’ needs.
• Grow the Rising Tide Network thoughtfully, supporting each partner with high-quality training, technical assistance, and impact measurement.

How do you balance risk management in today’s rapidly evolving business environment?

Responsible leadership means balancing risk and opportunity. At RTC, we take programmatic and innovation risks to expand our impact, but remain conservative and transparent with financial risk. My approach combines deep listening, scenario planning, and clear decision thresholds. Before any major initiative, we model financial and impact scenarios, define minimum requirements, and agree on metrics for success or pivot. We foster a culture where raising concerns is seen as stewardship, encouraging open dialogue about risk.

Strategic Leadership Approach

What strategies will you employ to foster a culture that thrives and prioritizes psychological safety?

Rising Tide’s unique culture is anchored in our core values and an intentional rhythm of business, including regular reflection and self-care days. I model vulnerability and transparency, creating space for dissenting views and learning from mistakes. We prioritize cross-team collaboration, design sprints, learning labs, and post-mortems focused on learning, not blame. Our recognition systems celebrate experimentation and learning, and our FeedForward planning approach encourages bold, creative thinking.

How do you plan to capitalize on new market opportunities while maintaining core business stability?

RTC operates at a pivotal moment for entrepreneurship support, especially for women, people of color, first-generation Americans, and those from low-income communities. We conduct rigorous landscape reviews, seek champions in new markets, and phase growth based on partner readiness, community engagement, and early funding commitments. This ensures we capitalize on momentum without diluting what makes RTC unique.

What is your approach to leading diverse, high-performing teams in this dynamic environment?

A diverse, high-performing team is essential for our mission. I focus on equity at the decision-making table, clarity in roles and goals, and ongoing professional development. We ensure staff and leadership reflect the communities we serve, and I stay accessible and engaged with team members and entrepreneurs alike. This approach builds trust, agency, and effective decision-making.

Measure of Success

Which success metrics are most important, and how do they align with the organization’s mission?

We use a mix of quantitative and qualitative metrics, including business launch and survival rates, revenue growth, household income changes, job creation, and access to capital. At the network level, we measure the diversity and scale of the entrepreneur community, Net Promoter Scores, qualitative feedback, financial health, and partner performance. Every metric is tied to advancing equitable economic mobility and community wealth.

What challenges do you anticipate facing as you step into this role, and how do you plan to address them?

Key challenges include balancing growth with financial sustainability, managing organizational change, and navigating a shifting philanthropic landscape. I plan to address these through transparent planning, intentional change management, and open communication with the team, board, and partners. Our leadership team’s careful preparation for this transition provides a strong foundation for facing these challenges together.

What is your best advice for someone considering leadership at this level? Lessons learned?

• Be clear on your “why.” Personal mission sustains you through challenges.
• Build a feedback ecosystem with people who tell you the truth.
• Hold paradox: be visionary yet pragmatic, urgent yet patient, data-driven yet human.

Leadership is a practice, not a title. Effectiveness is measured by the trust you build and the outcomes you deliver, not the perfection of your plans.

• Entrepreneurship

by Sidnee Michelle

June 1, 2026

RICE Brings Business Leaders, Creatives, Entrepreneurs Together For ‘Expression In Every Color’ Event

The program, called “Expression In Every Color,” is part of RICE’s monthly First Friday Workshop Series.

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The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) will bring together business leaders, creatives, and community advocates on June 5 for a full-day event aimed at helping entrepreneurs strengthen their brands, grow their networks, and explore how authentic self-expression plays a role in business development.

The program, called “Expression In Every Color,” is part of RICE’s monthly First Friday Workshop Series. It will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the organization’s headquarters in Atlanta. Organizers say the event will focus on the links between creativity, culture, entrepreneurship, and leadership while offering practical tools for business growth.

According to RICE, the workshop series supports over 300 entrepreneurs every month and connects founders with corporate leaders, industry experts, and community partners. The June event will include educational sessions on marketing, finance, legal strategy, operations, human resources, and business development.

A key part of the event will be the “Expression In Every Color” keynote panel. This panel will cover topics like inclusive leadership, creative ownership, entrepreneurship, and building authentic careers. The scheduled panelists include Justin Carter, Shanti Das, Sade Ayodele, Matt Westmoreland, and entertainment attorney Vince Phillips.

In addition to panel discussions, attendees will find workshops on brand storytelling, AI tools for entrepreneurs, workplace culture, revenue generation strategies, legal protections for businesses, and financial literacy. Organizers also plan to host networking opportunities, a pitch competition, and resource exhibits to connect founders with potential partners and support organizations.

RICE, founded in honor of Atlanta business leader Herman J. Russell, describes itself as an organization focused on economic mobility. It aims to help entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses, create jobs, and generate wealth in their communities. The center states its mission is to support innovation and long-term success, especially among underrepresented founders.

You can currently register for the June 5 event through the organization’s website.

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• Food

by Sidnee Michelle

June 1, 2026

Worth The Stop: ‘The Oxtail Off’ Traveling Food Festival

Founded by Charles Beloved and Shireen Kuykendoll, the event has evolved into a traveling food festival centered on oxtail culture and Black culinary traditions.

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The smell of slow-cooked oxtail, Caribbean spices, and grilled comfort food filled downtown Los Angeles on May 24, as Black-owned ‘The Oxtail Off’ returned for an exciting culinary competition and cultural celebration that highlighted food traditions from the African diaspora.

The LA stop for the festival took place at Rolling Greens DTLA. It combined food tastings, live entertainment, and chef competitions while raising money to fight food insecurity in local communities. Organizers mentioned that the proceeds and sponsor contributions from the event would help support nonprofit efforts addressing hunger in Los Angeles.

Founded by Charles Beloved and Shireen Kuykendoll, the event has evolved into a traveling food festival centered on oxtail culture, Black culinary traditions, and community involvement. The festival featured celebrity musicians, influencers, chefs, and food vendors serving Caribbean, African, Southern, and Afro-Latino-inspired dishes, along with vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options.

“The Oxtail Off was born in the most organic way possible, in me and my wife’s home in Los Angeles, surrounded by close friends, music, laughter, and a friendly debate over who could make the best oxtail. It wasn’t an event; it was a house party. People came as they were, brought their full selves, and shared home‑cooked meals that carried family stories, cultural pride, and generational flavor. That intimacy and feeling of walking into a space where you instantly belong became the foundation of everything we built. What started as a backyard competition has now grown into a five‑city tour, but we’ve never let go of the original energy. Every stop still feels like stepping into someone’s home: warm, familiar, unpretentious, and full of connection,” Beloved remarked.

Organizers portrayed the event as more than just a food competition. They presented oxtail as a cultural staple linked to resilience, heritage, and creativity across the diaspora. Attendees tasted competing dishes while DJs played soca, R&B, and hip-hop throughout the afternoon and evening.

The chef competition had significant rewards. Organizers stated that the grand prize included $3,000 in cash and a trip for two to Barbados’ Crop Over festival this summer.

“This past weekend in Los Angeles was a powerful reminder of why we started. More than 1,700 people showed up, not just for the food, but for the feeling. We awarded $5,000 to Food Cycle LA to support their work fighting food insecurity, and $3,000 to our winning chef, Chef Jazzy, whose dish and presence lit up the crowd. But the real story was the way communities and cultures came together. Strangers became family. People reunited with friends they hadn’t seen in years. New relationships formed over shared plates and shared memories. It felt like a homecoming, a class reunion, and a cultural celebration all at once.”

Beyond celebrating food and music, organizers highlighted philanthropy as an essential mission of the festival. Over $5K was donated to Food Cycle LA , a local nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity.

“The Oxtail Off” is expected to continue expanding nationally, with more tour stops planned throughout 2026.

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• Business

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 1, 2026

Seneca Connor Launches Platform That Scores Brands On Their Commitment To The Black Community

New App and Browser Extension Scores 800+ Companies

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Originally published on BlackNews.com.

Seneca Connor, an African American attorney and entrepreneur from Northern California, has officially launched Reckond, a first-of-its-kind consumer accountability platform that scores major brands on their real commitment to the Black community. It also surfaces verified Black-owned business alternatives at the point of purchase. Available today as a mobile app for iOS and as a browser extension for Chrome and Safari, Reckond launches with more than 800 companies scored across seven dimensions of community commitment and a free directory of more than 1,300 verified Black-owned businesses.

Black consumers represent more than $2.2 trillion in annual spending — a force that moves markets and shapes industries. Yet the vast majority of that spending flows to companies with little accountability for their records on workforce diversity, supplier diversity, community investment, and racial equity. At the same time, corporate rollbacks of DEI commitments are accelerating across Fortune 500 companies, leaving consumers with limited tools to separate genuine commitment from marketing language. Reckond was built to close that gap.

How It Works

Reckond evaluates companies across seven publicly documented dimensions using verifiable data sources, including EEOC filings, FEC political contribution records, supplier diversity disclosures, the NAACP Black Consumer Advisory, and the As You Sow Racial Justice Scorecard. Each brand receives a score from 0 to 100 and a letter grade from A through F, and is curved based on the entire brand population. Scores are editorial opinion, generated through an independent, attorney-built methodology, and are not for sale.

When a consumer searches for a brand in the Reckond mobile app or visits a brand’s product page while using the Reckond browser extension, they see the brand’s Reckond Score and are shown verified Black-owned alternatives in the same product category. Every click goes directly to the Black-owned business’s own website. Reckond does not capture transactions or retain commission on sales.

Scoring Dimension/ What Is Evaluated:

Workforce Diversity: Black representation at entry, management, executive, and board levels

Supplier Diversity: Documented spend with Black-owned and minority-owned suppliers

Political Alignment: Political contribution history and alignment with Black community interests

Crisis Response: How the brand has responded to racial justice moments and community crises

Black Spending & Investment: Tracks whether the company directs real money toward Black communities
— through advertising spend with Black-owned media, investment in Black entrepreneurs, HBCU endowments, or community development funds. Pledges without disbursement count against a brand.

Legal Record: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filing record and documented discrimination lawsuits and settlements.

Community Investment: Looks at ongoing structural investment in Black communities – not crisis-driven-pledges. This includes partnerships with HBCUs, presence in Black neighborhoods, support for Black cultural institutions, and employee volunteerism or matching programs directed at Black causes.

The Free Black-Owned Business Directory

Reckond’s directory of Black-owned businesses is completely free for every business listed — at launch and permanently. Black-owned businesses are the beneficiaries of the Reckond platform, not its revenue source. There are no listing fees, no platform charges, and no commissions collected on sales. Reckond drives consumer traffic directly to each business’s own website. The directory launches with more than 1,300 verified Black-owned businesses across fashion, beauty, food and beverage, home goods, financial services, tech, and more.

About the Founder
Reckond was founded by Seneca Connor, a licensed California attorney and MBA holder who built the platform’s scoring methodology, legal framework, and evidentiary standards herself. Connor is also the founder and CEO of The Bag Icon LLC, an accessible luxury accessories brand that has earned editorial coverage in Black Enterprise, Business Insider, Yahoo, and Essence, and the creator of The Spotlight Program, an Instagram feature series that highlights Black-owned brands at no cost. Reckond is the technology infrastructure for a mission Connor has pursued across her entire career: ensuring that the Black dollar lands where it belongs.

Reckond is available now via the website, Reckond.com, and can also be downloaded from the Apple iOS App Store. It will be available on the Google Play Store in June 2026.

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• Politics

by Selena Hill

June 1, 2026

Study Finds Black Men Don’t Trust Mainstream News

New focus-group research suggests many Black men are turning to podcasters, YouTube, and independent creators for news

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A new focus group study suggests that a growing number of Black men are becoming increasingly frustrated with traditional news media and are instead choosing to get their information from podcasts, YouTube personalities, and independent content creators.

The findings come from recent focus groups conducted by Navigator Research, which surveyed Black voters who either supported President Joe Biden in 2020 before voting for President Donald Trump in 2024 or who identify as Democrats who feel disengaged from the political process.

Many participants expressed growing economic concerns, citing rising prices for groceries, housing, healthcare, and gas as major sources of stress.

The study also found that more Black men don’t trust mainstream media. According to HuffPost, participants described traditional television news outlets as increasingly biased or disconnected from their lives. As a result, many rely on social media, YouTube, podcasts, and independent commentators to stay informed. Several respondents mentioned personalities such as Joe Rogan and Roland Martin as trusted sources for news and analysis.

“I used to watch a lot of mainstream news, but they’ve been bought out,” a 45-year-old Black man from Decatur, Georgia, told HuffPost. “I go on YouTube, watch a lot of podcasters, independent — Joe Rogan, Meidas Touch. I watch everything.”

A 55-year-old Black man from Atlanta echoed that sentiment, arguing that legacy media outlets “seems more controlled now. The big news outlets seem more controlled in what they can release to the public.”

Another participant from Detroit mentioned that even though he primarily gets his news from YouTube and podcasters like Joe Rogan, he trusts his local FOX station. “I don’t believe half the stuff that CNN puts out,” he said.

Many participants placed responsibility for the nation’s current challenges on President Trump, citing what they described as ineffective leadership and a lack of focus on the needs of everyday Americans.

“I didn’t agree with Obama on everything, but he is an example of a good leader,” said one participant from Atlanta. Referencing Trump’s new $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” he added, “As a leader, you don’t put your self-interests first. You put your constituents’ best interests first.”

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