Angela Davis

Angela Davis To Keynote Black Feminist Reunion In New Orleans

Angela Davis is lending her voice to support the new generation of Black feminists during a three-day conference.


Famed activist Angela Davis will serve as the keynote speaker at the largest Black feminist conference in the U.S. this June, lending her voice to support a new generation of Black feminists.

From June 5 to 7, Black Feminist Future will host Get Free: Black Feminist Reunion, a three-day event inspired by the historic 1973 National Black Women’s Organization conference. The gathering will feature powerful panels, a keynote address from the renowned Angela Davis, and events designed to foster connection and elevate collective consciousness within the Black feminist community.

Davis rose in prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s through her work as a radical feminist and activist, a member of the Communist Party USA, and an affiliate of the Los Angeles chapter of the Black Panther Party. In 1969, Davis made national headlines when she was fired from her teaching position at the University of California due to her membership in the Communist Party—a move heavily pushed by then-California governor and future president Ronald Reagan.

Davis would return to her post after Judge Jerry Pacht ruled that UCLA’s Board of Regents could not fire Davis solely because of her affiliation with the Communist Party. However, she was fired again in 1970 for using “inflammatory language” in four different speeches.

Over the last five decades, Davis has been widely recognized for her lifelong activism, receiving honors such as the Soviet Union’s Lenin Peace Prize and induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. In 2020, Time magazine named her its 1971 “Woman of the Year” in its special 100 Women of the Year issue, and she was also listed among the world’s 100 most influential people.

A professor emerita of History of Consciousness and Feminist Studies at the University of California, Davis, has written numerous books, with her most recent works including Abolition. Feminism. Now. (co-written with Gina Dent, Erica Meiners, and Beth Richie), and the essay collection Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol. 1. She is also a founding member of Critical Resistance, a national organization focused on dismantling the prison industrial complex.

The Get Free lineup also features speakers like Domonique Morgan, Devin-Norelle, and Shana Griffin, among others. Attendees can expect a full schedule of discussions exploring themes like “Visions of Black Feminist Possibilities” and “How Black Feminism Is Shaping Politics.”

The event aims to equip participants with tools, foster unity, and inspire continued collective action. Those interested in attending can register HERE.

RELATED CONTENT: #RestInPower: Alexis Herman, First Black Labor Secretary, Dies At 76

Lil Wayne, Travis Hunter, sports agent, football. NFL

Travis Hunter’s Father Attends NFL Draft After Being Granted Permission By Judge

The former Colorado Buffaloes player was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the second pick


Former Colorado Buffaloes player Travis Hunter Jr. was the second player drafted in this year’s NFL Draft, and his father, Travis Sr., who has been sentenced to home confinement, was permitted by the courts to witness his namesake’s ascension into professional sports in person.

According to USA Today, both Hunters were present at the NFL Draft on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to share when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called Travis Jr.’s name after the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him. It was an emotional moment for Travis Jr. as he mentioned that he wished his father were by his side when he won the coveted Heisman Trophy Award earlier this year.

Travis Sr. is currently serving three years of probation in Palm Beach County, Florida, after he was convicted of gun and drug charges last year. A Florida judge granted Travis Sr.’s request to travel to Wisconsin, also known as the “Badger State,” to be with his son for his historic moment.

Mamdani, Barack Obama, protest, New York City

Former President Barack Obama Weighs In On The Human Touch Vs. AI For Coding

The former President says A.I. "can code better than let’s call it 60%, 70% of coders now."


Former President Barack Obama spoke about the future of human jobs as he feels artificial intelligence (AI) is outperforming human coding efforts, People of Color in Tech reports. 

While participating in the Sacerdote Great Names Series at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, America’s former president spoke about how many roles will potentially be eliminated — and no longer essential — due to the effectiveness of AI, claiming the software codes 60% to 70% better than humans.

“Already the current models of AI, not necessarily the ones that you purchase or that you just get through the retail ChatGPT, but the more advanced models that are available now to companies, they can code better than let’s call it 60%, 70% of coders now,” the former president told Hamilton’s President Steven Tepper. 

“We’re talking highly skilled jobs that pay really good salaries and that, up until recently, have been entirely a seller’s market in Silicon Valley. A lot of that work is going to go away. The best coders will be able to use these tools to augment what they already do, but for a lot of routine stuff, you just won’t need a coder because the computer or the machine will do it itself. That’s going to duplicate itself across professions.” 

Obama isn’t the only celebrity who has highlighted the importance of AI slowly but surely taking over. Through the Coramino Fund, an investment collaboration between comedian Kevin Hart and Juan Domingo Beckmann’s Gran Coramino Tequila, entrepreneurs and small businesses from underresourced communities were encouraged to apply for its $10,000 grant program. While first-round applications closed on April 23, 50 firms will not only receive capital to expand but also receive “cutting-edge AI technological training and hands-on learning to responsibly and effectively incorporate into their operations,” according to Fortune

Hart says business owners must leap on the opportunity and education.

“The train is coming and coming fast,” he said. “Either you’re on it, or if not, get out of the way.”

Data and research are also supporting Hart and Obama’s viewpoints, and people of color could be affected the most as it grows more popular in the workplace. After reviewing data from the U.S. Census, researchers at Michigan State University’s Julian Samora Research Institute found that Hispanic-owned companies reported nearly 9% of AI adoption and Asian-owned firms used roughly 11%. Nearly 78% of white-owned companies reported high use of the technology. 

Black-owned companies ranked last, with the lowest AI usage across the board in 2023, with fewer than 2% of businesses reporting “high use.”

A report from researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), revealed that the state’s Latinx AI employees are at high risk of losing their jobs due to automation and the increased use of technology that performs repetitive tasks without human involvement. 

Data from the McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility indicates that the AI divide could widen the racial wealth gap by $43 million annually.

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film, Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant’s First Game-Worn Jersey Sells For $7M

This makes it the highest price paid for a Kobe Bryant Jersey


A basketball jersey worn by the legendary Kobe Bryant sold at a record-high price of $7 million at a Sotheby’s auction.

According to ESPN, the jersey Bryant wore as a rookie during the 1996-97 season was sold for a reported $7 million, breaking the previous record for a Bryant jersey at $5.85 million. That signed jersey was from his only MVP season, 2007-08. The item was listed on the Sotheby’s auction website and was purchased on April 24.

The auction initially listed the item that was photo-matched to seven games.

“Worn during his first game (both in the regular season and preseason) with the Los Angeles Lakers, this jersey encapsulates the very beginning of a career that would transcend the sport.”

Bryant’s debut for the Lakers on the basketball court occurred during the preseason on Oct. 16, 1996. However, Sotheby’s stated that the jersey was first seen on Bryant during his first NBA media day appearance on Oct. 1, 1996. He wore it two days after his first preseason game, on Oct. 18. The jersey was worn four more times during the regular season, when he made his regular season debut on Nov. 3, and then on Nov. 10, 15, and 20.

The $7 million jersey is the fourth-most-expensive game-worn sports jersey behind the $24 million Babe Ruth “called shot” jersey, Michael Jordan’s $10.1 million “Last Dance” jersey, and Diego Maradona’s $9.3 million “Hand of God” Argentina jersey from the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

“Debut games are truly one-of-a-kind moments in an athlete’s career,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, in a written statement. “They mark the nascency of an extraordinary journey, and for iconic athletes like Kobe Bryant, these milestones hold even more significance as they represent a singular moment in time that can never be replicated.”

Bryant played his entire career with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships, becoming a two-time Finals MVP, and earning the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player award. He made the All-Star team 18 times and became the youngest player to reach 30,000 points. In his final game before retiring in 2016, he scored an NBA season-high 60 points.

The 41-year-old basketball legend died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others on Jan. 26, 2020.

RELATED CONTENT: #RestInPower: Alexis Herman, First Black Labor Secretary, Dies At 76

Teyana Taylor, Essence, Apollo,, Innovator Award

The Apollo Set To Honor Teyana Taylor With Inaugural Innovator Award, ‘Beyond Anything I Could Have Dreamed’

Teyana Taylor is set to receive the first-ever Innovator Award at The Apollo's 2025 Spring Benefit.


Teyana Taylor will be celebrated in her hometown as the first-ever recipient of The Apollo Theater’s inaugural Innovator Award.

The Harlem native will return home on June 4 to be honored at the Apollo’s Spring Benefit, where she’ll be recognized for her dynamic career as a singer, model, actress, and creative director. The award marks a full-circle moment for Taylor, who was born and raised in Harlem and deeply understands the cultural significance of the iconic venue.

“Growing up in Harlem, The Apollo has always been a source of inspiration and Black excellence,” Taylor said in a press release. “Being honored in my hometown by this iconic institution is beyond anything I could have dreamed.”

The Apollo’s 2025 Spring Benefit will mark the historic theater’s final fundraiser before it undergoes its first full-scale renovation and modernization in its 90-year history. This year’s event serves as a multigenerational celebration of The Apollo’s continued legacy, helping to launch and sustain the careers of thousands of Black artists, offering them not just a stage, but a livelihood.

“For generations, The Apollo has been a beacon of culture and community in Harlem and around the world,” said Michelle Ebanks, president & CEO of The Apollo. “This year’s Spring Benefit is a celebration of that legacy and the artists and visionaries shaping what’s next. It marks the final time audiences will experience our legendary theater as it stands today, before we begin the first full-scale renovation in our 90-year history. As we honor the past and embrace a bold future, this evening will uplift the trailblazers who have shaped The Apollo and offer a powerful glimpse into the renaissance to come.”

In addition to Taylor, Grammy-winning producer Clive Davis will receive the Legacy Award and be inducted into The Apollo’s legendary Walk of Fame for his pivotal role in the music industry.

“To be recognized by The Apollo, an institution that has launched and celebrated so many of the artists I’ve admired and worked with throughout my career, is deeply meaningful to me,” Davis said. “I am truly honored to receive the Legacy Award and to join The Apollo’s Walk of Fame.”

RELATED CONTENT: #RestInPower: Alexis Herman, First Black Labor Secretary, Dies At 76

Khalid Kamal, mayor, Kobi, racist, messages, investigation, south Fulton

Mayor Khalid Kamau Will Not Seek Re-Election After His Descent Into Poverty

Mayor Khalid Kamau is not seeing re-election in South Fulton County.


South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau announced he will not seek re-election. The mayor will conclude his tumultuous term in 2025—a tenure marked by financial scrutiny, legal issues, and conflicts with the City Council.​

Kamau, also known as Mayor Kobi, announced during the April 22 City Council meeting. He stated that his upcoming State of the City address on May 1 will serve as his farewell.

Kamau cited financial hardship as a primary reason for stepping down. The mayor notes that the salary pays approximately $40,000 annually, which subsequently forced him to sell his mother’s house and rely on food stamps.

 “To keep this promise of doing this job full-time and this job only, I have sold my mother’s house, I’ve been on food stamps, and turned down some pretty good job offers,” Kamau said.​

Kamau also faced personal financial difficulties, including an eviction notice for unpaid rent. Though he initially announced his re-election in January, his plans have changed. BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on Kamau’s claims that troubles during his term were politically motivated.

 “I wasn’t expecting to need a legal team when I announced my re-election plans in January, but I guess that’s the way the political game is played now.”

Kamau has faced allegations of misusing a city-issued purchasing card. The alleged unauthorized expenditures total around $26,000, including a 20-day trip to Ghana. He describes the trip as a trade mission for economic development.

Additionally, in 2023, Kamau was arrested on burglary and trespassing charges. The mayor entered a home, claiming he believed it was abandoned and intended to purchase it.​

The City Council responded by implementing measures to limit Kamau’s access to city resources. These included revoking his budget access, removing unauthorized equipment from his office, and a temporary ban from municipal properties.​

With Kamau stepping down, the race for South Fulton’s next mayor is underway. Former Mayor Bill Edwards and current City Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs have both announced their candidacies for the Nov. 4 election.

Kamau’s departure marks the end of a turbulent chapter in South Fulton’s leadership.

RELATED CONTENT: South Fulton’s Mayor Khalid Kamau Denied Name Change To Mayor ‘Due To Open Criminal Case’

money, Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders Stays Positive After Being Snubbed In NFL Draft’s First Round

'We all didn’t expect this of course, but I feel like with God, anything’s possible, everything’s possible. I don’t think this happened for no reason.'


Although there was speculation that Colorado Buffaloes’ former quarterback Shedeur Sanders might not be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, there was still shock when his name wasn’t called. Yet, he stayed positive, saying the snub adds “fuel to the fire.”

After coming off another good season with Colorado, it was predicted that Sanders could become the No.1 pick in the NFL Draft, or at the very least, it would be between him and Miami quarterback Cam Ward. Yet, as the draft approached, the analysts focused on Ward being selected by the Tennessee Titans, who held the first pick. With several teams needing quarterbacks, the thought varied on which team would jump on the Sanders train. The quarterback visited teams like the New York Giants, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and others. Yet, people began to lose faith in Sanders being selected in the first round.

According to The Associated Press, after the Titans made the anticipated choice, at least five teams that were supposedly in need of a long-term quarterback passed on Sanders. The New York City area teams, the Giants (even with two picks, using one to select another quarterback, Jaxson Dart, from Ole Miss) and the Jets, as well as the Steelers, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the New Orleans Saints, did not select him.

Although he was shut out of the first round, Sanders feels he will still be selected in the second round. He took it in stride, probably just as shocked as many people in the sports world. In a video clip posted on social media, he addressed the crowd and seemed confident that he would land with a team, stating that he would use his non-selection in the first round as inspiration.

“We all didn’t expect this of course, but I feel like with God, anything’s possible, everything’s possible. I don’t think this happened for no reason. All this is, is of course, fuel to the fire. Under no circumstance, we all know this shouldn’t have happened, but we understand we’re on to bigger and better things. Tomorrow’s the day. We’re going to be happy regardless.”

During his collegiate career, Shedeur Sanders threw for 14,347 yards, 134 touchdowns, and was intercepted 27 times. He had a 70.1% completion rate for his passing game and ran 17 touchdowns.

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National Museum of African American History, SMITHSONIAN,, TRUMP

Trump Administration Begins Black History Museum Purge With Black Excellence Artifact Removals

Trump launched an attack on the museum -- often referred to as the “Blacksonian” -- in late March after signing an executive order.


The Trump administration has initiated the return of exhibits from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture to their original owners, including the original 1960 Woolworth’s lunch counter, according to Black Press USA

The exhibit features sections of the original lunch counter where the sit-in protests began in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Feb. 1, 1960, with four students from North Carolina A&T State University: Ezell Blair Jr., Franklin McCain, David Richmond, and Joseph McNeil. The HBCU students were attacked after sitting at the whites-only section and being denied service. North Carolina Democratic Congresswoman and A&T alum Alma Adams said Trump can take the exhibits down, but the people will never forget. “This president is a master of distraction and is destroying what it took 250 years to build. Here’s another distraction in his quest for attention. Another failure of his first 100 days,” she said. 

“We are long past the time when you can erase history—anyone’s history. You can take down exhibits, close buildings, shut down websites, ban books, and attempt to alter history, but we are long past that point. We will never forget!”

Trump attacked the museum, often referred to as the “Blacksonian,” after signing an executive order targeting the nation’s parks and museums.

“Museums in our nation’s capital should be places where individuals go to learn, not to be subjected to ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history,” he said, according to USA Today.  

His viewpoints are supported by attorney Lindsey Halligan, who is allegedly consulting with Vice President JD Vance to “remove improper ideology” from Smithsonian properties and said the museum needs “changing.” 

The lunch counter is just one of several artifacts being returned. Long-standing civil rights leader and pastor of San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church Dr. Amos Brown revealed a letter confirming the return of a Bible and George W. Williams’s History of the Negro Race in America, 1618-1880, one of the first books written on racism. The items have been displayed since the museum’s opening in September 2016. Amos said the items have sentimental value as the Bible once belonged to his father. “The Bible—that’s my father’s Bible and the Bible I used in the Civil Rights Movement,” Amos said. 

“When we went on demonstrations, we always had the Bible.”


Exhibit removals and the target have sparked a firestorm of criticism among advocates fighting to preserve the museum as it was initially founded. Black churches across state lines have rallied against Trump’s accusations of “divisive, race-centered ideology.” Rev. Robert Turner of Empowerment Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore did the math and began asking members of his congregation for an extra offering to support museum preservation efforts.

“For only $25 a year, you can protect Black history,” Moss told his congregation.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Rescinds HBCU Support: A Dismantling Of Opportunity For Our Youth

Alexis Herman, US Secretary of Labor, Bill Clinton, death

Rest In Power: Alexis Herman, First Black Labor Secretary, Dies At 76

The talented leader served on Al Gore’s transition team and later played key roles in John Kerry’s and Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns.


Alexis Herman, a trailblazing figure in American politics and the first African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor, died Thursday at 76. 

Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, including former President Bill Clinton, who lauded her “unfailing optimism and energy.”

“Alexis Herman was a skillful and creative administrator who worked to empower women and strengthen families,” Clinton wrote in a social media post. “In every effort, she lifted people with her unfailing optimism and energy. We’ll miss her very much.”

Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott also spoke about Herman’s passing, describing the maven as “dedicated.”

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Alexis Herman. In 1977, President Carter appointed her director of the Women’s Bureau at the age of 29-–the youngest director in the history of the Department of Labor. After the Carter administration, she founded her own consulting firm to work to advance diversity and inclusion in corporate America, working with such large companies as Procter & Gamble and AT&T. She returned to government service after President Clinton’s election, serving as the first African American woman Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison. And in 1997, President Clinton appointed her as the 23rd Secretary of Labor–- the first African American to hold that position. Alexis was a trailblazer whose commitment to equity and justice transformed the American workplace.”

Scott continued, “From her early days working to desegregate schools in Mobile, Alabama, to her leadership in the private sector and the Carter and Clinton administrations, Alexis dedicated her life to expanding opportunities for all Americans—especially women, minorities, and working families.”

“As Secretary of Labor, she was instrumental in resolving the 1997 UPS strike, securing passage of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, cracking down on sweatshop labor and child labor violations, ensuring robust enforcement of equal employment opportunities, and expanding youth employment opportunities, particularly in underserved communities.”

“Her legacy will continue to guide us in our ongoing efforts to build a more just and inclusive society. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable life.”

The NAACP shared its condolences via its official Instagram account.

#RestInPower Secretary Alexis Herman, a pioneering leader and the first African-American U.S. Secretary of Labor. Serving under the Clinton administration, her legacy of service and trailblazing leadership will continue to inspire generations.”

Herman’s life was defined by a commitment to public service and a relentless pursuit of equality. 

Born on July 16, 1947, in Mobile, Alabama, to Alex Herman, a civil rights activist, and Gloria Caponis, an educator, her upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of social justice. Her father’s legal battles to secure voting rights for Black citizens in the segregated South shaped her early understanding of systemic inequality.  

After graduating from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1969 with a degree in sociology, Herman began her career in community development, working with Catholic Charities to create employment and training programs for underprivileged youth in Mississippi. Her work with marginalized communities, particularly in improving shipbuilding apprenticeships for unskilled African Americans, laid the foundation for her future advocacy.  

Her entry into national politics began during Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign, leading to her appointment as director of the Women’s Bureau at the Department of Labor (DOL) in 1977. At 29, she was the youngest person to hold that position, where she championed employment opportunities for women and successfully pressured corporations like Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola to diversify their hiring practices.  

In the 1980s, Herman established her own consulting firm, A.M. Herman and Associates, specializing in minority hiring practices. Her expertise and political acumen positioned her as a key figure within the Democratic Party.  

Herman’s career reached new heights in the 1990s. She served as CEO of the 1992 Democratic National Convention, which nominated Bill Clinton and Al Gore. From 1993 to 1996, she served as the director of the White House Public Liaison Office, bridging the gap between the Clinton administration and public interest groups.  

In 1997, Clinton appointed Herman as Secretary of Labor, a historic milestone. Her tenure was marked by significant policy achievements, including the passage of the 1998 Workforce Investment Act, which reformed the nation’s job training system. She oversaw the implementation of the Youth Opportunity Grants program, which aimed to improve employment prospects for youth in impoverished areas, and played a crucial role in welfare reform.  

Herman’s leadership was also evident in her handling of labor disputes, notably settling a UPS workers’ strike in favor of organized labor. She prioritized international labor standards, advocating for improved working conditions for children abroad.  

The talented leader served on Al Gore’s transition team and later played key roles in John Kerry’s and Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns.  

Beyond politics, Herman dedicated herself to philanthropic endeavors, serving on the boards of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and organizations like the National Urban League and the National Epilepsy Foundation. She also held significant corporate advisory roles, including chairing the Human Resources Task Force for Coca-Cola and serving on Toyota’s Diversity Advisory Board. Notably, her contributions to empowering women and minorities were recognized in 2010 when she was honored as one of Black Enterprise’s Women of Power.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Rescinds HBCU Support: A Dismantling Of Opportunity For Our Youth

Omar McGee, Rose Gold Reserve Cigars, Cigars, Entrepreneurship, Howard University

Omar McGee is Elevating Black Excellence with Rose Gold Reserve Cigar

Omar McGee is no stranger to building empires.


Omar McGee is no stranger to building empires. The Flint, Michigan native, Howard University alumnus, and serial entrepreneur has long crafted businesses that reflect a deep sense of purpose, culture, and an elevated experience. His latest venture, the Rose Gold Reserve Cigar, is no exception— it’s a masterclass in storytelling, exclusivity, and refined taste.

McGee launched Rose Gold Reserve in a booming market. The U.S. premium cigar industry saw over 500 million premium cigars imported in 2022, marking a continuation of a multi-year trend of growth. Meanwhile, the global cigar market was valued at $17.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $21.6 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%. 

Born from a three-year collaboration with legendary master blender Christian Eiroa, Rose Gold Reserve isn’t just a cigar — it’s a statement. “I wanted to craft more than just a cigar—I wanted to create an experience,” McGee says. “The name symbolizes sophistication and distinction, while also nodding to the richness of Black culture and heritage.”

Despite this upward momentum, representation remains limited. McGee is part of a small but growing group of Black entrepreneurs carving out space in a historically exclusive industry.

From Howard to Honduras: The Art of the Blend

Crafted in Danlí, Honduras, each Rose Gold Reserve cigar boasts a Mexican Maduro wrapper, complemented by a premium Honduran binder and filler. McGee chose to work with Christian Eiroa, a third-generation master blender known for his work with Davidoff, C.L.E., and Camacho brands.

“Christian was born into the tobacco fields,” McGee says. “His family has been doing this for over a century. That expertise helps us maintain the consistency and excellence that defines Rose Gold Reserve.”

McGee took a hands-on approach — visiting fields, testing blends, and curating a distinct flavor profile. “It wasn’t just about location — it was about building real relationships and curating a smoking experience that matched our identity.”

Positioning the Brand: Luxury with Intention

From day one, McGee strategically positioned Rose Gold Reserve as a cigar and a lifestyle brand. “We were intentional about aligning with luxury, culture, and exclusivity,” he says. “It’s not about hype — about timeless style and intentional growth.”

Limiting releases helped build anticipation and maintain exclusivity. Meanwhile, strategic visual branding and storytelling helped connect with tastemakers, creatives, and professionals. The brand’s debut event? A black-tie affair in a billion-dollar penthouse overlooking Los Angeles. “We launched with momentum and vision,” McGee recalls. “And the next morning, we sold out in two days.”

Most recently, Rose Gold Reserve was selected as the exclusive cigar brand for the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. The cigar brand was prominently featured in the victory celebrations and footage of the Eagles at the Fanatics Exclusive Party.

Breaking Barriers in a Legacy Industry

Like many Black founders in legacy industries, McGee faced challenges gaining access and credibility in the cigar industry. “This is a relationship-driven space, and many of the key players aren’t used to seeing us in leadership roles,” he explained.

Support came through his Howard University (HU) network. HU alumna and attorney-turned-business partner Celeste Williams, as well as McGee’s wife and business partner, Teresa McGee, were instrumental in building the brand’s foundation. “Celeste said, ‘I want all the smoke. I want in.’ That was God talking to me.”

McGee highlights a vital demographic shift: “The fastest-growing demographic in the cigar industry is Black women. Why wouldn’t I align with strong, brilliant Black women who get the vision?”

Rose Gold Reserve Cigars, Omar McGee, Entrepreneurship, Cigars
Source: The Rose Gold Reserve Cigar Team (From L to R) Tiffany Sims, Monica Vega, Teresa McGee, Celeste Williams, Omar McGee

Scaling Without Sacrificing Prestige

For McGee, growth isn’t about scale — it’s about legacy. “We’re not chasing volume — we’re building something lasting,” he says. The team has kept cigar distribution limited and selective, focusing on online sales and curated partnerships. “Rose Gold Reserve isn’t meant to be everywhere — it’s meant to be in the right places.”

The brand recently expanded with The Platinum Reserve, a puro blend made with three-year-aged Honduran tobacco. “Everything we do is about quality and experience. That’s how you scale a premium brand — on your terms.”

A Blueprint for Black Luxury Entrepreneurship

McGee’s advice is simple but profound to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into niche luxury markets: “Lead with confidence, clarity, and culture. Understand your industry inside and out. And make sure your audio matches your video.”

With Rose Gold Reserve, Omar McGee isn’t just redefining cigar culture — he’s creating a blueprint for excellence, storytelling, and legacy in the luxury space.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Rescinds HBCU Support: A Dismantling Of Opportunity For Our Youth

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