Amazon, CEO, Andy Jassy, middle managers

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 16, 2025

Amazon CEO Lays Out Plans To Cut Middle Managers ‘Who Want To Put Their Fingerprint On Everything’

Close to 52% of Gen Z workers admitted that they would rather skip over being middle managers.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy is standing on business when it comes to “eliminating bureaucracy” by cutting out middle managers as a follow-up to mass layoffs that occurred in early 2025, Inc. reports.

Jassy reiterated his plans to reduce managerial ranks in his annual letter to company shareholders. The objective is to make the online retail giant “operate like the world’s largest startup” to move faster, create a better customer experience, and improve the shopping experience. He is moving past Amazon’s past ways of relying on “owners.”

He defines “owners as “really smart, motivated, inventive, ambitious people” who want to achieve goals by asking the question, “What would I do if I started this company and I was the majority owner?”

“Owners feel accountable,” Jassy said.

“They care deeply about the quality and effectiveness of what they own, and view the company’s mission as their mission… That’s part of what our effort to increase the ratio of individual contributors versus managers is about.”

But what does that mean for some of Amazon’s lower-level or white-collar employees?

By diminishing the number of managers, those in such positions will no longer need clearance before launching into action. Jassy feels it will remove “unneeded processes that get layered on that add little value.”

“Builders hate bureaucracy. It slows them down, frustrates them, and keeps them from doing what they came here to do,” he explained. “As leaders, we don’t always see the red tape buried deep in our organizations, but we can sure as heck eliminate it when we do.”

The new moves shouldn’t surprise stakeholders and employees. According to Fortune, in September 2024, the CEO announced he wanted to “increase the ratio of individual contributors to managers by at least 15% by the end of Q1 2025.” Amazon isn’t the only major corporation to initiate such moves.

META CEO Mark Zuckerberg labeled “flattening” as a key part of a business’s restructuring in 2023. He claimed that asking middle managers to become individual contributors would assist in making the company’s information flow more efficient. And data shows this is what the incoming working generation — Gen Z – wants. A 2025 survey from recruitment company Robert Walters found close to 52% of Gen Z workers admitted that they would rather skip over being middle managers.

Seventy-two percent said they would much rather take an “individual route to progression” over supervising, as they see how the concept results in intense burnout, as demonstrated by their bosses.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 16, 2025

CARICOM ‘Deeply Concerned’ About Coup Threat in Haiti

CARICOM is speaking out against growing threats of a government overthrow in Haiti.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a 15-member Caribbean Community regional bloc, has issued a warning in response to escalating threats from a coalition of criminal gangs in Haiti that are attempting to overthrow the government.

In a statement dated April 13, CARICOM expressed being “deeply concerned” by recent reports of a possible coup in Haiti. The threats from the coalition of gangs threatening to seize power from the government are “completely unacceptable,” CARICOM said, as captured by Haiti Libre.

“CARICOM strongly condemns any attempt to replace the transitional arrangements by force and violence,” the statement read. “These arrangements were put in place by Haitian stakeholders to pave the way for free and fair elections by February 7, 2026, and to return Haiti to constitutional authority.”

Amid ongoing threats, CARICOM has been actively consulting with Haiti and international partners to swiftly deliver additional security support. The U.S. State Department has also denounced the threats and pledged its assistance.

“The United States supports the statement by CARICOM condemning any actions to destabilize Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council,” said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, noting continued talks to “consult with governments across the region.”

Government responses come as the transitional leadership in Haiti faces mounting threats from gangs and their allies, allegedly plotting an overthrow. The country was gripped by chaos over the weekend as fear and uncertainty grew over which vulnerable communities might be targeted next.

Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, established a year ago to restore security and guide the country back to democracy through elections, has faced growing challenges, both from escalating gang violence and internal governance struggles. However, the Viv Ansanm gang coalition’s recent takeover of Mirebalais in central Haiti has sparked widespread panic and highlighted that no region in the country is truly safe.

The mounting threats of coordinated armed attacks prompted local authorities across Haiti to raise alarms on April 12. In central Haiti, where the powerful Viv Ansanm gang recently seized control of Mirebalais, officials issued urgent warnings for nearby Hinche and the Péligre dam, the country’s largest electricity producer.

Haitian police, along with the Kenya-led multinational force, continue to struggle to push back against advancing gang coalitions and prevent more territory from falling under their control. Since the start of the year, gangs have captured more towns and neighborhoods, now reportedly holding as much as 90% of the capital.

In response, CARICOM warns that the “increased violence will simply hurt those who are least capable of protecting themselves. This, too, is completely unacceptable.” The group urges ”the international community, including the United Nations and the Organization of American States, to take all necessary steps to support the Haitian authorities as they address this crisis.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 16, 2025

Suspect Arrested After 3 Students Shot At Dallas High School

Police officers arrested 17-year-old Tracy Haynes for his role in the shooting that took place at Wilmer-Hutchins High School

A suspect has been arrested after four Texas students were injured in a shooting at a Dallas high school, the second one there in just over a year.

According to The Dallas Morning News, police arrested 17-year-old Tracy Haynes for his role in the shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School on April 15. Haynes was charged with aggravated assault and mass shooting. His bail is set at $600,000.

Three of the students were injured by gunfire, while a fourth one was also injured, according to the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department. The victims were all males and were taken to local hospitals. The injuries range from serious to non-life-threatening.

The Dallas Independent School District issued a statement that the school was secure and that it planned to have parents and guardians reunited with students.

Wilmer Hutchins High School Updates:
April 15, 2025 2:12 p.m.
Families: Wilmer-Hutchins High School is secured. Reunification plans will be shared shortly. Please be prepared to arrive with your photo ID. We need everyone’s help to refrain from coming to campus.

— Dallas ISD (@dallasschools) April 15, 2025

Jason Evans, a spokesman from the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department, confirmed that the three students injured by gunfire ranged in age from 15 to 18. The fourth victim suffered a “musculoskeletal injury to the lower body,” but his age was unknown to Evans.

The incident reminded Dallas residents of a shooting that happened on April 12, 2024. A student somehow got a gun into the high school and shot a classmate.

“Quite frankly, this is just becoming way too familiar. And it should not be familiar,” Stephanie Elizalde, superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District, said at a news conference.

Approximately 900 students attend the high school.

Classes were canceled for the rest of the week, with the high school expected to reopen April 22. Officials said mental health support will be available.

by Keka Araújo

April 16, 2025

Boxing Champ Adrien Broner Cops To Getting Jumped In Nightclub Brawl: ’18 vs. 2′

The details surrounding the recent nightclub brawl remain unclear, including the date and location of the incident

Boxer Adrien Broner copped to being involved in a physical altercation at a nightclub, confirming speculation fueled by a viral video.

In a recent conversation captured on video, Broner admitted to being struck during the incident but claimed he was initially the victim of theft.

“He stole me, though,” Broner said, referencing an unidentified individual. However, the former four-weight-class world champion said it plainly that he got his lick back. “Now it’s time to catch these, though. Return to send, I did.”

Broner further implied that the altercation was not fair, claiming that he and a friend were outnumbered.

Gang, #AdrienBroner speaks on the altercation he was involved in at a nightclub. (See previous post)#411Uncut #411WithNellaD pic.twitter.com/PzoA8ZdXjg
— 411 Uncut (@411Uncut_) April 14, 2025

“18 versus 2,” the boxer claimed in the video, which was shown on 411 Uncut.

The recent admission follows a pattern of incidents involving Broner outside of the boxing ring. TMZ Sports reported on a video showing Broner being restrained outside a Cincinnati nightclub, the Copa Lounge, after becoming agitated and attempting to confront a group of people.

While Broner did not throw any punches in that July 23, 2024, incident, it added to a list of legal issues the talented but controversial boxer has faced, ranging from DUI arrests to allegations of assault and robbery.

The details surrounding the recent nightclub brawl remain unclear, including the date and location of the incident. Broner did not elaborate on what was stolen from him or the specifics of the ensuing altercation. His claim of being significantly outnumbered also lacks independent verification.

Despite the ambiguity, Broner’s admission confirms his involvement in the viral video incident and adds another chapter to his turbulent history outside of professional boxing.

by Mitti Hicks

April 16, 2025

The TSA Was Created After 9/11. Republicans Introduce Bill To Eliminate It

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created following the 9/11 attacks as a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. TSA is in charge of security at the country’s airports, highways, railways, and ports.

Two republicans have introduced a bill to eliminate the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and replace it with private security. Republican Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) say that eliminating the federal agency will help to “cut waste” at the federal level.

The TSA was created as a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security following the 9/11 attacks. Before the 9/11 attacks, private security companies were tasked with securing the country’s transportation systems. TSA agents are in charge of security at the country’s airports, highways, railways, and ports. In 2024, the TSA screened more than 900 million passengers.

What To Know About the Bill To Eliminate TSA

Introduced on March 27, the Abolish TSA Act (S.1180) calls for the DHS Secretary to expeditiously eliminate or transfer all TSA authorities, enforcement functions, and programs. According to the bill, the senators are calling to privatize commercial airport security “to increase cost-efficiency and security.” It would also establish the Office of Aviation Security Oversight within the Federal Aviation Administration, headed by a director.

If the bill is passed, the TSA would be eliminated three years after its enactment. The bill reads that the Department of Transportation would assume more responsibilities amid President Donald Trump’s agenda to reduce the federal workforce and the federal budget. The Department of Transportation would be responsible for functions related to mass transit, freight rail, highways, motor carriers, and pipelines.

Critics say it’s a bad idea to return to the pre-9/11 framework.

“Security is an inherently government function, and if you take this idea to the logical extreme, then who needs a Secret Service, or who needs a government Department of Defense or Customs and Border Protection?” John Pistole, the president of Anderson University in Indiana, who served as TSA administrator under President Obama from 2010 to 2014, told Flying Magazine.

According to GovTrack, the bill currently has a 3% chance of being enacted. Still, Senator Tuberville is doubling down on his stance that the TSA is “inefficient.”

“The TSA has become an inefficient, bureaucratic mess that infringes on Americans’ freedoms and wastes taxpayer money,” Tuberville reportedly said in a statement on the bill. “It’s a bloated agency that offers minimal security benefits while causing unnecessary delays and frustration for travelers. We need to focus on smarter, more effective methods to protect our country without sacrificing the liberties that make America great.”

Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, president, Gabon, election

by Kandiss Edwards

April 16, 2025

‘He’s Got The Power!’ Newly-Elected President Of Gabon Celebrates To 90s Throwback On Stage

Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema cut a rug in celebration of his presidential victory.

Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is celebrating his victory as the newly elected president of Gabon, the Associated Press reported.

According to official results, Nguema won the presidency with 90% of the vote. Voter turnout reached 87.21% in the African nation, which has a population of approximately 920,000.

The general joined supporters in a public celebration, dancing on stage as the crowd cheered the country’s new leadership. The event marked a symbolic end to Gabon’s Bongo dynasty, which ruled the country for over five decades.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Onsite! AFRICA (@its_onsiteafrica)

Though the election secured Nguema a decisive majority, the vote has not been without controversy. Some critics, including former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, an opponent of Nguema, have raised concerns about the campaign’s fairness, alleging that government resources were used to sway voters.

“What we experienced on Saturday, April 12, was not a free election,” said former Prime Minister Bilie-By-Nze. “Never, since entering politics, have I witnessed such a hijacking of all State resources.”

However, the Gabonese Civil Society Organizations Observation Mission reported that both the polling process and campaign tactics met acceptable standards.

Nguema entered government in August 2023, when he seized power as an interim leader following a military-led coup. That move came just hours after President Bongo was declared the winner of a disputed election. The military annulled the results, citing allegations of fraud and governance failures under Bongo’s administration.

Nguema’s formal election marks the end of Gabon’s transitional government period, and the beginning of what he has promised will be a new chapter focused on anti-corruption and institutional reform.

International observers are expected to watch the new administration closely as Nguema begins his term amid lingering concerns about democratic processes and military influence in governance.

Karmelo Anthony, ,Ohio judge, Tammy Hayward, racial Discrimination, Jefferson County Judge Tracy Davis, Kentucky, georgia, mother, man

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 16, 2025

Georgia Judge Checks Man And His Mama During Online Court Session, ‘If She Ain’t A Lawyer, I Don’t Want To Hear From Her’

'If she ain't a lawyer, I don't want to hear from her'

A judge chastised a man during an online court session after hearing his mother in the background trying to assist him in his court case: “Your mama’s not an attorney.”

A video has been circulating online showing a judge presiding over a case with a man during what appears to be a Zoom session. There are no details as to when the session took place, but it was posted on the YouTube channel of Law & Justice USA.

The judge in the case, Judge Tammi Hayward, whose courtroom is based in Jonesboro, Georgia., is seen speaking to a man she addressed as Mr. Pearson. After instructing him to turn a light on, he is seen walking in a room when he appears. The tone in Hayward’s voice immediately reveals that she is not to be played with. She then told him that since they are “conducting business,” he should have a seat somewhere. He wrinkled his face at the phone, and she quickly said, “Oh, I’m sorry, don’t give me the stink face.”

He responded by informing her that he is “listening” to her, and she told him she doesn’t want to talk to him while he is walking because his constant movements might make her dizzy.

After informing Pearson that he has three cases before her, including battery, family violence, another simple battery family violence matter, and a striking a fixed object case, another voice blurts out, “Wasn’t the other family violence case supposed to be dropped?”

Hayward then said, “First of all, if the person you’re talking to is the person who is on these cases, then you’re going to violate your bond conditions, get arrested, and come back and spend time in jail.”

Pearson then quickly said, “That’s my mama!”

The judge responded, “Your mama’s not an attorney, so I’m talking to you.”

Pearson claimed he doesn’t have an attorney, and Hayward reminded him he has a public defender.

“You have an attorney. You were given a public defender, so I want you to stop talking. You and your mama!”

Upon hearing that, Pearson’s mother yelled out to her, “Wait a minute! Don’t tell me…. now let me move closer!”

After asking Pearson how old he was (he said 30), she chastised him again, telling him that he is grown and needs to “handle” his own business.

“If she ain’t a lawyer, I don’t want to hear from her,” Hayward said before the clip ended.

Check out the clip below:

No details were revealed regarding the outcome of the court session that day. The video has gone viral and has been reposted on social media.

by Kandiss Edwards

April 16, 2025

Week 10: Target Boycotters Still Standing On Business As In-Store Foot Traffic Continues To Drop

One TikToker had a great idea around boycotting.

Target continues to see a decline in in-store patronage. Foot traffic declined more than 9% in February and 6.5% in March compared to the same time last year, according to data compiled by the Minnesota Tribune.

Analysts attribute the slump to economic uncertainty, inflation, and public backlash over the company’s rejection of DEI initiatives.

Retail experts say the current economic landscape, exacerbated by rising tariffs, inflationary pressure, and decreasing consumer confidence, is affecting big-box retailers nationwide to scale back their DEI policies and has drawn criticism from civil rights leaders, most notably Rev. Jamal Bryant. The pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church launched a “fast from Target” campaign, urging consumers to refrain from shopping there. He argues the retailer’s shift betrays its once-strong public commitment to racial equity.

Retailers have responded with aggressive promotions to entice shoppers. Target is rolling out new initiatives and promotions to bring customers back into its stores. The retailer recently announced a collaboration with fashion designer Kate Spade and a limited-edition “Daisy Duck” clothing line in partnership with Disney.

But the moves have been met with resistance. Former customers and current protesters are speaking out on social media, calling on the Black community to reject the campaigns.

One TikTok user, @ajjustfly, posted a video walking through a Target store to highlight the impact of the ongoing boycott.

“You all were not playing with Target! Will they ever recover from this?” the user said in the clip. “The employees were literally fighting in the aisle. The cashier said, ‘Nobody really shops here.’”

The video has gone viral, adding to the growing backlash.

@ajjustfly
You all were not playing with Target! Will they ever recover from this? The employees were literally fighting in the aisle. The cashier said “nobody really shops here” #viral #fyp #boycott
♬ LOOK AT THIS – Astro Boyke

TikTok user @mahoganyishere also weighed in, criticizing Black influencers who have continued to collaborate with the brand.

“I’m so disappointed in all the Black influencers I see saying, ‘I’m working, I’m doing it for the bag,’” she said. “All money ain’t good money.”

@mahoganyishere
It’s still a No for me. You will not see me shopping at Target ! Stand strong yall !! #nomoretarget #daisyduckoutfit #daisyduckset #selloutttt #boycotttarget
♬ original sound – Mahoganyishere

TikTok user @veesasstravels offered an economic workaround for shoppers looking to avoid big-box stores like Target and Walmart. She suggested using the price-matching chat services provided by other retailers to find comparable products at the same cost.

https://www.tiktok.com/@veesass/video/7489119721242103070?_r=1&_t=ZT-8vZCQgTwPxz

Customers continue to clutch their coins for both economic and ideological reasons. Both seem to be putting large retailers in the hot seat. A University of Michigan report showed consumer confidence is down 12% from February and over 28% year over year, indicating widespread concern about the economic trajectory under the Trump administration.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 16, 2025

This Extra Social Security Payment Arrives For Specific Retirees, Disability Recipients

The Social Security payment scheduled for April 16 will be directed to a specific segment of the beneficiary population.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that millions of Social Security beneficiaries across the United States will receive their next monthly payment April 16. This upcoming disbursement is part of the agency’s established monthly schedule and will provide crucial financial support to eligible retirees, individuals receiving disability benefits, and survivors.

For many Americans, these regular Social Security payments form a vital cornerstone of their monthly income, assisting with essential living expenses such as housing, healthcare, and groceries. The timely receipt of these benefits can substantially impact their day-to-day financial stability, particularly for those who rely heavily or solely on Social Security. Beneficiaries who have opted for Direct Deposit will typically see their funds available more quickly, often on the same day the payment is issued.

Who Receives the April 16 Payment?

The Social Security payment scheduled for April 16 will be directed to a specific segment of the beneficiary population. To be eligible for this particular check, recipients must meet two key criteria:

Their Social Security benefits must have commenced in May 1997 or later.
Their date of birth must fall between the 11th and 20th of any month.

This eligibility group encompasses:

Retired workers receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
Widows and widowers receiving survivor benefits.

In addition to meeting these birth date and benefit commencement requirements, beneficiaries who have elected to receive their payments via Direct Deposit can anticipate faster access to their funds. Those who still receive paper checks or have not yet enrolled in electronic payments may experience a slight delay of several days due to postal service delivery times and bank processing procedures.

Remaining April Social Security Payments

Following the April 16 distribution, the SSA has one final payment scheduled for April:

April 23: This payment is designated for beneficiaries whose birth dates fall between the 21st and 31st of any month, provided their Social Security benefits also started after May 1997.

With this final distribution, the SSA will conclude its four-payment cycle for April. The agency’s system of staggering payments throughout the month, based on the recipient’s date of birth and the date they initially claimed benefits, is designed to ensure a more streamlined and manageable distribution process.

The SSA continues to encourage all beneficiaries to enroll in Direct Deposit, emphasizing that it remains the most efficient and secure method for receiving Social Security funds, ensuring timely access to crucial income.

A$AP Rocky, CDFA, Fashion Icon, Ray Bans

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 16, 2025

Hip-Hop and Fashion’s Fly Guy A$AP Rocky Covers Latest Issue Of Vogue

'I feel so blessed. I feel lucky. I feel happy. I feel joyful. I’m on a high.'

Harlem-bred Rakim Mayers, known to the world as A$AP Rocky, and co-founder of Harlem hip-hop group A$AP Mob, discussed his Harlem upbringing, his children, and his feelings on beating a gun charge earlier this year in an exclusive interview with Vogue magazine.

The conversation took place after a Los Angeles jury found A$AP Rocky not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The fashionable lyricist was accused of shooting at a former friend and A$AP Mob group member, A$AP Relli, in Los Angeles in 2021.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Lede Company (@theledecompany)

As the entertainer rode around Manhattan with Vogue writer Leah Faye Cooper, he was in his hometown of Harlem, New York, where many before him have thrived in many industries.

“Shooting in Harlem today was surreal,” Rocky said. “It was like a dream come true.”

“What I was privy to and got to experience made me so lucky. I grew up with both parents; I got to see love. And being from Harlem, it just gives you this…pizzazz.”

While having dinner, Rocky mentioned his love for his children, RZA and Riot. He also briefly described the personalities of the children he has with his girlfriend, Rihanna.

“The older one, he stays to himself—he likes his books,” Rocky said of the older son, RZA. He then described the nature of RZA’s younger sibling, Riot.

“He likes to take stuff from his brother so his brother can chase him.”

Rocky was facing up to 24 years in prison after rejecting a plea agreement that would have placed him in prison for six months with a suspended seven-year sentence plus three years of probation. While attending an event at Soho House, he raised his glass for a toast to the people around him and acknowledged the court victory, stating he was happy to be with them, as opposed to the alternative path Los Angeles prosecutors wanted.

“I’m so glad to be here with all of you and not in jail.”

“I feel so blessed. I feel lucky. I feel happy. I feel joyful. I’m on a high. I’m going to enjoy it while it’s still here. It’s just beautiful.”