by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 17, 2026

Tahira Reid Smith Has Modernized Double Dutch With ‘Jump Dreams’

The invention, named Jump Dreams, was presented during Double Dutch Day at Awbury Park in Philadelphia.

Who is Dr. Tahira Reid Smith?

Tahira Reid Smith, a professor at Penn State University, recently introduced an automated Double Dutch machine. This machine is a childhood idea dating back to when Reid Smith was an 8-year-old growing up in The Bronx. It has grown into an innovative invention that combines culture, fitness, and engineering, and allows users to practice the classic jump rope activity without needing human turners.

How Jump Dreams Works:

The invention, named Jump Dreams, was presented during Double Dutch Day at Awbury Park in Philadelphia. The app-controlled system features synchronized mechanical arms that rotate the ropes while users jump in time. Reid Smith said she created the machine to celebrate the cultural importance of Double Dutch and to make the activity more accessible for both beginners and experienced athletes.

The Innovation Timeline:

According to AfroTech, Reid Smith first came up with the idea while in elementary school. A drawing of her Double Dutch machine won a school competition. Later, while studying mechanical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, she revisited the concept during a design course taught by Professor Burt Swersey, who became a co-inventor of the device.

Reid Smith received patents for versions of her invention in 1999 and 2003, as noted by the Smithsonian Institution and the Lemelson Center. Her work has also been showcased in exhibitions that highlight Black inventors and innovators in STEM.

“Jump Dreams was designed to improve coordination, movement, and engagement while honoring the cultural roots of Double Dutch,” the company’s website reads.

Future Availability:

Currently, the machine is still in the prototype stage and is not available for commercial use. However, Reid Smith is conducting public demonstrations to gather feedback before launching future versions, in hopes that the technology will eventually be placed in schools, youth centers, and recreational facilities across the country.

STEM Representation:

Beyond recreation, the invention brings attention to broader discussions about representation in STEM fields. According to the National Science Foundation, Black women continue to be underrepresented in engineering careers, even with increasing efforts to diversify the industry. Reid Smith’s journey from a childhood dreamer to a patent-holding inventor illustrates the growing visibility of Black innovators shaping modern technology.

RELATED CONTENT: 40+ Double Dutch Club: Empowering Women

by Sidnee Michelle Douyon

May 17, 2026

Detroit Native Marcel Smith Opens Chick-Fil-A Near His Childhood Neighborhood

The restaurant officially opened on April 2 and is expected to provide about 120 jobs in the Downriver community

Detroit native Marcel Smith is bringing a local vision of leadership and community investment to Michigan’s fast-food scene. He has become the owner-operator of a new Chick-fil-A location in Lincoln Park.

The restaurant officially opened on April 2 and is expected to provide about 120 jobs in the Downriver community, according to the company announcement. This new location adds to over 20 Chick-fil-A restaurants already operating in metro Detroit, as the company continues to grow in Michigan.

“Opening a restaurant so close to where I grew up is a full-circle moment for me. As the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Lincoln Park, my goal is for guests and team members to feel known and cared for, and for this restaurant to serve as a positive anchor for my family and the community,” he said in a press release.

For Smith, this opening is more than just launching a franchise. The former basketball player and Detroit Public Schools graduate sees it as a “full-circle moment” related to giving back to the communities that shaped him. Smith earned a degree in international business from Houston Christian University. He has also gained experience in youth coaching, financial advising, and Chick-fil-A’s leadership development program.

The company stated that Smith trained in restaurants throughout the country before taking on ownership. This training prepares operators to manage daily business operations and engage with the local community. His Lincoln Park restaurant offers dine-in, carryout, drive-thru, and delivery services.

Smith’s journey also reflects Chick-fil-A’s broader growth strategy in Michigan. This expansion is expected to create thousands of new jobs across the state.

Chick-fil-A’s expansion in Michigan has increasingly focused on local leadership and community-oriented ownership models. New restaurants in cities like Auburn Hills, Flint, and Detroit have similarly prioritized hiring local workers, food donation efforts, and mentorship opportunities.

Smith mentioned that his long-term goal goes beyond just serving customers. He wants the restaurant to be a resource for mentorship, job opportunities, and leadership development for young people in the Detroit area.

by Edwian Stokes

May 16, 2026

Reebok Brand Is Benefiting From The Shaquille O’Neal Effect

The NBA great was named president of Reebok Basketball in 2023

Reebok, one of the nation’s most recognizable sneaker brands, is experiencing a cultural resurgence thanks to NBA veteran Shaquille O’Neal, according to Yahoo Finance. O’Neal is the company’s first-ever president of Reebok Basketball. In addition to his role, O’Neal is the second-largest individual shareholder in Reebok’s parent company, Authentic Brands Group.

Authentic Brands Group finalized its $2.5 billion acquisition of Reebok from Adidas in March 2022. Reebok is one of many long-standing American brands in its portfolio, such as Brooks Brothers, Champion, GUESS, Juicy Couture, and Quick Silver.

O’Neal was named president in 2023. Later that year, the company signed then-LSU women’s basketball star Angel Reese to Reebok’s first NIL deal. Reese’s signing led “a shift toward younger, culturally relevant athletes to compete with Nike and Jordan Brand.”

O’Neal told Yahoo Finance the resurgence of Reebok is “fun.”

“We do a wonderful job of content,” Shaq said. “We’re very careful of the players we select. One of our first selections was Angel Reese … Her shoe has just been sold out.”

O’Neal, who is no stranger to corporate pitching, expressed that he enjoys reintroducing the brand to a younger audience:

“I take it personal. I’ll go to a kid [and they’ll say] ‘oh, I never heard of Reebok. Well you know who Allen Iverson is? ‘oh the A.I.’s’ those are Reeboks, …try to reintroduce Reebok to the youth…”

Jamie Salter, the CEO of Authentic Brands, credits O’Neal’s sureness in revitalizing Reebok: “[Reebok] got out of sport, and Shaq’s like ‘Jamie, we’re going to get into this, and we’re going right back into sport.”

After an internal scan of the other companies in the Authentic Brands portfolio, Salter said, “60 percent of the business is classics, it’s fashion.”

O’Neal was unswayed, telling Salter, “You look after that piece of the puzzle, I’ll look after the sports side.”

Salters admits O’Neal’s assessment was correct.

“Sure enough, we’re back in basketball, we’re back in soccer, we’re back in football…so we’re getting back to the roots of where Reebok started,” Salter added.

According to Yahoo, O’Neal has been the public face of the “Return of the Classics” campaign, reproducing classic“silhouettes” like the Shaq Attack and Iverson’s signature shoe, the Question.

“We just do things that are very, very strategic,” O’Neal added. “We’ve doubled in business and we plan on continuing to grow.”

by Tierra Smith

May 16, 2026

Black Girls In Media Hosts ‘Lights, Camera, Influence’ Summit In Dallas

Consistency Helped Build Pour Minds Into A Media Powerhouse

Black Girls in Media is helping women turn social media influence into financial stability.

At the Lights, Camera, Influence Summit on May 3 in Dallas, hundreds of content creators, journalists, entrepreneurs, and students gathered to learn strategies for building a sustainable career in media and content creation.

The fourth annual summit featured two panel discussions: Influence That Pays, with Niyah Gonzalez, Amani Wortham, Chanell Sykes, Erica M., and Faithe Williams, and Power, Pay & Positioning, featuring Majesty Acheampong, Tashara Parker, Peakmill, and Asa Dugger. Hosted by Leah Henry, the experience also included a portrait studio by Orcinus Media, beauty lounge activation by Dhair Boutique, an open bar sponsored by Sir Davis, and Black-owned vendors, including mocktails by Sensori, beverages by Mo Matcha, and skincare & home fragrance by Ngozi Body.

The fireside chat featured BGIM Founder Tasha McCaskiel and Pour Minds co-host Lex P, who reflected on her journey from being a college radio host at Texas Southern University to building one of culture’s most recognizable podcasts alongside best friend and co-host Drea Nicole.

Pour Minds has built a loyal following through relatable girl chat about relationships, music, and navigating life in your 30s, as well as celebrity interviews and viral moments. According to Lex P, the formula behind the podcast’s growth is straightforward: consistency, authenticity, and teamwork.

“You have to train your audience,” said the Orange, Texas, native.

For the past seven years, the duo has consistently released episodes on YouTube every Friday, creating a routine their audience has come to expect.

However, despite talent and grit, revenue can fluctuate.

“There are months where you might make $80,000, and the next month you might wait on two dollars, and then the next six months you make $50,000,” Lex P said. “You have to manage that.”

Behind the scenes, Pour Minds operates with a growing team that includes producers, managers, and interns. Lex P explains that the team must be paid, even if it means going without.

“There is no such thing as a successful person who doesn’t have a team behind them,” said Lex P, who also co-hosts with Drea Nicole the Travel Queens series on BET HER.

Lex P also spoke candidly about being underestimated because of her outspoken personality, something she says many Black women experience regardless of their accomplishments.

“I am used to people underestimating me. I am a Black woman,” she said. “They still underestimate Beyoncé, child. We’re all proving the world wrong, and we’re gonna continue to do it.”

As the fastest-growing segment of entrepreneurs, Black women are increasingly building platforms, communities, and businesses independently. In an uncertain economy, creators like Lex P prove that social media influence can create a pathway to financial independence, ownership, and long-term sustainability.

“The same brands that laughed at us have come knocking. Don’t be afraid to walk away. They want us to feel grateful for crumbs — but we deserve the same rates as everyone else,” she said.

The Docket Diva, LaJanee Alford, Court reporting ,trial

by Kandiss Edwards

May 16, 2026

The Docket Diva Is In The Courtroom Where It All Goes Down

The truth of federal indictments often gets lost between the trial of public perception and the actual rule of law.

High-profile legal matters are regularly being fought in the courtroom and the court of public opinion. Federal indictments and viral courtroom clips dominate the 24-hour news cycle. The truth often gets lost between the trial of public perception and the actual rule of law.

Enter LaJanee Alford, known as the “Docket Diva.” A veteran of traditional journalism schools. Her resume includes stints at Black media juggernauts The Shade Room and BET. The Docket Diva has carved out a unique niche: translating dense legal jargon for everyday people while maintaining a deep “cultural fluency” in hip-hop.

“I break down dense legal jargon for everyday people,” she said. “The distinction between me and others is that I don’t just regurgitate what I heard in the courtroom. I provide a legal analyst’s explanation of what it means and how it culturally impacts our communities.”

Identifying as a “journalist by nature,” Alford transitioned from entertainment news and social media strategy into legal reporting to find work that was both meaningful and challenging. Her approach is rooted in the rigors of traditional reporting, verified sources, and constant fact-checking. She employs all tools at her disposal to ensure her reporting is not sensationalized. The Docket Diva’s methods range from attending trials, pulling courtroom transcripts, lawsuit filings, and sources “that are right next to the defendant.”

While she embraces traditional journalism, her approach is adapted to engage a generation with short attention spans. Her work exists on multiple social media platforms, broken down to make it digestible. On X, she has multiple threads following court cases relevant to the Black community and hip-hop. As an independent journalist, she is making an impact.

“My Project 2025, Page 159 exclusive created a 5-day news cycle and was amplified by Charlamagne Tha God, Don Cheadle and more.”

The Docket Diva, LaJanee, Court reporting ,trial — Courtesy of

Alford argues that her perspective as a Black woman is essential when covering cases that disproportionately affect the Black community.

“I’m Black, so I’m fluid in hip-hop culture,” Alford said. “It ain’t something that I learned. I’m born into it.”

One of the greatest challenges in modern legal reporting, she notes, is the rampant spread of misinformation. She cites the Sean “Diddy” Combs case as a prime example of how the public often conflates moral outrage with legal charges. The rap mogul was sentenced to three years in prison, yet many felt the court was too lenient. The Docket Diva made her stance clear, though the mogul has done “evil things,” his charges and subsequent convictions did not support a longer sentence.

“With Diddy, people always refer to the [Cassie] video, but if he was charged with domestic violence, it wouldn’t even be a federal case.”

To give clarity, the Docket Diva stepped in for the community. She wants to provide accurate information that sheds light on the inner workings of the criminal justice system, specifically regarding Black people.

“I wanted to be precise. I wanted to be reliable. I wanted to be truthful,” she said of her pivot to legal reporting. “If I can’t verify, I don’t report on it. ”If I can’t explain it to myself, I don’t try to explain it to other people.”

by Selena Hill

May 15, 2026

Local Leaders Call Georgia’s New Nonpartisan Election Law Racist

Critics argue House Bill 369 unfairly targets predominantly Black, Democratic-leaning counties and could disenfranchise voters

A newly signed Georgia law that will make several local elections nonpartisan in five Metro Atlanta counties is drawing fierce criticism from local leaders, voting rights advocates, and elected officials who argue the legislation disproportionately impacts Black voters and Democratic strongholds.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed House Bill 369 into law May 12, setting the stage for major changes to local elections beginning in 2028, reports CBS News. Under the law, candidates for offices, including district attorney, county commissioner, sheriff, clerk of court, probate judge, and tax commissioner in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties, will no longer appear on ballots with Democratic or Republican party labels.

Supporters of the legislation say the measure encourages voters to focus on candidates’ qualifications and performance instead of party affiliation. But opponents say the law selectively targets heavily Democratic and predominantly Black counties.

“These are counties that have historically been Democratic. These are counties that are predominantly African American,” Mary-Pat Hector, a DeKalb County voter and the CEO of RISE, a nonprofit that promotes youth advocacy, told CBS News. “This contributes to a more concerted effort to suppress Black voters.”

Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid publicly opposed the measure, while labor leader Sandra Lee Williams called the bill “an effort to suppress the vote.”

Political experts say removing party identifiers could create confusion for voters, particularly in local races that receive limited media coverage.

“Those parties are important in structuring political competition,” Emory University political science professor Zachary Peskowitz told CBS News. “They provide a lot of information to voters about what candidates stand for, particularly in these local county elections where there’s not a lot of media coverage.”

Meanwhile, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson questioned why the law only applies to five specific counties. “If fairness and election integrity are truly the goal, why does this bill target five counties and not all 159 across the entire state of Georgia?”

Critics have also noted that many of the offices potentially impacted by the legislation are currently held by Black women, fueling concerns about racial and political motivations behind the bill. “It is definitely, definitely racism at its fullest,” one local leader told the news outlet.

The law is set to take effect in 2028, but local officials are signaling plans to take legal action against the legislation.

by Sidnee Michelle Douyon

May 15, 2026

Charles Barkley Sounds Off On Homophobia In Sports Following Jason Collins Death

During a May 13 broadcast of ESPN's "Inside the NBA," Barkley reflected on Collins' legacy

Former NBA star and TV analyst Charles Barkley spoke frankly about homophobia in professional sports while honoring the late Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in a major U.S. professional sports league.

During a May 13 broadcast of ESPN’s “Inside the NBA,” Barkley reflected on Collins’ legacy following the former Brooklyn Nets center’s death earlier this week at age 47 after battling Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Collins came out in 2013 through an essay in Sports Illustrated, becoming a key figure in professional sports and LGBTQ visibility.

“There is such animosity toward the gay community. That’s what’s really unfortunate. If you think there’s not more gay players in the NFL, Major League Baseball and the NBA, you’re just stupid,” Barkley said.

While discussing Collins’ impact, Barkley said that many athletes in the NBA, NFL, and Major League Baseball are still afraid to talk about their sexuality because of ongoing prejudice. The Hall of Famer noted that society remains very homophobic and criticized attitudes toward the LGBTQ community, including within parts of the Black community.

“We live in a homophobic society”
– Charles Barkley on the passing of Jason Collins

America is not “afraid of homosexuals.”
We’re just sick & tired of having LGBTQ Pride shoved down our throats in sports, our jobs, tv/movies, & education. pic.twitter.com/LqX07l42kW
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) May 14, 2026

Barkley’s comments quickly sparked debate online and in sports media. Some praised the former Phoenix Suns star for openly supporting LGBTQ athletes on a national platform.

Others, including commentary published by Fox News’ OutKick, criticized Barkley’s comments as overly political and accused the broadcaster of turning Collins’ death into a broader social commentary.

Collins played 13 seasons in the NBA after being selected in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft out of Stanford University. He played for several franchises, including the Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards, and became well known for both his defensive play and advocacy work after retirement.

RoDina Williams, Illinoisan, Doctorate In Clinical Laboratory Science

by Selena Hill

May 15, 2026

Nigeria Bans Honorary Degree Recipients From Using ‘Dr.’ Title Amid Fraud Crackdown

Officials say the move is aimed at curbing abuse, political patronage, and the growing misuse of honorary academic titles.

The Nigerian government is cracking down on the use of honorary academic titles after announcing that recipients of honorary degrees can no longer legally use the title “Dr.” before their names.

According to Citizen Digital, Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC) issued the directive as part of a broader effort to combat fraud, political favoritism, and the misuse of honorary awards. The commission warned that honorary doctorate recipients who continue to publicly present themselves as medical doctors or as holders of academically earned doctorates could face sanctions.

In a statement, the NUC described the widespread use of honorary titles as “deceptive” and said the practice has increasingly blurred the line between earned academic qualifications and ceremonial recognitions. Officials argued that the abuse has undermined the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.

Universities traditionally award honorary degrees to recognize individuals for notable contributions to society, philanthropy, business, entertainment, or public service. However, the degrees do not require the years of academic coursework, research, or dissertation work typically associated with a Ph.D. or professional doctorate.

The controversy surrounding honorary titles has grown in Nigeria over the years as politicians, religious leaders, celebrities, and business executives increasingly adopt the “Dr.” prefix after receiving ceremonial honors.

Critics have accused some universities of turning honorary degrees into political favors or status symbols rather than preserving their intended purpose as symbolic recognitions of achievement.

The NUC said only individuals who have completed accredited academic doctorate programs or professional medical training should use the “Dr.” designation in formal and public settings.

The move arrives as several African nations intensify efforts to restore trust in academic institutions and combat credential fraud. Nigeria has faced repeated scrutiny over fake degree scandals in recent years, including investigations involving forged foreign university credentials among public officials, reports Fast Company.

While supporters say the policy will strengthen academic credibility and reduce public deception, critics argue that enforcement could prove difficult in a country where honorary titles often carry social prestige and political influence.

American Express, AI, small businesses, entrepreneurs, AI

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 15, 2026

American Express Expands AI Education With New Scholarship Programs For Small Businesses

This week, the financial services company announced two programs focused on AI training and workforce development

American Express is expanding its efforts in artificial intelligence education with a new initiative aimed at helping small businesses understand and use AI tools in their daily work.

The financial services company announced two programs focused on AI training and workforce development in partnership with nonprofits Generation and Scholarship America. Many entrepreneurs want to integrate generative AI into areas like customer service, marketing, scheduling, and administrative tasks, but they often lack the technical knowledge to use the technology effectively.

One of the new programs, called “AI Upskilling for Small Business,” will provide online courses in English and Spanish for business owners and employees worldwide. According to American Express, the curriculum will emphasize practical applications instead of broad theoretical concepts. It will include specialized tracks in digital marketing, customer success, and general AI operations.

The company is also introducing the “Smart Futures for Small Business Scholarships” program. This initiative will provide eligible U.S. workers with financial support for AI certification courses offered by accredited institutions and technology vendors. Scholarship recipients can receive funds to develop technical skills that are becoming essential in various industries.

Jennifer Skyler, the chief corporate affairs officer at American Express, stated that the company aims to help smaller businesses move from trying out AI to using it consistently as a productivity tool.

“These initiatives were designed to help small businesses move from Gen AI exploration to practical application, equipping them to drive productivity and help unlock new opportunities for growth,” Skyler said.

This announcement reflects a broader trend in the small business economy. A 2025 American Express Trendex report found that over half of surveyed small businesses were already using AI, with many noting improvements in efficiency, employee productivity, and customer service. However, most business owners acknowledged they were still figuring out how to use the technology strategically.

Industry analysts say the need for AI education is increasing as small businesses face pressure to modernize without the budgets or staffing resources often available to large corporations. American Express has not revealed how many businesses it expects to participate in the new training programs.

Revisiting Troy Taylor’s Viral Moment As XCEL Summit For Men Approaches It’s 10-Year Anniversary

by Kenneth Meeks

May 15, 2026

Revisiting Troy Taylor’s Viral Moment As XCEL Summit For Men Approaches It’s 10-Year Anniversary

Taylor reminds the Black men in the room that America is their country, too

Coca-Cola Beverage of Florida CEO Troy Taylor shares why staying connected to friends, communities, and people in general creates opportunities that benefit everyone. Several people honored with the same Black Enterprise XCEL Award he received at the 2025 XCEL Summit for Men were people Taylor had done business with over the years. He names fellow honoree Larry Fitzgerald as a prime example. He says “togetherness” is how communities grow stronger and larger. This was his message to the attendees. It’s also the message that BLACK ENTERPRISE embraces. And Taylor reminded the Black men in the room that America is their country, too, despite what is going on in Washington, DC, under the current presidential administration. Hear it directly from Troy Taylor himself in this short clip.