Jazz Icon Sonny Rollins Passes Away At 95 Years Old
Often referred to as the "Saxophone Colossus," Rollins became one of the most influential figures in jazz history
Legendary jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins, whose improvisational style and genre-defining recordings reshaped modern jazz for more than six decades, has died at 95. Rollins died May 25 at his home in Woodstock, New York, WBLSreports.
Often referred to as the “Saxophone Colossus,” Rollins became one of the most influential figures in jazz history through landmark albums including Saxophone Colossus, Tenor Madness, and The Bridge. His career spanned from the bebop era of the 1940s into the 21st century, earning him recognition for his innovative improvisation, commanding tenor saxophone sound, and collaborations with artists such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane.
Born Theodore Walter Rollins on Sept. 7, 1930, in Harlem, New York, the musician began playing saxophone as a child before emerging as a standout performer in New York’s postwar jazz scene. By his late teens, Rollins had already recorded with several major jazz acts and quickly became known for extended solos and fearless experimentation.
Rollins also became known for stepping away from the spotlight during the height of his fame. In 1959, he famously took a hiatus from performing to practice privately on New York City’s Williamsburg Bridge, a period that later inspired his acclaimed comeback album, The Bridge.
“I think when I’m playing completely spontaneously, just something comes out from somewhere, that’s my best work,” Rollins shared with NPR. “Say, for instance, if I’m doing a song, any song — I practice it, I learn it, I learn the lyrics, I learn everything that’s possible to learn about the physical piece of the composition, or whatever it is. Then, when I get on a concert stage, I forget about it. I try not to think about it. Then I let the music play me.”
Throughout his career, Rollins received numerous honors, including Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts, and a Kennedy Center Honor. Health complications led him to retire from public performance in 2014 after years away from touring.
His death marks the loss of one of the final towering figures of jazz’s bebop generation, leaving behind a catalog widely regarded as foundational to American music history.
Raphael Saadiq Talks ‘Sinners,’ Grief, And The Universal Language of Music
Fresh off the "Sinners" acclaim, Raphael Saadiq continues to extend his legacy and expertise in songwriting.
Raphael Saadiq has the gift of music and knows how to speak it.
The prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has a new spotlight through his work on the Oscar-winning film “Sinners.” His work on the project, its signature song “I Lied To You,” left fans of the film haunted by its melody. While artfully performed by newcomer Miles Canton, Saadiq co-wrote and co-produced the track alongside the film’s composer, Ludwig Görannson, leading to Saadiq’s second Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
While “Sinners” is a mighty notch on his resume, Saadiq is no stranger to critical and commercial praise. His work as a vocalist and bassist for the R&B trio Tony! Toni! Toné! solidified him as a staple of ’90’s music. Co-founding the group with his brother and cousin, D’Wayne Wiggins and Timothy Christian Riley, the soulful group rose to prominence with hits such as “Anniversary” and “It Never Rains(In Southern California).”
However, his solo career, particularly his songwriting and production, elevated Saadiq’s status from a ’90s singer to a legendary lyricist. While some of his peers have passed on, Saadiq carries the torch for impactful R&B and soul music that lives on.
While his work speaks for itself, he shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE about the process behind his classic song for “Sinners,” grieving the greats, and why his love for music always goes back to songwriting.
BE: So Ludwig and Ryan called you for a meeting, and they pitched the concept around “Sinners,” and you delivered. And from what I understand from researching other conversations, you just dove in and wrote the song on spec, right? So my question is, is writing a song on spec par for the course for you, or is it something that you like to take your time with?
Saadiq: It depends. All situations are different, right? So, I mean, you just have to be ready. If this is what you do for a profession, or forget profession, right? If this is something that you really love? It’s something you love. You don’t really care about money or anything. And when you jump into it, especially when with your top people, it’s important. It’s important to everybody. It has to be important to me also, I think I really dive into that. But it doesn’t have to be anybody that’s, you know, Ryan Coogler. It could be somebody…
BE: …that’s passionate about the work as you are.
Saadiq: Exactly.
BE: Did they pitch the title? Or is that something that you came up with in the process?
Saadiq: It was just something I came up with, yeah, popped out of the blue. After we get off the phone with Ryan, Ludwig’s kind of sitting there next to me. Then we just grabbed two guitars and started playing for maybe an hour, just making blues riffs…When musicians play guitars, that’s when it really opens up, you know. I was telling somebody, I think instruments and music are the only things that can make people from across the world connect.
BE: It’s a universal language, absolutely. Toni Morrison mentioned that even after she had written “The Bluest Eye,” she felt it was incomplete and wished she had done more, such as writing and revising. I know you wrote this song in the moment, but would you touch ‘I Lied To You’? Or is it perfect?
Saadiq: It’s perfect. I wouldn’t touch it. It told the story of Sammy. And this story I know so well, growing up in a Baptist church and having friends who grew up in a little more of a more serious type of church. I knew the story all so well about preachers’ kids intimidated by playing secular music.
BE: So, how do you know when a song is complete? Is it something you ponder, or is it because you are so skillful and gifted in this that you just know?
Saadiq: I know how to complete a song, but you know, every time you make one, it’s a challenge to do that. But I will say, I’ve really put my time into it. I put some hours in. People say 10,000; I put 40,000 hours in. So, I’m ready for this. I was made to do it, and prepared to do it since I was around a lot of gifted musicians growing up. I wasn’t the best musician in my neighborhood. It was a lot of us.
BE: In an interview, you said that you didn’t have the words to express when watching the film, right? But could you talk about the feeling that ran through your body when experiencing the visuals paired with the song?
Saadiq: I think when I saw the song against the picture, I was in IMAX. I was looking at all the changes that was happening in the music, and just right in front of my face, the way that I’ve always talked about African drums. It started from the beginning with drums, and the drums really just changed, and the music stayed the same. And you hear the distortion guitar, you hear the rock, the blues, the funk, the New York hip-hop. You hear LL Cool J’s era of hip-hop, Hendrix’s version of rock, George Clinton’s era of funk. You see this time capsule… To be a songwriter, and I love all the things that I love about music. It’s, it’s sort of, that’s sort of like my life, that scene is sort of my life, because I’m always changing styles every album.
BE: I want to shift a little bit, if you’ll allow me to talk about grief and gospel. I cried real tears right when D’Wayne [Wiggins] transitioned, and I cried even harder when D’Angelo passed right. And for me, it was like the knowing and not knowing, right? Then at your show, you played an ode to Dwayne that was really ceremonial and ritualistic, right? And I don’t know if the audience caught on to it, but I certainly was, like, tapped in, and that too was also days before D’Angelo’s transition. So I want to ask you, like, how is your heart and how are you coping?
Saadiq: I’m coping pretty good. It was definitely hard, you know. I mean, it’s not a day that goes by where I’m not thinking about both of them. It’s just like, is this ever going to change? But it’s never going to. But I’m glad, because when they were living, I was thinking about them every day, too. So I was like, ‘Why would it change?’ But I’ve had moments, like when I found out D’Wayne was sick. It was bad for me. With D’Angelo, you know that one was a hard one because, I mean, the level of talent. What people heard and saw was, like, he could do everything better than everybody. He would take things that I did and do it better. That’s what he was really good at.
BE: I place you in the pantheon of songwriters. Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, Kendra Foster, Maurice White, Ashford & Simpson, and, of course, D’Angelo. Is that a comfortable space for you?
Saadiq: Very comfortable. I mean, because all I listen to is all of those people you named. During my rotation, I never knew that I would even be a songwriter. It never was a goal of mine. A goal of mine was just to listen and play in different bands and play for different people. I was never trying to be a singer, especially, especially a front guy or a lead singer. I played for so many great musicians, and I just ended up being in that place. But as a songwriter, that’s what I love.
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Photo by Ivan S: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-doctor-typing-on-a-laptop-4989167/
Emergency Room Study Reveals AI Outperformed Doctors
The findings showed that the AI model correctly identified exact or near-correct diagnoses in 67% of emergency room triage cases
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing discussions about the future of healthcare. A new study from Harvard found that an AI model performed better than human doctors in several emergency room diagnostic tests.
This study, published in the Science Journal and highlighted by AfroTech, looked at how OpenAI’s “o1” large language model performed compared to doctors handling emergency room cases. Researchers from Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center took part in this research.
The findings showed that the AI model correctly identified exact or near-correct diagnoses in 67% of emergency room triage cases. In comparison, physicians scored between 50% and 55% under the same conditions. When researchers later provided additional patient information, the AI’s accuracy rose to 82%, still slightly better than that of the doctors.
The researchers evaluated 76 actual emergency room patient cases from a Boston hospital using electronic health records that included demographic information, vital signs, and nurses’ notes. The study found that AI was particularly strong in the early stages of triage, when doctors often must make quick decisions with limited information.
However, researchers and medical experts emphasized that this technology is not meant to replace physicians. A separate report from Vox noted that the AI system analyzed only text-based patient data and could not assess physical symptoms, emotional distress, or body language — factors doctors regularly rely on in emergency settings.
Lead researcher Arjun Manrai described the findings as proof of a significant change happening in medicine as AI tools improve. He told TechCrunch, “We tested the AI model against virtually every benchmark, and it eclipsed both prior models and our physician baselines.”
Experts believe that this technology could eventually act as a second-opinion tool to help doctors enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning, rather than completely replace human care.
Equal housing rights protect renters from discrimination by ensuring they have fair and equal access to housing regardless of factors such as race, religion, disability, sex, or national origin.
Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream, but with housing costs rising and more people seeking flexibility, renting is an alluring option for millions of households. According to Multifamily Executive, the share of renters is growing at three times the rate of homeowners, reaching over 42.5 million — a record.
Renting, however, comes with its fair share of downsides, including issues surrounding housing discrimination. Although federal and local laws guarantee renters equal housing rights, it’s not uncommon to hear of discriminatory practices by landlords, especially against Black people and other minority groups.
What Are Equal Housing Rights?
The Fair Housing Act establishes equal housing rights, which guarantees that everyone has a right to rent or seek housing assistance regardless of their:
Skin color
Race
Religion
Sex
Familial status
Disability
National origin
Landlords, property managers, and other housing providers must treat everyone fairly and equally. Failure to do so may be considered discriminatory and could result in legal consequences.
What Are the Common Examples of Housing Discrimination for Renters?
Discrimination can occur at any stage of the rental process, and for the average renter, some instances may be difficult to detect because they are not so obvious.
You already know that it’s illegal for landlords to discriminate against renters because of their race, so you’re not going to see a property listing that mentions that people of a certain race should not apply.
However, a landlord or property manager can turn down your application even when you meet their screening criteria, and you’re left wondering what the reason was. They may claim that the property has already been rented out, but in the back of their minds, they know the reason was your race.
Proving this kind of discrimination is often difficult. The landlord isn’t going to admit discriminatory motives outright. The clearest warning sign is inconsistent treatment.
For instance, if you later learn that the unit is still being advertised for rent even after you were told another renter had beaten you to it, this could be an indication of discriminatory behavior.
Another common manifestation of housing discrimination is unequal rental terms. Perhaps you’re being charged a higher deposit, or you’re facing stricter lease conditions, such as being denied the opportunity to move in with your pet while other renters have pets.
Landlords must apply uniform standards to all renters with similar qualifications; otherwise, they may be found liable for violating renters’ legal rights.
Equal Housing Rights for Renters with Disabilities
Living with disabilities presents unique challenges that can enable subtle discrimination. Thankfully, the Fair Housing Act provides important protections for renters with disabilities.
In addition to not being denied housing or subjected to different rental standards, renters with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations that enable them to fully use and enjoy their homes. For example, a person who uses a wheelchair may request accessibility modifications, such as a ramp or wider doorways, to improve mobility on the property. Likewise, a visually impaired renter can request adjustments to make shared spaces easier to navigate.
During the screening process, landlords are prohibited from asking intrusive medical questions. Your medical history is private, but the landlord may request information directly related to verifying a disability-related accommodation.
It’s not always easy to prove that a landlord is discriminating against you because of your disability. However, take note if a landlord takes an unusually long time to respond to an accommodation request or imposes unnecessary restrictions.
Steps You Can Take If You Experience Housing Discrimination
Housing discrimination isn’t often obvious, but if you have reason to believe that you’ve been discriminated against, there are steps you can take to seek justice.
First, it’s important to keep all forms of communication with a landlord through the rental process. If you found the property through a listing or advertisement, keep it as well, even if it doesn’t seem to have any discriminatory language.
It’s also helpful to understand the broader housing challenges that affect different types of residents. While renters may face unequal treatment and discriminatory practices, homeowners in some regions face financial pressures tied to rising housing costs, including rising homeowners’ insurance premiums for properties along the Texas coast.
Next, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. You can submit a report online or call your local FHEO office. Complaints must be filed within one year of the discrimination event and must include as many details as possible about it, as well as the respondent’s contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Landlord Reject My Application Because of My Source of Income?
Not really. Income alone cannot be used as a basis to reject your application, especially if you’re relying on Section 8 vouchers, child support, or Social Security. As long as your financials show that you can afford to rent the property, it would be discriminatory for a landlord to reject your application.
Can a Landlord Set Occupancy Limits for a Rental Unit?
Generally, landlords may set a reasonable occupancy limit. Just because you’ve rented a 1-bedroom apartment doesn’t mean you’re free to move in with five of your friends. However, the occupancy limits cannot be used to target families with children.
Are Housing Discrimination Laws the Same in Every State?
No. While the federal Fair Housing Act applies nationwide, states and other local jurisdictions have their own laws that provide additional protections.
Are Emotional Support Animals Protected Under Housing Laws?
Yes. While landlords are at liberty to develop a pet policy for their rental units, emotional support animals (ESAs) are protected under federal housing laws. Landlords must make the necessary accommodations for a renter with a documented, disability-related need for an ESA.
Understand Your Equal Housing Rights to Prevent Discrimination
Equal housing rights protect you from housing providers who may not want you to rent a property because of factors such as your race, religion, sex, or nationality. Understanding your rights under the Fair Housing Act and state and local tenant protection acts enables you to recognize unfair and illegal treatment, even though housing discrimination is not always obvious.
Stay informed with fresh perspectives and engaging stories by exploring more content on our website today.
New Study Reveals Ethnic Studies Improves Academic Outcomes For Students
The researchers found that enrolling in even a single ethnic studies course resulted in measurable improvements across several key academic metrics.
A study published April 28 in the American Educational Research Journal has provided evidence that ethnic studies curricula significantly improve academic outcomes for high school students.
The curriculum is most beneficial for students from Black and Latino communities. The study, titled “Cultural Relevance at Scale: The Effects of an Ethnic Studies Expansion on Academic Outcomes,” was led by Sade Bonilla of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.Unlike previous research that focused on small pilot programs, Bonnila’s analysis examined more than a decade of data from the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). The study followed over 24,000 students from middle school through graduation.
The researchers found that enrolling in even a single ethnic studies course resulted in measurable improvements across several key academic metrics.
GPA Increase: Students saw their overall grade point average increase by an average of 0.17 points. Enrollment led to a 5.6-percentage-point reduction in the likelihood of failing a course—representing a 27% overall decrease in failure rates. There was a 15% increase in the number of students meeting the 3.0 GPA threshold required for admission into the University of California (UC) system.
Engagement Across Subjects: Surprisingly, the strongest academic gains were observed in math and science, suggesting that the sense of belonging fostered in ethnic studies translates to higher engagement in all core subjects.
While the study noted positive effects for students of all backgrounds, the impact was “particularly strong” for specific demographics that have historically been underserved by traditional curricula.
The success of the “San Francisco Model” comes at a critical time as educators confront a persistent literacy crisis among Black youth. According to 2024–2025 data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), national reading scores for Black students have reached a historic low, with only 17% of Black fourth-graders performing at or above the “Proficient” level. Researchers suggest that the academic gains observed in ethnic studies courses could serve as a blueprint for reversing these trends.
The Forgotten Story Of How Freed African Americans Helped Create Memorial Day
One of the earliest known celebrations of Memorial Day can be traced back to formerly enslaved persons and white missionaries in Charleston, South Carolina.
One of the earliest known celebrations of Memorial Day can be traced back to formerly enslaved persons and white missionaries in Charleston, South Carolina.
On May 1, 1865, according to reports in The New York Tribune and The Charleston Courier, 3,000 Black schoolchildren carried bouquets of flowers and sang “John Brown’s Body” while members of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment and other Black Union regiments performed double time marches and Black ministers recited verses from the Bible.
In 1996, David Blight, a Harvard researcher, attempted to verify news reports, but when he contacted the Avery Institute of Afro-American History and Culture at the College of Charleston, he was told he hadn’t actually read the very accounts he had just uncovered, according to History.
“’I’ve never heard of it,’ they told me,” Blight recounted. “This never happened.”
He continued, “This was a story that had really been suppressed both in the local memory and certainly the national memory. But nobody who had witnessed it could ever have forgotten it.”
Blight’s suspicions were confirmed when, after a talk he gave at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2001 regarding his book, Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory, an older Black woman approached him to discuss his lecture.
“You mean that story is true?” the woman asked him. “I grew up in Charleston, and my granddaddy used to tell us this story of a parade at the old race track, and we never knew whether to believe him or not. You mean that’s true?”
History is catching up with Blight, per a report from KVTB7, the U.S. National Park Service now has a webpage that is dedicated to the day, although when the federal government first declared Memorial Day a holiday, it ignored the celebration prominently featuring Black Americans.
Regardless of which origin story the United States government chose to honor, for the Black veterans of the Civil War, it became a lifelong tradition to honor fallen compatriots, fellow soldiers of the War Between the States.
According to the U.S. National Park Service, the story of one Black soldier, Joseph Clovese, illustrates this point.
“Joseph Clovese was born into slavery on a Louisiana plantation in January 1844. He fled in 1862, serving as an infantryman in the 63rd United States Colored Infantry. Clovese was one of only six members of the G.A.R. healthy enough to attend the organization’s final reunion in 1949,” the entry states.
Today, the holiday has expanded to honor those who have died while in service across all wars, but the genesis of the holiday was the Civil War, which Blight said gave that original celebration additional gravitas.
“It’s the fact that this occurred in Charleston at a cemetery site for the Union dead in a city where the Civil war had begun,” Blight explained to History, “and that it was organized and done by African American former slaves is what gives it such poignancy.”
Angel Reese’s Rise And Popularity In The League Is Impressive
The WNBA star’s 2026 campaign is shaping up well
The Women’s National Basketball Association kicked off its 30th season on May 8. In a press release directed at the upcoming season, WNBA Commissioner Kathy Engelbert stated, “Season 30 arrives at the perfect transformational moment in our league’s history – marking both a defining milestone and the beginning of a new era for the WNBA.” The “new era” Engelbert highlighted includes the Atlanta Dream’s 6’3 forward Angel Reese.
Initially drafted by the Chicago Sky as the seventh overall pick in 2024, Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream over the past WNBA offseason. At the time of Reese’s trade, she had been voted to two WNBA All-Star games and led the WNBA in rebounding with 12.6 rebounds per game. At the time of her trade, ESPN reported that Reese led the WNBA in 2025 in double-doubles (points & rebounding). The outlet noted Reese is the only player in WNBA history to average 12.0 rebounds per game in a season, a feat accomplished in 2024 and 2025.
Upon joining the Atlanta Dream, Reese, 24, said, “I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization.” “I’m focused on continuing to grow my game, competing at the highest level, connecting with the fans, and giving everything I’ve got to the Dream.”
Reese’s 2026 campaign is backing up her words. During the Dream’s road season opener on May 9, a 91-90 win over the Minnesota Lynx, Reese became the fastest player in league history to notch 50 career double-doubles. Fox News reported that Reese notched the accomplishment in 65 games, surpassing Tina Charles’ mark of 75 games. Reese, in her Dream debut, finished the game with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
Reese’s dominance extends off the WNBA hardwood. She was “the highest paid Black woman in basketball right now,” ESSENCE reported, stating Reese’s 2025 estimated income was $9.4 million, with $9 million coming in “off-court endorsements and brand work.”
Reese emphatically stated in an Instagram post, “The WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think it pays one of my bills.”
Reese’s financial forecast is bright. In 2025, Reese’s endorsement list included McDonald’s, Victoria’s Secret, Reebok, Cash App, Good American, and others. The fast-food burger behemoth created the “Angel Reese Special,” while the lingerie producing giant made Reese the first pro athlete to “ever walk the Victoria’s Secret runway,” and in 2026, Reebok released Reese’s signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1’s.
Jidi Osifeo, Reebok’s head of basketball, told ESPN in 2024 of Reese’s signing, “Reebok and Angel are growing together every day, and our visions for the future are aligned. We’re excited to continue the relationship with a ground-up build of her signature silhouette.”
An objective barometer of popularity in the WNBA is jersey sales, and Reese finished fourth in the league. In addition, Forbes reported the WNBA trading cards now outvalue those of their NBA contemporaries. The report noted Reese came in second place in the league, behind fellow 2024 rookie Caitlyn Clarke, with 7,200 graded cards (Clarke is leading the league in 105,000 graded cards since the start of the 2024 WNBA season).
The recently signed Collective Bargaining Agreement by the Women’s National Basketball Association Players Association, which runs until 2032, will undoubtedly raise Reese’s on-court finances. Reese, who is still playing on a four-year 2024 rookie contract valued at $324,383, earned $74,909 in 2025 and is due to make $350,692 in 2026, according to Sportac’s contract breakdown.
Letouer Turner, a Chicago Heights resident and Iraq War veteran, faces the possible loss of his home even though he qualifies for a Disabled Veterans Exemption program that is meant to reduce or eliminate property taxes for veterans with service-related disabilities. Turner served 15 months in Iraq and is now considered 100% disabled. He said the financial situation has made his anxiety, depression, and PTSD worse.
The situation gained national attention when Australian social media creator Samuel Weidenhofer started a GoFundMe campaign to help Turner save his home. Weidenhofer, known for his charitable fundraising efforts, said Turner’s story resonated because the veteran “did everything right” but still risks losing the home he bought for his children.
“I met Letouer Turner while covering his story, but what stayed with me was the weight of what he is going through,” Weidenhofer wrote on Turner’s GoFundMe page.
Fox 32 Chicago reports that foreclosure filings show that Turner allegedly owes over $243,000 related to the tax dispute. Cook County officials reportedly issued a certificate of error and refunded part of the taxes Turner paid, but this reimbursement has not stopped the foreclosure process.
Weidenhofer’s fundraiser is part of a larger initiative called “50 veterans in 50 states in 50 days.” This program aims to help struggling veterans nationwide during Military Appreciation Month. The influencer previously raised over $1 million for 88-year-old veteran Ed Bambas, whose story of working past retirement age went viral last year.
Turner expressed that the unexpected support has left him overwhelmed with gratitude after months of uncertainty about his home and future. The fundraiser continues to gather donations as supporters come together for the veteran and his family.
7 Meaningful Ways Your Business Can Honor Memorial Day
Besides grilling, sitting by a lake or pool, and enjoying time with friends or family, there’s one more thing many of us associate with Memorial Day: sales.
In the weeks leading up to the annual holiday, you can’t miss the constant ads for deals, discounts, and promotions at businesses across the nation. It’s supposed to be a day to honor and remember those who’ve died serving in the U.S. military, so why do we even have Memorial Day sales?
Some credit it to warmer weather pushing people outdoors (and to the shops); to Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer; to the three-day weekend giving millions of people more time to buy; and even simply to the tradition of it.
But the commercialization of Memorial Day is not unlike that of any other holiday—Labor Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving/Black Friday, and Christmas sales, to name a few—and it brings in tons of revenue for businesses across the country, sometimes even more than Black Friday. However, if a business doesn’t acknowledge what the day is actually for but jumps on the chance to offer deals and promos to rake in the money, it can rub people—especially veterans—the wrong way.
Here are seven ways to respectfully commemorate Memorial Day while still putting on special promotions and discounts.
Celebrate your military veteran employees
Get photos (from when they were in the service) and profiles of all veteran employees. Circulate this to the entire company with a message from leadership, and consider posting the photos on social media with messages from the veterans themselves.
“This will highlight the contributions of your veterans plus reinforce the positive attributes of military service that align with your internal culture,” says Joe Beard, former U.S. Army captain, West Point graduate, and CEO and co-founder of CollateralEdge.
“It is also a great way for your employees to learn about each other.”
Recognize Memorial Day on your business’s social media pages and website (and do it in a meaningful way)
The first critical step: Don’t say “Happy Memorial Day.” This holiday is not the same as wishing someone a “happy holidays”—it’s a somber day to pause and reflect on the sacrifice millions of soldiers made for our freedoms.
Use your social media pages and website to share a veteran’s story or to share the history of Memorial Day and its significance. You could add icons or widgets on your website that link to community Memorial Day events, historical facts about the holiday, or national organizations where people can donate money or volunteer.
Sponsor or participate in a local Memorial Day event in your town
Cities and towns across the country observe Memorial Day with parades, fundraisers, and community events. Sponsoring or volunteering at a local Memorial Day event not only gets your business’ name out there, but it also connects you to the community in the right way.
“I believe everyone should take a day to remember why Americans can live the way we do. It is because of the fallen that we get to live in peace and comfort,” says Kyle Retter, U.S. veteran and owner of Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs.
Volunteer at a veterans’ memorial cemetery
No matter if it’s a specific service project, general cleanup, or even placing flags by tombstones, there are plenty of ways to participate. If there’s a veterans memorial cemetery nearby, gather your staff to volunteer for a day, or even a few hours.
“Memorial Day is about what we as a nation have achieved through the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. Not the rich, not the poor, but all of us, together,” says Zachary Malone, co-owner of EZ Elopements LLC and U.S. Army veteran.
“I think giving back is what truly honors those who have gone before us, and an organized platform such as a company or local office can do a lot of good in a small amount of time.”
Invite a veteran to speak to your team
If you don’t have any veterans on staff (or they aren’t willing to share their experiences), bringing in a veteran to talk with your team is a great way to help people focus on what Memorial Day really means.
“There are generations of veterans that are passing away, and they all have fascinating stories to tell,” Beard says.
“The inspiration and learnings could be unlimited for your team. Additionally, it’s a great way to honor a veteran.”
Donate a portion of Memorial Day sale proceeds
If you’re offering special holiday sales, consider donating all or part of the proceeds to a trusted charitable organization that supports families of fallen veterans or veterans in general. About 25,000 children have lost a parent who was an active duty member in the military in the past 35 years, according to Children of Fallen Patriots, with 60 percent of families reporting having trouble making ends meet.
Here are just a few of the thousands of organizations aimed at helping veterans and their families. Your city leaders might also have options to consider that are more local:
Hire a veteran, or initiate a program around hiring veterans
Although this is more of a long-term suggestion rather than a specific Memorial Day commemoration, it’s an effective way to honor veterans beyond the weekend.
“Transitioning from the military can be really difficult for many soldiers, especially those wounded in combat. What better way to honor veterans than by making sure you employ them and give them opportunities to continue contributing to society?” Beard says.
“Undoubtedly, these employees will bring the right work ethic and cultural norms that will be additive to most businesses. This is really putting your money where your mouth is for senior executives.”
Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson Drops A Word On Transgenerational Wealth
Rev. Richardson shares a big message in a short package
It took Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson 30 seconds to inspire a little more than 700 Black men at the 2025 XCEL Summit for Men. Rev. Richardson, the senior pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, New York, and an XCEL Award honoree, encouraged everyone during his acceptance speech to create their own resources and possibilities today, so they become transgenerational to their children and grandchildren tomorrow. It all boiled down to a simple concept: If you’re investing in this generation, make it last for the next. Otherwise, our children and grandchildren will not get to where they need to be.
