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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the agenda for the XCEL Summit for Men?
You can find it here on the XCEL Summit for Men website or on the BE Events app, downloadable from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
What does registration for the XCEL Summit for Men include?
Registration for the Summit includes all sessions and activities on our agenda, including any noted meal functions. It includes access to the activations in ourXCEL Lounge and the opportunity to sign up for one-on-one executive and financial coaching. It also includes access to the community of attendees through our BE Events app. It does not include travel or lodging.
What about travel and lodging?
Our program begins midday on Wednesday and continues through Friday afternoon. You will want to book your travel on Wednesday morning and Friday evening. We have a room block only at the host hotel, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. Please book your room early if you want to stay on site with us.
Are there any scholarships or financial assistance options available for attending the XCEL Summit for Men?
Many of our attendees are sponsored by their employer as part of their professional development. We have a customizable letter to help you get your company to support your attendance. It’s available here
What should I pack for the Summit?
The dress code for our opening Awards Gala is cocktail attire. For our daily sessions, we encourage attendees to wear whatever makes them feel comfortable and professional; for most attendees, that’s “fashionable business.” You should also pack an outfit for Guys Night Out.
How can I stay informed about updates and announcements leading up to next year’s the XCEL Summit for Men?
You can sign up to receive emails from BE Events at blackenterprise.com/signup. You can also follow us on Instagram @blackenterprisemen, Facebook group Black Men Xcel Community, or LinkedIn Black Enterprise Magazine.
How do I become a speaker at the XCEL Summit for Men?
You can submit a proposal to become a speaker
Is the XCEL Summit for Men open only to Black Men?
Our content focuses on the needs, challenges, and successes of men of color in corporate America, but we welcome all allies to join us at the Summit.
Who Can I Contact for more information if I have questions?
Sean Kingston’s Mother, Janice Turner, Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison
Turner and her son had been found guilty earlier this year of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud
Janice Turner, mother of recording artist Sean Kingston, was found guilty, along with her son, after the government charged them with several crimes, including grand theft and identity theft, and she was sentenced to five years in prison and three years of probation.
According to CBS News, the 63-year-old woman was given her prison sentence July 23 in the case that involved her and Kingston committing crimes totaling more than $1 million. Turner and her son, real name Kisean Anderson, had been found guilty earlier this year of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. The recording artist is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 28.
Before learning her fate, she expressed to the judge that she was trying to help Kingston after blaming the music industry for using and abusing him.
“I’m sorry. My intention was to keep my son afloat in this difficult industry. They used him and abused him. I am begging for mercy for me and my son.”
6 South Florida reported that Turner may face deportation to her home island of Jamaica after she completes her sentence.
Turner’s attorney, Humberto Dominguez, spoke to the media outlet after the sentencing.
“It was a hard-fought sentence, so we have mixed feelings on it,” Dominguez said. “We won on some points and obviously, lost on some points. All of which will be handled on appeal. So, we have mixed feelings on it. Overall, the judge tried to do what was right and what was fair.”
Turner’s next scheduled court date is October 16, when she will have a restitution hearing.
Turner was arrested during a raid in May 2024 at the Southwest Ranches mansion that Kingston lived in. Kingston was arrested the same day in California after warrants were issued for him and his mother. The pair was accused of defrauding several businesses, including a jewelry store, a luxury furniture manufacturer, a high-end automobile dealer, and a company specializing in television and entertainment systems.
Georgia Is Standing On Business, Not So Much Quality Of Life
Georgia was named a leading state in business, but it ranks low in quality of life. CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business study ranks the state low on the list.
On July 11, CNBC ranked Georgia No. 7 in the country for business, thanks to its strong infrastructure, deep workforce, and favorable economic climate. However, the same report gave Georgia a failing grade in quality of life. The southern state ranks 45th out of 50 states.
Georgia scored just 89 out of 265 points in CNBC’s “Life, Health and Inclusion” category. Key factors included poor healthcare access, high uninsured rates, weak worker protections, and limited anti-discrimination safeguards.
According to the report, more than 11% of Georgians are uninsured, and the state ranks 40th in access to primary care and 48th in mental health services.
Critics argue that while Georgia is attracting corporations and significant investments, its emphasis on pro-business policies comes at a cost. The expense of everyday needs, such as housing, public transportation, and healthcare, is being neglected in favor of commerce. CNBC noted the lack of laws protecting workers from discrimination and few safeguards for pregnant or disabled employees.
Tommy Pearce, executive director of Neighborhood Nexus, spoke with 11 Alive about the state of Georgia residents. Pearce believes that the condition of the state’s most vulnerable populations is a significant cause for concern.
“The stat that keeps me up at night across the five core counties in metro Atlanta. We’ve got 12,000 homeless public school students,” said Pearce. “That’s 1.9% of the student population, which might sound a little low on a first take, but that’s just upsettingly high. That’s one in 50 kids.”
Indeed, the state ranks among the top 10 for infrastructure, economy, and workforce—a boon for businesses that see the state as a beacon of opportunity. However, along with quality of life, the state also ranks low in terms of cost of living. The state is ranked 30th out of 50.
The disconnect has sparked questions about whether the state’s economic gains are truly benefiting the people who live and work there. Other states listed at the lower end of the quality-of-life scale include Texas, Utah, Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Arkansas.
Similar to Georgia, many of the states with a low quality of life appear to be excellent places for business growth. Texas, Indiana, Utah, and Alabama fall squarely within the top 20.
Internably: HBCU Student Creates Community For Interns Through New Platform
Finding community can be a challenge for college interns
An HBCU student is helping interns build connections through his new platform, Internably. Finding community can be a challenge for college interns, especially when living in a new city or working in a remote or hybrid environment. Bryson Hannah felt this firsthand while interning at Southern Company in Birmingham, where he was only socializing and networking with the small pool of interns at the company. He is breaking the barrier for struggling interns with Internably.
“I was in a new town and felt lonely,” he tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “For me, I felt like I had to return home, but I knew there were other interns in my city and I just had to find them.”
The Alabama A&M University student-athlete states that social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and LinkedIn, are insufficient for their needs. Data shows that social media is a multipurpose tool for American Gen Z’ers. A recent survey reveals that nearly 50% of Gen Z prefer using social media over search engines to find information online.
However, while Hannah’s generation uses social media for information more than any other generation, they found that their peers are less likely to share internship and career updates on these platforms.
“Some people don’t think it’s cool to say, ‘Hey, I have a LinkedIn profile,’ and others want to keep social media and LinkedIn separate. I thought Internably would be a better way for people who are career-driven and for interns to meet each other,” says Hannah.
On Internably, users can find and join different groups by city. From there, users will have access to the network, allowing students to post about internship openings and social plans for the weekend, for example.
Internably: A Resource For Student Interns and Companies
Hannah officially launched the platform on June 7 and had over 100 users, representing 35 different companies and more than 25 universities within the first month. While the goal is to grow the platform, Hannah says he’s already being approached by companies that want to boost recruiting efforts among interns.
For interns, he also has a survey for them to complete regarding their experiences during their internship and whether they feel they’re doing meaningful work. He hopes to share the information with companies so that interns receive the expertise they need.
The next big project for Hannah is launching the Internably app and expanding resources for students through the platform.
“I plan on creating an internship seeking group chat, so college students that don’t have an internship can talk with each other and [gain insight] about obtaining one,” he adds.
Students and companies interested in learning more about Internably can find more information on the company’s resource website.
Arkansas Attorney General Rebukes ‘Whites-Only’ Community Group, Launches Investigation
Return to the Land (RTTL) describes itself as a private member association where memberships are based on European ancestry.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has launched an investigation into the “Whites-only” group, which is seeking to expand in the Midwest. Return to the Land (RTTL) describes itself as a private member association where members are based on European ancestry. Critics call the group racist and antisemitic, as minorities and Jews are reportedly denied membership.
According to The Hill, RTTL is attempting to expand its reach from its base in northern Arkansas to the Springfield, Missouri, area, a co-founder of the group said recently. The news has sent shockwaves among activist groups and state and local officials.
Attorney General Griffin, a Republican, says he plans to investigate the group.
“Racial discrimination has no place in Arkansas or anywhere in a free society,” he told TMZ, adding that the group is “all sorts of legal issues, including constitutional concerns.”
RTTL began development in northern Arkansas, which sits on 160 acres of land. Group co-founder Eric Orwoll told KOLR that he not only hopes to expand to Springfield but eventually to all 50 states.
“We want to ensure that White Americans who value their ancestry will have the ability to live among like-minded people in the future if they choose to do so, regardless of demographic changes,” Orwoll told the local news outlet.
In doing so, he said RTTL plans to coordinate homeschool groups, healthcare networks, and legal advocacy groups. All of this would be barred to people of color.
“Whites should have the ability to live among their own people if that’s what they want to do, and mass immigration is quickly making that nearly impossible in many Western nations,” Orwoll said.
Activist Rebukes Whites-Only Group
As the attorney general investigates RTTL, the group is standing its ground and consulting with attorneys about the legalities of its operations, TMZ reports.
Missouri Democrats and activists are pushing back on the group’s efforts.
“Missouri families are fed up with the fringe extremism Missouri Republicans keep inviting into their communities,” Chelsea Rodriguez, communications director for the state Democratic Party, told The Hill in a statement.“If this hate group tries to relocate to Springfield, they shouldn’t expect to be embraced.”
The Anti-Defamation League has also rebuked the group, on X, saying the group not only revives “discredited and reprehensible forms of segregation,” but it should also be illegal under the Arkansas Fair Housing Act, the Fair Housing Act of 1968, as well as other federal and state civil rights laws.
Fanbase Leads The Way For Social Media Ownership After Exceeding $12.7M In Crowdfunding
In 2024, Fanbase raised $10 million of its equity crowdfunding goal, resulting in Hayes being the first Black man to raise this amount in a seed round.
In order to guarantee Black creators receive the compensation they deserve for their influence, Atlanta-based social media startup Fanbase is checking off milestones by raising over $12.7 million in its growing $17 million equity crowdfunding campaign.
In an Instagram post, founder Isaac Hayes III celebrated the move as “a part of a larger mission to democratize ownership in the social media space.” “Instead of relying on traditional venture capital, Fanbase is opening the door for everyday people to invest in the next generation of social apps,” the caption reads.
Hayes and his Fanbase group are already used to reaching historic milestones. In 2024, according to AfroTech, the startup raised $10 million of its equity crowdfunding goal, resulting in Hayes, son of the iconic soul singer Isaac Hayes, being the first Black man to raise this amount in a seed round via StartEngine under Regulation Crowdfunding. The founder says it’s all in the plan. “We have a plan, and we’re going to be able to scale and build the business in real time without having to stop and start and stop and start,” Hayes said.
“This is a scale-up opportunity because there are so many things that people want out of Fanbase, and I myself do not like to not be able to deliver on what I want to give to the community.”
And he’s giving the public a chance to get in on history. In an effort to give everyone a chance to add “investor” to their resume, Fanbase is offering a chance to invest in the company at as little as $3.99. In addition to the opportunity to add to its fundraising journey, investors can become a part of the social media app’s community of invested users and creators sharing in the platform’s success. “I think we have a real metric to understand the value of Black culture,” the startup founder said.
“Like what Black culture converts to in dollars. We have to understand that Black culture is actually our ‘vibranium,’ our asset. We are so creative, and we shouldn’t just be giving it away for free.”
He gives credit to the love of Black culture and understanding of the importance of Black economic collaboration for Fanbase’s success. He remembers the moment he met some of the app’s first fans — Justin Dawkins, Jewel Burks, and Barry Givens — founders of Collab Capital, who Hayes first met at another staple of Black collaboration, The Gathering Spot. He then celebrated Angela Benton, Monique Idlett, and Dawn Dixon, who taught him the art of crowdfunding and how to invest, as Dixon is the first Black woman to raise a million dollars in equity crowdfunding for her company.
He labeled them as his “mentors” in an interview with Rolling Out and touched on their partnership as a reflection on what the community can do. “So the Black community directly helped me raise capital,” he mentioned in the interview.
“That’s why I always tell people how to raise capital and do the same thing—I always pay it forward.”
Black Women In Entertainment Launch National Network Following Kamala Harris Mobilization Effort
The national networking organization supports and connects Black women across the entertainment industry — from filmmakers, performers, and writers to photographers, dancers, athletes, and executives
A year after mobilizing for Kamala Harris’ 2024 campaign, Black Women in Entertainment for Kamala has evolved into a national network for Black women in entertainment.
On July 23, Black Women in Entertainment (BWIE) officially launched, evolving from its roots as Black Women in Entertainment for Kamala, the group announced on Instagram. The new national network remains dedicated to fostering community, culture, and collective power for Black women across the industry.
Founded by communications strategist and former Apple TV+ global publicity lead Evan Seymour, BWIE builds on the 2024 collective that worked to mobilize Black women within the entertainment industry in support of Kamala Harris’ run for the presidency. That group successfully united over 500 Black women in entertainment to drive voter education, support then–Vice President Harris, and amplify Black women’s voices in media and politics.
Now, Seymour is focused on expanding the initiative beyond the political space to unite powerhouse Black women and mobilize their efforts in new ways.
“Today marks one year since I turned inspiration into action,” Seymour said in a social media statement. “After watching the historic Win With Black Women Zoom, I decided to bring together a few of my incredible entertainment industry friends to support then-Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign to serve as the leader of our country. We organized on WhatsApp, and that WhatsApp grew from ten women into hundreds mobilizing across the country in a matter of days.”
First up, BWIE is looking to host both virtual and in-person networking events, educational workshops, and community initiatives, all in the name of uniting Black women. The group also plans to support mutual aid efforts and local grassroots work, while fostering mentorship, creative collaborations, and career growth among its members.
“The call to do something doesn’t end on Election Day,” Seymour said. “Now, we’re choosing to do something that centers us — our growth, our care, and our collective brilliance.”
Vince Carter Is Committed To Learning What It Takes To Succeed As Part-Owner Of The Buffalo Bills
'I feel like if I'm going to invest in it, I want to be knowledgeable and know as much as I can,' Carter said
Now that NBA Hall of Famer Vince Carter is part of the Buffalo Bills ownership, he is taking the time to learn more about the team so he can be effective behind the scenes as he embraces his new role.
According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Carter is excited about being an owner of the NFL team, and he wants to make sure his investment is not only warranted, but wants to make sure he understands the business of the franchise.
“I feel like if I’m going to invest in it, I want to be knowledgeable and know as much as I can,” Carter told the media outlet while participating in his annual youth basketball camp in Daytona Beach. “I treat this like me as a player, coming in and learning nuances. This is one in the same.”
Carter has always had an interest in owning a professional sports team, but he figured it would be in the sport he made his career in, basketball. His cousin, fellow NBA Hall of Famer Tracey McGrady, informed him of an opportunity to invest in the Bills. Both jumped at the chance and were able to buy into the franchise in December 2024.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” he said. “I never imagined in my wildest dreams of being a part of an ownership group in football. Luckily, I played it (until after my freshman year at Mainland High School), so I feel comfortable being in it. But I didn’t think this opportunity would come about, and it did.”
He is not taking this lightly, as he stated that he’s been talking to the executives and the owner of the Bills, and talked to them to get a better understanding of the way the team operates.
“I’ve sat with the GM, president, owner, the big boss,” Carter said. “I’ve sat with everybody, and we’ve had conversations, and I just listen and learn. I don’t just want to have a name on it. I want to be involved.”
Florida Governor Appoints FAMU Alumna To HBCU’s Board Of Trustees, Replacing Longtime Chair
Jocelyn Dopson-Rodriguez will replace longtime chair, Kelvin Lawson.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed attorney Jocelyn Dopson-Rodriguez to Florida A&M University’s Board of Trustees.
Dopson-Rodriguez, an alumna of the University, will replace former trustee and board chair Kelvin Lawson. Lawson had served on the Board of Trustees at FAMU since 2011, with the reasons for his departure undisclosed. According to WCTV, Dopson-Rodriguez immediately began her tenure on the board July 11. She will hold the position until January of next year.
However, The Tallahassee Democratreported that FAMU was not made aware of the lawyer’s appointment until over a week later. A spokesperson confirmed her appointment amid rumors that Lawson will take on a new leadership role at the HBCU. The school’s interim president, Timothy Beard, released a statement thanking Lawson for his years-long service.
“We are deeply grateful to trustee Kelvin Lawson for his 14 years of dedicated service to his alma mater on the FAMU Board of Trustees,” stated FAMU interim President Timothy Beard. “His steady leadership helped elevate the university’s accountability and performance, and we sincerely thank him for his unwavering commitment to FAMU’s mission of student success.”
Sources suspect that Lawson has left the board to become a potential executive vice president and chief operating officer for FAMU. His departure coincides with shifts throughout FAMU’s leadership, such as its contentious president search. Lawson’s tenure also began amid controversy for the school. However, his time also brought forth new changes to the searches, such as trustees appointing FAMU’s previous president.
“Kelvin Lawson is probably one of the best board members (FAMU) has had,” added Florida Board of Governors Vice Chair Alan Levine. “He came in as chair during a very difficult time, and he was really able to navigate the board in a way that advanced the university and, most importantly, advanced the students.”
FAMU had been under a bright spotlight for its latest presidential selection, Marva Johnson. Her polarizing appointment garnered pushback from notable alumni, with some taking legal action. The school’s overarching community spoke out against Johnson due to her promotion by Florida’s conservative leaders.
As for Dopson-Rodriguez, the Tampa-based attorney earned her law degree from the University. While her legal work focuses on criminal defense and civil asset forfeiture, she has remained an ingrained member of the FAMU community. With participation in alumni panels and mentorship opportunities, Dopson-Rodriguez hopes to shape the HBCU and its diverse student body.
“Since her days as a student ambassador in the FAMU College of Law, Jocelyn has worked tirelessly to defend to protect the rights of the accused and representing public and private entities in various state and federal civil rights cases,” added Beard in his statement. ” We look forward to having her expertise on the board.”
However, some remain concerned about her new title, especially as DeSantis grows his influence on the HBCU’s future and the state’s higher education in general.
Barbara Borders Shares On Business Success And Leadership Lessons
Barbara Borders is an avid and accomplished entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building successful businesses and consulting business owners in the area of operations and performance.
Barbara Borders is an avid and accomplished entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building successful businesses and consulting business owners in the area of operations and performance. She believes that in order to become a star or a success in business, you must be able to master leadership, business operations, and performance at your highest level. BLACK ENTERPRISE had an opportunity to catch up with her to talk about entrepreneurship, business success, and leadership lessons.
BE: Share your story on how you became an entrepreneur and business owner:
Borders: My journey into entrepreneurship began with a desire to live life on my own terms and empower others to do the same. In the early years, I was a stay-at-home mom raising three sons. I always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and while managing my home and raising my boys, I started several business ventures — some successful, others filled with hard lessons. I experienced the highs of building something from scratch and the lows of navigating personal challenges, including divorce, all while trying to hold everything together.
Through those experiences, I realized there had to be an easier, more sustainable way to succeed in both life and business. I knew other women and aspiring entrepreneurs were dealing with the same struggles — juggling family, finances, and faith while trying to pursue a dream. That realization fueled my passion for entrepreneurship.
I spent years mentoring emerging leaders and small business owners informally before recognizing that this was my true calling. That’s when I founded Beyond Borders Business Coaching — to help business owners break past limitations and operate at their highest level. I wanted to be the voice and guide I wish I had when I started. Now, I get to help others build strong businesses while also creating balance in their personal lives. My journey is proof that you can rebuild, reinvent, and rise — no matter where you begin.
BE: What is your definition of success?
Borders: For me, success is deeply personal — it’s holistic, heartfelt, and grounded in purpose. It’s not just about hitting revenue goals or building a recognizable brand. True success is waking up with peace in your heart, knowing you’re living in alignment with your calling. It’s being present for your family, honoring your faith, and building something meaningful without losing yourself in the process.
Success means creating a business that supports your life, not one that consumes it. It’s laughter around the dinner table, quiet moments with God, and knowing you’re making a difference in someone else’s life just by being obedient to your purpose.
I pursue success by staying rooted in my values, keeping God at the center of every decision, and showing up each day with integrity. I strive to live what I teach, not just in business, but in how I love, lead, and serve. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about what you’ve built — it’s about who you’ve become along the way.
BE: Share five (5) business leadership practices that you teach in your trainings and workshops.
Borders:
Lead with Unshakable Clarity – A strong leader knows exactly who they are, what they stand for, and who they serve. I teach leaders how to define and communicate their mission, vision, and values so clearly that it inspires action and alignment at every level of their business. It’s important to know your mission, vision, and who you serve.
Build with Systems, Not Struggle – Hustle has its place, but sustainability comes from structure. I guide business owners in creating automated systems and streamlined operations that boost efficiency, reduce burnout, and free up their time to lead strategically. Strong businesses run on systems, not just hustle.
Empower People, Don’t Just Manage Them – True leadership multiplies. I teach leaders how to develop and empower their teams to take ownership, solve problems, and lead confidently — so the business grows beyond the capacity of just one person. I teach them how to equip their team to lead, so they are not doing things alone.
Let the Numbers Talk – Emotions can mislead, but data tells the truth. I train my clients to track performance, analyze key metrics, and make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability with confidence. I learned the hard way that it’s not good to guess, we have to track with truth. So I teach my clients to track and adjust.
Be the Standard You Expect – Leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about influence. I help entrepreneurs embody integrity, consistency, and excellence in every interaction, knowing that the culture of any organization starts at the top. Your integrity, consistency, and attitude set the tone for everything.
BE: What is your favorite quote or business philosophy?
Borders: “Don’t shrink to fit places you’ve outgrown.” — This quote speaks directly to the journey of transformation that so many entrepreneurs, especially women, go through. It’s a reminder that growth often requires us to leave behind familiar spaces, outdated mindsets, and even relationships or roles that no longer align with who we’re becoming. Stretching into a new season of leadership, success, and visibility is part of the process.
BE: What are your final remarks that you’d like to share with the BE audience?
Borders: You were not born to play small. That longing in your heart for more — more impact, more freedom, more purpose — is not a coincidence. It’s a calling. And it’s proof that greater is already within you.
Don’t silence that calling out of fear or wait for the perfect moment to begin. Invest in yourself. Surround yourself with people who see your greatness, even when you can’t see it yet. Give yourself permission to rise, to lead, and to build something that reflects who you truly are.
Because when you step “beyond borders,” you don’t just change your life — you open doors for generations to come. Your courage creates a legacy. And the world is waiting on the version of you that refuses to shrink. So, take the leap — you were made for this.
