Black female student in the classroom, Public School, Classroom
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Black Girls Code and The Doux Launch The ‘Black Beauty’ AI Challenge

The tech-based contest is designed to empower black girls and women to redefine Black beauty.


Black Girls Code (BGC) and The Doux are teaming up to launch the Black Beauty AI Challenge, a contest that provides an opportunity for Black girls and young women to use AI as a tool to create original videos that reflect how they define beauty, style, and culture.

“If Black creators don’t guide what AI learns from us, we risk being overlooked—or worse, misrepresented by others,” said Maya Smith, CEO and creative director of The Doux said in a press release. 

“The Black Beauty AI challenge is about taking control of that narrative by challenging girls to run the code.”

The Black Beauty AI Challenge invites participants to submit their entries, which a panel of judges will evaluate for a chance to win up to $1,500 in cash prizes.

Participants will create a 60–90 second AI-generated video that showcases their unique perspective on Black beauty. Judges will evaluate submissions in two age-based categories:

Youth Track: Ages 13–17

Young Adult Track: Ages 18–25

 

To ensure a level playing field, entries will be accepted using these free AI software tools, including Kaiber.ai, Runway ML, Luma Labs, Pika, CapCut, or Canva. Judges will consider submissions created with paid platforms for honorary recognition only. Prizes include:

– $1,500 – People’s Choice

– $1,000 – 1st place

– $750 – 2nd place

– $500 – 3rd place

– $150 Doux gift card – 4th place

– $100 Doux gift card – Honorary Mentions

“At Black Girls Code, we show girls and young women that technology is theirs to shape and to connect to their lived experiences because the future of AI is being written right now,” said Cristina Mancini, CEO of Black Girls Code in a statement. 

Both Mancini and Smith will join a panel of judges that includes top journalists from the beauty industry.

No prior coding or tech experience is needed. All participants must identify as female and live in the continental United States. The top entries in each age group will be featured on Instagram and TikTok. Finalists and winning videos will also be displayed at a NYC pop-up gallery on MLK Day 2026.

Founded in 2011, Black Girls Code (BGC) aims to build a more inclusive tech industry by educating and empowering Black girls and young women with the skills necessary to succeed in technology through culturally relevant educational programs designed for learners aged 7-18. The organization also offers career advancement initiatives for young adults aged 18 and older.

The Doux is an Atlanta-based haircare brand founded in 2018 by Maya and Brian Smith. Maya Smith, CEO, co-founder, and creative director, started her career as a licensed cosmetologist, working with diverse hair textures in both the United States and Germany. She noticed a gap in the market where the unique needs of textured hair were often overlooked. To fill this need, Maya Smith created The Doux to address those needs. The brand combines high-quality products with a striking aesthetic inspired by ’90s hip-hop, offering products like Mousse Def, Crazy Sexy Curl, Big Poppa, and Bonita Afro Balm. The Doux is available for purchase online and at major retailers, including Walmart, Sally Beauty, and CVS.

RELATED CONTENT: Howard University Teams Up With Google To Help AI Better Understand Black Voices

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, foundation, widow
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7 Thoughtful Quotes From Malcolm-Jamal Warner

He will be missed.


We are still mourning the loss of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who went above and beyond his well known character as Theo Huxtable. He was recognized as an artist involved in poetry and music while sharing insightful commentary on Black culture that carried significant emotional and intellectual value with his audience. Warner openly discussed topics such as legacy preservation, personal identity, and dealing with loss on various platforms. These reflections offer a peek into his commitment to living a life based on honesty and purpose.

1.) “The hood side, ultimately historically, is what has always created American culture.”

Warner delves into how “the hood” serves as the cornerstone of mainstream culture on his podcast, Not All Hood: Here and Now Archive

2.) “Black survival in of itself is Black excellence.”

Warner questions the notion that success is only linked to achievements and emphasizes the determination and courage needed to conquer and overcome obstacles. 

3.) “I will be able to leave this earth knowing—and people knowing—that I was a good person…with all of the darkness in the world—it is possible to maintain your soul and be a good person.”

Warner appeared on the Hot & Bothered podcast and shared the importance of integrity and the value of staying true to one’s principles and moral convictions in challenging situations.

4.) “If you’ve ever seen someone take their final breath, there’s this peace that comes over them.”

Warner reflects on the memories of his grandfather and how their shared experiences shaped him as a person and developed his beliefs and character. 

5.) “I remember my mother said, ‘Mr. Cosby gave you immortality…but then…there’s another lane of legacy that I get to leave.’”

He shows his respect for his character Theo Huxtable from The Cosby Show and emphasizes the impact the character had on 1980s culture while also recognizing the lasting influence of his personal growth and charitable work outside of television.

6.) “When we talk about the Black community, we tend to speak of it as a monolith…there are so many different facets.”

Warner talks passionately of experiences across the spectrum of Blackness, pointing out the richness and diversity present in Black communities and emphasizing the importance of presenting the multitude of viewpoints that reflect the true complexity in Black communities.

7.) “Sweetness doesn’t make you weak—it makes you strong.”

Warner looks back on how being compassionate and vulnerable can be sources of strength. He shares stories about Ennis Cosby’s kindness, resilience, and influence.

RELATED CONTENT: Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s ‘Not All Hood’ Podcast Launches ‘More Than A Month’ Black History Series

Black women, corporate America, corprorate ladder
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Black Women Are Still Struggling To Advance In Corporate America, Study Finds

Black women are still being overlooked in the workplace, a new report finds.


“The 2024 McKinsey Women in the Workplace Report” shows “white women on the rise,” while Black women remain overlooked, under-supported, under-promoted, and penalized for the very leadership traits companies say they value, according to one critic.

The report, crafted from a survey of nearly 300 companies employing over 10 million people, found that workplace bias continues to hit Black women the hardest. While women overall have made notable strides, Black women remain underrepresented, holding just seven percent of C-suite positions (a modest four percent rise since 2017) and receiving little to no mentorship to help them advance, leaving them trailing far behind their white counterparts.

Business coach and Three Trees Center for Change founder Ben Motley said this dynamic creates a workplace reality where white women in C-suite roles often “take on the same toxic behaviors as white men.”

“The report does state that there’s been a steady rise in women in leadership positions. But in reality, it’s just a rise in white women,” he said in an Instagram video. “It’s still built on the same systems of control that have harmed so many for so long in the workplace.”

The ignited calls for social justice and inclusion in 2020 saw slight gains for Black women professionals in 2021 and 2022. But the recent report saw “Black women’s promotion rates this year regressed to 2020 levels.”

At the current rate, white women could reach workplace parity in about 22 years, but for Black women, it would take twice as long. Companies share some of the blame. Many have scaled back the career development, mentorship, and sponsorship programs once intended to help women advance.

“Relatively few companies track these programs’ outcomes, and in all cases, companies are investing in fewer programs designed to advance women of color,” the report said.

With mentorship often at the heart of promotions and raises, the report found Black women trail behind white women in this key area.

“Given that employees with consistent manager support are more likely to be promoted, this very likely disadvantages women of color.”

The report also revealed a double standard in the workplace where white women are often praised for showing vulnerability, while Black women are penalized for the same traits. Qualities like empathy, authenticity, and emotional honesty are frequently touted as ideal leadership skills but are viewed as shortcomings when expressed by Black women.

While white women are making strides that boost overall female representation, the persistent disparities facing Black women expose deeper systemic issues, ones that, according to Motley, only fuel more workplace toxicity.

“So white people, my belief is that the last thing we need is more white women climbing into positions of power just to sustain the abusive systems that have harmed everybody,” he said. “We need leaders who are willing to challenge and disrupt the system because if your style of leadership only works for people who look like you, it’s not leadership at all.”

RELATED CONTENT: TikTok-Fueled Boycott Exposes Deep Divide Between Black Americans and Africans; It’s Time To Knock It Off

Prince,filmmaker, netflix, documentary
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Prince’s ‘Sign O’ The Times’ Receives Limited-Run At IMAX Theaters

The legendary Prince is coming to an IMAX theater near you.


Prince’s iconic 1987 concert film Sign O’ The Times is set to hit IMAX screens for the first time ever, with a limited theatrical run.

Prince’s classic live concert film, which served as the follow-up to his 1986 romantic drama Under the Cherry Moon, will hit IMAX theaters globally for one week only beginning on Aug. 29, Billboard reported. Fans of the music icon can relive the Grammy-nominated concert film, featuring Sheila E. tearing up the drums and Sheena Easton delivering a fiery live performance of “U Got the Look.”

The film, which combines live footage and scripted scenes, earned Prince a Grammy nomination for “Album of the Year.” The IMAX version will be “enhanced with IMAX’s precision surround sound audio, customized theatre geometry, and crystal-clear images. Prince’s virtuoso performance is set to mesmerize fans old and new in the most epic format available,” a press release announced.

Its release marked a daring chapter for Prince, who directed, scored, and starred in it after parting ways with his longtime band, The Revolution, ahead of his ninth studio album. For Sign O’ The Times, he assembled a brand-new lineup, featuring powerhouse performances from Sheila E. and Sheena Easton, alongside trusted collaborators like Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, keyboardist Dr. Fink, and drummer Bobby Z.

The film’s soundtrack showcases live renditions of Prince’s Billboard Top 10 classics “U Got the Look” and “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man,” along with Top 100 track “If I Was Your Girlfriend.” While the Sign O’ The Times album didn’t match the commercial success of Prince’s previous three records, it cemented his status as a visionary performer, adding to the musical film legacy built by icons like himself and Michael Jackson, a tradition Beyoncé continues to carry into the modern era.

RELATED CONTENT: Prince’s Sister Tyka Nelson Dies At Age 64

Tony! Toni! Toné!, D'Wayne Wiggins, Children, Estate
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Not So Fast: Judge Presses Pause Button On DEI Ban In Mississippi Schools And Universities

As of April 2025, the law bans any type of offices, courses, training or programs to be conducted related to DEI or be composed of “divisive topics.”


A federal judge imposed a temporary pause on the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ban within Mississippi schools and universities due to a restraining order request from education advocates, according to the Associated Press. 

U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate approved the request from a group of plaintiffs, including the Mississippi Association of Educators and Jackson State University, a HBCU, as the group feels the law focuses on the “preferred views” of Mississippi’s state government on students, educators, and families in addition to violating the First and Fourteenth Amendments. “We are fighting to protect the constitutional rights of teachers and students to share ideas and to receive and exchange knowledge,” a statement from the group’s legal representative, ACLU of Mississippi, read.

“We look forward to our day in court.”

As of April 2025, the law bans any offices, courses, training, or programs to be conducted related to DEI or that are composed of “divisive topics.” Educational institutions found in violation are subject to losing state funding. Wingate highlighted why he ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, touching on how the law has already impacted certain institutions such as Jackson State. Faculty members have been barred from discussing gender theory or systemic racism. “Suppressing constitutional speech through vague prohibitions and the specter of financial retribution does not serve the public good — it undermines it,” Wingate wrote in his ruling. 

“Institutions have spent the intervening months attempting to interpret and implement the statute, often erring on the side of caution by canceling or defunding programming that arguably falls within its prohibitions. This prolonged period of uncertainty has deepened the chilling effect.” 

The good news is that the restraining order will remain in place until Wingate rules on another request from the plaintiffs for a preliminary injunction, which could result in a longer-term order preventing the law from going into full force while matters play out in court. The move is being called a “critical first step” by the ACLU. 

According to The Hill, Mississippi is one of roughly 16 states that have passed bills placing limitations on DEI in some shape, way, or form since 2023 as a result of the Supreme Court overturning the affirmative action ruling. The controversial ruling targeted diversity statements, DEI-related courses, or mandatory training within schools and businesses. 

One of the headlining events included the Fearless Fund, the first venture capital firm built by Black women, being forced to end its popular grant program for Black-women business owners after being sued by a conservative group with anti-DEI viewpoints.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Administration Investigates George Mason University For Alleged DEI Hiring

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, foundation, widow
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Beyoncé Celebrates Malcolm-Jamal Warner For Being ‘A Big Part Of Our Shared Television History’

Beyoncé sends a heartwarming tribute to actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner amid tragic news of his sudden passing.


Beyoncé shared a touching tribute honoring Malcolm-Jamal Warner, following his tragic drowning on a beach in Costa Rica.

While on tour for her Grammy-winning Cowboy Carter album, Beyoncé took to her official website to honor Warner, remembering him as someone who “played a big part in our shared television history” as fans mourn his sudden passing.

“Rest in power, Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” the website reads in all caps. “Thanks for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed.”

Warner tragically drowned on July 20 after being swept out to sea while vacationing in Costa Rica, local authorities confirmed. A source close to The Cosby Show star shared that he had been traveling with his wife and young daughter when the accident occurred. As of July 21, Warner’s wife was working to have his body returned to the U.S. for funeral arrangements.

The celebrated television actor was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón province when a powerful current swept him away, Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department said. Though bystanders managed to pull him from the water, paramedics found him unresponsive upon arrival. The Costa Rican Red Cross confirmed in a statement that another man involved in the “water incident” was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

Warner rose to fame in the role of Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show from 1984 to 1994. He continued working in television, starring in sitcoms Malcolm & Eddie and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and even directing several episodes of Kenan & Kel and All That.

Hollywood is mourning Warner’s sudden passing, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from those who knew and worked with him. His Reed Between the Lines co-star Tracee Ellis Ross shared that her heart feels “so sad” over his death, while his TV dad, Bill Cosby, called the loss “devastating,” comparing it to the pain of losing his only son in 1997. Other stars, including Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Holly Robinson Peete, and fellow Cosby Show alum Geoffrey Owens, have also shared their condolences and memories.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Cowboy Carter’ NFL Halftime Show Scores Emmy Noms For Queen Bey—and Ocean of Soul

Cop City
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Judge Rules in Favor of Journalists. Nearly 300 Pages Of Atlanta’s ‘Cop City’ Records Released

Two plaintiffs filed a lawsuit, claiming that the police foundation was violating Georgia’s open records law.


The controversial public safety training center proposed in Atlanta, known as “Cop City,” is at the heart of why a Fulton County judge ordered the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) to release nearly 300 documents to the public. Judge Jane Barwick ruled for APF to turn over records related to the Atlanta Public Safety Training City, often referred to as “Cop City.”

The lawsuit all started with the two plaintiffs, the Atlanta Community Press Collective (ACPC) and Lucy Parsons Labs, a Chicago-based research group, requesting emails, APF board meeting minutes, and other documents. When APF failed to do so, the plaintiffs filed a lawsuit, claiming that the police foundation was violating Georgia’s open records law.

“This court concludes that APF was under a duty to provide records to ACPC and Lucy Parsons Labs pursuant to the Open Records Act,” Barwick wrote in her 12-page order months after a two-day bench trial. “Under the authority explained in this order, no exemptions applied.”

Why The Case on Atlanta Cop City Matters

According to the Guardian, the lawsuit was the first of its kind nationwide. While the case centered on the Atlanta Police Foundation, some say the judge’s ruling could have implications for whether police foundations are subject to open records laws.

Every major city has a private foundation that supports the police. A report from Police Foundations shows there are an estimated 250 nationwide. Because these foundations are not public agencies, there have been questions around whether the nonprofits that exclusively support a government agency are subject to public record laws.

The judge’s ruling “opens the door to what we want. It’s a guide stone for getting records from police foundations, so they can’t be a black box,” Matt Scott, executive director of Atlanta Community Press Collective (ACPC), told the Guardian. “A city can’t use police foundations as a way of getting around providing public records.”

However, according to the Atlanta Civic Circle, Judge Barwick clarified that the order does not designate APF a public entity, which means that all its records are not declared public and accessible.

It’s unclear if the APF will appeal the judge’s ruling.

Atlanta Georgia, education, Super Bowl LXII, Atlanta Wine and Jazz Festival, Build-to-rent
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An Atlanta Community Organizer Is Running For Mayor

Eddie Meredith believes he can offer Atlanta the best path forward by focusing on the unhoused community and economic development.


Eddie Andrew Meredith wants to be Atlanta’s next mayor.

Meredith believes he can offer Atlanta the best path forward. The mayoral candidate has laid out several policy priorities, including building affordable housing, expanding access to health care, and boosting economic development. He announced his intent to run for mayor in January 2025 via Instagram. 

Meredith is a community organizer in College Park and Atlanta. Career information for the candidate has not been documented on his LinkedIn or official campaign website. However, the candidate’s Facebook page lists him as the former pastor for the Church of Hope and an Oakland-native.  Recently, the candidate took to Instagram to thank those who have supported his months-long campaign.

“I’m not just running for office—I’m running for the people. Atlanta, it’s time for real change. With deep gratitude, I thank every supporter, follower, and believer in this movement. Together, we can build a better Atlanta. Vote Eddie Meredith for mayor 2025,” Meredith’s post read.

Meredith’s social media highlights his community activations. He is deploying resources directly to neighborhoods, asking supporters to donate bottled water, hygiene kits, and nonperishable foods to sustain campaign events and outreach drives.

His campaign website states, “We are igniting a mission rooted in dignity, opportunity and unity for all Atlantans,” and says the effort is “more than a political movement.” It’s a mission-driven push for participatory governance.

The community organizer’s plan places emphasis on the city’s unhoused population. Additionally, he also aims to create solutions for Atlanta-natives that are being priced out of the city by investors and transplants. The Homes First Atlanta proposal aims to create and preserve 25,000 affordable units over five years.

In a message posted to his site, Meredith wrote, “Atlanta is not just a city of buildings — it’s a city of people.” 

Current Mayor, Andre Dickens, has already declared for re-election. Additionally, Andre Helmut Domagalski, Kalema Jackson, Marcus Lamar, Walter Reeves, and Larmetria Trammell have officially declared their intent to run. As of July 21, Meredith has not officially filed declaration paperwork. Still, there is time before the Aug 21 deadline.

RELATED CONTENT: Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Announces Re-Election Bid

youth center
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Georgia Mother Accuses County Officials Of Covering Up Serial Abuse At Youth Shelter

The shelter has since shut down due to bankruptcy.


A Georgia mother is taking action against a county district attorney and child services for an alleged cover-up of a serial child abuser.

The mother claims that her 13-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted by an employee at a youth shelter. The filing states that the abuse occurred at the Clayton County nonprofit in 2022, according to Atlanta Black Star. The woman took legal action against the employee, Caleb Randolph, and his mother, Mia Kimber. Kimber was the former director of the shelter, formally called Rainbow House.

Not only is the woman suing the mother and son for assault and negligence, but also claiming that several state and local officials were involved in covering up these abuse allegations from multiple young girls. The plaintiff, listed as “A.C.,” alleges that Tasha Mosley, the current Clayton County district attorney, and Jeffrey Turner, the former chair of the Clayton County Commission, were involved in an alleged conspiracy to conceal the abuse. While the commission funded Rainbow House, Mosley previously served as a board chair.

Randolph was later convicted of statutory rape in May of 2024 for the grooming and sexual exploitation of a teen girl at the shelter, listed as “A.C.” The complaint also states the defendants systematically failed to report abuse claims, resulting in the racketeering allegations.

“This case isn’t just about one predator; it’s about a network of power that enabled him. The District Attorney knew, Rainbow House leadership knew, the Department of Family & Children Services knew, and many others knew. They didn’t just look the other way – they actively covered up the repeated sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl. This wasn’t just negligence; it was complicity,” shared the plaintiff’s attorneys in a joint statement.

Rainbow House served as an emergency shelter for children before its closure in 2023. Child Services initially relocated A.C. to a facility in May 2022. It aimed to provide safe housing, support, and resources for children who had been removed from their family situations.

However, A.C. reportedly endured sexual abuse and exploitation at the facility at the hands of Randolph. Instead of reporting the molestation, Randolph was fired for “violation of policy” and then rehired a week later.

The mother claims that these individuals knew of the abuse yet took no steps to remove the employee. Randolph reportedly molested another young girl at Rainbow House as well. The filing also states Mosley did not launch a proper investigation into the claims. The woman was a prosecutor for Clayton County at the time.

However, Mosley told Fox 5 Atlanta that she denies any wrongdoing on her end.

“The Board of Directors was not responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Rainbow House; thus, it was not involved in any manner with staffing other than the hiring of the Executive Director,” she said. “I was not the Chair of the BOD when M. Kimber was hired, but the BOD was notified by the Chair at the time that Ms. Kimber passed all required background screens.”

The mother and son were only arrested following a whistleblower complaint. Currently, Kimber faces a charge for one count of Cruelty to Children. Her son is currently serving a 17-year prison sentence.

“This little girl was a child in crisis, placed in state care to be protected, but instead, was exploited, hidden away, and ignored,” added the plaintiff’s attorneys. “Rainbow House and multiple people in power preyed on the most vulnerable — children with no stable homes, no consistent records, and often no one looking out for them. These weren’t just isolated failures; this was a deliberate targeting of kids who could disappear without anyone asking questions. That’s what makes this so dangerous and so evil, and we believe there are many more victims.”

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Robert Golden
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Why Robert Golden Walked Away From The NFL To Build A School In His Hometown

Following retirement, the former NFL player dedicated himself to a new project with a similar game plan in mind. He put everything he had into opening a school in his birthplace, so kids of all ages can succeed.


Most people know Robert Golden from his seven seasons in the NFL, first with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later with the Kansas City Chiefs, but if you ask Golden what he wants to be known for, he doesn’t always talk about football. Instead, he lights up when discussing his hometown of Fresno, California, the city where he grew up, and where he’s set his sights currently.

Following retirement, the former NFL player dedicated himself to a new project with a similar game plan in mind. He put everything he had into opening a school in his birthplace, so kids of all ages can succeed.

“I always knew football was something I did. It was never who I was,” Golden said. “At some point, I felt like there was something bigger waiting for me.”

That next chapter turned into Golden Charter Academy, a public TK-8 school in Fresno. The school focuses on teaching leadership, science, and environmental education to a wide variety of students.

What makes it different exactly? Here, students learn through hands-on experiences that let them interact with nature. Golden has partnered with local spaces like the Fresno Chaffee Zoo to create what’s being dubbed the first Environmental Stewardship Zoo School in the country.

“For me, it was never about just opening a school,” he said. “I wanted to create something lasting that gives kids in my community opportunities I didn’t always have growing up.”

Golden’s journey hasn’t been smooth sailing 24/7, something he speaks openly about, such as the mental adjustment that came after leaving the NFL. At first, in post-retirement, he struggled with depression and felt unsure about what was to come next, but he credits his faith and the hard-working mindset football instilled in him to help push him forward, in spite of struggles.

“Football taught me how to prepare, how to adapt, and how to keep moving no matter what,” Golden said. “That’s the same energy I bring to running a school and running a business.”

As for his advice to any athletes left navigating life after sports, he is honest and direct. Golden believes the key to post-athletic success is really knowing yourself outside the game and a willingness to start fresh.

“You have to create your own playbook,” he said. “Life is not going to put you in the game if you don’t know what play you are running.”

He also reminds athletes not to chase money and, instead, to focus on their purpose. It’s a stronghold belief that guided him to leave behind a professional football career to then focus on education and community work in his hometown and the wider area.

At Golden Charter Academy, students come from neighborhoods that don’t always have access to the same resources seen at other schools. Golden wants his students to receive a well-rounded education, not only in math and science but also in leadership and responsibility.

“I tell them, be GOLDEN. Give respect. Be obligated. Love learning. Show dedication. Elevate others. Never quit,” he said.

That guiding principle is not just something written on a motivational poster; it’s how Golden approaches his own life and leadership, whether it involves raising over $26 million to fund the school or mentoring kids one-on-one.

Looking back, Golden said he wouldn’t change anything, even the hard parts, as they’ve helped inform his decisions today. He believes the difficult moments are what shape you and help you to appreciate the wins, big and small.

“If you never face tough times, how can you really appreciate the good ones?” he questioned.

For Golden, his wins look different now. They’re less touchdown-oriented. Instead, they’re focused on the next generation of students and maybe potential NFL athletes. In helping a student discover something new or helping someone realize their own potential, Golden is cementing his own legacy.

To learn more about Golden Charter Academy and Robert Golden’s work, visit goldencharteracademy.org.

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