Rep. Pamela Stevenson, senate seat, Mitch McConnell

by Mitti Hicks

April 1, 2025

Col. Pamela Stevenson Wants Mitch McConnell’s Senate Seat

Col. Pamela D. Stevenson, a retired Air Force JAG officer and current Minority Floor Leader in the Kentucky House of Representatives, has officially announced her plans to run for Mitch McConnell's Senate Seat.

A Black woman has put her bid in to run for Senator Mitch McConnell’s seat. In February, Kentucky’s longest-running senator said he would finish his seventh term but not seek reelection in 2026. McConnell has been a member of the US Senate since 1985. Now, Col. Pamela D. Stevenson, a retired Air Force JAG officer and current Minority Floor Leader in the Kentucky House of Representatives, has announced her plans to run for the office.

Stevenson officially announced and launched her campaign message Monday. She vows to “stop the recklessness” in Washington.

“I’m running for US Senate to replace Mitch McConnell!” she posted on X, along with her first campaign video.

“I live by three words, one creed,” Stevenson said in what appears to be her first campaign video. “Duty. Honor. Kentucky.”

If elected, Stevenson would be the first Black U.S. Senator from Kentucky and only the fourth Black woman to ever serve in the chamber, 13th and South reported.

I’m running for US Senate to replace Mitch McConnell! 🇺🇸

Duty. Honor. Kentucky. #kysen #kentucky #stevensonforsenate pic.twitter.com/KZeunVZUBo
— Col. Pam Stevenson (@ColPamStevenson) March 31, 2025

Who Is Col. Pamela Stevenson?

According to the Associated Press, Stevenson is the top-ranking Democrat in the GOP-led state House. Her bio states that she is an ordained minister, served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG), where she prosecuted violent crimes such as rape, and retired with the rank of Colonel. Stevenson graduated from IU Maurer School of Law. After retiring from the Air Force, she launched the Stevenson Law Center to provide pro bono legal services to veterans, seniors, and working families.

Stevenson was first elected to Kentucky’s House of Representatives in 2020, and in 2023, she became the first Black woman to serve as Minority Floor Leader.

Col. Pamela Stevenson Chances in Right-Leaning Kentucky

While Stevenson’s candidacy is historic, Kentucky is a red state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1992. Voters elected current Democratic Governor Andy Beshear first in 2019 and then in 2023. Stevenson lost her race for state attorney general that same year. Political experts attribute Beshear’s success to political good fortune and family lineage. Beshear’s father, Steve Beshear, was also a beloved governor from 2007 to 2015.

She will have a tough race, as former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron has entered the race on the Republican side. Beshear defeated Cameron in the 2023 governor’s race.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 1, 2025

Life Be Lifing, So Make Your Side Hustle Work For You

life is doing the absolute most

Written by Joyel Crawford

Hi Fairygodmentor,

Life is lifing and I need to make sure I have the funds to maintain my lifestyle and keep the lights on at the same time. I have a great idea for a side hustle but don’t know how to balance it with my demanding full-time job. Where should I start?

Best regards,

Hustling for More

Dear Hustling for More,

I hear you loud and clear — life is doing the absolute most, and you need to secure the bag without burning yourself out. Between the ever-growing demands of work and your dreams of launching a side hustle, it can feel impossible to strike a balance. But trust me, it is possible.

1. Do You Really Have the Time?

Let’s start with some real talk: Do you have the bandwidth for a side hustle? If so, how much time can you realistically dedicate without stretching yourself too thin? Be honest about what you can commit to before diving in.

2. Passion vs. Talent: Where Should You Focus?

You’ve probably heard the advice: “Follow your passion!” But I’m more in the Mark Cuban camp—”follow your talent.” When you align your interests with something you already do well, success tends to follow.

3. Research Like Your Success Depends on It (Because It Does)

Once you’ve identified your talents, dig into the details. What does the work entail? Do you have the necessary skills, or will you need training? If you’re selling something — be it e-books, handmade crafts, or photography services — analyze the market. Who’s your competition? What makes your offer unique? Do you need a website, or is social media enough to start?

4. Test the Waters Before You Dive In

No need to have everything perfect from day one. Start small. Offer your product or service to friends and family for feedback. Gather testimonials, track what works, and tweak as needed. If you’re an artist, photographer, or designer, create a portfolio to showcase your work.

5. Protect Your Energy (And Your Full-Time Job)

Side hustles should add value to your life, not drain you. Check in with yourself — are you exhausted, overwhelmed, or neglecting your day job? If your main source of income suffers, your stress levels will only rise.

If your side hustle involves working for another company, some of this advice may not apply. But one thing remains true: Pick something you’re both interested in and skilled at to set yourself up for success.

6. When It Becomes More Than Just a Side Hustle…

If your side hustle starts making more money than your full-time job, congratulations — that’s a whole new conversation! Be sure to reach out when that happens, because that’s a good problem to have.

Final Word

Yes, you can balance a side hustle with your 9-to-5. The key? Be intentional about your energy, time, and focus.

You got this!

Yours truly,

Your Fairygodmentor®

Joyel Crawford, fairygodmentor, contributor — (Photo: Kirten White Photography/BE)

About Joyel Crawford:

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

Have a question for Your Fairygodmentor®?

Submit your career and leadership questions, whether it’s about navigating a micromanager, setting boundaries, negotiating for a raise, or handling burnout. Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 1, 2025

Emmitt Smith Prioritizes The Long Game As Vegas Restaurant Marks 1st Anniversary: ‘It’s All About Sustainability’

Emmitt Smith marks the first anniversary of Emmitt's Vegas with a focus on long-term sustainability.

Emmitt Smith was all smiles during the special night of fine dining in celebration of Emmitt’s Vegas one-year anniversary.

Situated on the Las Vegas Strip near Fashion Show Mall, Emmitt’s Vegas rolled out the red carpet as flashing cameras captured the excitement. Guests indulged in a delectable culinary experience, reinforcing the restaurant’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination in the heart of Las Vegas.

Dynamic performances and energetic DJ sets created a vibrant atmosphere, enticing patrons to pause their meals for a quick two-step on the dance floor between bites. This dynamic spirit has solidified Emmitt’s Vegas as an emerging leader on the Las Vegas Strip.

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with glasses of prosecco, offering an early glimpse of the exceptional service that continued throughout the night. The NFL icon and restaurant owner greeted guests while reflecting on his establishment’s journey to reaching its one-year milestone in the competitive dining scene.

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A post shared by Emmitt’s Vegas (@emmittsvegas)

“It’s excellent but it’s still a lot of pressure because we’re not there yet,” Smith told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “We just made it one year. Success to me is not in the year’s performance. It’s year after year after year after year. Consistency and growth. That’s how I define success, just like I’ve done in my football career.”

“I was working a year but working a year didn’t give me a Hall of Fame career,” Smith added. “What got me a Hall of Fame career was having 15 years in the National Football League and being consistent every year. Now, it’s all about sustainability.”

Among the standouts of the night was the exclusive four-course dinner, featuring selections from the restaurant’s signature anniversary tasting menus. Creole shrimp and delicious crispy cauliflower satisfied tastebuds for the first course.

The second course was expertly paired with a selection of two Emmitt’s signature cocktails — the Gold Jacket Fashioned (Woodson Whiskey, spiced demerara syrup, and Angostura orange bitters served with a ’22’ ice sphere) or the Season Three (Bacardi Coconut Rum, fresh lime juice, mint, and lemon verbena). Guests enjoyed a refreshing Spinach and Kale Salad alongside delicate Yellowtail Sashimi.

For the main course, diners had the choice of a succulent Bone-In Pork Chop, a flavorful Bone-In Rib-Eye, or a Miso Glazed Sea Bass, each expertly paired with a complementary selection of red or white wine

Dessert featured a delightful selection from Emmitt’s Vegas menu, including the beloved Emmitt’s Butter Cake, the classic Crème Brûlée, and the indulgent Parisian Chocolate Cake.

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A post shared by Emmitt’s Vegas (@emmittsvegas)

After savoring the exquisite menu, Executive Chef Antwan Ellis came out to greet guests, expressing his pride and excitement in celebrating the restaurant’s successful first year on the Strip.

“At Emmitt’s Vegas, we don’t just serve food – we create experiences,” Chef Ellis said. “Every dish tells a story, and tonight was about celebrating a year of passion, creativity, and dedication to our craft. Seeing our guests come together to enjoy this menu reminds us why we do what we do.”

The highlight of the night was a stunning anniversary cake, custom-crafted by Freed’s Bakery, showcasing Smith’s iconic jersey number 22 atop a miniature football field with players. As guests gathered to commemorate the milestone, the decorative cake served as a fittingly sweet finale to an unforgettable night

It was a proud moment to celebrate the anniversary of the only Black-owned restaurant on the Strip, led by the only Black Executive Chef. The night stood as a testament to how Emmitt’s Vegas continues to champion Black excellence in Sin City, paving the way for a bright future.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 1, 2025

Ye Wears KKK Outfit While Blasting Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian, And The Music Industry

Ye spirals in his latest interview, donning KKK attire while attacking Jay-Z and Kim Kardashian.

Ye took things to an extreme in his latest interview, donning black Ku Klux Klan attire while making controversial remarks about his ex-wife and former friends.

The defamed music and fashion mogul remained true to his unfiltered style in his explosive interview with DJ Akademiks. The interview was filmed earlier this month, but at the request of Ye’s team, the footage underwent “eight edits” before its release on March 30. Among his most contended remarks include Ye doubling down on unhinged tweets about Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s children and comments about his own children with Kim Kardashian.

He kicked off the interview by swapping his Sean John shirt — a nod to embattled Bad Boy founder Sean “Diddy” Combs — and a gold swastika chain for an all-black KKK outfit, revealing that he had intended to wear it the day before but chose not to, anticipating backlash.

“I wanted to wear it yesterday,” Ye said in a clip shared online, “but I was worried that people would put me in a hospital for my outfit.”

Kanye West shows up for interview in black KKK-looking outfit. pic.twitter.com/6M4xc2oUH6
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) March 31, 2025

After referring to Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s twins, Sir and Rumi, with an offensive slur in a since-deleted tweet from early March, Ye continued to criticize Jay-Z without offering any acknowledgment or apology to his former friend and collaborator’s children.

“Everything is like, ‘But you offended Jay-Z.’ F–k him,” Ye told Akademiks. “Put it like this — let’s take it to money — how much money you think Jay-Z makes off my catalog versus what I make off it? Next subject.”

When it comes to his four children with Kim Kardashian (North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm), Ye claims he never wanted to have children with the billionaire reality star and knew it two months into their relationship.

“No, that was my fault. I take it,” he said. “I didn’t want to have children with this person after the first two months of being with her. But that wasn’t God’s plan.”

The Yeezy founder also took aim at his late former friend and collaborator, Virgil Abloh, who passed away from a rare form of cancer in 2021. Referencing one of his recent disparaging tweets about the late fashion designer, Ye told Akademiks, “It’s still f–k Virgil.” When asked to explain his animosity toward the late Louis Vuitton designer, Ye simply responded, “I’m evil.”

Many viewers are now questioning Akademiks for providing Ye with a platform to voice his outrageous remarks.

“Why is anyone even giving this guy any attention anymore? Seriously, this act is boring,” one person wrote.

“You know, if people would stop posting about him, he would disappear,” added someone else.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 1, 2025

Jasmine Crockett Accused Of ‘Racism’ For Remarks On Byron Donalds’ Interracial Marriage

Rep. Jasmine Crockett is being called out by conservatives over remarks on Byron Donalds and other Donald Trump allies.

Fox News is going after Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, for her resurfaced comments on Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Florida, where she said “Some of our skin folk who definitely are not our kin folk.”

During the March 30 episode of Big Weekend Show, the conservative panel slammed Crockett over a resurfaced clip from her February appearance on The Breakfast Club, where she referred to Donalds as “whitewashed” because of his interracial marriage. The Fox News hosts argued that her remarks were an example of “racism.”

“I think the real issue here is for me personally is, it’s racism,” said Fox News anchor Kevin Corke. “Racism is racism. By saying that about Byron Donalds, you’re gross and I think you should be reprimanded for that.”

In the resurfaced clip, Crockett brings up Donalds, when explaining why “Some of our skin folk who definitely are not our kin folk, such as Byron Donalds.”

Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s comments about interracial marriage resurface after she called Governor Greg Abbott, Governor “Hot Wheels.”

“Some of our skin folk who definitely are not our kin folk, such as Byron Donalds.”

“Like, I mean, the fact that you sitting around talking about… pic.twitter.com/ijW6hvW9i6
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 30, 2025

“Like, I mean, the fact that you sitting around talking about life was better under Jim Crow, like, is this because you don’t understand history or literally it’s because you married a white woman? And so you think that that whitewashed you?”

The Fox News correspondents reacted to a montage created by the conservative network, showcasing Crockett’s past remarks about other Donald Trump allies, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, whom she recently called “hot wheels.” The montage also highlighted her comments about Elon Musk, where she suggested he be taken “down” and told the Tesla CEO to “f*** off.”

“It’s all about a sound bite. It’s all about going viral on social media,” one co-host said.

“Her remark is absolutely racist. To say that a Black man is not Black because he married a white woman. How far back is she taking us?!”

Crockett’s ongoing criticism of GOP members has made her a top enemy within the Republican Party. But she doesn’t appear to be shying away from offering her unfiltered takes on the state of the country.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 1, 2025

Kannapolis, North Carolina, Renames Street After Late Educator And Community Leader Milton Taylor

Kannapolis, North Carolina, has honored the late community leader in a significant way.

The legacy of late educator and community leader Milton Taylor will live on in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

The council honored Taylor’s impact as an educator and leader in Rowan and Cabarrus counties by renaming East C Street as Milton L. Taylor Street in his memory, WBTV reports.

Taylor served as the first African American principal of George Washington Carver School, later Kannapolis Middle School, and played a key role in the integration of Kannapolis schools.

Taylor prioritized creating inclusive educational environments, believing that “one of the best ways to get to know children is to engage with them.” After earning his master’s degree, he started his career as a teacher and coach. Even after retiring, he continued supporting students in math and science as one of the founding members of the North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Taylor boasts an extensive list of awards and recognitions, including Teacher of the Year for Kannapolis City Schools and a Presidential Citation from North Carolina A&T State University. Taylor also dedicated his time to several boards, including serving as president of the Cannon Memorial YMCA and the Kannapolis Rotary Club.

He contributed to the Cabarrus County Red Cross, the Bible Teaching Association, the Cabarrus County Meals on Wheels, Cabarrus Helpline Inc., Kannapolis Crime Stoppers, and the Barber-Scotia College Unit of the United Negro College Fund.

Among Taylor’s accolades were the United Negro College Fund’s Distinguished Service Award, the Association of Citizen Educators’ Educator of the Year Award, the YMCA Southeastern Distinguished Service Award, the Cannon Memorial YMCA Board’s Director of the Year Award, the Distinguished Rotarian Award, and induction into the Kannapolis African American Museum and Cultural Center Legacy Hall of Fame.

Taylor was also a trustee for Sandy Ridge AME Zion Church and a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 31, 2025

How Trump’s Anti-DEI Rhetoric Forced Rebranding Efforts For America’s Leading Companies

Google CEO Sundar Pichai addressed backlash for scrapping DEI hiring aspirations, recognizing the need for diverse hires in addition to the need to adhere to laws.

President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the federal level resulted in corporations being creative, not eliminating their efforts but rebranding them, CNBC reports.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai addressed backlash for scrapping its DEI hiring aspirations in February 2025, recognizing the need for diverse hires and adhering to laws. “We believe in building a representative workforce. We’re a global company, we have users around the world, and we think the best way to serve them well is by having a workforce that represents that diversity, and we’ll continue to do that,” Pichai said.

“At the same time, as a company, we will always have to comply with local laws.”

Google’s approach is only a small portion of changes made to DEI initiatives to comply with Trump’s anti-DEI structure. The company’s former chief diversity officer, Melonie Parker, holds the new title of Vice President of Googler Engagement. In late March 2025, financial institution JPMorgan Chase announced plans to change its diversity, equity, and inclusion program to “DOI” or “diversity, opportunity and inclusion.” “The ‘e’ always meant equal opportunity to us, not equal outcomes, and we believe this more accurately reflects our ongoing approach to reach the most customers and clients to grow our business, create an inclusive workplace for our employees and increase access to opportunities,” JP’s Chief Operating Officer Jenn Piepszak said.

Once viewed as a way to promote fairness in the workplace and advance the careers of women and people of color, the term DEI has become heavier, given the Supreme Court’s controversial 2023 decision to overturn affirmative action.

But then, when Trump blamed DEI practices on the reason behind a tragic American Airlines crash in January 2025, the CEO of diversity consulting firm Paradigm, Joelle Emerson, says it’s no wonder companies — large and small — are drawing back. “When you have the president blaming DEI for a plane crash, I think it makes sense that companies don’t want to be out there no matter how they define it internally,” Emerson said.

Workplace culture experts encourage companies to implement practices similar to those of JPMorgan and Google by “quietly trying to readjust the wording on things.” “This might be the time to keep it a little quieter,” co-founder of the workplace culture consultancy Double Dragon Coaching Zach Handler said, according to Inc.

President and Founder Jennifer Risi of PR firm Sway Effect identifies another option as companies look to keep their heads down and continue to do the work, regardless of what they want to call it. “The data continues to prove that investing in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization is good for business, recruitment, and growth,” Risi said.

“If companies were smart, they would spend less time worrying about an acronym and more time doing the work because that is what actually matters.”

O.J. Simpson, Brain Study, cancer, dead, o.j. simpson, oj

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 31, 2025

O.J. Simpson’s Bible And Handwritten Note From Robert Kardashian Sell For Over $80K At Auction

The bible and handwritten note O.J. Simpson received from Robert Kardashian Sr. sold for over $80,000.

O.J. Simpson’s bible and a handwritten note he received from the late Robert Kardashian sold for over $80,000 at a recent auction.

It’s the same bible Robert Kardashian Sr. gifted O.J. Simpson after his arrest for murder—one that Kim Kardashian attempted to purchase before the auction but was denied, Radar Online reports. It ended up selling for a significant sum, which Malcolm LaVerne, the overseer of Simpson’s estate, says proves that whether people loved or hated Simpson, “his legacy endures.”

The bible, dated June 18, 1994, featured a personalized message from Kardashian Sr. urging the embattled NFL star to turn to God during his troubles.

“O.J., this book will help. God loves, and he will speak to you with his words,” Kardashian Sr. wrote. “Read this book every day. God has a definite plan for your life. You are his child, and he will use you again. I love you, and God loves you.”

Simpson and Kardashian Sr. shared a close friendship during Simpson’s rise as a prominent entertainer after his NFL career, overlapping with Kardashian’s marriage to Kris Jenner. Despite Simpson’s legal troubles, Kardashian remained by his side, serving as part of his defense team during the infamous murder trial that ended in acquittal.

However, in a 1997 civil trial, Simpson was found liable and ordered to pay millions to the victims’ families. Kardashian Sr. passed away in September 2003 at the age of 59, just eight weeks after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

LaVergne revealed the bible’s handwritten note, which helped it attract one of the highest auction bids. Overall, the estate earned $300,000 from the auction, which included items like a personally signed and framed photo of O.J. Simpson with former President Bill Clinton, selling for over $18,000, and a replica of Simpson’s 1968 Heisman Trophy, which sold for $42,700.

LaVergne says he’s willing to cooperate with Simpson’s creditors, including Fred Goldman, the father of Ron Goldman, who secured a million-dollar judgment in a wrongful death lawsuit against the former NFL star.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 31, 2025

Flau’Jae Johnson Put Her Music And Podcasting Career On Pause During March Madness Tournament

Johnson's season recently ended with a loss to UCLA during the Elite 8.

Flau’Jae Johnson recently put down the microphone to focus on hoops. The LSU Women’s basketball standout paused her creative endeavors as her team played in the NCAA March Madness tournament.

Johnson wanted to put all her effort into helping the LSU Tigers win another championship. The team, along with former star and current WNBA player Angel Reese, won the title in 2023 after beating the Caitlin Clark-led Iowa Hawkeyes. However, LSU suffered a loss against UCLA, the No. 1 overall seed, during their March 30 game.

Despite only making it to the Elite 8, Johnson had an impressive performance throughout the tournament. During her final match of the season, she scored 28 points with four rebounds and four assists. Given this, the sports personality had to put some extracurriculars to the side.

“I’m not focused on my music, I’m not focused on my podcast, I’m not focused on none of (that) stuff. I’m focused on winning the national championship,” said the 21-year-old junior, according to NBC News. “Because if I won the national championship, then I can focus on everything I want to.”

Alongside her emerging rap career, Johnson also has a podcast titled “The Best of Both Worlds with Flau’Jae.” However, her music career is a personal endeavor that pays tribute to her father, the late rapper Camouflage. She released her debut album, titled similarly to her podcast, in 2024, featuring a song with Lil Wayne.

While fans should not expect any new music drops during this time, they can still hear Johnson’s lyrical prowess as they watch the games—the Savannah, Georgia, native raps on a new Powerade commercial airing throughout March Madness.

Although the 5-foot-10 guard did not earn another title, she still has a lot on the horizon as she eventually gets back in the studio. According to Yahoo Sports, she spoke on the new perspective she gained from this past season.

“I felt like this season I went through so much,” said Johnson in the post-game conference. “I really like, overcame a lot…I feel like I became a better person. And I really became a leader. That’s who I am at heart, and I want to continue to be a better person… It’s a lot to be learned from this, but I just gained so much perspective from this year, and it was beautiful.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 31, 2025

What Mississippi’s Income Tax Elimination Means For Black Residents And Businesses

Reeves labeled the bill as a landmark point in the state's history, calling it a “profound generational change.”

Mississippi’s Republican Gov. Tate Reeves signed the “Build Up Mississippi Act” into law on March 27, eliminating income tax and making it the largest tax cut in the state’s history — but what does that mean for the state’s Black residents and business owners?

Policy analysts say top income earners pay a smaller share of state and local taxes while the bottom portion—80%—of state income earners pay more, according to Mississippi Today. In 2023, 20% of the population, families earning less than $19,300 per year, paid 12.4% of their income in state taxes. Residents who earned between $19,300 and $31,500 paid 10.8% in state taxes.

However, the state’s wealthiest one percent, making more than $362,300 a year, paid 6.9%.

Reeves’ act sets the state’s income tax to 4% by 2027, then decreases it to 3% by 2030. Further cuts projected to start in 2031 will be activated by triggers. Despite several alleged typos in the HB 1 legislation, given the Senate’s plan to eliminate income tax with caution while the House wanted it done faster, Reeves labeled the bill as a landmark point in the state’s history, calling it a “profound generational change.” “Today is a day that will be remembered, not just for the headline, not just for the politics, but for the profound generational change it represents,” Reeves said, according to the Clarion-Ledger.

“I must say, it feels like it’s been a long time coming, but after many, many, many years of hard work, we can all stand together and say that we have accomplished income tax elimination in the state of Mississippi. Let me say that again, Mississippi will no longer tax the work, the earnings, or the ambition of its people.”

For the state’s Black-owned businesses, the cuts will only add to existing struggles of business owners. In 2023, business owner Eric Collins, owner of Herbal Blessings, located in the capital city of Jackson, said conservative cuts only cater to the rich. “The tax cuts are for big businesses and the rich,” Collins said. “As for the support our small businesses get from the state? It’s very little.”

Maati Jone Primm, owner of Marshall’s Music and Bookstore, says taxes enabled by a mostly white Legislature make it harder for Black residents to thrive successfully. “I feel like they are attacking us,” she said. “It’s plantation politics. It’s absolutely awful. You have all these different attacks. It’s almost death by a thousand cuts.”

In addition to scrubbing income tax, the new legislation increases the sales tax on groceries to 7% from 5% and increases the gasoline tax by nine cents over the next three years. The goal is to establish infrastructure funding and implement new hybrid public employee retirement benefits. Reeves called it a “win for families” and hoped Mississippi would be a leader. “I believe with all my heart that we will look back on this day as a turning point, a generational victory and a proud legacy we leave for those who come after us,” he said.

Democrats and analysts, like the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy’s senior tax analyst Neva Butkus, disagree with the governor’s decision, saying the $1.9 billion cut will harm the state’s economy and leave the legislature struggling with cash due to the need to provide essential government services.