by Sharelle B. McNair

March 29, 2025

How Empathetic Leadership Equals More Successful Business Habits

Author Tony Robbins defines empathetic leadership as “a style of leadership that focuses on identifying with others and understanding their point of view.”

As the workforce is under construction, with significant changes and policy changes, studies and experts have identified empathic leadership as key to effective business habits in the workplace.

Empathy expert Maria Ross labels empathic leadership as a “key driver of business success.” She highlights leaders with this “soft skill” as being curious. “You pause, listen, and ask questions to really understand other people’s perspectives without judgment,” she told Inc. “When you lead with empathy, the improvements are measurable, including employee engagement, customer satisfaction, and even retention rates.”

Research from Ross and outside studies have proven this to be true. Organizations identified with high empathy scores have lower turnover and higher customer loyalty rates, in addition to increased profits. A study from MetLife showcased “notable drops” in employee engagement and a sharp decline in holistic health, productivity, and engagement, as employees are under the stress of dealing with increased medical costs and an uncertain economic status, according to Newsweek.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, employee mental health has been challenged in the workplace in addition to heightened socio-economic issues, political conflicts, and more flowing into conference rooms and cubicle space.

Feeling empathy in a work environment from leadership helps employees feel more connected and valued, resulting in customers sensing the change. “There’s no question that empathy is an essential leadership skill, particularly as the pressure mounts to preserve workforce stability and engagement, given everything that is going on in the external environment on top of organizational change that employees across industries and across the world are facing,” chief people officer at S&P Global, Girish Ganesan, said.

Author and motivational speaker Tony Robbins defines empathetic leadership as “a style of leadership that focuses on identifying with others and understanding their point of view.” In Ross’ books, The Empathy Edge and The Empathy Dilemma, she determines the five essential pillars of empathetic leadership as self-awareness, self-care, clarity, decisiveness, and joy. Self-awareness helps leaders understand an employee’s emotional triggers, while self-care shows leading by example – with taking breaks that employees may be fearful of taking.

Clarity means a leader is communicating with purpose and with that purpose, decisiveness will result in decisions being made with empathy and confidence. Lastly, joy means bringing positive energy, celebrating small wins, and showing gratitude.

However, empathy from high-level managers isn’t all it takes for workplace growth. More trustworthy and empathetic behavior from leadership equates to an increase in consistent performance from employees – or better.

LeBron James, Kids Picture book, 'I Am More Than', I promise school

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 29, 2025

LeBron James’ ‘Mind The Game’ Podcast Partners With Amazon

The talk show will be distributed across Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Fire TV Channels, and Echo devices

Future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James has just struck a deal with Amazon to distribute his digital series throughout the company’s multiple properties.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, LeBron’s “Mind the Game“ will be available through Amazon’s Wondery, which will distribute the digital series across Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Fire TV Channels, and Echo devices. The program will also be available on YouTube and other platforms where podcasts are available. The Lakers forward is a host on the show, and for the upcoming second season, which will premier in April, he will be joined by former NBA player Steve Nash. He had his current head coach, JJ Reddick, as his co-host during the first season.

“I love learning and talking about the game of basketball. We enjoyed the conversations so much in the first season of ‘Mind The Game.’ I lost JJ as my co-host but gained a coach,” James said. “Now I get to do it with another one of the greatest basketball minds in Steve Nash, and we’re going to have a lot of fun digging into the nuances and details that make this sport so great.”

Wondery will also handle the ad sales for the podcast’s audio and video episodes and back-catalog content. LeBron’s Uninterrupted company will continue to produce the show.

“When I decided to step into a media role, I knew it had to be something different—something fresh, something that brings real basketball fans closer to the sport. Mind The Game is my way of being a teacher of basketball, of breaking down the game in a way that makes fans see just how incredible this era of hoops really is. I can’t wait to get inside the mind of LeBron James and also share my experiences within this beautiful game,” Nash said.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 29, 2025

Nike Unexpectedly Cancels Upcoming Re-release Of Charles Barkley’s Signature Sneaker

The Nike Air CB 34 'Triple White' was supposed to go on sale for $150 in September

Nike had a planned re-release of Charles Barkley’s signature Nike Air CB 34, originally launched in 1995, but reportedly, the sneaker giant will no longer place the classic Barkleys on sale as expected.

According to Sole Retriever, the anticipated release was canceled by Nike with no reason given. The footwear was supposed to be released during the fall season through Nike and select online retailers and stores. There had been rumors of the sneaker being released during the upcoming 2025 holiday season.

CANCELED: The Nike Air CB 34 “Triple White” is no longer releasing this year. pic.twitter.com/JwMemyAMIy

— Sole Retriever (@SoleRetriever) March 24, 2025

Sports Illustrated reported that the Nike Air CB 34 “Triple White” was supposed to go on sale for $150 in September. The sneaker was Barkley’s third signature sneaker. It was released while he was playing with the Phoenix Suns. They were famously described as Godzilla, as it drew inspiration from the famed Japanese movie monster’s feet and claws.

The sneakers were canceled, but that didn’t stop Barkley from giving his opinion on Bronny James and the development of his game.

He was talking to Dan Patrick, and he stated that the namesake of LeBron James should have been playing in the G League all season instead of sitting on the bench and not getting better by watching the action from the bench.

“He should be in the G League, getting better as a player. He should have been in the G League all year. I think it was a great story for them to go on the court together, but he should be in the G League. Dan, you don’t get better sitting on the bench.”

Barkley may have touched on a great point, as Bronny has finally broken out of the funk he showed in NBA play and has been a steadier player with regular work in the G League, recently scoring a career high 39 points in a recent game with the South Bay Lakers.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 28, 2025

Philadelphia Renames Street After Hometown Hero Will Smith

Will Smith solidifies his legacy as Philadelphia’s hometown hero with a street renamed in his honor.

Will Smith’s hometown has paid tribute to him in a major way by renaming a Philadelphia street in his honor.

The Academy Award-winning actor returned to his hometown of Philadelphia on March 26, standing outside his alma mater, Overbrook High School, as the city unveiled “Will Smith Way” on the 2000 block of North 59th Street, CBS News reports. Smith got deep during his speech while reflecting on his Philadelphia upbringing and the life lessons that shaped his values of hard work, education, and service to others—principles instilled in him by his mother, father, and grandmother.

“When things get hard, you have to be willing to suffer to change the circumstances,” he said. “Nobody gets an easy ride. And that was one of the things these streets of Philadelphia taught me, that there is nothing wrong with a hard day’s work.”

“Hey, Philly. I love you. I am yours, you are mine. I will see you on the Fourth of July,” Smith added, teasing his return for a special concert on the Ben Franklin Parkway during the Fourth of July holiday.

Filled with pride and gratitude, Smith took to Instagram to share his appreciation.

“Philly, I am yours. This is the honor of a lifetime,” Smith wrote on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

He included photos posing alongside Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Caroline Bright, and other city officials. Mayor Parker shared her own post on Instagram celebrating Smith’s achievements in music and film, as well as his ongoing support for the city that shaped him.

“From his roots of being born and raised in West Philadelphia to his rise as a global superstar, he’s shown us all what it means to dream big and work hard,” Parker wrote in her caption.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (@phillymayor)

“We are incredibly proud to call @willsmith one of our own. His achievements are a reflection of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of Philadelphia’s people. As we rename 2000 N. 59th Street in Will’s honor today, let’s celebrate everything he represents — creativity, kindness, and the power of community.”

The street renaming comes just ahead of Smith’s upcoming album, Based On a True Story. His first full-length release since 2005’s Lost and Found, the album marks the first installment of a three-part series set to debut under SLANG Recordings.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 28, 2025

Tyler Perry Studios Launches Short Film Dream Collective ‘For Up-And-Coming Directors’

Tyler Perry is empowering the next generation of filmmakers through his newly launched Dream Collective.

Tyler Perry is giving back in a major way with the launch of his Dream Collective short film program.

Deadline reports that Perry introduced the ‘Dream Collective Short Film Program’ to discover and support the next generation of filmmakers. Former Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Dawn Hudson and producer Nekisa Cooper will serve as advisors, helping to cultivate emerging talent, especially those from underrepresented communities.

Through the program, Perry will provide emerging filmmakers with unmatched access to industry experts, hands-on training, and personalized support to empower their continued careers in storytelling.

“For a long time, it’s been on my heart to create a program where I could take what I’ve learned in this business and share it with others. That’s why today, I’m honored and excited to introduce the Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective,” Perry said in a statement.

The five-stage application process begins on April 17. After the submission period closes on May 1, 100 finalists will be selected from an initial pool of 1,000 applicants in round one. In round two, these finalists will participate in a four-week virtual program designed to educate, inspire, and foster a strong community among filmmakers and industry professionals.

Round three will narrow the field to 10 winners, chosen based on their short film concepts. In round four, the 10 winners will engage in an immersive, 10-day hands-on training workshop at Tyler Perry Studios, including short film preparation.

Finally, in round five, five grand prize winners will each receive $30,000 from Tyler Perry Studios to produce their short films this fall in the greater Atlanta area.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for up-and-coming directors to learn about the craft and business of filmmaking from professionals at the top of their game,” Perry said.

“In a word, this is about access. Breaking into the industry can be tough–-believe me. When I started making movies 20 years ago, even though my stage plays were selling out, nobody in Hollywood knew my name or gave me a shot. The Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective is my dream of opening the door for the next generation of artists.”

Those interested in the Dream Collective can find more information HERE.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 28, 2025

Ye Slapped With Copyright Infringement Lawsuit By German Singer Over Nazi Support

Ye’s anti-semitic banter has caused him to lose business deals with Gap, Adidas and Balenciaga.

German singer Alice Merton filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Ye, formally known as Kanye West, for alleged unauthorized usage of her music on Ye’s Vultures album, due to his support of Nazis, People reported.

The suit was filed on March 25, for “unauthorized commercial exploitation of the musical composition ‘Blindside’” and refusing to be associated with the rapper. The filing by song owners, Merton, Merton & Grauwinkel LLC and Paper Plane Publishing LLC, claim The College Dropout rapper “willfully engaged in the infringement of copyright with the composition of ‘Gun to the Head’ which contains an unauthorized sample” of the song.

Plaintiffs of the suit are pushing for “injunctive relief and damages” for the alleged copyright infringement and unfair competition.” “Plaintiffs were damaged by that infringement based on their ownership of the composition, including 50% of the publishers’ share and the writers’ share of those rights,” the filing additionally mentioned.

Filed in the California District Court, “Gun to My Head” was previewed during an early Vultures listening party back in December 2023. Garnering popular attention as the first collaboration with rapper Kid Cudi in years, Ye allegedly failed to clear the “Blindside” sample before previewing it publicly, according to Rolling Stone. Merton argues the sample “spans most of the entire song’s baseline melody,” in addition to “vocal recordings of the opening lyric line… ‘I sat down with a gun to my head.’”

The singer was allegedly “shocked and humiliated” following websites claiming the song was a “collaboration” with Ye, Kid Cudi, and Merton.

The lawsuit cites that Merton denied Ye’s request to clear the sample but failed to provide a reason why. However, when rights management giant BMG inquired, Merton and her team stated that West’s “values are contrary to our values,” specifically highlighting Ye’s controversial anti-semitic remarks. “Alice Merton was unwilling to compromise her personal beliefs and wanted not to be associated with [West] in any manner,” the filing states, adding “Merton is a German resident who has close ties to the Holocaust through Jewish family members who survived horrors and as such feels closely connected to it.”

“Of significant concern to plaintiff Merton, were defendant [West’s] antisemitic, racist remarks which were made publicly and continue to be made publicly.”

When the song was left off the album following its August 2024 release, Merton received threats, causing her fear of “returning to America for further tour dates.”

Ye’s anti-semitic banter has caused him to lose business deals with Gap, Adidas, and Balenciaga.

judge, racism remarks, recordings, Michigan, guilty, Adam Coy, debt scam

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 28, 2025

Rapper Sheff G Who Joined President Donald Trump At Bronx Rally Last Year Pleads Guilty To Attempted Murder

The Brooklyn drill rapper pleaded guilty to multiple top counts of second-degree attempted murder and second and fourth-degree conspiracy

One of the two Brooklyn drill rappers who appeared at a Donald Trump campaign rally in the Bronx last May has pled guilty to several charges leveled against him.

Sheff G, along with fellow rapper, Sleepy Hallow, were indicted as part of an investigation into a vast murder conspiracy by two Brooklyn gangs, the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways. Sheff pleaded guilty to multiple top counts of second-degree attempted murder and second- and fourth-degree conspiracy.

The Kings County (Brooklyn) District Attorney’s Office announced that the rapper, real name Michael Williams, made the plea in exchange for a five-year prison sentence and five years of post-release supervision. The District Attorney wanted the rapper to receive 20 years in prison for his guilty admission. The office stated that Sheff G is one of 32 alleged gang members of the 8 Trey Crips and its affiliate, the 9 Ways gang. Those members were named in a 140-count indictment for allegedly committing shootings, possessing guns, and using stolen cars during shootings against gang rivals.

“Notoriety could not shield this defendant from justice,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a written statement. “He used his fame to fund and direct violence, terrorizing our streets, and though we sought a much longer sentence, he will now be held to account. Brooklyn will not tolerate gangs that endanger our communities, and we remain committed to dismantling these criminal networks and holding those responsible fully accountable.”

Prosecutors have stated that many of the crimes committed were captured on surveillance videos. The suspected gang members allegedly bragged about the crimes via social media and in text messages. They discussed their violent acts and took credit for multiple shootings and an assault.

Seventeen gang members have already pleaded guilty, while there are 14 upcoming cases for the remaining defendants, including Tegan Chambers, who goes by the moniker Sleepy Hollow.

Sheff G is expected to be sentenced Aug. 13.

Beyoncé, Billboard Country Albums Chart, Cowboy Carter

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 28, 2025

Academy Of Country Music Awards Snub Beyoncé Despite Album Of The Year Grammy Win

Beyoncé has been snubbed by the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards, receiving no nominations for her Cowboy Carter album.

The Academy of Country Music Awards announced its 2025 nominees, but despite her recent Grammy wins for her debut country album Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé was noticeably absent from the list.

The ACM revealed its 2025 nominees on March 27, which seemingly mirrored the 2024 Country Music Awards in overlooking Beyoncé’s contributions to country music. The leader of the award show acknowledged the snub but extended an invitation for Beyoncé to attend the event whenever she wishes.

“Were we hoping she’d be nominated? Absolutely,” ACM CEO Damon Whiteside told Billboard. “We love that Beyoncé is in the country genre.”

Whiteside added that Beyoncé has “an open invitation to be on the ACM stage anytime she ever wants to.”

Cowboy Carter, the second installment in Beyoncé’s Renaissance trilogy, became a massive success, debuting at No. 1in multiple countries and breaking numerous chart and streaming records. In the U.S., it marked her eighth consecutive No.1 album on the Billboard 200 and made history as the first album by a Black woman to top the Top Country Albums chart.

Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” soared to the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 and went viral on TikTok with global dance challenges. Already the most-awarded artist in Grammy history, she had long been overlooked in major categories—until the 2025 ceremony, where she secured Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter and made history as the first Black woman to win Best Country Album.

Multiple tracks from Cowboy Carter received Grammy nominations, including “Texas Hold ‘Em,” “Levii’s Jeans” (featuring Post Malone), “16 Carriages,” and “II MOST WANTED” (featuring Miley Cyrus), which won Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

Some critics have credited Beyoncé’s lack of country music nominations due to her being less frequent in the genre, with most of her music being pop and R&B. However, a similar case can be made for Post Malone, who received multiple nominations at both the CMA Awards and ACM Awards for his country debut F-1 Trillion, despite starting his career as a rap artist before transitioning into pop.

Cowboy Carter has ignited a conversation about the history of country music and the racial dynamics within the genre. With most country stars being white, the contributions of Black country artists have often been overlooked.

Beyoncé’s album has helped raise awareness and shift the narrative. While the Grammys recognized this bold step, the ACM did not share the same sentiment.

by Mitti Hicks

March 28, 2025

Our Kids Read: The Black-Led Nonprofit Working To Close Literacy Gap

Our Kids Read has donated over 50,000 books to elementary school students and raised $250,000 to fund literacy initiatives nationwide.

Jahmal Lake is the founder of the Black-led nonprofit Our Kids Read. What started as a nonprofit to get more books in the hands of children, primarily kids of color, turned into a mission to close the literacy gap.

There is currently a literacy crisis happening nationwide that is disproportionately affecting students of color. A recent report from the National Assessment of Education (NAEP) revealed that not even half of fourth graders in the U.S. (33%) scored at or above a proficient level in reading. Another way to look at the numbers is that more than half of fourth-grade students read below a skilled level.

For marginalized students, these numbers are much worse. Only 17% of Black students, 11% of students with disabilities, and 10% of multilingual learners can read proficiently by fourth grade.

Lake witnessed these statistics firsthand within the first nine months of programming with his nonprofit.

“We started seeing that the kids would be excited about grabbing the book, but they couldn’t read it, so they just pushed it to the side,” Lake, who also serves as executive director of Our Kids Read, told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Giving a child a book was not enough, prompting Lake to change the nonprofit’s mission to stimulate an interest in reading to combat the literacy gap. Now, the Black-led nonprofit is two-fold. Lake and his team are providing books through its diverse book donation program to underserved communities. The nonprofit also provides mentorship and encouragement and fosters a love of reading through its Remote Reading Buddy program.

The Impact of Black-Led Our Kids Read

Under Lake’s leadership, Our Kids Read has donated over 50,000 books to elementary school students and raised $250,000 to fund literacy initiatives nationwide. He has launched the first free diverse children’s bookstore at Eastpoint Mall in Baltimore. Lake has partnered with major companies, including Microsoft, Hallmark, Dell, Nike, and Amazon.

But if you ask Lake his most significant flex and the most important accomplishment, he says it is getting students excited to read.

“The first encouraging statistic is that the children are signing up for multiple sessions, indicating they’re excited,” says Lake. “We’re also getting reports from teachers that students who would not be the kids participating in reading sessions are now engaging.”

Another measurement for Lake is the pre-and post-surveys from participating students. Beforehand, Lake said about 20-30% of students love reading. At the end of the program, it’s closer to 80%.

Our Kids Read Plans To Incorporate Artificial Intelligence To Teach Kids

Lake brings over 20 years of software engineering expertise to his goal of combatting the literacy gap. In 1998, he launched ImagineAccess, a nonprofit based in New York City that introduced students of color to coding, graphic design, and storytelling before launching Our Kids Read in 2019. With Our Kids Read, he is honoring his late mother, Dr. Obiagele Lake, and her legacy as an educator and social justice advocate.

For Lake, artificial intelligence and technology are the most powerful tools for teaching children to read. Our Kids Read has partnered with companies to make the technology accessible because the other barrier for families is cost.

“We are shifting to providing these resources for free because our goal is access for all. We are not going to charge for any of this,” Lake said.

Literacy for Lake is not a privilege. It’s a right. The long-term consequences of low literacy are dire, leading to higher dropout rates, limited economic opportunities, and increased incarceration rates.

His organization is always looking for volunteers to read to children and accept donations to provide critical resources to underserved students.

“We can’t wait for the government or school systems. We can’t wait for parents of children struggling to read. The world is evolving. As a global community, we have to step up and take responsibility for the literacy problem.”

by Kandiss Edwards

March 28, 2025

Black Girl Wide Receiver Earns First-Ever NIL Deal At Lithia Springs High School

MyAngel Ross wanted to get her name out and she has while simultaneously making history.

A Lithia Springs High student made history as the first athlete at her school to earn a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal.

MyAngel Ross, a flag football player at Lithia Springs High School in Douglas County, Georgia, plays the wide receiver position and has scored seven touchdowns during her career. A ceremony was held in Ross’ honor at her high school to mark the achievement. Athletic Director Mikey Jones spoke about Ross’ hard work, saying, “This [accomplishment] is well deserved.”

Alternative Careers in Sports Academy awarded Ross the contract based on her visible dedication to the sport. Roderick Liptrot, CEO of Alternative Careers in Sports Academy, believes Ross’ accomplishment will inspire future athletes to work hard and one day achieve the same feat.

“She’s opening the door for other students to see what’s possible,” Liptrot said.

Ross thanked her family and friends for their support. Images of the event show the football player seemingly sobbing at the ceremony.

In December 2024, Ross reposted a short interview with High-Tech Sports to her X account. The athlete revealed she is one of five children. As the youngest child and only girl, Ross said those dynamics “explain why [she] holds a football in her hands.”

She ended the second semester of her senior year by showcasing her talent. As a participant in the Raising Champions training camp in Alabama, Ross hopes to raise her professional profile.

“I got here by being an all-around athlete and getting my name out there. It’s my senior year. I’m about to go to college, and I want to make a name in flag football,” she said.

With the announcement of her historic NIL deal, MyAngel Ross has certainly made a name for herself.