International Olympic Committee Recommends Including Boxing In 2028 Olympics
World Boxing is in place to run the sport in the Los Angeles Olympics.
Boxing is expected to be part of the next Summer Olympics after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during its next session in Greece this week.
According to Reuters, after the IOC granted provisional recognition to World Boxing in February, the IOC approved including the sport when the Olympic games head to Los Angeles in 2028.
In the initial planning, the sport was not included.
“I am confident the session will approve it,” IOC President Thomas Bach said at a recent press conference.
Although it was included in the 2024 Paris Olympics, it was organized by the IOC after the organization refused the International Boxing Association (IBA) from running due to its failure to implement reforms on the governance and finance of the sport.
The IOC encouraged national boxing federations to create a new global body, which led to the creation of World Boxing. The new body, launched in 2023, has more than 80 national federations as members.
“This is a very significant and important decision for Olympic boxing and takes the sport one step closer to being restored to the Olympic program,” Boris van der Vorst, president of World Boxing, said in a written statement.
“I have no doubt it will be very positively received by everyone connected with boxing, at every level throughout the world, who understands the critical importance to the future of the sport of boxing continuing to remain a part of the Olympic Movement.”
The IOC, Reuters reported, said only athletes whose national federations were members of World Boxing by the time of the start of the qualification events for the 2028 Olympics could take part in Los Angeles.
“Somewhere between two years before the Games,” IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell said when asked by what time national federations needed to join World Boxing for their athletes to be for boxing’s return.
Previously the IBA ran the sport’s events at the Olympics before being stripped of overseeing matches for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The IOC suspended the IBA, which Russian businessman Umar Kremlev runs, in 2019 over governance, finance, refereeing, and ethical issues.
SC State Rep. Jermaine Johnson Exposes Republican Hypocrisy During Vote To Block DEI
'Every single time we give you an opportunity to show us something different, you show us who you are.'
South Carolina State Rep. Jermaine Johnson dropped jaws on the State House Floor after stopping Republicans from pushing an anti-DEI measure.
Johnson called out his fellow members’ hypocrisy during a recent floor meeting. As conservative lawmakers tried to push a new provision in South Carolina’s state budget to remove DEI practices, Johnson did not mince words on how he felt about the measure.
The recorded impromptu speech has garnered national attention, as Johnson emphasized Republicans’ inconsistencies in their stances.
“You don’t like being called racist in here. You hate when we use the word racist…You hate being attacked. You hate when we bring up race and everything. But then, when we have an opportunity to show that we’re not racist, you let me down every time.”
He then noted how his fellow lawmakers break bread with one another, and they assure Democrats that funding will not fuel white supremacist initiatives. However, these measures are tabled when they meet again on the floor.
“And I sit here, and we talk about our families. We talk about our kids. We go on trips together. And then we talk about not using our state dollars to go to white supremacy programs, and then we table it,” he continued.
He then listed the numerous instances where inclusive practices have faced removal in South Carolina. Johnson detailed how AP African American studies no longer exist in the state’s public schools or how funding was stripped from the College of Charleston due to its programming benefitting Black students.
“Why do we continuously do this to our kids? Why? What is it that you’re doing? What are you showing your kids that public funds can go to white supremacy programs,” Johnson said. “We just had an issue at USC where all those kids felt scared. As a matter of fact, we just had the Patriot Front on our steps last week. What are we doing here? Please tell me what we’re doing. Don’t try to explain to me. ‘Well, I thought it was this or not. It’s that. No, Jermaine, we want to see equality.’”
Fed up with the political games, Johnson made clear that his Republican colleagues continue to grant false promises.
He added, “We give you an opportunity every single time, and here we go again. I was in the bag. I was ready to go just like y’all are, but here we go.”
However, the conversation may have struck a nerve with his fellow lawmakers, as the measure to stunt DEI in the state’s budget failed. While his impassioned speech did yield results, his words remain felt across other political circles on a local and national scale.
“Every single time we give you an opportunity to show us something different, you show us who you are.”
Black Ownership In Sports Symposium Returns To ATL, Giving Insight On Buying In
Attendees will leave with a clear, actionable playbook to sports ownership.
The Black Ownership in Sports Symposium, which celebrates Black ownership in the sports industry, will return to Atlanta on March 22, 2025, at The Buckhead Club.
Organized by Diverse Representation, the symposium aims to equip Black professionals with the education, access, and tools to pursue ownership stakes in professional sports teams.
Jaia Thomas, founder and CEO of Diverse Representation, launched the symposium to close a critical knowledge gap in the industry.
“There’s a lack of understanding when it comes to navigating ownership in sports,” Thomas said. “This event is designed to break down the process step-by-step.”
Focus of 2025 Symposium
This year’s program focuses on long-term investment strategies, private funding models, and legal frameworks. Thomas wants attendees to leave with a clear, actionable playbook.
“We’re seeing more Black faces in ownership conversations than ever before, but there’s still work to be done,” she said. “This event was created to provide the playbook—from financing to deal structuring to relationship-building—for those serious about taking a seat at the ownership table.”
Minority owners from across professional sports will speak at the symposium. Chief among the speakers is film director Will Packer, a minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. Known for film projects like Girls Trip, he will discuss how Black ownership can expand beyond entertainment into high-level business leadership.
“It has never been more important for African Americans to participate at all levels of power within the biggest global industries,” Packer said. “I can’t wait to share insights at the Black Ownership in Sports Symposium.”
The push for greater Black ownership comes as the numbers remain stark. Despite major American sports leagues featuring a majority of Black athletes, ownership and executive leadership remain overwhelmingly white and male.
Minority Black Ownership
Tennis icon Serena Williams has joined the ranks of Black minority owners in professional sports. The Wimbledon champion is now part of the ownership group behind the Toronto Tempo, a new WNBA franchise.
Meanwhile, Michael Jordan, once the only Black majority owner in U.S. major professional sports, sold his controlling stake in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023. The sale, valued at $3 billion, netted Jordan a hefty return on his initial $275 million investment.
The Black Ownership In Sports Symposium offers prospective owners a unique opportunity to learn directly from current owners. Through fireside chats and panels, attendees will gain practical insights to help close the ownership gap.
Trump’s Latest Executive Order Reflects His Desire To End DEI
The executive order's intent is to cut down on the size of the federal government, but the intent can be see in who is affected.
President Donald Trump’s latest executive order, “Continuing The Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” which he signed March 14, seeks to eliminate funding for museums and libraries, global media organizations, the Minority Businesses Development Agency, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars located in the Smithsonian Institution.
While Trump believes the order aligns with his overall goal of reducing the size of the government, critics are alarmed.
The American Library Association (ALA) was critical of the order, which called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the only federal agency for libraries in America.
In a statement, the organization said the executive order “is cutting off at the knees the most beloved and trusted of American institutions and the staff and services they offer. To dismiss some 75 committed workers and the mission of an agency that advances opportunity and learning is to dismiss the aspirations and everyday needs of millions of Americans. And those who will feel that loss most keenly live in rural communities.”
The American Alliance of Museums, issued its own statement March 15 on Trump’s cutting of the agency the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
“Eliminating the only federal agency dedicated to supporting museums directly undermines the will of the people (96% of whom want to see federal funding maintained or increased for museums) and the critical roles museums and museum workers play in American society,” the organization wrote.
According to Mother Jones, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency focused on addressing the increasing crisis of homelessness, an issue that also disproportionately affects Black Americans.
Like with the other organizations, the reduction of funds is expected to effectively end this agency’s work
‘Scaling Back’ Or Backpedaling? H&M And ‘Buy From A Black Woman’ End Partnership
BFABW's founder claims that H&M's plans to scale down programming led to the partnership's demise.
H&M and Buy From A Black Woman (BFABW) have parted ways. The nonprofit and the retailer ended their contract over H&M’s plans to scale back their joint events.
The partnership, which started four years ago to amplify Buy From A Black Women’s mission of supporting Black woman-owned businesses, led to activations, a grant program, and a business accelerator to highlight entrepreneurs and their products.
Since its establishment in 2016, BFABW has served as an educational nonprofit to help Black women entrepreneurs succeed in their industry. It also offers an online directory for patrons to support these minority-owned brands.
However, amid the shift from DEI initiatives, BFABW’s founder, Nikki Porcher, saw H&M distancing itself from the organization’s programming. Porcher revealed in an interview with Women’s Wear Daily that H&M’s new plans for a key event led to the partnership’s abrupt end. The contract officially ended March 12.
“In addition to an investment of nearly $1 million dollars to support the organization, we were also able to produce and host dozens of events that highlighted and created meaningful impact for Black women-owned businesses throughout the country,” shared H&M in a statement on the terminated contract.
“While it was not H&M’s decision to end the partnership, we wish Buy From A Black Woman the very best in their future endeavors as they embark in a new direction. H&M’s commitment to partnerships and programs highlighting inclusion and diversity remains unchanged, and we look forward to developing these in exciting new directions.”
Porcher explained during a February group call H&M said it would not sponsor its flagship event on International Women’s Day. Instead, H&M stated that an accompanying event, spotlighting denim at a Black women’s coffee shop, would take place in lieu of the signature activation.
However, Porcher detailed that the International Women’s Day event was specifically in her contract. Its removal prompted more questions from the nonprofit founder. She emphasized that their partnership was even more crucial given the current anti-DEI push. Despite this, H&M asserted that the shift was due to current fashion trends at their stores.
Porcher felt “disrespected” with the discussion, leading her to seek legal counsel. The two parties decided they could not move forward with the partnership, terminating the deal. Porcher still awaits an $83,000 check from the Swedish retailer for a holiday market the BFABW conducted last year.
BFABW plans to lean into more advocacy work, especially with the five-year anniversary of the start of the Black Lives Matter protests happening this summer.
While Porcher remains disappointed by how the contract fizzled out, she wants to educate Black women entrepreneurs about these concerns and how to navigate them.
“There will be a lot more Black-owned business owners who will have this [type of thing] happen to them, but maybe not on such a grand scale. I want them to know that they are not by themselves. Entrepreneurship, especially as a Black woman, is such a lonely road,” Porcher said.
H&M released another statement after Porcher shared her experience, denying it required the change of plans and that if offered a “fair payment” during the contract negotiations.
Update: After Porcher’s interview broke March 13, an H&M spokesperson confirmed that payment was settled March 14.
Maddox-Dorsey began her career as a banker focused on the radio industry. She eventually went into entrepreneurship, where she led major acquisitions. The founding of A Wonder Media Company positioned Maddox-Dorsey as a key player in Black media ownership.
In 2018, she acquired American Urban Radio Networks (AURN) and Superadio Network, a top-ranked syndicator of audio content. Maddox-Dorsey later became a shareholder in Blackstar Communications. She is now president and CEO of Access 1 Communications, which owns more than two dozen radio affiliates
“The chance to lead a buyout of two well-known but neglected B2B brands was irresistible,” she said. “I loved the potential of infusing new ideas and talent into AURN, which had become a shadow of its former self. I knew that between Superadio and AURN’s distribution network, we had a strong foundation.”
An Oberlin College graduate, Maddox-Dorsey champions the importance of preserving Black media spaces. Her acquisitions aim to keep Black audiences informed and engaged across multiple platforms.
“Media remains a vital part of our country’s infrastructure, though the components continue to evolve,” she said in a statement. “Broadcasting’s reach in the African American community is still powerful and complements streaming, podcasting, and other forms of digital media.”
Through her leadership, Maddox-Dorsey helps some of the largest media networks speak directly to Black culture, from hip-hop to gospel audiences.
Maddox-Dorsey prioritizes mentorship and believes in empowering young talen, but she maintains that leadership starts at the top.
“Be a collector of talent as you build your team and your village,” she advised entrepreneurs and hiring managers. “You are responsible for the outcome of the people who work for you, so be serious and intentional.”
Claressa Shields No Longer Suspended, May Still Face ‘Enforcement Action’
'The Department will remove Respondent's name from the suspension list of the sanctioned record-keeping organization.'
Although undefeated boxing champion Claressa Shields had her recent suspension “dissolved” after testing positive for marijuana, she may still face “enforcement action” from the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission (MUCC), the agency that regulates boxing in the state.
According to USA Today, the agency made its ruling on March 14, and Shields took to social media to tell her followers the news she had anticipated since being accused of smoking weed.
Officially unsuspended ! But y’all a little quiet! Y’all was real loud about me “supposedly” smoking marijuana and being suspended! No worries! And still an Undisputed heavyweight champ! I have the Order to prove it!!! About to go live on Instagram! #freeClaressaShields#Gwoat… pic.twitter.com/DBxNks0LnN
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) March 14, 2025
MUCC issued the following statement on Shields’ suspension, “Based on the information the Respondent provided at the compliance conference, the Department (of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs), on behalf of the MUCC, finds there is no longer imminent threat to the integrity of the sport, the public interest, or the welfare and safety of a contest that requires emergency action. … The Department will remove Respondent’s name from the suspension list of the sanctioned record-keeping organization (Friday).”
The last line of the statement does not clarify whether Shields is completely scot-free of any other punishments due to the positive test taken after the fight. It reads, “The Order does not resolve the Formal Complaint … and does not close the enforcement action.”
The MUCC stated in February that Shields tested positive for marijuana after her latest fight on Feb. 2 in Michigan. The commission also indicated that she is under investigation due to the test results. She was given an ‘oral fluid sample’ after she defeated heavyweight Danielle Perkins.
Shields, who sports a record of 16 victories and no defeats, became the first-ever women’s undisputed heavyweight champion in boxing history when she defeated Perkins unanimouslyat her last boxing match. The fight occurred in her hometown of Flint at the Dort Financial Center.
Shields is the only boxer to hold every major world title, WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO in three weight classes and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Ugandan Judge Convicted Of Forcing A Woman Into Slavery In The UK
Lydia Mugambe could face up to 18 years in prison.
A British jury convicted a United Nations judge of forcing a Ugandan woman to work as a slave after convincing her to come to the U.K.
Court records show that Lydia Mugambe, 49, a High Court judge in Uganda, was found guilty of conspiring to facilitate the commission of a breach of U.K. immigration law, facilitating travel with a view to exploitation, forcing someone to work, and conspiring to intimidate a witness.
According to prosecutors, Mugambe lured the unnamed victim to come to the U.K. under the guise that she would be working in the diplomat’s office and house.
“Ms Mugambe used her knowledge, and her power, to deceive (her alleged victim) into coming to the U.K., taking advantage of her naivety to induce and deceive her into working for her for nothing,” Prosecutor Caroline Haughey KC said in opening court statements, LBC reported.
Authorities accused the judge of taking the victim’s passport and forcing her to work as a maid and babysitter without pay.
Prosecutors also claimed that Mugambe conspired with Ugandan Deputy High Commissioner John Leonard Mugerwa, who arranged for the young woman to come to England. Mugerwa denies any wrongdoing.
The victim sought assistance from a friend who contacted authorities, sparking an investigation.
“Lydia Mugambe used her position to exploit a vulnerable young woman, controlling her freedom and making her work without payment,” said Eran Cutliffe of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime Division said in a press release. “Thanks to the victim’s courage in coming forward it has been possible to bring Ms. Mugambe to justice and be held accountable for her actions.”
Mugambe was pursuing her doctorate in law at the University of Oxford when the offenses occurred. According to her United Nations profile page, she was appointed to one of the global body’s international courts in May 2023 and was expected to serve a three-year term.
Mugambe will be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on May 2, 2025.
Aniya Gourdine Calls Dad After Winning HBCU Women’s Basketball Championship
She makes the call while still on the basketball court celebrating the win
After a historic moment occurred for Aniya Gourdine when her school, Southern University and A&M College, defeated Alcorn State University for the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament championship while still on the basketball court, she immediately called her father to celebrate.
According to HBCU Gameday, when the game was over, Gourdine rushed to find her mobile phone so she could speak to the man who not only introduced her to the sport but helped her prepare for this moment by working with her on her basketball skills.
The Southern University women’s basketball team defeated its opponent by a blowout score of 64-44 at Gateway Center Arena, where the WNBA team, the Atlanta Dream, and the College Park Skyhawks of the NBA G League play their home games.
When the contest was done, Gourdine found her phone and spoke to her father. She told the media outlet what transpired during the phone call.
“I am so happy for you,” Gourdine said her father told her.
“It just meant everything. He was really the one who really worked me out, got me to play [basketball]. …It was only right that I called him.”
Before the game started for both teams, her father, Jerome Gourdine, said she had been waiting for the moment to play in the NCAA postseason tournament.
“I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a little girl,” Gourdine said.
Her stat line for the game was nine points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
The victory helped fulfill a goal of hers when she set out to win and advance to the coveted March Madness tournament. Now, she has the chance to attend and participate in the NCAA Championship tournament.
Southern University is the No. 16 seed and will play the No. 1 seed, University of California San Diego.
“WE’RE IN! “Your 2025 SWAC Champions are dancing! 🕺🏀 “The Lady Jags have secured the #16 seed and are set to face UC San Diego in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament!
Building a Footwear Empire: Practical Tips for Business Owners
Renae Mowatt has always had an eye for fashion and a passion for footwear. From a young age, she stood out for her love of heels, even earning an award in high school for wearing them daily. Now, as the founder of House of Heels Miami, Mowatt has transformed her lifelong love for stylish shoes into a thriving six-figure business, proving that the right pair of heels can lead to confidence and success. The global footwear market has experienced significant growth in recent years and is projected to continue its upward trajectory. In 2023, the market was valued at approximately $438.62 billion and is anticipated to reach $588.22 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2024 to 2030.
For entrepreneurs like Mowatt, the proliferation of e-commerce platforms has made it easier for consumers to access various shoe options. These trends present ample opportunities to capture market share by offering stylish, affordable footwear that meets evolving consumer preferences.
BLACK ENTERPRISE sat with Mowatt to discuss how she scales with wise financial decisions, builds strong vendor relationships, and manages the business for longevity.
From Passion to Profit
Born in Jamaica, Mowatt moved to the United States at the age of eight. After graduating from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Science degree, she gained hands-on experience in the retail footwear industry while working at Nine West. However, her journey into entrepreneurship was not without its challenges. Her first business, a hair company, did not go as planned, but it provided valuable lessons in business management and finance. Determined to succeed, she pivoted to a business she truly loved — footwear.
“I learned a great deal from my first venture, even though it didn’t succeed. That experience taught me the significance of financial planning and resilience in business,” says Mowatt.
Building Strong Vendor Relationships
A key factor in the success of House of Heels Miami has been Mowatt’s skill in cultivating strong vendor relationships. In the highly competitive fashion and footwear industry, these relationships are crucial for securing access to quality products at affordable prices.
“I believe that business is built on trust and consistency,” she explains. “I prioritize supporting my vendors beyond mere transactions. Whether attending industry trade shows, sending small holiday gifts, or taking them out for lunch, these gestures foster loyalty and ensure that I remain a priority client.”
Thanks to these efforts, House of Heels Miami enjoys early access to new footwear inventory, competitive pricing, and flexible sourcing options —advantages that enable Mowatt to pass cost savings on to her customers.
Scaling with Smart Financial Strategies
Bootstrapping her business without external investors, Mowatt strategically utilized her credit to obtain bank loans in the early stages. Recognizing that new businesses often lack the necessary credit history for traditional financing, she ensured her credit was in excellent standing before applying for loans.
“I maintained a high credit score, kept my debt-to-income ratio low, and made timely payments,” she shares. “This enabled me to secure my first loan, which supported footwear inventory, marketing, and operational growth.”
Mowatt advises aspiring entrepreneurs to prioritize financial responsibility: “Before applying for any loan, check your credit score, pay down outstanding debts, and avoid unnecessary spending that does not contribute to growth.”
Smart Financial Management for Longevity
To ensure that House of Heels Miami remains profitable, Mowatt adheres to the Profit First Theory, a financial management strategy emphasizing profit allocation.
“At the end of each month, I allocate revenue into separate accounts — Profit, Inventory, Owner’s Pay, Taxes, and Operating Expenses,” she explained. “By adhering to this structure, I sustain a healthy cash flow and prevent overspending.”
This disciplined approach has enabled Mowatt to grow her footwear business while ensuring financial stability.
Balancing Trend and Affordability
In the ever-evolving footwear industry, staying ahead of trends is vital. Mowatt ensures that House of Heels Miami remains competitive by attending major trade shows, tracking consumer preferences, and maintaining a pricing model that balances trendiness with affordability.
“Our goal is to make high-quality, fashionable footwear accessible,” she says. “We offer competitive prices, loyalty rewards, and discounts to provide value for our customers.”
Expanding Beyond Footwear
House of Heels Miami is evolving beyond just shoes. In January, the brand officially launched its clothing line, providing stylish, fashion-forward apparel that complements its signature heels, sandals, and boots. “Our new clothing line enables customers to curate a complete, head-to-toe look,” Mowatt states. “We’re launching trendier, high-quality, and affordable pieces throughout the year — there’s so much more on the way!”
Mowatt’s journey from an aspiring entrepreneur to the owner of a successful online shoe boutique showcases perseverance, effective financial management, and a love for fashion. With a growing customer base and exciting developments on the horizon, House of Heels Miami is set for even greater success.
“House of Heels Miami is more than just a brand — it embodies confidence, empowerment, and accessibility to high-quality fashion,” said Mowatt. “Any woman can conquer the world with passion, determination, and the right pair of heels.”
