by Kandiss Edwards

March 12, 2025

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Announces Re-Election Bid

Mayor Dickens has taken steps to help the most vulnerable Atlanta residents through housing and food security.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens officially announced his intention to seek a second term during a press conference on March 11.

Dickens, who was elected as Atlanta’s 61st mayor in 2021, has deep roots in the city. Before assuming office, he spent eight years on the Atlanta City Council (2014-2021) and worked in the private sector. The Atlanta native attended Atlanta Public Schools before earning a degree from Georgia Tech. Dickens won office with a 64% majority vote.

In February 2024, when asked about his re-election plans, Dickens expressed his commitment to continuing his work.

“I love being the mayor of Atlanta, a job I’ve wanted since I was 16 years old. I believe we have accomplished a lot in the first two years, and I intend to work hard in the next two years and beyond.”

Since taking office, Dickens has focused on helping Atlanta’s most vulnerable populations, particularly children, low-income families, and seniors. BLACK ENTERPRISE has reported on many of Dickens’s initiatives to aid in “moving Atlanta forward.”

Food Security:
Dickens has worked to combat food insecurity in underserved communities. His administration introduced “Good Grocery Stores,” ensuring more residents can access fresh food.

“Communities without fresh food options are often in low-income areas, and only 76% of Atlanta residents live within a half mile of fresh food. That’s a gap too big for too many people. Our administration and City Council said we have got to work on that,” he said.

Support for Education

Demonstrating a commitment to education, Dickens co-hosted the 41st Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball in December 2023, which raised $4 million for students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Affordable Housing:

In May 2023, he unveiled a comprehensive plan to invest $200 million into affordable housing projects across the city to support the unhoused and address housing affordability. The mayor has also partnered with investment firms to preserve historic structures and transform them into affordable housing. One notable project is the renovation of the Atlanta Motel at 227 Moreland Ave., now renamed the Ralph Davis House, to provide housing for those in need.

The mayor expressed excitement for the project and its impact, “Together, we’re turning opportunity into action and making a difference where it matters most. This isn’t just housing—it’s hope, stability, and a brighter future for our community. Let’s keep building!”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 12, 2025

YouTube Star Alysha Burney’s Brother Nixed Rumors On Her Unexpected Death

Burney's brother shut down rumors that drugs and other allegations played a role in her death.

The brother of Black YouTube star and influencer, Alysha Burney, is setting the record straight on her unexpected death.

Burney died in her sleep Mar. 2 while on her 25th birthday trip to Mexico, a day shy of her actual birthday. Her brother, Charles, announced the news on Mar. 10 to his social media.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CBurney (@charles_burney)

As rumors began to swirl about what caused her death, Charles refused to let commenters tarnish her legacy.

“It is extremely difficult seeing all of the false narratives trying to defame her legacy and we are ready to take legal action for those continuing to spread false information regarding her passing,” he wrote in the caption after confirming their loss. “We know so many people care about her and will share more information soon but just give us some time and please stop harassing the family… Her legacy will still live on FOREVER!!”

The protective brother also spoke to WDAF about his sister and the allegations surrounding her death. He asserted that she was an “open book” who loved to inspire others through her life.

“She was not selfish with her knowledge and was a very open book about her journey,” shared the grieving sibling to WDAF. “She will always be dearly loved, and her legacy will live on forever,”

Burney accrued social media success with more than 5 million followers on multiple platforms. She also became a film producer with her own production company, ABurney Productions. While noting her impact, Charles also shut down rumors that drugs played a role in her death. He emphasized that she was a determined young woman with plans to expand her entrepreneurial ventures.

“She does not do drugs. She was a self-loving and happy individual who cherished her life and was looking forward to the upcoming year’s plans,” he said. “There’s a spread of misinformation online, stating different things based on speculation. These sources lack credibility and should not be believed. My sister did not engage in environments that would lead to such situations.”

Despite remaining vague on the other allegations, he did confirm that she died from an asthma attack that occurred as she slept. Prior to her death, Burney had aspirations of opening up a productive studio in their hometown of Kansas city.

“Her lifelong goal was to be a writer and a director,” continued Charles. “Another goal she had was to return to Kansas City, open a production studio, and help other young creatives from Kansas City get to where she was.”

While healing from this tragedy, he hopes for others to remember his sister’s impact and spirit of giving back.

Trump, Black History Month, Tiger Woods, grants, whitney Plantation,

by Mitti Hicks

March 12, 2025

Trump Proposes Shortening ObamaCare Enrollment, Dropping Dreamers From Coverage

Open enrollment currently runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. However, a proposed rule released on Monday would shorten ObamaCare open enrollment through Dec. 15.

The Trump administration proposes to shorten the annual open enrollment period for ObamaCare, which runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. However, a proposed rule released Monday would extend it through Dec. 15.

According to The Hill, the administration says shortening the open enrollment period would help consumers pick the right plan.

“This proposal aims to reduce consumer confusion, streamline the enrollment process, align more closely with open enrollment dates for many employer-based health plans, encourage continuous coverage, and reduce the risk of adverse selection from consumers who otherwise may wait to enroll until they need health care services,” the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) said in a fact sheet.

The move is nothing new. President Trump shortened open enrollment to seven weeks during his first term. He also cut funding for advertising and allowed consumers to choose short-term plans after his attempts to repeal the law failed. As The Hill points out, enrollment numbers dropped significantly during Trump’s first term.

Under President Biden, a record number of people enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans. An estimated 24 million people are enrolled in health plans.

Trump Ends ObamaCare Open Enrollment For Dreamers, Immigrants

The Trump administration also proposed limiting the open enrollment period and restricting who can sign up for plans. The CMS proposed ending ObamaCare coverage for immigrants who came into the U.S. illegally as children, known as “Dreamers.” CMS has also proposed ending the Biden-era rule that allowed nearly 147,000 immigrants to enroll in coverage. The Biden-era rule is still being litigated in court after a federal judge blocked it from being enforced in 19 states.

Another rule CMS has proposed is ensuring that “sex trait modification” is not covered as an essential health benefit for people enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans beginning in 2026.

Jam Master Jay, trial, murder, 2, defendants, guilty, murder, Jordan, Washington

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 12, 2025

Jam Master Jay’s Killer Stabbed 18 Times In Prison Altercation

Karl Jordan, Jr. was assaulted at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn during a gang fight

The man who was convicted of killing Run-DMC member Jam Master Jay was hospitalized after he was stabbed 18 times in a Brooklyn prison.

According to AllHipHop, Karl Jordan, Jr., who is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Sean “Diddy” Combs is being held until the start of his trial, was assaulted in what officials labeled a gang war incident. The victim, who was found guilty in February 2024 of killing Jay, was taken to the hospital, where he was originally listed in serious condition but has been downgraded to stable.

Amid tensions between the Bloods gang and a sect of Dominicans known as the Trinitarios, Jordan was caught up in the violent scuffle that resulted in him suffering two collapsed lungs. Four other prisoners were also injured in the altercation, although Jordan’s injuries were the most severe.

The Associated Press reported that 23 inmates have been arrested and charged with multiple crimes ranging from smuggling weapons in a Doritos bag to Jordan’s stabbing that took place Feb. 22. The charges were announced by federal prosecutors March 6. Six were charged in Jordan’s stabbing.

AllHipHop also reported that former popular podcaster Taxstone was one of the inmates arrested after he was alleged to have tossed a rope out of a window at the facility in an attempt to smuggle contraband into Metropolitan Detention Center from an incident that took place in June 2024.

In March 2023, Taxstone was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and weapons charges for his role in killing rapper Troy Ave’s bodyguard, Ronald McPhatter. The fatal encounter took place during a backstage confrontation at a concert that Atlanta rapper T.I. performed at Irving Plaza in Manhattan.

The prison facility has been in the news lately for accusations of mismanagement, security breaches, and scrutiny over many violent incidents between inmates that have taken place at the federal prison over the past few years.

Spurlock and Son's, Terrell Spurlock, electcians, electric, electical, industry

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 12, 2025

Powering Futures: How This Firm Ignites Generations Of Black Tradesmen

Spurlock and Son has provided many Black men in South Chicago with this opportunity in the electrical trade.

Spurlock and Son’s Electrical Firm does more than supply power. As a Black, family-owned company in the electrical trade, it offers the opportunity for a stable career for generations to come.

Terrell Spurlock knew that his business would stand out in South Chicago. He provides these services to residential and commercial properties throughout the area as an electrical contracting firm.

More than that, he is changing the landscape for this sector by encouraging other Black men and women to pursue the trade. His passion stemmed from childhood curiosity, as he often wondered how the street lights that illuminated his neighborhood were turned on.

“I always liked the electrical trade,” explained Spurlock to The Tribe. “Even when growing up, it was something about seeing lights come on from nothing. How does that work?”

Now, his whole family plays a role in the operations, including his son Terrell Spurlock Jr. While he and his junior complete the on-site work, Spurlock’s wife, Kim, keeps the business’ financials intact. Although she never intended to stay in the position for long, she has been a mainstay at the company for almost two decades.

“I think we inspire a lot of our people in the community to do or want more or better,” said Kim Spurlock. “We try to set an example and show people that college isn’t for everyone, but you can still take care of your family [with a career in] a trade.”

While not everyone on the payroll is a Spurlock, that family-style feeling keeps its employees and certified electricians on. For fellow electrician John White, it is also about Black tradesmen sticking together.

“The key word is family,” said White. “Each one of us is hand-picked. We all got a relationship with him. Some already look at an electrician as a powerful trade, but for a Black man to teach and show another young Black man, that’s powerful.”

Another electrician with Spurlock, Wendell Williams, added, “It’s very necessary because young Black men don’t get the opportunities they need. So if you get a chance, you stick with it.”

Even Spurlock started through a longer-owned Black-owned electric company founded in Chicago. Carrying that legacy forward for the next generation remains pivotal to his work, especially as Black men only make up around 7% of the industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Spurluck realized his vision for his company came into fruition when the employees he brought on began to reap the benefits of a lucrative career. Now, he continues moving the needle for Black tradesmen in electrical work and hopes to always offer a new pathway to support oneself and a family.

“You don’t often see Black faces doing that kind of work,” said Spurlock Sr. “There’s kind of a disconnect. All of our employees started out from the South Side [and are] people that we met along the way. It’s been very interesting to see where our employees started and where they are now.“

He added, “I often tell my employees that you helped me send my kids to college. When they started buying houses, I’m like, ‘okay, this is a real company.’”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 12, 2025

Former En-Vogue Singer Dawn Robinson Reveals She’s Homeless And Living In Her Car

Former En Vogue singer Dawn Robinson opens up about her struggles and reveals she has been living in her car.

Singer Dawn Robinson, formerly of the R&B group En Vogue, has revealed that she has been homeless for the past three years.

The Grammy-nominated singer shared a March 12 video from inside her car, where she’s been residing in recent years. Robinson starts the video by revealing where she’s been living, then lets out a deep sigh of relief after finally making the admission.

“You guys, for the past three… almost three years, I have been living in my car. I said it. Oh my God. It’s out,” she shares in the video captured by The Neighborhood Talk.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

The former Lucy Pearl member explained how she had been living with her parents in Las Vegas for five years before things went sour with her mother.

“I love my mom, but she became very angry, and a lot of her anger she was taking out on me,” Robinson explained. “And I was her target all the time, and I was like, ‘I can’t deal with this. Like I respect her too much. Let me get out of here.'”

After moving out of her parents’ house, Robinson initially lived in her car. Her co-manager at the time persuaded her to move to Los Angeles, promising to cover her apartment rent. However, she claims he never followed through, instead paying for her to stay in a hotel while also covering his own rent for months.

Eventually, that arrangement came to an end, and Robinson, who had once toured the world as the lead singer for En Vogue in the early ’90s and later with Lucy Pearl, found herself facing difficult times. After sharing her story, many fans reached out with messages of support and well wishes.

“To everybody, please understand that the music business is meant to make the labels rich, not the artist,” one person wrote.

“Omg. Lord, I pray this video reaches someone to bless her situation,” added someone else.

Robinson is a founding member of En Vogue, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. After initially leaving En Vogue, she joined Lucy Pearl and released their self-titled debut album in 2000, which went platinum worldwide and produced hit singles like “Dance Tonight” and “Don’t Mess with My Man.”

Robinson rejoined and left En Vogue several times in the early 2000s following her Lucy Pearl stint, ultimately departing for good in 2010 due to poor management and lack of compensation. Throughout her career, Robinson has sold over 11 million records as a member of En Vogue, Lucy Pearl, and as a solo artist.

Her work with En Vogue earned her numerous accolades, including two American Music Awards, a Billboard Music Award, seven MTV Video Music Awards, four Soul Train Music Awards, and eight Grammy nominations. The group was last seen performing without Robinson during the NBA’s All-Star Weekend.

En Vogue at the NBA All Star Game! They were one of my favorite groups growing up. pic.twitter.com/k6uWr9w5UR
— Danielle Hobeika (@DanielleHobeika) February 17, 2025

Haiti, Toussaint Louverture Airport in Port-au-Prince, International, Global, Horsford

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 12, 2025

Haitian Immigrants With Temporary Protected Status Stressed Over Programs’ Uncertainty Under Trump

Haitian immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are expressing concerns about potential deportation under the Trump administration.

Haitian immigrants living in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are facing the looming possibility that the program may end under Donald Trump’s administration.

For over 15 years, TPS has allowed thousands of Haitian immigrants to live and work legally in the U.S. with protection from deportation. As the Trump administration moves forward with plans to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by August 2025, around 500,000 Haitian immigrants are faced with a life-altering choice: stay in the U.S. and fight for legal status or prepare to return to a home country grappling with political instability, gang violence, and severe economic struggles.

“The end of TPS gives me a headache,” Geslain Luma, a 29-year-old Haitian immigrant, told NBC News.

Luma learned that he was granted temporary protected status the same day Trump announced plans to cut the program short. Haitian communities around the country are sharing their fears of deportation.

“The community is worried,” said Rev. Samuel Nicolas, senior pastor of the Evangelical Crusade Christian Church in Flatbush, Brooklyn. “For over 15 years, these individuals have built their lives here, believing TPS would eventually lead to permanent residency. Now, they are watching that hope slip away.”

The Brooklyn-based church has been a refuge for Haitian immigrants for over five decades, offering various services such as food pantries, wellness programs, and legal support. The Flatbush community has become a refuge for many Haitian immigrants who came to the U.S. under TPS following the devastating 2005 earthquake in Haiti.

Abigail Desravines, 35, was among those who sought safety and stability after the tragedy. While she was able to secure a green card, she shared that living under TPS brought its own unique set of challenges.

“People think TPS is a free pass, but it’s not,” Desravines said. “You have to keep renewing, pay fees and live with the fear that it could end at any time. It’s not an easy path.”

In addition to paying fees, some colleges require TPS holders to pay tuition “out of pocket like international students,” she added. “Even though we lived in the U.S. for years, some colleges did not allow us in-state tuition.”

The potential end of the program will cause significant disruption, as many TPS holders are employed, attending school, and integrated into their communities. For those now facing the threat of deportation, returning to Haiti feels overwhelming, with some even describing the prospect as inhumane given the country’s ongoing instability.

“Haiti is not in a place where people with TPS or those under humanitarian programs can return,” Nicolas said. “Haiti is being overrun by armed groups and the infrastructure is barely functioning.”

Immigrant advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to take action to protect TPS holders by advocating for a path to residency for those who have lived in the U.S. for years. A coalition of organizations filed a March 10 lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s attempt to end TPS for Haitians prematurely.

Elon Musk, Tennessee, pollution, super computer

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 12, 2025

Trump Buys Tesla To Support Elon Musk Amid Protestors ‘Illegally’ Boycotting The Car Company

Donald Trump bought a Tesla to support Elon Musk amid widespread boycotts against the car company.

Donald Trump demonstrated his support for Elon Musk by purchasing a Tesla amid growing backlash against the South African billionaire over his leadership of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk tweeted a “Thank you” to the president after Trump took to his Truth Social platform to applaud the Space X founder for the “Fantastic Job” he’s doing running DOGE. After addressing “Republicans and Conservatives,” Trump blamed the current scrutiny against Musk on the “Radical Left Lunatics” who are “trying to illegally and collusively boycott Tesla.”

“One of the world’s great automakers, and Elon’s ‘baby,’ to attack and do harm to Elon, and everything he stands for,” Trump wrote.

As a show of solidarity to the billionaire mogul, Trump announced his plans to “buy a brand new Tesla tomorrow morning as a show of confidence and support” for Musk.

Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump! pic.twitter.com/3kqZObTixi
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 11, 2025

The next day, Trump stood outside the White House with Musk and a line of Teslas parked on the driveway between the mansion and the south lawn, where he shared his plans to label attacks on Tesla as domestic terrorism.

“They’re harming a great American company,” Trump said. “Let me tell you, you do it to Tesla, and you do it to any company, we’re going to catch you, and … you’re going to go through hell.”

TRUMP: "I will label attacks on Tesla, $TSLA, dealerships as domestic terrorism…. We already know who some of them are, we are going to catch them." pic.twitter.com/gT32pw09K4
— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) March 11, 2025

Trump’s defense of Tesla comes amid widespread protests against the company. Last week, approximately 350 demonstrators gathered outside a Tesla dealership in Portland, Oregon. At the same time, nine people were arrested during a heated protest outside a Tesla dealership in New York City earlier this month. Additionally, reports of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles and showrooms have surfaced and are currently under investigation.

Tesla is also experiencing a significant decline in market value, with the company losing more than half its worth since peaking on Dec. 17. The slump has erased approximately $800 billion in market capitalization, dropping Musk’s net worth by $100 billion.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 12, 2025

Black Entrepreneurs In Alaska Host Historic 10th Annual Alaska Black Business Expo

It was attended by thousands and is so far one of the most successful Black business expos held across the country.

This year’s 10th Annual Alaska Black Business Expo was the largest gathering of Black-owned businesses and supporters in Alaska. Thousands attended, and it has been one of the most successful Black business expos held across the country.

The festivities are always held the first weekend in February in Anchorage, Alaska, to kick off Black History Month and act as a gathering spot for all things Black culture, business, and community. This year’s events were held in collaboration with many community partners and businesses, including the Anchorage Museum, NAACP Anchorage, Ohana Media Group, Next Level Coaching, International Salon Institute, The Di Experience, Waffles and Whatnot, Edutainment Nite Publishing, and more.

Guests included Talib Kweli, legendary rapper and community activist; Carlton Brown, co-founder of FUBU; Alexander Martin, co-founder of FUBU; Keith Perrin, co-founder of FUBU; Antoine Tutt, president of Sales at FUBU/COOGI; Regina Davenport, A Banner Vision; Sheley Anderson, Anderson Law Group; Leslie Jennings, Leslie Jennings Real Estate; Derrick Green, Waffles and Whatnot; Sophia Metters, founder of The Gap Program.

This year’s events featured panel discussions, a Black business expo, a citywide free day at the museum, a youth entrepreneur pitch, an after party, and Alaska Black Creative’s Fashion Show featuring Alaskan designers as well as FUBU, COOGI, and David Banner Collection.

Jasmin Smith, the founder and creator of the event, comments, “This event is designed to show our community what we are capable of. There is so much to know, learn, and celebrate, and each year, we get closer to that dream of redefining generational wealth. My hope is that these events inspire my community and others to dream, envision the future they want, and know there are resources and support to make it happen. Alaska has an exceptional Black community doing great work that is history in the making, and we want to celebrate that for generations to come, both locally and nationwide. There are so many people to thank for making the events this weekend possible, and I want each of them to know how appreciated they are.”

Learn more about the event at AlaskaBlackBusinessExpo.com

This story was first reported by Blacknews.com

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 12, 2025

Black-Owned ‘Good Girl Chocolate’ Brand Expands To 150 Whole Foods Stores Across 20 States

Founder Dr. Tabatha Carr is taking a bold step forward in her mission to build the largest Black-owned bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the United States.

Good Girl Chocolate, a made-from-scratch, fast-growing, Black woman-owned chocolate brand, is set to expand into 150 Whole Foods Market stores across 20 states. With this expansion, founder Dr. Tabatha Carr is taking a bold step forward in her mission to build the largest Black-owned bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the United States, offering everything from dairy-free milk chocolate to dark chocolate to white chocolate to truffles.

Founded in Oklahoma, Good Girl Chocolate has grown to be featured in stores across Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Now, the brand is expanding into 150 Whole Foods Market stores across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.

This expansion represents a major milestone in the company’s growth and commitment to bringing its premium chocolate to a broader audience.

“This journey started in my kitchen, and now, we’re bringing Good Girl Chocolate to store shelves across the country,” said Carr. “I’m building more than a chocolate brand—I’m creating a legacy. With this expansion, we’re not only growing our business but also creating jobs, fostering opportunities, and making an impact in the community.”

From E-Commerce to Industry Leader

Launched as an e-commerce brand in 2018, Good Girl Chocolate quickly gained national recognition for its high-quality products and commitment to excellence. The brand has evolved from an online retailer to a featured brand on QVC. Now, with this Whole Foods Market expansion, Good Girl Chocolate is taking another major leap forward.

A Journey Rooted in Purpose

Carr’s passion for chocolate stems from her personal health journey. Struggling with weight and prescribed blood pressure medication at just 16 years old, she dedicated herself to understanding how food impacted health and well-being. Her studies in naturopathy and women’s health inspired her to create a chocolate brand focused on clean ingredients, indulgence, and empowerment.

National & Global Recognition

Among Good Girl Chocolate’s honors:

• GRAMMYs Official Gift Bags (twice)

• Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation Grant Recipient

• Good Food Awards Finalist

• Whole Foods Market Southwest Pitch Competition Winner

• QVC Live Premiere as the first dairy-free chocolate

Join the Movement

To meet the growing demand, Good Girl Chocolate seeks community support to scale production from 10,000 to 100,000 bars per month. The company is currently raising funds to invest in essential equipment and expand operations in a new facility in Oklahoma City.

As the brand embarks on this exciting expansion, all are invited to be part of this journey. The brand is raising funds to support equipment upgrades, facility expansion, and increased production capacity.

For more information about the company, visit the official website at GoodGirlChocolate.com.

Also, be sure to follow the brand on Instagram @GoodGirlChocolate.

For press inquiries, contact info@goodgirlchocolate.com.

This story was first reported by Blackbusiness.com.