• Money

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 21, 2026

Charlotte Welcomes WorthWealth Conference To Promote Homeownership And Generational Wealth

The event takes place April 24 and 25.

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Charlotte, North Carolina, which features one of the nation’s largest Black populations, will host a weekend-long conference focused on expanding homeownership and building generational wealth.

The second annual WorthWealth Conference heads to Charlotte for the first time on April 24 and 25. The weekend focuses on financial literacy and asset ownership. Organized by BrightUp Inc., the two-day event aims to expand homeownership and generational wealth by providing practical, actionable tools with a special focus on asset ownership, wealth building, and AI.

“Come one, come all. You can be a first-time home buyer, where you learn about the up to $80,000 that’s available for first-time home buyers and down payment assistance,” Valerie Mosley, CEO of BrightUp and the visionary force behind WorthWealth, told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “And the other is up to $17,000 in cash going towards your closing costs.”

Mosley launched WealthWorth as a multi-city tour in honor of her grandmother, saying her faith inspired her to stay intentional about helping people recognize their worth and build their wealth.

The conference, designed as an in-person experience created to sharpen financial skills and connect attendees with industry experts, is built on four pillars: Self-Worth, focused on confidence and mindset; Financial Fluency, centered on practical money management; Innovation, exploring how AI and technology are reshaping wealth building; and Community, aimed at fostering networks that support generational wealth.

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Day one, taking place at Johnson C. Smith University, is all about financial literacy gains and will feature a financial and career empowerment program offering tools to grow assets and advance careers; a networking session connecting attendees with professionals across industries; and an AI podcast and brand monetization workshop focused on using AI tools while building a strong personal brand.

Day two serves as the Homebuying and Activation Summit hosted at Park Church, which will focus on building generational wealth and include access to certified housing counselors for guidance on homeownership, credit, and budgeting, and a homeownership activation aimed at strengthening families and communities.

“We’re going to talk about ways that you can get into the real estate game, whether it’s your first home or your investment property,” Mosley said.

From a Credit Readiness and Path to Purchase workshop to one-on-one counseling with lenders and partners like Navy Federal Credit Union, Arrive, and Loan Study, the homeownership readiness day is designed to show attendees that “you aren’t just your credit score—you’re much more,” Mosley said.

“We have products that will allow you to buy your second home with no money down, which is unheard of,” she said.

Local leaders will take center stage, including retired NASA astronaut Joan Higginbotham, CEO of Xtreme Solutions Inc.; Phyllis Newhouse, who made history as the first Black female CEO to ring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) opening bell for a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) IPO; President of Johnson C. Smith University, Dr. Valerie Kinloch, and Dr. Bernard Harris Jr., Astronaut, Physician & Venture Capitalist, who made history as the first African-American to walk in space, and private equity chairman, among many others. Together, this powerhouse lineup of speakers will share strategies for building wealth and expanding ownership opportunities.

“I think that’s why it’s really exciting because, as you know, the discrepancies between home ownership, between Black and whites, have been a gap for so long,” Mosley said. “And now we want to make sure that people can get into the home and sustain being in the home.”

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• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 21, 2026

Major League Baseball, Philadelphia Phillies Release 2026 All-Star Week Schedule

The HBCU Swingman Classic kicks off the week on Friday, July 10

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The Major League Baseball All-Star Game takes place in Philadelphia this year, and the league has just released the schedule for All-Star Week from July 10 to July 14.

The 96th Midsummer Classic will be played at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, in the same year the country celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. The list of events leading up to the actual game will kick off with the HBCU Swingman Classic. The All-Star Game returns to Philly, exactly 50 years after the city hosted the game during the nation’s bicentennial celebration at the old Veterans Stadium in 1976.

“As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia carries added significance, bringing one of America’s most iconic pastimes to the city where the country’s story began,” said Jeremiah Yolkut, MLB Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Events, in a written statement. “With baseball deeply woven into the fabric of American culture, this moment becomes more than a marquee sporting event; it’s a celebration of tradition, unity, and shared experience. Set within a year when Philadelphia will host the world, All-Star Week captures a uniquely American perspective on that global spotlight, rooted in heritage, community, and the enduring spirit of the game.”

The HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball will take place on Friday, July 10; the All-Star Futures Game and MLBx All-Star 3-on-3 happen on Sunday, July 12; the T-Mobile Home Run Derby on Gatorade All-Star Workout Day, Monday, July 13; and the All-Star Game presented by Mastercard on Tuesday, July 14.

MLB Hall of Famer, Ken Griffey Jr., co-created the Swingman Classic for student-athletes from Division I programs at historically Black colleges & universities to showcase their skills on a national stage. Heading into its fourth year, it will air live on MLB.TV. The Swingman Classic is a celebration of HBCU culture, including music, entertainment, and ceremonies born from HBCUs around the country.

Tickets can be purchased here.

The schedule for the week’s activities is listed below:

HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball Friday, July 10th
All-Star Commissioner’s Cup Friday, July 10th – Monday, July 13th
Jennie Finch Classic presented by ARM & HAMMER Friday, July 10th – Monday, July 13th
Capital One All-Star Village Saturday, July 11th – Tuesday, July 14th
MLB Draft presented by Nippon Express Saturday, July 11th
All-Star Futures Game Sunday, July 12th
MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3 Sunday, July 12th
T-Mobile Home Run Derby Monday, July 13th
All-Star Red Carpet Show Tuesday, July 14th
MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard

For complete information, visit AllStarGame.com.

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• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 21, 2026

Pasta-tively Wild! Man Allegedly Stole $34K Of Legos And Filled Boxes With Pasta, Returned Them For Profit

Authorities said this was nationwide scheme.

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A California man has been dubbed the “Lego Bandit” after being accused of a nationwide scheme in which he stole Legos, filled the boxes with pasta, and then returned them for a profit, CBS News reports. 

Jarrelle Augustine, 28, was arrested by the Irvine Police Department for allegedly stealing $34,000 worth of high-end Lego sets and replacing the small plastic bricks with dry pasta, which sounds like Legos when shaken.

“One of the cases that occurred here in Orange County, they shared that they opened the box and instead of Legos, they found bags of dry pasta,” Officer Ziggy Azarcon said. 

Azarcon said some of the sets, which featured themes such as Marvel and Star Wars, were expensive. Augustine allegedly received refunds at Target locations in Costa Mesa, Irvine and Westminster and also had ties to cases in Texas, Tennessee, New Jersey, and Florida.

According to Fox News, store surveillance footage shows the suspect taking Lego sets from a store shelf and walking out.

Augustine was arrested at his Los Angeles County apartment, where several packages of Lego piece were found.

In a Facebook post, the Irvine Police Department presented the case with humor.: “If your master plan involves swapping LEGOs for linguine, we can promise your plan will be cooked al dente.”

The popular toy brand has been around since 1932, but has become a phenomenon among adults in recent years. Celebrities like Chloe Bailey are often seen on social media building lavish exhibits. 

On other social media platforms like X, users referred to Augustine as “brilliant” for his clever scheme, but wish such a plan were put to better use.

“That’s brilliant… It’s wrong, of course. But imagine if this person could use his mind for good and not evil,” one user said. 

Another person put together an idea of what a pasta LEGO set could look like.

Augustine was booked at the Orange County Jail on suspicion of grand theft.

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• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 21, 2026

Brooklyn Man Arrested In 2021 Acid Attack on Ex-Girlfriend

It's the second arrest since February.

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A Brooklyn man has been arrested after being accused of plotting a 2021 acid attack on his ex-girlfriend.

Shaquille Coke was charged in March with assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and unlawfully possessing noxious materials. He is being held without bail.

A second man, Terrell Campbell, was arrested and charged in February with throwing acid in Nafia Ikram’s face outside her Long Island home on March 17, 2021.

The district attorney’s office accused Coke of orchestrating the attack carried out by his associate on Ikra, then a 21-year-old college student.

Campbell, now 29, allegedly threw a cup of liquid that contained 70% sulfuric acid when he approached Ikram. She suffered second- and third-degree burns to her face, arms, wrists, shoulders, right eye, and esophagus.

Ikram still has poor vision and scarring on her face and suffers from emotional trauma.

Investigators gathered evidence over the past five years revealing that Coke met with Campbell an hour before the attack and drove him to the home.

According to CBS News, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said that Coke and Ikram met as students at Hofstra University, but Ikram ended the brief relationship in February 2021. 

Ikram informed the police that they had only gone out on two dates.

“His jealousy and obsession were the real motive behind this crime,” Donnelly said. “Coke thought she had been unfaithful while they were together, and he could not accept that the months-long relationship had run its course and it was over. He tried to trick Nafiah into admitting that she cheated on him.”

Donnelly said that Coke used a pseudonym to text Ikram and even called Ikram “Freddy Krueger” in the messages.

After Campbell’s arrest in February, he pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault, possession of a weapon, and possession of noxious material. Coke pleaded not guilty and will be back in court in April and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

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• Lifestyle

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 21, 2026

Women Are More Likely To Be Gold Diggers—But Men Do It Too, New Study Finds

And, yes, the study referenced "Gold Digger."

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A new study from the Behavioral and Social Sciences Institute found that gold-digging isn’t just a stereotype about money-focused women—it also applies to men.

Researchers even referenced lyrics from Kanye West and Jamie Foxx’s 2005 hit “Gold Digger”—“She takes my money when I’m in need”—saying it captures three key elements of how the public defines gold diggers.

“First, exploiting money from others, second, not dating poor mates, third, being female,” they wrote.

“Gold digging, often stereotyped as female behavior, is in fact not limited to women,” the researchers added.

The study, led by psychologist Lennart Freyth, surveyed 351 adults, all aged 30, across a range of sexual orientations to assess preferences for material benefits versus emotional intimacy in partners.

Participants completed a 15-item questionnaire measuring personality traits (including narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism), along with social and demographic factors like political views, city size, and perceived mate value. Prompts included choices such as preferring a wealthy, faithful partner or a faithful partner with limited financial stability.

According to the study, men with left-leaning political views showed the highest rates of gold-digging, described as a “partly psychopathy-linked social tactic.”

“In both sexes, gold digging is linked to narcissism, psychopathy, date investment expectations, and mate value.” Study noted that “sadism” was only found in women gold diggers.

Researchers found that non-heterosexual men—gay or bisexual—with left-leaning views scored highest on gold digging. Among women, mid-left non-heterosexual participants scored higher than heterosexual women, while right-leaning non-heterosexual women scored lower.

“Overall, non-heterosexuals (homosexuals and bisexuals) and political leftists scored higher than heterosexuals, political centrists, and right-wingers,” the researchers said. “Narcissists, psychopaths, higher mate value, and a high population density were linked to gold digging.”

The findings also suggest that both male and female gold diggers tend to be “reckless” narcissists who use charm and appearance to attract wealthy partners.

Researchers warned potential victims to be wary of “performative” men—those who appear especially sensitive or progressive but are ultimately motivated by money. Freyth noted that such men boost their appeal by presenting themselves as compassionate and empathetic, making them seem less like a red flag.

“Being agreeable at first glance makes you seem less threatening than someone who questions the status quo,” he said. “Keep in mind that even a guy who appears thoughtful and compassionate might have interests beyond your character.”

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• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 21, 2026

Mary J. Blige Admits To ‘Horrible’ Behavior Early In Her Career, ‘I Treated People So Bad’

Mary J. Blige admits she displayed “horrible” behavior early in her career, including “cursing out” reporters who asked repetitive questions.

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Nearly 40 years into her career, Mary J. Blige is reflecting on her success and acknowledging the poor behavior she showed early on.

The Grammy-winning singer recently sat down for an extremely candid chat on Scott Evans’ House Guest podcast, where she admitted to seeing her younger self as a “monster” during the early years of her career.

“I used to be a monster. 1994 Mary was horrible. Go Google it. You’ll see it. It was terrible, man,” Blige said.

Reflecting on her past actions, the “Not Gon’ Cry” singer admitted to “cursing out” reporters for asking her the same type of questions. One X user even included a throwback clip from one interview Blige conducted in the early 90s’ that shows the “horrible” behavior she might’ve been referring to.

Now 55, with decades in the industry, Mary J. Blige said her perspective has shifted, and she now appreciates interviews, candid conversations, and chances to reflect on her success.

“What if nobody cared? You should be happy that people want to talk to you,” she said.

“This is a blessing and an opportunity for people to want to hear what you say. … I grew up. I used to treat people so bad,” Blige added. “Early on, it was like ‘shut up.’

But she admits her behavior was “rude and ungrateful,” attributing it to her upbringing and saying she had to learn to love herself before she could heal.

“I was a savage,” she said in a separate interview. “I treated men like they treated me.”

Blige added that she later asked her team to reach out to journalists she had mistreated so she could apologize.

“I apologized to every last one of those people,” she said. “It was humbling, but it wasn’t something I was afraid of. I knew in my spirit that I had to do it because I was awful.”

She said the apologies “cleared my conscience” and helped unlock new success, making others more eager to collaborate and leading to fresh wins in her career.

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• Education

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 21, 2026

Howard University Receives Nearly $2M Gift From AutoDesk To Support Engineers In AI Training

The money will support students within Howard's construction engineering and management program.

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Howard University is recognizing a new, lofty gift to support its cohort of diverse engineers.

The school received an unrestricted donation of $1.95 million from Autodesk, a leader in 3D design and engineering software, to help its programming. The funding will ensure students have the skills and training needed to succeed in AI-powered roles, and will directly aid those studying in Howard’s construction engineering and management program. 

The program provides students with the development needed to lead advanced construction projects, while instilling digital construction and design skills through its instruction. Another goal is to diversify leadership in the construction industry by educating a new wave of industry professionals through experiential learning and interdisciplinary coursework.

“This investment reflects the strength of our partnership with Autodesk and our shared commitment to preparing students to lead in a technology-driven world,” said Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, interim president and president emeritus of Howard University, in the news release.

The money also comes amid new developments on the HBCU’s campus. In 2024, Autodesk donated $5 million to the school’s upcoming College of Engineering and Architecture Makerspace, becoming the largest unrestricted gift in the college’s history.

The Makerspace grants engineering majors a more hands-on experience in the field. Complete with a digital fabrication and advanced manufacturing area and a computer and design lab, the 3,400-square-foot space will promote collaboration and innovation among emerging Black engineers.

Not only will the Makerspace educate college students, but it will also encourage STEM learning for all grade levels. Autodesk’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Treseder, emphasized that its support aims to grow the talent pool of thinkers in the engineering sector.

“Our partnership with Howard University is rooted in a shared belief: that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t yet,” said Treseder, Autodesk’s chief marketing officer, in the news release. “We’re committed to supporting Howard students and neighboring communities with the tools and technology they need to step into the jobs of the future. Howard’s unwavering commitment to excellence, service, and truth is what makes this partnership possible.”

This donation comes as AI literacy becomes amplified across HBCUs. To ensure HBCU graduates can compete in the workforce, Howard and other institutions have begun further integrating AI skills into their curricula.

Upon graduation, HBCU-trained engineers will have the development needed to compete in an evolving industry where AI competency is their strength, and not a divide.

Frederick added, “At Howard University, we are grounded in a longstanding tradition of intellectual rigor and a commitment to innovation, ensuring our students are not only learning, but doing, with the tools and experiences to make an immediate impact.”

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• News

by Mitti Hicks

April 21, 2026

Social Security Recipients Could See Slight Bump Due To Inflation

The Senior Citizens League, a nonpartisan senior advocacy group, estimates that COLA could increase by 2.8% in 2027 based on inflation data.

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As costs of daily goods and services rise, Social Security recipients could see a slight bump to mitigate the impact on their wallets.

According to CNBC, the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) could increase in 2027 due to rising fuel prices. Mary Johnson, a Social Security and Medicare policy analyst, told the outlet that her predictions are based on March’s consumer price index data, which show that inflation has climbed to its highest level in nearly two years. Johnson said inflation increased largely due to the war in Iran.

It’s not uncommon for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries to receive a cost-of-living adjustment each year.  Having a COLA ensures that rising costs don’t impact the purchasing power of their benefits.

The Senior Citizens League, a nonpartisan senior advocacy group, estimates that COLA could increase by 2.8% in 2027 based on inflation data.

“The average benefits check for retired workers would increase by $56.69, from $2,024.77 to $2,081.46,” the organization noted.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, an estimated 75 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients received a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment earlier this year.  Most beneficiaries received an additional $56 per month. The last increase came as two-thirds of Americans (67%) reported living paycheck to paycheck, according to PNC’s Financial Wellness in the Workplace Report.

According to a report from eMarketer, the biggest hurdle is that wages are simply not keeping up with the cost of living.

Concerns With Social Security Increase

Social Security faces challenges. According to the Senior Citizens League, Social Security faces a potential 24% cut in benefits in 2032 unless Congress intervenes to address lagging finances.

There’s currently a new proposal from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget to cap beneficiaries’ payments at $50,000 per year or $100,000 per couple. The proposal would close about three-fifths of the program’s projected shortfall over the next 75 years, the organization states.

Seniors, however, are likely to resist this plan because it will result in a cut for some Americans. TSCL’s research finds that 95% of seniors oppose benefits cuts for current retirees, while 66% oppose cuts for future retirees.

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• Women

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 21, 2026

It’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month And There’s An Anti-Rape Product Aiming To Protect Women

As the first product of its kind, VenusGuard’s priority for women is comfort and safety, conducting thousands of efficacy tests, and winning the approval of the prototype from more than 500 women globally.

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Data from the World Health Organization says that nearly one in every three women, roughly 840 million around the world, have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime; however, there is a new product, VenusGuard, pushing through, hoping to prevent that. 

Known as a women’s self-defense sleeve, VenusGuard has the potential to hit the market as a means for women to seek justice. The concealed internal silicone device, used in the same way as a tampon or menstrual cup, is designed by medical professionals to defend against vaginal penetrative assault. With “razor-sharp bars” inside, the device seemingly incapacitates an attacker if penetration takes place, giving the victim a chance to escape, and ​​collects DNA evidence for legal proceedings. 

As the first product of its kind, VenusGuard prioritizes women’s comfort and safety, conducting thousands of efficacy tests and winning approval for the prototype from more than 500 women globally. “Our prototype works incredibly well for its intended use. It is trustworthy, and it is in demand,” the website reads. 

However, more work is needed for VenusGuard to be presented to the public market. 

The product has been deemed “controversial” by companies and government agencies that have turned down VenusGuard after seeking partnerships. The company blames the pushback on personal business concerns and outdated stigmas surrounding the topic of rape and survivorship. But their call to action is structured into two fundraising phases: the first focuses on establishing a product line for sale on the website, and the second covers registration and the widespread rollout to sell the product in stores. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Products such as VenusGuard are imperative to survivors, and those with concerns as funding for supportive sexual assault agencies is being cut. According to News 9, in Colorado, a report from the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) reveals that more than half of agencies statewide have cut at least one program targeting survivors needing assistance. 

Brie Franklin, executive director of CCASA, says services are dwindling amid a lack of funding or delays from the Trump administration. Over the past few years, their budget has decreased by 45%.

“Oh, things are pretty tough right now. At the end of 2025, we laid off two staff, and we just laid off two more,” Franklin said. 

“Victims need services. They deserve services.”

Products like VenusGuard provide such protective services when agencies aren’t available. As the word spreads on social media, users seemingly agree, pushing for the product to be sent to places like Congo and Sudan in Africa, where women and girls are often subjected to sexual violence. “Can we hand them out for free in the Congo to women and kids? ASAP,” @amanda_jmayoff wrote. 

Others celebrate the product but express sadness that it has even come to this.

“Absolutely love this product! Absolutely hate that this was a necessary invention,” @sel.marie.333 wrote with a “sad face” emoji.

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• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 21, 2026

Respect! 21 Savage Covers Funeral Costs For Tianah Robinson

The 16-year-old was killed at Piedmont Park on April 4

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Atlanta rapper 21 Savage has paid for the cost of a funeral for teenager Tianah Robinson, who was killed at Piedmont Park on April 4.

According to Fox 5 News, the “Redrum” recording artist paid the costs for the 16-year-old’s funeral that took place on April 18 at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Robinson was shot and killed at the Atlanta park during a 404 Day celebration. No one has been arrested for the killing.

Although the family had previously set up a GoFundMe account to cover the costs associated with her funeral, 21 Savage reportedly stepped up to relieve them of the financial burden. This is not the rapper’s first time offering financial support for a shooting victim in Atlanta.

According to People, Savage took care of the funeral costs of 3-year-old T’Rhigi Diggs, who was shot in the chest in 2018 on Easter. The child was riding in a car with his mother, Roshonda Craig, when the fatal incident took place as she drove past a gas station. When Savage offered to pay the cost, he said that he “didn’t want anybody stressing over arrangements for a funeral.” The services were held at Israel Baptist Church.

Savage’s generosity has been recognized outside of Atlanta as well. After reports of a drill rapper, THF Bayzoo, who is a known associate of Lil Durk, was killed in the Little Village section of Chicago in a shooting in October 2025, the Atlanta artist also offered support to the rapper’s wife. A private DM was leaked on social media showing Savage telling Bayzoo’s wife that if she needed anything, she should contact him. He then told her he would pay for the funeral, asking her to let Bayzoo’s mother know he would handle it and to let him know the cost.

“21 Savage contacted Bayzoo’s wife to personally offer full financial support, vowing to cover his funeral costs and anything else she and her children might need.”

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