by Ida Harris

March 11, 2025

‘Jazz In The Gardens’ Music Festival Is The Gift That Keeps On Giving To South Florida

The city of Miami Gardens is hands-on with curation and planning.

If there is any question of where tens of thousands of people were over the weekend of March 8, the answer is simple: Miami Gardens’ 18th Annual Jazz in the Gardens Festival.

The ninth largest city in the United States continues to produce one of its longest running music festivals, which unites multiple generations of music lovers, provides business opportunities for a spectrum of entrepreneurs, and stimulates the economic growth not only for Miami Gardens but surrounding communities as well through an uptick in services, including food, transportation, and hospitality.

BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with Mayor Rodney Harris, who has been instrumental in keeping the festival going strong for the city of Miami Gardens through its partnership with the Black Promoters Collective and thoughtful curation. Harris gave an inside purview of how Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival outdoes itself year after year.

“Just look at the lineup. The lineup is incredible,” Harris told BE.

“To try to match it from last year, we do surveys with the people who come out to the festival. We ask them who [they] would like to see so we can bring them on next year.”

The mayor’s office is hands-on with planning and starts pretty quickly to stay ahead of the curve, paying careful attention to the ever-shifting demographic of festivalgoers.

“Once we compile all that information—and it’ll be right after this concert is over—we’ll start probably Monday or Tuesday,” Harris said.

“We sit down with Black Promoters Collective and other organizations and our staff, and we try to figure out what genres are really purchasing the tickets, what they would like to hear. In the past, we had older groups, but in order to grow the music festival, we had to try to get a little bit young.”

In recent years, Jazz in the Gardens has entertained over 41,000 people at a single event, ranging from ages 27 through 48,” Harris confirmed. Acts like Maxwell, Babyface, Jeezy, Trick & Trina, Fantasia, and others appeal to the broad spectrum of attendees. This year’s festival included Lauryn Hill, Doechii, Wyclef, Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick, Ja Rule, Beenie Man, Toni Braxton, and Remy Ma, who all lived up to bringing down the house and captivating an audience that represented the multigenerational crowd. The performances are priceless and hold cultural and economic weight for the Southern Miami region.

“This has an economic impact for the entire South Florida,” Harris told BE.

“Miami Gardens benefits from it, but it’s from the entire South: Palm Beach down to Homestead and small restaurants and small businesses and even those big restaurants reap the benefits of what we’re doing with Jazz in the Gardens.”

Harris continued: “It’s a major event, and we get support from our county commissioners, our county mayors, and we get support from everybody to ensure that we can continue with this music festival. We’re, just excited that people have bought into it…It’s something that we’re doing right as a city and as a business.”

Alabama Reps Fight To Block Sale Of The Freedom Rides Museum

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 11, 2025

Alabama Reps Fight To Block Sale Of The Freedom Rides Museum

Rep. Terri Sewell and Rep. Shomari Figures are trying to preserve a landmark of the Civil Rights Movement.

Alabama Representatives are taking action to prevent the possible sale of the Freedom Rides Museum after it was listed among non-core federal properties.

Alabama’s Freedom Rides Museum could be offloaded as a federal property after it was included in a list of 440 federal properties the Trump administration deemed as “not core to government operations.”

The list was initially published on the General Services Administration (GSA) website but has since been removed as the agency identifies “buildings and facilities that are not core to government operations, or non-core properties, for disposal,” a message on the website now reads.

“Selling ensures that taxpayer dollars are no longer spent on vacant or underutilized federal spaces,” the message continues. “Disposing of these assets helps eliminate costly maintenance and allows us to reinvest in high-quality work environments that support agency missions.”

Two Alabama members of the House of Representatives, Rep. Terri Sewell and Rep. Shomari Figures, sent a letter to the Trump administration on March 5, urging the removal of the museum from the list of potential properties for sale.

“The history of Civil Rights in America and here in Alabama is sacred, and it is not, not for sale,” Sewell told WVTM13.

“We stand united in our efforts to make sure that this landmark remains a museum for future generations to learn from, for all of us to remember, because if we don’t know our history, we are bound to repeat our history.”

If the Trump administration moves forward with the sale of the Freedom Rides Museum, it would mean losing a vital piece of American history. Once the Montgomery Greyhound Bus Station, the site played a pivotal role in the Freedom Rides movement.

On May 20, 1961, a racially integrated group of young protestors—many under the age of 22—were met with violence as they stopped there to challenge segregation. The station closed in 1995 and was designated a historic landmark the following year.

As of March 10, it stands as one of over 130 sites on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, yet its future remains uncertain under the Trump administration.

“The chaos from the Trump administration must stop,” Sewell said. “It is causing unnecessary confusion and panic, and it continues to threaten the civil rights landmarks that we in Alabama cherish and that the world comes to Alabama to observe and learn from.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 11, 2025

Flo Rida Wants His Plaza In Miami Gardens To Be A Place for Black Businesses To Thrive

Flo Rida is the proud owner of Cloverleaf Plaza, Miami Gardens' first Black-owned plaza.

Rapper Flo Rida wants to turn Cloverleaf Plaza in his hometown of Miami Gardens, Florida, into something special.

Flo Rida, born Tramar Lacel Dillard, along with his business partner Lee “Freezy” Prince, bought the property two years ago.

For the first time since the plaza’s construction in 1955, the property is under Black ownership and management. It is the first Black-owned plaza in Miami Gardens, Miami Herald reports.

Since taking over, the rapper has infused the area with fresh energy, positively impacting the local Black business community.

“We just thought that this would be a great staple,” Flo Rida said. “After purchasing the club, Studio 183, we looked at making an investment, buying the entire plaza.”

Grace Vernon, 74, has run her flower shop, Flowers by Grace, in Cloverleaf Plaza for 30 years.

“It gives you a sense of pride and just overall feeling so good to know that we’ve come this far, as far as I’m concerned, where you can see someone who looks like you, doing good things and great things,” Vernon said.

Flo Rida, a native of Carol City (now Miami Gardens), has achieved success in music with hits like the 2007 chart-topper “Low,” featuring fellow Florida native T-Pain, and “Wild Ones,” but he’s long had an interest in business.

In 2023, Flo Rida purchased Studio 183, an upscale lounge near Cloverleaf Plaza. He also had a long-term partnership as a brand ambassador for the energy drink company Celsius, which led to him winning a landmark lawsuit for breach of contract. The rapper was awarded $82.6 million, which he has since reinvested into the city that helped shape his success.

Flo Rida and Prince acquired the Cloverleaf Plaza for $10 million through his business, Strong Arm Entertainment. The plaza is home to a bustling stretch of shopping centers, including Miami Gardens Square and the Lincoln Square Office Building.

They are among just two percent of Black people who own nonresidential commercial real estate. Just three percent of Black households own commercial properties (excluding residential), compared to 8 percent of white households, studies show.

Tenants of the plaza are applauding Flo Rida and Prince for the work they’re doing to improve the property.

“I see that they’re trying to fix up the plaza and make it a little more presentable for us and for our customers. So that’s a welcomed change,” Vernon said.

“It’s 100 percent better than before; it’s well-kept. We have security guards,” said Nicole Ward, owner of Prestige Beauty Salon. “Mr. Freezy is constantly in the plaza. So you feel safe. He’s always around. You can get to him easily with any problem.”

The next phase for Cloverleaf Plaza includes an exterior renovation featuring a fresh coat of paint and resurfaced asphalt, all while businesses continue to operate as usual.

“You might own a house and things like that, but growing up just looking at high rises and things like that, the first thing is not to think that you can own it,” Flo Rida said. “Maybe you have a spot there, but you won’t really own it. So to actually own our own plaza is just phenomenal.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 11, 2025

Critics Question $1K Ticket Prices For Denzel Washington’s ‘Othello’

Audience members, though, say it's worth the cost.

Denzel Washington has returned to Broadway in Othello, and the demand to see the Academy Award winner on stage has theatergoers spending top dollar to watch him.

Washington stars alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the Kenny Leon-directed production of the Shakespearean classic. The limited-run play, which debuted on Feb. 24 and runs through June 8, has seen ticket prices soar to nearly $1,000 for mid-level seats, prompting critics to call the pricing “out of control.”

According to the New York Post, seats in Row M—14 rows from the stage—are selling for $921, far exceeding ticket prices for other major Broadway productions.

For comparison, Row M seats for Glengarry Glen Ross, starring Oscar winner Kieran Culkin, are priced at $574, with front-row seats going for $724. Meanwhile, Good Night and Good Luck, featuring Academy Award-winner George Clooney, has mezzanine back-row seats for $272 and front-row center seats for around $600. Row D for The Picture of Dorian Gray, starring Succession Emmy winner Sarah Snook, is listed at $450.

With Othello marking one of Denzel Washington’s final projects before retirement—and his last Broadway performance—fans are turning out in full force for a chance to witness the legendary actor on stage. The overwhelming demand has propelled Othello to the top spot on Broadway, surpassing Wicked, The Lion King, and Hamilton.

The production raked in an impressive $2.63 million in ticket sales last week alone. That’s $1 million more than Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning hip-hop sensation achieved during Broadway’s typically slow post-holiday, pre-spring break season.

While it underscores the immense demand for beloved screen icons like Denzel Washington, the steep ticket prices have led the Post to criticize the show as “one of several limited-run, celebrity-driven plays this spring charging exorbitant prices.” However, those lucky enough to afford a ticket to the show have been singing its praises.

“I can’t overstate the joy I felt seeing Denzel Washington—in person—play Othello on Broadway yesterday,” Ohio State Rep Brian Stewart tweeted.

“I can’t recommend the show highly enough. You could hear a pin drop,” Stewart added. “Every seat filled. Phones all locked up when you enter. If you’re considering it— don’t miss it. Denzel is 70. He’s talking about retirement. And yet he appears to be in his best physical shape of the last 20 years.”

“Went to see Othello and Denzel had me in awe for the whole 2 hrs and 34 mins of the play,” another attendee wrote.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 10, 2025

4 Ways To Observe The National Day Of Rest For Black Women

March 10 is the National Day of Rest for Black Women. Here's how to honor the day of observance.

March 10, 2025, marks a significant occasion as we observe the National Day of Rest for Black Women. This day was established to encourage stillness, reflection, and renewal for one of the most resilient and hardworking groups in the world. At a time when rest is more essential than ever, this observance serves as a powerful reminder of the freedom and healing found in slowing down.

The 2025 National Day of Rest for Black Women coincides with the anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s passing—a fitting tribute to the legendary abolitionist and activist who dedicated her life to the liberation of others. Tubman, a trailblazer in demonstrating the immense strength Black women carry in the pursuit of justice, eventually found rest in her later years in Auburn, New York, where she purchased land and passed away at 91. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire generations, serving as a powerful reminder that rest is not just necessary but a vital act of resistance for Black women.

“This day isn’t just a commemoration of her legacy—it’s a call for all Black women to reclaim rest as a revolutionary act,” psychologist Dr. Jasmine Ross wrote of the holiday.

As the National Day of Rest for Black Women commences, Ross highlights four meaningful ways to honor this special day of self-care and sisterhood.

Prioritize Your Needs: Step away from work, responsibilities, and anything that drains your energy. Prioritize activities that restore and nourish your spirit.

Celebrate Rest as Resistance: Immerse yourself in activities that bring joy and tranquility, whether it’s curling up with a good book, meditating, or enjoying the beauty of nature.

Build Community: Join other Black women to share experiences, create space for meaningful conversations, and support each other’s healing journey.

Reflect on Harriet Tubman’s Legacy: Pause to honor Tubman’s courage and the trails she blazed, remembering that her sacrifices paved the way for us to live fully, freely, and with joy.

“Rest isn’t a luxury for Black women—it’s a necessity, a right, and a bold statement of self-worth in a world that too often demands our labor without care for our well-being,” Ross says.

“This day encourages us to pause, reflect, and pour into ourselves in ways that Harriet Tubman likely dreamed of for the women who would come after her.”

Let’s Talk About Sex: Dr. Maisha Standifer And Masonia Traylor Address The Critical Need For A Change In Narrative Around HIV And Black Women

by Janee Bolden

March 10, 2025

Let’s Talk About Sex: Dr. Maisha Standifer And Masonia Traylor Address The Critical Need For A Change In Narrative Around HIV And Black Women

The statistics are staggering

March 10 is National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and we’ve been seriously misled into underestimating the impact of the disease on our communities. The statistics are staggering — Black women are 12 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than white women. Black women make up nearly 60% of new HIV diagnoses among women in the U.S. But when was the last time you had a conversation with your friend, your sister, your niece, your cousin, or your daughter about HIV? It seems like the last time we as a community were really paying attention to this virus was when Salt’N’Pepa rapped, “ Let’s Talk About Sex,” and TLC was wearing condoms on their clothing.

When it comes to today’s fight for health equity in Black communities, Dr. Maisha Standifer and Masonia Traylor are looking to change the narrative around HIV. As leading voices in HIV awareness, advocacy, and education, both women are using their platforms to challenge stigma, push for better healthcare access, and empower Black women to take control of their health.

BLACK ENTERPRISE joined Standifer and Traylor at the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine for a candid conversation about the state of Black women’s health, the ongoing impact of HIV in our communities, and the absolute urgency of advocating for ourselves. Dr. Standifer, director for Population Health, met Traylor, a health equity task force member living with HIV, through a project funded by Gilead Sciences.

“I believe our paths were destined to cross,” Standifer says. “Through this project, we were able to be connected, and I was very fond of not just her, but her story and the upliftment and empowerment because it’s very key in terms of the visualization and the perception and narrative that is created. I’m very particular about the narrative of our young girls and young women.”

Traylor looks like any other upwardly mobile 30-something Black woman you might know and call a friend or family member. She is passionate and driven about doing the real work around educating the community, HIV prevention, treatment, and care. The founder and executive director of her own nonprofit organization, Lady Burgundy, Inc., Traylor is a graduate of Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Public Policy and, like Standifer, a community-based researcher. But beyond her professional credentials, Traylor has seen a lot in the 14 years since receiving her diagnosis, including watching friends die, primarily because of the cost of the medication to keep them alive.

“Let me be clear –- HIV is not a death sentence,” Traylor added. “But what is deadly is silence, shame, and misinformation. I was diagnosed with HIV at 23 as a young mother, and I had to fight through not just the physical health challenges but also the mental and emotional toll of stigma. Too many Black women are suffering in silence because we don’t have enough real, open conversations about it.

In an era where pRep and Truvada commercials air every night, it’s easy to see how the public could conclude that living with HIV these days is as simple as taking daily medication. And with terminology like “undetectable” being frequently thrown around without any real education or context to better inform people who haven’t been diagnosed, too many of our lives are being risked out of ignorance.

“The medication I take is $4,000 a month minimum without health insurance,” Traylor told BE. “The amount that it costs is $60,000 a year for me to remain alive, and that’s excluding the actual payment to the physician and the blood work that’s being done… HIV is an opportunity for a lot of people for money to be made.”

How many people are aware of the cost just to stay alive? Would sexually active people behave differently if they were aware of the price to pay? It’s clear that not enough discussions are being had about how HIV medication is being capitalized, but an even bigger concern for both Traylor and Standifer is the way HIV care is being handled in the Black community due to a lack of knowledge and cultural sensitivity.

“I’m concerned about what type of medical doctors are coming into this, not really knowing the history of HIV, but wanting to provide care for me as a person living with HIV,” Traylor said. “A lot of providers are coming into this who are new. They have compassion and empathy, but they don’t have a full grounding understanding of where we come from or where we’re going. Feeling like patients are entitled when they’re walking in for care and services, when they’re really coming in with a trauma that’s not being clinically diagnosed by mental health clinicians, legally and politically as a trauma.”

Navigating the HIV crisis in the Black community isn’t just a simple, clear-cut conversation about prevention and treatment. Both Standifer and Traylor are clear that the narrative has to change.

“What I learned is I didn’t get HIV from having condomless sex,” Traylor told Black Enterprise. “I got HIV from choosing to love Black men who do not prioritize their health. Part of being a protector and provider is not just providing financially -– it’s also making sure I can protect you from what is considered harmful in the environment. But harm is also internal, not just from another human being, but the internal pieces of that woman can potentially bring another life into the world –- and we’re not protecting that.”

For Standifer, it’s vital that the next generation of health providers get armed with the information necessary to provide both treatment and a prevention-centered curriculum that will help our youth navigate the risks posed by STIs.

“We talk about political, we talk about community, we talk about advocates, and we talk about activists, so when we’re looking along this spectrum, what needs to be prioritized?” Dr. Standifer asked. “Developing the future public health leaders and researchers who look like me and you. So what we do is optimize ourselves at Morehouse School of Medicine because we have that; we’re the trusted voice, the community. We may not get as much funding as institutions that are 30 minutes away, but we know we are always going to be here. We’ve always been here as HBCUs, and we’re always going to continue until we get it right. So what we’re doing now is creating courses for the next generation of clinicians to be there and normalize conversations -– ‘Hey, let’s talk about sexual health.”

The narrative about HIV within the Black community cannot be distilled into a one-hour conversation or even limited to one subject. It’s absolutely necessary that HIV education be prioritized at every level, from elementary-age kids to medical students. It’s vital that advocates like Dr. Maisha Standifer and Masonia Traylor are fully supported in their quest to provide access to education and treatment because HIV may no longer be a death sentence, but its consequences remain too dangerous to be ignored.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 10, 2025

Howard University Star Swimmer Taj Benton Signs With New Management Group

Taj Benton and the historic swimming team at Howard University are diving into a winning era.

Collegiate swimming has its eyes on a new star. Taj Benton, a leader on Howard University’s swimming and diving team, has officially signed with new representation as his success continues.

Benton has already paved the way for Howard University, the only HBCU with a Division I swimming program. According to a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the team won its second NEC Championship title in three years this past month.

The team maintained its first-place status throughout the four-day competition, solidifying its win at the final event, the 400-meter free relay. With an A-team comprised of fellow teammates Tristan Stevens, Mason Green, Tai Afrik, and Benton, the swimmers won gold with the A-team by .18 seconds. Now, Benton hopes to score Howard another conference title.

Howard has already made history as the first HBCU to win a conference, increasing diversity for the sport. Now, Benton has emerged as a new face within the program and collegiate sports. The college junior was a three-time Maryland HS State Champion and a two-time State Record Holder.

The athlete recently signed with the management company, The IPO Group, for new NIL opportunities, hoping to break records again. However, the stakes remain high to put Howard’s program among the elite swimming and diving programs.

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Given its performance at the NEC conference, Howard’s swim team will advance to the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America) National Invitational Championships (CSCAA) in Ocala, Florida. Taking place from March 13 to 15, the team hopes to bring home another trophy for their school and HBCU community.

Competing in swimming’s own “March Madness,” Benton and his fellow Howard swimmers could advance to the NCAA championships later this month in Federal Way, Washington. With a monumental season thus far, Benton hopes to shift the perception of professional swimming and shine a light on Black achievement in the sport.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 10, 2025

You Can Own Unreleased Handwritten Lyrics From Tupac Shakur For $250K

It is from a project he wrote for a group called Jesse and the Kidz before his solo career

A private sale for unreleased material from the late Tupac Shakur is listed for a quarter of a million dollars on a website known for selling rare collectible items.

Moments In Time has listed three of the “California Love” rapper’s handwritten song lyrics for an unreleased project he worked on. The group’s name was Jesse and the Kidz, and Tupac was the lead performer for the songs written on the sheets of paper up for sale. The album was recorded from late 1990 to early 1991, pre-“2Pacalypse Now,” his debut solo album. While the price is not listed on the site, TMZ reported that owning it will cost you $250,000.

On the website, the listing states, “In late 1990/early1991 Tuapc composed and recorded an unreleased album for a group called Jesse and the Kidz. It was never released due to the tragic death of one of the band members. Not only are the lyrics totally unknown-the recordings of 3 of the album’s songs with Tupac in the lead are as well. This is an extraordinary discovery.”

Reportedly, it’s a private listing, and if there are any plans to release material from the items, the seller would have to get permission from Tupac’s estate.

Although the cost of these items seems a bit pricey, another item on the site is much more expensive, with an unbelievable price tag.

TMZ initially reported in August 2024 that a notebook that once belonged to New Orleans-bred rapper Lil Wayne and contains lyrics he wrote when he was much younger is on the block. The book of rhymes was originally listed in 2019 for $250,000. Now, it’s going for a whopping price of $5 million.

Yes, $5 million for some lyrics scribbled in a very old notebook.

Moments in Time listed the notebook as “The only handwritten lyrics of Lil Wayne ever for sale.” The company stated that the notebook featured lyrics from “We On Fire” and “I Feel” when Wayne was a Cash Money Records group Hot Boys member.

by Selena Hill

March 10, 2025

Jemele Hill, Monique Rodriguez, Tunde Oyeneyin, and Minda Harts Honored at Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit

The four dynamic leaders were recognized at the Luminary Awards for demonstrating exceptional leadership, driving meaningful impact, and taking an innovative approach to create change in their respective fields.

About 1,800 Black women gathered in Las Vegas this past weekend for the 19th annual BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit, the premier professional development conference for women of color. The four-day event enriched attendees with the tools, connections, and information they need to elevate their careers and climb the corporate ladder.

In addition to panel discussions, one-on-one career and financial coaching, and networking opportunities, the summit honored four emerging leaders paving the way for the next generation of women executives and business titans during the third consecutive Luminary Awards Luncheon. Speaking in front of hundreds of Black women professionals, each honoree shared an inspirational message while accepting their award.

Monique Rodriguez Mielle — Source: L-R: Alisa Gumbs, VP/Deputy Chief Content Officer, BLACK ENTERPRISE; Monique Rodriguez, founder and CEO, Mielle Organics; Earl G. Graves Jr., CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE; and Maya Bowie, Vice President, Marketing for Walmart US (Photo: The Tyler Twins for Black Enterprise Women Of Power 2025)

“As we celebrate three years of the Luminary Awards, I’m reminded that being a trailblazer isn’t just about where we stand today—it’s about who we’re lighting the path for ahead,” said Monique Rodriguez, the founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, during her acceptance speech. “We pave the way so the next generation can go further.”

Rodriquez, a former registered nurse, began concocting products for naturally textured hair in her home a decade ago. After selling hair products independently, Mielle received a $100 million investment from Berkshire Partners, a private equity firm, in 2021. The company was later acquired by Procter and Gamble (P&G) in a massive nine-figure deal in 2023. Today, Mielle Organics operates as an independent subsidiary of P&G Beauty while Rodriquez continues to play a hands-on role in managing the brand and products.

“When I started Mielle Organics in 2014 in my kitchen, it was more than just about haircare. It was truly about purpose. It was about creating products that not only empower women to embrace their natural beauty, but also to uplift and inspire them to chase their dreams fearlessly,” she said. “As Black women, we don’t just build businesses—we build communities, and we create legacies.”

While receiving her Luminary Award, Minda Harts, a workplace consultant, author, and speaker, shared how attending the Women of Power Summit in 2017 inspired her to resign from an unfulfilling corporate position and to become a full-time entrepreneur.

“In the workplace, I was having panic attacks, depression, and I was suffering in silence,” she recalled. However, she said connecting her with other Black women in corporate America at the conference was refreshing and encouraging.

“It was a space where I could meet other people and talk about the things that I wasn’t talking about out loud,” said Harts. “I just felt so seen.”

Harts, whose 2019 bestseller, The Memo, was adapted into a short film starring Kayla Pratt last year, encouraged the audience to remain steadfast in their career journeys.

“Remember that you are seen and you are valued and you deserve to be in every room you enter, but not every room deserves to have you,” she told attendees.

Honoree Tunde Oyeneyin, a New York Times‘ best-selling author, Peloton instructor, and motivational speaker, lit up the stage while accepting her award.

“The sun doesn’t rise until I walk into the room,” she shouted while reciting the lyrics from Jorja Smith’s “Finally.” “I’m showing up for me, finally! I’m taking care of me, finally!”

After opening up about her past struggles with weight and insecurity, Oyeneyin testified that anything is possible.

“Power is your connectivity—the level of engagement you have to your purpose,” said the former makeup artist-turned-motivational speaker. “The closer you are to purpose, the stronger your power.”

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During her acceptance speech, Emmy-winning sports journalist Jemele Hill talked about the importance of speaking up and advocating for herself throughout her journey as a former ESPN writer-turned-independent journalist, on-air talent, and entrepreneur. She also thanked her family and fans for their support throughout her two-decade journey, which has left an indelible mark on journalism, broadcasting, and podcasting.

Black Enterprise Women of Power — Source: L-R: Alisa Gumbs, VP/Deputy Chief Content Officer, BLACK ENTERPRISE; Monique Rodriguez, founder and CEO, Mielle Organics; Earl G. Graves Jr., CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE; and Dr. Lauren Young, VP, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Travelers (Photo: The Tyler Twins for BLACK ENTERPRISE Women Of Power 2025)

“As I’ve been able to take these steps and climb this ladder in my career, I realized that my problem was not that I didn’t dream big. My problem was that I didn’t dream big enough,” said Hill, the co-founder of Lodge Freeway Media and a contributing writer for The Atlantic.

Hill went on to ensure attendees that she, too, experiences the same challenges as a Black woman navigating corporate spaces.

“What I would say to all the Black women in this room is, I know people see our titles, they see our successes, they see us looking fabulous, and people from afar are often amazed by the picture that we present. But I know all too well behind that picture there is somthing else happening. Every woman in this room is going through a private struggle that we know nothing about,” she said.

However, once stepping into the awards ceremony, she says she felt an “an outpouring of love” and camaraderie.

“We all know about the private struggle,” Hill continued. “We know about the scars that we have. We know that fact that when you speak up and stand up for yourself, that comes with a lot of pain. I would say to all the women in this room who have had those scars and who are carrying that baggage, that it is OK. There are better days ahead.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 10, 2025

Body Of Beloved Atlanta Teacher Found After Month-Long Search At Lake Oconee

Gary Jones was boating with his fiancée, Joycelyn Wilson, when both vanished a month ago.

Authorities have found the body of a beloved Atlanta teacher after he went missing at Lake Oconee in February.

WSB-TV reported that Gary Jones was boating with his fiancée, Joycelyn Wilson, on Feb. 8 when both vanished. After not returning to land, officials began to search for the couple. Wilson’s body was found the following day.

The search for Jones, however, continued. After weeks with no recovery, an out-of-state diving team from Wisconsin traveled to the Georgia lake to assist.

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills confirmed that the diving team, led by Keith Cormican, found Jones on March 9. Cormican traveled down through his nonprofit, Bruce’s Legacy. Named after his brother, the organization assists with search and rescue missions for drowning victims.

Cormican located Jones’s body less than 100 yards from where officials found Wilson. He described the area as extremely wooded. The team had to go 45 feet down to spot Jones’ body. SONAR was used to pinpoint where Jones could be.

“We just want to say thank you for all of the unbelievable support…this has been the worst 29 days of our life,” said Jones’ brother, Michael. “We depended heavily on our faith. Our Heavenly Father brought us through.”

He added, “We’ve had overwhelming support of folks who love Gary. Gary was a game and life changer. He helped a lot of people, and that’s why so many folks have come in to support.”

Jones was an eighth-grade teacher and track-and-field coach at Westminster, a private Christian school in Atlanta. He also coached the school’s 8th-grade basketball team.

“I have had the privilege of connecting with alumni, parents, students, and faculty members who have shared stories of Gary’s legacy and the many ways he inspired both his students and colleagues,” said Keith Evans, the school’s president. “He has profoundly impacted the Wildcat community, and his passing will be felt well beyond the boundaries of our campus.”

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