Businesses, Entrepreneurs

Celebrate ‘Momentum: Our Future, Our Promise, Our Power’ At BE’s 19th Annual Women Of Power Summit

This year's Women of Power Summit will feature business coaching, a golf outing, spa day, and exclusive giveaways from event sponsors.


It’s that time of year again, ladies! Your presence is welcome as BLACK ENTERPRISE takes over The Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada, for its Women of Power Summit 2025, the premier event for Black women in business.

Come embrace your power from Wednesday, March 5 to Saturday, March 8, with nearly 2,000 other women as BE brings together trailblazers for four days of networking, empowerment, and leadership to celebrate “Momentum: Our Future, Our Promise, Our Power!” Day one guests can settle in early and take full advantage of beauty touch-ups and a post-flight massage at the “Get Ready With Me” lounge before they head over for an afternoon Kickoff event. Attendees will participate in one-on-one traditional, peer-to-peer, or reverse mentoring sessions in the form of speed dating.

Make those first impressions as solid as you can, but don’t linger too long, because the 2025 Legacy Awards Gala red carpet awaits every woman of power to make their grand entrance that evening, donning their best attire. The event, hosted by Accenture, will celebrate notable icons of our time with this year’s Legacy honorees: Glenda McNeal, Chief Partner Officer at American Express; Tony Award winner and Grammy-nominated singer and actress, Melba Moore; and Alphabet Board of Director, Robin Washington of Honeywell International and Salesforce. Women of Power 2025 will also honor Valerie Jarret, Chief Executive Officer of the Barack Obama Foundation, with the prestigious Barbara Graves Award. Later in the week, attendees will get a chance to hear from one of the Legacy honorees during an afternoon Power Lunch.

Powerful keynote speakers will address rooms full of Black women from across a variety of industries and job sectors, including entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. Sessions will cover topics like climbing the corporate ladder, effective leadership at any age, scoring a seat in the boardroom, navigating the C-suite, overcoming workplace trauma, women-on-women bias, building solid workplace relationships, pay gaps, and more. The conversations will continue to flow with 2025 legacy honorees who will share how they are changing the game. Attendees will be able to take advantage of additional wellness, career, and financial coaching, as well as skill-building and branding bootcamps focused on artificial intelligence, increasing visibility, and more.

The Women of Power Summit never holds back from awarding inspirational women. This year, BE is thrilled to recognize Monique Rodriguez, Mielle Organics founder, and journalist Jemele Hill as 2025 Luminary Honorees. The torchbearers will be recognized during Friday’s Luminary Awards Luncheon.

Throughout the summit, guests will have access to unlimited networking and professional business development opportunities to support their progress in the workforce. Guests should leave room in their schedules for special itinerary gems like workout sessions hosted by United Health Group, grab-and-go breakfast, a golf outing, spa day, and a showcase for can’t-miss experiences and exclusive giveaways from event sponsors. Thursday’s attendees will also enjoy a Girls’ Night Out followed by a Late Night Cocktails & Conversation session to talk about out-of-office experiences.

For a full itinerary and list of 2025 speakers, visit the Women of Power 2025 event page. Registration is hosted by Equitable.

Want to know what you’re in for? Check out some of the Women of Power Summit 2024 events on Youtube.

RELATED CONTENT: Women Of Power Summit 2025

living wage, basic needs, struggle, families

Color Of Change Calls GOP Cuts To Medicaid, SNAP, And Student Loan Assistance A ‘Blow To Working Class Families’

The Color of Change is speaking out against the GOP’s proposed budget cuts to Medicaid.


The Color of Change has released an official statement in response to the GOP-led House of Representatives budget resolution to cut Medicaid, SNAP, and other resources used by millions of Americans.

After Republicans passed the controversial budget resolution in a 217-215 vote on Feb. 25, Color of Change spoke out, calling it “a devastating blow to Black families, and all working families” who will be impacted by the drastic cuts.

“The passage of this resolution is a shameful display of this Administration’s true priorities: enriching the wealthy at the expense of everyday people,” said Portia Allen-Kyle, interim executive director of Color Of Change.

“Despite promises to curb rising costs and make essentials more affordable, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their allies in Congress have made it clear that they are willing to strip healthcare, food assistance, and economic support from everyday working people to create the first trillionaires. This budget is not about fiscal responsibility—it’s about undermining our democracy by consolidating power and wealth among the elite while Black families and communities suffer.”

If approved by the Senate, the resolution would slash approximately $880 billion from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees funding for key health and welfare programs, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). With nearly 80 million Americans relying on Medicaid and CHIP, the measure could impact nearly a quarter of the U.S. population if enacted.

Due to the proposed budget, Color of Change members have started to mobilize to protest “this dangerous budget,” Allen-Kyle states. Through calls and emails, the group is working to pressure politicians to “prioritize people, not profit.”

”We will continue to fight, organize, and hold leaders accountable until justice prevails. This is not the end—it is a call to action,” she added.

If enacted, the resolution could force states to compensate for the federal funding gap, potentially resulting in coverage losses for millions, benefit reductions, or stricter eligibility criteria. Among them include allowing states to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients.

“Our communities are tired of being trickled on, and we will not stand by while extremists in Congress plunder our communities to expand corporate power and bow down to their wealthy donors,” Allen-Kyle continued. “The devastating effects of this budget plan will be felt by our grandparents, our children, and every one of us over the next decade. Color Of Change will remain vigilant and engaged throughout the budget process to ensure financial security and equal opportunity for everyone.”

RELATED CONTENT: Van Jones Reflects On $100 Million Gift From Jeff Bezos, Vision For Empowering Communities

women of power

2025 Women Of Power Summit Brings Industry Leaders To Host Sessions On Excelling In The Workplace

The sessions will tackle workplace topics from the boardroom to women-on-women bias.


BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 2025 Woman of Power Summit is right around the corner, with sessions on the schedule to help attendees advance their careers in any workplace.

Taking place from March 5-8 at The Bellagio in Las Vegas, this women’s professional development experience will discuss how to excel no matter the industry. Following BE’s Legacy Awards Gala and subsequent morning speakers and activities, comprehensive sessions will explore challenges and solutions to becoming a leader in one’s field.

Monica Simmonds, MSPH Public Health Consultant and Author, will moderate the first session on how to “Keep Rising To The Top.” Speaking with Walmart’s VP of Marketing, Maya Bowie; Manulife John Hancock’s Chief Investment Officer, Maggie Coleman; and Strategic Consultant and Performance Coach, Courtney A. Seard, the women will engage in an informative conversation on the steps they’ve taken to make it to the C-suite. The conversation will occur simultaneously with another session on portraying leadership qualities. It will include speakers such as Bayer’s VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Asha Hope, and Leadership Development Coach, Emily Nichols-Mitchell.

Attendees will also gain insight on how to finally gain a seat at the boardroom. Managing Principal Rose McKinney James will lead the discussion on advancing one’s position to obtain this corporate power. However, as Black women receive opportunities in the workplace, the “Corporate Danger Zone” still lurks in their way. Speakers like Oglivy’s Global Head of DEI, Tope Ajala, and Dell’s VP of Customer/Tech Training, Olanda Sharp-Buckley, will share how they navigate the tricky corporate ladder.

Later on, speakers will dissect workplace trauma and how to overcome these hurdles to still find success.

In the final session of the day, BE‘s Senior Digital Editor, Sidnee Douyon, will break down how to handle women-on-women bias in the office. Joined by Olivia Linson, Director of Platform Operations and Support at Aflac, and Celeste Warren, Vice President of Global Diversity & Inclusions COE at Merck, among others, the conversation will tackle dismantling conflict the professional way.

For women wanting to take the next step in their career journeys, the 2025 Women of Power Summit offers a network and an abundance of information to get there. Registration is available now on BE’s website.

RELATED CONTENT: Women Of Power Summit 2024 Recap

Trump, Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro, oil

Will We See Donald Trump On A $250 Bill Before Harriet Tubman Gets On The $20? 

Wilson feels the idea would combat the influx of inflation, which he blames on former President Joe Biden.


While Americans are still waiting for abolitionist and social activist Harriet Tubman to be seen on the $20 bill, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) announced plans for a proposed bill that will place President Donald Trump’s portrait on a $250 dollar bill, The State reported. 

The outspoken Trump supporter feels the idea would combat the influx of inflation, which he blames on former President Joe Biden. “Grateful to announce that I am drafting legislation to direct the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a $250 bill featuring Donald J. Trump,” he wrote on X, along with a mockup of what the bill could look like. 

“Bidenflation has destroyed the economy, forcing American families to carry more cash. Most valuable bill for the most valuable President!”

As the bureau only prints $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 notes, Wilson’s plans may be shut down, since federal law bans any living person’s image from being shown on U.S. currency.

The topic, however, could reopen the conversation of Tubman being printed on the $20 bill, a proposal that was introduced in 2015 after Barbara Ortiz Howard launched a Women on 20s campaign, seeking a nationwide election for a new face on the currency.

Once the vote took place, Tubman beat out women’s rights greats such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosa Parks and even garnered the support of former President Barack Obama. “I am excited to announce that for the first time in more than a century, the front of our currency will feature the portrait of a woman — Harriet Tubman on the $20 note,” he wrote in a 2016 letter to then-U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew, according to The Washington Post

Having Tubman on the bill, in addition to the abundance of white male U.S. leaders, would fix a problem of diversity as the greenbacks were named as an issue for millions of Americans struggling with vision loss, including blindness. In a 2008 opinion by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Judge Judith W. Rogers agreed with the change. “A large majority of other currency systems have accommodated the visually impaired, and the secretary does not explain why U.S. currency should be any different,” Rogers wrote. 

While Tubman’s appearance may take some time, as the Treasury Department is first legally required to investigate the issue of accessibility, placing Trump on forms of currency was already proven to be not such a great idea. When websites started selling “Trump Bucks” in 2023, they were taken down after an investigation found them to be a part of a scam with Republican supporters being the target. 

Ads with AI-generated narration and false celebrity endorsements led to victims being scammed out of thousands of invested dollars as the companies claimed Trump-branded coins, checks, and cards would become valuable after he returned to office.

RELATED CONTENT: 1st Black Director Of U.S. Mint Launches Limited-Edition Harriet Tubman Commemorative Silver, Gold Coins

A.G. motel

Alicia’s Coffee Shop Opens At Historical A.G. Motel In Birmingham

The A.G. Motel in Birmingham was declared a historical site in 2017 by President Barrack Obama.


The A.G. Motel is celebrating the grand opening of its Black-owned coffee shop on Feb. 25. Housed within the A.G. Motel, which was designated a National Historic Site in 2017, the coffee shop is part of a years-long effort to restore the building. The restoration is a collaboration between national organizations and the city.

The National Park Service, the City of Birmingham, and the Historical Preservation Authority were all present for the grand opening.

Commissioner Sheila Tyson, representing the city of Birmingham, spoke about the significance of the coffee shop. Tyson acknowledged that while its opening may seem like a small step to some, its presence represents so much more. She believes the coffee shop serves as an economic indicator for the future.

“This might seem simple to someone outside watching, ‘They just opened up a coffee shop,’ but it means so much more to our community. This is generational wealth,” Tyson said.

Naimah Alicia Elmore, co-owner of Alicia’s Coffee, cut the ribbon at the new establishment. Elmore expressed heartfelt thanks to the community that made the achievement possible. Her partner, Rashad Harrell, also spoke, promising continued dedication to their venture.

Mayor Randall Woodfin was present and spoke about the broader purpose of the coffee shop. He assured co-owners Elmore and Harrell that the city would fully support their business.

“We’re happy to have Alicia’s Coffee here in this sacred space. This coffee has a mission—it’s not just about serving coffee but about serving the community through acts of service. There’s no better place to live out those words than right here, in the space that became the headquarters for equality and justice in our city. To the owners, Naimah and Rashad, please know that your city has your back,” Woodfin said.

The A.G. Gaston Motel was once owned by A.G. Gaston, a Black millionaire. The space played a crucial role during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders used the motel’s “Room 30” to plan and strategize the movement.

Darrell O’Quinn, Birmingham City Council President, reflected on the historical significance of the space. O’Quinn emphasized that the lessons and legacy of the A.G. Gaston Motel should be remembered and embraced, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges to civil liberties in recent years.

“In order for Birmingham to reach its full potential, we must support our local entrepreneurs. We must focus on economic empowerment, but we must also remain committed to protecting our national monuments, which belong to all of us. This history cannot—and will not—be erased on a whim, even amid the daily tornado of bad news we’ve all had to witness and endure lately. We will resist, and we will get through this,” O’Quinn said.

RELATED CONTENT: Atlanta’s Historic Auburn Avenue Is In The Midst Of Major Revitalization

nia long, love jones

Could A ‘Love Jones’ Sequel Be In The Works? Nia Long, Larenz Tate Discuss The Possibilities

After reprising their roles from the classic movie for a Walmart commercial, both are hoping a part 2 is next.


With the recent announcement that Nia Long and Larenz Tate will host the 29th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) as ambassadors for the annual film fest, the audience still wonders and hopes that they will reprise their roles as Nina and Darius from their romantic movie, “Love Jones” which came out in 1997. While both actors have done so much since the iconic love story was told, the duo doesn’t look much older than when they filmed the project.

The couple reunited for a Walmart promotion over the holidays, reprising their roles as the couple, but in their later years, sharing thoughts as to what the couple would be doing now.

BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke to Long and Tate to discuss the possibility of an upcoming movie. Like fans of the movie, they are just as excited as we are about the possibility of it happening.

The two say they have remained friends all these years and would be excited about rehashing the roles that the public still questions them about, especially when they are out together.

“I think this is something the fans have been waiting for, for a very long time. Larenz and I have a shorthand with one another,” Long said. “We are like brother and sister, honestly. I mean, you guys see the characters in this romantic setting, but we really have a wonderful shorthand with one another that is timeless. And ‘Love Jones’ is one of my favorite films. Wherever I go where, wherever we are, everyone’s like, when are you guys gonna do something together? And it was so cool when Walmart asked to do this commercial.”

“It’s been really a joy to reunite with Nia,” Tate says. “Obviously, we continue on with our strong friendship in real life, but when we’re able to find moments like this man, it just feels so good, and we’ve tried many times to figure out what we can do, but this just seems seamless. This opportunity worked with Walmart, which is such a great brand and we were like this makes absolute sense. Let’s give our fans and the people that we consider family who’ve been supporting us for so many years a little peek into where Nina and Darius could be or where they are right now.”

Knowing that after the Walmart commercial came out last year, the audience would be clamoring to see Nina and Darius once again, they both knew that it should open the door for the possibility of rehashing the continuation of what may arguably be one of the best love stories seen on film. Tate speculates that it will place both actors in a better position when it comes to negotiations about doing a “Love Jones” sequel.

“That puts us in a position that we want to be in, to be able to create what that next thing is,” said Tate. “And so, with Nia being smart and creative and the incredible businesswoman that she is, I’d like to meet her on that same level. This will open up the doors for us to answer those questions after really, you know, after this, but we’re working on something.”

Long chimed in by thanking Walmart and saying, “We’re going to have lots of offers after this commercial; thank you, Walmart!”

She admits that of all the leading men she has shared the screen with, Tate is hands down her “favorite.”

Yet, both are excited about the opportunities that may come from reuniting for the Walmart commercial: possibly a television show, another film, a sequel, or maybe even a new story that reunites the two.

But, they did reveal a little tidbit that fans may not have been privy to. They both reunited for an upcoming movie about the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson. Long plays the legend’s mother, Katherine Jackson, while Tate takes on the role of Motown Founder Berry Gordy.

Seeing the two of them on the screen together makes the audience want to see Nina and Darius soon. Hopefully, after the recent Walmart commercial, the upcoming ABFF in June, and then the Michael Jackson movie, tentatively scheduled to debut in October, may be enough to get the sequel to “Love Jones” going.

RELATED CONTENT: Prince, Nia Long, Glynn Turman Among 30 Newcomers to The Hollywood Walk Of Fame 

homebuying, Ohio, Georgia dream, homeownership, the credit bros

Georgia Lawmakers Introduce A New Bill To Curb Homeownership Fraud

The bill would require homeowners to be notified if someone files a deed on their property.


Georgia Lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would help combat homeownership fraud.

WSB-TV reported that House Bill 427 would require notifications to deed owners if someone files a deed for their property. Once the records are presented to a clerk, the county superior court where the request is filed must notify the property’s owner within 15 days.

The owners will then receive a 45-day notice to confirm to the courts if the filing is legitimate or not. However, there is some leeway on whether current owners must have notification.

If filers can provide a notarized affidavit with their records or a notarized power of attorney letter, then they can have the courts forego the requirement. This notification would also extend to someone filing a mortgage or property line.

Five Georgia lawmakers co-sponsored the bipartisan bill. They hope the bill will ensure property rights for deed holders through this new process for authorization. This push comes amid concerns about fraudulent property transactions. With the notification requirement, property owners would be granted the ability to take action if they consider these records illegitimate.

During the Feb. 13 meeting that introduced HB247, opposers expressed concerns about the processes’ viability, as obtained by Citizen Portal. Despite this, supporters hope to safeguard property ownership through extra security measures. However, there lies a potential issue with administrative capabilities to do so.

Real estate fraud itself remains a prevalent issue. According to the CertifID’s newly released 2024 State of Wire Fraud study, almost 1 in four consumers claim to have faced fraud attempts during the real estate closing process. With buyers, sellers, and mortgage lenders at risk of impersonation, lawmakers are developing new ways to assure legitimate sales on all fronts.

While this legislation primarily helps those on the homeowner side, the bill seeks to reduce real estate fraud in general. Moreover, the bill’s potential passing hopes to improve public trust in secure property transactions.

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia’s Potential Homebuyers Face Skyrocketing Prices

Vanessa E. Wyche, NASA

Vanessa Wyche Promoted To 3rd Ranking Executive At NASA

Wyche’s new promotion as NASA's acting associate administrator is the highest-ranking civil servant position.


Vanessa Wyche, the first Black woman to lead a NASA center, has been appointed as the space agency’s acting associate administrator, catapulting the South Carolina native to the third-highest ranking executive within the U.S. government agency.

The former director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston is pleased to take on her new role, which, according to NASA, calls on her to lead 10 center directors and the mission directorate associate administrators at NASA headquarters in Washington. Acting as the space agency’s chief operating officer, she oversees 18,000 employees and an annual budget of over $25 billion. The Houston Chronicle reported that the recent promotion also places Wyche in the highest-ranking civil servant position.

“I am honored to assume this leadership position as the agency continues operating and developing impactful missions,” said Wyche.

The NASA director was tapped for the position to replace Jim Free, who left the agency last week after his 30-year mark. “She brings a wealth of experience, deep understanding and commitment to the agency’s mission,” said NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro. As previously highlighted by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Wyche, whose career spans over 35 years, served as deputy director at Johnson since 2018. She has held other leadership roles with the agency as director of the Exploration Integration and Science Directorate, flight manager for several of the former Space Shuttle Program’s missions, and the Office of the NASA Administrator’s executive officer.

Wyche’s promotion follows an abrupt halt to diversity and inclusion programs within the agency in January. In a statement to employees, Petro said that “with a rapidly changing and dynamic landscape, Vanessa’s leadership will help guide our agency through the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Wyche is an alum of Clemson University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a Master of Science in Bioengineering and was inducted as a member of the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists. She holds an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from Texas Southern University and another in Science from Coastal Carolina University. Her career has been replete with numerous awards and recognitions, which include the Presidential Rank Award, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, and two NASA Achievement Medals. She also holds memberships with the National Academy of Engineering, the American Institute of Physics Foundation board of trustees, and Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences advisory board.

As noted by CW39 Houston, the NASA executive will address a class of nearly 1,500 graduates in May as the featured speaker at the University of Houston-Downtown’s 78th Commencement ceremony.

RELATED CONTENT: FDA Finally Revokes FD&C Red No. 3 For Food And Drugs

Black History, New York City, Students

Decatur City Schools Will Now Charge Tuition For Out of District K-5 Students

The yearly tuition: nearly $8,000.


The Decatur City School System, one of Georgia’s best school systems, is now charging tuition for admittance for some students. The decision was made at a Feb. 11 board of education meeting. 

Representatives from City Schools of Decatur sent a statement to WSB-TV to clarify the terms. Students zoned for the district will continue to receive free admittance to local schools. However, K-5 students who live outside the school district will pay nearly $8,000 in yearly tuition 

The school system said that the tuition rate will fluctuate annually based on state expenditures and revenue.

It is, the school system said, “an opportunity to advance our strategic accelerator of organization effectiveness and excellence, as well as an opportunity to serve more students in our amazing schools.”

The change was proposed to address declining enrollment and help offset budget deficits. According to the proposal presented at the board meeting, an estimated 60 students will generate the needed revenue of $472,980.

Decatur City is located in Dekalb County and has an estimated 5,700 students residing within the city. The incorporated city is home to a virtual institute and 10 K-5 schools.

Applications to apply for tuition spaces will begin in April. A lottery or selection process will take place in May, the district said, WSB-TV reports.

School officials also said they plan to include a waitlist, if needed.

The school system rankings for Decatur may draw families willing to pay the hefty price tag. According to World Population Review, Georgia ranks #31 in the nation for education.

For parents considering relocating for better educational options, they’re in for a trip. The five top-ranked states for education are Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia, and New Hampshire.

RELATED CONTENT: School Districts Adopt 4-Day Instructional Week To Attract Educators

North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC, HBCU,

NCAT Launches Program To Boost Enrollment Of Black Men At HBCUs

The program allows Black male students to connect and speak openly about the struggles they face while pursing their degrees.


As the enrollment of Black men at HBCUs continues to decrease, North Carolina A&T University has launched a new program for male students and faculty to support one another and stay in school.

Aggie M.E.N., an acronym for Male Empowerment Network, provides mentorship and events focusing on the well-being of Black men at NCAT. The program is offered to male students at the beginning of these academic journeys and throughout their matriculation.

It aims to address the societal and internal issues that can prevent many Black men from completing their degrees. By engaging Black male youth in tutoring sessions, communal events, and campus activities, they hope to increase graduation rates and sustain a pipeline of enrollment at HBCUs.

While NCAT takes direct action to keep Black young men in higher education, these concerns linger across many institutions. NBC News revealed new statistics confirming that Black men’s enrollment at HBCUs has reached their lowest rates in 50 years. According to the American Institute for Boys and Men, these rates have dropped 25% since 2010.

“This is potentially a crisis for the country as a whole,” said Dr. Richard Reeves, who studied the factors that have led to this jarring statistic.

“If HBCUs can’t be a place where Black men want to go and do better, then that doesn’t bode very well for the entire higher education system.”

However, NCAT’s initiative to address this gap for its current Black male students could help resolve the issue.

Reeves added, “If HBCUs are a crucial ladder for upward economic mobility, and they are, we do see very good evidence that Black students who attend HBCUs will get a boost.”

Since joining, students in Aggie M.E.N. have already begun to see the difference in their educational experience.

“I feel like Aggie M.E.N. put me around a lot of like-minded people and people who have been here before me,” shared Shemi Bukoie, a sophomore at NCAT. “So they’re able to show me what their mistakes [were] and what worked for them, and having that guidance has allowed me to be successful.”

RELATED CONTENT: Trump’s Reckless Renaming Of Landmarks Reflects Broader Failures And Unchecked White Male Privilege

×