Tyrese
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Tyrese Brings That Turtleneck Energy To NYC Streets In Bid For Usher & Chris Brown Tour

Tyrese danced in street smoke for 37 minutes in his quest to make it on the tour.


Tyrese wants an opener slot for Usher and Chris Brown’s upcoming joint tour.

The R&B crooner made his case on social media, showing off a snippet of his dancing skills while in the streets of New York City. To prove his dedication, he revealed that he danced in smoke for 37 minutes to get a call back, potentially.

He shared a snippet of his audition on social media, offering the full tape only on his Patreon.

“Y’all know what it is,” he said during a break from his dancing.

Fans, unsure of Tyrese’s level of seriousness, began to laugh in the comments at his audacious call. Some welcomed the idea of Tyrese joining the R&B royalty on tour. However, some wanted Tyrese there for his comedic presence, not his musical hits.

One commenter wrote, “Approved…We need a good laugh before we sweat and faint.”

Before he became an internet personality, Tyrese made his debut as a respected crooner and actor. His 2002 hit “How You Gonna Act Like That” climbed to #7 on Billboard Hot 100, while his fifth album, Open Invitation, received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B album in 2011.

Alongside hits such as 1998’s “Sweet Lady” and 2011’s “Stay,” Tyrese could hold his own onstage. However, Usher and Brown have yet to respond to the 47-year-old singer’s request to open their set.

Usher and Brown revealed the news of their “Raymond & Brown” tour with a cinematic announcement on April 10. The two will head out on their first joint tour, bringing their classic hits to entertain fans of the male R&B singers.

Tyrese also goes way back with his fellow 90s heartthrob, with one fan mentioning how he got a gig with Usher early in his career.

“Well idk if y’all remember, but Tyrese was in Usher’s “My Way ”video tho,” explained one commenter to fans. “He was dancing.”

The two could reunite again on a modern stage. However, the Raymond & Brown tour has yet to release official dates and cities for their heavily anticipated show. In the meantime, Tyrese may continue to plead his case for why he should join the tour.

RELATED CONTENT: Tyrese Offers Hope For Second TGT Album

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Miles College Alum, Alexia Jayy, Becomes First Black Woman To Win NBC’s ‘The Voice’

HBCU alum Alexia Jayy has made history as the first Black woman to win NBC’s The Voice.


An HBCU alumna from Miles College in Alabama has made history as the first Black woman to win NBC’s “The Voice.”

On April 14, Alexia Jayy of Irvington, Alabama, was crowned the winner of Season 29 of “The Voice,” becoming the first Black woman to win in the show’s 15-year history, HBCU Game Day reports. The Miles College alumna and mother of three topped finalists Liv Ciara (second), Lucas West (third), and Mikenley Brown (fourth) with standout performances of “Lady Marmalade” and Adele’s “One and Only.”

Days after her win, Alexia Jayy (born Bri Jackson) returned home to Irvington, where family, friends, and community members welcomed her home with pride and celebration.

“These are all the singers in my family, and they’re celebrating because I won ‘The Voice,’” Jayy said.

Throughout the competition, Jayy stood out from her blind audition with “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” After joining Adam Levine’s team, she continued to impress with performances of “Nightshift” by The Commodores, Whitney Houston’s “You Give Good Love,” and Aretha Franklin’s “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You).”

From her beginnings in a gospel girl group to sharing stages with icons like Lauryn Hill at the Grammys, Jayy said the journey still feels surreal at times.

“For Miss Lauryn Hill to want me to be a part of something that she has going is probably the most amazing thing in the world,” Jayy said.

Her uncle, Leodis Payne, said his niece has always stood out, crediting her dedication and persistence in pursuing her passion for music.

“To perfect what you’re doing, you need to stay with it to be great. She stayed with it, and I don’t have to tell you she’s great, she’s great,” Payne said.

Shortly after her win on The Voice, Alexia Jayy took the stage on the “Today Show” to perform “Rent Free,” one of many major stages she hopes to continue gracing.

“I’m going to keep getting on those big stages, keep working, because this is only the beginning,” Jayy said.

RELATED CONTENT: T.I. Set For Atlanta United’s HBCU Night, Performing With Clark Atlanta And Morehouse Marching Bands

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Louisiana Man Kills 8 Children, 7 Of His Own, In Mass Shooting

The man was supposed to appear in court with his wife, also wounded in the gunfire, over their separation.


A Louisiana man has killed eight children, seven of them his own, in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The fatal shooting occurred in the early hours of April 19, with police killing the alleged shooter, identified as Shamar Elkins, after a pursuit. During Elkins’ killing spree, 10 victims were hit with bullets, including two adult women, as stated by the Shreveport Police Department at a news conference.

However, nearly all of the fatalities were his biological children, with the additional child identified as one of their cousins. According to information from the coroner’s office obtained by CBS News, the slain children’s ages ranged from 3 to 11. The mothers identified the children as Jayla Elkins, 3; Shayla Elkins, 5; Kayla Pugh, 6; Layla Pugh, 7; Markaydon Pugh, 10; Sariahh Snow, 11; Khedarrion Snow, 6; and Braylon Snow, 5. 

A police report further detailed how the man initially shot one woman before going to another home and fatally killing eight people inside. One of the victims managed to escape to a nearby residence to call the police.

The police confirmed the incident as a domestic case. At the same time, the family’s relative told the Associated Press that both of the women shot were the mothers of the suspected shooter’s children. The relative recalled that he and his wife were due in court that Monday over their pending separation.

Shreveport police detailed that, following the gunfire, Elkins attempted to flee the scene by carjacking a vehicle. However, the police chase ended with open fire, leaving the Louisiana man dead. Elkins’ past includes a 2019 guilty plea to a weapons-related charge. He previously spent seven years in the Louisiana Army National Guard as both a signal support system and fire support specialist until 2020, according to Army records.

The shooting has shocked the Shreveport community while garnering national attention, especially considering its domestic nature. State and local leaders condemned the incident, noting it as one of the gravest acts of violence in Shreveport’s history. On a national level, the incident is the deadliest mass shooting in over two years.

“Over 30% of our crimes and 30% of our murders in the city of Shreveport are domestic in relation. Now that number has gone up,” Shreveport Councilman Grayson Boucher said at a news conference.“We’ve more than doubled our homicide rate in the city of Shreveport because of one act of domestic violence.”

According to a 2026 Domestic Violence Special Report released by the FBI, violent crimes within domestic relationships have also increased over a five-year study period initiated in 2020. Of these numbers, police nationwide reported 11,000 domestic violence murder victims. In total, they also documented over 1.1 million victims of domestic violence, with nearly 75% of all victims identifying as female.

As the Louisiana State Police and detectives begin investigating the mass shooting, anti-gun advocates have also spoken out about the scene. Former elected official and gun violence victim, Gabby Giffords, also called for justice to prevent such tragedies.

“This is a devastating act of domestic gun violence, taking the lives of eight young children. My heart is breaking for their families, the survivors, and everyone in Shreveport today,” Giffords said. “All of us should be outraged that we live in a country that routinely subjects our kids to such unimaginable violence.”

RELATED CONTENT: Cheating Prank Leads To Shots Fired And Boyfriend Behind Bars

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4/20 Guide: Cannabis, Music And Business Events To Get With

This year’s calendar features a diverse range of activations


As the cannabis industry matures, 4/20 has evolved from an informal counterculture holiday into a sophisticated intersection of entertainment, entrepreneurship, and community building. This year’s calendar features a diverse range of activations —from legendary hip-hop performances in iconic outdoor venues to curated networking sessions designed for the next generation of industry leaders.

420 on the Rocks (Morrison, Colorado) — West Coast icons Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube headline this premier concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater on April 20. The AEG-presented lineup includes Too $hort and Czarface, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and showtime at 7 p.m. This event is a central destination for cannabis culture, merging hip-hop history with the modern 4/20 holiday experience.

Vibe & Eat 4/20 Networking Experience (Baltimore) — Entrepreneurs @chefcapes and @tequierojugo host this professional social event on April 20 at JÜGO Fresco. Running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the experience focuses on community-building for creatives and founders. By combining infused culinary arts with structured networking sessions, the event fosters collaboration among Black professionals and entrepreneurs in a high-energy environment.

Negro Jeoparty (Los Angeles) — Produced by Antidepressants Media, this Black culture-driven trivia experience returns to the Rockwell Lounge on April 21. The event merges comedy and community with “the art of the herb,” featuring interactive gameplay centered on Black history and pop culture. It provides a unique alternative to traditional nightlife by creating a space for cultural joy and connection.

Cannafest ATL: A 4/20 Celebration for the Culture (Atlanta) — Organized by Rick’s Rulez, this curated community activation takes place April 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at a private location. The event connects Black creatives and entrepreneurs through a marketplace of premium vendors and live performances. It prioritizes intentional networking and spiritual growth, encouraging professional involvement within the modern cannabis industry.

High on Vibes with Jadakiss (Brooklyn, New York) — In case you missed it, legendary rapper Jadakiss hosted a curated nightlife-meets-cannabis experience on April 19. Designed for cultural tastemakers, the event features live DJ performances and premium cannabis pairings in a VIP setting. This Brooklyn activation serves as a key component of Jadakiss’ expanding cannabis business portfolio, bridging the gap between hip-hop legacy and commercial industry growth.

RELATED CONTENT: 6 Black-Owned Dispensaries Leading Social Equity In Cannabis

Treasury Sec, Tax Withholding Adjustments,
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Treasury Sec Encourages Tax Withholding Adjustments, But Bigger Paychecks Could Cost Later

Adjustments to tax withholding may be the right move for those paying more than they owe.


Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says taxpayers should adjust their tax withholding this year, which would put more money back into their paychecks.

With the Tax Day deadline passed, Bessent wants Americans to take advantage of new policies that could result in more money each payday. He encouraged taxpayers to get more out of this tax year by adjusting their withholding status.

“I want to encourage everyone out there watching today to change their withholding if they haven’t already done so,” he said during an April 15 White House press briefing recorded on C-SPAN.

According to USA.gov, tax withholding is the portion of a W-2 employee’s paycheck that is withheld and sent directly to the IRS to cover expected taxes owed. However, employees can adjust how much, if any, money is taken from their checks. This also depends on new life changes, such as having a child or holding multiple jobs.

“If you change your withholding, then you will get an automatic real wage increase … on a weekly or a monthly basis, and you will be able to keep more of your money this calendar year,” Bessent added.

This advice comes on the heels of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful” bill and during Financial Literacy Month. According to CNBC, the legislation implemented deductions for tips, overtime, and auto loan interest. However, the law took effect halfway through 2025, leaving employers without updated withholding tables, which also contributed to larger refunds.

While adjusters could see more money in the short term, this could come with its own drawbacks. With April as Financial Literacy Month, one should have an estimation of what they could owe next tax season.

If one received a higher-than-normal tax refund, it may make sense to lower their withholdings, even if no significant life changes occurred. However, they could run the risk of having a balance next season if they take back more than what Uncle Sam owes them.

Furthermore, tax experts say that tax withholding is a tricky situation, with everyday taxpayers unable to guarantee they will owe no money next season. Yahoo Finance also reports that one could incur underpayment penalties if one’s total withholding doesn’t cover 90% of the taxes on one’s returns.

However, taxpayers seeking to avoid overpayment can use the free IRS tax withholding estimator to estimate their expected taxes. While that can help employees make the best decision about withholding, it does not guarantee precise calculations, especially in more complex financial situations.

For those who don’t mind getting their money back at the end of tax season, they can skip out on the bigger paychecks, while also avoiding paying Uncle Sam further. On the other hand, those who could greatly benefit from keeping their money may find the adjustment worth any potential risk.

RELATED CONTENT: Here’s What The Average Refund Looks Like For 2026 Tax Day

Les Birdies,Black Women, Golf
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Tee Time With Purpose: Les Birdies Hits 50 Years Of Uplifting Black Women In Golf

The golf club will host a gala and golf tournament to reflect on its enduring legacy.


A Black women-founded golf club in Cincinnati is teeing off for a significant milestone.

The Les Birdies Golf Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary as it embarks on another era of trailblazing programming. Its members will gather on the greens for the event, which celebrates its history and continued purpose.

Its golfers remember how the founding members created a lane that encouraged inclusivity in the sport. Given the exclusive nature of other golf clubs, Les Birdies offered Black women a new way to practice their own swings in 1976.

“We were not welcome in many places, and the golf course was not an exception,” recalled Jackie Parker, the club’s membership chair, to WCPO.

Through the gumption of Theresa Bassette, Barbara Cooksey, Mamie Lewis, Kathleen Tolbert, and others, these Black women golfers decided to play by their own rules. Remarking on this enduring legacy, Les Birdies will commemorate a half-century of service with a 50th anniversary gala.

The gala will reflect on Les Birdies’ dedication to making the sport accessible to Black women golfers. While the group has expanded over generations, its work goes beyond the golf course.

Although teaching Black women the art of the swing is a part of their programming, Les Birdies has fostered a mentorship program and sisterhood. With members of all ages, they have launched tutoring services, scholarship opportunities, and more for women and girls throughout the Cincinnati area.

Alongside a gala, this commemorative year will also feature a 50th Anniversary golf tournament. At the July 18 event, golfers also will “[play] it forward” for the next generation to change the look of golf.

“What began on the course grew into a powerful platform for impact—supporting students through scholarship tournaments, engaging youth through outreach programs, and building meaningful community partnerships,” described the Les Birdies golf club. “Through these efforts, the club has helped young people pursue higher education and introduced countless youth to the game of golf.”

RELATED CONTENT: Eastside Golf Apparel Brand Hosts ‘Community Days’ To Get More Black People Teeing Up

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Jackson State University Appoints First Alumna President To Lead HBCU Permanently

Dr. Denise Gregory is the insitution's first alumna president and second woman to take on the position.


Jackson State University has found its long-term leader, appointing its first alumna president.

Dr. Denise Jones Gregory will take over as the 14th president of the Mississippi HBCU. The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning named Gregory as the permanent successor after years of leadership turnover.

Before her transition as the school’s official leader, Gregory held the position on an interim basis since May 2025. With her steadfast leadership, the board has decided to upgrade Gregory’s title as they move JSU to a new era, The Grio reported.

JSU had faced previous trials of appointing a president that fulfilled their long-term vision, resulting in leadership shuffles that plagued the university for the past decade. Now, they hope to stabilize the institution while Gregory paves the way.

The school also aims for Gregory’s tenure to combat donor uncertainties and enrollment lulls with this new issuance. To do so, the school and state officials opted to look into its wide alumni base. Within it, they found an esteemed scholar and academic leader with Gregory.

An alum of JSU, graduating with her bachelor’s in chemistry, Gregory scaled her educational journey with a doctoral degree. She received her doctorate from the Georgia Institute of Technology, returning to Jackson to work for her alma mater.

Before her most prestigious appointment to-date, she served as provost and vice president of academic affairs at the HBCU. Following an 8-month-long search process for the next leader, the Board of Trustees solidified their confidence in Gregory to propel JSU to its greatest potential.

“The Board of Trustees put a tremendous amount of time and energy into this search process, and we are confident in Dr. Gregory’s ability to help write the next chapter,” said Dr. Steven Cunningham, vice president of the board and chair of the search committee, of the homegrown selection.

Her appointment, however, overcame its own roadblocks. The Board had to overrule a policy that interim presidents could not be considered for permanent roles, in order for Gregory to take on the position. As the JSU community called for greater transparency and sustainable hirings, Gregory’s appointment hopes to soothe tensions between the HBCU’s campus and the state.

RELATED CONTENT: Shilo Sanders Returns To Jackson State For First Time Since Leaving The University

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NAACP Sues Elon Musk’s xAI Over Alleged Pollution From Southern Data Centers

The affected areas include neighborhoods near the Tennessee-Mississippi border.


The NAACP has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI. The lawsuit accuses xAI of violating federal environmental laws by operating unpermitted gas turbines at a data center in the South.

The lawsuit, filed in Mississippi federal court on April 14, focuses on xAI’s “Colossus” and “Colossus II” data centers, which power the company’s chatbot technology. According to the complaint, the facilities use dozens of methane gas turbines that allegedly emit harmful pollutants into nearby residential communities, Futurism reports.

The NAACP alleges that xAI violates the Clean Air Act of 1970 by operating these turbines without proper permits. The civil rights organization is seeking to halt the use of the methane gas turbines and impose financial penalties on xAI for what it describes as ongoing environmental harm.

“All too often, big corporations like xAI treat our communities and families like obstacles to be pushed aside,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson told the Guardian. “We cannot afford to normalize this kind of environmental injustice — where billion-dollar companies set up polluting operations in Black neighborhoods without any permits and think they’ll get away with it because the people don’t have the power to fight back.”

The affected areas include neighborhoods near the Tennessee-Mississippi border, particularly around Memphis and Southaven, Tennessee. Many of these communities are historically Black and have long faced environmental challenges, including higher rates of asthma, respiratory illness, and cancer risks above the national average.

Environmental advocates say the turbines release nitrogen oxides and other toxic substances, including formaldehyde, which are known to have serious long-term health effects. In addition to air pollution, residents have also complained about persistent noise from the equipment, further impacting the quality of life.

“A data center should not be a potential death sentence for a community’s health,” Abre’ Conner, the NAACP’s director of environmental and climate justice, said in a statement. “By looking to evade clear air laws to operate dirty turbines that emit pollution and known carcinogens, these companies are following a shameful, familiar pattern: asking Black and frontline communities to bear the toxic brunt of ‘innovation’.”

xAI did not respond to the Guardian’s request for comment.

The lawsuit also calls for xAI to install what regulators describe as the “best available control technology” to limit emissions if operations continue.

The NAACP has also sued xAI for its Colossus facility in Memphis.

RELATED CONTENT: Missouri Town Fires City Council Members Days After It Approved $6B Data Center Deal 

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Courtesy of Brett Cowart

‘Can Do It Better’: How Brett Cowart Built Length & Locs From The Roots Up

Cowart explains how she went from a personal solo stylist to having a family-run operation.


For Brett Cowart, the hair industry isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about overcoming “hair trauma” and building a legacy. Based in Clinton, Maryland, Cowart has turned a personal necessity into a multibrand enterprise, navigating physical setbacks and the complexities of government-style contract administration to ensure her business, Length & Locs, thrives in an up-and-coming area and competitive online market.

Cowart spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE about the transition from her solo styling to a family-run operation and why she believes she can always “do it better.”

BE: Tell us what made you decide to go for it and start this business?

I still am the only person who does my hair because I have hair trauma. I would braid my hair, and when the full loc phase came about, I would do all these full locs on myself and clients. Once I perfected the method, I was like, “Oh, I got something going.” 

BE: How did you begin the process of filtering out how to actually make money, rather than just “playing with hair”?

Before I went full throttle with the hair business, my background was in subcontracts and contract administration. I already knew how to do price analysis, comparing rates, and all that stuff. It was easy to slide over because I knew what a profit margin should actually be based on, analyzing rates in the government world. 

BE: Initially, you were the only one working. Is that still the case?

No. Things got busy, and I had a cousin who had no experience; she came in and picked it up. Then I had a college student, my son’s girlfriend; she didn’t have a job, and she picked it up, too. She’s still working with me, and that’s how we are still pumping out locs. It’s a family affair.

BE: What are the names of your businesses?

The first one I call Sweet CDIB, which stands for “Can Do It Better.” That goes with all my businesses. The new shop is Length & Locs. I’m venturing now into expanding the loose bundles business because we already sold them, so I’m making it all collide.

BE: What do you want people to know about Length & Locs specifically?

It’s the best of both worlds because I have tested all the hair for the loc extensions and all the hair for the bundles. I’m one of those people who switch up a lot. I know what it’s like to get trash hair. I am the worst customer because I’m so picky, so I give the customers everything I would want.

BE: You mentioned your family is involved. How many children do you have?

I’ve got a 23-year-old and a 6-year-old. My son, 23, actually runs the inventory and does the orders. He’s basically mini-me. He doesn’t love it, but he better go ahead and contribute to this generational wealth! He’s building something.

Cowart’s journey from a basement tinkerer to a business owner in the DMV area is a testament to the power of “doing it better.” By combining a meticulous eye for quality with the analytical rigor of contract administration, she has created a sustainable model that involves her family and serves a community that, like her, is tired of “trash hair.” For Cowart, the goal is clear: building a brand that lasts for the next generation.

RELATED CONTENT: Courtney Adeleye Makes History With Both Haircare Businesses Stocked At Major Retailers

Obama, Mayor Mamdani, preschool, NYC
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former President Barack Obama read to a group of toddlers at Learning Through Play Pre-K Center in the South Bronx. Saturday, April 18, 2026. Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

Obama And NYC Mayor Mamdani Read, Sing With Bronx Preschoolers To Hype Childcare Push

Obama officially met the famed mayor as the two sang songs and read books to NYC pre-schoolers.


Former President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are officially partners in storytime.

The two political figures met for the first time to read to New York City pre-schoolers at an early childhood center in the Bronx. CNN reported that the duo came together April 18 for the event, reading from a children’s book to the students and the public’s amusement.

The link-up comes as Mamdani rolls out applications for the city’s 2-k program, calling in big names to help promote the expanded universal childcare initiative. Obama opted to lend his skills to the program, singing “Wheels on the Bus” with Mamdani to the young children.

“In between singing wheels on the bus, the two leaders discussed the Mayor’s vision for the City and the importance of giving New York’s Cutest the strongest start possible,” shared Mamdani Press Secretary Joe Calvello in a statement.

Mamdani has ambitious plans to fulfill his promises to New Yorkers, one of which is to expand universal childcare. The program will enable thousands of local families to participate in the initiative, providing parents and children with the opportunity to grow. He also teamed up with Bronx-born rapper Cardi B to further promote the program.

The two leaders met in private before joining the classroom, finally holding a meeting since Mamdani’s appointment this January. With their schedules aligning, Obama and Mamdani decided to spend time with New York City’s smallest residents.

However, Obama and Mamdani did not speak with reporters about their shared engagement. Instead, they kept their conversations kid-friendly, bypassing the press on their way out.

While Obama did not endorse Mamdani during his 2025 campaign, he had reportedly reached out to the elected official upon his win in November. Obama offered advice for his upcoming term, emphasizing the importance of hiring officials dedicated to helping New York and fulfilling his vision for the city.

Obama, however, is not the only president Mamdani has cozied up to. Surprisingly, the Democratic socialist has a relatively good relationship with current Commander-in-Chief Donald Trump. The two have met and spoken several times since Mamdani took office, with Trump having initially high thoughts of the NYC mayor.

However, their relationship may have taken a turn as Mamdani rolls out another one of his promises, taxing the rich. Trump criticized the pied-à-terre tax, accusing the mayor of “destroying New York” with his proposition. The policy imposes a tax on NYC homeowners who do not primarily reside in the city and who own second properties valued at over $5 million.

Despite the backlash, Mamdani remained unfazed as he continues to put his plans into action across New York City.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Accuses Mamdani Of ‘Destroying New York City’ Following Tax Hike On ‘Rich’ Non-Full-Time Residents

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