Ethiopian, Fashion Creator, Viral — Photo by Ron Lach, Pexels

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 19, 2026

Ethiopian Fashion Creator Goes Viral For Turning Disposable Materials Into Statement Looks

Kalu Putik is equalizing the playing field of high fashion.

An Ethiopian fashion creator is turning found resources into statement pieces.

Known on the internet as as kaluputics, Kalu Putik is showing that anything can become a fashionable look. He has gained traction on social media for his unique approach to fashion that thrives on innovation and resourcefulness.

With over 562,000 followers on Instagram alone and 703,000 followers on TikTok, Putik is proving the impossible with fashion. Standing in front of a wall with makeshift shoe stands, he has taken materials found across his home area to create looks that showcase his creativity as an emerging visionary. Now, fashion enthusiasts have applauded his skill and eye for turning disposable materials into distinct outfits.

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Putik now has a wide-ranging list of admirers, including A-listers like Sza, who have marveled at his unique designs with refurbished fabrics and other materials. Others also hinted that established fashion houses might be biting off Putik’s aesthetic.

“Balenciaga in the lab as we speak,” shared one commenter.

Another emphasized, “So the fact he has vision is genius. All he needs is proper tools and environment and he definitely has the makings of a designer.”

@kalu.putic
♬ original sound – @”kalu.putic

According to LinkedIn, the emerging designer is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital. The LinkedIn user Jolyon Varley praised Putik’s ability to transform leftover materials into fashionable pieces.

“All using locally sourced materials and everyday objects to create his looks,” wrote Varley. “No expensive tools. Just an insane eye for creativity and whatever he can find around him.”

@kalu.putic
♬ original sound – @”kalu.putic

Varley also noted that larger fashion brands have taken notice of social media users who rely less on money and fame but have a desire to create and become new trendsetters. While this Ethiopian fashion creator leads the way in new-age designs, the fashion industry is taking more notice of him as he curates bold new looks.

Otis Redding Center for the Arts, Zelma Redding, Macon, Georgia — Courtesy of the Otis Redding Foundation

by Kandiss Edwards

April 19, 2026

Otis Redding Center Marks One-Year Milestone, Blending Music, Community, And Legacy

Central to the celebration were the performances by students from the Otis Music Camp.

Even as more than five decades have passed since the untimely death of soul legend Otis Redding, his family remains steadfast in their mission to nurture his creative spirit. This commitment is most visible through the Otis Redding Center for the Arts, a vibrant cultural landmark that recently celebrated its one-year anniversary in the heart of downtown Macon, Georgia. The milestone event served not only as a party but as a living testament to the Redding family’s efforts to bridge the gap between a historic musical legacy and the aspirations of the city’s youth.

The anniversary festivities transformed the center’s campus into a lively community affair, highlighting the relationship between the arts and local commerce. The day featured an array of community vendors and small businesses, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs alongside the music nurtured through the center’s programs. The atmosphere was carefully crafted and family-oriented, with both a DJ and live band. A steady rhythm of classic soul and R&B hits paid homage to the legends of yore while keeping the energy high for attendees of all ages.

Central to the celebration were the performances by students from the Otis Music Camp. These young musicians, ranging in age from 12 to 18, displayed a level of technical proficiency that suggests a bright future for the musical arts. From the soulful trill of the clarinet to the rhythmic precision of the guitar, the students showcased a diverse range of instrumental talent. Their vocal performances further underscored the center’s success in vocal coaching and stage presence, proving that the next generation of soul music is in capable hands.

Beyond the music, the anniversary offered the public a closer look at the 15,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility. The campus is designed with meticulous attention to detail, featuring high-tech spaces like the O3 Recording Studio and specialized private lesson rooms. Notably, the Zelma Redding Amphitheater stands as a centerpiece for outdoor performance. The O3 Amphitheater is named in honor of Redding’s widow, whose leadership has been vital to the estate’s longevity.

A hallmark of the facility is its commitment to accessibility. The building was constructed using universal design principles, ensuring it is fully navigable for individuals with physical disabilities. This focus on inclusivity ensures that the center’s programs remain open to all aspiring artists, regardless of their physical challenges. By providing this infrastructure, the Redding family has created a transformative space that does more than just remember a legend; it actively builds the artists of tomorrow.

Cardi B, Atlanta, tour — PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 06: Cardi B. attends the Fendi Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023/2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on July 06, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 19, 2026

‘I’m Not Performing!’: Cardi B Threatens To Walk In Atlanta Over Disrespect To Her Team — Then Closes Out Smash Tour Strong

State Farm Arena staffers in Atlanta were reportedly rude to Cardi's team, prompting the rapper to publicly check them on the issue.

Cardi B does not tolerate disrespect toward her team, almost canceling the final stop on her “Little Miss Drama” Tour in Atlanta over the issue on April 18.

The Bronx-born rapper threatened to cancel the April 18 show after getting in a verbal fight with staffers at State Farm Arena. According to Complex, Cardi was concerned about how the arena’s employees treated her team. This incident led her to step in and check the alleged disrespectful behavior.

While not sharing details on what prompted the rudeness, the 33-year-old reportedly called out the arena’s attitude toward her people. She even threatened not to perform due to the issue.

Famously unafraid to speak about the behind-the-scenes of her life, the entertainer even showed part of the altercation on Instagram Live ahead of the event. DJ Akademiks showed part of the recorded livestream, in which Cardi yelled at the arena’s management.

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“Your f***ing employees are being disrespectful… I’m not performing today,” expressed Cardi B. “We got in here, your employees are being fucking rude for no reason, being rude for no reason. I feel a certain type of way, because you being disrespectful. I did 35 shows, and I never had a problem, and we’ve been kind to everybody.”

Cardi B then warned on social media about abusing power and how she remains unafraid to call out others for doing so. However, instead of taking out her frustrations on the fans, Cardi assured that the show would go on.

When you hold power and authority, use it with kindness and respect. Never abuse it… because not everyone will endure your arrogance in silence. Treat others exactly like you demand to be treated. Atlanta… I’ll see you soon.
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) April 19, 2026

“When you hold power and authority, use it with kindness and respect,” asserted the mother of four. “Never abuse it… because not everyone will endure your arrogance in silence. Treat others exactly like you demand to be treated. Atlanta… I’ll see you soon.”

The closeout show officially ended the “Little Miss Drama” tour for the rapper, who began the slew of concerts Feb. 11. To accompany her second LP, “Am I The Drama?,” the tour featured 35 shows across 30 cities in the U.S. and Canada, including a two-night stint in Atlanta.

According to Baller Alert, Cardi B cashed in on her first headlining arena tour. She reportedly earned $70 million from her sold-out shows, solidifying her place as a dominant figure in female rap.

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Tory Lanez , California Prison System, Stabbing — Photo: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for BMI;

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 19, 2026

Tory Lanez Sues California Prison System For $100M For Stabbing Behind Bars

He is suing after being stabbed 16 times in May 2025 at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi.

Daystar Peterson, known to the world as Tory Lanez, has filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections after being violently stabbed by another inmate last year, leaving him hospitalized.

According to The Associated Press, the recording artist is suing the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the warden and guards at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi for $100 million in damages after being attacked on May 12, 2025. He said that he should not have been housed with the man who stabbed him 16 times last year.

The lawsuit accuses inmate Santino Casio of using a “shank” to attack Lanez when he stabbed him in the back, torso, head, and face in an “unprovoked life-threatening attack.” Lanez suffered a collapsed lung in the assault and had to be airlifted to a hospital.

“The choice to house Casio with Peterson was known or should have been a known danger,” according to the lawsuit. It alleges that the response from correctional officers was slow, and they took no special measures, such as flash grenades or smoke bombs, to stop Casio. The paperwork suggests that the institution should not have housed the men together because of the rapper’s “high-profile celebrity status,” which made him a target.

Casio is serving a life sentence after being convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. The prisoner also had another 2008 conviction for assault by a prisoner with a deadly weapon and an additional one in 2018 for manufacturing a deadly weapon.

Lanez has since been transferred to another prison, the California Men’s Colony, in San Luis Obispo County. The lawsuit also says the prison system unlawfully seized his songbooks containing unpublished lyrics of great future commercial value and has refused to return them.

Lanez is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion in the foot during a July 12, 2020, incident in Los Angeles. On Dec. 23, 2022, he was convicted on three felony counts: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

Expert Dee Bowden, Black Women Entrepreneurs — Photo by Anna Shvets/Pexels

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 19, 2026

Expert Dee Bowden Shows Black Women Entrepreneurs How To Get Paid Faster And Strengthen Cash Flow

For many Black women entrepreneurs, the money is not coming in on time.

The deals are closing. The work is getting done. The invoices are going out. But for many Black women entrepreneurs, the money is not coming in on time.

As more Black professionals turn to entrepreneurship–some by choice and many out of necessity–there is a growing gap between earning income and actually receiving it. For those building without a financial safety net, that gap can create real pressure.

Dee Bowden knows this pattern well.

More than two decades into her career as a revenue recovery specialist, Bowden has worked with organizations to identify what is slowing down their cash flow and how to fix it. In one widely cited case, she worked for a small IT company and recovered $6 million in just 60 days, according to a press release published by Black News.

But for Bowden, that number is only part of the story.

“What I see over and over again is this,” she said. “We’ve learned how to build the business. We’ve learned how to get the client. But we haven’t been taught how to consistently get paid on time.”

During Financial Literacy Month, conversations about money often focus on saving, budgeting, and getting out of debt. Bowden believes those conversations are incomplete if they leave out one key skill: securing the revenue you’ve already earned.

For Black women in particular, that skill is critical. Many are navigating entrepreneurship after layoffs, career pivots, or a desire for more control over their time and income. At the same time, they are managing households, supporting families, and building something that has to work.

“When women are educated on how to collect their cash, their confidence rises,” Bowden said.

Bowden’s work focuses on building that confidence in a way that aligns with how many women already lead—with professionalism, care, and strong relationships.

Her framework is based on four key principles:

• Problem Solving – Understanding what is delaying the payment and addressing it directly.
• Customer Service – Maintaining professionalism and going the extra mile in every interaction goes a long way toward getting the invoice paid.
• Expressing Gratitude – Gratitude is one of today’s most underrated soft skills, yet one of the most powerful.
• Relationship Building – If you’re not strengthening connections with your customer, you run the risk of your invoice becoming another bill sitting in a pile.

“This isn’t about chasing people down, it’s about having a process that supports your business,” Bowden said. “Without a process, you’re not going to get paid.”

Thanks to Bowden’s insights, businesses across industries have strengthened their systems and recovered $100 million in revenue. Now, during Financial Literacy Month, she is encouraging entrepreneurs to expand their definition of “securing the bag.”

“This is about making sure your business can actually support your life, because honestly, the sale is not complete until the money is in the bank,” Bowden said.

Bowden is a revenue recovery specialist with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations improve cash flow and recover unpaid revenue. She is the author of “Collect the Cash,” a guide that shapes how business owners approach getting paid, now marking its fifth anniversary. As the creator of the Collect the Cash brand, Bowden teaches a relationship-driven approach to revenue recovery that is more relevant than ever in today’s economic climate.

Bowden created a checklist of 5 tips for collecting cash. To download your free copy, visit: https://collectthecash.biz/freebie/.

Black Entrepreneur , SBA Small Business Person Of The Year, Mississippi, National Small Business Week — (Photo: RDNE Stock project/via Pexels)

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 19, 2026

Black Entrepreneur Wins SBA Small Business Person Of The Year To Represent Mississippi During National Small Business Week

Ameka Coleman, founder of Strands of Faith, has been named U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Person of the Year for Mississippi.

Ameka Coleman, founder of Strands of Faith, has been named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Person of the Year for Mississippi.

As part of this honor, Coleman will travel to Washington, D.C., on May 4 to represent Mississippi during National Small Business Week, where business leaders from across the nation will be recognized for their impact, innovation, and contributions to their communities, according to a press release published in Black News.

Coleman founded Strands of Faith with a vision to create high-quality haircare products designed to support healthy hair while encouraging confidence, self-care, belief, and faith. What began as a personal journey has grown into a thriving, bootstrapped brand that has reached customers nationwide.

Built without outside funding, Strands of Faith has evolved into a multiple seven-figure business, reflecting Coleman’s commitment to discipline, consistency, and long-term growth. Her journey as a first-generation founder has been defined by learning in real time, overcoming challenges, and building a sustainable brand from the ground up.

“This recognition represents years of persistence and faith in the process,” said Coleman. “It’s an honor to represent Mississippi on a national stage and to highlight what’s possible when you take the leap of faith to follow your dreams.”

In addition to leading a growing brand, Coleman remains committed to giving back and supporting both future and established entrepreneurs, using her platform to share insight, encouragement, and real-world lessons from her journey.
National Small Business Week, held May 3–9, celebrates the critical role small businesses play in driving economic growth and strengthening communities across the United States.

washington, reparations, slavery — Fibonacci Blue from Minnesota, USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Ann Brown

April 19, 2026

Washington State Launches Reparations Study To Examine Legacy Of Slavery And Racial Inequality

The study will analyze historical records, policies, and economic systems to determine Washington’s role in perpetuating racial inequities.

Washington state has officially begun a comprehensive study on reparations for descendants of enslaved people. The study will examine the long-term impacts of slavery and systemic discrimination.

The effort has been funded with $300,000 by state lawmakers. The study will analyze historical records, policies, and economic systems to determine Washington’s role in perpetuating racial inequities. Researchers are currently in the first phase, gathering archival data and community testimony.

“We intended to leave no research stone unturned,” said Ashley Gardner, the study’s principal project director, during an information session in March, The Seattle Times reports.

The study is being conducted under the Washington State Department of Commerce and led by Truclusion, a consulting firm specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Researchers are also collecting input directly from residents, particularly those whose ancestors were impacted by slavery, through surveys and community engagement, according to the Washington State Department of Commerce website.

“We’re tasked with looking at the national picture, and understanding, is Washington culpable, and if it is culpable, to what degree?” said Marvin Slaughter Jr., co-lead of the valuation and policy team. “It’s a detailed analysis, atrocity by atrocity.”

While Washington did not become a state until 1889 — after slavery was abolished in 1865 — researchers are examining how discriminatory laws and practices that followed contributed to lasting inequities. These include redlining, job discrimination, and disparities in education, healthcare, and the criminal justice system.

The study will also explore what reparations could look like. “Should it be cash payments? Should it be pensions? Should it be healthcare?” said Thomas Craemer, an associate professor at the University of Connecticut and co-lead of the policy team. “There’s a number of ideas. This is a research project. We’re not actually making any decisions, and we don’t want to. We want to let the community speak to us and to guide us.”

A preliminary report is expected by June, with a final report due by June 2027.

Garret Anderson — Photo by Steshka Willems: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-baseball-ball-on-brown-leather-baseball-mitt-1661950/

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 18, 2026

Former World Series Champion Garret Anderson Dead At 53

No details were released about the cause of death.

Former Major League Baseball outfielder Garret Anderson has been reported dead at the age of 53. No details were released about the cause of death.

The Los Angeles Angels announced Anderson’s death on its social media account. Anderson helped the franchise win its first and only World Series title in 2002.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Angels Hall of Famer Garret Anderson.

Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to… pic.twitter.com/RyF5qa7OPE
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) April 17, 2026

“The Angels organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons, Garret Anderson,” said Angels owner Arte Moreno in a written statement. “Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons, and his stoic presence in the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series championship.

The team also announced that, for the rest of the current season, it will honor Anderson by wearing a memorial patch on its jerseys.

Here’s the patch the #Angels will wear the rest of the season to honor Garret Anderson pic.twitter.com/9L6S0ZlJrU
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) April 17, 2026

Anderson is beloved by Angels fans for his 15 seasons with the team (1994-2008), during which he was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame in 2016. Before he retired, he played two more seasons, one with the Atlanta Braves and one with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After being selected in the fourth round of the 1990 MLB Draft, he broke several records for the Angels. He is the all-time leader in games played (2,013), hits (2,368), RBIs (1,292), doubles (489), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), and grand slams (eight). He was also an All-Star in 2002, 2003, and 2005.

In his rookie year, he did well enough to be the American League Rookie of the Year runner-up to the Twins’ Marty Cordova in 1995. He was the league leader in doubles in 2002 with 56 and the American League with 49 in 2003, winning the Silver Slugger honor in left field for both years.

In 2003, Anderson became just the second player, after Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. (1991), to win the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game MVP honor in the same year. He finished his career with 2,529 hits and 287 home runs and retired in March 2011.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa, daughters Brianne and Bailey, and son, Garret ‘Trey’ Anderson III.

by Ahsan Washington

April 18, 2026

6 Black-Owned Dispensaries Leading Social Equity In Cannabis

The growing cannabis legalization movement in the United States is enabling Black entrepreneurs to establish businesses in an industry where they were previously underrepresented.

The growing cannabis legalization movement in the United States is enabling Black entrepreneurs to establish businesses in an industry where they were previously underrepresented. These dispensaries, led by legacy operators and social equity pioneers, are transforming ownership and reinvesting resources into their communities.

According to reports from The Emerald Magazine and industry advocates, these founders are bridging the gap between restorative justice and the multibillion-dollar cannabis market.

1. Gorilla Rx Wellness (California)

Established in 2021 by Kika Keith, Gorilla Rx Wellness is the first Black woman-owned dispensary in South Central Los Angeles. Keith, a longtime community activist, fought for fair licensing practices before opening her storefront.

Key benefit: A mission of restorative justice that brings economic opportunities to areas disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs.

2. Simply Pure (Colorado)

Wanda James and Scott Durrah opened Simply Pure in Denver in 2010. It is recognized as one of the nation’s first dispensaries owned by both Black and veteran operators. James, a former Navy lieutenant, uses the platform to advocate for systemic policy changes.

Key benefit: Focus on ownership equality and selling clean, premium products in regulated markets.

3. Mary & Main (Maryland)

Located in Prince George’s County, Mary & Main began operations in 2019. Led by Hope Wiseman, one of the youngest Black female dispensary owners in the country, the business serves as a hub for both medical cannabis and social advocacy.

Key benefit: Reinvesting in the community through educational programs and workforce development.

4. ButACake (New Jersey)

Founded by Matha Figaro, ButACake is a prominent cannabis-infused baked goods brand. While it operates through dispensary partnerships rather than a standalone storefront, it is a vital part of New Jersey’s manufacturing sector.

Key benefit: Creating culturally relevant edibles and expanding opportunities for Black women in cannabis retail and manufacturing.

5. Smacked Village (New York)

Roland Conner opened Smacked Village in 2023, making it one of the first Black-owned social equity dispensaries in New York City. Having previously faced cannabis-related imprisonment, Conner’s business represents a transition from hardship to generational wealth.

Key benefit: Promoting economic development and second chances through community-focused ownership.

6. LOWD (Oregon)

Based in Portland, LOWD was established by Jesce Horton, who also founded the Minority Cannabis Business Association. The brand is known for premium cultivation and its commitment to environmentally and socially equitable practices.

Key benefit: Delivering top-tier cannabis while driving policy changes to diversify the industry.

Black Financial Influencers, Money — (Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels)

by Black Enterprise

April 18, 2026

Black Financial Influencers Are Democratizing Financial Literacy

A new guard of influencers is utilizing social media and multimedia platforms to bridge the wealth gap.

The evolution of financial literacy has shifted from exclusive, institutional gatekeeping to a decentralized digital landscape. While traditional financial education often relied on academic settings or private banking relationships—environments that have historically underserved or excluded Black communities—a new guard of influencers is utilizing social media and multimedia platforms to bridge this gap.

By delivering accessible, culturally relevant guidance, these creators are democratizing high-level financial knowledge. They address the specific economic realities of their audiences, merging technical expertise in budgeting, debt elimination, and investing with a deep understanding of systemic challenges. Through this intersectional approach, these voices provide the necessary tools to dismantle the wealth gap, fostering a new era of sustainable financial independence and generational wealth.

Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista)

Tiffany Aliche, known as “The Budgetnista,” transitioned from a career as a preschool teacher to become a bestselling author and financial educator. Through her Live Richer Academy, Aliche provides practical lessons on credit repair and saving strategies.

Impact: Since 2008, she has helped her community reduce hundreds of millions of dollars in collective debt.
Platform: Aliche uses social media and national media appearances to reach a global audience.

Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings (Earn Your Leisure)

Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings founded Earn Your Leisure, a multimedia platform that blends investment education with community-based storytelling.

Key Event: They host Invest Fest, a large-scale event designed to make financial growth aspirational for the Black community.
Approach: Their work focuses on the intersection of entrepreneurship and pop culture.

Bola Sokunbi (Clever Girl Finance)

Bola Sokunbi launched Clever Girl Finance in 2015 as a judgment-free zone for women. The platform offers educational programs and support groups for those seeking financial independence.

Specialization: Sokunbi focuses on debt management and long-term investment for women.
Resources: Her platform includes a popular series of books and digital courses.

Dasha Kennedy (The Broke Black Girl)

Dasha Kennedy, creator of The Broke Black Girl, provides financial advocacy by discussing workplace income inequality and economic limitations.

Focus: Since 2017, Kennedy has used social media to help women end the “paycheck-to-paycheck” cycle.
Advocacy: Her content promotes financial transparency and equity in the workplace.

Tonya Rapley (My Fab Finance)

Tonya Rapley established My Fab Finance in 2013 to encourage practical empowerment. She is a leading advocate for debt management and long-term planning.

Methodology: Rapley teaches specific budgeting techniques to help individuals reclaim their financial lives.
Recognition: She is frequently cited as a top expert in millennial finance.

Chris Browning (Popcorn Finance)

Chris Browning created Popcorn Finance, a podcast that explains personal finance topics in the time it takes to pop a bag of popcorn.

Style: Browning uses brief, easy-to-understand episodes to reduce the anxiety often associated with money management.
Utility: His content provides actionable tips for daily financial decisions.