Days After Laying Off More Than 1K Employees, Workday Announces New System For AI Agents
The layoffs occurred nearly a week prior to the announcement of their new AI system.
After laying off around 1,750 employees last week, HR software maker Workday has announced a new system to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) agents.
Workday will launch its Agent System of Record on Feb. 11, as confirmed in a news release. The system will manage all of Workday’s artificial agents within Workday and third-party platforms. Workday serves multiple companies with a software program that oversees their finance and HR management.
This new system aims to help businesses optimize their digital workforce. It ensures the efficiency and growth of AI incorporation. Given the increased use of AI in companies’ operations, Workday hopes to manage these new technologies as they advance.
The news comes after Workday reduced its workforce by approximately 8.5%. The layoffs come amid a push toward more AI integration, sparking concerns about job availability and security in an advancing society.
However, Aneel Bhusri, executive chair and co-founder of Workday, also emphasized that tomorrow’s workforce still depends on human participation.
“The workforce of the future will include both humans and AI agents, and businesses that don’t learn to manage this incredibly complex reality will quickly fall behind,” Bhusri said. We believe no company in the world is better positioned than Workday to usher in this new era of workforce management in a trusted, ethical way.”
He added, “Our deep understanding of human skills and roles naturally extends to managing digital labor. The future is here, and just like with the transition to the cloud, we’re ready to help our customers get there first.”
The AI System seeks to “unlock the full potential” of these nonhuman agents. This includes aiding in centralized management, streamlined agent onboarding, and secure and compliant deployment. Moreover, this rollout of AI agents has a new set of autonomous skills to perform new tasks. These agents will also analyze contracts, pinpoint invalid payroll data, and aid in financial auditing and policy information.
Workday also received support from other companies’ leadership regarding the potential and excitement of its AI programming. Accenture CEO Julie Sweet emphasized that the system will transform businesses in this “new landscape.”
“We believe the enterprise reinvention in the Gen AI era will create a seamless working experience between people and agents,” explained Sweet. “The agent lifecycle should be fully managed. We need them to be trained. They have to follow our compliance policies. They need to understand our values, and they need to be monitored for performance. That’s why it’o exciting to see what Workday is doing to help companies manage in this new landscape.”
Trump’s Reckless Renaming Of Landmarks Reflects Broader Failures And Unchecked White Male Privilege
White men, who overwhelmingly benefit from the privilege Trump seeks to preserve, must confront the consequences of their support.
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” isn’t just another performative stunt by President Donald Trump—it’s a glaring symbol of his ineptitude as a leader and the broader failure of white men to hold their so-called savior accountable. This executive order, like many of Trump’s actions, reflects a leader who prioritizes ego and nationalist theatrics over meaningful governance, leaving a trail of chaos that others must clean up.
As absurd as the name change sounds, the ramifications are far-reaching. Trump’s decision to rename the Gulf—alongside reverting Denali to Mount McKinley—highlights his administration’s dangerous penchant for prioritizing personal and partisan preferences over historical and cultural respect. These moves weren’t about governance or policy; they were about rewriting history to fit a narrow, outdated vision of America, one rooted in white male supremacy and exclusion.
A President’s Legacy of Narcissism
Trump’s first term as president was marked by decisions that often bordered on the absurd, but the renaming of landmarks shows how he weaponized trivialities to distract from larger failures. Declaring the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” is a deliberate erasure of the region’s historical and cultural significance, especially given its ties to Mexico and other nations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s quip about renaming the United States “Mexican America” was a sharp reminder of Trump’s lack of foresight.
Sheinbaum’s comment underscores the global disdain for Trump’s leadership. The decision to rename the Gulf unilaterally flouts international norms, where geographic features are named in consultation with neighboring nations. It exemplifies Trump’s inability to grasp the complexity of diplomacy, reducing nuanced matters to playground-level antics.
White Men and Their Savior Complex
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this episode is not Trump himself but the enablers—primarily white men—who continue to shield him from accountability. Despite a presidency marked by scandals, impeachments, and countless policy blunders, Trump retains an unyielding base of support. Why? Because his brand of chaos is rooted in a mythology that white men have clung to for centuries: the idea of an unshakable, all-knowing patriarch who will restore their version of America.
But Trump isn’t their savior—he’s their reckoning. His actions reflect the worst impulses of unchecked privilege: rewriting history to suit personal narratives, disregarding dissenting voices, and punishing those who refuse to comply. His attack on the press during the renaming debacle, particularly his treatment of the Associated Press (AP), is a chilling reminder of how fragile democracy becomes when truth is under siege.
The White House barring AP journalists from an event for refusing to adopt the “Gulf of America” name wasn’t just an attack on one news outlet; it was an attack on press freedom. It reveals a dangerous precedent where dissent is punished, and propaganda is rewarded.
The Press as a Check on Power
The AP’s refusal to align its editorial standards with Trump’s decree is a crucial act of resistance in an era where truth itself is contested. As AP Executive Editor Julie Pace noted, the organization informs billions daily with factual, nonpartisan journalism. By standing firm against Trump’s demand, the AP reaffirmed the essential role of the press in holding power accountable.
However, the backlash against Trump’s attacks on journalism can’t end with news organizations. The public—and especially white men, who overwhelmingly supported Trump—must reckon with their role in enabling this behavior.
Denali and the Politics of Renaming
Trump’s decision to revert Denali to Mount McKinley is yet another example of his disregard for cultural respect and historical accuracy. Denali, long recognized by Alaskans and Indigenous communities, reflects a rich history that predates McKinley’s presidency. By prioritizing McKinley—a president whose expansionist policies often marginalized nonwhite populations—Trump reinforced a narrative of white superiority while erasing Indigenous voices.
Trump’s rhetoric around McKinley’s “territorial gains” also speaks volumes about his understanding of leadership. By equating conquest with greatness, Trump revealed his archaic worldview, one that glorifies domination over cooperation.
A Call for Accountability
The renaming fiasco is a microcosm of Trump’s broader failures: impulsive decisions, a lack of consultation, and a deep disconnect from the people he claims to serve. But the burden of accountability doesn’t rest solely on Trump’s shoulders.
White men, who overwhelmingly benefit from the privilege Trump seeks to preserve, must confront the consequences of their support. It’s not enough to laugh off these decisions as Trump being Trump. The Gulf of America is more than a name—it’s a symbol of how far the nation has strayed from truth, equity, and respect for history.
This reckoning is long overdue. As America faces unprecedented challenges—from climate change to racial inequality—leaders must rise to the occasion with vision and empathy. Trump’s antics only serve as distractions, and his enablers perpetuate the cycles of dysfunction.
Moving Forward
The Gulf of Mexico will remain the Gulf of Mexico in the hearts of many, just as Denali remains Denali to those who honor its true history. But the scars left by Trump’s decisions are real, and they demand action.
As Americans, we must reject the whitewashed narratives that Trump and his supporters peddle. We must demand leaders who respect history, value truth, and govern with integrity. And we must hold ourselves accountable for the ways we enable the dysfunction that Trump embodies.
The Gulf of America may exist on maps, but it will never replace the Gulf of Mexico. Likewise, Trump’s version of America—a land of renaming, erasing, and oppressing—will never define the nation’s true legacy. It’s time to reclaim that legacy and ensure it reflects the diversity, resilience, and truth that make America great.
This Black-Owned Bookstore Is A Safe Space For All And A First In Its Community
Sadie’s Books and Beverages, is the first Black-owned bookstore in Orange County, New York.
The first Black-owned bookstore in Orange County, New York, is more than just a space for book lovers—it has evolved into a vibrant community hub for professionals, students, and those in search of inspiration and tranquility.
Launched in 2022, Sadie’s Books and Beverages has quickly become a safe space for community members in Orange County, located in southeastern New York, and beyond. Frequent visitors include entrepreneurs, authors, and even mental health specialists.
“Sadie’s is like grandma’s hands,” frequent visitor Cecilia Calloway told News 12 Brooklyn.
Sadie’s strives to offer more than books and related items.
“We call ourselves a ‘bookseum,'” Sadie’s Books and Beverages owner Yaa Yaa Whaley-Williams said. “The real premise of opening and vision for the space was not just reimaging a community center but reimaging a classroom in a space that could be a resource for the community.”
“It really has been like an extreme passion project turned into a grassroots community movement,” she added.
Local entrepreneurs are able to use Sadie’s as a platform to elevate their businesses, connect with supporters, and engage with like-minded individuals.
“I have a website but people like to come, and feel and touch. It has been great because brick-and-mortar are really hard to acquire and maintain,” said Patricia Davis, owner of Lolly’s Handmade.
“We actually have a mental health workshop that we are going to hold in this space because of the feel of the space,” Stacy-Ann Bailey, the founder of Your Strength LLC, said.
Sadie’s has transformed into a thriving community hub, fostering lasting connections and bringing positivity to the Hudson Valley region.
“It keeps us together, it keeps us educated. You can learn everything pretty much about our own culture,” said president of the NAACP Middletown branch, Danielle Matthews.
With Sadie’s gaining recognition during Black History Month, Whaley-Williams hopes her bookstore serves as a reminder that Black excellence and Black history matter more than 28 days.
“Black history is a mindset and a lifestyle, not just a month so let’s embrace this vibe all year long,” she said.
Black art offers a unique and powerful perspective for storytelling, cultural expression, and social change that occurs in Black lives.
Art is integral to the Black experience, especially in Black history. Black art offers a unique and powerful perspective for storytelling, cultural expression, and social change that occurs in Black lives. Black galleries are a major conduit between Black creatives, collectors and the community. Supporting Black art galleries is vital in amplifying the voices, experiences, and legacies of Black artists. Black galleries preserve and highlight the richness of Black art and the depth of Black artists. To celebrate Black History Month, check out BLACK ENTERPRISE’s picks of nine Black galleries that amplify Black art.
ZuCot Art Gallery, founded by Troy Taylor in 2009, is located in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill section. It is one of the largest African American-owned fine art galleries in the Southeast. The gallery showcases original works by emerging and seasoned African American artists such as Charly Palmer, Jamaal Barber, and Kimmey Cantrell. ZuCot visitors will experience Black contemporary art, thought-provoking art exhibitions, and engaging cultural programming.
Located in Atlanta, Hammonds House Museum is a historic art museum dedicated to showcasing the work of African American artists. The former residence of Dr. Otis Hammond was purchased by the Fulton county board of commission under the leadership of Micheal Lomax. Hammonds House opened its doors in 1988, in close proximity to Atlanta University Center, and has been a staple in the community since. The museum promotes African American art through exhibitions, educational programs, and community events.
Welancora Gallery, founded in 2002 by Ivy N. Jones, is located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The gallery showcases the work of artists across the African Diaspora, focusing on both emerging and established talent, and placing their works with individual collectors and institutions.
Stella Jones Gallery, founded by Stella Jones in 1996, located in the heart of New Orleans. The gallery features a generous collection of African American art, highlighting both up-and-coming and well-known artists. Stella Jones shows a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works that reflect the African American experience, including works by Elizabeth Catlett, Steve Prince, Kevin Cole, and Louis Delsarte.
Chicago’s Anthony Gallery was launched in 2019 by Easy Otabor. The gallery is known for highlighting notable and emerging artists and promoting talks around representation and empowerment in the arts industry. A visit to Anthony gallery provides art lovers an opportunity to experience and support works that reflect Black identity.
Rick Garzon founded Residency art gallery in 2016. Located in Inglewood, California, this Black-owned contemporary art space fosters community discourse through its art shows and events. The gallery’s mission is to celebrate culture and identity in South Central, Los Angeles. Gallery visitors can take in art and absorb the local creative scene.
M. Hanks Gallery, founded by Eric Hanks in 1988, is located in Fullerton, California. The gallery showcases works from the 19th century to the present. M. Hanks offers an opportunity to examine important collections and encourages cultural connection. It provides a space for community conversation, investment in Black art, and appreciation of underrepresented artists.
Richard Beavers Gallery resides in the epicenter of Brooklyn, New York, in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Beavers established the Brooklyn gallery in 2017 before following up with a SoHo location The gallery represents some of Black arts’ heavy-hitter, like Leroy Campbell, Phyllis Stephens and Frank Morrison and innovative emerging artists.
Saquon Barkley Invests In Financial Startup Company, Ramp
The running back stars in the company's first Super Bowl commercial
Super Bowl champion running back Saquon Barkley has invested in a financial operations platform named Ramp.
The announcement was recently made that Barkley, who just broke an NFL rushing season record, that the football player invested in the company and starred in the company’s first Super Bowl commercial. Ramp bills itself as a financial operations platform designed to save companies time and money.
“I’ve always believed a winning mindset applies to every part of life. If you want to dominate, you don’t switch off when the clock hits zero, and I demand that same intensity in my business ventures,” said Barkley in a written statement. “Ramp shares my obsession with speed and efficiency, helping teams move faster, spend smarter, and stay a step ahead of the competition. They’re a partner I want in my corner.”
Barkley is an astute investor who invests in startup companies after reading “Zero to One” years ago. His investment in Ramp was suggested through mutual investor connections. The company is an all-in-one solution that helps businesses by combining payments, corporate cards, vendor management, procurement, travel booking, and automated bookkeeping with built-in intelligence. Ramp, which was started in 2019, has over 30,000 customers who have saved $2 billion and 20 million hours by working with the financial startup.
“True partnership requires skin in the game,” said Barkley. “That’s why I invested in Ramp. I saw firsthand how they’re powering American businesses to cut costs and achieve a higher level of performance. That’s the kind of impact I want to be part of.”
Barkley just celebrated a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs while helping his team win the coveted Vince Lombardi trophy on his 28th birthday on Feb. 9.
“Seeing Saquon put his team’s playoff run ahead of an individual all-time rushing record was a masterclass in leadership,” said Eric Glyman, CEO and co-founder of Ramp. “Ramp lives by the same playbook. We put our customers’ long-term success first, helping them spend less –- even if that sometimes comes at the cost of our own short-term profit. It’s this long-term orientation that’s led us to grow faster than nearly anyone while delivering over $2 billion in savings for our customers. Our shared commitment to long-term value creation made Saquon a natural partner. We’re both in it for the long game.”
Black Relationship Expert Launches New Podcast, Aims To Connect 1M People
She has launched The Real Connect Podcast — a platform designed to help people nurture authentic relationships and create a thriving global community of 1 million subscribers rooted in intentional connection – both romantic and platonic.
In today’s fast-paced world, where relationships often feel transactional, Tamika Carlton is on a mission to inspire deeper, more meaningful connections. She has launched The Real Connect Podcast — a platform designed to help people nurture authentic relationships and create a thriving global community of 1 million subscribers rooted in intentional connection -– both romantic and platonic.
A Mission Rooted In Impact
Tamika believes relationships are at the core of a fulfilling life. “Strong relationships don’t just happen — they’re built. It’s about being present, creating shared experiences, and showing up for people in ways that matter. When we take the time to connect meaningfully, we create a ripple effect that improves not just our lives but the lives of those around us,” she says.
Research supports her mission. According to a 2024 study by the American Psychological Association, individuals with strong social support networks are 50% more likely to experience better mental health outcomes.
Through The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika shares personal stories, expert insights, and practical tools to help listeners navigate challenges, strengthen connections, and build fulfilling relationships—both romantic and platonic.
Practical Tips for Stronger Connections
Listeners can expect actionable takeaways in every episode. Tamika offers these simple steps to start building better relationships:
1. Assess Your Connections: Reflect on whether your relationships add value to your life. Focus on those that bring mutual growth and joy.
2. Be Present: Turn off distractions during conversations to show that you value the other person’s time and perspective.
3. Focus on Shared Goals: Relationships thrive when you work together toward something meaningful— whether personal growth, a shared project, or a mutual cause.
A Call to Action: Join the Movement
The launch of The Real Connect Podcast marks the beginning of Tamika’s vision to create a global network of people connected through intentional relationships.
“This isn’t just about numbers,” Tamika explains. “It’s about building a community where people truly support each other, invest in their connections, and see the impact ripple through families, workplaces, and communities.”
The first three episodes of The Real Connect Podcast are already available. Join the conversation and take the first step toward stronger, more meaningful connections. Listen and subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PnxPVcDa4Yng9o3lralbc.
Black Entrepreneur Launches Academy That Offers Free Courses To 90,000 Haitians
'Witnessing the struggles of young Haitians to access quality education was heartbreaking,' Mike Bellot says.
Amid Haiti’s ongoing economic and political instability, where gang violence has shuttered many universities, Haitian entrepreneur Mike Bellot is revolutionizing education. His platform, Kaw Academy, has reached 90,000 users within just a few months, offering free courses in Creole. It also empowers Haitians, both in the country and the diaspora, with practical skills in digital marketing, e-commerce, project management, and IT.
Bellot, a former professor at Université Notre Dame, knows the harsh realities of Haiti’s turmoil. In 2021, he was kidnapped, a traumatic event that forced him to flee to the United States. Determined to continue his education despite these challenges, Bellot transitioned his in-person university courses to online classes via Zoom. This experience cemented his resolve to build a platform that provides accessible, high-quality education for all Haitians, regardless of economic status or location.
“Witnessing the struggles of young Haitians to access quality education was heartbreaking,” Bellot recalls. “I knew we had to provide them with the tools and knowledge to build a better future.”
One inspiring testimony comes from Jephte Jean, who shares, “I was unemployed and struggling to provide for my family. Kaw Academy’s e-commerce and Amazon course equipped me with the skills to launch an online business on Amazon. I learned to source products from China and successfully sell them to the U.S. market. This newfound income has transformed my life, allowing me to support my children and build a brighter future for our family. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to improve their economic situation.”
Supported by global giants like Google and Microsoft, Kaw Academy’s courses break language and economic barriers. In partnership with Google, the platform offers six professional certification courses, including IT Support, Project Management, Cybersecurity, Marketing, and E-commerce. “Google’s support has been invaluable,” says Bellot. “Their resources allow us to offer high-quality, industry-relevant courses that prepare learners for the global job market.”
Kaw Academy’s faculty includes renowned Haitian professionals such as economist Etzer Emile, entrepreneur Marc Alain Boucicault, project management expert Evadie Marie Daniel, and Digicel Chairman Marteen Boute. This elite roster ensures learners receive instruction from experts in their fields.
However, challenges persist. “Maintaining infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability requires continuous effort,” Bellot explains. To meet these demands, Kaw Academy is pursuing funding from NGOs and philanthropic organizations to complement its support from Google and Microsoft.
The platform’s impact transcends borders, empowering the Haitian diaspora with critical skills and connecting them to opportunities in their countries of residence. Bellot envisions Kaw Academy as a model for other countries facing similar challenges, demonstrating how technology and innovation can overcome adversity and unlock human potential.
“This is just the beginning,” Bellot says. “Our goal is to empower millions of Haitians with the skills to thrive in the 21st century and contribute to rebuilding their nation.”
For more information, visit the official website for Kawa Academy’s platform at KawAcademy.com. Those interested can support Kaw Academy in transforming education in Haiti by donating to keep the courses free and accessible.
This news was first reported by BlackBusiness.com.
Researchers Say Using AI Too Much Will Deteriorate Cognitive Abilities
Relying too heavily on AI could destroy critical thinking skills, researchers say.
A new study isn’t warning about the risk of artificial intelligence replacing humans at work but of the potential danger that using AI too much can have on one’s cognitive abilities.
A new study published on Feb. 10 by researchers from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University revealed the risks of increased human reliance on AI tools for task completion, warning that it could lead to a society deficient in critical thinking when it matters most.
The study analyzed 319 knowledge workers—individuals whose jobs involve handling data or information—and found that the more workers used AI to complete a task, the more likely they were to relinquish control.
Many of the participants reported a “perceived enaction of critical thinking” when they felt they could rely on the artificial intelligence tool, which highlights the risk of society becoming too comfortable with relying heavily on AI. This tendency was especially evident in lower-stakes tasks, where people were less critical.
While it’s natural for individuals to disengage during simple tasks, researchers cautioned that this pattern could lead to long-term dependence and a decline in independent problem-solving skills. Workers who had less confidence in AI’s ability to complete a task were more actively engaged in critical thinking. As a result, they reported greater confidence in their ability to assess artificial intelligence-generated outputs and to make independent improvements.
Researchers also discovered that users with access to generative AI tools tended to produce “a less diverse set of outcomes for the same task” compared to those working without AI. Since AI tools operate solely on the information they are given, output is limited by their training data. As a result, researchers suggest this could indicate a “deterioration of critical thinking” among workers using AI.
The findings emphasize that while AI can be a valuable tool for productivity, excessive dependence on it may weaken an individual’s ability to effectively complete tasks independently. Over-reliance on AI may cause workers to lose the “muscle memory” developed from completing tasks on their own.
For those concerned about being replaced by AI in the workplace, excessive reliance on it could be making that worry a reality.
Dorothy Phillips Becomes First Black Woman President Of The American Chemical Society
Dorothy Phillips is continuing her legacy of first by becoming the first Black woman President of the American Chemical Society.
Dorothy Phillips is continuing her legacy of firsts by becoming the first Black woman to lead the American Chemical Society.
Nearly 60 years after becoming the first Black woman to earn an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, Phillips has been named the first Black woman president of the American Chemical Society. Her promotion comes after serving nine years on the Society’s board of directors and as president-elect in 2024.
“I had a vision of what I would want to bring into the spotlight (as president),” Phillips told the Midland Daily News.
With “inclusion and belonging” as one of the American Chemical Society’s core values, Phillips champions this principle while emphasizing lifelong learning as a key focus during her presidency.
“My theme is building chemistry careers inclusively. So, I want to help ACS to continue to embrace and engage its industry members. But the big thing is to be a catalyst for young people and aspiring scientists,” Phillips said.
“If you can move the needle a little bit, I think that’s important. More and more young people can go into a two-year program and work in STEM. Young people who can’t afford college, there is an avenue for them in the sciences,” she added.
Inclusion has been a central theme throughout Phillips’ life and career. Her family was among the first Black families to settle in Centennial Park, Nashville, Tennessee. Her brother, a student at Fisk University, took part in the historic Nashville sit-ins, which played a pivotal role in desegregating lunch counters and other public facilities in the city.
During her college years, Phillips made history at Vanderbilt University as the first Black woman to earn an undergraduate degree. She broke barriers again by becoming the first Black woman to receive a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Cincinnati. In 1974, after she and her husband accepted positions at Dow headquarters, they moved to Midland, Michigan, where they played a key role in founding the Midland Black Coalition to support Black families in the community.
“Midland was just starting to diversify its community,” Phillips said. “So the Midland Black Coalition offered an opportunity for those families to get together and support each other. The number was so small that my children were just not seeing any other Black people unless we were intentional about it.”
“It was a way to bring the culture that we embraced to Midland,” she added.
Phillips became a charter member of Midland’s Mu Alpha Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority when it was established in 1978. In 1983, her family relocated to Boston after her husband joined Corning Medical. She then began working at Waters, where she built a 29-year career before retiring in 2013.
Phillips’ background aligns seamlessly with the American Chemical Society’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which expanded in 2020 to include Respect (DEIR). Reflecting on her life and career journey, Phillips expresses gratitude for her accomplishments and the opportunity to witness her efforts come to life within an organization that remains dedicated to supporting inclusion, even as such values come under attack.
“What comes to mind now is I am blessed. This is not a life I could have dreamed,” she said.
“The fact (is) I have walked a path with God that has led me to this point, (so) I have to be there for other young people to let them know they can achieve against all odds. So I feel blessed.”
Super Bowl Expectations For NOLA’S Small And Black-Owned Businesses Fall Short Of Goal Line
'When you see the big hoopla and all the stuff going on, you would think it would be bigger.'
New Orleans’ Super Bowl LIX was expected to bring in wins not just for the Eagles or Chiefs but for some of The Big Easy’s small and Black-owned businesses.
Prior to the biggest game of the football season, the NFL listed more than 120 local businesses on the official New Orleans visitor guide to ramp up support across the city. But expectations were busted as fans and celebrities flooded in, especially in the iconic French Quarters.
2 Phat Vegans restaurant owner Corey Mathis thought his business would cash out in a huge way because of the Super Bowl, but the foot traffic wasn’t all that. Despite welcoming tourists, food delivery orders, and New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., business was slow. Mathis’ business was one of several left off of the NFL’s list.
“A lot of people don’t go out and blow all their money out on the first night,” Mathis said. “When you see the big hoopla and all the stuff going on, you would think it would be bigger.”
With the city’s hotel capacity reaching 100%, Mathis and other business owners were dismayed that fans failed to disperse around the neighborhood. French Market merchant Dana Tharp sells T-shirts and hoodies and figured fans would flood her shop. Instead, she said it was locals that showed out more.
“If I was selling NFL gear, I would have done real good. But not my own stuff,” Tharp said. “This is a Super Bowl crowd, so they spent most of their time at Super Bowl events.”
“It took away a little bit of the French Quarter vibe, you know, to see all those soldiers on every corner,” French Quarter employee Harley Field said. “It was just a different vibe, and I don’t know if it impacted visitors if they saw it or what they thought about it, but for me, it was a little bit jarring.”
Traffic was another concern—and a deterrent. Between detours and closures, cars stood still for hours. Rhonda Findley, co-owner of Pop City, said her business did much better pop icon when Taylor Swift (girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce) held a three-day tour stop in NOLA.
Findley is hoping that the concerns of business owners will be heard by city leaders before the next major event.
“It’s not just, ‘Let’s get them into the Superdome and get them out,’” she said. “We need to get them into the Superdome, on Magazine Street, walking the streets of the French Quarter from Canal Street all the way to Esplanade, and everywhere else where they can really experience New Orleans.”
