• Entertainment

by Ahsan Washington

April 15, 2026

New Edition Is Done Touring, But Its Members Are Standing On Business Offstage, Too

New Edition's members are getting to the bag.

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New Edition has entertained multiple generations for more than 40 years. Despite the legacy act’s decades of excellence and success, they were not inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2026. 

Though the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame may have missed the mark, New Edition is proving that a legacy is measured by ownership, not just accolades.

New Edition has not only demonstrated its enduring stage presence—”The New Edition Way Tour” just wrapped a 30-city run—but the members have had success in business ventures away from the stage. Having overcome incredible financial strife in their early years, New Edition’s members are getting to the bag.  

What Does New Edition Do Offstage?

Michael Bivins

Sporty Rich Enterprises is a lifestyle brand Bivins’ created to deliver fashion and entertainment products alongside community programs. Through Biv 10 Records, Bivins established his talent development cred by launching Boyz II Men, Another Bad Creation, and 702. Bivins extended his reach into media and philanthropy through Biv Entertainment and the Bivfam Foundation. The Harlem Festival of Culture benefited from Bivins’ strategic advisory role in cultural preservation in 2022, strengthening his impact outside of music. 

Ronnie DeVoe

Ronnie DeVoe established DeVoe Real Estate and DeVoe Broker Associates to work in Atlanta’s housing market, where he focuses on residential and commercial transactions. In 2021, DeVoe joined eXp Realty to grow his platform and promote generational wealth and boost Black homeownership rates. DeVoe directs community programs such as Bikes & Backpacks while supporting relationship-focused initiatives through Married4LifeWalk.

Bobby Brown

Bobby Brown is growing his brand with consumer products and media ventures. Bobby Brown Foods started with sauces, seasonings, and marinades before a specialty coffee line was added. Brown retains ownership of his master recordings and creates content through projects such as his docuseries, Bobby Brown: Every Little Step. New Edition Entertainment handles production support and brand management functions.

Ricky Bell

Ricky Bell operates his music-related business activities through RNB Entertainment LLC, which he established in 2003. The company handles his touring operations alongside recording activities and brand management.

Ralph Tresvant

Through Reach Media, Ralph Tresvant hosts the nationally syndicated Love and R&B show, and has broadcasting and entrepreneurial ventures. He uses his radio platform to generate income from his voice and brand. Noss’TAP LLC, operated by Tresvant, oversees music distribution along with business management and entertainment collaboration. 

Johnny Gill

Johnny Gill is founder and CEO of J Skillz Records, the independent label that manages his brand and released his last music projects, Game Changer and Game Changer 2. The label partnered with SRG/ILS Group for distribution. 

RELATED CONTENT: New Edition Wins Fan Vote But Misses Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction

• Fashion & Beauty

by Janee Bolden

April 15, 2026

Grace Ladoja Makes History With Nike Air Max Design Rooted In African Culture

The Our Homecoming founder becomes the first African woman to design a Nike sneaker, bringing Lagos and the diaspora to the global stage.

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Grace Ladoja has spent years building bridges between Africa and the diaspora. Now, she’s turning that vision into something you can wear.

The cultural entrepreneur and founder of the Our Homecoming Festival has partnered with Nike to design a new Air Max Plus sneaker—marking the first time an African woman has designed a shoe for the global brand. 

The collaboration, created under the Our Homecoming banner, is bigger than a fashion moment. Ladoja’s offering, combined with its historical impact, represents a true cultural statement.

With an intentional approach to the design, Ladoja’s offering arrives in two colorways: “Pan-African,” featuring a black base with red, green, and white accents, and “African Sunrise,” a bold orange gradient inspired by the glow of West African mornings. Both versions include symbolic detailing, from detachable charms like the Nigerian eagle and cowrie shell to maps of Africa, grounding the shoe in heritage and identity. 

For Ladoja, the Air Max Plus is a silhouette that’s particularly personal to her lived experience.

“I saved up my bus fare to buy the shoe when I was young,” Ladoja said in an interview with Hypebae, which revealed her connection to both the style and sneaker culture. “I walked to school for 60 days to buy this shoe, so it feels really special to have it be the first thing I’ve worked on with Nike.” 

The design also communicates volumes about Ladoja’s dual British-Nigerian heritage.

“That shoe is about being from two places at the same time, thinking about where home is,” Ladoja told Business of Fashion. Home for me is London. But the fabrication of the shoe is really Lagos. It’s really Africa.”

The mesh used for the shoe is based on the African sponge, while Ladoja’s model also incorporates a waterproof toe for functionality, adjustments she says she made with Lagos in mind. The shoelaces are a callback to Ladoja’s upbringing in London, where lace style often reflected where you were from.

That full-circle moment mirrors the trajectory of her career. Born in the U.K. to Nigerian parents, Ladoja has become one of the most influential cultural curators shaping the global perception of African creativity. Through Our Homecoming, the Lagos-based festival she launched in 2018, she has created a platform that brings together music, fashion, art, and sport, attracting talent and audiences from across the diaspora. 

The Nike collaboration builds on that foundation, translating the spirit of Homecoming into a global product. It also reflects a broader shift in how brands engage with culture, moving from inspiration to collaboration, and from collaboration to authorship.

RELATED CONTENT: Africa’s Wealthiest King Leads $750 Million Investment To Boost Gold Production

• Arts and Culture

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 15, 2026

Studio Museum In Harlem Opens Applications For 2026-2027 Artist-In-Residence Program

The Studio Museum in Harlem is accepting applications for the coveted 2026-2027 Artist-in-Residence program.

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The famed Studio Museum in Harlem announced that applications are now open for the 2026-2027 Artist-in-Residence program.

On April 13, the Studio Museum in Harlem announced on Instagram that applications are now open for its coveted annual residency, offering an 11-month program for three artists of African descent from around the world working in any medium.

“The residency program offers artists an unparalleled opportunity to develop their practice from within the Museum’s walls,” the Museum shared in its caption. “Individuals selected for the residency receive institutional guidance, professional development, research support, studio space, and a stipend paid out over the course of the residency.”

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A post shared by Studio Museum in Harlem (@studiomuseum)

The 2026–27 Artist-in-Residence program will run from Nov. 2, 2026, to Oct. 3, 2027, culminating in an in-house exhibition at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Since its founding in 1969, the program has supported more than 150 artists of African and Afro-Latinx descent, shaping generations of contemporary talent.

In the 1980s, then-director Mary Schmidt Campbell formalized the residency by standardizing its structure and cohort size. Selected artists receive studio space, a $37,500 stipend, and mentorship from museum staff and visiting arts professionals.

Since its inception, the program has helped fill a critical gap by supporting artists of color navigating financial and personal challenges while staying true to their creative vision. Alums of the program continue to widely recognize its importance across Harlem and the broader art world.

“One of my fondest memories of being in the program is the camaraderie that I had with the other two artists [Terry Boddie and Nicole Awai], feeling that we were all embarking on a new journey,” said Sanford Biggers, a cohort within the 1999 – 2000 program.

“The residency maintained the momentum I was building and offered me access to people, exhibitions, and most importantly, the opportunity to begin regularly showing public works outdoors,” said Chakaia Booker, a cohort within the 1995 – 1996 residency.

In February, the Studio Museum in Harlem named Derriann Pharr, Simonette Quamina, and Taylor Simmons as its 2026 Artists-in-Residence. They are the first cohort to work in the J. Bruce Llewellyn Artist in Residence Center at the Museum’s new home, which opened in November 2025 with an installation honoring past residents.

RELATED CONTENT: STUDIO MUSEUM IN HARLEM REOPENS WITH LANDMARK BASQUIAT ACQUISITION

• Sports

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 15, 2026

HBCUs Remain Disadvantaged As Unregulated NIL Rules Divides College Athletics

NIL remains an ongoing concern for HBCU players and athletic programs, especially as they try to strengthen their teams.

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HBCU sports enthusiasts are concerned about how unregulated NIL rules could impact players.

With collegiate athletes now able to make money off their name, image, and likeness (NIL), many are more aware of the potential, if not current, exploitation of players. Now, players may feel obligated to throw away games or join certain schools to receive a sizable paycheck.

One HBCU athletic chair, Trayvean Scott, has already warned of the negative impact of NIL, which could jeopardize the future of college athletics. A previous college athlete and NBA player, Scott is well aware of the pressure surrounding players at all levels.

In his latest position as the vice president for intercollegiate athletics at Grambling State University, Scott wants to protect athletes from exploitation. However, he believes that federal regulation remains needed for NIL rules.

Although not official yet, Congress is working on a nationwide standard for college athletes. If passed, schools that generate high revenue from sports would have to provide health benefits and at least 16 varsity sports.

In Scott’s opinion, the laws are crucial to ensuring that players across various institutions, such as HBCUs, can still recruit and retain top talent.

“The word I kept coming back to [during testimony to Congress] was opportunity,” he told Capital B News. “If we continue not to regulate what we’re doing, we’re going to miss opportunities.”

With this new standard in college athletics, HBCUs stand at a disadvantage, with fewer funds to go around to pay all-star players. With this in mind, many fear losing current and future athletes to bigger schools, but Scott believes federal intervention can pave the way for more financial gain.

“We’re in a space at HBCUs, at Grambling, for example, where 95-98% of our athletes are Pell Grant eligible,” Scott said. “Being able to understand where they are can sometimes be able to help assist with getting the necessary resources.”

However, new NIL legislation has divided HBCU supporters, as it could either thwart or aid athletic programs. President Donald Trump issued an executive order in March that would limit athletes to one transfer during a four-year degree program.

While some champion the effort, others have criticized the proposed law for restricting players’ ability to grow their careers and paychecks. However, the executive order has also urged schools not to take away women’s sports or other less-profitable teams to make way for bigger payouts.

Currently, many HBCU athletes, typically competing in smaller conferences, have gone without the lucrative NIL deals that other schools have capitalized on. However, as NIL becomes a more prevalent aspect of collegiate sports, HBCU players hope that regulation will put them on an equal playing field.

RELATED CONTENT: MacKenzie Scott’s HBCU Giving Tops $1B, Redefining What Transformational Philanthropy Looks Like

• News

by Janee Bolden

April 15, 2026

Georgia Fire Chief Seeks Living Kidney Donor After Decades Of Service

Douglas County Fire Chief Miles Allen is seeking a living kidney donor as his health declines from polycystic kidney disease.

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A Georgia fire chief who has spent decades serving others is now asking for help of his own.

According to WSB-TV, Douglas County Fire Chief Miles Allen is searching for a living kidney donor as his health continues to decline. 

Allen, who has served in public safety for nearly 40 years after a stint in the U.S. Air Force, has been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a genetic condition that causes cysts to form on the kidneys and gradually reduces their function. 

“My kidneys have several cysts on them,” Allen said, explaining that his condition was first discovered in 2010 during a routine medical evaluation. 

Now, more than a decade later, his condition has progressed significantly. Allen says his kidney function has dropped to about 13%, putting him at risk of needing dialysis if he cannot find a donor. 

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) affects hundreds of thousands of Americans and often progresses silently for years before symptoms become severe. As kidney function declines, patients may eventually require dialysis or a transplant to survive. The need for donors is especially critical in Black communities, where patients are disproportionately affected by kidney disease but often face longer wait times for transplants.

In an effort to find a match, Allen has partnered with Piedmont Hospital and the National Kidney Registry, expanding the search beyond family members, who may also be affected by the same genetic condition. 

“I’m reaching out to family, friends, co-workers, strangers,” Allen said, encouraging those with healthy kidneys to consider testing. 

Doctors note that kidneys from living donors can last significantly longer than those from deceased donors, making early matches especially critical.

Those interested in becoming a donor or learning more about the process can visit the National Kidney Registry at www.kidneyregistry.org or contact Piedmont Hospital’s transplant program for additional information.

For Allen, the request is rooted in both urgency and hope.

“If you have two good functioning kidneys, be a blessing to someone else and get tested,” he said. 

Now, the man who has spent his career responding to emergencies and protecting his community is hoping someone will step forward to help save his life.

RELATED CONTENT: Grandson of Jersey’s First Black Firefighter Promoted to Battalion Chief

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 15, 2026

Long Overdue! College Park Honors City’s 1st Black Championship Basketball Team

The 1969 Eva L. Thomas Bearcats Championship Basketball Team was the first Black basketball championship team in Georgia

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The City of College Park has honored the first Black basketball high school championship team in Georgia, the 1969 Eva L. Thomas Bearcats Championship Basketball Team.

According to WSB-TV, the ceremony took place on April 11, nearly 60 years after the team won the championship. City officials and county leaders joined members of the team. Fulton County Chairman Rob Pitts, NBA Champion Josh Powell, and City Manager Michael Hicks, along with their family and friends, witnessed the ceremony.

“For 57 years, these distinguished athletes were denied the recognition they so rightfully deserved due to the injustices of the era,” the city said in a written statement.

According to Atlanta News First, one of the team’s players, Michael Majeed, attended the special event and spoke to the outlet.

“Eva Thomas was a home for us, a home away from home,” Majeed said. “We were the first Black high school to play in that coliseum, and when we got there, we were met with a lot of hostility.”

He told the media outlet that they weren’t properly recognized when they initially won the title.

“The superintendent of the schools came to our school and handed us a small piece of paper saying they appreciated what we had done. He stayed there five minutes.”

As Majeed looked at old pictures of the team, he reminisced about the team’s achievements.

“That was one of the greatest accomplishments that I and my teammates have ever done,” he said.

This is the second time that the former Bearcats have been recognized for their achievement.

The team was also recognized six years ago during the city’s second annual Black History Month Celebration titled “Stand Up and Stand Out,” according to 11 Alive. At the event, the team members received a special proclamation from the city. The ceremony took place Feb. 8, 2020. The entire Bearcats’ championship roster was there to accept their awards and received a standing ovation from the attendees.

RELATED CONTENT: University Of Virginia Fires Embattled Women’s Basketball Head Coach

• HBCU

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 15, 2026

Aggies Honor The Late Rev. Jesse Jackson With A Day of Service

To celebrate National Volunteer Month, Chancellor James R. Martin II proclaimed April 23 as the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. ‘64 Day of Service.

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North Carolina A&T State University, home of the Aggies and alma mater of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, is honoring him with a university-wide Day of Service scheduled for April 23. 

To celebrate National Volunteer Month, Chancellor James R. Martin II proclaimed the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. ‘64 Day of Service, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. 

Martin called on Aggies near and far to participate in meaningful acts of service, civic engagement, and community uplift to pay homage to the distinguished alumnus and civil rights leader, referring to him as “an incredible representation of service.” “He served this university, he served the country, he served the world, and we have an opportunity on that day to remember him, but to also do what Aggies do, which is make the world better,” the new chancellor said. 

“As a university, our job is to make our region, our state, and our nation better, but that begins with service.”

To honor the Aggie and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, who passed away during the 2026 Black History Month celebration, the day will kick off with a program titled “From Vision to Action: Honoring a Legacy Through Service,” at the Reflecting Pool across from the Student Center on campus. 

Featuring remarks from campus department representatives, the program will uplift numerous aspects of Jackson’s experience during his days as a student at A&T, graduating in 1964, in addition to honoring his lifelong commitment to advancing human dignity, social justice, and opportunity while inspiring generations of new Aggies, known to lead with purpose, resilience, and social responsibility.

Jackson was known for his work in social responsibility and justice following the 1968 assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His work took place away from the campus in Greensboro, leading him to pen famous pleas such as “keep hope alive” while running for president twice, and to give speeches that captured the hearts of advocates and elected politicians. 

After the program, volunteers will disperse to their designated service sites, including the Aggie Source Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity, to do gardening, a “plant-to-pantry” initiative, and create greeting cards for the United Way of Greater Greensboro’s Family Success Center. 

Alum chapters across the country also have host projects scheduled with their communities, in addition to initiatives and organizations such as Nourish the Block at the University Farm, Food Recovery Network, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and Greensboro Beautiful Campus Clean-Up, which are supported by the chapters. 

A&T is on a hot streak with eye-opening announcements. As the Class of 2026 prepares for graduation, the HBCU announced recent Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame inductee Queen Latifah as the keynote speaker for the university’s May 9 undergraduate commencement ceremonies, where close to 2,000 undergraduate students and roughly 350 graduate students are scheduled to walk the stage, according to HBCU Game Day.

Alumna Dr. Nia Danielle Banks is also scheduled to speak at the May 8 graduate student ceremony. The esteemed plastic surgeon walked the stage to earn her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the school before continuing her medical and surgical training at Johns Hopkins University.

RELATED CONTENT: In The Spirit of Jesse Jackson, Obama And Sharpton Urge New Generation To Keep The Fight Alive

• Arts and Culture

by Ahsan Washington

April 14, 2026

Happy Birthday To Motown Records On Its 67th Anniversary

Check out the top 10 most influential Motown hits

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It is incredible to look back at how Berry Gordy Jr.’s vision, starting on April 14, 1959, fundamentally integrated the American airwaves. That vision rendered a historic sound engineered by Motown Records, headquartered at Hitsville recording studio located at 2648 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan. Key songwriters for the label in its heyday were Ashford & Simpson, Holland–Dozier–Holland, and the incomparable Smokey Robinson.

Motown’s success was not just artistic; it was a statistical powerhouse. At its peak in the 1960s, the label had a “hit ratio” (the percentage of records released that made the charts) of nearly 75%, whereas the industry average was closer to 10%. By the end of the 1960s, Motown was the largest Black-owned enterprise in the United States, grossing $20 million annually by 1966 (equivalent to over $190 million today).

Top 10 Most Influential Motown Hits & Artists

1) “Please Mr. Postman” (1961) – The Marvelettes 

This was the spark that ignited the Motown Sound on a national scale. It became the label’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that a Black female group from Inkster, Michigan, could dominate the pop charts. 

2) “Baby Love” (1964) – The Supremes 

The Supremes are statistically the most successful American vocal group of all time. “Baby Love” was the second of 12 No. 1 hits they would achieve, a record for any American group that still stands. 

3) “Dancing in the Street” (1964) – Martha and the Vandellas 

A Top 10 hit that evolved from a summer party anthem into a cultural touchstone. Recorded at Hitsville U.S.A., it became an unofficial rallying cry for the Civil Rights movement.

4) “My Girl” (1964) – The Temptations 

Written and produced by Smokey Robinson, this became The Temptations’ signature song and their very first No. 1 hit, defining the “romantic soul” genre. 

5) “The Tracks of My Tears” (1965) – Smokey Robinson and the Miracles 

Often cited by critics as one of the most perfectly written songs in history, this track exemplified Motown’s shift toward introspective, sophisticated songwriting.

6) “Reach Out I’ll Be There” (1966) – Four Tops 

A global No. 1, this track utilized the operatic, commanding vocals of Levi Stubbs to cement Motown’s dominance on the international charts and the UK music scene.

7) “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (1968) – Marvin Gaye 

Marvin Gaye’s version stayed at No. 1 for seven weeks and became Motown’s biggest-selling single of the 1960s, showcasing a darker, more cinematic production style.

8) “I Want You Back” (1969) – The Jackson 5 

This debut single sold 2 million copies in just six weeks. It kicked off a historic run where their first four singles all reached No. 1—a feat never before accomplished by any group.

9) “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (1970) – Diana Ross 

This sweeping, orchestral production solidified Diana Ross’s status as a solo superstar after she departed from The Supremes, reaching No. 1 and becoming an enduring pop anthem. 

10) Songs in the Key of Life (1976) – Stevie Wonder 

Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, it was only the third album in history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and won the Grammy for Album of the Year. 

RELATED CONTENT: Berry Gordy Featured on PBS For Black History Month

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 14, 2026

Zion Williamson Falls Short Of NBA Playoffs 7 Seasons In A Row

'I haven’t experienced the playoffs, and it’s something that I would love to experience.'

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New Orleans Pelicans player Zion Williamson has been in the NBA since 2019 and has yet to set foot on the basketball court in the playoffs. He is yearning to participate and will try something different in the offseason.

According to Athlon Sports, the former Duke player, who was once hailed as the future face of the NBA while still in college, is disappointed to have never experienced postseason play. Although the Pelicans have reached the playoffs twice since he was drafted, he has not played due to injuries. Williamson is the only player in the league who has been there for more than five years who has yet to play in a postseason game.

During his season-ending exit interview with the team, he said, “I do want to experience the playoffs. I haven’t experienced the playoffs, and it’s something that I would love to experience.”

The knock on Williamson is that he is always injured, and when not, he carries too much weight to be as effective as he could be. But this year, he played in 62 games, the most he has played since the 2023-24 season. That year, he appeared in 70 games. The typical NBA season is 82 games. His stats for the season were 21 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 60%.

He does hope to do better and has vowed to reach out to former NBA players during the offseason in preparation for next season.

“Using my resources to reach out to other Hall of Famers, reach out to other championship players, reach out to greats, and see what their journey was like. Because I would like to play in the playoffs.”

“It’s frustrating getting up here every year and not being in the playoffs,” he said. “And I take my responsibility in that. I’ve definitely held myself accountable. So, it’s time to start taking different approaches, gaining what knowledge I can, and working on different things.”

RELATED CONTENT: Federal Appeals Court Upholds Ruling In Favor Of Zion Williamson

• News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 14, 2026

Surgeon Accused Of Knowingly Buying Stolen Vehicles For Rental Car Side Hustle

The allegedly deceitful doctor was a well-known surgeon in the Warner Robins area.

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A Georgia surgeon allegedly bought stolen vehicles for a rental car side hustle.

Local law enforcement arrested Patrick Narh-Martey on April 10 in connection with the alleged scheme, as reported by 13WMAZ. Narh-Martey is a registered surgeon at the Emory Healthcare facility in Warner Robins.

However, when he wasn’t operating on patients, the doctor was covering up stolen cars to use as rental vehicles. To run his side hustle, Amanor Enterprise LLC, prosecutors claim, he stole the cars and then altered their VINs.

Now, the detained physician faces 11 counts of theft by receiving stolen property and eight counts of possessing a car with altered VINs. He reportedly did not work alone, conspiring with others to conduct the criminal car-rental scheme.

The incident report further detailed how many cars were illegally in his possession. Narh-Martey reportedly purchased 13 stolen vehicles across various states from North Carolina to Illinois. None of the vehicles came from Georgia.

According to the Middle Georgia Surgical Institute, Narh-Martey is a board-certified internal medicine physician. Known for his work in medical education, research, and communal wellness, he became a beacon of health expertise in the Warner Robins community.

“His holistic approach to healthcare emphasizes the importance of fostering strong doctor-patient relationships built on trust, empathy, and open communication, ensuring that each patient receives personalized attention and comprehensive treatment tailored to their unique needs,” wrote the webpage.

Now, the acclaimed doctor is at the center of an ongoing investigation into the stolen-vehicle scheme.

Ahead of his recent arrest, Narh-Martey came in contact with authorities before this issue in 2021. However, instead of becoming a suspect, the Georgia surgeon was listed as a victim in a case regarding a stolen vehicle from Florida.

A Houston County tag office employee reported a car title as potentially fake, leading police to reach out to Narh-Martey. He reportedly lied to police about where he purchased a 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat. He told authorities that he paid $44,500 for the vehicle on Facebook Marketplace.

It was not until years later that the police uncovered Narh-Martey’s ruse. Now, he faces not only jail time but a hit to his medical career as well. The news outlet confirmed that his page on the Warner Robins medical center’s website has been removed in light of the charges.

RELATED CONTENT: Meet the First Black Plastic Surgeon to be Formally Fellowship Trained in Transgender Surgery