• Events

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 5, 2025

Ruby Bridges To Return For Annual Reading Festival At The National Civil Rights Museum

The civil rights icon will read her latest novel, "Ruby Bridges: A Talk With My Teacher," at the festival.

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Ruby Bridges will make her return to the National Civil Rights Museum for her annual reading festival, held on the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board decision.

On May 17, Bridges will attend the eighth iteration of the Memphis event promoting equality, education, and youth empowerment. The civil rights icon will also showcase her latest book, “Ruby Bridges: A Talk With My Teacher,” focusing on racial justice and uplifting young voices.

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Bridges remains a revered figure in American history as one of the first Black students to desegregate a New Orleans elementary school. Her historic feat did not come without its challenges, facing racist mobs and threats as she entered her first day of kindergarten at the previously all-white William Frantz Elementary school.

Her courage to continue her studies at 6 years old makes her a long-lasting example of strength, determination, and resilience. Now, the equality activist hopes to share her story and instill these same lessons in the next generation.

“Ruby Bridges represents the courage and clarity we need today,” said museum President Dr. Russ Wigginton, in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “This festival connects her enduring legacy to new generations of kids determined to build a better world.”

At the event sponsored by Sylvamo, Bridges will host a reading of “A Talk With My Teacher.” The novel pays tribute to Barbara Henry, an educator who supported Bridges while she became a face of the 1960s desegregation crisis. The book empowers children and their adult allies to help one another as they endure new challenges today, including censorship, book bans, and restricted teachings on Black history in America.

The festival will also include book giveaways and guest readings by other authors, including Michael G. Long and his children’s book on the life of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin. Complete with arts & crafts, music, and youth-centered fun, the festival offers a family-friendly activity to promote diversity and foster youth empowerment. Bridges has partnered with the museum to bring the festival to life since receiving its Freedom Award in 2015.

“Books and stories help children express themselves and imagine a better world,” shared Bridges. “This festival helps make sure their voices are heard.”

The festival also holds even greater significance as its scheduled date coincides with the anniversary of the Brown v Board of Education Supreme Court decision. Remembering how the decision led to the desegregation of all U.S. schools, this year’s event will honor the legacy of students like Bridges who strived to make society more equal.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Churches Pay $25 Membership Fees To Support The National Museum Of African American History And Culture After Trump Calls It ‘Divisive’

• Education

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 5, 2025

Talladega College, Alabama’s Oldest HBCU, Names New President

Willie L. Todd Jr. currently serves as president of Denmark Technical College in South Carolina

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Talladega College, the oldest HBCU in Alabama, named Willie L. Todd Jr. as its 22nd president on Saturday, May 3, according to AL.com.

Todd replaces interim President Walter Kimbrough, who took over in July 2024 after Gregory J. Vincent retired.

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Previously, Todd served as the president and chief executive officer of Denmark Technical College in South Carolina. Originally from West Point, Georgia, Todd earned his Ph.D. in English from Georgia State University and has 32 years of professional experience.

“His experience and dedication will be invaluable as we navigate the next chapter of Talladega College’s rich history and continue on our path forward to build back better and stronger,” said Rica Lewis-Payton, chair of the board of trustees. “I look forward to working with President Todd, and I believe that he is equipped with the skills and experiences to help the college achieve its goals.”

Todd officially begins his tenure on July 1. The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. member also highlighted the resilient legacy of his newest school while stressing his idea of what the school can become.

“This institution was founded in defiance of limitation and in pursuit of possibility,” explained Todd, who graduated from Albany State University. “That legacy calls us to lead with boldness and integrity. As a proud product of an HBCU and a lifelong servant of these sacred institutions, I believe the time has come to reimagine liberal arts education as a dynamic force for the future.”

Todd’s time at Denmark Tech makes him an optimal candidate for the position. Since beginning the role in 2020, his leadership saw an 870% increase in fundraising, a 400% increase in scholarship offerings, and a 54% increase in enrollment.

With over $32 million raised in five years, the school also saw its probationary notice given by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges removed within a year, Talladega College said in a news release.

“Infused with his passion for advancing Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Todd reimagined DTC’s future through a bold vision, compassion, creative problem-solving, and a student-centered approach that expanded student leadership while building a culture of care,” the colleg added.

The South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners named Todd the 2022 CEO/President of the Year. He also became the first president of DTC to lead the Presidents’ Council for the South Carolina Technical College System.

Todd also served in leadership roles at multiple HBCUs, including Wiley University and Norfolk State.

Now, Todd will embark to “forge a culture of true collaboration, grounded in shared vision and mutual respect, with the Board of Trustees, administration, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the greater Talladega College community.”

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• Arts and Culture

by Ahsan Washington

May 5, 2025

10 Movies That Explore Themes Of Black Motherhood

These films focus on the complexities of Black moms

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With Mother’s Day just around the corner, BLACK ENTERPRISE has pulled together a list of Black films that spotlight maternal resilience and beauty. These aren’t just movies, they’re windows into the complex lives of Black mothers and their transformative impact on families and communities alike.

From tear-jerking family tales to gritty, thought-provoking narratives, each film explores Black motherhood. Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate or just need some inspiration? These films deliver a powerful tribute to the women who’ve shaped us.

Claudine

Claudine isn’t just your run-of-the-mill romance drama. In 1974, John Berry directed this gem set in Harlem. It follows a single mom juggling six kids, a job as a maid, and the nightmare of the welfare system, all while trying to have a love life. It also gives an honest portrayal of Black families’ resilience when the deck is stacked against them.

The film doesn’t shy away from topical issues, such as poverty, social injustice, and the uphill battle Black families experience in a welfare system that seems designed to keep them down. Despite heavy themes, there’s plenty of humor. The stellar performances alone make Claudine worth watching.

Eve’s Bayou

The 1997 gem, directed by the talented Kasi Lemmons, set in Louisiana during the 1960s follows a young girl who starts digging up some pretty heavy family secrets. The film portrays the crucial role of mothers and the influence they have on their children.

Precious

Lee Daniels’ unflinching drama explores the life of a Harlem teen in the 1980s facing unimaginable challenges. Sixteen-year-old Precious (Gabourey Sidibe) faces illiteracy, abuse, and a second pregnancy by her father while living with her violent mother. The story takes a turn when Precious finds hope through an alternative high school. Beyond Sidibe’s gripping, Oscar-nominated performance and Mo’Nique’s Oscar-winning role, the movie is ultimately a story of resilience in a harsh reality.

Holiday Heart

Ving Rhames plas a religious drag queen who takes in a struggling addict played by Alfre Woodard and her daughter in Robert Townsend’s 2000 effort. The movie does a great justice in tackling unconventional family bonds, not shying away from depicting taboos and stereotypes, while delivers a message of hope and acceptance. 

Losing Isaiah

This 1995 drama stars Halle Berry as a former drug abuser who abandoned her baby, only to learn years later that a white social worker (Jessica Lange) has adopted her son, Isaiah. The film, set in Chicago, doesn’t shy away from the emotional and tense custody battle as Berry, in one of her best performances, tries to reclaim her motherhood. The movie asks some uncomfortable questions about race, motherhood, and belonging.

Alma’s Rainbow

Ayoka Chenzira directs this 1994 coming-of-age masterpiece set in Brooklyn, New York. The movie examines the complex bond between a teenager and her mother and aunt, who shape her life, and explores Black womanhood across generations and through varying relationships. 

The Secret Life Of Bees

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, this 2008 film follows a young girl’s journey through South Carolina as she digs into her mother’s mysterious past. Visually stunning, the film shares a heartfelt exploration of motherhood, racial tensions, and the healing process. 

Earth Mama

Savanah Leaf’s incredible 2023 film hits you right in the heart. It follows a young Black mother in Oakland, California, who is fighting a fierce battle to gain back custody of her children, but keeps running into systemic barriers. Earth Mama is a raw choice for those interested in a movie that does not sugar-coat the tough realities of motherhood. It is intimate and displays what a mother’s resilience looks like.

The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story

Directed by Nelson George, this 2016 film covers NBA superstar Kevin Durant’s mom and the unusual sacrifices she made to help her son. It shows how a mom’s love and support can make all the difference. This tale is worth checking out for those curious about the unsung heroes as well as the lives behind famous athletes. 

The Single Moms Club

This 2014 film, written and directed by Tyler Perry, follows five women raising children on their own who create their own support group. Despite their different backgrounds and upbringings, these mothers find strength in each other’s company and collective struggles.

RELATED CONTENT: Allyson Felix’s Next Feats: Working Motherhood, New Documentary, And Partnership With Danimals

• Education

by Daniel Johnson

May 5, 2025

Texas Voucher Bill Sparks Backlash: Critics Say Plan Prioritizes Wealthy Families

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation establishing a private school voucher program into law

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On May 3, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation establishing a private school voucher program into law, helping it pass by replacing Texas Republicans who would have voted against the bill with loyalists in primaries or when these holdouts retired, according to The Texas Tribune.

The law goes into effect in late 2026. Ahead of that, the Texas Comptroller is tasked with creating the Education Savings Account program.

According to The Texas Tribune, Senate Bill 2 allows families to use public taxpayer dollars to fund their child’s education at an accredited private school or to pay for other school-related expenses such as textbooks, transportation, or therapy. The fund’s $1 billion earmark establishes it as one of the largest pieces of school choice legislation in the country.

The issue has been the source of contention in Texas for years. Democrats and rural Republicans in the state who fought against it say vouchers could eventually harm public school systems, which the State of Texas already underfunds, and many of Texas’ low-income residents who can’t afford private school, even with the support of a voucher.

Voucher programs in other states have already been exposed as beneficial to wealthy families who could already afford private schooling, at the expense of students of color, special needs students, and low-income students, as well as leading to disappointing academic scores for students.

“Remember this day next time a school closes in your neighborhood,” Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) said at a news conference. “Remember this day next time a beloved teacher quits because they can’t support their family on their salary. Remember this day next time your local property taxes rise because the state government is not doing its fair share of school funding. And if recession comes and we are forced to make even deeper cuts to public education, remember this day.”

Texas Rep. Gene Wu, (D-Houston) the Democratic Caucus Chair, was critical of the program’s uncapped four-tier system. “Billionaires can use it, and there’s just no explanation of why. If the point is about lifting poor people up, then just make it about poor people.”

As ABC-13 reports, although the bill purports to prioritize low-income students and remain open to all income levels, these aims created doubt for education policy and public education experts about the ability of the state to assist the Texas children who need the most assistance.

Josh Cowen, an education policy professor at Michigan State University, and a critic of voucher programs, told the outlet that there’s no way to deliver a win for Abbott and help lower- and middle-income families simultaneously.

“(Lawmakers) are in a tough spot, the ones that really want to do this for real, for kids. What they’re trying to do is craft a universal voucher bill to give a win to the governor and at the same time adhere to a message, and maybe even a policy, that’s intended to help lower-income and middle-income families. And those two are conflicting goals,” Cowen said.

In April, State Rep. Jolanda Jones (D-Houston) argued during an emergency town hall in Houston’s historically Black Third Ward community that the voucher program amounted to a two-tiered education system that only benefited Texans who could already afford private schools.

“Public dollars should not be spent in private places and spaces,” Jones said then. “We do not want vouchers because it’s not a good education for all, it’s just great education for some. Most private schools are upwards of $30,000, and $10,000 all that does is it’s welfare, a subsidiary for rich people.”

RELATED CONTENT: School Choice Executive Order Penalizes Public School For Teaching American History

• Fashion & Beauty

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 5, 2025

The 2025 Met Gala: Why Its Display Of ‘Superfine’ Black Fashion And Dandyism Matters Now

Fashion's biggest night will highlight Black expression and excellence will highlight Black Dandyism.

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As the 2025 Met Gala approaches, all eyes will focus on its A-list attendees and their interpretation of its “Superfine” Black style theme.

As fashion’s biggest night, celebrities from all sectors will grace the wide red carpet with their looks. However, attending the Met Gala comes at a steep price. At $75,000 per ticket, an invitation speaks more to one’s status and pockets than most.

Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Met Gala has always served as a fundraiser for the museum’s Costume Institute. According to NBC News, this year will bring Black culture to the forefront on May 5.

Its theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” pays tribute to the influence of Black men’s dress since the early 20th century. Moreover, it will explore the impact of Black Dandyism, with the Dandy being an “impeccably” groomed and stylish man, on fashion.

“So, what exactly is Black dandyism? At its core, it’s a fashion revolution, a movement steeped in history, resistance, and pride,” detailed Vogue. “But its impact stretches far beyond the sartorial. It’s a cultural statement, an act of protest, and, above all, an enduring celebration of individuality.”

Monica L. Miller, a guest curator of the exhibit and author of 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, explained the nuanced development of Black style.

“Black style is really related to thinking about how fashion and power connect,” explained Miller in the video for Vogue. “The way that people are styled, are fashioned or fashion themselves, in response to the degree of agency that they feel—silhouettes change, use of pattern, color—all of those things change in relation to time, and relationship to history.”

According to Miller, “Superfine” has 12 signature traits, including ownership, presence, distinction, disguise, and cosmopolitanism. The exhibit itself will take place in the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the MET. Wintour, the longtime editor-in-chief of Vogue, is a decades-long chair of the gala.

Wintour will be accompanied by co-chairs Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton. LeBron James will serve as honorary co-chair. Its host committee includes André 3000, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dapper Dan, Doechii, and Usher

The spotlight on Black fashion, happening amid a national push against DEI efforts, hopes to combat sentiments that diverse representation does not matter.

“It is something that comes to mind, because the Met Gala has these themes that emphasizes all three of those touch points of DEI,” said celebrity stylist Avon Dorsey, who is launching Brother, a Black men’s fashion magazine, next month. “To highlight the importance of Black culture, specifically Black men, is something that’s needed in the world to stand up against the stereotypes and misinformation and push forward our reality.” 

By encapsulating Black expression and excellence, the 2025 Met Gala hopes to spread awareness on Black Dandyism.

“We know that Black men throughout history have always come and shown up and shown out, whether it was a church suit or whether it’s with a top hat or fashion like how our uncles and grandfathers used to wear,” Dorsey added. So, knowing that this exhibit focuses on Black men specifically and the style of Black men, is an amazing thing, especially with the way that the world is right now.” 

Interested watchers can catch all the Met Gala’s red-carpet looks on platforms like Vogue.com and E! News.

• Events

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 5, 2025

Black Wall Street Rally Returns To Tulsa To Celebrate Legacy Of Black Entrepreneurship

The rally will continue celebrating the legacy and resilience of Black Wall Street

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The 4th Annual Black Wall Street Rally will return to Tulsa to celebrate the community’s legacy in Black entrepreneurship.

With this year’s theme of “Paving the Way Forward,” the rally will honor the Black community of Tulsa through its resilience and dedication to financial empowerment. Taking place in the historic Greenwood District from May 15-17, the event will promote communal upliftment and togetherness with music, motorcycles, and a powerful message.

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According to the Black Wall Street Times, attendees will also engage in guided tours through the district, vendor markets, and community panels to discuss the future of Black economic triumph. The event’s organizers encourage everyone to attend and learn more about Black Wall Street’s next era.

The weekend festivities will commence with a citywide meet-and-greet and comedy show. The schedule also includes a Golf Classic taking place the following day, with Tulsa’s mayor sharing opening remarks.

Alongside a bike show with demo rides, a sound competition, and a day party, the event aims to tackle wealth barriers in the Black community. Understanding the rally’s long-term goals of reclaiming ownership and navigating the Black business ecosystem, panel discussions will center on financial literacy for all generations.

The festival’s final day includes an expert-led panel discussing Black economic power. Zapp will headline the musical portion to send off a weekend strengthening the commitment to Black entrepreneurship.

Supported by local and major sponsors, including the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce as well as Harley-Davidson and Moët Hennessy USA, the Black Wall Street Rally will continue to promote its mission to keep Black businesses thriving.

Moreover, the rally hopes to maintain a safe, inclusive, and family-friendly environment, free of racism and other hate speech. More information can be found on the Black Wall Street Rally’s website.

• News

by Daniel Johnson

May 5, 2025

Atlanta’s Controversial ‘Cop City’ Opens Following Years Of Protests

Although the center is now open, the Stop Cop City movement has vowed to continue its opposition

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Atlanta’s controversial Atlanta Public Safety Training Center—better known to the public as “Cop City”—officially opened May 1 after a four-year development period marked by backlash and protests from Atlanta’s marginalized communities.

The 85-acre space will serve as a training ground for Atlanta’s police and fire departments.

According to Capital B News, criticism of the training center focused on concerns about the potential for increased police militarization in Atlanta’s Black communities, the $67 million cost to taxpayers, and the environmental impact on the forest where the center was being built.

The Cop City facility was first announced in April 2021 by then-Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who presented it as a measure to improve officer retention and morale within the Atlanta Police Department following the 2020 protests over the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

Immediately, a group of environmental and racial justice protestors started the Stop Cop City movement.

In January 2023, 26-year-old protester Manuel “Tortuguita” Paez Terán was killed by a SWAT unit from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation while demonstrating against the facility’s environmental impact. The incident drew national attention.

Despite the backlash following the shooting of Terán, protests on Atlanta college campuses, and a petition to put the facility on the ballot—backed by prominent Georgians including Stacey Abrams, Bernice King, and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock—the city continued moving forward with the project.

Although the center is now open, groups like The People’s Campaign to Stop Cop City vow to continue the fight against the facility.

“Our fight isn’t over until Cop City falls and Atlanta reallocates funding towards services that actually keep our communities safe. Cop City may be built, but Atlantans’ resistance remains as strong and determined as ever,” the group said in a press release.

On social media, users pointed out that Cop City’s training curriculum includes protest response tactics, prompting concerns about how the facility might be used, particularly if officers are being prepared in ways some fear could lead to civil rights violations.

In December, Capital B News toured the facility and saw a mounted patrol facility complete with stables, a mock city (hence the term “Cop City”), a walking trail, an education center, an emergency vehicle operations course, and a mock fire station.

Roderick Smith, the chief of Atlanta Fire and Rescue, assured the outlet that “Cop City” was necessary.

“We need this training center so that we can better service you,” Smith said. “No matter what stories you’ve heard about what’s going on or what’s transpiring here, we’ve been very transparent about what this facility means to each department and what services we intend to provide.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Cop City’ Opposition Accuse Atlanta Police Of ‘Constant Stalking’ By Harshly Surveilling Them

• Celebrity News

by Daniel Johnson

May 4, 2025

Taraji P. Henson Expands Mental Health Mission At Coppin State University

Henson will launch the latest iteration of SheCare wellness pods at Baltimore HBCU Coppin State University.

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Actress Taraji P. Henson has advocated for Black mental health for the past several years. On May 2, Henson and her best friend, Tracie Jade Jenkins, announced their intention to launch the latest iteration of SheCare wellness pods later this semester in conjunction with a Baltimore HBCU, Coppin State University.

According to The Baltimore Banner, Jenkins is the executive director of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, an organization founded by Henson to honor her father’s struggle with mental health after he endured serving in the Vietnam War during the 1960s.

The pods, which were created with Black women in mind, will offer counseling services, workshops, and wellness activities, resulting from a partnership between the foundation, Coppin State University, and Kate Spade New York.

Per a press release from Coppin State University, the pods at the university mark the first indoor version of the program, which was created to bring revolutionary mental health support to HBCU campuses; other campuses to feature the pods are Alabama State University, Hampton University, and Bennett College.

Coppin State chose to repurpose an indoor area on campus instead of having an outdoor space because that would allow usage of the pods year-round and increase the impact of the services.

“When we first had the idea to create the Boris L. Henson Foundation SheCare Wellness Pods, I knew we had to start with women, specifically women on HBCU campuses. Growing up, women are told to suppress their feelings, tending to the needs of family and community, often at the expense of their own well-being,” Jenkins said.

“It has been an amazing journey with Kate Spade New York, bringing our shared vision to fruition over the past few years. We are proud to open our next installment at Coppin State University this Spring, a neighboring city to my hometown that I know I love,” Henson, a Howard University graduate, said.

The pods at Coppin State also feature designs created by Veronica Ishii, a Coppin State student and mural artist selected by the university’s campus leadership team. Ishii briefly described what her focus was when she was crafting the designs for the mural space.

“I drew inspiration from the concept of ‘Fanny’s Garden,’ an idea that pays homage to the incredible legacy of our namesake. The concept speaks to the nurturing spaces that women create, places where softness meets resilience and growth blossoms.” Ishii said. “It highlights the unwavering strength we receive from being in community. Through our shared experiences and mutual support, we empower one another to flourish and thrive, creating a tapestry of interconnectedness that captures the joy of womanhood.”

Anthony L. Jenkins, president of Coppin State University, also indicated his excitement for the new mental health space in his statement in a press release.

“We are excited to collaborate with Taraji P. Henson, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, and Kate Spade New York to bring the SheCare Wellness Pods to our campus,” Dr. Jenkins said. “This partnership reflects our shared dedication to enhancing the mental health and well-being of our students. By offering these resources, we aim to empower our students to take ownership of their mental health and thrive in every aspect of their lives.”

RELATED CONTENT: AARP To Recognize Taraji P. Henson As Honorary Purpose Prize Recipient

• Diversity, Equality, Inclusion

by Daniel Johnson

May 4, 2025

40,000 Employees Thank Marriott CEO For Defending DEI Amid Political Pressure

Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano told stakeholders that Marriott would not waver on its promise to create opportunity for everyone.

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During the Great Place To Work Summit, Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano shared his sentiments regarding how the company he captains responded to the attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion unleashed by the Trump administration. Although he privately wondered if he had made the right call, he soon received confirmation from thousands of employees that he had, indeed, chosen the right path.

According to HR Grapevine, Capuano told the stakeholders at the summit, held April 8-10 in Las Vegas, that Marriott would not waver on its promise to create opportunity for everyone who walked through the company’s doors, regardless of political pressure from the White House.

“The winds blow, but there are some fundamental truths for those 98 years,” Capuano told the audience. “We welcome all to our hotels and we create opportunities for all—and fundamentally those will never change. The words might change, but that’s who we are as a company.”

Within 24 hours of his remarks, he received a litany of emails from the company’s most important resource: its employees, and what’s more, the 40,000-plus messages thanked him for standing up for diversity, equity, and inclusion because those were values they believed in, too.

Marriott, which employs over 800,000 people globally, has consistently been ranked on Forbes’ “Best Companies to Work For” list, this year, the hotel chain took the eighth spot on the list and because of its strong commitment to its employees, carries a 90% employee retention rate in an industry that averages a 57% retention rate.

According to Forbes, Capuano’s remarks represent the position that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not a social program, the framing that the White House and other Republican states have championed for several years. Instead, it is part of a company’s operational infrastructure, and consistency between what a company says and does creates a culture of coherence.

Indeed, according to Great Place To Work, workplaces with high trust from their employees typically outperform their competition by nearly four times. The companies on their 100 Best Companies list also more than triple their performance in the stock market; that is to say that employee trust, like that engendered by Marriott, translates directly to profitability.

According to Michael C. Bush, the CEO of Great Place To Work, “The 100 Best Companies have built a foundation of employee trust that fuels performance in all areas of their business— not just some areas, and not just for some people. They are more profitable and productive because they’ve created consistently positive work experiences, lower burnout rates, and higher levels of psychological and emotional health compared to typical workplaces.”

He continued, “These leaders ensure all employees have opportunities for special recognition and make sure they believe that what they do matters; that they matter as human beings first and workers second. They’ve built organizations where transparency, well-being, and high levels of cooperation are cornerstones. That is how business is done: with people, not to people. When that happens, the business benefits all stakeholders — from frontline workers to executives, shareholders to local communities.”

RELATED CONTENT: Making The Case For A Thoughtful Approach To DEI: Addressing Misconception And Reality

• Politics

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 4, 2025

What Shoppers Can Expect Now That Trump’s Tariffs Are Officially Hitting The Market

Shoppers will begin to see noticeable changes in the upcoming weeks.

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The looming Trump tariffs are expected to officially hit the market, making shoppers anticipate shortages and higher prices across various stores.

However, many are unaware of what will really come of the next few weeks as these tariffs roll out. Trump’s back-and-forth on tariff policy has caused confusion and disruption, including a notable 145% tariff imposed on China and fluctuating rates for other countries.

Major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target have also spoken with the President about consumers seeing empty shelves soon. However, avid shoppers should not expect a complete repeat of COVID-19 shortages.

Fortunately, many essential goods like toilet paper, food, and other beverages are made domestically, thus lessening the risk of shortages. Despite this upside, shoppers may see clothing and other materials with a different price tag.

“You’re not going to run out of food or toilet paper, but don’t be surprised if your $3 spray bottle or favorite pair of $5 socks vanishes from shelves or doubles in price,” explained Casey Armstrong, chief marketing officer of ShipBob, a global fulfillment and supply chain platform, to Huff Post.

Fast fashion will take a considerable hit. Typically, notable retailers in this sector, such as Temu and Shein, have relied on a “de minimis” shipment exception to get cheap goods to U.S. customers. According to research re-shared by CNN, this news will mainly impact lower-income shoppers, who account for 48% of these packages.

Under this loophole, buyers purchasing items from these platforms could evade tariffs and administrative fees for orders worth $800 or less. Trump has since shut down this exception, which went into effect May 2.

Even those with patriotic intentions can expect to be impacted. Fourth of July celebratory decorations, many of which are ironically made outside the U.S.A., will now face price increases and quantity limits. Typical items such as fireworks and American flags are made in China, and thus are subject to these new tariff fees.

Back-to-school supplies will also hurt the pockets of younger families. Parents should expect fewer options on shelves when it comes time to buy new pencils and bookbags.

Those decorating their home with summer furniture should also anticipate a short supply of patio furniture. Trump has also acknowledged that American families may have fewer toys to choose from due to the brewing trade war.

“Maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally,” Trump told reporters on April 30.

Other goods, such as electronics, household essentials, and part replacements for appliances will also see issues arise. Experts believe consumers will begin noticing the changes as the summer sets in.

“If nothing changes, I think the summer months is when we’ll really start to see it,” Armstrong said. “First, things like toys will vanish. And then, maybe, your favorite apparel items. And then, maybe some of the weird replacement parts that you didn’t know came from China.” 

Shoppers are encouraged to buy certain items they need sooner rather than later to beat out the incoming tariffs.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Accused of Launching New Scheme To Profit from Tariff War, ‘It Is A Jaw-Dropping Conflict Of Interest’