by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 5, 2025

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ And Previous Eras Contribute To Global Trends From Travel To Fashion

Beyoncé's cultural impact has shaped global trends in a variety of ways.

Paraphrasing what Beyoncé once stated to begin her “Cowboy Carter” era of music, “This ain’t [just] Texas.” The singer has an undeniable influence on multiple industries through her wide-ranging impact in music.

Leading the charge for a country aesthetic, Beyoncé’s impact extends from travel to fashion. Upon the release of her 2024 LP, Beyoncé triggered new trends for cowboy-inspired clothing and a rise in stock for American denim brand Levi’s.

According to Forbes, Cowboy Carter and its inclination toward her southern roots has also led others to flock to the region’s hubs and hotspots like Nashville and her hometown of Houston. Her southern and country revival has held international reverence, shedding a brighter light on the Black history and legacy in the American South. The return of the rodeo to mainstream America has also broken barriers for Black country artists.

The publication, however, noted that Beyoncé’s music has previously shaped global consensus. Her artistry connected her American Blackness with Africa and the overarching Black Diaspora. While listeners explored “Black Is King,” they joined in the celebration as it coincided with international efforts to visit countries in West Africa like Nigeria and Ghana.

Her Renaissance World Tour for its accompanying 2022 album held no exceptions. Beyoncé’s request for silver and glittery aesthetics pushed the sales for small businesses as concertgoers aimed to abide by the event’s unofficial dress code. The tour broke records across its European shows while focusing on the LGBTQ+ community.

Beyoncé is a cultural shifter, whose recognition of already lauded places can bring them to new heights. The publication also mentioned that her 2018 incorporation of the Louvre for her and husband Jay-Z’s “Apesh-t” music video resulted the museum’s highest attendance record that year.

Beyoncé remains widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers in the world, but her impact stretches beyond performance. Her eclectic artistry showcases the power of pop music and how it can spark diversity while shedding light on Black history.

Shomari Figures, Terri Sewell , congressional Black Caucus

by Daniel Johnson

January 5, 2025

Congressional Black Caucus Sets New Membership Record, Swears In New Members

The Congressional Black Caucus held a swearing-in ceremony ahead of the members taking their oaths of office.

On Jan. 3, the Congressional Black Caucus held a swearing-in ceremony ahead of the members taking their oaths of office; the ceremony featured 62 members, which represented the most in the organization’s history.

According to the Missouri Independent, the historic class includes Democrats Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), who are the first Black women senators to serve simultaneously.

It also includes Alabama Reps. Terri Sewell and Shomari Figures, who are the first Black U.S. House members from Alabama to ever serve at the same time.

Sewell, who is also the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s board of directors, issued a statement on behalf of the CBC to the outlet, indicating their desire to stand up for the interests of Black Americans.

“Today, we renew our pledge to fight racism where it exists, to weed out inequities in health care, the criminal justice system, education, voter access, and so many rights and benefits that are part and parcel of what it means to be Americans,” Sewell said. “We, in the Congressional Black Caucus, stand ready for the task ahead.”

Rep. Glenn Ivey, a member of the CBC and a Democrat from Maryland, indicated that he is concerned about President-elect Trump potentially using the Justice Department to punish his political opponents, a manner inconsistent with its intended function.

“That’s not the role of the Department of Justice,” Ivey said. “Protecting the rule of law is what we’ve got to make sure happens now and going forward.”

He continued, “I can remember back a few years ago where the Republicans controlled the White House, the Senate and the House. A few years after that, [then U.S. Sen.] Barack Obama got elected president, and we took back control of the Senate and the House. So a setback is a set up for a comeback. We’re ready to come back.”

Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, told the Missouri Independent that the potential of Trump to use his office for unsavory purposes does not stop the organization from pursuing its own goals.

“They should say to the president, ‘if you want to meet us halfway on important priorities like voting rights, elimination of poverty, we will not say no,’” Morial said. “But if your plan is to administer solely to your MAGA base, we will lead the resistance.”

Figures, meanwhile, reflected on what it means to him personally to receive the support of the people of Alabama and others who came to visit him on his first day in office.

“It’s humbling and its also I think reassuring of the work that has to be done and reassuring of the interests that are in the state of Alabama when you see people coming from a variety of sectors, a variety of industries, a variety of backgrounds all coming to wish you well and to get to know you,” Figures told the Alabama Daily News.

He concluded, “Stepping out there on that floor, it’s a moment where you get an opportunity to sort of take a few minutes to sit back and think about all that it took for you to get here. All the people that made the sacrifices for you both presently in your life as well as those who crossed those bridges before you historically.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 5, 2025

Young Thug Returns To Music, Mentioning YSL Rico Case On Lil Baby’s New Album

Young Thug mentioned the controversial YSL trial in his first verse since his October 2024 release from jail.

Young Thug has officially returned to music with a featured verse on Lil Baby’s latest album, WHAM.

Thug, released from Atlanta’s Fulton County Jail in October 2024, mentioned his YSL Rico case on Lil Baby’s “Dum, Dumb, and Dumber” track. The song, which also included a verse by fellow rapper Future, included Thug’s first lyrics on his high-profile jail stint. The case also broke records as the longest-running trial in Georgia history.

On the Wheezy-produced track, Thug mentioned that “King Spider back” and that he was having his way behind bars.

“Yeah, n—a, King Spider back/ I don’t even believe I was locked up, for real, for real/ I was havin’ my way the whole time, fool, you know what I’m saying,” he rapped on the song.

He and 26 other YSL-affiliated defendants were arrested in May 2022 in a 56-count indictment for gang-related charges. However, Thug claims he ultimately had his way with the results on the controversial trial.

Despite delays and other issues, the 33-year-old was finally freed after spending over 2 years in jail. He reached a plea deal that granted him 15 years in probation for his release. As part of the deal, Thug also pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and firearms charges.

His YSL signee and fellow high-profile rapper, Gunna, was released in December 2022 for his alleged involvement in the racketeering charges. Gunna’s release through an Alford plea deal faced contempt from other members of the rap community, including former collaborator Lil Baby. Thug has not publicly spoken on the snitching claims against Gunna.

However, his lawyer, Stephen Sadow, spoke out in support of his client. In a tweet made on Jan. 3, he alleged that Gunna’s release did not jeopardize Thug’s own freedom in any way.

I was Gunna's attorney but I am NOT speaking on his behalf. This long post is solely to set out the truth. Gunna did NOT cooperate, and did NOTHING and said NOTHING to cause harm to Thug's case. He spent 8 months in jail and was released in Dec. 2022 after entering an Alford…
— Steve Sadow (@stevesadow) January 3, 2025

“This long post is solely to set out the truth. Gunna did NOT cooperate, and did NOTHING and said NOTHING to cause harm to Thug’s case,” Sadow explained. “Gunna’s plea could not and was not used at Thug’s trial and he was never even named as a witness.”

The attorney noted the difference in their plea agreements as well. He mentioned how Thug cannot live in his hometown of Atlanta due to probation requirements. On the other hand, Gunna’s deal did not prohibit any travel or include living parameters.

He added, ” THOSE THAT HAVE AND CONTINUE TO BAD MOUTH GUNNA, GET OVER IT. NUFF’ SAID.”

While unclear of where Thug and Gunna currently stand in their relationship, the former is embarking on his new freedom with new music for fans.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 5, 2025

Soul Singer Brenton Wood, Known For ‘The Oogum Boogum Song,’ Dies At Age 83

Wood was known for his soulful hits and the launch of his own recording label.

Soul singer Brenton Wood, known for “The Oogum Boogum Song,” has died at age 83.

Wood’s manager and assistant, Manny Gallegos, announced the artist’s death on Jan. 3. Confirming the news to Variety, Gallegos shared that the “Gimme Little Sign” singer died of natural causes at his California home. Gallegos also claims that Wood’s last words to his fans paid homage to his work, stating “Catch you on the rebound” as a nod to his lyrics.

Wood was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, as Alfred Jesse Smith in 1941. His family moved to San Pedro, California, during his childhood. He later moved to the neighborhood of Compton, where he attended Compton College.

During his matriculation, he decided to pursue music under his stage name. Taking inspiration from soul artists like Sam Cooke, Wood developed his own collection of hits that would transcend generations.

Signing with Double Shot Records in 1967, Wood gained traction with his notable hit “The Oogum Boogum Song.” Peaking at No. 19 on the U.S. R&B Charts and No. 34 on the Hot 100, the song recently found modern-day fame on popular Netflix shows like Wednesday and The Umbrella Academy.

However, Wood went on to produce even higher-charting singles. His following hit, “Gimme Little Sign,” climbed to No. 9 in the U.S.. His next single,”Baby You Got It,” hit the same peak as his first successful song with the label.

Wood decided to venture further into the music business, developing his own label, Prophesy Records, in 1972. He embarked on a Catch You on the Rebound: The Last Tour tour in 2024, yet had to pause the slew of farewell concerts after a hospitalization.

Wood remains remembered for his dedication to building his own music enterprise and love for soul music. The artist died surrounded by his friends and family, as his fans honor his legacy.

Denzel Washington, tongue, speech, Broadway

by Daniel Johnson

January 5, 2025

Denzel Washington, Magic Johnson, And Fannie Lou Hamer Honored With Presidential Medal Of Freedom By Biden

In all, 19 were given the highest honor that can be awarded to a civilian in the United States.

On Jan. 4, actor Denzel Washington, NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, public science educator Bill Nye, and civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, among others, were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor that can be awarded to a civilian in the United States.

Conservatives criticized Biden for selecting former first lady and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and investor and philanthropist George Soros, a major Democrat Party donor, as medal recipients.

According to The New York Times, among the notable posthumous awardees was Hamer, a Mississippi civil rights activist who pushed the Democratic Party to address Black voters’ conditions in the Jim Crow South.

Today, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 great leaders who have made America a better place. pic.twitter.com/gqxVgh0uvx
— World Safety (@nickngei2) January 4, 2025

⁦A long time coming! ⁦@POTUS⁩ posthumously honors Fannie Lou Hamer with Presidential Medal of Freedom 48 years after the fearless Mississippi civil rights icon died. pic.twitter.com/gZEi7BxlNN
— Ross Adams (@radamsWAPT) January 4, 2025

I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion right now. It is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom award. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this kid from Lansing, MI would one day… pic.twitter.com/3gFsus16cA
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 4, 2025

Hamer’s niece by marriage, Doris Hamer Richardson, accepted the honor on behalf of Hamer’s family.

“I have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Fannie Lou,” Hamer Richardson told Mississippi Today. “It’s an amazing feeling to be here in D.C. to honor her. And I’m so grateful that she is being recognized with this award and that history continues to be made in her name.”

Another niece of Hamer’s and the producer of a 2023 PBS documentary about Hamer, “Fannie Lou Hamer’s America,” Monica Land, shared a statement about Hamer and her film with Mississippi Today.

“It’s overwhelming to see Aunt Fannie Lou recognized for her sacrifices on behalf of others to this magnitude,” Land said. “And this is why our film about her life is so important. It allows a new and younger generation to get to know her and appreciate the freedoms they have because of her.”

According to a White House press release announcing the 19 recipients of the award, they have all made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.”

The press release continued, “These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”

Magic Johnson tweeted of his honor, “I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion right now. It is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom award. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this kid from Lansing, MI would one day grow up and receive one of the highest civilian awards of the United States…I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Biden for his leadership and for recognizing the contributions of so many who are working to make a difference in our nation, especially inner cities of America and across the world.”

Robert F. Kennedy, who also received a posthumous award, stands in stark contrast to his son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a third-party candidate during the 2024 presidential election. He is now Donald Trump’s nominee for the Department of Health and Human Services.

The elder Robert Kennedy was a Democrat whose star in American politics rose alongside his brother, President John F. Kennedy. Like his brother, he was largely viewed as a leader who was sympathetic to the freedom struggle of Black Americans during the 1960s. Robert Kennedy served as United States attorney general.

Kennedy eventually became a trusted advocate for the civil rights movement and built a broad base of poor and middle-class Black Americans, Latinx Americans, Catholics, and young voters under JFK.

Like JFK’s assassination in 1963, Robert Kennedy’s 1968 assassination has also been the subject of several conspiracy theories.

lawsuit, Floyd Mayweather, Boxer, unpaid wages

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 5, 2025

Floyd Mayweather’s Gym Employees Stage Walk Out Protest Due To Unpaid Wages

The employees allege that Mayweather's team has not paid them their due wages in weeks.

The workers at Floyd Mayweather’s Los Angeles-based gym are protesting their A-list employer over unpaid wages.

The Mayweather Boxing and Fitness employees claim that they have worked without pay for multiple weeks, leading to this demonstration against the establishment and its owner. According to the Daily Mail, employees protested at the gym holding signs that said “modern-day slavery” and “The $ Team Has No Money $.”

Mayweather is known for his luxurious lifestyle and affinity for acquiring cash, which led to his moniker “Money.” Aided by the lofty checks he has earned throughout his successful boxing career, he has an estimated net worth of $400 million. Given this, those on his payroll are fed up with their unpaid wages.

“We’re out here just letting everybody know that they have not been treating us right,” explained one employee to the Daily Mail. “Even if you work for a different company and you ain’t getting paid, you’re scared to show up and say something because you know how businesses do. They silence you and they fire you because everything’s “at will.”

However, the employees are also calling out the illegal nature of this unjust action. They claim that the wage theft violates the California Labor Code. Mayweather’s company could face fines of $100 or $200 if found guilty, depending on how many violations it has accrued.

Despite this, the fines would seem like a drop in the bucket for the multimillionaire. At the height of his boxing career, Mayweather made $275 million in one night for his 2018 match against Conor McGregor, as reported by Forbes.

While the 15-time world champion may still have money to blow, he may have to cough up even more cash for his employees. The Daily Mail reported that if he does not grant their checks after 30 days, the employees can potentially receive a full day’s wages for each day they remain unpaid.

In addition to their option to sue, Mayweather may face a sizable payout if he allows the issue to continue. However, the employees remain unclear whether the 47-year-old has heard their complaints.

“Who knows if he’s aware or not? We don’t,” another employee said. “I was told that we can’t tell him and I can’t tell him that our studio’s closing. He was here two weeks ago. We’ve been silenced.”

Furthermore, his business venture may be in greater trouble beyond the employee payment dispute. The employees allege that the gym location may also shut down due to unpaid rent.

Mayweather had another California location that shut down after facing a lawsuit over unpaid rent.

Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Tackle ,Kevin Johnson, Killed, Los Angeles

by Daniel Johnson

January 5, 2025

Chris Goode, Former Alabama Cornerback, Named Head Coach At Miles College

Goode is a former NFL cornerback.

On Jan. 3, Chris Goode, a former standout cornerback for the University of Alabama in the mid-1980s, was named the head coach of the Miles College Golden Bears.

According to a press release from Miles College, Goode will be formally introduced as the university’s head football coach during a press conference on Jan. 7.

Fred Watson, director of Athletics at Miles College, said in a statement that he expects Goode to continue the positive momentum generated by the Miles College football program.

“We are excited for the future of Miles College football under the direction of Coach Chris Goode and are confident that Coach Goode’s leadership will bring continued success to Miles College football,” Watson said.

Previously, Goode coached in the Arena Football League, serving as the defensive coordinator for the Birmingham Steeldogs, but has never been a head coach at the collegiate level. Despite this, Miles College President Bobbie Knight is optimistic about what Goode could accomplish.

“Chris Goode’s leadership and dedication to student development makes him the ideal choice to guide our football program forward,” Knight said. “We are excited to see how his guidance and vision will propel our student-athletes to continued success both on the field and in the classroom.”

Goode was a cornerback in the NFL, but based on his career numbers, he was not a standout during his seven-year career with the Indianapolis Colts.

Goode compiled seven interceptions, six fumble recoveries, two sacks, and one touchdown across 96 regular season games.

Post-retirement, Goode served as the president of the National Football League Player Association’s Birmingham chapter and became involved in multiple business and sports-related ventures, including Goode Elite Prep, a post-graduate academy for student-athletes.

According to Sports Illustrated, Goode will be taking over for Sam Shade, who led the Golden Bears to a 10-3 record and a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in 2024, advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs, and finished their season nationally ranked for the first time.

by Mary Spiller

January 5, 2025

DreamWorld Bakes, Black Woman-Led Micro Bakery, Opens First Brick-And-Mortar Location In Philadelphia

Ashley Huston began the business during the COVID-19 pandemic as a home-based side hustle.

Popular Philadelphia bakery business DreamWorld Bakes, founded by Ashley Huston, has finally opened a brick-and-mortar location in East Kensington. On Jan. 2, the Black woman-led bakery had its grand opening at 2500 Coral Street.

As CBS News reported, Huston said, “Opening a bakery has always been my dream. DreamWorld Bakes is my love letter to Philly and proof that with enough hard work and a sprinkle of magic, anything is possible.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the grand opening, and DreamWorld Bakes supplied a complimentary Baby Spice cake bite for the first 100 visitors to the in-person store location.

DreamWorld Bakes’ grand opening marks a significant moment in its long journey of milestones.

Huston’s business began in her home kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic as a side hustle to earn money. It has since grown into a Philadelphia staple in the bakery community.

Huston continued, “This bakery is the culmination of so much hard work, love, and a little bit of magic. I want DreamWorld Bakes to be a space where everyone can feel a spark of joy and wonder and, of course, enjoy some incredible treats.”

Huston’s accomplishments keep rolling in. She was recently chosen as Philadelphia Magazine‘s 2024 Best of Philly bakers. She’s entirely self-taught and even had the honor of creating Patti LaBelle’s 80th birthday cake.

DreamWorld Bakes is well known for creating unique pastries from fresh and local Philly ingredients, and now Huston’s place can provide a safe and local in-person community with its new grand opening.

DreamWorld Bakes employee and baker Willow Eagono expressed her appreciation for Huston and all the mentorship that she’s provided.

Eagono said, “Ashley is the first person who taught me anything about baking. To be able to learn from her and now be in a space where she’s doing everything feels really exciting.”

by Mary Spiller

January 5, 2025

Black-Owned Baltimore NextAct Cinema Closes

The NextAct Cinema was founded in 2019 by brothers Anthony Fykes and Robert Wright.

One of the only Black-owned and family-operated movie theaters in the United States closed its doors this week. NextAct Cinema shut down on Dec. 30, as reported by CBS News.

NextAct didn’t give a reason for the closure.

The theater announced on social media, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of NextAct Cinema on December 30, 2024. For the past seven years, we’ve had the privilege of bringing the magic of movies to Pikesville and creating a space where stories came to life, memories were made, and connections were built.”

The post continued, “Your unwavering support, from attending screenings to sharing laughs and celebrating milestones with us, has meant the world. NextAct Cinema was more than just a theater; it was a community, and that was only possible because of you.”

The post concluded, “While this chapter is coming to an end, we will forever cherish the incredible moments we’ve shared with each of you. Thank you for being part of our story.”

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, NextAct Cinema is a Black family-owned movie theater that opened in Baltimore in March 2019.

The theater was founded by brothers Anthony Fykes and Robert Wright and received mostly positive reviews after its opening. Wright and Fykes wanted to create an “independent boutique theater that offers a unique, personalized movie-going experience.”

NextAct Cinema works to combat a “cinema desert,” or a place lacking movie theaters. This is particularly prominent in Black communities across the country.

Fykes said then, “We didn’t want to be an AMC. We don’t want to be a Cine-Bistro. The idea behind NextAct Cinema is that you are coming to a theater that feels like your home.”

BuyBlack.org, Zuri', AI Assistant Pilot Program

by Kandiss Edwards

January 5, 2025

BuyBlack.org Launches ‘Zuri’ AI Assistant To Connect Communities With Black-Owned Businesses

The new AI virtual assistant, Zuri, is in its pilot phase.

BuyBlack.org is launching a pilot program for its AI assistant, Zuri, which will be available to Black-centered organizations on a risk-free trial basis, according to a press release.

The program enables Black news outlets, chambers of commerce, and businesses to embed Zuri into their platforms.

“Zuri is more than just a digital assistant; it’s a bridge to economic opportunity,” said David Derryck. “For Black chambers, media outlets, and bloggers, Zuri is a tool to help elevate Black-owned businesses and promote local economic development. Our goal is to support these organizations with a modern, user-friendly tool, making it easier for people to connect with and support Black-owned businesses.”

Zuri connects users with a variety of Black-owned businesses, including restaurants, clothing shops, community organizations, and more. The service is managed by BuyBlack.org, which handles installation, maintenance, and updates. Pilot users will also receive impact reports tracking audience and customer interaction with the tool.

Key Features of the Zuri Pilot Program:

Discover Local Black-Owned Businesses: Zuri connects users to Black-owned restaurants, retailers, services, and more within their communities, encouraging local engagement and support.
Hassle-Free Setup and Maintenance: BuyBlack.org handles everything, from initial setup to ongoing updates, allowing chambers to fully focus on their mission of advancing Black economic empowerment.
Impact Reporting: After the pilot, participants will receive a report detailing Zuri’s impact, including metrics on usage and community engagement.

Potential participants can email partnerships@buyblack.org or call 510-800-7241 to participate in the pilot program.

BuyBlack.org is not alone in supporting Black small businesses. BLACK ENTERPRISE recently reported that Bishop T.D. Jakes’s Good Soil Movement acquired the e-commerce hub, Nourysh.

Like BuyBlack.org, Jake’s Good Soil movement aims to support the growing number of Black-owned businesses by purchasing Nourysh. By acquiring Nourysh Solutions, Jakes Enterprises is advancing its efforts to build an all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs. Nourysh provides services such as payment processing, online product placement, SMS marketing, and analytics for entrepreneurs who lack the staff and resources to manage these tasks individually.