taxes, Black people, taxes, refund, bill, owe

by Ahsan Washington

January 5, 2026

8 Books That Call Out Tax Disparity And Call Attention To Money Management

Tax season is a critical juncture for financial reclamation

In 2026, tax season stands as a critical time for financial reclamation. For the Black community, the U.S. tax code has long served as a “silent architect” of the racial wealth gap — a complex web of property tax inequities, marriage penalties, and capital gains structures designed to favor established capital over labor.

To transform the tax season from a period of extraction into one of empowerment, one must master both the historical context and the modern mechanics of the system. These eight essential books offer the analytical depth and practical literacy required to navigate the “Black Tax” and secure generational wealth.

The Black Tax: 150 Years of Theft, Exploitation, And Dispossession In America

Andrew W. Kahrl, who is both a historian and professor of African American studies, wrote a book that presents an in-depth historical examination of American tax systems which have created economic inequality between Black Americans and other groups through property taxes and ongoing economic disparities. The 2025 publication delivers crucial historical understanding about the importance of taxes beyond document submission, while linking historical injustices to present-day wealth disparities.

Tax Law and Racial Economic Justice: Black Tax

In Tax Law and Racial Economic Justice: Black Tax, legal scholar Andre L. Smith states that tax systems cannot be considered “race neutral” because tax law connects with racial issues and economic justice. The book analyzes taxation within larger racial economic frameworks and serves activists together with scholars and policy thinkers. Although this book was published in 2015, it remains essential for tax justice discussions in 2026.

The Whiteness of Wealth: How The Tax System Impoverishes Black Americans — And How We Can Fix It

Dorothy A. Brown, a tax law expert and professor, wrote The Whiteness of Wealth to reveal how tax rules create advantages for white households while disadvantaging Black households through both everyday examples and policy analysis. Published in 2022, the text remains a key reference in discussions about tax equity. The book links tax law directly to real-life experiences of inequality, which helps readers fully grasp both the problem and possible solutions.

Get Good With Money

The Budgetnista financial educator, Tiffany Aliche, wrote Get Good with Money as a personal finance guide that helps readers learn effective money management skills, including tax planning strategies for wealth building. Aliche delivers crucial tax management advice specifically designed for Black readers interested in mastering money management. The book was published in 2021 and continues to be a leading financial empowerment resource which delivers practical money management techniques for both individuals and families.

Cashing Out: Win The Wealth Game By Walking Away

Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away by Julien Saunders and Kiersten Saunders is a tactical financial book that draws from Black economic experience. The book provides information about tax implications when changing careers or starting businesses. Published in 2022, the book remains relevant in today’s economic environment..

Financial Freedom For Black Women

Brandy Brooks wrote Financial Freedom for Black Women to explore different money management aspects, which include tax planning fundamentals within larger wealth management approaches. The book was released in 2022 and delivers essential knowledge on taxes, investing, and long-term financial planning.

Blueprint For Black Power: A Moral, Political & Economic Imperative For Our People

Dr. Amos Wilson presents a structural analysis of taxation, labor, wealth, and Black empowerment as an ecosystem in Blueprint for Black Power. The book presents strategies for economic self-determination through tax literacy, which is integrated into community economic empowerment and remains a key reference in financial justice discussions.

The Guide To Black Wealth

Sheldon Campbell wrote The Guide to Black Wealth, which explores taxes as a vital expense for building wealth. The 2021 publication continues to serve as an essential resource for personal finance and tax planning. Through a distinctive viewpoint, Campbell delivers practical guidance for budgeting and investing along with tax awareness.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 5, 2026

Legacy Hoops! Steph, Dell Curry Set Record For Most Combined Games By Father-Son Player Duo

The father-son duo have another NBA player to add to their dynasty, Steph's younger brother Seth.

Steph and Dell Curry have a new NBA record to celebrate together.

Although Dell Curry has been retired for decades, he now holds a new NBA record thanks to his son, Steph. As a father-son player duo, the Currys have set the record for most combined games played.

As the Golden State Warriors guard made his 1,052nd regular-season appearance, he set a record alongside his father. The Athletic confirmed the news following the Jan. 3 game against the Utah Jazz.

As a duo, the two have now played 2,135 combined games. They beat a record previously held by Dolph Schayes and Danny Schayes, who had 2,134 combined games under their shared belt.

Steph has played with the Warriors since the franchise drafted him in 2009. Since then, he has gone on to secure four NBA titles with the team, as well as two MVP titles.

While Steph’s tenure with the Warriors cementing him as a future NBA Hall of Famer, his father also had a considerable career in the league. He played in the NBA for nearly two decades. The elder Curry played on several teams, including the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Toronto Raptors.

However, the Curry’s basketball legacy goes beyond the two, with Steph’s younger brother, Seth, also joining the NBA in 2013. According to the news outlet, the father-son/brother trio holds the record for the most combined NBA 3-pointers.

Seth and Steph also had their joint debut together as brothers-turned-teammates after Seth joined the Warriors for the 2025-2026 season.

However, Steph’s latest record with their father may continue to grow as Steph plays through the Western Conference. Although previously injured earlier this season, he has returned as the Warriors fight for the 8th seed with a 19-17 record. As an emerging dynasty in the NBA, the Curry family continues to make a name for itself and set records.

Justin Combs, Christian Combs, Zeus Network, Diddy

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 5, 2026

Justin and Christian Combs To Break Silence In New Zeus Network Docuseries Following Diddy’s Conviction

The docuseries is expected to debut on the Zeus Network video-on-demand service later this year.

As Sean “Diddy” Combs begins serving his 50-month federal prison sentence, his sons, Justin and Christian “King” Combs, are turning to the camera to reclaim their family’s narrative. The brothers have partnered with the Zeus Network for a new documentary series slated for a 2026 release, promising an unfiltered look at the fallout from their father’s high-profile legal battles.

The upcoming untitled project follows the Combs family through a tumultuous year. In July 2025, the music mogul was convicted on two prostitution-related charges, followed by an October sentencing that saw him ordered to federal prison.

According to Federal Bureau of Prisons records, the elder Combs is currently scheduled for release on June 4, 2028.

A trailer shared on Instagram by Zeus Network Founder Lemuel Plummer suggests the series will feature Justin, 31, and Christian, 19, as they view and react to footage from their father’s trial.

The teaser indicates the brothers will address the widely publicized raids on Diddy’s properties and respond to the intense public scrutiny that has followed the family for years.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lemuel Plummer (@lemuelplummer)

The timing of the series is particularly pointed, as Christian Combs continues to navigate his own legal challenges, including an ongoing lawsuit alleging a 2022 sexual assault aboard a yacht.

While the announcement has sparked debate over the ethics of profiling the family of a convicted felon, Lemuel Plummer was quick to clarify the network’s editorial stance.

“To be clear, this documentary is about allowing Justin and Christian to share their personal story,” Plummer wrote. “We’re not here to endorse Diddy or anyone else. As a network, we believe in giving individuals a platform to tell their own experiences… We’re simply allowing these stories to be told.”

The series marks a significant shift in strategy for the Combs sons, who have largely maintained a low profile since their father’s incarceration began. By choosing Zeus—a platform known for high-drama reality content and raw, personal storytelling—the brothers appear ready to bypass traditional media gatekeepers to speak directly to their audience.

The docuseries is expected to debut on the Zeus Network video-on-demand service later this year.

by Kandiss Edwards

January 5, 2026

Hakeem Jeffries Calls For Investigation Into Trump’s Health Claims

Jeffries says lawmakers have a duty to ensure the nation’s leader is fit to carry out the duties of the office.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Congress should launch an investigation into President Donald Trump’s health.

Jeffries believes there is a lack of transparency surrounding Trump’s health. Speaking with content creator and political commentator Aaron Parnas, Jeffries says lawmakers have a duty to ensure the nation’s leader is fit to carry out the duties of the office. He said the question of Trump’s health should be addressed by Congress now rather than waiting for next year’s elections.

“I don’t believe that this is something that should wait until the American people give Democrats the majority,” Jeffries said. “I think that it’s something that James Comer [Chair of the House Oversight Committee] if he’s actually being honest about Congress being a separate and coequal branch of government – we don’t work for Donald Trump. We don’t work for JD Vance. We don’t work for their billionaire donors. We work for the American people, and Congress, in its role as a separate coequal branch of government, should make sure that the administration comes clean as it relates to the president’s ability to continue to do the job at the level that the American people deserve,” he continued.

🚨 Leader Hakeem Jeffries calls for Congress to investigate Donald Trump's health concerns:

"Congress . . . should make sure the Administration comes clean as it relates to the President's ability to continue to do the job at the level the American people deserve." pic.twitter.com/9JO5f1y3B6
— Aaron Parnas (@AaronParnas) January 2, 2026

Jeffries said the White House has not been transparent about Trump’s health and suggested lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure the president is physically and mentally able to fulfill his constitutional duties. At 79 years old, Trump’s actions have drawn increased attention and discussion about his mental and physical capacity. He has been observed, seemingly sleeping, during White House press conferences and meetings. Photographs of visible bruising on his skin have circulated on the internet. Additionally, Trump appears to be overweight, though he boasts his 5’10’ frame holds no more than 224 lbs.

Trump and his press team have repeatedly asserted that he is in excellent health and that his White House doctors have found no issues. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has described the president as vigorous and hardworking. He has also recently boasted that he is healthier than former President Barack Obama.

by Mitti Hicks

January 5, 2026

NIH Agrees To Resume Grants Considerations Stalled By Trump Orders But Not For Long

Some of the grants funded Alzheimer's, cancer, and other illnesses, which impacts people of all races and ethnicities.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has agreed to continue evaluating grant applications that were previously denied or left in limbo by the Trump administration’s ideological targeting of research grants. The NIH has decided to move forward following two separate lawsuits filed in federal court.

U.S. District Court Judge William Young ruled that the government broke the law by terminating grants that the administration deemed “DEI.” As WGBH reported, the Trump administration terminated grants in areas of diversity, transgender issues, and other research areas with which it disagreed.

The government appealed Judge Young’s decision to the Supreme Court, which ruled in August that the district court likely overstepped its jurisdiction and lacked authority to review the termination of those research grants. The high court, however, did not stay the ruling that the NIH directives used to terminate the grants were unlawful.

NIH Grants In Legal Limbo

In one lawsuit, at least 16 state attorneys general challenged the federal government over its termination of the grants. The ACLU of Massachusetts, Protecting Democracy, and other plaintiffs, including individual researchers, filed a second federal lawsuit.

While the NIH has restored some funding to terminated grants, other applications have been delayed, denied, or stuck in legal limbo. The agreements this week now commit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to resume its usual process for considering NIH grant applications. The agreements also reportedly limit the NIH from applying disputing ideological directives while reviewing applications for new grants.

“This stipulation means that NIH will be reviewing these applications based on scientific merit and not based on unlawful policy directives that had elevated political ideology over science,” Olga Akselrod, senior counsel at the ACLU’s racial justice program, told WGBH.

According to Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, the administration’s funding delays and terminations posed significant harm. Campbell said the University of Massachusetts (UMass) had 353 NIH funding applications under review that were delayed at the time of the lawsuit.

“[This signifies] millions in potential grant funding that would aid in lifesaving medical research,” Campbell wrote. “One such study aimed to investigate a gene that could inform the development of new treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Despite expensive investments made in preparation for this research, which had an anticipated start date of April 1, 2025, Campbell said UMass had to put the project on hold. The university also scaled back admissions to doctoral programs due to funding uncertainty for critical research.

NIH Director Signals The Consideration For Grants Won’t Last Long

Even with the agreements reached in federal court, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya is signaling that the grant considerations will not last long. During an interview with Paul Thacker, Bhattacharya hinted that some of these grants will eventually be tossed out, Stat News reported.

“As best I can understand the legal aspects of things, that for those grants that were paused … that they forced us to restore… we can’t cut them,” he said. “But when it comes to renewal, those grants no longer meet NIH priorities.”

He made it clear on the podcast that funding for the “DEI grants” will not be renewed throughout the year.

Some of the grants funded Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other illnesses, which impact people of all races and ethnicities.

by Kandiss Edwards

January 4, 2026

Russell Westbrook Becomes NBA’s Highest Scoring Point Guard

Westbrook, 37, finished the game with 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists, playing for the Kings in his 18th NBA season.

Russell Westbrook became the highest-scoring point guard in NBA history.

On Jan. 2, Westbrook surpassed Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson’s career point total. The milestone came during the Sacramento Kings’ 129-102 loss to the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix.

With a driving layup early in the fourth quarter, Westbrook recorded his 26,711th career point, eclipsing Robertson’s mark of 26,710 points previously set as the highest total by a point guard in NBA history, Sports Illustrated reported.

Westbrook, 37, finished the game with 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists, playing for the Kings in his 18th NBA season. The 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player previously set other league records, including the most career triple-doubles in NBA history. His history-making feet moves him to no. 15 on the NBA’s all-time highest scorer list.

https://twitter.com/SacramentoKings/status/2007306133468524770

Westbrook has spent parts of his career with several teams, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and now the Kings. His longevity and versatility have contributed to his ascent up the NBA’s scoring charts and a place among the league’s all-time leaders.

In addition to becoming the highest-scoring point guard, Westbrook moved into 15th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, joining an elite group of scorers that includes active and retired legends. At the time of the milestone, he was averaging more than 14 points per game, along with notable contributions in rebounds and assists for Sacramento. In a post-game conference, head coach for the Sacramento Kings and former NBA player Doug Christie celebrated Westbrook’s career accomplishments.

“I didn’t know that he broke another record tonight. He continues to break records,” Christie said. “Russ is a freak of nature. His competitiveness, his competitive drive, his spirit to continue to play as hard as he does, I think this is year 18 or whatever it is. Always been a fan of his and it’s an absolute honor to coach him.”

Westbrook’s achievement adds to a list of historic accomplishments that place him among the most decorated guards in league history, further cementing his legacy as he continues to play.

by Kandiss Edwards

January 4, 2026

Wells Fargo Refuses To Reimburse 83-Year-Old’s Fraud Claim

In May 2025, Wells Fargo denied Young’s fraud claim, saying her report was untimely.

An 83-year-old Texas grandmother said Wells Fargo has refused to reimburse her for nearly $15,000 stolen through check fraud, a dispute her family and local police say continues to cause distress more than a year after the theft was first discovered.

Billie Young, a Dallas elder, wrote a check for $14,952.52 in August 2024 to pay off her car loan. A second check for her electric bill was processed normally. However, she did not get the same confirmation for the loan payment. Young later learned that someone had altered the payee name and cashed it, her family told WFAA-TV.

Young’s family said she contacted Wells Fargo on Sept. 6, 2024, to inquire about the unresolved loan payment and was told the check had cleared. A bank representative did not tell Young that the payee’s name had been changed or that the check appeared altered. Young asked for a stop payment on the utility check during that same call.

After Young obtained a copy of the cashed check in October 2024 showing the payee’s name had been changed and her signature appeared to have been forged, her family reported the incident to Dallas police and filed a fraud claim with Wells Fargo.

In May 2025, Wells Fargo denied Young’s fraud claim, saying her report was too late, her family told the outlet.

“The claim will remain denied, and we will not reimburse you for the disputed transactions,” the bank’s letter said, according to her family.

Young’s granddaughter, Kecia Byars, said the protracted dispute has taken an emotional toll, leaving her grandmother stressed and tearful during bank visits. Out of concern for her well-being, Young closed her Wells Fargo account after more than 25 years as a customer.

Following renewed media coverage, Wells Fargo said it would re-review Young’s case, and the Dallas Police Department also said it is once again examining the matter.

New York County Appoints First-Ever Black Woman Sheriff In State History

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 4, 2026

New York County Appoints First-Ever Black Woman Sheriff In State History

Jackie Salvatore was sworn-in as New York's first ever Black woman sheriff.

New York has a new appointment to celebrate, electing its first-ever Black woman sheriff in the state’s history.

A swearing-in ceremony in Columbia County held more historical resonance than usual, as it marked the beginning of Jackie Salvatore’s tenure as Sheriff. According to MidHudson News, the ceremony took place Jan 2. at the Columbia County Courthouse while local leaders attended the milestone.

Salvatore brings almost three decades of experience to this promotion, having served 28 years with the New York State Police. With her established resume, Salvatore will take on this new leadership role as a beacon of diversity, and dedicated to serve-and-protect communities.

New York Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, who represents the Hudson area, also administered the oath of office to Salvatore. She called the newly sworn-in sheriff a “pioneering public servant” as she entered this new phase of her law enforcement career.

“Today I had the great honor of administering the oath of office to my friend and partner in government, Columbia County Sheriff Jackie Salvatore,” Barrett said in a statement. “Jackie is a pioneering public servant with a long and outstanding track record of keeping our families and communities safe, and is making history as the first Black woman to serve as sheriff in New York State history.”

Salvatore, a Democrat, opted to run for sheriff upon the retirement of Sheriff Donald Krapf. Previously serving as undersheriff, she defeated her Republican opponent, Lt. John Rivero, to assume the role.

As a lifelong Columbia County resident, Salvatore remains an embedded member of its community. She ran on a platform of hands-on leadership to further crime prevention and officer preparedness. The seasoned officer also aims to address the opioid crisis while advancing equity and fairness in the criminal justice system.

Upon her successful run, Salvatore shared how “humbled” she felt by her win. Now, she may begin the work she envisions for her county as its historic sheriff.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jackie Salvatore for Sheriff (@jackieforsheriff)

She wrote, “I will continue doing what I’ve done for the past three decades-serving with integrity, supporting my peers, and upholding the law enforcement oath of honor for everyone in this county.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 4, 2026

Mc-What? McDonald’s Sued Over Claims Its McRib Has No Actual Rib Meat

The lawsuit says the fast food chain has misled customers to pay for a false premium meat cut.

Some McDonald’s customers are fed up and alleging that the restaurant chain’s famous McRib has deceitful marketing.

Four disgruntled customers argued that the McRib’s rib-shaped patty is being sold under false pretenses. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois received the 45-page complaint, filed Dec. 23.

According to The Independent, the fast food eatery has dismissed the claim made in a federal class action lawsuit against them. However, an apparent ingredient list for the sandwich argued otherwise, leading to the legal action.

The filing dictates that the “McRib” actually consists of restructured pork. Instead of legally-confirmed rib meat, this pork allegedly comes from the animal’s shoulder, heart, tripe, and scalded stomach.

Since its debut in 1982, the McRib has become a fascination amongst McDonald’s lovers for its limited releases throughout each year. Although considered a more premium menu item, the complaints suggests that McDonald’s deceives buyers through the marketing of the sandwich.

The lawsuit claims McDonald’s is liable for fraud, breach of warranty, contract violations, and violations of state consumer protection laws. The filing aims to represent all U.S. consumers who bought the sandwich in the past four years, in addition to subclasses in California, New York, Illinois, and Washington.

However, McDonald’s has denied the claims about the McRib’s alleged ingredients. A spokesperson told the news outlet that the sandwich meat consists of “100 percent [boneless] pork,” not including any animal organs.

“This lawsuit distorts the facts and many of the claims are inaccurate. Food quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do – that’s why we’re committed to using real, quality ingredients across our entire menu,” the spokesperson said.

The statement continued, “Our fan-favorite McRib sandwich is made with 100 percent pork sourced from farmers and suppliers across the U.S. We’ve always been transparent about our ingredients so guests can make the right choice for them.”

Despite the company’s rebuttal, the plaintiffs still deem their case as valid, as the marketing and promotion materials do not accurately describe the meat. Furthermore, given its higher price compared to other menu items, the plaintiffs believe that customers should understand that the sandwich does not include a costlier pork cut.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages, restitution, and injunctive relief as they hope a class certification will allow other McRib enthusiasts to join the lawsuit.

Poems, 250th Anniversary , Phillis Wheatley Peters, stamp

by Kandiss Edwards

January 4, 2026

U.S. Postal Service To Honor Phillis Wheatley With Heritage Stamp

Phillis Wheatley is the first published African-American poet.

The U.S. Postal Service will honor Phillis Wheatley, the first published African-American poet, with the 49th Black Heritage Stamp, continuing a decades-long series recognizing Black contributions to American history.

The stamp, part of the Postal Service’s Black Heritage series that began in 1978, will feature a portrait of Wheatley. It will commemorate her role as a pioneering Black literary figure whose work became known internationally in the 18th century.

According to the Postal Service, the new stamp is intended to recognize Wheatley’s “enduring legacy and her role as a trailblazing voice in literature.” The agency said her inclusion reflects the series’ mission to honor individuals whose contributions shaped the nation’s cultural and intellectual life.”

Phillis Wheatley shattered expectations. From arriving in Boston enslaved to publishing her first book at just 20, her words opened doors that once seemed impossible. Celebrate her legacy. Pre-order The Phillis Wheatley Black Heritage Stamp: https://t.co/qYjHvgqho8 #USPSEmployee pic.twitter.com/AkzcdvA4QP
— Natashi Garvins (@USPOLAnews) December 30, 2025

Wheatley was born in West Africa and brought to Boston as an enslaved child in the early 1760s. She was educated by her enslavers, the Wheatley family. Early in her life, she demonstrated extraordinary literary talent, which led to an international career. In 1773, she published Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, becoming the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry. The volume was printed in London and received attention from readers in both Europe and the American colonies.

Literary historians have long noted Wheatley’s significance in early American literature by adding her work to scholarly cannon. The Library of Congress describes Wheatley as “a major figure in the early history of African American literature,” noting that her work challenged prevailing assumptions about race, intellect, and artistic ability during the colonial period.

Despite her acclaim, Wheatley’s life after publication was marked by struggle. She was freed from slavery but struggled financially and died in 1784 at about age 31. Scholars have since reassessed her poetry and historical importance, placing her among the foundational voices of American literature.

The Black Heritage Stamp series has previously honored figures such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Toni Morrison. The ceremony will take place Jan. 29 11 a.m. EST at the Old South Meeting House in Washington.