Morris Brown, Atlanta,
ATLANTA - JULY 18: Morris Brown College (founded in 1881) signage on July 18, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 14, 2026

Morris Brown College Preps For First Graduation Of ‘Restoration Class’ Since Reaccreditation

Morris Brown will commemorate its first wave of graduations since regaining accreditation.

This year’s commencement ceremony for Morris Brown College holds a special place in the HBCU’s history.

This cohort of graduates, deemed the “Restoration Class,” is the first to graduate from Morris Brown since its reaccreditation. As the 92 spring graduates of Morris Brown bask in this milestone accomplishment, they also reflected on their own stories of second chances.

One senior, Faith Shamley, revived her academic journey just as Morris Brown did. After stepping away from college in 2019, Shamley took a leap of faith in herself and the institution she had renewed her commitment to.

Now, the Atlanta native expects to graduate with this restoration class, while also adding to a familial legacy. Shamley’s grandfather also attended Morris Brown years ago. Furthering his footsteps, she says the choice has changed her entire life’s trajectory.

“I always say that my experience at Morris Brown has been life-changing,” Shamley told WSB-TV.

As the school regained its own footing, Shamley appreciated taking part in this history. She also says that it allowed the smaller campus to form close bonds, even being on a first-name basis with the school’s president.

“The president knows me by name; he knows all the other students by name,” explained Shamley. “You’re not going to get that at any other college. So, it’s just a really, really special place to be.”

Morris Brown’s journey remains one of determination and resilience, inspiring other HBCUs at risk of losing accreditation. The school fought for decades to restore its status after losing it in 2002, regaining it 20 years later.

“[Shamley] was one of the first students to enroll in MBC in 2022 when we regained our accreditation,” explained the college’s President, Dr. Kevin James.

Now, as the HBCU inches closer to its former glory within the Atlanta University Center, it has its first wave of new era alums to thank. Instilling faith in one another has made both the school’s and the students’ efforts fruitful.

Shamley will end her undergraduate journey with a 3.9 GPA. Her academic performance also secured her acceptance to the Ivy League for her next degree.

“We are excited about the student success here at Morris Brown. This is what a resurgence and a comeback look like,” James added.

Following graduation, Shamley intends to join Columbia University’s graduate program for nonprofit management. While unsure of how she will matriculate, she remains excited to procure her Morris Brown degree as she extends her academic journey.

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

Kamala Harris, day of unreasonable conversations, 107 Days, book tour, Trump adminsitration
(Photo: Gage Skidmore/flickr)
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 14, 2026

Kamala Harris Welcomes 2028 Speculation At NAN Convention: ‘I Know What The Job Requires’

Rev. Al Sharpton wasted no time asking the question that many voters want answered.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris opened the floodgates for speculation of a 2028 presidential run during Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) Convention. 

During her April 10 fireside chat with Sharpton, the civil rights leader wasted no time asking the question on many voters’ minds.: So are you going to run again in 2028?”

Following a quip—”We love you for many things, but not being subtle,” a laughing Harris got right down to it.

“Listen, I might, I might. I’m thinking about it,” she told the crowd. “Let me say this…I served for four years, being a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States. I spent countless hours in my West Wing office, footsteps away from the Oval Office. I spent countless hours in the Oval Office in the situation room. I know what the job is, and I know what it requires.” 

Some of Harris’ behind-the-scenes allies say she’s been going through “a testing of the waters” as the midterm elections approach, according to The Hill. As one longtime donor put it, “She’s a smart woman and also isn’t going to do something fruitless for no reason”—especially if the support isn’t showcased. 

While other presidential hopefuls like former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also made appearances at the conference, the reception of Harris’ speculation carried a certain heft. “As she should. Nobody else has the requisite experience, certainly not on foreign policy, which will now be key,” @_kayah_ wrote on X.  

“In 2028, especially, we can’t afford a newbie. Plus, she’s got the right temperament and grit for the job.”

Harris introduced the idea that she may make another bid for president during a February conversation with podcaster and author Sharon McMahon. “I haven’t decided,” she said. “I might.” 

A few weeks later, she is making a round of public appearances, including with students at North Carolina A&T State University, where she spoke on the steps of the Dudley Building in the shadow of the A&T Four statue, which features the four students who started the 1960 Woolworth sit-in to protest segregation.

RELATED CONTENT: Former VP Kamala Harris ‘Might’ Run For President In 2028

Sage Knight
Ice Cube in 2015. (Tibrina Hobson/WireImage)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 14, 2026

Ice Cube Calls Cap On Rumors He’s Done With Acting 

"Stop lying."

Former NWA member Ice Cube responded to a social media post saying that “he’s done with Hollywood” with two words: “Stop lying.”

A post on X prompted the Boyz in Da Hood star to nip rumors in the bud. Parody account @HoopsCrave initially tweeted that Cube was leaving Hollywood because “They keep offering me the same angry Black man role.” Before Cube answered, other users had disputed the comment.

X even posted a disclaimer under the message, “Readers added context: Ice Cube didn’t say that.” Of course, Cube confirmed it himself.

Cube was recently “honored” when the last movie he starred in, the 2025 remake of War of the Worlds, was a big winner at March’s 2026 Golden Raspberry Awards, which “reward” the worst movies released. The movie won five of six awards. In addition to the film being named Worst Picture, Cube won the Razzie for Worst Actor. The movie also received Worst Director, Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off or Sequel and Worst Screenplay.

Despite those distinctions, Cube’s movie career appears to be in good shape. One of his most famous films, Friday, will shoot the final sequel, Last Friday. This will be the fourth Friday film, following the original in 1995, Next Friday (2000), and Friday After Next (2002).

Deadline recently reported that another Cube sequel, Ride Along 3 is in early discussions at Universal.  The film will star Cube and Kevin Hart again, with Tim Story directing and Will Packer producing.

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

Debbie Allen, LA City Council
(Photo: Library of Congress Life, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 14, 2026

Debbie Allen To Deliver Commencement Speech At Clark Atlanta Ahead of ‘Different World’ Reboot

Allen will engage with the HBCU community as she brings its culture back to the small screen.

Debbie Allen will deliver this year’s commencement speech for graduates at Clark Atlanta University.

The “A Different World” producer will return to another HBCU graduation to serve as the keynote speaker. Clark Atlanta will further recognize the storied actress, director, and choreographer at the May 18 ceremony.

CAU highlighted her immense legacy and support of historically Black institutions in a new post to its Panthers community.

“Her life’s work embodies discipline, creativity, and unapologetic excellence,” expressed the school in the caption.

As the artistic trailblazer prepares to grace Clark Atlanta’s stage, she brings an illustrious history of her own. Throughout her storied career, Allen has acquired numerous awards, including one Golden Globe and five Emmy Awards, particularly for her work in the ’80s television show “Fame.”

As a director and producer, she also directed most episodes of “A Different World,” the ’90s “Cosby Show” spin-off that focused on the fictional HBCU Hillman College. Allen, a fellow HBCU alum, helped establish the show as a landmark program to promote HBCU culture and tradition.

Alongside her return to a real-life campus, she will bring the world of Hillman back to the small screen with a Netflix revival. An advocate for stories that focus on Black collegiate life, Allen hopes this modern retelling will grow the Hillman legacy and encourage Black youth to attend such institutions.

“There couldn’t be a better time than now to reboot ‘A Different World,’” Allen told Tudum, Netflix’s media magazine. “Our show changed lives, tripled the enrollment of historically Black colleges and gave a strong voice and platform for Young Black America. The incredible fresh young talent we have discovered, paired with the lovable audience favorite OGs, makes this much-anticipated return a must-see on Netflix.”

Allen is also a seasoned commencement speaker. She previously spoke at other graduation ceremonies while receiving honorary doctoral degrees from schools such as the University of North Carolina, Yale University, and her alma mater, Howard University.

Now, Allen will inspire Clark Atlanta’s class of 2026, encouraging graduates to make their marks on the world, just as she has.

RELATED CONTENT: Debbie Allen To Direct Maya Angelou Play ‘Phenomenal Woman’

Black Women’s Health Imperative, Her Health Challenge
Photo by Ivan S: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-doctor-typing-on-a-laptop-4989167/
by Mitti Hicks

April 14, 2026

ACA Subsidies May Trigger A Surprise Tax Bill For Some Americans

Tougher rules for 2026 for anyone who receives an ACA could lead to a bigger tax bill.

If you received an Affordable Care Act Premium in 2025, you may face an unexpected tax bill this filing season.

According to CNN, more than 90% of enrollees received at least some subsidy assistance last year. Subsidies were paid directly to insurers based on projected household income. Enrollees will have to reconcile what they received against their actual earnings by filing Form 8962, using income data the IRS sends on Form 1095-A during tax time.

If the filer’s income exceeded projections, enrollees will have to repay a portion of the subsidies.

For 2025, repayment is capped on a sliding scale, starting at $375 for a single individual earning under $31,300 or two times the federal poverty level. The maximum is $1,625 for individuals and $3,250 for families.

There is no cap for those earning above four times the federal poverty level, totaling $62,600 for an individual in 2025 or $106,600 for a family of three. This means they could owe back all amounts that exceeded their eligibility.

Tougher Rules For ACA Subsidies That Could Impact 2026 Taxes

It’s important to note that repayment caps disappear in 2026 after President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. For taxpayers, this means there will be no sliding-scale limit on how much people could owe back in subsidies for 2026 if their income exceeds their projections.

One problem taxpayers could run into for 2026 is that the average monthly premium for ACA health insurance is around $619. The average subsidy enrollees receive is reportedly around $74, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker.

Since Congress did not extend subsidies, people are working more to cover healthcare costs. By doing this, many will likely increase their income, which could lead to earning too much in 2026. If workers receive a subsidy in 2026, they could owe it all back next tax season if they earn too much, since there is no cap.

Teyana, Taylor,chine, ball on a budget
Teyana Taylor attends The 2023 Met Gala celebrating Karl Lagerfeld at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2023 in New York City. (Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 14, 2026

Teyana Taylor Teases Team Shake-Up After Missed Call From Young Thug, ‘Somebody’s Getttin’ Fired’

Taylor reassured Young Thug that she wasn't dodging his call.

Teyana Taylor doesn’t seem to take missed opportunities lightly.

The multi-hyphenate entertainer said someone on her team could be fired after The Aunties missed a styling call from Young Thug. Taylor addressed the situation after Young Thug mentioned it onstage at the Coachella music festival.

The “One Battle After Another” actress cleared the air about the miscommunication and, presumably, joked about giving someone the boot for not letting her know about Thugger’s request. According to fan account Thugger Daily, she shared her response on an Instagram story, even tagging Young Thug’s profile.

“Somebody getting fired cause ain’t nobody told AunTEY nothinnnn, nothinnnnn,” asserted Taylor.

The 35-year-old promised directly from her account that she’s open to future collaborations with Thug.

“and that’s word to Dolla Bill aka Uncle Bernie Mac! I gotchu tho @thuggerthugger1 say less,” she added.

Her comments came shortly after Thug paused his Coachella set to make note of her attendance. Right then, he revealed his requests for her styling expertise.

“Teyana Taylor in here, what’s up?” he told her through the crowd. “I been tryna get in touch with her for the last month…I wanted her to style me.”

However, things seemed to become awkward as they vented about Taylor’s busy schedule.

He continued, “She too big, wasn’t calling back.”

Young Thug further claimed that her team made false promises to connect the two, which the 34-year-old took as excuses to avoid working together.

“We promise she’s gonna call back later. We promise she’s rehearsing,” he recalled, before adding, “I’m like, ‘What she rehearsing for?’”

Fortunately, Taylor denied being uninterested in styling Young Thug. Taylor, through her visual production company, The Aunties, has made a name for herself in the creative direction space.

Since launching this other side of her artistry, she has transformed the styling and staging for artists such as Latto, Summer Walker, and just added Essence Fest.

RELATED CONTENT: Teyana Taylor Refuses To Accept ‘Disrespect’ After Oscars Security Incident

department of Labor,
Washington, DC – Frances Perkins Building ***Official Department of Labor Photograph*** Photographs taken by the federal government are generally part of the public domain and may be used, copied and distributed without permission. Unless otherwise noted, photos posted here may be used without the prior permission of the U.S. Department of Labor. Such materials, however, may not be used in a manner that imply any official affiliation with or endorsement of your company, website or publication.   Photo Credit: Department of Labor Shawn T Moore
by Mitti Hicks

April 14, 2026

U.S. Dept Of Labor Offers $85M In Grants To Expand Apprenticeships

This fourth round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) grants will provide direct funding to states and territories based on a performance-based formula.

The U.S. Labor Department announced $85 million in grants to help states and territories expand apprenticeships to advance President Donald Trump’s goal of reaching and surpassing 1 million active apprentices nationwide.

In 2025, the Trump administration announced an economic strategy to “reindustrialize America, dominate the artificial intelligence (AI) frontier, and claim control over the levers of national prosperity.” The administration also announced plans to create a workforce system “capable of propelling American workers into high-wage careers.” Investing in the next generation of talent is one way the Trump administration aims to reach its economic goals.

What To Know About Apprenticeship Grants

Administered by the Labor Department’s Employment and Training Administration, this fourth round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) grants will provide direct funding to states and territories based on a performance-based formula. According to the Labor Department, the formula will reward states for recent growth in active and new apprentices.

To qualify for SAEF grants, eligible states and territories must commit to three core requirements: 

  • Demonstrating a commitment to leveraging resources, which may include WIOA Governor’s Reserve Funds, Perkins V Reserve Funds, and other federal or state tax credits or grants, equal to or greater than 50% of their formula allocation. 
  • Setting statewide Registered Apprenticeship expansion goals for increasing the total number of active apprentices.
  • Reserving a share of funds to support employers and Registered Apprentices in state-identified priority industries directly.

In addition to these three SAEF funding requirements, states with federally recognized state apprenticeship agencies must publish average program approval times to increase transparency and accountability in the registration process. 

“States are essential partners in achieving this meaningful expansion of the National Apprenticeship System,” U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said in a statement. “With this funding opportunity, we are supporting state-driven strategies that strengthen America’s workforce and help employers develop the talent they need in critical industries like shipbuilding, artificial intelligence infrastructure, manufacturing, and other high-growth sectors.”

For more information about the grant or to apply, click here.

RELATED CONTENT: Federal Literacy Grant Program Improves Reading Scores Of Black And Underserved Students In D.C.

earned wage, tax braks
(Photo: fizkes/Getty Images)
by Ahsan Washington

April 14, 2026

9 Online Tax Software Solutions For Last-Minute Filing

The April 15 deadline is quickly approaching

If the April 15 tax filing deadline has taxpayers under pressure, individuals may want to consult digital platforms that help prepare income tax filings. According to industry evaluations from Forbes and Kiplinger, these platforms offer tiered pricing and expert support to help users complete their filing within hours. These top tax software solutions provide automated features such as W-2 imports and error checks.

BLACK ENTERPRISE took the work out of digging and sourced nine tax programs that focus on step-by-step guidance, fast processing, and precise results, all available via a website or mobile application.

Tap Into These Tax Programs Below

1. TurboTax

Developed by Intuit, this high-end solution serves individuals, freelancers, and investors. The software provides interview-style guidance and expert assistance options.

  • Key benefit: Auto-import features and deduction optimization.

2. H&R Block Online

H&R Block provides a hybrid platform that enables users to file independently or seek assistance from tax professionals. The free version supports more diverse tax scenarios than many competitors.

  • Key benefit: Choice of digital filing or in-person assistance at branches nationwide.

3. TaxAct

Since 1998, TaxAct has provided budget-friendly filing options for basic to advanced tax returns. During tax season, the company delivers live refund status updates.

  • Key benefit: Straightforward pricing and live status tracking.

4. TaxSlayer

This platform provides affordable services to students and military personnel. It includes options for self-employed users and those claiming education deductions.

  • Key benefit: Low-cost service levels and specialized support for military filers.

5. FreeTaxUSA

FreeTaxUSA provides free federal tax returns for all users, regardless of income bracket. It differentiates itself by offering inexpensive state tax return options.

  • Key benefit: High-value federal filing for complex returns at no cost.

6. Cash App Taxes

Formerly known as Credit Karma Tax, this service provides free tax filing for federal and state returns. Users access the platform through a mobile application.

  • Key benefit: Efficient, mobile-first solution with zero filing fees.

7. Jackson Hewitt Online

This platform combines a digital interface with physical retail locations. Customers can file online or receive face-to-face support.

  • Key benefit: Accessibility through both online and brick-and-mortar channels.

8. TaxHawk

TaxHawk provides a free federal filing platform that supports more than 350 deductions and credits, including those related to investment income.

  • Key benefit: Robust deduction support without federal fees.

9. IRS Free File

A joint initiative between the Internal Revenue Service and private providers, this program offers free filing to qualified taxpayers. It is often the best initial option to consider.

  • Key benefit: Government-vetted security and guaranteed free access for eligible users.

RELATED CONTENT: A Metro Atlanta Woman Under Investigation For Tax Preparation Fraud

Bali, Ohio, arrest, GoFundMe
(Photo: Bill Oxford/Getty Images)
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 14, 2026

Data Reveals Black Immigrants​ Targeted In Aggressive New ‘Street Arrest’ Report

Report author David Hausman, co-director of the Deportation Data Project and assistant professor of law at UC Berkeley, says while the facts about ICE arrests are public, but that's not the whole story.

A new report from the Deportation Data Project confirms that Black immigrants are targeted by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during “street arrests,” adding to the narrative that the safety of “everyday life” is under attack, The Grio reports. 

The “One Year of Immigration Enforcement” report highlights a massive increase in “street arrests” for Black undocumented immigrants, an aggressive tactic where federal agents arrest individuals in their own neighborhoods, courthouses, or during routine check-ins at ICE field offices. For the disenfranchised demographic, the report marks a new era of danger at the hands of law enforcement for a group that already faces systemic disparities. 

Known as an “arrest anyone, anywhere” approach, the tactic stems from record-high detention numbers seen nationwide. Data shows the number of ICE agents detaining immigrants with no criminal convictions has increased by more than 800%. The release rate for detainees without criminal records decreased from 35% to just 7%.

According to NBC News, the report’s analysis is based on data from a lawsuit filed under the Freedom of Information Act covering arrests through March 10 of 2026. Report author David Hausman, co-director of the Deportation Data Project and assistant professor of law at UC Berkeley, says that while the facts about ICE arrests are public, that’s not the whole story. “It’s well known that ICE has been pursuing a campaign of indiscriminate arrests, but it’s less well known that even as ICE has arrested more people who likely could win their cases and stay in the United States, arrests have been ending more often in deportation,” Hausman said in a statement. 

“One big factor is that detention causes people to give up on their cases.”

However, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security claims the projected data is incorrect, adding “70% of ICE arrests are criminal illegal aliens” and how the department continues “to go after the worst of the worst — including gang members, pedophiles, and rapists.” “Every single one of these individuals committed a crime when they came into this country illegally. The Deportation Data Project relies on information releases that have not been reviewed, audited, or given context,” the spokesperson said. 

“DHS nor ICE have verified the accuracy, methodology, or the analysis of the project and its results. The bottom line is that the Deportation Data Project is not accurate.”

But the Deportation Data Project stands by the notion that “these are ICE’s own records of who is arrested, detained, and deported” regarding the data amid the increase of arrests during the first nine months of the Trump administration, and not just in Democratic-led cities such as Minneapolis. Graeme Blair, co-director of the Deportation Data Project and professor of political science at UCLA, says “even at the peak of the Minneapolis surge,” street arrests accounted for only 15%. “The expansion is truly national,” Blair said.

RELATED CONTENT: Memphis Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke Arrested For Speeding, Drug Possession

taraji, Henson, wine brand, sweet wine
(Photo: Dan MacMedan/WireImage)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 14, 2026

Taraji P. Henson Joins Influencer In Gifting New Jersey Single Mom $40K

Taraji P. Henson teamed up with a popular TikToker to gift one single mom and grandmother in New Jersey with $40,000.

Taraji P. Henson recently partnered with an influencer to surprise a deserving single mother and grandmother from New Jersey with a $40,000 gift.

On April 7, Zachery Dereniowski, known as MD Motivator on TikTok, shared a video of his collaboration with Taraji P. Henson to surprise a Jersey City resident and devoted fan with a gift in recognition of her many good deeds.

“Do you want to give away $20,000 for free?” he asked Henson, to which she happily agreed.

Dereniowski chose the woman after she selflessly gave him her last, unaware he was filming a social experiment. To repay her kindness, he teamed up with Henson to double the original gift, with Henson contributing an additional $20,000.

“Oh my goodness. I would love to meet her and help in any way I can,” Henson said.

@mdmotivator “I have $40,000 dollars for you” 🥹❤️ #tarajiphenson #kindness #money #family #mother ♬ original sound – Zachery Dereniowski

The video shows Dereniowski sitting with the woman in a salon, where she believed she was simply getting her hair done. She reflected on the day they first met, recalling how she offered him help despite her own personal struggles.

“I stayed home, and I just wanted that peace with God. He didn’t have to do it. But he did. He blessed me. And all the people in Jersey City? Me?” the grateful woman said. “A person who felt like she was nothing? A person who’s been through a hell of fire for these past few years? God chose me. So I’m grateful. I think I had a few dollars in my pocket the day I bought you the slippers. But I didn’t care.”

Moments later, Dereniowski had her erupting with joy as Henson appeared to reveal that she was doubling his $20,000 gift.

“Because you’re not taking care of yourself,” Henson told the woman. “So I’m doubling what they have already donated to you. I’m doubling it because I know you’re not taking care of yourself. Because I know you’re going to use it, and I know you’re going to take care of everybody, something you need to take care of yourself. You hear me? Take care of yourself. You can’t pour into people if you don’t have none.”

Viewers praised Dereniowski and Henson for the act of kindness, with many noting they’d like to see more people with wealth and influence do the same.

“Taraji P. Henson… THE WOMAN THAT YOU ARE 🥹,” one user wrote.

“Anytime I watch your videos, it gives me so much reasons to work hard so I can have enough to help others… So help me God,” added someone else.

RELATED CONTENT: Taraji P. Henson Pours Up A New Era With Sweet Red Wine Blend In Seven Daughters Collaboration

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