Diddy, delay, trial, judge Prison, Sean combs — Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 24, 2025

Sketch Artist Captures Image Of Diddy Appearing Thinner With Gray Hair

Jane Rosenberg captured his image during recent court appearance

Sean “Diddy” Combs made an appearance in a New York City courtroom April 18, and although picture-taking was not allowed, a sketch artist captured his likeness for the world to see.

The sketch, created by Jane Rosenberg, has been circulating on social media and has left viewers shocked. At first glance, it doesn’t resemble Diddy at all, as the gray hair being shown has never been seen before. His face looks thinner and more pronounced than what we are used to seeing. He was drawn next to his attorney, Marc Agnifilo.

Diddy and lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, this week

🎨 by Jane Rosenberg pic.twitter.com/E3Ou9Igdfp

— Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) April 18, 2025

The former Bad Boy Records executive was in court attempting to delay the start of his upcoming trial, scheduled to begin May 5, when jury selection is set to commence. The motion to postpone was denied by Judge Arun Subramanian, who stated that there was no reason to give Diddy’s attorneys two additional months to prepare their defense. “It is unclear why there isn’t sufficient time to prepare.”

Also, the judge ruled that alleged victims of Diddy will be allowed to testify without revealing their identities during the trial, with one exception. Former artist and girlfriend, Cassie, who is expected to testify, will do so without restriction.

There was a bit of good news for Diddy, though. Judge Subramanian ruled that evidence regarding prior sexual assault allegations against the entertainment mogul that were not formally included in the charges against him would not be allowed to be mentioned at trial.

Diddy proclaims his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to five charges of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. He has been held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since he was taken into custody following his arrest in September. The 55-year-old disgraced mogul has been named in numerous lawsuits after he settled an explosive lawsuit with Cassie after she accused him of various acts of violence and sexual abuse, less than 24 hours after she filed it.

HBCU week — hoto courtesy of the White House Initiative on HBCUs

by Mitti Hicks

April 24, 2025

Trump Signs New Executive Order To ‘Promote Excellence’ At HBCUs

President Trump says the executive order will “continue the work” begun during his first term

Leaders at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) nationwide have been on edge since President Donald Trump took office. On his first day of office, Trump rescinded several Biden-era executive orders that he deemed “harmful,” including diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. These executive orders have a ripple effect nationwide as universities scramble to reevaluate their curricula, including how Black history is taught.

The administration has also proposed plans to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, threatening the financial aid many HBCU students use to fund their college education.

However, in what appears to be a contradiction of the anti-DEI rhetoric from the administration and Republicans, and a significant reversal of his stance, Trump has signed an executive order that reestablishes the White House initiative to promote excellence and innovation at HBCUs.

“HBCUs remain integral to American students’ pursuit of prosperity and wellbeing, providing the pathway to a career and a better life,” the order reads.

President Trump says the executive order will “continue the work” begun during his first term to “elevate the value and impact” of HBCUs as beacons of educational excellence and economic opportunity in business, government, and the military.

What To Know About The White House Initiative To Support HBCUs

Trump’s White House Initiative on HBCUs has two primary missions. The first is to increase the private sector’s role in strengthening HBCUs financially and upgrading their institutional infrastructure, including the adoption of technology. The second mission is to enhance HBCUs’ capabilities to serve young adults through a slew of actions, including addressing efforts to promote student success and retention, college affordability, and campus modernization.

According to the order, the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Board) will help fulfill the mission. The Board will comprise representatives from various industries, including philanthropy, private foundations, financial institutions, and other relevant sectors.

“Today’s executive order serves as strong reaffirmation of President Trump’s support of investment of historically Black colleges and universities,” Thurgood Marshall College Fund President Harry L Williams said in a statement. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is an organization that represents public HBCUs.

He adds, “This executive order should serve as a call to action for corporations, foundations, members of Congress, and state lawmakers to redouble their efforts to support HBCUs and their students.”

Latanya Richardson, LaChanze, Black women on Broadway — Photo by Pixabay, Wikimedia Commons CCA

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 24, 2025

LaTanya Richardson Jackson And LaChanze To Be Honored At 2025 Black Women On Broadway Awards

The fourth annual Black Women on Broadway Awards will honor LaTanya Richardson Jackson, LaChanze, and Khaila Wilcoxon.

LaTanya Richardson Jackson, LaChanze, and Khaila Wilcoxon are among the honorees at the fourth annual Black Women on Broadway Awards.

This year’s ceremony will take place on June 2 at the Current at Chelsea Piers in New York City. It will continue its tradition of celebrating the artistry, leadership, and impact of Black women in theater who continue to shape and inspire the Broadway community. This year’s honorees include acclaimed Tony winners, nominees, and rising talents who showcase the powerful presence and impact of Black women on Broadway.

“We are delighted to host the fourth annual Black Women on Broadway Awards to honor and celebrate the achievements of Black women in theater,” said co-founders Danielle Brooks, Amber Iman, and Jocelyn Bioh in a joint statement, shared by Broadway News.

“This year, we are proud to honor these three incredibly talented and hardworking women, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, LaChanze, and Khaila Wilcoxon, for all that they have accomplished both on and off-Broadway.”

Richardson Jackson, wife of Academy Award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson, will receive the Audra McDonald Legacy Award, which celebrates the storied career and significant theater achievements of an artist. The “Fighting Temptations” star, who received a 2014 Tony Award nomination for her performance as Lena Younger in “A Raisin in the Sun,” is currently appearing on Broadway as Claudine Jasper in “Purpose.” She’s received past Tony nominations in 2024 for her production work on the revival of “Purlie Victorious” and served as a director for the 2023 Tony-nominated revival of “The Piano Lesson.”

LaChanze will be honored with the Kathy A. Perkins Behind the Curtain Award, which celebrates an artist whose contributions behind the scenes illuminate the stage. A highly acclaimed Tony Award winner, LaChanze earned her first Tony in 2006 for originating the role of Celie in The Color Purple. She went on to win two more in 2023 as a producer of Kimberly Akimbo and Topdog/Underdog, followed by a 2024 Tony for co-producing The Outsiders. Most recently, she directed an Off-Broadway revival of Wine in the Wilderness.

Wilcoxon will be honored with the Florence Mills Shining Star Award, recognizing an emerging talent whose brilliance is just beginning to gain widespread recognition. She currently stars as Becca in the new musical Redwood. Her past Broadway credits include Hadestown, SIX, and Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show.

Brooks, Iman, and Bioh founded Black Women on Broadway in 2020 to honor and support the achievements of Black women in theater, offering mentorship and fellowship opportunities along the way.

Small business, entrepreneurship, price, black business owner, business owner, tariffs

by Daron Pressley

April 24, 2025

How Entrepreneurs Can Win Without Discounting Price

Let’s cut through the fluff. If you’re still blaming price for why your product or service isn’t selling, you’re not in the sales game — you’re in the excuse business. Most small business owners lean on price as if it’s the only lever that can be pulled to get the sale. “Limited time: $99 instead of $299!” “Get it today for three easy payments!” These gimmicks might nudge someone halfway in — but they don’t sell anyone.

The harsh truth? If you rely on discounts to move your offer, you’re not closing — you’re bribing.

Price is not the problem; it’s the excuse your prospects give when they’re not sold. The real obstacle is emotional and psychological: they haven’t committed, are unsure, and haven’t been moved. Until they are, lowering the price is like putting a band-aid on a broken pipeline.

The Emotional Economy: People Buy Feelings, Not Features or Price

When someone says, “It’s too expensive,” they’re saying, “I’m not convinced it’s worth it.” That perception is yours, not the pricing’s. Excellent marketers recognize that people make purchases based on emotion and justify them logically.

Want to close more sales? Create emotional pressure points. Use social proof. Show them what they will lose if they do not take action. Paint a vivid picture of their life after buying. Do they feel more confident? More secure? More respected?

Harvard Business School found that emotionally connected customers are more than twice as valuable as highly satisfied customers. So what’s your job as an entrepreneur or business owner? It’s to emotionally connect with your audience and present your offer in a way that makes people say, “I need this now.”

Sell With Purpose, Not Pleading

Let’s talk about manipulation. That word makes some entrepreneurs squirm. But here’s the truth: if you’re in business, you influence behavior. That’s persuasion. That’s sales. That’s marketing. The real question isn’t whether you manipulate — it’s whether you do it with integrity.

If you know your offer delivers results — if it helps people live better, earn more, feel stronger — then it is your moral duty to persuade effectively. This means using every ethical lever available: urgency, scarcity, exclusivity, storytelling, emotional triggers, status, and aspiration.

Here’s where small business owners win big: when your offer addresses a real problem and you present yourself with confidence, belief, and a compelling message, price objections fade away. People don’t hesitate to spend when they have faith in you.

A study by PwC found that 43% of consumers would pay more for greater convenience, while 42% would pay more for a friendly and welcoming experience.

How You Can Use This in Your Business

If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur, here’s how to use this mindset right now:

1. Package the Value, Not the Price: Instead of saying, “This coaching package is $997,” try: “This 4-week program helps you create your brand story, launch your offer, and land your first three clients — guaranteed. Most clients make their investment back before the final session.”

2. Create a Psychological Trigger: Introduce limited spots, bonuses that expire, or behind-the-scenes access. Let’s say you run a small graphic design agency. Rather than discounting, say: “We’re only taking 5 new clients this quarter so we can give each project full creative focus.” That subtle scarcity creates urgency.

3. Connect the Outcome to the Buyer’s Identity: Your customers want transformation. Show them how your offer reflects who they want to become. Example: “You’re not just booking a facial—you’re investing in confidence, in showing up bold, in finally feeling good in your skin.”

Final Word: Price Isn’t the Obstacle—It’s the Mirror

If price is the objection you keep hearing, that’s a signal. But it’s not a signal to lower your price. It’s a signal to elevate your messaging game. Raise your positioning. Amplify your emotional resonance. Create a buying environment where people say, “I can’t afford not to do this.”

You don’t have to race to the bottom. You don’t need to win the discount war. What you need is a bold message, a clear transformation, and the courage to stand behind your full price without any apologies.

Because when the message is mesmerizing, and it connects, the price becomes irrelevant.

Denzel Washington, Black panther — (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

by Kandiss Edwards

April 24, 2025

Denzel Washington ‘Humbled’ As ‘Othello’ Tickets Hit $1K

Denzel Washington believes his run as Othello is helping him "give back to others."

Denzel Washington addressed the rising ticket prices for his return to Broadway in Othello, a limited-run production where seats have climbed to nearly $1,000. While critics have widely praised the show, the cost has sparked debate.

“Othello has been a blessing,” Washington told Entertainment Tonight. “I’ve been blessed beyond measure for a long time. I’m not bragging, but I’ve been a part of sold-out shows before. God has blessed me with a great ability, and I’m humbled by the reaction and the response that we’re getting. I’m humbled by the opportunity to use my celebrity to help others. That’s what it’s about.”

Washington, who plays the title role, said he sees the performance as a way to create space for new talent. He described himself as being in the “return phase” of his journey, committed to giving back to the industry that shaped his 40-year career.

The Oscar winner also addressed pricing concerns, pointing out that affordable options are available. “They’re selling [tickets] as low as $50. People don’t talk about that,” he said.

Denzel Washington steps into one of Shakespeare’s greatest roles. See him as Othello on Broadway in this strictly limited engagement. Final performance June 8. pic.twitter.com/DBI9ryzkcn
— othellobway (@othellobway) March 25, 2025

Despite the high-end costs, the production grossed $2.63 million in its first week, setting four box office records and surpassing long-standing hits like Wicked and Hamilton, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported.

Much of the demand stems from speculation that this could be one of Washington’s final stage performances. Fans are eager to witness his portrayal of Othello, a role he last performed as a drama student.

While some critics have labeled the ticket prices exclusionary, others argue they’re comparable to premium events in sports or music. Director Kenny Leon defended the approach, emphasizing the production’s economic diversity and accessibility through student discounts and digital lotteries.

Reflecting on the milestone, Leon said, “I have a thousand people in there and it’s so diverse… I’m proud of the box office and I’m proud of what’s on the stage.”

Washington’s return not only highlights his enduring star power but also raises broader questions about equity and access in modern theater.

These BLACK ENTERPRISE Books Should Live On Every Entrepreneur’s Desk

by Ahsan Washington

April 24, 2025

These BLACK ENTERPRISE Books Should Live On Every Entrepreneur’s Desk

Starting your own business requires a level of effort but proper guidance makes the process more achievable

Starting your own business requires a significant level of effort, but proper guidance makes the process more achievable. As legacy leaders in the Black business sphere, BLACK ENTERPRISE published four essential books which function as complete guides to assist Black entrepreneurs who want to build their businesses and navigate some of the challenges. These books deliver practical guidance along with real-world examples and actionable strategies that address the distinct business needs of Black entrepreneurs. These resources will transform your entrepreneurial path no matter if you are beginning your business or seeking to expand it.

How To Succeed In Business Without Being White: Straight Talk On Making It In America

This book, published in 1998, is a seminal text authored by BE founder and visionary Earl G. Graves Sr. Mr. Graves presents his life story, which includes his transformation from a West Indian garment worker’s son into a multimillionaire businessman who led multiple Fortune 500 companies. How to Succeed in Business Without Being White: Straight Talk on Making It In America functions as both a personal narrative and a useful business manual that provides guidance on breaking racial obstacles in business, establishing capital, and cultivating thriving companies. Mr. Graves’ economic empowerment and self-reliance are essential elements to inspire African Americans toward successful achievement through determination and strategic planning. The book delivers practical examples and useful information to help readers succeed in white-dominated business spaces.

Black Enterprise Titans Of The B.E. 100s: Black CEOs Who Redefined And Conquered American Business

Black Enterprise Titans of the B.E. 100s was penned by BE’s own executive vice president and chief content officer Derek Dingle and published in 1999. The text shares the stories of 11 powerful Black CEOs who headed top Black-owned businesses in America. Through first-person interviews, Titans tells how these leaders overcame racial and economic barriers to succeed in industries such as banking, construction, publishing, and entertainment. Dingle, a veteran journalist and cofounder of Milestone Media, shares their strategies, values, and leadership styles. The book aims to inspire and guide aspiring entrepreneurs with real-life examples of resilience and excellence while stressing that vision, determination, and strategic thinking are essential for redefining Black American business.

Black Enterprise Guide To Starting Your Own Business

Black Enterprise Guide to Starting Your Own Business by Wendy Beech is a detailed starter manual that was published in 1999. The text was designed to assist entrepreneurs who are planning to start and grow their own businesses with a focus on the Black community. The book includes topics on self-assessment, business planning, legal formation, funding, marketing, and the internet. It includes real-life stories of Black business owners and has resource lists at the end of each chapter. Although some of the content may be a bit outdated in the current digital age, the guide is still a great resource for new entrepreneurs.

Black Enterprise Guide to Investing

Published in 2000, the Black Enterprise Guide to Investing by James A. Anderson remains a beginner-friendly resource that explains investment basics. Through his experience as both a finance columnist for BE and CUNY professor, Anderson simplifies complicated investment subjects including stocks bonds, mutual funds, and money markets. The guide provides the Black community with financial literacy education to build long-term wealth and gives readers useful methods to manage their financial destiny. The book is widely available through online platforms and continues to serve as an essential resource for new investors.

Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons — photo credit: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 24, 2025

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

Black churches rally behind NMAAHC to protect it against Trump's recent executive order.

Black churches across the country are becoming members of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to defend it against Trump’s accusations of pushing “divisive, race-centered ideology.”

Rev. Robert Turner of Empowerment Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore is encouraging his congregation to pay the $25 membership fee to join the African American history museum, AP reports. He credits the move to Rev. Otis Moss III of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, who urged his church members to do the same.

“For only $25 a year, you can protect Black history,” Moss told his church.

Other pastors who have joined the movement include Rev. Jacqui J. Lewis, senior minister at Middle Church in New York City, a multiracial congregation affiliated with the United Church of Christ, and Bishop Timothy Clarke of the First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio.

“We belonged to the museum since its opening, and we just made another donation to them in light of this administration’s policies,” Lewis said, noting the $1,000 “Easter Love donation” the congregation gave the museum.

The churches’ rising support for NMAAHC comes in response to Trump’s March 27 executive order, which targets what he called “divisive” Smithsonian exhibits. The order also appoints Vice President JD Vance, who serves on the Smithsonian Board of Regents, to lead the charge in removing so-called “improper ideology” from these institutions.

While Trump has pledged to “restore the Smithsonian Institution to its rightful place as a symbol of inspiration and American greatness,” critics accuse him of attempting to whitewash American history by glossing over the horrific truths surrounding slavery and segregation. Turner, who regularly walks 43 miles from Baltimore to the White House each month to advocate for reparations, recalled a recent moment when a child saw his “REPARATIONS NOW” sign and turned to their mother to ask, “What are reparations?”

“That to me is a perfect manifestation about why we need to be teaching more true history of America, and not taking away certain subjects because they make people feel uncomfortable,” Turner said.

On April 18, House Democrats on the Administration Committee, responsible for overseeing the Smithsonian, sent a letter to JD Vance voicing their concerns about the executive order.

“This flagrant attempt to erase Black history is unacceptable and must be stopped,” the letter said. “The attempt to paper over elements of American history is both cowardly and unpatriotic.”

Solange Knowles, Saint Heron, black lit — (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Geffen Records)

by Kandiss Edwards

April 24, 2025

Solange Knowles Brings ‘Eldorado Ballroom’ Series Home to Houston

Solange Knowles and Saint Heron present 'Eldorado Ballroom Houston'

Grammy-winning artist Solange Knowles will return to her hometown with “Eldorado Ballroom Houston,” Performing Arts Houston announced.

The series is a multidisciplinary celebration of Black creativity that honors the legacy of Houston’s historic Eldorado Ballroom. Presented by Knowles’ Saint Heron in collaboration with Performing Arts Houston and Project Row Houses, the series will run from June 10 to June 20, 2025.

Multiple venues will host the series including Jones Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Eldorado Ballroom itself.

Knowles also announced the event on her X account.

“What it do houstonnn Eldorado Ballroom is coming homeee. @SaintHeron June 10-20, tix on sale April 22,” the post read.

what it do houstonnn
Eldorado Ballroom is coming homeee@SaintHeron June 10-20

tix on sale April 22 https://t.co/jk743BYugL pic.twitter.com/CmgHYHJUdB
— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) April 15, 2025

The Eldorado Ballroom, located in Houston’s Third Ward, was a significant venue for Black musicians from the 1940s through the 1970s. The series aims to pay tribute to this cultural landmark while showcasing contemporary Black artists. Each of the six programs will offer a different experience, blending historical reverence with modern innovation.

The series will commence with On Dissonance, an evening dedicated to classical, symphonic, and operatic works by Black female composers. Composers include Julia Perry and Tania León, alongside compositions by Knowles herself.

In addition to live performances, the series will include two free screenings of Saint Heron’s film, Monuments Are Here, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The film is written by Knowles and directed by Nuotama Bodomo.

“She is so much a part of this building’s history—her creative energy has reverberated in the ballroom’s air since ‘A Seat at the Table.’ Now, she’ll be back to deepen that connection and supercharge the energy in this historic venue,” said Danielle Burns Wilson, executive director of Project Row Houses.

Tickets for “Eldorado Ballroom Houston” are available through Performing Arts Houston. Early access is open for members, with general admission sales beginning on April 22.

montgomery, Ann white, buggy drive,saint James School — (Photo: Nappy/Pexels)

by Kandiss Edwards

April 24, 2025

Black Women For The Win! Alabama School ‘Buggy Driver’ Recognized For Her Special Connection With Students

'Sometimes I don't feel like I'm deserving to work at such a great place'

Ann White, a longtime staff member at Saint James School in Montgomery, Alabama, is being recognized not just for her role as director of custodial services but for the warmth and care she shows every day to students and faculty alike.

White, affectionately known on campus as the “Bye Bye Buggy Driver,” guides preschoolers through the hallways in carts each morning. The nickname reflects the special connection she’s built with the youngest students, many of whom run to greet her at the start of the school day.

“I love the kids, and I love this school. Everybody here is family,” White told WSFA. “Sometimes I don’t feel like I’m deserving to work at such a great place.”

White joined Saint James School about eight years ago. Since then, she’s become a familiar and comforting presence across the campus. According to WSFA, White and her team arrive early each morning to ensure the school is spotless before students and staff begin their day.

“It makes me proud to hear the parents and kids show up in the morning and say, ‘It smells so good in here!’” White said.

But her role goes far beyond keeping the school clean. She remembers each child’s name, their favorite snacks, and little things about their families. Teachers say her positivity sets the tone for the entire school.

Saint James School, a private institution serving preschool through 12th grade, emphasizes character, courage, and commitment. According to the school’s mission statement, these values are central to its educational model—values that White says she strives to embody daily.

“We truly believe in what we teach here,” she said.

As schools across the nation continue to recognize the essential roles played by support staff, White’s story is a reminder that impact isn’t always measured by titles or degrees but by the relationships built in everyday moments.

D'wayne Wiggins, cancer, bladder, — (Photo: HIPINC, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 24, 2025

Oakland Ready To Celebrate The Life of D’Wayne Wiggins

The city of Oakland will hold a series of tributes to honor the life and legacy of Tony! Toni! Toné! founding member D'Wayne Wiggins

Oakland, California, is coming together to celebrate the life and legacy of Tony! Toni! Toné! founding member D’Wayne Wiggins, a hometown hero who remained a local up until his death.

In honor of his musical legacy and 30 years of cultural contributions, his daughter, Ilahn Wiggins, announced a public remembrance will take place at Geoffrey’s Inner Circle on April 27.

“The Party of the Century, I love you, Dad,” she captioned her Instagram announcement. “We are going to honor you and celebrate you the Real D’wayne way 🎸

“Everyone is invited,” she added. “I can’t wait to see all your faces and hear your crazy stories about my dad.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 🌴💘💰🦂🇹🇹 (@_ilovepuccii)

Ilahn Wiggins told KQED that the public event, featuring live music, will take place ahead of a major outdoor celebration honoring Wiggins, planned in collaboration with the city of Oakland. That event will be held sometime in May.

In addition to these memorial events, 150 students from East Oakland elementary, middle, and high schools will perform at Castlemont High School April 24 as part of the 3rd Annual East Oakland Vocal Festival & Community Resource Fair, which includes a tribute to Wiggins.

Wiggins died March 7. He was 64. His family announced his death on social media.

“Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer,” the family wrote. “Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans and his community.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TONY! TONI! TONÉ! (@tonytonitoneofficial)

Wiggins made his mainstream musical debut in the late ’80s as part of Tony! Toni! Toné!, which he co-founded along with his brother, Raphael Saadiq, and their cousin, Christian Riley. The group skyrocketed when its 1993 album, Sons of Soul, went double platinum.

Tony! Toni! Toné! hit the road in 2023 for its “Just Me and You” reunion tour. The group did not allow cell phones or recordings at the shows, but captured their own footage, which will be used in an upcoming documentary about Wiggins’ career, Saadiq revealed.