by Kandiss Edwards

December 25, 2024

10 Black Movies That Bring Out The Christmas Cheer

It’s time to break out the Black holiday classics.

Christmas traditions vary from household to household. For some, an elf on the shelf wreaks havoc throughout the house during Christmas. Other families join together to sing Black Christmas classics — on the count of three, everybody says, “In my mind!”

One of the best ways to engage in Christmas cheer is to snuggle up and watch a Black Christmas classic. So, get your matching pajamas, hot cocoa, and popcorn ready. Put the elf back on the shelf — or the couch — and get into music, magic, and Black Christmas shenanigans. If you’re unsure which of the many films to watch, BLACK ENTERPRISE has curated a list of hilarious, uplifting, and nostalgic films full of Christmas cheer.

Preacher’s Wife (1996)

The Preacher’s Wife is Black Christmas Excellence. Whitney. Houston, Courtney B. Vance, and Denzel Washington star in this classic. A lonely wife, a busy husband, Denzel as an angel, and a neglected child should not create so much joy, but it does. Denzel and Whitney’s on-screen chemistry was so captivating that some viewers hoped for a different ending. After watching this 1996 classic, turn up the soundtrack to hear Houston’s haunting rendition of I Believe In You And Me.

https://youtu.be/tHvyt8nwzfU?si=QYMGWTLzs8SpZ8xg

This Christmas (2007)

The ensemble cast of This Christmas will keep you and your family laughing. Loretta Devine and Regina King hold down the fort as veteran actresses. While Idris Elba, Chris Brown, and Laz Alonzo give holiday eye candy to make the aunties of the family swoon.

Friday After Next (2022)

A hood classic, Friday After Next, follows Craig and Day-Day as they work as “top flight security” and have run-ins with some of the most iconic characters in the franchise. Watch Ice Cube and Mike Epps interact with Terry Crews, Katt Williams, and John Witherspoon, giving full doses of Christmas comedy.

Holiday Heart (2000)

Ving Rhames shows his versatility as an actor and leaves audiences sobbing. Holiday Heart is a story of grace, kindness, and finding family. Alfre Woodard’s character will break your heart with her struggles, and the love of family will put it back together.

A Diva’s Christmas Carol (2000)

Former Miss America Vanessa Williams shines brightly as an aging diva with an attitude. Take a trip through Christmas past, present, and future with the modern-day R&B Scrooge. Watching the singer learn to tame her temperament while singing upbeat Christmas tunes is a joy.

Jingle Jangle (2020)

The first Black Disney princess, Anika Noni Rose, lends her voice and presence to this magical tale of invention. Forest Whitaker plays a once joyful but now ornery toy maker who rediscovers the magic of Christmas through the curiosity and excellence of his long-lost granddaughter.

Miracle In Motor City (2021)

Tia Mowry has become one of the queens of Christmas films. In Miracle In Motor City, Mowry promises a spectacular show for her church’s Christmas pageant, complete with a Smokey Robinson cameo. Watch as a Detroit miracle comes to life.

Christmas Comes Twice (2020)

The second Mowry to make the Christmas Queen list is Tamera Mowry-Housely. Housely stars in Christmas Comes Twice, a story of time travel, first loves, and second chances. Hop on a magical Christmas carousel as the anxious newscaster relives Christmas past.

Last Holiday (2006)

Dana “Queen Latifah” Owens leans into her comedic chops during what her character believes is her Last Holiday. A terminal illness diagnosis makes a shy sales clerk fearless, fun, and flirty. Frolicking through the snow and seeking new adventures puts the Queen’s character in the sights of a sexy holiday package, LL Cool J.

Best Man Holiday (2013)

Over a decade after its predecessor, The Best Man cast returns to give the people what they want: closure. The semi-broken friend group comes together to celebrate the holidays. Taye Diggs and Morris Chestnut and the group heal from betrayal, endure grief, and lean into holiday nostalgia.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 25, 2024

UNCF Hosts 41st Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball in Atlanta, Raising $4M For HBCU Students At Its ‘Evening Of Elegance’

Over 2,000 esteemed guests attended the masquerade, all dedicated to helping these diverse scholars and institutions thrive.

Christmas arrived early for The United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The organization’s Mayor’s Masked Ball raised money during its festivities, with $4 million going toward supporting HBCU students nationwide. Actor Anthony Anderson served as the event’s master of ceremonies, and Big Boi and legendary singer Charlie Wilson entertained the robust audience as musical guests.

On Dec. 21, over 2,000 esteemed guests attended the masquerade at Atlanta’s exclusive Signia Hotel, all dedicated to helping these diverse scholars and institutions thrive. The evening’s theme, “A Night of Elegance and Generosity: Celebrating Support for HBCUs and Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders,” also amplified UNCF’s mission to further Black youth in education.

In its 80 years, UNCF has raised roughly $6 billion to support higher education for African American students. BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke to the organization’s President and CEO, Dr. Michael Lomax. Lomax, who just celebrated 20 years at the helm, enthusiastically discussed UNCF’s accomplishments: “We’ve helped over 600,000 students get a college education, and over the last 20 years, we’ve raised $4 billion, and over the last four years, we’ve raised over a billion dollars,” Lomax told BE.

“We’re helping more students than ever before, and HBCUs are more popular than ever before.”

“The Mayor’s Masked Ball is more than an evening of elegance –- it’s a beacon of hope for the countless students striving to achieve their dreams,” said UNCF Assistant Vice President Justine Boyd in a press statement.

“We’re grateful for the incredible support that makes this possible.”

Hosted by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and emceed by Anderson, a Howard University alum, the event celebrated the nonprofit’s storied effort to champion academics. With celebrities, elected officials, and business leaders in tow, the ball encouraged all to give back to those coming after them. Furthermore, the event especially honored Nicole “Nikki” Loftin, president of Social Impact and the UPS Foundation.

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A post shared by UNCF Atlanta (@uncfatlanta)

Made possible with Norfolk Southern as its title sponsor, the masked ball exuded Black excellence with a focus on uplifting its community. Atlanta hosts five HBCUs in its domain, including Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, Morris Brown, and Morehouse School of Medicine.

With fellow homegrown institutions like Coca-Cola continuing its support as a founding sponsor, the fundraising occasion will provide more possibilities to local HBCU students. Other Atlanta-based corporations, such as Chick-fil-A and Delta Airlines, contributed as presenting sponsors.

Remembering its motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” UNCF and its Atlanta chapter’s efforts remain ongoing. As the legacy of the Mayor’s masked ball continues across America, so does the work for its unwavering cause.

Funding is always needed to ensure HBCU scholars can achieve their academic ambitions. Supporters can continue raising the bar by donating the gift of a college education.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 25, 2024

Former Georgia State Senator and Democratic Leader, Vincent Fort, Dies At 68

Fort was considered "The People's Champion" for his strong advocacy for underrepresented Atlantans.

Vincent Fort, former Georgia State Senator and local Democratic leader, has died at 68.

According to WABE, former Atlanta City Councilman Derrick Boazman announced Fort’s death on Dec. 22. The late elected official was a major player in state and city politics, having once run for Congress and Atlanta mayor.

Although raised in Connecticut, Fort moved to the city to obtain his master’s degree in African American history at the then-Atlanta University during the ’70s. He developed a love for the southern hot spot, staying on to pursue leadership positions.

While beginning his career as an educator at the surrounding HBCUs, Morehouse and Morris Brown College, he earned his first elected position in 1996. He represented the 39th district in the Georgia State Senate, encompassing various Fulton County neighborhoods from East Point to Union City.

A strong advocate for Democratic and progressive policies, he notably proposed the state’s first anti-crime bill, albeit struck down. He was a known face at local protests and supported efforts toward affordable housing for the city’s working class.

Fort often spoke out against policies he believed disenfranchised lower-income residents, from development projects supported by mayors to predatory loans and income tax cuts. He championed underrepresented residents and was unafraid to speak out against those in higher positions.

He later became the Democratic Whip in 2011 while also leading multiple committees in the State Senate. He left his office in 2017 to launch a mayoral campaign.

Upon his passing, the current Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens, also shared his condolences as he praised his “trusted advisor” and his commitment to their city.

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A post shared by Andre Dickens (@andreforatlanta)

“Today, I’m sad that we’ve lost my friend,” began Dickens. “Senator Vincent Fort was with me on all three of my elections – each time resulting in victory. Since I became mayor, he has worked within my administration on a host of priorities and community initiatives. Always wise, always frank, always honest, always pursuing justice and fairness. He was a sincere man of the people and for the people. I’m going to miss my trusted advisor and friend.”

Moreover, the Atlanta council released its own statement regarding Fort’s passing. They applauded his formidable legacy as the “People’s Champion.”

“His commitment to the people will always have a profound impact on our city and state. We had the privilege of honoring him and are deeply saddened by his passing,” the council said. “May his memory live on through the fights and causes he championed and the lives he uplifted.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 25, 2024

Atlanta Woman Champions Diversity As She Proudly Boasts Over 300 Black Santas In At-Home Collection

Zeigler has amassed over 300 Black Santas with the help of her other sister.

An Atlanta woman is extremely proud of her growing Black Santas collection at home.

Camille Smith Zeigler has transformed her home into a winter wonderland filled with diversity, continuing the collection established by her sister, Brenda. Zeigler’s sister, Brenda, began collecting Black Santas until she died in 2013. Now, her family has continued the Christmas tradition and let visitors witness the lofty number of Santas.

During the pandemic, the collection grew, with Zeigler and her other sister owning over 300 Black Santas. They told Fox 5 of why they continue buying more. For them, it ensures that all representations of Santa are seen and celebrated, especially for Black children.

“When we grew up, as you said, we only saw one Santa,” Zeigler told the reporter. “But with the way the world is now, it is imperative for us to make sure that our family members, our nieces, and nephews, know Santa came in a lot of different forms [and from] many different places.”

Despite DEI standards and practices being at risk, Ziegler and her sister have ensured that diversity remains a priority.

She added, “And Santa was Santa to whoever the children were loving at that time. And we wanted them to know there were a lot of different people and the diversity, but Santa is Santa.”

Zeigler and her family have brought diverse Christmas icons from across the country to their southwest Atlanta home. Buying collectibles from each coast, such as Vegas, Dallas, New York, and New Orleans, the mission to display Black Santas from around the nation lives on.

The sisters unpack the 304-piece collection around October every year, leaving the Black Santas on display until January. While they honor the tradition started by their sister, the Santas have come to represent inclusivity needed during and beyond the holiday season.

Todd McDonald, Liberty Bank, FORBES BLK50

by Daniel Johnson

December 25, 2024

Forbes Inaugural BLK50 List Includes Liberty Bank’s Todd McDonald

The 43-year-old McDonald took over Liberty Bank and Trust in 2022, at that point, it was already one of the largest Black banks in America, and he has ideas about how to take the bank to the next level.

According to Forbes, the Forbes BLK50 List is an offshoot of the magazine’s former Wealthiest Black Americans list, which was created to catalog the richest and most powerful Black Americans. In its first edition, released on Dec. 20, the publication named Todd McDonald, the president of Liberty Bank, among its honorees.

The outlet notes that the inaugural list is, in some ways, a correction of the old list. It includes activists, innovators, and entrepreneurs alongside those with a generous net worth.

The list comprises a group that includes McDonald, Beyonce, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Fawn Weaver, Josh Aviv, John Hope Bryant, and Pinky Cole Hayes.

The 43-year-old McDonald took over Liberty Bank and Trust in 2022, at that point, it was already one of the largest Black banks in America, and he has ideas about how to take the bank to the next level.

“I want to get rid of denials,” McDonald told Forbes. Instead, he wants Liberty to set “conditions to every single request, so we can start reestablishing confidence” in banks within the Black community.

Liberty Bank was founded by McDonald’s father, Alden J. McDonald Jr., in 1972. The elder McDonald currently serves as its chairman and CEO.

The bank currently maintains 19 branch locations in 11 states, and McDonald eventually wants to see the bank expand across all 50 states.

McDonald has been busy building partnerships for the bank, deepening the its existing relationship with Chase, which has been growing steadily since 2017 when it entered into a mentor-protegé program sponsored by the federal government.

That program was designed to foster investment and collaboration between institutions like Jamie Dimon’s JPMorgan Chase and Liberty Bank, which, according to McDonald, has been successful on both fronts.

“Dad and I engage with him (Dimon), like, three or four times a year,” McDonald told Nola.com. “He helps us. I gave him a list of small asks and likes to be a problem solver. He can just pick up the phone and make it happen.”

In 2023, both McDonald’s talked to WWLTV about their journeys in the banking industry. The younger McDonald indicated that Liberty Bank’s method of doing business sometimes contradicts conventional financial wisdom.

“We have been in business for 50 years, and we have lent to communities that have been the riskiest on paper and we’ve gotten the money back and been profitable,” McDonald told the outlet.

In an anecdote, Alden McDonald explained that compassion is the ethos of Liberty Bank, a staple of the City of New Orleans.

“You want to treat people the way you want to be treated. I’m a person. You’re a person. Everybody is a person, so you treat them as a person, not a number. So when Todd came over to the bank, that was the meaning for me. It wasn’t the succession. It wasn’t the legacy of me,” McDonald said, “It was the legacy of what this bank means to the community.”

Shirley Walker, Mattie, missing woman, Atlanta

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 24, 2024

Metro Atlanta Issues Mattie’s Call As Community Searches For 84-Year-Old Missing Woman

Shirley Jenkins was last seen in the downtown Decatur area on Dec. 22.

A Mattie’s Call has been issued for a missing 84-year-old woman in Metro Atlanta.

DeKalb County Police Department issued the missing person’s alert for Shirley Jenkins. Jenkins has been missing since Dec. 22. She was last seen around 3 p.m. near the east Atlanta area of downtown Decatur. A specific address, 450 N North Candler, was also listed and may correspond to her home.

The department deems the matter urgent due to her age and disabilities that could have led to her disappearance. According to the report obtained by Fox 5, Jenkins suffers from age-related health issues, such as poor eyesight, memory loss, and disorientation. She may appear in general confusion as well, given her state.

Furthermore, the police listed a car in which Jenkins may be driving. They identified it as a 2015 gray Toyota Corolla. It also remains unclear if Jenkins still has the vehicle with her.

Snoopy Newell, a man who says that Jenkins is his grandmother, shared a photo of the woman and her license plate.

The Atlanta resident is 5-foot-6 and weighs 145 pounds. She last wore gray sweatpants, a gray shirt, a black coat, a black hat, and white shoes. The police believe she may still have the clothing items on.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Mattie’s calls are reserved for missing elderly or disabled persons in the state. Established in 2006, the alerts include pertinent information to better aid the public in the widespread search for individuals.

Dekalb Police hope to locate Jenkins soon, as her cognitive impairments spark concerns about her wellbeing. At the time, she is considered to be in potential danger.

The department and her loved ones have asked the metro Atlanta community to keep searching for the elderly woman. Those with any information or updates on where Jenkins could be are encouraged to contact the DeKalb County Police Department at 770-724-7710.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 24, 2024

Lamar Jackson Says He WILL See Beyonce Perform At Halftime

The self-professed Beyoncè fan could not contain his excitement

Many Beyoncé fans were excited to hear that “Bey” would perform on Christmas Day at the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans NFL game. One of those fans just happened to be Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson. He confessed that he would watch the show despite his coach needing him to be with the team in the locker room at halftime.

Texas native Beyoncè will take the stage during halftime of her hometown team’s next game on Dec. 25. During a recent press conference, knowing that an artist he admits to admiring will be there as halftime entertainment, Jackson was asked if he would be disappointed to miss her performing on the field. Still, he said that he was not gonna miss her performance.

“Nah, ’cause I’m gonna go out there and watch. I’m gonna go out there and watch, man,” unable to hide his excitement at seeing her in person. “First time seeing Beyoncè perform, and it’s at our game?! That’s dope.”

Knowing that the team typically meets in the locker room during halftime to discuss what happened in the first half and what needs to be done in the second half, he eluded to having to miss that, and he apologized in advance to his head coach, John Harbaugh, and teammates.

“I’m gonna go out and watch. Sorry, Harbaugh, sorry. Sorry, fellas.”

He was asked whether he’d go out there if his team had a big lead.

“I’m not even thinking about the lead; I’m just thinking about seeing Beyoncè for the first time. Not sounding like that, no disrespect, because I know how people can take things,” Jackson said.

As he finished expressing his excitement about knowing Beyoncè would occupy the same football field he was playing on, he threw out a phrase inspired by Harlem native and sports commentator Cam’ron: “Pause.”

Let it be known that Lamar Jackson WILL be watching Beyonce at halftime on Christmas Day.

“Sorry Harbaugh.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/JDvYJJ8K3m

— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) December 23, 2024

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 24, 2024

Minnesota Timberwolves Player Anthony Edwards Fined $75K For ‘Profane Language’ In Criticizing Referees

Edwards has been fined 3 times this season for a total of $135K

Minnesota Timberwolves player Anthony Edwards has just been hit with another fine this season as he publicly criticized referees while using inappropriate language.

The NBA announced that Edwards has been fined $75,000 for public criticism of the officiating and using inappropriate and profane language. Joe Dumars, executive vice president and head of Basketball Operations, said he was penalized after making comments after a game the Timberwolves lost to the Golden State Warriors 113-103 on Dec. 21.

During the postgame media session, he strongly criticized two of the three refs who worked the game at the Target Center.

According to CBS Sports, he called out officials Sean Wright and Sean Corbin. He claimed he had no problems with Simone Jenks, the third ref who worked the game.

“F**king terrible, all of ’em, besides the woman,” Edwards stated. “But the other two dudes, terrible. Excuses, the reason they call the foul, the reason they don’t call the foul, the sh** was terrible. They don’t want to talk back to my coach. They don’t want to talk back to me. I said one thing to the ref, and he gave me a tech. Motherf**ker told one of my teammates [that] if I would have said, ” Y’all calling a bad foul,’ he wouldn’t have gave me a tech.”

He says the referees have been biased against him and his teammate, Julius Randle, the whole season.

WARNING: Adult language.

Anthony Edwards talked about the officiating for the entirety of his postgame media. Here’s a piece of what he said. pic.twitter.com/Nehp43N3ex

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) December 22, 2024

Edwards has had to pull out his checkbook more than once this season. Two weeks ago, he was fined $25,000 for “using profane language” while speaking to reporters. On Nov. 17, he received his first fine of the season when he made “an obscene gesture” on the basketball court playing against the Sacramento Kings. The league fined him $35,000 after he raised his middle finger during league play.

His current fine total is $135,000.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 24, 2024

New Drama Series Tells Sean Bell’s Tragic Fate Through The Lens Of His Fiance Nicole P. Bell

A new three-part series recounts the tragic story of Sean Bell, as seen through the eyes of his fiancée, Nicole P. Bell.

A new three-part drama series delves into the police shooting of 23-year-old Sean Bell, told through the perspective of his fiancée, Nicole P. Bell.

Starring Rayven Ferrell and Bentley Green with Richard T. Jones and Richard Lawson, Aftershock explores the devastating events surrounding the killing of Nicole’s then-fiance, Sean Bell, while offering her personal perspective on the tragedy and its aftermath. The Manny Halley Production project was written by Cas Sigers Beedles and directed by Alesia “Z” Glidewell. Nicole served as a producer alongside Yolanda Halley and Rodney Turner II.

“I am pleased to announce my collaboration with A Manny Halley Production to share my journey—a journey of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of justice,” Nicole said in a statement.

“This project aims to retell my story of finding strength and fighting for accountability after the tragic loss of my husband-to-be and the father of my children.”

Sean Bell was fatally shot by undercover NYPD officers in Queens on Nov. 25, 2006, just hours before his wedding. Bell and two friends were leaving a strip club when plainclothes and undercover officers fired a total of 50 rounds into their vehicle.

Sean Bell’s friends, Trent Benefield and Joseph Guzman, were severely injured in the shooting, while Bell tragically lost his life. The incident provoked widespread public outrage and criticism of the NYPD, drawing parallels to the 1999 killing of Amadou Diallo. Three of the five detectives involved were brought to trial on charges including first- and second-degree manslaughter, assault, and reckless endangerment. However, all three were ultimately acquitted.

Sean Bell’s death occurred nearly 12 years before the term “Black Lives Matter” emerged as a rallying cry against unjustified police shootings like the one that claimed his life. Nicole believes the Aftershock series will deeply resonate with those who have lost loved ones to similar tragedies and with advocates fighting against police brutality.

“This is a collective experience shared by countless survivors—those who have lost loved ones to senseless violence and those who have fought tirelessly for accountability and civil reform,” Nicole said.

Aftershock was created as a powerful and deeply moving series that highlights the urgency and humanity of a story that remains profoundly relevant today as police shootings continue to plague families and communities. The series is currently available for distribution and offers a unique opportunity to share this critical and timely narrative with global audiences.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 24, 2024

Washington Mystics Hire New General Manager, Head Coach

The team has hired Jamila Wideman to be the latest general manager, while the newly announced coach is Sydney Johnson.

The WNBA’s Washington Mystics have announced a new general manager and head coach for the team.

According to the organization, the Mystics have hired Jamila Wideman as its latest general manager and announced Sydney Johnson as the new coach. Monumental Basketball, the team’s owners, made the announcement.

This year has been a celebration of progress in women’s sports, and today the @WashMystics began an exciting next step in this movement. The team announced Jamila Wideman will take over as the general manager and Sydney Johnson will step in as the head coach.

Jamila brings… pic.twitter.com/gC7NB8XPfT

— Zach Leonsis (@ZacharyLeonsis) December 23, 2024

“Jamila’s breadth of experience, range of core competencies, and passion for developing the whole athlete makes her the ideal person to usher in the new era of Mystics Basketball,” Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger said in a written statement. “Together with her player connectivity, big-picture vision, and intimate knowledge of the global scope of our game, we feel strongly that Jamila will be a bedrock for our athletes, coaches, and staff as they pursue another championship for the DMV. “Similarly, Sydney brings an exceptional combination of acumen, tenacity, and empathy that will elevate our play and galvanize the team around the new direction for this championship franchise. His deep love of basketball and passion for uplifting others make him a natural fit in our greater Monumental Basketball ecosystem.”

Wideman was most recently the senior vice president of Player Development for the WNBA for the past six years. She played her collegiate career at Stanford University, where she helped her team make three straight appearances to the NCAA Final Four (1995-1997). Wideman left Stanford and became one of the first WNBA players when she was drafted third overall in the 1997 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. She also played with the Portland Fire and Cleveland Rockers.

Johnson was an assistant coach with the Chicago Sky this past season. Previously, he was the head coach of the Fairfield University men’s basketball team for eight seasons (2011-2019). He took the team to four postseason appearances –- the most in school history. As a collegiate player, he led Princeton University to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances (1995-96, 1996-97) and is the only three-time captain in Princeton men’s basketball history.