fund, SCFU, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Social Change Fund United — (Left to right) Carmelo Anthony. Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade. (Photo: Bobby Metelus)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 23, 2025

Social Change Fund United Announces Los Angeles Initiative To Help Small Businesses

The initiative, co-founded by Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul, has announced a collaborative effort with Stackwell and the National Basketball Players Association Foundation (NBPA Foundation)

The Social Change Fund United (SCFU), an initiative co-founded by two NBA Hall of Famers, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade, and a future Hall of Famer, Chris Paul, announced a collaborative effort with fintech platform Stackwell and the National Basketball Players Association Foundation (NBPA Foundation).

The SCFU Visionary Ventures Program was initiated to help small businesses in Los Angeles succeed in historically under-resourced communities. It will begin in the LA area, with plans to expand nationwide.

“The Visionary Ventures Program represents our commitment to creating change in underserved communities,” said Anthony, Paul, and Wade in a joint written statement. “By partnering with Stackwell, we’re offering holistic financial education and development resources to help businesses thrive, particularly during these challenging times as our community works to rebuild from the wildfires.”

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This is the first time SCFU has partnered with a fintech platform and will utilize Stackwell’s track to assist businesses in achieving long-term financial stability. The Visionary Ventures Program is supported by NBA players CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton and WNBA stars Natasha Cloud and Candace Parker. An executive team comprised of Creative Arts Agency (CAA) executives Callie Curry and Hillary Thomas serves on the advisory board.

Small businesses in Los Angeles can download the Stackwell App and visit the Community Hub to learn more about eligibility requirements.

Trevor Rozier-Byrd, founder and CEO of Stackwell, said, “This is a critical moment for LA. When we show up for LA small business owners, they can show up for their community. That’s why we’ve teamed up with SCFU and the NBPA to launch Visionary Ventures. We’ve built this program using Stackwell’s program-building playbook, which has proven to drive incredible results. We’re so excited to work with our partners because they share our passion for supporting communities through the power of investing.”

Beyoncé, Billboard Country Albums Chart, Cowboy Carter — (Photo by Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 23, 2025

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Earns Special Recognition in New People Magazine Collector’s Edition

After a year of watching all the fanfare surrounding Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, which includes her first Album of the Year Grammy, People Magazine decided to celebrate Queen Bey’s country debut with a special collector’s edition.

The new issue, now on sale at newsstands and Amazon, includes over 125 photos reflecting on Beyoncé’s journey to securing 35 historic Grammys, images from her 2023 Renaissance world tour, and promotion for her Cowboy Carter tour kicking off on April 28. The Beyhive will also receive recognition through a special issue, featuring personal accounts from select members.

https://twitter.com/BeyLegion/status/1909306915181511115

Beyoncé secured her historical title as the most decorated artist in Grammy history in February when she won three Grammys for Cowboy Carter, bringing her total Grammy wins to 35, surpassing the previous record holder, conductor Georg Solti, who had 31 wins. The “Texas Hold’ Em” singer took home Grammys for Album of the Year, Best Country Album, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Miley Cyrus.

It was her first Album of the Year win after years of being snubbed. It came on the heels of her husband, Jay-Z, accepting the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award in 2024 and scolding the Recording Academy for not awarding his wife an Album of the Year title.

While finally accepting the award two months ago, Beyoncé dedicated her win to Linda Martell, the first Black female country singer, with whom she had collaborated on Cowboy Carter. It aligned with the album’s theme of reclaiming the Black history tied to country music and shining a light on those who might be overlooked in the genre.

When announcing the album last year, Beyoncé shared that Cowboy Carter was “born out of an experience I had years ago, where I didn’t feel welcomed.”

“But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of country music and studied our rich musical archive,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives educating on our musical history.”

People‘s special Cowboy Carter edition is on sale now as the Beyhive gets ready for a Cowboy Carter takeover kicking off next week.

Dilemma, Dilemma: 4-Day School Week Poses A Problem For Parents With 5-Day Work Schedules

Teachers are returning to the profession and delaying retirement, but parents are growing increasingly frustrated.

An increasing number of U.S. school districts are transitioning to four-day school weeks, aiming to address teacher shortages, reduce operational costs, and alleviate student burnout. While this model offers certain advantages, it also presents challenges, particularly for working parents whose schedules do not align with the shortened school week.

As of 2024, nearly 900 school districts nationwide have adopted a four-day week, a significant rise from just over 100 in 1999, according to the Associated Press. This shift is most prevalent in rural areas, where districts aim to reduce transportation costs and attract educators by offering a more flexible schedule.

In Floresville, Texas, the Independent School District will implement a hybrid four-day week starting in the 2025–2026 academic year. The decision follows a survey that indicated 68% of staff, parents, and students supported the change, provided that childcare was available on the extra off day. The district plans to offer childcare and meals on most Fridays when school is not in session.

The district also reduced student days from 169 to 164 and teacher days from 187 to 178. Officials stated the move is meant to enhance work-life balance for educators while maintaining instructional hours by extending the remaining school days.

However, the transition poses difficulties for parents working traditional five-day weeks. Managing childcare on the additional day off can be challenging and costly. While some districts provide subsidized care, availability and affordability vary.

Despite these concerns, many parents appreciate the benefits of a four-day week, such as increased family time and reduced stress for students. Surveys indicate that 70% to 80% of parents in districts with four-day weeks support the model, citing improved morale and attendance.

Nonetheless, some districts, like Middletown, Connecticut, have opted to maintain a five-day schedule, citing concerns over childcare, after-school activities, and the potential impact on student learning. Officials emphasize the importance of stability and the challenges a shortened week could pose to families and educational outcomes.

As the debate continues, the four-day school week remains a complex issue, balancing educational benefits with the practical needs of families and communities.

YFN Lucci, Golden Bunny Bash, Easter — BE

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 23, 2025

YFN Lucci Gives Back To ATL Youth At The 2nd Annual ‘Golden Bunny Bash’

The event marked the rapper's first public appearance since his release from prison.

Rapper and entrepreneur YFN Lucci uplifted Atlanta’s youth on Easter with his second annual Golden Bunny Bash.

The Easter celebration marked the rapper’s first public appearance since his release from prison in January. Lucci used his return to the public eye to spread awareness of his organization and give back to his hometown.

Lucci’s nonprofit, Well Wishes Community Organization, partnered with another local community resource, The Blessing All Neighborhood Kids (B.A.N.K.) Foundation to bring the Golden Bunny Bash back for another year. Over 650 children and their families got to celebrate with one another on the Christian Holiday, which took place April 20.

“Being back in my community, seeing these kids smile—this is what matters most to me,” shared YFN Lucci in a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Atlanta raised me, shaped me, and supported my dreams. Everything I do is about showing the community that someone who walked these same streets cares about their future and believes in them.”

While at The Bank Event Center, families engaged in scavenger hunts while listening to live music courtesy of DJ Lavish Lee. In a personal touch, Lucci’s four children also designed activations for the snacks and activities held at the bash. From “Justice’s Pop It Popcorn Station” to “Honest’s Eggstravagant Face Painting,” the event emphasized the importance and inclusion of family at every step.

My kids are my world, and I want them to understand that true success isn’t measured by what you have, but by what you give,” explained the 34-year-old. “I’m teaching them that being a support system for others isn’t optional—it’s our responsibility. When they see me organizing these
events and connecting with our community, they’re learning lessons that no amount of success or money could teach them.”

In May 2021, Lucci, alongside 11 others, faced a 105-count RICO indictment filed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. He accepted the plea bargain for the racketeering and other charges in January 2024, receiving a sentence of 10 years in prison with 10 years probation, with his ongoing jail stint counting for time served. He was released from prison a year later.

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Now, the newly-freed artist hopes to keep inspiring and uplifting his Atlanta community through other initiatives held throughout the year. As for his fans, they hope the “Everyday We Lit” rapper will also release a new project or single to begin his new era of music.

CHARLIE WARD, FAMU, basketball, head coach — Photo credit: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 23, 2025

Charlie Ward Hired As Florida A&M University Head Basketball Coach

He becomes the 16th head coach for the program

Former New York Knicks player Charlie Ward has been hired as the 16th basketball coach at Florida A&M University (FAMU).

Florida A&M University’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, Angela Suggs, made the announcement welcoming the Heisman Trophy winner to the school.

A New Era: FAMU Taps NBA Vet and Heisman Winner Charlie Ward to Lead Men’s Basketball Program

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/jR18cEQiiV #FAMU | #Rattlers | #FangsUp 🐍 pic.twitter.com/dtECkZWw3j

— Florida A&M Men’s Basketball 🏀 (@FAMU_MBB) April 21, 2025

“I’m excited for the opportunity to join FAMU and serve as head coach of the men’s basketball program. I look forward to leading a Rattlers team that will be defined by our P.A.C.E. — Preparation, Accountability, Competitive Spirit, Commitment and Effort — as we continue the great legacy of FAMU Athletics,” Ward said in a written statement.

Ward is the first and only Heisman Trophy winner to play in the NBA. The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the best college football player.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for our men’s basketball program as we proudly welcome Charlie Ward—a true legend and exceptional leader,” said Suggs. “Coach Ward brings with him a championship mindset and a wealth of experience that will undoubtedly ignite a new level of inspiration and ambition in our student-athletes. His arrival is a game-changer for our program.”

Ward played his two-sport collegiate career at Florida State University. While playing at the school in 1991, he helped win the Metro Conference Championship by making the game-winning shot against Louisville. He is Florida State’s all-time leader in career steals (236) and ranks sixth all-time in assists (396). Two years later, as the quarterback for the football team, he became the school’s very first Heisman Trophy winner when he completed nearly 70% of his passes for over 3,000 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only four interceptions.

Ward won the Davey O’Brien Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and the Walter Camp Player of the Year. He is only the second college football player to win the Sullivan Award, recognizing him as the top amateur athlete in the nation.

The two-sport athlete did not get drafted by the NFL. He then set his sights on the NBA, where the New York Knicks selected him with the 26th overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft. He played in the league for 12 years with the Knicks, the Spurs, and the Rockets.

Pharrell, American Dream — (Photo: Kristina Bumphrey/WWD via Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 23, 2025

Pharrell Williams’ ‘Black Ambition’ Unveils $1M Digital Learning Lab For Florida Entrepreneurs

Pharrell Williams' Black Ambition launches a new virtual program to empower Florida entrepreneurs, with a focus on underrepresented founders.

Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition is continuing its work to close the equity gap in entrepreneurship by launching a $1 million virtual learning program aimed at empowering Florida-based entrepreneurs.

On April 21, Black Ambition introduced the Fundable Founders Learning Lab, a major step in a two-year statewide initiative aimed at uplifting 500 entrepreneurs across Florida. The 10-week virtual program is designed to equip Florida-based founders with the tools they need to grow, including access to funding, mentorship, expert-led training, and a strong support network.

“Entrepreneurs are facing unprecedented challenges—from shrinking access to capital, uncertain supply chain logistics to dwindling community resources,” Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition, said in a press release. “This $1 million donation is more than just funding—it’s fuel for a new generation of fundable founders building bold, innovative solutions right here in Florida.”

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While the program is open to all entrepreneurs, it still places a special focus on empowering underrepresented founders from underrepresented communities to help them overcome barriers hindering the success and longevity of their ventures. Black Ambition chose Florida as its focus, recognizing the state’s 1 million+ minority-owned businesses facing challenges in accessing capital and scaling.

Participants in the virtual learning lab will explore sessions covering marketing, capital strategy, partnerships, customer growth, and more. They’ll get hands-on coaching from top entrepreneurs and operators, plus direct access to capital through curated investor connections. As a bonus, they’ll join the Black Ambition Network for continued support, exclusive events, and future funding opportunities.

“If you’ve got a bold vision and a business worth backing with a world-class network and resources, this is your moment,” said Black Ambition Managing Director Jermeen Sherman. “Apply now, and let us help turn your hustle into impact.”

Applications are now open through April 30, 2025. Florida entrepreneurs from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the free, fully virtual opportunity to build, grow, and scale their ventures.

Tim Scott — Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 23, 2025

Sen. Tim Scott Mums The Words As Trump Scraps His Work On Minority Business Development

The Commerce Department employee called Scott’s silence the act of a coward.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) has remained silent as President Donald Trump dismantled the Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), a program Scott spent years supporting, Politico reports.

Scott and other Republican colleagues were pivotal in congressional efforts to permanently authorize the federal program that provides mentorship and support, as well as grant funding for business owners and technical support, expanding its reach to rural areas and enhancing the program to help minority-owned businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, in a matter of weeks after Trump’s inauguration, the 47th president eliminated all the hard work done by the longest-serving Black Senator in Washington, D.C.

An anonymous Commerce employee and Democratic staffer said 100% of the agency’s staff — close to 50 people — have been placed on administrative leave or reassigned within the Commerce Department. The Commerce Department employee called Scott’s silence the act of a coward. “They are watching this happen, and they are doing nothing. That’s cowardice,” the employee said.

“And it cuts especially deep when the people you once believed were your champions turn their backs in silence.”

The conservative leader was once at the front lines of advocacy to expand access to capital and economic mobility for underserved communities, reminding him of the one he grew up in the rural part of the Palmetto State, and minority businesses, including his own Main Street insurance agency. As one of several Black Trump supporters on Capitol Hill, Scott’s team has celebrated the “life-changing results for minority communities around the nation” while working with the indicted President.

During Trump’s first term, the newlywed lawmaker secured permanent funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), created “opportunity zones” under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and cut taxes for single mothers.

But remaining silent on Trump’s cuts showcases how Scott and other Black conservatives feel the need to walk a fine line between their own interests and remaining loyal to their party and the MAGA tribe, which has launched a war on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Not everyone has been silent on agency moves. In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Democratic Sens. Maria Cantwell (WA) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE) called the agency’s workforce reduction a “detriment of the U.S. economy” and projected that eliminating MBDA, dating back to the Nixon administration, would have grave effects on its ability to “carry out its programs and duties as mandated by Congress,” according to the New York Times.

As the agency highlights how cuts could hurt minority-owned businesses already facing barriers to capital, Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, said it will cause small business owners to dish out funds that they may not have. “Its demise is troubling,” Morial said.

“These businesses now, in order to find these services elsewhere, will either have to pay for them or go without them.”

fatal car crash, sentencing, Richard Ferguson, Florida — (Photo: gorodenkoff/Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 23, 2025

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Leaders Want Max Prison Sentence For Corrupt CFO

Conservancy CEO Ryan Sullivan said a maximum sentence will help rebuild faith and community trust.

Leaders from the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy feel the maximum 20-year sentence for former chief financial officer (CFO) William Smith is appropriate for stealing close to $44.3 million during his tenure, The Detroit News reported.

The conservancy’s request was made public in a victim impact statement on April 22 before Smith is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan DeClercq on April 24 for what is being labeled one of the largest and most expensive criminal schemes in the city’s history. Conservancy officials called the ex-CFO scheme “truly evil” and said it diminished the nonprofit’s reputation.

A maximum sentence will help rebuild faith and community trust, officials hope. “We are emerging from this episode with a bright future,” conservancy CEO Ryan Sullivan said in a statement.

“But for today, justice must be done.”

In November 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering, with prosecutors recommending he serve 18 years. Smith’s legal team is seeking a 12 ½ to 15 ½ year sentence. Smith’s prolonged thievery started after being tasked with renovating the Detroit Riverfront in 2012. The scheme carried on into March 2024 — the same time leaders first noticed cash flow issues.

According to Detroit Free Press, in a letter to Judge DeClercq, Conservancy lawyer and former top federal prosecutor Matthew Schneider listed the ways Smith stole from the group. “Smith did not simply steal money from a non-profit; he stole from volunteers and used that money for excess, flamboyance, and greed,” he wrote. Prosecutors backed up that claim revealing that Smith used stolen funds for luxury spending such as $500,000 for floor seats to Pistons games, $3.7 million in wire transfers to a mistress, and close to $200,000 to charter a private jet and yacht.

He also used money to fund a nightclub, Duo Restaurant and Lounge, now shut down, using funds for restaurant supplies, work uniforms, and bulk liquor orders worth thousands of dollars.

In what Schneider calls “the ultimate act of hubris,” Smith donated to GoFundMe campaigns and community causes with conservancy money — including $10,000 to the conservancy for its 2017 Shimmer on the River gala — using an American Express card and later paying it off with a wire transfer from the nonprofit. The former CFO took a step further by sending himself a thank you letter for the donation in order to “claim his payment as a charitable donation on his tax filing,” according to the lawyer.

Included in the letter are comments from anonymous “victims” affiliated with the conservancy including a Black board member who said Smith’s actions could prevent other Black people from succeeding. “I can only begin to tell you the negative impact that has resulted in the Black community,” the statement read.

“Mr. Smith’s actions give those who want to find a reason not to provide equal opportunity an excuse to avoid providing access to executive positions, jobs, contracts.”

In hopes of a lighter sentence, Smith’s legal team is pushing the narrative that he is remorseful and highlighted how he has cooperated with investigators. The accused has agreed to pay at least $44.3 million in restitution, but prosecutors are expecting to recoup as little as $2 million from seized assets.

Marco Rubio,, state department, changes, Republican — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Mitti Hicks

April 23, 2025

Rubio Announces Plans For Sweeping Changes To U.S. State Dept.

The changes so far includes consolidating the 734 bureaus down to 602

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced sweeping changes to the U.S. State Department, which will reduce staff by 15% and close or consolidate more than 100 bureaus worldwide. The plans are a part of the Trump Administration’s “America First” mandate.

According to The Associated Press, the reorganization is the latest effort by the White House to reimagine U.S. foreign policy and reduce the size of the federal government. The changes were also driven by the need to find a department for what’s left of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which was gutted by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

“We cannot win the battle for the 21st century with bloated bureaucracy that stifles innovation and misallocates scarce resources,” Rubio said in a department-wide email obtained by AP.

Who and What Will Be Impacted By State Department Changes?

According to State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, the changes will not result in the immediate dismissal of personnel or mass firings, unlike what the country has seen across other federal agencies since President Donald Trump took office.

“It’s not something where people are being fired today,” Bruce told reporters Tuesday. “They’re not going to be walking out of the building. It’s not that kind of a dynamic. It is a roadmap. It’s a plan.”

The plan so far includes consolidating the 734 bureaus down to 602 and relocating 137 offices within the department to “increase efficiency,” according to The Associated Press.

One significant change is that the office tasked with surging expertise to war zones and other erupting crises will be eliminated. Rubio also plans to reduce or transition bureaus that focus on human rights and justice into a different department.

These plans follow the White House’s Office of Management and Budget’s proposal to reduce the State Department’s budget by nearly 50% and eliminate funding for the United Nations and NATO headquarters.

Although the changes haven’t been implemented, experts say they will fundamentally alter how the United States engages with the world.

“The Trump administration’s latest reorganization is not just a reshuffle,” experts with the policy journal Just Security said. “It’s a realignment of diplomatic priorities, one that seems set to constrain U.S. soft power, reduce institutional capacity on human rights, and centralize messaging under fewer leadership nodes.”