Donna Summer (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

by Selena Hill

June 30, 2026

Donna Summer’s Music Catalog And NIL Rights Acquired By Primary Wave

The partnership gives the legendary Disco singer's estate access to new branding, licensing, film, television, and digital opportunities.

The legacy of the late Queen of Disco is entering a new chapter.

Primary Wave Music announced a new partnership with the estate of Donna Summer, giving the music publishing and entertainment company a stake in the singing icon’s music catalog, recordings, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Under the agreement, Summer’s estate will collaborate with Primary Wave to develop new marketing, branding, digital, film, and television opportunities while leveraging the company’s publishing infrastructure and global marketing team to preserve and expand her legacy.

Summer, who died in 2012 at 63, remains one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, having sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, according to a press release. Her catalog includes classics such as “Hot Stuff,” “Bad Girls,” “Last Dance,” “She Works Hard for the Money,” “On the Radio,” “Love to Love You Baby,” and the groundbreaking electronic dance anthem “I Feel Love.”

According to Primary Wave, Summer’s 17 studio albums include three No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200. She also became the only artist in history to score three consecutive double albums that reached No. 1 on the chart with Live and More, Bad Girls, and On the Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes I & II.

The partnership adds another legendary artist to Primary Wave’s growing roster of iconic catalogs as music rights companies continue investing in timeless intellectual property that can generate revenue through streaming, licensing, film, television, advertising, and brand partnerships. The renewed interest in music catalogs underscores the long-term value of the work produced by late, great artists, as streaming, licensing, and brand partnerships create new revenue opportunities for their estates.

In 2023, Mercury/UMe released a digital-only 40^th-anniversary Deluxe Edition of Summer’s classic solo album, “She Works Hard For The Money.” The 13-track Deluxe Edition featured the original 9-song “She Works Hard For The Money” album plus four bonus tracks: two club mixes and two instrumentals.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Love to Love You’ Documentary Shows Why We Loved To Love Donna Summer

shaquille|shaq — Shaquille O'Neal in March 2019. (Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)|

by Sidnee Michelle

June 30, 2026

Shaquille O’Neal’s Secret To Wealth Is Saving 75% Of Your Income

O'Neal said he saves and invests 75% of his income while living on the remaining 25%.

Basketball Hall of Famer, businessman, and broadcaster Shaquille O’Neal says people who experience a significant increase in income should prioritize saving and investing before upgrading their lifestyle, sharing a personal financial strategy that has helped shape his long-term approach to building wealth, Money reports.

In the interview, O’Neal said he saves and invests 75% of his income while living on the remaining 25%. He said the approach is particularly relevant for professional athletes and other high earners whose careers may generate substantial income over a relatively short period.

“The first thing you should do is save 75%,” O’Neal said during an interview with The Wall Street Journal. “Then live off the other 25%.”

O’Neal said his philosophy developed after he quickly spent much of his first major endorsement check early in his NBA career. The experience prompted him to rethink his financial habits and focus on preserving wealth through disciplined saving and long-term investing rather than unnecessary spending.

Since retiring from professional basketball, O’Neal has built a diverse business portfolio that includes investments in technology companies, restaurant brands, and commercial real estate, as well as his work as a television analyst and entrepreneur. His business ventures have made him one of the most successful athlete-investors of his generation.

O’Neal’s advice comes as financial experts continue to encourage Americans to build emergency savings and invest consistently amid ongoing economic uncertainty. While personal finance professionals generally recommend savings goals based on an individual’s income, expenses, and financial obligations, O’Neal said his 75/25 formula reflects the realities of careers that may produce high earnings over a limited period.

Rather than immediately increasing spending after receiving a raise, bonus, or lucrative contract, Shaquille O’Neal encouraged high-income earners to establish strong saving and investment habits first, arguing that long-term financial security depends less on how much money is earned than on how much is preserved and allowed to grow over time.

Khadijah Farrakhan — Photo credit : John Mathew Smith and www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Sidnee Michelle

June 30, 2026

Khadijah Farrakhan, Nation Of Islam’s First Lady, Dies At 90

Farrakhan, the wife of Minister Louis Farrakhan for more than 72 years, remained an influential figure within the religious organization.

Khadijah Farrakhan, the longtime first lady of the Nation of Islam, whose decades of leadership and advocacy helped shape the organization’s work with women, families, and communities, died June 27, 2026, at 90, the Nation of Islam announced.

Farrakhan, the wife of Minister Louis Farrakhan for more than 72 years, remained an influential figure within the religious organization while largely serving outside the public spotlight.

In a statement announcing her death, the Nation of Islam said Minister Louis Farrakhan shared the news “with deep sadness yet with profound gratitude to Allah,” calling Khadijah Farrakhan his “beloved wife of 72 years.”

The organization described her as “a loving wife, mother, a faithful devoted follower of The Honorable Elijah Muhammad,” adding that she “will forever be cherished and remembered.”

Born Betsy Ross in 1935, she married Louis Walcott on Sept. 12, 1953. The couple embraced Islam in 1955, joined the Nation of Islam under Elijah Muhammad, and later adopted the Farrakhan surname. Throughout the organization’s evolution, she became known to members as “Mother Khadijah,” supporting educational initiatives, mentoring women, and helping strengthen family-centered programming within the movement.

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Although she rarely sought national attention, Farrakhan occasionally spoke publicly on issues affecting Black families and women. During the Million Woman March in Philadelphia in 1997, she urged women to embrace their role in strengthening future generations.

“A nation can rise no higher than its women. We focus on women but cannot lose sight that we must rise as a family — men, women, and children,” Farrakhan said during her address.

Khadijah and Louis Farrakhan raised nine children together. Their eldest son, Louis Farrakhan Jr., died in 2018, followed by another son, Joshua Farrakhan, in 2023. Despite those personal losses, she remained a respected presence within the Chicago-based organization and was widely recognized for her steadfast commitment to faith, family, and community service.

The Nation of Islam said public visitation will be held July 1 and July 2 at Mosque Maryam in Chicago before a Janazah service and burial on July 3. Her legacy endures through decades of service that helped shape generations of Nation of Islam members and the organization’s work supporting Black families across the United States.

Gen Z professionals, social media, career advice — AI-generated image via Magnific

by Selena Hill

June 29, 2026

94% of Gen Z Professionals Have Been Hurt By Career Advice on Social Media: Report

Most Gen Z workers admit following misleading online advice that negatively impacted their careers.

Young professionals are turning to Instagram and TikTok for more than just likes, fun, and entertainment — they’re using it for career advice, which many say has negatively impacted their job prospects.

According to Zety’s new Gen Z Misinfluence Report, 94% of Gen Z workers said they have followed viral career advice on social media that turned out to be misleading or negatively affected their job search.

The findings come as social media continues to reshape how younger workers discover jobs, network, and evaluate employers. In fact, all 919 Gen Z respondents surveyed in February said they use social media for career advice, while nearly half (45%) reported trusting creators and influencers more than traditional recruiters or career coaches. “YouTube” emerged as the most popular platform for career guidance, with 80% of respondents using it for professional advice, followed by Instagram at 73%, Facebook (40%), X (38%), TikTok (32%), Reddit (30%), and LinkedIn (26%) rounded out the list.

The influence of online creators isn’t just shaping opinions; it’s driving major career decisions. Sixty percent of respondents said social media inspired them to change industries or career fields, while 41% started side hustles based on online advice. More than one-third (36%) quit their jobs after consuming career-related content, and 31% began freelancing or gig work. Another 27% negotiated higher pay, while 16% enrolled in courses or certification programs to build new skills.

Despite the associated risks, social media has become an effective recruiting channel for many young workers. Nearly seven in 10 respondents (69%) said they successfully landed a job through Instagram, while 28% credited TikTok with helping them secure employment. Overall, 98% said they have effectively used social platforms to find jobs, internships, or professional opportunities.

The report also found that employers’ online presence has become a deciding factor in recruitment. Nearly every Gen Z respondent (99%) researches a company’s social media before applying for a position, and 63% said they would choose not to apply if a company’s content appeared overly polished or inauthentic.

According to the report, social media has democratized access to career information and opportunities. However, it has also blurred the line between credible professional guidance and viral content designed to maximize engagement rather than accuracy.

Mayor Andre Dickens, homeless, Atlanta, Homelessness Crisis, unhoused — Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for The Same House, small image (Photo by Dustin Chambers/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

by Selena Hill

June 29, 2026

ATL Mayor Pauses Construction Of New Self-Storage Facilities To Prioritize Housing, Jobs, And Community Development

Mayor Andre Dickens' executive order temporarily halts new self-storage projects while city leaders consider long-term zoning reforms aimed at preserving land for housing and neighborhood investment.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has signed an executive order temporarily halting the construction of new self-storage facilities across the city, arguing that Atlanta’s limited developable land should be prioritized for projects that create housing, jobs, and stronger neighborhoods.

The executive order, signed June 24, directs the Department of City Planning’s Office of Buildings and Office of Zoning and Development to reject new applications for building permits, rezonings, land disturbance permits, and other approvals tied to self-storage developments while city officials consider broader zoning reforms, according to CBS News. The temporary pause will remain in effect until the next Atlanta City Council meeting on July 6.

“Atlanta is growing, and we have a responsibility to make sure that growth creates opportunity for the people who call our neighborhoods home,” Dickens said in a statement. “This Executive Order is not about eliminating self-storage facilities—it is about ensuring we are thoughtful about where they belong. In communities where families need housing, grocery stores, jobs, and gathering spaces, we cannot afford to lose critical land without asking whether that development advances our vision for a stronger, healthier Atlanta,” he added.

The executive order aligns with legislation introduced by Atlanta City Councilmember Dustin Hillis, which would establish a 180-day moratorium on new self-storage developments while the city evaluates permanent zoning changes. The proposal would also require future self-storage projects to undergo a Special Use Permit process, allowing city officials and neighborhood planning units greater oversight before developments move forward.

Hillis said the legislation is intended to ensure Atlanta’s remaining land is used strategically.

“As Atlanta continues to grow, we have to be intentional about how we use the limited land we have left,” Hillis said in a press release. “This legislation gives us time to make sure our zoning policies reflect our priorities — creating complete communities with housing options, access to services, thriving corridors, and opportunities for residents.”

According to city officials, while self-storage facilities serve an important function for residents and businesses, they often occupy large parcels of land while generating relatively few jobs, limited pedestrian activity, and few neighborhood amenities.

Hillis also noted that the proposal is not an outright ban on self-storage facilities but rather an opportunity for the city to more carefully evaluate whether future developments represent the highest and best use of valuable urban land.

“In the city we want vibrant commercial corridors, we want neighborhoods that are walkable. We only have so much land in the city, we’re not getting any more,” Hillis told Atlanta News First. “Do we need a bank, do we need a restaurant, do we need more affordable housing on this lot?”

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 29, 2026

‘Her Fantasy Box’ Expands Into 4,000 CVS Stores Nationwide

Rowe said the CVS partnership represents a significant moment for the brand's growth.

Her Fantasy Box, a feminine wellness company founded in 2022, announced on June 26 that its products will launch in more than 4,000 CVS Pharmacy stores nationwide and on CVS.com, marking its largest retail expansion to date.

The company, founded by entrepreneur and women’s health advocate Kayla Rowe, said the rollout represents a major milestone as it moves from a self-funded startup to a nationally distributed brand. Her Fantasy Box has expanded rapidly over the past year, including recognition on Inc.’s Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States.

Rowe said the CVS partnership represents a significant moment for the brand’s growth.

“To see Her Fantasy Box on shelves at CVS Pharmacy and CVS.com is an incredible full-circle moment,” Rowe said in a statement to the press.

“We’ve built this company from the ground up without outside investment, guided by a simple mission: to create products that empower women to prioritize their wellness with confidence.”

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She said the company’s recent growth milestones reflect both consumer demand and community support.

The company’s expansion reflects rising demand for plant-based feminine wellness products and the continued growth of digitally driven brands moving into physical retail.

To mark the launch, Her Fantasy Box will host a CVS Pharmacy takeover event on July 2, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT at 1600 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans ahead of Essence Festival of Culture weekend.

Influencer Ari Fletcher will host the event, which will include product demonstrations and giveaways, according to the company.

Her Fantasy Box will also participate in BeautyCon at the Essence Festival of Culture, July 3 to 5, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Lifestyle influencer JMulan will host the brand’s activation space.

The company said a surprise appearance is expected from a Grammy Award-winning artist who has previously collaborated with the brand, though further details were not disclosed.

Her Fantasy Box said it plans to continue expanding its retail footprint while focusing on education, product innovation, and women’s wellness.

Since its founding in 2022, the company has grown its presence across e-commerce platforms, including TikTok Shop and Amazon, while remaining self-funded.

Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, Shark Tank Earn Your Leisure — (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

by Selena Hill

June 29, 2026

‘Earn Your Leisure’ Expands Global Footprint With The Launch Of EYL Africa

The new platform aims to connect business, culture, and investment opportunities across the continent.

Earn Your Leisure is expanding its global reach with the launch of EYL Africa, a new platform dedicated to covering the people, industries, and opportunities shaping the future of business in African countries.

According to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Earn Your Leisure, a multiplatform financial media company founded by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, aims to shed light on business and investment opportunities throughout the continent.

“The new platform is being built to sit at the intersection of business and culture, with a focus on helping people better understand how money, systems, and opportunity actually move across the continent,” reads the press release. “It is for the diaspora, yes, but it is just as much for Africans on the continent who do not always have enough visibility into what is happening in the next city, the next market, or the next country.”

The announcement marks the latest evolution for the media company, which has ballooned from a financial podcast into one of the largest platforms for Black business news and financial information. According to the company, Earn Your Leisure has amassed more than 50 million podcast downloads, over 2 million social media followers, and a 12,000-member EYL University community. It has also hosted more than 200 webinars, while its marquee event, Invest Fest, has attracted more than 14,000 attendees. This year, the annual business and financial empowerment conference will be headlined by tennis icon and entrepreneur Serena Williams.

The platform will feature reporting on founders, operators, emerging industries, and major markets while breaking down business models and covering real estate, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and culture.

“It is not being launched as a repost page or a broad motivational platform,” the release states. “It is being built as a serious media platform for a generation that wants sharper information, better context, and stories that reflect how value is actually being created.”

The launch comes as interest in Africa continues to evolve beyond tourism and cultural experiences. The media company points to initiatives such as Year of Return and Detty December, which have sparked growing interest in investment, land, development, partnerships, and long-term presence on the continent.

EYL Africa was born out of years of engagement across the continent, with Bilal and Millings traveling to Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, Rwanda, The Gambia, Kenya, Morocco, and Benin to meet with entrepreneurs, investors, developers, operators, and business leaders.

“What became clear through those experiences is that Africa is not just a place of growing interest. It is one of the most important business stories in the world right now. And yet, the way that story is often told still feels incomplete,” states the release.

For Millings and Bilal, the launch represents a continuation of Earn Your Leisure’s broader mission to make wealth creation, ownership, and entrepreneurship more accessible throughout the global Black community.

“EYL Africa is about creating a stronger bridge between Africa and the diaspora, but it is also about creating a stronger bridge within Africa itself,” reads the release. “Between cities. Between ecosystems. Between builders. Between people who are already shaping the future and audiences who need to understand what that future looks like in real time.”

Obama, Trump, the obamas — Photo credit: Series: Presidential Photographs, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

by Sidnee Michelle

June 29, 2026

Barack Obama Calls Trump’s Fixation On Him An ‘Obsession’

Obama argued that the presidency presents daily challenges that leave little room for dwelling on political rivals.

Former President Barack Obama said President Donald Trump’s repeated public references to him reflect an “obsession,” joking that he occupies “a suite” in Trump’s head during a June 24 interview on the “All the Smoke” podcast hosted by former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, People reports.

When asked how he maintains his composure amid Trump’s frequent criticism, Obama responded with humor.

“You gotta ask him what the obsession is,” Obama said. “I obviously have a room in his head — a suite in his head.”

Obama said that while serving as the nation’s 44th president from 2009 to 2017, he rarely devoted attention to his own predecessor because the demands of the office required his full focus.

“When I was president, the last thing I had time to do was worry about what somebody said or what my predecessor did,” Obama said. “They’re gone. I’ve got work to do.” He added that a president should remain focused on the responsibilities of governing rather than personal grievances.

Obama argued that the presidency presents daily challenges that leave little room for dwelling on political rivals.

“If you’re doing the job right, every day you’ve got five, 10 things that are real hard,” he said. “You have to be constantly focused.” He added that repeatedly fixating on a predecessor “shows me somebody that’s not focused on the American people and the job they’re supposed to do.”

The former president also said he intentionally limited his exposure to cable news and social media while in office, relying instead on aides to brief him on issues requiring his attention. He said the practice helped him filter out distractions and remain focused on governing.

The former president also suggested that political disagreements are better handled face-to-face than through social media, saying people often speak differently in person than they do online. His comments come as the long-running political rivalry between Obama and Trump continues nearly a decade after Obama left office on Jan. 20, 2017.

college, admission, scholar, scholarship, student, Nigeria, Nigerian, EDUCATIONUSA — (Image: iStock/SDI Productions)

by Sidnee Michelle

June 29, 2026

EducationUSA Offers Financial Assistance To Students In Nigeria Pursuing Higher Education

The program is administered by EducationUSA and provides guidance to international students interested in pursuing higher education in the U.S.

Nigerian students seeking to study in the United States will have access to financial support for the college admissions process through a newly opened application cycle from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, Punch reports.

The Mission announced on June 15 that applications are now being accepted for the 2026 EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program, an initiative that helps high-achieving students with limited financial resources cover costs associated with applying to U.S. colleges and universities. Applications will remain open through June 30.

The program is administered by EducationUSA, a global network supported by the U.S. Department of State that provides guidance to international students interested in pursuing higher education in the United States.

While many Nigerian students seek admission to American institutions each year, the costs associated with standardized tests, application fees, and other admission requirements can create barriers for qualified applicants. The Opportunity Funds Program aims to reduce those obstacles by providing financial assistance throughout the admissions process.

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According to the U.S. Mission, eligible applicants must demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service. Students from all fields of study may apply, although the Mission said applicants pursuing science, technology, engineering, mathematics, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technology disciplines are encouraged to participate.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen educational ties between the United States and Nigeria while expanding access to international academic opportunities. In announcing the program, the U.S. Mission said the 2026 cohort will be connected to the U.S. government’s Freedom 250 initiative, which commemorates the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“Freedom250 marks 250 years of American leadership, innovation, and democratic values, and the OFP 2026 cohort will advance these priorities by preparing globally competitive talents aligned with U.S. economic and strategic interests,” the objective reads.

The program supports “secure, lawful, and well-managed student participation” in American higher education institutions. EducationUSA operates in more than 175 countries and territories worldwide, helping students identify accredited institutions and navigate the admissions process.

Nigerian students selected for the Opportunity Funds Program will receive support intended to improve their competitiveness for admission to U.S. colleges and universities.

venus williams, executive coaching, EZRA — photo credit: Wikkicommons

by Selena Hill

June 28, 2026

Venus Williams And EZRA Team Up To Give 1,000 Young Professionals Free Career Coaching

Applications are now open.

Tennis legend and entrepreneur Venus Williams is partnering with digital coaching platform EZRA to help the next generation of professionals navigate the early stages of their careers.

EZRA, a global coaching provider, announced it will provide 1,000 early-career professionals with complimentary access to EZRA Coach, an AI-powered digital coaching platform that delivers personalized one-on-one career coaching. The initiative, titled The Gift of Coaching, is designed to expand access to professional development resources that have traditionally been available primarily to senior executives and employees at large organizations.

Williams, a seven-time grand slam winner, said she understands firsthand how transformative the right guidance can be.

“You don’t realize, when you have a really great coach, how much that can change your life and your world,” said Williams in a press release. “It’s similar to having a great teacher–the kind of teacher who changes your life, shifts your perspective, and puts you on a path toward something you never dreamed you’d do. These are the people who really need that support most because they’re just starting out. That’s why I’m so proud to partner with EZRA on this initiative.”

According to the release, recipients will receive personalized coaching focused on career advancement, leadership development, confidence-building, communication skills, and goal setting. The announcement comes as a new survey revealed that 94% of young professionals have turned to social media for career advice, a trend that has negatively affected their job prospects.

Nick Goldberg, the founder and CEO of EZRA, applauded Williams as the perfect role model for young workers.

“Venus has spent her career redefining what leadership looks like, from winning on the court to building businesses and advocating for equal opportunity,” he said. “She represents confidence, resilience, and the courage to break barriers–qualities coaching helps unlock in leaders everywhere.”

While AI is viewed as a tool for improving workplace productivity, EZRA says its platform is designed to enhance—not replace—the human coaching experience by delivering tailored development plans, accountability, and actionable feedback at scale.

“With The Gift of Coaching, we’re putting the power of coaching into more hands and inviting HR and learning leaders to help us extend that opportunity to the next generation.”

Applications for the free coaching program are now open. Learn more here.

RELATED CONTENT: 7 Business Ventures of Venus Williams