In this photo illustration a PayPal logo seen displayed on a smartphone screen in Chania, Greece on August 15, 2023. (Photo illustration by Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
College Students Can Now Pay Tuition With PayPal And Venmo
PayPal announced on Aug. 19 that it had integrated PayPal and Venmo with three education payment platforms: Illumia, Nelnet Campus Commerce, and TouchNet.
College students and their families can now use PayPal or Venmo to pay tuition and fees at select universities, expanding the digital payment services into one of the largest expenses many households face, Fox Business reports.
PayPal announced on August 19 that it had integrated PayPal and Venmo with three education payment platforms: Illumia, Nelnet Campus Commerce, and TouchNet. The integrations allow students and families at participating schools to make payments through their universities’ existing online portals.
Bellarmine University, Butler University, Kansas State University, Michigan State University, and Texas Tech University are among the schools offering the payment options. PayPal said more institutions are expected to join throughout the year.
The three education payment platforms collectively serve thousands of colleges and universities nationwide, potentially giving the online payment systems a significant foothold in higher education payments.
“Tuition is one of the biggest payments a family will make, and it should come with the same flexibility and security that millions of people already count on PayPal and Venmo for every day,” Frank Keller, president of Checkout Solutions at PayPal, said in announcing the integrations.
Students and families can fund eligible payments using a bank account, credit card, or PayPal or Venmo balance. PayPal said transactions include encryption and fraud monitoring.
However, students should consider potential processing fees and how their money is protected before using the services for large tuition payments.
Fees vary by institution and payment method. Kansas State University, for example, lists a 2.95% service fee for domestic card transactions made through PayPal or Venmo and a minimum $3 service fee for transactions exceeding $20.
Federal deposit insurance protections can also vary. PayPal says eligible U.S. dollar funds associated with certain PayPal and Venmo offerings are placed at participating banks and may qualify for pass-through Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. coverage, subject to conditions. PayPal itself is not a bank and is not FDIC-insured.
The tuition expansion comes about a year after PayPal and Venmo reached agreements with the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences to facilitate institutional revenue-sharing payments to college athletes.
Black Veterans Urge Navy To Keep Doris Miller’s Name On Historic Navy Carrier
In a letter provided to BLACK ENTERPRISE, the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations expressed "profound concern and strong disapproval" over the reported deliberations.
The National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations is urging Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to preserve the name of the future USS Doris Miller after reports that the Navy is considering renaming the aircraft carrier, potentially in honor of President Donald Trump, CNN reports.
According to the outlet, three sources familiar with internal discussions said the Navy is working to rename the Ford-class carrier, designated CVN-81.
Two sources said officials have discussed naming it for Trump. The Defense Department told CNN it had nothing to announce. Naming a carrier for a sitting president would be unprecedented, according to the outlet.
In a letter provided toBLACK ENTERPRISE, the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations expressed “profound concern and strong disapproval” over the reported deliberations and called on Hegseth to reject any proposal to rename the carrier.
“This is not a partisan objection, nor is it intended to diminish the service or position of any president,” the coalition wrote. “Our concern is the preservation of an honor already bestowed upon an American sailor whose extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and historical significance are beyond dispute.”
Doris “Dorie” Miller enlisted in the Navy in 1939, when racial segregation largely restricted Black sailors to service positions. During Japan’s Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, Miller helped wounded sailors aboard the USS West Virginia before manning an anti-aircraft gun despite having no formal training on the weapon.
Adm. Chester W. Nimitz presented Miller with the Navy Cross on May 27, 1942. Miller became the first Black sailor to receive the decoration. He was killed Nov. 24, 1943, when the USS Liscome Bay was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine.
The Navy announced Jan. 20, 2020, during Trump’s first administration, that CVN-81 would be named for Miller. The designation was historic: The vessel was set to become the first aircraft carrier named for an African American and the first named for an enlisted sailor.
The coalition is asking Hegseth to publicly confirm the USS Doris Miller name, reject transferring Miller’s name to a less prominent vessel, consult his family and Black veterans’ organizations before making changes, preserve the Navy’s original commitment, and support renewed consideration of Miller for a posthumous Medal of Honor.
“Ship names carry history across generations,” the coalition wrote. “His name aboard one of America’s most powerful warships would demonstrate that courage is not determined by rank, race, or assigned duty.”
Target removed a children’s Halloween costume criticized for evoking Blackface and minstrel imagery
Target has pulled a children’s Halloween costume from its website and apologized after the product drew widespread criticism online for imagery that consumers said evoked Blackface and racist minstrel caricatures.
The costume, sold as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume” under Target’s Hyde and EEK! Boutique brand, featured a dark face covering with an exaggerated smile, black gloves, and a small hat. The costume was modeled by a Black child, adding to the backlash over its resemblance to historical racist imagery.
In a statement, Target acknowledged the backlash, calling the costume “offensive” and “hurtful.”
“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” the Minneapolis-based retailer said. “The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale. We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners.”
The company added that it is reviewing how the costume made it through its approval process and what changes are needed to prevent a similar incident.
“Removing the costume is an important first step, and the company is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again,” it wrote.
This is the latest controversy Target has had with Black consumers since the retail giant slashed several diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in 2025, prompting a nationwide boycott led by civic and religious leaders. Sheletta Brundidge, a Minneapolis-area business leader, says the costume controversy is an indirect result of the company’s DEI decision.
“You rolled back diversity,” she said, “so who’s in the room, now, to say ‘hey, this is wrong?'” she told Reuters.
Social media users raised similar concerns. Christopher Webb wrote on X that Target likely would not have “made the disastrous decision to market a Halloween costume that looks like it’s straight out of the Jim Crow era if Black folks had a seat at the table.”
Doubt @Target never would have made the disastrous decision to market a Halloween costume that looks like it’s straight out of the Jim Crow era if Black folks had a seat at the table.
The incident arrives as Target works to strengthen its business and rebuild consumer confidence. Reuters reported that the retailer has recently posted stronger quarters and that Wall Street has responded positively to efforts under new CEO Michael Fiddelke. Still, analysts say the company has little room for mistakes.
“As Target begins to gain traction in repairing its brand reputation, this is exactly the kind of stuff they want to avoid,” Morningstar analyst Brett Husslein said. He added that additional challenges “could lead to further market share losses.”
photo credit: Michael Fleischhacker, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
‘The Washington Post’ Ordered To Rehire And Issue Back Pay To Journalist Karen Attiah
The ruling marks a significant labor victory for Attiah, whose was fired over comments about Charlie Kirk's death.
An independent arbitrator has ordered The Washington Postto reinstate former opinion columnist Karen Attiah and provide her with back pay and lost benefits, finding the newspaper lacked sufficient cause to fire her following social media posts about the 2025 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The ruling is a major workplace and labor victory for Attiah, who was the last Black full-time member of The Post’s opinion desk at the time of her termination.
Private arbitrator Sarah Miller Espinosa concluded that the newspaper “did not have good and sufficient cause” to terminate Attiah and failed to establish that she had engaged in “gross misconduct,” according to Reuters.
Attiah was fired in September 2025 after publishing posts on Bluesky following Kirk’s assassination. One post said, “Refusing to tear my clothes and smear ashes on my face in performative mourning for a white man that espoused violence is … not the same as violence.” The Post accused Attiah of violating its social media policies and harming the organization’s integrity. But Miller Espinosa found that the company had not met the standard required to justify her termination under its collective bargaining agreement.
“This decision confirms what we’ve said from the start: I was doing my job as an opinion journalist, and doing that job is not misconduct,” Attiah said in a statement issued through her attorney, according to The Hill. “After spending over a decade of my career at the Post as an editor and an opinion columnist focusing on race, gender and global human rights, I’m relieved to finally have that record set straight.”
Attiah also addressed the ruling on Instagram, writing, “It’s been a year-long fight, but this is a victory for journalists everywhere.”
The Democracy Defenders Fund, which represented Attiah in the dispute, called the ruling a significant moment for press freedom, saying it confirmed that media institutions cannot use retaliatory discipline to silence journalists addressing difficult issues.
The National Association of Black Journalists had previously warned that Attiah’s firing “raised an alarm about the erosion of Black voices across the media.” The organization has also criticized The Post over layoffs affecting Black journalists and the elimination of race and culture beats.
The Washington Post said it respects the arbitration process and declined further comment.
Kahh Spence Turns A Love Letter To His Mother Into A $500K Fragrance Brand, Tina Knowles Approved
Samir Grey has been profitable since its launch and is projected to reach $1 million in sales by the end of 2026.
Celebrity hairstylist and entrepreneur Kahh Spence has turned fragrance brand Samir Grey into a profitable business with more than $500,000 in sales, bolstered by a viral moment involving Tina Knowles and Kelly Rowland.
Samir Grey has been profitable since its launch and is projected to reach $1 million in sales by the end of 2026, according toEntrepreneur. The brand launched its first fragrance, ONE, in August 2025.
Spence spent more than a decade as a celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert before moving into entrepreneurship. Rather than launching the haircare company some might have expected, he built Samir Grey around fragrance and personal care.
“I want to make sure what I’m bringing to the marketplace is actually going to be valuable, and I didn’t think I had anything, at that moment, valuable to say in haircare. But I did have something valuable to say in fragrance and in personal care,” he said to BLACK ENTERPRISE.
The company, whose name is inspired by Spence’s middle name and favorite color, also honors his late mother, who died of colon cancer.
“My mom and the women that were around me were the full inspiration — watching women and how they sacrifice themselves to take care of the world, essentially,” Spence told the outlet.
Samir Grey’s growth accelerated after Spence shared positive reviews of ONE on Instagram. Rowland, a former client, saw the posts and asked to try the fragrance. Spence sent her a bottle.
In April, Knowles posted a video of Rowland doing her hair, and Spence noticed ONE in the frame. After viewers began asking about the fragrance in the comments, Spence identified the product.
Within two hours, Samir Grey sold out of inventory expected to last two weeks. Spence said website sessions increased about fivefold, while the company’s email list grew three to four times its previous size. The fragrance remained sold out for about five weeks.
When Samir Grey restocked in May, the company recorded the equivalent of five months of sales in one month.
ONE, which features notes of candied peach and vanilla, retails for $138 on Samir Grey’s website. The company describes the fragrance as vegan, cruelty-free, IFRA-compliant, and CMR-free.
Spence said the viral exposure continues to benefit the business, but he views direct consumer engagement as central to its long-term growth.
“On my end, it’s really, how can I connect with the consumer and our community as best as possible?” Spence said to the outlet.
“Because that was the idea going into this from day one, of wanting this to feel a bit more human.”
BLACK ENTERPRISE is more than a business or a publication. For years, BE has led in uplifting and educating the Black community on business and finance. Led by visionary, businessman, and philanthropist Earl G. Graves, BE has remained a reliable source for Black America.
BE is not only a Black legacy magazine, it is a Black family legacy. Earl G. Graves Sr., the original CEO, led the charge and often spoke directly to readers through his “Publisher’s Page” column. The Graves family continues to steer the ship, making sure that Black culture is highlighted and celebrated. BE stays at the forefront past, present and will remain a pillar far into the future, keeping our community up to date on business, culture, politics and more. BE is Black History.
BLACK ENTERPRISE Inaugural Issue:
The inception of BE is history. The end of the Civil Rights Movement marked a time of hope and progress for Black Americans. Establishing a space where business-minded Black people could learn, grow, and promote Black business was revolutionary. Earl Graves Sr. saw an opportunity to create a space for those people while also joining the small yet mighty Black publishing sphere.
BE’s Role In Women’s Activism:
BE’s claim to fame is business news, but the magazine is sure to include all aspects of Black life in it’s coverage. Politics is one such area. BE’s mission to uplift the community as it amplified the political voice of women. Regular editorials about the National Black Women’s Political Caucus were the norm. The caucus, founded by notable activists Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Fannie Lou Hamer, centered the political discourse prominent to women of the time. BE was a platform proud to amplify the message. .
Source: Photo by History Makers
Earl Graves Sr. In Conversation With Julien Bond:
BE is nothing without the leadership and vision of Earl G. Graves Sr. Beyond creating BE, Graves’ life is one of extraordinary commitment to excellence, civil service, and community upliftment. As such, Graves sat down for a candid conversation with Julien Bond to give insight into the life of a business titan. Graves spoke about his time at HBCU Morgan State University, working for Robert Kennedy, meeting his wife Barbara Kydd Graves, and the founding of BE.
Source: Photo by Black Enterprise
Interview “BE Our World” Senator Obama:
Before people around the world adopted the slogan “Yes We Can,” and before Barack Obama became the first Black President of the United States of America, BE was there. BE sat down with then-Senator Barack Obama to discuss “his current political strategy for his race to the White House. Plus, we discuss HIV and AIDS in the black community and why more women are vulnerable.” BE peeled back the curtain of the Illinois Junior Senator and his mission to uplift Americans.
Source: Photo by Black Enterprise
BE 100 List:
Early in BE’s publishing journey the idea of the Top 100 came about. BE took on the daunting and meticulous task of curating the Top 100 Black companies in America. Visionaries such as Bob Johnsons of BET Networks and Clarence Smith, Essence Communications are just a couple of past honorees. The BE 100 has since become a guide for companies doing great business in all aspects: customer service, revenue, DEI practices, and quality product.
Source: (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Senator Kamala Harris Women Of Power Summit:
BE’s championing of women in politics continued into the new century. At the 2019 BE Women Of Power Summit, BE spoke with Senator Kamala Harris. Soon to be Vice President Harris spoke about being a “‘joyful warrior’ and talked about her plan to reform the country.”
BE 40 Under 40:
BE’s 40 Under 40 highlights the business men and women who are next up. The list gives insight into how Black business is ever-evolving. The 40 people under the age of 40 represent the future. As the world moves further into the technology age, new industries arise leaving room for fresh ideas. Many on the 40 Under 40 list represent a new wave of ideas and business opportunities that will help create new jobs and generational wealth. The 2023 40 Under 40 list features notable businesswomen and men such as: Dasia Taylor, Scientist, Founder & CEO, VariegateHealth; Ambre Stanford , U.S. Head of CAA Social Impact, Creative Artists Agency; and Rashad Bilal, Co-Founder, Earn Your Leisure.
BE Disruptors Summit:
The Disruptors Summit was created as a way to highlight change-makers and radical thinkers in the business world. Hosted in Atlanta, the summit pulled together foreword thinkers in an attempt to learn how they helped shake up their prospective industries . Pinky Cole, Founder of The Slutty Vegan, was present at last year’s summit, sharing business gems.
Party Planning on a Budget? How to Deliver an Extraordinary Experience Without Overspending
Event designer Kim Perrymond shares her tips for where to save and where to splurge to create a wow factor without breaking the bank.
Kim Perrymond, founder and creative director of EZPZ Party Planning, helps families celebrate life’s biggest moments with intention, creativity, and unforgettable experiences as a self-described “celebration strategist.”
“I’m thinking about the look, the flow, the vendors, the details, the speakers, the money, the experience, and most importantly how you want people to feel when they walk in and out of that room,” says Perrymond.
But as someone who works with a number of entrepreneurs and founders, she also recognizes the power of events to generate both revenue and leads. Her goal: to turn your event attendees into raving fans of your company.
“For entrepreneurs, celebrations can be an investment in your brand,” she says. “A well-strategized event can build relationships, create content, generate FOMO, strengthen your community, attract new clients, and even create revenue.”
Perrymond spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE exclusively about the evolution of how and why we gather to celebrate and how you can create impactful celebrations that match the luxury events you see on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok … even if you have a limited budget:
How is the way Americans approach party planning changing?
I think it’s becoming a lot more intentional and experience-driven. People still want beautiful celebrations, but now they’re asking, “What’s the purpose behind this? What do I want people to feel, remember, or walk away with?”
And the reality is, everything is content now and content = cash! People are thinking about those Instagram-able moments: the backdrop, the entrance, the details, the moment that makes somebody pull out their phone and become their marketing team.
I see that a lot with entrepreneurs, too. They’re celebrating launches, business anniversaries, revenue goals, rebrands, and major milestones, but they don’t want to pour their heart, soul, and money into an event and walk away broke. They want that event to actually do something: build relationships, create opportunities, and ultimately generate revenue.
How should consumers strategically budget for their celebrations?
I always tell people, remember you still have to live after this party. I’m here for doing it big, but I’m also here for doing it smart and strategically.
Start with what you can realistically afford and then decide what matters most. You don’t have to spend money on everything. Spend it on the things that are going to create the biggest impact, the best memories, and, especially if you’re an entrepreneur, the best return.
I never want you waking up the next morning thinking, “Okay…now how am I going to pay my bills?” The celebration should feel good during the event and after it’s over.
How can we translate the events we see on social media on a budget?
Social media will have you thinking you need every single thing you see to create a fabulous event, and you really don’t. Pick a few statement moments and put your money there. Then figure out what you can DIY, repurpose, or simplify. Take the inspiration, not the invoice.
This is actually why we’ve recently started creating templates. Even if you’re not the best designer, you don’t have to start from scratch. Use a template, customize it to fit your vision and your brand, and make it your own.
And please don’t forget about AI. AI can help you brainstorm themes, create wording, come up with signage ideas, map out your event, and help you think creatively without having to pay someone for every single detail.
What are some common but costly party planning mistakes?
One of the biggest and most costly mistakes I see is planning before you have a strategy. People get excited, start booking vendors, buying décor, and adding all the cute things, and before they know it, they’ve blown the budget on things that really weren’t necessary. Start with the goal. Once we know that, we can decide where the money actually needs to go.
And please, have a real budget and budget for incidentals. There will always be something that costs more than you expected. A delivery fee, gratuity, extra rental, last-minute guest–something gets added, or something changes. So don’t spend every dollar of your budget before the event even starts. Give yourself some breathing room.
What are some party planning trends that aren’t worth the money?
For me, it’s anything we’re spending on just because it’s trending. I never want my clients blowing their budget trying to check every box they saw on Instagram or TikTok.
We’ve seen the huge balloon installations, flower walls, champagne walls, neon signs, over-the-top favors, elaborate photo booths—all beautiful, but if nobody is going to interact with it, remember it, photograph it, or if it doesn’t support the overall goal, do we really need to spend that money?
And favors? Listen, if I’m watching your expensive custom favors get left on the table at the end of the night, we could’ve kept that money! Give people something they actually want, can use, or can consume—or skip it.
What are some ways to make your event feel luxurious without breaking the bank?
Luxury is a feeling. It’s not always about how much money you spend; it’s about how you make people feel.
For me, it’s all in the details. Personalize things! Put people’s names on their place cards, menus, welcome gifts, or even something small at their seat. There’s something about walking into a room and seeing your name that immediately says, ‘They were expecting me. They thought about me.‘ That feels luxurious without necessarily costing a lot of money.
And don’t forget the guest experience. Luxury can be being greeted by name. It’s not waiting in a long line or having umbrellas when it rains. It’s knowing where to go. It’s the music being right, the food coming out on time, and the entire experience flowing seamlessly.
Magic Johnson’s WNBA Strategy Teaches Black Investors
The Los Angeles Sparks co-owner’s patience in women’s basketball highlights how long-term equity bets are changing Black sports ownership and franchise valuations.
In professional sports ownership, capital appreciation requires vision, leverage, and patience. For years, major sports organizations viewed women’s basketball as a minor expense rather than a growth opportunity, causing early investors to incur significant losses as they waited for market recognition.
When Earvin “Magic” Johnson and his group acquired the Los Angeles Sparks for $10 million in 2014, they took on a franchise with a strong legacy but ongoing losses. Today, the team’s financial position has improved, providing a clear example of equity growth in sports business.
The Power of Holding Assets Through the Lean Years
Addressing the crowd at Invest Fest in Atlanta, Johnson delivered a comprehensive session on asset retention to thousands of Black entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. “It’s been tough going for the WNBA until now,” Johnson revealed, recounting the early years when ownership often considered selling the franchise to stop financial losses. “There was a time when we said, ‘Should we sell this?’ And we kept saying, ‘No, let’s hold on to it.’ Thank God we didn’t sell too early.”
Johnson points out that although the Los Angeles Sparks suffered operating losses for more than 10 years, their value is now over $300 million, according to Athlete Speakers. This shows a key lesson for the Black business community: equity can grow beyond short-term cash flow. In an industry where Black-majority ownership is uncommon, maintaining controlling equity amid market changes offers an advantage as institutional investment in women’s sports grows.
New Media Money Engine Driving WNBA Profitability
The main factor behind this growth is a major shift in broadcast economics. According to Just Women’s Sports, the WNBA secured an 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights deal with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video, which could reach $3.1 billion with additional partners. This deal raises the league’s annual media revenue from $60 million to over $280 million. ESPN’s Katie Barnes notes the WNBA had its first profitable year last season.
According to Sportico, the average value of a WNBA team has increased by 345% over two years to reach $427 million, with the Golden State Valkyries valued at $850 million and the New York Liberty at $600 million. Along with rising league revenue, which has enabled an $8 million per-team player revenue share, the WNBA is rapidly becoming a profitable, independent league, as Yardbarker noted.
Voices Across the Game: Players, Coaches, and Ownership
The changing economic environment is prompting stakeholders to revise their perceptions of the league’s monetary outlook. Becky Hammon, head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, has repeatedly called for more investment and stressed that if owners build top-quality facilities and invest in their teams, they will increase the league’s total commercial value.
Players have argued that limited distribution and marketing have restricted the sport’s true value. WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike expressed this in The Players’ Tribune, writing, “We just want what we’re worth. We just want what’s right… a league that invests in its future, a league that believes in us as much as we believe in it.” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told Cronkite News that women’s sports media rights have been undervalued for decades and highlighted the league’s successful shift from survival to sustained growth.
Why WNBA Valuations Matter to Black Business Leaders
For African American executives and investors, the WNBA’s financial expansion affords a practical model for strategic asset ownership. Sports franchises now represent durable assets with strong returns. As new teams in Toronto, Portland, and Cleveland join the league, raising the total to 18, opportunities for Black investment groups to gain significant equity are increasing. Johnson’s experience with the Sparks shows that combining Black capital with patience can turn early risk into major commercial success.
The three-time Grammy Award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist announced a new distribution partnership between her independent company, Hot Girl Productions, and Interscope Records. The agreement will provide global distribution and strategic support for her upcoming releases, allowing her to retain complete ownership of her masters and publishing. The deal gives the Houston native access to a major music company’s global infrastructure without surrendering ownership of the underlying intellectual property.
“I’ve always wanted to create music on my terms while building a legacy that extends beyond the industry,” Megan said in a press release. “This distribution partnership with Interscope allows me to stay true to my creative vision while also increasing my global reach. I’m excited for this next chapter of growth and the expansion of my Hot Girl Productions empire.”
Steve Berman, the vice chairman of Interscope Capitol, said Megan’s career has been defined by both cultural influence and entrepreneurial ambition.
“From the moment Megan emerged, it was clear she was a singular artist with an unmistakable voice and an extraordinary ability to shape culture on her own terms,” said Berman. “She has consistently redefined what it means to be a global superstar—combining creative excellence, entrepreneurial vision and an uncompromising authenticity. We’re honored to welcome Megan to the Interscope family and excited to partner with Roc Nation as we support her next chapter.”
Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez also released a statement, emphasizing that ownership remains central to Megan’s business strategy.
“Megan has always approached her career with a focus on ownership, creative freedom, and long-term impact,” Perez said. “The ability to maintain her independence and own her masters is a testament to the vision that has guided her career from the beginning.”
The partnership comes months after Megan appeared on the May/June 2026 cover of Entrepreneur, where she discussed her approach to building a business and converting cultural influence into long-term enterprise value.
photo credit: Jeff Ruane, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Southern University’s Human Jukebox Stars In Gap Denim Campaign
The campaign gives the Human Jukebox another opportunity to showcase its arrangements of popular music.
Southern University’s Human Jukebox is featured in Gap’s latest denim campaign, placing the HBCU marching band at the center of a national fashion advertisement ahead of the fall football and homecoming season, HBCU Gameday reports.
The Baton Rouge-based band appears in Gap’s “Denim on Your Own” campaign, performing its arrangement of Swedish singer Robyn’s 2010 song “Dancing on My Own.” Band members appear in dark-wash denim, white T-shirts, and custom jackets that combine Southern University branding with elements inspired by the Human Jukebox’s uniforms, according to the outlet.
The custom jackets are not currently available for purchase.
The campaign gives the Human Jukebox another opportunity to showcase its arrangements of popular music. The band drew national attention in 2015 for its performance of Adele’s “Hello” during the Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands.
The Gap partnership initially had a different concept. Human Jukebox Director Kedric D. Taylor told WAFB that Gap contacted him by email about appearing in a commercial. The original plan called for the band to travel to Atlanta and perform with a major artist, but the concept later changed.
“They were like, well, look, we just came to your campus. Your band has a brand. You guys will be our artists,” Taylor told the outlet.
Gap instead brought the production to Southern University and made the Human Jukebox the focus of the campaign.
The collaboration follows a series of high-profile appearances for the Southern University band. The Human Jukebox has participated in presidential inaugural celebrations and the Rose Parade and has performed at Super Bowl events, including festivities surrounding Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in February 2025.
Taylor said the band program also seeks to create opportunities for students beyond performing.
“We don’t just do music; we set our students up for opportunities to do things that they came here to do,” Taylor said.
