gabrielle A. White, Army ranger, first, Black woman, competition — (Photo: RDNE Stock project/Pexels)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 21, 2025

History Made As First Lt. Gabrielle A. White Becomes First Woman To Complete U.S. Army’s Best Ranger Competition

The 25-year-old was the only woman competing in the event. She and her partner, Capt. Seth Deltenre, finished in the top 15

A Black woman became the first female to complete the U.S. Army’s Best Ranger Competition, a three-day event.

According to People, First Lt. Gabrielle A. White and her teammate, Capt. Seth Deltenre, was one of 52 teams competing in the annual three-day competition, which took place from April 11 to 13 at Camp Roger in Fort Benning, Georgia.

White, 25 and a West Point Graduate, was the only woman competing in the event; she and Deltenre finished in fourteenth place.

Yay! Congratulations 1st Lt. Gabrielle White! Congrats to all as well!:
Soldier becomes first woman to compete in Best Ranger Competition https://t.co/VVtTAc9e8m

— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) April 15, 2025

On the competition’s website, it stated that this year marked the 41st edition. The goal is to determine “the best two-man team from the entire United States Armed Forces.”

When Dick Leandri started it, it was to honor Lieutenant General (R) David E. Grange, Jr to see which two-man “buddy” team was the best in the Ranger Department at Fort Benning. Now, the competition finds the best two-man team in the United States Armed Forces. Maybe with White’s win, it won’t be described as a two-man team competition.

Some of the events in the competition included combat water survival, a bayonet obstacle course, ballistic breaching, helocasting, a rope bridge, and military knots.

Army spokesman Christopher Surridge told People that White graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May 2021 and completed Ranger School in April 2022. She is an 11A (infantry officer), “assigned to the Maneuver Captains Career Course, B Company, 3rd Battalion, 81st Armored Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade.”

White has also received “two Army Commendation Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Ranger Tab and Air Assault Badge.”

RV, RV park, Josh Grady, Georgia, Warthen RV Park — Photo by Kampus Production/ pexels

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 21, 2025

National Parks Service Warns Of Potential Woes Due To Staffing Issues Driven By Budget Cuts

Summer visitors should expect to protect themselves amid a reduction of park rangers at these sites.

The National Parks Service is warning summer visitors about new expectations due to staffing issues prompted by budget cuts.

The staffing woes have led to cancelled events and reduced hours at the park. These issues could limit travelers’ opportunities to explore U.S. parks such as Yosemite and Mount Rushmore. The staffing changes have also reduced the number of park rangers and delayed hiring seasonal employees to compensate for the increase in visitors during the summer period.

Many officials overseeing these national parks have issued warnings about what visitors can now expect when planning a visit.

“It’s going to have impacts on everything from running the budget right at every national park to being the ranger who’s there to help a family find someone who may have gotten lost on a park trail,” explained Christine Lehnertz, president and CEO of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy to Nexstar, as reported by The Hill.

Lehnertz essentially told families to be their own protection and security while foraging through these areas. She also all but guaranteed longer lines at these popular outdoor establishments.

“Go with an expectation that when you visit this year, you are like an honorary park ranger,” she added. “You are a steward of that park.”

Others have already expressed discontent with this busy season’s rollout, despite summer still months away.

“It’s not going to be great out there this year,” shared Jonathan Jarvis, the 18th director of the National Park Service. “It’s going to be a disappointment, I think, to the public, and a potential impact to the resources.”

Smaller parks will reportedly see the most changes, with historic battlefields without historians. Additional concerns about staffing could also hinder potential search and rescue efforts. Rangers who once offered guidance and precautions to eager visitors will now be unavailable to stop potential trouble as well.

However, Park officials still encourage visitors to donate and volunteer as an essential part of the U.S. historical sites. As for the federal government, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has directed the parks to “remain open and accessible.” Burgum also assured that the parks will have the staffing needed to maintain operations, despite budget issues that originally led to the workforce reduction.

FDA, dyes, food, color — Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 21, 2025

Is FDA Planning To Suspend Routine Food Safety Inspections?

If so, food safety inspections would be outsourced to state and local authorities

Budgetary plans for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reportedly may end most routine food safety inspections. However, the agency has denied these reports.

According to CBS News, multiple sources have told the media outlet that the latest planned moves, although not finalized, would result in food safety inspections being outsourced to state and local authorities. Congressional action may be necessary to fully fund any planned changes.

“The claim that the FDA is suspending routine food safety inspections is false. FDA is actively working to ensure continuity of operations during the reorganization period and remains committed to ensuring critical programs and inspections continue,” a spokesperson for the agency said in a written statement.

Food Safety Magazine reported that the FDA may also be suspending its quality control program for its food testing laboratories, and its testing for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy and pet foods.

The media outlet stated that documents seen by Inside Health Policy, about the preliminary White House budget, indicate that the Trump administration may propose $6.5 billion in funding for the FDA in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. That amounts to a 17% budget cut compared to fiscal year 2023. However, former President Biden’s budget request for the FDA in FY 2025 was $7.2 billion, representing a 7.4% increase of $495 million over FY 2023 and $153 million over FY 2024. Former FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones’ request for $15 million in additional funding to support the agency’s Human Foods Program priorities for FY 2025 was not granted. The draft budget documents propose to make the reduced $6.5 billion possible by “expanding the current state contracts for the routine food facility inspections program to cover 100 percent of all routine foods.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plans to submit an implementation plan that includes state-by-state timeframes by May 1, 2025. CBS News reported that some FDA employees, according to one current and one former official, have been working on a possible shift of the agency’s routine food efforts to states for years. That projected move could free up resources to focus on higher-priority and foreign inspections. The FDA outsources some of the routine food inspections through contracts with 43 states and Puerto Rico.“There’s so much work to go around. And us duplicating their work just doesn’t make sense,” one former FDA official told CBS News after working on the plans before leaving the agency. That person spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The FDA is reportedly responsible for ensuring the safety of much of the food supply distributed across state lines, including packaged products, seafood, eggs, and produce.

In recent years, some states and advocacy groups have discussed the possibility of the FDA outsourcing its routine food inspections to states, as they can often conduct inspections at a lower cost than the agency while meeting the same standards.

“In theory, relying on states to do more routine food inspection work could lead to better food safety,” said Thomas Gremillion, director of Food Policy at the Consumer Federation of America. But, doing so would take time and resources, according to Gremillion.

“So far, this Administration has acted with reckless disregard for how its policies will affect the detection and prevention of foodborne illness, and any plans to replace federal food inspectors with some other workforce deserve suspicion,” he said.

sinners, ryan coolger, micahel b. Jordan — (Photo: Jun Sato/WireImage)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 21, 2025

‘Sinners’ Tops Easter Weekend Box Office With $45.6M

'Sinners' brought in the most money in the opening weekend for an original movie since Jordan Peele's 'Us' in 2019

Sinners, the latest Michael B. Jordan/Ryan Coogler collaboration, dethroned A Minecraft Movie as the weekend box office champ.

According to Variety, the critically acclaimed period vampire movie earned $45.6 million over the Easter weekend, the most money in an opening weekend for an original movie since Jordan Peele’s Us took in $71 million in 2019.

Sinners, which stars Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers, was directed by Coogler, with whom Jordan has collaborated since 2013, when they worked together on the critically acclaimed drama, Fruitvale Station.

Sinners, Ryan Coogler, box office — (Photo: Courtesy of *Sinners*)

The two have collaborated on seven movies: all three Rocky spinoff films, Creed, Creed II, and Creed III, as well as the Marvel movies Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Industry insiders expected A Minecraft Movie to continue its dominance for a third straight week. The Jack Black/Jason Momoa adaptation of the very popular video game pulled in $41.3 million.

Sinners, which played in 3,308 theaters nationwide, was released on April 18. The movie is a supernatural horror film set in the 1930s South. The “brothers” are returning to their hometown, “trying to leave their troubled lives behind,“ only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.

Although the film is labeled as a horror movie, Coogler said is a love letter to his love for cinema.

“The film is very genre-fluid,” Coogler said in January, before a new trailer for Sinners was released. “It switches in and out of a lot of different genres. Yes, vampires are an element, but it’s not the only supernatural element in the movie. The film is about more than just that.”

college students, DEI, campus, support — (Photo: RF._.studio _/Pexels)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 21, 2025

College Students Of Color Feel Effects Of DEI Cutbacks On Campuses

As schools shut down DEI programs and offices to comply with federal anti-DEI demands, students of colors are being pushed to the sidelines

College students of color have begun to notice the effects of DEI cutbacks as previous campus support initiatives fade away.

Many programs once built to promote inclusivity and community for diverse students at predominantly white institutions (PWIs) have faced pauses or immediate shutdowns. President Donald Trump released a memo in February ordering all federally backed institutions to remove race from all decisions regarding financial aid, student life, faculty, and admissions.

In light of the order, many colleges and universities nationwide have already axed their DEI programs, some leaving students of color with little to no alternatives for support.

Diverse students have already felt the shift on campus as their potential isolation becomes more imminent.

“It feels like we’re going back. I don’t know how else to describe it,” one impacted student, Iris Rosario, told the Associated Press. “It’s like our voices aren’t being heard.”

Rosario has already seen her campus at the University of Michigan begin the shutdown of its DEI office. As Michigan also plans to cancel its campus-wide inclusion plans, students like Rosario are concerned about their experience at the school without these measures.

“It would be hard to find my community if I didn’t have access to these resources,” she said.

The elimination of DEI extends beyond campus activities. At Michigan, the DEI shutdowns will even rid the LEAD scholars program, which offers scholarships to Black, Latino, and Native American students.

While the school assured its diverse students that their financial aid would not be affected despite the program’s cancellation, it still leaves students wondering what comes next for the next class.

“They’ve taken away our sense of community,” Rosario said. “It just makes it that much harder for people of color to feel comfortable pursuing higher education.”

Most schools receive federal support through student aid, grants, as well as research funding and government contracts. Some, such as Johns Hopkins University, accrue 40% of their revenue from federal funds, as reported by the Associated Press.

Many schools have bowed down to government pressures to eliminate DEI offices and support. Others have stood up to Trump. Harvard University formally stated that it will not change its policies for hiring and admissions to fit Trump’s anti-DEI agenda.

In response, the Trump administration paused the $2 billion Harvard receives in grants and contracts. The federal government has already paused billions in funding for other schools, such as Northwestern and Cornell, over their own alleged civil rights violations that infringe on current DEI sentiments.

Reparations, Louisana, Reparations — (Photo: Alfo Medeiros/Pexels)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 21, 2025

Caribbean Community And Common Market: ‘Enough Talk About Reparations, Time For Concrete Results’

CARICOM made a public call for reparations "to ensure that Europe is held to account."

The Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) has brought its call for reparations to the United Nations, urging accountability for historical injustices that continue to deeply affect the Black community today.

Hilary Brown, a representative of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, addressed the United Nations during the second day of the fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, Reuters reports. She pushed forward the reparations agenda, which includes demands for technology transfers and targeted investments to combat health crises and illiteracy.

“Enough talk, time for concrete results,” Brown said.

CARICOM and the African Union, both with established reparations plans, have united in recent years to strengthen their call for justice for people of African descent. Their partnership marks a “defining moment” in the movement, allowing them to speak with one voice in demanding meaningful action, Brown says.

By working together, they’re looking to push the reparations agenda forward at the United Nations and other international bodies, co-sponsor a joint UN resolution on reparations, and advocate for the creation of a high-level political forum dedicated to the issue.

“CARICOM is ready to take this agenda to the next level, and we welcome the partnership of the AU and other coalitions that share the vision and conviction necessary to ensure that Europe is held to account,” Brown said.

CARICOM’s call comes on the heels of Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s February appeal to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging former colonial powers to issue a formal apology and provide compensation for their historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.

“I don’t mean to be impolite,” Mitchell told von der Leyen, who attended CARICOM’s 48th heads of government meeting in Barbados for the first time. “But I will say it to you: the issue of reparations… is an issue we will take up with you.”

Mitchell continued: “We owe it to ourselves and future generations of humanity to ensure (slavery) is accepted as a crime against humanity, and that appropriate apology and compensation is paid, and that the international community accepts this should never happen again.”

Von der Leyen avoided referencing reparations in her response, saying, “Slavery is a crime against humanity… and the dignity and universal rights of every single human being is untouchable and must be defended by all means.”

Move-In Day Mafia, Foster System, College, HBCU — (Photo: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

by Kandiss Edwards

April 21, 2025

College Students Returning To Campus, Abandoning Online Learning

Students are seeking deeper engagement, leading to an exodus from online learning

A growing number of U.S. college students are expressing a renewed preference for on-campus learning, according to EDUCAUSE’s 2025 Students and Technology Report.

The report surveyed thousands of undergraduate students nationwide. Results show a shift away from online learning. Students showed a stronger preference for attending classes, labs, and assessments in person. The data was compared to ESUCAUSE’s 2023 report.

While students praise the accessibility of online and hybrid learning, as well as its convenience, the majority still prefer actual classrooms. They consider the physical environment one that provides deeper engagement and a stronger sense of community.

Those attending schools viewed as technology-forward reported higher overall satisfaction. Among them, 85% were content with their institution’s digital support, compared to just 34% at schools perceived as falling behind.

The report also addressed students’ perceptions of readiness for the workforce. Many students believe their current education is not enough. Students believe they are unprepared to apply technological skills in real-world settings. Additionally, mental health support and accommodations for accessibility were cited as areas needing significant improvement.

EDUCAUSE researchers urged colleges and universities to align technological initiatives with student-learning preferences. That includes strengthening in-person experiences while using digital tools to enhance—not replace—human interaction.

“Students increasingly prefer on-site course activities. Across categories of synchronous learning activities, students showed an increased personal preference for on-site course modalities,” the report stated.

As college students express enthusiasm for returning to in-person learning, federal employees are facing significant challenges in complying with office mandates.

A recent survey by Federal News Network revealed that nearly 80% of over 5,500 federal employees reported no improvements since resuming on-site work. The employees expressed frustration with extended commutes, increased distractions, and shortages of basic supplies, such as toilet paper, as well as insufficient parking.

One employee shared, “I spend time and money commuting longer to do exactly what I do from home, with less productivity, more background noise, more interruptions, worse amenities, worse food, and no one I actually work with.”

In contrast, students are returning to campuses, valuing the sense of community that they have missed.

bananna, bananas, blood pressure — (Photo: Pexels)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 21, 2025

New Study Reveals The Fruit That Could Naturally Lower Blood Pressure

Here's a hint: it's yellow

A new study suggests that managing dietary potassium, particularly by consuming more bananas, may be a more effective strategy for lowering blood pressure than focusing solely on reducing sodium intake.

The new research, published in the American Journal of Physiology–Renal Physiology, recommends that individuals with high blood pressure incorporate bananas into their diet alongside reducing salt intake for better blood pressure management, The Independent reports. The findings provide an alternative to the common practice of advising patients solely to reduce their sodium intake to regulate blood pressure.

“Usually, when we have high blood pressure, we are advised to eat less salt,” said Anita Layton, one of the study’s authors from the University of Waterloo. “Our research suggests that adding more potassium-rich foods to your diet, such as bananas or broccoli, might have a greater positive impact on your blood pressure than just cutting sodium.”

Nearly one-third of adults worldwide are impacted by high blood pressure, which can lead to serious complications like heart disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. Sodium and potassium—both vital electrolytes—help regulate muscle contractions and support essential bodily functions, such as maintaining fluid balance.

According to the latest research, increasing the ratio of potassium to sodium in the diet may be more effective at lowering blood pressure than simply reducing sodium intake alone. The findings clarify earlier research that linked higher potassium intake to better blood pressure control, but lacked clear guidance on the ideal potassium-to-sodium balance needed to achieve optimal results.

“Although the relationship between excessive dietary sodium intake and elevated blood pressure is well-accepted among the public, the beneficial effects of higher dietary potassium intake have historically received less attention,” researchers say.

The new study employed a sex-specific mathematical model to assess how the potassium-to-sodium ratio affects the body. Researchers say this innovative modeling approach provides a faster and more ethical means of exploring how various factors affect human health.

“Early humans ate lots of fruits and vegetables, and as a result, our body’s regulatory systems may have evolved to work best with a high potassium, low-sodium diet,” says Melissa Stadt, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Waterloo and another author of the study.

“Today, western diets tend to be much higher in sodium and lower in potassium,” Stadt added. “That may explain why high blood pressure is found mainly in industrialized societies, not in isolated societies.”

Snoop Dogg Opens Cannabis Store S.W.E.D. Near LAX Airport — (Photo: Anna Kurth/AFP via Getty Images)

by Ahsan Washington

April 20, 2025

‘Put Ya Lighters Up’: 4/20 Events That Celebrate Cannabis Culture

This events aren’t just about sparking one up

Coincidentally, 4/20 falls on Easter this year. So, Happy Resurrection Day to Christians and those who observe. For those who engage in smoking bud—Happy 420!

This day isn’t just about sparking one up—it has evolved into this amazing celebration of cannabis culture where community, creativity, and all-around good vibes take center stage.

Throughout the country, cannabis connoisseurs are gathering to honor how this humble plant has intersected everything from wellness routines to business opportunities and artistic expression. BLACK ENTERPRISE has done a bit of legwork for you and rounded up six events you can pull-up to the 4/20 spirit and celebrate properly. These aren’t your average smoke sessions!

SweetWater 420 Fest

Going down in Atlanta, the SweetWater 420 Fest is a three-day festival held April 18-20 at Pullman Yards. This year marks its 20th anniversary with Cypress Hill, The Revivalists, Marcus King, Greensky Bluegrass and Drive-By Truckers performing. The festival offers SweetWater craft beers and a cannabis-friendly atmosphere with interactive activities.

Mile High 420 Festival

Denver Mile High 420 Festival goes down April 20 with long time bud advocate Tommy Chong as host. It should be noted that the Mile High 420 festival is a 21-year-old and older event held in Civic Center Park. Mile High will feature performances by Cordae, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Conway the Machine. The festival will have food vendors, sponsor activations and VIP experiences with meet-and-greets.

420 Week

Cannabis Industry, Juneteenth — (Photo: Reuters/Eduardo Munoz)

Washington, D.C. is home to 420 Week. The event is a week-long series of cannabis-themed events starting April 20 and leading up to the National Cannabis Festival on April 28. The week features movie screenings and educational sessions as well as themed community gatherings.

420 Sunday Funday: A High-Vibe Downtown Shreveport Experience

The 420 Sunday Funday event in Downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, is on April 20. Funday offers a cannabis-friendly experience with games and vendors, infused and non-infused food, mocktails, and a secret consumption lounge. The event also features educational talks and a local artisan marketplace. The exact location will be disclosed to ticket holders on the day of the event. The event welcomes attendees 21 and older who want to experience community and wellness through conscious consumption. Ticket prices start at $25.

Washington Square Park Cannabis Meetup

Kush, Sierra Leone, West Africa, drugs — (Photo: John Wessels/AFP via Getty Images)

Thousands of people will gather at Washington Square Park in New York City for an informal celebration featuring impromptu music performances, vendor stalls, and a group smoke session at 4:20 PM Eastern.

Cannafest

Marijuana, Recreational Weed, Drug, illegal weed — (Photo: Belier Baracaldo/Pexels)

A three-day celebration of all things cannabis takes place at 3453 W Hamilton Ave in Nashville, the gathering goes way beyond smoking. It’s a full-on immersion into cannabis education, wellness benefits, and bringing like-minded folks together. Expect hands-on workshops, live music, vendors, art displays, hemp products and CBD-centered activities. Attendees need to be 21 and older to engage. Tickets start at $35.

by Mary Spiller

April 20, 2025

Report Finds ‘Over Policing’ Of Black Parents In NYC Children’s Services Investigations

The report found that although Black and Hispanic people make up around 50% of NYC's population, they account for over 80% of child welfare investigations

A concerning new report found that New York City’s child welfare investigations are disproportionately targeting low-income Black and Hispanic families.

The report outlined the ripple effect of causing parents to be denied employment or losing their jobs, making it more difficult to take care of their families and compounding the effects of hardships from the Administration Of Children’s Services.

The study was conducted by Legal Services NYC. The advocacy group sorted through data from the city’s Administration for Children’s Services from January 2020 through July 2022.

The group shared its findings with The Gothamist, which reported that while Black and Hispanic New Yorkers make up only 48% of the city’s population, they account for 81% of child welfare investigations.

In 2022 alone, over 70% of the reports in which investigations found enough evidence to substantiate the allegations were categorized as neglect. The consequences of these investigations can cause even more difficulties for parents to get onto their feet.

The cases marked as credible show up on parents’ employer background checks for up to eight years after the report. Advocates have described the ACS as investigating “neglect” and punishing families for being poor.

Washcarina Martinez Alonzo, a senior staff attorney with Legal Services NYC, said, “There’s an over-policing now that’s occurring that is disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic folks in New York City and survivors of domestic violence.”

The ACS, the group that conducts all of NYC’s child welfare investigation, said it is actively working to reduce racial disparities in the process through alternative avenues of reporting.

The ACS is encouraging more people to turn to calling city support lines instead of calling the state abuse hotline so that it can assist families in getting access to the resources they need rather than having to conduct mandatory investigations in a disproportionate number of Black and Hispanic families.

The support line works in partnership with schools to help families with high needs connect with social workers instead of the ACS.

Marisa Kaufman, an ACS spokesperson, said, “Through methods like decreasing unnecessary child welfare involvement and promoting supportive services that better stabilize families, we work to reduce both the racial disparities within the child welfare system and the number of families unnecessarily impacted by the child welfare system.”

“We look forward to reviewing the report once it’s made public, and we will always continue to listen, learn,, and evolve our critical work to uplift New York’s children.”

Currently, ACS is legally required to respond to reports of neglect it receives from the state with an investigation, even if the reports are anonymous.

Legal Services NYC’s report has spurred advocates to call for New York lawmakers to ban anonymized reporting of child abuse allegations and to put in place protections for parents to be better informed of their rights before ACS investigators enter their homes.

Executive director of a nonprofit advocate group, Joyce McMillan, pointed out that complaints that can prompt an ACS investigation are usually “lack of sufficient food in the home, using candles instead of electricity because they can’t afford to keep the lights on, or a crowded home”—in other words, it’s poverty, not neglect.

“Once a family is investigated they’re at risk of being separate,” McMillan said. “What most families need, she said, is a little more support and money.”