A new estimate from LendingTree puts the cost of raising a child in 2026 at $303,418, about $16,857 per year, marking the first time it has surpassed $300,000 and a roughly 2% increase from the previous year, CBS News reports. The estimate is based on typical expenses for a couple earning the U.S. median household income of about $100,000, factoring in tax benefits.
“The cost of raising a child for 18 years has climbed to more than $300,000, and that steady rise puts tremendous strain on Americans’ budgets,” said Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief consumer finance analyst, in a statement.
The analysis covers costs through age 18 and excludes college, where tuition averages around $38,000 per year, adding roughly $152,000 more to the cost of raising a child and putting them in college. The findings come as rising living costs continue to strain families.
A February poll found 77% of respondents say it’s harder to raise children today than in previous generations, while earlier research shows many parents were unprepared for the expenses, some even going into debt to cover child care and other costs.
The report highlights where costs are rising fastest, with expenses in Alaska, Kansas, and Montana jumping more than 20% year over year. Hawaii ranks as the most expensive state to raise a child, with projected costs reaching $412,661 in 2026, followed by Maryland and Massachusetts.
Still, there are signs of relief. Some child-related expenses have slowed, with infant care estimated at $17,264, down $572 from the previous year. The average cost of raising a child in the first five years has also dipped slightly to $29,325 annually.
New initiatives may ease future costs. New Mexico has launched the nation’s first universal, no-cost childcare program. At the same time, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has introduced a plan to provide free childcare for children under two. The impact of these programs is expected to show in future data.
Teen Birth Rates Continue To Trend Downward With More Access To Birth Control, Abortion Care
Medical experts believe greater access to reproductive health care may have sparked this trend.
Teen birth rates continue to decline, with new reports indicating a 7% decrease in 2025.
The National Center for Health Statistics published a new report on April 9 about the findings that its lead author, Brady Hamilton, calls “quite extraordinary.” With teen births on the decline, experts are also highlighting several factors driving the trend.
According to NPR, only around 126,000 newborns were born to mothers aged 15 to 19. By these figures, the average number of babies born to teen moms was just 11.7 per 1,000 females. The number of children born to younger teen mothers, those aged from 15 to 17, declined by 11%.
This number differs markedly from the same statistics reported in 1991, when 61.8 babies were born per 1,000 females in that age group. However, researchers have noted several societal changes that may have led to these reductions, which have been consistent for over three decades.
Pediatrician and medical professor Bianca Allison said teen birth rates likely go hand-in-hand with lower cases of teen pregnancies. As for this new phenomenon, Allison believes that greater access to contraception and abortion care, paired with lower sexual activity, probably play the biggest roles.
However, these numbers also contribute to therecord-low birth rate in the U.S., which fell by 1% in 2024. Although none of these figures account for race and ethnicity, the general trend leans toward fewer births and notably higher cesarean delivery rates. These figures signal a change in U.S. family planning dynamics, as well as women’s agency in doing so.
For teen mothers specifically, these numbers could also signal shifts toward better reproductive health care standards, which Allison champions as a step in the right direction.
“From my perspective, as somebody who specifically studies the provision of high-quality reproductive health care and access for young people, this should be celebrated as long as this is aligned with what people are actually wanting for themselves.”
Despite strides in health care access, Allison emphasized that continued support is crucial for teen parents to build successful families and careers outside the home. She also concluded that many negative outcomes surrounding teen births stem from a lack of resources, support, and knowledge about family planning.
An Unserious President Posts A Picture Of Himself As ‘Christ The Redeemer’
The first U.S.-born pope stressed that his general appeal for peace was not a direct attack on Trump or anyone else but the president seemingly took it personally.
At 79 years old, President Donald Trump responded to his latest rift with Pope Leo XIV by posting an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus Christ on his Truth Social app.
Shocking people on social media, the image came shortly after the religious leader spoke out against Trump over the U.S.-Israel war in Iran, painting a different image of a peace-like mentality, depicting himself as Christ, laying his hand on a patient in a hospital bed while surrounded by other figures like a nurse, a soldier, and a praying woman.
Days after the two-week ceasefire was agreed upon, Leo suggested a “delusion of omnipotence” is driving the U.S.-Israel war in Iran, NPR reports. While it’s not unusual for religious or political leaders to raise concerns about world issues, it is rare for a pope to criticize a U.S. leader directly.
However, the first U.S.-born pope stressed that his general appeal for peace was not a direct attack on Trump or anyone else, telling reporters that the Vatican’s appeals for peace and reconciliation all stem from the Gospel—and that he doesn’t fear the Trump administration.
“I will not enter into debate. The things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone. The message of the Gospel is very clear: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers.’ I will not shy away from announcing the message of the Gospel and inviting all people to look for ways of building bridges of peace and reconciliation, and looking for ways to avoid war any time that’s possible,” Leo told reporters while en route to Algeria.
“To put my message on the same plane as what the president has attempted to do here, I think, is not understanding what the message of the Gospel is. And I’m sorry to hear that, but I will continue on what I believe is the mission of the church in the world today.”
Pope Leo XIV responded to US President Donald Trump's overnight social media outburst on his way to Africa, saying he doesn't intend to attack anyone but is promoting the Gospel values of peace, & suggested that Trump doesn't properly understand the Gospel @Pontifexpic.twitter.com/2Y05by53bL
In a different clip, he was heard saying he has “no fear of the Trump administration.”
Pope Leo says he has "no fear of the Trump administration" after he was asked about President Trump's Truth Social post calling the pontiff "weak on crime, and terrible for foreign policy."
"We are not politicians, we don't deal with foreign policy with the same perspective he… pic.twitter.com/37LCeprhUc
But Trump seemingly took it personally, saying he’s “not a fan of Pope Leo” and taking credit for his appointment. In another lengthy Truth Social post, the president claimed Leo was selected because the Catholic Church believed an American pope would be better positioned to deal with him. “If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican,” he wrote in his rant.
“Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician. It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church!”
Despite his verbal attacks on the religious leader, all eyes were on Trump’s disturbing image. Social media users are eager to see what his supporters, especially those whose support is rooted in Christianity, have to say about it. “I would like to see his supporters defend this, especially the ones that support him in the name of Christianity,” @westafricanbaby wrote on IG.
Others continued to post “Jesus will not be mocked,” expressing disdain for the imagery.
Users could push some blame on several evangelical leaders who, in recent weeks, have compared the president to the one who died on the cross. “And Mr. President, no one has paid the price like you have paid the price. It almost cost you your life. You were betrayed and arrested and falsely accused,” Pastor Paula White-Cain said during an Easter event at the White House.
“It’s a familiar pattern that our Lord and Savior showed us. But it didn’t end there for Him, and it didn’t end there for you.”
Cheating Prank Leads To Shots Fired And Boyfriend Behind Bars
Twenty-year-old Shyhied Eugene Ivey was charged with multiple felonies and is slated to be in court April 23
A man was arrested after allegedly firing into a car carrying his girlfriend and four others following a prank call she initiated.
According to Law & Crime, on April 5, 20-year-old Shyhied Eugene Ivey was charged with five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharging a weapon into an occupied conveyance in operation, domestic violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The charges come after the girlfriend had one of her male friends call Ivey and pretend he was with her, cheating on Ivey.
Before the April 4 call around 11:30 p.m., Ivey’s girlfriend—whom he had been dating for about five months—was at Camp North End in Charlotte, North Carolina, getting food with friends when she decided to prank him.
Shortly after receiving the call, Ivey allegedly caught up with the group, followed closely behind their vehicle, and called his girlfriend, urging her to pull over, according to a court document. She said she saw him fire what appeared to be a handgun into the air. When he later pulled alongside their car at an intersection, he allegedly fired three shots into the vehicle before driving away.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said that the incident was caught on camera, showing Ivey allegedly committing the crime at 11:38 p.m. Police officers spoke to the group of people in the car about 10 minutes after the shooting.
The man who called Ivey said that Ivey texted him at about 1:32 a.m. the next day, saying, “stop playin wimme bro.”
There were no reported injuries, and Ivey, who is a convicted felon, was booked into Mecklenburg County Detention Center on April 8 and has a scheduled court date on April 23.
Doc Rivers Reportedly Out As Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach
Rivers had a 97-103 record with the Bucks.
After three seasons as the Milwaukee Bucks’ head coach Doc Rivers is not expected to return next season.
According to ESPN, sources informed NBA insider Shams Charania that the franchise will look for someone else to coach, but there may be another role for the former NBA player in the organization, possibly in an advisory capacity.
The news comes after the Bucks ended this season with a 32-50 record.
“[The season] didn’t go the way I wanted it to go, obviously,” Rivers said after Milwaukee lost its last game of the season to the Philadelphia 76ers, his former team, 126-106. “I always say I could do a better job. We could have had better health. We could have had all kinds of things. I’m not a big guy, looking back. All you can do is look forward. We did a lot of things to improve a lot of the young guys. Unfortunately, that was the road that kind of presented itself for us, and we did that.”
Rivers, who won an NBA championship in 2008 with the Boston Celtics, had a 97-103 record during his nearly three seasons with the Bucks. He was (surprisingly) hired in January 2024 to replace Adrian Griffin, who had a 30-13 record. Rivers went 17-19 the rest of the way. The Bucks lost to the Indiana Pacers 4-2 in the first round of the playoffs.
The following season saw another first-round exit. This season, the Bucks missed the postseason entirely, ending a nine-year playoff streak.
Rivers, who will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year, ranks sixth all-time among NBA coaches in regular-season wins and fourth all-time in career playoff victories. He also coached for the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Howard Women’s Basketball Team To Stay In Locker Room For National Anthem Next Season
The team chose to remain in the locker room as new policy prevents them from kneeling at future games.
The women’s basketball team at Howard University is remaining true to its stance on justice during pregame protocols.
For the past six seasons, these HBCU athletes have chosen to kneel during the national anthem. The decision mirrors the famed choice by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick to “take a knee” over police brutality, shared by Know Your Rights Camp.
The women athletes will keep the momentum of their kneeling, but will now do so behind closed doors. According to the HBCU’s newspaper, The Hilltop, the school’s athletic department stated the school’s policy on the national anthem.
Following a game against the U.S. Army in December, the athletic department implemented a new protocol. The Vice President of Athletics, Kery Davis, emphasized how the update showed “mutual respect” for all communities while maintaining students’ ability to express themselves freely.
“There have been thoughtful internal conversations between athletics leadership, coaches and student-athletes regarding pregame protocols,” revealed Davis. “The current approach is about supporting our students’ freedom of expression while upholding mutual respect for all communities.”
The new rule requires players to either stand up for the national anthem or stay in the locker room during the song. The team overwhelmingly chose the latter, even while on the road at away games.
“We don’t want to bring any bad light to Howard University, so we just decided to stay in the locker room now for every game, home and away, and we will continue to do that throughout the rest of the season,” explained associate head coach Brian Davis.
For the players, the decision is not to disrespect but to remain true to their values of justice and to the school’s motto of truth and service. As an HBCU in the nation’s capital, Howard has a storied legacy of activism and civil disobedience, participating in national calls for change as well as institutional ones within the university.
As the school cracks down on blatant opposition to national pride, other student-athletes have questioned the policy, arguing that it undermines students’ freedoms.
“If they can take away our right to protest, what else can they take away?” inquired Howard soccer player, Ireal Wyze-Daly. “I would never believe that coming to Howard, the biggest HBCU in the world, The Mecca, would basically be forced to bow down to the white oppressive system.”
Moving forward, the women’s basketball squad will navigate new provisions at the HBCU as they begin games in the locker room next season.
Melanie Bonner is the founder and CEO of MyClynz, a Black-owned B2B haircare brand dedicated to removing harmful toxins from styling tools and hair pieces such as wigs, toupees, extensions, and braiding hair.
Meet Melanie Bonner, the founder and CEO of MyClynz, a Black-owned B2B haircare brand dedicated to removing harmful toxins from styling tools and hair pieces such as wigs, toupees, extensions, and braiding hair. Her patent-pending shampoo and haircare line, which is sold only in large containers to hair salons and barbershops, is specifically formulated to remove cancer-linked toxins such as lead and formaldehyde, which are often used in synthetic and human hair. Her products are so innovative and groundbreaking that she is currently a finalist for the 2026 Entrepreneur of Impact Award.
Bonner is one of the leaders and pioneers of a crucial movement toward safer beauty and elevated professional standards. In response to the alarming 2025 and 2026 Consumer Reports studies that revealed hazardous chemicals in synthetic and human braiding hair, she has developed a patent-pending solution to protect both consumers and beauty professionals.
By addressing these hidden dangers, her products ensure that individuals no longer have to choose between their beauty and their health. This mission is especially critical for vulnerable populations, including those fighting cancer and/or living with alopecia, who rely on these hair pieces for confidence and normalcy during difficult times.
Melanie comments, “Our mission is to actively work to protect and improve public health within our society and for future generations. No one—neither the professional stylist nor the client—should ever have to compromise their well-being for their appearance and confidence.”
The competition
In recognition of her impactful work, she is currently a top contender for the prestigious Entrepreneur of Impact award (vote for her here). This competition highlights leaders who are making a significant difference in their fields and communities. She is calling on beauty professionals and consumers to support her mission by casting a daily vote in the competition.
Everyone is encouraged to learn more about the health risks associated with conventional hairpieces and the solutions offered by the MyClynz brand. By voting for Melanie and MyClynz, readers can help shine a light on the broader movement toward safer beauty standards that society deserves.
Toronto’s Culture, Connection, And Mass Crowd Appeal Set The Global Stage For Mass Events
Amid uncertainty in the U.S., event planners are increasingly turning to globally appealing, diverse destinations like Toronto, Canada.
Event and meeting planners navigating uncertainty in the U.S. are increasingly exploring new destinations for large-scale events. For those seeking a city rich in culture, community, and global appeal, Toronto—Canada’s largest city—stands out as a top choice.
As the fourth-largest city in North America and one of the most diverse in the world, Toronto delivers the vibrant, cosmopolitan energy of New York City without the same high costs or crowded streets. Whether hosting a corporate event, conference, or convention, planners will find a strong mix of hotels, dining, and local experiences that make it easy to draw attendees and drive engagement.
With a special focus on how Toronto serves as an ideal backdrop for events of all sizes, BLACK ENTERPRISE toured hospitality venues in the Queen City. These downtown Toronto hotels and event venues deliver prime locations, diverse options, and elevated luxury for events of any size.
The Chelsea Hotel
Canada’s largest hotel, the Chelsea Hotel, is investing heavily to attract large-scale events following its 50th anniversary. With 1,600 rooms across two towers, the property is undergoing major upgrades, including a $25M renovation completed in 2024 and a $60M overhaul underway in 2025. With a new conference space launched in 2024, flexible event venues, upgraded meeting facilities, and a $2.3 million Wi-Fi investment, the Chelsea is equipped to host everything from executive meetings and large conferences to weddings and galas.
New additions like Deck 27—a rooftop pool and fitness space—along with refreshed dining, tech-enabled check-in, and family-friendly amenities further elevate the guest experience. Guests benefit from updated rooms, a prime downtown location, on-site dining, and offerings suited for both business and extended stays. The hotel also partners with nearby attractions, giving guests exclusive discounts with their room key, a premium feature that adds extra value for families and event attendees.
Located on the 68th floor of Scotia Plaza in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District, SixtyEight offers a refined, elevated event experience with stunning 360-degree views of the city. Perched on the 68th floor of 40 King West, the venue delivers breathtaking panoramas that set the stage for unforgettable gatherings.
Its main event space, Cirrus, provides an elegant setting for weddings, corporate events, and galas, while the exclusive tenant lounge hosts weekend cocktail receptions for 200–250 guests. For more intimate gatherings, five upscale boardrooms accommodate groups of 4–8, and private dining rooms, available on weekday evenings, pair chef-driven cuisine with sweeping views of the CN Tower and Billy Bishop Airport, creating a truly memorable experience.
Nobu makes its Canadian debut with Nobu Hotel Toronto, a 36-room sky-high retreat offering luxury, tranquility, and world-class service in the heart of downtown Toronto’s Entertainment District. With a discreet, access-only entrance, a signature yuzu-ginger scent welcoming guests in the lobby, and state-of-the-art finishes throughout, the suite-style hotel rooms and private residences offer an elevated, ultra-luxe setting for planners looking to bring refined elegance to their events.
Inspired by Toronto’s cultural diversity, Nobu Hotel Toronto brings a local twist to its signature experience, blending iconic dining, bespoke service, and thoughtfully designed spaces. Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Shiawase—celebrating happiness and well-being—the hotel weaves wellness into every detail, from locally sourced in-room amenity bars to fitness offerings like Technogym equipment, Peloton, and Lululemon gear, a private Pilates studio, and in-room spa experiences.
For events, the property delivers a true Nobu experience, with options ranging from cocktail gatherings in the Nobu Villa to curated dining, private dinners, and full-scale buyouts. Planners who book 50–60% of the hotel’s rooms receive complimentary access to restaurant space for meetings and private dining.
With its sleek glass-and-steel facade, six acres of landscaped gardens, and curated art installations, Hotel X offers a tranquil escape in the heart of downtown Toronto. Blending modern design with lush green spaces and sweeping views of the city and Lake Ontario, it delivers a refined, contemporary luxury experience for both guests and eventgoers.
The hotel hosts year-round events across more than 17 venues, featuring over 60,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor space. Paired with upscale accommodations, state-of-the-art amenities, and a detail-driven events team, it provides an ideal setting for seamless, high-end gatherings. Additional amenities for guests to indulge in include four standout restaurants, versatile event spaces, and expansive wellness offerings, including tennis, fitness, and a full-service spa. The experience is rounded out with private theatres, a lively arcade and kids’ center, a heated rooftop pool, and a striking photography gallery, all set within historic Exhibition Place and complemented by house car service.
Far from a typical food hall, Waterworks Food Hall showcases Toronto’s diverse culinary scene inside a restored 1800s heritage space, featuring 15+ vendors serving everything from ramen to stuffed naan to rasta pasta. More than a dining destination, Waterworks blends historic architecture with vibrant gathering spaces—from casual lunches to cocktails at speakeasy Civil Works, ranked among North America’s best bars. With two soundproof event venues accommodating up to 2,000 guests, on-site catering, and a striking suspended art installation by Canadian artists, it stands as a dynamic hub in the heart of King West.
For planners looking to keep attendees engaged beyond the conference, these standout restaurants and wellness spaces reflect the vibrant energy of downtown Toronto and offer the perfect setting for memorable off-site events.
The Queens Harbor is a standout downtown hotspot, serving bold Mediterranean and Asian cuisine in a sprawling 23,000-square-foot space. With an interactive sushi bar, three cocktail bars, and Canada’s largest retractable rooftop patio overlooking the river and the CN Tower, it delivers a high-energy dining experience from day to night.
The Hamptons Restaurant offers an intimate, ever-evolving dining experience in the heart of Little Italy. Led by Executive Chef Rachel Chartrand, the weekly rotating menu turns each visit into a curated culinary journey, where every dish tells a story. Set inside a cozy, candlelit brownstone-style space, guests are welcomed with a drink, guided through a one-of-a-kind menu, and immersed in a personalized experience—from the open kitchen to the outdoor dining area—where no two nights are ever the same.
Portland Square is a multi-level dining hub on King West, home to Primadonna, Honey Chinese, the Portland Room event space, and the upcoming Rodeo Dive country bar. Each spot delivers a distinct experience under one roof—with a seasonal rooftop bar to top it off.
Host a refined dinner at Lyla Toronto and experience Mediterranean flavors through beautifully crafted, locally sourced dishes. With its elegant ambiance and standout brunch featuring bottomless mimosas, it’s a go-to destination for elevated dining. The executive chef may even stop by to greet you!
Host a lively group event at Oche King West, a premier adult game venue in King West. Connect over drinks while enjoying fun, engaging moments and a menu featuring British-inspired, Canadian-made favorites. Featuring tech-enabled dart booths, shuffleboards, and a stylish private karaoke room, it offers a fun, flexible setting for meetings, parties, and unforgettable social gatherings.
Start your day with a culinary adventure from Culinary Adventure Co. at St. Lawrence Market. Enjoy VIP early access, explore Old Town with expert guides, and indulge in 18+ breakfast tastings—including Toronto’s iconic peameal bacon sandwich. Sip your coffee while meeting the artisans behind the flavors and hearing the stories that bring the market to life—perfect for a memorable group experience.
NRG Haus offers a refreshing wellness escape with contrast therapy, functional mocktails, and an alcohol-free social setting—ideal for a quick reset during a business trip. Guests can unwind in a high-capacity sauna designed for circulation and deep relaxation, or recharge with an immersive cold plunge featuring temperature-controlled tubs and LED-guided visuals for focus and breathwork. The experience is elevated at the Functional Mocktail Lounge, where nutrient-rich blends support recovery, hydration, and mental clarity, helping guests restore balance, inside and out.
When hosting in Toronto, encourage attendees to explore the city’s top attractions with a special offer or pass, as there’s always something to do. Take in skyline views from the CN Tower, dive into immersive exhibits at Arcadia Earth, or visit renowned museums like the Aga Khan Museum, Bata Shoe Museum, and Royal Ontario Museum for a truly memorable experience.
‘Beyond The Gates’ Turns On-Screen Style Into Reality With ChelseaKat Fashion Line
The CBS drama expands its cultural footprint as fictional handbags debut in real-world collaboration with Black designers.
A television drama known for its focus on Black affluence and cultural identity is now extending its influence beyond the screen, transforming fictional fashion and bags into a real-world product line shaped by audience demand and creative collaboration.
“Beyond the Gates,” a series produced by CBS Studios in partnership with the NAACP and Procter & Gamble, has introduced a collection of handbags inspired by its storyline. The “ChelseaKat” line—created as a fictional brand in the show—has now been developed into a purchasable product through a partnership with F&W Style.
The move reflects a broader shift in how television engages audiences, blending storytelling with consumer experience. While soap operas have historically influenced fashion trends, this effort goes further by directly translating narrative elements into tangible goods.
Actor Colby Nixon, who portrays Kat Richardson, described the experience as surreal. “It’s so historic,” Nixon said in an interview with Essence. “Being new to TV and film… that was already insane… But then, when I found out that we are actually creating a ChelseaKat bag that is being sold, and it is named after our characters, I was in awe.”
Set in a fictional, affluent Black community in Washington, D.C., the series uses fashion as a storytelling device, with wardrobe choices reflecting character arcs and social status. The introduction of ChelseaKat bags allows viewers to engage more directly with that world by purchasing items tied to the show’s aesthetic and themes.
Costume design also plays a central role. Nixon credited the show’s fashion team, noting, “Every single fashion choice…all of it is handpicked, detail-oriented…Everything is so precise… and it truly takes a village.”
For RhonniRose Mantilla, who plays Chelsea Hamilton in Beyond the Gates, the project mirrors her character’s journey. “She’s very bold and very brave… and she’s complicated,” Mantilla said. “As a young Black woman, she comes from power, but she’s creating her own power.” She added that the role resonates with viewers navigating their own growth: “Hopefully anyone in their twenties can watch and feel like, ‘I’m going to be brave…I’m going to step out on faith.’”
Behind the scenes, the idea originated with Executive Producer Sheila Ducksworth, who saw an opportunity to expand the show’s universe. “The purses were in the script; we just needed someone who actually makes purses,” she explained.
That role was filled by designer Alexandria Alli, whose brand F&W Style helped bring the concept to life. Alli said fan engagement quickly shaped the collection’s evolution. “People were DMing, emailing… telling us what they wanted,” she said, noting how audience feedback influenced new color variations. “They feel like they’re being heard… and being able to deliver that—there’s just no better experience than this.”
Several designs pay tribute to historically Black sororities, incorporating signature color schemes tied to the National Pan-Hellenic Council. This intentionality reflects the show’s broader commitment to cultural authenticity.
Ducksworth emphasized that the series was always meant to portray a specific reality.
“There are so many gated communities that are predominantly Black… living a life that is incredible in many ways,” she said. “So it was very much on purpose that this world exists.”
As the show gains recognition—including industry awards and nominations—it continues to build a multidimensional brand.
By merging narrative, fashion, and audience participation, “Beyond the Gates” is not only telling stories but also reshaping how viewers engage with them—turning style into both a symbol and a product.
You the Birthday: Breaking Down Latest Trend Started By Black TikTok
According to Black TikTok, if you become the center of attention, you might be the birthday.
A new “You The Birthday” trend created by Black TikTok is making the rounds across the internet.
The phrase stands as the latest viral hit started by Black creators on the video-sharing platform. But those not in the know remain confused on what the phrase means, and, furthermore, how to use it.
One TikToker, named The Trill Professor, gave a break down on the how the phrase plays into AAVE’s fluid grammatical structure.
“Just context, intonation, and cultural understanding doing all of the work,” explained the TikToker, real name Travis G. Hubbard, on how the phrase came to life.
Hubbard, a current Ph.D. candidate in literacy, language and culture, told TODAY about the term’s new connotations.
“When someone says ‘you the birthday,’ they are positioning the subject as a metaphorical embodiment of everything the word birthday connotes — celebration, joy, the reason everyone showed up,” Hubbard explained. “You are not at a birthday…You are not having a birthday. You are the birthday. The subject becomes the thing itself.”
Forbessaid it’s a way to say someone is acting as the main character of a situation, “trying too hard, acting over-the-top or expecting fawning, birthday-like attention from everyone in the room.”
It can also be a term of endearment or a jab at the directed individual. Of course, this also depends on the context.
In the video, Hubbard added, “And Black English does this constantly and beautifully.”
For example, some TikTokers have left comments calling someone “the birthday” if they achieve a goal or made a good point on a subject. On the flip-side, users also hurl out the phrase to those exhibiting obnoxious behavior, or who want to stand out unnecessarily.
As the phrase became popular on TikTok and other platforms, elder internet users expressed their confusion. Gen-Zers eventually came to the rescue while clowning millennials for not initially keeping up.
The phrase spawned other versions that follow a similar linguistic pattern. Whenever another TikToker does something or expresses a feeling that perpetuates a certain trait, savvy users now call them another word, evolving the phrase while remaining mostly true to its original rules.
TikTokers even played into this expanded trend on Hubbards’ video.
“He explained the birthday, he the birth certificate,” shared one commenter, comparing his explanation of the context to the identification document.
Another stated, “video long, you the birthday month.”
“This is layered, you the birthday cake,” joked another.
Like many trends, Black TikTok is already aware of the larger world catching onto “you the birthday,” signaling that party may end early in favor of the next viral phrase.
