Isiah Whitlock Jr., Star of ‘The Wire,’ Dies At 71
The beloved character died Dec. 30 after a brief illness.
Actor Isiah Whitlock, Jr. who was celebrated for his work in The Wire,Veep, and Your Honor as well as several Spike Lee films, died in New York on Dec. 30, his business manager, Brian Liebman, told Deadline.
Liebman said Whitlock, 71, died peacefully after a brief illness.
The South Bend, Indiana, native joined San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater after studying theater in college. He landed his first notable screen role in 1987 with a guest appearance on the hit CBS drama Cagney & Lacey.
Whitlock went on to become a familiar presence over the next three decades, appearing repeatedly across the Law & Order franchise universe, including Special Victims Unit and Criminal Intent.
Among his standout roles: corrupt State Sen. R. Clayton “Clay” Davis on HBO’s The Wire throughout all five seasons and a recurring role on HBO’s Veep as Secretary of Defense Gen. George Maddox. He later starred as a politically connected figure on Showtime’s Your Honor.
He also appeared in several of Lee’s films, including Da Five Bloods,Chi-Raq, and the Oscar-winning BlacKkKlansman.
On Instagram, Lee remembered his “dear beloved brother.”
It was in Lee’s 2002 film 25th Hour, where Whitlock debuted what became his signature catchphrase, “Sheeeeeit,” his memorable spin on the expletive. He shared in a 2008 interview that he borrowed the delivery from his uncle Leon.
“I did it there, and I did it in She Hate Me,” he said. “But then, when I got on to The Wire, I saw a couple of opportunities where I could do it, and I did. And they started writing it in.”
The line became a full-blown pop-culture staple.
“I was in, I think, Grand Central Station and far away I heard someone say it and they’d be kind of smiling,” he added. “I’m glad people enjoy it.”
Whitlock’s final television role was as the chief of police opposite Uzo Aduba in Netflix’s Emmy-nominated White House murder-mystery series The Residence, which premiered in March.
Elevate Your Excellence: The 2025 Roundup Of Visionaries Redefining Success Through Global Innovation and Community Impact
The Elevating Your Excellence series by Black Enterprise serves as a definitive chronicle of Black brilliance and industrial impact.
The Elevate Your Excellence series by Black Enterprise serves as a definitive chronicle of Black brilliance, resilience, and industrial impact. The curated 2025 roundup of visionaries represents more than individual success; it embodies a collective movement toward economic liberation and cultural preservation.
From Wall Street boardrooms to social justice front lines and STEM laboratories, these leaders redefine 21st-century leadership. Their stories are blueprints for transformation, demonstrating that excellence is a tool for communal uplift.
Each profile offers a unique lens into the rigor required to dismantle historical barriers. This is evident in “prosocial” investment strategies, challenging corporate America to be “color brave” and legal activism, transforming courtrooms into instruments of justice.
This roundup highlights institutional building through Black-owned banks, innovative incubators, and museums safeguarding artistic heritage. These leaders emphasize a “Build As We Climb” philosophy, ensuring success translates into jobs and financial dignity for the underserved.
By celebrating these trailblazers, Black Enterprise continues its 55-year legacy of documenting the “Gold Standard” of achievement, reminding us that excellence is the greatest asset in the quest for equity.
1. Robert F. Smith: The Philanthropic Titan
As the founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, Smith has set a global standard for corporate citizenship. Beyond his historic gift to Morehouse College, his feature highlights his “2% Solution,” which calls on corporations to invest 2% of their profits in Black communities to permanently close the wealth gap.
2. Mellody Hobson: The Vanguard of Financial Literacy
Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments, is an indomitable force for economic empowerment. Her story emphasizes her concept of being “color brave” rather than “color blind,” urging corporate America to have uncomfortable conversations about race to drive true board diversity.
3. Benjamin Crump: The Relentless Advocate for Justice
Recognized as “Black America’s Attorney General,” Crumphas stood at the center of the nation’s most pivotal civil rights battles. His profile explores his “legal activism,” in which he uses the courtroom to protect the marginalized and demand systemic police reform.
4. Damola Adamolekun: The Corporate Transformer
The CEO of Red Lobster, Adamolekun, is celebrated for his disciplined leadership. His feature details his “back-to-basics” strategy, focusing on operational excellence and high standards to revitalize iconic brands during turbulent economic shifts.
5. Dr. Marc Lamont Hill: The Public Intellectual
Dr. Hill, a Presidential Professor at CUNY, is honored for his commitment to scholarship. His story highlights his work with Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books, where he turned a personal passion for literature into a “third space” for Black community gathering and intellectual rigor.
6. Tamika D. Mallory: The Voice of the Movement
As a co-founder of Until Freedom, Mallory is a contemporary civil rights icon. Her feature traces her evolution from a curious girl in the Bronx to a global advocate, emphasizing her raw and heartfelt memoir on healing and perseverance “after the smoke clears.”
7. Jay Bailey: The Architect of Entrepreneurship
As President and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), Bailey stewards a massive engine for Black business. He is profiled for his “Global Blueprint,” which focuses on creating a sustainable ecosystem where Black entrepreneurs move from surviving to thriving.
8. Emil Wilbekin: The Cultural Maverick
The founder of Native Son, Wilbekin, is honored for forging a movement that celebrates Black gay and queer men. His profile explores how he transitioned from the height of hip-hop journalism at VIBE to becoming a dedicated advocate for visibility and joy.
9. Dr. Marta Moreno Vega: The Cultural Architect
Dr. Moreno Vega is a foundational figure in the global movement for Afro-Latino equity. Her feature celebrates her 50-year legacy of building institutions that preserve the heritage of the African Diaspora and fight for cultural representation in the arts.
10. Tarana Burke: The Guardian of Truth
The founder of the ‘me too.’ Movement, Burke is honored for her courage in centering the healing of survivors. Her story highlights her long-term work in local communities, proving that grassroots activism is the bedrock of global social change.
11. Thelma Golden: The Curator of Black Art
As director of The Studio Museum in Harlem, Golden is at the forefront of culture. Her profile examines her “post-Black” art philosophy and her unparalleled track record of identifying and nurturing the most influential Black artists of our time.
12. Pastor Jamal Bryant: The Civic Strategist
Dr. Bryant’s leadership at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church extends into economic justice. His feature focuses on his “Bullseye Black Market” initiative, which transformed his church into a hub for intentional Black-owned holiday shopping.
13. Raychel Proudie: The Legislative Advocate
State Representative Proudie of Missouri is recognized for her tireless public service. Her story highlights her role as a fierce defender of public education and her ability to navigate bipartisan politics to secure resources for underserved districts.
14. Aisha Bowe: The STEM Pioneer
The founder of STEMBoard, Bowe, is a former NASA engineer. Her feature celebrates her mission as a space explorer and her work in creating “LINGO,” a coding kit that brings high-level tech education to students in their own homes.
15. Byron Allen: The Media Mogul
Founder of Allen Media Group, Allen is celebrated for his pursuit of media ownership. His story emphasizes his “economic civil rights” mission, suing major corporations to ensure Black-owned media receive a fair share of advertising dollars.
16. Jotaka Eaddy: The Social Impact Strategist
CEO of Full Circle Strategies, Eaddy is a pivotal leader in the #WinWithBlackWomen movement. Her profile explores her role as a “connector,” bringing together powerful Black women across industries to influence national policy and politics.
17. Justin J. Pearson: The Champion of Democracy
Rep. Pearson is recognized for his courageous leadership in the Tennessee House. His story highlights his journey from a Memphis community activist to a national symbol for gun safety, rooted in a philosophy of “Justice Rooted in Love.”
18. John Hope Bryant: The Financial Literacy Crusader
The founder of Operation HOPE, Bryant, is honored for bringing “silver rights” to the masses. His feature details his work in providing financial coaching and disaster recovery services to help low-income families build sustainable wealth.
19. Ananda Lewis: The Luminous Voice
A generation-defining media icon, Lewis is honored for her bravery in documenting her health journey. Her profile explores her transition from an MTV superstar to a powerful advocate for breast cancer awareness and holistic wellness.
20. Teri Williams: The Economic Empowerment Leader
As President of OneUnited Bank, Williams is recognized for closing the racial wealth gap. Her story highlights her “Teri Talks” and the “I Got Bank!” youth contest, which makes financial literacy accessible and culturally relevant.
21. Jamauri Bogan: The Community Developer
Honored as the youngest Black developer in Western Michigan, Bogan is celebrated for his “Zone 32” project. His feature traces his transition from a star college athlete to a real estate mogul focused on revitalizing redlined neighborhoods.
22. Denene Millner: The Literary Legend
Millneris a prolific author and publisher. Her profile highlights her Denene Millner Books imprint, dedicated to “honoring the humanity of Black children” by publishing stories that showcase the full breadth of their joy and experiences.
23. Mayor Brandon M. Scott: The Urban Visionary
As the Mayor of Baltimore, Scott is honored for his “reimagining” of public safety. His story focuses on his commitment to tackling the root causes of violence through community investment and data-driven governance.
Stefon Diggs Facing Charges After Alleged Assault Claims From Former Personal Chef
Diggs' attorney, David Meier, denied the accusations levied against his client.
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing accusations of strangulation and assault from his former personal chef, ESPN reports.
The incident allegedly took place at Diggs’ residence on Dec. 2. The chef, who has not been identified, said the confrontation happened during a dispute over money she is owed.
The allegations and charges were revealed Dec. 30 at a motion hearing at Dedham District Court. Diggs is slated to be arraigned Jan. 23. He faces a felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of assault
“Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated—because they did not occur,” Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, said. “The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction. Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law.”
The two parties have been in discussions for a financial settlement, The Boston Globe reported.
Although the alleged incident took place Dec. 2, the woman did not report it to police until Dec. 16. She claimed Diggs went into her unlocked bedroom in the residence and allegedly hit her in the face after having a disagreement about pay she says he owes her.
The chef told authorities that Diggs reportedly tried to choke her with his elbow around the neck. She said that she was later thrown onto the bed by Diggs, who called her a liar.
She left the residence and stayed with a friend. She said she returned on Dec. 9 to get her property. While there, she said Diggs told her to speak to his assistant, who told the chef she had to sign a nondisclosure agreement to receive the money owed to her. She refused and left.
When she reported the incident to police, she stated she did not want to file charges. She decided to do so on Dec. 22.
“We support Stefon,” the New England Patriots wrote in the statement. “We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time.”
Patriots statement:
The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate…
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? Check Out These Turn-ups
From the iconic ball drop in New York City to Las Vegas’ neon-lit Strip takeover, crowds gather nationwide to celebrate the new year.
New Year’s Eve serves as a cultural and personal reset. But cities nationwide turn the countdown into large-scale celebrations that blend community gathering, tourism, and entertainment while delivering a significant economic boost.
Check out a few of the most notable celebrations in the United States that attract huge audiences and boost local economies while defining the country’s approach to welcoming the new year.
Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop—New York City
The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square New York City draws hundreds of thousands of attendees and millions of television viewers. At the stroke of midnight, the iconic Waterford crystal ball descends while music and confetti create a global celebration. The current ball design “Infinite Joy, Infinite Light, Infinite Beginning” stands 12.5 feet tall and weighs 12,300 pounds to represent renewal and unity for America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The evening festivities start before the midnight ball drop.
America’s Party Fireworks + Strip Takeover—Las Vegas
When the expected record-breaking crowd of over 340,000 revelers ring in the new year this week on the Strip, many roads in and around the resort corridor will be shut to traffic for hours Wednesday into Thursday.
America’s Party Fireworks + Strip Takeover transforms Las Vegas into a festive celebration. Almost 340,000 revelers are expected to create record-breaking attendance throughout casinos, nine rooftops, and streets. Attendees can expect music and LED displays on the Sphere. The night continues at notable nightclubs such as Omnia, XS, and LIV. Get there early: The city begins closing streets in the early evening to prepare for the midnight fireworks display.
Atlanta Peach Drone & Fireworks Show
Atlanta’s New Year’s Eve Peach Drop rebrands as "Countdown Over ATL" to include fireworks, drone show across city https://t.co/TznoTtKYRq
The Digital Drone Peach Countdown in Atlanta is a distinctive peach-themed event that celebrates against the backdrop of ATL’s Southern skyline. The festivities incorporate synchronized fireworks alongside a digital Peach Countdown display instead of dropping a physical object. The countdown event will occur along downtown and Midtown viewing corridors to provide inclusive street-level viewing for everyone.
New Orleans French Quarter NYE Celebration
The Crescent City Countdown Club will drop its fleur-de-lis at the old Jax Brewery to count down the final seconds of 2025 followed by a fireworks display over the Mississippi River, but the festivities will begin much earlier in the day.https://t.co/n8bht0S6O2
The New Orleans French Quarter NYE Celebration attracts both locals and tourists of all ages who enjoy jazz music and brass band performances and Southern nightlife. The downtown area maintains its live music and street party atmosphere after midnight while the riverfront becomes festive. The event takes place at the French Quarter and Woldenberg Park starting from Dec. 31, until the early morning Jan 1. Expect high security and National Guard patrols in response to 2024’s attack in which a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing 14 people and injuring dozens in an act of domestic terrorism.
This spectacular fireworks display over Lake Michigan, accompanied by music, dining, and winter experiences, anchors the Windy City’s winter city celebration. The event, which begins the evening of Dec. 31 and goes until midnight at Navy Pier along the Chicago shoreline, provides both picturesque cityscape views and a family-oriented celebration.
Miami Beach, Florida organizes a massive New Year’s Eve party on Ocean Drive that draws beach lovers with dance lovers and nightlife enthusiasts. The event includes live musical performances and DJ sets, and presents one of the most famous fireworks shows along the coastal line. The celebration starts at sunset and continues until midnight.
Denver Downtown NYE Fireworks & 16th Street Party
Denver rings in the New Year with fun and festivities. Remember, most fireworks are illegal to use in Denver so it’s best to leave the big displays to the professionals.
The city often hosts a New Year’s Eve fireworks show downtown, a great alternative to risking a DIY display.… pic.twitter.com/XwzhsKXC1v
— Denver Office of Emergency Management (@DenverOEM) December 29, 2025
This celebration features a fireworks show and a street party in downtown Denver. The event, which goes past midnight, combines mountain energy with urban party traditions. Visitors should be prepared for cold temperatures.
Sip, Celebrate, Support: Black Champagne Brands To Celebrate The Holidays
Black‑owned champagne and sparkling‑wine houses are re‑imagining the toast and infusing it with style.
The celebratory pop of a champagne cork has long symbolized success and celebration. But this holiday season popping bottles can carry a deeper significance. Black‑owned champagne and sparkling‑wine houses are re‑imagining the toast and infusing it with style.
Let’s celebrate and support these brands this holiday season.
HRLM Champagne
HRLM Champagne, born from a partnership between Harlem‑based founders and wine collaborators from Champagne, France, delivers a community‑rooted sparkle. Since its 2021 debut, the bottle can be ordered online, found in a curated selection of U.S. retailers and stocked at a few Harlem locations. The concept, conceived in Harlem, intertwines the neighborhood’s legacy with French Champagne tradition, making it a celebratory pour for any gathering that seeks flavor and a story.
Cheurlin Champagne, the estate now partially owned by NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, brings classic Brut and Rosé to U.S. shelves, under the Cheurlin/Thomas label. Crafted in the heart of Champagne and stocked by retailers such as Total Wine, the brand melds a centuries-old tradition with Black leadership, making it an ideal gift or a bold statement piece.
The McBride sisters, Robin and Andréa McBride John, now have the largest Black‑owned, woman‑founded wine company in the United States. McBride Sisters’ Sparkling Collection draws from vineyards in New Zealand and California, delivering flavors that swing from citrus and stone‑fruit notes to a creamy finish on the lees. Today, the brand rolls out a rotating lineup of sparkling SKUs t available online and on shelves nationwide. The McBride Sisters brand, known for its quality and budget‑friendly pricing, stands out as a pick for holiday toasts.
Viarae Prosecco, a bubbly that bears Issa Rae’s brilliance, stepped onto the scene in 2023 and has since slipped into a handful of boutique shops and online stores. Rae crafted the wine as her personal signature fizz with a bottle that feels both bright and unpretentious. In marketing terms it’s billed as the fizz, for holiday brunches laid‑back mixers or the kind of grand toast that turns a simple moment into something memorable.
A partnership between Mary J. Blige and Italian winemakers, Sun Goddess Prosecco showcases a Friuli‑Veneto sparkle that whispers of apple, pear, and peach. The celebrity‑backed label hits the shelves each season stocked by the country’s online and brick and mortar retailers. Crafted in Italy, Sun Goddess is distributed across chains and e‑commerce platforms. This straightforward, holiday‑ready sip carries the cachet of its star‑studded origin.
— Mary J Blige Fashion Book (@MaryJBligeFB) July 30, 2023
J-HARDEN Prosecco
J‑HARDEN Prosecco, a wine line spearheaded by NBA star James Harden, features a dry Prosecco alongside a few sparkling wine releases, marketed as lively party‑ready bubblies. The label, crafted in Italy’s Veneto region, is available online as well as through specialty retailers.
Whether it’s a smooth red or a sparkling Prosecco, J-Harden always delivers. 🍷🥂 pic.twitter.com/56vbHTrkqL
Claressa Shields Chooses Peace Over Pettiness With ‘Troll’ At Annual Holiday Giveaway
Hopefully, 2026 brings the record breaking, history making boxer more luck and positive press.
Boxing champion Claressa Shields is facing online scrutiny after asking a woman and her children to leave a holiday toy giveaway she hosted in Flint, Michigan.
On social media, Shields discussed the incident that occurred during her annual Christmas giveaway. She described the woman as a “troll” who had repeatedly criticized Shields online before attending the giveaway.
“She had been trolling me online and saying how she was going to spit on me. You know, just making up posts and talking about me all the time. It got to the point where I blocked the girl on everything.”
Shields told the woman, “Don’t even make a big scene, just go.” Shields believed the woman’s attendance was not in good faith but connected to prior antagonistic online behavior.
“I had my Christmas giveaway, and the girl came front of the line with her kids. The bigger person in me, the god in me, was like, man, it’s cool she’s here to get some gifts or whatever. But she was online, saying I was broke. I’m ugly this, I’m ugly that, I can’t dress, and she’s going to spit on me. . . I went and found her in the front of the line, smiled in her face and said, ‘Leave.’”
Shields later expressed regret after learning the woman and her children were unhoused. She stated that she possibly would have handled the situation differently had she known their circumstances.
Shields, a Flint native and multiple-division world champion, has regularly hosted holiday giveaways and community events in the city as part of her philanthropic efforts, which have been covered positively. Though her events have always been well received, Shields herself sometimes rubs the internet the wrong way.
Lately, her relationship antics with married rapper Papoose have had the internet giving her the side-eye. The world champion boxer is often in back-and-forth internet commentary with fans and the rapper’s famous wife, Remy Ma. Shields also issued an open invitation to former women’s boxer Laila Ali to get in the ring once again for a purse of $15 million. Ali refused the offer. Reactions to her latest controversies are mixed. Which, unfortunately, casts a shadow over the boxer’s good deeds. Hopefully, 2026 brings the record-breaking, history-making boxer more luck and positive press.
Arise, Sir Idris: King Charles III Awards Knighthood To Idris Elba In New Year Honors
Elba joins an elite cadre of entertainers who have accepted the call to the palace.
Idris Elba, the Hackney-born actor who rose from gritty British television dramas to the heights of Hollywood stardom, has been awarded a knighthood by King Charles III in the 2026 New Year Honors List.
The Golden Globe-winning actor, 53, was recognized on Dec. 29 for his distinguished services to drama and his extensive humanitarian work with young people. The knighthood marks the highest honor for the “Luther” star, who has increasingly balanced his blockbuster career with high-profile advocacy to curb rising rates of knife crime across the United Kingdom.
“This year’s Honors list celebrates the very best of Britain,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. “People who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.”
The appointment follows a landmark year for Elba, who collaborated directly with both the King and Prime Minister Starmer on the BBC documentary Idris Elba: A Year of Knife Crime. The film, airing in early 2025, followed Elba as he met with bereaved families and young offenders to explore the root causes of youth violence.
His elevation to Knight Bachelor recognizes a career spanning over three decades, beginning with his 1995 debut in Bramwell and culminating in his breakout role as Stringer Bell in HBO’s The Wire.
Beyond the screen, the Londonite has leveraged his global platform to advocate for social justice, earning a place on TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people.
His philanthropic efforts are funneled mainly through the Elba Hope Foundation, which he founded with his wife, Sabrina Elba.
In November 2025, the foundation secured a £500,000 government investment to expand its “Creative Futures” program in partnership with The King’s Trust.
The initiative provides 400 additional young people across Englandwith professional mentoring and direct pathways into the music and creative industries.
In a “full-circle” moment just days before the Honors announcement, Madame Tussauds London unveiled Elba’s first-ever wax figure on Dec. 19, 2025. The meticulously crafted likeness—which took two years to create—captured Elba in a bespoke blue long-sleeved suit and donated Christian Louboutin shoes.
Notably, the fly fit duplicated the ensemble the multihyphenate wore during his July 2024 meeting with King Charles to discuss youth violence, visually linking his cinematic presence to his real-world activism.
Elba’s wax figure now stands in the attraction’s “Awards Party” zone alongside contemporaries like Zendaya and Harry Styles.
“From Hackney to Hollywood and back home again. Seeing my first ever figure standing tall at Madame Tussauds London is a real full circle moment. I grew up here, I was shaped here, and no matter where work takes me, this city is always part of who I am,” Elba captioned the honor in an Instagram post.
The New Year Honors List is a centuries-old British tradition. While the monarch makes the final decision, recommendations are typically funneled through the Prime Minister and senior government ministers based on public nominations.
Elba joins an elite cadre of entertainers who have accepted the call to the palace, including soccer legend David Beckham, who was formally knighted last month.
The 2026 list also features high-profile honors for actress Cynthia Erivo, who received an MBE, and ice skating icons Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who were named a Dame and a Knight, respectively.
Elba’s knighthood is definitely a full-circle moment for the actor, who famously started his own career with a £1,500 grant from The King’s Trust (then The Prince’s Trust) as a teenager.
Newark Winter Village Shines Spotlight On City’s Diversity And Small Business Revival
Since launching in 2020, the Newark Winter Village has grown into one of the most anticipated holiday experiences, featuring a premier ice-skating rink, private igloos, a chance to try specialty foods that highlight Newark’s diverse culture, a holiday marketplace, and more.
When BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with Newark first lady Linda Baraka to discuss the Newark Winter Village, she was beaming with pride about a surprise proposal happening the following day.
“It brings me so much joy,” she told BE when asked about the one feeling the village evokes five years after creating it in 2020. “Just seeing young people, having a proposal, and witnessing others come out during the holiday season brings me so much joy.”
Mrs. Baraka created the Newark Winter Village to get people outdoors during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The village was also made to support small local businesses that were struggling amid the global health crisis.
Newark Winter Village
Five years later, the holiday spectacular has grown into one of the most anticipated holiday experiences, featuring a premier ice-skating rink, private igloos, a chance to try specialty foods that highlight Newark’s diverse culture, a holiday marketplace, and more.
“A lot of our small businesses were suffering during the pandemic because they rely on the employees and employers in the downtown area,” she told BE. “People weren’t coming into the office during the pandemic. Those small businesses that relied on the lunch or after-work crowds were in jeopardy of closing.”
So, Baraka decided to put a plan into action that would get people to come outside safely, while keeping businesses from closing.
Rebuilding Newark Post-Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in Newark. In 2020, approximately 16,000 Newark residents lost their jobs between February and May, according to city data. At its peak, the city’s unemployment rate rose to 19%. Those working in hospitality, social services, and retail took the biggest hit, with these sectors alone accounting for 60% of all jobs lost.
In response, the city adopted the NEWARK CARES Funding Plan to provide emergency grants to businesses with 25 or fewer employees that experienced direct revenue loss. Mrs. Baraka’s husband, Mayor Rus Baraka, also announced a two-year recovery effort that focused on revitalizing small businesses, which stimulated job growth and improved equitable development.
Since these efforts, a recent report from OpenPhone found that Newark is among the fastest-growing cities for small businesses. Ranking 16th on the list of 25, researchers analyzed business applications by county, city population growth rates, business survival rates by state, and access to small-business funding.
Newark Winter Village Spotlights The City’s Diversity Thanks To Small Businesses
Newark’s diverse culture is often overshadowed by its big sister, New York City. Still, Mrs. Baraka is on a mission to highlight the city’s rich history and unique identity with the winter village, with the help of small businesses.
“We bring our own authenticity to this holiday tradition,” said Baraka. “For example, last night we hosted a ‘Latin Night,’ we’re doing a Caribbean Night on Boxing Day […] and House Music takeovers on Wednesdays. These are little fusions that you get in Newark that you may not see in New York City.”
This inclusivity has attracted even more people to Newark’s Winter Village, allowing the holiday extravaganza to expand to include attractions such as the ice rink, bumper cars, a trackless train, and the holiday market.
As the winter village continues to expand as a holiday must-experience, Mrs. Baraka hopes that it doesn’t lose its most important quality.
“20 years from now, I hope this event doesn’t lose its sense of community. We attract a lot of people outside of Newark, but ultimately, we want people in the city to know that Newark is a holiday destination.”
Newark Winter Village will run through January 4, 2026.
How One Man Reopened Florida’s Waterways For New Generation Of Black Boat Captains
Larry Johnson, whose career at Silver Springs helped reopen opportunities for Black Floridians to work as boat captains, is being acknowledged.
An Ocala, Florida, man’s work as glass-bottom boat captains is reshaping access at one of Florida’s most historic tourist attractions.
Larry Johnson, a lifelong Ocala resident, became one of the first African Americans in decades to pilot Silver Springs’ iconic glass-bottom boats, a role that had long been inaccessible to Black workers after desegregation-era shifts altered hiring practices, 352Today reported.
Johnson’s path to the job began in the early 1990s, when he joined the attraction during a period of transition and declining attendance.
Johnson’s connection to Silver Springs is deeply personal. His father, the Rev. Leroy Johnson, introduced him to the site’s history, including the legacy of Oscar Collins, a legendary Black boat captain who worked at Silver Springs for more than 60 years beginning in the 1920s. Collins’ tenure represented a time when African Americans were central to the attraction’s daily operations, long before employment barriers emerged.
Johnson told the outlet that learning to pilot the boats was both a technical and cultural responsibility, rooted in preserving institutional memory. He said Collins and other veteran captains taught him not only navigation skills but the importance of mentoring future workers and honoring the site’s history.
Silver Springs, now part of Silver Springs State Park, is one of Florida’s oldest tourist destinations, famous for its crystal-clear springs and glass-bottom boat tours dating back to the late 19th century. According to Florida State Parks, the attraction has played a major role in the state’s tourism and conservation history and remains a significant employer and cultural landmark in Marion County.
Johnson’s presence in the captain’s seat helped reopen a pathway that had been largely closed for decades. His work directly influenced the hiring and training of more African American captains.
Today, visitors boarding glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs may be unaware of the barriers once faced by Black captains or the individuals who worked to dismantle them. Johnson remains embedded in the attraction’s operations and in the careers of those who followed him onto the water.
Court Upholds Ruling For VA To Build 2,550 Housing Units In Los Angeles Amid Homelessness Crisis
The ruling from the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals comes amid a class-action lawsuit filed by advocates for veterans with severe disabilities against the VA.
A federal appeals court has ordered the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to finish a housing project that will serve thousands of homeless veterans in Los Angeles.
The ruling from the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals comes amid a class-action lawsuit filed by advocates for veterans with severe disabilities against the VA. Advocates argue that the VA must build housing on land the VA leased to private businesses.
According to Task and Purpose, the land was originally deeded to the federal government in 1888 to provide care and housing to veterans. Things changed by the 1970s when the campus focused on healthcare with its large hospital. The VA reportedly began leasing portions of the campus to schools and private companies. In recent years, parts of the campus were known as “Veterans Row” because of the homeless encampments that surrounded the campus with a significant number of former service members.
The decision from the three-judge panel on Dec. 23 upholds the 2024 ruling from a lower court, ordering the agency to build permanent and temporary housing units on the VA’s campus. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals judges ruled that the VA had “strayed from its mission” and must terminate commercial agreements with some private businesses at the site to complete the subsidized housing campus. The court’s decision keeps in place a stadium lease with the University of California at Los Angeles, Stars and Stripes reports.
“This class action lawsuit, and its numerous appeals, demonstrates just how far the VA has strayed from its mission,” Circuit Judge Ana de Alba wrote in the opinion. “Here are now scores of unhoused veterans trying to survive in and around the greater Los Angeles area despite the acres of land deeded to the VA for their care.”
Housing For Veterans Amid Homeless Crisis in Los Angeles
In 2025, there are approximately 72,308 people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County. While that’s a 4.8% decrease from 2024, LA has one of the highest numbers of homeless people in the United States.
Los Angeles County is also home to the highest number of veterans in the country. There are an estimated 3,000-3,900 homeless veterans in the LA area, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
With the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling, the subsidized housing will provide veterans with traumatic brain injuries, mental illness, and severe physical handicaps with direct access to care, as the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center is located on-site.
