Grand Jury,Turkey Leg Hut, Nakia Holmes — Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-wooden-gavel-on-brown-wooden-table-6077326/

by Mary Spiller

April 11, 2026

Grand Jury Declines To Charge Turkey Leg Hut Co-Owner Nakia Holmes

The Harris County decision ends case tied to allegations of aiding suspect wanted in kidnapping and assault investigation.

Nakia Holmes, co-owner of the popular Houston restaurant Turkey Leg Hut, will not face criminal charges after a Harris County grand jury declined to indict her, according to an official announcement released Friday.

The grand jury issued a no-bill on April 10 after reviewing evidence related to allegations that Holmes attempted to assist her boyfriend in evading law enforcement. The panel determined there was not enough evidence to move forward with prosecution, effectively closing the case.

Holmes responded publicly following the decision, maintaining her innocence and emphasizing her cooperation throughout the investigation. “This outcome confirms what I have maintained from the beginning,” she said in a statement, as reported by KPRC, “I complied, provided the requested documentation, and trusted that a full and fair review would lead to the truth.”

She also shared her reaction on social media, writing: “No indictment. No charges. No case. Today, a grand jury returned a no-bill after reviewing the evidence. What was said about me didn’t always match the truth, but I stayed quiet, complied, and trusted the process.”

Holmes added that she is grateful for the support she received during the legal proceedings and is now focusing on moving forward. “I’m thankful for those who stood by me,” she said. “My focus now is on my family, my businesses, and continuing to build.”

The case stemmed from an October 2025 incident in which Holmes, the founder of Turkey Leg Hut, was accused of helping Johnathan Saizon, a man wanted by authorities, avoid arrest. Saizon had been sought in connection with serious allegations, including aggravated kidnapping and assault involving a former partner.

According to investigators, deputies received information that Saizon was staying at Holmes’ residence in west Harris County. During a surveillance operation, authorities stopped a vehicle carrying Holmes and Saizon’s mother and questioned whether anyone remained inside the home. Holmes reportedly told deputies the house was empty.

However, law enforcement later observed Saizon fleeing from the residence through a back exit before he was apprehended nearby. Holmes was subsequently charged with hindering apprehension of a known felon, though officials clarified she was not accused of participating in the alleged violent crimes.

With the grand jury’s decision, all charges against Holmes have been dropped, bringing the case to a close.

Kamala Harris, presidential bid, — (Photo: The White House/flickr)

by Mary Spiller

April 11, 2026

Kamala Harris Signals Possible 2028 Presidential Run At National Action Network Convention

The former vice president drew a strong crowd reaction while hinting at a future campaign and urging voters to demand results.

Kamala Harris offered her clearest public indication yet that she may pursue another bid for the White House, telling attendees at the National Action Network convention that a decision is still under consideration.

Speaking on April 10 at the National Action Network convention, Harris responded to a direct question from Rev. Al Sharpton about a potential 2028 campaign. “Listen, I might, I might. I’m thinking about it,” she said. “I’ll keep you posted,” Harris added as she exited the stage following a roughly 40-minute discussion that drew loud applause and a standing ovation.

Her remarks came before an audience that included prominent Black elected officials, activists, and influential Democratic figures, highlighting the group’s importance in shaping the party’s future nominee. Harris, who previously suggested she was weighing another run, struck a more direct tone in this setting, widely seen as an early proving ground for potential candidates.

“I know what the job is and what it requires,” she told Sharpton during the conversation, as reported by Politico.

Harris was one of several figures considered possible contenders to appear at the convention, including Josh Shapiro, JB Pritzker, and Ro Khanna. However, her reception stood out, with attendees repeatedly chanting, “Run again! Run again!” at one point. Sharpton joked in response, “This is a convention, not a revival.”

Throughout her remarks, Harris criticized President Donald Trump on issues including foreign policy, voting rights, and the ongoing conflict with Iran. At the same time, she acknowledged shifts in voter behavior, particularly among Black and Latino men during the 2024 election cycle.

“I think we need to be transactional voters,” she said. “Here’s what I’m suggesting in addition: get yours. Vote and say, ‘I’m voting because I expect something out of this’…. I’m saying it’s OK to also give people permission to be transactional, and to say, if you will get my vote, this is what I expect. I expect to get something out of this.”

Advisers close to Harris indicate she has not made a final decision but is taking steps to keep her options open. She also previewed upcoming travel to key Southern states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Arkansas, as part of her reemergence on the national stage.

The atmosphere surrounding her appearance reflected continued support within the party. Music associated with her previous campaign played as attendees gathered, and the venue reached capacity well before she took the stage. One attendee, Justina Pena, said, “I just really want to hear her point of view of everything, about what’s happening now in the presidency, and maybe what she would have done if she was here instead of Trump.”

Mental Health Resources, Black Professionals — photo credit: via istock

by Black Enterprise

April 11, 2026

7 Mental Health Resources For Black Professionals

These seven organizations are leading the way by providing culturally competent care and specialized toolkits for the modern professional.

The professional landscape often demands more from Black workers than just technical expertise. Research from the Journal of Applied Psychology indicates that many face a unique set of stressors—ranging from the cognitive load of code-switching to the isolation of being the “only” in the room. These factors contribute to a specific type of exhaustion known as racial battle fatigue, which can manifest as chronic insomnia, burnout, and long-term health disparities.

As the conversation around corporate wellness evolves, these seven organizations are leading the way by providing culturally competent care and specialized toolkits for the modern professional.

1. Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM): Culver City, California

Founded by activist Yolo Akili Robinson, BEAM is a national nonprofit dedicated to removing barriers to mental health care through education and advocacy. Its “Black Healing Remixed” program is specifically designed to help professionals navigate workplace trauma by integrating therapy-informed care with cultural competency.

2. Therapy for Black Girls: Atlanta, Georgia

Created by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, Therapy for Black Girls has become a premier digital destination. The platform offers a national therapist directory that connects women with clinicians who understand the specific impact of microaggressions and professional burnout on Black female identity.

3. The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, Washington, D.C.

Founded by actress Taraji P. Henson, the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation focuses on eradicating mental health stigma in the Black community. By offering scholarships and financial assistance for therapy, the foundation ensures that high stress levels do not go unaddressed due to financial barriers.

4. Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA), Baltimore, Maryland

The Black Mental Health Alliance provides culturally relevant educational workshops and a robust referral database. Its programming emphasizes “whole-person” health, helping professionals identify environmental stress triggers in the office before they lead to physical illness.

5. NAMI Black & African American Resources, Arlington, Virginia

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides specialized guides that tackle racial battle fatigue and workplace anxiety. These resources are available through local chapters nationwide, offering a bridge between individual coping strategies and community-based support systems.

6. Black Mental Wellness, Washington, D.C.

Led by a team of clinical psychologists, Black Mental Wellness provides evidence-based information curated specifically for the Black experience. Its work focuses on enhancing mental health literacy, allowing professionals to manage stress effectively while maintaining high-level career performance.

7. Canopy Mental Health & Consulting, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Canopy specializes in “culturally affirmed” care, focusing on the intersection of professional achievement and psychological safety. Its consulting services help both individuals and organizations understand how to foster environments where professionals can thrive without compromising their well-being.

debt, debt managment — photo credit: Via istock

by Jeffrey McKinney

April 11, 2026

Black Americans Take A Different Approach To Debt Management — Here’s How To Cut Expenses

Sticking to a disciplined budget and improving financial literacy are ways to help bolster debt management.

When it comes to debt management, Black Americans view that strategic approach differently than other groups.

Blacks carry higher auto loan debt ($20,000 versus $18,000), medical bills ($6,100 versus $5,600), and buy now, pay later debt ($1,345 versus $1,221). Roughly 28% of Black Americans have student loans, compared with 19% of all Americans.

The data was furnished to BLACK ENTERPRISE by Clever Real Estate, a platform that operates as a real estate marketplace. It quizzed 1,000 U.S. adults on their debt levels and attitudes on debt, including 202 Black Americans. Clever provided a breakdown of the statistics on the Black Americans surveyed.

Clever Data Analyst Clara Haverstic indicated by email that the finding that Black Americans are more likely to carry student debt is consistent with discoveries from this report. According to her, the findings reveal a systematic lack of financial resources for Black students entering higher education, with generational financial disparity playing a large role.

“A history of low wages and an inability to build generational wealth continue to impact Black households when it comes to repayment,” she told BE.

Further, the data disclosed 22% of Black Americans are less likely to have a mortgage than 29% of Americans overall, reflecting broader numbers displaying lower homeownership rates for Blacks.

Some 54% of Black Americans with debt reported that they’ve missed or delayed a debt payment in the past year, 10 percentage points more than all Americans. Likewise, 66% of Black people say they can pay all their bills on time, compared with 72% overall.

However, Black Americans with debt have lower median debt amounts overall, $139,000, much less than $178,000, for all respondents. And 48% of Blacks are much more likely to say they see their finances improving in 2026, compared with 38% overall.

Even so, 34% of Blacks with no debt are 10 percentage points less likely to say they are prepared for an unexpected large expense against 44% of non-indebted Americans, according to Clever data.

The upside is that there are multiple options to bolster debt control, reduce financial stress, and ultimately cultivate wealth.

The first step to managing debt is to avoid taking on new debt. The second step is to start paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first. Haverstic says, ”Paying off this debt first keeps it from growing higher.

Financial literacy is one of the best ways to become empowered and avoid being taken advantage of, Haverstic says. She indicated that it gives you tools to navigate major financial decisions, such as saving for higher education, buying a home, and investing for retirement. She suggested starting with resources like the FDIC or CFPB, or see what informational resources your bank offers.

Consider establishing a disciplined budget and sticking to it to help you identify how much you are spending and where. Haverstic noted that people are frequently unaware of how much they are spending, noting that things like dining out add up. Thus, checking spending habits is essential. “It makes you stop and think before making a purchase. “

Research reveals other actions you may do well to consider. They include trimming needless costs like subscriptions and coffee runs, using the extra cash to pay off debt. When you can, many experts advise making additional payments on your debt over what is required. This strategy can help to accelerate the time to erase liability.

Creating an emergency fund if you don’t already have one is also a good idea. This is a cash reserve set aside to cover unplanned expenses, such as car maintenance, home repairs, medical emergencies, and job loss. It is often recommended to have at least three to six months’ put away to take care of unforeseen costs.

Don’t forget to consider working with a credit counselor or financial advisor. Even though it might cost money, the investment might be worth it. They can often help with everything from creating a realistic budget based on your expenses and income to working with creditors to negotiate lower interest rates and monthly payments.

Another benefit is that they can help ensure your creditors are paid on time and assist you in paying off debt faster, both of which can help build credit scores.

Flavor Flav, cambridge, youth center — (Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)

by Mary Spiller

April 11, 2026

Flavor Flav Donates Sports Gear To Massachusetts Youth Center In Community Initiative

The hip-hop icon is partnering with Harvard College and Franklin Sports to support after-school programs.

Flavor Flav recently contributed a large collection of athletic equipment to a youth center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, aiming to support local after-school activities and teen programming. The donation, made in collaboration with Harvard College and Franklin Sports, was delivered to the Frisoli Youth Center earlier this month, according to a city announcement.

The contribution included a wide range of gear, such as basketballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, football equipment, nets, and other recreational supplies, intended to expand programming opportunities for young participants.

City officials said the items will enhance existing programs for students in grades four through eight, as well as evening activities serving teenagers aged 14 to 19. The center is one of several city-operated facilities focused on youth engagement and development.

In describing the mission behind these programs, the city emphasized their broader impact to Boston Local News: “CYP’s purpose is to provide Cambridge youth and teens with a just, joyful, and caring community where they forge healthy relationships, discover who they are, and develop new skills.”

The Frisoli Youth Center, located on Willow Street and overseen by the Department of Human Service Programs, plays a key role in helping young people stay active and connected within their community.

Flav’s visit to the region extended beyond the donation, as reported by WCVB. Over the weekend, he made appearances at major sporting events in nearby Boston, including throwing a ceremonial first pitch at a Red Sox game and attending a Celtics matchup.

A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a founding figure of the influential hip-hop group Public Enemy, Flavor Flav has remained active in public life through both entertainment and community outreach efforts.

The latest initiative reflects his continued involvement in youth-focused causes, using his platform to support opportunities for the next generation.

black festivals — Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

by Black Enterprise

April 11, 2026

Black Festivals To Tap Into This April: Where Culture And Celebration Collide

These events serve as powerful economic engines for their host cities, circulating dollars back into local neighborhoods.

Mark your calendars. The arrival of spring kick starts a season of vibrant communal and outdoor activities nationwide. These festivals serve as powerful economic engines for their host cities, circulating dollars back into local neighborhoods while also acting as vital pillars of cultural preservation.

Get ready to experience these high-impact April festivals that celebrate the intersection of heritage, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship, alongside world-class music and literature across Black communities.

1. Black Effect Podcast Festival

Atlanta, Georgia/ April 25

Taking place at Pullman Yards, this one-day powerhouse event strengthens Black digital storytelling at the intersection of media technology and ownership. Founded by media mogul Charlamagne Tha God in partnership with iHeartMedia, the festival unites visionaries and entrepreneurs for critical discussions on AI, wealth building, and the future of the Black media landscape.

2. Nashville Black Market Food Festival

Nashville, Tennessee/ April 11–12

The Nashville Black Farmers’ Market hosts this high-octane marketplace that combines culinary excellence with economic empowerment. By connecting Black chefs and small business owners with intentional consumers, this event serves as a premier model for circulating the Black dollar and scaling local business incubation.

3. Charlotte African American Festival

Charlotte, North Carolina/April 18

Celebrating its 13th year of cultural leadership, this 10-hour experience explores African American heritage inside the Carole Hoefener Center. Through a strategic mix of live performances and business exhibits, the festival invites families and creatives to engage with legacy narratives and future industry advancements.

4. Tampa Bay Black Heritage Music Festival

Tampa, Florida/April 25–26

This two-day cultural staple uses music as a primary draw to fuel local tourism and community reinvestment. Complemented by high-traffic food vendors and professional programs, it stands as one of the Southeast’s top African American celebrations, driving significant economic impact to the Tampa Bay area every spring.

5. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

New Orleans, Louisiana/April 23–May 3

Commonly known as Jazz Fest, this world-renowned institution celebrates Black musical traditions and the enduring power of Creole culture. Held at the Fair Grounds Race Course, it features global headliners and local legends, serving as a masterclass in cultural preservation and international brand equity.

6. Chocolate City Literature Festival

Washington, D.C./April 25–26

Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, this gathering creates a dedicated space for Black authors, industry executives, and publishers to scale their reach. By centering independent voices through high-level panels, the festival strengthens the literary ecosystem and highlights the expanding market for Black-owned publishing.

7. CubaCaribe Festival

San Francisco, California/April 10–19

Marking 20 years of artistic excellence, CubaCaribe showcases Afro-Caribbean dance and traditions as a bridge for global diaspora connections. The event unites the stories of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Haitian heritage, demonstrating the massive cultural capital of Afro-Latin performing arts.

eric adams, NYC mayor, albania — (Photo: Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

by Mary Spiller

April 11, 2026

Eric Adams Granted Albanian Citizenship As Former NYC Mayor Eyes Life Abroad

New York’s ex-mayor’s international ties deepen following honorary citizenship amid post-elected office travels and past controversies.

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been granted Albanian citizenship, marking a significant step toward his stated desire to step away from public office and potentially live overseas.

The announcement came April 10, with Albanian President Bajram Begaj approving the honorary status at Adams’ request. A spokesperson for the former mayor confirmed the development, noting his longstanding relationship with Albanian communities.

“The decision by the Republic of Albania to grant Mayor Adams citizenship reflects that enduring relationship and mutual respect,” spokesperson Todd Shapiro told The Associated Press, adding that it “further strengthens the bond between New York and Albania.”

Adams has often portrayed himself as a globally minded leader, having made multiple international trips during and after his time in office. He previously visited Albania, describing the purpose of one trip as an effort “to say hello to a friend and learn from a friend and build a relationship with a friendship that will not allow our oceans or seas to divide us.”

While it remains unclear how Adams plans to utilize his new citizenship, he has openly discussed his ambition to relocate abroad once his political career concludes. In 2018, he remarked, “When I retire from government, I’m going to live in Baku,” referencing the capital of Azerbaijan. He later suggested an interest in settling in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Adams’ international travel has also drawn scrutiny in the past. During his tenure as mayor, trips to Turkey became part of a federal investigation that alleged he accepted improper travel benefits from foreign nationals. Adams denied any wrongdoing, and the Justice Department eventually dismissed the case under President Donald Trump.

Following the end of his reelection campaign, Adams traveled to Albania again, where he met with Prime Minister Edi Rama, cabinet officials, and business leaders. Portions of that visit were reportedly funded by the Albanian government.

Since leaving office, Adams has maintained a global presence, with reported visits to Dubai and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has also indicated plans to pursue business opportunities abroad, including a potential trip to Senegal.

In addition to his travels, Adams recently ventured into cryptocurrency, launching a digital coin aimed at combating “antisemitism” and “anti-Americanism,” though it quickly lost significant value.

As Adams explores life beyond City Hall, his new citizenship underscores a broader pivot toward international engagement and a possible future outside the United States.

CINQCARE, Black Maternal Health Caucus — Via istock

by Black Enterprise

April 11, 2026

Black Maternal Health Week Marks 10 Years: 8 Black-Led Events Nationwide

Black Maternal Health Week, from April 11 to 15, is more than a health campaign; it is a radical reclamation of the birthing experience.

Black Maternal Health Week, from April 11 to 15, is more than a health campaign; it is a radical reclamation of the birthing experience. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026 under the theme “Rooted in Justice & Joy,” the movement shifts the focus from “at-risk” statistics to systemic accountability. Led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the initiative argues that the maternal health crisis results from medical negligence and structural racism rather than Black biology.

This milestone year emphasizes that awareness is meaningless without action. Organizers say true equity requires a shift from hospital-centric models to Black-led grassroots care—such as doulas and midwives—and the legislative muscle of the Momnibus Act. The solutions already exist within Black communities; the healthcare system simply needs to listen, fund them, and step aside.

Check out this year’s programs that include community-based grassroots activities:

The South (Georgia & Florida)

2026 Black Maternal Health Walk & Community Fair Location: Candler Park, Atlanta, GA
Date/Time: April 11 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Host: Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA)
Details: A community event featuring a guided walk, yoga, and access to culturally appropriate maternal health resources.
ATL Black Maternal Health Week Block Party Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, Atlanta, GA
Date/Time: April 11 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Host: 4Kira4Moms
Details: A family-oriented outreach event with free health screenings, “dad games,” and food trucks focused on preventing maternal mortality.
MOMMA Fest & Race for Black Mommas Location: Tampa, FL
Date/Time: April 11–12
Host: University of South Florida (USF) Health
Details: A two-day event combining physical activity and advocacy to highlight regional maternal health disparities.

The West (California)

5th Annual Community Baby Shower & Resource Fair Location: 12021 Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Date/Time: April 11 (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-community-baby-shower-resource-fair-tickets-1984935554677)
Host: Black Infants and Families Los Angeles
Details: Practical support and somatic grounding sessions for Black families during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Black Mamas Birthing Tour Location: Los Angeles, CA
Date/Time: April 12| 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Host: Black Women for Wellness, check https://www.blackinfantsandfamilies.org/black_mamas_birthing_tour
Details: An educational tour designed to inform families about birthing options and culturally appropriate care access.

The Southwest (Texas)

Black Mamas ATX Summit Launch Location: Austin, TX
Date/Time: April 11
Host: Black Mamas ATX & Austin Public Health
Details: A leadership summit focused on reforming local health systems and achieving fair healthcare access across Texas.

The Midwest (Missouri & Illinois)

3rd Annual Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience Conference Location: SIUE Health Sciences Building, St. Louis Metro Area
Date/Time: April 11| 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Details: A professional and community conference discussing birth equity and culturally competent care solutions.

The Northeast (New York)

Walking for Our Mothers Location: Drummer’s Grove (Prospect Park), Brooklyn, NY
Date/Time: April 11| 11:00 AM
Details: A community solidarity walk honoring Black mothers and demanding improved maternal health outcomes.

AI, artificial intelligence, trends, A.I., journey, technology, DryMerge, AI, job interview — (Image: iStock)

by Kandiss Edwards

April 11, 2026

Employees Are Leaning On AI To Handle Light Weight Tasks

By automating routine inquiries or scheduling, companies can maintain output with smaller teams.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally altering menial tasks in the American workplace.

Analysis conducted by Ipsos and Epoch AI suggests the technology is more likely to transform job descriptions than to eliminate entire professions. The comprehensive study examines the integration of automated systems into the labor market. It indicates that while AI can perform specific duties, it often lacks the complex reasoning and social intelligence required for complete roles. Researchers found that approximately 25% of work tasks across various industries could eventually be handled by automated tools. However, this does not translate to a 25% reduction in the workforce. Instead, the data suggests a shift in which employees will use AI to handle repetitive or data-intensive tasks, allowing them to focus on high-level decision-making.

The impact of this technology varies significantly by sector. White-collar professions, particularly those involving administrative support, legal research, and financial analysis, face the highest exposure to automation. In these fields, AI can draft documents, review contracts, and process large datasets faster than humans. Conversely, manual labor and service-oriented roles—such as construction, healthcare, and maintenance—remain largely shielded from current AI capabilities due to the physical dexterity and real-world navigation these jobs require.

Economists note that the current technological transition mirrors previous industrial shifts. While certain tasks become obsolete, new roles emerge to manage, refine, and oversee the automated systems. The demand for “AI literacy” is rising, as companies seek workers who can effectively prompt and verify the output of generative tools. This evolution suggests that the future of employment will depend on a worker’s ability to collaborate with digital systems rather than compete against them.

While AI boosts productivity for corporations, it could lead to wage stagnation for entry-level positions where tasks are easily automated. To mitigate these risks, educational institutions are being urged to update curricula to emphasize uniquely human skills, such as critical thinking, ethics, and interpersonal communication.

Businesses are investing heavily in AI to combat labor shortages and rising operational costs. By automating routine inquiries or scheduling, companies can maintain output with smaller teams. Yet, the human element remains vital for maintaining quality control and fostering client relationships.

Paramount, BET, DEI — (Photo Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 11, 2026

BET’s President Louis Carr Cites God As The Reason Behind Budding Career While Taking Network To New Heights

Carr took over for former BET leader Scott Mills after serving for roughly 40 years at the popular network, with a majority of his tenure leading as president of media sales.

With only 90 days under his tenure, new President of Black Entertainment Television (BET) Louis Carr spoke with Forbes senior writer Jabari Young on The Enterprise Zone at Nasdaq MarketSite about the future of the network’s programming under Paramount Skydance, the challenges of operating during a period of shifting, and giving God all the credit for his 30-year career.

Young started the conversation by highlighting the drama in the world, ranging from an unstable economy to a budding war. But when asked about how he stays motivated, Carr said “God’s been better than good.” He continued to provide an executive summary of his role in his new position, which he assumed in December 2025. “I educate people on Black culture, Black lifestyle, and the influence it has on the broader community,” he said.

“I think that when you think about some of the misinformation and sort of the deception you see in our communities, it’s because people are not informed. They don’t understand. They’re getting wrong information and they’re only getting half of the information.”

Carr took over for former BET leader Scott Mills after serving for roughly 40 years at the popular network, with a majority of his tenure as president of media sales. In that role, he generated over $10 billion in advertising revenue. When asked about his feelings when offered the job, Carr said it came as a complete surprise. “I didn’t see it coming,” he said.

“What I saw was: I’ve had an amazing career. It’s time to go do something else.”

That something else is leading to a range of new opportunities at BET, including the revival of popular award shows, stand-up comedy, and more. That’s Carr’s way of making sure the uninformed stay informed. “One of the things is we’ve decided the lanes we’re going to play in. Those lanes are community, culture, and connection. I think brands that serve Black consumers have to be engaged in the community. They expect that, they expect to be seen, they expect to be heard, they expect to be respected, and they expect to be understood,” the Chicago native said.

“And we do that 24 hours a day. And you know our brand was created and led by Black culture, and that’s what we do probably better than anybody else.”

During the conversation, he credited mentors such as BET Founder Robert Johnson and BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s Founder Earl Graves Sr. for helping shape his approach to leadership throughout his career, labeling the history makers as “waymakers.” He was pushed into sales by a close friend, which led him to work for Johnson Publishing Company and then BE prior to being recruited to BET.

And he stayed.

Young touched on the importance of longevity in one’s career, as it speaks volumes about how Carr got where he is. Carr said the secret to being successful in one place is “reinvention and change.” “Being able to adapt to change, being able to reinvent yourself, being able to understand what’s next, whether that’s in technology, in process, or in systems,” he admitted.

“And I think because our community continues to evolve, our consumers continue to have impact, it wasn’t really difficult. That’s what kept me there for almost 40 years.”