Pastor Jamal Bryant, Black Friday, Black Business Maket
(Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Dr. Jamal Bryant Hints At Boycotting Asian-Owned Businesses After Asian Man Mocks The Black Community

The pastor played a major role in the mass boycott and Black exodus of Target


Dr. Jamal Bryant might just be gearing up for another mass protest; this time, though, it isn’t against a large corporate conglomerate, but rather Asian-owned businesses en masse. Bryant intimated at a potential boycott in response to an incendiary video of an Asian man trash-talking the Black community, even daring Black Americans to boycott. 

“Welp you heard it from them … they said they don’t need our money and that we can’t survive without them! Yall wanna test his theory?” Bryant captioned on his Instagram Threads profile. 

Presumably, the man’s commentary was triggered by the Black community’s call to action— to boycott Asian businesses— due to the recent acquittal of South Carolina store owner Chikei Rick Chow in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton in 2023. 

The messaging in the video was fully loaded: 

“I love when the Black community says boycott Asian businesses,” the man says. “Please do, we’ll get rid of the Chinese takeout, the dry cleaners, the laundromats, let’s get rid of the liquor stores as well, get rid of the Jordans you guys wear, the Nikes you wear, the shower caps, the Hondas, the Hyundais, all your car electricians, the electronics in your house, the Sony, the TV system, your sound system. The microphones that you guys use to rap and speak about awareness for the Black culture and the hip-hop culture … that’s made all in Asia.”

After cataloging a series of Asian-owned businesses and products that consumers widely use, the man emphasized the economic strength in the Asian community and mocked Black Americans about being outperformed.

“We have our own Chinatown, we have our own Koreatown. You think we really need you guys to benefit off and make money?” He asked before adding insult to injury. “You’re being outworked by immigrants who barely speak English, and you’re not embarrassed. Go to the bank, start your own businesses, and deal with your own people.

“I wanna see your own women get on their hands and knees and do pedicures and manicures and deal with nasty ass attitudes, OK? Please boycott Asian business. I’m all for it.”

View on Threads

Dr. Bryant, who played a major role in the mass boycott and Black exodus of Target, is not alone in his reaction to the inflammatory rant. One of his followers, @maurestabatts commented:

“I wish like hell blk people would really test that theory. (IM ALL FOR IT) If they don’t need blk ppl money why are all their stores/shops in blk ppl neighborhoods damn near every corner.”

As the footage made its rounds across social media, a unified response among Black social media users is that it is time to extract Black dollars from Asian businesses and redirect funds to Black businesses. 

“Very good,” TikTok user @Honeygram shared in a video response, “We can show you better than we can tell you.”

@honey_gram48 #stitch with @Hearmiaout ♬ original sound – HoneyGram

“And just like that he gave me the push I needed to leave Asian nail shops behind and find me a Black-owned nail shop.” TikToker @TharealTabIthaSpeaks remarked. 

@tharealtabithaspeaks

♬ original sound – Tabℹ️thaSpeaks

Asian influencers took the opportunity to denounce the video, in support of Black boycotting, calling it out as “f*ck sh*t.”

“And so what if Asians are boycotting businesses,” a TikToker said. “If that’s what it takes to wake our community up, more power to them …”

@tharealtabithaspeaks

♬ original sound – Tabℹ️thaSpeaks

The tension between Black and Asian communities has been an ongoing issue that has spanned decades. To explore this dynamic between cultures further, check out the documentary Blurring The Color Line by Crystal Kwok and “Between Black & White: Asian Americans Speak Out,” a three-part series on PBS about Asians navigating community relations. 

RELATED CONTENT: ‘New Birth Village’: Pastor Jamal Bryant Announces 390-Unit Housing Initiative

Ghana, LGBTQ, queer, black-owned, fashion, design, brand
Back view of young african american man wrapped in a rainbow flag isolated on black background. Concept of The LGBT community, minority rights, protection of human rights.

6 Black-Owned LGBTQ+ Brands To Elevate Your Summer Style


Originally Published June 26, 2023.

It’s summertime, and the guys and gworls are ready to head outside! With a bit of help from these Black-owned LGBTQ+ brands, everyone will surely be stepping into the sun in style.

Brandon Blackwood

Brandon Blackwood is helping the summer babes check the perfect swimsuit off their summer shopping list with his BB Swim collection. Blackwood’s swimsuits feature one- and two-piece designs in colors including black, red, pink, orange, and brown. The New York fashion brand is a one-stop shop to complete your summer look. 

https://twitter.com/BBlackwoodNYC/status/1656749947839021056

K.NGLSEY

Head to the beach in one of K.ngsley Gbadegesin’s K.ngsley swim briefs, a collection made in Italy and designed with ribbed ECONYL, an Italian-sourced regenerated nylon. The collection features a selection of summer colors: black, green, light blue, orange, and more. Choose your favorite or grab them all. These partially lined briefs were made for the summer.

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A post shared by KINGSLEY (@k.ngsley)

The first-generation Nigerian-American designer says his brand aims “to reclaim and redefine the Black, Queer, Femme body and to create the tangible, direct support communities need today.”

Coco and Breezy 

Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with a pair of sunnies from Coco and Breezy, a Black- and queer-owned eyewear company founded by twin sisters Corianna and Brianna Dotson. Choose from frame shapes such as aviator, cat-eye, rectangle, round, and square. Shop its new STUDS collection for an iconic look.

https://twitter.com/Teva/status/1656660549651005442

Telfar

Queens-born designer Telfar Clemens has a bag fit for your lineup of colorful summer outfits. Telfar continues to take fashion by storm with his collection of vegan leather bags in different shapes, colors, and sizes. The Telfar bag collection includes the popular Shopping Bags, Circle Bags, Duffle Bags, Patent Shoppers, and Puff Shoppers.

Clemens told the Gay Times that his brand is an ode to black culture, New York City, and queerness. “Growing up, I wasn’t allowed by my parents to wear or buy womenswear, so I started to make my own clothes,” Clemens told the outlet. “I wanted to make a line that was genderless and spoke to people like me.”

https://twitter.com/TELFARGLOBAL/status/1668294615898767360

If you haven’t found the perfect wardrobe yet to go with one of the famous bags, the Telfar brand also has you covered, with clothing and accessories that challenge the norms of the “male” and “female” closet.

Stuzo Clothing

Tees and tanks are staples of every summer wardrobe, and Stuzo Clothing is helping you celebrate Pride all summer long with their collection of tops. Founded by African-Panamanian designer Stoney Michelli Love, the trendy, gender-free tops are stamped various words and phrases that represent the LGBTQ+ community. Parade around in tees that read “Yup, Still Gay,” “Gender Free,” “FemBoi,” and a “Gays of the Week” design.

Per its website, Stuzo is “inspired by love, people, and life. Whatever shape or form you choose to exist in, we celebrate that!”

Bowtie Behavior

More formal plans call for one of Robin Williams’ handmade bow ties. The Black queer-owned brand has a very cool collection of colorfully designed neck accessories made with high-quality fabrics. “Bowtie Behavior was founded to create bold and flavorful pieces that outfits are built around,” the brand’s website says.

RELATED CONTENT:  8 Practical Travel Tips To Make Those Group Trips Happen This Summer 

Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, Canadian Medical Association
Photo by Ivan S: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-doctor-typing-on-a-laptop-4989167/

Twin Doctors Return Home To Lead Richmond, VA ER

Their appointment represents a unique leadership situation within HCA Healthcare's Capital Division


Identical twin brothers, Dr. Travan Jasper and Dr. Travis Jasper, have returned to their hometown of Richmond, Virginia, to co-lead the emergency department at Chippenham Hospital, which is operated by HCA Healthcare.

The 56-year-old doctors recently took on the roles of co-medical directors at the hospital’s emergency department after several years working at hospitals in Georgia, ABC News reports. Their appointment represents a unique leadership situation within HCA Healthcare’s Capital Division, which includes 18 hospitals in Virginia and New Hampshire. According to HCA, the Jasper brothers are the only twins currently leading a hospital department in the division. 

The brothers’ journey began in Richmond, where they graduated as co-valedictorians from their high school before attending the same college and medical school. They were also the first in their family to earn college degrees and pursue careers in medicine. 

“It’s a real honor to have that opportunity to care for people you know, and you’re close to,” Travis told ABC News about returning to serve their community. 

Although both doctors initially hesitated to practice in Richmond because they were concerned about treating people they personally knew, they said their years of experience helped ease those worries. After taking their new positions, the brothers contacted longtime friends and acquaintances to share the news.

“Come to Chippenham if you want excellent care in the emergency department,” Travis remembered telling the community. “We’re going to be a part of it.” 

Hospital leadership praised the brothers’ teamwork and commitment to patient care. Chippenham Hospital CEO Lance Jones described them as an “asset” to the organization, noting their commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate treatment. 

“Their shared commitment to clinical excellence, collaboration and compassionate care reflects our mission to care for and improve human life. By treating every patient with the same attention, respect and support they would want for their own family members, they help ensure our emergency department delivers exceptional care when it matters most.”

Outside the hospital, the brothers are fathers to eight children together and are actively involved in youth mentorship through basketball programs. Reflecting on their partnership, Travis referred to his brother as his “superpower,” while Travan encouraged aspiring doctors to keep going despite challenges.

“Our journey has been a roller coaster,” Travan said. “All of those bumps and hurdles made us who we are today.”

RELATED CONTENT: Mario Bailey Launches New Black Doctor Directory Despite Ongoing Discrimination Lawsuit By White Doctor

Brittney Griner Connecticut Suns
Photo credit: Ahsan Washington

Brittney Griner’s 6K-Point Milestone Intersects With The WNBA’s Economic Revolution

The legendary center cements her legacy on the court


History is often shaped by quiet, incremental moments. For Connecticut Sun center Brittney Griner, her milestone was marked by a turnaround jumper against the Los Angeles Sparks at Mohegan Sun Arena May 30. With that basket, the 6-foot-9, 10-time All-Star, WNBA champion with the Phoenix Mercury, became the 18th player in WNBA history to surpass 6,000 career points, helping the Sun secure an 84-81 win. Reaching this milestone cements Griner’s status as an elite offensive player and redefines her as a leading figure in women’s basketball history.

The Business of Basketball: The 2026 CBA Transformation

While Griner’s achievement solidifies her on-court reputation, her current work environment reflects seismic shifts in the WNBA’s fundamental economics. Earlier this year, the WNBA and Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) finalized an extensive Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), effective through 2032. This landmark labor contract redefines salary standards, revenue sharing, and workplace protections.

Under the 2020 labor agreement, maximum player salaries hovered around $242,000, significantly lower than international offers. This pay ceiling reduced domestic earning potential, leading elite American athletes to seek income abroad. Data compiled by The Associated Press found that top European and Russian clubs routinely offered salaries exceeding $1 million per season—illustrating a sharp economic contrast for athletes making career decisions.

It was this exact economic disparity that famously led Griner to play in Russia during the WNBA offseason. According to a report from CNBC, Brittney Griner was arrested in February 2022 at a Russian airport on accusations of smuggling vape cartridges with cannabis oil, an event that had a significant impact on her career.

Griner, 35, stated bluntly that wage disparities forced women athletes to travel across the globe to achieve financial parity with their male counterparts, where average NBA salaries often exceed WNBA averages by multiples of 40 or more. “The whole reason a lot of us go over is the pay gap,” Griner noted.

This financial revolution immediately affects top-tier superstars. Under the new CBA, the maximum contract salary has risen to $1.4 million in its first year, clearing the path for the first multimillion-dollar player valuations in women’s professional sports. Average league salaries are projected to exceed $583,000, significantly reshaping the global landscape of women’s basketball.

A Homecoming on the Horizon

The WNBA’s evolving business landscape will soon bring Griner’s career full circle. She is currently playing in Connecticut under a lucrative one-year, $1.19 million maximum contract, reflecting the league’s new elite salary structure.

Meanwhile, the Sun franchise is preparing to relocate. In March 2026, the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the $300 million sale and move of the Connecticut Sun to Houston Rockets owner Tilman J. Fertitta. The team will complete the 2026 season in New England before officially relocating to Texas for the 2027 season, reviving the Houston Comets brand—the league’s original dynasty.

For Griner, a Houston native, the relocation offers a fitting conclusion to her career. Her pursuit of scoring and blocking records will now take place before her hometown crowd. Griner’s milestones do more than rewrite the record books; they validate the league’s corporate growth, rising salaries, and increased public respect that she and her peers have worked for over decades.

RELATED CONTENT: Angel Reese’s Rise And Popularity In The League Is Impressive

Homeowner, Home Insurance, Real Estate House Insurance
(Photo: AndreyPopov/Getty Images)

Pro Athlete Syndicate Bets Big On Crowdfunded Real Estate To Combat Urban Housing Crisis

A roster of sports stars is skipping traditional private equity to democratize urban property ownership


A roster of sports stars is skipping traditional private equity to democratize urban property ownership, targeting 25,000 homes nationwide in overlooked communities, presenting a scalable blueprint for Black wealth creation.

NFL quarterback Jameis Winston and Adrian Muhammad, chairman of Kinexx Modular Construction, are leading this initiative. At the 1 Percent Conference in Chicago, Winston introduced a real estate strategy backed by more than 20 professional athlete-investors, including Jaylon Johnson, Edwin Jackson, Mark Ingram, and Cam Jordan. They are advancing a scalable, factory-built modular housing system to increase homeownership on narrow, underused urban lots.

The Scale of Inequality

This investment syndicate targets key challenges in the U.S. housing market: a national housing shortage estimated at 3.8 million homes by Goldman Sachs and 5 million by Zillow, and a significant wealth gap. The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances shows the median homeowner’s net worth is over 40 times that of renters. The syndicate aims to address these issues by redeveloping urban infill lots in former industrial centers.

Decades of redlining and urban neglect have left nearly 250,000 vacant lots in post-industrial cities like Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Columbus, St. Louis, and Nashville. Traditional builders often overlook these lots due to permitting challenges and limited economic incentives. The group plans to revitalize these areas in historically Black neighborhoods such as Chicago’s Bronzeville, where unused lots represent $100 million in untapped annual development value.

As Kinexx Chairman Muhammad notes, “Our communities are in need, but they’re valuable, rich in people, rich in history, and rich in land.” According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, this project allows eligible companies like Kinexx to raise funds through Regulation Crowdfunding, removing the accredited-investor barrier and letting retail investors participate with investments starting at $500.

Kinexx plans to build 25,000 homes in major U.S. cities over five years and address a 10,000-home workforce housing shortage in Barbados through international expansion.

A Kinexx modular home installation in action


The Business Case: Scale vs. Risk

Kinexx’s strategy uses a proprietary, factory-built modular construction process. Company-owned manufacturing facilities and a patented threading system for custom layouts deliver significant operational gains. Off-site assembly speeds home completion by 30% to 50% compared with standard methods. According to Kinexx, this approach shortens build times, reduces delays from weather and logistics, and helps protect financial margins.

Market Validation & Risks

Kinexx has delivered over 100 homes in Chicago and demonstrated fast-track assembly in Detroit pilot projects, reducing completion times by 35%. However, national expansion presents new challenges. Kinexx collaborates with developers, municipalities, and community land trusts to deliver housing in high-demand areas. The company is expanding its network of regional manufacturing facilities to support off-site modular construction closer to target markets, enabling faster delivery and lower logistical costs.

Strategic partnerships with financial institutions and community organizations are designed to accelerate the project pipeline and build community trust, supporting sustained growth as the business model expands nationwide. To address risks such as regulatory challenges, construction cost volatility, and local land-use regulations, Kinexx is establishing a specialized compliance team, broadening its supplier base, and partnering with local governments and workforce training programs.

Ultimately, this venture is a high-risk test of whether collective athlete capital, combined with innovative manufacturing and municipal partnerships, can transform systemic urban deficits into a scalable, repeatable business model.

RELATED CONTENT: Tracy McGrady Launches Advisory Program To Keep Young Athletes From Going Broke

Black blocks, David E. Rogers
Courtesy of David E. Rogers

David E. Rogers Launches ‘Black Blocks,’ A Board Game Teaching Financial Literacy Through Black History

Black Blocks empowers African American youth and families with culturally relevant financial education


Originally published on BlackNews.com.

David E. Rogers, founder and CEO of Black Blocks LLC, a Black-owned educational company, announces the launch of pre-orders for Black Blocks, a groundbreaking board game that combines financial literacy education with the rich history of African American entrepreneurship and wealth-building. Designed for players ages 12 and up, Black Blocks addresses the critical need for culturally relevant financial education in Black communities.

“For too long, financial education has ignored the unique challenges and triumphs of our community,” said Rogers. “Black Blocks celebrates our financial pioneers while teaching the next generation practical wealth-building strategies that honor our heritage and secure our future.”

The game emerges at a crucial time when financial literacy gaps disproportionately affect African American communities. Financial illiteracy costs for Americans in 2021 were at an astonishing high of $352 billion, according to the National Financial Educators Council, with Black families bearing a disproportionate burden. While only 28% of Black Americans feel confident about their financial knowledge, Black Blocks provides an engaging, culturally affirming pathway to financial empowerment.

“Our children deserve to learn about money management alongside stories of Madam C.J. Walker, Booker T. Washington, and Althea Gibson,” Rogers explained. “Black Blocks transforms financial education from something that feels foreign to something that feels like home.”

Through innovative dual-deck gameplay, players navigate real-world financial decisions while discovering inspiring stories of Black financial success. Life Cards present scenarios like starting a business, buying a home, or investing in education, while Fate Cards highlight African American pioneers who overcame obstacles to build generational wealth.

Beta testing in predominantly Black communities showed remarkable engagement. Families reported that teenagers who had previously shown little interest in financial discussions became actively involved in budgeting conversations and began independently researching Black business leaders and historical figures.

“My 14-year-old daughter learned about Maggie Lena Walker and asked to open her first savings account the next day,” shared Keisha Williams, a beta tester from Atlanta. “The game connected our family’s financial goals to our cultural pride in a way I’ve never seen before.”

Key Features:

Cultural authenticity: 

Features influential figures like Madam C.J. Walker, Booker T. Washington, and Althea Gibson

Community-focused: 

Addresses financial challenges specific to African American experiences

Intergenerational bonding: 

Sparks meaningful conversations between parents, grandparents, and youth

Educational alignment: 

Supports financial literacy requirements while celebrating Black history

Practical application: 

Teaches budgeting, investing, entrepreneurship, and wealth preservation

Black Blocks has already garnered support from Black educators, financial advisors, and community organizations who recognize its potential to transform how young people in the community view money and opportunity. The game is a definite value-add for HBCUs, community centers, and youth organizations across the country as a tool for financial empowerment programming.

Availability:

• Available now at BlackBlocksGame.com
• Special pricing available for community organizations and educational institutions

About
Black Blocks LLC is a Black-owned educational company dedicated to creating culturally authentic learning experiences that celebrate African American history while building practical life skills. Founded by entrepreneur David E. Rogers, the company’s mission is to empower the Black community through engaging, affirming educational products.

About the Founder
David E. Rogers is a seasoned entrepreneur with a B.S. from Purdue University and an MBA with concentrations in Finance and Marketing. With 20+ years of business experience and as the author of 13 published books, Rogers combines his expertise in finance, marketing, and creative development to create educational products that serve his community.

RELATED CONTENT: Children, Money and Early Financial Literacy

Lawyer museum, Tiffany Simmons
Courtesy of Tiffany Simmons, Esq

This Black Attorney Is Building A Lawyer Museum In Atlanta And Documenting The Journey In Real Time

Attorney Tiffany M. Simmons is widely known as “The Plug’s Lawyer"


Originally published on BlackNews.com.

Attorney, entrepreneur, and cultural strategist Tiffany M. Simmons, Esq., widely known as “The Plug’s Lawyer,” is entering a new era of institution building following official recognition from the Atlanta City Council for her contributions to law, culture, philanthropy, and community impact.

The official proclamation, issued May 1, 2026, formally acknowledges Simmons’ vision to establish The Lawyer Museum, a permanent world-class institution in Atlanta, dedicated to preserving, documenting, and elevating the legacy of Black attorneys and their contributions to justice in America.

Simmons has spent more than 16 years building influence across law, media, publishing, philanthropy, and cultural programming without institutional backing or traditional gatekeepers. Through Simmons Law LLC and media platforms, including Hood Court, she has become known for merging legal authority with cultural conversation in ways that reach beyond the courtroom.

Now, that work is evolving into something larger: a public movement centered around preserving legal history, creating cultural experiences, and building permanent institutions designed to outlive her.

“This is bigger than a museum,” Simmons said. “This is about documenting history while we are still living it, preserving the brilliance of Black attorneys, and creating a permanent space where culture, justice, education, and legacy meet.”

The proclamation specifically recognizes Simmons’ leadership in advancing The Lawyer Museum initiative, while also acknowledging her impact through civic engagement, philanthropy, mentorship, and cultural leadership throughout the City of Atlanta.

Throughout spring and summer 2026, select public experiences hosted under The Plug’s Lawyer brand will support fundraising efforts toward the permanent home of The Lawyer Museum in Atlanta.

Those experiences included:

• Champions Coachella, the May 1, 2026, premiere fundraiser bringing together leaders across law, media, philanthropy, and the arts.

• Reiki for Youth, a Mother’s Day wellness initiative focused on healing, mindfulness, and emotional wellness for young people.

• Paddles & Pours, a June 21, 2026 cultural summer experience in Atlanta blending music, community, wellness, and philanthropy.

Simmons is also documenting the road to opening The Lawyer Museum in real time, a journey expected to serve as the foundation for a future documentary project centered on law, power, culture, resilience, and legacy-building in modern America.

The Lawyer Museum is projected to open its permanent Atlanta location by December 2026.

About
Tiffany M. Simmons is an Atlanta-based trial attorney, founder, media personality, entrepreneur, and cultural strategist. Known publicly as “The Plug’s Lawyer,” she is the founder of Simmons Law LLC, creator of Hood Court, and visionary behind The Lawyer Museum initiative. In May 2026, the Atlanta City Council officially recognized Simmons for her contributions to law, culture, philanthropy, and community impact. Learn more at ThePlugsLawyer.com.

RELATED CONTENT: The American Bar Association Caves To Trump’s Pressure To Eliminate DEI Rule For Law Schools

student loan forgiveness,
(Photo: designer491/Getty Images)

Student Loan Borrowers Face New Realities As SAVE Repayment Plans End

Reports suggest that over seven million borrowers will be impacted by the phaseout of the income-driven repayment option.


Millions of federal student loan borrowers in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment program could soon experience significant changes as the Biden-era plan nears termination due to legal challenges and shifts in federal policy, The Hill reports. The outlet suggests that over seven million borrowers will be impacted by the phaseout of the income-driven repayment option.

The SAVE plan, launched by former President Joe Biden’s administration in 2023, aimed to reduce monthly payments and speed up debt forgiveness for eligible borrowers. However, several Republican-led states filed lawsuits against the program, leading federal courts to block its implementation. Since then, the Department of Education has started transitioning borrowers into other repayment programs.

Borrowers currently enrolled in SAVE have mostly stayed in administrative forbearance since 2024. Interest on those loans resumed accumulating in August 2025. Officials have urged participants to choose alternative repayment plans while the legal issues are still ongoing.

In announcing a proposed settlement in the lawsuit, the U.S. Department of Education stated it would move all SAVE borrowers into legal repayment plans, stop accepting new enrollments in SAVE, and deny pending applications if the court approves the agreement.

This transition comes as federal policymakers prepare to introduce new student loan repayment options, including the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), which is expected to be available starting July 1, 2026. Under RAP, borrowers must make payments for 30 years before relief is allowed. The new framework aims to replace several current income-driven repayment programs and change how borrowers handle federal student debt.

Advocates have warned that ending SAVE could lead to higher monthly payments for many borrowers and create uncertainty for those seeking loan forgiveness programs. Meanwhile, federal officials advise borrowers to review available repayment options and get ready for further guidance as the transition progresses.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Administration Decides Which Professions Deserve Student Loan Assistance

Cory Booker, Senate Democrats, Keep Your Pay Act, IRS
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons

Republican With No Campaign Cash Wins NJ Primary In Race For Cory Booker’s Senate Seat

The Republican nominee pulled off an unlikely primary victory despite reporting a negative campaign balance of -$24


Justin Murphy, an attorney and former Senate candidate, has secured the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in New Jersey, setting up a November contest against popular incumbent Democratic Sen. Cory Booker.

Murphy won Tuesday’s Republican primary, defeating three opponents despite entering the race with a campaign account that reportedly held a negative balance of $24, according to federal campaign finance filings cited by The Hill. Murphy’s surprising victory now places him opposite Booker, the two-term Democratic senator who ran unopposed in his party’s primary and remains one of the most prominent political figures in the state.

Murphy, who previously sought the Republican Senate nomination in 2024, campaigned on a platform focused on reducing government spending, cutting taxes, strengthening border security, and expanding economic opportunities. He has also advocated for boosting private-sector growth and limiting federal intervention in the economy.

Despite clinching victory with just more than 33% of the vote, Murphy is seen as a significant underdog heading into the general election — New Jersey has not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since 1972. Plus, Booker has substantial name recognition, a robust fundraising operation, and a strong advantage among Democratic voters statewide. Records show that the incumbent also has more than $22 million in cash on hand, reports Politico.

Murphy faces a steep uphill battle during the midterm elections since about 38% of registered voters in the Garden State are Democrats, while only 25% are Republicans. Thirty-six percent remain unaffiliated.

RELATED CONTENT: Senator Cory Booker’s 25-Hour Marathon Speech Is One For Record Books

Karma Nexus Anthony Edwards
Karma Nexus members Anthony Edwards (Left) of the Minnesota Timberwolves and business manager Justin Holland (Right) with the Karma Revero sport sedan. (Photo Credit: Three Fifths Media via PR Newswire)

Anthony Edwards, Tracy McGrady, And Other Star Athletes Back Karma Automotive Through New Ownership and Investment Collective

New initiative gives elite athletes and business leaders access to luxury vehicles, exclusive experiences, and investment opportunities



Karma Automotive is blending luxury, exclusivity, and ownership with the launch of Karma Nexus, a new invitation-only program designed to deepen relationships with high-profile clients while creating opportunities for them to become investors in the company.

Announced on June 3, the initiative gives members priority access to Karma Automotive’s vehicle lineup, exclusive events, direct engagement with the company’s design and engineering teams, and bespoke vehicle commissioning opportunities, including access to models such as the Karma Invictus and the forthcoming Karma Eximius. Selected members may also receive invitations to invest in the company, according to a press release.

Among the founding members are several prominent athletes and business leaders, including NBA players Anthony Edwards and his business manager, Justin Holland; Dylan Harper; Ron Harper Jr.; former NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady; former NBA player and private equity executive Josh Childress; and the NFL’s Bryce Young. According to the company, each has chosen to invest in Karma Automotive in addition to owning a Karma vehicle.

“Karma’s goal is for our products and experiences to reflect the successes of our Nexus members in ways that are as unique and distinctive as they are,” said Karma Automotive President Marques McCammon in a statement. He described Karma Nexus as “the next level of that investment dynamic” and noted that the participation of influential athletes and business leaders validates the company’s long-term vision.

The investment component of Karma Nexus was developed through a partnership between McCammon and Kai Cunningham, co-founder and CEO of Limited Ventures. Cunningham, whose firm advises athletes and entertainers on wealth-building strategies, called the initiative “a first-of-its-kind structure” that aligns athletes with both ownership and product access. He added that the model could serve as a blueprint for future partnerships across industries.

For Edwards and Holland, the decision to invest came down to shared values.

“We’ve never followed the wave. For us, it’s always about standing out and doing things differently, and that feels perfectly aligned with Karma’s vision,” the pair said in a statement. “We’re very selective about who we choose to partner with, and we couldn’t be more excited to be Karma investors.”

As more athletes seek equity stakes and ownership opportunities beyond endorsement deals, Karma Nexus reflects a growing shift toward partnerships that allow influential talent to participate directly in the companies and brands they help elevate.

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