You Can Help Change The Narrative Of Black Male Leadership Today
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott shares his strategy to get young professionals into politics
Brandon Scott is using his power in politics to deliver economic progress and opportunity for African Americans in his city. And in the process, he’s proving to the world the current narrative on Black male leadership has changed. As the 52nd mayor of Baltimore, Scott is tackling crime, housing, healthcare and police brutality just as effectively as previous Black mayors of large cities, such as Maynard Jackson of Atlanta, or Karen Bass of Los Angeles, and Lori Lightfoot of Chicago.
Scott spoke to moderator Geoffrey Bennett, the News Hour chief correspondent for PBS, at a past XCEL Summit for Men where he explained the challenges and opportunities of living up to the legacy of today’s 21st century mayors.
In this clip, Scott also lays out a strategy for young Black men to get involved in politics. And as our community continues to be attacked under the current administration, it’s more important now we get involved than ever before.
As we gear up for the 10th anniversary of the XCEL Summit for Men, BLACK ENTERPRISE re-broadcasts his conversation because we remind young men that you can make just as much of an economic impact being in politics as you can running a business. Take a look.
How Black Women Can Navigate Career Pivots In A Tough Job Market
Career pivots have become a defining feature of modern work.
By Antonia Dean
The job market is sending mixed signals. While recent employment reports suggest hiring remains steady overall, many industries, particularly technology, continue to experience layoffs, hiring freezes, and restructuring. Black women have been disproportionately affected. More than 700,000 Black women left or were pushed out of the workforce, a trend economists have described as an alarming indicator of broader economic weakness because Black women have long been among the most active participants in the labor force.
For professionals considering a career change, the uncertainty can make taking the next step feel risky. For Black women, the decision often carries an added layer of complexity. Many of us have spent our careers becoming experts in environments where we felt we had to prove ourselves every day. We’ve learned to keep our heads down, outperform expectations, and become known for one thing. So when the desire to pivot emerges, it’s easy to question whether we’re qualified to change lanes or whether we’ve earned the right to.
I’ve wrestled with these thoughts myself.
I began my career on a corporate law path, then pivoted to lead brand strategy in the cosmetics industry, transitioned from beauty into startup leadership roles, and eventually made the leap into venture capital, where I now invest in early-stage technology founders. Each transition required me to step into unfamiliar territory, learn new skills, and build confidence before I felt fully ready. I realized that a career pivot isn’t about abandoning who you’ve been. It’s about expanding who you can become.
Below are five steps you can apply for how to successfully navigate your next career pivot during uncertain times.
Stop Asking for Permission to Reinvent Yourself
One of the biggest myths about career changes is that they have to make perfect sense to everyone else.
As Black women, we’re often encouraged to stay where we’ve proven ourselves. Success can become its own trap. Once people know us for one thing, they expect us to continue doing it indefinitely. Over time, it’s easy to confuse your job title with your identity and believe that changing directions means leaving your success behind.
But you don’t have to spend your entire career honoring a version of yourself that no longer fits. The subject of your degree, the industry where you’ve grown, the titles you’ve earned, none of these are life sentences. Your interests will evolve. Your priorities will change. The industries around you will transform. Allowing yourself to change with them isn’t a sign of growth. Reinvention doesn’t erase your accomplishments. It builds on them.
You don’t need permission to pursue work that better aligns with the person you’re becoming. The confidence to pivot starts with believing your experience has prepared you for more than one path.
Your Skills Are More Transferable Than You Think
One of the biggest mistakes professionals make during a career pivot is focusing on what they lack instead of what they already bring. For many Black women in the workplace, imposter syndrome can intensify this, especially when navigating environments where we are underrepresented. It becomes easier to question qualifications than to recognize the full value of lived experience and professional expertise already built.
Before entering venture capital, I wasn’t starting from scratch. Years of building brands, understanding consumers, leading teams, and thinking strategically prepared me to evaluate founders and help companies grow. The industry changed. My strengths didn’t.
Take inventory of the experiences you’ve accumulated throughout your career. Leadership, communication, problem-solving, relationship building, and strategic thinking across industries.
Employers increasingly value people who can learn quickly and solve problems from multiple perspectives. Your experience is broader than your current job title, even when it doesn’t always feel that way.
Build Your Next Chapter Before You Leave the Current One
Some of the strongest transitions happen gradually. As Black women, we’re often conditioned to pour our energy into excelling in our current role, solving problems, and creating value for our employer. But it’s just as important to invest in your own future before you’re forced to make a change. Building your next chapter while you’re still employed gives you more options, confidence, and control over your career.
Take a class. Attend industry events. Find mentors. Volunteer for projects that expose you to new skills. Write about what you’re learning. Build relationships with people already doing the work you aspire to do.
Think of your pivot as a series of intentional experiments rather than one dramatic leap. Every conversation, project, or new skill helps reduce uncertainty and increases confidence before you make your next move.
Don’t Mistake Learning for Starting Over
One of the hardest parts of changing careers is accepting that you’ll be learning new things in a new environment. For high achievers, that can feel uncomfortable.
But learning something new doesn’t erase everything you’ve already accomplished.
This is especially true for Black women, who are often conditioned to believe we have to know everything before speaking up or contributing. We can become so focused on proving ourselves that we forget our perspective is part of what makes us valuable.
Being new to an industry doesn’t mean you’re bringing nothing to the table. Your experiences, leadership style, and way of solving problems can introduce fresh thinking that organizations desperately need. Sometimes the people closest to an industry become too familiar with the way things have always been done. Someone with a different background often sees possibilities others miss.
The goal isn’t to become an expert overnight. It’s to embrace the learning curve without questioning your worth. The professionals who thrive aren’t the ones who know everything on day one. They’re the ones who stay curious while remaining confident in the value they already bring.
Build a Career That Can Grow With You
Career pivots have become a defining feature of modern work. Entire industries are being reshaped by artificial intelligence, new technologies, and changing economic conditions. The ability to adapt is becoming one of the most valuable career skills anyone can develop.
A difficult job market can make change feel intimidating, but it can also create an opportunity to redefine success on your own terms.
Don’t focus solely on finding your next job. Focus on building a career that has room to evolve as you evolve. Because your career is defined by your willingness to keep growing even when the road ahead looks different than the one you originally planned.
Zab Judah, and Irv Gotti during Kevin Liles' release celebration for "Make It Happen: The Hip-Hop Guide To Success" at Firmenich in New York City. (Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
BLACK ENTERPRISE is shouting happy birthday to Hip-Hop! Having turned 53 on Aug. 12, Hip-Hop culture has changed the lives of many people since its birth back in 1973. The evolution of Hip-Hop has embodied art, DJ’ing, dance, fashion, hair, jewelry, language, lyricism, music and guess what else—literature ..books.
BE salutes Hip-Hop books for penetrating the literary space. Here are 10 books from Hip-Hop artists who tell their story and share their perspective not heard through music.
1.) From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens
This memoir, written by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson with Kris Ex, is a tale of how 50 Cent navigated his difficult childhood as a youth: dealing with the murder of his mother; hustling in the streets to survive; being shot nine times and achieving the American dream.
The Wu-Tang Manual by Robert Diggs, otherwise known as RZA, and Chris Norris. The Wu-Tang Manual is made up of 4 books that break down all things Wu-Tang Clan—from information about the nine original members, Wu-Slang, and the philosophies and personalities that make the Wu-Tang Clan what it is. If you’re heavy into Wu culture, this book is for you.
Rakim Allah’s book is half a memoir and the other half is a writing guide. In this book he details who and what influenced him in his youth (jazz and John Coltrane) while highlighting the reason he is hailed as the god MC.
Rick Ross and Neil Martinez-Belkin wrote this memoir about Ross’ upbringing in South Beach Miami during the War On Drugs era, which covers his time as a high school football player, dope boy hustler, and correctional officer. Ross chronicles the making of his debut hit song “Hustlin’” to having a large deal with Def Jam records. This read will give you insight to Rick Ross’ experiences and inspirations
Decoded, written by rap icon and business mogul Shawn Corey Carter (widely known as Jay-Z,) is a one of a kind memoir that shows the worlds Jay-Z has maneuvered. Beyoncé’s other half tells his story while highlighting the hip-hop art form and culture by deconstructing his lyrics and giving readers a deeper dive into his journey as a artist.
The Autobiography of DMX, by the late Earl Simmons and Smoky D. Fontaine, shares X’s upbringing in the streets of Yonkers, New York. Readers learn how DMX overcame struggles involving neglect, physical abuse, drug abuse and jail time. The book reveals DMX’s ability to never give up on his dreams, finding his passion for hip-hop and releasing a no. 1 album four times in a row. X’s story literally shows that if you slip and fall you can still get up.
Torrence Hatch Jr., the controversial rapper known as Boosie Badazz, gives readers the details of growing up in Baton Rouge and being a local star at the age of 14, and becoming one of the most prominent rappers in the South. Boosie talks about survival, having a second chance at life, and beating the odds after facing death row and ultimately gaining freedom.
Vibrate Higher is a rap tale written by Talib Kweli that shares his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York. Kweli writes about what hip-hop has done for his life and how the culture impacts life socially, politically, and creatively.
The Autobiography of Gucci Man was written with the help of Neil Martinez-Belkin. Gucci Mane began writing this story while locked in federal prison. Gucci highlights the ups and downs of his life and career, and leans into growing up in poverty, his father’s abandonment, jail time, and how all these shaped him. He shares a bit about the infamous ice cream tattoo and how his career has evolved over time.
Dana Owens, our beloved Queen Latifah, wrote an autobiography that is an inspiration to women. Queen Latifah details growing up in Newark, New Jersey, and the difficult decisions she had to make dealing with sex, drugs, depression. The award-winning hip-hop artist shares what it means to be confident and independent, and what life was like being the first female solo rap artist to get a major record deal at 19-years-old.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Sean Combs and Jay-Z attend 2020 Roc Nation THE BRUNCH on January 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
Hustle & Flow: 15 Hip-Hop Songs That Spark Hustling Spirit
The desire for financial wealth is something many people can relate to.
Hip-hop is now 53-years-old. Since the beginning of hip-hop culture, rap artists’ lyrics have always touched on making something out of nothing, making a dollar out of 15 cents, and manifesting—often by any means necessary—for a better life and lifestyle than the one they’ve known.
The desire for financial wealth is something many people can relate to. The want for financial stability and the ambition to achieve it is a common narrative across many businesses and industries, including hip-hop. BLACK ENTERPRISE has selected 15 hip-hop songs that ignite the hustle spirit and serve as motivation to make many of us “get up, get out, and get something.”
1) Dollar And A Dream 3 | J – Cole
In 2011, Jermaine Cole—better known by his stage name J. Cole—had “a dollar and a dream.” In the song that became a classic, Cole rapped about being in a place where your back is against the wall and striving toward success. The North Carolina rapper gave a pep talk to listeners who could relate to the ebb and flow of chasing one’s dream.
2) Juicy | Notorious B. I. G.
This debut single was made by the late great Christopher Wallace, also known as Biggie Smalls and better known as Notorious B. I. G. The Brooklyn-bred rapper raps about his upbringing and passion for hip-hop. This rags-to-riches tale highlights his ascension and success through hustling his lyricism: “Now I’m in the limelight ’cause I rhyme tight,” Biggie rapped. He emphasized satisfaction with the outcome of his grind, “Damn right I like the life I live ’cause I went from negative to positive.”
3) Hustler Musik | Lil Wayne
Hustler Musik by Dwayne Carter Jr., professionally known as Lil’ Wayne, embodies the hip-hop hustler vibe and spirit of the mid-2000s when Wayne was grinding to become the megastar he is today:
“Money is the motivation, facing the avenue, back touching the wall” describes the pressure to make money metaphorically and literally.
4) I Get Money | 50 Cent
South Jamaica Queens’ very own Curtis Jackson, known as 50 Cent, lyrically spotlights his savvy hip-hop hustle moves on this track: “I took quarter-water sold it in bottles for 2 bucks. Coca-Cola came and bought it for billions what the f—k?”
50 Cent also raps about how his hustle provided his lavish lifestyle. The infectious hook borrowed from Milk D, “I get money- money I got” is quite motivating.
5) F—k Up Some Commas | Future
F*ck Up Some Commas made by Atlanta’s Nayvadius Wilburn, better known as Future. The title alone motivates hustle, as he raps about stacking that money: “40 thou’ to 100 thou’ 100 thou’ another 100 thou’ 300 thou’ to 500 thou’ a million lets have a money shower.” The bass and the hook make you want to boss up STAT.
6) C. R. E. A. M. | Wu Tang Clan
C. R. E. A. M. is a legendary track by the legendary hip-hop rap group the Wu-Tang Clan. Raekwon and Inspectah Deck give listeners an introspective view on struggling and getting into hustle mode:
“I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times side stayin’ alive was no jive,” Raekwon spits.
Similarly, Inspectah Deck raps, “It’s been 22 long, hard years, i’m still struggling, survival got me buggin.” Method man is on the song’s chorus encouraging hustlers’ ambition: “Cash rules everything around me—C. R. E. A. M.—get the money dollar dollar bill y’all.”
7) Hustlin’ | Rick Ross
Is there even a better anthem than William “Rick Ross” Roberts’s break-out song? This joint encourages entrepreneurs to get that bag daily with its straight-to-the-point chorus, “Everyday I’m hustlin.’”
8) 1st Of The Month | Bone Thugs N Harmony
Ohio’s Bone Thugs N Harmony created the perfect song to spark that hustling initiative. The first of the month is known nationally as bill day. Bone Thugs N Harmony harmonizes on the chorus encouraging folks to “Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up (it’s the first of the month). So get up, get up, get up, get up, get up (so cash your checks and come up).” This hit makes folks want to get money to take care of their responsibilities.
9) Rubber Band Man | T. I.
Rubber band Man, made by Atlanta’s self-proclaimed king, Clifford Harris Jr., affectionately known as T. I. or Tip, raps about keeping money in his pocket and about his dedication to his hip-hop hustle, “Got the mind and the muscle stay down on his grind put the crown on the hustle/ Hey, I could show ya how to juggle anything and make it double.”
10) Can’t Knock The Hustle| Jay-Z
Can’t Knock The Hustle by the icon Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. Beyoncé’s other half celebrates his hustle spirit as he chronicles his success with full flex, “Yo, I’m making short-term goals, when the weather folds, just put away the leathers and put ice on the gold.”
11) And Then What| Young Jeezy
“And Then What” by Jay Wayne Jenkins, better known as Young Jeezy, is a hip-hop call-and-response bop between the Georgia-born rapper and New Orleans producer Mannie Fresh: “First I’m gone stack my flo,’ then I’m gone stack some mo.” Jeezy drops morning mirror motivation to get your money and stack it.
12) Duffle Bag Boy| Playaz Circle
Duffle Bag Boy includes Playaz Circle and Lil’ Wayne on a track that still sparks the hustler’s spirit today. Lil’ Wayne motivates on the song’s hook by rapping, “If i don’t do nothing I’mma ball, i’m countin’ all day like a clock on the wall, now go and get your money little duffle bag boy.” Tity Boi, now 2Chainz, flexes and raps about the spoils of hustling: “Walk into the Gucci store, honey i’m home.” while Dolla Boy raps about being a boss in his hip-hop hustle, “Ain’t nothing to a boss, we balling when they see us.”
13) Money Trees| Kendrick Lamar
“Money Trees” by Compton’s Kendrick Lamar is a relatable and inspiring song that details his upbringing while showing the reality and correlation between gangbanging, crime, and poverty. Lamar understands money can change his life. The West Coast hip-hop artist raps, “And I been hustling all day, this-a-way, that-a-way. Through canals and alleyways, just to say Money trees is the perfect place for shade and that’s just how I feel.”
14) It’s All About The Benjamins | Puff Daddy
The iconic line that triggers this money-making turn-up is prompted by Puff’s questions “What you wanna do? Wanna be ballers? Shot callers?” It’s All About The Benjamins features Notorious B. I. G., The Lox, and Lil Kim. Puff lays down lyrics about the lavish life and ultimately tells us why he hustles so hard and why we should too.
15) Major | Young Dolph
“Major” by the late Adolph Thornton Jr., better known as Young Dolph, is another hustler’s anthem. Young Dolph motivates people that come from the bottom, rapping, “Millions on the table, that’s major, I turned dirt into diamonds, that’s major.”
Digging these tracks? Download BLACK ENTERPRISEHustle & Flow Playlist
You’re Not Ready For Retirement If These Financial Elements Exists
Retirement readiness requires more than reaching a certain age.
Leaving the workforce may be the goal, but retirement without a strong financial plan could put years of savings — and long-term financial security — at risk, Investopedia reports.
The oulet’s analysis identified warning signs that workers may not be ready to retire, including excessive debt, inadequate planning, and uncertainty about how much income they will have once regular paychecks stop.
Struggling to cover current bills is one major red flag. Retirees may need about 75% of their preretirement income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, with money potentially coming from Social Security, pensions, 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts, and other savings.
Carrying significant debt is another concern. David Walters, a certified financial planner with Palisades Hudson Financial Group, told the outlet that reducing or eliminating credit card balances and auto loans before retirement can ease pressure on savings. Paying off a mortgage or downsizing may also make sense depending on a person’s circumstances.
Workers should also have a plan for major future expenses, including home repairs and vehicle purchases, and know approximately how much they will receive from Social Security. Claiming Social Security at age 62 can result in monthly benefits 30% lower than waiting until full retirement age, according to the Social Security Administration.
A lack of monthly and long-term financial plans are two additional warning signs. Prospective retirees should understand their expected expenses, taxes, and healthcare costs, along with how much they can withdraw from savings without exhausting their money.
Inflation also matters. Rising prices can erode purchasing power over a retirement that could span 30 years or longer, making an investment strategy designed to keep pace with inflation increasingly important.
Failing to periodically rebalance an investment portfolio can create additional risk as retirement approaches. A diversified portfolio can help retirees balance income generation, capital preservation, and exposure to market volatility.
The final two warning signs aren’t strictly financial. Workers who are anxious about leaving their careers or who still genuinely enjoy their jobs may want to reconsider their timing.
Ultimately, retirement readiness requires more than reaching a certain age. Understanding debt, expenses, income, investments, and life after work can help determine whether leaving the workforce is financially sustainable.
Hip-hop is more than beats and bravado. It is a cultural force that can change any stage it touches. As our beloved Hip-Hop turns 53-years old, we can’t deny the evolution or the great heights rappers have taken it. Shout outs to the pioneers like Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Doug E. Fresh, Run DMC, LL COOL J and Rakim for laying the foundation. That groundwork made it possible for the contemporary leaders of the new school to take reigns and lift hip-hop in a whole new stratosphere.
Over the years, a growing group of artists has moved from the studio to the concert hall. Artists have shown that storytelling and orchestral music are not opposites but natural partners. From trap pioneers to lyrical architects, artists are changing how rap sounds in elevated spaces. We highlight the rappers who took hip-hop to symphony halls.
Nas
The Queensbridge, New York, rapper Nas performed his iconic album “Illmatic” with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the impactful album. The musical arrangement used orchestral instruments to enhance both the emotional power and musical complexity of his narrative delivery.
Kendrick Lamar
The multi-platinum rapper Kendrick Lamar performed several tracks from his album “To Pimp a Butterfly” with the National Symphony. The performance presented his politically charged jazz-infused hip-hop music to a broader audience at the Kennedy Center on Oct. 20, 2015, demonstrating the orchestral elements of Lamar’s award-winning album and its place in contemporary American music.
Rick Ross
Rick Ross performed as the main artist at Red Bull Symphonic at Atlanta Symphony Hall back in November 2022. The performance at the Woodruff Art Center brought together Rick Ross and Orchestra Noir to create new versions of his songs, merging hip-hop with classical music while celebrating Black achievement in both genres.
Jeezy
On Jan. 27, the Atlanta Symphony Hall hosted Jeezy, who performed as part of a new concert series that unites hip-hop artists with orchestral musicians. The series works to connect urban audiences with orchestral venues while using classical instruments to enhance trap music.
Wyclef Jean
Wyclef Jean, the Haitian-American rapper and producer who co-founded Fugees, organized the Night of Symphonic Hip-Hop, which brought him to perform with orchestras at multiple concert halls. The series amplifies hip-hop through orchestral performances while honoring its musical depth against classical music traditions.
Killer Mike
Killer Mike performed with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2024, as a full-length original orchestral concert. The concert used orchestral arrangements to transform the Atlanta artist’s music into a deeper musical experience, which showcased Black artistic presence in classical music venues.
RZA (Wu-Tang Clan)
RZA, who founded the Wu-Tang Clan and works as a producer and composer, created “A Ballet Through Mud,” which the Colorado Symphony Orchestra performed as a complete orchestral ballet score. RZA reworked the musical arrangement of “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin.” The world premiere took place in 2023. Through spoken word, orchestral elements, and ballet, RZA brings his stories to life.
Wealthy Nigerians Could Lose Caribbean Visa And Passport Shortcut To Europe
Citizenship-by-investment programs effectively allow qualifying investors to obtain a second passport.
Wealthy Nigerians who use Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs to expand their global mobility could lose a key benefit as the European Union moves to tighten its visa policies, Legit reports.
According to the outlet, the Caribbean nations could risk losing visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen area if concerns surrounding the programs are not addressed by June 2028.
The potential changes could have significant implications for affluent Nigerians seeking greater international mobility. Nigerian passport holders generally face visa requirements when traveling to the Schengen area, while citizens of the five Caribbean nations can travel there without a visa for short stays.
Citizenship-by-investment programs effectively allow qualifying investors to obtain a second passport, giving some applicants access to countries that would otherwise require them to secure visas before traveling.
European officials have raised concerns that the programs could allow nationals of countries subject to EU visa requirements to circumvent the traditional visa process after acquiring Caribbean citizenship.
A December 2025 European Commission report estimated that the five Eastern Caribbean nations had collectively issued about 107,000 passports through their investor citizenship programs. The countries have adopted reforms, including a $200,000 minimum investment threshold and strengthened screening requirements, but European officials have continued to raise security concerns.
Nigerians are among those who have used the programs. Grenada reported that Nigerians were its second-largest group of successful applicants in 2024, with 82 receiving citizenship through its program, according to the outlet.
Pressure from Europe also presents an economic challenge for Caribbean governments that have become reliant on revenue generated by foreign investors.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has said eliminating his country’s citizenship-by-investment program could cost the nation more than $100 million annually, the outlet reported. Browne has argued that the revenue supports infrastructure and other public services.
Caribbean governments now face mounting pressure to reform their programs while protecting both a lucrative source of investment and visa-free European access, one of the benefits that has helped make their passports attractive to wealthy foreign nationals.
According to a Redfin analysis, a household needed an annual income of $109,796 in June 2026 to purchase a median-priced U.S. home while spending no more than 30% of its income on housing costs. The figure is just 0.5% below the record-high $110,382 reported a year earlier, suggesting homebuying costs have largely stabilized after several years of worsening affordability.
Household earnings have continued to climb, helping narrow the affordability gap. Redfin estimated the median U.S. household earned $87,599 in June, a 4% increase from the previous year, while the median home sale price rose 2.2%. Mortgage rates also eased slightly but remained in the mid-6% range, continuing to keep monthly borrowing costs elevated.
Even with rising incomes, the typical household still earns about $22,200 less than what is needed to comfortably purchase a median-priced home. That shortfall has improved from roughly $26,100 a year ago and nearly $28,900 two years earlier, but it continues to price many Americans—particularly first-time buyers—out of the market.
“The earnings needed to buy a house have stabilized after several years of deterioration, but that doesn’t mean homes are affordable to the average American,” Redfin Senior Economist Yingqi Xu said. Xu added that buyers have gained negotiating power in many parts of the country as inventory has increased, creating a more favorable market for shoppers. Still, many households remain unable to meet the income needed to purchase a home without stretching their finances.
Redfin defines an affordable home as one in which a buyer making a 15% down payment spends no more than 30% of their monthly income on mortgage payments, property taxes, and other housing-related expenses.
Based on that benchmark, buyers would need to devote 37.6% of their income to purchase the median-priced home, down from 39.3% a year earlier.
The analysis also found that 34.2% of homes listed for sale in June were affordable for households earning the national median income, up from 30.5% a year earlier. However, affordability remains well below pre-2022 levels, when more than half of homes on the market were within reach of the typical household.
Among the 46 major metropolitan areas Redfin examined, affordability improved in 24 markets. Seattle recorded the largest improvement as declining home prices reduced the income needed to purchase the typical home, while San Jose and Portland also posted notable gains.
Despite those improvements, many high-cost markets remain financially out of reach. San Francisco remained the nation’s least affordable major metro area, where buyers would need an annual income of $453,205 to afford the typical home. Redfin found that only St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh had median household incomes that exceeded the income required to purchase a typical home in their local markets.
Seen, Heard, Remembered: Bridges That Will Shape The Future Of Black Women In Film And TV
Black actresses are powering major projects and shaping cultural conversations in real time.
Written By Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO, AARP
We’re seeing a bit of a plot twist in movies and TV this year — one that places Black women at the center of cultural and commercial momentum. From prestige dramas like Euphoria to blockbusters like The Odyssey, Black actresses are powering major projects and shaping cultural conversations in real time. They’re part of a wider wave of Black talent redefining the industry. Black men also lead some of the year’s most celebrated work, from LaKeith Stanfield in I Love Boosters to Emmy nominee Sterling K. Brown in Paradise. But new AARP research finds that Black women are the key drivers of a representation shift.
A national AARP survey of 1,801 Black adults 18+ found that they are among the industry’s most engaged viewers. Older Black women in particular shape how aging is perceived on screen: nearly all (95%) of those surveyed say representation of Black women 50+ is important. A similar percentage (96%) say it’s important to show multiple generations together. And 54% say seeing Black women 50+ on screen has made them feel more positive about aging, a fact that reflects an even broader audience demand.
Yet even now, the research points to significant untapped potential: only a quarter of the viewing audience believe that today’s portrayal of Black women is very accurate. For studios and creators, that represents a significant business opportunity among Black consumers, a group with an estimated $2 trillion in buying power according to Nielsen.
Centering Black Women
I’ve written before about the impact of Viola Davis, the highest grossing Black film actress in history, and Angela Bassett, who is among the highest paid actresses on TV. This year, Zendaya is headlining multiple 2026 tentpoles — The Drama, The Odyssey, Spider‑Man: Brand New Day, Dune: Part Three, and the long‑awaited return of Euphoria — a slate that places a young Black woman at the center of many of the industry’s most anticipated releases.
Mid‑year projects continue this trajectory. Is God Is brings a searing family drama led by Kara Young and Mallori Johnson, with Vivica A. Fox anchoring the generational storyline and Janelle Monáe rounding out the ensemble. I Love Boosters offers a sci‑fi satire powered by Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, and Taylour Paige. You, Me & Tuscany places Halle Bailey at the center of a breezy romance about reinvention and unexpected love. And in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Lupita Nyong’o takes on dual roles as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, adding depth and complexity to one of the year’s most ambitious films.
All of these reflect our findings that Black adults want to see more friendship, romance, and heroic journeys — especially women, 68% of whom favor love and romance. Taken together, these compelling projects signal real progress.
But AARP’s research shows that the greatest opportunities still lie ahead, especially when it comes to how Black women are portrayed, the stories they’re given, and the value the industry places on their presence.
The Five Bridges We Must Build
Black audiences are telling us what inspires them, what feels missing, and what they want to see more of, particularly when it comes to Black women 50 and older. Their responses point to five bridges the industry has yet to build and cross.
The Authenticity Bridge. Black audiences want portrayals that feel true. Authenticity would meet overwhelming demand and deepen cultural trust.
The Storyline Bridge. Viewers want richer narratives — more friendship, romance, and heroic journeys. Expanding storylines beyond stereotypes would unlock deeper emotional resonance.
The Generational Bridge. Intergenerational storytelling would broaden audience reach. Showing characters of different ages together reflects how families and communities actually live, and creates space for richer, more layered narratives capable of connecting generations.
The Influence Bridge. Older Black women already shape how aging is perceived. Centering their stories reflects the influence they have in their communities and expands audiences’ perceptions of what aging can look like.
The momentum is here. The audience is here. The opportunity is here. When storytellers portray Black women with intention and complexity, audiences feel more inspired, more connected, more positive. Our culture needs it, and is more than ready for it. The proof is at the box office, and in the bottom line.
‘Built Different’ STEM Accelerator Leverages Motorsports To Advance Workforce Development for Black Youth
The Twenty Four Foundation, GM Motorsports, and Clayton County partnered to launch an AI and engineering initiative inspired by NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth.
The Twenty Four Foundation, with GM Motorsports and local government leaders, launched “Built Different: The STEM Accelerator,” a workforce development initiative connecting underserved youth to careers in engineering, artificial intelligence, technology, and data science through professional motorsports.
Developed by Seven & Grace with GM Motorsports, the program launches in Atlanta and Richmond, Virginia, through local nonprofit partners. In Georgia, the Clayton County Office of Digital Equity leads a six-week summer cohort for 10 local students, combining classroom instruction with practical experience. Students are selected through an open application process where families apply via their school, regional community centers, or the Clayton County Office of Digital Equity website. Applicants must show interest in STEM fields and commit to the full program. Details and deadlines are shared with schools and community organizations each spring.
Driving Financial Empowerment Through High-Tech Careers
Built Different is a strategic platform for early workforce development and financial empowerment. High-growth technical sectors like artificial intelligence, motorsports engineering, and data analytics have presented barriers for African Americans. By connecting Black youth with corporate engineers and advanced technology, the program creates sustainable pathways into high-earning technical careers.
NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth serves as this effort’s primary proof of concept. An Atlanta native, Caruth transformed virtual sim racing on iRacing into a professional career as a NASCAR national series winner through NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program. His journey forms the foundation of the program’s flagship curriculum, “How STEM Leads to Speed: Racing with Rajah.”
The curriculum offers four modules for middle school students and an expanded five-module track for high school and college students. Courses are taught by motorsports professionals, including General Motors software engineers, pit crew tire specialists, and NASCAR graphic designers.
Cutting-Edge Tools and National Expansion
Students use advanced industry technology. GM Motorsports provides platforms used in elite competition, such as the Pit Rho machine-learning strategy platform and Race Vehicle Simulation software. Microsoft supplies AI tools, including Copilot and Designer, giving participants hands-on experience with the software that supports Caruth’s racing operations.
“This program shows that STEM is more than classroom subjects,” said Takiyah J. Thomas, administrator of the Clayton County Office of Digital Equity. “It is the engine behind innovation, technology, and many career opportunities.” Clayton County, the only county government in Georgia with a dedicated Office of Digital Equity, aims to prepare residents for emerging technology careers.
Each partner organization receives a comprehensive STEM toolkit for year-round instruction alongside classroom learning. Students also join VIP race weekend experiences. Atlanta participants visited the EchoPark Speedway during the Quaker State 400 (July 11 and 12), and Richmond students will attend the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Aug 14 and 15.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of motorsports is the opportunity to share the technologies, engineering practices, and lessons learned from competition with broader communities,” said TaiJaune Robinson, engineering business manager at GM Motorsports. “Through programs like this, we can help students better understand how innovation happens, how teams solve complex challenges under pressure, and how STEM skills can create opportunities both within motorsports and across the automotive industry.”
According to release details, plans are in progress to expand Built Different into additional NASCAR markets nationwide beginning in 2027. The Twenty Four Foundation is seeking corporate, philanthropic, and community partners to sponsor future student cohorts and provide long-term financial empowerment for youth across the country.
