by Sharelle B. McNair

March 23, 2026

Justin Pearson Lists All The Reasons Trump Isn’t Welcome As Memphis Preps For A Visit

Pearson, who is running for U.S. Senate, issued a flier for a protest rally on the same date of the president’s arrival to the beat of Crime Mob’s “Knuck If Your Buck."

Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson is reminding his constituents why President Donald Trump isn’t welcome to the city of Memphis ahead of his scheduled March 23 visit.

In a video posted to TikTok, Pearson, a Democrat, gave his rundown.

“Listen, he isn’t welcome here as I’ve said before. The reality is he’s trying to use us as a part of his authoritarian playbook and his scheme, and treating our city as a pawn. This is a beautiful place, but we don’t want him here,” Pearson said.

He continued to shine a light on how Trump hasn’t done much to help the city. “He hasn’t actually helped contribute any of the necessary resources to reduce poverty; he’s a racist, posted racist images of Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, the first lady and president of the United States, as apes,” Pearson said.

He then referenced the growing conflict in Iran, calling it “unwinnable.” “This man is using us, and anyone who has a sense of who he truly is doesn’t need to stand there and instead needs to be with the community tomorrow as we protest, as we speak up, and we fight to end the unsafe task force.”

@realjustinjpearson
Trump is not welcome to Memphis, Mane! And he can take his unsafe task force with him when he leaves. We want poverty eradication and real investment in Memphis, not military occupation.
♬ original sound – JustinJPearson

Prior to, Pearson, who is running for U.S. Senate, issued a flier for a protest rally on the same date as the president’s arrival to the beat of Crime Mob’s famous “Knuck If You Buck” song.

Trump is scheduled to meet for a roundtable discussion regarding the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF), mentioned by Pearson, almost six months after the National Guard made its mark in the city. Labeling Memphis as one of the most dangerous U.S. cities, Trump claims it’s because of the task force that crime has gone down.

According to Action News 5, the task force has made over 7,200 arrests, seized close to 1,200 illegal firearms, and located 150 missing children since the task force’s launch. Crime has seen a 45% decrease overall.

While the Shelby County Republican Party held a welcome party, with supporters showing up with signs, Rep. Steve Cohen, who Pearson hopes to unseat in the upcoming election, seems to agree with his opponent and former intern, saying it’s time for the task force and National Guard to go.

“We don’t need ICE and we don’t need national guard,” Cohen said.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 23, 2026

Black Models On ‘The Price Is Right’ Say They Faced ‘Raging’ Racism From Bob Barker And Fans

The longtime game show "The Price Is Right" is facing allegations of racism during Bob Barker’s tenure as host.

Kathleen Bradley, the first full-time Black model on The Price Is Right, along with her successor Claudia Jordan, are speaking out about the “raging” racism they say they faced on the long-running game show from fans, producers, and former host Bob Barker.

Bradley, Jordan, and other former “Barker Beauties” open up in the new E! docuseries Dirty Rotten Scandals, revealing they faced racist fan mail, slurs spoken behind their backs, and what they describe as blatant racism from Barker, Entertainment Weekly reports.

“As time went on, at some point it got back to me that some of the fans were writing negative things about me being on the show, as a Black model,” Bradley said. “[It was] just not a good feeling. …And one of the members of the production team brought to my attention that, inside a production meeting, when models weren’t in there, they would use the N-word.”

”I think people should know the truth—the good, the bad, and the ugly,” she added.

Fellow The Price Is Right alum Holly Hallstrom recalled an incident in which Barker’s alleged racism contributed to a heated clash with co-star Dian Parkinson, who had an affair with him following his wife’s death and during his later relationship with Nancy Burnett. According to Hallstrom, tensions escalated in part because Parkinson dated celebrities, “including several Black men.” She added that the racial undertones didn’t surprise her, given Barker’s background as an older white man.

“[Burnett] said, ‘Oh my gosh, Bob has no idea that he’s had sex with a woman who has had sex with Black men. Bob has always said that Black men are the most diseased people on Earth,” Hallstrom recalled.

A decade after Bradley, Jordan became the second Black “Barker’s Beauty,” but the racism on set hadn’t changed. In the documentary, she claims producer Phil Wayne made racially charged remarks and alleges he also sexually harassed her.

”’Let’s make a reverse Oreo, Claudia, you get in the middle of the two white models,'” Jordan recalled him saying to her. “Or [he’d] tell me I’m the ‘ass model’ because stereotypically, Black women have a larger behind—and I guess that’s why he wanted to grab and feel it.”

Jordan claimed the show’s alleged bias extended to contestants, describing “a darker side” behind the scenes. She said producers leaned into negative stereotypes when selecting participants and alleged there was a limit of two Black contestants at a time—an order she attributed to Barker—with cards marked to indicate their race. She added it was “pretty sad,” recalling moments when Barker would appear to pull away from Black contestants who tried to hug him.

Barker, who died in 2023 at the age of 99, hosted the show from 1972 until his retirement in 2007. In response to the documentary’s explosive claims, Barker’s longtime representative, Roger Neal, denied any allegations of sexual misconduct involving Barker or the show.

”Barker was and is beloved, and people to this day love him,” Neal said. “He was part of the fabric of American pop culture. He was the greatest MC in TV history. I was honored to have represented him.”

by Kandiss Edwards

March 23, 2026

‘African American Gold Coast’ Home Formerly Owned By Lena Horne Under Contract for $1.2M

The Addisleigh Park residence, once owned by legendary entertainer and civil rights icon Lena Horne, has sold for $1.2 million.

The Addisleigh Park residence in St. Albans, Queens, once owned by legendary entertainer and civil rights icon Lena Horne, is under contract for $1.2 million.

The recent news involving the Tudor-style home in a once-Black enclave was announced in March 2026 by Architectural Digest. The sale is being handled by Matthew Wynter of Brown Harris Stevens, who emphasized that the property’s value lies as much in its “X-factor” provenance as its physical structure. Camille Chin-Kee-Fatt has owned the home since 2004. Both she and Wynter spoke with Mansion Global about the home’s value and eventual sale. Chin-Kee-Fatt expressed a commitment to finding a “responsible steward” who would honor the home’s place in the Civil Rights narrative.

“Regardless of whether you knew the legacy of who lived there, this house has a magnetic pull,” Wynter stated. “The fact that so much of the fabric of this community still exists is a reflection of history that continues to inspire.” The $1.2 million price point reflects the growing market interest in Addisleigh Park, where homes are rarely listed and often pass through generations within the same families.

Horne lived in the St. Albans home from 1946 to 1962, a period when the neighborhood, nicknamed the African American Gold Coast, served as a sanctuary for the Black elite during widespread segregation. The 2,287-square-foot property includes six bedrooms and retains much of its original architectural details, including wooden banisters and a vintage credenza Horne reportedly left behind for the subsequent owners.

June 30, 1917 — Actress, singer and civil rights activist Lena Horne was born in New York. pic.twitter.com/1XsYdpTLMj
— MoorInfo (@MoorInformation) June 30, 2023

Addisleigh Park earned its Gold Coast moniker in the 1940s and 50s when it became a premier destination for Black luminaries who were often barred from other affluent New York suburbs. The neighborhood’s transformation was a hard-fought victory against restrictive covenants that often barred Black homeownership in high-end neighborhoods, according to Untapped New York. Residents in the area included African American elite and cultural icons. Horne’s neighbors included jazz royalty like Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, and Fats Waller. Additionally, sports icons Jackie Robinson and Joe Louis. During her time there, the home of Lena Horne was known as a center of hospitality; local lore even recalls the star serving hot chocolate to neighborhood children during the winter holidays.

The newest owners of the 1935-built gem have inherited a piece of “Black Hollywood East” that remains one of the most historically and culturally significant residential neighborhoods in the United States.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 23, 2026

Shilo Sanders Returns To Jackson State For First Time Since Leaving The University

The safety also took the stage with the school's marching band, Sonic Boom of the South

Former Jackson State University (JSU) player Shilo Sanders returned to the college where he once played football for an event geared toward high school students to encourage them to make the right decisions during prom season in Mississippi. The visit marks his first time on campus since he left to play with his father in Colorado.

The school posted on social media about his recent appearance on March 21 at the P.R.O.M. (Please Return on Monday) promise event, held with the Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition. The event drew hundreds of students from local Jackson Public Schools.

The video clip shows the former student-athlete taking the stage with the school’s band, Sonic Boom of the South. He is also seen having a one-on-one discussion on stage, speaking to the audience.

Welcome back home, @shilosanders! 🐅💙

Shilo Sanders made a special guest appearance for the P.R.O.M. (Please Return On Monday) Promise event hosted by JSU’s Metro Jackson Community Prevention Coalition, encouraging hundreds of high school students to be safe during prom. pic.twitter.com/HxG81Zo2HK
— Jackson State U. (@JacksonStateU) March 20, 2026

While Sanders was back on campus, he livestreamed his appearance on his Twitch channel, and he posted the footage to his YouTube account. He is seen arriving on campus, meeting with school personnel, and appearing on stage with the Sonic Boom of the South, where he had an impromptu catch-up with two of the band members before they took the stage.

Sanders, who was cut from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the end of the NFL preseason, has stayed in touch with players from JSU. Last June, he gifted the football team brand-new Apple Watches.

While playing for Colorado, under the guidance of his father and NFL Hall of Fame coach, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, he started 19 games in 2023 and 2024. He totaled 134 tackles, forced five fumbles, and recorded one sack and an interception that he returned for a touchdown. He left the school to follow his father, who went on to coach at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he is preparing to start his fourth year.

Brandy Norwood, Cinderella, cinderella, descendants, rise of red, money, Disney, Disney original

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 23, 2026

The Vocal Bible Ascends: Brandy To Be Immortalized On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

The singer will receive the 2,839th star on the famed walkway

Brandy is slated to receive the 2,839th star when she is presented with a spot on the famed Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 30.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced that the “Moesha” star will be honored when she receives her star in the recording category. The emcee for the ceremony will be Sibley Scoles, and the guest speakers for the singer will be Issa Rae and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds.

“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome performer Brandy to the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame producer, said in a written statement. “Brandy has captivated audiences for decades with a voice and artistry that helped shape modern R&B and inspire generations of performers. Honoring her with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a celebration of not only her extraordinary music career but also her lasting impact on television, film, and popular culture. We are proud to welcome Brandy to this iconic sidewalk that celebrates the very best of entertainment.”

The talented singer and actress was recently honored in January at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles by the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective. She received the Black Music Icon Award, which honors Black music creators whose artistry, innovation, and service have shaped the industry and inspired generations worldwide. Also honored that evening were Kirk Franklin and Pharrell Williams.

On March 20, Brandy posted on social media that she had been announced as a performer at the Roots Picnic, scheduled to take place at the historic Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park on May 30 and 31. She is one of the featured artists taking the stage that weekend. Along with the Philadelphia hip-hop band The Roots, other announced performers include Erykah Badu, T.I., Jermaine Dupri, Kehlani, De La Soul, and the headliner, JAŸ-Z.

So excited to hit the stage at the legendary Roots Picnic… a celebration of music, culture, and pure soul.

Grateful to share this moment with such incredible artists. Let’s make it unforgettable. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/VAvkdYhLHb
— b r a n d y (@4everBrandy) March 20, 2026

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 23, 2026

Inside Zohran Mamdani’s $80 Million Capital Infusion For NYC’s Small Business Class

The initiative stems from a 2025 pilot as a way to decrease borrowing thresholds for small business owners, reduce interest rates and introduce more flexible repayment structures in effort to assist with growth.

Why diversity, equity, and inclusion may be dying in other spaces and places, in New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is keeping DEI alive to make sure entrepreneurship thrives by allocating $80 million to the city’s small business loan program, BK Reader reports.

NYC Future Fund, a city-supported loan program to make financing more accessible to small businesses across the five boroughs, recently received a huge relaunch from the city’s youngest mayor, as he hopes to expand access to capital for entrepreneurs, including immigrant-, minority-, and women-owned businesses, who over the years have faced several barriers.

“Small businesses are the backbone of New York City’s economy and the heart of our neighborhoods,” Mamdani said, according to Patch.

“But many entrepreneurs — especially immigrant and working-class New Yorkers — have been locked out of the affordable capital they need to grow.”

The initiative stems from a 2025 pilot to lower borrowing thresholds for small business owners, reduce interest rates, and introduce more flexible repayment structures, in an effort to support growth.

The relaunch allows business owners to apply for loans starting at $25,000, down from the previous minimum of $100,500. Interest rates have gone down from 9% to 7.5%, and repayment terms are now based on revenue. Rates go as low as two percent of monthly income.

The minimum annual revenue threshold has been reduced from $300,000 to $50,000, giving newer and lower-income businesses a shot at applying. City officials say the relaunch is all based on constructive feedback from business owners in addition to addressing financial gaps.“ The NYC Future Fund shows what the government can do when it listens to small businesses and acts on what it hears,” Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su said.

“By offering more loan options, lower interest rates, and flexible repayment terms, the city is expanding access to capital at a time when the affordability crisis is putting real strain on entrepreneurs,” Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kenny Minaya said.

Minaya appeared in a video with Mamdani to announce the fund and explain why it’s so important. “Whether you’re serving the finest homemade Sancocho in the five boroughs or you’re the bike shop that’s always there for the neighborhood, small businesses are the beating heart of our city’s culture,” he said.

Send this to a small business who deserves all the funds.

Applications are open for the NYC Future Fund: a loan program with affordable, flexible financing for seasonal and growing small businesses.

Apply now at https://t.co/x5lhcpN4Q9 pic.twitter.com/N2jIOZoXHc
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) March 17, 2026

Before the relaunch, the program’s earlier pilot was supported by funding from JPMorgan Chase and TD Bank, with a total of $1.2 million available for distribution to only four businesses. Now, with support from the city, the program can expand to the five boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and The Bronx, reaching underserved communities that deserve support.

Applications are now open for small businesses.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 23, 2026

Black Woman Wins $15M Discrimination Suit After Supervisor Allegedly Called Her ‘Entitled N-Word’

Wilson received $15.4 million in damages as the jury ruled in her favor after one day of deliberation.

A Black woman won over $15 million in a racial discrimination lawsuit after her supervisor allegedly called her an “entitled n-word.”

La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson teamed up with a co-worker to sue the city of Fresno in 2019, citing workplace discrimination that occurred a year earlier. Wilson says she experienced wrongful treatment due to her race from her supervisor, Howard Lacy, at the city’s code enforcement department.

A jury ruled in favor of Wilson, awarding her $15.4 million in damages, as reported by The Root. Now, Wilson says that the department has been “exposed” for its racist treatment of Black employees. The awarded plaintiff claimed that she endured the “angry Black woman” stereotype, with one exchange between her co-worker, Charles Smith, and Lacy being enough for the jury to validate her claims.

Despite having a bigger check than she ever did working for Fresno, she says she paid for it with the experiences she underwent at the city department.

“We look at the huge number, but nobody looked at the huge price I paid,” she told reporters at the GV Wire.

The complaint detailed how Lacy allegedly called Wilson an “entitled N-word” who used her Blackness to her advantage. Smith also detailed in the complaint that the manager called Wilson “lazy” and a “piece of sh*t.”

However, Lacy denied the accusations during his testimony, claiming that an internal investigation found that he never said such offensive words. Despite the claims, Wilson remained adamant that he did use such profanities to describe her, calling out the department as well for allegedly trying to cover up his actions.

Smith and Wilson’s legal team noted how Lacy never faced any repercussions following the investigation. Despite the lack of consequences at the office, the California jury decided to administer its own justice for Wilson. They came to a verdict after one day of deliberation, holding the city of Fresno accountable for its treatment of the Black woman employee.

“We proved our case, and the city of Fresno never took this case seriously,” Wilson’s attorney said. “They fought it for over seven years in court, and we finally had our day in court and justice prevailed.”

However, the legal fight may wage on. Fresno leaders hinted at appealing the verdict, especially as the payout would mark a huge dent in the city’s budget.

culture atlanta, consigner, seller, shoe, Cumberland mall, Cobb county, burglary, robbery, theft

by Ahsan Washington

March 23, 2026

Sneaker Heads: Black Women Who Branded Their Own Sneaker Line

These women lead athlete-founded startups and independent design studios

Black women are very much a part of the multibillion-dollar sneaker market. They have endorsed, designed, and branded footwear that combines cultural elements with essential performance features. These women lead athlete-founded startups and independent design studios, creating brands that transform the story of ownership, representation, and innovation in sneaker culture. The following list features Black women who lead sneaker brands with intentional impact. During Women’s History Month, BLACK ENTERPRISE celebrates their historical achievements and ongoing progress.

Allyson Felix, Saysh

Allyson Felix, the most decorated U.S. track and field athlete in history, founded footwear brand Saysh. The Saysh One sneaker is the brand’s first product, a women-focused lifestyle and sneaker brand that creates footwear to address design disparities in athletic shoes. Saysh began operations in 2021 after Felix ended her contract with Nike. Felix established Saysh to create a women-focused brand that supports women’s health and performance while building community, following her work to secure maternal protections and fair treatment for female athletes. Saysh operates from the United States, processing direct-to-consumer sales through its online platform.

Brittney Perry, PerryCo Shoes

In 2018, Brittney Perry established PerryCo Shoes in the United States to produce minimalist sneakers that defy conventional footwear standards through gender-neutral design. The brand emerged to fill design voids. Perry Co is an inclusive footwear brand with versatile everyday sneakers and a purposeful mission.

Angela Simmons & Vanessa Simmons – Pastry Shoes

Angela and Vanessa Simmons founded Pastry Shoes in 2007, creating one of the first widely distributed sneaker brands owned by Black women. Pastry footwear designs catered to performance, combining fashion elements to attract dancers and young buyers seeking expressive, functional sneakers. The brand achieved worldwide retail distribution through Foot Locker and other major outlets.

Angel Reese – Reebok Signature Line

In 2024, WNBA star and NCAA champion Angel Reese signed a multi-year deal with Reebok to launch her own signature sneaker line, marking a major achievement in women’s basketball footwear. The partnership demonstrates increased investment in women athletes, seeks to enhance representation in performance sneakers, and places Reese among a limited group of players who receive signature shoe recognition.

A’ja Wilson – Nike Signature Sneaker

WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist A’ja Wilson landed a signature sneaker agreement with Nike and released her first model in 2025, making her part of the exclusive group of athletes with branded footwear. The partnership includes worldwide distribution and demonstrates Nike’s growing commitment to women’s basketball while working to boost the representation of Black women in performance sneaker markets.

Teyana Taylor, Air Jordan Collaborations

Actress, singer, and choreographer Teyana Taylor worked with Jordan Brand to create several sneaker collections, which received major attention in 2023 and 2024, with her latest collaboration being the Rose Jordan 3. Her work introduced Black female creative direction to the Air Jordan brand by merging its performance legacy with lifestyle narratives, broadening cultural diversity within one of the most powerful sneaker brands.

Cardi B – Reebok Collaboration

Since 2018, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has teamed up with Reebok to create sneaker and apparel collections. The partnership between Reebok and Cardi B was created to connect with female customers and bring Reebok back into lifestyle sneaker discussions. Cardi B’s cultural impact increased market visibility and consumer engagement.

Rihanna – Fenty x Puma

Music and fashion icon Rihanna joined Puma as creative director to produce the Fenty x Puma sneaker line in 2015, and relaunched it in 2023, achieving worldwide commercial success. The partnership rendered stylish sneaker designs that attracted female buyers to Puma, thus expanding the brand’s market presence while strengthening Rihanna’s status as a fashion and footwear innovator.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 23, 2026

Don’t Sweat It, Black Business Student Creates ‘Washletics’ Detergent For Activewear Odors

A Black business student at Duke University decided to address a "boring" laundry problem with a meaningful solution.

For those with smelly gym clothes, one Black business student has launched a game-changing detergent with you in mind.

As a first-year MBA student at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, Adrian Abrams had plans to bring his own ideas to the startup world. The 29-year-old pupil recently launched Washletics, a detergent with clean ingredients that removes deep sweat odors from activewear.

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A post shared by @washletics

The idea came from his creation of a personalized detergent. However, how exactly he would grow the business remained a mystery.

He returned to school for another chance at his entrepreneurial ambitions, applying coursework to his own business strategy. As Washletics came to fruition, classmates became his startup’s first customers.

His plan for the sweat-focused product secured Abrams a top prize at the Duke Venture Capital (DVG) Pitch Competition this semester. Now, he plans to scale operations to take Washletics to washing machines nationwide.

“Adrian, it just’ works,” he told the Duke Fuqua blog about his clas smates’ reaction.

How it works, however, is by skipping the extra steps of scent beads and other deodorizers. Instead, Washletics features an odor-targeting enzyme blend to remove odors from sweat-heavy items. Noting that most detergents leave behind the oil and bacteria produced by sweat on clothes, these enzymes eliminate the unwanted residue, resulting in truly fresh activewear for the next workout session.

Washletics also bypasses the heavy dyes used in many name-brand detergents, creating an all-natural solution to an issue that plagues athletes and active adults. With his mission to revolutionize clothing care and address lingering smells, Abrams is also focused on tailoring his project for a technological future.

“There’s a lot of momentum around Washletics right now, but what excites me most is the bigger picture,” he exclusively tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “I want to be part of a generation of Black founders that uses emerging technologies like AI to rethink and innovate in categories that have been overlooked for decades. Some of the biggest opportunities aren’t in flashy products. They’re in everyday essentials that haven’t meaningfully evolved. My goal is to build in that space and show what’s possible when you apply new tools to ‘boring’ problems.”

Abrams plans to use his upcoming degree to shape Washletics’ vision, using the knowledge he gains to further his business and expand his customer base. As he sets out to dominate household shelves, the detergent’s foundational formula is now available for pre-order.

Black Women’s Health Imperative, Her Health Challenge

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 23, 2026

Black Men Leaders In Atlanta Lend Voice To Black Women’s Health Imperative Challenge

The movement for Black men to champion Black women's health has begun with male leaders in Atlanta.

Black men leaders in Atlanta are standing up for Black women’s health with a new challenge.

These local leaders have partnered with the Black Women’s Health Imperative for the “Her Health” Challenge. The educational call to action inspires men to join the fight to reduce health disparities affecting Black women.

As Black women face unique health challenges, from maternal mortality to aggressive breast cancer diagnoses, Black Women’s Health Imperative has called on men to join the fight for advocacy. Atlanta trailblazers such as One Musicfest Founder Jason J. Carter and The Gathering Spot Co-founder Ryan Wilson are leading this new campaign, using their platforms to shed light on Black women’s health.

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A post shared by BWHI (@blkwomenshealth)

BWHI detailed how the Her Health Challenge fosters community by having Black men share a photo or video of the Black women they honor. While donations to BWHI’s efforts and programming are also encouraged, the Her Health challenge aims to showcase how Black women’s health requires everyone’s support, with Black men bringing the cause to their social circles.

To further support Black men’s participation in the challenge, BWHI also released a resource guide titled “In Her Corner: A Man’s Playbook for Supporting Women’s Health.” The guide offers tools and guidance to help Black men support their loved ones when they face health challenges. Specifically tailored to the unique health experiences of Black families, this resource will aid Black men as they become educated pillars of support for any woman in their lives facing a new diagnosis or health scare.

For these participating leaders, the decision to champion this movement is personal. Wanting to help Black women in their lives and beyond get the resources and prevention treatments they need, these advocates are proud to support an organization that serves a greater purpose.

“I’m participating in honor of my grandmother, Evelyn Frozine Hughey, who passed away from breast cancer in 1967 before I had the chance to meet her,” Wilson said. “My mother lost her mom when she was young, and growing up, I understood how much that absence meant. That’s why supporting Black women’s health is so important to me.“

While it begins in Atlanta, the challenge serves as a nationwide call to action, especially during a turbulent political time. With funding rollbacks on programs dedicated to health equity and access, BWHI has taken matters into its own hands, with Black men joining the ongoing fight to improve Black women’s health statistics.

“The landscape is shifting beneath our feet, yet BWHI is holding steady,” said Joy D. Calloway, President and CEO of the Black Women’s Health Imperative.

“Our mission to solve the most critical health issues facing Black women and girls does not stop when others’ priorities shift. This campaign is a direct response to this moment. Men have always had influence. When they add their voices, their networks, and their resources to this critical work, we all move forward together.”

The Her Health challenge will run until August 2026, giving participants time in the coming months to educate and inspire others to step up for the Black women they love.