“There is not one Yeezy shoe left. It has all been sold, and that episode is behind us.”
The chief financial officer of sports apparel company Adidas stated in a recent earnings report that Adidas no longer has Yeezy items in its inventory.
According to Rolling Stone, Adidas’ partnership with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, ended in October 2022, and the company has finally sold the last of the remaining Yeezy merchandise.
Adidas chief financial officer Harm Ohlmeyer confirmed that there are no more Yeezys, marking the end of the Adidas/Yeezy partnership that started in 2013.
“There is not one Yeezy shoe left. It has all been sold, and that episode is behind us.”
The apparel brand canceled its deal with the controversial music producer after he appeared in a since-deleted Drink Champs podcast practically daring the company to act when he stated, “I can say anti-Semitic things, and Adidas can’t drop me. Now what?”
Adidas called his bluff and ended the partnership with the Chicago artist.
“Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech. Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful, and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect, and fairness.”
“After a thorough review, the company has taken the decision to terminate the partnership with Ye immediately, end production of Yeezy branded products, and stop all payments to Ye and his companies. Adidas will stop the Adidas Yeezy business with immediate effect.”
In October 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that the sneaker brand reached an out-of-court settlement with the music producer. The agreement negated all legal claims between Ye and Adidas. That deal came two years after Adidas ended its partnership with the fashion designer, who had been in business with them since 2013.
Ye was involved in another controversy when he was selling a T-shirt featuring a swastika on his Yeezy website. Right after the Super Bowl, he removed Yeezy items to sell the offensive T-shirt with the anti-Jewish hate symbol.
Organizers Ready to Commemorate 60th Anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday’
Selma, Alabama, has a population less than 20,000 people.
As organizers welcome thousands of visitors to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama, planners say 2025 feels different.
“This year feels heavy, especially here in Alabama,” Tafeni English-Relf, director of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Alabama Office, tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.
Selma has a population of less than 20,000 people. However, it has a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.
On March 7, 1965, nearly 600 peaceful protestors began marching from Selma to Montgomery to confront Governor George Wallace. Led by Hosea Williams and John Lewis, advocates were fed up with lack of justice for Jimmie Lee Jackson.
Alabama State Trooper James Bonard Fowler shot and killed the 26-year-old Baptist deacon during a civil rights protest in Marion, Alabama. In addition to protesting Jackson’s death, demonstrators protested the violation of their constitutional right to vote.
However, marchers from Selma were met with hostile law enforcement at the east end of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. Following Wallace’s orders, law enforcement told marches they had two minutes to disperse.
Williams asked to speak to the officer who had given the command, but the officer refused. Moments later, the commanding officer ordered state troopers to advance. Demonstrators were spat on, attacked with billy clubs and bullwhips, and overrun by horses. More than 50 people were hospitalized, including Lewis.
The attack is known as Bloody Sunday.
Fighting Forward In Selma
A little more than a week after Bloody Sunday in Selma, President Lyndon B. Johnson introduced voting rights legislation to protect the constitutional right to vote. He signed it into law on August 6, 1965.
“Since we’re centering Selma and the 60th anniversary of the bridge crossing, we have seen in Alabama since the Shelby County v. Holder case, the rapid rollback of voting rights legislation that was passed in 1965,” says English-Relf. “We’re [also] seeing lawmakers across the Deep South and across the nation continue to propose, pass, and adopt anti-voter bills into law that are hurting people in the South.”
According to English-Relf, this year’s commemoration theme is “Reimagining Democracy: A Call To Action.” The week will be filled with a series of events and workshops to engage voters throughout Alabama, especially high school and college students.
“It is so important that we convene young people, establish coalitions, and remind them that young people had a significant role in moving this country forward in the past and they can do that now,” English-Relf adds.
There will also be cultural celebrations, the annual wreath laying ceremony, which has been in place since John Lewis’ death. Guests will then convene on Alabama Capital Steps with a number of local organizations, including the ACLU of Alabama, Faith in Action, Alabama Arise, the Local Fair Housing Center.
“We will continue to fight back against these anti-democracy laws that deny communities of color an equal voice in government. We know that education is under attack, so we will fight against those, those types of things right, equal funding for education and equal investment in the infrastructure of the Deep South.”
Smollett and Bell finalized their divorce in 2021. Despite receiving a large settlement, Bell wants more. The musician is asking for half of the Lovecraft Country actress’ 401(k) and Screen Actors Guild pension. The couple married and divorced in California, where community property laws apply to couples who have been together for 10 years or more. Smollett and Bell’s divorce plan administrator has been instructed to transfer half of her retirement to Bell. It is unclear if the actress will appeal.
Smollett, a veteran actress who has worked in the industry since infancy, has been building her 401(k) and SAG pension since before the marriage. California law mandates an equal split of assets acquired during the marriage, but a portion of Smollett’s was accrued before. Smollett’s marriage began in 2010, meaning she had been building her assets for close to 30 years before the relationship. Documents obtained by The Neighborhood Talk reveal the child star currently pays Bell $7,000 in monthly child support and alimony. He also received $1 million as part of the divorce package.
Social media is up in arms over the turn of events. Fans are expressing disdain for Bell’s actions, noting the beloved actress has been working for decades. One X user went so far as to call Bell a “loser.”
Another user posted on X, using the situation to highlight the importance of a prenuptial agreement.
“Protect your assets with a prenuptial agreement or a postnuptial agreement. Without a prenup, family court judges in California follow community property guidelines,” the post read.
While Smollett’s personal life is complicated, her acting career is thriving. The veteran actress currently stars in We Grown Now, streaming on Netflix. The film is critically acclaimed and has earned three Spirit Award nominations and a Chicago International Film Festival Award for Best Picture.
Walmart Brings Health Advocates To BE’s Women Of Power Summit To Provide Health Screenings
The 2025 BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit will be held March 5-9 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
At this year’s Women of Power Summit, Walmart is partnering with the Black Heart Association (BHA), Bexa, and 4Kira4Moms to provide free health screenings, education, and critical resources. The collaborative effort aims to address some of the most pressing health disparities facing Black communities by making healthcare more accessible and empowering attendees with life-saving information.
Walmart’s Commitment to Community Health
Walmart offers free vision screenings and shares information about prescription delivery services. This initiative is designed to help attendees prioritize their health, remove barriers to essential care, and encourage proactive wellness habits.
Walmart isn’t working alone. To expand the impact of this event, the retail giant is teaming up with some of the nation’s leading health advocates.
Meet the Partners
Bexa: Revolutionizing Breast Health Screening
Bexa brings its innovative, non-invasive breast screening technology to the event. Unlike traditional mammograms, Bexa exams are radiation-free, painless, and provide immediate results. These features make it easier for women to prioritize breast health without fear or inconvenience.
Tiara Neal, Executive Director of the Bexa Equity Alliance, will be on-site to oversee the screenings. “We’re committed to breaking down barriers to breast health care,” Neal said. “Access to early detection can save lives, and that’s what we’re here to provide.”
Dr. Monique Gray, Bexa’s Chief Medical Officer and BEA Board Co-chair, explained the organization’s dedication to helping Black women find better ways to screen for breast cancer.
“Early detection is key for improving survival and helping all women lead the lives they desire. If we are truly committed to health equity, it must be accurate, accessible and, most importantly, adopted in under-resourced communities, suitable for those with dense breasts, and able to help women feel empowered along their preventive health journey. We listened to women, and they told us, ’It’s time for a better breast exam. It’s time for Bexa,”
Black Heart Association: Fighting Heart Health Disparities
The Black Heart Association, founded by Tara Robinson, a heart attack survivor, focuses on addressing heart health disparities in Black communities. The organization is hosting several free screenings at the event, including tests for blood pressure, cholesterol, A1C levels, kidney function, and Lipoprotein(a), a marker of cardiovascular risk.
Robinson emphasized the urgency of their mission. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Black communities, but it’s also preventable. By equipping people with education and tools to understand their risks, we can save lives,” she said.
The BHA’s mobile unit, part of its Vehicle for Change program, allows the organization to provide the most needed services at churches, schools, and community gatherings. The organization’s reach continues to grow, and in 2024, it plans to expand from Dallas to Houston.
4Kira4Moms: Advocating for Maternal Health
4Kira4Moms is addressing another critical issue — maternal health disparities. The organization, named in honor of Kira Johnson, a mother who died due to preventable complications after childbirth, is dedicated to improving outcomes for Black mothers.
Representatives from 4Kira4Moms will educate attendees about the stark realities of maternal mortality and advocate for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies. Their work highlights the importance of viewing maternal health as a fundamental human rights issue.
Addressing the Disparities
Black communities face some of the most significant health disparities in the nation. Consider these statistics:
Heart disease rates are 33% higher for Black individuals compared to the overall U.S. population.
Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
Many Black adults under 65 are uninsured or underinsured, limiting access to preventive care.
Even when insurance isn’t a barrier, bias and discrimination in healthcare settings discourage many people of color from seeking care. Events like this one aim to bridge the gap by creating safe, accessible spaces for health education and screenings.
Health Education at the Forefront
Education is a key component of this year’s Women of Power event. Each participating organization brings expertise to empower attendees with knowledge that can lead to healthier lives.
Walmart’s vision and pharmacy education services help participants take charge of their eye health and manage prescriptions efficiently. Meanwhile, BHA offers resources to help people understand their heart disease risk factors, emphasizing that 80% of heart disease cases are preventable with early intervention.
Bexa’s breast health screenings provide an alternative to traditional mammograms, while 4Kira4Moms sheds light on maternal health issues, equipping attendees with tools to advocate for themselves and their loved ones.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
Events like this demonstrate the power of partnerships in addressing systemic health challenges. Walmart’s resources, combined with the expertise of BHA, Bexa, and 4Kira4Moms, amplify the impact of these critical services.
“Our collective goal is to make health resources more accessible to those who need them most,” said a Walmart representative. “By working together, we’re not just addressing health disparities—we’re empowering people to live healthier lives.”
The event offers attendees more than screenings. It’s an opportunity to connect with experts, ask questions, and better understand how to prioritize their health.
About the Organizations
Walmart
Known for its dedication to communities, Walmart provides affordable healthcare services, ensuring people have access to essential resources close to home.
Black Heart Association
BHA is on a mission to eliminate heart health disparities in Black communities. Its innovative programs, such as Vehicle for Change and Black Heart University, focus on prevention and education to save lives.
Bexa
Bexa is transforming breast health with a painless, radiation-free screening tool that makes early detection more accessible and less intimidating.
4Kira4Moms
This maternal health advocacy group is fighting for systemic changes to improve outcomes for Black mothers, viewing maternal mortality as a human rights issue.
Looking Ahead
The Women of Power event highlights how community-focused initiatives can make a lasting impact. This collaboration addresses critical health disparities head-on by uniting Walmart, BHA, Bexa, and 4Kira4Moms, providing education and services that could save lives.
Visit these organizations’ websites or follow them on social media to learn more about their missions. Together, they’re paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future.
Beyoncé Gisselle Knowles has made a name for herself. She found fame as the lead singer of Destiny's Child, one of the most successful girl groups of all time, but after launching her solo career in 2003, she became a global icon. As a solo artist, she has earned most of her wealth from music and live performances. In 2008, she established Parkwood Entertainment, a production company that handles her music, film, and fashion projects. At the moment, Beyoncé's net worth is estimated at $760 million: (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Call In The Cavalry! ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tickets Sales Lag, Insider Claims
Beyonce, we ain't got it.
Beyoncé announced her Cowboy Carter tour last month, but ticket sales are not moving as quickly as expected.
According to Ticketmaster and StubHub, tickets for all shows on the Cowboy Carter tour are still available. This is in stark contrast to her 2023 Renaissance Tour when tickets sold out within minutes in some locations.
Ticket sales are especially underwhelming in the UK, where the Megastar will perform six shows at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Times reported that Ticketmaster was prepared for heavy website traffic when tickets went on sale in the UK on Feb 14, The London Times reported. But the cyber stampede never came.
One industry insider claims that Beyoncé’s latest album didn’t wow her fans.
“Her fanbase did not like ‘Cowboy Carter’ —they were not impressed,” the insider told NewsNation. The insider also suggested that fans are still recovering from Renaissance ticket purchases.
“They just blew their wad seeing her two years ago…Bad economics right now,” the insider claimed.
The King Of Reads, a YouTuber, also blames the economy for the slower ticket sales. The social media star, whose real name is Justin James, says he believes people have less disposable income in this economy.
“The responses to the ‘Cowboy Carter Tour’ offer valuable insights into the current economic state, “ James wrote on X.
The responses to the ‘Cowboy Carter Tour’ offer valuable insights into the current economic state. When was that time you saw a fan mention a Beyoncé savings account?
What does it say when more of us now rely on Klarna, Afterpay, and credit cards for purchasing tickets? pic.twitter.com/Bm4wgeLJO8
Two years ago, Beyoncé made history on her Renaissance tour by grossing over $500 million in ticket sales.
Released in March of 2024, The Cowboy Carter album earned the megastar her first Album Of The Year Grammy Award. The country-fusion project also won Best Country Album, making the star the first Black artist to win. The song “II Most Wanted” won the Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group performance.
The Cowboy Carter tour has 29 dates, including stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Beyoncé’s hometown of Houston. Tickets range from $76 to $4,000 plus service fees.
Sike! CDC Rescinds Termination Emails For 180 Employees, ‘You Should Return To Duty’
The CDC is asking about 180 recently terminated employees to return to work.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reversed 180 recent terminations and is now requesting the affected employees to return to work.
Current and former CDC employees disclosed that emails were sent on Tuesday, March 4, to probationary employees who had been laid off two weeks prior, The AP reported. With a subject line urging them to “Read this e-mail immediately,” the message informed staff that, “after further review and consideration,” their Feb. 15 termination notice had been rescinded, and they were cleared to return to work on Wednesday.
“You should return to duty under your previous work schedule,” the email stated. “We apologize for any disruption that this may have caused.”
Approximately 180 individuals received reinstatement emails, according to two federal health officials who were briefed on the matter but spoke anonymously. It remains unclear how many of those employees returned to work on Wednesday or whether they will be affected by the widespread job cuts expected across government agencies in the near future.
Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock welcomed the reinstatements but said they are not enough amid massive federal job cuts.
“Today’s announcement is a welcome relief, but until all fired CDC employees are restored, our country’s public health and national security will continue to be at risk,” Warnock said Wednesday.
The Atlanta-based organization, responsible for protecting Americans from outbreaks and other public health threats, employed about 13,000 people before the cuts. Last month, the Trump administration informed the CDC that nearly 1,300 of its probationary employees would be laid off. However, the actual number of terminations turned out to be around 700 to 750. With 180 people now reinstated, the current number of CDC employees terminated appears to be roughly 550, though this figure has not been officially confirmed.
The CDC is the latest federal agency to reverse terminations made as part of cost-cutting measures under Donald Trump and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leader Elon Musk. Other federal agencies that have reinstated terminated staff include those overseeing medical devices, food safety, bird flu response, nuclear weapons, and national parks.
Last week, Musk acknowledged that DOGE will make mistakes but emphasized the commitment to quickly address and correct them.
“I should say we’ll also make mistakes. We won’t be perfect. But when we make mistakes, we will fix it very quickly,” Musk said during a cabinet meeting.
“So, for example, with USAID, one of the things we accidentally canceled very, very briefly was Ebola, Ebola prevention. I think we all want Ebola prevention, so we restored the Ebola prevention, and there was no interruption.”
The leadership guidance website People Managing People released a 2025 report on which states have the best and worst workplace cultures. Analysts used a weighted composite score based on 24 metrics, including average salary, average number of paid holidays, and quit rate. Based on the findings, states with major cities dominate the top spots.
The top 10 states with the best workplace culture include the District of Columbia, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Washington, California, Ohio, and Maryland. The 10 states with the lowest workplace culture ranking are Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.
The results found that midwestern and northeastern states are most likely to foster positive workplace cultures. The District of Columbia may not be a state, but the U.S. capital and federal district is where workers generally enjoy higher salaries, lower quit rates, and fewer hours worked. New York and Illinois came in second and third, thanks in part to their state policies that protect workers and promote higher wages.
On the other hand, the worst states for workplace culture were found in the western and southern regions, with mountain states like Wyoming and Montana particularly underperforming among workers. These two states had some of the highest quit rates, at 3.7% and 3%, and Idaho had the lowest employee satisfaction. Analysts suggest that mountain states likely scored lower due to fewer wellness and employee assistance programs, limited paid leave, and longer work hours.
From a political perspective, states with stronger workplace cultures tend to be more liberal-leaning blue states, while those with the weakest workplace cultures are predominantly conservative-leaning red states. The findings are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, KFF, Statista, and Oxfam from 2021 to 2024.
Ohio University Students Plan Next Steps After University Pauses Black Alumni Reunion
In a statement from the 2025 BAR Planning Committee, organizers say the decision to cancel the more than 40-year tradition was made in light of the U.S. Department of Education's Dear Colleagues Letter and the impending Ohio Senate Bill 1 (SB1).
Former and current Ohio University students are planning the next steps after the univeristy paused the Black Alumni Reunion (BAR). In a statement from the 2025 BAR Planning Committee, leaders say the decision to cancel the more than 40-year-old event was made in light of the U.S. Department of Education’s Dear Colleagues Letter and the impending Ohio Senate Bill 1.
“This decision was not made lightly,” the committee said in the letter, adding, “we are deeply saddened disappointed, and disheartened to share this news.”
For most alumni that attend BAR, hotels and flights are booked years in advance since the event takes place every three years. In light of the news, Ohio University Black Alumni/Student Connection is planning to host a virtual OU Black Alumni Town Hall Meeting on March 9 to discuss how to move forward and the attack on Diversity in Ohio higher education.
Ohio University BAR Showcases Black Excellence
At HBCUs, homecomings are large-scale celebrations that bring together alumni, current students, celebrities, and even the surrounding community to celebrate Black excellence, Black history, culture, and pride. Homecoming at HBCUs are star-studded events with parades, tailgates, concerts, and more, in the name of unity and resilience.
But at predominantly white institutions — often referred to as PWIs, Black students and alumni have to get creative in creating these kinds of spaces. BAR at Ohio University does just that every three years.
Ohio University’s Black Alumni Reunion is a celebration of prevailing at a university where the representation is limited and isolation – from firsthand experience – can set in fast.
As of July 1, 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau showed that of the 62,700 residents in Athens, about 2.9% (a little more than 1,800) of residents are Black. Black student enrollment at the university reflects the town’s population. In the same year, of the more 20,000 students enrolled, only 1,1,20 (or 5.3%) as African American.
The canceling of BAR has sent shockwaves of disappointment throughout the Bobcat community, both locally and nationally.
Photo by Scott Webb: https://www.pexels.com/photo/multicolored-museum-sign-137038/
Nevada Museum Owner Wants City To Help Reopen Her Establishment Instead Of Building A New One
Walker's African American Museum is reportedly excluded from Nevada's new Hundred Plan in Action, but she plans to reopen within six months.
Gwen Walker, owner of the Walker African American Museum and Research Center, Nevada’s first African American history museum, wants the city to help reopen her museum instead of going through with plans to build another one.
After the city of Las Vegas announced plans for an African American museum in the Historic Westside years ago, the news left Walker in utter shock. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the proposed museum is part of the Historic Urban Neighborhood Design Redevelopment Plan, which commenced in 2016 in collaboration with the UNLV Downtown Design Center. Walker, who was forced to close her museum in 2017 due to structural issues, break-ins, and her mother’s diagnosis with dementia, said Cedric Crear, former council member for Ward 5, never communicated with her about the city’s plans to establish a new museum in the Historic Westside.
The Walker African American Museum and Research Center was located in a 1,000-square-foot home at 705 W. Van Buren Ave. The 68-year-old woman filled the museum with Black history memorabilia she had collected since she was 13.
“I probably have the largest collection of Black history memorabilia for Black people here in Nevada,” she said. The collection includes artifacts, books, business cards, flyers, dolls, figurines, clothes, magazines and newspaper articles on notable Black legislators and change-makers which date back to the 1800s.”
However, the museum owner has hit a roadblock after over 50 years of preserving Black history. She doesn’t understand why, after multiple conversations with Crear about a reopening for her museum, the city is moving forward with plans to construct a new one.
“I’ve been here doing the work. My mother and I, we’ve been in our community,” said Walker, who currently holds over 50,000 artifacts in her Westside home. “Why not join with us and help make us world-class?”
— Walker African-American Museum & Research Center (@WLVMuseum) May 14, 2024
An original 2018 document for the Hundred Plan included Walker’s blueprints from KME Architects and plans to design and construct the Walker African American Museum. Her developed plans proposed a 10,000-square-foot space, but she needs money to fulfill the vision, which includes purchasing two surrounding parcels owned by the city and three privately-owned parcels. Friends, students, and community members have extended assistance to Walker.
In 2021, the City Council approved a $45,000 grant for Walker to use toward the museum. However, she denied the offer due to a last-minute repayment clause added by the city attorney.
A proposal request for a master plan for the city’s African American community was approved by the city council in 2022 following a formal report in 2023. Plans included over an acre of land for a $60 million to $90 million museum campus. The new Hundred Plan in Action, which was approved by the city in 2024, excluded Walker’s museum. The city said in a new statement that as it continues to “explore a potential African American Museum,” council members are hopeful that Walker “will want to be part of these future plans.”
Walker plans to reopen her establishment within the next six months. The city still has not determined a location for its new African American museum, but it plans to launch a case study exhibit at Civic Plaza in February 2026.
Ghanaian Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill Imposing Harsh Anti-LGBTQ+ Measures
The bill proposes jail time for anyone who identifies as gay.
Ghanaian lawmakers have reintroduced a controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill that could result in members of the LGBTQ+ community facing up to ten years in prison.
Currently, consensual same-sex acts are punishable by up to three years in prison in Ghana. The “Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill” would increase the maximum penalty to five years. The nation’s residents can also face imprisonment for the “wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities,” Reuters reported.
Ghana’s parliament approved the bill last year, but President Nana Akufo-Addo declined to sign it before the end of his term.
Ghana’s current president, John Mahama, supported the bill while speaking at the Fellowship with the Clergy event on February 28, 2025.
“I, as a Christian, uphold the principle and the values that only two genders exist, man and woman, that a marriage is between a man and a woman,” Mahama said.
He continued, “The renewal of the expired Proper Family Values Bill should be a bill that is introduced by government rather than as a private member’s motion, and it’s my hope that that consultation would see a renewed Proper Family Values Bill.”
Winnie Byanyima, executive director for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS(UNAIDS, said that the bill, if passed into law, will harm Ghanaians both inside and outside of the LGBTQ+ community.
“To achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, it is vital to ensure that everyone has equal access to essential services without fear, stigma, or discrimination and that providers of life-saving HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services are supported in their work,” Byanyima wrote in a statement.
The executive director noted that if the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill becomes a law, it may incite violence against LGBTQ Ghanaians and their supporters. Last year, Ghana’s finance ministry warned that if the bill were signed into law, it could jeopardize $3.8 billion in financing from the World Bank and a $3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund.
