• News

by Alfred Edmond Jr.

June 1, 2026

Spencer Leak Jr., 3rd-Generation Leader Of Chicago’s Leak & Sons Funeral Homes, Dies At 56

Leak is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Donna, and their daughter, Emma, and son, Spencer III.

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Spencer Leak Jr., a third-generation scion and co-leader of Chicago’s Leak & Sons Funeral Homes, died Sunday, May 31, at age 56, according to a statement released by the Leak Family.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the sudden passing of our beloved Spencer Leak, Jr. Spencer was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and a steadfast leader whose presence and wisdom deeply shaped our family and our community,” the family shared in the statement. 

“For more than 45 years, Spencer helped lead Leak and Sons Funeral Home — the business founded by his family generations ago and carried forward with his father, Spencer Leak, Sr., and his mother, Henrietta. Alongside his brothers, Stacy and Stephen, he upheld a legacy now spanning three generations and rooted in a simple promise: that every family, regardless of means, deserves to lay their loved ones to rest with dignity. He was a tireless advocate for families who could not afford a burial, a champion of Chicago’s businesses, and a generous mentor to entrepreneurs across our city. Most recently, he was honored to help guide the family’s care for the late Rev. Jesse L. Jackson — an honor rooted in a bond that, like so much of his life’s work, was built on decades of service and trust.”

As a funeral director and vice president of Leak and Sons, Leak Jr. helped to carry the legacy of one of Chicago’s most venerated, multigenerational Black-owned businesses, founded by his grandfather A.R. Leak in 1933, who launched the venture with a $500 loan and an additional $500 he earned as a bathroom attendant at the World’s Fair in Chicago. Today, Leak & Sons comprises three Illinois locations in Chicago, Country Club Hills, and Matteson.

One of Leak’s last public appearances was May 18 at the annual awards fundraiser of the Harold Washington Cultural Center (HWCC), a Black family-owned nonprofit, where, along with his mother, Henrietta Leak, he accepted the HWCC’s Lifetime Impact Award to Children Community and Culture on behalf of his family and Leak & Sons. During his acceptance speech, Leak expressed his proud anticipation of the fourth generation of family business leadership, son Spencer Leak III, a recent graduate of Michigan State University. 

“It is impossible to put into words how huge a loss this is for the Leak Family, the city of Chicago, and the generations of families that Leak & Sons has provided compassionate and excellent service to for more than nine decades,” said HWCC Global Director Jimalita Tillman. “Spencer’s heart for and service to our community is of immeasurable impact. I am personally grief-stricken by his sudden and unexpected passing.”

In addition to his parents and son, Leak is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Donna, and their daughter, Emma.

RELATED CONTENT: Black-Owned Funeral Home Partners With Genealogist to Preserve Black History By Means of Funeral Programs

• HBCU

by Edwian Stokes

June 1, 2026

Black College Football Hall of Fame Enshrines Class of 2026, Showcasing HBCU Economic and Athletic Power

The newest Black College Football Hall of Fame honorees show HBCUs' dual impact.

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The Black College Football Hall of Fame enshrined its six-member Class of 2026 on Saturday night. The event showed how HBCUs drive sports excellence and expand the athletic industry’s economic growth.

The 17th annual induction ceremony took place in Atlanta. It honored a prestigious group excelling on the field, on the sidelines, and in the broadcast booth. This year’s class features five-time NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver Jimmy Smith (Jackson State); Super Bowl XLV champion Nick Collins (Bethune-Cookman); two-time Super Bowl champion Tyrone Poole (Fort Valley State); Alabama State head coach and former NFL linebacker Eddie Robinson Jr.; legendary Florida A&M coach Rudy Hubbard; and veteran NFL Network journalist Steve Wyche (Howard).

“What we have with the Class of 2026 is an incredible showcase of excellence, leadership, and impact that continues to come from Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Hall of Fame co-founder and former NFL quarterback Doug Williams.

The Business of Broadening the HBCU Footprint

This event denotes a crucial moment for HBCU programs. It shows how football, and sports in general, creates economic opportunity and cultural meaning. Sponsorships are growing, and media deals are expanding.

Inductee Wyche represents the link between sports and media. He is a longtime NFL Network reporter and contributor to HBCU GO, the cultural syndication network. Wyche used his national platform to boost the commercial viability of Black college sports. Instead of hosting as he often does, Wyche took the podium as an honoree.

The class’s NFL alums also showed the economic power of HBCU athletic talent. Smith retired as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ all-time leading receiver. Collins anchored the Green Bay Packers’ defense during their championship run. Poole, who spent 13 seasons in the NFL, has returned to college sports as a coach. He now leads Alabama State’s women’s flag football program, an emerging sport attracting rapid investment.

Championship Pedigree and Individual Milestones

Hubbard led the coaching ranks as the architect of Florida A&M’s 1978 inaugural NCAA Division I-AA national championship. Hubbard’s legacy bridges old-school gridiron dominance and modern institutional branding.

The ceremony also honored those driving athletic and economic growth. Virginia Union running back Curtis Allen received the College Player of the Year award after setting a Division II season record with 2,409 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns. He became the first HBCU player to win the Harlon Hill Trophy. Former Jackson State standout James Houston IV was named Pro Player of the Year after his playoff run with the Dallas Cowboys.  

Honoring a Broadcasting Pioneer

Amid the celebration, the evening included a solemn tribute to legendary broadcaster Charlie Neal. Neal, a 2013 Hall of Fame inductee, passed away on May 13 at 80. As the longtime voice of HBCU sports on BET and later HBCU GO, Neal proved the national marketability of Black college athletics decades before mainstream networks noticed.  

The Black College Football Hall of Fame—founded in 2009 by James Harris and Williams—now boasts more than 100 legendary members. Located permanently at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, the gallery stands as a testament to the enduring impact of HBCU football on American sports.

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• Sports

by Edwian Stokes

May 31, 2026

Out of the Mud: Bryson Graham’s Vertical Rise Mirrors The Changing NBA Executive Landscape

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Bryson Graham was introduced as the Chicago Bulls’ Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations on May 4 at the Advocate Center. Joined by team President Michael Reinsdorf, Graham brings experience from the New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks, along with a reputation for humility and clarity. He will oversee all decisions in Chicago’s basketball operations department.

“We’re going to pull our sleeves up,” Graham, 39, said. “We’re going to get to work, and we’re going to get out of the mud. This is something that is not going to be rushed.”

Bryson Graham, Bulls EVP of Basketball Operations, Introductory Press Conference

A Changing Dynamic in the C-Suite

Graham’s appointment marks progress in league diversity. While about 75% of NBA players are Black, executive roles have not matched this proportion. According to a 2023 report from The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES), nearly half of the league’s franchises had a Black general manager or head of basketball operations. That number dramatically declined by 2026. There are currently four African American chief executives of basketball operations running NBA franchises: Jeff Peterson (Charlotte Hornets), Koby Altman (Cleveland Cavaliers), the aforementioned Ghaham, and the newly minted Masai Ujiri. Nine NBA franchises have African American general managers.

Graham’s hiring reverses a downward trend toward a more representative leadership.

The Bulls also named Stephen Mervis as senior vice president of Basketball Operations and former NBA player Acie Law IV as vice president of Player Personnel. Mervis brings salary-cap expertise from the Orlando Magic, while Law joins from the Oklahoma City Thunder front office.

They will work within a collaborative, horizontal organizational structure.

“If I’m the smartest person in the room, we’re going to fail,” Graham admitted. “I want an open, collaborative, and very communicative organization.”

Building from the Mud

Graham’s approach centers on the SLAP framework (Size, Length, Athleticism, Physicality), which he developed while scouting for New Orleans and Atlanta. This method helped identify impactful players such as Herb Jones and Trey Murphy outside the draft lottery.

This strategy suggests a significant roster overhaul because the Bulls have struggled to establish a defensive identity. Graham emphasized that all players will be evaluated as Chicago begins a comprehensive review phase.

“There’s only a few players in the NBA untouchable,” Graham said. “I’m not going to sit here and say that no one on this roster is untouchable. That doesn’t mean that we’re trading guys. We’re going to look at this holistically.”

Graham’s journey reflects his perseverance in basketball. He began as an intern 15 years ago, working late nights on practice courts, and overcame multiple Achilles tendon injuries during his collegiate career at Texas A&M. When he received the offer from Reinsdorf, the moment moved him to tears.

With four selections in the upcoming NBA draft (June 23), the Bulls are relying on Graham’s talent evaluation to restore the franchise’s competitiveness. For updates on team transactions and media availabilities, visit the official Chicago Bulls News Hub.

• Sports

by Sidnee Michelle

May 31, 2026

Serena Williams Joined Nike To Celebrate The Renaming Of Nike World Headquarters

Williams’ connection to the campus runs deeper than the recent celebration.

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Tennis icon Serena Williams joined Nike earlier this May, in celebrating the newly renamed Philip H. Knight Campus, a move that further cements the company’s connection to elite athletes and sports-driven innovation.

The Beaverton, Oregon, headquarters — formerly known as Nike World Headquarters — was officially renamed in honor of Nike co-founder Phil Knight, according to the company. Nike executives said the rebranding recognizes Knight’s role in transforming the sportswear company into a global athletic and cultural force.

The campus spans roughly 400 acres and includes more than 40 buildings dedicated to athletes, innovation labs, and recreational spaces designed around movement and athletic performance. Nike said the property was intentionally developed to resemble a collegiate environment, with walking trails, open green spaces, and fitness-centered architecture.

Williams’ connection to the campus runs deeper than the recent celebration. In 2022, Nike unveiled the 1 million-square-foot Serena Williams Building, which houses the company’s design, merchandising and consumer insights teams. Nike described the structure as its largest investment in creativity and collaborative product development.

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A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

The building, which earned LEED Platinum certification, features sustainability-focused elements including solar panels, recycled materials, and environmental preservation measures tied to nearby wetlands.

2Nike President and CEO Elliott Hill said the campus renaming is intended to honor Knight’s legacy while reinforcing the company’s long-standing emphasis on athletes, creativity, and future growth.

“This campus was never meant to be an office park. Office parks are where people go to get through their day. This place was built to make our teammates want to do something with their days. It was designed to mirror the soul of sport, movement, creativity, possibility and a belief that none of us has reached their full potential yet.”

The company plans to formally commemorate the Philip H. Knight Campus with a larger celebration event in 2026.

The ceremony also arrives as Nike continues investing heavily in athlete-centered branding and campus development as competition within the global sportswear market intensifies.

RELATED CONTENT: Serena Williams Honored With Custom Lincoln Navigator Featuring Rose Design

• Sports

by Edwian Stokes

May 31, 2026

Wall Street Meets Broadway: MSG Sports Moves to Separate Knicks and Rangers

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Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. has filed a confidential Form 10 Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to pursue a tax-free spin-off, separating the New York Knicks and New York Rangers into independent, publicly traded companies.
This proposal follows the MSG Sports board’s February approval to explore a strategic split.

The Knicks entity would oversee the NBA team and its G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, while the Rangers entity would manage the NHL club and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL.

“Completion of the transaction would be subject to various conditions, including effectiveness of the Form 10 Registration Statement, any required league approval, receipt of a tax opinion from counsel, and Company board approval,” MSG Sports said in a statement.

The Financial Plan: Unlocking Blocked Value

The primary motivation for this transaction is to narrow the ongoing valuation gap between public market capitalization and private franchise appraisals.

MSG Sports has a public market valuation of about $8.5 billion. Sportico recently valued the Knicks at $9.85 billion and the Rangers at $3.65 billion, for a total private-market appraisal of $13.5 billion. Although MSG Sports shares trade at $372.83, the public stock is 29% below the combined private valuation.

Corporate conglomerates commonly face a “conglomerate discount” because their complicated frameworks obscure the valuations of their pure-play assets. Separating the franchises allows for independent evaluation of each team’s growth prospects, cash flows, and media rights opportunities.

“The spin enhances the possibility of raising capital, and it makes minority stake sales easier, as there are two distinct teams’ business models, which makes for a clearer investment vehicle,” David Joyce, an analyst at Seaport Research Partners, wrote in a research note.
The new structure has led to speculation that long-time owner James Dolan may consider selling control of one franchise. Although sources close to the situation deny plans for a full sale, separate entities would simplify any partial or total divestiture.

Tax Complications and Real Estate Headwinds

The spin-off is expected to be tax-free for shareholders, but recent federal tax changes introduce financial obstacles. A revised federal tax provision expanding the Internal Revenue Code will limit deductions for executive compensation starting in the 2027 tax year. The law raises the $1 million deduction cap from five executives to 10. According to Seaport Research Partners, an independent Knicks entity would pay its top five executives and top five players $195 million, triggering an estimated $55.4 million tax liability. The Rangers would face an additional post-spin tax of $19.8 million on $76 million in payroll.

The teams are also connected to Madison Square Garden Arena, which is associated with Sphere Entertainment Co. According to the company’s annual report, Sphere Entertainment spun off a majority stake in the arena’s operating company in 2023, but retained about a one-third ownership share, making lease terms, shared costs, and cash flows among Dolan-controlled entities important factors as the arena’s permit approaches its 2028 expiration. planning.

On-Court Performance Drives Revenue

The restructuring comes as the Knicks reach a peak in their business performance. According to Front Office Sports, strong seasons from both the Rangers and Knicks contributed to a 13% year-over-year increase in the third quarter revenue for the Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. After advancing to the NBA Finals by sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the franchise is set to earn at least $140 million in postseason arena revenue.

In contrast, the Rangers missed the postseason for a second straight year, highlighting the two franchises’ differing competitive cycles as they prepare to separate their finances.

• XCEL Summit For Men

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 30, 2026

Former Astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. Will Receive XCEL Award At The 2026 XCEL Summit

Harris will be honored for his decades-long contributions to science, education, and leadership during the conference

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Former NASA astronaut and physician Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr. will receive an XCEL Award at the 2026 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit for Men, taking place in Orlando, Florida, at the the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress on Oct. 21-Oct. 23, 2026.

Harris will be honored for his decades-long contributions to science, education, and leadership during the conference, which focuses on leadership development, career advancement, and networking opportunities for men of color in business and professional industries.

Harris made history in 1995 as the first African American astronaut to complete a spacewalk during NASA’s STS-63 mission aboard the space shuttle Discovery. During his career with NASA, Harris logged more than 438 hours in space and traveled more than seven million miles.

Mike Foale, NASA Astronaut & Spacewalk Partner, reflected on Harris and his journey.

“Bernard Harris did the first EVA by an African American, and it was a big deal. Bernard was cool about it, but from a historical and US— even a world— societal perspective, it was important.” 

In addition to his achievements in aerospace, Harris has built a career in medicine, venture capital, and STEM education advocacy. He is the founder of The Harris Foundation, an organization that supports math and science education initiatives for underserved students. Harris also previously served as CEO of Vesalius Ventures, a healthcare investment firm focused on medical technologies and innovation. Harris was also inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2025 and has received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

BLACK ENTERPRISE will highlight Harris’ impact across science, business, and education at The XCEL Summit for Men, which annually brings together executives, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders for panel discussions, workshops, and mentorship opportunities centered on professional growth and community leadership.

Additional speakers and honorees for the 2026 conference are expected to be announced in the coming months.

RELATED CONTENT: 7 Black Power Players In Aeronautics

• Sports

by Edwian Stokes

May 30, 2026

Rooted in Wellness: How the Why Not? Foundation Is Transforming Community Mental Health

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Former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook and his Why Not? Foundation has launched an initiative to expand mental wellness education and restorative programs in Los Angeles and Altadena during the final week of Mental Health Awareness Month.
 
The foundation is partnering with local women-led grassroots organizations to deliver targeted wellness activities for women, youth, and families.
 
This initiative reflects a broader shift among athlete-led foundations from traditional charity to sustainable, community-integrated social enterprises. By applying specialized corporate strategies in underserved areas, it seeks to establish lasting support systems instead of temporary solutions.

Hyper-Local Partnerships and Resource Deployment
 
In partnership with regional nonprofits such as Shepherd’s Door Domestic Violence Resource Center, The Jenesse Center, and Neighborhood Survants, the foundation is launching a localized, multitiered programming model. These efforts aim to address gaps in mental health access for vulnerable populations.

The schedule features wellness events, including a partnership with the Altadena Healing Village, a free, volunteer-run clinic for fire survivors and individuals in crisis. The clinic provides trauma-informed yoga, acupuncture, and Reiki healing for domestic violence survivors. Additional restorative yoga and sound bath sessions will highlight local Black-owned businesses, supporting the local economy. Loma Alta Park in Altadena will host a forum on early mental health education and community networking for youth and families.

Amelia Williamson, managing director of the Why Not? Foundation, stated that partnering with local groups to deliver targeted resources to vulnerable community members is central to the organization’s mission.

“May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and partnering with local organizations to provide intentional care, resources, and experiences to some of our most vulnerable community members across Los Angeles and Altadena is central to our mission.” 

Driving Corporate Social Responsibility and Local Commerce

From a corporate social responsibility perspective, the foundation’s approach highlights the benefits of cross-sector collaboration. The initiative leverages marketing resources and support from companies such as The Brown Girl Ink Agency, providing participants with tangible wellness resources and integrating philanthropy with brand engagement.

By involving local vendors, the foundation ensures that philanthropic funds directly benefit community businesses. “Healing starts with feeling seen, supported, and valued,” said Tunisia Offray, co-founder of Shepherd’s Door. “We are grateful to the Why Not? Foundation for helping create a safe space where our clients can prioritize their mental wellness.”

The Executive Fundraising Culmination

The series concludes with the 4th Annual Mental Health & Wellness Brunch Fundraiser, co-hosted by Bene by Nina Westbrook. This year’s event, “Rooted: Wellness That Runs Deep,” serves as the foundation’s primary fundraiser for its mental health initiatives.

The fundraiser facilitates idea-sharing among corporate, philanthropic, and cultural leaders. Moderated by Nina Westbrook and hosted by Cari Champion, the forum features prominent corporate and creative figures, including Tabitha Brown and Mara Brock Akil. The event positions mental health advocacy as a key element of modern corporate leadership and human capital management.

Since its founding in 2012, the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation has expanded beyond youth education. Through workforce development and increased access to health resources, the foundation demonstrates how athlete-led initiatives can deliver meaningful social and economic impact.
 
 
 

• Video

by Kenneth Meeks

May 30, 2026

Just How Ubiquitous Will Artificial Intelligence Get?

Robert F. Smith’s Prediction Will Astonish You

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Robert F. Smith, chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, which has more than $107 billion in assets under management, spoke about the future of artificial intelligence with Black Enterprise CEO Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr., at the past XCEL Summit For Men. Given that Smith manages a diversified portfolio of software companies that provide solutions to millions of customers worldwide, he has unique insight into the future of this technology. His company is one of the largest asset managers dedicated to enterprise software. A 2025 XCEL Award Honoree, Smith declares that A.I. is here to stay. In fact, he says up to $3 trillion is being poured into its infrastructure and will one day change the economic dynamic of the entire planet. Hear it from the man who paid off the student loan debt for the entire Morehouse graduating class of 2019.

• Education

by Sidnee Michelle

May 29, 2026

Young Birmingham Engineering Scholars Recognized By Historic Women’s Organization

The students were recently honored by the Birmingham chapter of The Links Incorporated and its members of the Society of Women Engineers.

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A group of young engineering students in Birmingham has been recognized for academic achievement and leadership by The Birmingham Chapter of The Links Incorporated and its members of the Society of Women Engineers, a group supporting women in engineering, highlighting continued efforts to expand opportunities for girls in STEM fields.

The students were recently honored during a ceremony celebrating middle and high school students pursuing engineering and technology education in Alabama. The recognition spotlighted students who demonstrated excellence in academics, innovation, and community involvement, according to AL.com and local education organizations. The NSBE organization, founded nationally in 1950, is considered one of the oldest advocacy groups for women engineers in the United States and works to increase female representation across engineering and technology professions.  

“The importance of the NSBE program is that it’s family, it’s a community, it’s a group of people who look like you,” said Andrea Montgomery, a Links member, mechanical engineer, and member of the National Society of Black Engineers.

The Birmingham-area students honored this year participated in engineering-centered activities ranging from robotics and leadership academies to science competitions and mentorship programs. The Birmingham Chapter of The Links Incorporated acknowledged 28 students from Carver High School, Ramsay High School, and Parker High School during its National Society of Black Engineers Junior Honors and Awards Day. Local school systems and community partners have increasingly invested in STEM education initiatives to prepare students for careers in engineering, computer science, and advanced manufacturing.  

NSBE says that the recognition serves not only as a celebration of student achievement, but also as encouragement for more young women and underrepresented students to pursue technical careers. National studies continue to show women remain underrepresented in many engineering disciplines despite years of recruitment efforts. Programs led by organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers seek to address those disparities through scholarships, networking opportunities, and student outreach.  

The event also reflects Birmingham’s broader push to strengthen educational pipelines connected to science and technology industries throughout Alabama.

School leaders and community advocates said honoring students at an early age can help build confidence and long-term interest in STEM careers, particularly among girls who may not traditionally see themselves represented in engineering fields.

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