Shanna Scott, EPS, event planner — Photo credit: Courtesy of Shanna Scott

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 19, 2025

Black Entrepreneur Launches School That Teaches Event Planners How To Build A 6 Figure Business

Unlike other schools that may teach design and decor, this first-of-its-kind school is a virtual institution that is focused on redefining the power of live events, turning them into strategic platforms for building wealth, influence, and legacy.

Renowned event strategist and entrepreneur Shanna M. Scott has launched the Event Professional School (EPS), an accredited Black-owned school for event planners and professionals that focuses entirely on teaching them how to build a six-figure business. Unlike other schools that may teach design and decor, this first-of-its-kind school is a virtual institution that is focused on redefining the power of live events, turning them into strategic platforms for building wealth, influence, and legacy.

Created for both event professionals who want to create a six-figure event business and event hosts who want to sell the products, programs, or services, EPS equips its protégés with the tools, strategies, and frameworks to transform events into powerful ecosystems for business growth.

Scott, who is based in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area, says that she built EPS as more than an institution — it’s a faith-driven movement that empowers individuals to leverage their God-given gifts to maximize their revenue potential, elevate their influence, and leave a lasting impact through the art and strategy of event experiences.

“Events are so much more than gatherings,” says Shanna. “They’re opportunities to build wealth, strengthen connections, and establish authority. At EPS, we teach our protégés how to harness these opportunities to grow their businesses, foster brand affinity and loyalty, and create transformative experiences.”

Revolutionizing Events with a Unique and Immersive Approach

EPS is distinct in its dual approach, serving event professionals and event hosts alike. Whether someone is looking to refine their events skills or design a sales-focused event that scales their business, EPS offers an unparalleled blend of education, mentorship, and practical experience.

Highlights of the EPS program include:

• Event Conversion Mastery: Discover the power of storytelling and strategic communication to sell high-ticket offers (HTOs) during live events.

• Hands-On Immersive Training: Protégés complete 200 clock hours, gaining real-world experience by supporting event hosts as they execute their first profitable events.

• Luxury Logistical Event Curation: Learn how to create sophisticated, high-impact events that strengthen brand equity and deliver highly convertible guest experiences.

• Faith-Driven Strategy: EPS integrates proven business principles with faith-based teachings, empowering protégés and hosts to align their values with their professional pursuits.

At the heart of EPS is The First Stage, a program that pairs protégés with event hosts who are producing intimate, sales-driven events. This collaboration is a win-win: hosts gain expert support to ensure event success, while protégés acquire critical experience managing high-stakes event execution.

A Mission to Empower a Generation of Event Professionals

For Shanna, launching EPS is deeply personal. “Events are more than just celebrations,” she explains. “They are platforms for transformation, influence, and legacy-building. My mission is to empower professionals to approach events strategically—operating at the highest level with faith, skill, and purpose.”

Shanna’s mission with EPS is clear: to redefine traditional ways events are perceived in the marketplace and empower others to see events as vehicles for wealth creation, global impact, and personal growth. With EPS, she has created not just an elite training institution but a movement, fostering a new and highly skilled leadership iin the events industry.

Shanna’s approach is grounded in the belief that wealth creation is both a blessing and a responsibility. Drawing from Deuteronomy 8:18, she teaches her students and clients that the ability to build wealth through their gifts is a divine calling. This faith-driven foundation is woven into every aspect of the curriculum, ensuring graduates leave EPS as skilled professionals and purpose-driven leaders.

Be Part of the Movement

Enrollment for the Event Professional School is now open, offering a transformative curriculum tailored to meet the unique needs of event professionals and hosts. Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking to use events as a growth strategy or an experienced professional aiming to elevate your expertise, EPS provides the training, mentorship, and community to help you succeed.

Visit EventProfessionalSchool.com to learn more, apply for enrollment, or discover how EPS can help you create events that build both wealth and impact.

For further inquiries, contact Shanna directly at clientlove@shannascott.com

This story was first reported by Blackbusiness.com

New_Orleans_Museum_of_Art,_interior — (Photo: Jami430, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 19, 2025

Anne Collins Smith Named Chief Curator Of New Orleans Museum Of Art

For the museum veteran, the job is 'the appointment of a lifetime.'

Anne Collins Smith has officially been appointed chief curator of the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA).

She began the position in September 2024, but NOMA made the official announcement on Feb. 13, Biz New Orleans reports.

“This appointment is the opportunity of a lifetime and a testimony to perseverance and my dedication to curatorial practice. I look forward to advancing NOMA’s mission and shepherding exemplary art experiences with our dynamic team of curators,” Smith said.

“The art historian Mary Ann Calo speaks of how curators serve as interlocutors between art, artists, and the community. This principle continues to guide me through my career.”

Smith oversees NOMA’s collection and exhibition efforts, managing a team of curators, conservators, and collections staff. She is also responsible for the museum’s modern and contemporary art presentations, and brings significant expertise in African American art.

She will also lead innovative strategies for NOMA’s collection and exhibitions to ensure they align with industry best practices while addressing the museum’s needs. Upcoming initiatives include planning the reinstallation of parts of the permanent collection and curating retrospectives of artists Hayward Oubre and Willie Birch.

“The museum’s permanent collection of art spanning 5,000 years is at the center of everything we do,” said Susan M. Taylor, The Montine McDaniel Freeman Director of NOMA. “Anne Collins Smith is an accomplished curator, art historian, and museum leader, and we are thrilled to welcome her to NOMA in this crucial position. Her experience in institutions across the country and her perspective as a native New Orleanian make her an important addition to our staff.”

Smith’s extensive background includes roles as the director of the Xavier University of Louisiana Art Gallery, Curator of Collections at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art in Atlanta, Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellow at the Davis Museum and Cultural Center at Wellesley College, and serving as a Romare Bearden Fellow at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

In 2021, she was honored with a prestigious Center for Curatorial Leadership fellowship. Smith earned her MA in visual arts administration from New York University and her BA from Spelman College.

Black Unicorn Factory (BUF) — (Photo: Pexels)

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 19, 2025

Black Unicorn Factory Highest-Valued Black-Owned Company To Enter NASDAQ

Another win for Black History Month!

Equity crowdsourcing platform Black Unicorn Factory (BUF) is on its way to becoming the highest-valued Black-owned company to enter a major stock exchange ever, according to a press release.

Prior to its NASDAQ listing, BUF had proven itself as a vessel for creating a new generation of investors with its Follow Me For Equity app. Through task-based investing, individuals earn stock by engaging with high-growth companies on social media. This first-of-its-kind model ensures that the ability to build wealth is no longer dictated by money but by participation.

“The days of needing capital to invest are over,” founder and CEO Johnny Stewart said. “For too long, wealth has been locked behind financial barriers, keeping everyday people out of the game. BUF is rewriting that story, making investing accessible to everyone—not just the wealthy.”

As the first Black-owned billion-dollar pre-IPO startup accelerator, BUF being listed on NASDAQ gives investors immediate access and liquidity, breaking up the traditional lock-up periods that investors so often have to deal with.

In January 2025, BUF announced a $20.2 billion valuation, reflecting an innovative sweat equity model and fast-paced growth in addition to an extensive portfolio of over 150 IPO-ready startups.

“This new valuation reflects the strength of our innovative business model and the incredible potential of our portfolio,” Stewart said in a January news release. “We’ve worked tirelessly to redefine what’s possible in the accelerator space, and this is just the beginning of a journey to create unprecedented opportunities for our shareholders and partner startups.”

The valuation includes a projected net profit increase from $331.5 million in 2025 to $5.2 billion in 2029. The numbers, Stewart said, are a testament to the “trust and belief that our shareholders, startups, and partners hae placed in us.”

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Robin L. Washington — Courtesy of Salesforce

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 19, 2025

Robin L. Washington To Receive Her Flowers At The 19th Annual Women Of Power Summit Legacy Award Gala

Robin L. Washington is a 2025 recipient of the BLACK ENTERPRISE Legacy Award.

BLACK ENTERPRISE will honor Robin L. Washington with a Legacy Award at the 19th annual BE Women of Power Summit. The Legacy Award honors women in business who have soared to the top of their respective fields, exemplifying excellence, elegance, and poise.

Recently named president and chief operating and financial officer (COFO) of Salesforce, Washington’s finance career continues to ascend 40 years later.

The incoming COFO graduated from the University of Michigan in 1984 and obtained her MBA at Pepperdine University. Washington entered the private sector as a financial analyst and rose above her entry-level position to become manager of global revenue recognition, international accounting manager, and director of finance at Tandem Computers.

In 1996, PeopleSoft hired the Legacy Award winner as senior vice president, officially marking her ascension into the C-suite. Washington has successfully directed multiple companies’ management, growth, and financial futures, including Hyperion Solutions (CFO) and Gilead Sciences, where she oversaw global finance, facilities, operations, and investor relations. Washington currently sits on the Board of Directors of Alphabet and Honeywell International.

In an interview with How Women Lead, Washington credits her steady growth in business to her “can-do, will-try” attitude.

“It really comes down to using your own self-assurance and your own belief in yourself as a driver to how you show up,” she said. “Just have a can-do, will-try attitude. Know that you are responsible for managing your brand. . . You have to own it,” she said.

Accordingly, Washington has owned her power in business and life. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate Washington at the Legacy Awards gala March 5-9 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

There’s still time to register for the 2025 BE Women of Power Summit.

Eric Adams, Eric Adams — (Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 19, 2025

New York State Senate Leader: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Should ‘Move Aside’

'We really are spending more time on the mayor in his plight. It's distracting, and we have a job to do.'

Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Westchester), New York state Senate Majority Leader, is urging New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign amid his corruption scandal.

“It’s probably time that he move aside,” she told the New York Post at a political conference over President’s Day weekend. “We really are spending more time on the mayor in his plight. It’s distracting, and we have a job to do. We’re in the middle of a budget.”

Adams has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks as his corruption case implodes. The U.S. Department of Justice has called for federal prosecutors in New York to drop the charges against the infamous city official so that Adams, who was elected as a Democrat, could fulfill the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.

While prosecutors resigned before dropping the case, they condemned Adams for the “quid pro quo” agreement to carry out this agenda. Despite this, Adams met with Trump’s ‘border czar’ Tom Homan, stating his intentions to bring ICE agents back to Rikers Island.

While the federal government takes measures to ensure Adams can stay in power, other several state senators have encouraged Adams to step down.

Adams pled not guilty to charges that he took over $123,0000 in bribes to open a Turkish consulate in Manhattan, which has led to several high-ranking members of his administration to step down.

“The mayor has been clear, he’s not stepping down, he’s stepping up,” Adams’ spokesperson, Fabien Levy, toldThe Post. “As he said yesterday, we must put this difficult episode behind us so that trust can be restored, New York can move forward, and we can continue delivering for the people of this city.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has the ability to remove Adams if she chooses. “I would certainly support the governor looking at her options seriously,” Stewart-Cousins said.

In the meantime, U.S. prosecutors in D.C. have begun steps to dismiss the charges against Adams.

Kofi Siriboe — photo credit: Nekia Nichelle, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 18, 2025

Kofi Siriboe Celebrates Launch Of Tola Nola, An Artist Retreat And Residency In New Orleans

Kofi Siriboe amplifies Black artists with the launch of TOLA in New Orleans.

Kofi Siriboe is expressing his love for the art world with the launch of his New Orleans-based artist retreat and residency TOLA in NOLA.

On Monday, the actor and model took to social media to unveil The Other LA (TOLA), a residency and retreat for young Black artists in New Orleans (NOLA). Siriboe described the initiative as a “labor of love” dedicated to supporting “young Black artists on their journey of ascension” and personally thanked the “destiny helpers” who assisted him with the endeavor.

To mark the launch, TOLA collaborated with Josiah Jones of Black in Every Color and Prosper Jones of Art Above the Law to present “The Migration,” an exhibition featuring 12 Black artists from New Orleans showcasing art in various mediums. Ahead of the NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, Siriboe will present several pieces at The Line Hotel during the third annual Black In Every Color, Art In Every Form showcase—an influential gathering of Black artists at Frieze LA.

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The three-day exhibition will include panels, performances, and immersive installations featuring JOJO ABOT, Lisane Basquiat, Patrisse Cullors, LÁOLÚ, Adrienne Muse, Autumn Breon, Langston Allston, Adrian Dunn, and more. The panel discussions include The Art of Impact and Influence, Innovation by Exhibition, Investing in the Future of Art, Destination Crenshaw, and more.

Siriboe also expressed his gratitude to Paramount and its Content For Change initiative for supporting his vision for TOLA and partnering to bring a timeless Langston Allston mural to the historic streets of Bayou Rd.

“This dream has been years in the making, yet it truly feels like just the beginning,” Siroboe shared.

Actress/producer/entrepreneur Issa Rae and fashion designer Ugo Mozie congratulated Siriboe on the launch.

“Wow. So proud of you, bro. I remember when it was just a vision. A dream brought to life,” Mozie wrote.

Alan Kneeland, Kneeland, Chubby Chicks — (Image: iStock)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 18, 2025

Philadelphia Restaurant Chubby Chicks Facing Alleged Bias In Neighborhood

The landlord has been receiving complaints that may ring untrue in an effort to get rid of the restaurant

An owner of a Philadelphia restaurant that opened two months ago claims she has been bullied by her neighbors who may not feel her business belongs there. According to Fox 29, Shakiera Turner, the owner of Chubby Chicks in Center City, Pennsylvania, has spoken out about some of the things that have happened to her restaurant since she opened on Walnut Street, alleging that people in the area are the cause of the problems.

She says that in her short time at the location, she has discovered dead rodents left at the restaurant’s door, people complaining about the business to her landlord, and she has heard comments that Chubby Chicks business doesn’t belong in the “prestigious” neighborhood.

The restaurant claims to have a nice brunch crowd, and the troubles may be because it is a Black-owned spot.

“My life savings, my home, all of that is wrapped up into this business, so it’s not just, ‘O,h if I have to go,’ no, it would be devastating,” said Turner.

The restaurant hosts events like karaoke and special shows. Its menu features chicken and waffles, fish and fried grits, fried French toast, and other delicious choices.

“We do karaoke on the weekends on Saturdays and Sundays. It is so much fun. It is inclusive. You come here and be yourself, and that is what everything is about here,” Turner said.

Yet, despite the good things that can be found inside, the neighbors are making it bad on the outside.

“We are basically not too welcomed here. I thought that we would be, and I thought maybe this would be a good addition to the street.”

The landlord has been receiving complaints that may ring untrue to get rid of the restaurant.

“They are saying that we are playing unusual music and that we are playing riffraff coming out of here, and that is just not true,” Turner said. “We are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week, and they were saying that we are playing music until 2 a.m. We are not even here. Even going as far as saying that one of us was on the roof of their building at 2 a.m., just putting in false claims to my landlord, which really stirred up some issues.”

Despite the issues, she is getting some support, as someone made a social media post trying to combat the allegations coming from the neighborhood’s detractors.

Dr. Afia, who made the video, says she wants to help Turner out and give her the support she needs at this time.

“It’s unfortunate and it’s disheartening in the time we live in, so I just wanted to hold her close and show her that the community is here to support her.”

Anthony Mackie 2024, Captain America — photo credit: NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 18, 2025

Captain America Comic Book Writer Explains ‘Resistance’ To The First Black Captain America Onscreen

Anthony Mackie is making his film debut as the first Black Captain America decades after Marvel's initial "resistance" to the change.

Anthony Mackie is officially making his film debut as the first Black Captain America in Captain America: Brave New World. The new Marvel film hit theaters on Valentine’s Day and opened with $100 million in the U.S. and $192 million globally.

The achievement is a significant milestone for Mark Waid, 62, who first introduced the concept of a Black Captain America in the 1998 comic book Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty. Reflecting on Sam Wilson’s initial donning of the Captain America mantle, Waid recalls encountering “a little bit of resistance” from Marvel when he first pitched the idea in the ’90s, NBC News reports.

“Not because anybody disbelieved the message,” Waid explained to TODAY.com. “Not because anybody at Marvel was on the wrong side of history here, but just because when you’re dealing with a corporate character like that, it’s going to go through many creators’ hands over his 80 years of existence.”

Captain America was originally introduced in March 1941 as a blonde-haired, blue-eyed white male with a chiseled jawline and muscular build, embodying the idealized image of America at the time. In the MCU, Chris Evans’ Captain America passed the mantle to Anthony Mackie’s Falcon in the 2019 film Avengers: Endgame.

Within Marvel, Waid remembers his story of Falcon taking on the role of Captain America, which was “very well received.” However, outside the company, he faced “a little bit of pushback” from fans and readers, some of whom questioned the decision, saying, “Well, this is not Captain America. I don’t know what you’re trying to say.”

“There’s been a lot more trolling, a lot more blowback,” Waid says of critics who have an issue with a Black Captain America. “A lot of organized fandom full of angry white guys who are not happy that they are being quote, unquote, eclipsed by people of color, which is bulls–t.”

Waid hopes that Captain America’s fight for inclusion “gets easier” since the fictional character was created to represent “the best part of all of us.”

“Captain America can be an Asian man. Captain America can be a woman. Captain America could be anyone who stands for the ideals that Captain America stands for,” Waid explains.

“As long as they’re an American at heart and fight for the American way … the way we wish truly was the dream as opposed to what racism and bigotry has sort of poisoned that well.”

Mackie agrees, noting that his Captain America leads with two important things: “Compassion and empathy.”

“I feel like today, we could all use a little compassion and empathy,” he adds.

favoritism, workplace — Photo by fauxels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-smiling-shaking-hands-3184286/

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 18, 2025

How Favoritism Plays A Role In Return-To-Office Mandates, Especially For High Performers

As companies introduce return-to-office mandates, who they are actually enforced to could spell trouble.

Favoritism in the workplace is taking on a new meaning as return-to-office policies hit many companies.

With a lesser emphasis on the dangers of COVID-19, big-name companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and JPMorgan Chase want their employees back in the building. However, not everyone has to reckon with such changes.

Given the viability of a remote or hybrid work schedule, top employees are leaving companies that have reinstated in-office policies that existed before the pandemic. To prevent this, high performers are getting preferential treatment. With such status, they can afford to skip out on the commute to the office.

“You can say it’s favoritism, you could say it’s preferential treatment. You could call it a host of different things, and they’re all probably right,” shared Dan Kaplan, senior client partner at Korn Ferry’s CHRO practice, to Fortune. “While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, employers are “creating more exceptions, which looks floppy. It looks like favoritism.”

While favoritism in the office is not a new concept, its visibility has grown with the rise of RTO policies. Top performers, higher-ranked employees, and executives can loosely follow the three—or even five-day office expectations, which other workers can notice.

“When you’re setting a new policy, you need to emphasize that it will be enforced. But also companies don’t want to have to fire everybody who violates the policy, especially if it’s a minor violation,” he says. “Top performers or more senior employees often get more leeway because they have more leverage. That’s not just about return to office, but in general in the workplace.”

Naturally, this preference in who can show up can cause discord within the work environment. While companies want to prioritize their best and senior workers’ feelings toward achieving more, the “inconsistent” policy enforcement jeopardizes company culture.

“If there’s a perception that you’re willing to play favorites, that can be really damaging for your culture,” Zhao said. “It’s important to have a clear set of standards because otherwise, you just open yourself up to a whole can of worms.”

Although companies’ leniency to higher-classified employees also bleeds into the perks of having more senior roles, given the popularity of remote work, they must contend with how this impacts all employees and their dedication to their responsibilities.

Atlanta Georgia, education, Super Bowl LXII, Atlanta Wine and Jazz Festival, Build-to-rent — Photo: iStock/Kruck20

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 18, 2025

Atlanta Inspector General Resigns Ahead Of Controversial Approval Of Oversight Bill

Manigault argued that the oversight bill would jeopardize the OIG's ability to investigate.

Atlanta’s Inspector General Shannon Manigault resigned hours before the city council voted to limit her powers.

Manigault swiftly left the position ahead of the vote on Feb. 17. In her resignation, she claimed that interference and intimidation from city officials led to the decision.

“I’ve come to the incredibly difficult decision to resign as Inspector General of the City of Atlanta,” Manigault said in the news conference as reported by Fox 5. “I have faced threats, bullying, intimidation, and harassment at the hands of people who have been the subjects of our investigations.”

The Atlanta City Council approved the oversight bill that would limit the Office of Inspector General’s subpoena power and access to city records. However, Manigault and her supporters did warn of the importance of the OIG remaining independent without a mayoral board.

Upon the news, the office of Andre Dickens released a statement thanking Manigault for her service.

“We thank the Inspector General for her service to the City of Atlanta,” the spokesperson said in an email. “We look forward to working with a new Inspector General and an independent board in the near future.”

However, the two were on opposing sides regarding implementing an oversight committee for the OIG. The office was established in 2020 following corruption scandals involving former Mayor Kasim Reed.

Manigault spoke publicly about her opposition to the proposal, stating that it could stifle their ability to combat corruption.

“However much the people of the city of Atlanta want us to be here and want us to do our job, city management has made it crystal clear. For them, a real, functioning, effective Office of the Inspector General is not welcome in Atlanta,” expressed Manigault previously.

Manigault stated, “It takes the additional step of creating a mayoral board. So right now, the board of the inspector general and the language in the charter says the board is there to ensure the independence of the office. That model is a great one and one that has been lauded by other cities.”

Despite this, Manigault also faced heat over city officials’ claims that she issued subpoenas violating Georgia law. However, she claimed her team lacked knowledge of these requirements in time, furthering her claims of interference. However, the allegations led to the calls for suspension.

Manigault took leave earlier this month, ahead of her resignation, but claims it was her own decision.

“I needed to take some time to step away and reflect and come to grips with everything that these people have been doing to me. And that’s how I’ve come to the incredibly difficult decision to resign as Inspector General of the City of Atlanta,” she said in her resignation announcement.

However, some city officials have called Manigault a “rogue prosecutor” whose tenure prompted the creation of a governing board to oversee operations. Mayor Dickens also supported the board’s establishment, emphasizing that the OIG and the Mayor’s office must work to stay within the law.