• Politics

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 10, 2025

Atlanta To Honor Former Mayor Shirley Franklin With Street And Park In Her Name

The street and park marks Franklin’s efforts to make the city greener.

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The Atlanta City Council will honor former Mayor Shirley Franklin with a new street and park named after her.

The council approved the legislation Feb. 5, renaming two structures to recognize the first woman and Black woman mayor of Atlanta. The action will rename Central Avenue to “Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard” and Westside Reservoir Park to “Shirley Clarke Franklin Park.”

Of the ordinances, council members expressed their appreciation for the 58th mayor of Atlanta and remembering her legacy.

“Renaming Central Avenue and Westside Reservoir Park after former Mayor Shirley Franklin is a testament to her enduring legacy and profound impact on Atlanta,” wrote District 10 Council member Andrea Boone.

“As someone who witnessed her leadership firsthand, I can attest to her firmness, fairness, and boldness in tackling difficult issues. Mayor Franklin’s contributions to Atlanta are immeasurable.”

Franklin held the position of mayor foom 2022 to 2010. While in this role, Franklin was instrumental in developing Atlanta’s Beltline project. The two-term mayor also spearheaded efforts to revitalize the Hartsfield-Jackson International airport. Furthermore, the politician also aided in making Atlanta a greener city. She not only launched the Clean Water Atlanta to repair the city’s sewer system, but also greatly increased the amount of LEED-certified buildings within the area.

Although born in Philadelphia, Franklin has remained an integral part of Atlanta’s political ecosystem since the tenure of Mayor Maynard Jackson. Known for holding many “first of and first to be” titles, her esteemed leadership resulted in a landslide reelection. Her work also granted her nationwide recognition for her impact on the Southern city.

District 9 council member, Dustin Hillis, also added, “We honor the legacy of a visionary leader, former Mayor Shirley Franklin, by renaming Westside Park to Shirley Clarke Franklin Park. Her determination and foresight, for acquiring the land and quarry in order to transform this area into both a beloved park and a critical water supply, laid the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable Atlanta.”

He continued, “This park is not just a space for recreation—it is a testament to Mayor Franklin’s leadership, her commitment to our city’s future, and the resilience of the people she served. I am proud to stand with my fellow Council members and Mayor Dickens in ensuring her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Franklin’s dedication to uplifting the city of Atlanta and its residents will now be forever remembered in these structures.

RELATED CONTENT: John Lewis Honored With Forever Stamp, Ceremony

• Health and Wellness

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 10, 2025

Super Bowl Highlights Breast Cancer Awareness In Novartis Commercial With Wanda Sykes

The attention-grabbing Super Bowl commercial emphasized the importance of early screening.

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The Super Bowl shed light on breast cancer awareness and early screening in a new Novartis commercial featuring Wanda Sykes.

Titled “Your Attention, Please,” the commercial emphasized how society fixates on breasts, yet ignores the surrounding health issues. Alongside fellow actress Hailee Steinfeld, Sykes wants viewers to change the message surrounding breast health.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Novartis (@novartis)

“Let’s start paying attention to breasts when it matters the most,” the comedian said in the commercial. “Early detection for breast cancer is a game-changer. And why I’m able to be here today. So let’s get more women screened than ever before.”

Sykes then told viewers to go to Yourattentionplease.com to receive mammogram reminders and prevent breast cancer. The site also includes a link to the Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment Calculator, which helps women determine their personal risk of developing breast cancer.

The 60-year-old is a survivor of breast cancer herself. However, she noted that early screening helped her combat the disease before it spread. Given her history, Sykes detailed why she participated in this “game-changing” advertisement.

“When I was 47, I went in for a breast reduction expecting a straightforward surgery,” said Sykes in the press release with Novartis. “I never imagined breast cancer would be lurking. It caught me off guard, and I’m sure early detection saved my life. As an avid football fan, I know the big game is the perfect time to remind women to know their risks, get checked regularly, and encourage others to do the same.”

According to the initiative, patients who catch the disease early have an over 98% survival rate. Novartis aims to prioritize early screening to help shape better outcomes for women of all ages.

Black women also have disproportionately higher mortality rates, at nearly 40%, from breast cancer compared to their white counterparts, as confirmed by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. With this in mind, Novartis’ advocacy during the Super Bowl, amplified by Sykes, remains critical to change these statistics and potentially save lives.

RELATED CONTENT: NAACP Calls For Cancer To Be Declared A Public Health Crisis In The Black Community

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 10, 2025

Saquon Barkley Sets NFL Rushing Season Record (Including Playoffs) En Route To Super Bowl Win

Philadelphia Eagles running back surpasses 2,500 yards, surpassing Terrell Davis' 1998 record of 2,476 yards.

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has set a record for rushing yards in a season (including the playoffs) as his team emerged victorious in this year’s Super Bowl.

According to NFL.com, on Barkley’s 28th birthday, he had more to celebrate than the Eagles’ second Super Bowl win. He also broke NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Davis‘ record for having the most rushing yards in a complete season (meaning the regular season and the playoffs). With the 40-22 blowout win over last year’s Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, by the end of the contest, Barkley had amassed 2,504 yards. He surpassed Davis’ 1998 record of 2,476 yards.

He keeps making history‼️

Saquon Barkley now holds the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season, including playoffs. pic.twitter.com/kf02PLYbRK

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 10, 2025

The most rushing yards in a single NFL season wasn’t the only record he broke. He also became the first NFL player to record over 2,500 rushing yards in a season, including the playoffs. He is the third player to lead the NFL in rushing and win the Super Bowl in the same season. The other two are Davis and the Dallas Cowboys’ Emmitt Smith.

Barkley, who signed with the Eagles in free agency last offseason, played for the team’s rivals, the New York Giants, who drafted him into the league. The Bronx-born running back was drafted in 2018 by the New York team with the second overall pick. Although he has broken those records, the Lombardi Trophy (given to the winners of the Super Bowl) was what he wanted to capture.

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 10, 2025

The Family Of Sonya Massey, Killed By White Police Officer, Reaches $10M Settlement With Sangamon County 

It's a start toward justice....

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The family of Sonya Massey, the Black woman killed by police officers after calling 911, reached a $10 million settlement agreement with Sangamon County, Illinois, officials months after the fatal killing, CBS News reports. 

County officials negotiated the massive settlement through mediation after “extensive confidential discussions” between county attorneys and lawyers representing Massey’s family. Before moving forward, it must be approved by the Sangamon County Board. In a statement, Board Chairman Andy Van Meter labeled the settlement as part of  “Sangamon County’s ongoing efforts to address the tragic death of Sonya Massey.”

“In addition to this agreement, the county is focused on improving its policies and practices through its memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice,” Van Meter wrote. 

“That agreement establishes measures to refine crisis response, enhance training, and build community trust.” 

Massey, 36, was shot and killed on July 6, 2024, at her home outside of the capital city of Springfield. The victim called 911 over a potential prowler, but minutes after members of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department arrived, Officer Sean Grayson shot and killed Massey in her kitchen while she was checking on a pot of boiling water while saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”

Greyson was later fired for his actions after claiming he was fearful for his life. He was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct in Massey’s death. While he pleaded not guilty, he is still behind bars awaiting trial. 

Van Meter confirmed that the settlement won’t have an economic impact on the community, citing no tax raises, no additional debt, or cut county services, according to WGN TV. “No price paid can take back the actions of a rogue former deputy, but this agreement is an effort to provide some measure of recompense to the Massey family for their unimaginable loss,” the board chair said. 

“The county remains committed to working with the community to strengthen policies to try to ensure tragedies like this never happen again.”

While board member Sam Cahnman says Van Meter will need to clarify where the money will come from, Massey’s family is seemingly pleased with the agreement but will continue to press for accountability on county officials’ involvement with her death. “We’re going to get justice for sure. I know. We are, for sure,” Massey’s son, Malachi Hill-Massey, said following the shooting. 

Co-chair of the Sonya Massey Commission JoAnn Johnson shared similar sentiments in light of the settlement announcement, stating, “The fact that that settlement has been reached is not going to impact the commission’s work in any way.” “We have so many different things that we were trying to address,” Johnson continued.

RELATED CONTENT: Retiree Killed In Ocho Rios Sparks Fear Among Repatriating Jamaicans

• Sports

by Daniel Johnson

February 10, 2025

Autumn Lockwood Is The First Black Woman Coach To Win A Super Bowl And Very Few Are Talking About It

Lockwood also made history two years ago, when she became the first Black woman coach to coach in a Super Bowl

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As the confetti came down inside the Caesars Superdome on the Philadelphia Eagles following their wire-to-wire victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, Philadelphia Eagles Assistant Sports Performance Coach Autumn Lockwood made Black and NFL history as the first Black woman coach to win a Super Bowl.

According to Winning Her Way, Lockwood also made history two years ago, when she became the first Black woman coach to coach in a Super Bowl when the Eagles faced the Chiefs in a game that Lockwood’s side lost.

Lockwood is a graduate of the University of Arizona and played women’s soccer for the university from 2013-2014. She earned her degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from the university in 2015. Her father, David, is a former cornerbacks coach for the University of Arizona.

In 2018, she joined the basketball staff of East Tennessee State University as the Assistant Director of Basketball Sports Performance after serving as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV).

Lockwood’s break into the NFL came when she joined the staff of the Atlanta Falcons after completing the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship in 2019.

Lockwood served the Falcons as a strength and conditioning coaching intern while continuing to coach for ETSU until 2021, when she joined the University of Houston, serving as the university’s coordinator of sports performance for the women’s soccer, basketball, and softball squads.

It was inevitable that football would come calling, as the University of Houston’s Director of Olympic Sports Performance, Kevin McCadam, told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2023.

“When this opportunity came up to go to Philly, it was kind of a no-brainer to encourage her to go,” McCadam told the outlet. “We hated to see her leave and [were] wanting to continue to help and watch her grow with our athletes. But it’s kind of hard to pass up when your dream opportunity comes your way.”

Linebacker Brandon Graham, arguably the heart and soul of the Philadelphia Eagles defense, told the outlet that the team hoped to reward Lockwood with her first Super Bowl ring.

“It’s been a great year for us,” Graham said. “We’re hoping to get her her first ring.”

Two years later, Graham and the Eagles came through on that proclamation, and according to Christian Elliss, another linebacker on the team, Lockwood’s kindness and joy radiated in her interactions with the team.

Lockwood distributes iPads with a questionnaire about the players’ mental and physical health each week, which Elliss says is a tremendous asset to the team’s mental health.

“There’s been a few times this season where I clicked five, I’m not feeling so good,” Elliss told The Inquirer. “I’m kind of stressed, and they’re able to talk to you and just help you and help talk you through it. I think that’s the biggest thing. Because a lot of times, you feel like you can’t talk to anybody about it because you have to perform. But she’s just been great. She helps us with that.”

Now, after their 40-22 win over Kansas City, Lockwood has helped the team win their first Super Bowl in the Jalen Hurts era, and the team has kept their promise regarding Lockwood’s historic achievement.

RELATED CONTENT: Philadelphia Eagles’ Autumn Lockwood Set to Become First Black Woman to Coach in the Super Bowl

• Celebrity News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 10, 2025

Ye Offers To Help Kodak Black After Rapper Spotted Sitting, Eating Chicken On The Street

Ye also assured fans that despite his alarming posts, he is in a good space.

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Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has offered to fly to Miami to check on Kodak Black after the rapper was spotted eating in the middle of the street.

While Ye has decided to take on this rescue mission, he acknowledges how many probably think he is the one who needs help. Since getting back on X, the “New Slaves” rapper posted controversial messages for days on the social media app. In the posts, he spoke on women and Jewish people in a derogatory manner.

Amid Ye’s rants, Kodak Black was seen eating chicken while sitting in the street. The unusual sight caught the attention of fellow onlookers and social media users alike. The Neighborhood Talk re-shared the clip.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Once Ye learned of the concerning behavior, he announced that he would go down to Miami to see about his industry friend. While his account has been deactivated, he left with a message, not on his own mental state but that of his fellow rapper. An X user reposted the video footage.

pic.twitter.com/iVsSCRqlue

— Rak (@vvsrak) February 10, 2025

“I know y’all thinking I’m going through something right now… but I just saw a video of Kodak, and I wouldn’t want nobody to do an intervention on me. That’s why I want to put this video up,” began the billionaire artist.

Despite his controversial posts on X, Ye assured his fans that he does not need an intervention.

He continued, “Because y’all might think ‘man Ye really going through right now. Somebody need to go get him, go take his Twitter and stuff like that.’ But I’m just telling you calmly that I am in a good space. I’m really in a positive space. It’s cathartic. I got my ideas out. That’s all that happened, and that was very freeing for me. And it’s worth everything. It was worth everything to do that. Let’s start there.”

As for his “brother” Kodak, Ye thinks he may need the assistance. Moreover, Ye views the “No Flockin” rapper wearing a Donda chain as a sign to go to him.

“My brother Kodak and I feel a calling,” he added. “He’s actually wearing this Donda chain. And it’s not just because he’s wearing a chain, but it’s like, how you sitting here wearing this chain? Unless something’s saying to go and get my brother. I’ve thought about it before. I was like, ‘Man, I should go down to Miami, maybe. I could be the person I can make a difference.’ And that’s what I’m about to do right now.”

Ye then abruptly ended the message, assumingly to fly down to Miami. While there is no word if Ye made it to Florida, the rapper appeared very convinced that this was a way to “make a difference” within the hip-hop community.

RELATED CONTENT: OPINION: Former President Barack Obama Booed At Trump’s Inauguration: A New Low For Republican Decorum

• Arts and Culture

by Kandiss Edwards

February 10, 2025

Black History Month: Gamble & Huff Introduced Black Music Month To Celebrate And Sell Records

Black Music Month was not initially created to celebrate the artform.

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Black Music Month, celebrated every June, was created in 1979 by the legendary Kenny Gamble, of Gamble and Huff, and other collaborators. The month offers Black Americans a chance to celebrate the genius and artistry of their ancestors. It provides an opportunity to attend festivals, workshops, art exhibits, and more, allowing participants to teach and engage.

While the celebration plays an important role in remembering the pioneers of multiple American music genres — jazz, blues, rock and roll, country, rap, and R&B — it does not reflect the initial intent of the month’s creators.

Black Music Association

Co-owner of Philadelphia International Records, Gamble dreamed up the idea of Black Music Month as a member of the Black Music Association. The association was created as a network of radio DJs, promoters, show hosts, artists, and Black executives. The collective’s goal was to position Black artists at the forefront of Black music. While African American music was popular, positioning artists on national platforms was still a difficult feat. The association aimed to change that. Gamble saw the power wielded by the Country Music Association and began to question why Black folks hadn’t adopted the same strategies. Country Music Month is in October. Gamble came up with the name Black Music Month and declared June the opportune time.

Black Is Green

As a businessman and music creative, Gamble wanted to make — and just as importantly, sell — Black music. Working with Cleveland radio DJ Ed Wright and media strategist Dyana Williams, Gamble came up with the slogan “Black Is Green.” The slogan was meant to reinforce “the economics” of Black music.

“With Black Music Month, we came up with a slogan: Black Music is green, which means economics. It’s about money,” the legend said in an interview.

“There was a time when Huff and I were coming up when you couldn’t put an album or single out with Teddy Pendergrass on the cover because record shops and promoters wouldn’t even put him in the window.”

He continued, “Black music was an economic issue. Young people were buying these albums left and right; it wasn’t just singles that Black people were buying.”

Music historian and member of the Black Action Coalition, Naima Chocrane, spoke to the AP about the original intent of the month.

“Black Music Month was originally created to promote, protect, and perpetuate the business of Black music, not just to celebrate Black music,” she said.

Black Networking

The agenda to dig into the monetary gains presented in Black Music led Gamble and his compatriots to tap their network, connecting with some of the most powerful men of the day. The Black godfather, Clarence Avant, was one of the main figures in making Gamble, Wright, and Williams’ movement a reality nationally. Avant, known for his unlikely connections, helped facilitate a meeting with President Jimmy Carter, according to Gamble.

“Clarence Avant knew this guy in Atlanta who knew President Jimmy Carter. He asked Carter if he would entertain Black Music Month at the White House. Carter did it; we all went down there [in 1979]. Huff and I went down there with all of our crew from Philly. I don’t think they ever had that many Black people in the White House. We had all of the Black disc jockeys like Frankie Crocker. We had everybody: Billy Eckstine, Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King performing, and Barry White. It was a great thing to see our people working together. Jimmy Carter was sitting on the grass. It was nice. It was beautiful.”

Since the gathering at the White House in 1979, the month of June has been recognized by the government, yearly, through presidential proclamation. On the surface, the original message “Black is Green” may appear lost, as the events do not center record sales. Yet, the amount of Black commerce generated through Black Music Month initiatives align heavily with the initial purpose. Black bookstores, promoters, venues, record stores, restaurants, live musicians, and a host of other creatives and businesspersons collaborate to celebrate and capitalize.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Music Month: BE100s Companies That Made Their Mark with Music

• Uncategorized

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 10, 2025

Ask Your FairyGodMentor®: How To Handle Being Your Job‘s Go-To On Diversity

Token Of Appreciation Or Token Fatigue?

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Reader’s Question:

Hi FairyGodMentor, 

As one of the few Black employees in my company, I’m always asked to represent diversity initiatives, but it’s not in my job description. How do I manage this additional burden?

Yours truly,

– Token Fatigue

Dear Token Fatigue,

Whew! It’s one thing to have DEI initiatives at work, but being the unofficial spokesperson, day in and day out? That’s beyond exhausting! As a Black professional, I’ve walked this path, and trust me, I’ve wanted to print t-shirts for the “DEI By Default Club.” Wearing this iron cloak of representation is heavy — and it absolutely shouldn’t be part of any workplace dress code.

Step 1: Reflect—Did You Volunteer or Were You “Voluntold”?

Think back to how this all started. Did you offer to support one event and suddenly find yourself cast as the Chief Diversity Officer? Or did people simply assume you’re an expert in all things DEI because you’re passionate about the topic — or, let’s be real, because of your identity?

I’m going to keep it real, sometimes, the expectation to participate in these programs sneaks into performance reviews or professional development plans. If that’s the case, it’s time to revisit how this responsibility crept onto your plate. People love to take advantage of good intentions, but it’s up to you to set healthy boundaries.

When taking on any initiative, make it clear from the start:

• What you’re committing to.

• How long you’re willing to be involved.

This helps others understand that your role is temporary, not permanent, and sets the foundation for reducing burnout. Set expectations that meet your reality.

Step 2: Assess Your Capacity

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to completely step away from these initiatives, or would you prefer to stay involved occasionally?

• How much time and energy can you realistically commit?

If your tank is empty, that’s completely valid — and it’s important to communicate that reality to those making the requests.

Step 3: Communicate Clear Boundaries

When it’s time to draw the line, clarity is key. Try saying:
“I’m honored to contribute to these important initiatives, but I need to balance this with my primary responsibilities to make sure that I’m delivering my best work.”

If it feels like your job description has quietly expanded, start documenting these extra tasks. Keep your receipts! Bring them up during performance reviews to highlight your contributions — and possibly negotiate for a raise or merit increase.

Additionally, this would be a perfect time to suggest the creation of an Employee Resource Group (ERG) or encourage HR to designate a diversity officer to share the load. Be explicit that your suggestion doesn’t mean you’re volunteering to lead — unless that aligns with your interests and goals.

Step 4: Reclaim Your Power

You have every right to step back if this work is becoming overwhelming. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you don’t care about diversity — it means you’re protecting your energy to make the most meaningful impact possible.

Trade that iron cloak for a cape! By using your boundary-setting superpowers, you can lighten your load and ensure DEI initiatives are shared responsibilities, not individual burdens. Your ancestors will be so proud.

You’ve got this!

Your Truly,

Your FairyGodMentor®

RELATED CONTENT: OP-ED: Can Fired DEI Professionals Sue Attackers For Defamation? 

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and the founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that develops empowered, results-driven leaders through engaging leadership development coaching, training, and facilitation. 

Have a question about handling a micromanager? Are you having difficulty navigating spaces because of your hair? Is work stressing you out? Do you need support coaching poor performance, or are you wondering how to effectively negotiate and get the job offer you desire? Do you have any questions about career and leadership development? 

Ask Your FairyGodMentor® here.

• Celebrity News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 10, 2025

Denzel Washington Opens Up About Nearly Biting His Tongue Off, Impacting Speech Before Broadway Return

Washington is in rehearsals for his return to Broadway in a revival of William Shakespeare's 'Othello.'

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Denzel Washington is known for his way with words. However, the acclaimed actor revealed that a recent tongue-bite has affected his speech as he prepares for his latest Broadway show.

Washington is currently in rehearsals for his return to Broadway in a revival of William Shakespeare’s Othello, starring in the play alongside Jake Gyllenhaul. However, Washington divulged to the New York Times’ “The Interview Podcast” about the tough ordeal that left his tongue damaged.

Although he recalled the incident happening in late 2024, the 70-year-old is still recovering, being forced to slow down when talking.

“I bit my tongue almost half-off a few months ago,” Washington told the program, as reported by Fox News. “It’s affecting my speech. It forces me to slow down. I have to use it.”

Furthermore, the issue will also affect his pronunciation of the Olde Modern English Shakespeare used to write his plays. Washington has already cited trouble reciting some lines from the show.

He added, “I have a line: ‘Whither will you that I go to answer this your charge?’ It’s hard because my tongue is swollen. “It has affected everything.”

While he remains dedicated to continuing the show, the Oscar winner did not dive deeper into what led to the incident. Despite this, the newly-baptized thespian has relied on prayer to get him thorough obstacles such as this. Washington also received his minister’s license while at the Kelly Temple Church in New York City last December.

“That’s why you pray every day,” he continued. “I’m like, ‘OK, Lord, I’m here, I think this is what you wanted me to do.’ Now I’m not sure why, but one can say coincidence and serendipity and all those things.”

About the show itself, Washington remains focused on what God thinks of his performance. He explained how some themes in Othello will also challenge its viewers, but they must be willing to reflect as well.

“At this point, everything I’m doing is through the lens of what God thinks, not what they think. I don’t know what they think,” he expressed. “You go down that hole, you’ll never come out of that. When people say, ‘What do you want people to get from this movie?’ or ‘What do you want them to get from this play?’ I always say, ‘It depends upon what they bring to it.’ There’s some interesting themes [in Othello] of jealousy and envy and pain and death.”

However, for those concerned if his line delivery will falter, Washington already has a method to his acting process.

“I’m not worried about that, because I don’t like to learn the lines too soon,” he added. “I was telling a young actor who asked, ‘Why don’t you like to learn them too soon?’ I said: ‘Because then I’m the voice I’m listening to delivering the cues to myself…I want to hear it from you, and that’s going to affect how I say what I say.’ For me, that works.”

Othello will debut at the Ethel Barrymore Theater on Broadway on March 25 and will run through June 8.

RELATED CONTENT: Denzel Washington, Magic Johnson, And Fannie Lou Hamer Honored With Presidential Medal Of Freedom By Biden

• Business

by Daniel Johnson

February 10, 2025

Ron DeSantis’ Budget Cuts Threatens Black Businesses In Florida

DeSantis’ budget will cancel a Black business loan program.

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As Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis spars with his own party over his state’s budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, some of his proposals for how to accomplish that will leave Black business owners in Florida out in the cold.

According to The Miami Herald, DeSantis’ $115.6 billion budget is merely a recommendation, Florida’s Republican legislative body will create the actual budget in March when they call for the state’s two-month legislative session.

DeSantis and his fellow Republicans have been at odds over his spending, which as recently as the week of Jan. 31, included a $350 million proposal earmarked for sending migrants to other countries.

Lawmakers, who balked at this proposal, instead passed a bill stripping DeSantis of most of his ability to enforce immigration in the State of Florida.

This arrangement has led DeSantis to look intently at paring down the state’s spending, but notably, not in his own office, which is projected to grow by approximately $11 million.

In service of this ideal, according to Florida Politics, DeSantis’ budget, which he has titled “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility,” will cancel the $2.2 million Black Business Loan Program, a program that Black business owners rely on to help them access capital which they are often denied by conventional lending institutions.

In addition to this, DeSantis’ budget also maintains the elimination of the Broadband, Equity Access, and Development Grant Program, a program that helps to ensure equal access to the internet in areas that typically have a deficiency in that area.

DeSantis’ budget also calls for a $100 million decrease for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which, like the previous program, is tied to socioeconomic status, and seeks to help low income individuals who struggle with their electric bills.

According to House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, DeSantis’ proposed budget is not designed to help Florida residents deal with the rising costs of living, but to drive headlines.

“The Governor’s budget proposal focuses on grabbing headlines and trying to keep him relevant in the national spotlight while leaving Florida’s families behind,” the Democratic Representative said in a statement to The Miami Herald.

According to WPBF 25, Florida, and in particular, Miami has a thriving Black business community. In 2023, a LendingTree survey placed the city as America’s 14th best city for Black businesses.

This is in part due to the work of the South Florida Black Chamber of Commerce, whose work spotlighting agencies who will work with Black-owned businesses looks to be crucial, with the elimination of Florida’s state funding.

As Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief analyst, told CBS News, “Black applicants who apply for credit are about twice as likely to be denied credit or be approved for less credit. The more that organizations like the Black Chamber of Commerce can do, the better, because the need is certainly there.”

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Permanently Blocks Workplace Training Portion Of Florida’s Racist Stop WOKE Act