Robin L. Washington
Courtesy of Salesforce
by Keka Araújo

February 5, 2025

Robin L. Washington Named Salesforce’s New COFO Amid Company’s Transformation Into Agentic Era

Washington brings decades of experience, having held leadership positions at some of the world’s most respected companies.

Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the world’s No. 1 AI CRM, announced that Robin L. Washington will become its president and chief operating and financial officer (COFO) effective March 21, 2025. Washington will oversee Salesforce’s strategic transformation, focusing on profitable growth, operational excellence, and financial strategy while championing the company’s Agentforce platform, a digital labor innovation driving the new agentic era.

This appointment highlights Salesforce’s commitment to redefining industries through AI-driven solutions. Washington, an experienced leader and financial strategist, has served on Salesforce’s Board of Directors since 2013. Her previous roles include Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee and Lead Independent Director since 2022, where she played a pivotal role in shaping Salesforce’s financial evolution.

“I am deeply honored to step into this role at such a defining moment for Salesforce and the entire industry,” said Washington. “Having worked closely with Marc [Benioff] and the executive team for over a decade, I couldn’t be more excited to help lead Salesforce and our global community of employees, customers, and Trailblazers into this agent-first era that will fundamentally change how businesses operate, innovate, and grow.”

Washington brings decades of experience, having held leadership positions at some of the world’s most respected companies. From 2008 to 2019, she served as Executive Vice President and CFO of Gilead Sciences, CFO of Hyperion Solutions, and Chief Accounting Officer at PeopleSoft. Currently, Washington sits on the boards of Alphabet, Eikon Therapeutics, Honeywell International, and Vertiv Holdings.

Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce, expressed excitement about Washington’s expanded role. “Robin has been a trusted partner, advisor, and key architect of our strategy. Her operational mastery, financial expertise, and strategic vision make her the perfect leader to guide Salesforce through this transformational shift,” Benioff said. “As we look ahead, I’m thrilled to work with Robin in this newly created role to bring the significant Agentforce opportunity to life.”

Farewell to a Salesforce Veteran

The announcement coincides with the upcoming retirement of Brian Millham, Salesforce’s Chief Operating Officer, after a remarkable 25-year career. Millham will step down on May 1, 2025, and transition into an advisory role.

Millham’s legacy includes pioneering Salesforce’s renowned sales organization, building its world-class Customer Success operation, and driving the company’s operational and financial transformation as COO. Benioff praised Millham’s contributions, stating, “Brian has shaped the very DNA of Salesforce. His impact will be felt for decades to come.”

A New Chapter for Salesforce Leadership

With Washington’s appointment, Arnold Donald will assume the role of Lead Independent Director on Salesforce’s Board. This transition follows Amy Weaver’s departure as CFO, marking a significant shift in Salesforce’s executive leadership. Weaver has been instrumental in the company’s financial management and will continue supporting the leadership team until her successor is named.

About Robin Washington

Washington is a proven leader with extensive experience in finance, operations, and strategy. While at Gilead Sciences, she oversaw the company’s financial functions during its tremendous growth and innovation. She honed her corporate governance and operational excellence expertise at Hyperion Solutions and PeopleSoft.

The newly-named COFO graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Business Administration and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University. Her leadership roles on various corporate boards, including Alphabet and Honeywell International, further cement her reputation as a visionary leader.

Driving the Agentforce Revolution

Salesforce’s announcement reflects its focus on the Agentforce platform, a transformative AI-powered digital labor tool designed to redefine businesses’ operations. As COFO, Washington will lead the company’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of Agentforce, positioning Salesforce as a trailblazer in the agentic era.

The agentic era represents a seismic shift in workforce dynamics, driven by advanced AI tools that optimize efficiency and innovation. Salesforce’s strategic focus on Agentforce underscores its mission to empower organizations to thrive in this new landscape.

With Washington at the helm, Salesforce aims to expand its leadership in AI and CRM and deliver solutions that revolutionize business operations worldwide.

A 2025 Woman Of Power

Due to her exceptional track record of transformational corporate leadership, Washington will be recognized as one of the Legacy Award honorees at the 2025 Women of Power Summit, the professional development conference that will draw 2,000 female executives to the four-day event held at the Bellagio Las Vegas from March 5 -9. At the summit, Washington will also be featured as one of the speakers on the “Conversations that Count” session on Peak Performance for the female executives.

RELATED CONTENT: AfroFuture Detroit Brings A Global Celebration Of African Diaspora To The City In 2025

Met Gala
photo credit: Rodrigo Alomía Díaz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 5, 2025

André 3000, Simone Biles, Dapper Dan, Sha’Carri Richardson, On Met Gala’s 2025 Host Committee

Met Gala's 2025 host committee is filled with Black talent across art, culture, fashion, film, music, and sports.

The 2025 Met Gala promises to spotlight Black excellence with a “Tailored for You” dress code and a host committee featuring Black A-list talent from the worlds of art, culture, fashion, film, music, and sports.

Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Pharrell Williams were previously announced as co-chairs of this year’s Met Gala alongside Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, and LeBron James, who will serve as honorary chair. On Tuesday, The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced the actors, artists, athletes, designers, filmmakers, musicians, and writers that will support the evening’s festivities as part of the host committee.

Screen stars included in this year’s host committee include Ayo Edebiri, Regina King, and Jeremy Pope. Filmmakers who will host include Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, along with theater creatives Audra McDonalds, actor/playwright Jeremy O. Harris, and playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Artists who will serve as hosts are Rashid Johnson and painters Jordan Casteel and Kara Walker.

Designers include the renowned Dapper Dan, British fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, and Olivier Rousteing. Athletes include Olympic gold gymnast Simone Biles and her NFL star husband Jonathan Owens, WNBA star Angel Reese, and Olympic gold track and field star Sha’Carri Richardson.

“I’m beyond excited to stand with my fellow Host Committee members in supporting The Met and this year’s spring Costume Institute exhibition, celebrating the undeniable impact of Black creativity on fashion and culture for centuries,” Richardson said in a statement.

“Our style isn’t just what we wear—it’s how we move, how we own our space, how we tell our story without saying a word. Fashion sets us apart, but it also brings us together—whether you’re shining on the track, commanding the stage, or just making the streets of New York your runway. On May 5, our light will continue shining on the power of style, and trust me, you don’t wanna miss it.”

Writers include author and activist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Edward Kobina Enninful, the Ghanaian-born British editor and stylist who previously served as editor-in-chief of British Vogue and European editorial director of Condé Nast. Music stars included in the host committee are André 3000, Doechii, Janelle Monáe, Tyla, and Usher.

“I’m honored to be part of such a long-standing tradition with The Met,” Usher said. “The theme this year is not only timely but also speaks to our rich culture that should always be widely celebrated.”

Elevating the celebration of Black excellence, Chef Kwame Onwuachi will craft the Met Gala menu, while artist Cy Gavin will oversee the creative direction for the red carpet design. Additional décor concepts will be led by Derek McLane and Raúl Àvila.

“I am thrilled and honored to be creating the dining experience for this year’s Met Gala,” Onwuachi said. “As a chef who grew up in the Bronx, being a part of such an iconic New York institution for the most celebrated, star-studded night of the year is like a professional dream come true. And as a lover of high fashion, collaborating on the theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, brings a whole new level of inspiration for me and my team to work with.”

The evening’s dress code, “Tailored for You,” pays homage to the exhibition’s exploration of suiting and menswear. It highlights distinctive silhouettes, fabrics, and accessories, offering both guidance and room for creative expression.

The Met Gala is set to take place on May 5, 2025. “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” will be on view at The Met Fifth Avenue from May 10 through October 26, 2025.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Men Are Taking Over The 2025 Met Gala With ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ Theme

Irv Gotti, stroke, murder Inc
(Photo: Timothy M. Moore, Creative Commons via Wikimedia Commons)
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 5, 2025

Murder Inc.’s Irv Gotti Declared Dead At 54

The hip-hop mogul's health problems have been well-documented.

Reports of hip-hop mogul Irv Gotti’s death have left fans and the music industry in shock, though conflicting information continues to cloud the situation. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that the producer and Murder Inc. co-founder had been “declared dead” on Feb. 5. 

However, no official confirmation has been released by his family.

“Declared dead” is a formal determination typically made by a doctor or court, signifying that a person is legally recognized as deceased. It can result from circulatory death, where the heart and breathing permanently stop, or brain death, which occurs after catastrophic brain injury halts all brain function.

Gotti’s health has been a topic of concern recently, with rumors about his condition intensifying earlier this week. On Feb. 4, social media was abuzz with speculation after unverified reports suggested that the 54-year-old super producer had suffered a severe stroke. The news prompted reactions from notable figures in the hip-hop world, including Russell Simmons, who shared his own interactions with Gotti.

Russell Simmons Speaks Out

Simmons, a longtime friend and collaborator of Gotti, took to social media to reflect on his previous conversations with the producer. Simmons revealed that he had encouraged Gotti to visit him in Bali for natural medical treatment and diagnostic testing. “I told him he needed to come out here and take his health seriously,” Simmons wrote. “I wish he had.”

“Praying for Irv’s full recovery ❤️ such a fun, inspired, good-hearted person, such a beloved person. People keep up the prayers. To the people my age and younger, we are seeing the effects of toxic food and a toxic [environment]. Pray for our brother and try to make the necessary changes in your and your [family’s] diets and lifestyles,” the exiled mogul penned on Instagram.

50 Cent, another figure associated with Gotti’s career, also reacted to the news, though details about the producer’s current condition remain scarce.

A History of Health Challenges

Gotti’s struggles with health, particularly diabetes, have been well-documented. In the spring of 2024, his team confirmed that he had suffered a minor stroke, attributing the incident to complications from the condition.

“Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago,” a representative stated at the time. “He has since changed his diet to eating healthier and has been successful in making a full recovery.”

Despite rumors circulating about his presence in a rehabilitation center, Gotti’s rep clarified that the producer had been recovering at home with his family.

During an appearance on Drink Champs in 2023, Gotti spoke candidly about his ongoing battle with diabetes and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He acknowledged his struggles with diet and the impact of his condition on his daily life.

A Storied Career in Music and Entertainment

Born Irving Lorenzo, Gotti rose to prominence in the 1990s, producing tracks for some of hip-hop’s biggest names, including Jay-Z, DMX, and Fat Joe. In 1998, he co-founded Murder Inc. Records with his brother, Chris Gotti, creating a powerhouse label that launched the careers of Ja Rule, Ashanti, and Lloyd, among others.

Beyond his work in music, Gotti made his mark in television. He produced BET docuseries Tales and The Murder Inc. Story, which chronicled the rise and influence of his iconic label.

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

Amber Ruffin, Trump, White House Correspondents' Dinner
photo credit: User777321, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
by Kandiss Edwards

February 5, 2025

Amber Ruffin Lands ‘Coolest Gig’ At White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Amber Ruffin is excited to honor journalists before they are "out the door."

Comedian Amber Ruffin will lead the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The announcement was made on Feb. 4 on NBC’s Morning Joe. The White House Correspondents’ Association president, Eugene Daniels, expressed his excitement when revealing Ruffin would be the featured entertainer.

Ruffin was present for the announcement. The Emmy nominee confirmed that President Trump and First Lady Melania had been invited to the event. When asked if she was hopeful for their attendance, she responded simply, “No.”

The Late Night with Seth Meyers cast member acknowledged the importance of the event but emphasized the entertainment aspect and career milestone.

“It’s one of the coolest gigs a comedian can get,” she said. “The challenge of writing the show is extremely hard,” she continued.

Not adverse to challenging herself, Ruffin admitted she initially experienced “panic” at the monumental task, but welcomed the opportunity to write relevant and timely material for the event. She also remarked on the quickly changing winds in Washington.

“With this presidency, I can write something right now that will really be nothing by tonight. So, it’s really going to come down to the wire.”

Daniels also released a statement revealing his reasoning for choosing Ruffin.

“When I began to think about what entertainer would be a perfect fit for the dinner this year, Amber was immediately at the top of my list,” he later said in a statement. “She has the ability to walk the line between blistering commentary and humor, all while provoking her audience to think about the important issues of the day. I’m thrilled and honored she said yes.”

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been held annually since 1921. The event honors the journalists who keep the American public informed on the dealings of the government. Quickly developing changes in national and foreign policy make the job of these reporters both demanding and challenging.

“Journalists don’t get celebrated enough, and now they’re about to become so extremely important, and I just want to make sure that they know that we appreciate them,” she said.

The dinner will take place in the spring in Washington, D.C.

RELATED CONTENT: Meet The Woman Whose Program Helps Black-Owned Businesses Get Government Contracts

Natasha Rothwell
photo credit: Natasha Rothwell
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 5, 2025

Natasha Rothwell ‘Heartbroken’ Hulu Series ‘How To Die Alone’ Canceled After 1 Season

Natasha Rothwell is determined to find a new platform for *How to Die Alone* following its cancellation by Hulu after just one season.

Natasha Rothwell is working to find a “new home” for her series How to Die Alone after the scripted series was canceled after just one season. The actress/producer told Variety she was “shocked” by the cancellation due to low viewership despite it being “an undeniable critical, creative and award-winning success.”

“I am shocked, heartbroken, and frankly, baffled that Onyx has decided not to move forward with a second season of “How to Die Alone,” she said in a statement. “This is a tough reality to accept because the show is an undeniable critical, creative, and award-winning success.”

Rothwell, best known for her roles in White Lotus and Insecure, described the project as a labor of love that took nearly a decade to bring to life. She emphasized that she wasn’t ready to let the comedy series go simply because one network failed to see its long-term value.

“This show took me eight years to bring to life, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in that time, it’s resilience,” Rothwell said. “I’m not giving up. My team and I are committed to finding “How to Die Alone” a new home because stories like this matter.”

She shared the full statement online and expressed her hope to get the show picked up by another streaming platform.

“Hopefully this news will be a comma in the HTDA story, not a period,” she tweeted on Tuesday.

The series centered around Mel (Rothwell), “a broke, fat, Black JFK Airport employee who’s never been in love and has forgotten how to dream—until a near-death experience propels her on a journey to start living by any means necessary” according to the official logline. The show also featured Conrad Ricamora, Jocko Sims, and KeiLyn Durrel Jones.

Rothwell noted the importance of representation in mainstream media in her statement: “Representation isn’t just about visibility — it’s about ensuring that our stories, our existence, and our cultural contributions are not erased.” It’s a point some of her fans noted when responding to news of the show’s cancellation.

“It’s like all these black forward shows don’t have a chance anymore,” one person wrote.

“It was soooo goood 😩 Hopefully 🤞🏾 it’s picked up elsewhere. It’s amazing how these mediocre & poorly written series continuously get renewed,” added someone else.

Rothwell served as executive producer through her Big Hattie Productions alongside co-showrunner Vera Santamaria’s Welcome Stranger company, along with Desiree Akhavan and Jude Weng. She is slated to return for Season 3 of The White Lotus, where she’ll reprise her role as Belinda Lindsey, the spa manager at the Hawaiian resort who dreams of starting her own business.

RELATED CONTENT: NATASHA ROTHWELL IS ENJOYING HER SEASON AMID THE LAUNCH OF HER FIRST SHOW AND REESA TEESA PROJECT

Military Medical Care, military, veterans, navy seal
(Photo: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 5, 2025

West Point Military Academy Disbands Cadet Clubs Following Trump’s Anti-DEI Executive Order

Many clubs, such as the Society of Black Engineers, can no longer operate on campus.

Diverse West Point Military Academy students will no longer have certain clubs available.

These clubs, such as the Society of Black Engineers, have formally disbanded following President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle all DEI programs and departments. After Trump signed the order, a memo ordered these affinity clubs to shut down. An X user posted a screenshot of the memorandum officially banning these clubs and their scheduled activities.

According to Time, these clubs have already faced removal from West Point’s site. These clubs do not only extend to Black student groups. The ruling also applied to groups centered on Latino and Asian heritage, as well as women- and LGBTQ-focused organizations.

However, the clubs’ participants did not have to represent these identities. Despite this, these clubs must no longer congregate on the school’s grounds or use any of West Point’s resources for their efforts.

Despite pressure from leadership to eliminate these DEI-affiliated programs, some United States Military Academy groups have emphasized their continued work for students. The USMA’s Knights Out organization, which amplifies the experiences of LGBTQIA+ cadets, has released a statement noting that it will keep advocating for its mission.

“…No executive order or policy will stop us from protecting and preserving our extraordinary community—who show us every day that service to the nation is not dependent on individual identity,” explained the organization’s board president. “Our military serves all Americans; all Americans should be able to serve in it.”

While the clubs ranged from multiple ethnic and affinity groups, others noted that some groups that would fall under these categories did not explicitly face the chopping block.

Specifically, The West Point Polish Club for cadets who “explore and enjoy Polish culture, history, and language” did not fall under disbandment. Another group meant to engage in discussions of humanism also evaded cancellation.

RELATED CONTENT: Biden Pledges Response To 3 Black Army Soldiers Killed During Drone Attack In Jordan

Elon Musk, 401(k)s, index funds, Wall Street, SpaceX
(Photo: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)
by Kandiss Edwards

February 5, 2025

20K Federal Employees Are Accepting Elon Musk’s Resignation Offer

According to 'USA Today,' 20,000 federal employees may accept Elon Musk's buyout offer.

Thousands of federal workers are accepting contract buyouts offered by Elon Musk, according to USA Today.

President Donald Trump recently named South African immigrant Elon Musk the “Efficiency Czar.” Recently, Musk emailed the terms to federal employees. The deal offers to pay federal employees’ salaries until September 2025 if they resign by Feb. 6 and forgo the right to take legal action against the federal government regarding employment or resignation.

According to reports, 20,000 employees have taken the offer.

Musk leads the “Department of Governmental Efficiency,” an office created by Trump via executive order. The Tesla and X owner hopes to reduce the federal government’s size by 10%.

The offer is under intense scrutiny, as many government roles are ineligible, including civilian defense, intelligence employees, postal workers, and law enforcement personnel. This is likely due to the limited power of the DOGE office, which is not an official government department approved by Congress.

The legality of the offer is also under scrutiny, as Congress, not the executive branch, dictates the funding for government offices and employee pay. Article 1, Section 9, Clause 7 of the Constitution addresses Congress’ “power of the purse.”

It states, “No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.”

Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government, and It creates laws that govern the use of funding. Maximo L.C. Alonzo, national secretary-treasurer for the National Federation of Federal Employees, believes the offer does not comply with federal regulations and, therefore, nothing guarantees that the terms of the offer will be met.

Alonzo said, “Absolutely do not resign. There is nothing that says that the day that you resign, they can’t just let you go. They don’t have to pay you — there’s nothing that says they have to pay you till September 30. This is nothing that has been done before. This is not in our regulations. There’s no regs about it. We’re not even sure if it’s actually legal. This is about trying to cut the federal workforce down, really kind of just breaking down these pillars of democracy.”

At Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s reelection ceremony, she spoke to the monetary powers of Congress when discussing the now-rescinded executive order to freeze federal grant funding.

“The president doesn’t have the authority to decide what programs to fund. Congress has the power of the purse. Money is appropriated by law,” Crockett said.

It remains to be seen if the buyout offer is legal and whether the arrangement will be honored.

RELATED CONTENT: Elon Musk Won’t Be Paid For Service As A New ‘Special Government Employee’

Super Bowl, Southern University
Jeff Ruane, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 5, 2025

Louisiana’s Very Own Southern University’s “Human Jukebox” Band To Headline Super Bowl Pregame Show

Southern University's "Human Jukebox" band will return to the Super Bowl to headline its pregame show.

Southern University, an HBCU in Baton Rouge, Lousiana, and its famed “Human Jukebox” band will headline the Super Bowl’s Pregame Show.

The band’s director, Kendric Taylor, announced the news during a performance on the Jennifer Hudson Show on Feb. 4. The “Human Jukebox” showcased its HBCU culture and pride on the talk show and announced its next special gig right after.

“The history of this band goes on for many years. This band has been on many platforms — the Super Bowl seven times, three presidential inauguration parades,” Taylor said. “This is something that nobody knows. We’re going to tell it here on air — we’re going to be at the Super Bowl — headlining. The Southern University Human Jukebox — the pregame.”

“Yall better work, oh my goodness,” exclaimed Hudson on the announcement.

The team has become a household name nationwide for its captivating shows. The band, comprised of 300 students, plays various classic and modern songs to delight fans in any stadium. Along with the Dancing Dolls, it has established itself as world-class performers. The “Human Jukebox” recently competed in the first-ever West Coast HBCU Battle of the Bands, featuring other schools such as Alabama A&M, Hampton, and North Carolina A&T University.

“And that’s what this (HBCU) culture has always done in times of hardship, is come together and unified,” said Nick Cannon, a long-time host of the event. “So the fact that we can be a beacon in that setting, in [Los Angeles], right now that probably matters the most, or needs it the most.”

As for Southern, its band also played at the 2025 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, earlier this year. Now, it is preparing to take on the “Big Game” yet again. With this platform, the “Human Jukebox” will showcase their school pride and spread greater awareness of HBCU culture.

RELATED CONTENT: Denzel Washington Reminds Us That He Was From The Streets During Q&A For ‘Gladiator II’

Anti-DEI, Black Employment, DEI
(Photo: Alex Green/Pexels)
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 5, 2025

Names Of Black Federal Health Workers Listed As Targets On ‘DEI Watch List,’ Leaving Employees Terrified

This is scary....

Federal health workers, mostly Black, are fearful of what’s to come after their names were listed as targets on a website called “DEI Watch List,” NBC News reported. 

It is unclear when the website first appeared listing photos, names, and public information of workers across health agencies, labeling them as “targets.” Workers’ offenses listed on the website include working on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, sending donations to Democratic elected officials, and using pronouns in the bios.  

Executive director of the American Public Health Association, Dr. Georges Benjamin, called the website a “scare tactic” after a colleague sent it to him. “This is a scare tactic to try to intimidate people who are trying to do their work and do it admirably,” Benjamin said. 

“It’s clear racism.” 

On Feb. 4, the site, with a note at the bottom saying, “a project of the American Accountability Foundation,” a conservative watchdog group, linked more information about the workers under the “targets” headline. Later on, the headlines were changed to “dossiers.” One worker who found out their name was on the list called the feeling “unnerving.” “My name and my picture is there, and in 2025, it’s very simple to Google and look up someone’s home address and all kinds of things that potentially put me at risk,” the unidentified person said.

“I don’t know what the intention of the list is for. It’s just kind of a scary place to be.”

As for acts of online harassment, Benjamin suggests law enforcement should be looking into the lists. Following President Donald Trump’s executive order to dismantle DEI programs at the federal level, a sense of anxiousness — and anger — has taken over for DEI professionals concerned with the industry’s state and the changes impacting their future, according to CNN. “They (DEI professionals) are so incredibly frustrated that they are being lied on and misrepresented as too woke, divisive people who hate America,” Shaun Harper, founder of the Race & Equity Center at the University of Southern California, said. 

“And that’s not who those folks are.”

This is not the first time conservative groups have created such lists. In December 2024, names of people in the military who were deemed too focused on DEI were sent to Pete Hegseth, the now-new Department of Defense secretary. Employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed they received “threatening” memos from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) directing them to end any activities, jobs, and research connected to DEI. “The tone is aggressive. It’s threatening consequences if we are not obedient. It’s asking us to report co-workers who aren’t complying,” one CDC physician said. 

“There’s a lot of fear and panic.”

RELATED CONTENT: Shareholders Hit Target With Defamation Lawsuit Over DEI Drawback

NFL, Brother-Sister Duo, Ashley & Trey Smith
(Photo: Erin Costa/flickr)
by Kandiss Edwards

February 5, 2025

NFL ‘Chooses Love’ And Will No Longer Display ‘End Racism’ Message

The NFL will no longer display them message "End Racism" in its end-zone during the Super Bowl.

The New York Times reported that the NFL is changing its on-field messaging from “End Racism” to “Choose Love” for Super Bowl LIX.

The 2025 Super Bowl is less than one week away. The Kansas City Chiefs will play the Philadelphia Eagles at the New Orleans Caesars Dome. Since 2021, the NFL has stenciled “End Racism” in the end zone. This year, the organization is opting for a softer message for its Inspire Change initiative.

On Feb. 4, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy spoke about the departure, noting that the Super Bowl’s messaging often reflects the tone of the country at any particular moment.

“The Super Bowl is often a snapshot in time, and the NFL is in a unique position to capture and lift the imagination of the country,” McCarthy confirmed to NBC News.

McCarthy noted some of the previous messages that adorned the field.

“Teams have used on the field this year ‘Vote,’ ‘End Racism,’ ‘Stop Hate,’ and ‘Choose Love.’ This is part of the NFL’s Inspire Change,” he said.

The messaging change could be attributed to the federal government’s legal attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

The “Protecting Civil Rights and Expanding Individual Opportunity” executive order issued by the Trump administration “directs all departments and agencies to take strong action to end private sector DEI discrimination, including civil compliance investigations.”

Though the NFL denies the change is due to the policy, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told NBC News that the organization is careful to comply with federal law.

“Our policies have been designed to be well within the law, well within the practice,” Goodell said at the press conference. “There are no quotas in our system. This is about opening that funnel and bringing the best talent into the NFL.”

The commissioner also doubled down on the NFL’s commitment to advocating for a diverse workforce.

“We got into diversity efforts because we felt it was the right thing for the National Football League, and we’re going to continue those efforts because we’ve not only convinced ourselves, I think we’ve proven ourselves that it does make the NFL better,” Goodell said.

The change in message is also attributed to the recent tragedies that have befallen the U.S., especially in New Orleans. On Jan. 1, the city was the target of a domestic terrorist attack that killed 15 people. The city is working with the local government of New Orleans and the federal government to ensure the city is safe for tourists and attendees.

“The U.S. Secret Service has been on the ground for days, working in close collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, as well as the NFL, to implement a comprehensive security plan,” said U.S. Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi.

RELATED CONTENT: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Says DEI Policies Are Going Nowhere

×