JAŸ-Z, Anniversary Shows, Yankee Stadium
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 19, 2026

‘GOAT Back Outside’: JAŸ-Z Announces Anniversary Shows At NYC’s Yankee Stadium

Roc Nation announced the news on its website.

Brooklyn billionaire Sean “JAŸ-Z” Carter announced he will have two celebratory concerts in the home of hip-hop at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx, New York, this summer.

The rapper, who earlier this year kicked off the celebration by releasing the original “Dead Presidents” song, which debuted before his classic 1996 debut album, “Reasonable Doubt,” will be in The Bronx on July 10 and July 11. The first night will be JAŸ-Z 30, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of his first album, while July 11 will be JAŸ-Z 25, an ode to his 2001 project, “The Blueprint.”

Roc Nation announced the news on its website on March 18.

Jigga’s announcement comes immediately after it was revealed that the “Politics As Usual” lyricist will co-headline the popular Roots Picnic with The Roots this year, which will take place in Philadelphia on May 30 and 31.

The festival will take place at the historic Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.

“Moving the Roots Picnic to Belmont Plateau and bringing JAŸ-Z and The Roots together to perform are both bucket-list moments for us,” Manager of The Roots and President of Live Nation Urban Shawn Gee said in a written statement. “After meeting with Mayor Cherelle Parker and hearing her vision for Philadelphia 250, she truly inspired us to dream even bigger, and we’re grateful to her, Commissioner Susan Slawson, Jazelle Jones, and everyone who helped make it happen. We can’t wait to see everyone in May at the Plat.”

Since the reissue of “Dead Presidents,” fans have been speculating about the recording artist’s moves regarding shows and new music. Roc Nation has set up a website, JAYZ30.com, to keep people abreast of his anticipated moves, but it has also posted other songs on the site since it initially featured the reissue earlier this year.

Fans are definitely taking note and are reacting to the news that one of hip-hop’s finest will be performing at least three times this year!

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CROWN, Ohio, public schools
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 19, 2026

Courtney Adeleye Makes History With Both Haircare Businesses Stocked At Major Retailers

Adeleye celebrated her second hair and skincare brand to hit Walmart's shelves.

One business owner’s success has doubled as major retailers now stock both her haircare brands.

Courtney Adeleye already made headlines with her natural haircare brand, The Mane Choice. Emphasizing natural ingredients that focused on hair length and retention, the brand became a leader in the beauty industry, resulting in her business growth as well.

The former nurse turned the brand into a multimillion-dollar entity, beginning operations from home. The Mane Choice and its acclaimed shampoos, deep conditioners, and hair-growth vitamins passed $100 million in sales by 2019.

“There were not many brands that used natural ingredients and specialized in healthy hair growth at the same time,” Adeleye told Entrepreneur in a 2023 profile. “So, I started mixing my own products at home and infused them with vitamins, nutrients, and healthy ingredients.”

Like many successful founders, Adeleye decided to pursue an acquisition to secure new ownership and grow the business. That same year, she sold The Mane Choice to MAV Beauty Brands for $61.5 million, according to WWD.

However, Adeleye’s entrepreneurial spirit did not waver. She then began developing another brand that ties skincare and haircare together. Using the knowledge gained from her last venture, she created Watch & Sea Beauty. This brand, however, specializes in using plant- and ocean-based ingredients, staying true to her original business ethos of natural sourcing.

Now, Watch & Sea Beauty has formed its own wave. Its assortment of scalp cleansers and complexion serums has taken over shelves at CVS and Walmart. With her second brand stocked by the latter, Adeleye has a new claim to fame as a barrier-breaking entrepreneur.

On social media, she celebrated the feat, noting that it occurred during Women’s History Month. In the post, she showed off both her current and former haircare brands on Walmart shelves.

“For every moment I doubted whether I belonged in rooms that weren’t built for me. We just closed out Black History Month, and now we’re stepping into Women’s History Month, and I can’t think of a more powerful time to share this news. History isn’t just something we read about. We are OUT HERE MAKING IT,” she wrote in the caption.

Although she no longer owns The Mane Choice, she still remarked that two Black-women-founded brands are available for nationwide distribution through the commerce giant.

“Not only has it not been done by an African-American woman, but it’s also never been done by [an] African-American person ever,” she explained in the video.

Watch & Sea Beauty has also found additional distributors, with products available at Target and H.E.B. As she scales another successful launch, Adeleye is proving Black woman can have their own haircare and beauty empires.

Sundresses & Seersuckers Festival, atlanta
by Ahsan Washington

March 19, 2026

Lean Into Women’s History Month With These Events: Week 3

Museums, libraries, and cultural institutions throughout the country host programming around women's history.

The National Women’s History Alliance educators started Women’s History Month after launching the initial Women’s History Week in 1980 to improve women’s representation in American history education.

The United States government recognized its first official Women’s History Month through a declaration by President Jimmy Carter before Congress, which extended recognition to March 1987.

Museums, libraries, and cultural institutions throughout the country host programming around women’s history that includes exhibitions, film screenings, and public discussion panels to showcase women’s achievements, leadership, scholarship, and contributions. 

And with that BLACK ENTERPRISE’s four-week series on things to do to celebrate Women’s History Month continues.

Schomburg Center Women’s Jazz Festival—Harlem, New York 

The Annual Women’s Jazz Festival at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture continues its 30-year legacy of spotlighting the profound contributions of Black women to the jazz canon. Programming started March 16 and runs through March 30

This year’s sold-out series—featuring Ms. Lisa Fischer, Kandace Springs, and Dee Dee Bridgewater—serves a dual purpose: celebrating world-class artistry while funding the archives that protect global African diaspora history. Those interested can catch performances on YouTube. 

Women’s History Month Programming, National Center for Civil and Human Rights—Atlanta

From March 19-March 31, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. the National Center for Civil and Human Rights will host a month-long exhibition for Women’s History Month, with gallery programming featuring historians and educators. The programming includes curator-guided exhibitions and discussions focusing on Black women civil rights leaders who contributed to voting rights, equality and justice movements.

Truth’s Table Live Conversation on Faith and Justice—Charleston

Authors and podcast hosts Ekemini Uwan and Christina Edmondson lead a live discussion about faith and justice and activism through intellectual contributions. The International African American Museum will host the event on Thursday, March 19, at 7 p.m. in Charleston, South Carolina. The event seeks to link Women’s History Month events with discussions about the major impact of Black women intellectuals on social justice movements.

Women Filmmakers Showcase—Laredo, Texas

The Women Filmmakers Showcase presents a screening of movies made by women filmmakers Friday, March 20, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Laredo Film Society. The showcase promotes women storytellers who create films that help increase the representation of women, especially Black women, in the film industry.

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Prairie View A&M, Howard University, NCAA Tournament Games
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 19, 2026

Prairie View A&M, Howard University Make History By Winning First NCAA Tournament Games

Both schools advance to the first round of games with Prairie A&M playing No. 1 Florida, while Howard faces No. 1 Michigan

Exactly a year after recording only five wins in the regular season, Prairie View A&M’s successful one-season turnaround, which led to the team taking home the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament title, has resulted in the team winning its very first NCAA Tournament game in school history, joining Howard University in doing so the previous night.

The school won its game in the play-in First Four tournament on March 18, defeating the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, 67-55. After Howard University won its First Four contest against the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 86-83 (Howard’s very first NCAA Tournament victory as well) on March 17, HBCUs are currently undefeated!

The Panthers face their toughest test in their next match against the No. 1 seed, the University of Florida, on March 20 at Benchmark International Arena.

The trio of Dontae Horne, Cory Wells, and Lance Williams held the team down by scoring a combined 54 out of the team’s 67 points. Horne produced a game-high 25 points, while adding seven rebounds and four steals. Wells contributed with a double-double when he scored 19 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Williams, who had 10 points, also recorded two steals and had two blocked shots.

According to ESPN, Prairie View A&M became the third team to win an NCAA tournament game after a season in which it won five or fewer games, since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Iowa State and Fairleigh Dickinson were the other two schools.

Meanwhile, Howard University matched its all-time high in games won with its win over UMBC. They are now 24-10, matching their highest win total since finishing 24-14 for the 1986-87 season. They will face the No. 1 seed Michigan on March 19.

Senior Ose Okojie scored a career-high 23 points to lead the team in scoring. Bryce Harris, the MEAC Player of the Year and Tournament MVP, recorded a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Cedric Taylor II, a First Team All-MEAC selection, contributed with 15 points and six rebounds.

Both teams will be seeking their second win and to advance to the next round of the NCAA Tournament.

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Iran, war, oil prices, LGN facility, Israel
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 19, 2026

Oil Surges Past $110 After Iran Retaliates By Striking World’s Largest Liquefied Natural Gas Facility

The attacks sent shockwaves to United States gas pumps as the price of crude oil went above $110 per barrel.

The conflict in the Middle East reached new heights March 19—in addition to U.S. gas prices—after Iran attacked the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas complex in Qatar, NPR reports. 

In addition to the natural gas facility, the Middle Eastern country targeted a gas field and facility in the United Arab Emirates, and launched missiles and drones on an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia and two gas units in Kuwait. All attacks stemmed from Israel bombing Iran’s South Pars gas field on March 18. 

Iran stood firm on its warnings after the Revolutionary Guards threatened counterstrikes on several energy facilities across the countries “in the coming hours” after the giant South Pars field, the largest gas reserves in the world, was attacked. 

The attacks sent shockwaves throughout the market, making its way to United States gas pumps. Amid the attacks, the price of crude oil went above $110 per barrel as of March 19, which was a 50% increase from the start of the war back in February, according to the Associated Press. 

American voters are feeling it the most. Some are grieving over the loss of family members who served in the military; others are feeling the financial stress at the pumps.

During an interview with President Donald Trump voters in Middlesburg, Pennsylvania, one woman made headlines for calling the president a “worthless piece of s***,” but admitted to making a mistake after voting for him three times. “It’s not our war,” she added.

While one man said he doesn’t mind paying more at the pumps and supports Trump’s decision to invade, another woman touched on how her truck driving husband has to pay “like $2 more” for diesel gas.

@nbcnews

NBC News’ Jon Allen speaks with Trump voters in Millersburg, Pennsylvania, about gas prices and the war in Iran.

♬ original sound – nbcnews – nbcnews

But neither the president nor Vice President JD Vance seem to think this won’t last long. Trump even took America out of the attack, putting all the blame on Israel.

“Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as the South Pars Gas Field in Iran. A relatively small section of the whole has been hit,” he wrote on his Truth Social social media platform. 

“I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran….Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as the South Pars Gas Field in Iran. A relatively small section of the whole has been hit,” he added.. 

“The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen.” 

During a trip to Michigan, Vance blamed the rising gas prices at the pumps on the Biden administration.

“Look, gas prices are up. And we know they’re up, and we know that people are hurting because of it. And we’re doing everything we can to ensure they stay lower,” he said. 

“This is a temporary blip,” Vance added. “What happened under the Biden administration is the gas prices were high for four years. Gas prices are higher right now and frankly they’re not even as high as they were during the certain parts of the Biden administration because of what’s going on in the Middle East it’s not going to last forever, we’re going to take care of business.” 

In the meantime, the three Gulf countries condemned the attacks from Iran.

“What little trust there was has completely been shattered, has been shattered on multiple levels,” the Saudi Kingdom’s foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan, said. “The patience that is being exhibited is not unlimited.”

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Shaquille O'Neal, Shaq, Funeral Costs , 12-Year-Old
by Kandiss Edwards

March 19, 2026

Shaquille O’Neal To Cover Funeral Costs For 12-Year-Old Who Died After Bus Stop Fight

The NBA legend wanted to show "love, support, and compassion" to Jada West's grieving family.

Shaquille O’Neal will pay for the funeral expenses of 12-year-old Jada West, who died following an altercation near a school bus stop.

In a statement, the NBA legend confirmed the joint effort between him and other local law enforcement leaders from Henry and Douglas counties. Jada died March 8, three days after a fight with another girl in her neighborhood. She was a sixth-grade student at Mason Creek Middle School in Georgia.

O’Neal, known for his acts of kindness and philanthropy stepped in to show “love, support, and compassion during such a painful moment,” ABC News reported.

“This story touched my heart the moment I saw it in the media,” O’Neal said. “As a father, my heart goes out to Jada’s family. No parent should ever have to bury their child, and if there is anything I can do to ease even a small part of that burden, then it is the right thing to do.”

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O’Neal, who was appointed the chief of community relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in 2025, is coordinating the donation with Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett and Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds. 

“When a child’s life is taken so tragically, it affects all of us,” Pounds said. “Our goal is simple. We want Jada’s family to know that they are not alone.”

The circumstances surrounding the fight are still being investigated. The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office is actively reviewing evidence to determine if criminal charges against the other child involved Jada’s death are warranted.

The Douglas County School described Jada as “an upbeat, kind, and vibrant student.” 

“This incident did not occur on school property or during school hours, and there is nothing to indicate that this is related to any on-campus activity,” the school district’s statement said.

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HBCU AwareFest, Atlanta , Combat Student Loan Debt
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 19, 2026

Black Business Leaders Join HBCU AwareFest In Atlanta To Combat Student Loan Debt Crisis

HBCU AwareFest will host entrepreneurship panels, mental health discussions, and a benefit concert to help combat student loan debt.

HBCU AwareFest is about to be underway in Atlanta, as Black leaders from various industries join the event to support Black scholars.

Produced by Student Freedom Initiative, in partnership with Live Nation Urban and the City of Atlanta, HBCU AwareFest aims to become the biggest fundraiser to reduce student loan debt for scholars at historically Black colleges and universities. Ahead of the festivities, the event has already announced legendary names in Black Hollywood and business that will take part in its jam-packed schedule.

Its benefit concert already has a stacked lineup, featuring headliners such as Jill Scott, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kirk Franklin, and Glorilla, among many more. However, special appearances outside of music will also host sessions leading up to the culminating show.

Through its Impact Fest, the event aims to educate attendees on financial literacy and resources that help students navigate school without the monetary strain. Black scholars, many of whom attend HBCUs, are particularly burdened by student loan debt.

Beginning March 21 at the Atlanta University Center Robert Woodruff Library and Promenade, HBCU AwareFest will host a daylong summit on topics ranging from financial empowerment to mental health awareness. With money-focused conversations co-hosted by MC Lyte, entrepreneurship panels, and sexual health discussions led by TS Madison and Saucy Santana, the first day’s programming will encourage students to navigate college safely and successfully.

HBCU AwareFest will also host an AI Innovation challenge the next day, a pitch event where students will present their AI-powered projects to tech leaders and business titans. The event will showcase plans for AI integration to better serve our world and various industries.

The weeklong showcase continues on March 24 with a comedy show featuring Deon Cole and fellow comedians. The following event, held at the famed Ebenezer Baptist Church, will host “The State of HBCUs” Executive Summit. Moderated by Roland Martin, HBCU presidents will join in a private session before meeting with attendees in a Q&A panel, all focused on progressing these storied institutions.

Anthony Anderson and Rosci Diaz will kick off that evening’s social activity with a Casino Royale Fundraiser. Alongside a live performance by Wyclef Jean and a special guest appearance by Magic Johnson, the event will encourage all to place bold bets for a good cause.

The national student loan debt crisis already sits at more than $1.8 trillion. However, Black students hold a disproportionate share, averaging at $52,000, according to the event website. As the cost of an education becomes nearly unaffordable, HBCU AwareFest and its programming aim to alleviate some of this financial stress so students can achieve their academic goals.

Ahead of the benefit concert, billionaire investor and Cornell alum, Robert F. Smith, who famously paid off the entire student loan debt of Morehouse’s 2019 class, will lead a fireside chat. Featuring honored guests like Daymond John and Chris Womack, the event will also spotlight an intimate conversation between Smith and filmmaker Tyler Perry.

As influential leaders in Black business and entertainment, the two will discuss the future of Black wealth and entrepreneurship, and how HBCUs play a pivotal role in this development. HBCU AwareFest week will end with a highly anticipated concert. VIP guests can also attend the show in Smith’s private viewing suite, all designed to leave a financial impact that shapes the futures of HBCU scholars.

Interested attendees can register for the multitude of events now, with 100% of profits going to reduce Black student debt.

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Turkey, food, racehorse, chip
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 19, 2026

That’s Craaazy! Diner Discovers Microchip In Meal, Authorities Determine He Was Eating Retired Racehorse

Authorities confirmed it was a four-year-old thoroughbred mare named Smart Latch.

A champion racehorse was unsuspectedly on the menu at a municipal soup kitchen in southern Turkey when a diner discovered a microchip in his meal. He lodged a complaint and provided the evidence, and authorities confirmed it was a four-year-old thoroughbred mare named Smart Latch.

According to the International Business Times UK, in February, while dining at a soup kitchen in Mersin’s Yenisehir district, a diner who ordered kavurma, a traditional stew made with beef or lamb, found a horse’s microchip in his meal. He kept the microchip while lodging a complaint to the authorities on Feb. 4.

An investigation by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry inspectors determined that the microchip came from Smart Latch, which had been put to death after she broke her leg during a race in Adana on Oct. 14, 2025. They also determined that the meat was mislabeled as beef before it reached a facility in Mersin. Investigators discovered that the horse meat was diverted from its intended path.

The horse’s owner, Suat Topcu, stated that he had donated her to a nearby riding club for rehabilitation. He told reporters, “We are in distress,” as he was fined 132,000 Turkish lira ($2,996) for failing to report the donation.

Smart Latch won three of her 13 starts at Adana’s Yesiloba Hippodrome before the injury ended her promising career.

The Daily Mail reported that after authorities determined that it was horse meat, they had nearly 470 pounds of the kavurma made with the meat destroyed.

The Mersin Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry is investigating how Smart Latch ended up at a slaughterhouse, rather than at the riding club Topcu claims he sent the horse to.

It is illegal in Turkey to slaughter horses for human consumption, especially for registered racehorses, which are typically protected or re-homed. The ministry stated that the soup kitchen had been “added to the list of unsafe products after testing showed it contained meat from a single-hoofed animal.”

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Rick Ross, tour, port of Miami
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 19, 2026

Only One ‘Biggest Boss:’ Rick Ross Slaps Remy Ma With Cease-and-Desist Over New Film

Rick Ross filed a cease-and-desist against Remy Ma over her network’s indie film release “The Biggest Boss.”

Rick Ross is taking legal action against fellow rapper Remy Ma over her network’s independent film “The Biggest Boss,” alleging unauthorized use of his music and likeness.

Remy’s The Remy Network has been ramping up promotion for “The Biggest Boss,” an indie film about a police officer who flips a drug dealer’s story into a rap career—a plot that closely echoes Rick Ross’ own rise in hip-hop. However, in response to the film, Ross’ legal team has issued a cease-and-desist letter, alleging the project uses his music and trade name without authorization and demanding production be stopped, TMZ reports.

Ross’s filing also points to social media posts suggesting fans believe he’s involved in the indie project. In response, a representative for Remy Ma—who has maintained a friendly relationship with Ross and previously shared the stage with him—acknowledged the legal notice, stating that the “Conceited” rapper understands his concerns.

“Remy was personally unaware of the concerns raised regarding ‘The Biggest Boss’ and takes the matter seriously,” the rep said. “She has maintained a personal and professional relationship with Rick Ross for more than 20 years and would never intentionally engage in any action that could harm his brand or cause offense.”

Some fans online have speculated that the project could be a form of retaliation by Remy, especially given Rick Ross’ vocal support for boxer Claressa Shields, who is currently dating Remy’s ex-husband. However, Remy’s representatives deny that claim, adding that she is already taking steps to have the title removed from her platform.

“[Remy] has also reached out to [Ross] directly. Upon being made aware of the issue, the title was immediately removed from the platform,” the rep said. “The Remy Network is now working closely with its partners to strengthen review processes and ensure that situations like this do not occur moving forward.”

RELATED CONTENT: Rick Ross Announces Tour Celebrating 20th Anniversary Of Debut Album, ‘Port Of Miami.’

Shelitha Robertson, PPP, Atlanta attorney, SBA, ppp loan fraud, lawyer, Juventus Duorinaah, Carlos Moore
by Jameelah Mullen

March 19, 2026

From Fraud To Stateless: $3.8M COVID Scam Costs A Haitian Man His Citizenship

The Haiti-born man received his U.S. citizenship in 2021.

A man born in Haiti lost his U.S. citizenship after a federal judge determined he defrauded COVID-19 relief programs out of millions of dollars and issued false statements during the naturalization process. 

A U.S. District Court in Florida ordered the revocation of citizenship for Joff Stenn Wroy Philossaint, 25, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after determining he hid his criminal activities when applying for citizenship. 

“United States citizenship is one of the greatest privileges our nation can offer, and it must be earned honestly,” U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said in a statement. “This defendant built his path to citizenship on false statements while stealing millions from programs meant to keep small businesses alive during the pandemic. The court’s order revoking his citizenship restores accountability and reinforces a simple principle: if you lie to obtain immigration benefits and commit federal crimes, you will lose what you unlawfully gained.”

According to federal prosecutors, Philossaint engaged in fraudulent activity from April 2020 to May 2021, obtaining COVID-19 relief funds through his own companies. He also prepared fraudulent loan applications for five other companies and received a 10 percent commission from them. Authorities said the applications included false information about earnings and payroll. 

Philossaint and his co-conspirators submitted 40 fraudulent loan applications, securing about $3.8 million in loans,  prosecutors said. Investigators found that Philossaint received approximately $549,000 in loan funds and kickbacks.

Federal officials stated that Philossaint applied for U.S. citizenship in Feb 2020, before the fraud began. During a Dec. 15 naturalization interview, he allegedly denied providing false information to obtain COVID-19 relief funds. He received U.S. citizenship in Feb. 2021.

In Sept. 2021, prosecutors charged Philossaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of conspiracy to launder money, and unlawful procurement of citizenship. He pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charges, and a jury later found him guilty of obtaining citizenship unlawfully. In 2023, a federal judge sentenced him to 12 years in prison.

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