Expert Dee Bowden, Black Women Entrepreneurs
by Mitti Hicks

March 19, 2026

Black Women Are The Fastest Group of Entrepreneurs, Report Shows

Between 2024 and 2025, Black women-owned employer businesses grew by 13%.

The September Jobs Report in 2025 revealed the unemployment rate for Black women hit 7.5%. The crisis caused Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley to push for action to address it. By January 2026, the unemployment rate had dropped slightly to 6.3%, but remained higher than the 5.4% recorded the year before.

National Partnership leadership describes these numbers as a deliberate unraveling. As the organization pointed out, the first year of the Trump administration undercut protections for workers that directly impacted Black women.

Pressley agreed, stating the Trump administration’s “reckless mass firings,” along with the growing affordability crisis and relentless attacks on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives, have hurt Black women in the workforce.

National Partnership President Jocelyn Frye put it in historical context:

“Black women have a long history as workers in the United States – from the early horrors of their traumatic, involuntary arrival as forced slave laborers to their present-day reality where they must navigate persistent gender and racial norms and expectations about workplace roles and job advancement opportunities.”

That’s why it’s no surprise that Black women are building their own tables.

Black Women Are Betting On Themselves Because They Have To

More Black women in the United States are becoming entrepreneurs. In fact, according to Wells Fargo’s recent report, “The Impact of Women Businesses,” Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs. Between 2024 and 2025, Black women-owned employer businesses grew by 13%, and their revenue increased by nearly 6%. For Black women-owned businesses without employees, revenue also grew by 8%, and the businesses grew by 13%.

While the report attributes the rise in women-owned businesses to “strong entrepreneurial ambition,” there’s one factor missing from the equation, especially for Black women: the rug was pulled from underneath them.

“Black/African American, Asian American, and younger women are driving the future of entrepreneurship,” researchers noted in the report. “In 2024, Asian American and Black/African American-owned businesses were more likely to be started by women than men and Millennial and Gen Z startup entrepreneurs were more likely to be younger entrepreneurs, according to Gusto survey research.”

RELATED CONTENT: Minding Our Own Business: How Women-Led Savings Clubs Built The Black Middle Class


Michael B. Jordan, Obsidianworks
by Ahsan Washington

March 19, 2026

Michael B. Jordan’s Career Before His Oscar Triumph

He has spent 25 years developing his acting skills.

Actor and filmmaker Michael B. Jordan has earned recognition through his strong and adaptable acting performances for 25 years, culminating in becoming just the sixth African American male to win a Best Actor Oscar

That happened Sunday at the 98th Academy Awards.

This timeline shows the important roles that built his career before he won the historic Oscar for his performance in Sinners.

Hardball (2001)

This coming-of-age drama of a youth baseball team led by an imperfect adult coach (Keanu Reeves) introduced Jordan to audiences as the tough-but-sensitive Jamal, the team’s oldest player. The role helped him move from modeling and TV commercials to feature films.

The Wire (2002)

In the classic HBO crime drama set in Baltimore, Jordan portrayed Wallace, a teenage drug dealer, who became trapped in the brutal realities of street life. Wallace’s character arc in the series was brief, yet demonstrated Jordan’s dramatic potential within a distinguished ensemble cast.

All My Children (2003–2006)

In the long-running, ABC daytime soap opera, Jordan portrayed Reggie Porter Montgomery, a troubled adolescent adopted into a complicated family. Through three seasons he demonstrated his acting abilities by developing his character and improving his emotional storytelling skills and maintaining on-screen consistency.

Friday Night Lights (2009–2011)

In another acclaimed TV drama, Jordan portrayed Vince Howard, a skilled quarterback who faced difficulties during his early life. Through this major role he gained widespread recognition while demonstrating his talent to portray athletic self-assurance alongside internal conflicts.

Chronicle (2012)

In this sci-fi thriller that follows a group of teenagers who discover they possess telekinetic powers, Jordan took on the lead role, showing his talent for creating authentic emotional depth in genre storytelling while establishing himself for major film opportunities.

Fruitvale Station (2013)

The breakthrough for Jordan and Sinners director Ryan Coogler. Jordan received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Oscar Grant, who became a victim of police violence in Oakland, California. Jordan’s performance in this film, based on a true story, established him as a headlining dramatic actor.

That Awkward Moment (2014)

In this romantic comedy, Jordan portrayed Mikey, one of a trio of friends who experiences relationship challenges. Here, Jordan demonstrated his range by moving beyond dramatic roles to participate in ensemble comedy.

Fantastic Four (2015)

The 2015 superhero reboot Fantastic Four brought the Marvel comic team to the screen. The film featured Jordan as Johnny Storm AKA The Human Torch. The movie had a difficult time at the box office and received mixed reviews, yet it gave Jordan experience with big-budget franchises and increased his exposure to mainstream Hollywood audiences.

Creed (2015), Creed II (2018), Creed III (2023)

The Rocky film series extended its legacy through a new franchise where Jordan portrayed Adonis “Donnie” Creed, Apollo Creed’s son. Through his powerful physical transformation and magnetic performance he became a defining character of a massive franchise. In directing Creed III, Jordan established himself as a true creative force.

Black Panther (2018)

In the Marvel Studios blockbuster, Jordan gave a complex and motivated performance as Erik Killmonger who opposed Chadwick Bozeman’s character T’Challa. The performance achieved both cultural and critical success which boosted Jordan’s status as a star.

Just Mercy (2019)

The 2019 biographical legal drama depicts the life of civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson, portrayed by Stevenson. Jordan brought moral urgency to the film while maintaining emotional restraint in a performance that was widely praised by critics.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Sinners’ Didn’t Win Best Picture But It Did Shine At The Oscars

patient, hospital
by Kandiss Edwards

March 19, 2026

Florida Hospital Sues Former Patient It Says Won’t Leave

Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, there is no information about the patient's illness or the status of her condition.

Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare has filed a lawsuit, claiming that an unnamed woman who was discharged in October 2025 refuses to vacate their room. 

The hospital wants Leon County Sheriff’s Office to remove the patient, according to documents acquired by USA Today. 

“TMH staff made repeated efforts to assist the defendant in safely completing discharge,” the complaint says. “TMH offered assistance, including coordination with family members and offering non-emergency medical transportation to obtain necessary identification.”

There’s also the matter of providing care to those who need it, the hospital said. “TMH has limited inpatient beds. The defendant’s continued occupancy prevents use of the bed for patients needing acute care.”

Because of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), details about the patient’s illness or current condition are not publicly available. While the hospital reports that she has been discharged—a sign she may be stable—discharge does not always guarantee full recovery.

In 2021, a 68-year-old Black man was released from Piedmont Rockdale Hospital in Georgia reportedly due to his inability to afford treatment. The unnamed man was allegedly treated for 35 days at the hospital. Once Medicare stopped paying for treatment he was dressed and escorted to the exterior of the building.

The man subsequently collapsed and was found by a passerby, who said the patient still had medical tubes attached to his body when he was found.

Much like Tallahassee Memorial, the hospital claimed it attempted to assist the patient in his transition. 

“At Piedmont, our purpose is to make a positive difference in every life we touch,” the hospital said in a statement. “We can only provide the best care with the cooperation and consent of the patient. We do our best to connect patients in need with community partners and social service organizations to provide appropriate after-hospital care, but ultimately accepting these services is at the discretion of the patient.”

RELATED CONTENT: Study Shows State-Sanctioned Scalpels: Florida Courts Order Forced C-Sections On Laboring Women As Hospitals Invoke ‘Fetal Rights’

IRS, Pandemic Tax Refund
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 19, 2026

The IRS May Owe Millions A Pandemic Tax Refund

Taxpayers who paid late penalties during the pandemic could have a limited window to file claims and recover their money.

A recent court ruling may make millions of Americans eligible for a COVID-19 tax refund, The New York Post reports. 

In November 2025, a U.S. Court of Federal Claims argued in Kwong v. United States that federal tax deadlines should have been postponed for the entire pandemic, going from Jan. 20, 2020, through May 11, 2023, plus an additional 60 days, as tax code Section 7508A(d) outlines a requirement for tax deadlines to be postponed during disaster that are federally declared. 

In layman’s terms, the deadline for tax filings from 2019 to 2022 should have been extended through July 10, 2023, meaning anyone who filed prior to the date and was charged a late penalty or fined could be eligible for a refund. 

Tax experts are encouraging filers to make a claim soon. Since taxpayers have limited time to file for a potential refund or penalty reduction by law, the IRS will more than likely appeal the ruling.

“Millions of taxpayers could be eligible, but if people don’t file claims before July 10, 2026, they lose out on the potential for a refund or abatement,” Jon Wasser, a partner at Fox Rothschild with a tax issue focus, said, according to USA Today.

Pandemic refund claims have already been successful in court. Digital storage solutions firm, Western Digital, pushed a lawsuit against the federal government in February 2025 for a  partial refund of the $53.6 million tax payment submitted in August 2023. They argued the company should have never been charged close to $21 million in interest since the filings were submitted during the disaster period. 

The suit supports sentiments from Jessica Marine, a partner at Frost Law, who curated a blog post about the cash some refund recipients could see. “The potential dollar amounts could be significant, particularly for businesses that faced liquidity challenges during the pandemic and incurred substantial failure-to-pay (taxes) penalties,” Marine wrote. 

With the refund statute of limitations generally ranging between three years from the time the return was filed or two years from the time the tax was paid, here’s how you can see if you qualify for a refund. Since the ruling suggested tax deadlines were moved to July 10, 2023, Wasser said the last date to preserve your claim for a potential refund would be July 10, 2026—three years to the date. 

He also recommends taxpayers check their tax records to see if the IRS levied penalties or interest during the tax filing pause since that is something the agency can do by either asking their tax professionals or looking at their IRS tax transcript.

To gain access to their tax transcripts, filers can visit the IRS website, request a mail copy on the website, or call the agency’s phone service at 800-908-9946.

Tax professionals or average taxpayers can file claims by using IRS Form 843, claim for refund and request for reduction, using information from the tax transcript. Specify it’s a protective claim based on the Kwong v. United States decision surrounding Section 7508A(d) and the COVID-19 disaster period. 

“You’re basically telling the IRS, ‘here’s a refund claim, put it on hold for now’ until the case has a final determination.” Wasser said. Amid all litigation is final and it is ruled the IRS must issue refunds, your right to claim a refund is preserved.

“You just need to put the IRS on notice now,” Wasser added.

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Says IRS Broke Law Over 42,000 Times By Giving ICE Taxpayer Info For Immigration Enforcement

Bozoma Saint John
by Selena Hill

March 19, 2026

Bozoma Saint John, Angela Rye, Jotaka Eaddy, and More Honored at the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit

Black Enterprise recognized the honorees for their extraordinary visionary leadership during the Luminary Awards Luncheon at the Women of Power Summit

Hundreds of Black women gathered in Las Vegas this past weekend for the 20th annual BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit, the premier professional development conference for women of color. The four-day event provided attendees with the tools, connections, and information they needed to elevate their careers and advance in their organizations.

In addition to panel discussions, one-on-one career and financial coaching, and networking opportunities, the summit honored five leaders who are paving the way for the next generation of women executives and business titans at the Luminary Awards Luncheon.

Each honoree shared an inspirational message while accepting their award. Watch clips from their speeches below.

Bozoma Saint John

Bozoma Saint John is an acclaimed marketer, author, and the founder of Eve by Boz. A cultural force and marketing icon, she has led some of the world’s most influential brands, including PepsiCo, Apple Music, Uber, and Netflix.

In 2022, she stepped off the corporate ladder and, the following year, published her memoir, The Urgent Life, a manifesto on living boldly. In 2024, she brought her signature flair to reality TV as a cast member on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” In addition to gracing the cover of Black Enterprise, she was also named by Forbes as the “Most Influential Chief Marketing Officer in the World.”

Angela Rye, Esq.

Angela Rye is an award-winning host, attorney, political strategist, and social justice advocate. As the principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, Rye has helped shape more than 500 leaders now serving at the highest levels of government, corporations, and nonprofits.

She is also the co-creator of State of the People, a coalition of 200 organizations working to provide resources, education, and relief to thousands of people in need.

Plus, as the co-host of Native Land Pod, an NAACP Image Award–winning podcast, she informs, educates, and empowers others about issues affecting Black and brown communities.

Jotaka Eaddy

Jotaka Eaddy is an award-winning advocate, veteran strategist, and master connector with more than 20 years of experience in policy, advocacy, and movement building. She is perhaps best known as the visionary leader behind Win With Black Women, a powerhouse network that has influenced major national moments—from Kamala Harris’ presidential run to the confirmation of the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice.

In 2024, Win With Black Women organized a historic Zoom call with 44,000 participants that raised over $1.5 million for Harris just hours after she launched her presidential bid.

Plus, as the founder and CEO of Full Circle Strategies, Eaddy advised Oprah Winfrey Network’s OWN Your Vote campaign and led the historic grassroots marketing campaign for the launch of the musical film The Color Purple. She also helped shape inclusive policy within large tech companies and spearheaded the launch of Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women initiative, which created a historic $1 billion investment in Black women.

Sandra Douglass Morgan

Sandra Douglass Morgan made history in 2022 when she was appointed president of the Las Vegas Raiders, making her the first Black woman to serve as president of an NFL team. Under her leadership, the Raiders have expanded revenue opportunities, strengthened community engagement, and helped establish Allegiant Stadium as a premier global venue. Working in collaboration with public-private partners, Morgan played a key role in securing major events, including the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, and international soccer matches.

Before joining the Raiders, Morgan broke barriers as the first Black city attorney in Nevada and the first Black chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Shelly Cayette-Weston

Shelly Cayette-Weston is one of the most powerful Black women in professional sports. She serves as president of business operations for the NBA’s Hornets Sports & Entertainment, where she oversees the Charlotte Hornets and the newly renovated Spectrum Center. Before coming to the Charlotte Hornets, she served as executive vice president and chief commercial officer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, where she made history as the first Black woman to hold that title for an NBA franchise.

During her 12-year tenure, she was responsible for global partnerships, fresh fan experiences, and expanding access to youth sports far beyond the court. She also helped transform the Cavaliers into one of the NBA’s top-performing revenue franchises.

University Of Georgia, Quarterback, D.J. Shockley,Commencement Address
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 19, 2026

Former University Of Georgia Quarterback D.J. Shockley To Give 2026 Commencement Address

He led the Bulldogs to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a Sugar Bowl appearance in 2005.

Former University of Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley, who led the Bulldogs to an SEC (Southeastern Conference) Championship and a Sugar Bowl appearance in 2005, will give the commencement address at the school’s May graduation.

According to Dawg Nation, Shockley will be the second former Bulldogs football player to deliver a commencement address.

“It’s surreal this many years later that Georgia fans still love you and still want to take care of you and give you flowers,” Shockley said.

He felt the school had other choices that might have made more sense, including Matthew Stafford (2025 NFL MVP), Aaron Murray (holder of several school passing records), or Stetson Bennett (MVP of the Bulldogs’ back-to-back national championship wins).

Shockley follows Billy Payne, who in 1991 was the first football player to give the address.

The former quarterback arrived at the school during the 2001 season, but lost the starting job to David Greene. Although head coach Mark Richt implemented a two-quarterback system in his first year, injuries decimated Shockley’s ability to start throughout his first three years. Instead of transferring, he stayed with the team and won the starting job in 2005.

Shockley led the No. 4-ranked, undefeated team to the Sugar Bowl. His 28 touchdowns were a school record at the time. Sadly, an injury forced Shockley to sit out the Sugar Bowl, leading to the team’s only defeat that year, a 14-10 loss to SEC rival Florida.

His former teammate, DeMario Minter, who had a locker right next to Shockley’s at Georgia, said, “He never once complained, never once got frustrated. I think that translates to what he’s doing now and the type of person he is.”

Shockley spent three years with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons but never played a game. He is currently the sports director at Fox 5 Atlanta and a sideline reporter for the Georgia Bulldog Radio Network.

The Bulldogs are the current SEC champions after beating Alabama 28-7 to win its sixth SEC title on Dec. 6, 2025.

RELATED CONTENT: University of Georgia Professor Accused Of Soliciting A Minor, Removed From Campus

Gavin Newsom,reparations
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 19, 2026

Gavin Newsom Lays Out New Orders In Hilarious Response To Trump Labeling Him ‘The President Of The United States’ While Trying To Insult Him

Trump trying to portray Newsom as “a low IQ person” and “dumb” for having dyslexia backfired after he mistakenly referred to him as “President of the United States.”

President Donald Trump’s attempt to insult California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s learning disability turned into a day of fun on social media after Trump mistakenly labeled the governor as “President of the United States.” 

While taking questions from reporters in the Oval Office on March 16, Trump tried to portray Newsom as “a low-IQ person” and “dumb” after Newsom revealed he has dyslexia in his new book.

“I think a president should not have learning disabilities.” 

But it backfired when he referred to Newsom as “President of the United States,” sparking a hilarious response from the Democratic leader on X in all caps, mirroring Trump’s style.

“Now that I, Gavin C. Newsom, am officially President of the United States (Thank You, Donald!), I have many big announcements to make! First, every Trump executive order is null and void, Stephen Miller and every Trump goon is fired, and the Trump corruption probe is officially launched! Health care is now free for all Americans (No Measles!), and all moms get free childcare so we can have more babies! Also, cannabis is now legal, and abortion is back for women who want it,” he wrote. 

“I will soon be banning all Ticketmaster fees and there will be no more commercials allowed during NBA and NFL games, as well as Bravo ‘Real Housewives’ shows (longer episodes!.) Every American family now gets a ‘tariff and gas spike refund’ to buy a cheap electric car! The country is now run by someone who can actually complete a sentence. America is now ‘hot’ because you a dyslexic President instead of a brain-dead one. Big upgrade!!!” 

Although he hasn’t made any official announcements, Newsom has been labeled a frontrunner in the 2028 presidential election, highlighting some initiatives he would pursue if he took the Oval Office. While he has some criticisms of his work in California, nothing compares to Trump’s critics. The governor, whom the president refers to as “new-scum,” is constantly being talked about by the 47th president. During a March rally in Kentucky, Trump made bold claims that Newsom’s political career is “over” due to his learning disability.

“I’m for everybody, but, you know, when it comes to being president, you have to be sharp,” Trump said to supporters, according to The Hill. 

“You got to be sharp as hell.”

If Newsom is elected, he wouldn’t be the first president with dyslexia. The country’s 28th president, Woodrow Wilson, was believed to have a learning disability after reports claimed he once mentioned to his wife that he didn’t learn to read until age 9. Data shows that roughly one in five people has dyslexia. 

But attacks on a person’s weakness are a known tactic for the indicted leader. During the 2016 Republican primary, he referred to Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz as “Lyin’ Ted” and then-Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as “Little Marco.” 

Cruz is now one of Trump’s biggest supporters, while Rubio is his Secretary of State. “He attacks people he sees as weak or he attacks people he sees as a threat, and I think Newsom falls into the second bucket,” one GOP strategist said.

RELATED CONTENT: Minding Our Own Business: How Women-Led Savings Clubs Built The Black Middle Class

Alabama, Supreme Court Ruling,Police, ID
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 19, 2026

Alabama Supreme Court Ruling Says Police Can Demand ID When Approaching Individuals

The decision was condemned by legal rights advocates over the government power it asserts over civilians.

An Alabama Supreme Court ruling has dictated that police officers can demand ID when approaching individuals.

The ruling states that officers are allowed to ask for physical identification if they feel an individual gives an unsatisfactory oral answer. AL.com reported how the decision ruled against a local pastor, who sued an Alabama town and its law enforcement office after a police encounter.

The incident occurred in 2022, in which police arrested Pastor Michael Jennings after he watered his neighbor’s flowers. Another neighbor called the police on Jennings, citing that a “younger Black male” was on the property.

While officers pressed the church leader about his identity, he told them he was “Pastor Jennings” and lived across the street. The answer, however, did not please the officers.

After the man refused to give them his ID, law enforcement arrested him on charges of obstructing government operations, which were later dismissed. The woman who initially called 911 also confirmed Jennings as a neighbor.

Feeling wronged, Jennings sued the town of Childersburg and the officers for false arrest, leading to a long legal battle. Although a district judge dismissed his case in 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit reversed the decision the next year.

The case then proceeded to the Alabama Supreme Court, while several civil rights organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Poverty Law Center, filed briefs in support of Jennings. However, the court ruled 6-3 that officers may arrest someone who refuses to provide sufficient identification.

Justice Terry Sellers cited that getting correct identification is a “crucial part” of the stop-and-identify law, also known as a Terry stop. Sellers defended the officers’ actions, stating that officers can request or demand physical identification if they deem a person’s oral answer as unsatisfactory.

According to WVTM13, Sellers wrote that the law “does not exclude from its purview a request for physical identification when a suspect provides an incomplete or unsatisfactory response to an officer’s demand to provide his or her name and address and an explanation of his or her action.”

The judgment now sets a legal precedent that officers can not only request physical proof of one’s identity but also arrest individuals if they fail to provide such evidence. Legal rights advocates condemned the decision, with Matthew Cavedon, director of the Cato Institute’s Project on Criminal Justice, calling the ruling a “significant expansion of government power over people.”

Now, an Alabamian under suspicion by a police officer must stay prepared to show proof of identity or face arrest.

Cavendon added, “The significance now for Alabamians is if an officer’s not satisfied with whatever answer you give, I sure hope you’ve got your driver’s license or passport on you.”

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Vows To Make Voter ID A Requirement Before Midterm Elections

military, citizen, ICE, trump
by Kandiss Edwards

March 19, 2026

Veterans Deported, Too: ICE Crackdown Sweeps Up Those Who Served

For immigrants, service alone does not guarantee a smooth transition into citizenship.

The Trump administration continues to try to carry out mass deportations nationwide. And veterans are not immune, Military.com reports.

As of December 2025, the Department of Homeland Security claims 2.5 million immigrants have been returned to their countries of origin. Military service is often a reliable path to citizenship.

According to Immigration Detentions of Military Family Members Spark Lawmaker Probe, 115,000 noncitizen veterans reside in the United States. Service alone does not guarantee the smooth transition into citizenship. Multiple service members have faced deportations despite decades of residency in the United States due to the stringent requirements of citizenship.

Requirements:

  • You must be at least 18 years old unless applying based on military service. 
  • Permanent resident (Green Card holder), typically for 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen. 
  • Continued residence in the U.S. for the required period.
  • Residence in the state or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services district where you apply for at least 3 months. 
  • Applicants must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English, unless exempt due to age or disability. 
  • Applicants must pass civics and reading test covering U.S. history and government. Depending on your application date, you may take the 2008 or 2025 version of the test.
  • You must demonstrate good moral character for the required period, including honesty, law-abiding behavior, and compliance with tax obligations. USCIS may also consider community involvement and minor infractions. 

Minor exceptions are made for military members including length of residency, age, and testing requirements. The need for good moral character remains a constant. Unfortunately, for multiple veteran removals, it is the requirement that has been unmet. 

In the case of Godfrey Wade his criminal past bars him from living in the country he fought for. The Jamaican-born U.S. Army veteran was detained by ICE for 5-months before he was deported this year. Though Wade has lived in the States for 50 years he has been convicted of minor crimes including a 2007 bounced check and a 2006 simple assault charge. While Wade sat in ICE custody his attorney filed an appeal to overturn his 2014 removal order. He was deported before receiving full due process.

Additionally, 39-year-old Venezuelan immigrant Jose Barco was removed from the U.S. Despite paying taxes for years and earning a Purple Heart, Barco’s criminal record mandated his removal. Barco was taken into ICE custody In April 2025.

In 2008, the veteran was convicted of two counts of attempted first-degree murder and one count of menacing after shooting into a crowd of teenagers and wounding 19-year-old Ginny Clemons according to NPR.

Taking up arms on behalf of the United States is a selfless act of sacrifice. While citizenship is seen as an honor and privilege to those deserving, many wonder if more flexibility should be allowed in the case of veterans. 

RELATED CONTENT: ICE Purchases Georgia Warehouse To Use As Immigrant Detention Center

Idris Elba, Sabrina Elba,Eco-City Project, Sherbro Island, Sierra Leone
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 18, 2026

Idris And Sabrina Elba Launch Eco-City Project On Sherbro Island, Sierra Leone

Idris and Sabrina Elba hope their efforts serve as a model for development projects across Africa.

Idris Elba and Sabrina Elba are expanding their philanthropic efforts with a new investment focused on ecological sustainability and economic growth on Sherbro Island in Sierra Leone.

The couple hopes the initiative will serve as a blueprint for development projects across the continent, National Geographic reports. With Idris’ father from Sierra Leone and Sabrina’s mother from Somalia, Sabrina Elba has spoken about her passion for challenging the stigmas tied to being African—something she experienced growing up in Canada.

“We wanted to see Africa represented the way that we knew it to be,” she said. “We wanted to change the storytelling.”

Idris Elba, who grew up in London, said he made a mental note to visit Sherbro Island after first hearing about it years ago from a close family friend who believed it had the potential to become a world-class holiday destination.

“At that juncture, I was just like, Oh, OK, that sounds interesting,” the Golden Globe winning-actor said.

It was during a 2019 trip to Sierra Leone, while serving as ambassadors for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), that Idris Elba had a pivotal realization. The Elbas saw an opportunity to create something more lasting and meaningful than a luxury getaway—aiming, as Sabrina Elba put it, to shift the narrative “from one of aid to one of investment.”

Idris Elba had already been expanding his philanthropic work, supporting education and hunger-relief efforts in Africa and advocating for at-risk youth in the U.K.—efforts that recently earned him a knighthood. After visiting Sherbro Island, he and Sabrina launched the Elba Hope Foundation to unify their initiatives, including programs empowering small-scale farmers across Sierra Leone.

The effort focuses on sustainable farming, cooperative development, and access to credit for cocoa and cashew farmers, work that, as executive director Marsha Reid noted, requires not just funding but “time and training and education and investment.”

Their work on the island centers on supporting sustainable farming that protects the environment while giving rural communities the tools to support themselves, Sabrina Elba said.

Since then, the Elbas’ efforts on Sherbro Island have expanded to include the Hope Power Project, a three-year initiative aimed at electrifying and wirelessly connecting the island. They see it as a foundation for future green development—ultimately transforming Sherbro into a self-sustaining, renewable-powered “eco-city.”

“Do we want to continue throwing concrete [up] and putting calluses on our world, or do we want to build structures and cities that actually nourish our world?” Idris Elba said. “What are we going to teach the next generation about how to build and develop? And can Sherbro be a blueprint for that?”

Through their efforts, Idris Elba hopes to show other public figures like himself how “you become more than just this celebrity putting their name to something—you become a member of a working engine.”

RELATED CONTENT: Arise, Sir Idris: King Charles III Awards Knighthood To Idris Elba In New Year Honors

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