by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 19, 2024

Meet The People Behind The Newest Documentary On Black Land, Wealth, And Housing

Meet Kristen LaRue Bond and Pierre Bagley, the two faces behind LEXINGTON… Resilience in the Redline, an award-winning documentary about Black land, wealth, housing, and the resilience of a small-town community.

Kristen LaRue Bond and Pierre Bagley are the two faces behind LEXINGTON… Resilience in the Redline, an award-winning documentary about Black land, wealth, housing, and the resilience of a small-town community. In a historic move, Kristen, who is President and Co-Founder of Black Yarn Inc., in collaboration with Pierre, esteemed writer, producer, director, and former D.C. Film Commissioner, with the support of the French government, will hold the international premiere of the documentary in Bordeaux, France, in April 2025. The U.S. premiere will follow in Lexington, Kentucky, in June 2025.

“Acknowledging and understanding the nuanced journey of the American Black identity is not just a matter of enlightenment; it is a pathway to fostering inclusivity, dismantling systemic inequalities, and building a more equitable future for all.”

These words underpin the vision driving Black Yarn Inc., a Black female-led nonprofit based in the conservative state of Kentucky, dedicated to exploring, celebrating, and amplifying Black experiences through the lens of film and data-driven research. Black Yarn Inc. has set a new standard for data inclusivity and storytelling, shining a light on the complex social, political, economic, and cultural dynamics that exist between “two Americas.”

A Bold Cultural Collaboration Across Borders

“The stories we accept drive the decisions we make. Through our Black-led advocacy, we strive to repair systemic economic harms, foster equity, and connect Black experiences with those of all Americans using film, research, and collaboration,” said LaRue Bond, President and Co-Founder of Black Yarn Inc. “As the world and the U.S. examine and challenge the leadership of Black women, it is imperative that we own our narrative to bridge the widening divides that seek to separate us. This opportunity for cultural exchange in Bordeaux allows us to spotlight issues of racial equity, social justice, and the multifaceted nature of the Black experience on a global stage.”

Bagley, known for his work with top-tier talent including Taraji P. Henson, Tom Felton, Justin Chon, LeToya Luckett, and the late Michael Clarke Duncan, described LEXINGTON… Resilience in the Redline as “an ongoing American story chronicling Black America’s journey to overcome adversity through perseverance, resilience, courage, and faith.” He continued, “As we see efforts to distort and erase Black Americans’ unique journey to freedom and opportunity, it becomes even more crucial to craft and preserve our narratives ourselves.”

Historic Premieres in the Heart of Wine and the Home of Bourbon

Set to premiere in the heart of Bordeaux, the “wine capital of the world,” the documentary screening will be a groundbreaking event taking place in April 2025. Dignitaries from France and the U.S. are expected to attend a week-long program that will include screenings, forums on racial justice, and economic equity, along with discussions on Bordeaux’s historical role in the slave trade. The event will also feature local music, entertainment, and exclusive wine tours, further enhancing the cultural exchange.

The U.S. premiere of LEXINGTON… Resilience in the Redline will be held in Lexington, Kentucky, in June 2025, perfectly timed with the city’s celebration of Black Restaurant Week and its historic 250th anniversary.

This landmark event will anchor a state-side racial equity summit, bringing together distinguished community members, advocates, and thought leaders from across the nation who will explore the pressing topics of racial equity and social justice. Attendees will experience firsthand Lexington’s storied history, diverse culinary offerings, hospitality, and, naturally, plenty of Kentucky bourbon. This gathering promises a unique blend of cultural pride and critical conversation, underscoring the city’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and the enduring spirit of community resilience.

A Call to Action Through Storytelling

“We believe the unifying power of storytelling can invigorate a shared commitment to equity and leave a legacy that benefits everyone,” said Bond. “Some might look at the challenges we face and say it’s impossible. We say GREAT! It’s an opportunity to do something incredible. Let’s write the future together – our story is your story, too.”

Learn more at BlackYarn.com

For screening events in Bordeaux & Lexington, please contact Kristen LaRue Bond, Black Yarn President and Co-Founder, at Kristen@Black-Yarn.com or Roy Brannon at royleebrann@gmail.com or 615-818-4215 or 214-724-6892.

This news was first reported by Blacknews.com

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 19, 2024

Founder Of Black-Owned Doll Company Celebrates 2 Years, Thousands Of Dolls Sold

Shaneisha Dodson, the Founder, and CEO of Brilliant Girl, a Black-owned company that sells dolls, books, and other inspirational educational products for girls of color, is celebrating just two years in business with thousands of dolls already sold.

Her brand’s mission is to spark confidence, imagination, and love for learning, and she is making big waves in the world of children’s products with her unique focus on fostering positive self-image, creativity, and curiosity.

Brilliant Girl offers an inspiring lineup of high-quality, affordable products, including dolls, picture books, positive image puzzles, coloring books, and STEM-themed paint sheets that captivate young minds and hearts.

In an era where representation, education, and empowerment are more important than ever, Brilliant Girl stands out as a brand with a purpose: to create products that reflect diversity and promote confidence in children of all backgrounds.

“We created Brilliant Girl to create more representation within the doll industry,” said Shaneisha. “Our goal is to empower children with toys and educational materials that inspire them to see themselves as brilliant, capable, and ready to make a difference in the world. We’re here to show them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”

The Brilliant Girl collection is not only charming and thoughtfully crafted but also purposeful. With an emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through innovative paint sheets, Brilliant Girl is helping to inspire a new generation of young scientists, engineers, and creative thinkers. The company’s positive image puzzles and dolls provide young children with tools that foster self-love, resilience, and confidence, reinforcing the message that every child has a unique brilliance.

By offering high-quality products at accessible prices, Brilliant Girl makes it possible for families everywhere to access empowering educational resources. The company’s commitment to affordability reflects its belief that all children deserve to feel seen, valued, and inspired.

For more information about Brilliant Girl and to explore its range of inspiring products, please visit TheBrilliantGirl.com

This news was first reported on Blacknews.com

black wade scholars 2024, Wade Scholarship

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 19, 2024

WIT Wade Scholarship Program Offers Black Students $50K Toward A STEM Master’s Degree

Wade Institute of Technology (WIT), an experiential Silicon Valley-based college for students of African descent pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, announced that it is accepting applications for the 2025 Wade Scholarship Program (WSP).

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be admitted to a master’s degree program ranked within the U.S. News & World Report Top 30 U.S. graduate schools of engineering and/or the graduate engineering program of any of the historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

“There has been an alarming drop in the number of Black STEM professionals, who were already woefully underrepresented in these fields,” said WIT Executive Director Booker T. Wade, Jr. “This scholarship helps ease the financial burden that is often a contributing factor to the drop-off of Black students in the educational pipeline. We are committed to the goal of promoting increased diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM through expanded educational opportunities.”

WSP Scholars receive up to $50,000 for tuition, on-campus housing, food, and other expenses or fees. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or the equivalent from an international institution.

Minority Television Project Inc. (MTP), which owns and operates the San Francisco Bay Area public television station KMTP-TV 33, provides funding for the scholarship. Through its support of both WIT and WSP, MTP is working to make transformative changes in the technology ecosystem.

There have been 26 WSP Scholars since the program launched in 2021. Applications for the 2025 scholarships are due no later than Jan. 17, 2025. International students may apply but must already have U.S. residential or visa status.

Prospective WSP Scholars will be evaluated on independent thought, purposeful leadership, civic mindset, and undergraduate achievements. Additional information on requirements and a link to the application portal can be found at wadescholarship.org

This news was first reported by Blacknews.com.

by Mitti Hicks

November 19, 2024

How Trump’s Administration Will Possibly Impact Black Americans

Alvin Tillery has been sounding the alarm to Democrats since October 2023 after he saw the party starting to lose one of its significant voting blocs: Black voters, particularly young Black men under the age of 40.

Alvin Tillery has been sounding the alarm to Democrats since October 2023 after he saw the party starting to lose one of its significant voting blocs: Black voters, particularly young Black men under the age of 40. With President-elect Donald Trump heading back to the White House for a second term, Tillery says his administration will impact Black Americans.

“We did 11 tracking polls of Black voters starting in October 2023. We first began sharing our data with the Biden-Harris campaign, showing them they had this problem. Nobody believed us because they thought this couldn’t be real,” Tillery, a political science professor at Northwestern University, tells Black Enterprise.

But exit polls suggest Tillery wasn’t wrong in his assessment. According to NBC News exit polls, 77% of Black men voted for Vice President Kamala Harris.

“We calculated last fall that in order for them to win, they would need 83% to 84% of Black men to [turn out]. “Three weeks out from the election, she was only at 71% with Black men,” says Tillery. “The story of the election is that not only did young Black men vote significantly more for Donald Trump but also that Black voter turnout was down.”

There were some areas where this wasn’t the case. Tillery co-founded the Super PAC Alliance for Black Equality. He says it’s the only group that has Black male-centered content. Three weeks before the election, he placed political ads in major cities in critical battleground states: Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee. The Super Pac invested $250,000 in advertisements that targeted Black voters on the issues of policing and what policing could look like under Trump’s administration. The president-elect has been very vocal about granting police officers full immunity during his campaign and implementing the controversial policing tactic known as stop-and-frisk.

Tillery found that in the places where he targeted those advertisements, Black voter turnout was much better than in cities without the political ads.

“Just by putting a little bit of attention that she did in the last three weeks, she grew by eight points, but what if they had actually spent money to either take our ads or run them?” he says. “The point for us is that if we had been funded at the $1 million or $2 million level to put more ads out, the margin of victory for Harris is in our neighborhoods […] and they refused to invest.”

What Trump’s Second Term Could Mean For Black Americans

Tillery tells Black Enterprise that one of Trump’s priorities will be overturning the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“[This administration] is going to reconstitute the Jim Crow hierarchy almost immediately,” says Tillery. “He has plans to overturn the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”

The next four years will be critical for Democrats, as Tillery says they must strategize and prioritize Black men specifically.

“If there is [voting] in 2028, what we’re thinking about right now is trying to convince the Democrats not to abandon us […] because what the Democrats are now saying is that Harris lost because she ran on wokeness, which is not true,” says Tillery. “I think more Black and Latino men voted for Trump because they were upset about prices, and they believe he is going to bring prices down.”

Post-election, Tillery is on a mission to ensure Democrats do not go into the next election cycle abandoning the Black community, which he says is still a significant voting bloc within the party. In case Democrats abandon Black voters, Tillery says he is also setting out on an initiative to wake Black people up to realize that they may have to go alone in advocating for our priorities.

“That means consolidating power in all the places where we have the football in Blue states where we have mayorships, and we have a large representation in state legislatures in places like Illinois, California, and New York,” Tillery adds. “It also means trying to pass local laws to protect our community. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but in all the talk that governors are making about protecting freedoms, they’re not talking about protecting Black people at all. That’s very concerning.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 18, 2024

50 Cent Spends Time With Big Meech Amid BMF Founder’s Prison Release

50 Cent and Big Meech connect following the BMF founder's prison release.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has linked up with Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory amid the BMF founder’s release from prison.

The G-Unit founder and executive producer of Starz’s BMF series took to Instagram on Sunday to share a photo of him and Big Meech from a recent hangout session. While it remains unclear what the two could be working on, fans expressed their support in the comment section.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

“Love this,” rapper Shawnna wrote.

“My uncles,” added rapper Sexyy Red.

50 Cent has played a key role in bringing the BMF story to the forefront in recent years through the BMF series, which premiered in 2021, and the BMF: Blowing Money Fast docuseries, which aired on Starz in 2022. Both the show and the documentary explore how Big Meech and his brother, Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, built one of the largest cocaine empires in America. Later, they used the wealth from their drug trafficking and money laundering operations to break into hip-hop with BMF Entertainment.

Founded in the early 2000s, the label was eventually revealed to be an alleged front for money laundering and cocaine distribution. Despite this, the Flenory brothers used the label to conduct legitimate business, with the company being involved with several high-profile hip-hop artists, including Jay-Z, Young Jeezy, T.I., and Fabolous.

Their infamous story, coupled with their flashy lifestyle, helped the brothers become icons within hip-hop culture. In 2005, the pair were indicted by the DEA under the Continuing Criminal Enterprise Statute and sentenced to 30 years in prison. In court documents, Big Meech was described as “a leader of a vast, multi-state drug-trafficking operation with an extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for drug, weapons, and assault offenses.”

Big Meech was released from a Florida prison last month and transferred to a halfway house to serve the remainder of his sentence. His projected release date is Jan. 27, 2026, after which he will be placed on supervised release.

by Sharelle Burt

November 18, 2024

Cybersecurity Expert Labels Black Friday As ‘Black Fraud Friday’ Thanks To Scammers

Shop with caution everyone!

Cybersecurity experts say the days of safe online shopping for Black Friday are long gone, thanks to scammers, The Guardian reported.

Richard Horne, the chief executive of GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) in the United Kingdom, now calls the retail holiday “Black Fraud Day,” as scammers look at it as the prime time to trick hopeful shoppers looking for a deal. “The festive season had become ‘prime time for cybercriminals’ as consumers hunted for deals,” Horne said.

“Fraudsters were targeting bargain hunters with increasingly sophisticated scams, sometimes crafted using AI, making them harder to detect.”

While consumers are eager to save money, scammers cashed in during the 2023 holiday season. Data shows shoppers were scammed out of more than $11.5 million and roughly $1 million in 2022. With more than 16,000 claims of online shopping fraud reported between November 2023 and January 2024, 43% were reported to Britain’s scam reporting center, Action Fraud, with online marketplaces mentioned in 18.9% of reports.

The most common scamming targets were listed as fake clothing or high-end tech gadgets. The data was supported by an analysis from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, which added the most common age demographics being targeted. People aged between 30 and 39 accounted for the largest number of victims who submitted a report at 23%. Victims aged 40 to 29 followed close behind at 20%. Forty-two was the average age of victims.

Experts of consumer fraud encourage shoppers to be vigilant during the 2024 holiday season, especially since Black Friday has expanded from a single-day sale into weeks of promotional offers. “Never feel pressured into making a purchase online. A false sense of urgency is a classic tactic used by fraudsters,” Action Fraud’s Deputy Director, Adam Mercer, said, according to The 420. He continued to push shoppers to use credit cards over direct bank transfers as credit card companies offer better protection for consumers if a fraud needs to be disputed.

In addition, shoppers are urged to take caution when looking for online deals, as some can be deemed sophisticated scams. Gift cards, false delivery alerts, and social media ads are listed as some of the most popular. Faulty websites have been added to the top four. One website that looks like a popular retailer can be thrown off using a specific word like “the” in the beginning or adding “.shop” at the end.

To help fight these scam threats, NCSC is launching a public awareness campaign that equips and prepares consumers with the resources needed to protect themselves. Some of the campaign guidelines include implementing two-step verifications for online accounts, avoiding suspicious links, and doing research on the sellers, such as seeking reputable review platforms prior to making purchases.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 18, 2024

Former NFL Player Ed Reed Welcomed Into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

'We would like to welcome NFL Legend and Hall of Fame player Ed Reed into the bond! Reed is a Fall 24 initiate of Grambling (LA) Alumni'

A Baltimore Raven legend has just been welcomed into a legendary fraternity. A social media post by the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity has announced that NFL Hall of Famer Ed Reed has been accepted as a Fall 2024 initiate of the fraternity.

“We would like to welcome NFL Legend and Hall of Fame player Ed Reed into the bond! Reed is a Fall 24 initiate of Grambling (LA) Alumni @gramblingalumnikapsi #Nupes #achievement #kapsi #hof2019“

Reed, who was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2019, sports an illustrious football résumé. He went to the University of Miami, where he was a star safety who helped the Hurricanes win a national championship in 2001 as part of what many sports fans and analysts consider the greatest college football team in history. The safety was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft and ended up playing 11 years with the team. While there, he made nine Pro Bowls (2003-04, 2006-12), won the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and helped the team win Super Bowl XLVII in 2012.

Some of Reed’s highlights include:

• Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2004)

• The Sporting News All-Decade Team (2000s)

• USA Today All-Decade Team (2000s)

• Associated Press first-team All-Pro (2004, 2006-08, 2010)

• Associated Press second-team All-Pro (2003, 2009, 2011)

• The Sporting News All-Pro (2003-04, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010)

His 1,590 interception return yards are the most in NFL history. He has the Ravens’ interception record with 61, while returning seven touchdowns. On Nov. 23, 2008, he made an NFL-record 107-yard return touchdown, which broke his own record of 106, previously done on Nov. 7, 2004. He also became the first player in NFL history to score return touchdowns off a punt, blocked punt, interception, and fumble recovery.

After a successful career with the Ravens, he went to play for the Houston Texans before ending his career in 2013 with the New York Jets.

Black Twitter, Hulu, Docuseries, Kamau bell, Prentice Penny, X

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 18, 2024

The Future Of ‘Black Twitter’ Questioned As Many Users Exit The Social Platform

Amid the mass exodus from X, many wonder what the future holds for Black Twitter.

As numerous users continue their exodus from X, formerly known as Twitter, many are beginning to question what this mass departure could mean for the future of Black Twitter.

In the two years since Elon Musk became the social platform’s owner, his involvement in Trump’s campaign and his modifications to the app have driven many users to leave X, according to social media analytics tracker Similarweb, as cited by NBC News. Over 115,000 accounts were deactivated the day after the election, marking the highest single-day drop since Musk took over the platform. With Black users among the most engaged and influential audiences on social media, the departure from the app has sparked concerns that “Black Twitter” could fade into history as more users migrate to alternative text-based platforms.

“I don’t think that Black Twitter is going to exist within the next couple of years,” said Jonathan Johnson, a 29-year-old behavioral therapist in Houston.

“Black Twitter is one of the most important forms of community that made the platform what it was,” said Ashon Crawley, a professor of religious studies and African American and African studies at the University of Virginia. “Social media is only important because of the social part, and if you don’t have that, people aren’t going to use” the app.

Thousands of former X users previously active on Twitter cite a surge of bots, harassment, and partisan ads amid the polarizing presidential election as reasons for leaving. Many Black users who have considered leaving the platform since 2022 say the current wave of departures feels more definitive.

The shift away from X follows the platform’s new terms-of-service policy, effective Friday, which states that users’ posts will be utilized to train artificial intelligence. While users previously had the option to opt out of AI machine learning, the updated policy now mandates agreement simply by maintaining an X account.

“I’m not interested in having my content feed that monster,” Crawley, 44, said, noting how the app will suffer without the engagement of Black users.

As Black Twitter migrates, including prominent figures like Gabrielle Union and Don Lemon, many users are turning to platforms like Bluesky, Meta-owned Threads, or the Black-owned social media site Spill. According to Bluesky, over 1 million people joined the platform in the past week, boosting its user base to more than 15 million. By comparison, X had approximately 429 million accounts globally at the start of 2024.

While Bluesky doesn’t collect data on users’ race, the platform is welcoming the mass influx of Black users with open arms.

“In many ways, Black Twitter was one of the cornerstones of Twitter, and we’re eager to welcome this community to Bluesky,” Bluesky spokesperson Emily Liu said.

Academic research, public opinion surveys, X platform data, and reports of the platform’s collaboration with Trump’s campaign suggest that Musk has reshaped the site into a hub for Republican media and an echo chamber that amplifies right-wing ideologies.

“I’m seeing his tweets, which are pushing a bunch of misinformation and straight-up lies, basically. I’m seeing that, but I’m not seeing people I follow,” said Joella Still, a 37-year-old education consultant from Los Angeles.

Still cites Musk’s support of Donald Trump and believes he used the X platform and believes he “used Twitter to help” Trump win the 2024 election.

“I just can’t contribute to something that is part of my demise,” she added.

Black users on Bluesky are actively building a supportive community on the platform, like Rudy Fraser, who created Blacksky, a curated collection of Black-centered feeds designed to filter out racism and misogyny. The new space offers a safe and inclusive experience for its members.

Whether on Threads, Spill, or other platforms, Black Twitter members will work to find a new home for their community.

“Those of us who make up Black Twitter will just end up going to different social media platforms and re-creating the good parts of what we had,” Johnson said.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Twitter Sparks Debate On Equality After Nike Names New CEO Who Started As An Intern

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 18, 2024

Clifton R. Wharton Jr., First Black President At Michigan State University, Dies At 98

Wharton Jr. was an influential figure within MSU's community.

Clifton R. Wharton Jr., the first Black President at Michigan State University, has died at age 98.

Born in Boston in 1970, Wharton Jr. believed in the transformative power of education. He obtained multiple degrees, from his Bachelor’s at Harvard University to his Ph.D at the University of Chicago. He broke barriers to the school’s diversity when appointed president in 1970, as detailed on its website.

Wharton Jr. was an influential figure within MSU’s community. During his tenure, he sustained the academic quality and rigor of students’ studies, while granting more accessibility to education for those of disadvantaged backgrounds. He also oversaw an increase in Rhodes Scholars and the opening of two more colleges at MSU.

Moreover, the school’s first capital campaign, sparked under his leadership, led to the creation of MSU’s first and the state’s largest performing arts center. In 1982, the MSU board of trustees named the center to honor Wharton Jr. and his wife, arts advocate Dolores, for their profound impact on the educational community.

His commitment to ensuring financial challenges did not thwart one’s academic progress, and eliminating discrimination on campus, is integral to his legacy. After his time leading MSU, Wharton Jr. went on to accomplish more firsts in education. He became the first Black Chancellor of the State University of New York System.

His career expanded to other fields, including philanthropy and politics. He became chair of the Rockefeller Foundation in 1982. During the Clinton Administration, Wharton Jr. served as Deputy Secretary of State. However, his focus on education advancements remained throughout his professional ventures. In 1994, he received the American Council on Education Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Wharton Jr. died in his home in Manhattan, New York, on Nov. 16, following a battle with cancer. MSU remembers its historic President for his ability to shape their educational landscape and image for generations to come.

“But, so fittingly for a leader in higher education, his focus on developing people might be said to be his most outstanding legacy,” shared MSU’s current President, Kevin Guskiewicz, and the Board of Trustees in a statement. “He declared at the outset that, ‘What is frequently required is not a pronouncement of leadership but rather encouragement of the individuals within the institution.’ There are many who will attest to the impact of his focus on people, one of the many reasons he will long live in the hearts of Spartans.”

The Wharton Family has established a Legacy Fund to ensure support and upkeep of the performing arts center.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 18, 2024

Smino Receives Lifetime Achievement Award From Harvard University’s Black Men’s Forum

The recording artist received the award for his impact in the Black community, in and out of the music industry.

Recording artist Smino was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from Harvard University’s Black Men’s Forum on Nov. 8 at The Harvard Club of Boston.

The man born Christopher Smith Jr. posted the acknowledgment from the organization on his social media account.

“A couple days ago, I was honored by Harvard University’s Black Man Forum for my work in the community. I appreciate all my new bruddas I met at the Brotherhood Banquet 💪🏾 I’m very inspired by y’all hard work & thank you for giving me another reminder to keep goin ! @harvardbmf”

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A post shared by smi (@smino)

The Harvard Black Men’s Forum (BMF) was started in the 1970s by students who wanted to create a safe space for Black men on the campus of the famed Ivy League school, Harvard University. The organization was revitalized in 1999 and has grown to become one of the most recognized and celebrated organizations at the esteemed institution.

According to Broadway World, the ceremony occurred at The Harvard Club of Boston during its Annual Brotherhood Banquet. The event recognizes influential figures who positively impact the Black community in and out of the music industry. A Black Men’s Forum representative recognized the songwriter by saying, “The Brotherhood Banquet never fails to be the highlight of our time here at Harvard, and having Smino be a part of our history only serves to further our mission as an organization.”

The media outlet also reported that Smino, who has appeared alongside artists such as Chance the Rapper, Doja Cat, Ari Lennox, and Lucky Daye on various records, is currently finishing up his latest project, titled Maybe In Nirvana, although no release date has been set. The album is the follow-up to his last album, Luv 4 Rent, released on Motown Records on Oct. 28, 2022.