This Is It, Soul Food, restaurant, out of business,
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 15, 2025

This Is It, the Historic Houston Soul Food Spot Enjoyed By Beyoncé and Jill Biden, Closes

The restaurant has shut down its flagship location as it re-brands other storefronts.

This Is It, the famous soul food hotspot in Houston that hosted Beyoncé and former first lady Jill Biden, has shut down its flagship locatio in the Third Ward after six decades.

The restaurant cooked its last meals on Oct. 12.

“Thank you to every guest who walked through our doors, every vendor who stood by our side, and every neighbor who cheered us on through the years. To the city of Houston and the communities near and far who made This Is It Soul Food a place of warmth, connection, and tradition, your trust, your stories, and your unwavering support gave us strength,” wrote the restaurant owners.

The restaurant was heralded in and beyond Houston. Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland frequently patronized the eatery during their early years in Destiny’s Child. In August 2024, Rowland even spotlighted the restaurant with Pepsi’s Local Eats campaign, with her own memorable meal named after her, per People.

Famous patrons, including Jill Biden, have made This Is It a household name, which has since allowed its owners to branch out into new locations and ventures.

The restaurant added, “For over 66 years of business, we have cherished the memories and lessons each season brought. As we close this chapter, we carry with us the memories of shared meals, celebrations, and the enduring spirit of family. From the heart of Fourth Ward to the historic 3rd Ward, we now say goodbye, and we look forward to focusing on growth, rebranding, and innovation at our Humble location. We are grateful for the communities we’ve served across Houston and beyond, and we remain thankful for the relationships that sustained us.”

This is It’s other location in Humble, Texas, remains open for soul food lovers to dig in.

RELATED CONTENT: D’Angelo, Neo-Soul Pioneer and Three-Time Grammy Winner, Dies at 51

Here’s What’s On The Agenda For 2025 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit For Men
by Kandiss Edwards

October 14, 2025

Here’s What’s On The Agenda For 2025 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit For Men

The 2025 XCEL Summit for Men will feature guests, giveaways, networking opportunities and more. Check out some of the events.

The 2025 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit For Men is “Made For Men. Built For Impact.” The summit will take place Oct. 15–17 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, featuring a packed schedule of leadership intensives, coaching, and networking designed to empower Black male professionals and entrepreneurs.

Oct.15 

After arrival and check-in, the events begin. Attendees will have access to the XCEL Showcase & Lounge. A few highlights during the lounge session are sponsor giveaways, interactive games, and a cash bar. That evening, the 35-and-under crowd will gather for a targeted networking session led by Ramon Ray, founder of CelebrityCEO.com, followed by a welcome reception.

The XCEL Awards gala caps the night, with honorees Larry Fitzgerald Jr., John Hope Bryant, George C. Fraser, Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Troy Taylor and Robert Smith. Each man of excellence will be honored for their contributions to the Black community and professional success in the business community. Emmy-winning journalist Ed Gordon will emcee events.

 
 
 
 
 
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Oct. 16

While enjoying a catered breakfast, BE CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. will give opening remarks, setting the intention for the day ahead. Following, Graves and Hope Bryant headline a fireside chat on business, wealth building, and community; a call to action to embrace and advance financial inclusion and wealth creation as the civil rights issue of our time.

Attendees can also choose among multiple deep-dive workshops:

Negotiating Your Compensation and Leveraging Your Performance Review — Strategies for salary growth and promotion readiness

Intro to P&L Management — Understanding profit and loss to make informed decisions

AI: Friend or Foe for Your Career? — Integrating artificial intelligence into leadership without losing the human touch

Executive leadership coaching (JPMorgan Chase) and financial coaching (Fidelity) run concurrently. The midday luncheon, A Call-To-Action for Men of Excellence, features Gordon moderating a discussion on civic engagement, economic empowerment, and legacy-building. Afternoon barbershop-style debates will tackle current events and cultural issues, ending with cigars and cognac by the pool.

 
 
 
 
 
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Oct. 17

Grab breakfast and settle in for a fireside chat with investor Robert Smith. Actor and activist David Banner and actor Blair Underwood join Alfred Edmond Jr. for a dialogue on media influence, personal branding, and purpose-driven careers. Workshops will address financial planning for high earners, mental health resilience, AI tools for career ROI, optimizing health and longevity, and navigating international assignments.

Coaching sessions continue until the summit closes with a panel on global career opportunities and mobility.

RELATED CONTENT: 7 Memorable Moments From Black Men XCEL Summit

Hollywood Walk Of Fame, star, actor, singer Prince, stage play, film, 40 year,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 14, 2025

‘Purple Rain’ Musical Finalized Ahead Of Minneapolis Premiere And Broadway Debut

The Purple Rain musical is set for its pre-Broadway debut in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis.

The cast and crew of the inaugural Purple Rain musical are ready for its Oct. 16 premiere in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis.

Kris Kollins, a multi-instrumentalist with a wide vocal range, makes his theatrical and acting debut as the iconic Prince character, The Kid. Like Prince before Purple Rain, Kollins has never acted professionally. He stars opposite Rachel Webb, a soulful Broadway performer known for playing the title role in & Juliet, who takes on the role of Apollonia, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Together, they perform hits from the classic 1984 musical film in the first-ever stage adaptation, produced by Tony winner Orin Wolf and featuring Pulitzer- and Tony-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Tony-winning arranger Jason Michael Webb, and Tony-nominated director Lileana Blain-Cruz. Longtime Prince bandmates Bobby Z and Morris Hayes join as music advisers.

“It’s going to be a party, I’m excited,” Blain-Cruz said.

Blain-Cruz delved deeply into the film and Prince’s live performances throughout his vibrant career, eager to bring his unique energy to the stage. The stakes are high, especially as Jacobs-Jenkins calls Prince the “Mozart of our time,” intensifying the “pressure” they feel to honor his legacy accurately.

“We heard through various people that at the end of his life he was actually considering making a musical; he loved the theater, you know, so I feel like in some ways this is the theatre trying to love him back or something,” Jacobs-Jenkins said.

For Webb, an award-winning director, composer, lyricist, musical director, producer, and arranger overseeing music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations for the musical Purple Rain, was a natural fit. Drawing on his acclaimed work in theater, film, and television, including Choir Boy (2019), MJ the Musical (2022), and Kenny Leon’s Much Ado About Nothing, Webb says arranging the show was straightforward, as Prince had already laid the groundwork in the original film and album.

“The truth and the love of Prince’s music is so powerful that it is going to be the driving force,” Webb said.

Webb won’t reveal which songs will feature at the premiere, as choreographer Ebony Williams notes the team is still in the creative process and may swap numbers based on audience feedback.

“We’re still in the process, so like an audience could come one night and hear a song and maybe the next night if it didn’t feel like it affected the audience in the way that we thought, and if we hear criticism from the audience, maybe we might change that, you know, we’re still in process,” Williams said.

Previews for Purple Rain begin on Oct. 16, leading up to the official opening on Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the State Theatre. Preview tickets are priced from $88 to $491, while tickets after Nov. 5 range from $93 to $522.

RELATED CONTENT: D’Angelo, Neo-Soul Pioneer and Three-Time Grammy Winner, Dies at 51

ohio, barber, STYLESVILLE, Fred and Ollie Carter, Nelly
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 14, 2025

San Fernando Valley Barbershop Given Landmark Status

StylesVille Barbershop & Beauty Salon is the oldest black-owned barbershop in the San Fernando Valley area

StylesVille Barbershop & Beauty Salon, the oldest black-owned barbershop in the San Fernando Valley area, has been given landmark status by the city of Los Angeles.

According to The Los Angeles Times, the barbershop, initially opened in 1957 by Freddie and Ollie Carter in the Pacoima section, was designated a historic cultural monument when it obtained landmark status in Los Angeles County.

“We are marking and permanently protecting Stylesville and documenting its rightful place in history as the oldest Black-owned business in the city of Los Angeles,” Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents Pacoima, said while announcing the proclamation. “I’m incredibly proud to be here to help celebrate this moment with the entire family, and with our proud community that wants to continue to uplift these voices each and every day.”

Nella Carter, the 75-year-old daughter of Fred and Ollie, stated that her parents moved the shop from its original location, which was across the street, to the current location in 1977. Before Stylesville made its debut, it was a jukebox joint named the Dew Drop Inn. After purchasing the spot, they turned it into a beauty salon. Years later, the Carters bought the building next door and turned it into a barbershop.

Nella told the media outlet that there is only one other business still there from when the Carters started StylesVille: a pawn shop up the street. Although still around, it is not run by the original owner.

Fox 11 Los Angeles reported that Ollie now runs the place with her grandson, Gregory Faucett, who is the head barber at StylesVille.

“Everybody knows about StylesVille. We’ve been here too long. And it’s been a good thing; it has not been a bad thing. Everything about StylesVille is good.” 

“If these walls could talk. I got stories for you, but that’s just like when you go to your therapist, they keep everything to themself, so I don’t tell nobody’s business.”

The shop is located at 13161 Van Nuys Boulevard.

RELATED CONTENT: Publix Allegedly Reneges On Black Book Bash Sponsorship, Denies Email Proof

MLK, BAM EVENT
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 14, 2025

Man Arrested For Vandalizing Dr. Martin Luther King Center In Atlanta, Breaks ‘Eternal Flame’ Site

A 26-year-old Black man named Brent Jones has been charged for damaging the property.

Several parts of Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic burial site in Atlanta have been vandalized.

The monument, holding the tomb of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, has been a mainstay in the Atlanta neighborhood where the famed civil rights leader grew up. However, a 26-year-old Black man named Brent Jones recently trespassed and allegedly damaged the property. Police swiftly arrested Jones for reportedly vandalizing the historic site.

According to WSB-TV, police say Jones urinated in the pools of water surrounding the tombs while stomping and breaking the Eternal Flame. Jones now holds charges of public indecency, trespassing, criminal damage, and obstruction.

The King Center, formally known as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, has provided educational programming, tours, and events for visitors across the world. As the host site for Dr. King’s life and legacy, the center promotes the late activist’s values of racial justice and equality, while also paying homage to his wife’s efforts for long-lasting change.

The King Center released a statement on the act of vandalism, calling it a “minor incident” that will not thwart its effort to spread King’s message of peace and tolerance.

“The King Center is aware of a minor incident that occurred near the Eternal Flame,” detailed the center. “While there was minimal damage to the Eternal Flame and the surrounding area, the King Center remains fully open to visitors. The Eternal Flame still burns with love, and we continue to welcome everyone with open arms and gratitude for the incredible support of our beloved community. The dream lives on.”

The King Center has remained open despite the MLK Jr. Historic Park’s closure in the midst of the government shutdown. Although a part of the Park’s offerings, it remains its own non-profit, and thus is still open for visitors to learn more about King’s activism.

As for Jones, he remains in custody at Fulton County Jail.

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David Banner
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 14, 2025

David Banner To Speak At BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit For Men

The rapping businessman is just the latest who will join Black men October 15-17 in Orlando

With the upcoming XCEL Summit For Men set to impact the business community, it’s been announced that Atlanta-based recording artist, entrepreneur, and activist David Banner will take the stage in Orlando, bringing his brand of realness and direct-speaking style to the conference.

The outspoken rapper is known for being unapologetic in his words and opinions on topics such as politics, the hip-hop community, his approach to social issues, and any subject that crosses his mind. In a recent discussion with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, Banner mentioned that someone told him that he would` not do business with unfaithful men.

“He said, ‘I don’t do business with men who cheat on their wives,’” he told Sharpe. He stated that he adopted that mindset for his business endeavors. That mindset and the straightforward way he speaks make him the perfect speaker for the XCEL Summit For Men.

The educated businessman is just one of many esteemed speakers who will bring energy and excitement to the summit’s attendees. Speakers include Ed Gordon, Dr. Philippe Douyon, Tim Cooper, Alfred Edmond Jr., and Earl G. Graves Jr., along with XCEL honorees, John Hope Bryant, Larry Fitzgerald, Dr. George Fraser, Rev. Dr. Franklyn Richardson, Troy Taylor, and Robert F. Smith.

“The XCEL Summit For Men is the nation’s leading conference dedicated to elevating and empowering Black men–celebrating their excellence through the XCEL Awards and equipping them with the tools to thrive at every level of leadership, from entry-level to the C-suite,” reads the event website.

The summit will be held at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress from Oct. 15 to 17. 

The purpose of the XCEL Summit For Men is to elevate and empower Black men as a valuable and necessary pool of talent for the success of companies, industries, communities, and the nation. The XCEL Awards will highlight some of the nation’s top Black men who excel in various areas, ranging from business and technology to sports and the arts.

RELATED CONTENT: XCEL Summit For Men 2025 – About

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Trump, ballroom, DC Hillbillies
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 14, 2025

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Blasts Stephen A. Smith’s Critique of Outspoken Black Women Via Retweets

Colleagues and media personalities like Angela Rye and Tiffany Cross had Crockett's back, saying that Smith needs to do some self-reflecting.

Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett is seemingly responding to outspoken ESPN and radio personality Stephen A. Smith after his viral commentary calling her out for her continuous criticism of President Donald Trump; however, she isn’t surprised. 

Smith stirred up controversy by speaking on Crockett during a segment of his Sirius XM radio show, Straight Shooter With Stephen A., saying he was tired of how the lawmaker expresses herself when it comes to the continuous jabs at Trump. “But how Jasmine Crockett chooses to express herself, I’m like, ‘Is that gonna help your district in Texas?’ Aren’t you there to find a way to get stuff done, as opposed to just being an impediment to what Trump wants? How much work goes into that?” Smith said. 

After circulating on X and other social media platforms, several colleagues, fans, and Texas voters pushed back on the sports analyst’s hot takes, rallying around the Congresswoman for openly expressing her take on the demise of U.S. leadership. Crockett let the world know how she felt about Smith’s comments without even saying his name. 

She reposted commentary from other outspoken Black women like social justice activist Tamika Mallory, creating a narrative that the sports personality often targets Black women. “It’s no longer a difference of opinion. Stephen A. Smith’s actions are intentional,” Mallory wrote in an Instagram post, tagging Crockett. 

“At what point will you lead the charge to TURN HIM OFF?!”

On an episode of the Native Land Pod, hosts Angela Rye, Andrew Gillum, and Tiffany Cross claimed Smith has “little d*** energy” for always coming at Black women. Gillum said he needs to deal with his “Black woman issues,” aligning it with self-hate. Guest host Bakari Sellers supported the hosts’ thoughts, saying, “I’ve never seen a clip of him where he actually praises a Black woman.”

Rapper of the legendary Geto Boys rap group, Willie D, also clapped back at Smith’s commentary, catching Crockett’s attention by reposting with a praying hands emoji. “Stephen A. Smith taking shots at Jasmine Crockett ain’t just messy, it’s weak,” Willie D said, according to Vibe.

“Dude is sitting on one of the biggest mics in America, and instead of using it to uplift, he’s tearing down a Black woman who’s out here putting in real work. That ain’t critique, that’s betrayal. Jasmine Crockett ain’t the problem.”

Smith has been getting pushback from different directions — one for his sudden rise in political commentary — and another for taking unprecedented jabs at some of sports’ most iconic players after giving “advice” to tennis superstar Serena Williams’s husband about her performance at the 2025 Super Bowl alongside Kendrick Lamar, her husband, Alexis Ohanian, schooled Smith on why he isn’t too focused on his advice. “I was gonna ask, ’cause, you hadn’t been married before, right?” the Reddit founder said. 

“’Cause I give advice to plenty of founders who want to build billion-dollar companies. And the reason I do that is because I build billion-dollar companies, so I generally try to stay in my lane.”

Jobs, Workplace, Resenteeism,, federal employees
by Mitti Hicks

October 14, 2025

Historic Wave Of Retirements Is Straining Federal Government — Could Shutdown Make It Worse?

The federal government is spending about 16% more on federal employee retirements this year compared to last year.

There has been a historic wave of federal retirements and departures in the workforce, putting a strain on the government. The backlog is worsening amid the government shutdown as it enters the second week.

As first reported by The Washington Post, there has been an unprecedented mass exodus at the federal level. At least 154,000 federal employees accepted buyout offers. Among them are over 100,000 employees who took regular retirement, which is an estimated 18% increase from the previous year.

There are more than 10,000 cases still waiting to be processed. Adding to the backlog is the government shutdown that began on Oct. 1.  Some staff who handle the paperwork and payroll are currently furloughed, and there appears to be no end in sight.  

Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), recently said the U.S. is “barreling” toward “one of the longest shutdowns in American history,” signaling that he has no plans of working across the aisle with Democrats to reopen the government. Democratic leaders are demanding that Republicans make concessions to healthcare and expand the health subsidies for Americans under the Affordable Care Act, which are expected to expire at the end of the year.

OPM Remains ‘Optimistic’ About Powering Through Federal Retirements Backlog

Despite the backlog that some fear will only worsen, Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Scott Kupor, said that he remains optimistic his office will power through it.

“I’m excited about the work we’re doing, but the reality is, as you know, is there is a big volume that’s coming in a short period of time, and so we’re going to have to do everything we can to make sure that we continue to invest in those efforts that are going to improve the efficiency of the process significantly,” Kupor told The Washington Post.

The OPM has reportedly reduced its more than 3,000 personnel by about one-third through deferred resignations, early retirements, and other buyouts. The office is currently processing more than 35,000 retirements. In the last fiscal year, which ended in September, the agency processed nearly 105,000 immediate retirement cases compared with 88,608 the year prior.

Currently, the federal government is spending about 16% more on federal employee retirements this year, compared to last year, according to the Federal News Network.

RELATED CONTENT: Publix Allegedly Reneges On Black Book Bash Sponsorship, Denies Email Proof

ARTHUR BLANK HBCU, DONATION
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 14, 2025

Atlanta Business Tycoon Arthur Blank Puts His Millions To Good Use By Donating $50M To Four Local HBCUs

Data from the organization found Atlanta’s HBCUs contribute $1 billion of the city’s annual economic impact, in addition to being a leader in moving students from the lowest 40% of household income to the top 60%.

At a time when historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are under attack, Home Depot Founder and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is showcasing his support with a massive $50 million donation to the four institutions in Atlanta: Morehouse College, Spelman College, Morris Brown College, and  Clark Atlanta University. 

In a post on X, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation announced a donation of gap-scholarship funds to help students achieve their graduation goals despite financial struggles. “For many students, financial barriers—not academics —stand in the way of earning their diplomas. We’re committing $50 million over 10 years to provide gap scholarships at Clark Atlanta University (@CAU), Morehouse College (@Morehouse), Morris Brown College (@1881MorrisBrown) and Spelman College (@SpelmanCollege),” the post read. 

“The gap scholarships will help students stay enrolled, graduate on time, and step into their futures with completed degrees—ready to launch careers and give back to their communities. Beginning in 2026, this program is projected to support nearly 10,000 students.”

The foundation’s announcement comes just days after the Trump administration announced plans to redirect roughly $500 million in federal funding for HBCUs as another move against colleges that promote diversity in higher education, according to Fortune. 

As the foundation’s largest donation to Georgia-based HBCUs to date, it’s not the first. 

Spelman received a $10 million gift for an innovation lab, and Clark Atlanta, Albany State, Miles College, and Savannah State received $6 million for touch-ups to their athletic fields. “Our hope is that by helping more students earn their degrees, launch successful careers and become alumni who give back, we are investing in a cycle of opportunity that benefits young people and their families in Atlanta and communities across the nation for years to come,” the foundation said in a statement. 

Praise from school leadership poured in after the announcement. Clark’s President, Dr. George T. French Jr., called the donation “transformative.” “This transformative gift empowers Clark Atlanta students to succeed and lead globally,” he said. 

Dr. F. DuBois Bowman, president of Morehouse College, says the funds will determine the future for tomorrow’s leaders. “This monumental investment will empower our students to remain focused on their academic studies and ensure that their talent, ambition, hard work, and integrity, not financial hardship, will determine their futures,” Bowman said. 

The foundation knows the return on investment of the donation with curate. Data from the organization found that Atlanta’s HBCUs contribute $1 billion to the city’s annual economic impact and lead in moving students from the lowest 40% of household income to the top 60%, according to WSB-TV.

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pancreatic cancer,, D'Angelo, Archer, dead, singer
by Keka Araújo

October 14, 2025

D’Angelo, Neo-Soul Pioneer and Three-Time Grammy Winner, Dies at 51

The influential musician died Oct. 14 after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.

Michael Eugene Archer, the influential neo-soul architect known worldwide as D’Angelo, died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, after a prolonged battle with cancer, his family announced. He was 51.

The Virginia native redefined contemporary rhythm and blues with just three studio albums spanning two decades, establishing himself as a generation’s most revered and elusive musical genius.

“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” the Archer family said in a statement, according to Rolling Stone. “After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home…We are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind.”

Born Feb. 11, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia, Archer was raised in the church, where he first honed his skills as a multi-instrumentalist. His precocious talent quickly translated to the stage; at age 18, he became a fixture at the Apollo Theater’s amateur night, winning the famed New York competition for three consecutive weeks.

His 1995 debut, Brown Sugar, instantly made him a standard-bearer for the burgeoning neo-soul genre, blending classic R&B grooves with jazz and gospel complexity. The album, fueled by charting singles “Lady,” “Cruisin’,” and the title track, earned critical raves and commercial success, launching D’Angelo into the global spotlight.

Following a nearly five-year recording hiatus, D’Angelo returned with the atmospheric and deeply sensual follow-up, Voodoo (2000). The album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, cemented his reputation as a visionary. At the 43rd GRAMMY Awards, Voodoo earned him two trophies: Best R&B Album and Best Male R&B Performance for the seminal hit, “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” a song famous for its iconic, boundary-pushing music video.

After another extended break marked by well-documented personal struggles, D’Angelo staged a historic comeback with Black Messiah (2014), an album hailed as a modern classic for its charged lyrical themes and deep funk textures.

Tributes from the music community and fans poured in quickly following his death.

DJ Premier mourned the singer on X, writing, “Such a sad loss to the passing of D’angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D’ Love You KING.”

Beyond his recordings, D’Angelo was recognized for his philanthropic efforts; a portion of the proceeds from his Voodoo II tour in 2000 was dedicated to the Magic Johnson Foundation, supporting scholarships for qualified minority students.

D’Angelo is survived by his three children, including his son Michael, whose mother was the songstress Angie Stone. Stone was tragically killed in February.

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