NBMBA Killer Mike
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 5, 2025

Killer Mike, Career Power Moves, And Influence For Change: Inside The 2025 National Black MBA Conference

Overall, the 2025 National MBA Conference in Houston proved to be a valuable experience for all participants.

The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) held its 47th Annual Conference and Exposition in Houston, Sept. 24-26, at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Under the inspiring theme “TRANSFORM,” the NBMBAA conference provided business professionals, students, and thought leaders with a unique opportunity to network, learn, and collaborate. Held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, the event brought together over 2,000 participants to explore the latest trends in leadership, technology, and diversity in business. With keynote speakers like Don Thompson, former McDonald’s CEO; activist and scholar Mark LaMont Hill; former Senior Advisor to President Obama, Ashley Etienne; and more, the conference gathered hundreds to hear the gems dropped by these prestigious speakers. 

Each day of the conference focused on a specific theme: Leadership on Sept. 24, AI and Technology on Sept. 25, and Wealth Building on Sept. 26, and BLACK ENTERPRISE was there speaking with conference officials and attendees alike.

“This year’s conference represents the very best of what NBMBAA stands for—connection, innovation, and legacy,” said Orlando Ashford, Interim CEO of the National Black MBA Association. “By anchoring our programming in transformative leadership and future-forward thinking, we’re ensuring our members are not only prepared for what’s next—they’re leading it.”

Networking was a key feature of the event, with over 100 companies participating in the MBA Career Fair. The fair offered access to job opportunities in industries ranging from consulting to technology and energy. In addition, the Career Development Center provided personalized coaching on resume building, interview skills, and navigating the competitive job market. These opportunities gave attendees a chance to connect directly with leading employers and explore new career pathways.

“As chairwoman, I can confidently say ‘TRANSFORM 2025’ embodies the NBMBAA’s unwavering commitment to empowering our members,” said Leslie Coleman, chairwoman of the National Black MBA Association Board of Directors.

A major theme the conference was focused on was influence — and using it in a positive way. In a candid conversation, rapper and activist Michael “Killer Mike” Render joined CNBC’s Frank Holland to discuss the intersection of culture, economics, and social activism. Render, a longtime advocate for economic empowerment within the Black community, shared insights on using influence for social good and creating sustainable impact. The discussion highlighted Render’s role in shaping conversations about financial literacy, social justice, and the future of Black entrepreneurship.

Workshops and breakout sessions offered practical insights into a variety of topics, including sustainable business practices, leadership development, and global supply chain management. These sessions provided actionable strategies that attendees could apply to their careers and organizations, helping them stay competitive in an ever-changing business environment.

Conference attendee and local Houston entrepreneur Tiffany Jones reflected on the NBMBAA conference, saying, “This was my first time at the conference and definitely won’t be the last. Between the panels and the career expo- I walked away with more than words. I walked away with business resources, new connections, and tangible advice on how to improve my future both financially and personally.”

Overall, the 2025 National MBA Conference in Houston proved to be a valuable experience for all participants. By combining cutting-edge discussions, career development opportunities, and meaningful networking, the conference reinforced its role as a major platform for shaping the future of business leadership.

Jazzmin Bethel, Assistant Director of Brand Marketing for Northwestern Mutual, reflected on the partnership with the conference. “We are truly energized by our participation in the National Black MBA Association conference and honored to lead our sponsored session on creating wealth and legacy. This platform allows us not only to share critical financial strategies but to partner with emerging leaders in crafting a future defined by generational impact. Together, we are building legacies that last, and we’re so happy to have BLACK ENTERPRISE here with us as well.”

RELATED CONTENT: Philander Smith College Approved To Offer First Master’s Degree Program

OZEMPIC, Costco, Wegovy
by Daniel Johnson

October 5, 2025

Add It to Your Grocery List? Costco Now Selling Ozempic And Wegovy For Half Price

The deal will be for Costco members who pay for the medications without insurance coverage.

As part of its new partnership with Danish drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk, Costco will offer GLP-1’s like Wegovy and Ozempic to its members who pay for the medications without insurance coverage at a deep 50% discount through its Costco Member Prescription Program.

The medications will run Costco members $499 for a four-week supply of pens, but like any other pharmacy, they are required to have a prescription for the drug from their doctor in order to have it filled.

As People Magazine reported, an additional 2% discount is available for both Costco Executive Members and Costco Citibank Visa cardholders, which, like any offer from a credit card company, is subject to the applicable terms of the cardholder agreement.

As Dave Moore, executive vice president, U.S. Operations of Novo Nordisk Inc., told the outlet, “Our collaboration with Costco is another step forward by Novo Nordisk in making real Wegovy and Ozempic easier to access and afford — right where people already shop.”

He continued, “By partnering with one of the country’s most trusted retailers, we are meeting people where they are and connecting them to real, FDA-approved medicines in our premium pen devices with our $499 self-pay offer. Everyone deserves care that’s simple, reliable, and within reach — and we’re proud to lead the way in helping make that a reality.”

People reached out to Costco for more information about the program, but did not receive a response before their story ran.

While similar, the two drugs have been approved for different treatments, although both are Semaglutide medications — which basically work as appetite suppressants. Wegovy has been approved for use as a weight loss aid, while Ozempic was initially developed and is still approved for use as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes.

As such, Ozempic is generally approved by most insurance companies, but may be subject to a prior authorization, while Wegovy will generally not be approved unless it is prescribed for what is referred to as a therapeutic use for the treatment of obesity.

The rise of GLP-1’s, considered by some in the medical community as the next “wonder drug” due to the wide range of potential applications beyond weight loss and diabetes treatment, has also come at a considerable cost to the public. As Moore alluded to, counterfeit versions of the highly demanded drugs have made people sick.

As the FDA noted in its advisory to the public, drugs that are not FDA-approved carry additional risks for patients, noting that as of July 31, it has received 605 reports of adverse events (a bad reaction to ingesting a drug) associated with compounded semaglutide and 545 adverse events related to compounded tirzepatide.

Per their advisory, the “FDA is aware of counterfeit Ozempic marketed in the U.S. Counterfeit drugs claim to be authentic, but could contain the wrong ingredients, contain too little, too much or no active ingredient at all or other harmful ingredients, and are illegal.”

As Stat News noted as part of its 2024 reporting series on the impact of weight loss drugs on the Black community, despite the explosion in popularity for GLP-1’s, Black patients with diabetes are not prescribed those medications at the same rate as whites.

Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician-scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital, indicated that this development represents a larger problem with how body image is read onto others in America.

“I think the conversation is definitely missing the Black community. We hear the privileged white voice in the community because that’s usually who can afford it and who gets the access and care. With obesity, we do blame people because we think…the right way is diet and exercise. We have this moral code that we espouse that people have to use. We are not lazy Black people. We care about our disease. We care about our health,” Stanford told the outlet.

RELATED CONTENT: Weight Loss Medications Linked To Lower Cancer Risk, According To Study

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Honored,Living Legends Foundation
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 5, 2025

Music Producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Honored By Living Legends Foundation

'We’re just two guys who like to make music. You all are the ones who made them hits,' Lewis said.

At the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the Living Legends Foundation, the organization presented awards to legendary songwriters and producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, along with several other esteemed individuals, in Atlanta, Oct. 3.

According to Billboard, the production team of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis was honored for their musical contributions when they received the Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award at the event that took place in Atlanta at Flourish by Legendary. The organization was created to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of individuals who have made their mark in the radio, music, and entertainment industries.

Upon accepting his award, Jam said, “Ray Harris was so instrumental early in our careers with literally the first record that we did at SOLAR Records, which was ‘Wild Girls’ by Klymaxx. So to get an award from him with his name on it is absolutely amazing.”

Lewis chimed in by saying, “We’re just two guys who like to make music. You all are the ones who made them hits.”

Others recognized that night included National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB) president/CEO James L. Winston, who received the Chairman’s Award, Zelma Redding, widow of soul legend Otis Redding, and president/founder of the Otis Redding Foundation, who was given the Legacy Award, and the Impact Award was presented to Quality Control Music’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Chief Executive Officer, Pierre “P” Thomas.

The Living Legends Foundation reached a milestone by presenting six awards to female executives for the first time. RCA Records head of promotion, Samantha Selolwane (Music Executive Award); Right On! Digital Founder, Cynthia Horner (Media Icon Award); iHeartMedia Chicago VP of programming, Kashon Powell (Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award); nationally syndicated radio host DeDe McGuire (DeDe in the Morning; Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award); broadcast and music industry executive Carole Carper (Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award); and West Entertainment Services CEO Louise West (Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award) were all recognized for their contributions to the industry and the culture.

RELATED CONTENT: Black American Music Association To Honor Alicia Keys, Jimmy Jam And Terry Lewis In Morehouse Ceremony

Ghana President, Reparations, UN
by Daniel Johnson

October 5, 2025

Ghana’s President Calls For Action On Reparations By UN

Ghana’s president, John Dramani Mahama, recently called for the UN to take action on reparations for the African diaspora.

In April 2025, during the fourth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, speakers called for stronger collaboration among governments, civil society, and regional organizations to create a global framework addressing reparations for the lasting impacts of colonialism, enslavement, apartheid, and genocide from the 16th to 19th centuries. The conversation advanced on October 3 at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, where plans were announced to formally submit the first motion demanding reparative justice for these historical injustices against Africa and the African diaspora.

According to Capital B News, the effort, which is being spearheaded by Ghana’s president, John Dramani Mahama, will focus on creating and endorsing concrete U.N.-backed compensation for the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Africans and people of African descent. If it is successful, it could open the door for action on the front of reparations in the United States. That particular issue has been long regarded as a longshot because of the lack of political will to undertake a serious redress of the harms visited on Black Americans by the United States government.

As Mahama noted in his address, “Reparatory justice is not about pity. It is about recognition, responsibility, and restitution. The descendants of Africa deserve the dignity of acknowledgement and the fairness of redress. We demand reparations for the enslavement of our people and the colonization of our land that resulted in the theft of natural resources, as well as the looting of artifacts and other items of cultural heritage that have yet to be returned in total.”

Mahama concluded, “We must demand reparations for the enslavement of our people and the colonization of our land that resulted in the theft of natural resources.”

The calls for reparations, specifically on the international stage, are not new. In 1964, in a speech delivered to the African Summit Conference, Malcolm X called upon African leaders to make the problems faced by Black Americans their problems because the conditions of people of African descent in America were inextricably linked to the conditions of Africans on the continent.

As Malcolm X said towards the close of his speech, “In the interests of world peace and security, we beseech the heads of the independent African states to recommend an immediate investigation into our problem by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.”

More recently, notably after the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor during the summer of 2020, the concerns Malcolm X outlined in his speech, specifically those connecting American racism and police brutality as concerns of human rights, were again raised at the United Nations by its then-human rights chief, Michelle Bachlet, during a session on systemic racism and police brutality, during which time she called for reparations for slavery and colonialism.

After this, the momentum for the redress of the harms inflicted on Black people worldwide, but particularly in the United States, only accelerated. The following year, the UN called for a global reparations program for people of African descent to repair the harms of slavery. In 2023, Mahama’s predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo, noted to the UN General Assembly that the vast wealth of both the United States and the United Kingdom was built on the “blood and horrors of the transatlantic slave trade.”

Ghana’s motion focuses on direct financial compensation, restoring plundered environments in Black communities, and the return of cultural property. All of which, at various points, have been held up as examples of what redress for enslavement and the subsequent inequality imposed on Black Americans could look like.

RELATED CONTENT: United Nations Body Calls For Reparations Across Black Diaspora

Demond Wilson, ‘Sanford And Son’
by Daniel Johnson

October 5, 2025

Ike Turner Jr., Son Of Ike Turner, Dies At 67 Of Kidney Failure

The news of Turner's death was confirmed by the niece of music icon Tina Turner, Jacqueline Bullock.

Ike Turner Jr., the son of Ike Turner, the music producer and executive whose definitive public image is likely owed to the star performance of Lawrence Fishburne in the seminal biopic turned Oscar darling What’s Love Got To Do With It? died on Oct 5, at the age of 67 after succumbing to kidney failure.

As TMZ reported, the news of Turner’s death was confirmed by the niece of music icon Tina Turner, Jacqueline Bullock, who told the outlet that Ike Turner Jr. had battled “severe heart issues for years” in addition to recovering from a stroke he suffered in September.

Although Turner was not Tina’s son, he did briefly work for her as a sound engineer after she was able to escape her abusive marriage to his father, but over time, the two drifted apart. The younger Turner was the biological son of Ike Turner and Lorraine Taylor, and later won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2006 as a producer of his father’s album Risin’ With the Blues.

According to Cleveland.com, Bullock noted in a statement announcing Turner’s death that she regarded him as more of a brother than a cousin. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my cousin, Ike Turner Jr. ‘Junior’ was more than a cousin to me, but rather a brother, as we grew up in the same famed household together.”

According to the National Kidney Foundation, Black Americans are more than 3 times as likely to have kidney failure compared to white Americans due to the prevalence of economic, structural, and social determinants of health that have disproportionately impacted Black Americans.

As they note, the way in which kidney disease was traditionally diagnosed also served to help underestimate the severity of the disease among Black populations, which in turn, delayed important interventions to help preserve kidney function.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, in 2024, when a racially biased test and healthcare algorithms were adjusted, 14,000 Black people on the national kidney transplant list were moved up in an effort to help compensate for the systemic disparities.

According to J. Kevin Tucker, MD, like Sickle Cell Disease, the APOL1 risk alleles that often predict a person’s susceptibility to kidney failure were initially developed to protect people of African descent from other diseases. In this case, it was a particular parasite that causes African sleeping sickness, in much the same way that mosquitoes are known carriers of malaria, which sickle shaped red blood cells evolved to combat.

However, he also noted that, “While we now understand more about the genetics and biology of kidney disease in African Americans, they play a relatively minor role in their excess risk. Social determinants of health, race, and racism are equally — if not more — important in explaining the excess risk of kidney disease in African Americans relative to white Americans.”

RELATED CONTENT: Black People With Kidney Issues Face Barriers, Will Eliminating An Allegedly Racially-Biased Test Help?

Jacques Curtis, Shaw
by Daniel Johnson

October 5, 2025

Jacques Curtis’ Tenure At Shaw University Ends, Tainted By Allegations And Scandal

Jacques Curtis was head coach of the Shaw University women’s basketball program.

In a short press release announcing Jacques Curtis’ sudden retirement and Lou Hamilton’s appointment as interim head coach of the Shaw University women’s basketball program, the university did not address the alleged reasons behind Curtis’ resignation or the recent allegations surrounding the program. Instead, it highlighted his career achievements, including 400 wins, nine CIAA titles, 11 NCAA tournament appearances, and a Division II National Championship.

As HBCU Gameday reports, in April 2025, Kiara Shepherd, a senior guard, posted a video to her TikTok account that contained allegations of inappropriate behavior directed toward the student-athletes Curtis was supposed to be teaching and coaching.

Shepherd also indicated in her video that she had filed a complaint with the Raleigh, North Carolina-based university earlier in the year. As is often the case when a whistleblower comes forward, her allegations inspired other athletes to come forward about their experiences under Curtis’ tenure.

“I just want to let y’all know I’m not trying to bash anybody,” Shepherd said in her video. “I’m not trying to ruin nobody’s career. I’m just saying exactly what happened.”

She continued, “All I’m just trying to do is bring awareness. I’ve already went to the school, I’ve already went to HR. I’ve already tried to pinpoint and get in contact with who I need to contact. School’s not doing nothing about it. I have no choice but to bring it on social media, which I did not want to do.”

“It’s been really hard to just kind of focus and just do my schoolwork, but it’s just like this has been pounding in the back of my mind. And everybody is just like, well, just let it go … I just wish that …I can’t. I can’t,” Shepherd explained.

Alliyah Chaplin, a guard who played for the university during the 2023-2024 season, is one of the former players who came forward with similar accounts of abuse and inappropriate behavior while the program was under the direction of Curtis.

In addition, the two players have informed various media outlets that they have been in contact with players who have played for the team since as far back as 2013, who have described similar situations.

“I experienced a man who takes advantage of his position and he has people behind him,” Chaplin told CBS 17. “I want [the school] to look into it. I want them to do something about it because we can’t keep going through that.”

She continued, ”There is no reason why the same thing is being said over and over again, year after year, with the same, with different teams. The roster is almost clear every single year. Everybody is leaving. Everybody is transferring.”

Although the school has acknowledged an impending meeting with Shepherd, which is only officially to address her concerns, it also noted in a statement on its website that “Shaw University is aware of recent allegations that have surfaced online. The university takes any allegations of misconduct seriously. The university has no further comment at this time.”

Frantaisa Springs, who was an equipment manager with the team during the 2018-2019 season, indicated to ABC 11 that abuse thrives in silence.

“I just witnessed like, emotional abuse, yelling for no reason, and just like mistreatment.” Springs, who had not previously come forward, was motivated by others sharing their experiences, recalled. “I’m glad everybody’s speaking up about it because if you’re not going to speak out about it, it’s just going to keep going on and on and on.”

Yet another former player, who asked ABC 11 to remain anonymous, remarked to the outlet off-camera that the abuse in the program goes back to at least 2005.

“I was surprised different players are now coming out from previous years all the way from 2005 to (2007),” per the alum’s comments to the outlet, they know of at least 11 former players who have described conduct similar to Shepherd and the others. That alum is now assisting with the legal process. The alum is “shocked” and “stunned” by the way it has played out so far.

Back in 2006, Dolmesha Stallings, a former assistant coach under Curtis, filed a complaint with Shaw University and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), stating to WBAL News that he sexually harassed her from the time she started working in that position in June 2003.

“There was some physical, but it was more so just verbal, lots of inappropriate language, lots of inappropriate telling of jokes — sexual nature…I’d give back the championship ring just to take this year back,” Stallings said.

“He’s a married man. I have a fiancé. I told him, ‘You’re my supervisor. Don’t mix business with pleasure, and you know you’re making me uncomfortable,” she recalled.

She continued, “There are numerous women who have come to me and commended me for stepping up and having the courage to say something where they weren’t able to, so I know there are others.”

RELATED CONTENT: Former University Of Wisconsin Women’s Basketball Players Sue Ex-Coach, Alleging Mental Abuse

accident, livestream, tiktok
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 5, 2025

Fox Sports Analyst Robert Griffin III Okay After Car Accident In Texas

'Thankful to God that my wife and kids are safe,' Griffin said.

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III revealed in a social media post that he and his family were involved in a car accident Oct. 3.

The former Washington Redskins player, who is currently a college football analyst for the Fox Sports network, posted a photo of the wrecked vehicle showing the front of the car smashed in on a highway in Fort Worth. The car ricocheted off a highway divider several times, according to Griffin, resulting in both front tires being blown. He did confirm that although his wife and children were in the car with him, everyone is safe.

“Just got in the worst car accident of our lives with my wife and kids in Fort Worth, Texas. Scary crash, ricocheted off the highway divider multiple times, and blew both front tires. Thankful to God that my wife and kids are safe.

According to TMZ Sports, the sports analyst was in Fort Worth to work the TCU versus Colorado football game for Fox Sports.

The media outlet received confirmation from the Fort Worth Police Department that three other vehicles were also involved in the accident, which occurred at 11:48 a.m. CT. There was also one person who got injured and was taken to the hospital.

“Upon arrival, officers located three of the vehicles that were involved; the other had left the scene before officers’ arrival,” the department said in a statement. “Medical personnel made the scene and transported an occupant to a nearby hospital with unknown injuries.”

“This accident is being investigated.”

Griffin played for three NFL teams—the Redskins, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore Ravens—during a career that spanned from 2012 to 2020.

RELATED CONTENT: Comedian Tracy Morgan Speaks About Car Accident

Amtrak, historic black town
by Kandiss Edwards

October 5, 2025

Amtrak Offers Half-Price Fares To Visit Historic Black Town

Amtrak will once again run special trains to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Tulare County, California.

Amtrak will once again run special trains to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in Tulare County. The trip connects travelers to the only California town founded, financed, and governed by African Americans. 

The Oct. 11 trip will mark the 49th anniversary of the park’s creation. The journey to Colonel Allensworth began as a partnership between Amtrak and California State Parks in 2018. 

The upcoming celebration will feature live music, dancing, and food vendors. Additionally, guided tours of the historic schoolhouse, church, and library are available. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Amtrak’s San Joaquins line will operate three northbound and three southbound trains for attendees, according to a California State Parks press release.

Colonel Allen Allensworth, a formerly enslaved man and U.S. Army chaplain, co-founded the town in 1908. He hoped the town would become a model for Black economic independence and self-governance. Although floods, drought, and economic isolation forced its decline, the site was later restored as a state historic park to preserve its legacy of resilience and community-building.

Amtrak offers travelers a 50% discount on the day of the event. Routes will connect to cities including Bakersfield, Oakland, Sacramento, Modesto, Merced, and Fresno. Visitors arriving by car or bus will pay a small entry fee: $10 for a car, $50 for a small bus, or $75 for a large bus.

The annual trip has become a key cultural event in the Central Valley, with each year’s observance honoring a milestone in Black history. Some excursions have coincided with Juneteenth or Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Both occasions align with the park’s broader mission of education and remembrance.

Attendance has grown steadily since Amtrak began the partnership. Ridership rose from 97 participants at the first event to more than 500 travelers during this year’s Juneteenth celebration. The 49th-anniversary celebration is expected to draw visitors from across the state, cementing the legacy of Colonel Allensworth as a symbol of Black achievement.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross’ Sets Viewership Record On Roku, Leading To Another Season

Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, Shark Tank
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 5, 2025

Sharks And Business Leaders Feed Hungry Entrepreneurs At Inaugural Clover x Shark Tank Summit

Hungry entrepreneurs got their fill at the first-ever Clover x Shark Tank Summit in Las Vegas.

Eager entrepreneurs and small business owners gathered for inspiration and industry insights from top sharks and business leaders at the first-ever Clover x Shark Tank Summit.

Hosted by Clover Chief Empowerment Officer Tabitha Brown at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, the inaugural conference marked the culmination of 17 seasons of “Shark Tank,” spotlighting the next generation of innovative business leaders. Past and present Sharks took center stage for panels, live pitches, and info sessions designed to equip small business owners with the inspiration and motivation to thrive in today’s challenging economy.

Among the featured Sharks were Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Daniel Lubetsky, Robert Herjavek, along with next-gen guest Sharks Allison Ellsworth and Rashuan Williams. They were joined by top business and investment leaders who shared their expertise in in-depth discussions covering everything from branding and marketing to harnessing the industry-shifting power of AI.

Attendees listened intently as small business owners from across the country gathered to fill gaps in their business models and connect with fellow founders who understand the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

“I came to learn the numbers,” said Jazzmonae Lockett, the owner of Zion’s Crown hair care.

Lockett created her haircare line after developing a regrowth oil to treat her postpartum hair loss. Initially targeting moms, she soon discovered a wider market among those with alopecia and others experiencing hair loss. As Zion’s Crown grows, she’s seeking guidance on managing finances and data to sustain momentum.

“Shark Tank” fanatic Rashawnda Wright was inspired to start a business after years of watching the show. When her daughter struggled to fit her graduation cap over her natural hair, Wright created Cap Creations—custom inserts that let people with diverse hair wear caps comfortably and stylishly. Although she hasn’t yet landed a spot on “Shark Tank,” attending the summit gave her a chance to connect with the Sharks and gift Tabitha Brown one of her patented inserts.

The summit kicked off with high energy as “Earn Your Leisure” Founders and hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Billings opened with a live podcast featuring “Shark Tank” OG Robert Herjavec. The conversation centered on the ROI of investing in yourself, and allowed Herjavec to reflect on his own journey and how self-belief wasn’t always his strong suit. He realized this during a dinner with fellow Shark Mark Cuban, who revealed he knew at just 12 years old that he would one day be wealthy and own a basketball team.

“I remember how much that affected me because when I was 12 years old, I just didn’t want to be poor,” Herjavec, a Croatian native, told the crowd. “This mindset of fear was what I had to change. If you’re going to build a great business, or do anything in life, you have to have the ability to believe in yourself.”

That same belief and determination are essential for blocking out fear as an investor. “During economic downturns or uncertain times, many people pull back on investing due to reduced purchasing power, heightened risk aversion, and job security concerns. But success ultimately comes down to mindset and the depth of research put into a business or sector when navigating turbulent financial waters,” Bilal says.

“I think that you really have to focus on what’s important right now like you know there’s a lot of fear in the economy, there’s political uncertainty, there’s a lot of unrest in the world that we live in, in our country, but stay focused on what’s important stay focused on your goal,” Bilal told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Focus on the industry. Focus on the fundamentals of a company. Focus on the leadership of a company and try to block out the outside noise because there’s a lot it’s a lot going on right now.”

The Swim With Your Pack panel on Day 2 of the summit brought together Jay Bailey, president and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE); Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Dr. Key Hallmon, social entrepreneur, author, and speaker, to highlight the critical role community plays in a business’s strategic vision.

At the Russell Center, community is the foundation. Its model of supporting Black-owned businesses has fueled economic growth in Atlanta through revenue growth, job creation, and wealth-building among its stakeholders. Backed by undeniable data and a global diaspora, Bailey challenges the idea of categorizing Black business owners as a “minority.”

“When you look at a global marketplace, when I go to South America, they look like me. When I go to the Caribbean, they look like me. When I go to Africa, they certainly look like me. A lot of Canada, they look like me,” Bailey told BE in an exclusive post-panel chat. “When I go to Europe, they look like me. They’re parts of Asia that look like me. There’s a global diaspora, so you know I tend to say there’s nothing minor about us.”

Bailey continued. “They may say minority, but there’s nothing minor about us. There’s this opportunity for upside. If you look at all the data metrics that show the browning of the globe, it’s just smart business. And I think if you want to look at business over the next 10-20 years, you’ve got to account for those that used to be called underrepresented. They used to be called minorities because that demographic is changing rapidly.”

Rashuan Williams wrapped up Day 2 with a high-energy power session, guiding attendees through “startup school” with lessons on everything from crafting a first pitch deck to mastering the venture capital landscape. The dynamic guest Shark ended by investing $1 in every attendee as a symbolic reminder that they already hold the tools needed to become self-made multimillionaires like himself.

Speaking with BE after the session, Williams broke down the FITT Test he relies on when deciding where to invest—an approach that has guided his funding of more than 170 businesses, including early bets on Robinhood, Coinbase, Casper, Ring, PillPack, Lyft, and Dropbox. The FITT Test begins with the Founder (F), ensuring they’re the most qualified person to lead the venture. Next is Integrity (I), confirming he’s partnering with the right individual and not a “scammer.”

“A lot of people come up with an idea, raise money, shut it down the next day, and launch another idea,” Williams said. “You’re seeing that happening a lot, right? So I need somebody with integrity who’s going to stick in and then do the hard thing for a long time and not waste my money.”

Next is Team (T)—the group a founder has built and retained over time. For Williams, if a founder can’t keep their team committed, why should he invest? The final T stands for Traction, measuring how much a founder can accomplish with limited resources. During his power session, Williams, a Chicago native, likened it to a single mom on welfare who stretches every small paycheck to provide for her family.

“You need to be able to see whether or not a person can get traction based on the very little that they do have,” he said.

The three-day Shark Tank Summit wrapped with The Final Pitch, where three small businesses vied for investments from Sharks Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, and Tabitha Brown. Contestants included Sweet Encounter Bakery, known for its gluten- and nut-free cupcakes; Mended Textiles, a social impact brand empowering survivors of modern slavery; and Plant Zaddy, a plant therapy company promoting wellness through greenery.

Each founder had 90 seconds to pitch and faced over eight minutes of Shark scrutiny before a crowd of thousands. In the end, Clover declared all three winners, awarding each a $35,000 check to grow their businesses. Watching 17 seasons of “Shark Tank” culminate in the first-ever summit was a proud moment for Daymond John, who said he hopes to see a live taping of the show at a future event.

“Actually, real-time broadcast of all those that come out in the top, top, top, and get to sit in front of us for real-time action,” John told BE. “I mean, we did it live before on ABC, but for people to see it in real-time. I want to see an audience of 5,000 people quiet. Hear a pin drop. To see somebody put their absolute dreams right on the line.”

RELATED CONTENT: Backtalk with Daymond John

Alfonso Ribeiro, Tyra Banks, Dancing With The Stars' '
by Kandiss Edwards

October 5, 2025

Alfonso Ribeiro Says Tyra Banks Was ‘Setup For Failure’ During ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Stint

Alfonso Ribeiro says that Tyra Banks stepped into the position under circumstances that made success difficult. 

Alfonso Ribeiro, co-host of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” says Tyra Banks was not given the tools needed to thrive in her role.

Ribeiro believes Banks’s time leading the long-running dance competition show was hampered by timing and structure rather than her performance. Speaking in a new interview with Parade magazine, he said that Banks stepped into the position under circumstances that made success difficult. 

“Unfortunately for Tyra, she came onto the show during COVID,” Ribeiro said. “And not having the ability to connect with the celebrities and with the pros, how do you do that? It was always a two-person job. It became a one-woman show.” 

Banks joined DWTS in 2020, becoming both host and executive producer after longtime emcee Tom Bergeron and co-host Erin Andrews departed. The season was filmed under strict pandemic protocols. Social distancing measures limited audience interaction and behind-the-scenes contact between talent and crew.

Ribeiro, who began co-hosting with Banks in 2022, said she inherited a show from a seasoned host and was severely limited in her presentation.

“You’re following Tom Bergeron, the best host on television, right? You don’t have a co-partner … it’s just you,” he said. “Everything about her first two seasons was a setup for failure.” 

Despite the challenges, Ribeiro emphasized that there was no personal conflict between them. 

“At the end of the day, I was friends with Tyra. I still am friends with Tyra, and I respect Tyra immensely,” he said.

Banks left the show in 2023, saying she wanted to focus on her business ventures and creative projects.

“I feel it’s really time for me to focus on my business and my entrepreneurship and also producing more TV—but behind the scenes,” Tyra told TMZ. “I think it’s time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor…From the ballroom to the boardroom!”

Ribeiro remained in the hosting role after Banks’ departure. He was later joined by former “Dancing With the Stars” dancer Julianne Hough.

RELATED CONTENT: Alfonso Ribeiro Doesn’t ‘Need Or Ever Want’ To Work With Tyler Perry Again

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