lawsuit, Major League Soccer, Exec, Racial Retaliation

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 1, 2025

U.S. Civil Rights Agency Skips Out On Responsibilities By Eliminating Prominent Tool That Investigates Workplace Discrimination

Disparate-impact liability was first recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in case titled Griggs v. Duke Power Co.

In a memo, the U.S. civil rights agency announced plans to stop investigating complaints regarding company policies that don’t involve accusations of discrimination but may harm targeted groups, according to the Associated Press.

The note, dated Sept. 15, was sent to directors of all levels of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), stating that the agency, which is responsible for enforcing worker rights, will dismiss any complaints based on the legal concept of “disparate impact liability.” The concept argues that even if a policy appears fair, it can still be perceived as discriminatory if it creates unnecessary barriers that hinder specific groups of people from thriving.

Industry leaders label it as an effective tool used to weed out workplace discrimination, particularly at a time when algorithmic bias has grown more pertinent, with employers relying on A.I. during the hiring process. But the concept isn’t as popular as one may think.

Pushing disparate impact claims is less common than accusations of intentional discrimination, which is defined as disparate treatment. However, attorney Bradford Kelley, who also served as chief counsel to former Republican EEOC Commissioner Keith Sonderling, says, “The risk is still there,” with discrimination more likely to occur in new A.I. systems.

He pointed out that companies and federal agencies should be vigilant in monitoring their algorithms, as they may lead to disparate impact complaints. Civil rights and plaintiff-side employment attorney Christine Webber strongly agrees. “As AI is becoming more and more popular, it’s particularly important that we have the disparate impact tools available to be able to police it and make sure it’s not being used to resegregate the workforce,” Webber said.

Disparate-impact liability was first recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the case titled Griggs v. Duke Power Co. According to the law firm Mayer Brown, the high court ruled that the listed employer’s practice of requiring potential employees to pass an “intelligence” test held no connection to the applicant’s ability to perform the job duties.

Title VII was violated because it disproportionately disqualified non-white applicants. The case resulted in Congress amending Title VII in the Civil Rights Act of 1991 to add Section 703(k), recognizing that discrimination could be based on “an unlawful employment practice based on disparate impact.” Following suit, disparate-impact liability has been embedded in several federal anti-discrimination laws, including the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The move is being marked as a bold shift in EEOC enforcement, but not surprisingly, as it aligns with an April 2025 executive order signed by President Donald Trump, cited in the memo, demanding federal agencies make less use of disparate impact in civil rights enforcement, as he felt it encourages assumptions that any form of racial workplace imbalance is a result of discrimination. Workers with submitted complaints on such grounds are scheduled to receive a notice encouraging them to pursue the case in court on their own will.

Former EEOC General Counsel Karla Gilbride, who was fired from the agency in January 2025, said she was “disturbed” by the decision. Another former commissioner, Chai Feldblum, highlighted how this will affect employees since disparate impact ties into company-wide or industry-wide policies. “You’re talking about thousands of people who could be affected by this,” Feldblum added.

Shaquille O’Neal, shaq, Georgia, Sheriff's Office

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 1, 2025

Shaq Gifted Kobe Bryant’s Mother Restored Land Cruiser Her Son Owned In High School

The NBA Hall of Famer presented it to her on Kobe Bryant's birthday, Aug. 23.

Shaquille O’Neal gave Kobe Bryant’s mom the 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser that her son owned in high school—fully restored.

Bryant’s former teammate gave the car to Pam Bryant on August 23, what would have been the late NBA legend’s 47th birthday.

According to Japanese Nostalgic Car, the TNT analyst took his request to Effortless Motors, a Riverside, California, customization shop that had previously worked on several automobiles for Shaq.

As a surprise gift for Kobe’s mother, he wanted the shop to bring the vehicle to its original look. Pam Bryant now resides in Las Vegas, where the car sat for years exposed to various natural elements that corroded the decades-old vehicle. Then, there were the Pennsylvania winters the car endured when Bryant was a star at Lower Merion High School, outside of Philadelphia.

NBC Los Angeles spoke to the men responsible for the restoration of the Land Cruiser, Ahmad Abdelrahman and Daniel Ubario, owners of Effortless Motors, about taking on the task.

“Anybody that’s fortunate enough to get to work with Shaquille O’Neal, the number one thing you don’t want to do is let Shaq down, man,” Abdelrahman said.

“It was in a little rough condition,” Ubario said. “The paint, we had to do a fully, fully restore, 360 restore. Interior was a little rough.”

The job was completed to Shaq’s satisfaction, but, more importantly, to Kobe’s mom’s.

“She was extremely thankful and to be there on Kobe’s birthday, and I met her for the first time. It meant a lot to me, too,” Abdelrahman said.

Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, 13, died in a helicopter crash in January 2020. Bryant, who retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016, was 41 years old.

by Kandiss Edwards

October 1, 2025

Georgia Gullah-Geechee Community Favored In Supreme Court Ruling

The ruling overturns a lower court’s decision blocking the Gullah-Geechee community from opposing McIntosh County.

The Gullah-Geechee community in Georgia is celebrating after the state’s Supreme Court ruled the citizens’ referendum on Sapelo Island may move forward.

The Sept. 30 referendum ruling overturns a lower court’s decision that had blocked voting on proposed amendments that allow large new construction projects in the area.

McIntosh County appealed to courts, asserting that citizens did not have the power to stop county zoning decisions.

The Georgia Supreme Court disagreed with the argument. Justice John Ellington wrote, “Nothing in the text of the Zoning Provision in any way restricts a county electorate’s authority to seek repeal of a zoning ordinance.”

Supporters of the referendum called the decision a vindication, with resident Jazz Watts quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.“: The time is always right to do what’s right,” Watts told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Residents in the Hogg Hummock community, which is registered on the National Register of Historic Places, are challenging the McIntosh County zoning ordinance. The ordinance would double the maximum square footage allowed for homes in the area. As the proposed increase in allowable home square footage would double from 1,400 to 3,000, precipitating a rise in property taxes, residents are resisting.

While property taxes are one consideration, residents fear displacement and erosion of the island’s cultural fabric. Local advocates gathered more than 2,300 signatures to force the referendum. The petition prompted legal countermeasures from county officials who argued zoning matters should not be subject to voter repeal.

McIntosh County officials said they will respect the ruling.

While the decision allows the referendum to restart, no new date has been announced. In the meantime, the zoning ordinance cannot be enforced until the people have their day in court.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 1, 2025

Spike Lee Urges African Americans To ‘Come Back To The Motherland’ In Africa

Spike Lee wants African Americans to tap into their roots in the African motherland.

Spike Lee is fully immersed in his ambassadorship role in Benin, where he’s urging African Americans to reconnect with their ancestral roots on the continent.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, were recently appointed as thematic ambassadors to Benin, representing the African American diaspora in the U.S. In this role, the couple is charged with inspiring African Americans to make pilgrimages to Benin, a West African nation with profound ties to the Atlantic Slave Trade.

With nations such as Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau opening pathways to citizenship for African Americans, Lee emphasizes that now is the moment to return to the motherland.

“Our brothers and sisters in Benin are telling us: come home, welcome us home, come back to the motherland. Come back [to] where your roots are,” Lee told France24.

In July, Lee and his wife stepped into their new roles as thematic ambassadors for Benin to the African diaspora in the United States. Their appointment aligns with Benin’s wider initiative to reconnect the diaspora with its heritage, boost cultural tourism, and encourage nationality applications from descendants of those taken from Benin during the transatlantic slave trade.

The couple plans to leverage their global platforms to amplify awareness and support for these efforts, which they describe as a “blueprint” for African Americans in the U.S. Whether it’s a trip to Benin or exploring dual citizenship, Lee believes it’s an option worth considering as Americans navigate what he calls “the year of living dangerously,” a nod to the 1982 Peter Weir film, under Trump’s second presidential term.

For Lewis Lee, the president’s rhetoric is nothing new, pointing to her parents’ experiences growing up in the segregated South. She says Trump’s controversial remarks and actions merely bring to the surface sentiments that are often kept hidden.

“To me, Donald Trump is nothing new. I think he’s he’s saying the quiet parts out loud,” she said. “I think we make we make a lot of progress, and then we make steps backwards, and then we make progress again.”

“The good news is, Donald Trump will not be president forever,” Tonya added. “And people will rise up, as they are [doing].”

The BlacKkKlansman director pointed to the recent controversy over the temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, which was swiftly reinstated after widespread backlash from Americans who protested by canceling their Disney, Hulu, and ESPN subscriptions.

“People are being galvanised by what’s happening in the White House. So justice is going to prevail,” Lee said.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 1, 2025

Syracuse University Hoops Legend Lawrence Moten Found Dead In D.C. Home

Moten's daughter, Lawrencia, confirmed that he was discovered dead in his home on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Former NBA player and Syracuse University basketball legend Lawrence Moten was found dead in his Washington, D.C. home on Tuesday, Sept. 30. He was 53.

Syracuse.com reported that Moten’s daughter Lawrencia confirmed her father’s death. A cause of death was not revealed.

In June, Moten returned to his hometown of Washington, D.C., taking a job as general manager for the boys and girls basketball teams at Digital Pioneers Academy, the outlet reported.

Aside from having a spectacular nickname (“Poetry in Moten”), Moten was one of the best players in Syracuse University history. He still holds the school record for career points with 2,334. He also set the Big East Conference career scoring record, 1,405 points, which was broken in 2020. Moten averaged 19.6 points during his collegiate career, which ran from 1991 to 1995.

Moten made an immediate impact at Syracuse, averaging 18.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in 1991-92, becoming the first freshman to score 500 points in a season. He was named Big East Rookie of the Year and to Third Team All-Big East.

Syracuse University released a statement through men’s head basketball coach Adrian Autry.

“It’s a sad day for the Orange community,” said Autry. “For me, Lawrence was not only a teammate, but a friend. I can’t think of anybody that was more positive or who loved Syracuse more than he did. Obviously, his basketball—he was one of the greatest to put on the uniform. It’s a big loss. I was able to play alongside him for three years and watch him do some amazing things. I was fortunate to spend time with him on and off the court. I feel for his family, including his beautiful daughters. Lawrence was a positive light in this world. He was one of a kind. I’m going to miss him.”

"Lawrence was a positive light in this world."@CoachRedAutry pic.twitter.com/wAtrjun04r
— Syracuse Men’s Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) September 30, 2025

Moten was selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the second round of the 1995 NBA Draft. He also had stints in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and the American Basketball Association (ABA) and played overseas in Spain and Venezuela.

Breast Cancer, diagnosed, diagnosis, before, expecting, after, living with breast cancer, women, breast cancer awareness week, Breast Cancer Awareness

by Ahsan Washington

October 1, 2025

These Women Are Serious About Breast Cancer Advocacy

Breast cancer advocacy is a civic and often personal mission

Breast cancer advocacy is a civic and often personal mission. Black women are dying from breast cancer at an alarming rate, despite a 43% decline in death rates between 1989 and 2020, according to a 2022 report released by the American Cancer Society. It is refreshing to witness breast cancer advocates using their platforms, sharing personal stories, and collaborating with nonprofits to push for earlier detection, better representation in research, and improved outcomes for Black women and families. BLACK ENTERPRISE is spotlighting a few Black voices who are actively advancing this critical work.

Lyndsay Levingston

Lyndsay Levingston turned her personal health battle into a powerful advocacy mission. After being diagnosed at 37 with aggressive Stage 2B triple-negative breast cancer in July 2019—and later discovering she carried a BRCA1 gene mutation—she was motivated to establish the nonprofit SurviveHER. As its founder and executive director, she works to inform, inspire, and empower breast cancer survivors and women, with a vital focus on improving breast health outcomes, especially within communities of color.

Nina Parker

Nina Parker, an Emmy-nominated TV host, fashion entrepreneur, and media personality, champions Merck’s Uncovering TNBC initiative. She offers resources and personal insights to inform Black women about TNBC risks and screening. Parker’s mother is a breast cancer survivor, and she stresses the significance of awareness and early screening, particularly for Black women, who TNBC disproportionately impacts.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union is a dedicated breast health advocate who serves as a public ambassador and participates in awareness campaigns, including Susan G. Komen events and screening programs. Union highlights the significance of early detection and access for Black women and has been deeply engaged in advocacy and event participation since the 2010s.

Tina Knowles

Tina Knowles revealed her stage-1 breast cancer diagnosis in 2024 to highlight the critical need for routine mammograms and timely screenings. Her journey, which included a postponed mammogram, serves as a cautionary tale for women, particularly women of color, to make regular screening a priority.

Ricki Fairley

Ricki Fairley, a survivor of triple-negative breast cancer and the founder and CEO of TOUCH (The Black Breast Cancer Alliance), established an advocacy group dedicated to educating about Black breast cancer, encouraging clinical trial participation, assisting survivors, and implementing culturally relevant outreach initiatives. TOUCH, a U.S.-based organization with a nationwide digital presence, was launched in 2020 during Fairley’s post-treatment advocacy. Fairley has actively engaged in programs and partnerships since. Fairley’s personal experience with aggressive TNBC and the lack of representation of Black women in trials inspired her to create an organization that focuses on Black patients and promotes research inclusivity.

Paulette Leaphart

Paulette Leaphart, a breast cancer survivor and activist, captured national attention in 2016 for her 1,000-mile coast-to-capitol walk from Biloxi, Mississippi, to Washington, D.C. Throughout the journey, she openly showcased her double-mastectomy scars to reduce the stigma surrounding survivorship and advocate for improved healthcare access. Leaphart’s story resonated with the public and became a notable example of survivor activism, motivating both policymakers and the public to emphasize the importance of affordable care and increase visibility for survivors.

Betty Irabor

Betty Irabor, a Nigerian publisher and founder of Genevieve Magazine, organizes and funds the annual Pink Ball events, which aim to promote screenings, raise funds for treatment, and donate diagnostic equipment across Nigeria. The foundation, which has been active since the mid-2000s, utilizes media platforms to tackle issues related to late diagnosis and the scarcity of diagnostic resources in the country.

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, a breast cancer survivor and founder of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), established the organization to provide public education, support for survivors, and advocacy programs. BRECAN hosts awareness walks and pushes for national discussions on breast health. Established in the late 1990s, BRECAN has remained continually active, striving to reduce stigma, promote early detection, and support patients in Nigeria.

Miriamm Wright

Miriamm Wright, a talented singer-songwriter, arts activist, and the founder and chair of the Edith P. Wright Breast Cancer Foundation (EPW), utilizes benefit concerts and arts programs to generate funds, host free mammogram events, and offer comprehensive support for families impacted by breast cancer. Established in 1998, Wright’s annual concert and EPW awards have become essential events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Driven by the loss of her mother to breast cancer, Wright focuses her performance and nonprofit efforts on providing screenings and community support to families in need.

JaQuitta Williams

JaQuitta Williams, a television journalist, singer, and dedicated advocate for survivors, has leveraged her public presence to enhance awareness about breast cancer through interviews, fundraising events, and local media storytelling. She promotes early detection and advocates for survivors. Williams’s journey, which highlights the financial and emotional challenges of treatment, positions her as a passionate supporter of screening, survivor visibility, and community assistance.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 1, 2025

Arrest Warrant Issued For Tyrese; Dogs Accused Of Killing Neighbor’s Spaniel

'I had no idea I would ever wake up to this nightmare, and I know the family must feel the same way. To them, please know that my heart is broken for you.'

Singer and actor Tyrese has been issued an arrest warrant in Georgia.

Police say the Fast & Furious star has yet to turn himself in to police after his four Cane Corso dogs were accused of mauling and killing a neighbor’s dog on Sept. 18.

According to The Associated Press, the recording artist will face animal cruelty charges once he is in custody. The warrant is part of an “ongoing issue” following multiple calls about Tyrese’s dogs in the past few months, Fulton County Police Captain Nicole Dwyer said.

Tyrese’s neighbor told police officers that she let her small spaniel out into their yard just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 18. When she returned several minutes later, her dog had been attacked.

She took the dog to a veterinary hospital, but it did not survive.

Although Tyrese’s house is half a mile away, she saw his dogs at the house next door. After animal control officers arrived at the scene, they were able to keep the dogs away from the neighbor while she retrieved her vehicle.

On Sept. 22, police issued a search warrant for Tyrese’s property, but he wasn’t home. The dogs were no longer on the property.

“Our priority is the safety of the community, and when there’s so many incidents of dogs, huge dogs like this, getting out and then killing an animal, you know, what’s next? A child?” Dwyer said. “Our main priority is safety, and that’s why we want the dogs in custody.”

Dwyer said she told Tyrese’s attorney that their client had to turn himself in by Friday, Sept. 26.

The “Sweet Lady” singer issued a statement through his attorney, Gabe Banks, which was on his Instagram account.

“I had no idea I would ever wake up to this nightmare, and I know the family must feel the same way. To them, please know that my heart is broken for you. I am praying for your healing and for your beloved pet, who never deserved this. I remain committed to facing this matter with honesty, responsibility, and compassion.”

Banks also explained that Tyrese was not at home when the incident occurred and that he had taken the steps to “re-home his two adult dogs and their three puppies in safe and loving homes,” so something like this would not happen again.

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PUBLIX, Jacksonville, Casey Kelley, sponsorship, Black book Bash

by Keka Araújo

October 1, 2025

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

Organizers stressed that their paramount focus remains on the success of the Black Book Bash, which is designed to amplify the voices and works of Black authors across various genres.

Conflicting accounts have emerged ahead of the annual Black Book Bash, a high-profile event celebrating Black authors, after organizers alleged that grocery giant Publix abruptly withdrew its committed title sponsorship.

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However, the Polk County, Florida-based corporation unequivocally rejected the claim. The resulting controversy has sparked calls for a consumer boycott and cast a shadow over the cultural event scheduled to commence this weekend.

The organizers sparked a public dispute through a social media video, claiming that Publix, which they stated was slated to be the event’s primary sponsor, had rescinded its support just days before the opening. They asserted that this sudden reversal necessitated drawing upon personal funds to mitigate the financial rupture and ensure that the celebration of literacy and Black voices could proceed.

Publix, however, has maintained a firm denial. The communications director for the Southern grocery chain stated in a phone interview that, following an internal review, the company concluded there was no foundational agreement in place.

“We’re disheartened,” the director said. “After conducting a thorough investigation, we concluded that Publix never agreed to sponsor or serve as the title sponsor of this event.”

Casey Kelley, an organizer for the Black Book Bash, offered a materially different narrative, detailing months of communication with a corporate entity.

“Over the past few months, one of our sponsorship coordinators was in communication with someone from a Publix.com email address,” Kelley said.

Kelley subsequently provided an email—reviewed by News4JAX—that ostensibly showed the sponsorship offer being formally rescinded.

The critical text of the electronic communication read, “I regret to inform you that Publix [is] no longer able to offer sponsorships for the foreseeable future. In this volatile [climate], we have pulled all sponsorships for the foreseeable future. As a result, we are rescinding the existing offer to sponsor Black Book Bash…”

On Sept. 30, Kelley took to Instagram to further explain the situation and provide even more context to the puzzling situation.

“What up, Book People? We are excited about Black Book Bash happening this weekend. Unfortunately, the focus has shifted from the event to Publix– with a whole lot of misinformation and inaccuracies.”

She continued, “Over the past two months, one of our sponsorship coordinators had been in communication with someone from a Publix.com email address. Through multiple calls, virtual meetings, and even emails, we reached an agreement for exclusivity on the title sponsorship, and that’s not the only sponsor. It’s the title sponsor. On Sept. 22, we received an email from the same email address that stated that Publix would no longer be sponsoring. Despite that, our team pulled together our personal funds and resources to cover all outstanding balances… two days later on Sept. 24.”

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Kelley also commented that a viral video posted on Sept. 26 was the catalyst for bringing the smoke to Publix. She also explained that her organization declined all media requests from the chain. According to the Black Book Bash organizer, Publix claimed that the sponsorship wasn’t approved because it hadn’t come from the company’s foundation.

However, Publix’s website doesn’t list the foundation, but does have a “Requests” tab under its Community tab. The verbiage directly from the site is below.

There is also a section to specifically request a Publix Marketing Sponsorship Request. Upon clicking the “Submit Request” button, the user is sent to an application that still doesn’t mention a foundation.

“We believe in giving back. Request support here.

If you represent a nonprofit organization that is doing great things for your community in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, or Kentucky, Publix is glad to review your request.

Areas of focus.

We support organizations that focus on youth, education, reducing hunger, and alleviating homelessness. Donations for school clubs and teams will be made payable to your qualified school, not to booster clubs. Please be sure that your school is registered, and that you apply on behalf of the school when making these requests.

What we contribute.

“We review requests for donations, gift cards, sponsorships, giveaways, and program ads.“

How to make a request.

All requests are submitted online.”

The email’s purported sender utilized the company’s correct domain name, the very same domain used by the grocer’s corporate communications team for official press correspondence.

Yet, despite this evidence, a company spokesperson issued a categorical denial of its provenance, “We can confirm definitively that this communication was never sent by Publix.”

It’s important to note that Publix’s official policy on diversity and inclusion is published on its corporate website.

“Publix values inclusion. A diverse, inclusive, and merit-based workforce makes our company—and our community—better. We value the fresh ideas and unique perspectives that each associate provides. We make it a priority to employ and work with qualified and talented people from many backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and ethnicities. We are proud of our long-standing commitment to creating and maintaining an inclusive work environment for our associates, in which they feel a sense of ownership, pride, and belonging. Publix provides our associates with a voice, an open-door policy, training, development, and career opportunities.”

Ironically, Publix’s commitment doesn’t appear to extend to its C-suite. Heading the company are four white men. And in 2021, Publix was a contributor to the rally that subsequently turned into the Jan. 6 Insurrection. There were calls to boycott the grocer at the time.

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Organizers stressed that their paramount focus remains on the success of the Black Book Bash, which is designed to amplify the voices and works of Black authors across various genres.

The event is set for the weekend, Oct. 3-5, at the Hyatt Regency in Jacksonville.

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by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 1, 2025

NBA Announces Pioneers Scholarship, Highlighting The 75th Anniversary Of League’s 1st Black Players

The scholarship acknowledges the league's first Black players, Chuck Cooper, Earl Lloyd, and Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have announced the NBA Pioneers Scholarship, which acknowledges the league’s first Black players, Chuck Cooper, Earl Lloyd, and Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton.

According to BET News, this scholarship is being introduced to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the players entering the league. The NBA Foundation and NBPA Foundation will donate $750,000 toward the scholarship “to support HBCU academic and athletic programs throughout the country.”

“This year marks the 75th anniversary of the first Black players playing in the NBA, Chuck Cooper, Earl Lloyd, and Nat Sweetwater Clifton, to commemorate their enduring impact,” Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul said in a written statement. “Together, the NBA Foundation and the NBPA Foundation will award an NBA pioneer scholarship of $150,000 annually, for a total of $750,000 over five years to support HBCU athletics, academic enrichment, and professional development.”

“The inaugural recipients of this award are West Virginia State University and Xavier University of Louisiana. To the NBA pioneers, thank you. Your courage gave us an opportunity, your game gave us hope, and your legacy will be a part of every pass, every shot, every moment in the NBA.”

The first recipients of the NBA Pioneers Scholarship will come from the alma mater of the three NBA pioneers. Cooper and Lloyd played their collegiate careers at West Virginia State University, while Clifton played basketball at Xavier University of Louisiana.

The NBA plans to continue celebrating the pioneers during Black History Month and at next year’s NBA All-Star 2026, taking place in Los Angeles. The celebration will also continue off the court through community events and other activations, recognizing the 75th anniversary of the players entering the NBA.

The league also announced that during All-Star weekend, the 5th annual NBA HBCU Classic will feature Hampton University and North Carolina A&T State University.

by Mary Spiller

October 1, 2025

Gen Z, Finding Purpose In ‘Boring’ Careers, Sets Sights On Accounting

As baby boomers retire, Gen Z is stepping into accounting, discovering career stability and strong pay.

Accounting, long stereotyped as dull and repetitive, is finding fresh appeal among members of Generation Z, who are discovering meaning and money in the field.

For years, accounting has carried an image problem, but new programs are helping to give the field a rebrand. A 2022 study cited by Fortune ranked it as the second-most boring profession, just behind data analysis. But as the magazined noted in a recent article, “Gen Z is realizing the six-figure career opportunity.”

The timing couldn’t be better for this sect, whose members were born between 1997 and 2012. Millions of baby boomer accountants are nearing or entering retirement, leaving a widening gap in the workforce. More than 340,000 accountants have left the profession over the past five years, according to Fortune. That shortage creates opportunities for younger workers—many of whom are getting their start before they even leave college.

One example is the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which helps low-to-moderate income taxpayers navigate the filing season. The program launched over 50 years ago at California State University, Northridge, and remains a training ground for students.

In 2024, hundreds of CSU Northridge students participating in VITA assisted more than 9,000 taxpayers, helping them secure nearly $11 million in refunds and $3.6 million in tax credits, Fortune reported.

“While accounting may have a certain image in the background among young people of being not as intriguing and exciting, once they actually engage in the practice and see how it plays out in the real world, it changes people’s minds and views,” Rafael Efrat, director of CSU Northridge’s VITA program, told the magazine.

Beyond the satisfaction of helping others, the paycheck is a major draw. According to Glassdoor data, the average accountant earns about $93,000 annually, with experienced professionals making up to $122,000 depending on the industry. Those who achieve certified public accountant (CPA) status can command salaries approaching $200,000.

For a generation often characterized as searching for both stability and social impact, accounting offers an unexpected path forward— blending community service with financial reward.