by Mary Spiller

January 19, 2026

Ray J Grows Up After Turbulent Year, Promises Major Personal Shift

The singer described 2025 as a “crash out campaign,” thanked his family and fans for support, and stated that a new chapter is beginning.

Ray J is signaling a turning point after a year marked by controversy, health scares, and public scrutiny, saying he is entering a new phase of his life with a renewed sense of accountability and gratitude. In a video shared to Instagram on Sunday, Jan. 18 — one day after celebrating his 45th birthday — the R&B singer addressed fans directly, reflecting on what he described as an especially difficult period.

“Thank y’all for the love today, man. God is good. Something’s new, something’s gonna change this year,” Ray J said in the nearly two-minute clip. He went on to thank supporters for both encouragement and criticism, adding, “Last year was a crazy year, it was a ‘crash out campaign.’ It was intense, but God made it through and put us in the right position.”

Ray J emphasized that he is committed to moving differently in the future. “I promise y’all, this is gonna be a really, really different wave that we on now,” he said. “All jokes aside, I love y’all, and I appreciate y’all, thank you.”

The singer also credited his family for standing by him during what he called a critical time. “Thank you to my family too — my mom, my dad, my sister — for having my back,” he said. “My sister came through for me, man, I needed her.”

In the video’s caption, Ray J expanded on the struggles he said defined the past year. “I walked through a season meant to break me,” he wrote. “Jail, sickness, silence, and loss all at once. I take full accountability for my mistakes. God still spared my life when I didn’t deserve it. That alone humbles me.” He added, “My family covered me. Your prayers carried me.”

Ray J also referenced health challenges that forced personal reflection. “My health forced me to put the bottle down and face myself,” he wrote, thanking both supporters and critics. He concluded the post with a message about his children: “I love you — ON GOD — I miss my kids so much. I will be with you soon.”

His sister, Grammy-winning singer Brandy, publicly responded in the comments, offering encouragement. “I love you so much, bro, and I’m here for you until the end — and after that,” she wrote, adding, “God Bless you and your journey. We will get through everything together! #sis.”

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While Ray J did not outline specific incidents in the video, his comments come after a year filled with headlines. In 2025, he faced legal issues stemming from a domestic dispute with his estranged wife, Princess Love, made inflammatory claims about fellow artists, and drew criticism for erratic behavior during livestreams. He also made controversial public statements about his personal life and interactions with other celebrities.

More recently, Ray J was hospitalized in Las Vegas after experiencing pneumonia and heart-related symptoms. TMZ reported that doctors performed X-rays and an echocardiogram.

Now, Ray J says he is focused on healing and change, suggesting that the year ahead will look very different from the one behind him.

by Mary Spiller

January 19, 2026

Conservatives Target Don Lemon for Investigation Following ICE Protest at Minnesota Church Service

The former CNN anchor faces backlash from MAGA activists following a livestreamed protest at a St. Paul church.

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is facing calls for his arrest and a federal investigation after participating in livestream coverage of a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, drawing swift condemnation from conservative activists and senior Trump administration officials.

The incident occurred Jan 18 at Cities Church, where demonstrators entered during worship services to protest the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota. Protesters also demanded justice for Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot earlier this month by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis.

Lemon, now an independent journalist, was livestreaming while interviewing protesters outside the church before following them inside as chants of “ICE out” echoed through the sanctuary. Demonstrators accused church leadership of cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

“This will not stand,” protest organizer Nekima Levy Armstrong told Lemon ahead of the disruption. “They cannot pretend to be a house of God while harboring someone who is commanding ICE agents to terrorize our communities.”

Instagram user rissasofar added context to the church protest. She stated in an Instagram video that the Minnesota protesters “went to the church to shut down its service because they discovered that one of its lead pastors, David Easterwood, is actually an ICE agent.”

The Instagram user stated, “We’ve got thousands and hundreds and thousands of people that we can ask that right now as ICE agents continue to violate the laws and break into their homes and start yelling at them and then, you know, kidnapping them and stuff. But I digress. Don, thank you so much for the incredible work that you’re doing, for all the boots-on-the-ground journalism that you’re doing. Minnesota, we see you. We are so proud of you. Keep your foot on their necks. Flip those tables. Hold everyone accountable. Spread the story. Spread the news.”

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The protest prompted many worshippers to leave the building. One congregant expressed anger over the disruption, saying, “These people have come into our house, and they’ve interrupted our worship. Everybody’s gone home, their point has been proven worthless, and so, in the end, I think they lose. I feel violated, I feel interrupted, I feel angry.”

Lemon also spoke briefly with one of the church’s pastors, who said the protesters had refused to engage in dialogue.

“No one is willing to talk. I have to take care of my church and my family,” the pastor said, asking Lemon to leave.

The outspoken journalist noted that police officers remained outside the church but did not intervene.

Video clips of the incident circulated widely online, fueling outrage among conservative commentators. The MAGA Voice account called for Lemon to be investigated by the FBI and Department of Justice, while influencer Benny Johnson claimed the journalist’s actions amounted to “not just an obscene violation of the FACE Act — it’s likely a hate crime.”

Johnson and others referenced the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994, which makes it a federal crime to use force, intimidation, or obstruction at reproductive health facilities and places of worship. Right-wing figures, including Matt Walsh, Will Chamberlain, and Baptist minister Paul Chappell, echoed similar calls.

“We condemn the actions of Don Lemon and the group of activists who stormed Cities Church today in St Paul, Minnesota, in clear violation of the FACE Act,” Chappell wrote. “Christians everywhere should demand that the Department of Justice arrest those who participated.”

She continued to comment on the protest’s dissenters, particularly one man who asked Lemon, “How would you like it if I went into your house and started yelling?”

The Trump administration has since acknowledged the incident. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon shared footage of the protest and announced that the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division was “investigating the potential violations of the federal FACE Act by these people desecrating a house of worship and interfering with Christian worshippers.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi later added, “I just spoke to the pastor in Minnesota whose church was targeted. Attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law.”

She warned that if state officials fail to act, the DOJ “will remain mobilized to prosecute federal crimes and ensure that the rule of law prevails.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced that message, stating, “President Trump will not tolerate the intimidation and harassment of Christians in their sacred places of worship.”

Not all officials shared that view. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a Democrat, publicly thanked Lemon earlier that day for “being on the ground in Minnesota to help lift up this fight for truth and fairness,” underscoring sharp divisions between federal and local leaders.

The protest unfolded amid heightened tensions in Minnesota after Trump deployed 3,000 ICE agents as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Demonstrations intensified following Good’s killing, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demanding federal agents “get the f*** out of Minneapolis.” Trump has since threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, while Gov. Tim Walz has placed the National Guard on standby.

Mayor Jacob Frey: I have a message for ICE, get the fuck out of Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/62JLyuf6kQ
— Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) January 7, 2026

by Mary Spiller

January 19, 2026

Nightmare Ride: Two Arrested In Boynton Beach After Uber Driver Kidnapping And Wild Crime Spree

Police say suspects forced driver to travel across Palm Beach County for hours while attempting to use stolen credit cards.

Boynton Beach police have arrested two suspects accused of kidnapping an Uber driver at gunpoint and forcing the victim to drive them around Palm Beach County for nearly two hours while they attempted to access stolen credit cards. Police identified the primary suspect as 20-year-old Isaiah Thurston.

According to the Boynton Beach Police Department, the incident occurred on Friday, Jan. 16, after an Uber driver picked up what appeared to be a routine ride request near the Catalina Center in Boynton Beach. Officers said the situation quickly escalated once the passenger entered the vehicle.

Investigators said Thurston was dressed entirely in black and wearing a ski mask when he allegedly pressed a firearm into the driver’s back. Authorities said the suspect then ordered the driver to cancel the ride and summoned a second individual, later identified as 24-year-old Jakeria Riley.

The victim told officers the two suspects forced them to continue driving through several cities, including West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach. During the nearly two-hour ordeal, police said the suspects attempted to withdraw money from ATMs using multiple credit cards believed to be stolen.

Investigators said the driver remained under threat during the drive and complied out of fear for their safety. Police reports indicate the suspects eventually fled once the vehicle returned to Boynton Beach, according to WPBF.

Following the victim’s report, detectives launched an investigation that led them to a Courtyard Marriott hotel in the area. Authorities located Thurston and Riley nearby and took both into custody.

During a search, officers said Riley was found in possession of cocaine and several credit cards not belonging to her. Police did not immediately disclose whether the ATM withdrawal attempts were successful.

The couple was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on multiple charges, including kidnapping, armed robbery, possession of a controlled substance, violation of probation, and resisting arrest.

Police records show additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues. Court records indicate Riley appeared before a judge on 18 January, where no bond was set. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m. Thurston declined to appear in court on Sunday, and his initial appearance was postponed. He remains in custody.

Police have not released the name of the Uber driver, citing safety and privacy concerns. Authorities say the case remains under investigation and are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Boynton Beach Police Department.

No injuries were reported, but officers described the incident as a serious and dangerous crime involving the use of a firearm.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 19, 2026

LeBron James’ ‘Honor The King’ Nike Shoe Inspired By Memphis Hotel Where MLK Was Assassinated

The shoe's colorway pays tribute to the Memphis hotel where King was assassinated, now the National Civil Rights Museum.

LeBron James has revealed his new Nike shoe paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King.

The “Honor The King” sneaker, revealed as part of the Nike LeBron 23 collection, honors King as well as the Memphis hotel where he was assassinated. Upon Dr. King’s death, the Lorraine Motel has become a symbol of continued hope and resilience within the Civil Rights movement.

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A post shared by Move the Culture (@unapologeticallymemphis)

Now, a new symbol in the sneakerverse has arrived ahead of MLK Day. Recognizing another “King,” the sneaker has a bright teal colorway, evoking the same colors of the famed motel, as reported by Kicks. It primarily features the iconic teal color, with accents of gold on the sneaker’s tongue with an accompanying golden Nike check. The shoe also boast an “EQUALITY” featured alongside its heel, reminding purchasers of the shared value of both “Kings.”

James is a long-time supporter of the cultural institution and national landmark. Now, the NBA champion further honors the motel’s significance to Black and American history with the coveted sneaker.

On the surface I get this seems in poor taste, but remember this is now the location of the National Civil Rights Museum. If they tell the story from THAT angle, it could land more softly. https://t.co/sX3R2ZxFTW
— Kari (@SneakerPhetish) January 13, 2026

During its original operations, the motel served Black Americans during the time of segregation, hosting Dr. King as he conducted what would become his final speech. Since then, it has transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum to honor Dr. King’s legacy, further highlighted through this shoe.

However, the shoe has another personal note from James, also nodding to his acclaimed 51-point game against the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008. As part of the Nike LeBron 23 collection, which recognizes James’ 23 seasons in the NBA, each design will mark a storied part of James’ monumental career in professional basketball and beyond.

According to Sneaker Bar Detroit, fans of James and sneakerheads will have to wait a little bit longer to cop the historic shoe. The outlet stated that the “Honor The King” sneaker will come at the end of Black History Month, with an expected date of Feb. 24.

by Mitti Hicks

January 19, 2026

Mortgage Rates Fall To Lowest Level In Over Three Years, Data Shows

As of Jan. 15, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.06%, down from 7.04% the year before.

It appears that relief is on the horizon for prospective homebuyers as mortgage rates continue to decline. The average rate on a conventional mortgage in the U.S. has dropped to 6.06%, the lowest level in more than three years, according to Freddie Mac.

As of Jan. 15, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.06%, down from 7.04% the year before. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.38%, down from last week’s 5.46%. It’s also down from 6.27% last year.

“The impacts are noticeable, as weekly purchase applications and refinance activity have jumped, underscoring the benefits for both buyers and current owners,” the lender said. “It appears that housing activity is improving and poised for a solid spring sales season.”

Homeownership Bleak For Americans Despite Drop In Mortgage Rates

While mortgage rates are dropping for Americans, homeownership is another story as people grapple with affordability. A report from Attom found that median-priced homes are less affordable than usual in 99% of the 594 counties for which sufficient data were available, CBS News reported. The national average for home prices sits around $365,000, a record high.

“Many Americans were priced out of buying a home in 2025, and affordability remains worse than historic norms in most markets,” Rob Barber, CEO of Attom, told CBS News.

Prospective homebuyers face an uphill battle as record-high prices continue to outpace wages and a severe housing shortage. According to the National Mortgage Professional, the typical household earns $83,853 per year, which is nearly 30% less than the $115,454 needed to afford the median-priced homes. This also renders potential buyers “cost burdened” by pushing them above the 30% threshold, with 41.3% of their earnings spent on housing costs.

Redfin Senior Economist, Elijah de la Campa, told the outlet that buyers need to spend 30% or less of their income on their monthly housing payment for a home to be considered “affordable” on the platform.

Robin Kelly, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 18, 2026

Rep. Robin Kelly Moves To Impeach Kristi Noem, Accusing ICE Of ‘Reign of Terror’

Kelly and the 70 co-sponsoring lawmakers have filed three articles of impeachment against Noem.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, may face her own prosecution as lawmakers begin an impeachment process against her over ICE operations.

Democrat Robin Kelly introduced the articles of impeachment against Noem Jan. 14. In her filing, Kelly stated that Noem brought a “reign of terror” to multiple cities nationwide as ICE agents make arrests without just warrants.

“Secretary Noem has brought her reign of terror to Chicago, L.A., Minneapolis, and communities from north to south, east to west. She needs to be impeached for her actions,” wrote Kelly in a statement over the impeachment introduction.

The congresswoman filed three articles against Noem: Obstruction of Congress, Violation of Public Trust, and Self-Dealing. The first claim was over Noem’s refusal to let Kelly enter a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility despite having clearance.

Noem has been instrumental in directing federal agents into these neighborhoods, which has resulted in numerous instances of violence and even death for U.S. citizens. Kelly and the 70 co-sponsoring lawmakers also alleged that Noem unlawfully spent $200 million on an ICE recruitment ad campaign, evoking the final article.

Noem has previously discredited Democrats’ threats of impeachment. However, these lawmakers remain adamant to move forward with the impeachment, especially as the rollout of ICE agents continues across America.

“Secretary Noem has called my impeachment efforts silly. I want to tell her right now, Secretary Noem, you have violated your oath of office, and there will be consequences. I am watching you. Members of Congress are watching you. The American people, most importantly, are watching you. And most of all, we are not liking what we’re seeing. If you believe impeachment is silly, then you are not taking your job or our Constitution seriously,” Kelly continued.

Notable congress members co-sponsored the impeachment charges, such as Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Rep. Ilhan Omar, whose district covers Minneapolis, one of the main cities currently occupied by ICE agents. However, in order for the impeachment process to proceed, it must first pass in the GOP-controlled House with a majority vote, making its approval unlikely.

by Mary Spiller

January 18, 2026

Man Arrested For Racial Tirade Caught On Video Outside Metro Atlanta Social Security Office

Police say viral footage shows 65-year-old Robert Burke allegedly threatening a security guard and shouting slurs in front of children.

A Georgia man captured on widely shared video verbally abusing a security guard and hurling racial slurs outside a Social Security office in suburban Atlanta has been arrested, authorities said. Gwinnett County Police identified the man as Robert Burke, 65, who was taken into custody following a separate disturbance one day after the confrontation that drew public outrage online. The incident occurred Jan. 14 at a Social Security office on Shackleford Road in Norcross, police confirmed.

Officers were initially called to the federal building after reports of a man making threats and aggressively berating people inside the office. Investigators said witnesses provided cellphone video showing Burke yelling profanities and insults as a security guard escorted him out. Police noted that multiple children were present during the encounter.

In the footage, which circulated widely on social media, Burke can be heard threatening the guard, telling him to “take a shot” and saying he would “beat the” guard, using expletives throughout. At one point, Burke repeatedly refers to the guard, who is Black, using a racial slur.

“I’m a citizen… you motherf***er, you’re a n*****,” Burke is heard shouting in the video. When challenged, he responds, “What are you going to do? It’s free speech.”

As Burke exits the building and moves into the parking lot, he continues yelling insults and threats. In one moment, a woman escorting young children into the office is forced to step back as Burke storms past, still shouting. Police later confirmed children were in proximity throughout the incident.

Robert John Burke was caught on camera launching a vile, racist tirade against a security officer and bystanders in Norcross, Georgia.

Make him famous. pic.twitter.com/Hwl7a18YFK
— 𝓙𝓲𝓶𝓶𝔂 𝓙 (@JimmyJ4thewin) January 16, 2026

According to Atlanta investigators, employees at the Social Security office told officers this was not an isolated episode. Staff members reported that Burke had caused disturbances at the location on prior occasions.

By the time officers arrived on Jan. 14, Burke had already left the scene. Police subsequently obtained a warrant for his arrest on a disorderly conduct charge for his behavior in metro Atlanta. The following day, officers responded to another disturbance call at a nearby Courtyard Marriott hotel in Duluth, where Burke was located and arrested.

Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Angela Carter said the case highlights common misunderstandings about free speech protections.

“There are exceptions to the First Amendment,” Carter said. “Those include fighting words. So basically, you can’t make statements face-to-face to someone that may entice violence in that moment.”

The video has since accumulated tens of thousands of views, likes, and shares. Carter encouraged the public to continue documenting incidents when safe to do so.

“Take video. We love that. It always helps us,” she said. “But still contact the police so we can take steps to make an arrest quickly in situations like this.”

by Mary Spiller

January 18, 2026

Teddy Riley Drops Memoir On Making Hits And History

The Grammy-winning producer behind New Jack Swing and landmark hits will release 'Remember the Times,' offering an inside look at a genre-shaping career.

Music history is set to be told from the perspective of one of its most influential creators. Grammy Award–winning producer and songwriter Teddy Riley will release his memoir, “Remember the Times” — named after the Michael Jackson hit — on Feb. 10, offering a personal account of the career that helped redefine R&B, hip-hop, and pop music over the past 40 years. The book will be published through Simon & Schuster.

The memoir takes its title from “Remember the Time,” the Michael Jackson classic Riley co-wrote and co-produced during the singer’s “Dangerous” era. Throughout the book, Riley traces his role in shaping multiple generations of popular sound, from the emergence of New Jack Swing to its influence on contemporary global pop music.

Written in collaboration with award-winning biographer Jake Brown, “Remember the Times” follows Riley’s path from a young musical talent in Harlem to a defining architect of modern Black music. The book revisits his early experimentation with merging hip-hop beats and R&B melodies—an approach that evolved into New Jack Swing and set a new direction for late-20th-century music.

Beyond commercial success, the memoir examines the realities of working in a fast-changing industry. Riley details moments of creative collaboration, professional tension, and perseverance as he recounts the formation of his groups Guy and Blackstreet.

He also reflects on the making of influential records such as Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative” and Doug E. Fresh’s “The Show,” projects that helped establish new sonic standards.

Riley’s story is also shaped by his work with some of the most recognizable names in music. The book includes reflections on collaborations with Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Lady Gaga, and Michael Jackson, whose partnership with Riley remains one of the most celebrated of his career.

When the memoir was first announced, Riley described it as an effort to protect and document the musical legacy. “I successfully created the New Jack Swing genre 40 years ago so we could have our own generation of music, not their generation, and our own history,” he told Rolling Stone. “I’m so excited to share that history with my fans around the world.”

Early reactions suggest the book delivers a vivid portrait of both the man and the music. Pharrell Williams praised Riley as “an incredible mixologist of so many different styles,” while Library Journal said longtime fans will be “wildly entertained.” Another outlet noted the memoir’s accessible tone and its broad look at how popular music evolved alongside Riley’s career.

With “Remember the Times,” Riley offers readers a front-row seat to the sounds, stories, and decisions that helped shape modern music.

Walmart, Sam's Club Division, CEO, Latriece watkins

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 18, 2026

Walmart Taps Veteran Exec Latriece Watkins As CEO Of Sam’s Club

Watkins gained the position after helping Walmart elevate its shelves for a premium shopping experience.

Walmart has appointed a long-time executive to oversee its Sam’s Club division, making way for the Black woman to shine as CEO.

Latriece Watkins has been an instrumental figure at the retail corporation for the past 20 years. According to Fast Company, she began her lofty career at Walmart within its real estate division.

Her business acumen and savviness led to substantive promotions, including her prior role as Chief Merchant in 2023. In this position, she oversaw which products were stocked on Walmart’s shelves, curating options for customers while creating new opportunities for growing businesses.

Three years later, she has taken on her biggest role yet as CEO of Sam’s Club. The membership club is the more exclusive shopping option for Walmart loyalists, offering bulk options for families with bigger budgets and, often, more mouths to feed.

Given her experience implementing higher-end items into Walmart’s inventory and thus enticing higher-earning shoppers, Watkins will get the chance to further prove her expertise as an official CEO. Her work now aims to make Sam’s Club a sharper competitor to the popular Costco.

With membership-based stores adopting similar business models, Walmart and Watkins hope to cut into Costco’s sales by boosting Sam’s Club’s private-label brands. Its mainstay brand, Member’s Mark, still accounts for a third of Sam’s Club’s revenue. However, given Watkins’s success with Walmart’s Bettergoods private-label, her mission is to further promote Member’s Mark to shoppers.

Her appointment also serves as a boost in diverse leadership. In the retail industry, the C-suite has often shut its door to Black women professionals. According to statistics from the Women of Color Retail Alliance, obtained by the Robin Report in 2023, Black women only accounted for 1.7% of executive roles in the retail and goods industry.

Despite the marginal figures, Watkins’ promotion adds a Black woman to the executive office. As she assumes the new role, she will curate another elevated shopper experience for the retail giant, leading the way for other large chains.

by Mitti Hicks

January 18, 2026

Rewriting The Rules Of Southern Hospitality: Larry Morrow Brings A New Vision To New Orleans

SOHO will bring together over 25 hospitality leaders, including Rick Ross, Pinky Cole Hayes, Ti Martin, Cleveland Spears II, and Keith Lee, to inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders.

You may not know the face behind the founder of the most sought-after restaurants and nightlife experiences in New Orleans. But you can see, feel, and taste what Larry Morrow brings to the city in several places throughout the city.

Most locals and visitors alike are familiar with his restaurants: Morrow’s, Monday, Sun Chong, Morrow Steak, and the recently opened Spicy Mango. Then there are the nightlife venues, Tree House and Hide/Seek, and coming down the pipeline is Larry’s Po-Boys, marking his eighth location.

Morrow opened six of these locations in four years.

And just when you would assume that he would take a break and let people shower him with gifts on his birthday, he’s instead gifting aspiring restaurateurs and those who want to expand in hospitality the inaugural Southern Hospitality Weekend (SOHO).

“Hospitality is one of the toughest industries in the world,” he tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “There are so many moving pieces, and people need resources, mentorship, and the ability to be successful. SOHO is bridging the gap.”

SOHO will bring together over 25 hospitality leaders, including Rick Ross, Pinky Cole Hayes, Ti Martin, and Cleveland Spears II, along with content creators like Keith Lee, with over 20 sessions during Morrow’s birthday weekend. While the weekend will feature exciting events like the Roll Bounce Skate Party, a VIP Networking Brunch, and an all-Black evening celebration, there will also be panel sessions and workshops attendees can learn from.

Morrow said the event is all about uplifting the next generation of hospitality professionals and preventing restaurants from closing.

SOHO New Orleans Will Address Industry Barriers

Despite Morrow’s unprecedented success, he says it did not come without frustrations. Breaking into the hospitality industry is challenging. Studies show that labor shortages, rising living and operating costs, and increasing competition are among the challenges to succeeding in the hospitality industry.

According to Restroworks, 60% of restaurants shut down within the first year of operations, and 80% close within the first five years.

“Our goal with SOHO is to deliver the ‘how-to guide,’” Morrow adds. “I want people to leave the conference with at least three things they can apply to their business that ensure success. Sometimes, we are just one piece of advice away from being able to grow our business to the next phase.”

What Representation Means To Morrow

Black people in New Orleans represent nearly 60% of the population, and Black culture is embedded in the DNA–from the music, food, and cultural traditions. Still, Black restaurants rarely make the “best of” food lists from mainstream outlets.

“We don’t do what we do for lists,” said Morrow. “But I want to constantly inspire the next generation of Black hospitality and entrepreneurship.”

He adds, “Growing up, kids typically want to be athletes and things like that. I understand that being an African American man here in New Orleans and thriving in an industry that doesn’t reflect us, but I hope this is inspiring to them.”

SOHO will take place through Jan. 18.

Morrow is already planning the next SOHO weekend in September. The first event took 45 days to plan, and the fall event will have a longer planning runway.

“We have seven or eight months to plan for it, so it will be much bigger and have a different rollout,” Morrow said.