Ring The Alarm! BeyGOOD Announces New Cécred Grants For Salon And Barbershop Owners
The fund has extended its grant opportunities to salon and barbershop owners nationwide.
BeyGOOD is calling on all salon and barbershop owners to apply for its new round of grants with Cécred.
The Cécred x BeyGOOD fund is granting $10,000 to licensed barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. Those with two or more years of experience who have demonstrated financial hardship can apply for monetary support. They must also have proof of shop ownership or a lease agreement for a suite, booth, or chair.
In partnership with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), BeyGOOD will also provide access to business development tools and resources through the organization. The initiative also emphasized that the grant is not for repayment.
The fund is opening grant applications to beauty entrepreneurs nationwide with a $500,000 commitment to strengthening small businesses. The fund’s previous round restricted applicants to five chosen cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, and Houston. The business grants will supply 37 selected applicants with the grants. A portion of non-selected finalists will also obtain group coaching and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification resources.
“Hairstylists have an immense impact on the people in their chairs,” detailed BeyGOOD’s website. ” They create a sacred space where we can show up how we want and express ourselves through our hair. We’re honored to give back to this amazing community.”
The fund has already launched cosmetology student scholarships totaling $130,000. Initiated around the February 2024 launch of Cécred, the hair care brand founded by Beyoncé, these scholarships and grants also offer pathways for beauty leaders to serve their communities on a greater scale. Through these two ventures, the fund remains committed to empowering stylists and future generations of entrepreneurs.
The deadline to apply is June 13. The application can be found on BeyGOOD’s website.
‘The Salt House’ Made A Home Out Of Abandoned Glass Bottles, Embracing Sustainability In Brazil
The house came to be from 8,000 glass bottles that would have otherwise stayed along Brazil's beaches.
If one travels to the Brazilian island of Itamaracá, they may stumble upon an unusual home that boasts a feat of sustainability.
As its mother-daughter builders call it, the Salt House was derived from 8,000 abandoned glass bottles. However, where some saw the items as trash, the family saw a vision that became a seven-room abode.
Edna and Maria Gabrielly Dantas knew Itamaracá had struggled with the environmental effects of tourism. While many flock to the area for its memorable beaches and impressive biodiversity, what they leave behind does not reflect this appreciation. The peak tourist seasons left hordes of waste in the Environmental Protection area, but the Dantas transformed the problem into a product of innovation.
“My childhood was marked by creativity. I made my own bamboo toys, and recycled whatever I could. We didn’t know it was environmental activism, it was just how we survived,” explained Edna, a socio-environmental educator, to Globo.
Edna’s upbringing in the water-stricken Brazilian region of Agreste led to her understanding of how to reuse items properly. Her daughter, a sustainable fashion designer, collaborated with her to develop The Salt House, which recycles waste for shelter.
Edna proposed the idea during the pandemic after noticing the glass bottles along the coast. It took them two years to use recycled wood alongside the bottles to build the foundation for the home. However, they also inserted anything they could reuse. From toothpaste tubes and pallets, the women ensured sustainable practices took priority in the home’s construction.
Their efforts also hold a deep connection to their Quilombola and indigenous backgrounds. This heritage stems from the descendants of enslaved Africans and Native Americans, both of whom emphasize a respect for the spirituality of nature. As Brazil remains under threat from climate change and environmental decline due to tourism, creating a use for these bottles aims to provide one solution to the problem.
“These bottles aren’t going to disappear. Without policies to regulate their production or penalize abandonment, the least we can do is find ways to reuse them. If you throw a bottle away and it doesn’t break, it’ll still be there in a year,” expressed Edna.
The women also faced gender discrimination, given their entry into the male-dominated field of home construction. While this pushback did not thwart their efforts, Gabrielly felt that other professionals underestimated the women throughout the project.
“We wanted to hire labor only for specific tasks, but they always wanted to give opinions, correct us, tell us how to do things — as if we lacked capability,” shared the designer. “People think that one day we found a magic bottle with a genie inside. They don’t realize this requires skill, management, vision. And being a woman in this environment is doubly hard.”
Despite the concerns, the Salt House symbolizes a new pathway to combat tourist-induced environmental damage. While it cannot utilize every bottle washed ashore, it showcases the ingenuity of local visionaries in maintaining and preserving their homelands.
HBCU Power Launches Summer Film Academy At Morehouse For Future Leaders And Storytellers
The program will provide hands-on training and mentorship for high school boys.
HBCU Power has officially launched its Powerhouse Film Academy, which will take place this summer at Morehouse College.
Geared toward high school boys, the film academy will provide a two-week intensive program to strengthen their creative voices and leadership. The program will run from June 30 to July 14, growing its cohort in entrepreneurship, social impact, and storytelling.
Through the program, the selected participants will engage in sessions on film production, media literacy, financial education, and career readiness. It will encourage young attendees to hone their creative power and desire to tell stories from under-heard voices, while also fostering leadership skills before the young men begin their collegiate journeys.
“This isn’t just about teaching camera angles, this is about helping young Black men own their voice, craft their message, and step into their power,” said Jash’d Belcher, executive producer and founder of HBCU Power, in a press release. “At a time when representation is everything, we’re investing in the storytellers who will define the future.”
Students will learn from faculty across the Atlanta University Center, including Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University. The opportunity also provides an experience for young Black men through its hands-on training of film equipment and mentorship. At the end of the program, the scholars will premiere their capstone short film to an audience that will include industry and community leaders.
The venture will follow HBCU Power’s own entry into the filmmaking sphere, with the acclaimed feature, To Live and Die and Live, executive produced by Belcher, enjoying a national theatrical run after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival.
The Powerhouse Academy hopes to inspire participants to create their own stories that empower others as much as they empower themselves.
In this venture, HBCU Power aims to further its mission of fostering creativity, education, and leadership among Black youth. As an organization dedicated to championing HBCUs and the diverse scholars within its broader community, HBCU Power’s Powerhouse Film Academy aims to provide a new platform for young storytellers to showcase their artistic integrity and skills.
Although the academy remains tuition-based, students who demonstrate financial need can still apply. Limited assistance is available through sponsored support. More information can be found on HBCU Power’s website.
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Anti-DEI Grant Restrictions
Judge Jon Tigar issued an injunction, keeping organizations safe from Trump administration-directed federal funding cuts. For now.
A federal judge in California has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict federal grant funding for programs that promote diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and transgender rights.
U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar called the Trump administration’s move a likely violation of constitutional protections on June 9. He issued an injunction against recent executive orders that would have barred federal funding to organizations unless they complied with the federal push to remove DEI content.
The executive orders also ordered organizations to refrain from acknowledging transgender identities.
“These funding restrictions reflect an effort to censor constitutionally protected speech and services promoting DEI and recognizing the existence of transgender individuals,” Tigar wrote in his decision. The federal government ,he added, “cannot weaponize Congressionally appropriated funds to single out protected communities for disfavored treatment or suppress ideas that it does not like or has deemed dangerous.”
The lawsuit was brought to light by several LGBTQ+ organizations and health centers, notably the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Historical Society.
According to the lawsuit, the groups argued that complying with the Trump administration’s directives would prevent them from carrying out their core missions. Tigar agreed.
As reported by NBC News, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation previously received a five-year, $1.3 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to expand sexual health services in marginalized communities. In April, the CDC directed the organization to “immediately terminate all programs, personnel, activities, or contracts” that related to DEI or gender ideology.
The decision led to the lawsuit.
Tigar has taken a legal stance against the slew of signed executive orders put out by President Donald Trump, many of which are aimed at removing protections for transgender individuals and eliminating DEI initiatives from federal agencies and organizations.
Lawyers representing the government have argued that the administration is within its rights to leverage federal funding in pursuit of its policy goals, as opposed to Tigar’s hesitations.
Tigar’s injunction currently protects the affected organizations and allows them to continue their work without federal interference.
The Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide: Tech, Travel, and Black-Owned Brands Dads Will Love
These dads deserve it.
Father’s Day is more than just a Sunday in June that rolls around once a year. It’s a chance to celebrate all the dads, father figures, and mentors who help shape families and communities for the better. These dads deserve the best, so why not shower them with items they can get excited about?
Whether your dad is a gadget guy, a traveler, or a proud supporter of Black-owned businesses, BLACK ENTERPRISE curated a Father’s Day gift guide in three parts that covers meaningful, memorable gifts across tech, travel, and culture.
TECH HE’LL TREASURE: For the dad who loves smart upgrades and even smarter tech toys
Meta Quest—For the Dad Who Never Stopped Gaming
Looking for the ultimate gift for your game-loving dad? The Meta Quest 3 might just blow his mind. This isn’t just any VR headset, it’s a gateway to another dimension for dads who can’t put their controllers down. Whether he’s battling virtual monsters, exploring the streets of Paris from your living room, or sweating through a fitness app, this wireless wonder delivers and you can join in on the fun. Snag one at Meta.com or Best Buy for $499.
Ember Smart Mug 2—For the Dad Who’s Always on Zoom
If your dad works remote and bounces between Zoom calls, the Ember Smart Mug 2 might just be the gift for him for Father’s Day. This clever little mug keeps coffee perfectly hot for a solid 80 minutes. No more grimacing through that last frigid gulp or making microwave trips between meetings. Morning coffee, afternoon pick-me-up, the temperature stays just right. Cop one from the company website.
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses—For the Dad Who Likes Tech That Looks Cool
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are too legit. They are multifunctional in that they have a camera, play music, and respond to voice commands, all while looking like classic Ray-Ban shades. Your father can snap photos of family moments without fumbling for his phone. He can switch tracks on his playlist with a simple voice command. They don’t scream “I’m wearing a computer on my face,” either. They’re just stylish frames that can be purchased from Ray-Ban’s website or Best Buy stores.
TRAVEL & EXPERIENCES: For the Dad Who Deserves a Getaway
Bourbon Trail Weekend in Kentucky
Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail might just be the perfect Father’s Day escape you haven’t thought of yet. You can tackle this adventure however you want: join a group tour or grab a map and wander at your own pace. The cool thing about the Bourbon Trail is it works for pretty much everyone. Check out one of the Black-owned bed & breakfast locations along the way or hook up with The Black Bourbon Society for some of its amazing curated experiences.
Drive A Dream Car Day
Drive a Dream Car Day is perfect for gearheads and adventure-loving fathers who drool over exotic cars. With a pro instructor riding shotgun, dad will finally get to feel what it’s like to rev up the horsepower under the hood of their fantasy car. From the roar of a Ferrari engine to the sleek lines of a Lamborghini or the precision handling of a Porsche, this Father’s Day gift will not disappoint. Prices start at $249.
Weekend Stay at a Black-Owned Boutique Hotel
Consider sending dad away for a weekend at a Black-owned boutique hotel. Whether he’s into laid-back luxury or urban adventures he’ll enjoy it. Picture two nights at a distinctive Black-owned spot where every room has its own personality and flair. These aren’t cookie-cutter chain hotels. They’re havens that showcase Black excellence in the hospitality world. Dad can actually catch his breath, reflect, and recharge his batteries in style. Check out The Oak Bluffs Inn on Martha’s Vineyard, a charming little gem with picture-perfect views and rooms that feel like a warm hug. Or maybe The Moor in New Orleans, where he can soak up the city’s incredible culture while enjoying seriously stylish digs. For something truly spectacular, there’s also the Salamander Resort in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The place is gorgeous, with amenities that’ll make him forget what stress even feels like.
BLACK-OWNED BRANDS HE’LL PROUDLY REPRESENT
Scotch Porter Beard Collection
The Scotch Porter Beard Collection by Calvin Qualli is perfect for a father who takes pride in his facial hair. The set comes with everything dad needs: beard wash, conditioner, balm and serum, to keep his mane looking well-groomed. This beard collection uses natural ingredients and the scents are pleasant, not overpowering like some men’s products can be. It works wonders on thicker or curlier beard hair too. Sometimes the best gift is just helping him upgrade his morning routine. Any dad who cares about his appearance will appreciate this one. His beard will thank you, and so will he!
Talley & Twine Watches
Some fathers know time is valuable, Check out Talley & Twine Watches. This Black-owned watch company creates stunning timepieces that won’t break the bank. These watches make for great gifts he’ll treasure for years. Each one has “The Reward of Patience” engraved on the back.
Bourbon by Greenwood Whiskey
Greenwood Whiskey’s bourbon is not just any spirit, this premium bourbon draws inspiration from Tulsa’s historic Black Wall Street. Perfect for those evenings when Dad unwinds with a glass of something smooth while appreciating a bit of meaningful history. What better way to celebrate him than with a bottle from this Black-owned brand that stands for resilience and excellence? The flavor profile is seriously impressive, rich and distinctive. You can grab a bottle online.
Teyana Taylor Collaborates With Jordan Brand For Reimagined Air Jordan 3s
The launch is expected sometime during the Spring 2026 season
Before blessing the stage at this year’s BET Awards, Harlem-bred Teyana Taylor announced a collaboration with Jordan Brand’s Air Jordan, with an expected launch date next year.
According to Sneaker News, the recording artist will be releasing a collaborative effort with the sneaker giant. Sneakerheads and fans of Taylor can expect an Air Jordan 3 reimagining sometime during the Spring 2026 season. She also announced that she has a new album coming out.
The media outlet reported that she was at the Jordan Building at Nike World Headquarters to deliver the news. She appeared on a panel with Reggie Saunders, VP of Entertainment Marketing at Jordan Brand. The Air Jordan 3 sneaker she’s working on will be an inspiration, honoring her Harlem roots, “A Rose From Harlem.” The album, Escape Room, is slated for an August release, accompanied by a recent music video featuring cameos by her current beau, Aaron Pierre, and actor LaKeith Stanfield.
“This next project with Jordan Brand and my upcoming album are examples of me pushing the creative process to make something new and even more beautiful,” said Taylor. “The wins hit different when you rose from the concrete.”
Rolling Stone reported that the singer took to the stage in Los Angeles to perform for the first time at the BET Awards after releasing her latest single, Long Time. She’s returning after a five-year hiatus. The Escape Room album will be her first album release since 2020’s The Album.
The Harlem native was recently honored in her hometown when she received The Apollo Theater’s inaugural Innovator Award.
“Growing up in Harlem, the Apollo has always been a source of inspiration and Black excellence,” Taylor said in a written statement. “Being honored in my hometown by this iconic institution is beyond anything I could have dreamed.”
Police Imposter On The Loose: Man Robs Business While Posing As Cop In Philadelphia
The suspect robbed a auto repair shop of $1000 after tying a woman up
Philadelphia police officers are looking for a man who posed as a law enforcement official and tied a woman up, robbed the business, and was able to get away before officers arrived on the scene.
The Philadelphia Police Department has released photos of the thief and the white van that left the business June 8. They are requesting information from anyone who may know the person’s identity or have any knowledge of the crime.
— Philadelphia Police Department (@PhillyPolice) June 10, 2025
The incident occurred at a Mayfair auto repair shop, according to KYW Newsradio, at 2:11 p.m. The suspect entered the business wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, gloves, a black tactical vest with the inscription “Security Enforcement Agent,” and dark green cargo pants. He was also wearing a black baseball cap embroidered with a United States flag, impersonating a law enforcement officer when he approached the woman before using zip ties to restrict her wrists.
While the 50-year-old woman was tied up, the suspect took around $1,000 in cash and left the shop in a white Ford E-250 van. The van is described as having tinted windows; however, it lacked windows in the back and had a padlock on both the rear and passenger-side cargo doors. The vehicle also had red dashes painted around the van.
Police officers responded to a report of a robbery in progress, but the suspect had already gotten away by the time officers arrived at 4:43 p.m.
The police department is seeking assistance in identifying the perpetrator. No arrests have been made, and the thief has not been identified as officials continue their search for the suspect.
Philadelphia police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Northeast Detectives at 215-685-3153. People can also submit anonymous tips through the PPD tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477), as all phone calls will remain confidential.
Trump Claims If He Didn’t Send in National Guard, L.A. Would Be ‘Burning To The Ground’
Trump defended his choice to send in more National Guard troops, referencing the L.A. wildfires.
Donald Trump has asserted that Los Angeles would be “burning to the ground” if he had not sent National Guard troops to suppress the protests against the ICE raids.
The president shared his thoughts on his controversial decision to send the military to quell the demonstration, referencing the L.A. wildfires that destroyed parts of the city earlier this year.
“If I didn’t ‘SEND IN THE TROOPS’ to Los Angeles the last three nights, that once beautiful and great City would be burning to the ground right now, much like 25,000 houses burned to the ground in L.A. do to an incompetent Governor and Mayor,” Trump said on Truth Social, according to CNN.
In a move condemned by California Governor Gavin Newsom, Trump initially deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. He also activated 700 Marines to head to the city to further control the protest zones. He has since authorized 2,000 more National Guard troops to be deployed to the state.
Newsom formally requested that Trump remove the troops from the area, preferring to let state law enforcement handle the situation.
I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command.
We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while… pic.twitter.com/tOtA5dcfxc
“I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles County and return them to my command,” Newsome wrote. “We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed. Rescind the order. Return control to California.”
The news outlet also confirmed that protestors are still clashing with police. However, much of the protest has been concentrated downtown since it started over the weekend. The outer parts of the city have been relatively unaffected.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also condemned Trump’s response.
“A test case for what happens when the federal government moves in and takes the authority away from the state or away from local government,” said Bass during a press conference. “I don’t think our city should be used for an experiment.”
Trump had warned of his plans to scale up deportation efforts. His plans resulted in ICE detaining undocumented individuals following immigration hearings, leading to the protests against the raids.
“If immigration raids had not happened here, we would not have the disorder that we did last night,” Bass told CNN’s The Situation Room, referring to the rise in violence during the protests.
Atlanta Came To Slay And Celebrate At The 2025 Original Sundresses & Seersuckers® Weekend
ATL was buzzing with style.
This past weekend, Atlanta was buzzing with style, soul, and summertime sophistication as the Original Sundresses & Seersuckers® XIV weekend took over the city. Hosted by the distinguished brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Delta Mu Mu Chapter, and produced by Commitment to Excellence, Inc., the celebration served as one of the most exciting and well-attended events this summer.
Established with the goal of gathering like-minded individuals to celebrate and support our community by supporting our youth, this year’s Sundresses and Seersuckers was a sold-out event featuring four consecutive days of fun and fellowship. From Thursday’s Meet & Greet at SuiteLounge, where the vibes were smooth and the outfits already giving, to Sunday’s Day Party that wrapped things up with one last turn-up, the entire weekend was a perfectly curated mix of connection, community, and classic ATL flavor.
On Friday, guests enjoyed The Marketplace and The PreVue, a full-day experience at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta where wellness, shopping, and joy collided. By the time Friday night’s PreQuel dress rehearsal hit Southern Exchange, the city was officially outside.
But of course, all roads led to Saturday’s main event at the Home Depot Backyard—the legendary Sundresses & Seersuckers party with a purpose. With Big Tigger holding down the mic and Quinn + Jukebox of Atlanta rocking the stage, even a brief storm couldn’t keep people away. The crowd showed up and showed out in their freshest fits, and Mayor Andre Dickens even pulled up to show love and speak to the crowd, reminding everyone that Atlanta supports events that uplift the culture and the community.
And speaking of support, this wasn’t just a good time. Proceeds from the weekend benefited the Delta Mu Mu Chapter’s impactful Black Rhinos mentorship programming, pouring directly into the next generation of Black excellence.
One of the standout activations of the evening was the Black Beverage Experience—a beautifully curated area spotlighting Black-owned spirits brands and a lineup of food trucks that kept the crowd fueled and festive well into the night.
After the main event, attendees danced into the early morning at the AfterGroove, and just when you thought the weekend was over, Sunday’s Day Party brought the energy right back to the Suite Lounge.
Stylish, soulful, and purpose-driven, the Original Sundresses & Seersuckers® weekend once again proved why it’s one of Atlanta’s most anticipated cultural experiences of the year. If you missed it, start planning for next year now because this is one tradition that keeps getting better with time.
‘God is Good:’ Jamie Foxx Delivers Emotional ‘Thanks’ To Black People For BET Ultimate Icon Award
'I say this all the time, thank you to Black people and the Black award, because this is what really counts. A lot of people think like the Oscars is the biggest thing, and we got to quit thinking like that.'
After surviving a life-threatening hospital stay a little over two years ago, comedian Jamie Foxx tearfully acknowledged his second chance in life and thanked Black people while accepting the 2025 BET Ultimate Icon Award on June 9.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the multitalented entertainer, in accepting his award, tearfully broke down and stated that he’s not gonna “turn down” his second chance after being in a coma from a health scare suffered in 2023. In April 2023, his daughter, Corinne Foxx, revealed to the world that her father had a “medical complication” that sent the Hollywood star to the hospital.
“I cannot even begin to express the love that I feel from everybody out there,” Foxx told the crowd at the awards show. “I gotta be honest, when I saw the In Memoriam, I was like, man, it could have been me. I don’t know why I went through what I went through, but I know my second chance, I’m not gonna turn down.”
He thanked Black people for their prayers and the support during his health issues, expressing that when he was able to perform a stand-up concert, he made sure it was in front of a Black audience.
“And I’m gonna do right in front of y’all ’cause I know a lot of times when we get on, we forget about where we come from. When I did my special, it was in front of Black people. Black people were the ones that said, ‘Man, we got you.’ Not to say that white people can’t pray either. I know that sounds weird, but y’all know what I’m saying. It’s like you guys held me down, and I don’t want to make this whole speech about that, but you can’t go through something like that and not testify.”
Foxx also acknowledged that the BET Awards were a bigger prize than the Oscar he received previously.
“I say this all the time, thank you to Black people and the Black award, because this is what really counts. A lot of people think like the Oscars is the biggest thing, and we got to quit thinking like that. And that’s coming from a person who won an Oscar, I was nominated twice, but the Icon Award is the most important award because it comes from us.”
