by Kandiss Edwards

April 16, 2025

New Study Suggests Over-The-Counter Medicine Can Reduce Recurrence Of Colorectal Cancer

Colon and rectal cancer disproportionately impact the Black community.

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that a common over-the-counter drug may significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence in patients previously diagnosed with the disease.

The three-year study followed 3,508 patients with stage I through III colon or rectal cancer who had undergone surgery. In a double-blind trial, participants were randomly assigned to receive either 160 mg of aspirin or a placebo. Researchers monitored the patients to determine whether the drug helped prevent the return of cancer.

The results showed a notable difference between the two groups—nearly half of the patients who received aspirin experienced reduced cancer recurrence over the three-year period.

“After three years of follow-up, the hazard ratios for time to recurrence comparing aspirin to placebo were 0.49 (95% CI; 0.24-0.98; p=0.044) in Group A and 0.42 (95% CI; 0.21-0.83; p=0.013) in Group B,” researchers wrote.

While further studies are needed, the findings offer promise, particularly for Black Americans who are disproportionately affected by colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, African Americans are about 20% more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

Experts attribute these disparities to several factors, including lower screening rates, delayed diagnoses, limited access to quality healthcare, and structural inequities in the medical system.

Though rectal and colon cancers are similar in many ways, their treatments can differ significantly. The rectum is located in a confined space, closely surrounded by other organs and structures, making surgery more complex. Treatment for rectal cancer often involves surgery but may also include chemotherapy, radiation, or both. In some cases, targeted therapy or immunotherapy is also recommended.

In 2024, an estimated 152,810 people in the U.S. were expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with more than 53,000 deaths projected. Public health leaders continue to advocate for increased awareness, early screening, and equitable access to care to close the survival gap for at-risk communities.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 16, 2025

Chanel Nicole Scott Joins In The Black Network As Chief Marketing Officer

The Blackity Black streaming service continues its global expansion

The In Black Network (ITBN) announced that Chanel Nicole Scott will be its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). ITBN, which showcases stories created by and featuring Black people from the diaspora, stated that Scott’s appointment is part of the brand’s vision to enhance global visibility.

Scott brings over a decade of experience in tech and media production. Through her company, Chanel Scott Production House, she developed CheMinistry, a multimedia platform that includes a television show, books, and card games focused on navigating relationships and personal growth.

Scott is the creator of the Relationships Matter podcast, which premiered on the In The Black Network. She also authored a book of the same name, sharing personal anecdotes and relationship advice. In a press release, the producer expressed her enthusiasm for her new role at ITBN.

“Being part of a groundbreaking company like In The Black Network is more than just a professional opportunity — it’s a cultural mission. We’re shifting who controls the narrative and how our stories are told. It’s time to put the power back into our hands — and I’m honored to help lead that movement,” the podcast host said.

Television producer, filmmaker, and ITBN founder James DuBose said Scott’s passion, work ethic, and track record make her a valuable asset to the growing network. DuBose discussed his vision of The Black Network’s global expansion with BLACK ENTERPRISE in 2024.

“We want you to come to one place, and that’s internationally, that’s locally, that’s US, that’s every market that you could think of, Caribbean, and so forth, to come one place and stay,” he said.

The filmmaker also said he wants to provide a platform for Black creatives, often overlooked in mainstream media, to showcase their content. Founded in 2023, ITBN is a free AVOD streaming service that features premium content highlighting Black voices. The network streams directly on its website, on Smart TVs, and through its app, which is available on iOS and Android devices.

by Stacy Jackson

April 16, 2025

Kamala Harris For California Governor? Black Voters Most Eager, Others Not So Much

Among California's Black poll respondents, more than half feel either "joyful" or "mostly excited" about a potential Governor Harris.

As California looks forward to its search for a new governor in eight years, some registered California voters are giving mixed signals about Kamala Harris’ potential gubernatorial bid for the Golden State seat, while Black voters seem to be, hands down, team Harris.

According to a poll from POLITICO and UC Berkeley’s Citrin Center, which targeted California registered voters and a selection of “policy influencers” in the state, respondents chose from a variety of moods in a question focused on the former United States Vice President’s next potential political seat as California governor: “joyful,” “mostly excited,” “indifferent,” “irritated,” “outraged,” “hopeless” or other.

While respondents who identified as registered voters revealed overall mixed feelings—4% outraged, 22% excited, and 20% irritated, Politico noted that Black voters seemed the most eager for Harris to run, without question. Among Black poll respondents, 35% responded “joyful,” and 38% selected “mostly excited.” While a quarter of state Democrats voted “indifferent,” 33% feel “joyful” about a possible Governor Harris and 41% “mostly excited.” “The registered Democratic voters are very enthusiastic about her,” said UC Berkeley political science professor Jack Citrin. “The ‘joyful’ number goes up, the ‘excited’ number goes up, and the ‘irritated’ and ‘outraged’ numbers go way down.”

The excitement dimmed based on moods from California’s Asian and Latino population, with 18% of Asian American voters choosing “irritated” and 19% of Latinos feeling “hopeless.” Among “policy influencers,” 36% felt “indifferent” about Harris’ hypothetical bid for governor. Mike Murphy, a longtime Los Angeles-based Republican strategist, said the buzz on Harris “was better outside of California than it was in California” before she first ran for president in 2019. “She’s never been that popular in the California political high school.” Poll respondents who identified as policy influencers included lawmakers, state legislature and federal government staffers, and subscribers to California Playbook, California Climate, and Politico Pro.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the poll confirms her leverage in horse race polls reflects “her name ID and the fact that she just spent $1.4 billion on a losing presidential campaign.” He added, “It’s clear that Californians agree we need a proven problem solver, and there’s no appetite for a coronation.”

Although Harris has not revealed her decision to enter the California governor’s race, she gave herself a deadline of late summer to make up her mind. Some contenders have expressed their willingness to fall back if Harris joins the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom.

IRS, Tax Return, accountants, Gen Z, low-income families

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 16, 2025

Thank Gen Z Accountants For Helping Low-Income Families Claim Millions In Tax Refunds

More Gen Zers are seeing the benefit of a career in accounting.

A new generation of accountants is helping low-income families secure millions in tax refunds through the IRS VITA program.

Fortune reported that more Gen Zers are choosing careers in finance and accounting as older CPAs near retirement. Many students are already stepping up by volunteering with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which helps low-income taxpayers file for free and save on costly prep fees.

“Accounting is the science of the business world,” says Alana Kelley, a junior at Oregon State University studying accounting and biohealth science.

Kelley has helped dozens of families file their taxes for free this tax season through her school’s VITA program. Last year, more than 280 CSUN students helped over 9,000 low-income taxpayers secure nearly $11 million in tax refunds and $3.6 million in tax credits — while also saving them over $2 million in tax prep fees.

There are even Gen Z students outside of business majors — studying fields like computer science, public health, and psychology — who are eager to join the tax assistance program. The students work hard to help families in need, with some putting in long hours — working from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. — to help families navigate their returns and understand how much they’re owed or may need to pay.

The rise of Gen Z accountants signals a shift as the industry grapples with a talent shortage. Once considered one of America’s dullest jobs, the accounting field has seen 340,000 professionals leave in the past five years, with estimates suggesting that 75% of remaining accountants will retire in the next decade. However, Gen Z is recognizing the lucrative potential of a career in accounting.

“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 a real world, it changes people’s mind and views,” said CSUN program’s current director, Rafael Efrat.

In addition to helping Americans save money, student volunteers are gaining valuable hands-on experience that prepares them to excel in their careers and land six-figure salaries upon graduation. Working with clients who might have complex tax situations offers student volunteers real-world exposure that boosts their confidence in the job.

“We throw the students into the water, essentially, and let them swim, and then students actually live up to the challenge,” Efrat said.

With more Gen Zers prioritizing job security over flexibility, accounting appears to be gaining traction as a promising career path.

'Grey’s Anatomy’ , James Pickens Jr. , Prostate Cancer

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 16, 2025

Researchers Identify New Blood Group After 50 Years Of Mystery

The discovery is labeled a major milestone in the hematology field since it can open doors for improving medical care for people with rare blood types.

Science Alert reports that researchers have introduced a new blood group system in humans called MAL after years of research.

In 1972, doctors found that sampled blood from a pregnant woman was oddly missing a surface molecule found on all other red blood cells at the time. Fifty years later, the missing molecules led researchers from the United Kingdom and Israel to find a new blood group system. The findings, first published in 2024, add the new MAL blood group to the already populated list of blood systems, including well-known groups like ABO and Rh.

This discovery is labeled a major milestone in hematology since it answers decades-old questions and opens the doors to improving medical care for people with rare blood types. “It represents a huge achievement, and the culmination of a long team effort, to finally establish this new blood group system and be able to offer the best care to rare, but important, patients,” UK National Health Service hematologist Louise Tilley said.

While Rh and ABO are the most common blood groups, MAL is different from them, according to Daily Galaxy, due to an absence of an antigen called AnWj. Researchers found over 99.9% of people have this antigen in red blood cells. The pregnant patient did not have the antigen at all, leading to the investigation led by Tilley.

Most major blood groups were identified in the early century. However, groups like MAL and the Er blood system, found in 2022, only impact a small number of people. “The work was difficult because the genetic cases are very rare,” Tilley explained.

The new addition gets its name from the MAL protein, which is known to play a vital role in cell membrane stability and cell transport. The new blood group discovery comes after years of research into the genetic cause of the AnWj-negative blood type.

The research team found three patients with the rare blood type didn’t have this mutation, heightening the idea that blood disorders can sometimes cause the antigen to be suppressed. “MAL is a very small protein with some interesting properties which made it difficult to identify and meant we needed to pursue multiple lines of investigation to accumulate the proof we needed to establish this blood group system,” University of the West of England cell biologist Tim Satchwell explained.

With genetic markers identified, patients can be tested to see if their negative MAL blood type is either inherited or present because of suppression, which could be looked at as a sign of another undiagnosed medical issue.

RELATED CONTENT: High Blood Pressure in African Americans

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 16, 2025

JD Vance Drops Ohio State Football Team Championship Trophy During White House Visit

Come get your mans! :-/

Social media users clowned Vice President JD Vance after he dropped the Ohio State University football team’s national championship trophy during a White House visit.

Vance and President Donald Trump hosted a celebration with the Buckeyes after they won the College Football Playoff National Championship against the University of Notre Dame in January 2025. After a photo op, Vance, an Ohio State alum and former state senator, picked up the 24-karat gold, bronze, and stainless steel trophy, causing it to break into pieces before hitting the ground.

As other players seemingly cringed at the incident, running back TreVeyon Henderson tried to help by grabbing the football-shaped top of the trophy. However, the base rolled away.

Ohio State’s championship trophy breaks in two after JD Vance picks it up during White House celebration.pic.twitter.com/slr2NGMbwt
— Pop Base (@PopBase) April 14, 2025

Henderson and coach Ryan Day helped the vice president put the trophy back together, according to ESPN, leading Vance to simply hold the top of the trophy, cradling it in his arms as players laughed. Vance joked at his mishap on X, saying he did it to make sure the championship stayed at Ohio State.

“I didn’t want anyone after Ohio State to get the trophy, so I decided to break it,” the VP jokingly wrote.

I didn’t want anyone after Ohio State to get the trophy so I decided to break it https://t.co/rS3Vw3BdO6
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 14, 2025

However, the jokes have already taken over social media, as users claim that the fumble was a reflection of how he and Trump are running the country. “Perfect metaphor for Trump’s economy,” @blueatlgeorgia wrote.

Perfect metaphor for Trump's economy.
— Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) April 14, 2025

Another user used a gif of former VP Kamala Harris and her sister laughing while projecting the incident occured because of “his bad energy.”

his bad energy pic.twitter.com/fPxFGbuRl3
— paulin (@solomcrae) April 14, 2025

@themikemorton called for the former senator to resign after dropping the trophy. “An American disgrace. You should resign immediately,” he wrote. Other comments claim the trophy was rejecting Vance and that the moment was symbolic. “So symbolic. Everything with Trump on it falls apart,” @Rockstar82vansh said.

To save face, Vance ended his speech by shifting the attention to an audience member wearing a Michigan hat — Ohio State’s biggest rival. “I don’t know who let the guy over in the corner here, in a Michigan hat, into this celebration,” Vance said. “But I’m about to tell the Secret Service, ‘You’ve got a dangerous weapon, sir.’”

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 16, 2025

Man Threatening Violence Arrested Outside UnitedHealthcare’s Minnesota Campus

The man, who has a history with Minnetonka police, showed up to a security checkpoint and had a gun, which was found in the passenger seat of his vehicle

A man was arrested outside of UnitedHealthcare’s Minnesota campus for threatening violence just months after CEO Brian Thompson’s murder in New York City, the Associated Press reports.

The unidentified man appeared in the parking lot of the corporate’s Minnetonka campus at approximately 11 a.m. on April 14. City spokesman Andy Wittenborg said the man then called the FBI’s field office in Minneapolis and spoke with a negotiator.

In a collaborative effort between city police and the FBI, the man peacefully surrendered to law enforcement after close to an hour of negotiations with no threat to UnitedHealthcare or the public. More than a dozen law enforcement vehicles were seen at the scene, in addition to ambulances that were standing by; There were no reports of injuries.

The man, who has a history with Minnetonka police, showed up at a security checkpoint and had a gun, which was found in the passenger seat of his vehicle.

“While the investigation is still in its early stages, there is currently no indication that the individual had specific grievances against UnitedHealthcare,” Wittenborg said in a statement.

According to NBC News, a UnitedHealth Group spokesperson highlighted that there were no demands against the company.

UnitedHealthcare has been under watch for safety after Thompson was shot to death after leaving a hotel Dec. 4 by accused gunman Luigi Mangione. The insurance CEO’s murder sparked a nationwide manhunt as the crime resulted in the business world—health insurers particularly—switching to remote work or hosting shareholder meetings online.

The investigation revealed the words “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” were inscribed on the ammunition, a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid claim payments. Health insurers have received backlash for recouping loans after providing some to healthcare providers who were victims of a 2024 cyberattack.

North Carolina Republican Congressman Greg Murphy called UnitedHealthcare out for first helping providers with interest-free loans and then going after borrowers, demanding immediate repayment for outstanding balances.

“Imagine UnitedHealthcare going back on their word, after a payment crisis they were responsible for, with predatory practices on those who actually care for patients,” Murphy, a physician, said in a statement. “They continue to double down on destroying their reputation.”

Lil Nas X, Dave Chappelle, Dreamer, Call me by your name, Netflix, special, Netflix is a joke

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 15, 2025

Lil Nas X Reveals Losing ‘Control Of The Right Side Of My Face’

'Bro, I can’t even laugh right'

A social media post by recording artist Lil Nas X reveals that he has “lost control” of movement on the right side of his face.

In an Instagram post, in what looks like a hospital room, the man born as Montero Hill films himself on a bed, showing his 10.4 million followers that he is unable to move the right side of his face.

“Soooo lost control of the right side of my face 😭”

The rapper seems to be taking it in stride while laughing at himself, demonstrating the lack of movement.

“This is me doing a full smile right now, by the way,” he said. “It’s like, what the f**k. Bro, I can’t even laugh right, bro. What the f**k. Oh my God.”

(Caution: Adult language)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ☆dreamboy. (@lilnasx)

After posting the video, he updated his followers with an Instagram reel, assuring them he was OK.

“GUYS I AM OK!! STOP BEING SAD FOR ME! SHAKE UR ASS FOR ME INSTEAD!”

The clip was posted on April 14, and the “Old Town Road” rapper gave an update on April 15, letting his fans know that his face is showing slight improvement as he is able to move it a little more than the previous day.

“Okay, so a little update: like, I feel like this side is getting better. But, obviously, you can see this left side is blinking. This right eye is keeping an eye out for Selena like it do not give a f**k,” as he shows us the movement in his face for both sides. “It’s like, this is me trying to do a wink like I can force it to shut, but….” he then shows how the other side is not cooperating with the working side of his face.

USA Today reported that Lil Nas X just released his latest project, an EP titled “Days Before Dreamboy,” in late March. He is scheduled to drop a full-length album, “Dreamboy,” later this year. It will be his second album after releasing his debut album, “Montero,” in 2021.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 15, 2025

Mae Jemison Corrects Reporter: ‘It’s Humankind,’ Not Mankind

Mae Jemison took one giant leap for gender equality in a recent interview

Trailblazing astronaut Mae Jemison offered a quick lesson during an interview, correcting a reporter who used the term “mankind” instead of the more inclusive “humankind.”

The awkward exchange happened while Jemison—the first Black woman in space—spoke with Vladimir Duthiers of CBS News ahead of Blue Origin’s historic all-female flight on April 14. After a few teachable moments, Jemison gently corrected Duthiers when he asked her to explain, “Why even a trip like this one, all the trips that we take into space, benefit mankind.”

“So it benefits humankind, and I’m gonna keep correcting,” she said in a clip shared online. “And the mankind and the man-made and the manned missions, because this is exactly what this mission is about—is expanding the perspective of who does space.”

“Humankind, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Duthiers quickly interjected.

https://twitter.com/breaking911/status/1911849708215214285?s=46&t=qmzb_I2N1DzN_GymACe90A

The moment was one of several where Jemison made a powerful push for gender-inclusive language while discussing Blue Origin’s all-female celebrity spaceflight, which included singer Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King. Jemison, who spent eight days in space in September 1992, reflected on how her journey revealed that people can be so “human-centric that we forget we are part of this greater universe.”

The interview grew a bit tense when Duthiers appeared surprised that scientific experiments were part of the flight, prompting a pointed response from Jemison.

“I don’t think a lot of people knew [that],” he said. “They thought it was just six women going up into space for a joy ride.”

“What do you mean, just six women?” Jemison pushed back.

“Well, that’s what I mean,” Duthiers said before his colleague Nate Burleson jumped in to attempt damage control.

“He’s speaking to the perspective and some of the narratives that are out there,” Burleson said.

“That’s what I mean!” Duthiers added, “I’m glad that you’re here to help me correct that narrative.”

Jemison made history in 1992 as the first Black woman to travel to space, serving as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She remains a pioneering force in aerospace, using her platform to advocate for greater inclusivity and representation in the industry.

Joining Perry and King on the historic all-women Blue Origin flight were civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.

The mission, which flew 62 miles above Earth, marked Blue Origin’s 11th human spaceflight and the first all-female crewed space trip since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s groundbreaking solo flight in 1963.

Priscilla Williams-Till, Emmett Till, Senate Bid In Mississippi

by Mitti Hicks

April 15, 2025

Activists Announce ‘State Of The People Power Tour’ To Reenergize Black Voters Post Election

The tour begins April 26 and ends June 6

Black voting activists are hitting the ground running to reenergize Black voters post-election with the State of the People POWER Tour.

The nationwide rally comes as President Donald Trump and his administration work to dismantle DEI policies and erase Black history.

The tour was announced during a media briefing organized by Black Voters Matter on April 14. Moderated by former MSNBC Anchor Joy Reid, the briefing brought together media outlets, community organizers, policy leaders, and others to discuss the next steps on how Black Americans should proceed under the current administration.

“I think we all understand the moment that we’re in. We’re facing a really aggressive attempt by the current regime to erase Black history, erase our existence, challenge our presence in federally-funded institutions, challenge the funding of our HBCUs, and even challenge our ability to access federal funds to start businesses,” Reid said on the call.

“This is a moment of crisis, and I think everyone can see that and feel that.”

What Exit Polling Data Say Black Voters Are Feeling

Terrance Woodbury, founding partner and pollster for HIT Strategies, joined the call to brief listeners on the perspectives of Black voters.

HIT Strategies is a public opinion research company that specializes in researching Millennials, People of Color, LGBTQ+, and underserved communities. Woodbury and his team have been conducting on-the-ground research since the presidential election, including weekly focus groups with Black voters.

“There is a fear, frustration, a sense of neglect and [feeling of] ‘who’s fighting for us?’” Woodbury said regarding his conversations with Black voters.

Woodbury said HIT Strategies has followed the most important question: “Regardless of how often you vote, how much power do you think your vote has to make a difference in your community?”

“Since Election Day, HIT Strategies has seen perceptions of power in the Black community drop to the lowest numbers we have seen since recording this metric,” said Woodbury. “What that tells us and what we’re hearing in focus groups, is not only do Black folks feel like we lost on Election Day, they feel like we continue to lose every day.”

HIT Strategies found that Black Americans feel they are losing hard-fought freedoms and rights. From HIT’s research, experts also found that the Democratic party does not seem to understand how to communicate with Black voters on some of the social issues that Republicans are currently using to wedge what Woodbury characterizes as Democrats’ “multiracial coalition.”

“An overwhelming 78% want to see Democrats fight back as much and as visibly as possible” against the Trump administration, Woodbury said.

He said it is imperative that Democrats present a proactive vision and develop a narrative that resonates with and mobilizes Black voters, who are losing faith in the system.

How The State of the People Power Tour Will Energize Black Voters

Black Voters Matters Co-Founder Cliff Albright said a significant strategy Black voters should take in resisting the Trump administration’s agenda is through “nonviolent civil disobedience.”

“We are going to have to take it to the street and use nonviolent direct action. We are going to have to do it in some ways that exceed what we did throughout 2020,” he aids.

The State of the People POWER Tour, organizers say, will mobilize Black voters amid political fatigue.

“State of the People has really become an embodied love letter to Black America. We are working with each other and for each other,” activist Angela Rye announced on the call. “This was birthed out of a marathon that gave our folks an alternative platform to view for 21 hours up to Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress. For those last three hours, we had a Black leadership summit.”

According to Rye, over a million people tuned in across platforms, and since then, the community has asked, ‘OK, what are we doing next?’”

Rye says the State of the People POWER Tour answers that question. The nationwide call to action aims to restore and reimagine what’s possible for Black communities across the U.S.

The tour begins on April 26 and ends on June 6. Each stop will feature two full days of community care, political education, resource sharing, and cultural celebration that build toward a national agenda rooted in liberation, legislation, and authority.

“The only requirement is that you love Black people, you’re for Black people, and you’re willing to work on behalf of Black people,” Rye said.