Housing market, southern metros, Atlanta, Florida, equity

by Mitti Hicks

April 10, 2025

Millions of Americans Blocked From Accessing $731 Billion in Home Equity

Two significant shifts in the post-pandemic economy changed equity access: higher-for-longer long-term interest rates and the normalization of “jungle gym” careers, including gig work.

A new study shows that Americans’ access to home equity loans is shifting. Millions of borrowers are locked out of accessing their equity, which is estimated at $731 billion.

Home equity has served as America’s piggy bank for generations, helping Americans pay off high-interest debt, fund higher education and business ventures, and cover the costs of assisted living care.

Pre-pandemic, the steady rise of home values and low interest rates made home equity loans and lines of credit a natural choice for life’s liquidity needs. However, two significant shifts in the post-pandemic economy changed equity access: higher-for-longer long-term interest rates and the normalization of “jungle gym” careers, including gig work.

What’s Causing The Shift In Home Equity Access?

Jungle Gym Careers

According to the study, career and earnings trajectories are no longer monotonically upward progressions. Instead, straight career paths are trending downward while gig and fractional work have become more common. Sideways and downward career transitions, including self-employment, are all associated with adverse shocks to borrowers’ credit scores and the ability to document income for new mortgage debt. Job loss also plays a significant role.

Higher-For-Longer Interest Rates

With high interest rates, borrowers who take a loan against accumulated home equity have substantially increased monthly debt compared to the past. According to researchers, this means the out-of-pocket and opportunity costs of borrowing against accumulated home equity are higher than those of borrowing against future home equity gains.

Overall, researchers found that the old solution of selling your home to trade up or down isn’t realistic, and borrowing against home equity isn’t an option for many American homeowners either. This could change how financial institutions work with consumers.

“With traditional home equity lending increasingly out of reach for many Americans, the industry is just starting to adapt to these new economic realities and develop innovative ways to provide homeowners with the financial flexibility they need precisely when they need it,” Aaron Terrazas, an economist, told Realtor.com.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 10, 2025

TV One’s ‘Savor The City’ Takes Chef Jernard Wells On A Black Culture And Food Journey

The show's first season will taste the flavors of New Orleans, Martha's Vineyard, and more

TV One’s Savor The City features famed chef Jernard Wells on a Black cultural journey of delicious bites.

The network’s original series premiered April 3, taking viewers to the sweet sips of Napa Valley. Hosted by the James Beard House honoree, the debut episode featured Black-owned wineries and barbecue hotspots.

Wells connected with Robin McBride of the family-owned McBride Sisters wine collection. While in Napa, Wells saw more of the Black community’s growing impact in the region. This included a visit to the Brown Estate, the first Black-owned estate winery established in the area. Later, according to a press release, Wells took a pit stop for barbecue at Stateline Road Smokehouse.

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Wells indulged in a culturally infused food and wine pairing at Vin En Noir, highlighting Black-owned brands. The episode offered a glimpse of more to come this season as Wells embraces the diverse palettes of distinct regions within and beyond the United States.

The show’s premiere was further celebrated at a red-carpet event at Atlanta’s ZuCot gallery. With tastemakers and media personalities present, TV One toasted its new way of showcasing Black American food culture.

BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with Chef Jenard to find out what’s on Savor The City‘s menu. Chef Jenard told BE that he is “Sharing the highlights about food and the creativity and the resilience that’s tied to our culture,” and giving the producers of Black culinary art their “flowers” in the moment

As Wells continues his mission to explore each city’s vibrant food scene, he will voyage across America to meet the souls behind these soulful meals. Blending travel, food, and culture, this immersive experience will inspire viewers at home these dishes. The first season will explore New Orleans, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Bahamas to try the delicacies of the diaspora.

As Savor the City spotlights Black culinary excellence, it diversifies food and travel entertainment, ensuring everyone can get a taste. Interested viewers can also catch new episodes and the premiere on the TV One app or Video on Demand.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 10, 2025

Kevin Liles Wants Sexual Assault Lawsuit Dismissed

The former Def Jam boss was accused of committing the acts between 2000 and 2002

Co-founder and former CEO of 300 Entertainment, Kevin Liles, has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from a Jane Doe plaintiff, who has accused him of sexually harassing and assaulting her when he was an executive at Def Jam Recordings.

According to Rolling Stone, former Def Jam President Kevin Liles wants the lawsuit dismissed because he states the accusations against him are “patently false.” In February, the accuser filed a lawsuit against Liles, Universal Music Group, and Def Jam Records, claiming that the alleged sexual assault took place more than 20 years ago when she worked as his executive assistant.

She states that between 2000 and 2002, the executive sexually harassed her several times, and according to the lawsuit, Liles allegedly “pressed his body against [her] breasts” and “grabbed [her] on the buttocks.”

On April 8, Liles’s attorney, Krystal C. Durham, responded to the suit by saying that the plaintiff “offers zero factual bases for her salacious allegations.”

She stated that she gave no details regarding the alleged assaults. She points out that in the lawsuit, there were no specifics like dates, locations, or context to the alleged incidents.

“Plaintiff offers no detail whatsoever regarding the nature of the purported assault she suffered. She alleges that at unspecified times and in unspecified locations during a two-year window –- again, over twenty years ago -– Mr. Liles sexually harassed and assaulted her. She fails, however, to explain when these purported acts occurred, where in UMG’s offices they occurred, and identify a single person she reported this information to or who was present.”

The attorney also noted that the proposed motion to dismiss would also challenge the accuser’s right to file her lawsuit under the two-year lookback window afforded by New York City’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law. The window to file such a lawsuit expired in November 2023, months before she filed the suit against Liles.

UMG Recordings has also filed a motion to dismiss, stating that the label “is a music company, and the alleged conduct was indisputably not in furtherance of any business of UMGR.”

In Jane Doe’s lawsuit, she asserted that UMGR and Def Jam should also be held liable for the alleged abuse because they “enabled, permitted, directed, controlled, approved, managed, operated and ratified the manner in which Liles engaged with employees.”

grade level|rosa higgs, Serlina Boyd, magazine, interview, Halle Bailey

by Kandiss Edwards

April 10, 2025

Georgia’s ‘Library Dads’ Are Increasing Child Literacy One Playdate At A Time

As literacy rates in Black children are declining Library Dads are stepping up to build bonds through books.

Georgia resident Khari Arnold is on a mission to unite fathers and children through a shared love of reading.

Arnold, a lifelong book lover, founded Library Dads, a community-based program designed to foster literacy and connection among fathers and their children. His inspiration came from childhood trips to the library with his mother, a librarian, and later from his own journey into fatherhood.

Now, as a dad to a 2-year-old daughter, Arnold wanted to create a space where men could engage with their children and one another — building bonds through books and brotherhood.

“You can’t go through this journey alone,” Arnold said. “One of our favorite sayings is, ‘It’s one thing to have men in your circle. It’s another to have men in your corner.’ We’re increasing the joy on the fatherhood journey while increasing the literacy of our children at the same time.”

Library Dads meet at the Wolf Creek Library in Fulton County. Fathers and their children gather for 90-minute sessions built around three core pillars: bonding, books, and brotherhood.

@thelibrarydads We love linking up at the library with our kids! 📚 When’s the last time you took your child to the library? Literacy rates are on the decline but we are committed to changing that and investing in our children 🫶🏽 #dads #thelibrarydads #children #fathers #literacy #atlanta #libraries #books #parenting ♬ original sound – The Library Dads

The first 30 minutes focus on father-child bonding, free play, and exploring the library’s learning resources and toys. The next phase is all about reading — dads and kids select books and dive into shared storytelling. Finally, the session wraps with “brotherhood,” a time for fathers to connect, share experiences, and support each other in the challenges and joys of parenting.

Arnold said the program strengthens family relationships and promotes early literacy in an engaging environment. It has gained traction in the Metro-Atlanta area and has now expanded to include a second location.

Levar Burton, Finding Your Roots, Louis Gates

by Kandiss Edwards

April 10, 2025

LeVar Burton To Deliver Howard University’s 157th Commencement Speech ‘On The Yard’

A life-long education advocate LeVar Burton is well suited to deliver Howard's 157th commencement.

Howard University will hold its 157th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. on the historic Yard. The milestone event will feature a keynote address by acclaimed actor, director, and literacy advocate, LeVar Burton.

A lifelong literacy advocate and celebrated actor, Burton is well suited to deliver the keynote message to the next generation of historically Black graduates. His iconic roles in Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Reading Rainbow have cemented his legacy in the Black community.

Over the years, Burton has been recognized by some of the highest institutions in the entertainment industry. The icon has earned 15 Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award and a Grammy.

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The university will also present Burton with a Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree during the ceremony. Additional honorary degrees will be awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellence and impact in their respective fields:

Emery Neal Brown, Ph.D.: A pioneer in the fields of computational neuroscience and anesthesiology.
The Honorable Barbara Lee: A dedicated public servant who served in Congress for 27 years and played a key leadership role in the Congressional Black Caucus.
Lilian Seenoi-Barr: The first Black mayor in Northern Ireland, known for her work in community advocacy and civil rights.
Natasha Trethewey: A Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate.

This year’s graduating class is expected to be one of the largest in the university’s history. Graduates from all 14 of Howard’s schools and colleges will participate in the ceremonial “Long Walk” to the commencement stage. In the days leading up to the main event, individual schools will host awards and recognition ceremonies from May 7 through May 10.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 10, 2025

Soulja Boy Accused Of Sexual Assault, Alleged Victim Asks For Nearly $75M In Damages

She claims the assault and physical abuse took place beginning in 2018

Recording artist Soulja Boy is being sued by a woman who claimed to be a former assistant, who has asked a jury to award her close to $75 million after accusing the rapper of beating, sexually assaulting, and imprisoning her.

According to Courthouse News Service, DeAndre Way, also known as Soulja Boy, has been sued by a former personal assistant. The unnamed alleged victim claims that the rapper raped and beat her several times in the time that she worked for him. She also says she was subjected to various acts of emotional abuse, including being locked inside a room without food for as long as two days. She says this took place beginning in 2018.

She also claims she wasn’t paid for her services and is asking for $73.6 million for her ordeal.

The jury will have to determine, based on testimony from the alleged victim and the “Crank That” rapper, if they find him liable, the economic losses and damages she alleges that she has lost. They also have to account for her accusations of sexual battery, assault, and gender violence, along with a set of labor violations, like unpaid wages. A dollar amount will have to be applied for future losses due to the trauma she’ll be left with.

During the civil trial, Soulja Boy denied that he formally hired her but offered her a place to stay in exchange for rolling blunts. The two did admit to engaging in a mutual romantic relationship, but when it soured, it led to mutual distrust.

“If you don’t believe my client, don’t give her a dollar,” the woman’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, told the jury. “But if you do believe her, give her everything.”

“He raped her. He punched her. He kicked her. He cut her. He pointed a Draco gun at her. He locked her in her room … He told her, ‘I hope you die slow.’”

Soulja Boy’s attorney, Rickey Ivie, disputed the accusations levied against his client. He accused the woman of wanting to “be paid” by lying about the allegations.

“She wanted to be paid,” Ivie said. “Which is what this case is all about. Because it’s not about the truth.”

The rapper is no stranger to being accused of physical violence.

PageSix reported that, in 2021, Soulja Boy was sued by a woman using the pseudonym Jane Doe, alleging that he assaulted her while she was pregnant in 2015, which caused her to suffer a miscarriage. She requested $10 million, $5 million for her pain and suffering, and $5 million for emotional distress. A judge entered a default judgment against him when he didn’t appear in court to defend himself.

In 2023, Soulja Boy was also ordered, according to RadarOnline, to pay over $230,000 to his former girlfriend, Kayla Meyer, for an assault that took place at his home several years ago.

Trump, Black History Month, Tiger Woods, grants, whitney Plantation,

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 10, 2025

Trump Labels Groceries As ‘Old-Fashioned’ As Americans Struggle With Hiked Tariff Prices

New tariffs on international goods are expected to heighten inflation including grocery costs looking to go up.

President Donald Trump spoke out against the term “groceries,” calling it “old-fashioned” as Americans struggle to efficiently grocery shop due to his tariffs, People reported.

Trump first announced his new tariffs during his “Liberation Day” speech in the White House Rose Garden, resulting in a price influx on several goods Americans rely on, including everyday groceries. However, the president took the time to give his opinion on the “old-fashioned” but “beautiful” terminology. “An old-fashioned term that we use — groceries. I used it on the campaign. It’s such an old-fashioned term, but a beautiful term. Groceries. It says a bag with different things in it,” he said.

He then claimed that he alleviated the price of groceries, saying, “Grocery went through the roof, and I campaigned on that.” “I talked about the word ‘groceries’ for a lot, and energy costs now are down,” Trump said.

“Groceries are down.”

Trump: "An old fashioned term that we use — groceries. I used it on the campaign. It's such an old fashioned term, but a beautiful term. Groceries. It says a bag with different things in it." pic.twitter.com/XbPXk2w4kA
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 2, 2025

However, the numbers—or lack thereof—paint a different picture. New tariffs on international goods are expected to heighten inflation, including grocery costs, which are expected to increase, causing additional stress to American consumers.

In early April 2025, Trump announced a universal 10% tariff on all imports coming into the U.S., with close to 60 countries seeing steeper tariffs as of Apr. 9. Several lawmakers, even some outspoken Trump supporters, have opposed the tariffs, highlighting how it will affect their constituents. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has been outspoken against the President’s moves, claiming that he is overstepping his authority, according to The Washington Post.

He, along with GOP Senators Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), and Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), voted with Democrats to scrap the national emergency that Trump declared to put pressure on Canadian tariffs. Paul seemingly called out fellow lawmakers who told him in private that they support him but will not speak out against Trump publicly. “They all see the stock market, and they’re all worried about it,” Paul said.

“But they’re putting on a stiff upper lip to try to act as if nothing’s happening and hoping it goes away.”

Social media users expressed their disdain for Trump taking credit for lower grocery costs when that isn’t the case. @ellenbarkin said, “Groceries are now called Things We can no longer afford.”

Groceries are now called “Things We can no longer afford”
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) April 3, 2025

Another user touched on Trump being out of touch with reality. @mambatuley mentioned how it’s not just groceries that are high-priced but also other necessities like gas. “My god, he is so out of touch. Eggs, my groceries, are not any cheaper than last year. Gas has actually been up since December,” she said.

“They constantly repeat these lies, and MAGA just eats it up.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 10, 2025

Cybertruck Sales Are Down So Bad Tesla Dealerships Have Deaded Trade-Ins

Several factors, including political backlash due to Musk's involvement within the Trump Administration, falling sales, and vehicle recalls, may be to blame

Tesla has reportedly stopped accepting its own Cybertrucks as a trade-in vehicle at its dealerships due to a surplus of Cybertrucks it cannot sell.

According to The Economic Times, Tesla dealerships have an overwhelming supply of Cybertrucks, and this may be due to several factors, including political backlash due to Musk’s role and moves within the Trump administration and vehicle recalls. The car company, considered to be the top electric vehicle in the country in recent years, reportedly has 2,400 unsold Cybertrucks in its inventory that may be worth approximately $200 million.

In September 2024, deliveries for the Cybertruck reached peak sales of 5,308 units but have dramatically dipped since then.

Elektrek has reported that used Cybertruck prices are down 55% year over year, 13% over the last three months, and 6% over the last month.

Some owners who have had problems with their Cybertrucks and tried to return them after having their vehicles in service for extended periods are being told by Tesla to go through the Lemon Law process.

With Tesla dealerships not accepting Cybertrucks, other dealerships have been offering Cybertruck owners who want to trade in their vehicles lower-than-usual deals because they may not be able to resell the vehicles.

After being “added” to President Donald Trump’s administration with the newly created DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) department, Musk has created many enemies due to the firing of thousands of federal employees under the guise of eliminating unnecessary waste. Also, eliminating departments and stating there is fraud has made Americans extremely upset with the Tesla owner.

Musk has also made controversial statements and actions that add to people’s distaste for the native South African businessman.

“Tesla Takedown” protests worldwide have contributed to woeful sales, as the demonstrations have taken place in at least 253 cities. This also factors into customer dissatisfaction with the brand.

Louisiana, classroom, Ten Commandments, Michigan,

by Kandiss Edwards

April 10, 2025

White Teacher’s N-Word Chalkboard Stunt Met With Student Cheers

Georgia teacher smirks as he writes slurs on classroom whiteboard.

A cellphone video captured by a student shows a teacher appearing to write the n-word on a classroom whiteboard at Walnut Grove High School in Loganville, Georgia. Parent Adrienne Wyatt then posted the video to Facebook. The teacher has since been fired.

In the video, the teacher stands in front of the class with the slur partially written. Students are heard cheering and making noise as one yells what sounds like the letter “R,” prompting the teacher to complete the slur.

The teacher, who has not been publicly identified, then turns to the classroom, seemingly smiling at the reaction. The video ends shortly afterward.

Wyatt spoke to WSB-TV and shared why she believes some students were cheering.

“Because they know it was probably embarrassing. There were Black kids in the classroom,” she said.

Like many others, Wyatt said she does not find the moment funny. She believes that type of language has no place in an educational setting.

“A lot of people are saying, ‘Oh, it was a joke. You don’t know what they were saying before.’ But what kind of joke inside a classroom setting has to deal with those types of racial slurs?” she said.

Another concerned parent, Gary Brown, emphasized the real-life consequences historically tied to the n-word.

“People have actually lost their lives because of that word. People have gone to jail because of that word,” Brown said.

The Walton County School District no longer employs the teacher involved. In a statement, the district confirmed his departure and emphasized the county’s focus on maintaining a respectful learning environment. The district also emphasized its desire to move on quickly from the incident.

“Immediate action was taken, and the teacher involved is no longer employed with Walton County Schools,” the district said. “Our commitment remains clear: every student deserves a safe, supportive, and respectful environment. We are dedicated to our students, our culture, and moving forward together as ONE Walton County. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.”

While the teacher is no longer employed at Walnut Grove High School, it remains unclear whether he is barred from working elsewhere in Loganville or the Walton County School District.

Calls to move forward from the incident may be premature, as the district has not released details about what led to the event. It also has yet to address what kind of environment may have contributed to an educator believing this behavior was acceptable.

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H&M, DEI,, black woman,, Buy From A Black Woman

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 10, 2025

Shopping While Black: H&M Manager Catches Heat For Racially Profiling 2 Sisters, Refusing Service For No Reason

The manager then told the girls to not get violent without any apparent cause.

A H&M manager is catching heat for reportedly racially profiling two Black girls shopping at the store.

The incident went viral on TikTok after one of the sisters posted a video of the interaction under the name “yoitsnoela.” The Neighborhood Talk re-shared the clip.

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“Mind you, we hadn’t been there together in God knows how many years,” captioned one of the sisters. “And this was during Black history month, crazy.”

The store manager, who has yet to be identified, was recorded by the sisters after refusing their service for no reason. A security officer approached the girls to tell them that they had to leave, resulting in them asking to speak to the manager.

Although the girls asked why they had to leave the store, the woman would not give them a solid answer.

“We’re going to go ahead and refuse service. There’s no reason; that’s what we’re going to go ahead and do today. If you guys could please leave the store we would really appreciate it,” said the manager.

The girls expressed their confusion on the matter, but the manager remained mum.

“We’re just refusing service. We don’t have to have a reason,” said the store employee.

One of the girls responded, “I think you should have a reason to kick us out of the store. We’re just shopping.”

“To be completely honest with you, I don’t have to have a reason,” reiterated the manager. “I’m just letting you guys know.”

Although the girls asked her if she had seen them steal something before, the manager would not confirm.

“You’ve seen us steal before. Is that what you’re saying?” one of the girls asked.

The manager continued, “We’ve seen you in here before… To be honest, we’ve seen you in here plenty of times.”

The girls then asked to see the evidence of their previous appearances at the store, a request the manager also denied.

Although the girls emphasized how they had not shopped there in a while, the manager refused to listen to their complaints. Instead, she told the teenagers not to get “violent,” despite the two girls attempting to clear their names.

“I’ve asked you guys to please leave the store. I don’t need you guys to get violent or anything like that,” asserted the woman.

The accusation prompted the girls to leave the establishment, but they posted the now-viral video to expose the racial profiling. Now, supporters have called for boycotts of H&M stores for the manager’s treatment of the unassuming shoppers.

In a follow-up post, the sisters thanked their supporters and confirmed that they would seek legal action against H&M. The Swedish retailer released a statement on Instagram, commenting that they condemn the manager’s action. According to Baller Alert, which reposted the comment, she has since been terminated.

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“We take the incident from February of last year at our Albuquerque store very seriously,” wrote H&M’s Instagram account. “Following the incident, we immediately acted according to our strict guidelines. The employee in question is no longer employed by H&M. We extend a sincere apology to the affected customers.”