Harriett's Bookshop, Philadelphia, Black Girl Picnic Marks 5th Annual Event With New Black Literacy Campaign To Gift 1000 Books

by Ahsan Washington

April 2, 2025

13 Books By Black Women That Should Be On Your Bookshelf

Each solidifies itself as a must-read.

Books have a way of revisiting the beautiful and ugly parts of history. They can capture the culture, society, and politics of a certain period. As literary time stamps, they are the medium by which the voices and tales of the past are able to inform the present and future. These 13 books by Black women have done so excellently. Each solidifies itself as a must-read. BLACK ENTERPRISE welcomes International Black Women’s History Month by highlighting these works created by Black women authors and thanking them for such powerful contributions.

The Bluest Eye

The Bluest Eye is Toni Morrison’s debut novel, published in 1970. It centers on Pecola Breedlove, a Black girl who thinks she will be beautiful and loved if she has blue eyes. In Pecola’s tragic story, Morrison examines sexual assault, racism, colorism, self-worth, mental health, and how societal standards of beauty can impact people’s lives. The novel is renowned for its language, which is rich in imagery, the use of point of view, and the depiction of Black female trauma.

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I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou’s 1969 autobiography I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings shares her early life—from childhood in the segregated South through her adolescence in California. It has themes of racism, trauma, identity and resilience. Angelou deals with abandonment, sexual abuse, and low self-esteem but finds her strength through literature and personal development. Its prose is almost lyrical, and its storytelling is very powerful for such a relatively short book. The text was a groundbreaking work in autobiographical writing.

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The Color Purple

The Color Purple is a 1982 novel by Alice Walker that won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award. The novel is an epistolary primarily told through letters written by the main character, Celie, a Black woman living in rural Georgia during the early 1900s. Celie wrote to God and later to her sister, Nettie. Walker’s award-winning book touches on sexism, child abuse, resilience, and self-discovery. Celie endures abuse and finally finds love, independence, and empowerment through her relationships with other strong women, including Sophia and the vibrant Shug Avery. Its powerful portrayal of Black womanhood makes the novel culturally significant. The book has been banned because of its explicit depictions of abuse and sexuality.

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Nightcrawling

Nightcrawling is the debut novel of Leila Mottley, published in 2022. The narration introduces Kiara, an African American girl who is 17 years old and living in Oakland, California. Kiara struggles to care for herself and her younger brother after their family falls apart. The novel is written in a captivating poetic language. Mottley’s debut gets to the heart of people’s resilience, system failure, and the search for dignity. Nightcrawling was longlisted for the Booker Prize, making Mottley one of the youngest writers to receive the honor.

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The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give is a young adult novel by Angie Thomas. It’s told from the perspective of Starr Carter, a Black teenager who has to navigate two very different environments: her poor neighborhood and a wealthy prep school. Starr’s world falls apart when she witnesses Khalil, her childhood friend, get shot and killed by the police. Starr is the only witness, and she is immediately pressured by her community, the media, and law enforcement to stay silent. In the middle of all this, Starr tries to find her voice and stand up for what she knows is right. The novel is set against the backdrop of activism and social justice against racism and police violence. It is based on the Black Lives Matter movement.

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One Blood

One Blood, a tale of Black life, lineage, and love, is loosely related to Denene Millner’s real-life experience as an adoptee, which she discovered when she was 12. Though Millner grew up wrapped in the safety and security of her parents and never wanted for a thing—curiosity around her identity and origin grew. And out of that curiosity, grew deeply complex characters. One Blood is written in three parts and follows the generational journey of Grace, Delores, and Rae.

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Sugar

The novel Sugar is a 1999 novel by Bernice L. McFadden. It tells the story of Sugar Lacey, a beautiful and troubled woman who comes to Bigelow, Arkansas, in the 1950s with no clear past. She moves in right next door to Pearl Taylor, a mother who has lost her daughter to a heinous crime and is still mourning her loss. Despite their differences, the two women become inseparable and share a profound and lasting friendship. The novel’s plot encompasses issues of trauma, healing, female solidarity, and strong will.

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Americanah

In Americanah, a novel published in 2013 and written by Nigerian acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The story is narrated through the eyes of Ifemelu, a brave young lady from Nigeria who moves to the USA to pursue a college degree. Along the way, she encounters the bitter side of being a Black woman in America. Despite the difficulties she faces, she is able to have a successful career as a blogger, writing about race and cultural disconnect. Ifemelu discovers who she really is after she goes back to her country. Americanah is a poignant book about identity, love, and self-discovery.

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The Secret Lives Of Church Ladies

Deesha Philyaw’s collection of short stories made waves during the pandemic. Each tale revolved around some relatable issue secret among a diversity of Black women. The secrets ranged from having a lesbian side chick, hooking up with sneaky link during hospital visits, and connecting with a sibling who is deemed a love child.

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Homegoing

Homegoing is a 2016 novel by Yaa Gyasi that tracks the legacy of slavery and colonialism over 250 years of two half-sisters and their descendants. The story starts in 18th-century Ghana with Effia, who is married off to a British slave trader, and Esi, who is captured and sold into slavery in America. Each chapter follows a new generation, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and resilience across centuries, from the Gold Coast to plantations, the Great Migration, and modern America. The storytelling in Gyasi’s hands weaves a powerful, multigenerational narrative about oppression, the search for belonging, and its impact.

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Children of Blood and Bone

Children of Blood and Bone is a 2018 fantasy novel by Tomi Adeyemi, whose inspiration was derived from West African mythology and the Yoruba culture. The principal character is Zélie Adebola, a young girl from the land of Orisha, where magic was eradicated by a heartless king who annihilated the maji and imprisoned their leader, Zélie’s mother. Zélie finds out how to bring back magic, and she has to embark on a perilous journey with her brother, Tzain, and an enemy-turned-friend, Princess Amari. During their fight against oppression, Zélie fights her increasing abilities and the price of a revolution. In addition to its compelling story, Children of Blood and Bone includes richly imagined cultures and characters, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read for fantasy and historical fiction fans. The novel is the first book in the Legacy of Orisha series and explores themes of injustice, resilience, and identity.

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Their Eyes Were Watching God

Zora Neale Hurston is praised for accessible writing on dynamic relationships in Their Eyes Were Watching God. This tale, published in 1937, depicts a woman’s freedom from the grip of social norms. Janie returns to her hometown in the South, sets out to rediscover herself, and takes on a young lover.

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Push

Sapphire wrote the book in ebonic vernacular, making it difficult for readers to grasp. However, doing so placed the reader in similar shoes to the protagonist’s own struggle with literacy. Push chronicles the life of Precious, an illiterate teen mom who, with the help of a school social worker, pushes through neglect, physical and sexual abuse from her parents—and challenges with education.

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by Jameelah Mullen

April 2, 2025

Kentucky Youth Organization To Host Gospel Fundraiser To Restore Historic Black High School

Crispus Attucks High School was Hopkinsville’s only Black School for 50 years.

Men 2 Be, a non-profit mentoring program for adolescent boys based in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, wants to transform Crispus Attucks, the city’s first and only Black school, into a community center. To help cover costs, the organization will hold a gospel fundraiser later this month.

The free concert, which will feature several acts, will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bridge of Hope Fellowship Church, located at 1005 S. Main Street in Hopkinsville. The church will accept donations and Men 2 Be will sell dinners for $15, with proceeds going to support the fundraising efforts.

Crispus Attucks High, which opened in 1916, served Black students in the segregated town. Since its closure in 1988, the school has remained dormant. In February 2024, the Crispus Attucks High School Alumni Association “sold” the school to the Men 2 Be organization for $1.

The organization plans to convert the space into a facility that will serve not only its members but the entire community. It aims to provide emergency shelter during severe weather events, a food pantry, an art studio, recreational facilities, and meeting rooms. It aims to raise $1 million to convert the dilapidated school into a functional facility by fall 2026.

Expenses include electrical repairs, estimated at $20,000, and roof repairs, expected to cost nearly $100,000.

The organization began its fundraising efforts shortly after acquiring the school last year. LaDessa Lewis, president of Men 2 Be, remains optimistic that the community will support a cause beneficial to everyone.

“We know it’s a big project, but right now, we need the community’s help to make the building safe and secure,” said Lewis. “We want to establish a secure and welcoming community center that will serve as a hub for recreational activities, educational programs, and various community services,” she told Christian County Now in October 2024.

Donations can also be made by visiting the Men 2 Be website.

by Stacy Jackson

April 2, 2025

Tisha Thompson’s LYS Beauty Secures 8-Figure Investment

The investment from Encore Consumer Capital allows LYS Beauty to expand on inclusive product development and global marketing.

LYS Beauty founder Tisha Thompson is excited about the next phase for her brand after closing its Series A funding round with an eight-figure investment led by San Francisco-based private equity firm Encore Consumer Capital.

Following its debut in 2021, the Black woman-owned and -led clean color cosmetics brand became the first of its kind to launch in Sephora. Now, LYS Beauty plans to expand its inclusive product innovation, inventory, strategic hiring, and global marketing initiatives with the support of the industry-leading investor.

“Having the resources to scale as demand for LYS Beauty grows feels like kismet, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead,” Thompson said in a press release.

The funding round secures Encore’s hands-on expertise as LYS Beauty positions itself for global expansion beyond the U.S. and Canada, maintaining Thompson’s initial mission to provide inclusive clean beauty using high-quality formulas.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Tisha as she grows this special brand,” said Encore’s Jamie Schwartz, who will serve alongside Robert Brown on the LYS Beauty board. “LYS’ product is truly innovative, its marketing strategies are on-point, and the white-space ahead is tremendous. We choose our partners carefully and believe that LYS has every bit as much potential as two other transformational beauty brands that Encore has been privileged to partner with, Tarte and Supergoop!”

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Thompson’s journey to creating her brand was a personal endeavor. Part of a military family, she spent her childhood moving around a lot and found her safe space playing with makeup. The former BLACK ENTERPRISE Disruptors Summit speaker previously discussed her journey in the beauty industry on the SistersInc. podcast. During the episode, “Learning Your Industry with Tisha Thompson,” she detailed her time working on other beauty brands before she launched LYS Beauty in 2020.

The brand has rapidly grown in the complexion category with its NoLimits Cream Bronzer Stick; the product has doubled in yearly sales at Sephora.

“We are thrilled to witness the continued growth of LYS Beauty,” said Alison Hahn, senior vice president of makeup and fragrance merchandising at Sephora. “LYS Beauty is a leader in the space, offering accessible and inclusive beauty solutions that truly resonate with our clients, including their easily blendable cream stick formulas.”

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LYS Beauty’s revenue has nearly doubled annually, accumulating an over 200 percent increase in year-over-year direct-to-consumer sales through TikTok shop. With Thompson remaining as majority owner, LYS Beauty prepares to expand into Sephora at Kohl’s and reach over 800 stores on April 8.

RELATED CONTENT: Learning Your Industry with Tisha Thompson

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 2, 2025

Paris Hilton Awards $25K Grants To 50 Small Women-Owned Businesses Impacted By Eaton Fire

Socialite Paris Hilton gave grants to 50 small, women-owned businesses impacted by the Eaton Fire.

Paris Hilton’s nonprofit, 11:11 Media Impact, in partnership with GoFundMe.org, has awarded $25,000 grants to 50 small, women-owned businesses in Altadena, California, to support their rebuilding efforts following the Eaton Fire.

Childcare centers, bakeries, bookshops, dance studios, and salons struggling in the wake of the devastating fire are finding relief through funds provided by GoFundMe and Hilton, whose Malibu home was lost in the Palisades Fire.

“These women are the backbone of their communities,” the reality TV star said in a statement provided to the Associated Press. “Through this powerful partnership, we’re not just helping them rebuild—we’re investing in their futures, their families, and their neighborhoods.”

Among the grant recipients was The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop, a family-owned business known for its signature shrimp and grits, a local favorite since Anna Faquir’s grandmother founded the restaurant half a century ago. Faquir praised Hilton’s grant program for its smooth and accessible application process, noting it was far easier than the rigorous requirements of smaller grants from other donors.

“They saw us,” Faquir said. “They heard our story.”

After receiving a surge of applications for its program, 11:11 Media Impact and GoFundMe.org increased the number of grants from 11 to 50. According to the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, over 1,800 businesses were located in the Eaton and Palisades fire zones, which employ 9,600 workers and generate $1.4 billion in annual sales.

The county estimated that the resulting economic losses, income reductions, and decline in tax revenue will total in the billions.

“Seeing the overwhelming response from women entrepreneurs in need of support showed us how important and urgent the need is to help this community rebuild,” Hilton said.

Renata Ortega ran her Orla Floral Studio out of a converted garage next to the home she shared with her husband and three dogs in the Altadena foothills. Since the Eaton fire destroyed their property, Ortega has been working from a shared workshop in downtown Los Angeles, thanks to the generosity of a friend and fellow floral designer.

Now, thanks to the grant, Ortega plans to put down a deposit for rent on a new studio while she and her husband rebuild their home. Additionally, she needs to replace all the vases, shelving, and tools she lost in the fire.

“I can continue a business that was once just a dream for me,” Ortega said. “Now we’re going to make it.”

The grants were primarily funded through GoFundMe.org’s Wildfire Relief Fund, which has raised $7.7 million from 43,000 donors to date. Paris Hilton contributed $150,000 to the fund.

AI, artificial intelligence, trends, A.I., journey, technology, DryMerge, AI, job interview

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 1, 2025

North Carolina Central University Launches 1st Of Its Kind Artificial Intelligence Institute

After receiving a $1 million grant from Google.org, Central leaders hope 200 students will be encouraged to launch careers in this emerging industry.

North Carolina Central University is leading HBCUs into the artificial intelligence industry with the first-of-its-kind “Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research,” ABC 11 reports.

The Durham-based HBCU is one of several schools throughout the Tar Heel State working to advance education surrounding AI as its popularity expands. Institute Director Dr. Siobahn Day Grady says the program, scheduled to open in May 2025, is the “first of its kind nationally, and we’re very proud of that.” After receiving a $1 million grant from Google.org, Grady hopes 200 students will be encouraged to launch careers in this emerging industry. “Through AI literacy and getting individuals hands-on opportunities to engage, we can really help position our students and our whole entire campus community in understanding that AI is a tool,” Grady said.

With a curriculum, research, mentorship, and other related initiatives, the grant allows the institute to grow through 2027.

In Greensboro, North Carolina A&T State University is moving into the AI space, giving reason to attach another rivalry with Central. The home of the Aggies is scheduled to launch its bachelor’s degree program in AI starting in the fall 2025 semester, expecting 150 students in its first year. Dean of the College of Science and Technology Abdellah Ahmidouch feels the program leads to a “bright future” for curious students. “Our bachelor’s degree will enable our graduates to help create real-world solutions to complex global issues and shape a brighter future through science and technology,” Ahmidouch said.

Executive Director of Duke University’s AI master’s program, Jon Reifschneider, shares similar sentiments. Its program first embedded in 2021, and Reifschneider said it’s seen lots of growth. He also thinks additional program opportunities at other schools will set students apart from others and heighten their positions for jobs in the AI field. “We’ve got a highly educated workforce, we’ve got some great companies, and some big tech companies doing research work here in the Triangle,” Reifschneider said.

“I think that the rise of the academic AI programs is really creating kind of a new breed of students who are equipped right from the start.”

North Carolina state leaders also see the need for an increase in AI programs, helping leaders advance and save money. According to The Carolina Journal, Treasurer Brad Briner announced at Central’s Institute that his office is participating in a 12-week agreement with OpenAI to modernize systems, streamline data processes, and provide efficient services for state taxpayers and local governments.

Central University Provost Ontario Wooden labeled the partnership as being about developing artificial intelligence “in ways that are ethical, safe, and have a lasting positive impact.” “It’s about harnessing AI to make our government more responsive, more transparent, and more forward-looking in the face of many challenges and opportunities of the 21st century,” Wooden said.

50 Cent, ex-girlfriend, instagram, lawsuit

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 1, 2025

Horror Movie ‘Skillhouse’ Featuring 50 Cent Debuts July 11, 2025

The G-Unit general stars in the movie alongside social media personalities Bryce Hall and Hannah Stocking.

Skillhouse, a horror movie starring Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, will be released nationwide on July 11, 2025.

According to Deadline, the film, which features hip-hop recording artist 50 Cent along with social media personalities Bryce Hall and Hannah Stocking, has been described as a high-stakes social media nightmare. The plot of the movie has 10 social media influencers lured to a house where they are forced to compete in several social media challenges. The lowest viewed post after each challenge eliminates the influencer.

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The film was produced by GenTv founder Ryan Kavanaugh, Shane Valdez, 50 Cent, and Brad Baskin. It was directed by Josh Stolberg, who wrote the horror flicks Saw X and Jigsaw. Skillhouse also stars Neal McDonough (Captain America: The First Avenger, Justified), McCarrie McCausland (Army Wives, The Originals), and combat sports fighter and celebrity influencer Paige VanZant.

“Skillhouse has been a revolutionary film project from the outset–one that is thrilling and compelling for anyone on social media and horror fans of all ages,” said Kavanaugh in a written statement. “Skillhouse is more than just a horror film; the project is right for the times and breaks barriers by leveraging the power and appeal of influencers and immerses them into the story. GenTV is very pleased to work with the team at Fathom in creating a special theatrical engagement for this film.”

When the first eight minutes of the film debuted on Gentv.com, it created a massive buzz, gaining more than 100 million views.

“Horror has always been a genre that captivates moviegoers, but never has Fathom distributed to movie theaters a project quite like Skillhouse, said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment. “Social media permeates our society today, and influencers have changed the dynamics of how many choose the brands they purchase and the content they consume. The brilliant Skillhouse concept is ripe for exploration on-screen and is a success story in leveraging innovative ways to reach audiences and engage with them. Fathom is proud to work with the GenTv team to bring this film to audiences on July 11.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 1, 2025

Is Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s $402M NYC Property Deal For Real?

According to Business Insider, New York City property records show that none of the buildings Mayweather claims to have purchased have changed ownership.

New reports reveal a lack of evidence supporting Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s claims of investing in a $402 million Manhattan apartment portfolio.

Just over a month after Mayweather announced his biggest deal to date—the purchase of a sprawling portfolio of 62 rental apartment buildings in upper Manhattan—Business Insider is reporting that a deal may not have been made.

In February, Mayweather announced that his real estate investment firm, Vada Properties, paid $402 million for the properties.

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However, New York City property records, which are typically updated within days of a sale, show that none of the buildings Mayweather claims to have purchased have changed ownership. A deal to sell the properties outright to Mayweather does not appear to be imminent.

The NYC Housing Partnership, a nonprofit group that partners in the majority of the properties and works to maintain the affordability of the apartments, said through a spokesman that it has not been notified of any pending sale.

When asked about the acquisition, Ayal Frist, the CEO of Vada Properties, Mayweather’s property firm, brought a man into the phone call who introduced himself as James McNair, an executive involved in Mayweather’s business ventures. However, the man’s voice sounded notably different from previous recordings of McNair, Business Insider noted.

The individual insisted that Mayweather had acquired the portfolio but refused to go on record to discuss any details of the transaction. He explained that Mayweather, having grown up in affordable housing, was particularly drawn to the properties because they included rent-regulated apartments.

“He felt that it’s so cool because ‘I give back to the community and I make money,'” the person said. “And once that clicked in his head, he is like, ‘I want to buy it all.'”

Real estate has occupied a lot of Mayweather’s attention in recent years. However, some industry experts are questioning whether the he is exaggerating the extent of his real estate portfolio.

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 1, 2025

Rep. Lucy McBath Pauses Run For Georgia Governor After Husband’s Cancer Diagnosis

McBath was seeking to become Georgia's first female and Black governor.

Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA) is hitting pause on her 2026 campaign for Georgia governor to focus on her husband, Curtis, who has been diagnosed with cancer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

While he has already had surgery, McBath says there were unexpected complications.

“His road to ultimate health is going to be a little longer and more difficult than we thought,” McBath said. “It’s a hard decision. It’s a really difficult decision to make. And right now, I can’t make the decision on whether or not to run for governor. I’ve always said my priorities should be where I’m supposed to be. And that’s helping my husband.”

After the four-term congresswoman became the first Georgia Democrat to launch an exploratory committee, McBath sought to become the state’s first female and Black governor, following a bid from Stacey Abrams, and the first Black female governor in the United States.

McBath’s political presence rose after her 17-year-old son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed in 2012 by a white man while playing loud music at a Jacksonville, Florida, gas station. The gun control advocate and former flight attendant was supported by billionaire and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, according to ABC News, and resulted in a prime-time slot at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, leading a group of survivors and family members of gun violence victims.

While her gubernatorial bid is paused, McBath will not step down from her U.S. House seat. “Right now, I have to organically look at everything and make sure I’m where I’m most needed.”

Her work on gun control hasn’t stopped, issuing her support for a 2022 bill that will strengthen background checks for the youngest of gun buyers. It also seeks to keep firearms out of the hands of repeat domestic violence offenders and assist states to enable red flag laws.

With McBath takes a step back, there is room for other Black members of the Democratic party to take over the Georgia Governor’s Mansion for the first time in over 20 years. Former DeKalb chief executive Michael Thurmond and former mayor of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms are potential candidates, and Abrams has failed to rule out a third campaign.

On the Republican side, Georgia’s Attorney General Chris Carr announced his bid for the seat while Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is also expected to launch a campaign.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 1, 2025

Ice-T’s Dispensary, The Medicine Woman Opens In Jersey City

'This isn’t just about selling cannabis—it’s about creating opportunity and correcting injustice in communities that were hit hardest.'

Nearly three years after announcing that legendary rapper and actor Ice-T has partnered with cannabis expert Charis B, founder of The Medicine Woman, to open a cannabis dispensary in Jersey City, the official grand opening will occur at the new venue on April 19 and April 20, 2025.

The Medicine Woman’s Jersey City location is at 660 Tonnelle Avenue, along Route 1 and 9 in Jersey City Heights. The store had a soft opening on March 27, and according to a social media post by New Jersey native Ice-T, he partnered with another Jersey resident, Treach from Naughty By Nature.

“Tomorrow is the 1st day and Soft opening of my Jersey City Dispensary @themedwomanNJ ! I’ve partnered with my good friend @charis_b from the West Coast… And my partners @treachtribe and @MickBenzo_The_Art_Of_Rap Come check us out. ‘660 Tonnelle Ave Jersey City, NJ. The GRAND OPENING is April 19th!!!”

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“This is where I’m from. I came up here, and now I’m coming back to build something that gives back,” said Ice-T in a written statement. “This isn’t just about selling cannabis—it’s about creating opportunity and correcting injustice in communities that were hit hardest.”

This will be Burrett’s first dispensary outside of California. The store will have a team of 15 people who will all be from the local community.

“We’re thrilled to be officially opening the doors of The Medicine Woman Jersey City after years of hard work and dedication,” said Charis Burrett. “The East Coast is poised to become the largest cannabis market in the world, and we’re excited to provide the community direct and safe access to the finest global plant medicines. We offer only products whose integrity, quality, and potency align with our standard of ‘Nothing but the Best.’”

Ice-T and Burrett have partnered with Hudson County Community College (HCCC) to offer students internships and job placement at The Medicine Woman. This was done to ensure opportunities for long-term career employment within the cannabis industry. The business is also connected with the Last Prisoner Project. This organization is a national nonprofit program working to assist people who have been convicted for nonviolent cannabis offenses and support their reentry into society.

Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Tackle ,Kevin Johnson, Killed, Los Angeles

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 1, 2025

HBCU Athletic Conference Adds Huston-Tillotson University And Paul Quinn College

The schools will become official members on July 1, 2025.

The HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) is adding two schools to its membership.

Starting July 1, 2025, Huston-Tillotson University and Paul Quinn College will officially be full members of the conference, moving from the Red River Conference and bringing the number of conference members to 15.

Huston-Tillotson and Paul Quinn to join Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference – https://t.co/wuVNfwYIsn pic.twitter.com/v5zdNLD3jN

— HBCU Athletic Conference (@HBCUAC) March 31, 2025

“Both institutions bring a rich tradition of athletic and academic excellence, and their addition strengthens our conference’s mission to elevate HBCU athletics while creating more opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the highest levels,” aid HBCUAC Commissioner Kiki Baker Barnes, Ph.D., in a written statement.

Huston-Tillotson University will bring a program that features men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, track and field, baseball, softball, and women’s volleyball.

“Joining the HBCUAC is a game-changer for HT,” said Huston-Tillotson President Melva K. Wallace. “This move elevates our athletic program, increases our recruiting power, and places our student-athletes in a league where their talent and hard work will be seen and celebrated. It opens the door to stronger rivalries, greater exposure, and the kind of competitive excellence that builds champions on and off the field.”

Paul Quinn College will add and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, track and field, and women’s volleyball to the HBCUAC.

“The Quinnite Nation is tremendously excited about joining the HBCUAC,” said Paul Quinn President Michael Sorrell. “We understood the conference’s value and appeal from day one and are grateful to have been invited to join. The opportunity to continue our friendly rivalries with Wiley and H-T, have our own streaming platform, and elevate our athletic programs on a national level represents the type of future we want for our students and community.”