Inmate To Face South Carolina’s First-Ever Firing Squad on March 7
Brad Sigmon went to court to chose how he wanted to die.
South Carolina will enact the death penalty by firing squad for the first time in the state’s history when Brad Sigmon faces a firing squad on March 7.
The state now allows death row inmates to choose their method of execution, so this was how Sigmon chose to die. He was found guilty of beating David and Gladys Larke to death in 2001 after their daughter rejected him.
Since 1985, South Carolina has executed six prisoners by lethal injection and electrocution. As this is the first time the state will use a firing squad, preparations have been meticulous.
How South Carolina's execution of a condemned killer by firing squad will unfold https://t.co/U7Op4JpeGb
Three unnamed volunteers will carry out the execution. According to the Associated Press, the riflemen will fire from 15 feet away from behind a concealed wall. Their identities will be protected. All weapons will be loaded with live ammunition, and the condemned will have a target placed over his heart to ensure a fatal shot.
In Freddie Eugene Owens, Brad Keith Sigmon, Gary DuBose Terry, and Richard Bernard Moore v. Bryan P. Stirling, director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, experts testified that the method does not constitute “cruel or unusual punishment,” as the pain would last no longer than 10 seconds.
The appeal stated that the heart will “immediately stop… beating” and that the person would lose consciousness “so quick that they would not experience pain at all.”
The state’s expert, Dr. Jorge Alvarez, testified that a person shot in the heart would be unconscious “in less than 10 seconds.”
Over the years, many have advocated for abolishing the death penalty, and this particular method appears extreme to some. But Sigmon and four other inmates actively pushed for the option of execution by firing squad. South Carolina courts initially rejected the petition, but the decision was successfully appealed in 2022.
Sigmon’s execution is scheduled March 7 at 6 p.m., barring an intervention from the governor.
Faith Evans Honored With 30-Year Musical Tribute Featuring Kierra Sheard-Kelly and Kim Burrell
The concert featured a memorable series of performances, including one from the guest of honor.
A group of talented vocalists gathered to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of Faith Evans’ debut album, Faith.
Grammy Award-nominated recording artists Kim Burrell, Durand Bernarr, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, and B.Slade, along with Faith’s daughter Chyna Tahjere, hit New York City’s Town Hall stage on Feb. 28, for “Keeping The Faith: Celebrating 30 Years of Music and Entertainment with Singer/Songwriter Faith Evans.”
The event featured musical reinterpretations of Evans’s extensive catalog and a two-song performance by the soul icon, directed by multi-genre composer and conductor Damien Sneed that featured his Orchestra of Tomorrow.
The concert lineup saw vocalist Ayana George Jackson belt out “No Other Love” and “Never Gonna Let You Go,” Anitra McKinney perform “Ain’t Nobody” and “Tears Away,” and Matia Celeste Washington lead a rendition of “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” and Evans’ radio hit “Burnin’ Up.”
Special performances of the night included the Orchestra of Tomorrow performing Evans’ interlude track, “Thank You Lord,” which was shared online, and Tahjere singing her mom’s “Caramel Kisses.”
Evans’ longtime friends Courtney Terr and Rufus Blaq shared stories dating back to before she found success in music. Kierra Sheard-Kelly helped close out the tribute performances with her rendition of “Keep The Faith,” and Burrell sang “Love Like This.”
Evans herself closed out her show with a live performance of “Soon As I Get Home” and “Again,” featuring Avery Wilson. She showcased a range of emotions while thanking the talent and fans who came out to celebrate.
Proceeds from the concert benefits Evans’ foundation, Ryder’s Room, Inc., named after her son, which Evans created to help provide the highest level of resources to children and their families with disabilities and different needs.
Evans, a mother of four, has released nine studio albums and over 30 chart-topping singles.
Good News! Black History Month Doesn’t Violate Trump’s Anti-DEI Order, According To DOE
Attorney for the DOE civil rights office said he hopes school leaders realize everything dealing with race does not violate the law.
The Department of Education made it clear that celebrating observances like Black History Month won’t put schools at risk of losing federal funding under President Donald Trump’s anti-diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) executive order, Fox News reported.
Following a letter from the DOE’s Office for Civil Rights reminding all 50 states of the Feb. 28 deadline to comply with the order to remove DEI policies, the clarification pointed to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits “recipients of federal funding from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin.”
“Schools may not operate policies or programs under any name that treat students differently based on race, engage in racial stereotyping, or create hostile environments for students of particular races,” the guidance reads.
“Nor would educational, cultural, or historical observances – such as Black History Month, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or similar events – that celebrate or recognize historical events and contributions, and promote awareness, so long as they do not engage in racial exclusion or discrimination.”
Acting assistant secretary for civil rights, Craig Trainor, said schools have “toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon ‘systemic and structural racism’ and advanced discriminatory policies and practices.”
The walk back on Trump’s executive order comes just days after new Secretary of Education Linda McMahon was confirmed on Mar. 3 in a 51-45 vote along party lines. However, while Trainor claims the department is standing its ground, education experts feel the initial order was just a scare tactic. Osamudia James, a professor at the University of North Carolina School of Law, labeled the order as a way to “scare and chill” schools. “Every dollar you spend litigating these issues is money that does not go to supporting students who need it,” James said.
An attorney for the civil rights office, Ray Li, told USA Today that the Trump administration, despite universities closing DEI offices and limiting support of some marginalized student groups, realizes everything dealing with race does not violate the law. He hopes school leaders also realize that, calling the guidance a “retreat back to some legal standards.”
“Hopefully, schools take that information and realize that just because something deals with race doesn’t mean it violates the law,” he said. “Even this administration recognizes that.”
Emmitt Smith On His New Las Vegas Restaurant: ‘Our People Need To See That Success’
Emmitt Smith's new restaurant, Emmitt's Vegas, is blazing trails as one of the few Black-owned restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip.
Emmitt Smith continues to thrive as a businessman off the field with the launch of the three-time NFL champion’s new Las Vegas restaurant, Emmitt’s Vegas.
Since its launch in March 2024 on Las Vegas’s coveted Fashion Row, Emmitt’s has earned two OpenTable Diners’ Choice Awards and continues gaining popularity among tourists and locals. As one of the few Black-owned restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, Smith recognizes the importance of securing Emmitt’s Vegas’ long-term success and the representation it brings to the Black community.
“I’m proud of the fact that I have had the opportunity to do that because, as a culture, we need to see business success,” he toldHot97. “I think it has to go beyond being an athlete in the sports world or the entertainment world.”
As a 13-year NFL veteran and 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Smith understands how common it is for Black individuals to find success in sports and entertainment. However, he notes the lack of recognition for Black professionals making strides in business—particularly in service-based industries, where community support is essential for success.
“There are so many great African American entrepreneurs, but they are not highlighted enough,” Smith said. “They highlight sports like you won’t believe. Business people are oftentimes left in the dark. Our people need to see that success.”
America has a long history of undermining the economic growth and development of the Black community. From Rosewood to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Black Americans have faced significant barriers to entrepreneurial success in a nation shaped by systemic racism. Smith cites this history as a key motivator in his commitment to ensuring the long-term success of Emmitt’s Vegas.
“I think one of the biggest tragedies that came out of Rosewood and the bombing of Black Wall Street because the vision of what African American people can do when they are together was destroyed,” he said. “That vision of business success or seeing it in our community be successful is what Black Wall Street was all about and what Rosewood was all about. So for me to be able to be where we are right now, I’m hoping to continue to have more success and have a restaurant that’s open for the next 25-30 years.”
Adding to the representation is Emmitt’s Vegas executive chef Antwan Ellis, one of the few Black executive chefs in the city and a pioneer in the field. Last month, he appeared on Las Vegas Now to discuss the significance of his role as a Black leader in the city’s highly competitive culinary scene.
Emmitt’s Vegas is open daily from 12 pm to 10 pm during the week and offers a delicious brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. Take a look at the menu filled with tasty American and seafood classics HERE.
American Cancer Society’s ‘VOICES Of Black Women’ Partners With OWN Network On Health Initiative Campaign
OWN has launched a dedicated webpage to spread awareness and enroll eligible Black women.
OWN wants Black women to take control over their health. The network will partner with the American Cancer Society’s “VOICES of Black Women” campaign as they begin a longitudinal study on systemic health risks.
Through its OWN Your Health initiative, OWN also launched its dedicated webpage Mar. 5 to spread awareness of the VOICES study. The study hopes to register 100,000 participants from ages 25 to 55. The study, which expects to take place across multiple years, will use its findings to inform treatment, outreach, and survival rates for Black women diagnosed with cancer.
“We are honored to support VOICES of Black Women in the mission to understand cancer risks and outcomes for Black women, and to provide the essential resources and platform needed to achieve its goal,” said Tina Perry, President of OWN, in a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“Partnering with the American Cancer Society allows us to harness the significant power of OWN’s reach– across our linear, social and digital footprint — to support the shared goals of OWN Your Health and the VOICES of Black Women campaign.”
The webpage will also accompany a multimedia rollout, which extends to digital, social media, and on-air outreach. The campaign aims to boost enrollment and recruitment for those eligible. This groundbreaking study hopes to promote culturally-aware treatment and prevention of cancer, while also increasing survivorship.
The VOICES study was also created in response to the disproportionate rates of diagnosis and death outcomes for Black women. The study will include an in-depth survey and bi-annual follow ups to provide a comprehensive outlook at their lived experiences. Moreover, it will consider how these factors play a role in cancer research.
“Despite significant strides in cancer research, Black women continue to have the highest death rate and the shortest survival of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. for most cancers,” said Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, interim chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “The public’s participation in our previous population studies has contributed to landmark discoveries. Partnering with Black women to listen and better understand their diverse lived experiences will give us the valuable data we need to develop tailored solutions.”
Enrollment has already started, while the ACS has reaffirmed its commitment to DEI principles. As the largest-ever conducted study for Black women, all eligible participants are encourage to register and take part in the movement for more inclusive healthcare.
Roy Ayers, Jazz-Funk Visionary And Soulful Voice Behind ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine,’ Dies At 84
Ayers’ career spanned nearly six decades, including collaborations with contemporary artists such as Alicia Keys, Thundercat, and Tyler, The Creator.
Roy Ayers, the legendary vibraphonist, composer, and jazz-funk pioneer whose music bridged generations and genres, has died at 84.
His family confirmed March 5 in a heartfelt Facebook post, saying that he had died the day before in New York City after a long illness.
“It is with great sadness that the family of legendary vibraphonist, composer and producer Roy Ayers announce his passing, which occurred on March 4th, 2025, in New York City after a long illness. He lived a beautiful 84 years and will be sorely missed. His family [asks] that you respect their privacy at this time. A celebration of Roy’s life will be forthcoming,” the post read.
Ayers was born in Los Angeles in 1940 and grew up immersed in the vibrant Central Avenue jazz scene, a cultural hub that shaped his artistic identity. Inspired by bebop icons like Lionel Hampton and Charlie Parker, Ayers convinced his parents to buy him a vibraphone at age 17, setting him on a path to redefine music history.
In the 1960s, the uber-talented musician earned recognition as a skilled post-bop vibraphonist, touring with flutist Herbie Mann and performing alongside artists like Chico Hamilton and Gerald Wilson. His work during this period laid the groundwork for a groundbreaking shift in the 1970s, when Ayers signed with Polydor Records and embraced a bold fusion of jazz, funk, and soul.
Ayers formed Roy Ayers Ubiquity, a group that revolutionized jazz-funk by mixing groove-laden rhythms with soulful vocals and improvisational jazz. Albums like He’s Coming (1971) and Red, Black & Green (1973) exemplified his innovative approach, but his 1976 masterpiece, Everybody Loves the Sunshine, cemented his legacy.
The album’s title track, characterized by its shimmering vibraphone, lush harmonies, and sunlit nostalgia, became a cultural phenomenon. “It felt wonderful,” Ayers told The Guardian in 2017 about the song’s creation. “I knew exactly how I wanted it to sound: vibraphone, piano, and synthesizer, mixed with that nostalgia for summer.”
Everybody Loves the Sunshine resonated across generations, influencing artists in hip-hop and R&B who sampled Ayers’ work over 100 times. Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, Pharrell Williams, and The Roots are among the many who integrated Ayers’ timeless grooves into their music.
Ayers’ influence extended beyond sampling. He collaborated with diverse artists, including Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, funk icon Rick James, and neo-soul pioneer Erykah Badu. His vibraphone lines graced Badu’s 2000 album Mama’s Gun, earning him the title “king of neo-soul.” Badu credited Ayers with shaping the genre’s blend of mellow rhythms and intricate instrumentation.
Despite his widespread impact, Ayers remained humble, expressing gratitude for his enduring popularity. “It’s wonderful because I’m still growing in popularity,” he toldDummy in 2016. “I do it for the younger generation. That’s exactly why I keep making music.”
Fans on social media quickly reacted to the news of the jazz-funk legend’s death.
Ayers’ career spanned nearly six decades, including collaborations with contemporary artists like Alicia Keys, Thundercat, and Tyler, The Creator. His versatility and innovation ensured that his music transcended eras, inspiring fans and musicians alike.
In a 2011 interview with the now-defunct CentricTV, Pianist Robert Glasper summarized Ayers’ uniqueness, saying, “It just has a Roy Ayers’ sound. There’s nothing you can describe. It’s just Roy Ayers.”
His influence also extended to film, where he scored the 1973 blaxploitation classic Coffy, starring Pam Grier. The soundtrack showcased Ayers’ ability to merge gritty streetwise aesthetics with sophisticated musicality, solidifying his place as a trailblazer in multiple arenas.
Even as trends shifted, Ayers stayed relevant. He worked with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad on Jazz Is Dead 002, a project that introduced his music to a new generation of listeners.
Ayers’ commitment to innovation and collaboration ensured his work remained timeless.
Roy Ayers’ death marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a pioneer and visionary will live on eternally.
Return-To-Office Mandates Can Cost More For Companies Than Wasted Real Estate
The decline in office space demand presents new opportunities for companies to invest in hybrid work environments that enhance employee morale.
As demand for office space declines, companies are being advised to forgo strict return-to-office (RTO) mandates and instead allocate funds toward creating workplace environments that enhance the employee experience.
The recently released McKinsey & Co’s Future of the Officereport projects that office space demand in major cities will decline by 13% by 2030, putting $800 billion in real estate value at risk. This poses a direct challenge to corporate leaders enforcing RTO policies in response to long-term leases signed before the pandemic, which have since become costly, underutilized real estate expenses.
However, Forbeshighlighted that this approach overlooks the hidden costs of mandated office returns, which research shows are contributing to decreased productivity, lower employee morale, high turnover rates, and costly talent acquisition. A case study of a professional services firm in New York City illustrated the underlying issue with numbers.
A firm with 1,000 employees spends an estimated $18 million annually on real estate. If 50% of employees work remotely, half of that investment — $9 million — becomes a sunk cost.
However, a forced RTO policy can result in a conservative 30% turnover rate, and recent research shows that nearly 42% of recent turnovers are attributed to forced RTO policies. With an average salary of $125,000 and a replacement cost of 1.5 times the salary, the economic cost of replacing 300 employees who quit because of rigid RTO mandates would amount to $56.25 million.
Research also showed that it took organizations 23% longer to fill positions vacated due to the enforcement of RTO policies. The numbers are far more than the $9 million wasted in real estate.
For the corporate leaders who believe in-person workers are more productive, a 2023 study by Stanford University’s Nicholas Bloom found that hybrid workers are 9% more productive than those working fully in-office. Additionally, companies that adopt flexible work models report higher employee engagement, which directly correlates with improved business performance.
Strict RTO mandates are driving away top talent. A 2023 Gallup survey revealed that 76% of employees would consider quitting if remote work options were taken away. Considering the McKinsey report, the offices of the future must be designed to foster connection, with hybrid and flexible work environments centered around intentional in-person experiences that promote greater innovation and engagement.
Robert Clark, Mississippi’s First-Ever Black Post-Civil Rights Legislator, Dead At 96
Robert Clark was the highest ranking Black man in Mississippi government.
Robert G. Clark, Mississippi’s first Black House representative elected after the Civil Rights Movement, died on March 4 at the age of 96, The Associated Press reported.
His son, Rep. Bryant Clark, said he passed away peacefully of natural causes.
Elected in 1967, Clark faced intense racism and social turmoil as he took his seat in the Mississippi Legislature. A former educator, he earned a master’s degree in education. After attending college in Michigan, he returned home, assessed the needs of Mississippi residents, and resolved to take action.
Over his career, Clark was named speaker pro tempore of the Mississippi House in 1992 and served a decade on the House Education Committee.
In an interview with Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Clark reflected on his mission to improve the lives of all Mississippians, regardless of political ideology.
“Rather than going to the legislature working against somebody, go to the legislature working for Mississippi,” he said. “I spent 36 years in the legislature, and my main interest was looking out for Mississippi. Whatever the weakness of Mississippi was, I looked at it and tried to strengthen it. I didn’t look at whether they were independent, Democrat, or Republican—I just looked at the need.”
Clark first ran for office as an independent, unaffiliated with any political party. He recalled being dismissed and ignored by fellow lawmakers.
“They wouldn’t sit with me,” he said.
On the day of his passing, legislators honored Clark with a moment of silence in the same halls where he once endured isolation as a Black man in government. Clark’s presence in the Mississippi Legislature was historic as a direct descendant of enslaved people.
“He was a trailblazer and an icon for sure,” House Speaker Jason White said. “He was always mighty good to me when I was elected to office.”
Former colleague and current Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs also spoke highly of Clark’s legacy.
“My prayers go out to Robert Clark and his family,” Flaggs said. “The honorable Robert Clark has broken so many barriers. I always will remember him as a gentleman who persevered. I learned so much from him. He was a giant of a man.”
Angie Stone’s Family Remembers Singer As ‘An Example For Black Women And Girls Everywhere’
Angie Stone's family released a heartfelt tribute honoring the late singer's life, music, and legacy.
Angie Stone’s family has broken their silence and released a heartfelt statement in response to the singer’s tragic passing on Saturday, March 1.
On Tuesday, the singer’s family took over her Instagram account to share a heartfelt statement and tribute to Stone, who tragically passed away in a car accident after leaving a show over the weekend. After expressing gratitude for the love, support, and prayers from fans, the family honored Angie Stone’s musical legacy, highlighting her role as a pioneer in hip-hop and neo-soul.
“Angie was an example for Black women and girls everywhere. Angie also loved and championed for Black men with her Number One Hit entitled ‘Brotha’,” which served as the background music of the Instagram post.
“Angie Stone was a pioneer of rap music that began with a female rap trio, ‘The Sequence’ and ultimately led to her solo career that defined neo soul,” the family continued.
The singer’s two children, daughter Diamond and son Michael, thanked her fans while asking for privacy during this time. The family also noted Stone’s philanthropy work through her foundation, “Angel Stripes, the Angie Stone foundation.”
The “No More Rain” singer was also dedicating herself to ministry classes in college.
“Her love of God and her faith led her to have a deep desire to share her belief in God and bring more people to Christ,” the statement shared.
Funeral arrangements will be shared to give fans a chance to pay their respect to the neo-soul icon’s life, legacy, and music.
“Even though Angie is no longer with us physically her family wants you to keep her legacy alive,” the family wrote.
Fans, friends, and supporters left uplifting messages and kind words of the late singer. Among them included DJ Spinderella, who remembered how nice of a person Angie Stone was.
“Angie walked so that we could run! She was a complete heart when I met her.. Sending my deepest condolences to her loved ones,” she wrote.
“She was a force and pioneer in this business. We will miss her terribly,” wrote veteran record executive Shanti Das. “Please accept my sincere condolences and we will continue to lift up her memory, the family and her foundation.”
Report: Black Folks Could Make Up Almost 80K Of Employees Out of Work After February Job Cuts, Primarily In Government Sector
Black workers disproportionately represented in the public sector more vulnerable to job losses.
The state for two of the nation’s top economic indicators – the employment rate and GDP – is presenting a gloomy outlook for Black Americans when it comes to job prospects.
The unemployment rate for Black workers is projected to rise to 6.8% for February 2025, up from 6.4% the previous month, according to a new analysis by Creative Investment Research. The calculation means that the firm believes Black Americans will lose an additional 78,000 jobs between January and February this year.
Simultaneously, the latest Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta GDPNow projection from Mar. 3 showed that the U.S. economy is expected to fall 2.8% in the first quarter of 2025. That is nearly twice as low as the -1.5% prediction for gross domestic product on February 28.
William Michael Cunningham, an economist and owner of Creative Investment Research, told BLACK ENTERPRISE that his firm’s analysis was done ahead of the employment report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) scheduled for March 7, 2025. Cunningham says his firm’s figures are based on non-seasonally adjusted data released by the BLS.
Updates on both the unemployment and GDP numbers are expected later this week. In general, a rise or drop in unemployment often moves in tandem with the direction of the GDP, which is a key measure of the nation’s economic health.
Another report by the payroll services firm ADP revealed that private sector employment rose only by 77,000 jobs in February. That was significantly lower than the 148,000 estimate, and a higher adjusted 186,000 in January.
ADP Chief Economist Nela Richardson stated, “Policy uncertainty and a slowdown in consumer spending might have led to layoffs or a slowdown in hiring last month. Our data and other recent indicators suggest hiring hesitancy among employers as they assess the economic climate ahead.”
Cunningham said his firm’s 0.4 percentage point increase from January reflects government job reductions and weaker hiring in sectors that disproportionately employ Black workers. The U.S. government began firing thousands of people at numerous agencies nationwide in recent weeks as President Donald Trump and his ally Elon Musk cut federal government spending extensively.
Cunningham expects the overall unemployment rate to rise to 4.2% in February from 4.0% in January. He expects the change to slow hiring, growing layoffs, and weakened economic activity.
He anticipates white unemployment growing to 4.0% in February from 3.9% the prior month. He said unemployment is less affected by the downturn, due to greater employment mobility, stronger job networks, and lower exposure to declining industries.
He forecasts Hispanic unemployment to soar to 5.8% in February from 5.5% in January. He said the sharp downturn in consumer spending will likely disrupt service-sector employment, where Hispanic workers hold a large share of retail, hospitality, and food services jobs. Also, Cunningham maintained that as government employment declines further, Black workers overrepresented in the public sector are more vulnerable to job losses.
“These revised numbers show that the economic slowdown is accelerating faster than expected,” Cunningham stated in writing. “The steep contraction in GDP, coupled with near-zero consumer spending and investment growth, is a warning sign that employment conditions may worsen in the coming months.”
He added, “Black and Hispanic workers, who have historically been most vulnerable to downturns, are already experiencing higher job losses, and without policy intervention, these disparities could widen.”
