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Megan Thee Stallion has stepped into the spirits industry following advice from Beyoncé. The “Savage” rapper, born Megan Pete, has long admired the fellow Houston artist and credits their first interaction in 2020 with a major career milestone. “My favorite moment was definitely meeting Beyoncé. I met her first in 2020, I think. Every time I see her, I act like a little kid. And I really need to stop that at this point. Like I’m always fanned out,” Megan Thee Stallion told Forbes. Beyoncé’s support for Megan goes beyond music. In addition to their collaboration on the hit record “Savage Remix,” which they performed during the “Renaissance World Tour” in Houston, TX, Beyoncé has also shared valuable business advice — encouraging Megan to launch her own spirits brand. Leading by example, in 2024, Beyoncé made her official debut in the spirits industry with the launch of SirDavis in partnership with Moët Hennessy. The brand offers an American rye whiskey that pays homage to her...
Major companies have quietly removed insights related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from their annual reports. NPR’s analysis discovered that at least 12 of the nation’s largest companies erased DEI references in their annual reports, most of which were filed within the last two weeks. The companies revealed were Disney, Google , GM, GE, Intel, PayPal, Chipotle, Comcast, 3M, Regeneron, Philip Morris, and Pepsi, which prides itself among investors for its belief that a “culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion is a competitive advantage” in 2024. According to CNBC, Amazon is another company that has followed suit. Its 2024 annual report referenced “inclusion and diversity” under a section labeled “Human Capital.” “As we strive to be Earth’s best employer, we focus on investment and innovation, inclusion and diversity, safety, and engagement to hire and develop the best talent,” the 2024 report read. That section was updated in 2025 and now reads, “We strive to be...
What wasn’t clear before is crystal clear now: Disney has made its move. For years, the “House of Mouse” danced around the edges of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) conversations — sometimes boldly stepping in, other times retreating into the shadows when the heat got too intense. According to a previous AFROTECH™ report, Disney maintained an ambiguous stance on DEI, especially as other corporate giants began rolling back their diversity commitments. But that fog has lifted. Now, people know exactly where Disney stands in the thick of America’s ongoing cultural tug-of-war. Disney’s Shift Toward Business-Driven DEI Initiatives In a memo obtained by Axios, Chief H uman Resources Officer Sonia Coleman shared Disney’s new game plan with employees : DEI efforts will no longer be treated as stand-alone social good projects. Instead, they’re being rebranded to focus squarely on driving business outcomes. Translation? Diversity isn’t just about optics anymore — it’s about the bottom...
Educator Yaa Yaa Catherine Whaley-Williams has built an education hub in her community. Whaley-Williams, the director of student equity in the Monticello Central School District in Monticello, NY, is the founder of Sadie’s Books and Beverages. The business opened in 2022 and made history in the process. News-12 reports it is the first Black-owned bookstore in Orange County, NY. Sadie’s Books and Beverages offers a diverse selection of books, which includes hundreds of Black authors across 23 genres, according to the Times Herald-Record reports. Accessibility is also important to Whaley-Williams, so she launched a program that slashes the prices of new books for children to $3 and $7. “When I was a kid getting a free or discounted book, it was usually dog-eared or had writing in it, or some pages missing,” she explained to the outlet. “But getting a discounted book shouldn’t mean that it’s anything less than brand new.” Locals can also expect special activations from the local shop...
Saquon Barkley has expanded his portfolio ahead of Super Bowl LIX, set for Feb. 9, 2025. The running back, wearing a No. 26 Philadelphia Eagles jersey, is heading to New Orleans, LA, to face the Kansas City Chiefs — a rematch of the 2022 Super Bowl matchup, ESNP reports. Barkley has combined his passion for sports and business and will be featured in a Super Bowl ad for Ramp, a financial operations platform that provides exclusive perks to over 30,000 customers. These perks include smart accounts payable, which processes bills in seconds, corporate cards, vendor management, procurement, travel booking, and automated bookkeeping. Customers have saved upwards of $2 billion through Ramp, CEO and Co-Founder Eric Glyman mentioned in a press release. For these reasons, Barkley is not only endorsing the company through the commercial but is now an investor in the platform, the press release reported. “I’ve always believed a winning mindset applies to every part of life. If you want to...
The Grammy Awards marked a major moment for Beyoncé — and her Spotify streams. After taking home the Album of the Year award for the first time on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 — following four previous nominations without a win — the singer’s eighth studio album “Cowboy Carter” saw a 795% increase in streaming on Spotify compared to the previous day, according to Variety. Tracks such as “My Rose” and “Oh Louisiana” experienced a 175% increase, while “Ameriican Requiem” rose by 170%. “Protector” increased by 150%, “Alligator Tears” by 140%, and “II Most Wanted” by 135%. “I just feel very full and very honored. It’s been many, many years,” Beyoncé said during her Grammy acceptance speech. “I just want to thank the Grammys, every songwriter, every collaborator, every producer, for all of the hard work.” Beyoncé’s Album of the Year win made her the first Black woman to win since Lauryn Hill for “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” in 1999. The Houston, TX, native also won the Best Country Album...
Jim Reynolds is leading a vegan beverage brand that generates millions and is backed by notable athletes. Reynolds’ journey as a founder began in 1997. He had already spent several years on Wall Street before deciding to launch Loop Capital, a full-service investment bank, brokerage, and advisory firm that assists corporate, governmental, and institutional clients, according to its LinkedIn page. Inc. magazine reports that it is the largest Black-owned investment bank globally. Various deals have landed on the bank’s table, including one surrounding Coco5, a hydration beverage company. Its products are made with balanced sugars and no artificial dyes or flavors. They are also vegan, gluten-free, caffeine-free, and non-GMO. Inc. reports that as a health-conscious person Reynolds had already developed a taste for coconut water by the ’90, and heard about the company in 2011. He would go on to invest in Coco5 in 2015 and join its board. Over the next decade, Reynolds attracted the...
Former NBA players Grant Hill and Chris Webber are looking to bring a WNBA team back to the city where they once played. According to a press release, an ownership group led by Pistons owner Tom Gores has formed and placed a bid to bring the league to Detroit, MI. The state previously had a team between 1998 to 2009, named The Detroit Shock, which had been quite successful, CNBC reports. In fact, the team won three WNBA Championships. However, the franchise no longer represents the city after first moving to Tulsa, OK, and then to Arlington, TX, where it has played as the Dallas Wings since 2015. Now, a group that includes Hill and Webber is hoping to reignite momentum for the city to regain a WNBA team. This marks a full-circle moment for both Hill and Webber as they both played for the Detroit Pistons at different times during their professional careers. “This is an exciting opportunity to welcome the WNBA back to Detroit and bring additional investment and economic activity into...
The Walt Disney Co. has long positioned itself as a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with a strong emphasis on representation in its storytelling and hiring initiatives. However, amid increasing political and social scrutiny, Disney’s stance on DEI has become more nuanced. While the company has not made any official statements about its current DEI direction, publicly available information suggests both continued commitment and strategic scaling back in certain areas. Disney’s Public Commitments And Ongoing Initiatives Disney has historically been a vocal advocate for diversity, integrating themes of inclusion across its programming and corporate policies. The company remains a supporter of diverse gender and sexual identities in its content, as highlighted in recent branded content initiatives with EqualPride. Additionally, its official website continues to prominently feature its DEI commitments, signaling an ongoing prioritization of these values. According to...
In the wake of the catastrophic midair collision between an American Airlines plane and a U.S. military helicopter near Washington, DC — one of the deadliest in more than two decades — President Donald Trump has falsely pointed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies as a possible contributor to the crash. Though there are urgent questions surrounding aviation safety and regulatory oversight, Trump has suggested that DEI initiatives “could have been” to blame despite no factual connection between diversity efforts and the circumstances of the crash. Yet, just days before this devastating collision, Trump made a decision that leaves questions about his judgement. Based on a report from the New Republic, he eliminated the full membership of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Aviation Security Advisory Committee, a move that effectively removed key leadership that has overseen regulatory compliance and risk mitigation within the industry since 1988. He also fired...
Managing your finances effectively is more important than ever, and the right budget app can make all the difference. Whether you’re trying to track your spending, grow your net worth , or make smarter investing decisions, using a well-designed budgeting tool can help you stay on top of your financial goals. With so many options available, we’ve rounded up the best budget apps for 2025 to help you find the one that fits your needs. 1. Monarch Money Rating: 4.9/5 (App Store), 4.8/5 (Google Play) Platforms: iOS, Android, Web Cost: Free trial, then $14.99/month or $99/year Monarch Money is a rising star in the budgeting space, offering powerful financial planning tools for individuals and families. It allows users to track spending, set financial goals, and even monitor investments, making it an excellent choice for those looking to grow their net worth. Unlike many free apps , Monarch provides a premium experience with a clean interface, collaboration features for partners, and...
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is like the studio album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” — critically acclaimed by some, misunderstood by others, and a constant source of debate. Whether celebrated or criticized, DEI has become one of the most polarizing issues in corporate America. And let’s be honest: When companies start scaling back on DEI, it’s not just a boardroom shuffle — it’s a move that disproportionately impacts the Black community. This polarizing environment extends beyond corporate America. According to the Associated Press, President Donald Trump made waves with executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI programs within the federal government. Among these was the rescission of Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action for federal contractors, a policy originally designed to level the playing field for underrepresented groups, as well as nondiscrimination. In addition, DEI offices were defunded, DEI employees were laid off, diversity training...
Dawn Staley has made history yet again. The University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport. Known for her trailblazing accomplishments, Staley first made headlines in 2021 when she became the highest-paid Black coach in NCAA women’s basketball, as previously reported by AFROTECH™. Her leadership has propelled the Gamecocks to remarkable success, including appearances in six NCAA Final Fours and securing the school’s first national title in 2017, Reuters reports. Since then, Staley has only strengthened her legacy. In 2024, under her guidance, the team celebrated an undefeated 38-0 season, culminating in their third national championship, according to Sports Illustrated. Notably, all three titles have been achieved during her tenure. A Historic New Contract Staley’s transformative impact on the University of South Carolina’s basketball program has earned her another groundbreaking contract. Per a university press release,...
Charlamagne tha God has been inspired by his father’s entrepreneurial spirit for as long as he can remember. His father, who owned a fish market and a construction business, told him long ago, “When you get a business, don’t put your name on it. Because people [will] hate on it for no reason.” He’s kept that advice in mind on his journey. Born Lenard McKelvey, Charlamagne has established himself as a radio host, television personality, comedian, and businessman. One of his latest ventures involves expanding Krystal Restaurants. In an interview with AFROTECH™ , Charlamagne said franchising has always been a goal of his, and partnering with Krystal, a beloved Southern staple, was a great opportunity. “It just became one of those things that me and my wife wanted to do,” he told AFROTECH™. “This is one of those situations that just happened pretty organically. And I was with it. My wife was with it. You know, my financial team was with it. And we made it happen.” Charlamagne and his...
It’s said that growth comes with change. And when it comes to your career, a shift, pivot or upskilling might just be the key to unlocking your full potential. If you are ready to take your career to the next level this year, these new career-ready options from UC Berkeley Extension may be right for you. Career-focused, flexible and accessible, these educational options are tailored for Black professionals, millennials and non-traditional students. They are designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re looking to upskill, switch careers or simply grow in your current role. Here are three standout offerings from UC Berkeley Extension that can help you achieve your professional goals. UC Excelerator: Accelerate Your Career Potential Unlock new opportunities with the Career Exploration Award ! Designed for individuals who have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree, this award empowers those who’ve faced challenges like financial hurdles, social barriers or other adversities in...