Black Life. Black Culture. Black History. Black Joy.

May 2026

BLACK ZONE Magazine is the bold new voice of Black life, Black culture, Black history, and Black joy.

In a time when Black stories are being hidden, distorted, or erased, our mission is clear: To elevate, uplift, and educate—unapologetically—on what it truly means to be Black in America.

May 2026

…along with additional features crafted with our community at the center.

You can browse stories by department using the menu at the top of the page, clicking on department images above, or simply scroll down to view all stories.

Momma Used To Say...

The Lessons, The Laughter, and the Legacy of Black Motherhood

Message From The Editor

This might as well be a celebration of mothers. Because the older I get, the more I hear her voice. Not in some distant memory—but in real time. In decisions. In reactions. In the way I move through this world. My mother didn’t just raise me… she programmed me. And like most of us, I didn’t realize it until life started testing what she taught.

Mama used to say things that sounded simple back then—but now? Now I know they were survival tools.

“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”
That wasn’t just advice—that was armor. A warning about a world that will try to bend you, shape you, and sell you anything if you don’t know who you are.

“If your friends jump off a bridge, are you going to jump too?”
Translation: Think for yourself. Independence isn’t optional—it’s necessary.

“Always believe in yourself. Even if no one else does.”
Because sometimes… no one else will.

“Don’t wait for anyone to give you permission… follow your dreams.”
That one hits different as an adult. Especially when you realize how many doors were never meant to open for you in the first place.

And then… there were the other sayings.

The ones that didn’t come wrapped in softness—but in truth, discipline, and sometimes straight-up humor.

“Don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya!”
Translation: Know when to leave… and don’t look back.

“Do as I say, not as I do.”
Flawed? Maybe. Human? Absolutely.

“What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine.”
Every Black household had its version of this. Let’s not act brand new.

“You can do what you want when you pay rent.”
A masterclass in economics before we even knew what bills looked like.

“Because I said so!”
No explanation. No debate. Just law.

“Fix your face or I’ll fix it for you.”
That one taught emotional control real quick.

“I’ll give you something to cry about.”
We laugh now… but we stopped crying too, didn’t we?

“I ain’t one of your little friends.”
Boundaries. Clear. Undeniable. Necessary.

“Well, you are not them—and I’m not their mother.”
Comparison? Shut down immediately.

And my all-time favorite… the one that still makes me laugh because it was chaos and logic all in one:

Mother: Be quiet when I’m talking to you… do you understand?
Me: Yes.
Mother: Did I say you could speak?

(Silence.)

Mother: Oh… cat got your tongue?
Me: You told me not to speak.
Mother: Oh… now you think you grown.

Make it make sense.

But that’s the beauty of it.

We can laugh now. We can joke. We can quote these lines like they were pulled from a comedy script. But the truth is—there was nothing random about any of it.

Most of what our mothers said became the blueprint of our lives.

Some of those lessons were layered—meanings we didn’t fully understand until we faced real pressure. Others were rooted in struggle… passed down from generations that didn’t have the luxury of soft parenting, because life wasn’t soft with them.

Black motherhood has always been about preparation.

Preparation for a world that might not be fair.
Preparation for doors that might not open.
Preparation for moments where strength isn’t optional—it’s required.

And even in the tough love… there was love.

Even in the strictness… there was protection.

Even in the contradictions… there was wisdom.

Because our mothers weren’t raising children—they were raising survivors.

My mother made me who I am.

Her voice still guides me. Her words still check me. Her lessons still stand when everything else feels uncertain.

And if we’re being honest… a lot of us have caught ourselves saying the same things we once rolled our eyes at.

That’s how you know it stuck.

That’s how you know it mattered.

That’s how you know… Mama knew exactly what she was doing.

Protect Yourself and Stay Safe,
Maurice Woodson
Editor-in-Chief

Portrait of Isabel Laurent, Editor in Chief

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Featured Articles

Why Black Women Need Black Doulas

Reclaiming Birth, Restoring Trust, and Saving Lives

This isn’t a preference. It’s a necessity.

In the United States, Black women are still three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Let that sit. In one of the most medically advanced countries in the world, Black motherhood remains a high-risk experience—not because of biology, but because of systemic failure.

And that’s exactly where Black doulas step in.

This is about survival, advocacy, and reclaiming a standard of care that should have never been lost.

At the heart of the issue is systemic racism in healthcare—bias, dismissal, and neglect that too often define the birthing experience for Black women. From pain being minimized to serious symptoms being ignored, the consequences are deadly. A Black doula doesn’t just provide comfort—they provide protection.

They are advocates in rooms where Black voices are too often unheard.

They ensure that concerns are taken seriously, that questions are answered, and that decisions are not made about Black women—but with them. In an environment where obstetric violence and implicit bias are real, that kind of presence can mean the difference between life and death.

But advocacy is just one piece.

The data is clear: doula support leads to better outcomes across the board. With a doula present, there’s a 22% reduction in preterm births, fewer low-birthweight babies, lower cesarean rates, and higher rates of breastfeeding. That’s not theory—that’s impact.

And when that doula shares the cultural background and lived experience of the mother she’s supporting, the care becomes even more powerful.

Black doulas bring culturally competent care into spaces that often lack it. They understand the language, the fears, the history, and the unspoken realities that shape Black pregnancy and childbirth. That understanding creates a level of comfort and calm that no textbook can teach.

Because this isn’t just clinical—it’s personal.

There’s also legacy here.

Long before hospitals became the default, Black midwives and birth workers were the backbone of maternal care in this country. They delivered babies, protected mothers, and sustained communities. That lineage didn’t disappear—it was pushed aside. Today, Black doulas are reclaiming that space and continuing a tradition rooted in care, dignity, and trust.

And trust matters.

For many Black women, walking into a hospital to give birth comes with anxiety—and rightfully so. A Black doula becomes a constant in an unpredictable system. A steady voice. A familiar presence. Someone who sees you, hears you, and stands with you.

That kind of support reduces stress—and stress, especially during pregnancy, is a risk factor all its own.

The impact doesn’t stop after birth either.

Postpartum care is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the most vulnerable periods for new mothers. Studies show that doula support—especially among Medicaid recipients—reduces rates of postpartum depression and anxiety. That means healthier mothers, stronger families, and better long-term outcomes for children.

So when we talk about Black doulas, we’re not talking about a luxury.

We’re talking about a solution.

A bridge between patients and providers.
A safeguard against bias.
A return to community-centered care.

Black women deserve to give birth in environments where they are safe, respected, and heard.

Black doulas help make that possible.

And in a system where the odds have been stacked for far too long—that support isn’t optional.

It’s essential.

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A Black Mother’s Worst Fears

Discussing Real and Valid Motherhood Fears

By Maurice Woodson

When I was 11 years old, a white man in a red Chrysler LeBaron—I’ll never forget that car—slowed down as my little brother and I walked toward our building in the Bronx. He leaned out the window and said he was lost, asking for directions to Zerega Avenue.

We told him how to get there. He paused, said he didn’t understand, then offered us a dollar each if we got in and showed him. We climbed in.

By the grace of God, he really was just lost. We got him where he needed to go, got our dollars, and went to buy pizza like nothing happened. But when we got home and told our mother, that moment became something else entirely. It became a lesson. A warning. A glimpse into the dangers we didn’t yet understand—but she knew all too well.

That’s where this conversation begins.

Because what looks like an innocent childhood memory to us can feel like a near tragedy to a Black mother.

The Fear That Never Leaves

Black motherhood carries a different weight. It always has.

There is a constant, quiet calculation that never shuts off. A scanning of environments. A measuring of risk. A knowing that your child is seen differently by the world—often before they even understand what that means themselves.

One of the most deeply rooted fears is abduction and violence. Black children go missing every year in alarming numbers, yet their stories rarely dominate headlines. The silence is its own kind of violence. It sends a message: some children are not searched for with the same urgency. Some families are left to grieve in the shadows.

So Black mothers overcompensate. They warn earlier. They teach harder. They watch closer.

Because they know the system won’t always watch for them.

“The Talk” Isn’t About Birds and Bees

In many households, “the talk” is about sex.

In Black households, it’s often about survival.

How to keep your hands visible.
How not to make sudden movements.
How to speak clearly and calmly—even when you’re terrified.
How to make it home alive after an encounter with police.

This isn’t paranoia. This is preparation.

The fear of police brutality is not theoretical—it is lived, documented, and passed down. It doesn’t matter if a family lives in the suburbs or the inner city, whether they are wealthy or struggling. Black skin does not clock out of danger based on zip code or salary.

A mother’s fear isn’t just that her child might get in trouble.

It’s that they might not survive the interaction at all.

The Streets, the System, and the Setup

Decades of redlining, disinvestment, and systemic neglect have created environments where opportunity is scarce and survival often comes with compromise.

In many predominantly Black neighborhoods, schools are underfunded, resources are limited, and pathways to economic mobility are intentionally restricted. Into that vacuum steps the drug trade—not just as crime, but as one of the only visible models of financial success.

Young people see what’s rewarded. They see who has money, respect, and visibility.

And for too many, the streets become both classroom and career path.

Black mothers live with the fear that their children might be pulled into that world—not because they lack values, but because they lack options. And once inside, the dangers multiply: violence, incarceration, exploitation, and death.

The Economic Squeeze

There’s another fear that doesn’t get talked about enough: the fear of not being able to provide, even when you’re doing everything right.

Black families consistently face job discrimination, wage gaps, and limited access to high-paying opportunities. Black women, in particular, often earn significantly less than their white counterparts for the same work. Black men face higher rates of unemployment and underemployment—even with similar qualifications.

What does that mean for a mother?

It means working twice as hard to afford half as much.
It means choosing between rent and groceries.
It means living with the stress of instability, even when you’re educated, capable, and committed.

Housing discrimination—both historic and ongoing—makes it harder to secure safe, stable environments. Food insecurity becomes a real threat, not because of lack of effort, but because of systemic barriers.

So the fear isn’t just about danger in the streets.

It’s about whether you can keep the lights on long enough to protect your children from it.

The Hypersexualization of Black Children

From media to music to movies, Black bodies—especially young Black girls—are often adultified and sexualized far too early.

Black girls are frequently perceived as older, less innocent, and more “knowing” than they actually are. That perception strips them of protection. It makes them more vulnerable to exploitation, harassment, and abuse.

Black mothers carry the fear of their daughters being seen not as children, but as targets.

And for Black boys, hypersexualization feeds into dangerous stereotypes that frame them as threats—aggressive, predatory, criminal—before they’ve even had a chance to grow.

These narratives don’t just shape perception.

They shape outcomes.

Health, Survival, and Silent Battles

There are also fears rooted in the body itself.

Black communities are disproportionately affected by illnesses like lupus, sickle cell disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Access to quality healthcare remains unequal, and Black patients are often less likely to be taken seriously when expressing pain or symptoms.

For mothers, that creates another layer of anxiety: not just whether their child will get sick, but whether they’ll receive the care they need if they do.

Maternal mortality rates among Black women are also significantly higher, meaning some mothers are fighting just to survive childbirth—let alone raise the children they bring into the world.

The Fear of Lost Potential

Beyond physical safety, there’s a quieter fear: the fear that your child’s full potential will never be realized—not because of who they are, but because of how the world treats them.

Will their name on a résumé cost them an opportunity?
Will their natural hair be seen as “unprofessional”?
Will they be overlooked, underestimated, or undervalued despite their talent?

These aren’t abstract questions. They are daily realities.

And they force Black mothers to prepare their children not just to succeed—but to endure.

Living With It, Loving Through It

Despite all of this, Black mothers love fiercely.

They nurture brilliance in environments that often try to suppress it. They build confidence in children the world may try to break. They teach resilience without letting it harden into hopelessness.

But that strength should not be romanticized as something natural or effortless.

It is forged under pressure.

It exists because it has to.

A Black mother’s fears are not irrational. They are informed. They are inherited. They are reinforced by history and validated by the present.

And yet, in the face of all of it, she still dares to hope.

Hope that her child will come home safe.
Hope that they will be seen for who they truly are.
Hope that one day, survival won’t have to be taught alongside childhood.

Until then, the fear remains.

But so does the fight.

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Let’s Talk About Lupus

Shedding Light on Its Impact in the Black Community

By Maurice Woodson

There are some conversations we don’t have nearly enough in our community—and lupus is one of them.

It’s quiet. It’s often invisible. And for far too many Black families, it’s devastating.

Lupus, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body essentially turns on itself—attacking healthy tissues, organs, and systems. But here’s what doesn’t get enough attention: lupus doesn’t affect everyone equally. It hits the Black community harder. And it hits Black women the hardest.

Black women are three times more likely to develop lupus than white women. Not only that, but we experience more aggressive disease progression, more complications, and—painfully—shorter life expectancy, with deaths occurring on average 13 years earlier.

That’s not just biology. That’s a system.

The Reality Behind the Numbers

Lupus in the Black community isn’t just about diagnosis—it’s about severity and survival.

We are more likely to develop lupus nephritis, a serious kidney complication that can lead to kidney failure. We face higher risks of cardiovascular disease shortly after diagnosis. And overall, mortality rates are significantly higher.

But numbers alone don’t tell the full story.

Because behind those statistics are lived experiences—being dismissed in doctor’s offices, symptoms minimized, pain questioned, and concerns overlooked.

The Hidden Weight of Stress and Racism

Let’s be real about something else: stress isn’t just emotional—it’s physical.

Research like the BeWELL Study has shown that over 80% of Black women with lupus report experiencing racial discrimination, and that experience is directly tied to increased disease activity, inflammation, and organ damage.

Even more striking? It’s not just what we experience firsthand. Vicarious racism—watching, hearing, and absorbing acts of anti-Black racism—can also trigger lupus flares.

That means the environment we live in, the stress we carry, and the realities we navigate every day are literally impacting our bodies at a cellular level.

The Long Road to Diagnosis

Getting diagnosed with lupus isn’t simple.

There’s no single test. Symptoms can look like other conditions—fatigue, joint pain, swelling, skin issues. And for many Black patients, it takes an average of six years to get a proper diagnosis.

Six years of being told “you’re fine.”
Six years of second-guessing your own body.
Six years of damage progressing unchecked.

Factors contributing to this delay include:

Symptoms that are dismissed as “general” or “non-specific”
Limited awareness of lupus within families and communities
Doctors not fully believing or validating patient experiences

And when diagnosis is delayed, the disease doesn’t wait. It progresses.

Treatment Is Available—But Access and Trust Matter

There is no cure for lupus—but it can be managed.

Treatment options range from anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroids to drugs like hydroxychloroquine (commonly known as Plaquenil), immunosuppressants, and newer biologics like belimumab (Benlysta).

But here’s the issue: treatment only works when people can access it, trust it, and stick with it.

Studies show that Black patients are less likely to follow treatment plans—not because they don’t care, but because of how care is delivered. Rushed appointments. Dismissive communication. A lack of compassion. A lack of trust.

Healthcare isn’t just about prescriptions—it’s about relationships.

The Clinical Trial Gap

There’s another layer many don’t talk about: representation in research.

Even though Black people make up a large percentage of lupus cases, we are severely underrepresented in clinical trials. That means treatments are often developed without fully understanding how they impact the very population most affected.

And that has real consequences.

What We Need to Do—As a Community

Awareness is step one. But it can’t stop there.

We need:

Earlier recognition of symptoms — listen to your body and take changes seriously
Advocacy in medical spaces — ask questions, push for answers, seek second opinions
Culturally competent care — providers who listen, respect, and understand
More participation in research — so treatments reflect our reality
Open conversations — break the silence around chronic illness in our community

Lupus may be invisible—but its impact is not.

This is about more than a disease. It’s about equity. It’s about being heard. It’s about survival.

And most importantly—it’s about us taking our health seriously in a system that too often does not.

If something doesn’t feel right in your body, don’t ignore it. Don’t let it be ignored.

Because early action can save years—and lives.

— COVER STORY—

Let’s Hear It For Black Mothers

The Architects of Resilience, The Keepers of Culture, The Heartbeat of Generations

Let’s hear it for Black mothers. Not just today—but every day. Because what they carry, what they build, and what they sustain… deserves more than a single holiday. It deserves recognition, reverence, and real gratitude.

Black mothers are the architects of resilience.

They don’t just raise children—they raise survivors, leaders, creators, and protectors. They take limited resources and stretch them into abundance. They take pain and transform it into power. They take silence and turn it into voice.

They are the keepers of culture.

From the way we speak, to the way we move, to the food on our tables and the rhythm in our souls—so much of who we are traces back to them. Recipes without measurements. Wisdom without textbooks. Strength without applause.

Passed down. Carried forward. Never lost.

They are the heartbeat of generations.

Before we understood the world, they were already preparing us for it. Teaching us how to walk in rooms that weren’t built for us. How to stand tall when the odds say we shouldn’t. How to love ourselves in a world that too often tries to diminish us.

Black motherhood has never been soft work.

It is sacrifice.
It is strategy.
It is survival wrapped in love.

It is staying up late and getting up early.
It is holding families together when everything else is falling apart.
It is being the safe place… even when they’ve never had one themselves.

And yet—through it all—they still find a way to laugh, to love, to nurture, and to pour into everyone else.

This Mother’s Day, we don’t just say “thank you.”

We say—we see you.

We honor the strength you didn’t have a choice but to build.
We honor the love you gave, even when you were running on empty.
We honor the legacy you continue to create, generation after generation.

Because without Black mothers… there is no us.

If you’re going to celebrate her—shower her with gifts from Black Owned Companies. Here are some of our favorites:

Black Woman Art Candle in a Gift Box

PAT McGRATH LABS Dramatique Major Icons Lip Duo Set

De Lor Cakery

Black Girl Florists

Stella and Haas

Pattern By Tracee Ross

EADEM The Motherhood Set

Chelsea Kat by F&W Style

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You Thought You Knew...

The UnErasing & UnHiding of Black History

By Maurice Woodson

Murder of Student Protestors by Police on Jackson State Campus

The Tragedy History Tried to Forget

Some stories are remembered. Others are buried.

On May 15, 1970, bullets tore through the campus of Jackson State University, leaving two Black lives stolen and a community forever scarred. The names Phillip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green should be as widely known as any in American history.

But they’re not.

Just ten days earlier, the nation stood still after the Kent State shootings, where four white students were killed by the National Guard. Media coverage was relentless. Outrage was national. The country paid attention.

But when it happened to Black students in Mississippi?

Silence.

The tragedy at Jackson State unfolded during a time of national unrest. College campuses across America were boiling over with protest, resistance, and demands for change. But Jackson State carried an added weight—racism wasn’t just a backdrop, it was a daily reality.

Lynch Street, a main road cutting through campus, was a constant source of tension. White motorists routinely drove through, harassing Black students. It was more than a road—it was a symbol of intrusion, intimidation, and disregard.

On the night of May 14, tensions erupted and continued into the early morning of the 15th.

Rumors spread that Charles Evers—brother of slain civil rights icon Medgar Evers—had been killed. The rumor wasn’t true, but the fear and anger it triggered were real. Students gathered. Some protested. Some reacted. Fires were set. A dump truck was overturned. Chaos, yes—but not uncommon for the era.

Firefighters arrived. Then police followed.

What came next was a travesty.

Armed officers—Jackson police and Mississippi State troopers—formed a line facing a group of roughly 75 to 100 students near a women’s dormitory. Students shouted. Some threw objects. Then, suddenly, gunfire erupted.

Not a warning shot. Not crowd control.

Gunfire.

Witnesses tell different versions—some say officers advanced and then fired, others say they opened fire without warning. Police claimed self-defense, alleging they saw a sniper or a flash. But no credible evidence ever confirmed that claim. The truth is the police lied as they have always been known to do when it came to racist murders by the department.

The truth is this:

Over 460 rounds were fired.

The dormitory—Alexander Hall—was riddled with bullets. Windows shattered. Walls punctured. Students ran for their lives. Some were trampled trying to escape. Others fell where they stood, hit by buckshot and bullets.

When the shooting stopped, Phillip Lafayette Gibbs, a 21-year-old pre-law student and father, lay dead.

Across the street, James Earl Green, just 17 years old, was also dead—killed while simply walking home from work, pausing to watch.

Twelve more were wounded.

And even in the aftermath, the injustice continued.

Ambulances were delayed. A later U.S. Senate investigation—led by Walter Mondale and Birch Bayh—revealed that victims lay bleeding while officers collected shell casings before calling for medical help. And we know why they collected shells. Anyone who has ever watched Law & Order, or any cop show, knows that is to remove evidence.

Let that sink in.

Lives were secondary. Optics came first.

Authorities initially denied police involvement altogether.

History didn’t just move on—it looked away.

The Jackson State shooting never received the national outrage that followed Kent State. It wasn’t replayed endlessly on television. It wasn’t etched into textbooks with the same weight. It became one of many moments where Black pain was minimized, dismissed, or ignored altogether.

But the evidence still stands.

Bullet holes remain in the walls of Alexander Hall to this day—physical reminders of a night the country chose not to remember.

This isn’t just history.

It’s a pattern.

A reminder of how narratives are shaped, whose stories are amplified, and whose are erased.

The murders at Jackson State were not an isolated tragedy—they were part of a larger truth about America in 1970. And, for many, about America today.

Because justice isn’t just about what happened.

It’s about what gets remembered.

And who is allowed to be forgotten.

“The state of Mississippi never apologized for the tragedy that occurred on this campus that night – never apologized. So, since I’m here representing the state of Mississippi in my role as state senator, I’d like to issue an apology to the families, the Jackson State family, for the tragedy that occurred that night because they took very valuable lives.”— Sen. Hillman Frazier

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KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

May - Black History

May 1

May 1, 1867 – First four students enter Howard University.

May 2

May 2, 1920 – Indianapolis ABCs defeat Chicago Giants in first Negro National League Game.

May 3

May 3, 1964 – Frederick O’Neal becomes first Black president of the Actor’s Equity Association.

May 4

May 4, 1961 – “Freedom Riders” begin protesting segregation of interstate bus travel in the South. Thirteen activists (seven Black, six white) left Washington, D.C., to test the Supreme Court ruling outlawing segregation in interstate travel.

May 4, 1961 – A bus carrying Freedom Riders was firebombed near Anniston, Alabama, a brutal event in the fight against segregation.

May 5

May 5, 1988 – Eugene Marino becomes first Black American installed as a Roman Catholic archbishop in the U.S.

May 6

May 6, 1991 – The Smithsonian Institution approves the creation of the National African American Museum.

May 7

May 7, 1878 – Joseph R. Winters patents first fire escape ladder.

May 8

May 8, 1983 – Lena Horne awarded the Springarm Medal for distinguished career in the field of entertainment.

May 9

May 9, 1899 – John Albert Burr patents rotary blade lawn mower blade.

May 10

May 10, 1950 – Boston Celtics select Chuck Cooper first Black player drafted to play in the NBA.

May 11

May 11, 1895 – Composer William Grant Still, the first African American to conduct a major American symphony orchestra, born.

May 12

May 12, 1820 – The New York African Free School population reaches 500.

May 13

May 13, 1820 – Matilda Arabella Evans, first African American woman to practice medicine in South Carolina, born.

May 14

May 14, 1867 – White supremacists launched a violent attack on Black citizens in Mobile, Alabama, following a meeting regarding rights—a largely forgotten instance of post-Civil War terrorism.

May 14, 1888 – Slavery abolished in Brazil.

May 15

May 15, 1820 –U.S. Congress declares foreign slave trade an act of piracy, punishable by death.

May 15, 1970 – Police opened fire on students at Jackson State University, a historically Black college, killing two people. This event occurred just ten days after the Kent State shooting but received significantly less national attention.

May 16

May 16, 1927 – William Harry Barnes becomes first African American certified by any American surgical board.

May 17

May 17, 1893 – Fredrick McKinley Jones was born. McKinley invented the mobile refrigeration system, revolutionizing the transport of perishable food and plasma.

May 17, 1954 – U.S. Supreme Court declares segregation in public schools unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education decision.

May 18

May 18, 1896 – Plessy vs. Ferguson, Supreme Court upholds the doctrine of “separate but equal” education and public accommodations.

May 19

May 19, 1925 – Malcolm X born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Neb.

May 20

May 20, 1868 – Martha Jones invented a a corn husking machine that could husk, shell, cut and separate corn in a single step. she is recognized as the first Black women to be granted a patent.

May 20, 1884 – L. Blue was awarded a patent for his corn shelling device which made hand Shelling easier.

May 20, 1961 – U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy dispatches U.S. Marshals to Montgomery, Ala., to restore order in the “Freedom Rider” disturbance.

May 21

May 21, 1833 – African Americans enroll for the first time at Oberlin College, Ohio.

May 22

May 22, 1921 – Shuffle Along, a musical featuring a score by Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle, opens on Broadway.

May 23

May 23, 1871 – Landrow Bell invented an improved smoke stakes for a locomotives. His smoke stacks were so superior to what came before that almost all locomotives replaced what they had and began using his.

May 23, 1871 – Thomas W. Stewart invented and patented the modern door knob and door stop. Stewart's door knob is the basis of every modern door knob used to this day.

May 23, 1900 – Sgt. William H. Carney becomes the first African American awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for valor at Fort Wagner, S.C., 1863, taking 37 years for the honor to be recognized.

May 24

May 24, 1854 – Lincoln University (Pa.), the first black college, is founded.

May 25

May 25, 1926 – Jazz trumpeter Miles Davis born.

May 26

May 26, 1961 – Marvin Cook named ambassador to Niger Republic; first Black envoy named by Kennedy Administration to an African nation.

May 27

May 27, 1919 – Madame C.J. Walker, cosmetics manufacturer and first Black female millionaire, died.

May 28

May 28, 1948 – National Party wins Whites-only election in South Africa and begins to institute policy of apartheid.

May 29

May 29, 1901 – Granville T. Woods patents overhead conducting system for the electric railway.

May 30

May 30, 1965 – Vivian Malone becomes the first African American to graduate from the University of Alabama.

May 31

May 31, 1870 – Congress passes the first Enforcement Act, providing stiff penalties for those who deprive others of their civil rights.

Entrepreneur Spotlight

Cortrell Winkfield

Founder of Velvera

By Maurice Woodson

Every great innovation starts with a spark—but for Cornell Winkfield, that spark came in the form of a dream.

Velvera wasn’t born in a boardroom or a lab. It began at his grandmother’s dining table—reimagined through memory and vision. In that dream, her legendary pineapple upside-down cake, the centerpiece of so many family moments, sat atop something entirely new: a sleek, modern cake stand with digital touch controls. It was elegance meeting innovation. Tradition, elevated.

When Winkfield woke up, he didn’t brush it off. He wrote everything down.

What followed was the kind of journey most people never see—the long stretch between idea and execution. After searching the market and finding nothing like what he envisioned, he leaned in. Patent research. Early sketches. Prototype development. Manufacturer partnerships. Step by step, he built what didn’t exist.

That vision is now reality through Velvera.

Velvera is more than a product—it’s a statement piece rooted in culture, memory, and intentional design. Crafted with a premium acacia wood base, it carries a natural warmth that feels familiar yet refined. The crystal-clear, BPA-free dome offers protection without sacrificing presentation. But the true innovation lies beneath: a hidden, cordless warming system with intuitive digital controls, designed to keep desserts at the perfect temperature without disrupting the aesthetic.

It’s subtle. It’s smart. And it transforms dessert from an afterthought into an experience.

For those who want to push the presentation even further, Velvera offers a luxe glass dome upgrade—cleaner, sharper, and unmistakably elevated. The kind of detail that turns a table into a moment and a moment into a memory.

What Winkfield has built isn’t just about serving cake. It’s about honoring where we come from while designing where we’re going. It’s about bringing intention back to the table—literally.

Because sometimes innovation doesn’t come from reinventing everything.

Sometimes, it comes from remembering what mattered most—and building something worthy of it.

Lifestyle & Leisure

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Black Owned Hotels and Vacation Locations Perfect For Mother’s Day Pampering

By Maurice Woodson

If there was ever a time to stand up and support Black enterprise, it’s now. And yes — that means when you’re booking your next getaway. How many times have you pulled into a hotel, smiling with excitement, only to feel that invisible barrier tell you, “You don’t belong here”? Now imagine checking into a place where the owners look like you, where the welcome is genuine, and you’re treated with the respect you deserve — all while putting your dollars into a Black-owned business working to thrive.

When you’re planning a break — whether it’s a long holiday or a quick weekend escape — choosing where you stay isn’t just about comfort or aesthetics. It has weight. With that in mind: consider staying in hotels or resorts owned by folks who identify with the African diaspora.

Below you’ll find 20 spots worth your consideration — from a boutique mansion in Brooklyn to a five-star resort in Virginia, from a beachfront resort in the Caribbean to a lush oasis abroad. Think of this as your Black Zone Magazine guide to travel that uplifts our people, our business, and our culture.

1. Anguilla Great House Beach Resort (Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla)

Nestled right on the white sands of Rendezvous Bay, this property has welcomed guests since 1985 under owner W. Fleming. You’ll find 35 spacious rooms — some with garden views, some with ocean views. If you’re all about a stress-free vacation, go all-inclusive here (meal plans, activities included). From glass-bottomed boat rides to seeing coral reefs and turtles, to guided hikes and beach horseback rides — it’s pure island luxury with a host who looks like you and wants you there.

2. Urban Cowboy Hotel – Nashville (Nashville, Tennessee)

Owned by Jersey Banks (co-founder of the Urban Cowboy brand), this adults-only spot in East Nashville offers eight themed suites inside a Victorian mansion. The Penthouse is serious — ensuite bathroom, huge clawfoot tub, big comfy space. It’s just nine minutes from downtown, yet you feel tucked away. Grab a craft cocktail at the bar, watch live music, or simply soak on the porch or garden. Your city escape done right.

3. Akwaaba Mansion (Brooklyn, New York)

This one’s personal: Monique Greenwood (yep, former ESSENCE EIC) opened this landmark 1860s mansion in Brooklyn. Four guest rooms, high ceilings, antique touches, and Afrocentric styling. Just 15 minutes by subway from Manhattan — easy reach yet you’re in your own space. The morning spread is serious: chicken & waffles, fish & grits, that Southern soul. Stay here if you want urban, elevated, heritage-rich vibes.

4. Jnane Tamsna (Marrakesh, Morocco)

Owned by Meryanne Loum-Martin & Dr. Gary J. Martin, this property fuses traditional Moorish design and lush gardens across 24 rooms in five houses. You’re surrounded by style and serenity. Take a cooking class, explore the Atlas Mountains by bike, or ride a camel through palm groves. This isn’t just travel — it’s an experience. Go here if you’re ready to step off the usual path.

5. La Créole Beach Hotel & Spa (Gosier, Guadeloupe)

Opened in 1975 and built on the French-Creole vibe, this resort (owned by Daniel Arnoux & Patrick Vial-Collet) houses over 200 rooms + suites, infinity pool, spa, kids club, Creole jazz club and full beach access. Between yoga & aqua gym sessions or jet-skiing and diving, you’ll rediscover the Caribbean on your terms. Add the fact that it’s Black-owned, and you’ve got authenticity and luxury in one.

6. La Maison in Midtown (Houston, Texas)

This boutique B&B run by Sharon Owens & Genora Boykins has just seven rooms—luxury hotel amenities inside a B&B setting. Walk to great dining and live music spots, yet come back to spa tub rooms, rain showers, Jacuzzi tubs and Texas hospitality that feels like home. If you’re in Houston and want something beyond the big chain, this is the move.

7. Elephant Plains Lodge (Katunguru, Uganda)

Adventure meets elegance. Owned by Amos Wekesa’s Uganda Lodges, this 10-cottage luxury lodge sits in 80 acres of wilderness near Lake Kikorongo. Game drives, boat safaris, chimp tracking, elephant views out your window. If you’re ready for safari but want Black-owned, this is it. Expect both wild and refined.

8. La Maison Michelle (St. James, Barbados)

Husband & wife Guy & Michelle Jenkins own this seven-suite villa on the hilltop of Barbados’ Platinum Coast. On-site chef turning out African/West Indian/Euro-inspired meals, full staff, trainer if you want, spa by the infinity pool. Whether a romantic escape or friends’ getaway, it checks the boxes and then some.

9. The Oak Bluffs Inn (Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts)

Rhonda & Erik Albert own this 10-room Victorian inn with lighthouse style touches, a short walk to beach and island charm. Celebs stay here. Island vibe + heritage + Black-owned = solid pick for your next East-Coast luxury escape.

10. Ocean West Boutique Hotel (Nassau, Bahamas)

Ten-room boutique hotel with views of Lake Killarney to the south and Atlantic Ocean to the north. Rooftop fitness center, indoor/outdoor bar, walk to major nightlife and beach scene. Get your island escape while supporting Black-ownership in one of the most visited spots in the Caribbean.

11. Salamander Resort & Spa (Middleburg, Virginia)

Owned by Sheila Johnson (co-founder of BET), this 340-acre luxury retreat has 168 rooms, 23,000-sq-ft spa, horse riding, zip-lining, hiking, biking, vineyards. If your holiday is about upscale relaxation and nature, this is your stay.

12. Spice Island Beach Resort (Grand Anse Beach, Grenada)

Family-owned since 1987 (Sir Royston O. Hopkin and daughter Janelle now runs it). All-inclusive resort with 64 suites, gourmet dining, private pools in some suites, sailing, diving, biking. Caribbean luxury with a Black-owned flag—very powerful.

13. Blue Apple Beach (Tierra Bomba Island, Colombia)

Off the coast of Cartagena, boutique hotel & beach club by British-Trinidadian Portia Hart. Ten rooms, cabanas, on-site farm feeding its kitchen, mix of locals and global guests, inclusive vibe. For the modern traveler who wants unique + heritage + sun.

14. Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens (Spartanburg, South Carolina)

Owned by Pontheolla & Paul Abernathy, 4-room B&B plus vintage-rail caboose suite in lush gardens. Small town charm, wedding hosting, big soul. If you want quiet luxury, real history and Black ownership, this is your spot.

15. Concord Quarters (Natchez, Mississippi)

Debbie & Gregory Cosey converted former slave-quarters of Concord Plantation into a B&B with rooms full of Black art and history. Five minutes from downtown, it’s intimate, meaningful, and supportive of Black heritage in tourism.

16. The Hamilton Howell House (Atlanta, Georgia)

Located in the heart of the MLK, Jr. Historic District, this 1893 built house is owned by the Howell/Youngblood family. Rooms named after icons (Maya Angelou, John Coltrane, etc.). Historic, stylish and rooted in Black legacy. Stay here if Atlanta is your destination.

17. The Ivy Hotel (Baltimore, Maryland)

Owned by Eddie & Sylvia Brown, this 19th-century mansion turned boutique hotel blends luxury, culture and Black excellence. Spa, fine dining, afternoon tea, large rooms. If you’re on the East coast and want a refined stay, this is it.

18. Magnolia House Inn (Hampton, Virginia)

Lankford & Joyce Blair’s five-star B&B listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Queen Anne architecture, gourmet breakfast, private spa tubs. For couples wanting heritage meets elegance.

19. Negril Treehouse Resort (Negril, Jamaica

Negril Treehouse Resort is owned by Gail Jackson, an American-born entrepreneur who moved to Jamaica decades ago to build something meaningful for Black travelers and local culture.

This beachfront resort sits right on the famed Seven Mile Beach, offering 70 air-conditioned rooms and suites, easy-going Caribbean luxury, and water sport options like snorkeling, parasailing, and yoga on the beach.

20. Akwaaba Inns (Collective) (Multiple U.S. Locations)

From Brooklyn to the Poconos, Cape May to DC, the Akwaaba brand by Monique Greenwood offers boutique experiences rooted in Afrocentric elegance and hospitality. Pick your region, stay with Black-ownership and support the culture.

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Finding Peace In A Burning World

By Sean Henderson

As we move through spring and toward the summer, thoughts of peace of mind seem to escape us during the turmoil and chaos of these days.

The truth is: these days are hard.

Racism is rising in ways many once claimed were “behind us.” Republicans in Congress, alongside governors across the country, have gutted voting rights protections and continue unraveling civil rights before our eyes. Book bans are spreading. Diversity programs are under attack. Black history is being censored. Economic pressure is squeezing families from every direction while prices soar beyond reason. Black Americans — especially Black women — are losing jobs, opportunities, and stability simply for existing in spaces some people never wanted us in to begin with.

And through it all, we are expected to smile politely, remain productive, and somehow carry on as if the ground beneath us is not shaking.

This modern world has become a crucible — a place of pressure, exhaustion, anger, fear, and emotional overload. Every notification feels like another tragedy. Every headline feels like another assault on our dignity, our rights, or our future. Social media has turned pain into a nonstop livestream. Many people wake up anxious before their feet even touch the floor.

That kind of weight changes people.

It drains hope. It steals joy. It fractures concentration. It makes peace feel almost irresponsible, as if resting means you are ignoring the fire.

But even in a burning world, peace is still possible.

Not perfect peace. Not escaping reality. Not pretending things are fine when they are clearly not.

But moments of real joy. Moments of grounding. Moments where your spirit can breathe again.

And in 2026, protecting those moments may be one of the most important things we can do for ourselves.

Disconnecting to Reconnect

One of the biggest thieves of peace today is constant overstimulation.

Phones buzz endlessly. News alerts never stop. Social media algorithms are designed to keep people emotionally activated because outrage generates engagement. Fear keeps people scrolling. Anger keeps people online.

And after enough exposure, the nervous system starts believing danger is everywhere all the time.

That is why so many people feel exhausted before the day even starts.

Sometimes peace begins with unplugging.

Not forever. Not ignoring the world. But creating boundaries between yourself and nonstop chaos.

Turn the phone off for an hour. Stop reading headlines before bed. Take breaks from political arguments online. Mute accounts that leave you emotionally depleted. Protect your mornings from negativity. You do not owe unlimited access to your peace.

There is something healing about hearing your own thoughts again without the world yelling over them.

Relearning Joy

Many adults have forgotten how to experience joy without guilt.

In stressful times, people often feel they must remain constantly serious, informed, and emotionally burdened every second of the day. But human beings were not designed to live in permanent survival mode.

Joy matters.

Not shallow distraction.

Not denial.

Real joy.

The kind that reminds you life is still worth experiencing.

Joy can look small:

Fresh air on a warm evening.

Music playing while cleaning the house.

Laughing with friends until your stomach hurts.

A good meal.

Dancing in the kitchen.

Watching children play.

Sunday cookouts.

A quiet cup of coffee before sunrise.

A long walk with no destination.

A conversation that makes you feel seen.

Tiny moments matter more than people realize.

A peaceful life is not built only from major accomplishments. It is often built from repeated small moments that calm the spirit.

Protecting Your Mental Space

Not every battle deserves your emotional energy.

That may be one of the hardest lessons of this era.

In 2026, outrage is a business model. Every day there is a new controversy demanding immediate emotional investment. If people are not careful, they can spend their entire lives emotionally reacting instead of intentionally living.

Protecting your peace requires discernment.

Some conversations deserve silence.

Some arguments deserve distance.

Some people deserve less access to you.

Some environments deserve to be left behind entirely.

Peace requires boundaries.

And boundaries are not selfish.

They are survival.

The Power of Purpose

One thing that keeps people emotionally grounded during difficult times is purpose.

Purpose gives people a reason to keep moving forward even when the world feels unstable.

That purpose does not have to be grand or public.

Sometimes purpose is building a healthy family.

Sometimes it is creating art.

Sometimes it is helping your community.

Sometimes it is mentoring younger people.

Sometimes it is simply becoming the healthiest version of yourself despite everything trying to break your spirit.

Purpose creates direction when the world feels chaotic.

Without purpose, people drift emotionally from crisis to crisis.

With purpose, people remain anchored.

Reconnecting with Yourself

Many people are so overwhelmed they no longer know what they actually need.

They are surviving, but not truly living.

This is why slowing down matters.

Ask yourself:

What actually makes me feel calm?

What leaves me emotionally drained?

Who brings peace into my life?

What habits are hurting my mental health?

What version of myself am I trying to protect?

These questions matter.

Because peace is not only about escaping chaos outside of us. It is also about healing what chaos has done inside of us.

Community Still Matters

One of the greatest lies modern life tells people is that they must carry everything alone.

But isolation magnifies stress.

Human beings need connection. We need laughter, conversation, support, honesty, and community. We need spaces where we can exhale without pretending.

Call your friends.

Visit family.

Check on people.

Spend time with elders.

Support Black-owned businesses.

Attend local events.

Build circles of trust and honesty.

Community reminds people that even during difficult times, they are not alone in what they are carrying.

Choosing Peace Anyway

The world may continue feeling unstable for a while.

Politics may remain ugly.

Prices may remain high.

Rights may continue being challenged.

People may continue feeling overwhelmed by the pace and pressure of modern life.

But even now, peace is still possible.

Not because the world suddenly became gentle.

But because protecting your spirit has become necessary.

Choosing peace in 2026 is not weakness.

Choosing joy is not ignorance.

Resting is not surrender.

Sometimes the most radical thing a person can do in chaotic times is continue living fully anyway.

Continue loving.

Continue laughing.

Continue creating.

Continue dreaming.

Continue resting.

Continue finding beauty wherever you can.

The world may be burning.

But your spirit does not have to burn with it.

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Inner Harmony

Navigating Mental Health & Ending The Stigma

By Maurice Woodson

We live in precarious times. For many, life feels increasingly unstable. Job insecurity is growing, and with it, a loss of identity and self-worth. Prices continue to rise, making everyday necessities harder to afford. The political climate is charged and divisive, often creating stress in our communities, families, and even within ourselves. Against this backdrop, mental health challenges are becoming more common, more complex, and more overwhelming.

The World Health Organization reports rising rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout globally. Social isolation, financial pressure, and uncertainty about the future have all contributed to a mental health crisis that touches people across all ages and walks of life.

And yet, while awareness around mental health has improved, access to care has not kept pace. Therapy, which can be life-changing, is financially out of reach for many. Insurance coverage is inconsistent, waitlists are long, and resources in underserved communities remain scarce. So the question becomes: how do we take care of our mental health when professional help isn’t always accessible?

1. Start with Self-Awareness

The first step is recognizing how you’re feeling—without judgment. Are you constantly tired, anxious, angry, or numb? Naming your emotions is powerful. Journaling, voice notes, or simply reflecting at the end of each day can help you track patterns and identify stress triggers.

2. Limit Exposure to Negativity

While staying informed is important, constant exposure to bad news, online arguments, and social comparison can drain your mental energy. Set boundaries with media, mute toxic accounts, and take breaks from screens when needed. Curate your environment to protect your peace.

3. Prioritize Small Routines

You don’t need a perfect morning routine or hours of meditation to feel better. Sometimes, just waking up and making your bed, going for a short walk, or drinking water regularly can help create a sense of control. Small actions add up and signal to your brain that you care about yourself.

4. Connect with Others

Human connection is a basic need. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups—even if just through a message or quick call. Vulnerability can be scary, but you might be surprised how many others are also struggling and willing to listen or share.

If traditional therapy isn’t accessible, consider peer support groups, community-based programs, or virtual mental health spaces. Many nonprofits and grassroots organizations offer free or low-cost options online.

5. Use Free or Low-Cost Resources

There’s a growing number of free tools available:

Mental health apps like Insight Timer, Moodfit, or CBT-based tools like Woebot.
Podcasts and books that teach coping strategies, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.
YouTube channels and online workshops led by licensed therapists sharing techniques for managing anxiety, trauma, and stress.

These may not replace therapy, but they can support mental wellness in meaningful ways.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You’re navigating a world that is overwhelming—and doing the best you can. Self-compassion means recognizing your own suffering and treating yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.

A New Way Forward

Mental health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. While systemic changes are needed to make care truly accessible for all, we can still take steps, however small, toward healing. That might mean resting without guilt, learning to say no, finding creative outlets, or simply sitting with your emotions instead of pushing them away.

Navigating mental health in uncertain times is not easy—but it is possible. And every effort you make, no matter how small it may seem, is a courageous act of self-preservation.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Anok Yai Shines At The 2026 Met Gala

At an event where spectacle is expected and originality is currency, Anok Yai didn’t just arrive—she transformed. The supermodel stepped onto the 2026 Met Gala carpet as something otherworldly, delivering a look that blurred the line between fashion and living art.

Working closely with her design team, Yai leaned fully into a vision she described as wanting to appear like a “statue.” Not just still—but eternal. The result was a sculptural masterpiece, anchored by a striking prosthetic wig inspired by Medusa. The headpiece coiled and crowned her presence with a quiet power—dangerous, regal, unforgettable. It wasn’t just homage; it was reclamation, reinterpreting mythology through a distinctly modern, Black lens.

Yai has built a career on moments like this. Since her breakout—famously discovered on a college campus and becoming one of the first Sudanese models to open a Prada show—she has moved with precision through the upper ranks of fashion. Editorial spreads, luxury campaigns, and runway dominance have all followed. But what sets her apart is intention. Every appearance feels considered, rooted, and elevated beyond trend.

At this year’s Met Gala, that intention was clear. The craftsmanship of her look—every contour, every detail—spoke to collaboration at the highest level between muse and designer. This wasn’t just about wearing fashion. It was about embodying it.

And while Yai commanded her moment, she wasn’t alone in representing Black excellence on fashion’s biggest night. Icons like Rihanna, long hailed as the reigning queen of Met Gala theatrics, once again delivered a headline-worthy appearance, while Beyoncé continued to set the standard for elegance, influence, and cultural power—even in absence or subtlety, her presence is always felt.

Still, this night belonged to Anok Yai.

In a space that often rewards excess, she chose control. In a room full of looks, she became a statement. And in doing so, she reminded the world that Black beauty, when fully realized and unapologetically expressed, doesn’t just participate in fashion—it defines it.

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Michael Jackson Film Breaks Records

The King of Pop Reigns Again — This Time at the Box Office

The crown never left—now it’s just shining on a different stage.

The legacy of Michael Jackson has officially crossed into another era of dominance. The long-awaited biopic Michael isn’t just telling a story—it’s making history. And in true Jackson fashion, it’s doing it at the highest level possible.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film stars Jaafar Jackson—a powerful and symbolic casting choice that brings bloodline, legacy, and authenticity to the screen. From the moment the film hit theaters on April 24, it didn’t just open—it exploded.

We’re talking records falling.

“Michael” has already surged past expectations, outperforming major biopics like Elvis and continuing to climb. Numbers don’t lie, but in this case, they also don’t surprise. When your subject is the greatest entertainer the world has ever seen, success isn’t hoped for—it’s expected.

The film traces Jackson’s journey from a young prodigy in The Jackson 5 to a global icon who redefined music, performance, and visual storytelling. From the Motown sound of the 1960s to the genre-shattering dominance of the 1980s, this is more than a timeline—it’s a cultural blueprint.

And at the center of it all is Thriller—still the best-selling album of all time, still unmatched, still shaping the industry decades later.

Let’s be clear: this film is not just about nostalgia.

It’s about permanence.

Since his passing in 2009, Michael Jackson’s influence hasn’t faded—it’s multiplied. His music continues to reach new ears, new generations, new cultures. Kids today who never saw him moonwalk live still feel his rhythm, still study his movement, still recognize his genius.

That kind of impact doesn’t happen twice.

There has never been an artist like Michael Jackson. And if history has shown us anything—it’s that there never will be.

This film doesn’t try to recreate the magic.

It reminds the world that the magic never left.

“Michael” is more than a movie. It’s a celebration. A reminder. A statement.

The King of Pop is still the King.

And now, he’s ruling the box office too.

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Food & Drink

One of my favorite ways to celebrate Mother’s Day is by making a homemade lasagna — a warm, comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table. I’m sharing my recipe for anyone looking to create something special, memorable, and full of love for the people who matter most.

More than ever, supporting Black-owned businesses isn’t just about commerce — it’s about community, equity, and intentional spending. As way too many corporations have donated to support Trump politically, as well as, those that have rolled back diversity initiatives and have funneled millions into political agendas that undermine DEI efforts, many consumers are choosing to be more mindful about where their dollars go.

One powerful way to do that is through food. From pantry staples to snacks, beverages, and specialty products, Black entrepreneurs are building innovative, flavorful brands that deserve a place in kitchens everywhere. This Mother's Day and everyday going forward...reach for Black Owned Brands

Here are Black-owned food brands you should know about.

EXAU Olive Oil

Created by wife-and-husband duo Skyler and Giuseppe, EXAU blends modern culinary needs with 75 years of Calabrian olive-growing mastery. Their award-winning EVOO is grown and pressed on their estate in Calabria, Italy, offering some of the richest, boldest flavors on the market.

Website: https://exauoliveoil.com

Southern Culture Artisan Foods

This mother-daughter team crafts affordable, easy-to-make foods inspired by Southern comfort — pancake and waffle mixes, bacon rubs, grits, fried chicken mixes, and more. They also offer recipes to help bring each product to life.

Website: https://southernculturefoods.com

Ghetto Gastro

Founders Jon Gray, Lester Walker, and Pierre Serrao fuse the flavors of the Global South into a bold culinary movement. From toaster pastries to plant-based pancake mixes and spicy syrups (available at Target), Ghetto Gastro is reimagining what breakfast can be.

Website: https://ghettogastro.com

BLK & Bold Coffee and Tea

With every bag sold, BLK & Bold commits 5% of profits to youth programs and ending youth homelessness. Their premium coffees and teas deliver flavor with purpose — available online and at Target.

Website: https://blkandbold.com

Michele’s Syrup

Using her great-great-great grandmother’s honey-based recipe, Michele Hoskins built a brand now featured in major grocery stores nationwide. Her syrups pair perfectly with breakfast foods or sweet and savory dishes alike.

Website: https://michelessyrup.com

Glory Foods

A 30-year staple, Glory Foods offers pre-seasoned canned vegetables, fresh greens, beans, hot sauces, and baking mixes — all crafted to deliver authentic Southern flavors straight to your table.

Website: https://gloryfoods.com

Iya Foods

From cassava flour to nutrient-rich powders, Iya Foods brings African-inspired superfoods and alternative flours to U.S. kitchens. They offer recipes and tips to help elevate your cooking.

Website: https://iyafoods.com

Trade Street Jam Co.

Not your typical jam — these chef-crafted spreads work beautifully in dressings, cocktails, sauces, marinades, and more. A Black-woman–owned brand that pushes creativity and flavor.

Website: https://tradestjamco.com

The Salty Heifer

This bakery delivers gourmet cakes, cookies, pies, and cheesecakes made with love, precision, and Michelin-level technique.

Website: https://thesaltyheifer.com

Sweet Dames Artisan Confections

Inspired by Bahamian family recipes, Sweet Dames offers decadent coconut macaroons, CocoMallow sandwiches, and more — all wheat- and dairy-free.

Website: https://sweetdames.com

Zach & Zoe Sweet Bee Farm

A family-operated brand producing raw, nutrient-rich, flavor-infused honey — from lavender to ginger to blueberry. One taste will make you rethink grocery-store honey forever.

Website: https://zachandzoe.co

Pitmaster LT’s

Authentic Kansas City barbecue sauces and rubs perfected over 30 years. Made with clean, premium ingredients and sold nationwide, including at Whole Foods.

Website: https://pitmasterlts.com

Yo Mama’s Foods

Clean, simple, preservative-free sauces inspired by the flavors of a real mom’s kitchen. Their pasta sauces, dressings, condiments, and cooking wines redefine store-bought convenience.

Website: https://yomamasfoods.com

Mama’s Biscuits

The country’s first gourmet biscuit company, offering ready-to-eat biscuits in sweet and savory flavors. Made with real butter and free of artificial ingredients.

Website: https://mamasbiscuits.com

Symphony Chips

What started as a spice blend grew into a full gourmet potato chip brand offering bold, all-natural flavors. A family-run snack company with serious crunch.

Website: https://symphonychips.com

KYVAN Foods

Founded by former NFL player Reggie Kelly, KYVAN brings soulful Southern flavors with sauces, jams, and seasonings based on family recipes.

Website: https://kyvan82.com

Vicky Cakes

A 45-year-old pancake recipe turned vegan-friendly, preservative-free mix that delivers unbelievably fresh, fluffy pancakes and waffles.

Website: https://vickycakesonline.com

A Dozen Cousins (Beans & Rice)

Inspired by Creole, Caribbean, and Latin American dishes, A Dozen Cousins offers clean-ingredient beans, rice, and sauces that are quick to prepare and deeply flavorful.

Website: https://adozencousins.com

EssieSpice

Ghana-born founder Essie Bartels creates small-batch spices and sauces blending West African flavors with global influences — perfect for marinades, dips, and desserts.

Website: https://essiespice.com

A Dozen Cousins (Seasoning Sauces)

From Jamaican Jerk to Peruvian Pollo a la Brasa, their line of seasoning sauces brings global flavor to everyday home cooking. (Yes — same brand, different product category.)

Website: https://adozencousins.com

Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks

Women- and minority-owned company offering mini heirloom popcorn, cheese balls, crackers, and more — featured repeatedly on Oprah’s Favorite Things.

Website: https://pipcorn.com

Sorel Liqueur

Created by Jackie Summers — America’s first licensed Black distiller — Sorel blends hibiscus, clove, ginger, and spices into a signature liqueur rooted in Afro-Caribbean tradition.

Website: https://sorelofficial.com

Maison Noir Wines

Founded by award-winning sommelier André Hueston Mack, Maison Noir offers expressive, beautifully crafted wines along with a line of graphic tees and merch.

Website: https://maisonnoirwines.com

Abisola Whiskey

A smooth blend of bourbon and malt whiskey finished through a unique triple-oak filtration process. Created by founder Abisola Abidemi to honor celebration and craft.

Website: https://abisolawhiskey.com

Grown Folks Hard Seltzer

The first Black- and woman-owned hard seltzer brand inspired by soul-food flavors like peach cobbler and ambrosia — made with real fruit juice and sold at major retailers.

Website: https://grownfolksseltzer.com

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POLITICS

The Supreme Court Guts the Voting Rights Act and Greenlights GOP Gerrymanders

A 6–3 ruling reshapes the battlefield for Black voting rights and the future of civil rights in America

In a decision that will echo for generations, the U.S. Supreme Court has once again redrawn the boundaries of American democracy—this time not with maps, but with doctrine.

In a 6–3 ruling in Callais v. Louisiana, the Court delivered a blow to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), the very legislation that for sixty years stood as a shield against racial discrimination at the ballot box. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito insisted the Court was not dismantling Section 2 of the VRA—but merely “properly” interpreting it.

But let’s be clear: when you redefine the rules so narrowly that justice becomes nearly impossible to prove, you haven’t preserved the law—you’ve hollowed it out.

A New Standard That Rewrites Reality

At the heart of the decision is a dangerous shift. For decades, plaintiffs could challenge discriminatory voting maps by showing discriminatory results—that Black voters were being diluted, packed, or cracked in ways that weakened their political voice.

Now? That’s no longer enough.

The Court has raised the bar, requiring plaintiffs to prove intentional discrimination—a far more difficult standard. It’s not enough to show harm. You must now prove motive.

And in a political system where racial bias often hides behind “partisan strategy,” that distinction is everything.

The 14th Amendment Turned on Its Head

The ruling leans heavily on the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution—but in a way that many legal scholars argue flips its original purpose.

Historically, the 14th Amendment has been a tool to protect Black Americans from discrimination. In this decision, conservative rightwing Trump supporting/appointed Justices used it to limit what they called race-conscious remedies, including the creation of majority-Black districts designed to ensure fair representation.

The Court suggests that drawing districts to protect Black voting power may itself violate equal protection.

That’s not neutrality. That’s revision.

Partisan Cover for Racial Harm

Perhaps most alarming is what the ruling permits indirectly.

The Court signals that while race cannot be the primary factor in redistricting, partisan motives are fair game—even when they produce the same racial outcomes.

In plain terms:
If lawmakers say they’re protecting their party instead of targeting Black voters, the map may stand—even if Black communities are the ones being systematically weakened.

This creates a legal loophole wide enough to drive decades of voter suppression through.

The Dissents: A Warning, Not Just a Disagreement

The Court’s liberal justices issued sharp dissents, warning that the majority’s reasoning undermines both the spirit and function of the VRA.

They argued that:

The decision ignores how discrimination actually operates in modern America, where race and politics are often intertwined.
It makes enforcement of voting rights protections nearly impossible, especially in regions with a long history of racial exclusion.
It abandons precedent, weakening one of the most effective civil rights tools in U.S. history.

The dissent isn’t just legal disagreement—it’s a warning flare.

On May 7, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, demonstrators and supporters of Democratic lawmakers were arrested during a special session called to redraw U.S. Congressional voting maps.

On May 7, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, demonstrators and supporters of Democratic lawmakers were arrested during a special session called to redraw U.S. Congressional voting maps.

What This Means for Black America

Let’s bring this out of the courtroom and into real life.

This ruling puts at risk:

Majority-Black congressional districts across the South and beyond
Fair representation in state legislatures
The ability to challenge discriminatory maps before elections take place

It also continues a broader trend—one that includes the weakening of affirmative action and other civil rights protections—where the tools designed to level the playing field are being systematically dismantled.

For Black communities, this is not abstract.

It affects:

Who represents you
What policies get passed
Whether your vote carries weight—or gets buried in a map designed to silence it

A Pattern, Not an Isolated Decision

This ruling doesn’t stand alone. It fits into a larger pattern of decisions that critics say are steadily eroding the power of the 14th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act.

What we are witnessing is not just legal interpretation—it is a reshaping of civil rights enforcement in America.

One where intent matters more than impact
One where structure shields discrimination
And one where the burden of proof becomes a barrier to justice itself

Final Thoughts

The Voting Rights Act was born out of blood, protest, and sacrifice. It was never meant to be easy to enforce—but it was meant to be possible.

This decision changes that.

And when the law makes it harder to prove discrimination, it doesn’t eliminate injustice—it protects it.

The question now isn’t just what the Court has done.

It’s what the country will do next.

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Trump Attacks Black Woman Reporter Rachel Scott For Asking Him What We All Want To Know

The hostility between Donald Trump and the press is nothing new. But what continues to stand out is the specific venom often directed at Black women journalists who dare to ask direct questions in public spaces designed for accountability.

The truth is, Trump hates Black people, but more than anything, he hates Black women.

This week, ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott found herself on the receiving end of another Trump outburst after asking a question many Americans have been asking for years: why does his rhetoric and political agenda continue to attract and empower racism, white grievance politics, and attacks on diversity efforts?

Instead of answering substantively, Trump once again turned to insult, deflection, and intimidation.

For Black Americans, especially Black women, the moment felt painfully familiar.

Black women reporters are often expected to remain polished and professional while enduring open disrespect from politicians and public figures who know exactly what they are doing. When Black male reporters ask tough questions, they may be dismissed. When Black women ask them, they are frequently treated as threats.

And that is what should concern all of us.

This is bigger than one uncomfortable exchange. It is about the growing normalization of hostility toward journalists simply for doing their jobs. A free press is supposed to challenge power, not flatter it. Reporters are not there to protect politicians from difficult conversations. They are there to ask the questions the public deserves answers to.

The danger comes when political leaders encourage supporters to see journalists as enemies instead of watchdogs. That hostility does not stay on television screens or social media timelines. It spills into real life through threats, harassment, intimidation, and a growing distrust of facts themselves.

Black women in media already navigate racism, sexism, online abuse, and professional double standards at levels many of their peers never experience. Yet they continue showing up, asking hard questions, and demanding accountability anyway.

That courage matters.

At a time when democracy feels increasingly fragile, attacking journalists for asking legitimate questions should alarm everyone regardless of political affiliation. Because once leaders become comfortable silencing reporters, they eventually become comfortable silencing anyone who challenges them.

And history has shown us exactly where that road can lead.

Virginia Supreme Court Strikes Down Democrats’ Redistricting Effort

Virginia’s ruling comes as several Republican-led states move to redraw congressional maps following the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision gutting key protections in the Voting Rights Act.

Just days after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, the Virginia Supreme Court delivered another major blow Friday by ruling that the state’s Democratic-led redistricting effort was unconstitutional.

In a 4-3 decision, the court found that Democrats failed to follow the proper procedural requirements needed to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot.

“This violation irreparably undermines the integrity of the resulting referendum vote and renders it null and void,” the court wrote in its ruling.

Had the map been allowed to stand, Democrats were expected to gain four additional House seats in the state.

Under Virginia law, any amendment to the state constitution must be approved twice by the legislature — once before an election and once after — before it can be placed before voters. Republicans argued that Democrats violated that process because the first legislative vote took place after early voting had already begun.

Virginia voters ultimately approved the redistricting measure last month, but the court’s ruling effectively erased the result.

The decision lands at a critical moment in the national redistricting battle.

For a brief time, it appeared Democrats were beginning to gain ground nationwide. But over the last week, many of those gains have quickly evaporated. In Tennessee, Republicans moved aggressively to eliminate the state’s lone majority-Black district following the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights Act decision, potentially strengthening the GOP’s hold on another House seat.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are also exploring new ways to redraw maps in Republicans’ favor.

Still, Democrats may find some hope in shifting voter sentiment ahead of the midterms.

Polls and growing public frustration around the economy, inflation, and the rising cost of living have created increasing political headwinds for President Donald Trump and Republicans in several battleground states.

Even in Florida, where Republicans appear poised to push through another favorable map, some GOP lawmakers have privately expressed concern that stretching Republican voters too thin could actually put incumbents at risk during the midterms.

Similar concerns are emerging in Texas, where Republican redistricting strategies were heavily built around the gains Trump made with Latino voters during the 2024 election. But with signs that support among Latino voters has softened, uncertainty around those districts is beginning to grow.

Republicans can redraw maps all they want, but if voters continue feeling squeezed by the economy and ignored on everyday issues, even favorable districts may not be enough to protect them at the ballot box.