Carma Henry

TikToker @mediabuyingbestie introduces the Black Project 2025 initiative on social media. (Credit: TikTok)

W ashington, D.C., has long been a cradle for Black-owned businesses that have served as the backbone of economic empowerment and community resilience. From the era of segregation to today, these enterprises have broken barriers, fostered economic self-reliance and created opportunities amid systemic challenges. Institutions like Industrial Bank and Ben’s Chili Bowl symbolize this legacy, having provided essential services, employment, and cultural pride. However, this rich history has faced challenges, with Black-owned businesses navigating obstacles like gentrification and limited access to resources. As the city moves forward, a renewed focus on equity and inclusion is critical to safeguarding this legacy and fostering future growth.

Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University.

Reality smacked the Dolphins square in the face on Sunday in Houston as the Texans ended any Miami Dolphins playoff hopes, suffering a 20-12 loss to the playoff bound Texans. The cold facts indicate that the Fins are still very much a work in progress, highlighted by a weak running game, an average offensive line, and a gifted but limited quarterback in today’s game of phenomenal, duel-threat athletes playing the position such as Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Pat Mahomes, Kyler Murray, Bo Nix, Jordan Love, et al.

The Heisman voters got it right, although reticence and trepidation couldn’t be avoided until the winner was publicly announced. Colorado’s Travis Hunter was undoubtedly the best college football player in 2024, excelling as a receiver and defensive back, displaying rare skills comparable to Bo Jackson, Shohei Ohtani, Charles Woodson and his coach and mentor, Deion Sanders. Hunter won with 2,231 total points, as compared to Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, who finished with 2,017 points. The 214-point difference was the smallest margin of victory since Alabama running back Mark Ingram beat out Stanford RB Toby Gerhart in 2009. It shouldn’t have been that close though Jeanty had a tremendous year rushing the ball for nearly 2,000 yards. During the season, Travis after a great play scoring a touchdown or making an impactful interception, consistently displayed or mimicked the Heisman pose first introduced by Michigan’s Desmond Howard. I believe his actions were viewed negatively by many voters, seeing it as presumptuous, arrogant and self-serving. Voting your prejudices or personal feelings is certainly not unprecedented, particularly in today’s political climate. Then as Coach Prime rightfully promoted Travis as the overwhelming favorite, those voters displeased with Deion’s persona as a player and coach, could easily expressed those sentiments via their vote. With the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back, there was opposition against Travis winning the award based on an insufficient number of tackles. Even Stevie Wonder can see how ridiculous that argument is. A lot of tackles indicates that the player allowed many receptions leading to tackles after catch. The voters got it right!

I consider myself to be a nice, peaceful and lawabid-ing man, but I have been in-carcerated on more than a few occasions, mostly for being present, but not exactly participating, at civil rights demonstrations and protests.

T he recent shooting of UHC CEO Brian Thompson has left many communities in shock and mourning. While it is critical to acknowledge the deep-seated frustrations that exist within our healthcare system, it is equally important to condemn the violence that has no place in our discourse or our society.

Florida International University (FIU) has hired former FAMU head coach Willie Simmons as its new head coach. ESPN reports that Simmons was offered a four-year deal, making him just the fourth HBCU coach to take over an FBS program.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — When it was time to move on from Head Start, my literacy and numeracy skills were advanced. Because Head Start taught my mother how to advocate for what was in my best interest educationally

A government shutdown is not just a political impasse—it is an act of negligence that endangers the lives of millions of Americans. For veterans, Black and Brown families, and low-income communities, the consequences are catastrophic. When federal funding halts, the essential programs that provide housing, food, and medical care crumble, exposing the deep inequalities that have long plagued this nation.