Miami Art Week, the international art fair held annually, returns to Miami Beach, FL, from Dec. 1-7, 2025. This year continues to highlight the importance of Black art , thanks in large part to efforts spearheaded by architect Neil Hall. At Art Basel in 2008, Hall noticed a lack of representation for Black art galleries and artists, according to the Miami Herald. “It astounded me because the diaspora has so much creativity all over the world, and I didn’t see it,” Hall said, per the Miami Herald. “I decided that it was not acceptable.” A few years later, Hall and several friends hosted a Black-centered art fair in an empty parking lot in the historically Black Overtown neighborhood, known as the Harlem of the South. That event would become Art Africa Miami, reports the Miami Herald. While Hall no longer presents Art Africa in Overtown, his efforts to elevate the Black art scene during Miami Art Week have inspired others to carry on the mission. Across Miami, Black curators continue...

Students at Queens High School for the Sciences — the New York borough’s only specialized high school — are pushing to move to a brand-new building, relocating from the second floor of York College’s Jamaica building. Citing issues including overcrowding and the lack of a kitchen and auditorium, students hope to move into the new city-built school at 165-15 88th Ave., scheduled to open in fall 2026, ChalkBeat New York reports . Sophomore Vinny Dong has twice addressed the Panel for Educational Policy, the school board that handles school location proposals, about his school’s conditions. “We have a gym shared with a college that’s two blocks away, for 514 students. We have a library that’s also shared, even though it’s critical for our educational content and classes,” Dong told the panel in October 2025, per ChalkBeat. At least three of the seven parent boards in the borough, along with the citywide high school parent council, also support relocation or creating an entirely new...

Marvin Ellison ’s journey to becoming president, CEO, and chairman of Lowe’s began far from the boardroom. While attending the University of Memphis, he worked part-time at Target, earning $4.35 an hour, according to Fortune. “I was fortunate to land in a company that believed in developing people, and I just grinded it out for 15 years all the way up to a director level,” Ellison told Daymond John, the entrepreneur behind FUBU and an investor on “Shark Tank,” in a 2022 interview. That early experience shaped how Ellison approached his career, especially as someone who didn’t come from a traditional corporate pedigree. “I didn’t have an Ivy League education. I didn’t have any stellar international opportunities or stints on my resume. I’m competing against all of these exceptionally talented people on paper; I had to find a way to differentiate myself,” he shared in the interview. His strategy became simple but demanding: Take every tough assignment no one else wanted. “I’d take...

Grammy-nominated producer Joseph Macklin has created a media hub for Kansas City, MO, creatives. According to The Kansas City Star, he was inspired to start a media hub to ensure people in Kansas City didn’t feel they needed to move elsewhere to make their dreams a reality, as he did. Known as Jo Blaq, Macklin has worked with talents such as Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber as a result of his move to Los Angeles. He split his time between Los Angeles and Kansas City from 2016 to 2019, before deciding to move back to his hometown. “Kansas City has the most talented people in the world,” Macklin explained to The Kansas City Star. “The thing about LA and other cities is they have the etiquette, they have the connections. They have been there, and they’ve seen it. We have the talent in every capacity, they just need the guidance (and) the mentorship.” DISTRKCT Macklin’s solution, DISTRKCT, spans more than 7,000 square feet and features four recording studios, a computer lab, private...

A vending machine has opened to feed families in The Bronx. According to a report from the New York State Department of Health in January 2024, among New York City boroughs, The Bronx had the highest percentage (39%) of people who were food insecure. Challenges may have only heightened after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were halted during the recent U.S. government shutdown, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. Although benefits were restored, estimates from the Congressional Budget Office report that, as a result of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, 2.4 million people could lose SNAP benefits altogether between 2025 and 2034. The bill adjusted requirements for those receiving SNAP, and now individuals will have to work, volunteer, or participate in job training totaling at least 80 hours per month, CNN reports. If they don’t meet the requirement, they can only receive SNAP benefits for three months every three years. Change Food For Good, a New York...

Google has unveiled a new project that will reduce the environmental impact of AI on Earth. The tech company unveiled Project Suncatcher, which aims to launch data centers in space powered by solar energy, Business Insider reports. Google is exploring bringing the project to life through a web of solar-powered satellites, equipped with its Tensor Processing Unit AI chips, according to a press release. The project aims to “one day scale machine learning in space.” “Inspired by other Google moonshots like autonomous vehicles and quantum computing, we’ve begun work on the foundational work needed to one day make this future possible,” notes the press release. Google CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed that the company plans to launch the space data centers by 2027. “We’ll send tiny, tiny racks of machines, and have them in satellites, test them out, and then start scaling from there,” Pichai said, according to Business Insider. “At Google, we’re always proud of taking moonshots. One of our...

AI is already capable of replacing nearly 12% of the U.S. workforce, according to a recent Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study. This was determined by the Iceberg Index, which is a “skills-centered measure of workforce exposure in the AI economy,” according to a research paper. The tool was created by MIT in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and it can reportedly predict how the U.S. workforce can be impacted by AI and related policy, according to CNBC. “Project Iceberg enables policymakers and business leaders to identify exposure hotspots, prioritize training and infrastructure investments, and test interventions before committing billions to implementation,” the report said, per CNBC. At this time, the index does not show when or where jobs will be lost. It was used to analyze 151 million workers, covering more than 32,000 skills across 923 occupations across the country, and assessed whether AI is already capable of taking over those skills,...

Timbaland is in favor of a new agreement that is set to benefit a wave of artists in the age of AI. Timbaland has been an advocate for AI, even as it ruffles the feathers of various artists, especially following Xania Monet’s foray into the industry. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, Monet is an AI-powered artist who faced criticism from Kehlani, K. Michelle, and Victoria Monet. Monet, created by Mississippi poet and design studio owner Telisha Jones, is signed to a multi-million-dollar record deal and has also charted on Billboard. “You better check out xania monet who’s killing it good music,” Timbaland commented in a post shared on Instagram, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. Timbaland’s endorsement shouldn’t come as a surprise. He became a strategic advisor for Suno, a music creation tool powered by AI, in October 2024, according to a press release. “When I heard what Suno was doing, I was immediately curious,” Timbaland said in the release. “After witnessing the potential, I...

Dallas Mavericks Point Guard Kyrie Irving has announced a multi-year partnership with Paul Quinn College, bringing new resources to the only HBCU in Dallas, according to HBCU Gameday. The college is one of 14 basketball programs selected to receive a full uniform sponsorship from Irving and sports equipment company, ANTA. The three-year agreement will supply the men’s and women’s teams with ANTA sneakers, warmups, and apparel designed through Irving’s work with the brand, the outlet reports. The sponsorship is part of a wider grassroots effort involving youth, schools, and community teams in regions tied to Irving’s career and personal history. According to HBCU Gameday, the participating programs have been outfitted with pieces from the KAI collection, including popular colorways such as Crown Jewel, Mentality, Retro ’90s, and Klay. Paul Quinn College publicly thanked Irving for the long-term commitment in a post on X on Nov. 24: “This isn’t your ordinary sneaker drop.  @NBA legend...

In a recent interview, T-Pain shared he could have made more money from his hit song, “Buy U A Drank.” The rapper from Tallahassee, FL, first experienced commercial success with the release of “I’m Sprung” in 2005, which was the lead single from his debut album “Rappa Ternt Sanga.” The song peaked at No. 8 and remained on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart for 26 weeks, Revolt reports. In 2007, “Buy U A Drank” was released and was even more successful. The song reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and went triple Platinum, according to Genius. T-Pain reflected on the success of the single and how it impacted his wealth on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast. He made revenue, but suggested he could have earned more if the masters and publishing rights  agreement had been different. His song paid respect to rappers Lil Scrappy and Lil Jon, prompting the artists to claim publishing rights. “When I did ‘I’mma Buy U A Drank, then I’mma take you home with me. I got money in the bank.’ As soon as I...

Tabitha Brown is clearing the air about her partnership with Target. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, the retailer rolled back on its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments in early 2025, a move that helped fuel a consumer boycott that remains ongoing. While Target was not the only major retailer to scale back DEI efforts, many critics focused on the company because of its previous push to support Black-owned businesses and other minority groups. Brown is among those business owners whose products are sold at Target stores. She is under a licensing deal with the retailer, and her haircare brand Donna’s Recipe — launched in partnership with Gina Woods — is shelved in the store, as AFROTECH™ previously told you. Brown made a discreet Instagram post on January 24, not mentioning a single word, but the implication that she was referencing the retailer was evident. During an interview on iHeartPodcast’s “Not My Best Moment” hosted by KevOnStage, Brown shared how Black...

Dillard University has joined the growing list of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to earn philanthropic donations from MacKenzie Scott . The New Orleans, LA-based HBCU has received a historic $19 million contribution — the largest single gift in the university’s history, according to a news release. The contribution follows a $5 million donation in 2020 from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation and underscores Scott’s continued investment in HBCUs nationwide. “If anyone ever doubts the difference one person can make, look no further than MacKenzie Scott and how her generosity will resonate across generations,” Dillard president Dr. Monique Guillory said in the news release. “This gift will strengthen the university at a moment when our mission has never been more urgent.” The unrestricted gift will enable Dillard to accelerate key strategic priorities, including enhancing student success, expanding scholarship opportunities, and strengthening institutional...

Mielle Organics has scored a first-of-its-kind partnership. The textured-hair care brand has experienced massive success. It is currently stocked by more than 100,000 retailers such as Target, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, JCPenney, and Walmart, and in 2021, it secured $100 million in a non-dilutive round led by Berkshire Partners, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. The brand started when its founder, Monique Rodriguez, took a leap of faith when she walked away from a career in nursing to launch the venture with the help of her husband, Melvin. Today, the pair still lead the company as CEO and COO following the company’s acquisition by P&G Beauty in 2023, per AFROTECH™. What’s more, it’s still making significant moves. According to a press release, Mielle Organics has made history as the first official textured-hair care partner of the NFL. View this post on Instagram Tracie Rodburg, the NFL’s senior vice president of global partnerships, said the league is “excited” to work with Mielle...

Kohl’s has officially named Michael Bender as its permanent CEO, putting a seasoned retail executive in charge after a turbulent period for the department store chain, the New York Post reports. According to the outlet, Bender, who stepped in as interim CEO in May 2025 following the dismissal of Ashley Buchanan, now faces the challenge of steering the company through declining sales, profit pressure, and shifting consumer habits. In a company press release, Bender said, “I’m honored to take on the role of CEO at Kohl’s. Working with the teams over the last six months has deepened my love of this company and my conviction in what’s possible for our future.” He added, “Kohl’s has a storied and important role in the retail industry, serving and celebrating families with great products, compelling value, and a differentiated shopping experience. I’m looking forward to reestablishing our leadership position by putting our customers first every day. While we’re pleased by our recent...

Miami Art Week returns to Miami Beach, FL, from Dec. 1-7, 2025, with Art Basel once again anchoring the citywide celebration and bringing culture, community, and creativity together. Art Basel is a highly anticipated event that unites art lovers, collectors, curators, and artists from around the world, AFROTECH™ previously reported. While the Miami installation is considered the premier art show of the Americas, the international fair also takes place annually in Basel, Switzerland; Hong Kong, China; and Paris, France . This year’s edition of Art Basel Miami runs Dec. 5-7, with preview days Dec. 3-4 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The 2025 fair will feature 283 leading galleries from 43 countries and territories across the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, according to a press release. Building on its vibrant cultural landscape, the show will further energize Greater Miami with a week of museum-quality exhibitions and collaborations from leading names in the...