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Target is once again under fire — this time not just from consumers but from activists within the Black community. The backlash follows a $300,000 donation Target made to the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. (NBCUSA), as USA Today reports. Target says the gift is part of its ongoing investment in community development, but leaders behind two major boycotts are calling for the funds to be returned. Backlash Over Strategy And Solidarity Minnesota-based civil rights attorney and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong launched a boycott of Target in early 2025. Months later, Pastor Jamal Bryant, senior pastor at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, GA, called for a 40-day boycott, and then urged permanent disengagement from the retailer unless it made major changes, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. Now, both leaders say Target’s donation to NBCUSA undermines their push for meaningful corporate accountability. “This $300,000 payment does not heal—it deepens the wound,” wrote...
Target’s latest collaboration with a popular streaming group is sparking controversy. AMP, one of the top streamer groups in the world, has scored a deal with the major retailer for its unisex personal care brand, according to a press release. The group, which also releases videos on YouTube, includes Kai Cenat, Duke Dennis, Fanum, Agent 00, ChrisNxtDoor, and ImDavisss. They have collectively earned millions of dollars. Cenat alone earned $8.5 million over the past year, which earned him a spot on Forbes’ 2025 Top Creators list , according to the publication. Together, the group leveraged their platforms, which garner 1 billion monthly views, to launch TONE in February 2025. TONE is formulated with natural and clean ingredients and is dermatologist-tested, according to its website. Additionally, it’s now available in Target stores and on Target.com as of July 6. “We really saw a gap in the shelves for a new brand to break through — and for a brand that is fresh and represents who we...
Recently, more than 125 students graduated from Detroit’s Apple Developer Academy, a one-of-a-kind, free 10-month program launched in 2021 through a partnership between Apple and Michigan State University (MSU), according to a news release shared with AFROTECH™. But the Apple Developer Academy is about more than just coding. It equips Detroiters with real-world skills and the confidence to thrive in app development, business, and today’s ever-evolving tech landscape, per the release. A Pipeline For Real-World Innovation What makes Detroit’s Apple Developer Academy truly unique is its approach. Beyond mastering Swift coding, students dive into AI, UX design, marketing, and project management. The program is also backed by the Gilbert Family Foundation, which helps connect graduates with internships, mentors, and career opportunities across Detroit. “As Detroit continues to emerge as a national hub for technology, the Apple Developer Academy is creating pathways for Detroiters of all...
Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper are returning to Detroit using their business as a tentpole. The Morehouse College graduates are the visionaries behind Eastside Golf, a golf apparel lifestyle brand launched to bring more attention to youth golfers and energize interest in golf among those who don’t commonly play the sport, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. The pair did not have a background in fashion, but made the risky move to quit their full-time corporate jobs in America to put everything into the venture, according to AFROTECH™. That move has fared well for the entrepreneurs. Their business secured $3.4 million in funding in 2024 through a round led by EP Golf Ventures, a partnership between the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) and Elysian Park Ventures. The pair also debuted a footwear collaboration with Nike in 2024 and have secured partnerships with the MLB, NFL, NBA, Mercedes-Benz USA and Jordan Brand, AFROTECH™ previously reported. What’s more, the...
A new version of TikTok is expected to launch in the United States on Sept. 5, 2025, according to The Verge. TikTok’s staff is reportedly working on the separate app, internally dubbed “M2,” which succeeds the current version known as “M.” The original TikTok app will be removed from app stores once M2 launches, and it is expected to stop functioning entirely by March 2026. Reports of the new TikTok app comes days after President Donald Trump said the U.S. “pretty much has a deal” for an American company to acquire TikTok, The New York Times reported. “We’re going to start Monday or Tuesday talking to China,” Trump told reporters traveling on Air Force One on Friday, July 4. “We think we probably have to get it approved by China. Not definitely, but probably.” He added, “I think the deal is good for China, and it’s good for us. It’s money, it’s a lot of money.” Though no company has been named, Trump mentioned, per The Verve, that it would be a group of “Non-Chinese” investors with...
Rapper Gunna has been prioritizing his wellness and has become co-owner of hydration brand Flerish Hydration, according to Rap Industry. For the Georgia-born entertainer, this move is fully aligned with his brand and serves as a well-intentioned strategic addition to his business portfolio. “I don’t put my name on just anything. Flerish is different, it’s clean, it works, and it’s become a part of my everyday lifestyle. I’m happy to be coming on board and look forward to the journey ahead,” Gunna told Rap Industry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FLERISH HYDRATION (@flerish) The company offers watermelon-based products with electrolytes, real ingredients, and vitamins E, B6, and B12, as well as L-Theanine, Zinc, and Magnesium. The intention is to increase performance and recovery, which was ideal for Gunna’s on-the-go lifestyle as a performing artist. “Right now, I’m focused,” Gunna told the outlet. “There’s no off switch. I needed something that supports me naturally...
Federal authorities are investigating former Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley’s alleged involvement in wire fraud, gambling, and illegal prop betting, according to ESPN. The allegations stem from Beasley’s time playing for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2023-2024 season, sources told the outlet, with the focus on “unusually heavy betting interest on Beasley’s statistics” starting in January 2024. A gambling industry source shared that o ne or more prominent U.S. sportsbooks noticed the activity. The 18-month investigation is being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, Beasley’s lawyer Steve Haney told The Detroit News. “It’s a gambling investigation involving Malik. No criminal charges have been issued. It’s nothing but an investigation and Malik is entitled to the presumption of innocence,” Haney said, per the outlet. The investigation has reportedly resulted in the Pistons withdrawing a three-year, $42 million contract offer to Beasley. While...
Evander Holyfield, famously known as “The Real Deal,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time. His career, marked by resilience and impressive achievements in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, has cemented his place in boxing history. Beyond the ring, Holyfield has engaged in business ventures, endorsements, and philanthropy, contributing to his overall financial portfolio. Let’s explore his early life, illustrious boxing career, earnings, and entrepreneurial activities, all contributing to Evander Holyfield’s estimated net worth in 2025. Early Life And Amateur Boxing Career Evander Holyfield was born on October 19, 1962, in Atmore, Alabama . Raised in a modest household, Holyfield faced significant challenges during his upbringing. Boxing became an outlet for discipline and focus, steering him away from potentially negative influences. Holyfield’s amateur career was exceptional. He won the National Golden Gloves Tournament in 1983...
Former college athlete Santia Deck has created a platform she wishes were available while in high school. Deck has launched an all-in-one recruiting and NIL application for overlooked high school athletes , according to Winning Her Way, the sports-focused media company she founded. Recalling her high school days, it was difficult to connect with track college coaches in Texas, she mentioned on the platform. Without a clear blueprint, countless hours were spent sending highlight reels to coaches, just hoping for a response. “When I was a high school athlete, I wanted it so badly. To run track at a college in Texas. To get seen. To get a shot,” she said. Now, Deck has launched Winning Your Way Recruiter. The app will make it easier for college athletes to not only connect with college coaches, but also capitalize on their names, images or likeness (NIL), something that was non-existent during her time playing college sports. The app is available for $15 per month, and high school...
What used to be a cluster of forgotten lots in the uptown section of Harrisburg, PA, is now a fully realized vision of hope and housing, thanks to NFL veteran and hometown son LeSean “Shady” McCoy. The former Philadelphia Eagles star returned to his old neighborhood not to bask in past glory but to plant seeds for the future, according to PennLive. On North Sixth Street, 41 brand-new affordable housing units now stand where blight once lived, anchored by a community center and a sense of pride that can be felt in the air. JMB Gardens, the $16.7 million project, is named after McCoy’s late grandparents, James and Maryann Branch. At the June 24 ribbon-cutting ceremony, McCoy described the initiative as a response to the conditions he witnessed growing up. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LeSean McCoy (@shadymccoy) “In some of these areas, it was drug-infested. It was abandoned buildings,” he said via WGAL. “Now, the purpose is bringing $17 million affordable housing. So,...
Playboi Carti , born Jordan Terrell Carter, is an influential figure in the modern hip-hop scene known for his distinctive sound, fashion influence, and cult-like fan following. Emerging from Atlanta, Georgia , Carti has quickly risen to prominence since his debut, carving out a niche with his minimalist beats and catchy ad-libs. His unique style blends elements of punk, trap, and avant-garde aesthetics, influencing a new wave of artists and shaping contemporary hip-hop culture. As a performer and cultural icon, his financial standing has been a subject of curiosity, especially given his rapid rise and high-profile collaborations. How have Playboi Carti’s career, business ventures , and earnings contributed to his net worth in 2025? From album sales and streaming revenue to merchandise and endorsements, we’ll break down how he has built his financial portfolio beyond just music. Early Career And Rise To Fame Playboi Carti first gained attention with his self-titled mixtape, which...
Westbrook Inc., the entertainment studio founded by Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez, and Ko Yada, is entering the anime world — and not quietly. According to a report from Variety, the company has announced a partnership with the newly formed Studio Azuki, signaling a global push that connects Hollywood storytelling with next-generation anime development. The collaboration pairs Westbrook with a new kind of anime studio, one rooted in Japanese tradition, driven by fan participation, and powered by digital culture. “…Our mission has always been to tell stories that connect, inspire, and transcend borders,” Yada, CEO of Westbrook, said via Variety. “…[Studio Azuki’s] creative vision and cultural insight align seamlessly with our global strategy.” Studio Azuki is a joint venture formed by digital-native brand Azuki, manga publisher Comisma Inc., and animation house Xenotoon Inc. Each brings something different to the table. Azuki, born from an NFT project, has already...
Long before he was hoisting trophies or signing the richest deal in NBA history, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) was known for his quiet confidence and studied calm. Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, he never forced attention. He earned it. The way he played, the way he carried himself, even the way he dressed — all of it pointed to someone who understood the power of balance. The Athletic states that balance is the key, and it has taken him to the top of the league. Gilgeous-Alexander has become one of the most dominant and composed players in basketball. His 2024–25 season included a scoring title, MVP honors, a Finals MVP, and a championship for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Off the court, the point guard and shooting guard leads with the same intention, building fashion partnerships and launching signature sneakers without losing his signature edge. “This isn’t just a win for me,” he said inside Paycom Center while holding the Finals MVP trophy, via the Athletic. “This is a win...
Fanbase Founder Isaac Hayes III wants content creators to understand their worth. Creators Are The New Major Network The pendulum is swinging in favor of the creator economy. According to Forbes, the top creators on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube generated $853 million in revenue, excluding brand deals and other income streams, marking an 18% increase from 2024. Collectively, these creators amassed 3.4 billion followers, a 24% jump from the previous year. By 2030, the number of creators is projected to grow from 67 million to 107 million. As AI’s influence grows across industries, content creation is expected to become even more streamlined and efficient, fueling further revenue growth. This year’s list included fashion creator Wisdom Kaye, who generated $5 million in revenue in 2024, AFROTECH™ previously reported. Kai Cenat is also listed, taking the 28th spot, with a reported $8.5 million in earnings. Cenat is well known for organically growing his presence on Twitch, which...
Target boycott efforts are intensifying as the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) steps up its push for corporate accountability. CBC Chairwoman Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.) and members of the caucus’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force recently met with Target CEO Brian Cornell, according to a press release from the Caucus. The meeting focused on the company’s rollback of DEI commitments, especially those affecting Black-owned businesses. Lawmakers Say Target’s Explanations “Fell Woefully Short” The CBC described the conversation with Cornell as “candid and direct,” but ultimately stated that members were left disappointed. “The Congressional Black Caucus met with the leadership of the Target Corporation on Capitol Hill to directly address deep concerns about the impact of the company’s unconscionable decision to end a number of its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts,” Clarke said in a lengthy statement in the press release. “Like many of the coalition leaders...