Get The Scoop On Why Blacks Have A Cure for Sickle Cell Anemia But Few Can Access it

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community Please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List.

Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

Sickle Cell's Quiet Revolution: A Cure Exists - So Why Can't Black America Access It?

By AiSha | Digital Green Book and Kamau Austin for The Black News Scoop

Science has delivered something once considered impossible: a functional cure for sickle cell disease. Two gene therapies - Casgevy and Lyfgenia - earned FDA approval in December 2023, marking the first time gene editing has reached patients as an approved medical treatment. For the roughly 100,000 Americans living with sickle cell disease, about 90% of them Black, this should be front-page news every week. Mainstream media has largely moved on. The Black community deserves the full picture.

What These Treatments Actually Do

Casgevy, developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, uses CRISPR gene-editing technology to modify a patient's own stem cells, essentially reprogramming the blood to produce healthy hemoglobin. Lyfgenia, developed by bluebird bio, takes a similar approach through a different gene-delivery mechanism. Early clinical trial data shows both therapies eliminating the severe pain crises that define life with sickle cell disease for most patients. Researchers and physicians describe the outcomes as transformative, with many patients reaching pain-crisis-free status for multiple years post-treatment. blackenterprise.com

The Price Tag That Blocks the Door

Casgevy carries a list price of $2.2 million per treatment. Lyfgenia comes in at $3.1 million. These are one-time treatments, and manufacturers frame the cost against a lifetime of hospitalizations, transfusions, and lost productivity. For Black families navigating the real world, that framing provides little comfort.

Medicaid covers a significant share of sickle cell patients, since the disease disproportionately affects lower-income households. State Medicaid programs face enormous pressure absorbing costs at this scale, and coverage decisions vary widely by state. Many patients currently face a gap between the therapy existing and the therapy being accessible - a gap measured in millions of dollars. For Black households, where the median wealth sits at roughly $44,900, compared with $284,310 for white households according to Federal Reserve data, that gap functions as a wall.

Get The Scoop On How Cynthea Hayes Launches New Healthcare Advocacy Firm Helping Underserved Communities

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community Please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List.

Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

Cynthea Hayes Launches New Healthcare Advocacy Firm to Support Underserved Communities

New Maryland-Based Healthcare Advocacy and
Care Coordination Business Aims to
Improve Access, Organization, and Health Outcomes
in Underserved Communities

Cynthea Hayes, a registered nurse and case manager, has launched SWH Legacy Consultants, a newly established healthcare advocacy and care coordination firm that offers services designed to help individuals and families better navigate today’s complex healthcare system. The launch is particularly relevant to the Black community, where many individuals experience higher rates of chronic illness, healthcare disparities, and barriers to accessing coordinated care. In her photo, Hayes proudly holds a medical binder that represents one of the company’s signature tools for helping clients organize their healthcare information and prepare for medical appointments.

Hayes says that her business was created to bridge the gap between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Drawing on years of nursing and case management experience, Hayes recognized that many patients and families struggle to understand medical information, organize health records, prepare for appointments, and coordinate care across multiple providers. The company was established to provide practical, personalized support that empowers clients to become informed participants in their healthcare.

SWH Legacy Consultants offers a range of services, including appointment coordination and preparation, customized medical binders, medical record organization, medication tracking, care coordination, and healthcare advocacy. Services are designed for older adults, individuals living with chronic illnesses, caregivers, and anyone managing complex medical needs. By improving organization and communication, the company seeks to reduce confusion, improve continuity of care, and help clients make more informed healthcare decisions.

Alabama’s First Black Woman-Founded College Expands

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community Please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List.

Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

Alabama’s First Black Woman-Founded College Expands With New High School Division for Neurodiverse and Non-Traditional Students

Shakea Miller, the first African American woman to found a privately owned, degree-granting college in the state of Alabama, 1 on 1 Technical & Theological College, has announced a major institutional expansion with the launch of a high school division specifically designed to serve students with learning differences and those underserved by traditional education models.

The new high school division will host its first day of classes on January 5, addressing a long-standing gap Miller identified while operating the college.

“Over the years, we had to turn away far too many people who wanted to enroll in our trade and degree programs but did not have a GED or high school diploma,” Miller explained. “I knew there had to be a better solution.”

That solution became the creation of a high school pathway housed within the college itself, one that serves students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences, as well as students who struggle with the traditional seven-hour school day.

Two-Thirds of Black Consumers Pay More Attention to Ads That Reflect Their Culture

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community Please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List.

Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

Nielsen: Two-Thirds of Black Consumers Pay More Attention to Ads That Reflect Their Culture

The Majority of Those Surveyed Prefer to Buy Brands Who Advertise in Content That Reflect Their Culture

A new, exclusive study from Nielsen reveals that the majority of Black audiences (67%) surveyed pay more attention to ads in media that reflect their culture. In addition, Black audiences demonstrate loyalty and trust to the brands and influencers they believe in compared to other segments.

52% of Black audiences agreed they’re more likely to purchase when a brand partners with creators connected to their fandoms and interests compared to 45% overall. The “The Black Influence: How Black Culture & Identity Drive the Market” leverages Nielsen insights to underscore the profound cultural and commercial power of Black audiences.

This marks the 15th year Nielsen has released its Diverse Intelligence Series reports, as Nielsen’s nationwide panel of more than 100,000 people representative of the US population gives it the unique ability to produce nuanced insights on a range of demographics and identities.

Black Author and Doctor Releases New Book, “I Fix Me”

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community Please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List.

Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

Transform Your Life from
the Inside Out: Black Author and
Doctor Releases New Book,
“I Fix Me”

What if the key to a more joyful, fulfilled, and compassionate life begins with how you treat yourself?

In I Fix Me, a transformative and deeply personal new book, Dr. Keith L. Somerville challenges readers to shift their focus inward—embracing self-kindness as the first and most essential step toward healing relationships, discovering purpose, and living abundantly. With warmth, honesty, and spiritual depth, I Fix Me reminds readers that when you learn to care for yourself, you create space to care for others more fully.

Black-Owned Payroll Company Celebrates 9 Years in Business

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community Please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List.

Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

HBCU Grad Marks 9-Year Milestone as Owner of a Black-Owned Payroll Company

Bryon Jennings, Founder and CEO of Next Generation Payroll, is celebrating nine years of sustained growth while expanding his national footprint in the PEO services industry. His company provides comprehensive payroll, HR outsourcing, and business insurance solutions, and has expanded its capabilities to include full PEO services through its Employer of Record (EOR) model. Serving clients coast to coast, the expansion into PEO services places the company on a trajectory toward multi-million-dollar growth as demand for comprehensive workforce solutions continues to rise.

Jennings, a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, says his company reflects the discipline and leadership principles instilled through HBCU excellence. Over the past nine years, Next Generation Payroll has evolved from a traditional payroll provider into a comprehensive workforce infrastructure partner.

In addition to payroll processing, the company now delivers HR outsourcing, workers’ compensation administration, benefits management, and business insurance solutions through its partnership with E-Comp Insurance. Through its Employer of Record (EOR) platform, Next Generation Payroll competes directly in the PEO services space, helping businesses eliminate operational land mines, minimize multi-state tax exposure, and reduce turnover. The company also provides leadership training and organizational development strategies designed to strengthen workplace continuity and long-term scalability.

Black Founder, Conference for High Achieving Women of Color to Reclaim Holistic Wealth

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community Please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List.

Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

Founder of Arise & Align Conference 2026 Invites High Achieving Women of Color to Reclaim Holistic Wealth

Prea Epps, Founder and CEO of Reframed Financial Coaching, proudly announces the inaugural Arise & Align Conference: Reclaiming Your Holistic Wealth, a transformative one-day experience designed for high-achieving professional women of color who are ready to move beyond burnout and step into aligned, sustainable prosperity.

Hosted at the Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Arise & Align brings together nationally respected experts in mental health, finance, spirituality, and strategic planning to address a growing yet often unspoken challenge: the silent burnout experienced by successful women who feel pressured to maintain a façade of control while carrying immense professional and personal responsibility.

Get the Scoop on Acclaimed Recording Artist Robbie Love Shining on The World Famous Times Square Billboard

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community Please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List.

Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

Robbie Love Lights Up
Times Square Billboard With
New Single
"When Love Comes Around"

New EP Just Robbie Celebrates
Soul, Legacy, Love, and Authentic Artistry

Tap or CLICK TO LISTEN!

NEW YORK, NY — The bright lights of Times Square are shining on acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and recording artist Robbie Love as her heartfelt new single, “When Love Comes Around,” takes center stage on a digital billboard in the heart of New York City’s world-famous Times Square.

The billboard appearance marks a significant career milestone for Robbie Love as she celebrates the release of her new EP, Just Robbie, a deeply personal collection of music that honors her musical roots while showcasing her artistry, passion, and creative vision.

Tap or Click Graphic Above^for Larger View

Now streaming on all digital platforms, Just Robbie invites listeners worldwide to experience Robbie Love’s soulful vocals, heartfelt performances, and the musical influences that have shaped her journey.

Tap or Click to LISTEN

Known for her rich, expressive vocals and seamless blend of classic soul, contemporary R&B, jazz, and Neo-soul influences, Robbie Love continues to captivate audiences with music that is both timeless and heartfelt.

At the center of the project is the uplifting single, “When Love Comes Around,” a song celebrating love, gratitude, peace, and the transformative power of meaningful relationships.

“This Times Square billboard is truly an honor,” says Robbie Love. “To see my music represented in one of the most recognizable places in the world is both humbling and exciting. I am grateful for everyone who has supported this journey and for the opportunity to share these songs with listeners everywhere.”

The EP features three original songs, “When Love Comes Around,” “We Believe,” and “Music Mama and Me,” along with a reimagined version of Wayne Shorter’s classic “Infant Eyes.” The project comes to the finish line with the TV Mix of the single “When Love Comes Around.”

Featuring an extraordinary lineup of musicians, Just Robbie includes performances by guitarists Juewett Bostick and Gemi Taylor; bassists Welton Gite, Del Atkins, and Harvey Estrada; keyboardist Herman Jackson; drummers Jeff Suttles and Ronnie Kaufman; percussionists Eric McKane and Munyungo; acclaimed saxophonists Azar Lawrence and Gary Bartz; background vocalist Kari Taylor; and vocal production and arrangements by Laythan Armor.

Black Woman Launches Consulting Firm Helping Companies Compete in the Age of AI Through Empathy-Driven Leadership

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community Please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List.

Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

Shanell Pharr-Williams Launches Consulting Firm Helping Companies Compete in the Age of AI Through
Empathy-Driven Leadership

 TEDx speaker and former U.S. Army Sergeant Shanell Pharr-Williams has announced the launch of EMPAXIS, a Black-owned consulting firm designed to help organizations strengthen employee communication, reduce customer escalations, and improve performance by integrating empathy into the core of their leadership and service models.

Recognized as a national authority on empathy in customer service and workplace leadership, Pharr-Williams brings more than 30 years of military and corporate experience to her work. EMPAXIS equips leaders with the human-centered tools needed to outperform competitors in an era dominated by automation and AI-driven customer interactions.

Black Author Unveils Groundbreaking New Show "Say Yes When Life Says No"

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community Please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List.

Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. Unveils Groundbreaking New Show "Say Yes When Life Says No"

Nationally respected leader, author, and visionary Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. announces the launch of his groundbreaking and timely new show, Say Yes When Life Says No — a powerful, truth-telling series amplifying real stories of transformation, adversity, and triumph.

At a moment when people across the country are confronting unprecedented personal and collective challenges, Say Yes When Life Says No offers a bold and necessary roadmap for overcoming obstacles, reclaiming mission, and choosing possibility—even in the face of life’s most unforgiving “no.”

Hosted by Dr. Soaries, the series features intimate, in-depth conversations with voices whose lived experiences and leadership define this moment, offering viewers lessons in resilience, clarity, and personal reinvention. Some confirmed guests for the premiere episodes include:

• Dr. Randal Pinkett — Business powerhouse, author, and winner of The Apprentice, who shares insights on excellence, discipline, and staying the course despite doubt or adversity.

• Donna Hylton — Criminal justice reform advocate and author whose powerful story of survival and healing continues to inspire millions.

• Jack Morris — Visionary developer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, offering reflections on leadership, risk-taking, and building legacy from the ground up.

“We created Say Yes as more than a show — it’s an invitation,” said Dr. Soaries. “For years I’ve watched people wrestle with doubt, disappointment, and the feeling that life has said ‘no’ to them. I’ve had my own share of ‘no’s,’ especially with my cancer diagnosis. But I realized I had to move through that ‘no’ and find my ‘yes.’ This platform gives us a chance to remind people that mission is possible, healing is possible, and hope is possible. Say Yes is about helping people unlock the strength, clarity, and faith they already possess.”

Get The Scoop On The 2026 Minority Enterprise Development Month for the New York Metropolitan Area

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community Please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List.

Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

ICYMI: LIAACC Nassau County Director Announces 2026 Minority Enterprise Development Month for the New York Metropolitan Area

Month-Long Initiative Will Celebrate Minority-Owned Businesses, Economic Empowerment, Innovation, Leadership, and Regional Opportunity

GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK — In case you missed it, Ann Dumay, Nassau County Director of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC), has announced the chamber’s 2026 Minority Enterprise Development Month initiative for minority entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, corporations, government agencies, and business-support organizations throughout the New York metropolitan area.

The 2026 celebration will recognize the accomplishments, resilience, innovation, and economic contributions of minority-owned businesses across Nassau County, Suffolk County, New York City, and the surrounding region.

This year’s theme is: “Building Legacy, Expanding Opportunity, and Advancing Minority Enterprise”

Minority Enterprise Development Month will feature business education, networking, recognition programs, access-to-capital discussions, procurement information, leadership development, technical assistance, and opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with corporate, government, nonprofit, and community partners.