Black professionals live in very interesting times. The once highly skilled and coveted jobs that needed bachelor’s and master’s degrees are under attack. Between AI, the death of DEI, and the new political climate, Black professional unemployment has skyrocketed to unprecedented numbers.
Official numbers do not track a single total layoff count for all Black workers, but federal data and reports show that more than 300,000 Black women alone lost jobs or left the workforce over the past year.
For those in the job market, networking will play a pivotal role in finding their next position. For Black Enterprise and Alfred Edmond, the XCEL Summit for Men could not have come at a better time.
The Summit is the nation’s leading conference dedicated to elevating and empowering men — celebrating their excellence through the XCEL Awards and equipping them with the tools to thrive at every level of leadership, from entry-level to the C-suite.
“This is our tenth year conducting the summit, and we are excited about what the conference offers,” Edmond said.
Alfred A. Edmond, Jr. is Executive VP & Chief Content Officer of Black Enterprise, one of the most trusted brands in the media industry, founded by the late American business icon Earl G. Graves, Sr. in 1970. An accomplished session moderator, live interviewer, pitch competition judge, and keynote speaker for both virtual and in-person events, Edmond is widely recognized for his expertise on business and economic trends, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and mentorship.
Edmond appears regularly as an expert/commentator on national television, radio, streaming, and podcast programs.
As an executive vice president at Black Enterprise, Edmond is a member of the senior management team reporting to President & CEO Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr. As chief content officer, Edmond provides senior leadership of all staff across the revenue-generating content platforms of Black Enterprise, including BlackEnterprise.com, video, podcasts, and live events, with a focus on producing high-value solutions and high-quality content trusted by both the audience and corporate sponsors/advertising clients of Black Enterprise.
An award-winning multimedia journalist, Edmond serves as writer, co-producer, and host of Black Enterprise video/podcasts, including BE The Game: The Business of Sports, viewed via platforms including Facebook Live, LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and at BlackEnterprise.com. He is also responsible for creating and curating content for Black Enterprise event franchises including the XCEL Summit for Men.
Edmond has held positions of leadership in content and senior management at Black Enterprise for more than three decades. From 2008 through 2010, he was SVP/Editor-in-Chief of BlackEnterprise.com, helping to lead the transition from a single-magazine publisher to a digital-first media company. From 1995 through 2008, Edmond was chief editor of Black Enterprise magazine.
“We understand the need to meet in one place, speak and network with other people, and get the valuable information that professionals will need today and in the future to compete in the global business market,” Edmond said.
Edmond is referencing the ever-changing business world and how AI will play a role in the future of what jobs are available and who might get those jobs.
For Black people, the uneven playing field just got steeper due to the changing political climate, the advancement of technology in the workplace, and the reduction of professional positions available.
It’s going to take more than a fancy resume and good work history to secure a position in 2026 — it’s going to take a good network of advocates that can vouch for your qualifications.
“The XCEL Summit was created for this very purpose. For anyone who needs professional development or needs to increase their circle of influence, the summit is the place to be,” Edmond said.
The 2026 XCEL Summit for Men takes place in Orlando, Florida, October 21 – 23. The event will offer an awards ceremony, a banquet, and two days of classes that teach professionals the tools to advance their agenda in the areas that matter to them. There is even a free AI certification course available.
“We all know the power of AI and how it’s taking some jobs,” Edmond explained. “However, AI will not take over the way everyone thinks. It can’t decide for us. It might be able to offer a strategy, but it will still take a human to decide which is the best strategy to use and then execute on it.”
How AI is Changing Work
- Reshaping Tasks: Experts at Boston Consulting Group report that AI will alter how work is done in 50% to 55% of jobs.
- Fewer Entry-Level Roles: Entry-level white-collar jobs, data entry, and basic customer service face the fastest drops in hiring.
- Focus on Efficiency: Companies use AI tools to handle repetitive spreadsheets, scheduling, and basic writing tasks.
Most Vulnerable Jobs
- Customer Service: Automated bots answer routine questions.
- Bookkeeping: Cloud software handles basic numbers and data sorting.
- Basic Administration: Software drafts standard reports and reads documents.
Safe and Growing Jobs
- Human-Centered Roles: Nurses, teachers, and therapists remain safe because they require real empathy and human touch.
- Technology Roles: Companies actively hire specialists to build and guard computer systems.
- Skilled Trades: Opinions on Artificial Intelligence are mixed, as some users argue physical trades like plumbing and construction are safe due to unpredictable environments, while others believe future robots might eventually challenge even those physical tasks.
Edmonds and Black Enterprise are aware of the changing marketplace of employment and proud to be able to aid those who are vulnerable to the conditions of today’s employment landscape.
Edmond shared, “It’s difficult for those who have seen AI take their jobs. I understand, because I’m in the media. It’s amazing how fast things have changed. However, we must stay ahead of the curve to make sure we can compete in the world economy.”
Emond reminds anyone who is working on their resume to remember that they are not competing with those in their area; they are competing with everyone around the world who is looking for the same position. And if they’re going to succeed, they’ll need to stand out, offer a unique set of skills, and then be able to create a network around them that can get them into the room, vouch for their abilities, and be able to recommend them for the professional job they want.
With the job market shrinking and more layoffs predicted for the future, the XCEL Summit for Men is a must for anyone who is looking for a competitive advantage.
“I advise anyone who needs to network to come and rub elbows with other people like them. Gain some knowledge, expand your base, and have some fun,” Edmond concluded.
After forty years at Black Enterprise, Edmond knows a thing or two — and his consistency, knowledge, and network will continue to increase. ●
To learn more about the summit, visit. https://www.blackenterprise.com/xcelsummit2026/
