African Americans making power moves in corporate world
by Rob Taylor Jr. Courier Staff Writer Andrea Stanford was already going places, even before The Advanced Leadership Initiative’s “Executive Leadership Academy” came to fruition in 2018. The Westchester County, N.Y., native, who came to Pittsburgh and graduated from the university that bears the city’s name, has been lauded for her professional and community service efforts in the 13 years she’s been in the Steel City. In recent years, she progressed from a Digital Experience Product Manager at PNC to Assistant County Manager for Allegheny County. Then came word of a new
How to have a holly, jolly, digital holiday
In this time of social distancing, when you may not be able to gather together with family and friends during the holiday season, there are plenty of exciting, unique and downright delightful ways to keep everyone’s holiday spirits high. Consider exploring websites and digital platforms offering creative gifts, new ways to connect and one-of-a-kind greeting options that will put a smile on even the Grinchiest of faces. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Unique holiday greetings Tired of sending the same old holiday cards? Instead, why not create
MLB finally recognizes Negro League players as Major Leaguers
It has taken 100 years, but Major League Baseball (MLB) announced on Dec. 16 that the Negro Leagues will be included in the organization’s history rather than being treated as a separate entity. “It is MLB’s view that the Committee’s 1969 omission of the Negro Leagues from consideration was clearly an error that demands today’s designation,” MLB said in a statement. The Negro National League was formed on Feb. 13, 1920, at a YMCA in Kansas City, Missouri. The National Negro League struggled to make ends meet, and the
American Express Commits $2.5 M to 100 Black Female Owned Businesses
Did you know that woman-founded businesses received a mere 2.8 percent of venture capital dollars in 2019, with female founders of color receiving just 0.32 percent? A couple big organizations are working to change that for the long-term. Co-Founder of Kazmaleje (pronounced Cosmology), LaToya Stirrup is one of 100 women selected by American Express and IFundWomen of Color for its 100 for 100 campaign that supports black female entrepreneurs. All recipients of the grant program will be awarded $25,000 plus 100 days of business mentorship. Kazmaleje, founded in Miami,
Black woman doctor key to COVID-19 vaccine
By Roz Edward While many members of the African American community have reservations regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who has been leading the charge against this plague wants to ease the concerns of Black people. Fauci addressed members of the National Urban League on Tuesday and revealed information that a Black woman, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, has been a key player in developing one of the vaccines that will soon be available to Americans later this month. “The very vaccine that’s one of the two
Tonya Allen to Leave The Skillman Foundation For New Pathway at Helm of McKnight Foundation
By Sherri Kolade Tonya Allen, The Skillman Foundation’s president & CEO since 2014, will be leaving her prestigious position to lead the McKnight Foundation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she confirmed in a phone interview with the Michigan Chronicle recently. The Detroit-based Skillman Foundation children’s philanthropy helps the city’s youth achieve their highest aspirations. “Tonya has been a force at The Skillman Foundation and in Detroit. Representing the Foundation, she has held a laser focus on children and Detroit as CEO for the last seven years, including taking on leadership roles in
Real Times Media Enhances Digital Impact Through Partnership with Second Street
DETROIT, Michigan—Real Times Media (RTM), a Detroit-based multimedia holding company, announced today a new partnership with Second Street, the market leader in online media audience engagement and interactive content, as a next step in the evolution of its news organization into the preeminent digital news destination for African American consumers. Leveraging Second Street’s experience serving more than 4,000 media companies across North America and the European Union, this partnership further enables RTM’s transformation into a digitally focused problem solver for its customers. “We are always looking for ways
Millennial Marriage: What’s Love Got to Do with It?
At a recent dinner with friends, all of whom happen to be Millennials, we got on the topic of dating and, for us at least, dating’s ultimate goal: marriage. Despite having desires of what age we’d be married by when we were younger and, perhaps,more naive, none of us seemed to be in a rush currently, despite our ticking clocks. The conversation then turned to the marriages we have experienced first-hand; that of our parents. Although love was present, all of us admitted we wouldn’t want to follow
Biden-Harris team appoints more African Americans to influential positions
Monday, Nov. 30, was a big day for African Americans and national politics. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris announced members of its initial senior leadership team who will lead their Presidential Inaugural Committee. The committee is tasked with organizing activities surrounding the swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20, 2021. Two of the members are African American; Tony Allen, Ph.D., who will serve as CEO, and Erin Wilson, who will serve as Deputy Executive Director. Also on Nov. 30, the Biden/Harris team announced the nominations of Wally Adeyemo
Atlanta Hawks strike historic agreement with Black-owned banks
The Hawks become the first professional sports team to secure financing with Black-owned banks for $35 million refinancing of Emory Sports Medicine Complex Transaction facilitated with the support of the National Black Bank Foundation and Black Bank Fund to help bolster Black banks and the communities they serve Earlier today, the Atlanta Hawks announced that it has agreed to refinance the construction loan for the Emory Sports Medicine Complex with a syndicate of Black-owned banks. The $35 million loan marks the first time a professional sports franchise has had