Detroit and HBCU Alum Brad Holmes named first Black NFL Executive of the Year
Detroit Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes, who was named the 2023 NFL Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America . With Holmes winning PFWA’s Executive of the Year award, he becomes the first executive in Detroit Lions history to do so, the first African American winner, and the first HBCU graduate to garner the honor. In January 2021, the Lions hired Holmes as their executive vice president and general manager. His first major and highly controversial move was to trade
Cassius Butts Sets the Standard with ‘Exceptional: Being the Exception to the Rule’
While Cassius Butts has been a stellar steward for getting resources to the black business community, and a major player representing Black interests in high places, his interests extend far beyond just getting the money, as if that weren’t enough. The economics expert is a relentless advocate for identifying inequities and mitigating their damage in underserved communities. Butts is the founder of Capital Fortitude Business Advisors; a boutique management consulting firm that focuses on access to capital and business development endeavors. The savvy financial expert served in leadership
Danielle Jeter Takes Media and Marketing Seriously, Expanding Opportunities for Women
Corporate branding strategist and media and marketing expert, Danielle Jeter was front and center at the Black Enterprise; 's Disruptor conference held earlier this summer in Atlanta. The Spelman college alum and founder of AOI Events & PR providing a bevy of professional skills and services including; public relations, event production and marketing, brand consulting and social media strategy development to corporate and municipal clients in the robust Philadelphia, Atlanta and Miami, FL markets. A seasoned and savvy communicator, Jeter also helped found the non-profit Women In Media
Stacey Abrams takes aim at Project 2025 and Republican efforts to destroy DEI
Project 2025 will seek to change the trajectory of America, in a negative way. The proposed presidential transition project lays out a game plan for Donald Trump to enact during the first 180 days if re-elected president. Spearheaded by The Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 is led by two former Trump administration officials, Paul Dans and Spencer Chretien. Stacey Abrams recently took aim at Project 2025 and the consequences that it could have across the board. “What Project 2025 seeks to do is dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion in all its
Roderick K. Hawkins: Southern Roots and Leadership in LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Roderick K. Hawkins (Credit: Powell Creative Services). In 2024, many emerging leaders are paving the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps. Their impact is improving the community in even bigger and better ways. Roderick K. Hawkins, a Southern gentleman at heart, has achieved numerous accolades. His family's support has shaped him into who he is today: a legendary Black man of excellence who stands for equality for everyone, especially for the LGBTQ community. Southern Roots and Family Values Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on July 30, 1974,
Beverly Watts Elected President of COMTO Michigan
In a significant move for the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Michigan, Beverly Watts has been elected as the new president. Watts, who is also the CEO and Founder of BME Consulting, LLC, brings nearly two decades of experience in enhancing infrastructure and recreational parks across Wayne County. Her election marks a pivotal moment for COMTO Michigan as she aims to amplify the organization's mission and impact both locally and nationally. Watts’ professional journey is marked by her dedication to infrastructure development and community revitalization. Her firm,
Cleveland Area Mother and Son Team Ink 7-figure Deal for Hair Care and Beauty Supplies
The Clevealnd-Canton-Akron, Ohio area is among the best-kept Black lifestyle secrets in the Midwest. Enclave after enclave of middle-class Blacks are enjoying relatively good standards of living in the northeast region of the state. With an African American population of only slightly more than 10 percent, minority business owners are managing to thrive in the Akron, Ohio area located on 40 miles south of Cleveland. The Play Beauty supply store is proof of the pudding. Owners Nneka Slade, 49, and her son Kameron Coleman, 25, in only four
Jessica Nabongo Ignites Inspiring Conversations at Coffee & Cadillacs
by AJ Williams A breakfast conversation at the Cadillac Lounge during the American Black Film Festival brought together cultural icons for a morning of inspiring discussions. Among the notable attendees was world traveler Jessica Nabongo, who had just returned from Paris after joining Cadillac for the OPTIQ reveal. The event, aptly titled “Coffee & Cadillacs: Lights, Camera, Action!” set the stage for a series of meaningful and thought-provoking dialogues. Jessica Nabongo: Embracing Positivity and Overcoming Fear Jessica Nabongo, celebrated for her adventurous spirit and cultural insights, captivated the audience with
Latoya Jordan, Attorney Turned Entrepreneur, Reveals How Marble Wines Celebrates The Brilliance And Resilience Of Women
With the 4th of July and countless other summer activities on the horizon, Marble Wines presents the ideal companion for wine lovers to savor while lounging by the pool or celebrating with family and friends. Co-founded by Latoya Jordan, Marble Wines is a minority and women-owned company that believes in and celebrates the brilliance and resilience of women. Latoya Jordan, an attorney by trade, ventured into the wine industry almost serendipitously. “Somehow or another, I got the reputation of being the fixer for my clients,” Jordan shared. One particular
Collins Einhorn Farrell Elects Michigan’s First Black Woman CEO, Marking Historic Milestone
In a momentous and historic move, Collins Einhorn Farrell has elected Michigan’s first Black woman CEO, a decision that not only underscores its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal industry but also sets a new standard for the sector. An innovation leader within the legal sphere, Collins Einhorn Farrell PC (CE) proudly announced the groundbreaking election of Kellie L. Howard as its new Chief Executive Officer. “I am deeply honored to lead CE into this new era of legal excellence in which we will continue our