Charlotte’s Kermit Waddell Promotes The Power of We
Hailing from a lineage of activists, Mr. Kermitt Waddell, Esq. has carved a remarkable legacy by embodying the philosophy that it Is not about “i ism” or “me ism,” but about “we-ism” and “us-ism.” His unwavering commitment to community-driven progress and inclusivity has left an indelible mark on his hometown of Charlotte. As a proud graduate of Second Ward High School, where his own uncle held the esteemed position of being the final principal, and a graduate of North Carolina Central Law School, Waddell’s path has been
Detroit Police Chief James White to Lead Detroit’s Largest Mental Health Organization as CEO of DWIHN
Detroit Police Chief James White is stepping into a pivotal new role, leading the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN), Michigan’s largest mental health safety net organization. In a unanimous vote by the DWIHN board of directors, White was chosen over Michael Hunter, president of Team Wellness Center, to become the next CEO. His appointment, however, has sparked a range of reactions, with some expressing excitement about his leadership while others raise concerns over his past as Detroit’s police chief. White, who has served as the city’s top
Jeanie Hunter, Synergy President and CEO Honored by Atlanta Business League
With over 20 years of experience, Jeanie Hunter serves as the CEO and Co-founder of Synergy Development Partners, LLC an Atlanta-based general contracting company generating over 600 million in projects to date. Jeanie oversees, identifies, develops and implements internal strategies in the day-to-day operations that ensures resiliency and sustainability of the organization. Jeanie's leadership style is characterized by her ability to inspire and motivate her team, encouraging them to think creatively and push the boundaries of what is possible. She places great emphasis on fostering a positive work environment
Terri Sanders Transforms ‘Omaha Star;’ 87 Years of Black Women in News
In North Omaha, the legacy of The Omaha Star lives on, steadfast through decades of change and challenge. Since 1938, Nebraska’s only Black-owned newspaper has been a voice for the community, and now, under the leadership of Terri Sanders, it’s poised to become a national cultural landmark. “Paper’s been going 87 years. We have never missed a publication day. So, we can’t start with me,” Sanders said in a telephone conversation with NNPA Newswire. The mother of former vice-presidential advisor and MSNBC News journalist Symone D. Sanders-Townsend, Sanders
Rod Doss receives mayor’s ‘Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award’
It’s hard to say “New Pittsburgh Courier” without saying “Rod Doss.” When the “Pittsburgh Courier” became the “New Pittsburgh Courier” after John H. Sengstacke purchased the newspaper in 1966, the Courier’s offices, which originally were in the Hill District, soon settled on the South Side, at 315 East Carson Street, about a 10-minute walk from the Smithfield Street Bridge. The next year, 1967, saw a well-dressed, well-kept, twenty-something African American man walk into the office as the Courier’s newest advertising sales executive. Sixteen years later, in 1983, that same
Chicago’s Deputy Mayor of Community Safety, Garien Gatewood, Ending Overpolicing in Black and Brown Communities
ShotSpotter and Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood (Photo Credits: chicagojustice.org and Chicago Mayor’s Office). Chicago officially ended its contract with ShotSpotter, fulfilling Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign promise. Depending on who you talk to, ShotSpotter’s end either means that police response to shootings will be hindered, ultimately leading to an uptick in crime, or without it, Black and Brown communities won’t be overpoliced. The city is doing away with a technology whose effectiveness has been questioned. Mayor Johnson recently issued a request for information (RFI) for the city to
Progressive Prosecutors Shalena Cook Jones and Deborah Gonzalez Battle for Justice in Georgia
Two Georgia district attorneys who promised criminal justice reforms are facing reelection races that will test whether progressive prosecutors in liberal pockets of the swing state can survive intense blowback from state Republicans and some prominent local Democrats. Shalena Cook Jones of Chatham County and Deborah Gonzalez of Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties were elected in 2020 in the wake of nationwide protests against racial injustice. They, like dozens of other progressive prosecutors elected to office over the past decade, promised a holistic approach to prosecuting that offers diversion
Melissa L. Gilliam Installed as Boston University’s 11th President
BU President Melissa L. Gilliam sitting in the leather chair that belonged to one of BU’s founders, Isaac Rich. The chair was used in 1869 when BU’s three founders signed a petition to charter BU as a new corporation, and it has been featured at nearly every inauguration since. Photo by Jackie Ricciardi In historic inauguration, she calls for greater investment in student internship opportunities, in faculty interdisciplinary research, and ensuring access for all On Friday, September 27, the Boston University community leapt to its feet to celebrate the historic inauguration
A Landmark ‘Year of Firsts’ for Black Leaders in Detroit
Photos by Monica Morgan Photography In a city that is nearly 80 percent Black, it shouldn’t be a surprise to hear that some of Detroit’s most hallowed institutions and organizations have Black leaders at the helm. But when reality sets in and the layers get peeled back, it’s easier to see that despite the demographic makeup of the residents, many of these institutions have been slow to call on Black women and men to lead. Certainly, there are Black leaders across all spectrums – business, law enforcement, nonprofit, education,
Dr. Tshaka Cunningham Carves a Path for African Americans in Science
Dr. Tshaka Cunningham, a pioneering molecular biologist, has made an extraordinary journey from the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. to the cutting edge of precision medicine and genomics. Returning to his roots for an interview on the PBS show “The Chavis Chronicles,” Cunningham shared insights into his career, the importance of diversity in science, and his commitment to advancing genomics for the betterment of all communities. Raised in D.C.’s historic Shaw area, Dr. Cunningham’s early exposure to science came from a deeply personal source—his grandmother, a cancer researcher who played