Council for Quality Growth Announces Four Pillar Tribute honoring the H.J. Russell Family
Donata, Jerome, Michael, and the Late Herman J. Russell to Receive 35th Annual Four Pillar Award on October 10 On October 10, 2024, the Council for Quality Growth will honor the legacy of Herman J. Russell Sr. and the Russell Family with its 35th annual Four Pillar Tribute. This is the first time in the history of the Tribute that the living legacy of a family will be honored. The 2024 Tribute will recognize the lasting impact of family patriarch Herman and ongoing contributions of his three adult children, Donata Russell Ross, H.
Morehouse College President Dr. David A. Thomas Begins a New Chapter
Morehouse College President Dr. David A. Thomas announced his retirement after seven years of service. During his tenure, Morehouse was able to achieve substantial infrastructure investments; and the most funds have been raised among any president in Morehouse’s 157-year history. With over 30 years in higher education informing his vision, Dr. Thomas’s time in office has positioned Morehouse to exert even more profound influence in the 21st Century. After a period of rest, travel, and time with his family, he will join the Morehouse faculty and aid in
Myeshia Mizuno and ‘Family Feud’ Make Media History With First Black Woman Showrunner
“Family Feud,” the successful and long standing game show, has achieved a historic milestone by appointing Myeshia Mizuno as its new showrunner. Mizuno now oversees both the syndicated version of the show and ABC's prime-time "Celebrity Family Feud." This appointment marks a significant moment in television history, as Mizuno becomes the first Black woman to spearhead a prime-time game show. Mizuno, a game show enthusiast, shared her approach to the role in an interview with Variety, expressing a blend of excitement and responsibility. “It’s daunting, but definitely what I’m
Larry Pickett named Chairman of International Association of Technology and Management
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Larry C. Pickett was selected as Chairman to lead the International Association of Technology and Management (IATM). The selection was made on May 22. The goal of IATM is to foster collaboration among professionals in academia, industry, and research to advance the fields of technology and management. Pickett serves as a member of the IATM advisory board. He is also a member of the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Business Innovation Office, where he leads the Project Management Center of Excellence. He
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,