COO Malik Nevels Reflects on Legacy, Leadership and Purpose as Men of Excellence Honoree
For this Chicago Defender Men of Excellence award recipient, the honor is more than a career achievement. It's an acknowledgment of the individuals, locations and principles who shaped him. “Being named a Chicago Defender Men of Excellence honoree is a profound honor. It’s a recognition not only of personal achievement but of the collective work of mentors, colleagues, and communities that have shaped and supported me along the way.," said Malik S. Nevels, chief operating officer of Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC). "It's a validation of individual
Nayanna Ferguson Moves Spirits with Black-owned Tequila Brand
The tequila craze that’s been gripping the country for the past couple of decades shows no sign of tapering off anytime soon, and in fact, indicators point to an uptick in the consumption of distilled spirits derived from the blue agave plant. And as producers and distributors are experiencing remarkable growth in local and international markets, and the “shot, shot, shot,” chant continues to ring out in college bars and reputable restaurants alike, Black distillers are shifting the tides of tequila consumption. Mexico is the birthplace of tequila,
NFL’s Joique Bell Launches Free Summer Program at Wayne State to Empower Detroit Middle Schoolers Through Academics, Sports, and Mentorship
Born in Benton Harbor, "Detroit Made" former NFL running back for the Detroit Lions Joique Bell is taking his commitment to the city’s youth to the next level this summer, launching a five-week academic and athletic enrichment program designed to empower middle school students through a mix of STEAM learning, sports, mentorship, and real-world career exposure. Set to run from June 23 through July 29 at Wayne State University, the alma mater of Joique Bell, the Joique Bell Charity Summer Enrichment Program is completely free and open to
Southern Mayors Spark National Dialogue, Earn Ovation at Pancakes & Politics Forum III
(L-R) Mayor Steven L. Reed of Montgomery, AL, Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans, LA and Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta, GA Credit: Monica Morgan Photography At the most recent Pancakes and Politics forum III, three prominent Southern mayors, LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans, Steven L. Reed of Montgomery, and Andre Dickens of Atlanta, convened to discuss the unique leadership challenges faced by African American and female mayors in Republican-dominated states. The conversation was live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, which drew national attention. Along with a mix of civic
From Dirt to Dreams: Nicole Scott Brings the Black Rodeo Back Home to Michigan
Nicole Scott didn’t grow up with the sound of hooves pounding against dirt arenas or the sight of cowboys racing through open chutes. She’s a daughter of Inkster, Mich., and her early experiences didn’t include rodeos—especially not ones showcasing Black riders, ropers, and wranglers. But fate, family, and faith would pull her into a world that would soon become her life’s calling: producing and championing Black rodeos across the country. Her journey began in Denver, Colo., where her family relocated years ago. There, she met extended relatives she’d
Businessman Eric France Becomes Newest Candidate in High-Profile 2nd Congressional District Contest
Businessman Eric France launches his campaign to succeed Rep. Robin Kelly in Illinois' 2nd Congressional District. With a diverse field and redrawn map, the 2026 race is already heating up (Photo Credit: Tacuma Roeback). This past Saturday, inside a cozy restaurant along the Little Calumet River, businessman Eric France launched his campaign for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District—one of the most closely watched races of the 2026 cycle. France, who leads The France Group, a consulting firm founded by his late father, Erwin France, joins a growing field vying to
Women In Charge: Roz Clark Brings the Gift of Transformation to Women Who Want More
At a time when too many Americans are grappling with social uncertainty and the impact of declining resources for women’s health and fading support for advancing women in the workplace, Roz Clark is doubling down on her commitment to transforming the landscape and shoring up her efforts to empower women. Clark, a skilled communicator, proficient problem solver and sought-after life coach, uses her expertise to teach women to overcome obstacles and grow their capacities to experience and enjoy meaningful, productive and prosperous lives. “Here’s the thing, none of us
In Appreciation for Black Comic Book Artists; Phillip Thompson Leads the Way
Phillip Thompson lends his collection for national viewing Phillip Thompson, known to most Pittsburghers as DJ Big Phill, wrapped up his "Collections in Black: A Celebration of Black Comic Book Culture," with a closing ceremony at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center to celebrate the Black heroes that comprised Black comic books from the past, which are now classic materials, along with celebrating Black comic creators of the here and now. PHILLIP THOMPSON WITH HIS MOTHER, ARNITA STAGGER. (PHOTOS BY JULIAN HILL) In an interview with AWAACC staff, Thompson
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey Defeated But Not Beaten: ‘We Shattered The Glass Ceiling’
A whirlwind of emotions swept through the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers' building on Pittsburgh's South Side on last Tuesday, as the city's first Black mayor approached the podium to deliver a speech following the Democratic primary for mayor. DJ Selecta had people dancing. People's plates were full of food. Hugs were abundant. Oftentimes, in the Black community, people know how to have a good time, whether or not the times are actually good. It's how it is being a minority in the U.S., an oppressed one at that, especially
Vincent Phillips, Esq. Founding Partner, Arrington and Phillips, LLP Recognized as Top Entertainment Lawyer
Recognized nationally as one of the most influential attorneys in entertainment and culture, Vincent “Vince” Phillips is a trailblazing attorney, music executive, prolific business strategist, genre-transforming global brand creator, and social anthropologist. With a career spanning more than two decades, Atlanta native Vince Phillips is a Founding Partner at Arrington and Phillips, LLP, specializing in entertainment law. Acknowledged as a Billboard Top Music Lawyer for several years. Vince is one of the music industry’s most accomplished and sought-after attorneys, representing artists and producing cultural phenomena that changed the