Tamira Chapman Launches Storehouse Voices™ to Amplify Black Voices
The Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, has announced a powerful new collaboration with Tamira Chapman’s Storehouse In A Box (SIAB) to launch Storehouse Voices™, a bold new imprint focused on elevating Black voices in the literary world. Aimed at bridging the representation gap in publishing, Storehouse Voices promises to become a cultural touchstone, amplifying the diverse stories and rich history of the Black experience. Tamira Chapman, an award-winning entrepreneur and philanthropist from Detroit, is the driving force behind the imprint. As the founder and
Joe Tate Enters U.S. Senate Race, Becomes First Black Candidate in Michigan’s 2026 Democratic Field
Joe Tate has officially entered the race for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, becoming the first Black candidate to join the 2026 Democratic primary field. His announcement adds weight to a race already viewed as one of the most important for Democrats hoping to regain Senate control next year. Tate confirmed his candidacy on Sunday, May 12, stepping forward to run for the seat being vacated by Democratic Senator Gary Peters, who is not seeking re-election after two six-year terms. Tate, a native Detroiter, former Marine, and the
Mother of a Movement: How Patricia Andrews-Keenan Is Building a Black Art Movement Rooted in Chicago
Meet Patricia Andrews-Keenan, founder of Pigment International, leading a movement to elevate Black artists, build a sustainable art ecosystem, and make Chicago the North Star of Black fine art (Photo Provided). Her mentees call her “Auntie.” But it’s safe to say that Patricia Andrews-Keenan has helped mother a movement in Chicago—centering Black artists and building sustainable communities for them to thrive. As the founder of Pigment International, a Chicago-based platform uplifting Black contemporary art and culture, Andrews-Keenan has spent the last seven years using her corporate, media and storytelling background to
‘Breaking the Chains’: Chicago Leaders Champion Equity and Empowerment for Black Men and Fathers
From L–R: Deon Hodrick, community advocate and entrepreneur; Richard Wallace, founder of Equity and Transformation (EAT); Clinton Boyd, Jr., executive director of Fathers, Families & Healthy Communities; and Daniel Ash, president of the Field Foundation, speak during the “Breaking the Chains” panel on reclaiming wealth, power, and dignity for Black men in Chicago (Photo Courtesy of The Field Foundation). As a Black woman, I’ve seen firsthand how financial struggles can profoundly affect a Black man’s self-esteem, mental health and ability to lead his family. It’s heartbreaking to watch—and
Donavan McKinney Steps Up to Fight for Real Representation in Detroit’s 13th District
The 13th Congressional District has always been more than a collection of neighborhoods. It has been a living, breathing story of resilience, told through the voices of working families, elders on porches, young dreamers, and laborers whose sweat built this city. As a new election season rises over Detroit, two Black men stand ready to carry that story forward, offering visions shaped not by millionaire boardrooms, but by the real struggles that built this city’s soul. Donavan McKinney, a 32-year-old Democrat and current State Representative for Michigan’s 11th
Atlanta Business League Hall of Fame Recipient Andrella Kenner Soars to New Heights With CI2 Aviation Inc.
Ms. Andrella Kenner is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of CI2 Aviation Inc., an award-winning Aerospace, Engineering, and Information Technology provider, delivering a full range of aviation, technology, management, and administrative support services to a global audience of public and private agencies. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with multiple offices throughout the U.S., CI2 Aviation is the nation’s only minority-owned, woman-owned business engaged in the provisioning of Air Traffic Control Tower services to the Federal Government. Kenner has over 38 years of comprehensive senior
Trailblazer and Former Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman Remembered for History Making Moves
By Zenitha Prince AFRO Contributing Editor Pioneering civil servant and advocate Alexis Herman, who served as the 23rd and first African American Secretary of Labor, died April 25. She was 77. Herman achieved the historical first when then-President Bill Clinton nominated her for the Cabinet position at the beginning of his second term in the White House. “Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Alexis Herman, our friend of nearly fifty years. Alexis was gifted in so many ways. She was a skillful and creative administrator who, at
Appreciation for Social Workers Is on the Rise: S.W.A.G. Awards Recognizes Their Hard Work, Impact
THE HONOREES AT THE S.W.A.G. AWARDS, March 22, at the Sheraton Hotel Station Square. (Photo by J.L. Martello) If you can believe it, the annual Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness Awards, better known as the S.W.A.G. Awards, already has its date set for its 2026 event—March 7. It will be the sixth iteration of the S.W.A.G. Awards, which honors Pittsburgh's individuals, most of whom are Black, in the often-forgotten field of social work. It's best to mark the date on the calendar because the attendance for the event continues
April Ryan, Black Press Saluted at 2025 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner
This year, the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner looked much different. Without the presence of the President of the United States, an accomplished comedian, or the traditional crowd of politicians and celebrities, the evening instead became a nationally televised celebration of free speech. The black-tie event was also a recognition of the benefit of diversity, a tribute to trailblazing journalists, and a major shout-out and acknowledgment to Black Press USA’s Washington Bureau Chief and White House Senior Correspondent, April Ryan. The event took place under the shadow
Meet the Atlanta Business League’s CEO Awards Luncheon Chair, Bank of America’s Al McRae
Each year, the Atlanta Business League's (ABL) CEO Awards Luncheon shines a spotlight on business leaders who are driving innovation, creating jobs, and making a lasting impact on the economic landscape of Atlanta. As Chair, Al McRae will play a pivotal role in guiding the event's vision and execution. His leadership ensures that the luncheon not only honors outstanding accomplishments but also provides an inspiring platform for emerging entrepreneurs and professionals. The 2025 CEO event will be helmed by Al McRae, Private Bank Diverse Segments Executive President, Bank of America Atlanta. As President of Bank of America, Atlanta,