Chicago Defender 2025 Man of the Year: Chief Quention Curtis Stepping Boldly into His Winning Season
Chicago Defender’s 2025 Man of the Year, Quention Curtis, is in what many would call his winning season. Though he’s had many accomplishments over the years, his most recent victory marks a new chapter: becoming the Fire Chief of the Village of Dolton. The Village hosted its regular Board of Trustees meeting at the Dolton Park District, but this gathering was anything but “regular.” It became a night of celebration as Mayor Jason House officially swore in the new Fire Chief before a packed audience. Community members
Georgia Congressional Candidate Everton Blair Challenges Old Guard Norms [Video]
Everton Blair is a Georgia native, educator, and community leader running to represent Georgia’s 13th Congressional District. He has dedicated his career to expanding opportunity, ensuring fair representation, and delivering results for working families. Blair, class of Harvard 2013, Stanford 2016 and Harvard Grad School 2025, is the first person of color, and the fiirst openly gay person elected to the Gwinettt County Board of Education. He is also the youngest-ever member of that auspicious body, where he served as county chairman and board representative. As Georgia's Democratic
Interview With a Legend: NCAA Champion Debra Walker
By: Darryl Jacobs ESPN & CBS Sports Networks Analyst/Commentator Before Caitlin Clark was rewriting record books, before Dawn Staley became a household name, there was Debra Walker—a Detroit powerhouse who left her mark on the game long before women’s basketball had the national spotlight it commands today. From dropping 63 points in a single high school game without a three-point line, to anchoring Cheyney University’s historic run to the first ever NCAA Women’s Championship game in 1982 —the only HBCU ever to reach that stage—Walker’s journey is both a Detroit story and an
Atlanta Education Innovator Dr. Lisa HerringTakes Helm as New Leaders CEO
New Leaders, a national nonprofit advancing educational excellence by preparing and supporting transformational educators, recently announced the appointment of Dr. Lisa Herring as Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Herring brings more than 25 years of experience leading at every level of the education system, from classroom teacher to district superintendent to president of a national innovation hub. As Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, she led systemwide initiatives to accelerate learning recovery, expand college and career pathways, and deepen employer collaborations. Under her leadership, the district achieved the highest graduation rate in its
Detroit Economic Opportunity Director Justin Onwenu, Launches Bid for State Senate Seat
Detroit entrepreneurship and economic opportunity director Justin Onwenu launched a bid for state Senate in a seat in the redrawn 1st Senate District that could see a competitive Democratic primary election. In an announcement video released Thursday, Onwenu asks whether Michigan politics is worse than D.C., highlighting the chaotic lame duck session last year in which Democrats were blocked from accomplishing legislation that would have benefited Detroit residents the most. "I do think that the lame duck session, which is the first time that all three of our branches
Michigan Chronicle Honors 2025 Class of 40 Under 40 Leaders in Detroit
Detroit’s story has always been written by its people—those who build, heal, teach, innovate, and lead with conviction. The Michigan Chronicle’s 13th annual 40 Under 40 Awards carries that same energy, reminding the city and all of Southeast Michigan that leadership does not only rest in boardrooms or at podiums, but in classrooms, hospitals, courtrooms, churches, union halls, and every corner where vision meets action. Now in its 13th year, the program continues to honor African American professionals whose work inspires, disrupts, and uplifts. They are selected
Phi Beta Sigma Appoints Dr. Arthur R. Davis as 1st Vice Regional Director of Great Lakes Region
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, under the leadership of Great Lakes Regional Director, Dr. Willie C. Howard Garrett, proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Arthur R. Davis as the Regional First Vice Director of the Great Lakes Region. A distinguished leader, educator, and community advocate, Dr. Davis brings decades of experience in public service, education, and organizational leadership to this pivotal role. A proud Chicago native, Dr. Davis has dedicated his career to advancing the principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service. He serves as a professor, a Chicago
Lisa Sylvester — Leader, Mentor and Face of WPXI-TV Weekday News in Pittsburgh
LISA SYLVESTER OF WPXI-TV. (PHOTO BY CHIEF IKHANA-HAL-MAKINA) A mass shooting. A massive fire. An abduction. A storm that knocks out power to 300,000 residents. WPXI-TV's Lisa Sylvester delivers the news to Pittsburgh-area viewers in somehow, a calm but upbeat manner. She delivers the news in a way that never overwhelms her, allowing the audience to remain relaxed even in the most tense of news situations. Sylvester is the unquestioned "face" of Channel 11, especially with longtime anchor David Johnson's retirement in December 2024. In 2013, Sylvester came to Pittsburgh, teamed
Black women tackle mental health-related issues head-on
FROM LEFT: DR. SARA KYLES ROYSTER, JAQUALA BIBBENS, JAMIE UPSHAW, LAMARA DENE, DR. ALEXUS BROWN, BRITTANY MAXSHURE. (PHOTO BY CHIEF IKHANA-HAL-MAKINA) Depression, anxiety are the major challenges It can be sunny and 70 degrees outside; perfect weather, not too hot, not too cold… And yet, on the inside, people are dealing with issues and challenges that make them want to not even get up in the morning. Mental health, mental illness is a real thing. Dr. Sharnay Hearn Davis, the founder and executive director of the Sisters Lifting As We Climb
InCommunity Honors Brenda Gates as 2025 Direct Support Professional of the Year
InCommunity has announced Brenda Gates as the 2025 Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year, recognizing her dedication, compassion, and commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Gates journey in caregiving began in 1986 when she worked as a housekeeper in a nursing home. Inspired by her natural ability to connect with and care for others, she earned Certified Nursing Assistant certification and transitioned into hands-on support roles. By 1988, she was working in private homes, beginning what would become a nearly four-decade career serving vulnerable