Black Women Are Building Detroit’s New Generation of Business Schools
While elite universities and accelerator programs continue to overlook grassroots founders, three local entrepreneurs have stepped up to create what mainstream institutions never prioritized: culturally grounded, community-owned business schools designed specifically for Detroiters. Racheal Allen, Ebony Cochran, and Jessie Hayes are not in the business of waiting on permission to educate, train, and empower. They’re building infrastructure—on their terms—for the entrepreneurs this city has long ignored. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the country. In Detroit, they lead one
Matters of Life and Death: Who Gets the Final Say?
By Jehan Gibson-Crump For most people, conversations about death are not easy to have. That uneasiness leads to a failure to plan. That failure to plan becomes a one-way ticket to probate. “Probate” generally refers to the process through which a deceased person’s property is distributed. Property can mean a home, a vehicle, a business, financial accounts and more. Probate is necessary when someone passes away with property in their name alone, with no joint owner or living beneficiary. Probate Court is the court that handles this process,
Matters of Life and Death: The Power Is In Your Hands
By Jehan Gibson-Crump A common misconception is that estate planning only applies to death. This could not be further from the truth. A proper estate plan determines what will happen with your assets if you pass away and who will be responsible for carrying out those wishes. It also puts measures in place to determine who will manage your affairs if you are unable, whether it is on a temporary or permanent basis. This is done through Healthcare Powers of Attorney and Financial Powers of Attorney. If done
Derrick R. Clay to Write Introduction for 2025 Who’s Who In Black Columbus
COLUMBUS, OH — Who’s Who In Black Columbus is proud to announce that Derrick R. Clay, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, will author the introduction for the 19th edition of the annual publication. A respected civic and business leader, Clay brings decades of experience in public affairs, economic development, and strategic leadership. His message will open a publication that honors Black excellence and showcases individuals shaping the future of Columbus. “Derrick Clay represents the leadership, innovation and commitment to equity that aligns with our mission,”
Jesse Jackson Jr. Forms Exploratory Committee in Anticipation of 2026 Congressional Run
Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is taking initial steps toward a possible return to Congress. On Monday, Jackson announced the formation of an exploratory committee as he considers a bid for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District seat in the 2026 election. The move follows a push by former U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush and other local leaders who have encouraged him to re-enter public office. “As part of the Jesse Jackson Jr. for Congress 2026 Exploratory effort, it is my intention to secure a place on the ballot by authorizing
Atlanta Teacher Dr. Valerie Camille Jones Ford Inducted Into the National Teachers Hall of Fame
Ron Clark Academy's Dr. Valerie Camille Jones Ford joins the National Teachers Hall of Fame as the second Atlanta inductee, fourth from Georgia. Dr. Valerie Camille Jones Ford, Head of the Mathematics Department at Atlanta's Ron Clark Academy (RCA), is set to be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF) as part of its 2025 class. Dr. Jones Ford is the second educator from Atlanta and the fourth from Georgia to be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. “It is a tremendous honor to stand
U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
Columbus, OH – Who’s Who In Black Columbus is proud to announce that U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in its upcoming 2025 edition. This honor recognizes Beatty’s exceptional legacy of leadership, public service, and lifelong advocacy for civil rights and equity. “It’s an honor to be recognized by Who’s Who In Black Columbus with this prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside so many brilliant Black changemakers in our community,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “I’m grateful for the recognition of my commitment and passion for the
Black Women Are Building Detroit’s New Generation of Business Schools
While elite universities and accelerator programs continue to overlook grassroots founders, three local entrepreneurs have stepped up to create what mainstream institutions never prioritized: culturally grounded, community-owned business schools designed specifically for Detroiters. Racheal Allen, Ebony Cochran, and Jessie Hayes are not in the business of waiting on permission to educate, train, and empower. They’re building infrastructure—on their terms—for the entrepreneurs this city has long ignored. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the country. In Detroit, they lead one
H. J. Russell & Company Promotes Tiffanie Lewis to Vice President of Talent Enablement
H. J. Russell & Company announces the promotion of Tiffanie Lewis to Vice President of Talent Enablement. In this role, she will lead the company’s employee development, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and engagement strategies. She reports to Mona Garland, Chief People Officer. Lewis brings over 30 years of experience with the company, having advanced through roles in property management, compliance, information technology, and shared services. Her ability to connect strategy to execution and drive cross-functional collaboration has made her a key contributor across the organization. “Tiffanie is a values-driven leader who has
Tulsa’s 1st Black Mayor Makes History: Monroe Nichols Proposes $100M Reparations Plan For Race Massacre
Democratic Oklahoma State Rep. Monroe Nichols made history in the city of Tulsa, when in November of 2024, he won the Tulsa Mayoral election, besting his challenger, Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith and replacing the sitting mayor, GT Bynum. When he accepted the victory, Nichols delivered his acceptance in front of images of Black Wall Street, a thriving district in Tulsa that was destroyed by a white mob in 1921. The Democratic lawmaker prioritized adding more affordable housing and ending homelessness during his mayoral campaign. Nichols said he wants to