Dr. Demarus Crawford White | From Burden to Breakthrough
Dr. Demarus Crawford White is guided by a simple conviction: opportunity should never be determined by circumstance. When she joined Npower Ohio, she found not just a leadership role but a mission to expand access to education and career pathways for people often overlooked in the technology sector. As executive director of the technology training nonprofit, she has emerged as one of Ohio’s most vocal champions for equity, workforce readiness, and the belief that success is attainable when people are given the tools to pursue it. “Npower is a
TMCF helped this HBCU grad become an author
For Christian Barksdale, a recommendation from a professor changed the course of his college experience — and ultimately his life. Barksdale, a December 2025 graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, first connected with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund after that professor pointed him toward the organization. What began as a search for financial support quickly became something much bigger. “TMCF helped me financially, but it also opened my eyes,” Barksdale said. “I got the chance to travel to New Jersey and New York for the first time and meet people
Dream of Detroit Janae’s Wilson builds safe haven communities for the most deserving
Janae L. Wilson is the founder of JLW Professional Services and an economic justice organizer raised and nurtured in Detroit. For the past decade she has worked in community organizing and economic development spaces. She currently serves as Deputy Director at Dream of Detroit, a Black Muslim-led organization combining community organizing with housing and land development through a community land trust and long-term neighborhood stewardship programs. Wilson has worked closely with entrepreneurs, local changemakers, and community organizations to turn community priorities into practical economic opportunities. She leads through relationships and
Margot James Copeland Named Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient for the 18th Edition of Who’s Who In Black Cleveland
Who’s Who In Black Cleveland is proud to announce that nationally recognized board leader, retired banking executive, and distinguished civic leader Margot James Copeland will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 18th Edition unveiling and networking reception on August 31, 2026, at the InterContinental Cleveland. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and impact have created lasting change in their communities and beyond. Throughout a remarkable career spanning financial services, philanthropy, healthcare, higher education, and community development, Copeland has championed opportunity, strengthened institutions, and helped
A living witness marks America at 250: ‘A Promise Kept, a Promise Owed’
t the Chicago History Museum on July 3, an 84-year-old son of Arkansas sharecroppers traces America’s unfinished promise — from Frederick Douglass to the present day As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07) will host a press conference on Friday, July 3, at the Chicago History Museum, marking the Semiquincentennial with a program that both honors the country’s progress and confronts the promises it has yet to keep. Titled “America at 250: A Promise Kept, a Promise Owed,” the
Midwest teens shine at Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2026 Youth of the Year Celebration in Chicago
Some of the Midwest’s brightest young leaders took center stage at Theater on the Lake on Thursday June 25, as Boys & Girls Clubs of America celebrated its annual Midwest Youth of the Year event, recognizing teens whose leadership, academic achievement, community service and resilience are helping shape the future of their communities. Hosted by ESPN sports commentator Michael Eaves, the evening brought together business leaders, community advocates, alumni, and supporters to honor four outstanding finalists while raising more than $900,000 to support the next generation of youth leaders across