Janelle Coleman to pen foreword for Who’s Who In Black Columbus 20th Anniversary edition
Who’s Who In Black Columbus proudly announces that Janelle Coleman, President of the American Electric Power Foundation and Vice President of Community Engagement and Corporate Philanthropy for American Electric Power, will author the foreword for the landmark 20th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus. The commemorative edition will celebrate two decades of recognizing the achievements, leadership, and lasting impact of Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders throughout Central Ohio while honoring the publication's legacy of documenting Black excellence. “Janelle Coleman embodies the spirit of servant leadership and
Kenneth N. Wilson Named Introduction Writer for 20th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus
Real Times Media proudly announces that Kenneth N. Wilson, County Administrator for Franklin County, will serve as the introduction writer for the highly anticipated 20th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus. As the highest unelected official in Franklin County government, Wilson has served as County Administrator since 2015, leading 15 county agencies and more than 1,400 employees. He oversees the County’s annual $2.2 billion budgeting process for 35 agencies, helping ensure Franklin County remains among the nation’s most effective and well-governed communities. A respected public servant and
Nikki Harland of Concessions International: Elevating travel to higher heights
When a woman reaches the C-suite in the travel concessions industry - or any industry - she is usually expected to influence workplace culture, particularly around diversity and inclusion. But when a Black woman attains that level of leadership, her presence has a broader impact, shaping the organization’s culture from executive leadership to frontline employees. Nikki Harland, of Concessions International LLC wields that type of influence in the business world and has levied her considerable cache of career achievements and business accomplishments to elevate opportunities for minority
George E. Johnson Changed Black Beauty — and Black History
By Joe Williams The Johnson Products founder broke Wall Street’s color barrier, created a multimillion-dollar business and helped bring Soul Train into homes across America. Johnson built Johnson Products into the nation's dominant Black hair care company while opening doors for Black entrepreneurs and celebrating Black identity. His investments also helped propel Soul Train into a national phenomenon. He parlayed a $250 personal loan into a business empire and, in the process, changed how Black America saw itself. A beauty-products pioneer, he broke Wall Street’s color barrier
Denzel McCampbell is blazing a trail to Detroit’s future. Haters are detting left in the dust
Denzel McCampbell is not shying away from the greys that have overtaken his beard he’s been wearing at full length for a few years now. Men that grow out their facial hair know how deceptive a salt-and-pepper beard can be; the greys do tend to age people prematurely, with people incorrectly assuming said beard wearers to be older than they are. McCampbell jokes that he can actually use that to his advantage. “They” – “they,” being constituents, voters, other Detroit residents, whatever applies in the moment – “are probably like, ‘instead of 34, oh, maybe you’re a little
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