January 2026

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Jennifer Thompkins has been named President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, effective Feb. 2. She replaces Esther L. Bush, who, after a 27-year run as the Urban League’s president and CEO, retiring in 2021, returned to run the organization on an interim basis for the past seven months following the resignation of Carlos Carter. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are excited to welcome Jennifer Thompkins as our new President and CEO,” said Bryan Iams, ULGP Board Chair, in a statement. “Her proven

By Jermaine Lytle, Contributing Writer Over the last decade, Detroit natives have had a front row seat to economic development that has transformed everything from pockets of real estate in the area to its buzzing art community. Among its natives are creative movers and shakers who are committed to playing an integral role in Detroit’s continued development, understanding the need for reciprocity and service to a place that has given so much to them. JeRon “J.R.” Strozier is one of those creatives. The Detroit-born father of four has built a multi-faceted career as an artist who paints, sculpts,