From Jail to Judge, From Screen to Stage: Judge Greg Mathis Brings His Life Story Home to Detroit
When famed and critically acclaimed judge Greg Mathis steps onto the stage at Detroit’s historic Music Hall on January 16 and 17, it will represent the culmination of a life journey that many once believed would end behind prison walls. For more than 26 years, Mathis has been a familiar face to millions through his groundbreaking television courtroom show, becoming the longest-running African American host in television history. Yet the man Detroit knows as “Judge Mathis” says the upcoming stage production, Don’t Judge Me, reveals layers of his story that audiences have never fully
Civil Rights Legend Claudette Colvin, First to Sit for Bus Desgregation Inspired Generations
Claudette Colvin, the civil rights pioneer whose quiet act of defiance helped dismantle segregation on Montgomery buses, has died of natural causes. She was 86. On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Claudette Colvin Legacy Foundation confirmed that the civil rights activist died in Texas. Long before Rosa Parks became the public face of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Colvin who at the time was a 15-year-old high school student in an act of justified defiance refused to give up her seat on a segregated city bus. On March 2, 1955, a Montgomery
Christa Stephens Expands Global ‘Amazon of Business Solutions’ for Entrepreneurs, Small Businesses and Nonprofits
TymFlo, a fast-growing, minority and woman-owned global business solutions company, is soon marking six years of helping entrepreneurs simplify operations, scale smarter, and save time with an all-in-one ecosystem of tech-powered services. Founded in 2020 at the height of the pandemic by Christa Stephens, TymFlo has rapidly become a go-to resource for entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small businesses seeking streamlined, affordable, and innovative support. Designed as an “Amazon of Business Solutions,” TymFlo (“Tym” = Your time back. “Flo” = Systems that move without friction.) provides a comprehensive suite of services, ncluding
Jennifer Thompkins named Urban League President and CEO
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
Coach Brennan Marion is on a Meteoric Rise
Greensburg native now offensive coordinator for Deion Sanders at Colorado Brennan Marion has been named the offensive coordinator for the University of Colorado football team by Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. An offensive mastermind, Marion comes to the Buffaloes from Sacramento State, where he inherited a 3-9 Hornets team and led them to a 7-5 record his first year at the helm. According to a biography of Marion on the University of Colorado website, under Marion, Sacramento State averaged 33.8 points per game in 2025, ranking third in the Big Sky
Detroit Transportation Corporation Appoints Cliff Powell as New Transit Police Chief
The Detroit Transportation Corporation (DTC) has appointed Cliff Powell as the new Chief of Transit Police, a move that strengthens the city’s commitment to safety and community engagement within its growing transit system. With over 35 years of experience in law enforcement, including two decades with the Detroit Police Department, Powell’s leadership comes at a crucial time as the People Mover serves over one million passengers in 2025, contributing to the city’s efforts to revitalize and modernize its transportation network. Chief Powell’s extensive experience positions him well to manage
Jennifer Thompkins named Urban League President and CEO
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
Renowned Detroit Artist J.R. Strozier Brings Community and Service to Life Through Art
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,