Spelman College Appoints Dr. Ayanna Howard, Renowned Roboticist, Higher Education Leader, its 12th President
Nationally recognized AI pioneer, former NASA engineer selected to lead nation’s top-ranked HBCU into next chapter of excellence and impact The Spelman College Board of Trustees today announced the appointment of Dr. Ayanna Howard as the College’s 12th president. Dr. Howard, a renowned roboticist, entrepreneur, and higher education leader, will build upon Spelman’s legacy of academic excellence and leadership development while helping prepare future generations of Black women to lead in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Howard will assume her duties as president on August 1, 2026. Dr. Howard
Val Bates, a master of design and defying the odds
The name Khafra is derived from an ancient African king—an Egyptian pharaoh credited with building the Giza Pyramid. His likeness was the inspiration for the face of the Great Sphinx. Valentino “Val” Bates, principal partner of Khafra Engineering Consultants Inc., is a standout figure in the civil engineering field. In an industry where less than 4% of civil engineers are Black, the firm is nationally known for leading major infrastructure initiatives which include the Clean Water Program for the City of Atlanta and the Fulton County Water and
A Defining Night for Black Women’s Leadership in Columbus
There are moments that feel bigger than the event itself — moments that signal a shift, establish a legacy, and remind a community of its collective power. The inaugural Who’s Who In Black Columbus Women of Excellence event, celebrating 54 extraordinary women, was one of those moments. On May 29, 2026 more than 400 leaders, professionals, elected officials, entrepreneurs, educators, advocates, and community supporters gathered at the Hilton Columbus at Easton for an evening that celebrated far more than individual achievement. The event marked a historic milestone for
Obama Foundation features works from celebrated artist Julie Mehretu at Obama Presidential Center
Julie Mehretu's art serves as a powerful bridge between past and present, personal history and public space in ways that captivate and inspire. Her art will soon be showcased at the Obama Presidential Center, where her work promises to leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Julie's journey from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to becoming a renowned abstract artist is a testament to the transformative power of art and the deep connection between personal history and creative expression. Born in 1970, Julie experienced the upheaval of the Mengistu
Julian Thomas to serve as Chief Information Technology Officer for Concessions International, LLC
Concessions International, LLC (CI) announces Julian Thomas will serve as its Chief Information Technology Officer, inclusive of serving in the same position for Russell Family Enterprises and all of the other entities that fall under it. Thomas will lead enterprise technology strategy, security, and systems alignment, while managing IT operations across the organization and helping advance secure, scalable solutions that support day-to-day operations and long-term growth. Thomas brings more than 20 years of information technology leadership experience, with a background spanning enterprise technology strategy, digital transformation, cybersecurity, infrastructure,
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch named executive vice-chair of Cook County Democratic Party
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch has been named Executive Vice-Chair of the Cook County Democratic Party, further strengthening his leadership role within one of the nation’s most influential Democratic organizations. Speaker Welch, who also serves as Committeeman for Proviso Township, has been a leading voice in advancing policies that promote equity, economic opportunity, and strong communities across Illinois. His appointment as Executive Vice-Chair (suburbs) reflects his longstanding commitment to Democratic values and his ability to unite leaders across Cook County. “I am honored to serve as Executive Vice-Chair
First Independence Bank taps Caroline Chambers to lead new community investment foundation
A bank with a long history of serving communities too often locked out of mainstream financial opportunity is preparing to widen that work through a new foundation, and it is placing that effort in the hands of a leader whose career has centered philanthropy, inclusion, and community partnership. First Independence Bank announced the appointment of Caroline Chambers as Director of Community Investments, a new leadership role that puts her at the center of building the bank’s charitable foundation. That foundation, expected to officially launch later this year, is
5 Black poets for students to study and know
This post was originally published on Word In Black. BY Alvin Buyinza It’s often called the voice of the human soul. It was a means of rebellion for Phyllis Wheatley, Langston Hughes, and Nikki Giovanni. And it’s the bedrock of rap music, often called “the CNN of the street.” Poetry, the art form in question, is embedded in the Black experience, a form of resistance and truth as well as beauty and resilience. Yet people often see poetry as inaccessible — reserved for eggheads, elites and reluctant K-12
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
Morehouse School of Medicine names Gerald L. Hector EVP and CFO
Gerald L. Hector, CPA has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer for the highly esteemed Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. Hector also held similar positions in higher education at Cornell University, Ithaca College, Johnson C. Smith University, and Central Florida in Orlando. FL. His experiences span all aspects of higher education management that include treasurer, debt management, controller’s office, information technology, post award management, policy office, student accounts/bursar, facilities, grounds, business operations, auxiliary services, risk management, purchasing and procurement, legal, financial aid, campus safety, compliance,