Chemico Named a 2025 Supplier of the Year by General Motors
By The Allen Lewis Agency General Motors (GM) recognized Chemico as a 2025 Supplier of the Year in the category of Industrialization during GM’s recent 34th annual Supplier of the Year award event in Austin, Texas. During its 37-year tenure as a GM supplier, Chemico has received 16 GM Supplier of the Year awards, including an Overdrive award for above-and-beyond performance in 2023. “Receiving our 16th Supplier of the Year award from General Motors is a tremendous honor,” said Leon C. Richardson, founder, president, and CEO of Chemico. “This
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
Oakland County Appoints Oluwatosin Martins Deputy Director of Public Services
By: Jasmine West Oluwatosin Martins, a workforce development leader with experience serving people affected by the criminal justice system, has been appointed deputy director of Oakland County’s Department of Public Services. County Executive Dave Coulter announced the appointment Tuesday, June 23. Martins will help oversee work involving Children’s Village, Pretrial and Justice Services, the Medical Examiner’s Office and Animal Control. Her responsibilities will include supporting the county’s criminal justice programs and helping shape how the department serves residents. “Olu’s extensive background in workforce development and organizational leadership will be a tremendous
Following Historic Georgia Runoffs, Black women set to make history across November ballot
Following this week's runoff elections, Georgia voters will see an unprecedented number of Black women seeking federal and statewide office this November, reflecting the continued growth of Black women’s political power across the state and solidifying Georgia’s role as a national battleground for democracy. With the field now officially set for November, Black women candidates have secured nominations for some of Georgia’s most influential offices, including Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Public Service Commission, and multiple congressional seats. The results also mark an important milestone in Higher Heights’ She
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