Black Executive Justin Jay Norman Leaves Spotify to Launch Verse + Hook
Justin “Jay” Norman, the Detroit-based creative strategist, music producer, and Ad Age Creator 100 honoree who most recently served as Global Director of Creative Strategy and Global Head of Music Marketing at Spotify, has formally departed the streaming platform to lead Verse + Hook (V+H), the culture-first creative strategy, branding, and marketing consultancy he co-founded. The announcement marks one of the more notable creative executive departures from the streaming industry in recent memory. Norman spent years at Spotify overseeing some of the platform’s most culturally significant global campaigns,
WNBA founding player Rushia Brown still a winner and key player
As the basketball world gathered in Chicago this week for WNBA All-Star Week, founding player Rushia Brown hosted her signature “Play Like a Girl” Basketball Skills Clinic at the South Side YMCA in Chicago. The event brought together up to100 middle and high school YMCA girl members, ages 7-16 for a day of basketball instruction, leadership development, and mentorship. Brown was joined by WNBA legends Monique Ambers, Redhead Bristol, Leslie Johnson, and Bridget Pettisto. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in shooting skills, ball handling, teamwork, and communication. Beyond
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
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
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
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
Midwest teens shine at Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2026 Youth of the Year Celebration in Chicago
Some of the Midwest’s brightest young leaders took center stage at Theater on the Lake on Thursday June 25, as Boys & Girls Clubs of America celebrated its annual Midwest Youth of the Year event, recognizing teens whose leadership, academic achievement, community service and resilience are helping shape the future of their communities. Hosted by ESPN sports commentator Michael Eaves, the evening brought together business leaders, community advocates, alumni, and supporters to honor four outstanding finalists while raising more than $900,000 to support the next generation of youth leaders across
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
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