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,
Atlanta’s Byron Amos Elected Second VP of National League of Cities’ Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials
District 3 Atlanta City Council member Byron Amos has been elected as the 2026 second vice president of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, a constituency group of the National League of Cities (NLC). The National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials serves as a forum for communication and networking among demographic municipal officials and their colleagues to share ideas and develop leadership experience. Council member Amos was elected in November at NLC’s 2025 City Summit conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. "I am profoundly honored and
DESC Appoints Talitha Johnson as New Communications Director
The City of Detroit’s workforce agency, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC), has named Talitha Johnson as its new communications director. In this role, she will lead communications, branding and media relations for a wide range of major workforce initiatives managed by the agency, including key programs for the Detroit at Work system and Grow Detroit’s Young Talent. Johnson joined DESC in mid-November after serving as director of communications at the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP). “We are delighted to have Talitha joining to lead our communications team,” said Dana Williams, President of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation. “This
Ladies of Virtue Raise $300K to Support Black Girls and Honor Chicago Defender Publisher Dyanna Knight Lewis Among Other Leaders
“Black girls defy the odds.” Those were the opening words from Jamila Trimuel, Founder and President of Ladies of Virtue (LOV), and they instantly grounded the room in purpose. Though the space was already filled with love, laughter, and an unmistakable sense of joy, Trimuel’s message reminded everyone why they gathered for the 2025 Leading With Virtue Cocktail Reception—to invest in the brilliance, resilience, and future of Black girls. From the moment guests entered the venue, it was clear they were in for a special evening. Volunteers and
Dr. Benjamin Chavis Celebrated as ‘Father of the Environmental Justice Movement’
“Don’t cop out, cop in,” Chavis calls for activists to use their power at the upcoming United Nations COP30 conference. By Siena Gleason Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president/CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), was celebrated as the father of the environmental justice movement at the Mississippi Statewide Environmental Climate Justice Summit organized by Jesus People Against Pollution (JPAP) October 24-26, 2025, headquartered at Tougaloo College. Aaron Mair, the first African American president of the Sierra Club and an early environmental justice leader from Albany, NY, celebrated
Atlanta’s Dr. Heavenly Kimes Makes a Run for Georgia Congress
By April Ryan, Black Press USA Reality TV show star Dr. Heavenly Kimes’s political programming has changed. She has now filed to run for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District seat instead of running for election in the Georgia State legislature. Realizing her platform is much larger, Kimes wants to replace Black Democratic Congressman David Scott, who faces age criticism like former President Joe Biden. The dentist and reality show star of Bravo’s Married to Medicine joins a growing list of contenders for Scott’s seat, which he has held since
Acclaimed Chef G. Garvin Joins Hawks and State Farm Arena as Chief Culinary Officer
Celebrated Chef Gerry (G.) Garvin, an Atlanta native, has been tapped to lead the lineup of culinary experiences at the ATL's State Farm Arena. The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena recently announced new culinary optiones at the famed sports and entertainment venue designed to elevate the fan experience. Crafted under the leadership of Chef G. Garvin, the organization’s Chief Culinary Officer, in partnership with Levy, the arena’s award-winning hospitality partner, the refreshed menu blends the best of Southern tradition with the vibrant, diverse flavors that define Atlanta’s
Detroit Native Chloe Gibert Named Chief Marketing Officer at Baller Alert, Leading with Innovation and Intention
“This is a platform that does not just report culture, it has helped define it.” — Chloe Gibert Baller Alert has announced the appointment of Detroit native Chloe Gibert as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Known for her innovative approach and intentional storytelling, Gibert brings a proven record of success and a unique ability to blend creativity with strategy. Baller Alert is one of the most influential digital media platforms in entertainment. The company reaches more than 18 million combined social media followers and generates over 1.2 billion monthly
Commissioner McCaskill Builds Momentum for Re-Election with Proven Results
Dr. Kisha McCaskill – Cook County Commissioner of the 5th District- has coalesced a well-rounded support base of residents, elected officials, Clergy leaders, and business leaders as she is primed, energized, and prepared for the stretch run of her election to a full four-year term of office. This morning Commissioner McCaskill submitted nearly 1700 signatures as she officially filed her candidacy for election to a full four-year term of office. Over the past ten months Commissioner McCaskill has performed record breaking achievements and has created a path of prosperity,
Kenneth Kelly Named Chair of the American Bankers Association
The appointment is a one-year term for the nation’s largest financial service industry organization First Independence Bank and its board of directors proudly announce that Chairman and CEO, Kenneth Kelly, has been elected as 2025-2026 Chairman of the American Bankers Association. The installation ceremony took place during the American Bankers Association Annual Convention in Charlotte today. “Kenneth brings a powerful combination of decisive leadership, strong vision and problem-solving skills to the role of ABA Chair,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “He understands the unique challenges facing smaller institutions thanks to