Todd McDonald Named Chairman of the National Bankers Association [Video]
Liberty Bank and Trust proudly announces that its President, Todd McDonald, has been sworn in as the new Chairman of the National Bankers Association (NBA), succeeding Robert E. James II, President and CEO of Carver Financial Corporation. This marks another significant leadership transition for the NBA as it continues its mission of protecting and expanding inclusive banking across the nation. Both Todd and Robert represent a continuation of a remarkable legacy, following in the footsteps of their fathers, Alden J. McDonald, Jr. and Robert E. James, who also served as Chairmen of the
LL Cool J Reflects on His Legacy, Dubbed ‘The Most Important Rapper That Ever Existed’
Speaking on Apple Music’s “Le Code,” the artist expressed confidence that history will recognize his contributions as foundational to the culture. By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia LL Cool J, a hip-hop pioneer whose career spans nearly four decades, recently reflected on his profound impact on music, fashion, and entertainment. Speaking on Apple Music’s “Le Code,” the artist expressed confidence that history will recognize his contributions as foundational to the culture. “I think that one day people are going to wake up and realize LL Cool J is
New DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth on Reshaping Chicago’s Cultural Landscape
Recently appointed DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth shares her vision for an inclusive, accessible Chicago arts scene, shaped by the legacy of cultural icons and driven by community engagement (Photo Credit: City of Chicago). Clinée Hedspeth is deeply passionate about art, the City of Chicago, its people, and Margaret Burroughs, the legendary artist, writer, educator and co-founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History. Hedspeth, who was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) this Spring, takes each of these to heart, as they
Atlanta Businesswoman Donata Russell Ross, Daughter of HJ Russell Receives Special Honors for Leadership and Excellence
Atlanta-based entrepreneur, Donata Russell Ross has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry with her induction into the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau's Hospitality Hall of Fame. As CEO of Concessions International, LLC, a minority-owned company known for providing food and beverage services in airports, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience through various challenges, including the aftermath of 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Russell Ross has an impressive background, holding a degree from the Wharton School of Business and overseeing a company that generates over $100
Ben Jealous, Lynee Vanee, Scotty Smart and Zak Wallace Address Black Economics Plan at Atlanta’s Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot in Atlanta's burgeoning center for innovation and free-thinking cottage industries recently hosted The Economic Freedom Talks, a Harris-Walz campaign initiative to address and resolve pressing issues facing Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Economic Freedom Talks are designated to uplift small business owners and entrepreneurs across the nation, featuring a dynamic series of discussions that spotlighted former presidential candidate Kamala Haris' plans for small businesses. Nationally recognized advocates and experts for minority business development gathered to discuss issues hindering Black businesses including: A ten-fold expansion of the
Melesa Johnson Becomes 1st Black Woman Elected As Jackson County Prosecutor
Voters in Kansas City, Missouri made a historic choice on Election Night. On Tuesday (November 5), Democrat Melesa Johnson was elected as Jackson County prosecutor, making her the first Black woman to hold that office, per KSHB. Johnson defeated Republican Tracey Chappell in the race for Jackson County prosecutor by a large margin. “It’s honestly surreal,” Johnson said Tuesday night. “I’m excited, full, and hopeful, but know we have a lot of work to do.” Johnson will succeed Jean Peters Baker, who has served as Jackson County prosecutor since 2012. Peters Baker was only the second woman to be
Bobby L. Rush Honored at Legacy Gala, Announces New Community Initiative
Community leaders and activists gathered to celebrate Bobby L. Rush’s decades of service. The former U.S. Congressman reflected on his journey and unveiled a project that will continue his legacy of social justice and empowerment (Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington). On Saturday night, Oct. 26, leaders from across Chicago gathered at Cinespace Studios to celebrate the life and career of former U.S. Congressman Bobby L. Rush. The Legacy Gala, a tribute to Rush’s decades of public service, brought together a mix of politicians, activists, and longtime supporters to honor his
Beauty Genie Founder Ebony Karim Uses Tech to Bring Black Haircare to HBCUs
Ebony Karim, CEO and founder of innovative hair care delivery system, The Beauty Genie is expanding the business and improving access to Black hair care products to Black students in hair care deserts across the country. The Chicago State University graduate recently partnered with Rahya Kelley, a student at Olivet College in Michigan to bring hair care vending machines to Black and Brown consumers in the region. As students can attest, finding hair care products on or near predominantly White colleges and universities can prove especially difficult as
Civil Rights Icon Dr. Charles Neblett Pioneers Prostate Cancer Awareness Movement for Black Men
Civil rights icon Dr. Charles D. Neblett, MD, is spearheading a powerful initiative to shine a light on healthcare equity in the Black community. Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, Neblett has turned his personal battle into a platform for change with the launch of the #BlackProstateCheckChallenge. This campaign urges Black prostate cancer survivors and patients to share their stories, providing a space for conversation and support through the power of social media. Through the #BlackProstateCheckChallenge, Neblett’s family nonprofit, Community Projects, Inc., seeks to foster dialogue, dispel stigmas,
Ryan Wilson, Lakeysha Hallmon Host Economic Freedom Talks for Harris-Waltz Campaign
Just a few weeks ahead of the 2024 presidential showdown, as political and celebrity heavyweights make clear their support for a Harris administration, Ryan Wilson of the Gathering Spot, Lakeysha Hallmon, founder and CEO of the Village Market and Atlanta community organizer Scotty Smart spoke exclusively with the Atlanta Daily World regarding their involvement in a dynamic series of discussions spearheaded by the Harris-Walz ticket to focus on their plans for small and minority businesses. Wilson and Hallmon, co-organizers of the Economic Freedom Talks series provided Atlantans an