A Life in Full Color: Patricia Millender at 77 Still Dances Toward Tomorrow
The daughter of political trailblazer Robert Millender carries a family legacy of service into her art, teaching, and community while shaping what aging looks like in Detroit showing what it means to keep living fully — and to bring others along. The music starts and Patricia Millender is already in motion. Inside a bright room at Detroit’s Hannan Center, she joins other elders stepping through the hustle, a dance she only recently added to her schedule. At first, she could hardly make it halfway through without catching her breath, but now her feet
Onjila Odeneal Named First CEO of Detroit Promise, Leading a New Era for College Access in the City
When Detroit native Onjila Odeneal stepped into her new role as the first-ever chief executive officer of Detroit Promise on October 1, it symbolized much more than a career milestone. For Odeneal, it marked a defining moment for a city determined to make higher education a reality for all its young people. Her appointment arrives as Detroit Promise, the city’s tuition-free scholarship program, officially transitions into an independent organization after more than a decade of transformative work. Since its founding in 2013, the program has provided more than 6,000 Detroit high school graduates with
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
Seven Black women honored at Point Park University
Point Park University celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Ph.D. Community Engagement and Leadership program. Seven Black women scholars who named themselves the “Heavenly Seven” from the inaugural cohort were honored for their roles in shaping the foundation of the program. “You all were designing the plane while flying it,” said Dr. Heather Starr Fiedler, the first Vice President and Managing Director, Center for Civic and Community Engagement, Point Park University. In the Alumnae Panel the Heavenly Seven’s Dr. Atiya Abdelmalik, Dr. Sheila Beasley, Dr. Danielle Davis, Dr.
Georgia Congressional Candidate Everton Blair Challenges Old Guard Norms [Video]
Everton Blair is a Georgia native, educator, and community leader running to represent Georgia’s 13th Congressional District. He has dedicated his career to expanding opportunity, ensuring fair representation, and delivering results for working families. Blair, class of Harvard 2013, Stanford 2016 and Harvard Grad School 2025, is the first person of color, and the fiirst openly gay person elected to the Gwinettt County Board of Education. He is also the youngest-ever member of that auspicious body, where he served as county chairman and board representative. As Georgia's Democratic
Atlanta Education Innovator Dr. Lisa HerringTakes Helm as New Leaders CEO
New Leaders, a national nonprofit advancing educational excellence by preparing and supporting transformational educators, recently announced the appointment of Dr. Lisa Herring as Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Herring brings more than 25 years of experience leading at every level of the education system, from classroom teacher to district superintendent to president of a national innovation hub. As Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, she led systemwide initiatives to accelerate learning recovery, expand college and career pathways, and deepen employer collaborations. Under her leadership, the district achieved the highest graduation rate in its
Black women tackle mental health-related issues head-on
FROM LEFT: DR. SARA KYLES ROYSTER, JAQUALA BIBBENS, JAMIE UPSHAW, LAMARA DENE, DR. ALEXUS BROWN, BRITTANY MAXSHURE. (PHOTO BY CHIEF IKHANA-HAL-MAKINA) Depression, anxiety are the major challenges It can be sunny and 70 degrees outside; perfect weather, not too hot, not too cold… And yet, on the inside, people are dealing with issues and challenges that make them want to not even get up in the morning. Mental health, mental illness is a real thing. Dr. Sharnay Hearn Davis, the founder and executive director of the Sisters Lifting As We Climb
InCommunity Honors Brenda Gates as 2025 Direct Support Professional of the Year
InCommunity has announced Brenda Gates as the 2025 Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year, recognizing her dedication, compassion, and commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Gates journey in caregiving began in 1986 when she worked as a housekeeper in a nursing home. Inspired by her natural ability to connect with and care for others, she earned Certified Nursing Assistant certification and transitioned into hands-on support roles. By 1988, she was working in private homes, beginning what would become a nearly four-decade career serving vulnerable
Meet Alderman Ronnie Mosley of Chicago’s 21st Ward
Alderman Ronnie L. Mosley Alderman of the 21st Ward—Chicago’s largest ward—and at just 35 is the youngest elected member of the council. A native son of the area he now represents, Alderman Mosley brings both a deep personal connection and a wealth of experience in policy organizing and civic engagement to City Hall. During his run for the Alderman seat, Mosley received the coveted endorsement from Governor JB Pritzker. Pritzker’s support came amid a significant surge in endorsements and ward support for Mosley, who has received the stamp
Dr. Portia Preston Helps ‘Strong’ Black Women Legislators and Leaders Manage the Hustle
Portia Jackson Preston, PHD, is the founder and CEO of Empowered to Exhale, where she works with individuals and organizations to create a culture of sustainable wellness and performance. As an associate professor of public health at California State University, Fullerton, she focuses on inclusive approaches to wellness and creates innovative programming to support students, faculty, and staff. Portia holds a BA in cultural and social anthropology from Stanford University, a master's of public health from the University of Michigan, and a doctorate of public health from