Author: Roz Edwards

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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 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

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

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

As DEI rollback directives imposed by the Trump administration continue to negatively impact MBEs and Black business professionals in every field, many companies and organizations are taking on the responsibility of offering assistance to the Black business community and providing protections for its members by interceding on their behalf with funders and legislative officials. Lamar Tyler and wife Ronnie, co-founders of Traffic Sales & Profit, made history as the first non-Fortune 500 company presenting sponsor in the prestigious National Black Business Conference's 125-year legacy, which was recently held

In her insightful and informative book A Matter of Life and Death: How to Handle Family Affairs During Illness and Death and Keep Probate Court Out of Your Business, attorney Jehan Crump-Gibson offers comprehensive and invaluable insights on the importance of estate planning, particularly focusing on the African American experience. She addresses common misconceptions about estate planning, highlighting that anyone — not just the wealthy — needs a plan. The asset and property probate expert emphasizes the critical role of real estate in wealth transmission and the need

Carla Hayden, the recently fired librarian of Congress, attends an event in March 2025 in Washington. Shannon Finney/Getty Images by Alex H. Poole, Drexel University Carla Hayden, the 14th librarian of Congress, who has held the position since 2016, received an unexpected email on May 8, 2025. “Carla, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service,” wrote Trent Morse, deputy director of presidential personnel at the White House. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later

by Denim Fisher Feeling out of place in the high-pressure fashion industry, Amanda Moore-Karim decided to combine her passion for couture, storytelling, and spirituality and create a space where like-minded Black fashionistas can heal. Based on a blog she started in college, Moore-Karim's project features photography, a fragrance line, and Tarot-style readings for clients. Built on Western beauty standards, with impossibly perfect models and air of exclusivity, the fashion industry seems like the last place to find racial healing for Black women combined with radical social change. But Amanda Moore-Karim — a

Rising stars across the region are recognized for their leadership with “Southeast Youth of the Year” honors On Thursday, June 12, Boys and Girls Clubs of America recognized extraordinary youth club members in an elegant celebration at the Georgia Aquarium to honor the 2025 Southeast Youth of the Year. The event, moderated by Andraya Carter, an ESPN basketball analyst and reporter, showcased teen candidates competing for the prestigious Southeast Youth of the Year and Southeast Military Youth of the Year titles, along with a $20,000 college scholarship, and