Trailblazer and Former Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman Remembered for History Making Moves
By Zenitha Prince AFRO Contributing Editor Pioneering civil servant and advocate Alexis Herman, who served as the 23rd and first African American Secretary of Labor, died April 25. She was 77. Herman achieved the historical first when then-President Bill Clinton nominated her for the Cabinet position at the beginning of his second term in the White House. “Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Alexis Herman, our friend of nearly fifty years. Alexis was gifted in so many ways. She was a skillful and creative administrator who, at
Appreciation for Social Workers Is on the Rise: S.W.A.G. Awards Recognizes Their Hard Work, Impact
THE HONOREES AT THE S.W.A.G. AWARDS, March 22, at the Sheraton Hotel Station Square. (Photo by J.L. Martello) If you can believe it, the annual Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness Awards, better known as the S.W.A.G. Awards, already has its date set for its 2026 event—March 7. It will be the sixth iteration of the S.W.A.G. Awards, which honors Pittsburgh's individuals, most of whom are Black, in the often-forgotten field of social work. It's best to mark the date on the calendar because the attendance for the event continues
Meet the Atlanta Business League’s CEO Awards Luncheon Chair, Bank of America’s Al McRae
Each year, the Atlanta Business League's (ABL) CEO Awards Luncheon shines a spotlight on business leaders who are driving innovation, creating jobs, and making a lasting impact on the economic landscape of Atlanta. As Chair, Al McRae will play a pivotal role in guiding the event's vision and execution. His leadership ensures that the luncheon not only honors outstanding accomplishments but also provides an inspiring platform for emerging entrepreneurs and professionals. The 2025 CEO event will be helmed by Al McRae, Private Bank Diverse Segments Executive President, Bank of America Atlanta. As President of Bank of America, Atlanta,
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Announces Run for Governor of Georgia
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has announced her intention to run for governor of Georgia during an appearance at this year’s Leading Women Defined Summit. Bottoms, Atlanta's 60th mayor is a graduate of Douglas High School, FAMU, and Georgia State University, served as a senior advisor to President Joe Biden and resigned the position, beating Donald Trump to the punch, who would go on to falsely claim that he fired her when he took office. “A day late and a dollar short,” Bottoms wrote on social media.
John James Announces 2026 Run for Michigan Governor
Forty-three-year-old Representative John James has entered Michigan’s 2026 gubernatorial race. His announcement arrived Monday morning by way of a social media post where he criticized Democratic leadership and aligned himself with former President Donald Trump. “It’s time to get Michigan’s government out of fantasyland and back to common sense,” he wrote. James currently represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District. His district covers southern Macomb County and parts of Rochester Hills and Oakland County. He became the only Black member of Michigan’s congressional delegation when he won his seat in
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Announces Run for Governor of Georgia
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has announced her intention to run for governor of Georgia during an appearance at this year’s Leading Women Defined Summit. Bottoms, Atlanta's 60th mayor is a graduate of Douglas High School, FAMU, and Georgia State University, served as a senior advisor to President Joe Biden and resigned the position, beating Donald Trump to the punch, who would go on to falsely claim that he fired her when he took office. “A day late and a dollar short,” Bottoms wrote on social media.
Kelly Major Green Makes History as First Black Woman on Detroit Athletic Club Board, Encourages Legacy and Leadership at Every Level
The walls of the Detroit Athletic Club have stood tall for over a century. Inside them, generations of Detroit’s business elite, power brokers, and policy shapers have gathered, but for far too long, those halls echoed a silence that’s all too familiar—no Black woman had ever been elected to its board of directors. That changed when Kelly Major Green etched her name into Detroit history. This moment didn’t come with fanfare or confetti. It came with quiet power, community intention, and the lived experience of a woman
Big Boi Shares Tips For Generational Wealth During Atlanta Hawks’ Annual ‘HBCU Night’
By: Ian Shaiyen, Morehouse College student The Atlanta Hawks recently hosted a fireside chat between Big Boi and Brigitte M. Killings, managing director at JPMorgan Chase & Co. Held at State Farm Arena, the fireside chat was part of the Atlanta Hawks’ “HBCU Night,” an annual event that honors African Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Delving into the connections between entrepreneurship and hip-hop, Big Boi and Killings’ conversation was also in partnership with The Hip Hop Museum and explored the importance of community and creating generational wealth. Every journey has a
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