Gocha Hawkins: A Daring Entrepreneur and Enduring Spirit
Gocha Hawkins is somewhat of an anomaly; she is both enigmatic and relatively guarded at the same time. The gourmet restaurateur and winner of the 2024 Golden Spatula Award wasn’t born with a silver spoon. Her refined tastes for high-end, but down-home culinary dishes however, is attracting Atlanta foodies in droves. The accomplished beautician and reality show star is now a thriving restaurant owner, making a mark in Atlanta's highly competitive dining space. The plain-spoken star of WE tv's “Bold and the Bougie” makes it clear that a
Author Kwame Alexander to Inspire 1,700 Detroit Students with New Book Launch at Literacy Event
Kwame Alexander’s new book, Black Star, is about to leave its mark on 1,700 middle school students and their teachers in Detroit. On September 24, Literacy for Kids will bring these young minds to Music Hall for an event that blends the power of storytelling with the energy of community. The renowned author will share excerpts from his latest work, inspiring students to dive into the world of literature and storytelling. The Metro Detroit-based nonprofit Literacy for Kids, founded in 2019, has made it its mission to not only
Exclusive: Attorney Amber C. Saunders Talks Generational Wealth And How Black Americans Can Prioritize Estate Planning
Estate planning is a concept that many people, particularly in communities of color, tend to overlook. However, as Attorney Amber C. Saunders explains, the implications of not planning for the future can be devastating. In an exclusive interview with ADW, Saunders shared her personal story of how she transitioned into estate planning and the significant role it plays in preserving wealth for future generations. "I thought I was going to do criminal law, but when my grandmother got diagnosed with dementia and she was the only person who did
Portia Powell’s Historic Rise to CEO and Her Mission to Build Wealth in Detroit’s Black Community
Portia Powell’s rise to the top started in a place familiar to many Detroiters – as a young woman fresh out of college, facing credit card debt and the need for a job. She didn’t plan on staying in banking long, just enough to get by. But what began as a temporary role soon turned into a career path she never expected. Now, Powell is about to make history as the first Black woman to become CEO of One Detroit Credit Union, a financial institution with deep
More Than Just Words: Dr. Monique Gary Urges Black Women to Stay Vigilant in Fight Against Breast Cancer
Novartis’ pharmaceutical corporation’s More Than Just Words Campaign Brings Breast Cancer Screening to Women The hard truth is that every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. While one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, Black women are nearly twice as likely to get an advanced-stage diagnosis and more likely to die from the disease. And while disparities in breast cancer awareness, screening and treatment exist at every step of the process the stakes for Black women are remarkably higher than those of their
Michigan’s Leading Black Woman-Owned PR Firm Expands with Industry Veteran, New Talent, and Key Promotions
In a strategic effort to increase its impact and reinforce its management team, 98Forward, a prominent PR and communications agency in Michigan that is not only the largest Black-owned but also women-led, has made significant changes. The agency has appointed Ernest Wilkins, a content strategist with a strong national reputation, to the position of Senior Director while also recognizing the talent of Cydney Foster by promoting her to the role of Manager. These carefully selected appointments highlight the agency’s commitment to promoting creativity and equipping the next
Former NFL Stars Brandon and Bradley Chubb Make Entrepreneurial Development a Goal for Atlanta Youth
Brothers and former NFL football players Brandon and Bradley Chubb are the driving force behind Do Not Disturb, a restorative wellness studio offering advanced techniques recently opened at Ponce City Market. The new concept will include saunas and steam rooms, float tanks, massage and chiropractor bookings along with other state-of-the-art and advanced physical therapy practices and advanced treatments. “As a professional athlete, you’re supported by a world of high-end therapies, which accelerate and enhance recovery,“ Brandon Chubb said in a press release. “My experience as an athlete and
Deanna Neely Powers Clean Energy at Detroit Voltage
Detroit is witnessing a powerful movement driven by Black leaders dedicated to tackling environmental inequities head-on. These trailblazers aren’t just talking about change; they’re making it happen. By transforming Detroit’s environmental landscape through their dedication and innovative solutions, they are setting new standards for what it means to champion environmental equity. Deana Neely stands at the forefront of this movement. With over ten years of experience in the construction industry, Neely is the licensed electrical contractor and founder of Detroit Voltage, a certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) that
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller Secures Millions in Funding for Local Communities
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller announced recently that she has secured funding to help improve our local communities. Earlier this Summer, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved funding through the Invest in Cook Grant Program, Community Development Block Grant Program (CBDG), the Emergency Solution Grant Program, and the HOME Investments Partnerships Program to help further increase access to housing, expand employment opportunities, spur business growth and development, enhance infrastructure, and restore our community by supporting local nonprofits serving those in need. “This crucial funding supports a variety of
Dr. Bryan Johnson Appointed Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools; Begins New Era for Student Education
The Atlanta Public Schools officials will officially swear in new school superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson this Monday morning, Aug. 5. Johnson will waste no time taking the reigns of the sometimes embattled school district when he swings into action as 50,000 students return to the classroom for the 2024-2025 school year. Dr. Bryan Johnson was unanimously approved as the next superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools (APS) on July 8, 2024, and will begin his three-year contract. Johnson, who was previously the executive vice chancellor and chief strategy officer