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John Hope Bryant's vision of creating a whole new approach to community uplift, rooted in economic empowerment, combating financial illiteracy, restoring dignity, offering redemption, and addressing the critical issues facing corporations and financial institutions today, has driven his world-renowned organization Operation HOPE since its inception. His life work has been to help realize equity of opportunity for all; to equip people in underserved communities with the financial tools and training needed to take ownership of their lives and create a secure financial future. John’s entrepreneurial journey began with the

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

Valerie Nesbitt is Director Supplier Inclusion & Sustainability for Norfolk Southern is the recipient of the Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. League Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, advocacy, and service to the Atlanta area business community. The award, named after the late Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., a beloved civic leader and businessman, celebrates individuals who exemplify his legacy of empowerment, mentorship, and community uplift. Nesbitt is responsible for ensuring that contracts issued by the company maximize opportunities for small, minority and woman-owned businesses to participate. She

Melvin M. Coleman, president and CEO of the Atlanta Black Chambers, joined podcast host Camry Brown to share how the chambers is empowering Black entrepreneurs to build lasting generational wealth and highlight key opportunities Black business owners should explore. During this impactful episode, Coleman reflects on Atlanta’s unique strength as a hub for Black entrepreneurship. He also underscores the significance of Black Business Month and how the chambers foster community connection and empowerment, extending their impact beyond business support. “Melvin’s insights remind us that our potential has no

Andrews to Continue Decade-Long Tenure with the CVB, Spearheading Strategic Marketing and Brand Awareness for Atlanta’s Southside  The ATL Airport District Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the destination marketing organization for the cities of College Park, Hapeville and Union City, Ga., today announced the promotion of Gabrielle “Gabby” Andrews to vice president of marketing. A decade-long member of the ATL Airport District Team, Andrews will continue to help refine the CVB’s marketing programming, which has evolved during her time with the organization and led to impressive reach, which contributed to

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

Dr. Lomax joins the ranks of legendary pioneers, recognizing a lifetime of transformative leadership advancing the future of education through innovation, partnership, and purpose. Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and chief executive officer of the UNCF, was honored recently with the prestigious GSV 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award at the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego—one of the world’s leading convenings of education, innovation, and impact. One of the nation’s foremost thought-leaders on HBCUs and higher education, Lomax has led UNCF in its efforts to engineer partnerships with reform-focused leaders and

By Jehan Gibson-Crump A common misconception is that estate planning only applies to death. This could not be further from the truth. A proper estate plan determines what will happen with your assets if you pass away and who will be responsible for carrying out those wishes. It also puts measures in place to determine who will manage your affairs if you are unable, whether it is on a temporary or permanent basis. This is done through Healthcare Powers of Attorney and Financial Powers of Attorney. If done