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

When a woman reaches the C-suite in the travel concessions industry - or any industry - she is usually expected to influence workplace culture, particularly around diversity and inclusion. But when a Black woman attains that level of leadership, her presence has a broader impact, shaping the organization’s culture from executive leadership to frontline employees. Nikki Harland, of Concessions International LLC wields that type of influence in the business world and has levied her considerable cache of career achievements and business accomplishments to elevate opportunities for minority

Nationally recognized AI pioneer, former NASA engineer selected to lead nation’s top-ranked HBCU into next chapter of excellence and impact The Spelman College Board of Trustees today announced the appointment of Dr. Ayanna Howard as the College’s 12th president. Dr. Howard, a renowned roboticist, entrepreneur, and higher education leader, will build upon Spelman’s legacy of academic excellence and leadership development while helping prepare future generations of Black women to lead in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Howard will assume her duties as president on August 1, 2026. Dr. Howard

The name Khafra is derived from an ancient African king—an Egyptian pharaoh credited with building the Giza Pyramid. His likeness was the inspiration for the face of the Great Sphinx. Valentino “Val” Bates, principal partner of Khafra Engineering Consultants Inc., is a standout figure in the civil engineering field. In an industry where less than 4% of civil engineers are Black, the firm is nationally known for leading major infrastructure initiatives which include the Clean Water Program for the City of Atlanta and the Fulton County Water and

Why is the Annie E. Casey Foundation CEO and president so good at what she does? It’s simple - or at least she makes it look that way - she is innately adept and extraordinarily experienced in identifying and addressing issues for distressed populations. She has developed a razor-sharp understanding of the needs of young people and how to develop and hone strategies to address the challenges. In short, she is a champion. In an exclusive interview with the architect of Thrive by 25® — a groundbreaking effort

Concessions International, LLC (CI) announces Julian Thomas will serve as its Chief Information Technology Officer, inclusive of serving in the same position for Russell Family Enterprises and all of the other entities that fall under it. Thomas will lead enterprise technology strategy, security, and systems alignment, while managing IT operations across the organization and helping advance secure, scalable solutions that support day-to-day operations and long-term growth. Thomas brings more than 20 years of information technology leadership experience, with a background spanning enterprise technology strategy, digital transformation, cybersecurity, infrastructure,

New Partnership With Pittsburgh Yards Built on Aligned Missions Atlanta is widely regarded as fertile ground for business start-ups, supported by a robust ecosystem that actively champions minority- and women-owned enterprises. The region has become a destination for aspiring entrepreneurs and established small businesses seeking access to resources and innovative programs designed to combat financial inequities, build capacity, invest capital, and revitalize underserved communities. In an exclusive interview with Atlanta Daily World, Kiyomi Rollins, founder and CEO of The Ke’nekt Cooperative, shared insights into Atlanta’s entrepreneurial landscape—particularly the growing role

What do the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Georgia Dome, Turner Field, Phillips Arena, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. and the downtown Atlanta skyline have in common? They all, in one way or another, bare the DNA of Atlanta entrepreneur extraordinaire Herman J. Russell. Many of the structures referenced - along with scores of other highly crafted developments around the country - originated in a less elaborate but equally important building at 504