Claressa Shields is taking her star power south for a high-stakes title fight in Atlanta
Claressa Shields has spent her career making history in boxing rings around the world. On Aug. 15, the Flint native will step into another spotlight when she headlines a championship fight at Atlanta's State Farm Arena, carrying her undefeated record, world titles, and hometown pride into a new chapter of an already remarkable journey. Shields, 18-0 with three knockouts, will face Australia's Kaye Scott for the WBC and WBA middleweight championships in a DAZN main event that places two titleholders on one of boxing's biggest stages. The fight
Following Historic Georgia Runoffs, Black women set to make history across November ballot
Following this week's runoff elections, Georgia voters will see an unprecedented number of Black women seeking federal and statewide office this November, reflecting the continued growth of Black women’s political power across the state and solidifying Georgia’s role as a national battleground for democracy. With the field now officially set for November, Black women candidates have secured nominations for some of Georgia’s most influential offices, including Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Public Service Commission, and multiple congressional seats. The results also mark an important milestone in Higher Heights’ She
Spelman College Appoints Dr. Ayanna Howard, Renowned Roboticist, Higher Education Leader, its 12th President
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
Val Bates, a master of design and defying the odds
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
Annie E. Casey Foundation CEO Lisa Lawson: Chamipon and change agent for the future of children
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
Julian Thomas to serve as Chief Information Technology Officer for Concessions International, LLC
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,
The Ke’nekt Founder Kiyomi Rollins Shares Insights on Atlanta’s Entrepreneurial Scene
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
H.J. Russell Company and family: Key players in Atlanta’s grand plan
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
Morehouse School of Medicine names Gerald L. Hector EVP and CFO
Gerald L. Hector, CPA has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer for the highly esteemed Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. Hector also held similar positions in higher education at Cornell University, Ithaca College, Johnson C. Smith University, and Central Florida in Orlando. FL. His experiences span all aspects of higher education management that include treasurer, debt management, controller’s office, information technology, post award management, policy office, student accounts/bursar, facilities, grounds, business operations, auxiliary services, risk management, purchasing and procurement, legal, financial aid, campus safety, compliance,
Atlanta Executive Todd Greene Joins Excelsior University Board of Trustees
Excelsior’s governing body named the Work, Education, and Labor Division vice president and WorkRise Urban Institute executive director among its six new trustees. The Excelsior University Board of Trustees has named Atlanta resident Todd Greene, vice president of the Work, Education, and Labor Division (WELD) at the Urban Institute and executive director of WorkRise, among its six new trustees. The University's governing body, the board consists of individuals from across the country who are leaders in the fields of business, education, and government. In his role as a vice president of WELD at the Urban Institute, Greene leads a team of K–12, higher