Written by Deante Young  Photo by Deante Young  Greatness was always Wayne Dawson’s destiny. He was born in the Glenville district of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1955, the same year Rosa Parks launched the Civil Rights Movement with a defiant act on a bus that brought a young minister named Martin Luther King, Jr. into the public’s consciousness.  King inspired hope in all people, especially his own. Inside the Dawson household during the late 1950s and early 60s, young Wayne was inspired by his mother, Annie L. Dawson.“Where I didn’t achieve,

Written by Rhonda Crowder  Photo by Lewis Burrell  “Your gifts aren’t just for you, they’re for the people you help along the way,” says Dale Edwards, a veteran media executive, community advocate, ordained minister, and retired law enforcement officer whose lifelong mission is rooted in public service, Black empowerment, and truth through media.   He lives by the belief that integrity, service and purpose matter more than titles and accolades. And, with over four decades of impact across journalism, radio broadcasting, policing, and ministry, his journey is a testament to leadership,

The Clevealnd-Canton-Akron, Ohio area is among the best-kept Black lifestyle secrets in the Midwest. Enclave after enclave of middle-class Blacks are enjoying relatively good standards of living in the northeast region of the state. With an African American population of only slightly more than 10 percent, minority business owners are managing to thrive in the Akron, Ohio area located on 40 miles south of Cleveland. The Play Beauty supply store is proof of the pudding. Owners Nneka Slade, 49, and her son Kameron Coleman, 25, in only four

With more than 20 years’ experience in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ms. Kathryn M. Hall is the Corporate Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for JACK Entertainment. Affectionately known as “Ms. Fix It,” Hall’s mission is to provide resources to those in need.  “I have the ability to change people’s lives in this role overnight,” she says.  In her role, Hall oversees workplace culture, team member engagement, community outreach, vendor relations, sponsorship requests, and more. “Diversity touches every aspect of our business,” she reflects. “It’s one

Mayor Justin Bibb to Pen Introduction for "Who's Who In Black Cleveland" Mayor Justin Bibb has been selected to write the introduction for this year's edition of Who's Who In Black Cleveland. The annual publication, which celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of African American leaders in the Cleveland area, is known for its dedication to highlighting the city's vibrant and influential Black community. Since taking office, Mayor Bibb has been a transformative figure in Cleveland, bringing fresh energy and innovative ideas to the city's leadership. His focus on social

The Heights Movement Continues Advocacy Efforts to Relocate Cincinnati Police Department Gun Range from Lincoln Heights Carlton R. Collins, an esteemed historian, entrepreneur, activist, and co-founder of The Heights Movement, is leading the charge for change in Lincoln Heights, Ohio. As the first Black-incorporated city in America and the oldest Black-operated municipality north of the Mason-Dixon line, Lincoln Heights boasts a rich history of resilience and community empowerment. The Heights Movement, a 501c3 organization dedicated to economic development, education, and public health in Lincoln Heights, has been at the