Empowering Future Generations Through Racial Justice Leadership
By Sherri Kolade Photo by P. A. Greene Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead’s upbringing in two worlds—Washington, DC’s chocolate city and South Carolina’s quiet dirt roads—shaped her story of race and identity. Summers spent on her grandparents’ farm in Lexington, South Carolina revealed the racial dynamics of the South, while WDC nurtured her intellectual growth and pride in her Black heritage. After earning a history degree from HBCU Lincoln University, Whitehead studied at the University of Notre Dame, focusing on peace studies, social justice, and human rights. She returned to
More Than Words: How Alison Bibb-Carson Built a Career That Connects
BY RHONDA CROWDER, PHOTO BY L EWI S B U R R E L L Raised by a renowned TV journalist father and a mother who made her career as a reading specialist and educator, it’s only natural Alison Bibb-Carson would develop a knack for communication arts, particularly writing and speaking well. And although many expected her to follow in her dad’s TV news footsteps, she set out to chart her own course. “Writing has always been my bread and butter, probably since high school when I realized [that]
Homegrown Headlines: Tiffany Tarpley’s Mission to Inform, Inspire, and Uplift Cleveland
Witten by: Tyisha Blade Tiffany Tarpley is a seasoned journalist with more than 20 years of broadcast experience, currently anchoring Good Morning Cleveland on News 5. A proud Lorain native, Tarpley returned to the Cleveland area in 2024 after several years in Toledo, driven by her desire to be closer to family and continue growing her career in the city she always hoped to thrive in. “Cleveland has always been where I wanted to really thrive in my career,” she says. “I am grateful to have the opportunity
From Glenville to Greatness: Wayne Dawson’s Journey of Faith, Family, and Forty-Five Years of Broadcasting Excellence
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,
A Mainstay in Ministry and Media
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,
Danette Render: A Living Legend in Communications and Community Service
For more than four decades, Dannette A. Render, President, CEO, and Founder of DAR Public Relations, Inc., has shaped the landscape of marketing, public relations, and integrated communications across sectors as diverse as healthcare, transportation, and tourism. Founded in July 1984, DAR Public Relations stands as a testament to Render’s fearless spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence — a journey she credits first and foremost to her faith. “If it wasn’t for the Lord, I wouldn’t have made it," Render said. "With God at the helm, I do
Charlotte’s Kermit Waddell Promotes The Power of We
Hailing from a lineage of activists, Mr. Kermitt Waddell, Esq. has carved a remarkable legacy by embodying the philosophy that it Is not about “i ism” or “me ism,” but about “we-ism” and “us-ism.” His unwavering commitment to community-driven progress and inclusivity has left an indelible mark on his hometown of Charlotte. As a proud graduate of Second Ward High School, where his own uncle held the esteemed position of being the final principal, and a graduate of North Carolina Central Law School, Waddell’s path has been
Spotlight Excellence: ‘Who’s Who In Black Cleveland’ Salutes Blacks in Politics and Government
Highlights Leaders Fueling the City's Bright Future By Charisma Tatum The sold-out Who’s Who In Black Cleveland event on July 22, transformed the vibe at the Intercontinental Hotel into a glowing celebration of the city’s most distinguished Black leaders and innovators, at the unveiling of the 16th Edition of Who’s Who In Black Cleveland. The evening, hosted by Cleveland’s prominent news reporters, Damon Maloney, of WEWS News 5, and Danielle Wiggins of 3News WKYC kicked off with more than 500 Clevelanders dedicated to acclaiming Black excellence and advancing a more
Cleveland Area Mother and Son Team Ink 7-figure Deal for Hair Care and Beauty Supplies
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
Kathryn M. Hall: Cleveland’s Diversity Maven
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