Lakeesha Bussey, a retired Army veteran, former financial analyst, and longtime federal employee, is now the founder of Park Play Party, a six-figure party rental and children’s entertainment company. She is also the founder of Bussey Events, an event venue company with locations in Maple Heights and Northfield, Ohio, and Party Side Hustle, an education platform created to help others build profitable party businesses. She started ParkPlayParty with a vision of making children’s celebrations easier and more memorable for families. Her company provides character entertainment, bounce houses, concessions, tables

Who’s Who In Black Cleveland is proud to announce that nationally recognized board leader, retired banking executive, and distinguished civic leader Margot James Copeland will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 18th Edition unveiling and networking reception on August 31, 2026, at the InterContinental Cleveland. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and impact have created lasting change in their communities and beyond. Throughout a remarkable career spanning financial services, philanthropy, healthcare, higher education, and community development, Copeland has championed opportunity, strengthened institutions, and helped

Who’s Who In Black Cleveland proudly announces that Vanessa L. Whiting, President of A.E.S. Management Corp., attorney, investor, and civic leader, will author the foreword for the upcoming 18th edition of Who’s Who In Black Cleveland. The 18th edition will celebrate the achievements, leadership, and impact of Black professionals and entrepreneurs throughout Northeast Ohio while continuing the publication’s tradition of honoring Black excellence across the region. “Ms. Whiting’s long standing commitment and service to Northeast Ohio has been significant and impactful,” says Rhonda Crowder, Who’s Who In Black Cleveland

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

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]

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,