Suzanne Shank’s Commitment to Black Women Was on Full Display at the Mackinac Policy Conference
“Don’t settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that’s in us.” – Angela Bassett The 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference was a watershed moment in Michigan’s political landscape, and the conference chair, Suzanne Shank – President, CEO, and Co-Founder of the largest Black-owned full-service investment banking firm – was the driving force behind so much of its success. Shank, a renowned business leader and advocate for diversity
Donovan Peoples-Jones Champions Detroit Youth with Limitless Opportunities
Amid the backdrop of Detroit’s skyline, a story of resilience, mentorship, and community uplift is unfolding, orchestrated by none other than Detroit Lions’ wide-receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. Recently traded from the Cleveland Browns, Peoples-Jones is not just winning on the field; he’s also championing a powerful cause off of it. On a sunny Saturday morning, the air at Cass Tech High School, one of Detroit's most prestigious, is set to be filled with excitement, not just for the grid-iron game but for a game-changing initiative that’s touching young
Chris Webber Talks New Memoir ‘By God’s Grace,’ Fab Five’s Impact and Life After NBA – Watch
NBA legend Chris Webber recently released his new memoir “By God’s Grace.” In an exclusive interview with Real Times Media, Webber discusses the impact of Fab Five, backlash aimed at Angel Reese, hip-hop’s influence in sports, and his NBA career. Webber sits down with Executive Editor A.R. Shaw at iHeart Studios in Atlanta. Watch exclusive video below:
Exclusive: Michigan Chronicle Sits with First Black Woman Michigan Supreme Court Justice, Kyra Harris Bolden
At the heart of every pivotal moment in civil rights and political movements, the spirit of “Black Girl Magic” has been palpable, with Black women leading the charge. Their journey is one defined by an alchemy of resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to justice, turning trials and challenges into triumphs. This unique blend of strength and grace under pressure is what imbues Black women’s contributions with a sense of magic; they not only overcome obstacles but do so with a brilliance that sets new standards for
Michigan Chronicle, WDIV TV 4 Announce Media Partnership to Elevate Local News Coverage and Community Engagement
By Jeremy Allen, Executive Editor The Michigan Chronicle, a subsidiary of Real Times Media, and WDIV TV 4, Detroit's NBC affiliate, are proud to announce an expansive media partnership aimed at enhancing the impact of local news and information dissemination. This collaboration marks a significant step towards bolstering community engagement, fostering inclusivity, and enriching the depth of coverage on issues vital to Detroit and the state of Michigan. Under the umbrella of this innovative partnership, the collaboration between the Michigan Chronicle and WDIV extends beyond coverage of local events.
The BasBlue Foundation: A Multimillion Dollar Investment in Detroit Women
BasBlue, a nonprofit space dedicated to creating pathways and opportunities for women, opened its doors in October 2021. Today, it is a community of nearly 700 women, 60% of whom live in the City of Detroit. Now, BasBlue is launching its next chapter: The BasBlue Foundation. The Foundation’s initial goal is to raise $2 million before the end of 2023 to support fellowships and opportunities that empower women and girls by providing tools and resources to support their education, careers and increase their access to capital. Thanks to
Techtown Catalyst Program Builds Investors For Founders of Color, Women
It is a long established fact that the venture capital industry is continuing to struggle with racial diversity. Women and businesses owned by people of color are far behind in accessing capital to fund their startups and small businesses. TechTown Detroit is taking the lead through its Catalyst Angel Program to train accredited investors, including successful founders, executives and high-net-worth individuals, on how to become angel investors. The drive to increase the number of Black, Latinx and women investors correlates directly with the broader rise in the
Joe Dumars named Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations for NBA
NEW YORK – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that Joe Dumars, a Hall of Fame player, distinguished team executive and NBA champion with more than 30 years of experience in the league, has been appointed Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. Dumars will begin with the league office on May 9 and report to Byron Spruell, President, League Operations. In his new role, Dumars will oversee all Basketball Operations matters for the NBA, including the development of playing rules and interpretations, conduct and discipline, and policies
Divinely Ordered To Empower Communities: Meet Alice G. Thompson CEO, Black Family Development, Inc.
By Donald James Prayer and unwavering faith in God, according to Alice G. Thompson, CEO of Black Family Development, Inc. (BFDI), are essential to her leadership role with Detroit-based BFDI. Established in 1978 by the Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers, the mission of BFDI is “To strengthen and enhance the lives of children, youth, and families through partnerships that support safe, nurturing, vibrant homes, schools and communities.” Thompson has served as BFDI’s top executive since 1994. She said her steps to BFDI were divinely
Designer Brands Announces $2 Million Investment into First Black-Owned U.S. Footwear Factory, Partnering with Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, President of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design
Designer Brands Inc, parent of shoe retailer DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, announced today an investment of $2 million into advancing action-oriented Diversity, Equity & Inclusion through a partnership with Pensole and legendary footwear designer Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, President of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (PLC). Located in Detroit, PLC is the first and only Historically Black College & University (HBCU) in Michigan and the first HBCU with a focus on design. PLC, formerly known as the Lewis College of Business, is expected to reopen in May 2022. In this new partnership, Designer Brands will invest in