Power of Mentoring: Carl D. West on Mentorship, Community, and Guiding the Next Generation
Carl West, a publisher, editor, CEO, father, and mentor. His story shows what’s possible when a young person has guidance, accountability, and a community that refuses to give up. His experiences are central to his book, The Power of Mentoring, and drive his ongoing efforts to help the next generation avoid the challenges he once faced. Carl West shares a personal reflection on coming of age in the Southside Growing up on the Southside of Chicago and graduating from CVS High School, West saw early on how a young life
Clarinda Barnett-Harrison Becomes First Woman CEO of Detroit Wayne Joint Building Authority
Detroit Wayne Joint Building Authority has a new leader — and a first. Board commissioners have appointed Clarinda Barnett-Harrison as chief executive officer, making her the first woman to hold the top job at the Detroit Wayne Joint Building Authority, the public body responsible for stewardship of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. In the role, Barnett-Harrison will work with the Authority’s Board of Commissioners and oversee facilities management and capital improvement programs tied to the municipal center. The building houses major public functions for Detroiters and Wayne County
The Ke’nekt Founder Kiyomi Rollins Shares Insights on Southwest 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
Black Dean’s Demise at Harvard is Tied to Trump’s War on Equity
Harvard University now finds itself standing where politics, power, and punishment meet, as the removal of a Black dean unfolds alongside a renewed White House campaign aimed squarely at race, history, and who is allowed to speak plainly about both. Gregory Davis, a resident dean and African American studies scholar, was removed from his position after years-old social media posts were revived by far-right outlets and amplified during Donald Trump’s second presidency. Harvard confirmed Davis was no longer serving in the role and moved quickly to close the
Coach Brennan Marion is on a Meteoric Rise
Greensburg native now offensive coordinator for Deion Sanders at Colorado Brennan Marion has been named the offensive coordinator for the University of Colorado football team by Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. An offensive mastermind, Marion comes to the Buffaloes from Sacramento State, where he inherited a 3-9 Hornets team and led them to a 7-5 record his first year at the helm. According to a biography of Marion on the University of Colorado website, under Marion, Sacramento State averaged 33.8 points per game in 2025, ranking third in the Big Sky
Detroit Transportation Corporation Appoints Cliff Powell as New Transit Police Chief
The Detroit Transportation Corporation (DTC) has appointed Cliff Powell as the new Chief of Transit Police, a move that strengthens the city’s commitment to safety and community engagement within its growing transit system. With over 35 years of experience in law enforcement, including two decades with the Detroit Police Department, Powell’s leadership comes at a crucial time as the People Mover serves over one million passengers in 2025, contributing to the city’s efforts to revitalize and modernize its transportation network. Chief Powell’s extensive experience positions him well to manage
Renowned Detroit Artist J.R. Strozier Brings Community and Service to Life Through Art
By Jermaine Lytle, Contributing Writer Over the last decade, Detroit natives have had a front row seat to economic development that has transformed everything from pockets of real estate in the area to its buzzing art community. Among its natives are creative movers and shakers who are committed to playing an integral role in Detroit’s continued development, understanding the need for reciprocity and service to a place that has given so much to them. JeRon “J.R.” Strozier is one of those creatives. The Detroit-born father of four has built a multi-faceted career as an artist who paints, sculpts,
The Honorable U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty Receives Who’s Who In Black Columbus 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Who's Who in Black Columbus at a signature event on Nov. 20, 2025. The award recognizes her extensive career in public service and advocacy for Black communities. Who's Who In Black Columbus is part of the national Who's Who In Black series that celebrates Black excellence across America. Since 2013, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty has served as a powerful voice for Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District in Franklin County, which includes much of Columbus. On Capitol Hill, she has fought
Who’s Who in Black Dayton-Cincinnati Awards 2025 Lifetime Achievement Honors to Willis ‘Bing’ Davis
Internationally Renowned Artist of the African Diaspora, Educator, Community Activist Since the 1970s, Willis “Bing” Davis has created brilliant artwork in Dayton and beyond that reflects his spiritual feelings, visions, love, and appreciation for the storied culture and history of Africa and the entire African Diaspora. Whether teaching high school or college students or creating Afrocentric artwork and projects through his Dayton-based Willis Bing Davis Art Studio and EbonNia Gallery, Davis’ mission has been – and always will be - to create, exhibit, educate, promote, and preserve artwork
Meet Roxanne Brown, the first African American and the first woman President of the United Steelworkers
In a significant moment for the labor movement, Roxanne Brown, set to become the first African American woman elected as President of the United Steelworkers (USW), North America’s largest industrial union, joins Make It Plain with Rev. Mark Thompson. With the official transition happening in March, Brown’s ascent is more than just a personal achievement; it represents a shift in the labor movement’s leadership reflecting the demographics of today’s workforce. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, she moved to New York at the age of two and was raised by what