Legends and Leaders We Lost in 2024
By Donald James, Senior Writer Gone, but not forgotten. The year 2024 witnessed the passing of many notable and extraordinary people locally and nationally. As we reflect on their lives, achievements, and legacies, it is done so with the hope of inspiring future generations to excel. While it would be difficult to chronicle all the notable people who passed in 2024, it’s only fitting to name some in alphabetical order. Earl “The Twirl” Cureton (former basketball star with the Detroit Pistons) September 3, 1957 – February 4, 2024 Earl Cureton was
LL Cool J Reflects on His Legacy, Dubbed ‘The Most Important Rapper That Ever Existed’
Speaking on Apple Music’s “Le Code,” the artist expressed confidence that history will recognize his contributions as foundational to the culture. By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia LL Cool J, a hip-hop pioneer whose career spans nearly four decades, recently reflected on his profound impact on music, fashion, and entertainment. Speaking on Apple Music’s “Le Code,” the artist expressed confidence that history will recognize his contributions as foundational to the culture. “I think that one day people are going to wake up and realize LL Cool J is
James E. White Honored with Delta Dental’s VIBE Award for Leadership and Community Impact
James E. White, President and CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN), has been named the recipient of the prestigious VIBE Award for Health, Wealth, and Empowerment by Delta Dental. Presented as part of Who’s Who in Black Detroit, the award recognizes White’s exceptional leadership in behavioral healthcare and his unwavering dedication to empowering communities. Margaret Trimer, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, praised White’s contributions, stating, “James White exemplifies the kind of leadership that inspires change and creates
She Has No Choice: Monica Johnson Feeds Nearly 900 People in the Hill District, Neighboring Communities
Rob Taylor Jr. - Courier Staff Writer She has no choice Monica Johnson feeds nearly 900 people in the Hill District, neighboring communities For Hill District native Monica Johnson, she has no choice but to give back to her community. She doesn’t spend time thinking what people can do for her, she told the New Pittsburgh Courier, a few weeks after providing 878 people throughout the year 2024 with a hot meal, whether it was for Thanksgiving or prior. It’s about what she can do for others. MONICA JOHNSON WELCOMES EVERYONE TO
Pharrell Williams Joins UNESCO as Goodwill Ambassador, Pledges to Support Education and Culture
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the appointment and cited Williams’ commitment to education, culture, and peace.UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the appointment and cited Williams’ commitment to education, culture, and peace. Pharrell Williams, the multi-talented artist and humanist known for his global hits and philanthropic work, has officially joined the ranks of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the appointment and cited Williams’ commitment to education, culture, and peace. “A complete artist, Pharrell Williams is also a humanist who works to put culture at the service of
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield Officially Announces Run for 2025 Mayoral Race
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield has officially announced her candidacy for mayor, marking a significant step in the race to succeed Mayor Mike Duggan as he eyes a potential gubernatorial campaign in 2025. Sheffield, who has served on the City Council for 11 years, enters the race with a platform focused on inclusive growth and addressing long-standing challenges faced by Detroit residents. Sheffield’s time on the council began during a critical moment in Detroit’s history, coinciding with the city’s emergence from bankruptcy. “Originally when I came into
Dujuan Zoe Kennedy to Take the Lead as New Executive Director of FORCE Detroit
Dujuan Zoe Kennedy will step into the role of Executive Director of FORCE Detroit on Jan. 1, 2025. FORCE Detroit has become a national model for Community Violence Intervention (CVI), with its programs leading to a remarkable reductions in gun violence and serving as a catalyst to broader crime reductions across several Detroit neighborhoods. Kennedy, who currently serves as FORCE Detroit’s Executive Deputy Director, brings a deep understanding of both the business side of nonprofit work and the lived experience of those impacted by violence. He was recognized
Lincoln Memorial Group Welcomes Former SCI Leader Raymond Burr as Chief Operating Officer
Lincoln Memorial Group, one of the largest family-owned cemetery companies in Georgia, is delighted to announce the appointment of Raymond Burr as the Company’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO). This strategic hire underscores the Lincoln Memorial Group’s vision to transform into a best-in-class provider of end-of-life services. Burr brings more than 15 years of industry experience — including a proven track record of driving revenue growth and developing high-performing sales teams in the Atlanta market during his tenure at Service Corporation International (SCI), the largest funeral and cemetery
New DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth on Reshaping Chicago’s Cultural Landscape
Recently appointed DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth shares her vision for an inclusive, accessible Chicago arts scene, shaped by the legacy of cultural icons and driven by community engagement (Photo Credit: City of Chicago). Clinée Hedspeth is deeply passionate about art, the City of Chicago, its people, and Margaret Burroughs, the legendary artist, writer, educator and co-founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History. Hedspeth, who was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) this Spring, takes each of these to heart, as they
Award-Winning Actor, Producer and Philanthropist Courtney B. Vance to Serve as Morehouse School of Medicine Winter Commencement Speaker
Mr. Vance will deliver a keynote address at the historically Black medical school’s Fourth Winter Commencement Exercises on December 13 Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) has selected award-winning actor, producer, author and philanthropist Courtney B. Vance to deliver the commencement address for the institution's Fourth Winter Commencement Exercises, which will be held on Friday, December 13 in the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College. “Morehouse School of Medicine is thrilled that Mr. Vance will serve as our Winter Commencement speaker,” said MSM President and CEO Valerie