Emerging 100 of Atlanta’s Diriki T. Geuka Shares Thoughts on Empowering the Next Generation
Diriki T. Geuka is an Associate in the Atlanta office of Townsend & Lockett in the transactional practice group. Diriki works on a team focusing on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and general corporate law. Diriki was previously a Pinellas Assistant County Attorney where he represented County agencies run by locally elected and appointed officials. Diriki began his career as federal staff attorney for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, where he served for a year, and was an intern for the Honorable
Dreams in Motion: Lee H. ‘Le$lie’ Alexander’s Inspirational Journey Through the Arts
Ella Fitzgerald once said something so simple yet so profound that decades later, it still touches the masses, "Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong." These words perfectly capture the spirit of Lee H. Alexander, whose journey in the arts is a masterclass in dedication and passion. From his early days in Detroit, where he nurtured a love for storytelling and performance, to his rise as a versatile
Courtney Ebonique Smith: From Detroit Youth Advocate to Global Inspiration
Confidence and support can transform lives, especially for Black women who navigate a world often stacked against them. These elements are the bedrock upon which Courtney Ebonique Smith, the dynamic and inspiring CEO of the Detroit Phoenix Center, has built her journey. Now, she stands at the precipice of an international stage as a candidate for Ms. Voluptuous International, ready to showcase the power of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to community upliftment. Smith’s trajectory from a passionate youth advocate to a beacon of hope in Detroit is
Empowering Change: How RECESS24 is Set to Pave the Way for Black and Brown Innovators in Clean Energy
As the RECESS24: National Black and Brown Clean Energy Conference approaches, excitement is building for an event designed to create an onramp for Black and Brown individuals into the booming clean energy sector. Taking place from September 9-11, 2024, at Huntington Place in Detroit, this conference is more than just a gathering—it’s a movement aimed at fostering inclusivity and innovation in the clean energy industry. The conference follows the success of Black Tech Saturdays’ Clean Energy Takeover, where clean energy founders shared their journeys and fielded questions
Michigan Chronicle’s 2024 40 Under 40: Nominations are Open
The Michigan Chronicle is now accepting nominations for the 2024 40 Under 40 awards. Celebrating its 12th year, this prestigious initiative continues to shine a spotlight on the young Black professionals in Southeast Michigan who are making significant impacts in their fields and communities. The nominations are open for 40 individuals who exemplify the essence of change-makers, movers, and shakers within our community. Local professionals who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and unwavering commitment to community service are recognized by this award. These individuals embody
Council for Quality Growth Announces Four Pillar Tribute honoring the H.J. Russell Family
Donata, Jerome, Michael, and the Late Herman J. Russell to Receive 35th Annual Four Pillar Award on October 10 On October 10, 2024, the Council for Quality Growth will honor the legacy of Herman J. Russell Sr. and the Russell Family with its 35th annual Four Pillar Tribute. This is the first time in the history of the Tribute that the living legacy of a family will be honored. The 2024 Tribute will recognize the lasting impact of family patriarch Herman and ongoing contributions of his three adult children, Donata Russell Ross, H.
Morehouse College President Dr. David A. Thomas Begins a New Chapter
Morehouse College President Dr. David A. Thomas announced his retirement after seven years of service. During his tenure, Morehouse was able to achieve substantial infrastructure investments; and the most funds have been raised among any president in Morehouse’s 157-year history. With over 30 years in higher education informing his vision, Dr. Thomas’s time in office has positioned Morehouse to exert even more profound influence in the 21st Century. After a period of rest, travel, and time with his family, he will join the Morehouse faculty and aid in
Myeshia Mizuno and ‘Family Feud’ Make Media History With First Black Woman Showrunner
“Family Feud,” the successful and long standing game show, has achieved a historic milestone by appointing Myeshia Mizuno as its new showrunner. Mizuno now oversees both the syndicated version of the show and ABC's prime-time "Celebrity Family Feud." This appointment marks a significant moment in television history, as Mizuno becomes the first Black woman to spearhead a prime-time game show. Mizuno, a game show enthusiast, shared her approach to the role in an interview with Variety, expressing a blend of excitement and responsibility. “It’s daunting, but definitely what I’m
Larry Pickett named Chairman of International Association of Technology and Management
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Larry C. Pickett was selected as Chairman to lead the International Association of Technology and Management (IATM). The selection was made on May 22. The goal of IATM is to foster collaboration among professionals in academia, industry, and research to advance the fields of technology and management. Pickett serves as a member of the IATM advisory board. He is also a member of the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Business Innovation Office, where he leads the Project Management Center of Excellence. He
Detroit and HBCU Alum Brad Holmes named first Black NFL Executive of the Year
Detroit Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes, who was named the 2023 NFL Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America . With Holmes winning PFWA’s Executive of the Year award, he becomes the first executive in Detroit Lions history to do so, the first African American winner, and the first HBCU graduate to garner the honor. In January 2021, the Lions hired Holmes as their executive vice president and general manager. His first major and highly controversial move was to trade