George E. Johnson Changed Black Beauty — and Black History
By Joe Williams The Johnson Products founder broke Wall Street’s color barrier, created a multimillion-dollar business and helped bring Soul Train into homes across America. Johnson built Johnson Products into the nation's dominant Black hair care company while opening doors for Black entrepreneurs and celebrating Black identity. His investments also helped propel Soul Train into a national phenomenon. He parlayed a $250 personal loan into a business empire and, in the process, changed how Black America saw itself. A beauty-products pioneer, he broke Wall Street’s color barrier
Dream of Detroit Janae’s Wilson builds safe haven communities for the most deserving
Janae L. Wilson is the founder of JLW Professional Services and an economic justice organizer raised and nurtured in Detroit. For the past decade she has worked in community organizing and economic development spaces. She currently serves as Deputy Director at Dream of Detroit, a Black Muslim-led organization combining community organizing with housing and land development through a community land trust and long-term neighborhood stewardship programs. Wilson has worked closely with entrepreneurs, local changemakers, and community organizations to turn community priorities into practical economic opportunities. She leads through relationships and
Margot James Copeland Named Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient for the 18th Edition of Who’s Who In Black Cleveland
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
Midwest teens shine at Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2026 Youth of the Year Celebration in Chicago
Some of the Midwest’s brightest young leaders took center stage at Theater on the Lake on Thursday June 25, as Boys & Girls Clubs of America celebrated its annual Midwest Youth of the Year event, recognizing teens whose leadership, academic achievement, community service and resilience are helping shape the future of their communities. Hosted by ESPN sports commentator Michael Eaves, the evening brought together business leaders, community advocates, alumni, and supporters to honor four outstanding finalists while raising more than $900,000 to support the next generation of youth leaders across
Sam’s Club CEO Latriece Watkins becomes one of the most powerful women in business
Just months after taking the helm of Sam’s Club, CEO Latriece Watkins has been recognized by Fortune as one of the world’s most influential business leaders, highlighting a nearly three-decade career that has positioned her at the forefront of one of retail’s largest membership-based chains Watkins, who became president and CEO of Sam’s Club in February 2026, debuted at No. 87 on Fortune’s 2026 Most Powerful Women in Business list, which was released May 27. The annual ranking recognizes women shaping major industries across the global economy. She now oversees a business generating roughly $96 billion in annual
Kenneth N. Wilson Named Introduction Writer for 20th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus
Real Times Media proudly announces that Kenneth N. Wilson, County Administrator for Franklin County, will serve as the introduction writer for the highly anticipated 20th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Columbus. As the highest unelected official in Franklin County government, Wilson has served as County Administrator since 2015, leading 15 county agencies and more than 1,400 employees. He oversees the County’s annual $2.2 billion budgeting process for 35 agencies, helping ensure Franklin County remains among the nation’s most effective and well-governed communities. A respected public servant and
Detroit Boxer Lance ‘Boogie’ Smith honors his father’s legacy through faith, fight, and focus
Punches don’t sneak up on Lance “Boogie” Smith the way that memories do. Sometimes the memories are tucked inside a workout; sometimes they’re hidden in a decision that requires patience instead of emotion; and sometimes they arrive as a familiar phrase he heard so many times growing up that he stopped paying attention to it until life gave it meaning. His father, Stephan Smith, had a way of doing that. “I remember one time I had a conversation with my dad and I was like, ‘Man, Pops, you’re dropping a
Sheldon Ingram — on to his next chapter. Leaves WTAE-TV after 34 years to pursue acting career
In 2022, during an episode of the NBC hit show, “Law & Order: SVU,” WTAE-TV’s Sheldon Ingram wasn’t there doing any interviews. He was in the show, as an actor. When the play, “Two Trains Running,” the August Wilson classic, was being put on by Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, Sheldon Ingram wasn’t there for Channel 4. He was in the play, as an actor. Quite simply, Sheldon Ingram has been bit by the acting bug. At the end of May, Pittsburgh viewers saw Ingram on Channel 4, reporting on one of the
Meet the Black Woman Strategist Advancing Advocacy for Black Families, Disability Rights, and Community Impac
Dr. Issata Oluwadare, speaker, strategist, professor, author, and community advocate, has recently completed the New Jersey Partners in Policymaking program, marking a meaningful new chapter in her ongoing commitment to disability advocacy, educational equity, leadership development, and community transformation. For Oluwadare, the milestone is both professional and deeply personal. As a mother, sister, educator, and advocate, her work has long been shaped by the lived realities of families navigating disability systems, school systems, health care barriers, and public policy gaps. Through her family’s experiences advocating for her son
Vanessa L. Whiting, A.E.S. Management Corporation president pens foreword for WWIB Cleveland
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