TSP CEO Lamar Tyler: Standing in the Gap for the Black Business Community
As DEI rollback directives imposed by the Trump administration continue to negatively impact MBEs and Black business professionals in every field, many companies and organizations are taking on the responsibility of offering assistance to the Black business community and providing protections for its members by interceding on their behalf with funders and legislative officials. Lamar Tyler and wife Ronnie, co-founders of Traffic Sales & Profit, made history as the first non-Fortune 500 company presenting sponsor in the prestigious National Black Business Conference's 125-year legacy, which was recently held
CNBC network veteran Sharon Epperson returns to Pittsburgh after life-changing event
Thirty years is a long time to be at one company these days. Sharon Epperson, the Pittsburgh native and Allderdice High School graduate, has worked at the business/finance television network CNBC for 30 years … and counting. The New Pittsburgh Courier learned that Epperson celebrated her 30-year anniversary in July 2026, after being hired in July 1996. However, through all of the financial advice that she’s given on-air and in the community, she told The Courier in an exclusive interview that the best advice she can give anyone is not
Jay Butler’s decades-long Detroit radio run concludes
More than 60 years after he became a leading voice in the Detroit radio market, Jay Butler retired from WDET 101.9 FM radio on Aug. 2. “This is it,” Butler declared toward the end of his final broadcast. “Before I go, I need to say thank you to the people of Detroit. Thank you for accepting me… I was just a small-time country boy from Jackson, Tennessee. You took me into your homes with open arms. I took me into your kitchens, your living rooms, your cars on
Maurice Fears Sr. named new executive director of 125-year-old Chicagoland nonprofit
Off The Street Club recently announced the appointment of Maurice Fears, Sr. as its new Executive Director, effective August 3, 2026. Fears brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience – including multiple executive roles at major Chicago area youth service organizations – to Off The Street Club, a storied 125 yer-old nonprofit committed to the care and development of the Second City's young people. Off The Street Club provides hope, opportunity and guidance so that disadvantaged youth in Chicago and its nearby suburbs can unlock their
Clifford Pointer III shocks sports world, makes history at AAU Junior Olympic Games
An 8-year-old Chicago track athlete is drawing national attention after delivering a record-setting performance at the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games held at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. Clifford Pointer III, a member of Chicago's Gately Park Athletic Club, captured the 9-year-old boys' 400-meter championship title at the AAU Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa, running 58.70 seconds and breaking the previous AAU Junior Olympic Games record of 59.25, which had stood for 10 years. For Gately Park Athletic Club, however, Pointer III's record is just one part
Kyaien O. Conner is the new Dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Kyaien O. Conner has been named the dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work following a comprehensive national search. A nationally recognized scholar, educator and leader, Conner assumed her new role on July 15, 2026. Conner (A&S ’02; SOC WK ’04G, ’08G; SPH ’07G) is a four-time Pitt graduate, having earned a BS in psychology from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, MSW from the School of Social Work, MPH with a specialization in minority
North Lawndale College Prep CEO Jemia Cunningham-Elder Named to Class of Leadership Greater Chicago Signature Fellows
Jemia Cunningham-Elder, Chief Executive Officer of North Lawndale College Prep, has been selected to join the 2027 Class of Signature Fellows with Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC). She is one of just 43 leaders chosen region-wide for the organization’s premier civic leadership development program. “I am honored to be named to the 2027 Class of Signature Fellows,” said Cunningham-Elder. “Leading North Lawndale College Prep has taught me that our scholars’ futures aren’t only shaped by what happens inside our walls. They’re shaped by housing policy, economic opportunity and decisions
Off The Street Club Names Maurice Fears, Sr. as New Executive Director
25-Year Nonprofit Veteran Brings Deep Chicago Roots and Proven Youth Development Track Record to the Organization Off The Street Club today announced the appointment of Maurice Fears, Sr. as its new Executive Director, effective August 3, 2026. Fears brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience – including multiple executive roles at major Chicago-area youthserving organizations – to Off The Street Club, a youthcentered nonprofit in West Garfield Park. Off The Street Club provides hope, opportunity and guidance so that disadvantaged youth in Chicago and its
Ballmer Group Launches New Philanthropy in SE Michigan, Tapping Kylee Mitchell Wells as CEO
One of Southeast Michigan’s most influential philanthropic leaders is preparing to lead a new chapter in the region’s efforts to expand opportunity for children and families. Kylee Mitchell Wells, a longtime champion for equity and community investment in Detroit, has been named the inaugural chief executive officer of MoveUp Southeast Michigan, a newly established independent philanthropy created by Connie and Steve Ballmer to continue and expand more than a decade of investments across the region. The announcement, made July 1, positions Mitchell Wells at the helm of a permanent, locally led organization dedicated
Nicole Earle makes history as first woman to serve Maryland Racing Commission as chair
Nicole Earle is making history as the first woman to serve the Maryland Racing Commission as chair since its founding in 1920. By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Staff Writer “Nicole Earle is the right leader at the right time and I am proud to appoint her as Chair of the Maryland Racing Commission,” said Gov. Wes Moore in a press release. “This appointment is a historic milestone for Maryland and I am confident her expertise and experience will guide her while leading our horse racing industry.” Earle’s appointment comes at a critical moment