Michigan’s Leading Black Woman-Owned PR Firm Expands with Industry Veteran, New Talent, and Key Promotions
In a strategic effort to increase its impact and reinforce its management team, 98Forward, a prominent PR and communications agency in Michigan that is not only the largest Black-owned but also women-led, has made significant changes. The agency has appointed Ernest Wilkins, a content strategist with a strong national reputation, to the position of Senior Director while also recognizing the talent of Cydney Foster by promoting her to the role of Manager. These carefully selected appointments highlight the agency’s commitment to promoting creativity and equipping the next
Benedict College’s First Female President Secures Extended Tenure In Historic Move
In a historic move, Benedict College has announced the extension of Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis’s contract, ensuring her tenure as the first female president of the institution through June 2031. This decision not only underscores the impact Dr. Artis has had since assuming the role in 2017 but also marks a significant moment in the college’s storied history as an HBCU in South Carolina. Dr. Artis’s tenure has been marked by remarkable achievements, including the completion of Benedict College’s The B.E.S.T. five-year strategic plan in just three years, a
Former NFL Stars Brandon and Bradley Chubb Make Entrepreneurial Development a Goal for Atlanta Youth
Brothers and former NFL football players Brandon and Bradley Chubb are the driving force behind Do Not Disturb, a restorative wellness studio offering advanced techniques recently opened at Ponce City Market. The new concept will include saunas and steam rooms, float tanks, massage and chiropractor bookings along with other state-of-the-art and advanced physical therapy practices and advanced treatments. “As a professional athlete, you’re supported by a world of high-end therapies, which accelerate and enhance recovery,“ Brandon Chubb said in a press release. “My experience as an athlete and
Deanna Neely Powers Clean Energy at Detroit Voltage
Detroit is witnessing a powerful movement driven by Black leaders dedicated to tackling environmental inequities head-on. These trailblazers aren’t just talking about change; they’re making it happen. By transforming Detroit’s environmental landscape through their dedication and innovative solutions, they are setting new standards for what it means to champion environmental equity. Deana Neely stands at the forefront of this movement. With over ten years of experience in the construction industry, Neely is the licensed electrical contractor and founder of Detroit Voltage, a certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) that
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller Secures Millions in Funding for Local Communities
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller announced recently that she has secured funding to help improve our local communities. Earlier this Summer, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved funding through the Invest in Cook Grant Program, Community Development Block Grant Program (CBDG), the Emergency Solution Grant Program, and the HOME Investments Partnerships Program to help further increase access to housing, expand employment opportunities, spur business growth and development, enhance infrastructure, and restore our community by supporting local nonprofits serving those in need. “This crucial funding supports a variety of
Who’s Who In Black Chicago Taps Wyn-Win President Wynona Redmond to Serve as Brand’s Associate Publisher
Who's Who In Black Chicago taps local communications engagement strategist, Wynona Redmond, President of Wyn-Win to serve as the brand’s new Associate Publisher. Chicago--Who's Who In Black Chicago returns to continue its long-standing tradition of celebrating the excellence of African American industry professionals within the Chicago community. The brand is pleased to announce that Wynona Redmond, President of Wyn-Win, will serve as its Associate Publisher for its special events, programs, and content. Ms. Redmond is highly regarded for her 30-plus years of connecting corporations to communities. Through Wyn Win,
Kayla Portis Becomes Sharpsburg, PA’s First Black mayor
SHARPSBURG MAYOR KAYLA PORTIS (PHOTO BY NANCI GOLDBERG) The U.S. Census says there are about 180 Black people who currently live in Sharpsburg, PA, or 5.6 percent of the borough's population. But don't let the small percentage fool you—in the past eight months, African Americans have been making historic moves in Sharpsburg politics. Kayla Portis, 39, a Sharpsburg Borough council member since 2021, made history on July 11 by being appointed Sharpsburg's first Black mayor. And following an open interview process with Portis and other candidates on that July 11
Dr. Bryan Johnson Appointed Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools; Begins New Era for Student Education
The Atlanta Public Schools officials will officially swear in new school superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson this Monday morning, Aug. 5. Johnson will waste no time taking the reigns of the sometimes embattled school district when he swings into action as 50,000 students return to the classroom for the 2024-2025 school year. Dr. Bryan Johnson was unanimously approved as the next superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools (APS) on July 8, 2024, and will begin his three-year contract. Johnson, who was previously the executive vice chancellor and chief strategy officer
SPARK’s Loren Townes Jr. Leads the Charge for Black Entrepreneurs and Minority Tech Start-ups
Black entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of innovation and resilience within our communities, driving not just economic growth but also cultural and social progress. Their success is vital to creating a more equitable society where opportunities are accessible to all, not just a privileged few. Ensuring that Black entrepreneurs have a fair chance at receiving resources and funding isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s a necessity for the vibrant, diverse economy that truly reflects our collective potential. Loren Townes, Jr. stepping into the role of Director of Entrepreneurial
Chanell Scott Contreras: Championing Environmental Equity in Detroit
Chanell Scott Contreras made history in November 2023 as the first Black woman CEO of a green bank in the U.S. Michigan Saves, under her leadership, offers financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, helping everyday folks save money and go green. Scott Contreras emphasizes the importance of green banks in driving the transition to clean energy, especially for the Black community. “Green banks are vital for driving the transition to clean energy, providing essential financing and incentives to make renewable energy and energy efficiency projects