A Mainstay in Ministry and Media
Written by Rhonda Crowder Photo by Lewis Burrell “Your gifts aren’t just for you, they’re for the people you help along the way,” says Dale Edwards, a veteran media executive, community advocate, ordained minister, and retired law enforcement officer whose lifelong mission is rooted in public service, Black empowerment, and truth through media. He lives by the belief that integrity, service and purpose matter more than titles and accolades. And, with over four decades of impact across journalism, radio broadcasting, policing, and ministry, his journey is a testament to leadership,
The Power of Yes: Turning Opportunity into a Lifetime of Leadership
Photo by Paul Williams III By Loan C. Lake When opportunity knocks, Gracie Pendergrass Coleman says yes. That fearless approach — paired with confidence in her own expertise — opened doors throughout her decades-long career in executive leadership. Born in Chester, SC, and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, Coleman describes her success as a mixture of serendipity and a strong belief in herself — one that was reinforced by her upbringing. “My parents were teenagers [when they had me], and I’m astounded at how wise they were. My father and
Art as Legacy: From Charlotte Walls to Museum Halls
Photo By Tyrus Ortega Gaines By Loán C. Lake Renowned artist Tommie Robinson has been drawing and painting for most of his life. His unassuming nature belies the fact that his work is seen all around Charlotte, including a commissioned portrait that hangs in the Mecklenburg County Courthouse today. Robinson has called Charlotte home since relocating from Lumberton, North Carolina at age seven or eight, around the time that he discovered his love for art. After the death of his father, his mother gave him permission to sketch and paint
Power of Mentoring: Carl D. West on Mentorship, Community, and Guiding the Next Generation
Carl West, a publisher, editor, CEO, father, and mentor. His story shows what’s possible when a young person has guidance, accountability, and a community that refuses to give up. His experiences are central to his book, The Power of Mentoring, and drive his ongoing efforts to help the next generation avoid the challenges he once faced. Carl West shares a personal reflection on coming of age in the Southside Growing up on the Southside of Chicago and graduating from CVS High School, West saw early on how a young life
Clarinda Barnett-Harrison Becomes First Woman CEO of Detroit Wayne Joint Building Authority
Detroit Wayne Joint Building Authority has a new leader — and a first. Board commissioners have appointed Clarinda Barnett-Harrison as chief executive officer, making her the first woman to hold the top job at the Detroit Wayne Joint Building Authority, the public body responsible for stewardship of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. In the role, Barnett-Harrison will work with the Authority’s Board of Commissioners and oversee facilities management and capital improvement programs tied to the municipal center. The building houses major public functions for Detroiters and Wayne County
The Ke’nekt Founder Kiyomi Rollins Shares Insights on Southwest Atlanta’s Entrepreneurial Scene
New Partnership With Pittsburgh Yards Built on Aligned Missions Atlanta is widely regarded as fertile ground for business start-ups, supported by a robust ecosystem that actively champions minority- and women-owned enterprises. The region has become a destination for aspiring entrepreneurs and established small businesses seeking access to resources and innovative programs designed to combat financial inequities, build capacity, invest capital, and revitalize underserved communities. In an exclusive interview with Atlanta Daily World, Kiyomi Rollins, founder and CEO of The Ke’nekt Cooperative, shared insights into Atlanta’s entrepreneurial
Black Dean’s Demise at Harvard is Tied to Trump’s War on Equity
Harvard University now finds itself standing where politics, power, and punishment meet, as the removal of a Black dean unfolds alongside a renewed White House campaign aimed squarely at race, history, and who is allowed to speak plainly about both. Gregory Davis, a resident dean and African American studies scholar, was removed from his position after years-old social media posts were revived by far-right outlets and amplified during Donald Trump’s second presidency. Harvard confirmed Davis was no longer serving in the role and moved quickly to close the
Coach Brennan Marion is on a Meteoric Rise
Greensburg native now offensive coordinator for Deion Sanders at Colorado Brennan Marion has been named the offensive coordinator for the University of Colorado football team by Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. An offensive mastermind, Marion comes to the Buffaloes from Sacramento State, where he inherited a 3-9 Hornets team and led them to a 7-5 record his first year at the helm. According to a biography of Marion on the University of Colorado website, under Marion, Sacramento State averaged 33.8 points per game in 2025, ranking third in the Big Sky
Detroit Transportation Corporation Appoints Cliff Powell as New Transit Police Chief
The Detroit Transportation Corporation (DTC) has appointed Cliff Powell as the new Chief of Transit Police, a move that strengthens the city’s commitment to safety and community engagement within its growing transit system. With over 35 years of experience in law enforcement, including two decades with the Detroit Police Department, Powell’s leadership comes at a crucial time as the People Mover serves over one million passengers in 2025, contributing to the city’s efforts to revitalize and modernize its transportation network. Chief Powell’s extensive experience positions him well to manage
Renowned Detroit Artist J.R. Strozier Brings Community and Service to Life Through Art
By Jermaine Lytle, Contributing Writer Over the last decade, Detroit natives have had a front row seat to economic development that has transformed everything from pockets of real estate in the area to its buzzing art community. Among its natives are creative movers and shakers who are committed to playing an integral role in Detroit’s continued development, understanding the need for reciprocity and service to a place that has given so much to them. JeRon “J.R.” Strozier is one of those creatives. The Detroit-born father of four has built a multi-faceted career as an artist who paints, sculpts,