Matters of Life and Death: The Power Is In Your Hands
By Jehan Gibson-Crump A common misconception is that estate planning only applies to death. This could not be further from the truth. A proper estate plan determines what will happen with your assets if you pass away and who will be responsible for carrying out those wishes. It also puts measures in place to determine who will manage your affairs if you are unable, whether it is on a temporary or permanent basis. This is done through Healthcare Powers of Attorney and Financial Powers of Attorney. If done
Derrick R. Clay to Write Introduction for 2025 Who’s Who In Black Columbus
COLUMBUS, OH — Who’s Who In Black Columbus is proud to announce that Derrick R. Clay, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, will author the introduction for the 19th edition of the annual publication. A respected civic and business leader, Clay brings decades of experience in public affairs, economic development, and strategic leadership. His message will open a publication that honors Black excellence and showcases individuals shaping the future of Columbus. “Derrick Clay represents the leadership, innovation and commitment to equity that aligns with our mission,”
Jesse Jackson Jr. Forms Exploratory Committee in Anticipation of 2026 Congressional Run
Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is taking initial steps toward a possible return to Congress. On Monday, Jackson announced the formation of an exploratory committee as he considers a bid for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District seat in the 2026 election. The move follows a push by former U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush and other local leaders who have encouraged him to re-enter public office. “As part of the Jesse Jackson Jr. for Congress 2026 Exploratory effort, it is my intention to secure a place on the ballot by authorizing
Atlanta Teacher Dr. Valerie Camille Jones Ford Inducted Into the National Teachers Hall of Fame
Ron Clark Academy's Dr. Valerie Camille Jones Ford joins the National Teachers Hall of Fame as the second Atlanta inductee, fourth from Georgia. Dr. Valerie Camille Jones Ford, Head of the Mathematics Department at Atlanta's Ron Clark Academy (RCA), is set to be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF) as part of its 2025 class. Dr. Jones Ford is the second educator from Atlanta and the fourth from Georgia to be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. “It is a tremendous honor to stand
Black Women Are Building Detroit’s New Generation of Business Schools
While elite universities and accelerator programs continue to overlook grassroots founders, three local entrepreneurs have stepped up to create what mainstream institutions never prioritized: culturally grounded, community-owned business schools designed specifically for Detroiters. Racheal Allen, Ebony Cochran, and Jessie Hayes are not in the business of waiting on permission to educate, train, and empower. They’re building infrastructure—on their terms—for the entrepreneurs this city has long ignored. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the country. In Detroit, they lead one
H. J. Russell & Company Promotes Tiffanie Lewis to Vice President of Talent Enablement
H. J. Russell & Company announces the promotion of Tiffanie Lewis to Vice President of Talent Enablement. In this role, she will lead the company’s employee development, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and engagement strategies. She reports to Mona Garland, Chief People Officer. Lewis brings over 30 years of experience with the company, having advanced through roles in property management, compliance, information technology, and shared services. Her ability to connect strategy to execution and drive cross-functional collaboration has made her a key contributor across the organization. “Tiffanie is a values-driven leader who has
Tulsa’s 1st Black Mayor Makes History: Monroe Nichols Proposes $100M Reparations Plan For Race Massacre
Democratic Oklahoma State Rep. Monroe Nichols made history in the city of Tulsa, when in November of 2024, he won the Tulsa Mayoral election, besting his challenger, Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith and replacing the sitting mayor, GT Bynum. When he accepted the victory, Nichols delivered his acceptance in front of images of Black Wall Street, a thriving district in Tulsa that was destroyed by a white mob in 1921. The Democratic lawmaker prioritized adding more affordable housing and ending homelessness during his mayoral campaign. Nichols said he wants to
Jackie Hill Elected President of the NAACP Pittsburgh Branch; Terri Minor Spencer is first VP; Brenda Tate is second VP
The NAACP Pittsburgh Branch has a new president. And it's a familiar face. The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned exclusively that Jackie Hill, born and raised in Homewood, where she still resides today, was elected NAACP Pittsburgh Branch president in a landslide, Wednesday, July 9. Out of 45 votes cast, Hill won 38, or 84 percent of the votes, over William Anderson. TERRI MINOR SPENCER Terri Minor Spencer was elected first vice president, and Brenda Tate was elected second vice president. Those were the only three elections on July 9. Hill has
‘Michigan Chronicle’ Hosts 19th Men of Excellence Awards, Honoring Black Leadership and Distinction
The room wasn’t just filled — it was charged. On June 27, some of Southeast Michigan’s most visionary and accomplished Black men convened at Detroit's International Banquet and Conference Center, where the Michigan Chronicle’s 2025 Men of Excellence ceremony reminded residents of the city that greatness lives among us —working, building, and serving every single day. From the opening moment, it was clear this wasn’t a typical awards night. It was a homecoming. A declaration. A reminder that Black men in leadership—from union halls to hospitals, classrooms to
Restoring Black Fatherhood: Chicago’s Dr. Clinton Boyd Jr. Champions Healing and Hope Through FFHC
Dr. Clinton Boyd Jr., executive director of Fathers, Families & Healthy Communities, shares his personal journey, mission, and vision for empowering Black fathers and building stronger communities through healing, education, and faith (All Photos Courtesy of Dr. Clinton Boyd Jr.). As an advocate for uplifting Black men, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Clinton Boyd Jr. in April at The Imperative of Investing in Black Men and Fathers in Chicago, an event hosted by the City Club of Chicago. In 2021, Dr. Boyd Jr. became the executive director