Angela Alsobrooks, Lisa Blunt Rochester Make History as Newly Elected Black Senators in 2024 Election
Two years ago, the U.S. Senate did not have a single Black woman. And before that, only two Black women had ever served in the upper chamber of Congress. Lisa Blunt Rochester in Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks in Maryland have changed the math. They both won their races on Tuesday, Nov. 5 — making history while bringing greater representation to Congress and maintaining the Democrats’ hold on the seats. This is also the first time that two Black women will serve as senators together — and they will each take
Illinois Democrats Secure Decisive Wins in Congressional Races
In a decisive win for Illinois Democrats, incumbents Jonathan Jackson, Robin Kelly, Danny K. Davis, and Lauren Underwood retained their seats, underscoring the state’s strong blue presence in Congress. According to the Associated Press, Illinois Democrats took 14 of the state’s 17 congressional seats, marking decisive wins in closely watched races. Key victories included incumbents Jonathan Jackson, Robin Kelly, Danny K. Davis, and Lauren Underwood, each defeating Republican challengers by solid margins. In a firmly “blue wall” state where these Democratic incumbents were heavily favored, these results, though expected, were
Melia Howard Leads Detroit Forward as New Deputy Mayor
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s decision to appoint Melia Howard as the city’s new Deputy Mayor brings a new chapter for community leadership. Howard steps into this role after years of service as Director of Community Engagement. Her work has consistently placed residents at the center of Detroit’s development efforts. With Todd Bettison now moving to serve as Interim Police Chief, Howard assumes the Deputy Mayor position as the second woman in the city’s history to hold this title. Her appointment represents a commitment to making sure Detroiters’
Ben Jealous, Lynee Vanee, Scotty Smart and Zak Wallace Address Black Economics Plan at Atlanta’s Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot in Atlanta's burgeoning center for innovation and free-thinking cottage industries recently hosted The Economic Freedom Talks, a Harris-Walz campaign initiative to address and resolve pressing issues facing Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Economic Freedom Talks are designated to uplift small business owners and entrepreneurs across the nation, featuring a dynamic series of discussions that spotlighted former presidential candidate Kamala Haris' plans for small businesses. Nationally recognized advocates and experts for minority business development gathered to discuss issues hindering Black businesses including: A ten-fold expansion of the
Monroe Nichols Becomes First Black Mayor of Tulsa
Photo: Oklahoma House of Representatives Democratic Oklahoma Rep. Monroe Nichols has made history in the city of Tulsa. On Tuesday (November 5), Nichols was projected to win the Tulsa Mayoral election, besting his challenger, Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith, per 2 News Oklahoma. Nichols will serve as Tulsa’s first Black mayor. He delivered his acceptance on Tuesday night in front of images of Black Wall Street, a thriving district in Tulsa that was destroyed by a white mob in 1921. Nichols, who’s served as a State Representative for House District 72 since 2016, will take over for
Bobby L. Rush Honored at Legacy Gala, Announces New Community Initiative
Community leaders and activists gathered to celebrate Bobby L. Rush’s decades of service. The former U.S. Congressman reflected on his journey and unveiled a project that will continue his legacy of social justice and empowerment (Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington). On Saturday night, Oct. 26, leaders from across Chicago gathered at Cinespace Studios to celebrate the life and career of former U.S. Congressman Bobby L. Rush. The Legacy Gala, a tribute to Rush’s decades of public service, brought together a mix of politicians, activists, and longtime supporters to honor his
Erin Perry Named Editor-in-Chief of Outlier Media, Ushering in a New Era of Community-Centered Journalism
Detroit’s legacy of powerful community-centered journalism continues with Erin Perry’s appointment as Editor-in-Chief at Outlier Media. As a native Detroiter and experienced media leader, Perry stands ready to uphold the organization’s mission: delivering news that speaks to the heart of the community, the people of Detroit. This moment, both a reflection of the city’s deep-rooted media legacy and its future, comes as Sarah Alvarez, founder of Outlier Media, transitions out of the Editor-in-Chief role she has held since the organization’s inception. Perry’s journey to this leadership position began
Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison Named Interim Chief of Police Amid Leadership Transition
Mayor Mike Duggan has appointed Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison as the Interim Chief of Police for the Detroit Police Department (DPD), following the announcement of Chief James E. White’s upcoming departure. White, who has served Detroit for three years as Chief, will leave the department to become the new CEO of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network. As Interim Chief, Bettison will step into a role where he brings extensive law enforcement experience and deep-rooted community relationships. Todd Bettison’s career with DPD spans over 27 years, beginning as
Beauty Genie Founder Ebony Karim Uses Tech to Bring Black Haircare to HBCUs
Ebony Karim, CEO and founder of innovative hair care delivery system, The Beauty Genie is expanding the business and improving access to Black hair care products to Black students in hair care deserts across the country. The Chicago State University graduate recently partnered with Rahya Kelley, a student at Olivet College in Michigan to bring hair care vending machines to Black and Brown consumers in the region. As students can attest, finding hair care products on or near predominantly White colleges and universities can prove especially difficult as
Civil Rights Icon Dr. Charles Neblett Pioneers Prostate Cancer Awareness Movement for Black Men
Civil rights icon Dr. Charles D. Neblett, MD, is spearheading a powerful initiative to shine a light on healthcare equity in the Black community. Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, Neblett has turned his personal battle into a platform for change with the launch of the #BlackProstateCheckChallenge. This campaign urges Black prostate cancer survivors and patients to share their stories, providing a space for conversation and support through the power of social media. Through the #BlackProstateCheckChallenge, Neblett’s family nonprofit, Community Projects, Inc., seeks to foster dialogue, dispel stigmas,