Solange Knowles Makes History As First Black Female Composer For NYC Ballet
Multi-hyphenate entertainer Solange Knowles has landed a historic role as a ballet composer. On Monday (August 15), the New York City Ballet announced that Knowles has been tapped to compose the music for its Fall Fashion Gala. It is the first time a Black woman will ever compose a score for a production in the Ballet, NBC News reports. Knowles, 36, shared the groundbreaking news Tuesday (August 6) on Twitter. “Very excited to announce I’ve composed an original score for the New York City Ballet,” Knowles tweeted. Though the title of the production Knowles is composing for remains unknown, it
Toyota Adds Robert C. Davidson Jr. to Diversity Advisory Board
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) announced the appointment of three new members to its North American Diversity Advisory Board (DAB), one being Robert C. Davidson Jr., CEO, Surface Protection Industries effective August 1, 2022. "Toyota's core philosophy of Respect for People is part of our DNA and is reflected in our long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion," said Sandra Phillips Rogers, senior vice president, corporate resources and chief diversity officer, TMNA. "The addition of Robert, Domenika and Tammy bring powerful voices to the DAB which will help us
Michael Langley To Make History As Marines’ First Black Four-Star General
Courtesy of Black Information Network Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley is set to become the first Black four-star general in the Marines' 246-year history as head of U.S. military forces in Africa, the Washington Post reports. Pending Senate confirmation on Thursday (July 21), Langley will become the Chief of U.S. Africa Command. The historic confirmation would elevate Langley as the only Black man to have become a four-star general, an honor that has been accomplished by more than 70 white men in the Marines' history. Black men have previously become four-star generals in the Army, Navy, and Airforce, while
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Becomes Minority NFL Owner
Courtesy of Black Information Network The nation's first African American female Secretary of State is joining the Denver Broncos as a minority owner of the team, CBS Sports reports. On Monday (July 11), the Broncos announced the addition of Condoleezza Rice to its ownership group. Rice joins the ranks of Mellody Hobson, who became the first Black female NFL owner with her addition to the Broncos last month. "A highly respected public servant, accomplished academic, and corporate leader, Secretary Rice is well known as a passionate and knowledgeable football fan who has worked to make the sport stronger and
Sandra Douglass Morgan Hired As First Black Female NFL Team President
Sandra Douglass Morgan made NFL history on Thursday (July 7) after the Las Vegas Raiders hired her to serve as the team's president. She's now the first Black woman to have that position, according to CNN. When asked what the important moment means to Morgan, she says she wants to continue breaking barriers in the league. "I have been the first in other positions that I've held whether it be city attorney or Gaming Control board," Morgan said during a news conference at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. "I definitely never want to be
Mike Grier Becomes First Black General Manager In NHL History
San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) Owner Hasso Plattner today announced that Mike Grier has been named as the team's general manager. Grier becomes the fifth general manager in the Sharks franchise history, preceded by Doug Wilson (2003-22), Dean Lombardi (1996-03), Chuck Grillo (1992-96), and Jack Ferreira (1991-92). He has the distinguished honor of becoming the first Black general manager in the history of the National Hockey League. In this role, Grier will have overall authority regarding all aspects of the Sharks hockey-related operations, including overseeing all player personnel decisions, leading the
Mayor Andre Dickens Named Chair of U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Task Force
Mayor Andre Dickens has been named Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ new Public-Private Partnership Task Force. Mayor Dickens chaired the inaugural session of the Task Force this weekend during the 90th Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Reno, Nev., this weekend. “It is an honor to lead this newly formed Task Force and I look forward to working with a stellar bipartisan group of mayors on how best to collectively move our cities forward,” said Mayor Dickens. “Mayors have audacious goals on public
Fiber Industries Hires its First Chief Sustainability Officer
Fiber Industries, a leading US fiber manufacturer known for cutting-edge and innovative market leading solutions for the fabric, garment, and fashion industry announced today that George Bandy, Jr. has joined the organization as its Chief Sustainability Officer. Bandy has more than 25 years of experience in the sustainability field. His expertise will help Fiber Industries reach its short-term and long-term sustainability goals. “George is a seasoned sustainability leader who will bring a wealth of knowledge and valuable industry relationships to Fiber Industries,” said Don Bockoven, CEO of Fiber Industries. “Our company
Senate Confirms Lisa Cook As First Black Woman To Serve On Federal Reserve
Photo: Getty Images By Zuri Anderson, Black Information Network The U.S. Senate confirmed Lisa DeNell Cook, an established economist and researcher, to the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors Tuesday night (May 10), per NBC News. This makes her the first Black woman to serve on the panel in its 108-year history. Vice President Kamala Harris was reportedly the tie-breaker after senators voted 50-50 along party lines. "As President [Joe] Biden said today, addressing inflation remains a top priority of the Biden-Harris Administration, as we work to lower costs for hardworking families," a White House official said in
Karine Jean-Pierre Selected as First Black White House Press Secretary
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Karine Jean-Pierre, whose long career in Democratic communications led her to the podium last year as the second Black woman to hold a White House daily briefing, will regularly host those news conferences. On Thursday, May 5, President Joe Biden announced that he has selected the Martinique native as his next White House press secretary. “Karine not only brings the experience, talent, and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the