Celebrating Chicago’s Basketball Greats at NBA Legend Day
On the weekend of Aug. 23 - Aug. 24, Chicago Defender staff had the honor of attending the NBA Legend Day celebration at Pier 31 Restaurant in Chicago. Hosted by veteran NBA referee James “Bullet” Capers, the event paid tribute to the men who put Chicago basketball on the map and inspired generations to dream bigger. The evening was filled with heartfelt moments. Chicago’s very own poet, J. Ivy, delivered a powerful poem honoring the legends. His words captured the essence of perseverance, ambition, and resilience that defined
‘Haus’ of Art, Fashion — and Healing
by Denim Fisher Feeling out of place in the high-pressure fashion industry, Amanda Moore-Karim decided to combine her passion for couture, storytelling, and spirituality and create a space where like-minded Black fashionistas can heal. Based on a blog she started in college, Moore-Karim's project features photography, a fragrance line, and Tarot-style readings for clients. Built on Western beauty standards, with impossibly perfect models and air of exclusivity, the fashion industry seems like the last place to find racial healing for Black women combined with radical social change. But Amanda Moore-Karim — a
Nayanna Ferguson Moves Spirits with Black-owned Tequila Brand
The tequila craze that’s been gripping the country for the past couple of decades shows no sign of tapering off anytime soon, and in fact, indicators point to an uptick in the consumption of distilled spirits derived from the blue agave plant. And as producers and distributors are experiencing remarkable growth in local and international markets, and the “shot, shot, shot,” chant continues to ring out in college bars and reputable restaurants alike, Black distillers are shifting the tides of tequila consumption. Mexico is the birthplace of tequila,
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey Defeated But Not Beaten: ‘We Shattered The Glass Ceiling’
A whirlwind of emotions swept through the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers' building on Pittsburgh's South Side on last Tuesday, as the city's first Black mayor approached the podium to deliver a speech following the Democratic primary for mayor. DJ Selecta had people dancing. People's plates were full of food. Hugs were abundant. Oftentimes, in the Black community, people know how to have a good time, whether or not the times are actually good. It's how it is being a minority in the U.S., an oppressed one at that, especially
Detroit vs. Everybody: Tommey Walker Jr. and TG Grantham Host Fireside Chat for Black Men
(L-R)Terrance “TG” Grantham, Tommey Walker Jr. and Tony West, Image courtesy of Harris for President In a spirited last push to energize early voters, Detroit Vs. Everybody founder Tommey Walker Jr. and influential emcee Terrance “TG” Grantham hosted a Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Happy Hour for the Harris-Walz campaign today in Detroit. The event featured a fireside chat with Tony West, Vice President Kamala Harris' brother-in-law, offering timely insights just before early voting kicks off on October 19. Detroit Vs. Everybody founder Tommey Walker Jr. expressed that when
Detroit Police Chief James White to Lead Detroit’s Largest Mental Health Organization as CEO of DWIHN
Detroit Police Chief James White is stepping into a pivotal new role, leading the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN), Michigan’s largest mental health safety net organization. In a unanimous vote by the DWIHN board of directors, White was chosen over Michael Hunter, president of Team Wellness Center, to become the next CEO. His appointment, however, has sparked a range of reactions, with some expressing excitement about his leadership while others raise concerns over his past as Detroit’s police chief. White, who has served as the city’s top
Jeanie Hunter, Synergy President and CEO Honored by Atlanta Business League
With over 20 years of experience, Jeanie Hunter serves as the CEO and Co-founder of Synergy Development Partners, LLC an Atlanta-based general contracting company generating over 600 million in projects to date. Jeanie oversees, identifies, develops and implements internal strategies in the day-to-day operations that ensures resiliency and sustainability of the organization. Jeanie's leadership style is characterized by her ability to inspire and motivate her team, encouraging them to think creatively and push the boundaries of what is possible. She places great emphasis on fostering a positive work environment
Spotlight Excellence: ‘Who’s Who In Black Cleveland’ Salutes Blacks in Politics and Government
Highlights Leaders Fueling the City's Bright Future By Charisma Tatum The sold-out Who’s Who In Black Cleveland event on July 22, transformed the vibe at the Intercontinental Hotel into a glowing celebration of the city’s most distinguished Black leaders and innovators, at the unveiling of the 16th Edition of Who’s Who In Black Cleveland. The evening, hosted by Cleveland’s prominent news reporters, Damon Maloney, of WEWS News 5, and Danielle Wiggins of 3News WKYC kicked off with more than 500 Clevelanders dedicated to acclaiming Black excellence and advancing a more
Courier’s Diane Daniels wins ‘Distinguished Neighbor Servant Leader’ award
DIANE DANIELS AND HER SUPPORTERS … (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO) She’s written for the New Pittsburgh Courier for decades. She’s very, very, very well-respected in the Pittsburgh (and of course, McKeesport) communities. Her business acumen, her community service, and her tireless ability to be everywhere all the time has been recognized with the “Distinguished Neighbor Servant Leader” award from the City of Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office and City Councilman Khari Mosley, of the Ninth District. COUNCILMAN KHARI MOSLEY AND MAYOR ED GAINEY WITH DIANE DANIELS Before Daniels could even get to the podium
Freshman CBC Member Congresswoman Summer Lee Wins Big After Being Targeted by AIPAC
By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA), who was formally targeted for defeat by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) won her primary challenge on April 23. Rep. Lee won easily over a primary candidate recruited by AIPAC, 61 percent to 31 percent. On the last weekend of the primary campaign, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez campaigned alongside Lee. Along with the NRA and Planned Parenthood, AIPAC is one of the most powerful and influential lobbying groups in U.S. politics. Back in September 2023, it was revealed