A Life in Full Color: Patricia Millender at 77 Still Dances Toward Tomorrow
The daughter of political trailblazer Robert Millender carries a family legacy of service into her art, teaching, and community while shaping what aging looks like in Detroit showing what it means to keep living fully — and to bring others along. The music starts and Patricia Millender is already in motion. Inside a bright room at Detroit’s Hannan Center, she joins other elders stepping through the hustle, a dance she only recently added to her schedule. At first, she could hardly make it halfway through without catching her breath, but now her feet move confidently, her laughter cutting through the rhythm as she keeps pace with the beat. “At first, I...
Read more
Onjila Odeneal Named First CEO of Detroit Promise, Leading a New Era for College Access in the City
When Detroit native Onjila Odeneal stepped into her new role as the first-ever chief executive officer of Detroit Promise on October 1, it symbolized much more than a career milestone. For Odeneal, it marked a defining moment for a city determined to make higher education a reality for all its young people. Her appointment arrives as Detroit Promise, the city’s tuition-free scholarship program, officially transitions into an independent organization after more than a decade of transformative work. Since its founding in 2013, the program has provided more than 6,000 Detroit high school graduates with the opportunity to attend college or trade school without the barrier of tuition. For countless families, it has...
Read more
Detroit Native Chloe Gibert Named Chief Marketing Officer at Baller Alert, Leading with Innovation and Intention
“This is a platform that does not just report culture, it has helped define it.” — Chloe Gibert Baller Alert has announced the appointment of Detroit native Chloe Gibert as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Known for her innovative approach and intentional storytelling, Gibert brings a proven record of success and a unique ability to blend creativity with strategy. Baller Alert is one of the most influential digital media platforms in entertainment. The company reaches more than 18 million combined social media followers and generates over 1.2 billion monthly impressions across Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, and other platforms. The brand delivers entertainment news, exclusive interviews, and...
Read more
Grace Wales Bonner Becomes First Black Woman To Lead At Major Fashion House
Grace Wales Bonner has made fashion history. According to WWD, Wales Bonner was appointed as menswear creative director at Hermès, making her the first Black woman to lead design at a major European luxury fashion house. The announcement from Hermès International follows the departure of Véronique Nichanian, who held the role for 37 years. “I am deeply honored,” Wales Bonner said in a statement. “Joining such a lineage of artisans and creators is a dream for me.” Born in London to a British mother and Jamaican father, Wales Bonner launched her namesake label in 2014 after graduating from Central Saint Martins. Wales Bonner has been praised...
Read more
He’s a Legendary Transplant Surgeon. At 88, His Work Isn’t Done
Dr. Clive O. Callender fought racism in medicine and built a movement that saved thousands of Black lives. by Anissa Durham This article is part of “On Borrowed Time” a series by Anissa Durham that examines the people, policies, and systems that hurt or help Black patients in need of an organ transplant. Read part one, two, and three. It’s the 1960s. Inside a patient’s hospital room, cardiac monitors beep softly in the dark. The faint rise and fall of a chest. The hum of machines. There are no cell phones or call buttons. The floor is hard, cold to the touch — not the kind of place you’d want to sleep. On many...
Read more
Kenneth Kelly Named Chair of the American Bankers Association
The appointment is a one-year term for the nation’s largest financial service industry organization First Independence Bank and its board of directors proudly announce that Chairman and CEO, Kenneth Kelly, has been elected as 2025-2026 Chairman of the American Bankers Association. The installation ceremony took place during the American Bankers Association Annual Convention in Charlotte today. “Kenneth brings a powerful combination of decisive leadership, strong vision and problem-solving skills to the role of ABA Chair,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “He understands the unique challenges facing smaller institutions thanks to his leadership of First Independence, while also recognizing the critical role that banks of all sizes...
Read more
Shelly Cayette-Weston Pens Introduction for 10th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Charlotte
Charlotte, NC — Who’s Who In Black announced today that Shelly Cayette-Weston, President of Business Operations for Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE), will author the Introduction for the 10th Anniversary Edition of Who’s Who In Black Charlotte. As HSE’s President of Business Operations, Cayette-Weston oversees the day-to-day business functions for the Charlotte Hornets, Greensboro Swarm, and Spectrum Center. She joined HSE in 2024 following a 12-year tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where she rose to Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and helped drive the organization to top-tier revenue performance. Cayette-Weston began her NBA career with the New Orleans Hornets in marketing, community investment, and...
Read more
Seven Black women honored at Point Park University
Point Park University celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Ph.D. Community Engagement and Leadership program. Seven Black women scholars who named themselves the “Heavenly Seven” from the inaugural cohort were honored for their roles in shaping the foundation of the program. “You all were designing the plane while flying it,” said Dr. Heather Starr Fiedler, the first Vice President and Managing Director, Center for Civic and Community Engagement, Point Park University. In the Alumnae Panel the Heavenly Seven’s Dr. Atiya Abdelmalik, Dr. Sheila Beasley, Dr. Danielle Davis, Dr. Aliya Durham, Dr. Trisha Gadson, Dr. Kendra Ross, and Dr. Leatra Tate shared reflections, insights, and truths about...
Read more
All Rise…The Hon. Dwayne Woodruff Receives Prestigious Award from Duquesne School of Law
by Bill Neal The Honorable Dwayne D. Woodruff was the recent recipient of the Dr. John E. Murray Jr. Meritorious Service Award, Friday, Sept. 26, at the Duquesne University 73rd Law Alumni Reunion Dinner, held at the University Power Center Ballroom. Judge Woodruff is currently a judge on the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, presiding in the Family Court Division since 2005 and appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as Supervising Judge of the Juvenile Section in February 2019, serving in that role through 2023. Judge Woodruff earned a degree in Business Finance from the University of Louisville (1979) and Juris Doctor from Duquesne...
Read more
Who’s Who In Black Cincinnati Taps Kala Gibson as Foreword Writer for Milestone 10th Edition
Kala Gibson, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at Fifth Third, will be the Foreword Writer for the Who’s Who In Black Cincinnati, 10th edition. This edition’s networking reception and book reveal will be held on December 10, 2025. “I am excited to introduce readers to the next edition of Who’s Who In Black Cincinnati,” said Gibson. “The individuals who will be featured are exceptional, generational leaders whose journeys to excellence help make our community a better place to live, work and play. "I’m also thrilled to support the book’s impactful programming for today’s youth, many of whom aspire to be the same kind...
Read more