Pharrell Williams Joins UNESCO as Goodwill Ambassador, Pledges to Support Education and Culture
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the appointment and cited Williams’ commitment to education, culture, and peace.UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the appointment and cited Williams’ commitment to education, culture, and peace. Pharrell Williams, the multi-talented artist and humanist known for his global hits and philanthropic work, has officially joined the ranks of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the appointment and cited Williams’ commitment to education, culture, and peace. “A complete artist, Pharrell Williams is also a humanist who works to put culture at the service of peace and bringing people together,” Azoulay said. “He believes in the power of creativity and education to...
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Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield Officially Announces Run for 2025 Mayoral Race
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield has officially announced her candidacy for mayor, marking a significant step in the race to succeed Mayor Mike Duggan as he eyes a potential gubernatorial campaign in 2025. Sheffield, who has served on the City Council for 11 years, enters the race with a platform focused on inclusive growth and addressing long-standing challenges faced by Detroit residents. Sheffield’s time on the council began during a critical moment in Detroit’s history, coinciding with the city’s emergence from bankruptcy. “Originally when I came into office, we were in the midst of a major bankruptcy, the largest municipal bankruptcy in the country,” shared...
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Dujuan Zoe Kennedy to Take the Lead as New Executive Director of FORCE Detroit
Dujuan Zoe Kennedy will step into the role of Executive Director of FORCE Detroit on Jan. 1, 2025. FORCE Detroit has become a national model for Community Violence Intervention (CVI), with its programs leading to a remarkable reductions in gun violence and serving as a catalyst to broader crime reductions across several Detroit neighborhoods. Kennedy, who currently serves as FORCE Detroit’s Executive Deputy Director, brings a deep understanding of both the business side of nonprofit work and the lived experience of those impacted by violence. He was recognized by The White House earlier this year for his leadership in Community Violence Intervention, and has been a...
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Lincoln Memorial Group Welcomes Former SCI Leader Raymond Burr as Chief Operating Officer
Lincoln Memorial Group, one of the largest family-owned cemetery companies in Georgia, is delighted to announce the appointment of Raymond Burr as the Company’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO). This strategic hire underscores the Lincoln Memorial Group’s vision to transform into a best-in-class provider of end-of-life services. Burr brings more than 15 years of industry experience — including a proven track record of driving revenue growth and developing high-performing sales teams in the Atlanta market during his tenure at Service Corporation International (SCI), the largest funeral and cemetery company in North America. “Raymond’s client-focused obsession and visionary leadership are precisely what we need to elevate Lincoln...
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New DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth on Reshaping Chicago’s Cultural Landscape
Recently appointed DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth shares her vision for an inclusive, accessible Chicago arts scene, shaped by the legacy of cultural icons and driven by community engagement (Photo Credit: City of Chicago). Clinée Hedspeth is deeply passionate about art, the City of Chicago, its people, and Margaret Burroughs, the legendary artist, writer, educator and co-founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History. Hedspeth, who was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) this Spring, takes each of these to heart, as they serve as fuel for her mission: To reshape Chicago’s cultural narrative by fostering inclusivity and breaking down...
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Award-Winning Actor, Producer and Philanthropist Courtney B. Vance to Serve as Morehouse School of Medicine Winter Commencement Speaker
Mr. Vance will deliver a keynote address at the historically Black medical school’s Fourth Winter Commencement Exercises on December 13 Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) has selected award-winning actor, producer, author and philanthropist Courtney B. Vance to deliver the commencement address for the institution's Fourth Winter Commencement Exercises, which will be held on Friday, December 13 in the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College. “Morehouse School of Medicine is thrilled that Mr. Vance will serve as our Winter Commencement speaker,” said MSM President and CEO Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG. “He truly lives a life of purpose, abundantly sharing his time, talent and...
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Denise J Lewis Leads the Future of UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust
Denise J. Lewis takes the helm as the new Chairperson of the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust Board, stepping into a critical leadership role following the passing of founding member Robert Naftaly. Her appointment, effective immediately, marks a significant moment for the Trust, which serves as a vital lifeline for UAW retirees and their families. Lewis has served on the Trust’s Board of Trustees since January 2023, bringing seasoned expertise and a deep commitment to governance and financial stewardship. Her prior contributions have spanned oversight of audits, budgets, and compliance measures, responsibilities essential to the Trust’s mission of providing quality health care for over 530,000 members....
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Atlanta Business Leader Antwan T. Lang Appointed To City Solid Waste Appeals Board
Atlanta City Council has appointed Antwan T. Lang, President and CEO of Atlantic South Group LLC and a respected Atlanta businessman, to serve on the Atlanta Solid Waste Appeals Board for a four-year term. The Atlanta Solid Waste Appeals Board oversees appeals related to waste management services, ensuring transparency and fairness in the city’s waste policies. Lang’s appointment recognizes his proven leadership, commitment to public service, and dedication to Atlanta’s growth and sustainability. “It is an honor to serve on the Solid Waste Appeals Board,” Lang stated. “As someone deeply invested in the well-being of our city, I am committed to upholding the principles of fairness...
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American Roads Welcomes Regine Beauboeuf as New CEO
American Roads has appointed Regine Beauboeuf, PE, as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a new era for the company as it builds upon its legacy of infrastructure excellence. Beauboeuf succeeds Neal Belitsky, who retires after nearly 27 years of transformative leadership. With an impressive 39-year career managing complex transportation infrastructure projects, Beauboeuf brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President and Director of Infrastructure Mobility at HNTB. Beyond her professional achievements, Beauboeuf has been an active leader in Detroit and Michigan community organizations, further rooting her commitment to the region's growth and development. “I am excited...
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Amachi Pittsburgh Celebrates 20 Years of Helping Youth and Families
When the light bulb turns on, it's a wonderful sight. That's according to Anna Hollis Kander, the executive director of Amachi Pittsburgh, who watches the proverbial light bulb turn on time after time with her high-schoolers involved in Amachi's "Ambassadors" program. The Amachi Ambassadors program is geared toward Pittsburgh-area high school students who have an incarcerated parent or family member. It's one of the many programs Amachi Pittsburgh has to help children and families through the tough time—whether it's months or years—of navigating life without their loved one(s) due to incarceration. Amachi Pittsburgh is 20 years in the making, as they celebrated the organization and its...
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