Celia Walker, Author at Rolling Out

The National Black Arts Festival provides educational programs in music, dance, film, visual arts, theater and literary arts locally, nationally and internationally for diverse audiences. Founded in 1987 by the Fulton County Arts Council, NBAF began as a one-week summer festival. Today, president and CEO Vikki Millender-Morrow, along with the board, council, partnerships and donors,…

It was definitely a night to remember when Nigeria-born designer Esé Azénabor showcased her most elaborate spring/summer collection titled “Objet D’Art” in front of a sold-out crowd earlier this month. As the name indicates, the collection was indeed a true work of art. The show was held at the Iconic Hall of State at Fair…

As most of us would agree, Beyoncé got us all in our feelings with her Coachella performances. For many of us whether we attended an HBCU or not we could relate on some level with the references to the bands, Greek life, homecoming or just hanging on the yard. HBCU SpringComing extended those memories and…

Fashion X celebrates its fourth year in Dallas with “Noir,” this Saturday, Sept. 30. It’s a one night only, packed with action event presenting 15 runway designers in an epic gallery featuring the best emerging jewelry and accessories designers in pop-up shops benefitting Every Girl Deserves Foundation and Fashion Group International of Dallas. Noir will…

In an industry in which males still dominate, an unapologetically zealous, multiculturally influenced student of her craft named DJ Poizon Ivy has emerged. The talented empress behind the turntables balances motherhood, deejaying for the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Wings, while still managing to make appearances throughout Dallas and around the country. As an international…

Meet Craig Johnson, the founder of Phunky Feet, a monthly subscription sock offering. The unique thing about Phunky Feet socks is that each design is created by a local American artist. With Father’s Day approaching this month, this sock plan is a great idea for those fashion-forward dads. What’s even more cool about it is…

As I sat down to write this open letter to all those like me who no longer have their mothers here on Earth, I literally began to cry. The simple notion that there are thousands even millions of people just like me saddened me but it also made me feel a bit of comfort knowing…

Ky Dele is the CEO of the Blueprint Global Group and founder of The Made Man, a national initiative acknowledging and honoring the achievements of Black male community leaders while building a bridge to empower achievement for underserved men. This professional powerhouse has created a thriving brand marketing and events firm which services corporations, high-profile…

Yodit Tewolde is an attorney and founder at Yodit Tewolde PLLC. After graduating from law school, Tewolde began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Trudy M. White in the 19th Judicial District Court. She soon discovered her true passion was empowering people through the justice system.

Mahisha Dellinger’s mantra is simple. Curly hair should be healthy, frizz-free, defined, and effortlessly fabulous. Consequently, as a beauty advocate and product innovator, Dellinger worked passionately to produce an award-winning line of organic hair care products for women and girls with natural waves, curls and kinks. Frustrated with the lack of effective products for…

Name: L. Michelle Smith Title: Director, public relations, AT&T Global Marketing Organization Organization: AT&T L. Michelle Smith is the voice and timbre of diversity at AT&T. She also leads the team that executes the communications for the award-winning “It Can Wait” campaign. Industry leaders have said that when Smith speaks, it causes ripples across the…

Blending science, substance, and style, Jennifer Stimpson makes science a wonderful learning experience for students. Her love for science was fostered while growing up in a household with parents who were pharmacists. Stimpson and her younger sister (who is also a scientist), learned the impact science had on society.

Faith Oliver-Robertson, DDS, OMFS, affectionately referred to as “Dr. Faith,” is a Dallas native and University of North Texas alum. After earning her bachelor’s in biology she completed her studies at Baylor College of Dentistry, she spent her four-year residency in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery program at Howard University Hospital — becoming one of the first Black women from Baylor to pursue this specialty.

“My education was the foundation for my success and advancement. I have degrees from UC-Berkeley in business administration and human resources management. I’ve always taken on new challenges enthusiastically, and that’s helped me become fearless.”

Dr. Michael Bowie Jr., senior pastor of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church, led a seven-day mission trip along with 14 others to Cuba. The group was in Cuba after the death of President Fidel Castro and upon their return last week to the States, Bowie shared their experience, along with rare photos with rolling…

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, in front of over 400 enthusiastic guests, 25 dynamic women were honored for their service, hard work, dedication and accomplishments. Rolling out, The Steed Society, and Female Success Factor celebrated 25 of Dallas’ most prominent women with an elegant reception and awards presentation. The event was hosted at 7 for…

The Greer twins made history when they became the first Black twins to serve in the U.S. military. At 92, they are both living vibrant lives in their communities and with their families. Hazel Greer Williams and Mazel Greer were born on Nov. 5, 1924, in Center, Texas. There were nine children in total, including…

If you were in Atlanta last week, you couldn’t avoid the pink and green. The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. took over Atlanta for a seven-day celebration of sisterhood, service and fun at their 67th annual convention also known as Boulé. Rolling out released a special AKA edition in honor of the biennial…

Dena Burton is in the center. Photo credit: Karim Saafir Los Angeles-based fashion designer Dena Burton has been quite busy creating amazing women’s ready-to-wear garments, producing fashion shows, pursuing philanthropic work and traveling; however,, she took a moment to chat with rolling out. How do you shift from making clothes to making a difference? Fashion…

Tracie A. Burress was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago and currently resides in Rockford, Illinois, with her husband and two teenagers. She became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Incorporated, “Sweet” Alpha Pi” chapter (fall ’87) at Clark Atlanta University (’90). “From the moment I hit the campus, I knew…