Sixx King speaks with the composed assurance of someone who has weathered storms to reach clear skies. The independent filmmaker’s journey to bring “Jonesing: When Love Is a Habit” to AMC theaters nationwide represents a masterclass in creative determination. As
The Rev. Jamal Harrison Bryant, the dynamic pastor of metro Atlanta’s New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, has built a reputation for delivering powerful messages that resonate far beyond the pulpit. He brings the same passionate energy to his role as
On a bright spring morning in Merrillville, Ind., nearly 400 women and their families form a line outside the Dean and Barbara White Center, waiting for the doors to open. They’ve come for what was advertised as a health fair,
Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant stands at the intersection of spiritual leadership and social activism, carrying forward a legacy that spans generations. As a third-generation pastor leading New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Ga., just east of Atlanta, Bryant has
In the early 2000s, when hip-hop was undergoing a seismic shift from its New York origins to the emerging sounds of the South, DJ Sense was quietly orchestrating one of the culture’s most significant transformations. The Philadelphia native, who had
For Terrance Pratt, scent isn’t just about smelling good — it’s about memory, legacy, and the deep emotional bonds we carry with us. The founder of Memoir Fragrances, a Chicago-born brand with national and global appeal, has turned his childhood
Caleb McLaughlin, one of Hollywood’s most exciting young stars, is expanding his artistic horizons into the world of audio storytelling. Best known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Lucas Sinclair in Netflix’s global phenomenon “Stranger Things,” which concludes with its
Silicon Valley technology veteran Hilmon Sorey has witnessed firsthand the evolution of barriers that once seemed insurmountable for aspiring entrepreneurs. With three successful exits as an executive, investments in over 117 startups, and partnerships in 2.12 Angels venture capital firm,
Jazz pianist Eric Scott Reed has spent over three decades crafting his musical voice, from his early days as a child prodigy in Philadelphia to his years touring with Wynton Marsalis and leading his own ensemble. Now, at 54, Reed
Tony Jolly transformed his passion for coffee into a thriving community space in Los Angeles’ Leimert Park neighborhood with crucial support from U.S. Bank. Starting his career at Starbucks at age 19, Jolly gained expertise working with coffee in Ethiopia
Sarah R. Harris brings more than 25 years of experience as both a Black Business Association member and business owner to her groundbreaking role as the first female president and CEO of the Black Business Association. Her expertise in strengthening
With more than 25 years of experience in financial services, Delphine Pruitt has become a formidable force in banking. As a Business Access Advisor at U.S. Bank, she empowers businesses in communities with financial tools and resources essential for sustainable
Broadway veteran and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” star Taye Diggs has built a career spanning theater, film and television over more than two decades. From his breakout role in the original Broadway production of “Rent” to starring in
In an era when big-budget studio productions dominate theater screens across America, Sixx King has accomplished something increasingly rare: creating, self-financing, and securing national theatrical distribution for an independent film that centers Black love. The visionary director’s “JONESING: When Love
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, having the right financial foundation is crucial for success. Stephen Keys, a highly sought-after tax professional from Chicago with more than 10 years of experience, runs Expedient Tax, alongside his wife Essence Keys. This
Micae Brown works to support entrepreneurs and small business owners as a Business Access Advisor for U.S. Bank in Chicago and Milwaukee. With a career that spans marketing, small business lending, and media, she’s a force of nature who’s all
In the heart of Detroit’s North End, something special is percolating—Sepia Coffee Project, a minority-owned, Black-led coffee roastery redefining how communities experience coffee. Led by Martell Mason, CEO, and head roaster, Sepia Coffee is more than just a café. It’s
Trademark attorney Rosezena Pierce draws from her dual career background to protect entrepreneurs from costly intellectual property mistakes while advocating for community empowerment. Attorney Rosezena Pierce speaks with conviction as she delivers a metaphor that crystallizes her entire legal philosophy:
From the classrooms of New Orleans to the high-octane world of billion-dollar action franchises, Greg Tarzan Davis has carved an extraordinary path in Hollywood. The Louisiana native, who once taught first grade while nurturing dreams of acting, now finds himself
Rob Lockett isn’t just leading LISC Detroit—he’s reshaping how community development works in a city poised for transformation. Since stepping into the Executive Director role in late 2024, Lockett has brought a bold, service-centered vision to an organization with a
