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
In a world where leadership is too often defined by position and power, Dafina Ward stands as a shining example of grace, grit, and radical empathy. As the Executive Director of the Southern AIDS Coalition, she leads not just with
Sixx King, the visionary director behind “JONESING: When Love Is a Habit,” brings a refreshing perspective to Black love narratives in film. As founder of Sixx Degrees Media with an estimated net worth of $42 million, King has established himself
Warren Thompson is the President and Chairman of Thompson Hospitality Corporation, the largest minority-owned food service and facilities management company in the U.S. Under his leadership, Thompson Restaurants operates 18 brands across 70-plus locations, with 6,000 associates and nearly $1
In the hazy midday light of a neighborhood pitch in Atlanta, Sekou Thornell watches as a gathering of young players move fluidly across the field, their interactions transcending mere sport. For Thornell, creative director and founder of Kitboys Club and
Greg Tarzan Davis has quickly established himself as one of Hollywood’s rising stars, appearing in billion-dollar franchises alongside industry titans. The New Orleans native, who made his film debut in 2019’s The Call of the Wild, starring Harrison Ford, has
Denise Forte doesn’t just talk about educational equity – she engineers it. As president and CEO of EdTrust, Forte has become a pivotal force in reforming America’s educational landscape by leveraging a surprisingly straightforward superpower: relationship building. Named one of
In an age when attention spans shrink and digital experiences dominate, creating meaningful encounters with history presents unique challenges for cultural institutions. Robert Parker, curator at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, has met
For Dr. Shantesica Gilliam, the disturbing statistics on Black maternal mortality aren’t just numbers, they represent lives disrupted and families forever changed. As an assistant professor in Spelman College’s Environmental Health Science Department, Gilliam has pioneered a revolutionary approach to
In the heart of Kansas City stands a monument to triumph, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Black America. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum preserves not just baseball history, but a seminal chapter in American civil rights. Leading this vital
In a repurposed community center in Gary, Indiana, one of America’s most pronounced food deserts, Dr. M. Dominique stands before a crowd of expectant mothers, demonstrating how to prepare nutrient-rich meals without salt or sugar. The women, many from neighborhoods
Born in Seattle in 1983, Noah Davis emerged as one of the most visionary artists of his generation before his untimely death in 2015 at just 32 years old. His figurative paintings captured the emotional and fantastical textures of everyday
In the complex landscape of American education, few leaders possess both the policy expertise and passionate advocacy displayed by Denise Forte. As president and CEO of EdTrust, Forte has emerged as one of the nation’s most influential voices on education
There is a sacred alchemy that happens when a woman’s body creates life. For a time—whether weeks or months—you held the universe within your womb. Then, in a moment that defied all expectation, that universe collapsed. The stars went dark.
Chaz Williams-Ali represents a new generation of classical performers breaking barriers and expanding representation in traditionally exclusive spaces. The acclaimed tenor currently stars in the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera “The Central Park Five,” portraying Raymond Santana, one of the five young
At the helm of one of the nation’s most influential energy conglomerates, Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Chris Womack, navigates the complex intersection of infrastructure modernization, climate imperatives and economic pragmatism. Overseeing an enterprise that serves 9 million customers
As MetLife’s chief marketing and communications officer, Michael Roberts has reached impressive heights in corporate America, serving on the company’s Executive Leadership Team. Since joining MetLife in 2021, Roberts has focused on ensuring marketing and communications are integral to the
