We are highlighting examples of Black excellence throughout the year! Feel free to send suggestions to Rachel at rstoler@frcog.org.
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Black Excellence: Jakayla Armstrong
https://www.wkrg.com/news/i-made-history-meet-the-first-african-american-female-eagle-scout-in-alabama ‘I made history’: Meet the First African-American female Eagle Scout in Alabama MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — In tonight’s What’s Working, a huge honor for a Murphy High School senior. Jakayla Armstrong of Troop 283 at Liberty Missionary Baptist Church has become the first African American female in the Mobile…
Black Excellence: Gale Livingstone, John Boyd Jr.
https://www.npr.org/2025/02/20/nx-s1-5258105/black-farmers-among-those-left-in-limbo-amid-federal-funding-freeze Black farmers among those left in limbo amid federal funding freeze UPPER MARLBORO, Md. – On a recent snowy afternoon, Gale Livingstone, a first generation farmer, is working in the propagation greenhouse at Deep Roots Farm, which she owns and operates. Four volunteers are putting collard greens, bok choy,…
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Gale Livingstone, John Boyd Jr.
Black Excellence: Ray Billingsley
https://www.npr.org/2022/02/27/1082938670/cartoonist-ray-billingsley-profile For decades, cartoonist Ray Billingsley has depicted Black family life in ‘Curtis’ Ray Billingsley’s story is one of great tenacity and passion. A veteran cartoonist and comic artist, Billingsley is best known as the creator of the strip Curtis. Debuting in 1988, Curtis was one of the first nationally…
Black Excellence: Danielle Green
https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/Bouncing-Back-Stronger-Woman-Warrior-and-Purple-Heart-Recipient-Overcomes-Adversity-to-Live-with-Purpose From the Streets of Chicago to the Notre Dame Basketball Court to a Battleground in Iraq, Danielle Green’s Story is One of Determination and Inspiration LeBron James was there. Peyton Manning was, too. So were Derek Jeter, Stephen Curry, and the reigning World Cup champion U.S. Women’s National Soccer…
Black Excellence: Charles Burnett
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Burnett_(director) Charles Burnett (/bɜːrˈnɛt/; born April 13, 1944) is an American film director, film producer, writer, editor, actor, photographer, and cinematographer. His most popular films include Killer of Sheep (1978), My Brother’s Wedding (1983), To Sleep with Anger (1990), The Glass Shield (1994), and Namibia: The Struggle for Liberation (2007).…
Black Excellence: Ernestine Shepherd
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernestine_Shepherd Ernestine Shepherd (born June 16, 1936) is an American bodybuilder who is best known for being, at one point, the oldest competitive female bodybuilder in the world, as declared by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2010 and 2011;[1] as of 2023, she is 88 years old and…
Black Excellence: Bartees Strange
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartees_Strange Bartees Strange, is an English-born American musician. Strange was born in Ipswich, England,[1] raised in Mustang, Oklahoma, and is now based in Washington D.C.[3] https://www.npr.org/2025/02/18/g-s1-45838/bartees-strange-tiny-desk-concert Density is built into the music of Bartees Strange — he packs his tracks with lyrical insight and sonic gestures that, upon closer listen,…
Black Excellence: Black Leaders in Higher Education
https://jbhe.com/2024/09/seven-black-leaders-appointed-to-administrative-roles-in-higher-education/
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Black Leaders in Higher Education
Black Excellence: Ralph W. Adams, Jr.
https://www.nsa.gov/History/Cryptologic-History/Historical-Figures/Historical-Figures-View/Article/1620636/ralph-w-adams-jr Ralph W. Adams, Jr., a graduate of the University of Nebraska, served in the Army Security Agency in Vietnam as a linguist in 1961, and came to NSA in 1965. Widely recognized for his near-native language skills, he served multiple tours in Vietnam as a language analyst for NSA.…
Black Excellence: Chidozie Ibeabuchi
https://www.mlssoccer.com/playerengagement/bios/chidozie-ibeabuchi Chidozie Ibeabuchi leads a team responsible for providing holistic player care resources, creating career pathways, and spearheading player commercial efforts to advance the league. For over a decade, Chidozie has worked with professional athletes across various sectors of the sports industry for several major sports leagues including the NBA’s…
Black Excellence: Edmond Dédé
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmond_D%C3%A9d%C3%A9 Edmond Dédé (November 20, 1827 – January 5, 1901)[a] was an American musician and composer. A free-born Creole, he moved to Europe in 1855. He worked in Bordeaux for more than forty years, first as assistant conductor at the Grand Théâtre and then as a conductor of orchestras at…
Black Excellence: Givonna Joseph and Opera Créole
https://www.operacreole.org/givonna-joseph Ms. Joseph is committed to the culture of New Orleans, the city of her birth. This is most evident in her research on 19th-century classical music of New Orleans’s Free People of Color. As Founder and Artistic Director of the award-winning OperaCréole, Ms. Joseph’s research has recently been featured on…
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Givonna Joseph and Opera Créole
Black Excellence: Roberta Hoskie
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberta_Hoskie Roberta Hoskie is an American real estate broker, writer, and media personality based in New Haven, Connecticut. She is the author of the book Poverty Curse Broken, president and CEO of Outreach Realty Servicing, Outreach School of Real Estate, and the 1000 Black Families National Homeownership Program. She is…
Black Excellence: Photo portraits of Black Americans
https://newpittsburghcourier.com/2022/01/02/how-black-americans-used-portraits-and-family-photographs-to-defy-stereotypes/
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Photo portraits of Black Americans
Black Excellence: Kimberley Rudd and David C. Rudd
https://ruddresources.net/our-team Kimberley has 35 years of writing, strategic marketing and communications, and coaching experience. A skilled project manager, she is trusted to provide counsel, support and ideas to clients. David is a writer and senior counselor. A communications professional with journalism, corporate communications and PR agency experience.
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Kimberley Rudd and David C. Rudd
Black Excellence: Jehana Ray
https://www.packlesstravel.com/about Welcome toPackLess Travel! Headquartered in Boston, a city known for its casual vibe and inclusive atmosphere, we’re building a community that values a more relaxed, efficient, and eco-friendly approach to travel. We’re proud to serve a diverse group of explorers who share our vision for a simpler and more…
Black Excellence: Sharon Y. Bowen
https://www.cftc.gov/About/Commissioners/SharonY.Bowen/index.htm Sharon Y. Bowen was sworn in as a Commissioner of the U. S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on June 9, 2014 for a five year term. She serves as Sponsor of the CFTC Market Risk Advisory Committee.
Black Excellence: Mary T. Washington
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_T._Washington Mary T. Washington (April 21, 1906 – July 2, 2005) was the first African-American woman to be a certified public accountant in the United States.[1] Mary Thelma Morrison was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Daisy and William Morrison.[2] Her father was a carpenter, and her mother passed when she…
Black Excellence: Alantha Miles
https://breakthrough.org/alantha-victim-advocates-create-ripple-effect After incidents of violence in the Garfield Park neighborhood, Breakthrough’s victim advocates respond to support victims and their families. Alantha Miles, victim services coordinator, hopes her team leaves an impression that inspires participants to show that same love, grace, and understanding to others. https://www.cornersresearch.org/team/alantha-miles In 2020, Alantha Miles was…
Black Excellence: Juliet Barnes
https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/chicago-stars-fc-appoints-juliet-barnes-director-of-medical/n-6182038 CHICAGO – Chicago Stars FC General Manager, Richard Feuz, has named Juliet Barnes as the club’s new Director of Medical, the Chicago Stars announced today. “We are excited to have Juliet join Chicago Stars FC,” said Feuz. “Juliet’s decades of experience across sports, most recently with the United States…
Black Excellence: Braxton Cook
https://www.braxtoncook.com/bio Braxton Cook (born March 27, 1991 in Boston, Massachusetts) is an Emmy Award Winning Artist and one of this generation’s most exciting emerging voices in the Jazz world. Not only does he exhibit world-class virtuosity on the alto saxophone but he is also a uniquely talented vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist…
Black Excellence: Martin Aliker
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Aliker Martin Jerome Okec Aliker (21 October 1928 – 15 April 2024) was a Ugandan dental surgeon, businessman, and community leader. He was a senior adviser to the President of Uganda and sat on the board of directors of nearly forty Ugandan companies. He was the chancellor of Victoria University…
Black Excellence: Monique Clesca
https://haffd.org/blog-2-2/blog-post-title-three-p3yc8 Monique Clesca is currently an international consultant after a career of more than 25 years specializing in high-level policy dialogue, human rights, youth and women programming, development, and crisis communication and writing. A feminist pro-democracy, pro-social justice activist, she is also a member of the Civil Society Commission to…
Black Excellence: Vincent McCoy
Paving the Way for LGBTQ+ Students When Vincent McCoy ’75 responded to a newspaper ad for a small, private meeting of Northwestern’s Gay Liberation Front, he never imagined it would lead to him becoming an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ students. McCoy became the first Black president of the Gay Liberation…
Black Excellence: Roderick Cox
https://roderickcox.com Winner of the 2018 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award by the U.S Solti Foundation, Berlin-based American conductor, Roderick Cox, has been praised as a conductor who is “paving the way” (NBC News) and recognised as a “trailblazer… a conductor who will be amongst the vanguard” (Minnesota StarTribune). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roderick_Cox_(conductor) Roderick…
Black Excellence: Renetta McCann
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renetta_McCann Renetta McCann (born December 8, 1956) is an American advertising and public relations executive who previously served as chief executive officer of Starcom Mediavest Group in North America.
Black Excellence: Willard “Will” S. Evans Jr.
https://www.alumni.northwestern.edu/s/1479/02-naa/16/landing.aspx?sid=1479&gid=2&pgid=45863 Willard “Will” S. Evans Jr. is a seasoned leader in both the public and private sectors. Known for his collaborative personal style and business acumen, he has extensive leadership experience that encompasses business, government, academic, civic, emergency, and social service organizations.
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Willard “Will” S. Evans Jr.
Black Excellence: Demi Johnson
https://www.wlox.com/2024/05/30/gulfport-teen-receives-national-geographic-award-plan-save-mississippis-oyster-reef-population GULF COAST, Miss. (WLOX) – Remember Demi Johnson? The now ninth grader is headed to the nation’s capital in just a few days for the National Geographic Explorers Festival. Her well-deserved trip to Washington D.C. comes after she became a top-15 finalist for her award with the Slingshot Challenge…
Black Excellence: Samuel E. Davis
https://theblackhistorychannel.com/2016/samuel-e-davis-the-man-who-could-do-anything/
Black Excellence: Mikaila Ulmer
https://theblackhistorychannel.com/2015/mikaila-ulmer-a-honey-of-an-entrepreneur/
Black Excellence: Diahann Carroll
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diahann_Carroll Diahann Carroll (/daɪˈæn/ dy-AN; born Carol Diann Johnson; July 17, 1935 – October 4, 2019) was an American actress, singer, model, and activist. Carroll was the recipient of numerous nominations and awards for her stage and screen performances, including a Tony Award in 1962, Golden Globe Award in 1968, and…
Black Excellence: Victor Boniface
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Boniface Victor Okoh Boniface (born 23 December 2000) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen and the Nigeria national team. Boniface is renowned for his pace, strength, dribbling ability, finishing and work ethic.[2][3][4][5]
Black Excellence: Alaysia Black Hackett
https://alaysiablackhackett.com As an expert with 20 years of executive-level diversity leadership in public, private, and academic sectors, Dr. Lacy’s expertise focuses on fostering inclusive and equitable environments, with a drive for social and economic development. Dr. Lacy has a track record of building diverse and equitable infrastructures in organizations of…
Black Excellence: Gass Iyacu and Emma Jackson
https://magazine.northwestern.edu/innovation/invention-expandable-bike-helmet-gass-iyacu-emma-jackson A More Inclusive Bike Helmet Gass Iyacu ’24 rode a scooter across Northwestern’s Evanston campus to get to class every day. Emma Jackson ’24 rode her bike. But neither regularly wore a helmet. Why? “They just don’t fit!” says Iyacu, who wears his hair in various styles, such as…
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Gass Iyacu and Emma Jackson
Black Excellence: Giannis Antetokounmpo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giannis_Antetokounmpo Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo[a] (né Adetokunbo;[b] born December 6, 1994) is a Greek and Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His size, speed, strength, and country of origin have earned him the nickname “Greek Freak”. He is widely regarded as one…
Black Excellence: Hazel Scott
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazel_Scott Hazel Dorothy Scott (June 11, 1920 – October 2, 1981) was a Trinidadian jazz and classical pianist and singer. She was an outspoken critic of racial discrimination and segregation. She used her influence to improve the representation of Black Americans in film.[1]
Black Excellence: Ena Hartman
https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/ena-hartman-7784 Ena Hartman is an unsung trailblazer of Hollywood whose smaller roles in 1960s media productions helped create a path for African Americans in film and television. Black actresses working in the 1970s benefited from the trail Hartman helped blaze.
Black Excellence: RaMell Ross
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RaMell_Ross RaMell Ross is an American filmmaker, photographer, academic, and writer best known for his 2018 documentary Hale County This Morning, This Evening and the 2024 film adaptation of the novel The Nickel Boys (2019), the latter of which he directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Joslyn Barnes, for which…
Black Excellence: Rhyuhn Green
https://www.rhyuhn.com/about Lauded by NPR as a “sartorially resplendent 18-year-old from Philadelphia [who] lives a double life as both an extraordinary pianist and a composer”, Rhyuhn Phallon Green (b.2006) began his musical studies at the age of 2. He is a student of Dean and Director David Ludwig at the Juilliard…
Black Excellence: Albert S. Broussard
https://www.blackpast.org/author/broussardalbert Albert S. Broussard is professor of History at Texas A&M University, where he has taught since 1985. Professor Broussard has published six books, Expectations of Equality: A History of Black Westerners (2012), Black San Francisco: The Struggle for Racial Equality in the West, 1900-1954 (1993), African American Odyssey: The…
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025
Photo credit: LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamotowww.lbjlibrary.net/collections/photo-archive.html, serial no. W418-5. A large (40MB) TIFF version of this image is available at this link. Monday, January 20, 2025, is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King is best known for his work in the United States Civil rights movement,…
Black Excellence: Nancy Leftenant-Colon
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/15/g-s1-42698/nancy-leftenant-colon-military-army-tuskegee-obituary Nancy Leftenant-Colon, the first Black woman to serve in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps when it was desegregated after World War II and the sister of one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen pilots, died Jan. 8 in Amityville, N.Y. She was 104.
Black Excellence: Machel Montano
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machel_Montano Machel Montano (born 24 November 1974)[2] is a Trinidadian soca recording artist and record producer. Known for his high energy, fast-paced, and often unpredictable on-stage performances, he is one of the genre’s most popular artists.[3][4] https://www.npr.org/2025/01/13/g-s1-41268/machel-montano-tiny-desk-concert The first law of soca music according to Machel Montano is: “it’s dancing…
Black Excellence: Jaye Davidson
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaye_Davidson Jaye Davidson (born Alfred Amey; 21 March 1968) is an English model, fashion stylist, and retired actor. He made his acting debut as Dil in the thriller film The Crying Game (1992),[1][3] for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Following his breakthrough, he portrayed…
Black Excellence: Gordon Parks
https://www.gordonparksfoundation.org/gordon-parks/biography Gordon Parks, one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century, was a humanitarian with a deep commitment to social justice. He left behind an exceptional body of work that documents American life and culture from the early 1940s into the 2000s, with a focus on race relations, poverty,…
Black Excellence: Marianne Jean-Baptiste
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Jean-Baptiste Marianne Raigipcien Jean-Baptiste (born 26 April 1967) is an English actress. She is known for her role in Mike Leigh’s drama film Secrets & Lies (1996), for which she received acclaim and earned nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and the Golden Globe and BAFTA Award…
Black Excellence: Laurence Clifton Jones
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurence_C._Jones Laurence Clifton Jones (November 21, 1882 – July 13, 1975),[1] was the founder and long-time president of Piney Woods Country Life School in Rankin County, Mississippi.[2] A noted educational innovator, Jones spent his adult life supporting the educational advancement of rural African-American students in the segregated South.
Black Excellence: O-T Fagbenle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O-T_Fagbenle Olatunde Olateju Olaolorun “O-T” Fagbenle Listenⓘ (Yoruba: Ọlátúndé Ọlátẹ́jú Ọláọlọ́run Fágbénlé; born 22 January 1981)[1][2] is an English actor, writer, and director. He has appeared in several films, stage, and television productions. He is best known for his role as Lucas Bankole in The Handmaid’s Tale (2017–2025), for which…
Black Excellence: Josh Johnson
https://www.joshjohnsoncomedy.com/about Josh Johnson is an Emmy-nominated writer, stand-up comedian, actor, and NAACP award-winner from Louisiana by way of Chicago. He was just named as the newest correspondent on Comedy Central’s Emmy & Peabody Award-winning program The Daily Show where he was previously a writer for the past six years. Johnson is also a former…
Black Excellence: Sehin Teferra
https://www.womankind.org.uk/story/everything-i-do-is-to-try-to-address-or-to-try-to-contribute-to-a-world-thats-more-balanced/ Sehin Teferra is an Ethiopian activist and Director of Womankind partner Setaweet. She defines herself as a feminist and is keen on debunking myths around it. Her #EverydayFeminism is focused on building allyship and solidarity. She believes men can also be feminists and their feminist awakening can begin when…
Black Excellence: James Barnor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Barnor James Barnor Hon. FRPS, OV (born 6 June 1929)[2] is a Ghanaian photographer who has been based in London since the 1990s. His career spans six decades, and although for much of that period his work was not widely known, it has latterly been discovered by new audiences.
Black Excellence: Osei Blackett
https://chefpicky.com/wp/#about
Black Excellence: Vezo community of Madagascar
https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2024/12/26/g-s1-36633/fish-sea-madagascar-climate-change-diving Fishermen, known as ‘Sea Nomads,’ dive to protect ocean life in Madagascar
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Vezo community of Madagascar
Black Excellence: Greg Gumbel
https://www.npr.org/2024/12/27/nx-s1-5241134/greg-gumbel-sportscaster-dies Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by CBS on Friday. He was 78. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will…
Black Excellence: Shankleville, TX
https://shankleville.org Welcome to the Shankleville Historical Society Shankleville Community, Texas is a “freedmen’s community” founded by Jim and Winnie Shankle in Deep East Texas. This Historical Society seeks to preserve the heritage, document the history and propagate the legacy of the Shankleveille Community. Named for Jim and Winnie Shankle, known…
Black Excellence: Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective
https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/shankleville-tx-history-jim-winnie-shankle-dance-performance-nias-daughters-fairytale-project/
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective
Black Excellence: Dora Moono Nyambe
https://www.blackenterprise.com/humanitarian-dora-nyambe-dies-zambia-village-school/
Black Excellence: Khaby Lame
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaby_Lame Khabane “Khaby” Lame (French: [kabi lamei], Italian: [ˈkaːbi ˈlamei]; born 9 March 2000) is a Senegalese-Italian influencer. He is known for his TikTok videos, in which he silently mocks overly complicated “life hack” videos. As of 2024, he is the most-followed user on TikTok.[3] In 2022, he was listed…
Black Excellence: Paul Ninson
https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2024/12/21/g-s1-30751/books-photos-library-africa-photography Big dreams: He’s the founder of a leading African photobook library Ghanaian photojournalist Paul Ninson was thrilled — and surprised. When he came to New York to study photographyfive years ago, he found a trove of images of life in Africa, past and present, in the archives of the…
Black Excellence: Cheryl Tyler
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538197103/Trailblazer-The-Story-of-the-First-Black-Female-Secret-Service-Agent-to-Protect-the-President-and-Her-Fight-for-Justice Cheryl Tyler is a a Black woman who defied all odds and shattered barriers in her quest to protect the highest office in the land. This captivating memoir transports readers into Tyler’s world as she embarks on an extraordinary journey to become the first Black female agent assigned to…
Black Excellence: Myeshia Mizuno
https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/celebrity-family-feud-exec-producer-myeshia-mizuno-steve-harvey-1236062072 As a child of the 1970s, Myeshia Mizuno still remembers watching the Richard Dawson incarnation of “Family Feud” at home. Now, she’s the new showrunner on the Steve Harvey-hosted daytime version in syndication and the primetime “Celebrity Family Feud” on ABC — which returns July 9 for its 10th…
Black Excellence: Barry Jenkins
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Jenkins Barry Jenkins (born November 19, 1979) is an American filmmaker. After making his filmmaking debut with the short film My Josephine (2003), he directed his first feature film Medicine for Melancholy (2008) for which he received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best First Feature. He is also a…
Black Excellence: Sehin Tewabe
https://sehintewabe.com/about Sehin Tewabe is an Ethiopian professional photographer based in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. She is a self taught photographer, with an Accounting degree, she grew up with an innate passion for photography. Raised in a big family, she was always surrounded by joyous moments that were ought to be saved…
Black Excellence: Daniel Canodoise “Can” Themba
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can_Themba Daniel Canodoise “Can” Themba (21 June 1924 – 8 September 1967)[1][2] was a South African short-story writer.
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Daniel Canodoise “Can” Themba
Black Excellence: Venita Doggett
https://memphiseducationfund.org/our-team/venita-doggett/ Venita Doggett Director of Advocacy Venita Doggett is an alumna of the University of Memphis, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration. A native Memphian, Venita has spent most of her career in the space of Memphis government and education politics –…
Black Excellence: Bonita Buford
https://www.charlottemagazine.com/life-lessons-bonita-buford/
Black Excellence: Big Boi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Boi Antwan André Patton (born February 1, 1975), known professionally as Big Boi, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Born in Savannah, Georgia and raised in Atlanta, he was one half of the Southern hip hop duo Outkast along with rapper André 3000, which the two formed in…
Black Excellence: Nikara Warren
https://www.nikarawarren.com/bio-2 Vibraphonist, composer, arranger, and educator Nikara Warren is a true Brooklynite. Born and bred in the eclectic and electric enclave, her family, her friends, her band, and her musical pedigree are a microcosm of the county at large.
Black Excellence: Mabel Fairbanks
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabel_Fairbanks Mabel Fairbanks (November 14, 1915 – September 29, 2001) was an American figure skater and coach. As an African American and Native American woman she paved the way for other minorities to compete in the sport of figure skating such as Tai Babilonia, Debi Thomas, and Naomi Lang. She…
Black Excellence: Diamond Shakoor
https://chessdailynews.com/kings-and-queens-on-the-chessboard-and-in-life/
Black Excellence: Leo Sullivan and Ethelyn O. Stewart
https://afrotech.com/leo-sullivan-ethelyn-o-stewart Seasoned Hollywood animator, producer, and director Leo Sullivan — together with his wife, Ethelyn O. Stewart — have committed their lives toward educating Black families. Recently the couple received Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Legacy Award for their outstanding achievement for their contributions in media, Black News previously reported. For the…
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Leo Sullivan and Ethelyn O. Stewart
Black Excellence: Dr. Jean Kaseya
https://africacdc.org/people/dr-jean-kaseya/
Black Excellence: Pierre Laguerre
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Pierre Laguerre, founder and CEO of Fleeting. Laguerre was born in Haiti and came to the United States when he was 15. After emigrating to the United States, he spent his teen years living with his family in the Flatbush neighborhood of…
Black Excellence: Stephanie Yeboah
https://stephanieyeboah.com/about Stephanie’s active and influential presence within the creator space began over 15 years ago with her blog. Her work is a testament to her commitment to the industry and status as one of its first original bloggers. Stephanie writes and creates content surrounding relevant and personal subjects, including plus-size…
Black Excellence: Paul Tazewell
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Tazewell Paul Tazewell is an American costume designer for the theatre, dance, and opera and television. After training at New York University Tisch School of the Arts he started his career on Broadway. He went on to win a Tony Award and an Emmy Award as well as a nomination…
Black Excellence: Nikki Giovanni
https://www.npr.org/2024/12/09/nx-s1-5222858/nikki-giovanni-poet-obituary The renowned poet Nikki Giovanni has died. Giovanni died on Monday, Dec. 9, following her third cancer diagnosis, according to a statement from friend and author Renée Watson. She was 81. “We will forever be grateful for the unconditional time she gave to us, to all her literary children…
Black Excellence: Michael Kiwanuka
https://www.npr.org/2020/11/16/934758657/michael-kiwanuka-tiny-desk-home-concert Michael Kiwanuka: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Kiwanuka Michael Samuel Kiwanuka (born 3 May 1987) is an English singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is currently signed to Polydor Records.[3] His debut album Home Again (2012) went gold in the United Kingdom, while his second album Love & Hate…
Black Excellence: Georges C. Benjamin, MD
https://apha.org/about-apha/executive-board-and-staff/apha-staff/georges-c-benjamin-md Georges C. Benjamin, MD is known as one of the nation’s most influential physician leaders because he speaks passionately and eloquently about the health issues having the most impact on our nation today. From his firsthand experience as a physician, he knows what happens when preventive care is not…
Black Excellence: Frank “The Tank” Watkins
https://www.npr.org/2024/12/02/nx-s1-5195424/skating-mental-health The U.S. is facing a youth mental health crisis. These skaters want to help On an unseasonably warm fall afternoon, Frank “The Tank” Watkins welcomes me to one of his favorite places: the skatepark at Pier 62 in Manhattan.
Black Excellence: Paris McGowan
https://www.uti.edu/blog/graduate-stories/mmi-grad-harley-davidson-tech At just 25, recent MMI Orlando graduate Paris McGowan didn’t plan on making history — it just sort of happened! She has become the first Black female Harley-Davidson® technician in Missouri.
Black Excellence: Eliot Middleton
https://www.ebony.com/a-south-carolina-restaurant-owner-has-donated-over-60-cars-to-people-in-need/
Black Excellence: Mickalene Thomas
https://www.npr.org/2024/12/03/nx-s1-5213686/mickalene-thomas-artist Mickalene Thomas makes art that ‘gives Black women their flowers’
Black Excellence: Jon Batiste
https://www.npr.org/2024/12/04/nx-s1-5191477/jon-batiste-lara-downs-interview Jon Batiste traces the blues back to Beethoven and beyond
Black Excellence: Tony D. Hansberry
https://theblackhistorychannel.com/2014/9th-grader-invents-new-surgical-procedure/ Tony D. Hansberry, II was a 9th grader at Carnell Cookman School of Medical Arts in Jacksonville, Florida when he invented a project that allows him to “reduce the time it takes to perform hysterectomies.” https://milwaukeecourieronline.com/index.php/2012/02/11/african-american-youth-invents-surgical-technique-at-age-14/
Black Excellence: Maya Penn
https://theblackhistorychannel.com/2016/maya-penn-is-amazing/
Black Excellence: Elwyn Adams
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/elwyn-albert-adams-1933-1995/
Black Excellence: Zaytoven
https://www.npr.org/2019/02/26/698086054/zaytoven-tiny-desk-concert The Lord works in mysterious ways. It might sound cliché, but there’s really no better way to describe the circumstances that led to prolific producer Zaytoven’s impromptu Tiny Desk. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaytoven Xavier Lamar Dotson (born January 12, 1980), known professionally as Zaytoven, is an American record producer from Atlanta, Georgia.[1][2][3][non-primary…
Black Excellence: Jadé Fadojutimi
https://jadefadojutimi.com/about Jadé Fadojutimi is a composer of colour, space and environments. Movement informs her artistic practice, enabling her paintings to be conducted through the orchestrating of her studio space.
Black Excellence: Booker T. Jones
https://www.npr.org/2011/05/02/135840639/booker-t-jones-tiny-desk-concert I’m pretty sure this is the coolest thing we’ve ever done behind the Tiny Desk. There was a bit of furniture-moving and finagling, but when all the heavy lifting was done, there it was: A Hammond B3 organ and its sturdy wooden Leslie speaker cabinet sat waiting for its…
Black Excellence: Frank Calvin Mann
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/people-african-american-history/frank-calvin-mann-1908-1992/
Black Excellence: Mohamed Adow
https://www.powershiftafrica.org/who-we-are#leadership Mohamed Adow is the Founder and Director of Power Shift Africa, which he formed in 2018 to mobilize climate action in Africa and shift climate and energy policies to zero carbon.
Black Excellence: Sandra Musujusu
https://blackdoctor.org/breaking-black-woman-developed-alternative-to-breast-cancer-treatment/
Black Excellence: Clarenton “Nicky” Crawford
https://theatlantavoice.com/atlantas-mr-clean-nicky-crawford-is-here-to-help An Atlanta nonprofit called Flowing With Blessings, which was founded by Clarenton “Nicky” Crawford, is working to aid and give back to the city’s unhoused community.
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Clarenton “Nicky” Crawford
Black Excellence: Belle da Costa Greene
https://www.npr.org/2024/10/28/nx-s1-5159998/the-true-story-of-a-famed-librarian-and-the-secret-she-guarded-closely The true story of a famed librarian and the secret she guarded closely The name Belle da Costa Greene might not ring a bell, but New York’s historic Morgan Library and Museum is trying to change that. A new exhibit called “A Librarian’s Legacy” opened this month, just in…
Black Excellence: Oree and Lena McRae
https://blacknews.com/news/oree-lena-mcrae-black-couple-california-celebrate-79-years-marriage/ https://www.mykeeper.com/OreeMcrae Oree McRae, passed away at the grand age of 100.
Black Excellence: Alexis P. Suter
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_P._Suter Alexis P. Suter (born February 15, 1963)[1] is an American blues, and soul blues singer and songwriter, best known for her nomination in the ‘Koko Taylor Award’ category at the 33rd Blues Music Awards in 2015.[2] She and her backing band have released six albums to date.[3]
Black Excellence: O.W. Gurley
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O.W._Gurley O. W. Gurley (December 25, 1867 – August 6, 1935) was once one of the wealthiest Black men and a founder of the Greenwood district in Tulsa, Oklahoma, known as “Black Wall Street”.[1][2] Ottaway W. Gurley was born in Huntsville, Alabama to John and Rosanna Gurley, formerly enslaved persons,…
Black Excellence: Ella Josephine Baker
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Baker Ella Josephine Baker (December 13, 1903 – December 13, 1986) was an African-American civil rights and human rights activist. She was a largely behind-the-scenes organizer whose career spanned more than five decades. In New York City and the South, she worked alongside some of the most noted civil rights leaders…
Black Excellence: Richard Bowie Spikes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Spikes Richard Bowie Spikes (October 2, 1878 – January 22, 1963) was an African-American inventor. The holder of a number of United States patents, his improvements on existing inventions include a beer tap, automobile directional signals, an automatic gear shift device based on automatic transmission for automobiles and other motor…
Black Excellence: Mati Diop
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mati_Diop Mati Diop (born 22 June 1982) is a French film director and actress. She won the Grand Prix at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival for her feature film debut, the supernatural romantic drama Atlantics, and the Golden Bear at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival for her second feature…