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: Bernice Johnson Reagon
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/17/1213897036/bernice-johnson-reagon-sweet-honey-in-the-rock-obituary Bernice Johnson Reagon, a civil rights activist who co-founded The Freedom Singers and later started the African American vocal ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock, died Tuesday at the age of 81.
Black Excellence: Royal Ramey
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/18/nx-s1-5042174/wildfire-california-firefighters-prison-program “I didn’t really know, like, you know, what a wildland firefighter was. But once I got there, as time went on, I actually embraced it and I fell in love with it. It’s definitely a dangerous job, right? But that kind of thing kind of, you know, thrilled me,”…
Black Excellence: Eric Ian Farmer
https://vocallygrown.com/bio Born in State College, Pennsylvania and raised in North Carolina, Eric Ian Farmer has returned to his birthplace sharing his songs about relationships, social awareness, and finding one’s path in life while keeping alive classics by artists like Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Bob Marley. Eric learned how to…
Black Excellence: Peter Nyongesa
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/15/nx-s1-5039826/kenya-mangroves-hidden-beehives-combat-logging To protect mangroves, some Kenyans combat logging with hidden beehives
Black Excellence: Mayor Cavalier Johnson
https://city.milwaukee.gov/mayor/About Mayor Cavalier Johnson took office as Acting Mayor of the City of Milwaukee in late 2021 and set out immediately to build a safer city. He has prioritized violence reduction, economic development, and roadway safety. Before taking on his role as Acting Mayor, Johnson served as Common Council President…
Black Excellence: Mumu Fresh
https://www.npr.org/2018/07/11/627681339/mumu-fresh-feat-black-thought-dj-dummy-tiny-desk-concert Mumu Fresh sings that the teacher arrives when the student is ready. During a recent trip to the Tiny Desk, she came bearing life lessons from the depths of her soul.
Black Excellence: Bingwa Thomas
https://www.cnn.com/travel/man-buys-cheap-house-italy-life-expectancy/index.html He bought a cheap house in Italy to improve his life expectancy Most people buying cheap houses in Italy are simply attracted by the idea of paying a bargain price for the opportunity to escape to somewhere warmer that has better food. But what if it could also help…
Black Excellence: Shaboozey
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/10/nx-s1-5027961/pop-charts-shaboozey Shaboozey’s slow-burning hybrid of hip-hop and country is finally the biggest song in the land
Black Excellence: Helen Wonjila
https://www.nola.com/gambit/events/foot-juggler-helen-wonjila-in-vaudeville-revival-may-26/article_7b029778-122e-11ef-8288-3396c5d93f2f.html Foot juggling is an old Chinese and Russian circus trick. It’s not very common in the U.S. Ethiopian-born performer Helen Wonjila learned foot juggling in China, at a school outside of Beijing. She calls it the result of “a happy accident,” and in recent months she’s performed at NBA…
Black Excellence: Sarah Akinbuwa
https://www.boston.com/news/the-boston-globe/2024/07/03/a-somerville-teen-crocheted-her-prom-dress-in-three-days-her-video-of-the-design-process-went-viral A Somerville teen crocheted her prom dress in three days. Her video of the design process went viral.
Black Excellence: b. Robert Moore
https://www.iowapublicradio.org/arts-life/2024-07-02/b-robert-moore-in-loving-memory-exhibition-des-moines-art-center For b. Robert Moore, art is personal — and political. The Des Moines-based artist does not shy away from sharing the scars of his past in his new exhibition “In Loving Memory,” on display at the Des Moines Art Center through Oct. 20.
Black Excellence: Tessie Prevost
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/09/nx-s1-5034337/tessie-prevost-new-orleans-school-desegregation-dies NEW ORLEANS — Tessie Prevost, a pioneer of school desegregation in the Deep South, has died. She was one of the first young Black girls who integrated New Orleans public schools after federal courts forced the system to abide by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown vs. the Board…
Black Excellence: Zarinah Lomax
https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/07/05/nx-s1-5030382/gun-deaths-violence-victims-memories-honoring-art Zarinah Lomax is an uncommon documentarian of our times. She has designed dresses from yellow crime-scene tape and styled jackets with hand-painted demands like “Don’t Shoot” in purple, black, and gold script. Every few months, she curates exhibits of dozens of portraits of Philadelphians — vibrant, bold, bigger-than-life faces…
Black Excellence: Crystal Wilkinson
https://www.crystalewilkinson.net/bio Crystal Wilkinson, a recent fellowship recipient of the Academy of American Poets, is the award-winning author of Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts, a culinary memoir, Perfect Black, a collection of poems, and three works of fiction—The Birds of Opulence , Water Street and Blackberries, Blackberries.
Black Excellence: Jo and Joy Banner
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/09/nx-s1-4893179/louisiana-woodland-plantation-slave-revolt-black-ownership Louisiana plantation where historic slave revolt started now under Black ownership https://www.thedescendantsproject.org Banner and her twin sister Joy are co-founders of the Descendants Project, a non-profit in Louisiana’s heavily industrialized river parishes – just west of New Orleans. Early this year, the group bought the Woodland Plantation Home, putting…
Black Excellence: World 2 the Whyze
https://www.world2thewhyze.com/about World 2 the Whyze belivies that the world is filled with wisdom and we should be guided by our curiosity to make our way around it and explore Who we are MIssion To create experiences and resources that encourage travelers folks to explore their connection and commitment to the…
Black Excellence: Quincy Wilson
https://sports.yahoo.com/sweet-16-quincy-wilson-headed-to-paris-as-youngest-us-male-track-olympian-ever-125655830.html Sweet 16: Quincy Wilson headed to Paris as youngest U.S. male track Olympian ever Wilson will be a part of the U.S. 4×400 relay team.
Black Excellence: Simone Manuel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simone_Manuel Simone Ashley Manuel (born August 2, 1996[1]) is an American professional swimmer specializing in freestyle events.
Black Excellence: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_McLaughlin-Levrone Sydney Michelle McLaughlin-Levrone (née McLaughlin; born August 7, 1999) is an American hurdler and sprinter who competes in the 400 meters hurdles.
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
Black Excellence: Noah Lyles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah_Lyles Noah Lyles OLY (born July 18, 1997) is an American professional track and field sprinter who primarily competes in the 100 meters and 200 meters.
Black Excellence: Cynthia Davis
https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/06/for-cynthia-davis-promoting-diversity-and-health-go-hand-in-hand.html Cynthia Davis’s journey in community leadership began with a focus on health and wellness. It’s why she founded Fit and Focused Lifestyle and the non-profit organization Flags for Health and Wellness, Inc. Through both, Davis is trying to create a space to address the health and wellness needs of…
Black Excellence: Jonathan Todd
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/29/nx-s1-5022937/jonathan-todd-timid-graphic-novel In ‘Timid,’ there is bravery under the surface
Black Excellence: Jocelyn Bioh
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jocelyn_Bioh Jocelyn Bioh is a Ghanaian-American writer, playwright and actor.
Black Excellence: Nicole Coakley
https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/06/nicole-coakley-is-committed-to-guiding-youth-to-success.html Nicole Coakley is a leader and activist in the Springfield area who focuses on education and youth issues but has a wide-reaching area of interest and influence.
Black Excellence: Dr. Ayo Sekai
https://www.uwpbooks.com/about/meet-dr-ayo-sekai https://www.uwpbooks.com
Black Excellence: Rachel Ratchford
https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/06/rachel-ratchford-works-to-expand-health-care-access.html Rachel Ratchford works to expand health care access
Black Excellence: Rosemary Woods
https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/06/gallery-owner-rosemary-woods-believes-in-the-true-power-of-art.html Gallery owner Rosemary Woods believes in the true power of art
Black Excellence: Karen Mapp
https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2024-06-27/right-wing-activists-are-targeting-black-scholars-and-the-scholars-are-pushing-back Karen Mapp — a nationally known scholar who has been with the Harvard Graduate School of Education for nearly 20 years — wonders when “they” will come for her, whether she’ll be next.
Black Excellence: Cindy Gaynor-Harper
https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/06/cindy-gaynor-harper-is-the-first-in-her-family-to-own-her-own-business.html Cindy Gaynor-Harper is the first in her family to own her own business
Black Excellence: Ali Haqq
https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/06/ali-haqq-helps-artists-in-springfield-pursue-and-achieve-their-dreams.html Ali Haqq helps artists in Springfield pursue and achieve their dreams
Black Excellence: Khoi Young
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khoi_Young Khoi Alexander Young (born December 31, 2002) is an American artistic gymnast. He was a member of the bronze medal winning team at the 2023 World Championships.
Black Excellence: Avery Sharpe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avery_Sharpe Avery Sharpe (born August 23, 1954) is an American jazz double-bassist, electric bassist, composer, educator and founder of the artist-owned record label, JKNM Records.
Black Excellence: Ruth Ellis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis_(activist) Ruth Charlotte Ellis (July 23, 1899 – October 5, 2000) was an African-American woman known for being an LGBT rights activist and the oldest surviving open lesbian at the age of 101. Her life is celebrated in Yvonne Welbon’s documentary film Living With Pride: Ruth C. Ellis @ 100.[1]
Black Excellence: Tierra Whack
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/07/g-s1-1873/tierra-whack-tiny-desk-concert Tierra Whack and her band she dubbed “The Big Backs” might go down as having one of the best Tiny Desks in history. Why? Whack manages to keep all of us on our toes, pulling endless tricks out of her bag. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tierra_Whack Tierra Helena Whack (born August 11, 1995)[4][5]…
Black Excellence: Jocelyn Frye
Jocelyn Frye is President of the National Partnership for Women & Families. Under her leadership, the organization is focused on advancing economic justice, affordable and equitable health care, civil rights, and reproductive freedom for women who face the steepest barriers – including women of color, women with the lowest incomes,…
Black Excellence: Myke Connolly
https://businesswest.com/blog/myke-connolly-excels-at-getting-the-message-across
Black Excellence: Essie Chambers
https://www.recorder.com/Greenfield-native-to-debut-novel-Swift-River-appear-on-Today-Show-55546420 Greenfield native to debut novel ‘Swift River,’ appear on Today Show https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/essie-chambers-swift-river-novel A New Novel Explores How to Develop Black Identity in the Absence of Black Culture In Essie Chambers’s debut novel, Swift River, protagonist Diamond Newberry finds ways to fill the gaps in her family tree.
Black Excellence: Adrianne Todman
https://www.hud.gov/about/leadership/acting_secretary_Todman Adrianne Todman is Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She was previously confirmed by the Senate to serve as the Deputy Secretary of HUD in June, 2021.
Black Excellence: Joy Buolamwini
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joy_Buolamwini Joy Adowaa Buolamwini is a Canadian-American computer scientist and digital activist formerly based at the MIT Media Lab.[2] She founded the Algorithmic Justice League (AJL), an organization that works to challenge bias in decision-making software, using art, advocacy, and research to highlight the social implications and harms of artificial…
Black Excellence: The Center for Black Health
https://www.centerforblackhealth.org The Center for Black Health & Equity envisions a world where all people of African descent are able to obtain optimal health outcomes. Our mission is to facilitate public health programs and services to benefit communities and people of African descent. The Center for Black Health & Equity (The…
Continue Reading Black Excellence: The Center for Black Health
Black Excellence: Chequena Morris-Hall
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-chequena-morris-hall Elite Formation Studio of Dance goes beyond simply teaching dance. It contributes to a diverse community of dancers by fostering creativity, and promoting diversity. When my daughter started dancing, she did not see alot of dancers that looked like her. She begin to feel out of place and it…
Black Excellence: Lakecia Benjamin
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/05/g-s1-1872/lakecia-benjamin-tiny-desk-concert Alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin burst into her Tiny Desk Concert like a meteor breaching the atmosphere. Benjamin approaches her music and performances with a take-no-prisoners attitude.
Black Excellence: Chef Dieuveil Malonga
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/03/1247880581/chef-rwanda-africa-cuisine-food This chef in Rwanda wants to create a revolution in African cuisine KIGALI, Rwanda — Chef Dieuveil Malonga gives off something of a Willy Wonka vibe. His infectious smile feels impish, mischievous.
Black Excellence: Omar Sy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Sy Omar Sy (French pronunciation: [ɔmaʁ si], Fula: 𞤌𞤥𞤢𞤪 𞤅𞤭, romanized: Omar Si; born 20 January 1978) is a French actor, best known in France for his sketches with Fred Testot on the Service après-vente des émissions television show on Canal+ (2005–2012). He gained wider recognition for his role in the…
Black Excellence: Baloji
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baloji_(rapper) Baloji (born 12 September 1978) is a Belgian rapper, singer and film director of Congolese origin. Known as MC Balo in the hip hop group Starflam, he continued as solo artist starting 2006. The name Baloji in Swahili translates to “man of science”.[1] His film Omen was selected as…
Black Excellence: Samual R. Delany
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_R._Delany Samuel R. “Chip” Delany (/dəˈleɪni/, də-LAY-nee; born April 1, 1942) is an American writer and literary critic. His work includes fiction (especially science fiction), memoir, criticism, and essays on science fiction, literature, sexuality, and society.
Black Excellence: Adrian Dantley
“Probably do it till I go under” – Adrian Dantley on his newfound passion as a pedestrian crossing guard in Utah For Dantley, there’s nothing more fulfilling than being a crossing guard in Utah.
Black Excellence: Morgan Guerin
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/09/1250032117/jazz-night-in-america-morgan-guerin There are multi-instrumentalists and then there’s Morgan Guerin
Black Excellence: Ayra Starr, Tems, and Tyla
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/31/g-s1-2221/ayra-starr-tems-tyla-women-african-pop As African pop crests again, women are leading the second wave New albums by Ayra Starr, Tems and Tyla mark a turning point for the continent’s global voice
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Ayra Starr, Tems, and Tyla
Black Excellence: Dr. Eno Mondesir
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/journal-sun/2020/09/09/randolph-haitian-american-to-lead-brockton-health-board/42953377 Dr. Eno Mondesir is the Health Director for the City of Brockton, MA.
Black Excellence: Michel Martin
https://19thnews.org/2023/04/the-voices-of-npr Martin, 63, first joined NPR in 2006 to launch “Tell Me More,” an interview-focused show that aired on NPR member stations nationwide from 2007 to 2014. She then became host of “Weekend All Things Considered,” a position she held until joining “Morning Edition” as one of the hosts in…
Black Excellence: Ernest Fredric Morrison (Sunshine Sammy Morrison)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_Sammy_Morrison Ernest Fredric Morrison (December 20, 1912 – July 24, 1989) was an American child actor, comedian, vaudevillian, and dancer who also performed under the stage-name Sunshine Sammy Morrison.
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Ernest Fredric Morrison (Sunshine Sammy Morrison)
Black Excellence: Marian Robinson
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/31/g-s1-2335/marian-robinson-dead Marian Shields Robinson, the mother of Michelle Obama who moved with the first family to the White House when son-in-law Barack Obama was elected president, has died. She was 86.
Black Excellence: Yseult
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yseult_(singer) Yseult Onguenet (French pronunciation: [izø ɔ̃ɡne]; born 19 August 1994), known professionally as Yseult, is a French singer-songwriter and model.
Black Excellence: Cornell Watson
https://cornellwatson.com
Black Excellence: Toussaint L’Ouverture
https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2024-05-16/who-was-toussaint-louverture-the-namesake-behind-bostons-new-haitian-cultural-center Who was Toussaint L’Ouverture, the namesake behind Boston’s new Haitian cultural center? The Toussaint L’Ouverture Cultural Center of Massachusetts, set to celebrate its groundbreaking near TD Garden on May 20, will act as a gathering place and resource for local Haitians. And organizers hope it will also help the…
Black Excellence: Ayodele Nzinga
https://www.ayodelenzinga.com Cultural Architect Ayodele Nzinga is an arts and culture theoretician/practitioner working at the intersections of cultural production, community development, and community well being to foster transformation in marginalized communities. Nzinga holds a Masters in Fine Arts in Writing and Consciousness and Doctorate of Philosophy in Transformative Education and Change;…
Black Excellence: Dexter Fowler
https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/news/chicago-cubs-world-series-champ-dexter-fowler-graudates-penn-state World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Graduates From Penn State The retired professional baseball player served as a student marshal at Penn State’s commencement.
Black Excellence: Tiffany Brooks
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiffany_Brooks_(designer) Tiffany (Moulton) Brooks (born June 17, 1979) is an American interior designer and television personality. In 2013, she was crowned the winner of the competition show HGTV Design Star.
Black Excellence: Carvell Wallace
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/16/1251569311/carvell-wallace-another-word-for-love Writer Carvell Wallace on past pain and forgiveness: Letting go is ‘always available’
Black Excellence: Ian Roberts
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/18/1252245744/iowa-superintendent-and-former-olympian-bested-in-footrace-by-5th-grader Iowa superintendent and former Olympian bested in footrace by 5th-grader It seemed like it should be an easy win for Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts to dust off his racing shoes and compete against a team of elementary schoolers.
Black Excellence: Ramata-Toulaye Sy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramata-Toulaye_Sy Ramata-Toulaye Sy (French: [ʁamata tulɛi si];[1] born 1986/1987[2]) is a French-Senegalese film director and screenwriter.[3]
Black Excellence: Ed Dwight
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/19/1252354052/blue-origin-rocket-ed-dwight-astronaut At age 90, America’s first Black astronaut candidate has finally made it to space
Black Excellence: Justin Haynes
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-justin-haynes The international designer and tailor, Justin Haynes of Jus10H, and the newly launched ONYX Inc., has blossomed into a must-see fashion sensation. His vibrant tones and colors, elegant patchwork, and classic vibe, have graced fashion runways, worldwide. Milan Fashion Week, Apsara Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week, and Asia Fashion…
Black Excellence: Robert Turner
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/05/21/1252701335/caregiving-black-men-dementia-stress Black men are a hidden segment of caregivers. It’s stressful but rewarding, too
Black Excellence: Kuchenga Shenjé
https://kuchenga.com/about Kuchenga Shenjé is a writer, journalist and speaker with work on many media platforms including Stylist, British Vogue and Netflix.
Black Excellence: Antoine Hunter
https://www.unitedstatesartists.org/fellow/antoine-hunter-purple-fire-crow
Black Excellence: Antwon McGhee, Isaiah Thomas, and Moesha Chandler
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/06/1247879607/alabama-i20-unions-uaw-mercedes-amazon-south-right-to-work Are workers in the Deep South fed up enough to unionize? We’re about to find out
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Antwon McGhee, Isaiah Thomas, and Moesha Chandler
Black Excellence: Tamiah Brevard-Rodriguez
https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/11/us/rutgers-phd-student-dissertation-birth/index.html Rutgers PhD student delivers dissertation hours after giving birth
Black Excellence: Angela Alsobrooks
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/14/1251470402/maryland-senate-race-hogan-alsobrooks-trone Maryland Democrats pick Angela Alsobrooks to take on Hogan for open U.S. Senate seat
Black Excellence: Christopher John Rogers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_John_Rogers Christopher John Rogers is an American fashion designer, born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and currently based in Brooklyn, New York. Rogers debuted his first collection in fall 2018 at age 24, and in 2019 received the top prize at the 16th CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.[1]
Black Excellence: Candace Parker
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candace_Parker Candace Nicole Parker (born April 19, 1986) nicknamed “Ace” ,[1] is an American former professional basketball player. Widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time,[2][3] she was selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks.[4] She spent 13 seasons on the Sparks, two seasons with the…
Black Excellence: Yamil Comrie
https://www.cadencenewyork.com/ourstory Yamil Comrie’s journey in the world of gastronomy commenced at the tender age of 13 when he took his first strides at an establishment named Greene Street.
Black Excellence: Shenarri Freeman
https://www.scoolinary.com/author/shenarri-freeman Chef Shenarri Freeman, aka “Shenarri Greens,” is the Executive Chef of Cadence, a plant-based restaurant with Southern soul in New York’s East Village. At Cadence, Chef Shenarri, a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2022 and 2023, taps into her Virginia upbringing and vegan ethos, and spotlights Southern foodways through…
Black Excellence: Dr. Denis Mukwege
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2024/05/10/1248112056/aurora-prize-nobel-denis-mukwege-sexual-violence Dr. Denis Mukwege fights sexual violence. He’s won a Nobel and now a $1 million honor. Is he hopeful? In 2018 Dr. Denis Mukwege won the Nobel peace prize for his unrelenting campaign against sexual violence. Last night he won the $1 million Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity.
Black Excellence: Avery*Sunshine
https://www.npr.org/2017/05/01/526384768/avery-sunshine-tiny-desk-concert https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AverySunshine Denise Nicole White (born May 22, 1975),[1] known professionally as AverySunshine,[2] is an American singer, songwriter and pianist.[3]
Black Excellence: Willie Mays
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Mays Willie Howard Mays Jr. (born May 6, 1931), nicknamed “the Say Hey Kid”, is an American former center fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB). Regarded as one of the greatest players ever, Mays ranks second behind only Babe Ruth on most all-time lists, including those of The Sporting News…
Black Excellence: Larry Demeritte
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/03/1198911403/150th-kentucky-derby-larry-demeritte Larry Demeritte is a horse trainer in his 70s. In an interview with NPR’s Scott Detrow, he said he’s been around horses for as long as he can remember.
Black Excellence: Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/teens-come-up-with-trigonometry-proof-for-pythagorean-theorem-60-minutes-transcript Teens come up with trigonometry proof for Pythagorean Theorem, a problem that stumped math world for centuries
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson
Black Excellence: Charles Clarence Dawson
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_C._Dawson Charles C. Dawson (June 12, 1889 – 1981) was an American painter, printmaker, illustrator, and graphic designer.[1]
Black Excellence: Cyrus Chestnut
https://www.cyruschestnut.net/about Born in 1963, Chestnut started his musical career at the age of three, playing piano at the Mount Calvary Star Baptist Church at the age of six in his hometown of Baltimore, MD. By age nine, he was studying classical music at the Peabody Preparatory Institute inBaltimore. In the…
Black Excellence: William Strickland
https://www.recorder.com/William-Strickland-a-longtime-civil-rights-activist-scholar-and-friend-of-Malcolm-X-has-died-54879514 William Strickland, a longtime civil rights activist, scholar and friend of Malcolm X, has died
Black Excellence: Elayne Jones
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elayne_Jones Elayne Viola Jones (January 30, 1928 – December 17, 2022) was an American timpanist. In 2019 she became the fourth female member of the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame.
Black Excellence: Samantha Tweedy
The Black Economic Alliance Appoints Samantha Tweedy Chief Executive Officer Tweedy brings two decades of experience building and leading transformative racial and economic justice initiatives at the intersection of the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. While serving as inaugural President of the Black Economic Alliance Foundation, Tweedy raised tens of…
Black Excellence: Sherri Chisholm
https://www.leadingonopportunity.org/our-team Sherri Chisholm Executive Director Sherri Chisholm joined Leading on Opportunity as its director in September 2020, bringing nearly a decade of experience as an educational and nonprofit strategist to the role. She has worked in senior leadership at national nonprofits and major school districts across the country, where she…
Black Excellence: Tulaine Montgomery
https://tulainemontgomery.com/about Tulaine Montgomery is a futurist, creative, educator, and, above all, a true believer that a better world is possible. As the CEO of New Profit, she leads a coalition of social entrepreneurs and changemakers advancing a vision for an America where everyone can thrive.
Black Excellence: Summer Lee
https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2024-04-23/pa-election-results-congress-12th-district First-term U.S. Rep. Summer Lee held off a spirited primary challenge from Bhavini Patel in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District on Tuesday after a race that drew national attention and was overshadowed by an international crisis.
Black Excellence: Ivan McClellan
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/24/1246716227/black-cowboy-culture-ivan-mcclellan-photographer-8-seconds-book A photographer documented Black cowboys across the U.S. for a new book Ivan McClellan spent nearly a decade documenting this unique culture all across the United States.
Black Excellence: Liz Rock
https://trailblazhersrunco.com/founders
Black Excellence: Bernard Chiira of Innovate Now
https://atinnovatenow.com/founders Bernard is a renowned leader in the innovation, assistivetechnology, and entrepreneurship for disability inclusion in Africa. He is passionate about being a success catalyst and bridge for Startup teams and venture founders using the power of technology and entrepreneurship to change the world. https://atinnovatenow.com Africa’s first Assistive Technology Accelerator…
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Bernard Chiira of Innovate Now
Black Excellence: Deborah Roberts
https://www.deborahrobertsart.com/artist-statement Deborah Roberts (American, b. 1962) is a mixed media artist whose work challenges the notion of ideal beauty.
Black Excellence: Dr. Shelly Harrell
https://gsep.pepperdine.edu/about/our-people/faculty/shelly-harrell Dr. Harrell is a licensed psychologist with areas of specialization in multicultural and community psychology. Her research interests include cultural dimensions of wellness and positive well-being, racism-related stress, resilience-oriented stress management interventions, culturally-diverse contemplative practices, humanistic-existential and integrative approaches to psychotherapy, and African American mental health.
Black Excellence: Henry Ossawa Tanner
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Ossawa_Tanner Henry Ossawa Tanner (June 21, 1859 – May 25, 1937) was an American artist who spent much of his career in France.
Black Excellence: Dr. Zolelwa Sifumba
https://ahaic.org/speaker/dr-zolelwa-sifumba/ Dr Zolelwa Sifumba is a young, passionate global health activist, medical doctor ,Clinical Research Fellow at the Africa Health Research Institute and is an HBNU Fogarty Global Health Fellow conducting research in Tuberculosis, an illness close to her heart.
Black Excellence: Alua Arthur
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/17/1245264129/death-doula-alua-arthur-briefly-perfectly-human As a death doula, Alua Arthur helps people to plan for the end of life and, when the time comes, to let go. She says that while we’re conditioned to fear death, thinking and talking about it is instrumental to creating meaningful lives.
Black Excellence: Barbara Walker
https://www.barbarawalker.co.uk/index.php/info/about/ Barbara Walker MBE, RA is a British artist based in Birmingham in the UK. Her work is informed by the social, political and cultural realities that affect her life and the lives of those around her.
Black Excellence: Noo Saro-Wiwa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noo_Saro-Wiwa Noo Saro-Wiwa is a British-Nigerian author, noted for her travel writing. She is the daughter of Nigerian activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
Black Excellence: Denyce Graves
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denyce_Graves Denyce Graves (born March 7, 1964) is an American mezzo-soprano opera singer.
Black Excellence: Moïse Manoël-Florisse
https://76crimes.com/author/moise-manoel/ Moïse Manoël-Florisse, is an African-Caribbean online journalist keeping an eye on human rights abuses in French-speaking areas.