Communities That Care Coalition
Promoting health, well-being, and equity among young people in Franklin County and the North Quabbin
SHOPPE BLACK is a Philadelphia-based multimedia company committed to amplifying the voices of Black entrepreneurs and business leaders across the globe.
Founded in 2015 by husband-and-wife team Tony O. Lawson and Shantrelle P. Lewis, SHOPPE BLACK was created to connect Black-owned businesses with the customers, strategic partners, and resources they need to grow and thrive.
NBA forward Tobias Harris is making a different kind of impact in Detroit—this time, off the court.
The Tobias Harris Homeownership Initiative (THHI), powered by Homium, is growing fast. It recently secured a major investment from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).
This new funding allows the program to offer up to 40% in down payment assistance to more Detroiters. The tool? An innovative shared appreciation mortgage.
Trina Bediako is the CEO of NHB Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries. Trina is the second-generation owner of the Company. Her father, Tim Brown, serves as the Chairman. The Brown family has owned the business for over 25 years and Trina is committed to its success and legacy. During her 19 years as an NHB employee, Trina has served in several corporate positions, including Director of Human Resources, Vice President of Sales, President, and now CEO. In her current position, she is the corporate leader responsible for managing full alignment with the Company’s primary customers’ Sales, Quality and Operations programs and initiatives. She has led the management team through record-breaking growth and earnings. Trina exemplifies strong leadership, decisive decision making, strategic thinking and successful achievement of cost savings, operational goals, and profitable growth.
https://www.npr.org/2019/09/25/763604571/ari-lennox-tiny-desk-concert
When Ari Lennox entered NPR Headquarters to perform at the Tiny Desk, we soon learned she was a little under the weather. Draped in a long, leopard-print coat, she greeted the band and approached the desk. I asked her if she was in any shape to sing, and she assured me she was. “Oh, I’m fine and I’m ready!” With that, she slipped off her coat, took her place behind the desk and began her warm up.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ari_Lennox
Courtney Shanade Salter (born March 26, 1991), known professionally as Ari Lennox, is an American R&B singer-songwriter from Washington, D.C. She signed with J. Cole‘s Dreamville Records, an imprint of Interscope Records as the former label’s first female artist in 2015. She started gaining recognition after the release of her second extended play (EP) and major label debut, Pho (2016). That same year, she made an uncredited guest appearance on Cole’s song “Change“. Her first full-length album, Shea Butter Baby (2019), was met with critical praise and commercial response.
Kyle P. Walker is a critically acclaimed pianist dedicated to using music as a catalyst for social change. His artistry bridges the traditions of Western classical repertoire with the voices of historically neglected composers from around the globe, creating performances that are both deeply expressive and socially resonant. Known for his commanding technique and compelling stage presence, Walker has appeared as a soloist at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater, Lincoln Center, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. He has also performed as a featured soloist with orchestras across the United States. In 2023, he made history at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, TX, becoming one of the first classical pianists ever presented on its stage. His international appearances include Switzerland’s Tibor Varga Festival and Australia’s Tantanoola Caves.
Aicha Evans is one of the most accomplished and influential women in tech.
She is best known for leading Zoox—the autonomous vehicle startup—to a $1.3 billion acquisition by Amazon.
Her journey from Senegal to Silicon Valley is not just a story of personal ambition but of vision, resilience, and industry-defining impact.
https://www.brendamarieturner.com/about
Brenda Marie Turner’s vocal artistry seamlessly spans classical, jazz, musical theater, gospel, pop, and neo-soul. A featured soloist for opera, oratorio, art song, studio recordings, and television broadcasts, Brenda is in demand as a backing vocalist who is prized for her versatility, solid musicianship, and sheer, vocal beauty. Her performance credits extend to voice-over and on-camera work and can be heard and seen in national and international commercials and on social media spots for Facebook, IKEA, Vly foods, Koawach, and June’s Journey.
The Harlem Hellfighters of the New York National Guard’s 369th Infantry Regiment were posthumously honored this week with a Congressional Gold Medal. They received the highest civilian honor given by Congress, decades after their service during World War I was largely ignored by top military brass — and amid broader efforts to revisit how American history is remembered.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/369th_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States)
The 369th Infantry Regiment, originally formed as the 15th New York National Guard Regiment before it was re-organized as the 369th upon its federalization, and commonly referred to as the Harlem Hellfighters, was an infantry regiment of the New York Army National Guard during World War I and World War II. The regiment mainly consisted of African Americans.[2] With the 370th Infantry Regiment,[3] it was known for being one of the first African-American regiments to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I.[4]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Mayo
Michael Mayo (born June 1, 1992) is an American singer and composer. He has performed and toured with Kneebody, Jacob Collier, Christian Sands, Josh Groban, Nate Smith and Herbie Hancock.[1][4] He released his debut studio album Bones in 2021, followed by his sophomore album Fly in 2024.
https://www.npr.org/2025/09/08/g-s1-75704/michael-mayo-tiny-desk-concert
Michael Mayo uses every muscle within his throat when he sings. From his deep baritone chest to wonderfully fluttering head voice, he joyfully bends notes to his will and for our enjoyment at the Tiny Desk.