Black Excellence

Black Excellence

The Apollo Theater To Honor Teyana Taylor With Inaugural Innovator Award

Since first opening its doors in 1914, the Apollo has been a beacon of Black excellence in the arts, having been the stage for groundbreaking performances by legends such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown. It also played a key role in the emergence of jazz, swing, bebop,

Hayley-Ann Mark

16 May 25 1 min read

Black Excellence

Malia Obama Turns The Camera On A’ja Wilson And Every Black Girl Watching In New Nike Ad

When Black storytellers are behind the lens, the view looks different - the perspective expands and the story deepens. Professionally known as Malia Ann, Malia Obama, eldest daughter of former President Barack Obama, is receiving widespread praise for her direction of a new Nike ad promoting WNBA star A’ja

Hayley-Ann Mark

13 May 25 2 min read

News

Houston Airport Terminal Renamed In Honor Of The Late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Having served in Houston’s 18th Congressional District for over three decades, the late U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee was a political powerhouse. Jackson Lee, who announced her pancreatic cancer diagnosis in June 2024, passed away in July 2024 at the age of 74. Her influence and legacy, however,

Hayley-Ann Mark

12 May 25 2 min read

Black Excellence

The Library Dads Initiative In Atlanta Is Helping Fathers And Kids Bond Over Reading

When dads lead with love and show up with intention, the story changes for everyone, and that is exactly what Khari Arnold is doing with The Library Dads initiative. At a young age, Arnold developed a passion for reading thanks to his mother and grandmother. So when his daughter was

Hayley-Ann Mark

09 May 25 2 min read

Black Excellence

From Student Debt to Box Office History: Ryan Coogler Becomes First Black Director With Four $100M+ Films

In 2015, director Ryan Coogler was drowning in $200,000 in student loans, despite being on the brink of a cinematic breakthrough. He had already made a significant impact with his feature-length debut Fruitvale Station (2013), starring Michael B. Jordan, which chronicled the final hours of Oscar Grant’s life.

Hayley-Ann Mark

02 May 25 2 min read

Black Excellence

This Howard Alum Launched The First Ever Strip Mall For Black-Owned Businesses in DC

In 2015, Angel Gregorio, a Howard University alum, founded The Spice Suite, which quickly evolved into more than just a boutique for selling her own specialty spices. Named D.C.’s Small Business of the Year (2018) by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, The Spice Suite became a space for Black

Hayley-Ann Mark

10 Apr 25 1 min read

News

Kandi Burruss Makes Broadway History As The Highest-Grossing Black Female Producer

Kandi Burruss has donned many hats – from R&B royalty and reality tv icon to serial entrepreneur and now Broadway record-breaker - continuing to prove time and again that anything is possible. In August 2024, it was announced that Kandi, former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, would join the

Hayley-Ann Mark

07 Apr 25 1 min read

Black Excellence

Meet Sherrexcia Rolle: The President & CEO Of The Largest Black-Owned Airline

Based out of San Andros International Airport on Andros Island in the Bahamas, Western Air Limited was established in September 2000 by Captain Rex J. Rolle and his wife, Shandrice Woodside-Rolle. According to their website, the couple “fused their knowledge, experience and passion for aviation to provide an alternative, reliable

OBWS

18 Mar 25 1 min read

Black Owned Businesses

He Opened The First Black-owned Grocery Store in Tulsa in 50 Years

In May 2021, Oasis Fresh Market opened its doors in Tulsa, Oklahoma, marking a significant milestone as the city's first Black-owned grocery store in over half a century. This initiative addresses food insecurity in underserved communities and symbolizes economic empowerment and community revitalization. For over a decade, North

OBWS

17 Mar 25 2 min read

Black History

Meet The Recently-Elected Black Officials Who Made History During The 2024 Elections

Within the Black community, the age-old saying that “we have to work twice as hard to be half as good” is not just mere rhetoric - it is a powerful truth for a people whose journeys have been marked by systemic barriers and challenges. This means that access to political

Hayley-Ann Mark

21 Nov 24 4 min read

Black History

Monroe Nichols Makes History as Tulsa’s First Black Mayor

Monroe Nichols has made history as the first Black mayor elected in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This election is a significant milestone, not only for the city but also for the entire state, which continues to grapple with its history and the legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Monroe Nichols has

OBWS

07 Nov 24 1 min read

Black History

Historic Milestone: Two Black Women to Serve Together in the U.S. Senate for the First Time

In a groundbreaking moment for American politics, Delaware Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester and Prince George’s County, Maryland Executive Angela Alsobrooks have both won their races for U.S. Senate, becoming the first Black women to serve together in the chamber. Their victories double the number of Black women who

OBWS

06 Nov 24 2 min read

Black Excellence

The Black Wall Streets You May Not Have Heard Of

When we hear the phrase the “Black Wall Street”, we automatically think of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. More than just a thriving community, this neighborhood was a Black utopia that flourished in spite of the oppressive grip of segregation; yet, any mention of this community simultaneously invokes two

Hayley-Ann Mark

29 Oct 24 4 min read

What's New

The Richest Black Families In The World... Worth Billions!

When we think of generational wealth and financial influence, it’s important to recognize the growing number of Black families who have built extraordinary wealth, breaking barriers in industries such as business, entertainment, sports, and politics. These families are not just accumulating riches for themselves; they are creating legacies and

OBWS

15 Oct 24 3 min read

Black Excellence

Red Lobster Appoints Black Millennial As New CEO

After facing bankruptcy, Red Lobster has a new captain steering the ship, and it’s none other than a Florida-based Black millennial. From transforming P.F. Chang’s to now taking the helm at one of America’s most iconic seafood brands, he’s ready to revitalize Red Lobster and

OBWS

11 Oct 24 2 min read

News

Atlanta Falcons Gain Four New Black Owners: Will Packer, Dominique Dawes, Rosalind Brewer, and Rashaun Williams

The Atlanta Falcons have announced the addition of four new limited partners to their ownership group: Rosalind Brewer, Dominique Dawes, Will Packer, and Rashaun Williams. This landmark decision was approved by the NFL’s full ownership during the league meetings in Nashville, and it represents a significant step forward in

OBWS

18 Jun 24 3 min read

News

Beauty Founder Makes History As The First Creator to Hit $1 Million In Sales In One TikTok Live Session

Stormi Steele, the visionary founder and CEO of Canvas Beauty, recently made history by becoming the first creator on TikTok to earn over $1 million during a single live session. This achievement, realized Saturday, June 8, 2024, underscores Steele’s drive, innovative spirit, and commitment to her brand's

OBWS

14 Jun 24 2 min read

Black Excellence

Chicago Teen Makes History as The Youngest Person in The US to Earn a Doctoral Degree

On May 6, 2024, Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II walked across the stage at Arizona State University, marking a significant milestone as the youngest person in the United States to earn a doctoral degree. This remarkable achievement is the latest chapter in the educational journey of this extraordinary Chicago native,

OBWS

12 Jun 24 2 min read

News

This 1-Year-Old Set The Guinness World Record as The Youngest Male Artist In The World

In a remarkable feat that has captured the world’s attention, Ace-Liam Nana Sam Ankrah, a one-year-old from Ghana, has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest male artist. This extraordinary achievement sets a new benchmark for toddler prodigies and highlights the profound impact of nurturing

OBWS

06 Jun 24 2 min read

Black Excellence

The WNBA's Angel Reese Becomes Co-Owner of Professional Soccer Club

Angel Reese, the former LSU women’s basketball standout and current WNBA rookie with the Chicago Sky, is making waves both on and off the court. Reese, who was selected seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has now ventured into the world of professional soccer by becoming a co-owner

OBWS

04 Jun 24 2 min read

News

Slutty Vegan Founder Pinky Cole Hayes Gifts $8.9M To Savannah State University Graduates

Savannah State University’s class of 2024 received a remarkable graduation gift, setting them up for success in the entrepreneurial world. Pinky Cole Hayes, the founder of Slutty Vegan and Bar Vegan, announced during her commencement speech that she would be gifting $8.9 million to the Georgia Historically Black

OBWS

13 May 24 2 min read

News

This 14-Year-Old Created A Watch To Detect The Signs Of Stroke

14-year-old Naya Ellis has had a passion for science since childhood, driven by her aspiration to make a meaningful difference in the medical realm. Her journey traces back to the age of 7 when she tended to her mother, battling breast cancer, diligently changing bandages in a gesture of love

OBWS

02 Apr 24 2 min read

What's New

Meet Sandra Douglass Morgan, The NFL’s First Black Female President

In 2020, Jason Wright became the first Black team President in NFL history. Since then, there has been a notable increase in Black NFL team presidents, with the New York Times analysing that currently, more than 15% of the league’s presidents are Black. In July 2022, Sandra Douglass Morgan,

OBWS

21 Mar 24 1 min read

What's New

Meet The 20-Year-Old Artist, Athlete, And Student Who Built a Lucrative Creative Empire

Gabby Anderson is not only a Division 1 athlete and Ivy League student, but she is also an artist and successful entrepreneur with many corporate and celebrity clients (including several NBA and WNBA stars) and viral moments under her belt. Gabby's venture into the world of custom shoe

OBWS

20 Mar 24 1 min read

What's New

The Richest Black Communities in the United States

What do you imagine when you think of Black communities? Society and entertainment still shape Black communities to solely mirror “ghettos.” It’s the 2020s. There is more to Black communities than what you see on TV and film. While shows and movies are showing poverty and crime, that’s

OBWS

18 Mar 24 6 min read

News

Black-Woman Owned Firm Selected To Develop And Operate NYC’s $25 Million Innovation Hub For Black And Woman-Owned Businesses

According to a 2022 report by McKinsey & Company on Black Representation in the Beauty Industry, Black consumers are responsible for 11.1% of total beauty spending; yet, Black brands make up a mere 2.5% of revenue in the industry. While Black consumers possess a penchant for Black brands,

OBWS

07 Mar 24 2 min read

Black Excellence

How Issa Rae Went From Awkward Black Girl To Serial Entrepreneur

Issa Rae can confidently boast about her multiple nominations, awards, and accolades, including her Emmy and Peabody Trailblazer Awards, her contribution to one of 2023’s most hyped films, Barbie, and her recent recognition by Time Magazine as one of the leaders working to close the racial wealth gap. We

OBWS

05 Mar 24 3 min read

Black Excellence

Cheers To Uncle Nearest, The Black Woman-Owned Premium Whiskey Valued At Almost $1 Billion

Fawn Weaver is the CEO and founder of Uncle Nearest, a Black woman-owned premium whiskey brand that has become the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S history, one of the top-selling Black-owned spirits, and the most award-winning American whiskey of 2019 and 2020. Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, which was

OBWS

04 Mar 24 1 min read

Black Excellence

Meet Dr. Iman Abuzeid: At The Helm of A Unicorn Startup

In 2017, Iman Abuzeid founded Incredible Health in an attempt to address the nursing shortage faced by American hospitals, which has resulted in burnout, frustration, and stress among healthcare professionals. Through Incredible Health, she is connecting qualified nurses with hospitals and cutting the hiring process down from the 90-day national

OBWS

29 Feb 24 1 min read

Black Excellence

Soaring To New Heights: Zoey Williams Becomes Air Canada’s First Black Female Pilot To Fly A Boeing 777

“If you have a burning desire to do something, don’t bury it. Keep your focus, build your networks, share your goals and show your passion in everything you do.” – Zoey Williams We love witnessing Black History in the making and 27-year-old Zoey Williams keeps hitting milestone after milestone. In

OBWS

28 Feb 24 1 min read

Black History

19 Black Women Poets of Today and Yesterday

When I think of Black female poets, I think of Maya Angelou. I think of Audre Lorde. I think of Toni Morrison. While these women were some of the greats, regardless of their gender or race, they are joined by a ton of other great women. The poetry world might

OBWS

27 Feb 24 9 min read

Black Excellence

A Portfolio Of 20 Airport Restaurants Results In $50M In Revenue For This Entrepreneur

In 2023, CEO of H&H Hospitality, Randy Hazelton, was on track to earn $50M in revenue, and is expected to reach $100M by 2025. Originally founded in 2007, H&H is one of Hartfield Jackson Airport’s biggest food vendors; however, to achieve this milestone, Hazelton had

OBWS

15 Feb 24 1 min read

What's New

Meet Jeremiah Fennell: The 11-Year-Old Reporter Living His Dream

Recently, young journalist, Jeremiah Fennell, captured the hearts of NFL players and fans. In the lead up to the Super Bowl, all eyes were on him in Las Vegas as he conducted interviews with charm and confidence. At the tender age of 11, Jeremiah had 49ers George Kittle asking “Goodness

OBWS

14 Feb 24 2 min read

News

Issa Rae Is Launching A Studio To Create Opportunities For Creators

Issa Rae is expanding her business portfolio with a new up and coming venture. In a recent conversation with Time Magazine, the multifaceted actress and producer unveiled an array of new projects and ventures coming down the pipeline. Issa Rae is emphatically signaling that she's far from reaching

OBWS

13 Feb 24 1 min read

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