Black History

Black Innovations That Shape Our Daily Lives

From traffic lights that guide our commutes to the security systems that protect our homes and the first digital cake stand that keeps our treats warm, Black inventors have influenced our daily lives in multiple ways. Their innovations are not just relics of the past, but are living legacies that

Hayley-Ann Mark

27 Feb 26 5 min read

Black History

Meet the Black Family That Has Helped Build America for Over 120 Years

From churches to college campuses, hospitals, courthouses and transit systems, the story of America’s built environment cannot be told without the hands that shaped it. And, few families have shaped it more profoundly than the McKissacks. Established over 120 years ago, McKissack and McKissack is the oldest Black-owned and

Hayley-Ann Mark

20 Feb 26 4 min read

Black History

Ralph Lauren’s First Black Creative Director, James M. Jeter, Celebrates Oak Bluffs In New Campaign

In a blend of fashion and storytelling, James M. Jeter, Ralph Lauren’s first Black Creative Director, is shining the spotlight on Black history, culture and legacy. With the launch of the new, limited-edition collection called Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs, the brand is celebrating the rich story of

Hayley-Ann Mark

14 Aug 25 2 min read

Black Excellence

Beyond Martha’s Vineyard: Historically Black Beach Getaways To Include In Your Summer Plans

In her reimagining of Judy Blume’s Forever for Netflix, Mara Brock Akil transports viewers to Martha’s Vineyard, specifically Oak Bluffs. This northern town has long been a cherished summer haven for the Black community, serving as a living symbol of Black excellence and legacy, and remains a popular

Hayley-Ann Mark

18 Jun 25 3 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 History

Meet The Longest-Running Black-Owned Business In The Country

In 1881, a time when opportunities for Black entrepreneurs were scarce, one family defied the odds and built a business that would stand the test of time. What started with a simple horse and wagon in Columbus, Ohio, has evolved into a multi-million-dollar enterprise that has outlasted wars, economic downturns,

OBWS

09 Apr 25 2 min read

Black History

This Week in Black History: From Hampton University’s Founding to MLK’s Last Words (3/31 - 4/6)

Black history is a living legacy, shaped by resilience, triumph, and the pursuit of excellence. Every week holds moments that have defined the cultural, political, and social fabric of the Black experience. By reflecting on these historical milestones, we honor the pioneers, movements, and groundbreaking achievements that continue to inspire

OBWS

31 Mar 25 5 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 History

From Whence They Came: A Glimpse Into The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor

You may remember Gullah Gullah Island, the tv show from the 90s that brought Binyah Binyah and the bright sunny weather into our homes. What you may not know is that this beloved tv show, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in October, was inspired by the real culture of the

Hayley-Ann Mark

01 Nov 24 3 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

Black History

What Is Juneteenth and Why Do We Celebrate It?

What is Juneteenth? Now that Juneteenth has been declared a federal holiday, millions of Americans will have a day off for an event they know little about. The history of the United States is centuries old, and still, while most people are aware of the significance of July 4, 1776,

OBWS

19 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

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 history month

Museums And Sites To Visit During Black History Month And Beyond

Black History Month is all about celebrating Black people, Black culture and Black achievements and contributions to society. However, we can’t do this without a proper appreciation for Black history, which informs much of the Black experience today. Museums have always provided an excellent space to expand our minds

OBWS

24 Feb 24 5 min read

Black History

16 Wealthy Black Americans from Black History

Curated by Irene Smalls, MBA What do a scoundrel, a lady of the evening, a slave owner, an explorer, and businessmen have in common? They all became rich Black figures in American History. From the early days of struggle against slavery to the present era of groundbreaking achievements, Black individuals

OBWS

23 Feb 24 6 min read

6 Must-Read Books By Black Authors

Standing imposingly along West Africa’s Gold Coast are two of approximately 40 castles originally constructed in Ghana for European traders - Cape Coast and Elmina. Powerful symbols of the Transatlantic slave trade, they are relics of a harrowing past, whose legacy continues to reverberate. Engraved on their walls are

OBWS

17 Feb 24 4 min read

Black History

The Race Massacre That Destroyed Tulsa's Black Wall Street

June 1st, 1921 will forever be remembered as a day of great loss and devastation. It was on this day that America experienced the deadliest race riot in the small town of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ninety-four years later, that neighborhood is still recognized as one of the most prosperous African American

OBWS

31 May 21 4 min read

Black History

Unbought And Unbossed: Shirley Chisholm, Ahead Of Her Time

Recently President Obama presented the distinguished Presidential Medal of Freedom to several deserving recipients, and although posthumous Shirley Chisholm’s name was rightfully one of those to top the list. She was an unflinching champion of minority education and employment opportunities for all. Shirley Chisholm didn't get into

OBWS

21 Dec 15 1 min read

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