Edna Greene Medford is a respected historian specializing in African American history, particularly the era of slavery and emancipation. She is a member of the board of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation and is on the Executive Committee of the Lincoln Forum. In 2009, she was inducted as a Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of […]
Edna Greene Medford Read More »
Ebenezer Ako-Adjei was a Ghanaian statesman, politician, lawyer and journalist. He was a member of the United Gold Coast Convention and one of six leaders who were detained during Ghana’s struggle for political independence from Britain, a group famously called The Big Six. Ako-Adjei also played a prominent role in the West African Students Union (WASU) and
Ebenezer Ako-Adjei Read More »
Ashleigh Shanti is a talented chef who has gained recognition in the culinary world. Shanti specializes in African American foodways, including Black Appalachian cuisine. From 2018 until 2020 she was the chef de cuisine of Benne on Eagle in Asheville, North Carolina. In 2019, Shanti was named one of “16 Black Chefs Changing Food in
Donna Britt is a respected journalist and author. A former syndicated columnist for the Washington Post, Britt’s writing on issues both topical and personal has won her awards from the American Society of Newspaper Editors, the National Association of Black Journalists, and other organizations. She has also been featured on Oprah, C-Span, and NPR. Britt’s
Robi Reed is a successful casting director known for her work in film and television. She began her career working with the writer-director Spike Lee. His 1988 release, School Daze, was her first film as a casting director. She went on to cast Lee’s Malcolm X, Do the Right Thing, Mo’ Better Blues, Crooklyn, Clockers
Javicia Leslie is an actor known for her roles in various television series. She gained widespread recognition for portraying the title character in Batwoman, where her portrayal of Ryan Wilder/Batwoman made history as the first Black actress to play the iconic DC Comics character. In 2017 she filmed a role as one of the leads
Taylor “DJ Tay” James is a prominent DJ and music industry figure. He was signed to Unruly Records in 2005, and after several years playing clubs in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore area began touring as Justin Bieber’s DJ and MC in 2009. He has released several mixtapes and has served as a radio DJ
Taylor “DJ Tay” James Read More »
Jewel B. Long is a distinguished Hamptonian who dedicated over 50 years to Hampton University, leaving an indelible mark on the institution. Starting as a student and work-study participant, she rose through various roles, including Resident Assistant, eventually becoming Dean of Women and then Dean of Residence Life. Long’s career at Hampton was defined by
Edwin L. Walker is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He led the Administration on Aging in advocating on behalf of older Americans. In this role, Walker guided the development of home and community-based long-term care and elder justice programs, enabling older adults and their caregivers
Jerome Mathis is a former professional football player who competed in the National Football League (NFL). Upon graduating from high school, Mathis was a six-time state champion in track, winning the 2001 national indoor 200-meter title, and setting the 7th fastest time in the nation with 21.79 seconds, at the Nike Classic. Mathis also holds
James “Biff” Henderson, Jr. is a television personality best known for his long-time role on “Late Show with David Letterman.” As stage manager, he became a beloved figure for his on-screen appearances and interactions with Letterman. His association with David Letterman, which spanned 35 years, began in 1980. He rejoined Letterman with the launch of
James “Biff” Henderson, Jr. Read More »
Janie Porter Barrett was an influential social reformer and educator. She founded the Locust Street Settlement House in Hampton, Virginia, which provided educational and social services to African American communities. In the mid-1920s the Russell Sage Foundation identified it as one of the five best such schools in the country. Barrett’s work focused on empowering
Janie Porter Barrett Read More »