Paul Wall Zack Turner

Paul Wall on 20 Years of “The People’s Champ,” Texas Pride, and What’s Next

Following his electrifying performance at the Texas State Fair, I had the pleasure of speaking with Paul Wall, a quintessential figure in hip-hop who proudly hails from Houston, Texas, affectionately known as H-Town. As he celebrated the 20th anniversary of his debut album, The People’s Champ, Wall not only captivated the crowd with his distinctive…

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Emmai Alaquiva On Set (Photo by Sydney Martin)

From Homelessness to Emmys, Emmai Alaquiva Turns Struggle into Storytelling for Change

Emmai Alaquiva’s story defies every odd. Once homeless, now a four-time Emmy winner, he has turned struggle into stunning artistry. His camera doesn’t just capture images; it exposes truths, challenges injustice, and gives voice to the unseen.   From collaborating with icons like Viola Davis and Jay-Z to directing powerful documentaries on Black maternal health,…

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Nnenna Freelon. Photo credit: Tanesha Walker

Jazz great Nnenna Freelon explores grief and healing in new book “Beneath the Skin of Sorrow”

Jazz legend Nnenna Freelon discusses her book, “Beneath the Skin of Sorrow,” in which she employs a musical structure to process grief following the passing of her sister and husband, architect Phil Freelon. Your new book is described as part love story, part homage to jazz, and part guide to creative practice of bereavement. How…

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tanisha-jones

Entertainment Veteran Tanisha Jones on Building Careers That Last

Tanisha Jones, a Harlem-born entertainment veteran, has spent 30 years shaping careers with her sharp eye and no-nonsense approach. Her journey reveals what it takes to thrive in today’s industry. You’ve built a three-decade career working across television production, talent booking, and brand partnerships. What first drew you into the entertainment industry? Oh boy, I’ve…

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dr-charlene-ashley

Dare to Franchise Your Dream: Dr. Charlene Ashley on Building a Legacy, Not Just a Business

Dr. Charlene Ashley is a visionary leader with nearly three decades of experience in the consultancy field. Having built her business from the ground up, she has successfully navigated the challenges of corporate culture, scaling, and international expansion. Driven by a passion for strategic objectives and financial independence, Dr. Ashley now leads her firm toward…

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darian-joshua-jamison

Darian J. Jamison Honors Unsung Legends Through Mississippi Merit Awards

Darian J. Jamison, a proud native of Coldwater, Mississippi, created the Mississippi Merit Awards to give long-overdue recognition to unsung “legends” in his community. Since its inception in 2016, the event has grown into a regional celebration of leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists whose influence reaches far beyond the spotlight. On Sept. 27, 2025, the awards…

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