Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Sheila Dixon
by Stacy Jackson

May 17, 2024

Brandon Scott Defeats Former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon In Democratic Primary Nomination

The Baltimore mayor declared, '…it is safe to say, we are destined for a second term,' following a 5,000 vote lead over ex-Mayor Sheila Dixon.

Brandon Scott defeated former Mayor Sheila Dixon in the Democratic primary for Baltimore mayor on May 14.

With over 70% of precincts reporting late Tuesday night, Scott maintained a lead of 5,000 votes when the Associated Press called the race, according to CBS News. Though around 14,000 mail-in ballots remained uncounted, Scott declared, “…it is safe to say we are destined for a second term.” Dixon, however, stated, “We’re not giving up…It’s not over until it’s over,” vowing to wait until all votes are tallied by May 16.

Scott, originally elected mayor in 2020 after campaigning against Dixon, is now the heavy favorite in November’s general election in the predominantly Democratic city, according to the Associated Press. “Winning is not just a triumph, but a challenge to go further, to be better and to do more for Baltimore,” Scott said in a speech. “It’s a mandate to double down and work harder for this great city.”

Supporters chanted for four more years as the 40-year-old mayor, whose campaign addressed issues like public transit and homicide rates, celebrated. Homicide rates in Baltimore were below 300 last year for the first time in nearly a decade, a 20% annual decrease following the spark amid Freddie Gray’s 2015 death. Scott credited this positive trend, which continued in 2024, to his anti-violence strategies. “When I came into office, I said…we were going to look at crime and violence as a public health issue,” he stated during a candidate forum, noting investments in community organizations that strive beyond violence prevention but grant job resources for the youth.

As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Scott faced criticism on X for being a “DEI mayor” after his response to the March 26 Francis Scott Key Bridge tragedy, with the mayor quipping DEI meant “duly elected incumbent.” Scott has used his platform to advocate for the underserved and Black community. In 2022, he joined BE‘s Black Men Xcel Summit fireside chat, discussing serving his city through the pandemic fallout, crime, law enforcement, and housing crises.

RELATED CONTENT: Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott Criticizes Public Funding Allocation, Citing Lack Of Diversity In Arts Grants

Jasmine Crockett, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Bleach blond bad built butch body
by Sharelle B. McNair

May 17, 2024

Jasmine Crockett Flames Marjorie Taylor Greene On Fire After Body-Shaming Remarks On The House Floor

We stan for Rep. Jasmine Crockett!

Chaos erupted during a House Oversight Committee hearing between Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) after Greene accused Crockett of wearing “fake eyelashes.”

The controversy started during a markup to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress on May 16. Greene asked if any Democrats on the panel were employing the daughter of Judge Juan Merchan, who is proceeding over former President Trump’s hush money trial in Manhattan. 

Confused by the question, Crockett stepped in to ask if Greene understood the purpose of the hearing. “Please tell me what that has to do with Merrick Garland,” Crockett asked. “Do you know what we’re here for?” The GOP congresswoman responded with, “I don’t think you know what you’re here for” and continued with, “I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what you’re reading.”

The comments resulted in close to an hour of disorder, with lawmakers making continuous insults and screaming at each other. Top Democrat of the committee, Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.), immediately stepped in saying “that’s beneath even you, Ms. Greene,” followed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) yelling “that’s disgusting.” “How dare you attack the physical appearance of another person,” she added.

After Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) struggled to maintain order, it was ruled that Greene’s comments regarding Crockett would be moved to strike but refused to apologize after going blow-for-blow with Ocasio-Cortez. “Oh girl, oh baby girl, don’t even play,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

After the floor came to order, Crockett continued to give a rebuttal on Comer’s ruling. “I’m just curious, just to better understand your ruling,” Crockett said. “If someone on this committee then starts talking about somebody’s bleach blonde bad built butch body, that would not be engaging in personalities, correct?”

After Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) jumped in, requesting to strike Crockett’s words, she prompted the triggered lawmaker to “calm down.”

“Don’t tell me to calm down,” Crockett responded. 

She continued, “If I come and talk shit about her ya’ll gonna have a problem.”

The first year lawmaker is seemingly unafraid to speak up against Republican colleagues. In January 2024, she called out her Republican colleague’s hypocrisy over a “white privilege” comment made by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC). Mace referred to President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, as the “epitome of white privilege.” 

Crockett took offense to the comment and immediately stepped in. “This is something that I just can’t get over. I can’t get over the gentle lady from South Carolina talking about white privilege,” she responded. 

“It was a spit in the face, at least of mine as a black woman, for you to talk about what white privilege looks like, especially from that side of the aisle.”

The latest verbal exchange went viral on social media. Internet observers instantly defended Crockett, particularly after a tweet from conservative commentator, Savanah Hernandez asked, “When did Congress get so ghetto?”

Lawyer Exavier Pope responded, pointing out the lack of accountability on Greene’s part. “’Ghetto?’ This is anti-Black,” he tweeted. “Not even trying to hide the disgusting out of context & not sharing Marjorie Taylor Greene’s despicable words prior to this moment. Disgusting.”

RELATED CONTENT: Marjorie Taylor Greene Columbuses ‘Say Her Name’ Phrase Coined For Black Women

Georgia High Schooler, College Scholarships, Graduation, honorary doctorate speaker
by Stacy Jackson

May 17, 2024

Georgia High Schooler Awarded Over $14M In College Scholarships, Accepted Into Over 200 Schools

The high school senior announced her decision to accept a full scholarship to attend college at High Point University in North Carolina.

Liberty County (GA) High School senior Madison Crowell has garnered national attention after she earned over $14 million in college scholarships and was accepted into 231 schools.

The 18-year-old prodigy has decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a physical therapist at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. According to the university, which has granted Crowell a full tuition scholarship, she amassed an impressive $14,790,695 in academic merit scholarships.

“I wanted to apply to as many schools as I did…because I’m coming from a low-income area of Georgia and so I want to show the kids here in Liberty County that it’s possible to get accepted into not only just local schools,” she told Good Morning America.

During a ceremony on May 1, the scholarship recipient announced her college decision. “Choosing to attend High Point for the next four years is something that I believe to be one of the best decisions of my life,” Crowell said.

Dr. Nido Qubein, President of HPU, said, “The sky is not the limit for her, and when she comes to High Point University, we know she’ll be a leader. We know she’ll make amazing things happen. We’re here to resource her, cheer her on and celebrate her victory.”

At HPU, Crowell plans to major in exercise sciences; she wants to earn a doctorate in physical therapy. She will also join the Bonner Leaders program, which connects students with local nonprofits and social innovation projects.

President Joe Biden congratulated Crowell, saying she is one of the reasons he was so “optimistic about the future.” Ahead of her college pursuits, the accomplished student has already been highly involved at Liberty County High, serving as Class of 2024 vice president, a varsity cheerleader, student ambassador, basketball team manager, National Honors Society member, and yearbook managing editor.

Crowell advises fellow high schoolers ahead of their college journeys to prioritize self-care, to stay organized, and to always keep a positive outlook during the process. GMA noted that the student and her mother utilized a shared digital spreadsheet to track applications, contacts, and scholarships, creating a one-stop resource that was an easy reference.

RELATED CONTENT: Black New Orleans Teens Provide Trigonometry Proofs for Pythagorean Theorem, Once Thought To Be Impossible

Gov. Greg Abott, BLM Protestor
by Stacy Jackson

May 17, 2024

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Grants Daniel Perry Official Pardon in 2020 Shooting Of BLM Protestor

A statement released on May 16 revealed, the Board voted unanimously to recommend a full pardon and restoration of firearm rights.

Former U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel Perry, previously convicted of taking the life of Black Lives Matter protestor and Air Force veteran Garrett Foster in 2020, has been released from incarceration after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott granted him an official pardon.

This decision followed the unanimous vote from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to fully exonerate Perry and reinstate his right to bear arms, undoing his 25-year prison sentence handed down just last year, CNN reported. According to an official statement on May 16, “The investigative efforts encompassed a meticulous review of pertinent documents, from police reports to court records, witness statements, and interviews with individuals linked to the case.” It continued, “After a thorough examination of the amassed information…the Board voted unanimously to recommend a full pardon and restoration of firearm rights.”

Democratic strategist and consultant Sawyer Hackett shared the signed pardon from the Secretary of State’s office on X.

https://twitter.com/sawyerhackett/status/1791196932754272376?s=46&t=v0SNRYUQEuA0RgNp85WsUw

Hackett’s thread also revealed messages from Perry prior to the incident.

https://twitter.com/SawyerHackett/status/1791200400793640963

Perry initially faced a five to 99-year prison sentence for killing the 28-year-old protestor. Abbott voiced his intent to pardon the shooter briefly following the April 2023 conviction, calling for an expedited review of the case from the Board before the sentencing. “Among the voluminous files reviewed by the Board, they considered information provided by the Travis County District Attorney, the full investigative report on Daniel Perry, plus a review of all the testimony provided at trial,” Abbott said in a statement.

According to prosecutors, Perry instigated the deadly altercation when he decided to run a red light and drive into protestors. Foster, who was openly carrying an assault weapon rifle, which is legal in the state of Texas, reportedly proceeded toward Perry’s vehicle and gestured for him to lower his car window before Perry fatally shot him with a handgun.

Foster’s mother, Sheila Foster, is bewildered her son’s killer faces no punishment. His former fiancée, Whitney Mitchell, asserted that the “lawlessness” has left her heartbroken, and Abott’s pardon proves “only certain lives matter.”

Last May, prosecutors sought at least 25 years for Perry during the hearing, citing his inflammatory, racist posts and mental health issues, while the defense requested 10 years, pointing to his clean record, psychological conditions like PTSD, and military accolades.

RELATED CONTENT: Mississippi Governor Sings Praises Of Ole Miss Counterprotesters After ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ Shenanigans

Lawsuit, Prisoner, Parole, inmate, denies, inmate Rights, inmates rights
by Sharelle B. McNair

May 17, 2024

‘Modern-Day Form Of Slavery’: Lawsuit Alleges Alabama Denies Parole To Use Prisoners For Forced Labor 

Did one of your favorite companies make the list?

A group of current and former Black prisoners have filed a class action suit against Alabama leaders and major companies whom they accuse of denying parole on the premise of forced labor. 

Ten former and current inmates within the Alabama Department of Corrections have named Gov. Kay Ivey, the state attorney general, the prisons commissioner, parole board leaders, cities, and companies who they claim rely on forced labor. Some of the companies that were named include KFC, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s franchisees, Hyundai supplier Ju-Young, and beer distributor Bama Budweiser of Montgomery. 

All defendants are accused of human trafficking, racketeering, and violating the Ku Klux Klan Act, targeting conspiracies that strip people of their constitutional rights. The argument is that government officials collaborated with these companies to keep Black people behind bars and available for cheap labor. 

The suit, filed right before Christmas 2023, also alleges the companies conspired to profit from the work and seeks to “abolish a modern-day form of slavery.”

One of the plaintiffs, Lakiera Walker, who served 15 years, recalled her experience behind bars. One time, in particular, Walker remembers being sick with the flu and was forced to work on an assembly line at supermarket supplier Southeastern Meats Inc. “I am so sick,” she said she told a prison supervisor. He allegedly responded, “Get up and go make us our 40%.” 

Walker said it made her feel “like he was a pimp.” Later that day, a fellow inmate would have to carry her to a medical ward. 

The recently paroled prisoner was subjected to 12-hour shifts on her feet in sometimes 30-degree conditions. Walker made close to $13 an hour while packaging frozen peas and corn. However, most of the profit went to the state — two-fifths of it to the Alabama Department of Corrections to “assist in defraying the cost” of her incarceration.

According to Scheer Post, prison labor makes big money. In 2022, a report from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) revealed that incarcerated workers provide prisons with an estimated savings of $9 billion a year in operational costs. From that, the prison earns over $2 billion in sales of goods and services, while the prisoners make pennies, with no say about what type of work they do or how they would like to be compensated. 

Another survey by the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that 76% of the country’s estimated 800,000 incarcerated workers don’t have the leeway to refuse work without punishment or retaliation. Plaintiffs like Robert Earl Council, also known as Kinetik Justice, say it was time for someone to say something. “We wanted to bring an indictment against the entire system,” he said. 

Alabama, along with several other states, has a reputation for how it treats its incarcerated population, on top of an overcrowded and filthy corrupt prison system. In Alabama, the mortality rate of prisoners is five times higher than the national average.

RELATED CONTENT: NBA Player Kyle Kuzma Announces Partnership To Benefit Female Inmates In Flint, Michigan

California, High Schools, Fourth of July, raise money, grants, Businesswomen, Financial Literacy, broke
by Jeffrey McKinney

May 17, 2024

Black Small Business Owners Can Apply For $50K Grants To Buy A Commercial Vehicle

Progressive Insurance is now taking applications for its Driving Small Business Forward grant.

Many small businesses, including Black-owned ones, can use extra funding to help fuel their growth.

Acting to support small business owners, Progressive Insurance is now taking applications for its Driving Small Business Forward grant. This year’s program is offering $1 million in grants and business coaching assistance.

More specifically, It calls for 20 recipients to be selected and awarded a $50,000 grant each that can be used to buy a commercial vehicle for their business, according to a news release.

A year ago, it was reported that 10 small  business owners would be awarded $25,000 each to buy a commercial vehicle for their business. That means the latest effort is twice as large for the number of grant recipients and four times greater in overall grant value than the one in 2023.

Karen Bailo, commercial lines president at Progressive Insurance, stated, “As a purpose-led company, Progressive is committed to empowering small business owners on their entrepreneurial journey and to alleviate economic barriers.

“By the conclusion of this year’s program, we will have awarded over $1.5 million in grants to entrepreneurs across the country and we’re excited about the impact we’ve had in helping these businesses move forward.”

The fresh effort is intriguing, as a commercial vehicle could potentially be a good fit for a small business, depending on the type of enterprise. That could certainly be the case  if a vehicle is needed for such uses as delivering goods to consumers, driving to job sites, and picking up supplies among them.

Simultaneously, business owners often must decide how to use revenue or profits that best fit their needs, whether that’s hiring more workers, buying inventory, adding new locations, or other purposes.

The initiative comes as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that nearly 69% of small business owners rely on personal savings to fund their businesses while receiving limited access to capital.

To run this year’s grant program, Progressive is working with Hello Alice. Progressive calls itself one of the nation’s leading commercial auto insurers. Hello Alice was described as a financial technology organization that helps over one million small businesses access capital.

Along with the grant for their business. recipients this year will have a chance to take part in a 12-week Boost Camp. The Hello Alice program will provide business owners with tools and resources — including financial budgeting and customer acquisition – to help achieve their growth objectives.

To qualify, those interested must meet several criteria. For instance, entrants must be the leading executive of a small business with 10 or fewer employees, less than $5 million in annual gross revenue, and show a need for a qualifying commercial vehicle and business coaching.

The application deadline is June 14 at 6:00 p.m.  Recipients will be contacted by email and announced in August. Go here to apply and get more details.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Businesswomen Can Seek Grants Worth $100K From Block Advisors By H&R Block

Glynn Turman, Walter Newton, Huey P., The big cigar
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 17, 2024

Glynn Turman Gets To ‘Re-Explore’ His Activist Roots In New Huey P. Newton Series ‘The Big Cigar’

Legendary actor Glynn Turman recalls his civil right past and its full circle ties to the new Apple TV+ series about Huey P. Newton.

Legendary actor Glynn Turman is applying his 60+ years of acting to a new limited Apple TV+ drama series about the late revolutionary Black Panther Party Founder Huey P. Newton.

Based on the incredible true story of Newton’s bold escape from the FBI to Cuba, “The Big Cigar” reveals the drastic measures a group of allies took to secure the political activists’ freedom. Hollywood revolution meets social revolution when Newton attempts to run away from the FBI with the assistance of famed producer Bert Schneider through a fake movie production that goes wrong in every way imaginable.

Turman takes on the role of Newton’s father, Walter Newton, a character who comes full circle for him, considering his time marching for civil rights.

“To have a piece come about, about a time in my life when I was a young man and out there marching and protesting and doing what all of the young people are doing now, it was a nostalgic piece for me because I remember all of that and I had been a part of so much of that and knew so many of the characters, Richard Pryor and Bobby Seale, we were all cohorts,” Turman tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“It was a wonderful time, a chance to re-explore that part of my life.”

The six-episode drama premieres globally on Friday, May 17. The first two episodes will be followed by new episodes every Friday through June 14. The first two episodes are directed by multiple-award winner Don Cheadle, whom Turman hasn’t worked with since they played father and son on Showtime’s comedy-drama House of Lies.

With Turman taking on a father figure role in “The Big Cigar,” he’s able to recall the worry parents of the time had about their children taking part in Newton’s revolutionary fight against the shady practices of America’s criminal and social justice system. But with him being among the youth at the time and putting things into perspective over 50 years later, the veteran actor knows how necessary the rebellion of activists then and now is to ignite beneficial change.

“I think what’s important is to keep the Newton a mystique, the Newton message in the forefront,” Turman says of the series’ significance. “We need the young people to know that bold steps can be and should be taken.”

He continued. “And that in spite of what the establishment says, that we have a right to voice your opinions and to go up against the odds and that you young people deserve that. Those of us who are now older and of reason should not damper those efforts, should not make light of those emotions and that courage that you possess.”

Turman also takes a trip down memory lane to explore the impact of his roles in iconic films, TV shows, and productions like Lorraine Hansberry’s 1059 landmark play “A Raisin in the Sun” opposite Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee, 1975’s “Cooley High,” “A Different World,” and 1994’s “The Inkwell,” among many others. These projects continue to have significant influence and serve as notable representations of Black history and Black culture, which Turman cites as “an honor.”

Press play below for the full interview, and be sure to check out “The Big Cigar” on Apple TV+ on Friday, May 17, and every Friday through June 14.

RELATED CONTENT:  Glynn Turman Brings Hollywood & Activist Legacy To Huey P. Newton Series

Bryon Donalds, Trump, office, Donald
by Sharelle B. McNair

May 17, 2024

Byron Donalds Is Considering A Run For Florida Governor And Has The Support Of Donald Trump

Well, this chould be interesting.....

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) could be leaving Washington, D.C., behind to become governor of Florida, and former President Donald Trump is supporting him.

During a fundraising event in New York City, Trump asked Donalds if he’s still considering a gubernatorial campaign in 2026, after current governor Ron DeSantis’ second term. After Donalds said people were “urging” him to run, Trump whispered a potential endorsement if he moves forward. 

He allegedly told the congressman, “He will have many friends in the race” if he does. 

In September 2023, Donalds confirmed he was eyeing the governorship in the Sunshine State. However, Donalds said that, for now, his main focus is getting the former president back into office before moving on to “that other stuff.” “I’m committed to making Biden a one-term president,” Donalds said.

“We’ll focus on that other stuff after President Trump gets inaugurated.”

During that same conversation with Fox News, Donalds said if the campaign for governor doesn’t work, he plans on potentially joining Trump in the White House as vice president—if asked. The congressman has been listed among hopeful vice presidential candidates, alongside North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), and failed presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. 

Ramaswamy and Donalds recently made appearances to support the four-time indicted businessman in New York City for one of his criminal trials in May 2024. Donalds has repeatedly commented on Trump‘s behalf, attacking New York’s Attorney General Letitia James and trial judges. “So when you have a situation where justice is being misused for political purposes, you do have members of Congress and other members who are involved in our politics who have a responsibility to stand in opposition to that,” he said. 

“Take Judge (Juan) Merchan for example. His daughter is a Democrat operative. His daughter is going to make millions of dollars this election cycle fundraising for Democrats. She’s using the images and likeness of this trial to help her fundraise. That’s a joke. That’s a travesty.”  

Trump’s comments to Donalds regarding his support of a gubernatorial run suggests the outspoken legislator may not be at the top of Trump’s VP shortlist but does confirm his spot as a top ally.

RELATED CONTENT: Tim Scott and Byron Donalds On Shortlist Of Potential Trump Vice President Candidates

Biden, Trump, 2024 Presidential Election, Debate
by Sharelle B. McNair

May 17, 2024

Biden And Trump Agree To Two Debates Ahead Of 2024 Presidential Election

Everybody....grab your popcorn!

President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump have agreed to two debates ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election in November.

The first debate will be hosted by CNN on June 27 and the second on Sept. 10 on ABC. The quick agreement — with the first debate occurring in a little over a month — came after the President announced he wouldn’t participate in presidential debates sponsored by the nonpartisan commission, which has organized the debates for more than 30 years. 

To counter, the Biden campaign thought media outlets would be a better source to organize the debates between both party nominees. Shortly after the timeline agreement was met, Biden said the invitation from CNN was accepted, saying, “Over to you, Donald.” Trump, who has openly said he would take Biden on “anytime and anyplace,” jumped on Truth Social to accept the challenge. “Let’s get ready to Rumble!!!,” Trump said. 

Then the rivals agreed to a second debate on ABC.

According to CNN, the debate in June will be held in CNN studios in Atlanta, with anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash serving as moderators. No audience will be present, in hopes it will maximize the time given for the debate. Anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis will be moderating for ABC.

The Trump campaign feels the debates will push voter concerns further about Biden’s age, at 81-years-old, and competence, while Biden’s team thinks his 77-year-old opponent’s rhetoric will give voters a reminder of why he only served one-term. 

But their age did not stop each other from taking jabs on social media. The President jumped on twitter to push Trump’s buttons. “Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020, since then he hasn’t shown up for a debate,” Biden said. “Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again. Well, make my day, pal.”

Biden continued to make the schedule for the debates, highlighting Trump’s trial schedule. “So let’s pick the dates, Donald. I heard you’re free on Wednesdays.” 

Trump followed by stating Biden was the “WORST debater I have ever faced – He can’t put two sentences together!”

The debate in June has been added to both candidates’ already hectic schedules. Trump’s criminal hush money trial in New York will potentially be ending, Biden has foreign trips to France and Italy planned, the end of the Supreme Court’s term, as well as two criminal trials for the president’s son, Hunter Biden.

In order to be eligible to participate, both candidates are required to complete several tasks. First, the candidates will have to fill the requirements listed in Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution of the United States and file a Statement of Candidacy with the Federal Election Commission. The nominee’s name must appear on a decent number of state ballots in order to reach the 270 electoral vote threshold to secure the presidency prior to the eligibility deadline. 

Lastly, both have to agree to accept the rules and format of the debate as well as get close to 15% in four different national polls of registered or likely voters that meet CNN’s reporting standards.

RELATED CONTENT: New Survey Indicates Many Voters Undecided On Trump vs. Biden

Burrell Communications, new leadership, goals, advertising agency,
by Jeffrey McKinney

May 16, 2024

 New CEO Maps Out Goals To Prepare Burrell Communications Group For Future Growth 

Changes at Burrell includes restructuring its executive leadership team and promoting many senior-level executives.

As the new CEO of Burrell Communications Group, Tara DeVeaux has some ambitious goals to help the Black-owned advertising agency prepare for future growth.

The Chicago-based firm announced plans to restructure its executive leadership team and promote many senior-level executives. The moves are strategically being made as Burrell evolves in its first year under DeVeaux’s leadership.

She was named CEO after Burrell reported in October 2023 that it was acquired by an equity consortium led by FVLCRUM Funds and Channing Johnson.

Burrell calls itself the largest U.S. Black-owned agency, specializing in understanding and speaking to a market that today is more diverse and multicultural than ever before. It previously ranked regularly on BLACK ENTERPRISE’s BE 100s list for advertising agencies. The agency reports its clients include McDonald’s, Toyota, Comcast, Fidelity, Coca-Cola, Unilever, and the American Red Cross. The business was started in 1971 by Black advertising icon Tom Burrell, who oversaw the company for 33 years.

DeVeaux told BE via email that the goal of the reorganization is two-fold.

First, she says, is to develop an agency structure that creates centers of brilliance across all core disciplines with leaders who are focused on innovation within their discipline and collaboration across teams. “And, if we get that first goal right, I’m able to focus on setting our course for future growth,” she said.

Secondly, DeVeaux talked about how the changes could help Burrell differentiate itself and grow its client base.

She shared that Black people are the most creative race of people on the planet. She pointed out that they create culture, and the entities they build lead in every creative field except advertising. Given that, DeVeaux says there is tremendous opportunity for growth in that space.

“This isn’t just about being Black-owned or having Black representation in our ranks. It’s more so about applying that same ingenuity we’ve exhibited in art, music, and film to our industry.”

She added, “For us, that means proprietary research and strategic processes that dissect culture, disruptive creative that shifts conversations and perceptions, innovative partnerships and collaborations in the media and tech spaces—all executed with the operational brilliance that clients should expect from their agencies, big or small, general market or multicultural. This leadership restructuring is the first of many steps moving Burrell in that direction.”

Revenues for the company were not disclosed.

According to a news release, Burrell’s department leads include Leslie Alexander, director of Project Management; Vicki Bolton, senior vice president and head of Account Management; and Stephen French, head of Strategy. Others are Donna Hodge, head of Media Services; Mike Mitchell, chief financial officer; Tuwisha Rogers, vice president and director of Brand Development; Khari Streeter, chief creative officer; and Ailine Tan, senior vice president of Operations.

In a statement, DeVeaux reflected, “I am truly excited and inspired by these individuals and their strong track records of career success and accomplishment.”

RELATED CONTENT: Burrell Communications Group Shifts To New Leadership

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