Powerhouse PR Agent Abesi Manyando Is Building An Empire

by Kandiss Edwards

August 18, 2025

Powerhouse PR Agent Abesi Manyando Is Building An Empire

'Giving back, helping others, and shaping the next generation is essential.'

Abesi Manyando has built her career on more than securing headlines; she has built it on shaping stories that matter. The Zambian-born publicist turned her creativity and persistence into Abesi PR and Marketing, a firm that bridges culture, business and community. From interning for free to representing some of the most recognizable names in entertainment and politics, she has made authenticity and connection a staple of her work.

For Manyando, public relations is not just about visibility, it’s about impact. That philosophy is evident in her collaborations with clients like Grammy-winning artist Future, whose latest fragrance, Sinsational, reflects the kind of bold, lasting identity she helps cultivate. She sat down with BLACK ENTERPRISE to talk about her journey. She’s endured micro-aggressions from peers, pressure from her “strict African parents.” Yet, she readily recognizes that she brings a unique perspective and work ethic to the table.

Can you start by giving us a little background on yourself?

I have a degree in business management and marketing, but I’ve always been a creative person. After graduation, I struggled to find a job. As a Black woman, I didn’t always feel welcome. I interned and worked for free for years to build contacts and relationships. Eventually, I realized I needed to start my own PR company. While working with Nelly’s label in St. Louis, I was encouraged to go out on my own. That’s when I understood what I brought to the table.

What do you feel you bring to the table in your work?

I brought the contacts I built while interning and working for free. I also lived in New York and had access to media outside of the Midwest. I learned how to pitch clients to major media outlets, not just local markets. I’m strong in brand strategy and understanding that connection to the community is key.

What’s the key to pitching to larger media companies?

Respect the outlet. Research and study. A lot of publicists think something is universally great, but it may not fit the outlet’s audience. Relevance is key.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Abesi (@abesipr)

Can you tell us about the diversity of your clients?

I have a kaleidoscope of clients across politics, music, business and more. For example, William Platt, who owns multiple restaurants and works in development and construction. I manage PR and brand strategy for Future, both his label and foundation. I’ve worked on projects for Lil Baby, Gianna Floyd’s birthday, Saweetie’s Icy Girl Foundation, and Senator Jamilah Nasheed in St. Louis, who was one of my first clients.

You’ve said connecting to the community is central to your work. Why is that so important?

Community connection, whether through service, philanthropy or humanitarian efforts, is the foundation of who I am. I don’t want to push anything that doesn’t better or advance us. I’ve experienced systemic racism and being overlooked as a woman of color. Once you’re in a position of power with a platform, you can’t forget why you wanted to succeed in the first place. Giving back, helping others, and shaping the next generation is essential.

How did your parents react to your career in PR?

My father, who has since passed, eventually gave up on me becoming a doctor and supported my work. I was glad he saw me doing something meaningful with my life. My parents sacrificed so much to come to America, and they expected us to aim high.

What gave you the confidence to start so early as a young Black woman in the early 2000s?

I think it was just in me. I was born in Lusaka, Zambia, and from the time I was little, I wanted to be somebody. Even now, with accolades and experience, I still face microaggressions and negativity, especially in the music industry. But my faith in God and staying grounded in who I am has kept me from getting caught up in the glitz and politics.

****

Abesi Manyando’s career is about more than publicity. Her work is about building brands with purpose and authenticity. She’s carved out space for her clients to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. whether through community service, storytelling or creative ventures. For Manyando, success isn’t just about visibility it’s about leaving an impression that resonates.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 18, 2025

Coco Gauff Debuts New Collab With Naked Smoothies Before U.S. Open Return

Fans in New York can also head to Coco's Corner Store to try the tennis champ's new flavor.

Ahead of her return for another championship run at the U.S. Open, Coco Gauff is preparing with a new protein drink by Naked Smoothies.

The No. 2-ranked women’s tennis player is the newest ambassador for the beverage brand. Now reigning as the “Chief Smoothie Officer,” Gauff has announced her own Protein Pineapple Orange Smoothie. Befitting the athlete, it comes with 20 grams of plant-based protein.

The drink also provides electrolytes from coconut water as well as essential B12 and B6 vitamins to help champions like her stay energized. The two parties hinted at the flavor reveal before debuting the bottle on Instagram on Aug. 18.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Naked Smoothie (@nakedsmoothie)

“Fruit has always been my go-to snack on and off the court. Creating my first smoothie as Naked’s Chief Smoothie Officer was such a fun, rewarding process,” said Gauff in a news release. “It’s packed with flavors I love and a variety of benefits, so I don’t have to sacrifice taste when choosing my snack. I’m really excited for people to try it.”

In further celebration, the 21-year-old will open “Coco’s Corner Store” during the U.S. Open Fan Week in New York City. Taking place Aug. 21 through 22, the pop-up experience will allow Coco fans and tennis lovers in the area to sample her signature drink at the bodega-inspired space. For those across the nation, shoppers can find the hidden special edition bottles at Albertson’s and other national retailers beginning Aug. 18.

Gauff has her eyes on a third U.S. Open singles title once the competition starts Aug. 24. Gauff is already off to a tremendous start in this year’s season, recently securing the trophy for the 2025 French Open. Her partnership with Naked hopes to capitalize on this momentum as she reaches new peaks in her tennis career.

“Coco Gauff is not just a powerhouse on the court; she’s proving herself to be a taste icon in every sense, especially as our Chief Smoothie Officer,” said Tina Lambert, chief marketing officer at Tropicana Brands Group. “Coco’s signature smoothie captures her essence and reflects the direction Naked is headed, delivering nutrient-dense, convenient, satisfying snacks. We’re proud to be building Naked’s next chapter with an incredible partner like Coco.”

Fans can also engage virtually with a digital version of the bodega on Snapchat. They can also enter a contest to win a free smoothie and a trip to the 2026 U.S. Tennis Major in New York, with more information available on its official collaboration website.

Mitch, Micah, Farmington Hills Police, soccer, birthday

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 18, 2025

The Sweetest Emergency: Michigan Police Bring Birthday Surprise After 4-Year-Old’s Adorable Call

The birthday boy was given an honorary badge as well as a new soccer net.

A four-year-old boy’s friendly 911 call to local police in Metro Detroit had an unexpected yet delightful result.

When the young boy, Micah, decided to dial up the emergency line, it was not to report anything serious. Instead, the preschooler wanted to chat about his favorite hobbies, like soccer and swimming.

Still, police arrived at the home, just in case, for a standard welfare check. When they arrived, they quickly developed a bond with Micah and his brother, Mitch. They allowed the boys to see their patrol vehicles, fostering a new relationship with law enforcement.

However, the officer decided to further establish this communal bond by returning the next day to celebrate Mitch’s seventh birthday. Officer Michael El-Hage said the duo reminded him of his son, and he wanted to give them a fun toy as a gift for the party.

“I just said I’ll see you guys tomorrow, just kept it vague just in case because you never know if you’re going to be busy the next day,” El-Hage told Click On Detroit. “My plan was to maybe get them something for soccer.”

El-Hage decided to bring some of his friends from the Farmington Hills Police Department to the birthday party. They gifted Mitch with a soccer net while engaging in a game with the kids.

They also presented Mitch with his own honorary officer badge and hat, allowing him to feel like a member of the force. El-Hage says the opportunity emphasized how he and fellow officers want to protect and support the communities they serve, especially their younger members.

“I just did it for the kids, honestly,” El-Hage said. ”I just see my son there, so being a dad, I think every day I can understand that that’s what it’s about for me.”

The moment is significant as Black people remain wary of police presence in their communities. The family thanked the police department for its kindness and for making memories out of the accidental 911 call.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 18, 2025

After Serving Newark, NJ, For 93 Years, 1st Black-Owned Auto Shop Is Closing For Good

Smitty’s Service Center is shutting down Aug. 23

Smitty’s Service Center, located in Newark, N.J., was the state’s first Black-owned garage, but after opening 93 years ago, the company is facing eviction after the city seized it due to the non-payment of taxes.

According to NJ.com, the auto shop, which was initially opened in the 1920s and ended up being owned by Arthur Smith Sr., is now run by his grandson, Anthony Smith. Smith has admitted that he was unable to keep up with the penalties on top of the taxes owed, roughly around half a million dollars. Now, the city will take it over, as Smith stated, he “can’t come up” with the money to keep the business from the city of Newark.

“I was behind on my taxes,” Smith said. “And I just conceded with the city. I just said, ‘You know, I can’t come up with that.’ It’s family-owned. I’m not a company operation. I’m a small entity.”

The city seized Smitty’s 13 years ago, and the eviction date is set in stone.

Arthur Sr. started working at the station in 1929. He leased the station from Standard Oil in 1932, and then he purchased it 15 years later. Fast forward 93 years, Superior Court Judge Louise Grace Spencer ordered the younger Smith to leave by Aug. 23, ending an era for the station.

The city took over the property in 2012 after it was foreclosed, but the city allowed Anthony to continue to work on the site.

“I’m supposed to be out of there by the 23rd, but I’ve got 90 years of equipment and personal belongings that I want to transfer to some place. I don’t know where to go,” he said. “I knew this was coming, but I’m trying to go out with grace and dignity.”

Invest Newark took over the lot in 2021, and although they allowed Anthony to rent the property for $500 a month, he stopped paying the rent. CEO Marcus Randolph has not determined what will replace Smitty’s, but stated he is willing to hear from the public what they may want in its place. He did not rule out another service station taking over the property.

Uncle Nearest , whiskey, fawn weaver, barriers business

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 18, 2025

Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver Is ‘Unshaken And Unmoved’ By Receivership Order

Weaver stood her ground in an Instagram video.

Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver is urging her supporters to continue “clear the shelves” of her Black-owned whiskey brand, despite a court-ordered receivership she says she remains “unshaken and unmoved” by.

Weaver took to Instagram on August 17 to address recent headlines claiming she fell behind on repaying $100 million in loans to a lender that has since taken receivership of her company. Reports suggest that under the receivership, Weaver may lose ownership of Uncle Nearest but could remain involved as a brand ambassador if the lender chooses to retain her as the face of the brand she built.

While Weaver can’t say too much due to a gag order, she dismissed the reports as “fake news” and clarified that she remains the owner of Uncle Nearest, while encouraging supporters to keep buying the product.

“Some reports claim I no longer own Uncle Nearest that I’m not running it,” Weaver added. “Let me be clear. I built this company, I own this company, I run this company. And my leadership team who have all been with me for six to eight years are right here building alongside me. Our team remains unshaken and unmoved.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fawn Weaver (@fawn.weaver)

Addressing the reported receivership, Weaver framed it as a natural challenge of business ownership and used it as a reminder to fellow entrepreneurs to stay resilient when times get tough.

“All major challenges are inevitable in ownership. That’s why so many tap out,” she said. “And my number-one piece of advice to would-be entrepreneurs is, if you are of the quitting kind, don’t start. Because entrepreneurialism will give you a hundred reasons a day to quit. But strong leadership doesn’t panic.”

Recent data highlight the struggles facing the spirits industry, with overall sales and consumption declining and categories like American whiskey seeing sharper drops. Still, Weaver insists Uncle Nearest is seeing otherwise, pointing to substantial numbers under her leadership in 27 states, including Texas, Georgia, and even Alaska.

“When the shelves restock, don’t forget, keep clearing them out,” Weaver said in closing. “Leave no doubt. Send a loud message that you are behind this brand and the team that built it. Cheers.”

Weaver’s comments were filled with supportive messages from fans, showing the strong base of encouragement she has behind her, in the event she’s removed as CEO of Uncle Nearest.

“I don’t drink, and I will be supporting anything you do!” one fan wrote. “We love you, and know that everything you touch will succeed!!!”

“You’re an incredible businesswoman and leader,” added someone else. “I been watching your interviews for a while and saw you speak at the Woman Evolve. Thank you for your transparency 🙌🏾 we are all standing with you.”

Weaver has blamed defaulted loans on a former chief financial officer who deceived her and her husband. Weaver and the lender suing her, Farm Credit, have until August 20 to submit additional briefing on their proposed receiver candidates.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 18, 2025

Fatal Error? Mother Files Lawsuit Against NYPD For Misclassifying 911 Call

Cierra Carroll is suing the New York Police Department, alleging that its operator classified the 911 call as a custody dispute instead of a kidnapping.

After calling the police to report her missing child and having them misclassify the call, 17-year-old Cierra Carroll, is suing the New York Police Department (NYPD) for $60 million for the alleged miscue that she says resulted in her child’s death.

According to the New York Daily News, Carroll said that the operator who took the 911 call treated a kidnapping by the child’s father as a custody dispute. That action did not classify it as a missing child incident, so the police did not take the appropriate steps to search for the 2-year-old child, she alleges.

“Montrell Williams should be here today if it wasn’t for the NYPD being neglectful in finding him,” Reverend Kevin McCall, who is representing the family, said at an Aug. 15 press conference outside the 40th Precinct in the Bronx. “No amount of money will bring him back. However, the NYPD has to be held responsible.”

Carroll reported to the police department on May 11 that the child’s father, 20-year-old Arius Williams, did not return Montrell at the time he was supposed to. She reportedly informed the police that she was worried about the child as Williams has a history of domestic violence and acting erratically.

Over the next several weeks, the family requested that the cops investigate the child’s disappearance. On June 11, Montrell’s body was discovered in the East River. Arius was subsequently charged with murder and is currently being held without bail as he awaits trial.

“NYPD officers misclassified the call as a custody dispute, failed to initiate a missing child investigation, failed to issue an Amber Alert, and took no immediate steps to locate or safeguard Montrell…delaying critical actions that could have prevented the child’s death,” the suit states.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 18, 2025

NAACP NY President L. Joy Williams Honors Harlem Week And Carrying Dr. Hazel Dukes’ Legacy

L. Joy Williams has plans. Lots of plans.

L. Joy Williams steps into big shoes as the new president of the NAACP New York State Conference. As she carries the legacy of the late Dr. Hazel Dukes, Williams enters the leadership role committed to fostering intergenerational connections with the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization.

At the time of Dr. Dukes’ death in March at age 92, Williams was already leading the Brooklyn NAACP and working closely alongside her. With two decades of experience as a political strategist and civic leader working within the organization, Williams brings a youthful energy to NAACP New York that she’s eager to carry forward.

“My plans are until 2031. But I have lots of plans,” Williams tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “I’ve been part of the NAACP since 2004 or 2005. I came to the association already baked as an adult. And I started by helping to reorganize the Brooklyn branch of the NAACP, which is under the New York State Conference, and working with my mentor there [Dukes], helping to reorganize that branch, and then would later become the president of that branch and served for about a decade, for 10, 11 years, and served until March of this year, when I became president of the state conference.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NAACP NYS Conference (@naacpnys)

Now leading all 54 NAACP branches in New York State, Williams carries a heavy workload. Yet, with her ability to bridge gaps, drive change, and support marginalized communities, especially at a time when even celebrating their history is under federal attack, she recognizes the vital role she plays in guiding an organization central to the fight for civil rights.

“One of the things that I take great pride in on and being president of Brooklyn was building an intergenerational branch,” Williams shares.

It’s this intergenerational approach, Williams says, that is key to the work the NAACP is known to do.

Ahead of the close of this year’s Harlem Week celebrations, Williams highlighted the importance of events like these.

“I think celebrations like this are important. Like, if we have a community conversation, it’s important. And even in this context where so much of our history is being attacked, it’s being stripped away, it’s important that we have markers, that we have spaces to educate, inform, and build the pride of our history, of our heroes, of our advocates, of our story really here in this country,” she says. “And things like Harlem Week are markers for us to be able to do that, vehicles for us to be able to celebrate, to remember, and to educate future generations.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by L Joy Williams (@ljoywilliams)

This year’s Harlem Week celebrations also honored the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance, a pivotal moment in African American history during the 1920s and 1930s when writers, musicians, artists, and scholars came together to celebrate Black identity, challenge racial stereotypes, and take pride in their culture.

Williams hopes the commemoration inspires today’s Black creatives to find unity and community in their own artistic expressions.

“Well, how fitting,” she says. “Because we’re at a period in our collective history where we have an opportunity, not just looking at the challenges that we’re facing, but looking at the opportunity that we have to create and celebrate those markers, those monuments, those individuals, and those spaces of telling our collective history.”

Williams continues, “We have an opportunity where not only all of these anniversaries coming up, not only the challenges of the federal aggression, but we have an opportunity to create cultural markers similar to the Harlem Renaissance that will be celebrated 100 years from now. And so I think of these people, these artists, these researchers, these educators, some who native born from New York, from Harlem, and some who migrated during the great migration from the Midwest, from the South and found community in a space and found it to be important to not only build a life, build wealth, but also make sure that they were making a mark in terms of their spiritual and cultural heritage.”

As part of this year’s Harlem Week, the 110th Street subway station on the MTA’s 2 and 3 lines was renamed 110th Street Malcolm X Plaza, honoring the iconic civil rights leader. Williams hopes it serves as “a doorway to greater education and a deeper understanding of what individuals have contributed, not just to a community, but to our country.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NAACP NYS Conference (@naacpnys)

Now in her new role as president of the NAACP NY State Conference, Williams deeply recognizes the responsibility of carrying Dukes’ legacy, honoring her decades of dedication to the NAACP. Dukes served as national president from 1990 to 1992 and led the New York State Conference from 1977 until she died this year at age 92. Their bond, built on mentorship and tough love, prepared Williams to step into her role as the next state conference president.

Although Williams has only been in the full-time volunteer role for five months, she leads with pride and excitement, embracing the opportunity to help drive pivotal change, just as her mentor, Dukes, once did.

“It is so rewarding to be able to invest all of my time into the upliftment and the future of Black people,” she says. “And knowing that you were mentored and guided by someone who also loved Black people.”

Regarding how New Yorkers across the state can engage in the community work led by Williams and other NAACP members, she emphasizes the importance of owning your power and not handing it over to those who don’t have your best interests at heart.

“I certainly always invite anybody in New York to join us and be part of our work on our website, NYSNAACP.org,” she says.

WORKPLACE, Bullying, return to office, RTO

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

August 18, 2025

Bullied At Work? Here’s How To Stand Your Ground With Grace And Power

The only way to root out darkness is to shed light on the situation

Reader’s Question:

Dear Fairygodmentor,
I’m experiencing bullying from a colleague, and it’s making me dread going to work. How do I handle this situation professionally?
– Standing My Ground

Dear Standing My Ground,

I’m sorry you are experiencing this at work. It’s hard enough to focus on showing up every day, giving your all, and just plain surviving. Then to add this bullying to the mix?! It’s just too much!

Sadly, according to the most recent Workplace Institute Bullying survey, it’s estimated that 52.2 million American workers are being bullied, up from 48.6 million Americans in 2021.

Workplace bullying looks like repetitive mistreatment that’s verbal, non-verbal, physical, or psychological. What’s more upsetting is that 65% of bullies are people in leadership positions. That makes the workplace environment even more tenuous.

I want to share some strategies for handling this matter promptly and professionally.

Document, Document, Document: I usually give this advice to managers when they are interacting with their team members. Our memories aren’t as sharp 24 hours after an incident occurs. You should also document incidents and interactions that may violate safety, the law, or company policies. Be specific. Who? What Why? When? How? Were there any witnesses? What was said (as accurately as you can recall)? What was the body language you observed? Having all of this data documented does a variety of things. It captures what you experienced, it provides the organization with an account of your experience, and from a personal standpoint, it validates that this wasn’t all in your head. If the bullying is happening virtually, take screenshots of chats and or text messages. Keep those receipts.

Confront (only if you feel safe doing so): Sometimes, a bully continues this behavior if they believe they can get away with it. If you feel safe speaking up and saying something to this bully, confront them in the moment of the bullying behavior. “Did you mean to say that?” If this behavior is based on allegations that you’re not pulling your weight or delivering results, show your receipts. The act of standing your ground and speaking up can nip future bullying behavior in the bud.

Show Your Ask & Level Up: If the bullying continues after speaking up, level up and get help. Bubble up this incident to your Human Resources and/or Compliance department. Some companies have compliance hotlines where you can leave a voicemail outlining what’s been occurring in the workplace. Remember to use the documentation you captured, including the specifics of the incidents. Companies want their employees to be safe and productive. If you’re experiencing bullying and harassing treatment at work, the business needs to know. I know it may feel scary, but there are laws to protect you from retaliation.

The only way to root out darkness is to shed light on the situation. By documenting, speaking up, and getting help, you can stand in your power and truly stand your ground.

You’ve got this!

Yours truly,

Your Fairygodmentor®

About Joyel Crawford:

Joyel Crawford, fairygodmentor, contributor — (Photo: Kirten White Photography/BE)

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

Have a question for Your Fairygodmentor®?

Submit your career and leadership questions, whether it’s about navigating a micromanager, setting boundaries, negotiating for a raise, or handling burnout. Ask Your Fairygodmentor® today!

HEAD COACH, FOOTBALL.ALABAMA A&M, CONNELL MAYNOR

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 18, 2025

Alabama A&M Boasts Record-Breaking Enrollment With More Male Students Coming To HBCU

The school announced its remarkable enrollment during its annual Torch Lighting Ceremony.

Alabama A&M University has kicked off its 150th year with record-breaking enrollment for its freshman class.

The HBCU in Huntsville, Alabama, has introduced its largest cohort in years for the class of 2029. The school announced at its annual Torch Lighting ceremony that 2,157 preliminarily registered first-time freshmen have begun their studies. This has already surpassed last year’s record, with a significant percentage of male students included.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alabama A&M University (@aamu1875)

Alabama A&M confirmed that male students make up 42% of its freshman class, a significant feat for the school as HBCUs everywhere struggle with a declining male population. Covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE last September, enrollment of Black men at HBCUs has seen a downward trend over the previous five decades.

Many factors, including financial, cultural, and social barriers, led to this jarring statistic. In light of these challenges, HBCUs have intensified their initiatives to bring Black male scholars back into the classroom. The news of these increased numbers at Alabama A&M represents progress at the school and HBCUs across the nation.

Alabama A&M also celebrates its diverse population with plans for a lived-in campus experience. The class of 2029 has traveled from all over to attend Huntsville. Students from 40 states and five countries now represent the cohort. The majority also have plans to live on campus, with 62% of first-year students registered to stay in its residences.

As the HBCU embarks on its milestone year of educating Black and diverse youth, it continues to build upon its initial success to evolve into a new age of academia. As students begin their classes, they will also engage in a month-long Bulldog Welcome Experience. Its scheduled activities include orientation workshops, leadership sessions, and classic HBCU traditions like the National Pan-Hellenic Council Yard Show and the Louis Crews Classic football game.

by Kandiss Edwards

August 18, 2025

Men Who XCEL: Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson To Be Honored At The 2025 ‘XCEL Summit For Men’

Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson to receives honors for his lifetime of leadership in faith.

The 2025 BLACK ENTERPRISE XCEL Summit for Men will welcome Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson. Richardson will be honored for his work as a leader and spiritual anchor in the Black community.

Richardson has dedicated his life to strengthening faith, expanding civic engagement, and advancing social justice. Richardson leads nationally as Chairman of the Conference of National Black Churches. The organization comprises multiple historically Black denominations, representing over 20 million African American Christians. He also serves as the Chairman of the National Action Network, one of the most respected civil rights organizations in the nation. Richardson’s passion for accountability in faith-based institutions cannot be understated. Often, he uses his voice and pulpit to call for action from institutions and community members.

In 2021, Richardson spoke with BE’s Derek T. Dingle about the resilience of Black folk and the church’s responsibility to help push the community forward in all avenues.

“No movement in African American progress has been a failure; it’s just been a foundation for the next movement. No failure. We’re at a place right now where I think we have an opportunity to move forward, and there may be some setbacks, but no failures. We may lose some battles, but we will not be defeated. And the church has got to participate in the resolve to not abandon the vision for full access to opportunity in this country.”

Richardson’s pastoral work extends far beyond sermons. Since 1975, he has served as the leader of Grace Baptist. His leadership has grown into a robust fellowship across three locations. Additionally, Grace Baptist impacts more than 10,000 people annually and has developed 800 affordable housing units in the surrounding community.

Among his leadership roles, Richardson also serves as board chair for Virginia Union University. Furthermore, he sits on the boards of major institutions, including Comcast and PepsiCo. His voice and insight help shape corporate accountability surrounding inclusion.

At the summit, Dr. Richardson will deliver the “Morning Motivation” address on Friday, Oct. 17. Richardson brings not only spiritual resonance but institutional wisdom rooted in bridging faith, business, and civic action.

BE organizers describe the moment as essential, as “Professional success means nothing if we’re not also tending to our spiritual fulfillment.”

Be in attendance at the XCEL Summit for Men to honor one of the country’s preeminent faith leaders. The event takes place at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando. For more information, click here.