Black bank, Milwaukee, Redemption, West Coast

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 19, 2025

Banking Trio Builds One Of Africa’s Fastest-Growing Investment Firms To ‘Design Something for African Realities’

Three friends, banking professionals, used their background to launch one of Africa's fastest-growing investment firms.

Meet Stephen Osho, Tosin Osunkoya, and Nnamdi Nwizu, three friends who leveraged their banking experience to start one of Africa’s fastest-growing investment firms.

Starting their careers in the treasury departments of top banks, the trio recognized that Africa lacked an investment firm that met world-class global standards. Combining their skills, reputations, and networks, they decided to launch Comercio Partners as a firm capable of competing globally and reshaping the narrative of African finance.

“We each brought something different to the table,” Nwizu told Business Insider Africa. “It felt risky at the time, but we shared a hunger to build something enduring and African-born.”

After years of navigating global markets at leading banks, Osho, Osunkoya, and Nwizu adopted a “For Us, By Us” approach to shape their firm’s investment model.

“We wanted to show that you could build world-class investment thinking from here, for here,” Osho said. “Not just copy foreign models, but design something for African realities.”

Now working together as managing partners, the friends balance different approaches to acquisitions through strategy and collaboration. While disagreements arise, their system encourages healthy debate and aligned decisions.

Responsibilities are divided. Nwizu leads trading strategy. Osho handles advisory. Osunkoya manages asset portfolios. Regular interaction ensures that insights are shared and assumptions are reviewed, allowing each partner to strategize and keep the firm united under a single vision.

“We’ve never shied away from robust conversations,” Osho said. “What matters is that our decisions are based on facts and in the best interest of the firm.”

“It’s not about egos,” Osunkoya added. “It’s about trust. We know when to step back and when to take the lead.”

Their combined expertise helped Comerico navigate one of the toughest recent bond market downturns that saw many competitors pull back. Guided by Nwize’s market instincts, Osho’s relationship acumen, and Osunkoya’s disciplined risk management, Comerico was able to stand firm.

“Resilience comes from clarity,” Nwize said. “We knew our north star was building value for clients, and that focus carried us through.”

Looking ahead, Osunkoya, CEO of asset management, aims to leverage AI to transform investing across Africa, enhance market analysis, and develop digital platforms for everyday investors. The partners are also prioritizing talent acquisition, providing young professionals with mentorship, ongoing training, and exposure to global best practices. They believe cultivating a strong internal culture is essential to earning investor trust.

They are also exploring opportunities in infrastructure debt, private credit, and green finance, viewing these as key to Africa’s financial future. Beyond business, Comercio Partners aims to demonstrate that Africans can create enduring institutions that meet global standards. The trio hopes their story inspires a new generation of financial leaders to stay local, build, and grow the continent from within.

“This is about proving Africa can build enduring financial institutions,” Osho said. “Institutions that outlast us, and inspire others.”

by Kandiss Edwards

September 19, 2025

HBCU Students In Detroit ‘Fixins’ To Get Hands-On Design Experience

The partnerships allows Fixins Soul Kitchen employees to receive new uniforms every quarter.

Fixins Soul Kitchen, a downtown Detroit restaurant founded by former NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson, has announced a partnership with Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC).

The HBCU partnership will allow Fixins employees to receive new uniforms quarterly. Each uniform will be crafted by a different student designer attending PLC.

The first uniforms, designed by PLC student Jordan Dixon, carry two distinct themes. One features local music legend J Dilla, who represents Detroit’s east side. Other uniforms were designed to honor the west side.

“It’s honestly astonishing to be able to do this…I wanted to create basically an east side and west side unity,” Dixon said.

PLC President Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, a veteran of Nike’s Jordan Brand, spoke about the opportunity to collaborate with local small businesses and expand the scope of student education.

“Good design, you don’t recognize all of it at first glance, you need to actually look deeper, and discover more and more things that you missed, and I knew that’s how he designs, that’s how we teach,” Edwards told WXYZ Detroit. “I knew by him going first, it would set the tone for the storytelling we want.”

While the announcement centers on fresh uniforms, the project’s meaning runs deeper. For PLC, the country’s only HBCU devoted to design, the partnership gives students direct exposure to professional branding work. For Detroit, it’s a reminder that creative energy is not confined to galleries or runways. The opportunity to excel in one’s craft can be embedded into everyday spaces like Fixin.

Johnson is giving students the chance to reinterpret uniforms as both style and storytelling. The collaboration turns workwear into a rotating canvas that tells Detroit’s story every season. while creating career-launching opportunities for young designers eager to have their ideas come alive in public.

by Jeffrey McKinney

September 19, 2025

Practical Tips To Help Black Grocers Offset Cuts In SNAP Food Benefits

Smaller stores frequently rely more on SNAP sales while functioning with tighter profit margins.

Black grocers are among businesses that could be walloped by federal cuts to food benefits programs that scores of people rely on to buy groceries.

Revenue for small grocers is expected to be cut considerably due to major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that took effect September 1.

The Congressional Budget Office projects that up to 2.4 million additional Americans will not get federal food benefits each month. The nonpartisan agency estimates that the law President Donald Trump recently signed will trim federal spending on SNAP by almost $187 billion in the next decade.

According to this report, over 40 million people will be impacted and possibly lose benefits while food benefits will reportedly be cut by an average of $100 monthly for roughly 600,000 low-income households.

Black businesses that sell groceries will feel the squeeze as they operate in low-income areas with high levels of SNAP recipients. Unlike larger grocery chains, the smaller stores often depend on SNAP sales while functioning with tighter profit margins.

Many Black grocers are in food deserts, areas without or with limited access to traditional larger supermarkets. While the smaller stores are a key food source for residents, they are vulnerable to cuts that can reduce spending power and foot traffic.

Payment reliance on SNAP can fluctuate broadly. Some grocers reportedly collect under 1% of sales from the program, while others bag up to 70%. The bottom line: Black businesses are often hit harder when program changes occur, particularly if their customers reduce spending.

Furthermore, the cutback could possibly hurt 27,000 retailers, mainly in rural areas with the largest portion of SNAP users, based on this account. This report shows Black Americans made up almost 26% of SNAP participants as of 2023.

At the same time, the number of Black grocers appears not to make up a large percentage of grocery stores and supermarkets industrywide, based on BLACK ENTERPRISE research. Some stores that have opened over the years are cited here. Though an official tally is unknown, there are still multiple Black grocery stores existing nationwide.

Katina Holliday, CEO of Freshly’s Market in Aberdeen, Mississippi, is witnessing how the SNAP cuts are impacting Black grocers. Via email, she shared that the store’s staff has been cut by half in recent months. It has combined positions and rearranged how it is run.

“That’s significant for us and for our community here in Mississippi—a rural food desert area with an older population and transportation issues. It’s made things worse for everyone,” Holliday says.

While larger retailers could feel the losses, they have more resources to endure them. Some analysts believe retailers like Walmart and Amazon, and big discount stores, could even gain more business because SNAP recipients could turn to them for affordability and greater value options even amid reducing their spending amount.

In general, smaller independent grocers often pay more for inventory than larger grocery chains. Holliday says smaller stores’ costs are higher to begin with. She says the profit margin that used to be 13% is between zero to 2%.

“Our overall revenue has been cut in half. And when revenue drops like that, products sit longer on the shelves, which creates a trickle-down effect. Honestly, it’s getting harder to just stay in business and still provide for the community.”

Here are some tips Holliday offered that Black grocers can consider to help counter cuts in the SNAP food assistance benefits:

Look to join local/regional retail and grocery associations to make a collective effort for policy changes at the state and federal level to protect retailers from lost revenue. Advocate for reimbursement rate protections and seek reimbursement for SNAP payment processing fees. Consider offering customers them bulk-buying discounts or extended credit terms.

Connect with local nonprofits, churches, or community groups to arrange food drive days, discount days, or coupon programs.

Utilize any state or local programs that underwrite administrative costs for SNAP-accepting retailers.

Other moves could include offering a loyalty program with meaningful rewards or discounts for repeat visits, according to BLACK ENTERPRISE research. Use customer data to issue personalized offers, like coupons, for goods customers buy often. Also, focus on community engagement. For instance, be open to hosting events, collaborating with local food programs, and backing neighborhood programs.

RELATED CONTENT: Tips For Eating Clean On A Budget

by Kandiss Edwards

September 19, 2025

Senators Unanimously Pass Resolution For Charlie Kirk’s ‘Day Of Remembrance’

Senate Democrats and Republicans are all for honoring Charlie Kirk with 'Day of Remembrance."

On Sept. 18, the U.S. Senate voted unanimously to establish Oct. 14 as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.

This resolution follows the murder of the podcaster, Sep. 10, little more than a week after his demise. The initial resolution was led by Senator Rick Scott, who secured support from all Senate Republicans. The resolution cleared the chamber without opposition. In defense of the “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, Scott wrote that the non-government employee should be honored as a hero for debating liberal students on college campuses.

“Charlie Kirk was recognized as one of the leading voices among young leaders in the United States, creating opportunities for civic education, fostering youth leadership, and promoting principles of liberty and democracy across the United States; Whereas Charlie Kirk was the founder and executive director of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization of thou HLA25811 JJN 2 S.L.C. sands of chapters across the United States dedicated to educating students about the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government,” Scott wrote.

Some House Democrats are preparing to vote against a similar measure. Representative Jasmine Crockett is a vocal detractor. She sees no evidence to support the claims that Kirk was a paragon.

“Not sure what is honorable about many of Mr. Kirk’s past statements,” Crockett said, according to Axios.

Supporters argue the resolution is a gesture of national unity against political violence. Kirk’s death during a speaking event at Utah Valley University has become a heavily discussed topic in political discourse. Many condemned the violence, including the NAACP and Black Lives Matter organizations. To justify backing the resolution, supporters emphasize that acknowledging the loss does not necessarily require agreeing with every aspect of his work.

With the Senate’s passage complete, all eyes turn to the House, where a corresponding resolution is expected. The measure must also garner sufficient votes before it reaches the president. If that happens, Oct. 14 will be officially designated a day to remember Kirk’s life. However, it is unclear if the totality of his views will be acknowledged.

by Selena Hill

September 19, 2025

Black Storytellers Discuss Using AI as a Creative Partner at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival

A panel of creators, journalists, and filmmakers shared how AI has empowered them professionally and creatively

Much like the onset of the digital revolution in the early 2000s, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way humans work, ideate, and consume information. Within the last year, AI has helped many white-collar workers expedite cumbersome processes and eliminate mundane tasks.

AI tools have also given small business owners and independent creators the ability to perform tasks with remarkable speed and efficiency. For instance, just a couple of years ago, creating a logo for a new company could have taken days–or even weeks–to complete since it required the business owner to search for, hire, and work with a graphic designer to bring the logo to life. Today, AI platforms can generate dozens of variations of a company logo in a matter of seconds with just a few prompts.

Launched in 2022 by OpenAI, ChatGPT is the wildly popular AI-generated chatbot and the fastest-growing consumer application in history, according to Reuters. The platform excels in various aspects of content creation, including brainstorming and research. Affectionately nicknamed “Chat” by many users, the platform generates and filters ideas, content, and information at scale, empowering creative professionals to bring new ideas, visions, and inspiration to fruition.

During the 23^rd annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival last month, OpenAI presented a panel session that explored AI’s power to inspire, transform, and elevate storytelling. The dynamic panel of creative visionaries included Will “King Willonius” Hatcher, a comedian and AI storyteller; Lindsay Peoples, the Editor in Chief of New York Magazine’s The Cut; filmmaker Aaliyah Williams; and Mike Muse, a pop culture expert and host of SiriusXM’s “The Mike Muse Show.” Moderated by Cori Murray, the executive vice president of editorial content at EBONY Magazine, the discussion explored how AI can be a powerful instrument that empowers creative professionals to manifest ideas, visions, and inspiration.

“AI is in our lives. It’s not writing our stories, but it is helping. And I can see that it is truly a creative partner,” said Murray in her opening remarks.

Muse, an ABC News contributor, said AI has drastically reduced the amount of time he used to spend preparing for on-air appearances and interviews. Rather than taking hours to sift through vast amounts of data, Muse uses ChatGPT to find relevant information, trends, and insights specific to the subject matter at hand.

“I used to have to tirelessly [research] the night before I had a [TV] hit,” he said. “I would research numbers. I would research historical facts. I would go back to the 1960s. I would go back to the 1970s. I would go back to what the framers of the Constitution were thinking,” he continued. “That is painstaking. It is painstaking to be accurate. It is painstaking to be data-led.”

Although using AI has decreased Muse’s prep time, he noted that the AI can’t replace someone’s ability to understand, recite, or contextualize the data. Nor does it have the ability to make a real-life appearance.

“It can’t do the conversation for me on television,” he said. “You have to be smart in order to read the data. You have to be smart in order to interpret the data.” He added, “you also have to [fact] check the data that you’ve been given.”

Similarly, Peoples said she uses AI to help her synthesize and pinpoint key information in 250-page legal documents.

Williams said using Chat has given her more time for leisure and socializing by helping her compose recommendation letters and review film scripts.

“I call my ChatGPT ‘Lumie,’” she told the audience. “I figured out how I can shape my ChatGPT in my image, in my voice, and in how I write notes to some of my creative partners.”

MVAAFF — Source: **Will “King Willonius” Hatcher, comedian and AI storyteller (Photo courtesy of OpenAI)**

Hatcher, who created the viral AI-generated song “BBL Drizzy” in 2023, credits ChatGPT for his breakthrough in Hollywood.

“Originally, I started using AI to try to break into Hollywood. I had a bunch of scripts, and I started making AI movie trailers based on my scripts.”

He also revealed his plans to turn “BBL Drizzy” into a narrative dome experience at a planetarium, which uses immersive, full-dome video, narrated storytelling, and interactive features to tell stories.

“I would not have been able to do that without AI. It allows you to dream bigger and then figure out ways to execute on your vision.”

Muse added that AI tools have helped democratize the entry point into the entertainment industry. As a result, this could decentralize gatekeeping in Hollywood and captapult new storytellers.

“It’s reducing the financial barrier to allow individuals who may not have had access,” he said, noting that AI helps individuals write scripts and create movies without big budgets, resources, or access to studios.

“Hollywood has got to be on notice that the disruption is coming. It’s a matter of how we think about it, how we partner with it, how we reposition, how we recreate, and how we upskill the craftsmen that are part of it so that they don’t get left out,” said Muse.

The panelist went on to emphasize the need for Black creators to educate themselves about AI to avoid getting left behind in today’s intelligence age.

“We have to lean in and start utilizing these tools,” said Hatcher.

Following the discussion, Hatcher explained how AI has not only helped him ascend as both a creator and entrepreneur, but it has also transformed his life.

“AI has unlocked all of my creativity. It has allowed me to express myself, and it’s really empowered me as a creative and a business owner to just do things that I didn’t think were possible. Like with AI agents and automation tools, you can operate like you’re a much larger organization,” he told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “You can story tell in ways you’ve never been able to in the past,” he continued.

“Leading into 2026, we’re going to see a lot more innovation happen, especially as it pertains to the AI film space. So, I just want us to be prepared and not get blindsided.”

Spike Lee, Denzel Washington, highest 2 Lowest

by Ahsan Washington

September 19, 2025

Movies Spike Lee And Denzel Washington Have Collabed On From ‘Highest 2 Lowest’

The dynamic duo have a mutual respect for one another

Spike Lee and Denzel Washington have forged one of the most lasting actor-director partnerships in contemporary cinema. Throughout the years, they’ve collaborated on a total of five films that delve into Black themes of music, politics, family, crime, and morality. The dynamic duo have a mutual respect for one another and have become good friends over the span of their careers. Lee and Washington’s partnership highlights their versatility and cultural significance, not just a key moment in their careers but also meaningful contributions to American cinema.

Lee and Washington came together once again for the highly anticipated film Highest 2 Lowest, but also, here’s a glance at every Lee-directed film that featured Denzel Washington as his leading man.

Malcolm X

The Malcolm X movie was released Nov. 18, 1992. The biopic traces the evolution of civil rights leader Malcolm X from a hustler to a minister and ultimately, a revolutionary icon. In one of his most lauded performances, Denzel Washington embodies Malcolm X, highlighting his impact and lasting legacy.

He Got Game

In He Got Game, which premiered on May 1, 1998, Washington plays the role of Jake Shuttlesworth, a father who is incarcerated. Temporarily released, Jake’s goal is to persuade his son, a basketball prodigy named Jesus Shuttlesworth (played by Ray Allen), to commit to the governor’s alma mater. This touching film delves into themes of family strife, ambition, and redemption.

Inside Man

Inside Man, released on March 24, 2006, is a gripping heist thriller that centers on detective Keith Frazier, played by Denzel Washington. Frazier is assigned to negotiate with a clever bank robber, portrayed by Clive Owen, all while uncovering a concealed conspiracy. The film expertly combines suspense with deep inquiries into justice and morality.

Mo’ Better Blues

Mo’ Better Blues, released on Aug. 3, 1990, is a film that explores loyalty, artistry, and sacrifice through the lens of New York City’s vibrant jazz scene. Bleek Gilliam, portrayed by Washington, is a gifted jazz trumpeter torn between his unwavering devotion to music and his personal relationships.

Highest 2 Lowest

Washington portrays David King, a rich music executive whose driver’s son is accidentally abducted. This contemporary reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s novel High and Low delves into themes of power, class, and integrity. The film, which hit theaters on Sept. 13, 2025, features Washington in the leading role, having to make heavy decisions with heavy consequences.

US Justice Department, Ticketmaster, Live Nation, Suing

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 19, 2025

Ticketmaster And Live Nation Sued By FTC Over ‘Illegal’ Resale Tactics

Ticketmaster and Live Nation are facing a new lawsuit over alleged illegal ticket resale practices.

The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation, accusing the companies of using “illegal” tactics in the ticket resale market.

The FTC filed the lawsuit in California federal court on Sept. 18, with seven states joining the lawsuit, including Florida, Illinois, and Virginia, CNBC reported. The lawsuit accuses Ticketmaster and Live Nation of conspiring with scalpers to “unlawfully purchase” tickets and inflate their profits.

“[Ticketmaster and Live Nation’s] illegal conduct frustrates artists’ desire to maintain affordable ticket prices that fit the needs of ordinary American families, costing ordinary fans millions of dollars every year,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit accuses Ticketmaster of using a “bait-and-switch” strategy by advertising lower ticket prices before raising them with added fees. It also claims the company lets brokers exceed ticket limits to boost resale profits and violates the Better Online Ticket Sales Act.

Ticketmaster is accused of “triple dipping” by profiting from fees paid by brokers on the primary market, brokers on the secondary market, and consumers on resold tickets. From 2019 to 2024, Ticketmaster raked in $3.7 billion in profits, while artists and fans bore the costs, the FTC said.

“I want an injunction that tells Ticketmaster, ‘You can’t do this.’ You can’t you can’t screw ordinary American consumers who just want to go to a baseball game or a concert, so that brokers can make massive profits and Ticketmaster can share in those profits,’” FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said.

Ticketmaster’s alleged practices have sparked lawsuits in the U.S. and abroad. In the U.K., the company is under investigation for its use of “dynamic pricing,” a tactic that raises ticket costs based on market demand. The latest example of alleged dynamic pricing came with ticket sales for Britpop band Oasis’s reunion concerts.

The FTC’s case comes on the heels of a Justice Department lawsuit seeking to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster over alleged antitrust violations and monopoly power in the ticketing industry. That lawsuit stemmed from a 2022 probe launched after backlash from Taylor Swift fans over Eras Tour ticket prices.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 19, 2025

Technical Simplicity: Audi Concept C Profiles At IAA Mobility Show In Munich, Germany

Nothing short of phenomenal, the two-seat Concept C paves the way for a bevy of forthcoming Audi vehicles engineered from a formula incorporating simplicity and technical precision.

Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins

The advanced Audi Concept C is a product of the German automaker’s storied heritage, integrated into a simple yet modern design philosophy for the future. Inspired by the Type D Silver Arrow race car and the Audi TT–with influences from the R8–the RWD Concept C features an upright grille, clean surfaces, strong shoulder lines, and a centrally located battery.

I first laid eyes on the electric hardtop roadster at the industry-leading IAA Mobility Show in Munich, which focuses on human-centric technologies, safety advancements, and software-based automobile applications. Yes, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, but the Concept C consciously grasped everyone’s attention (including me) at the various venues Audi displayed it at.

I enjoy visiting Germany to immerse myself in its principles that focus on humanitarian needs and infrastructure enhancement. Some of its values and tenets include healthy and wholesome culinary experiences, welcoming visitors with respect and hospitality, uplifting its people with community services, and, of course, producing stellar, innovative German machines. There has always been a certain appeal within American culture that an Audi instills when you park it in your driveway, especially if you opt for an RS variant!

Nothing short of phenomenal, the two-seat Concept C paves the way for a bevy of forthcoming Audi vehicles engineered from a formula incorporating simplicity and technical precision. For example, the roadster’s new roof concept combines the elegance of a coupé with an open-top experience. The retractable hardtop opens and closes quickly, comprising two roof elements that enable the vehicle to maintain a uniform shape. And though it’s a concept, Audi will bring the sports car to life as a production model in 2027.

Some of the keystone exterior features include a new light theme incorporating four horizontally arranged elements in each headlight and taillight, a titanium-painted finish to bring out the precision, lightness, and strength of the Concept C, and two-tone 21” rims optimized for aerodynamics. The spokes are hollowed out to reduce weight. To stride through the wind like a swordfish in oceans, Audi enhanced the Concept C with racing componentry made from composite, polished carbon fiber.

Inside the cozy cockpit, you will find a 10.4″ foldable center display, haptic controls on the center console, physical controls finished in anodized aluminum, a round steering wheel featuring the four rings of Audi in a metal finish, metal door handles, and seats made out of natural materials to create a refined environment.

Audi’s ambition is to remain a global tech driver while decarbonizing the automobile. Yet, as the German automaker moves fluidly into the future like a ‘90s point guard from NY, the goal is to reduce the sensationalization of overly complicated technology. Thus, less becomes more.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 19, 2025

Law Enforcement Investigating Rope Found Hanging From Tree Outside APEX Museum In Atlanta

'Officers are investigating the circumstances. At this time, there is nothing significant to report.'

A troubling scene was discovered outside the APEX museum in Atlanta, after workers found a rope hanging from a tree, which was visible to the public.

According to 11 Alive, law enforcement started an investigation after the discovery of the hanging rope from a tree outside the APEX Museum, next to the campus of Georgia State University. The Atlanta Police Department, along with the Georgia Homeland Security, is investigating the incident, but has stopped short of labeling the rope a noose. However, the speculation is inferred, especially with the current political climate.

The police department gave a statement saying, “Officers are investigating the circumstances. At this time, there is nothing significant to report.”

Dan Moore, Jr., who is the President and CEO of APEX Museum, took to social media after the discovery of the hanging rope.

“For Black communities in the United States, a noose is a symbol of terror representing lynchings, hatred, racial violence, and a system that once publicly sanctioned the murder of Blacks to enforce white supremacy. Placed beside a museum dedicated to Black life and resilience, the rope reads as an act of intimidation: a clear message intended to wound…silence…and to remind people that the same threats and violence of our country’s past can be conjured in the present.”

He added that we must be resilient as a community against the purported symbol of fear that has been placed near an institution that reminds us of America’s racist history. Although the sight of a rope hanging has typically been a symbol of racism and hate, Homeland Security refused to call the rope a “noose,” despite the supposed meaning behind the hanging rope. Still, it was kept as evidence for the investigation.

“It was deemed not to be a ‘noose’”’ by Homeland Security and has since been removed from the premises for evidence.”

Kyler Winston-Kendricks, who is employed at the museum, stated that this incident occurred right before the commemoration of the 1906 (Atlanta) race massacre.

Howard University, HBCU. tailgate, homecoming, celebration, canceled, cancellation

by Jameelah Mullen

September 19, 2025

Jamaican Scholars At Howard University Receive $100K In Scholarships

The HBCU experience goes global.

Howard University students of Jamaican heritage received significant financial aid thanks to the Jamaican Howard University Affinity Network (JHUAN). The organization awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to 26 students during its 7th annual HUes of Blue awards ceremony, held on September 13.

The recipients are full-time students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Each awardee, either born in Jamaica or of Jamaican descent, received $4,000 to help cover educational costs.

In addition to awarding scholarships, JHUAN recognized two Howard alumni. Arlene Isaacs-Lowe, Independent Board Director for Compass Group PLC, and Christopher Williams, former CEO of NCB Capital Markets, received Impact Awards for their professional achievements and community service.

Founded in 2018 by Jamaica’s former Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, and Howard University’s 17th President, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, JHUAN was created to mentor and financially support students of Jamaican heritage. The network also works to expand opportunities for students, increase their visibility, and foster a culture of giving back to the university.

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A post shared by Jamaica HU Affinity Network (@jhuan1867)

This year’s gala featured a keynote speech by Jamaica’s U.S. Ambassador, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson. After presenting the awards, Ambassador Anderson congratulated the students and urged them to donate to JHUAN after they’ve graduated, to ensure that future students will have the same opportunities.

JHUAN President and Howard University Board of Trustees member, Don Chastian, echoed that sentiment.
“As an alumnus who has benefited greatly from Howard University, it is important that we look for ways to support our academic institutions and pay it forward,” Chastian told the Jamaica Observer.

“JHUAN exists to inspire our students to dream more, learn more, and become more. That is what we hope to inculcate with the help of our partners, donors, and academic institutions,” Chastian said.

At the event, JHUAN received a $100,000 donation from Howard alumna Lisa Brown Alexander, along with an additional $100,000 for the scholarship fund, according to Caribbean News Weekly.

Since its inception, JHUAN has awarded 115 scholarships totaling $463,000.