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Why Chicago matters to the Soul Train story-and why the awards’ return is significant. Some cultural moments feel bigger than an event. The return of the Soul Train Awards to Chicago is one of them. Chicago has long been one of the most influential cities in Black music and culture. From soul and gospel to house, R&B and hip-hop, the city has helped shape the sound, style and movement of generations. That makes Chicago a fitting homecoming for Soul Train. Long before Soul Tra

On September 11, 2001, Keithroy Marcellus Maynard was one of the firefighters who ran toward the World Trade Center. But before he became one of the names remembered from that day, he was a son, a husband, a father and a young Black man building a life around service. Born in Montserrat, Maynard moved to New York as a teenager. His father, Captain Reynold White, was an FDNY firefighter and member of the Vulcan Society, an organization dedicated to advancing Black firefighters

CHICAGO - Leadership doesn’t always look the same. It can mean improving a neighborhood, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, strengthening health systems, protecting the environment, or helping people have a greater voice in their communities. For 155 people around the world, that work will now include the Obama Foundation. The Foundation has introduced its 2026–2027 class of Obama Leaders, bringing together changemakers from 64 countries and territories across Africa,

Culture Loft has released its August issue, bringing together stories that celebrate the people, ideas, and experiences shaping Black culture today. The issue features Miko Branch on the cover, offering readers a closer look at her journey, perspective, and the legacy of Miss Jessie’s. Inside, readers will also find Dion Dawson, founder of Dion’s Chicago Dream, and Jay Rush Jennings, alongside editorial coverage of the Black Women’s Expo in Chicago. From entrepreneurship and

For Black women, being strong, dependable, and available for others can sometimes come with an unspoken expectation to simply keep going even when we are tired, overwhelmed, or in need of support ourselves. Writer, Self-Care Strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of NaKeesa Marie Enterprises™, NaKeesa Frazier-Jennings is encouraging Black women to look at self-care differently. Through her writing, workshops, advocacy, and The Self-Care Engineer™ Podcast, Frazier-Jennings prom

Black Women’s Expo 2026: A Celebration of Community, Conversation & Culture For more than 30 years, the Black Women’s Expo has created a space where entrepreneurship, culture, wellness, education, and community intersect. Founded by Merry Green, the expo has grown into one of the country’s most recognized celebrations of Black women, providing a platform where businesses, leaders, creators, and change-makers can connect and thrive. The 2026 Black Women’s Expo returned to Chic

How founder Yani Milaun transformed a love for creativity, nostalgia, and design into a home goods brand built around self-expression. Home is more than a physical space. It’s where memories are created, where creativity comes alive, and where we find comfort after the world asks so much of us. For Bronx native and creative entrepreneur Yani Milaun, that belief became the foundation for building Tsunami Supply, a home goods brand designed to help people create spaces that ref

Growing a business takes more than posting on social media and hoping the right people find you. It takes visibility, genuine connections, and opportunities that help your brand stand out for all the right reasons. That’s exactly where Medianosh comes in. Founded by Kanosha, Medianosh was created to help entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and purpose-driven leaders get in front of the people who matter most. The platform is built on a simple belief: great businesses deserve to be see

Healthy feet are often overlooked, but at NailCandy1122, foot care is viewed as an essential part of overall wellness. Located in Perry Hall, Maryland, this Black woman-owned wellness nail studio specializes in waterless pedicures and medical-focused foot care, creating a safe, hygienic, and elevated experience for every client. Under the leadership of Certified Master Pedicurist and Certified Medical Pedicurist Tarsha Johns-Avent, NailCandy1122 serves clients of all ages, in

For many Black families, wellness didn’t begin with expensive supplements or luxury health stores. It started in our kitchens, gardens, and conversations in the family. Over time, the knowledge and just the concept of wellness became harder to access and understand. Wellness began to feel complicated and harder to access. Holmes Hydration is helping to change that. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, the Black-owned wellness brand creates small-batch herbal teas, infused honeys, in

Self-care is a commitment to honoring yourself. At Shy’s Beauty Stop, beauty meets wellness through plant-based skincare, body care, and hair care products designed to help people slow down, reconnect, and embrace their natural glow. Founded as a Black woman-owned brand, Shy’s Beauty Stop creates high-quality products made with natural ingredients for all skin and hair types, including beard care. From nourishing soaps and exfoliating scrubs to luxurious body oils, moisturize

Jay Rush Jennings continues to evolve as an artist with the release of his latest single, “On Me,” featuring Keyiara and Baby Blue of Pretty Ricky. Rooted in what Jay describes as his signature “Street-Soul” sound, the record blends a smooth melody with contemporary R&B influences, creating a track that feels relatable. The collaboration adds another layer bringing together distinct voices that complement one another. Whether you’re discovering Jay Rush Jennings for the first

In a world where fitness trends takes priority over long-term wellness, Ischyra Soma Fitness Pilates & Gyrotonic Wellness Center is redefining what it means to build a healthier life. Founded by Eshael Johnson, M.S., Ischyra Soma Fitness is a boutique wellness studio located at the intersection of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties, offering a personalized approach that empowers clients to move better, feel stronger, and live with greater confidence. Built on the belie

Home should be more than a place, it should be a sanctuary. That’s the philosophy behind Grace The Collection, a luxury home fragrance brand dedicated to creating moments of rest, ritual, and renewal through the power of scent. Featuring handcrafted candles, room and linen spritzes, and thoughtfully curated fragrance experiences, Grace The Collection transforms everyday routines into intentional moments of comfort and calm. Each product is designed to help create beautiful sp

Some of the most meaningful brands are born from deeply personal stories. Scentify Essence is one of them. Founded by DeeDee Tealer after the heartbreaking loss of her mother to lung cancer, Scentify Essence was created as a way to transform grief into something beautiful. What began as a personal journey of healing has grown into a luxury home fragrance brand dedicated to bringing peace, comfort, and warmth into the homes of others. Each handcrafted candle and home fragrance

Strong writing has the power to open doors, and Patricia Franklin is making sure more people have the tools to walk through them. As the founder of Franklin Freelance Writing Consulting, Patricia is passionate about helping individuals, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and businesses communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Her work extends beyond writing documents, it’s about helping people tell their stories in ways that create meaningful opportunities. Through her sign

By Deola Gaiter, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Culture Loft Magazine Some moments are bigger than an event, they become memories that stay with you forever. Covering the official Watch Party and Opening Day of the Obama Presidential Center was one of those moments. The Official Watch Party Upon walking into the official Grand Opening Watch Party at Midway Plaisance Parkway, the atmosphere immediately felt familiar. It was as if a family reunion, a neighborhood barbecue, and a su

Michelle Obama has already lived through one of the most visible chapters a person can experience—inside the White House, under constant global attention, representing not just a position, but a moment in history. But what’s powerful now is what has happened after that chapter. Over time, her legacy hasn’t faded into “former” status. It has grown into something more lasting—something people continue to connect with in a personal way. Not just because of what she did in office

We often hear that success comes from saying yes. Yes to opportunities. Yes to networking. Yes to being seen. But what no one talks about is the power of saying no. As you grow, you’ll realize that every opportunity comes with a cost. It may cost your time, your energy, your focus, or even your peace. That’s why the best opportunities aren’t always the biggest ones, they’re the ones that align with where you’re headed. Not every invitation deserves a spot on your calendar. No

Reclaiming the narrative, retaking the crown, & remembering our origins.