The new year offers a fresh start and an opportunity to rethink how we support Black culture and businesses. Recent pullbacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by many corporations have created setbacks for Black entrepreneurs and communities. These changes have made it harder for Black-owned businesses to thrive and for Black culture to receive the recognition and support it deserves. This moment calls for intentional actions that go beyond corporate prog

Founder, Aspiring Minds Wellness Center Kenatta Bethea is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), an accredited Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) provider, and founder of Aspiring Minds Wellness Center, an integrative psychiatric practice serving children, adolescents, and adults. With over 12 years of experience across residential and inpatient treatment, outpatient services, and community mental health programs, Kenatta brings a wealth

Wellness doesn’t have to feel complicated. That’s the philosophy guiding Coach Fannie , founder of Create Your World. She believes taking care of yourself should be enjoyable, accessible, and inspiring, not another item on your to-do list. Through her signature juices, supplements, workshops, and coaching programs, Coach Fannie helps people find simple, sustainable ways to eat better, move more, and nurture their minds and bodies. Her approach goes beyond diets or fitness fad

From the Southside of Chicago, Lynn Solar is redefining what it means to be a multifaceted creator. A musician, actress, and founder of Purple Crown Productions, she blends artistry and entrepreneurship to craft experiences that empower, inspire, and foster connection. Purple Crown Productions was born from a desire for freedom and impact. “I needed to have more control over my life instead of being at the mercy of systems and cultures that are unsafe and toxic,” Lynn shares.