Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide To Host Panel On Legacy Building For Black Beauty Brands AT IBS NYC

As the beauty industry continues to shift and major retailers scale back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the need for independent growth in Black beauty has never been more urgent. Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide is convening industry leaders to address these critical issues at the International Beauty Show (IBS) NYC Powerhouse Pavilion on March 24, 2025.

The panel, "Building Legacy Brands: The Future of Black-Owned Beauty Businesses," will explore the challenges and opportunities Black beauty professionals and entrepreneurs face in an evolving market. Experts will discuss strategies for navigating retail shifts, securing funding, and creating brands that thrive beyond corporate DEI cycles.

Moderated by Sadiaa founder Stephenetta (Isis) Harmon, panelists include:

• Rodney Barnett – Trichologist and CEO, Innovations Today
• Corey Huggins – Founder/CEO, Ready to Beauty
• Autumn Yarbrough – Founder/CEO, Nu Standard

Despite Black consumers spending $10.2 billion in 2024 on beauty in the U.S., Black-owned brands account for less than 3% of sales in the industry. And, with traditional retail spaces becoming increasingly competitive, Black beauty brands must rethink their approach to growth.

Huggins urges entrepreneurs to focus on self-reliance and collective strength:

"While systemic inequities are real, we must also take ownership of how we navigate and overcome them. That means shifting our focus to building internal strength—pooling resources, creating our own distribution channels, and leveraging our collective power to set industry standards. By being on the panel, I hope to highlight the internal power we already possess and make it clear that we are not waiting for permission, validation, or access—we are creating our own paths."

As beauty professionals play a critical role in connecting products with consumers, Barnett underscores the importance of education in retailing:

"One of the hardest challenges for a Black manufacturer is securing the right distribution for its brand," said Barnett. "Cosmetologists and barbers are the best choices for educating the public, yet they were never properly taught how to retail. If professionals generate six figures in services, they should also generate six figures in retail. That would preserve the Black brand."

While Yarbrough has experienced challenges in both retail and direct-to-consumer sales, she emphasizes green beauty as a key factor in long-term success:

"Building sustainable Black-owned beauty brands is essential because it places us at the forefront of environmental stewardship and economic empowerment. By prioritizing waste reduction, we're not just cutting costs; we're also fueling innovation that directly benefits our communities."

Sadiaa invites IBA attendees to join these thought leaders in conversation as they provide actionable strategies to build legacy brands that extend beyond trends and corporate initiatives. Beauty professionals, stylists, and entrepreneurs alike will gain key insights into creating long-term business success in an ever-changing industry.

"Building Black beauty brands isn't just about the entrepreneurs behind them—it's about building generational and communal wealth, as well as championing representation with products that serve diverse consumers," said Stephenetta (Isis) Harmon. "We want attendees to walk away with actionable strategies to build and maintain visible, profitable, and influential businesses -- no matter the market conditions."

IBS New York takes place March 23-25, 2025, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in NYC. "Building Legacy Brands" panel will be hosted on Monday, March 24 at 2 PM.

Dr. Robert Scott Named President of Albany State University

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) named Dr. Robert Scott president of Albany State University (ASU), effective May 1, 2025. 

Dr. Scott, who holds a Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology, will return to higher education  after almost two decades working in the private sector. He is currently the president of research and development at The Kraft Heinz Co. Dr. Scott has also served in executive roles at Abbott Nutrition and The Coca-Cola Co. He spent his early career teaching and serving as an administrator at Boston College, Spelman College and Norfolk State University.

“Dr. Scott is a five-star recruit, someone with both industry expertise and academic experience who will advance Albany State’s mission and cement its impact helping students find success in today’s workforce,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “He has experience in improving large organizations, simplifying processes and making the best use of resources. More importantly, he’s committed to fostering an environment at this important HBCU where all faculty, staff and students can thrive.”

“We’re also deeply grateful to interim President Lawrence Drake for his work to advance ASU’s commitment to student success and strengthen its engagement with the community,” Perdue said.

Dr. Scott’s appointment to the presidency follows a rigorous seven-month national search in which he was named the sole finalist. ASU has been led by Drake since July 1, 2024, following the departure of President Marion Ross Fedrick to serve as executive vice president and chief of staff to the president of Georgia State University.

“My goal as president will be to ensure that Albany State University operates at the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness and maintains financial health, all while expanding growth opportunities for students and the university,” Dr. Scott said.  “I believe that ASU is more than a great institution — it is also an amazing brand that must be cultivated and elevated.”

“Everything we do speaks to the brand of Albany State,” Dr. Scott said.  “From academic programs to athletics, student services to community engagement, alumni successes to corporate partnerships, we must ensure our actions reflect excellence, innovation and a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. My executive accountabilities at some of the world’s largest corporations and top-tier universities have uniquely prepared me to lead ASU into a new era of recognition, growth and innovation.”

About Dr. Robert Scott

Born in New Jersey and raised in Suffolk, Virginia, Dr. Scott was the first in his family to attend college. He attended Norfolk State University, a historically Black university in Norfolk, Virginia, as a DNIMAS Scholar. The DNIMAS Scholar program, created through a generous gift to the university, addresses the severe shortage of minority scientists in the workforce by attracting and producing undergraduates who can complete graduate degrees in STEM. After earning a biology degree from Norfolk State, he then entered the graduate program at Georgia Tech, with a research focus in cell and molecular biology, and became the first DNIMAS Scholar to receive a Ph.D.

After receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Scott became a biology professor at Norfolk State. He later served as an associate dean at both Boston College and Spelman College. In these roles, he gained leadership experience, oversaw curriculum development, secured research funding and mentored future leaders, all while prioritizing student success.

In his most recent role at The Kraft Heinz Co., Dr. Scott worked to transform the company’s R&D organization model, departmental strategy and culture in order to drive business transformation.  Among his responsibilities, he worked to foster partnerships between corporations and universities.

“These types of industry-academia partnerships create benefits like research funding, student co-ops, internships and permanent employment placements, as well as endowed faculty positions,” Dr. Scott said.

In his time at Kraft Heinz, he led a R&D transformation that has helped the company track toward delivering an innovation growth goal of $2 billion in incremental sales, increased revenue attributed to innovation by double digits and created a culture of engagement which led to a reduction in voluntary turnover in his organization by more than 50%.

At Abbott Nutrition, Dr. Scott led a global team to deliver science and technology-based nutritional products to consumers and healthcare providers. During his tenure at The Coca-Cola Co., he led corporate teams in the United States, Europe and Asia from Atlanta and then lived abroad in Mexico to lead Coca-Cola’s Latin America R&D organization, helping to commercialize consumer-centric product innovations and packaging solutions that supported company environmental and sustainability goals. Dr. Scott also worked for Procter & Gamble as a senior scientist. In each corporate role, academic partnerships were a key enabler of his success

Emelia Timpo, Ph.D. wins the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD®

The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD, one of the most prestigious book award programs globally for independent authors, publishers, and illustrators, recognized "Perseverance a Memoir: One Woman's Journey from Ghana to the United Nations" by Emelia Timpo, Ph.D. as the winner in the African American Nonfiction category.

The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Selected IPA Award Winners and Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence.

"Perseverance a Memoir: One Woman's Journey from Ghana to the United Nations" by Emelia Timpo, Ph.D. is a story of a young child growing up in a meagre but loving environment surrounded by strong affirming women, most with limited education, in the Garden City of Kumasi, Ghana. It demonstrates the power of perseverance in the face of all odds and presents a refreshing new look on the importance of ensuring the mind’s freedom from external limitations and prejudices.

Synopsis:
In the Garden City of Kumasi, Ghana, a compelling story unfolds – a triumphant tale of a young child navigating life's twists and turns within a meager yet loving environment. Surrounded by strong and affirming women, many with limited education, the narrative becomes a testament to the extraordinary power of perseverance.

Should we cling to our childhood dreams, guarding them against the trials of life? Or, in the face of myriad setbacks, should we summon the strength to break free from that which threatens to hold us back? These questions resonate at the heart of this inspiring journey.

This is not just a story; it's a revelation of resilience and the unwavering spirit that propels one forward. Through challenges and setbacks, the protagonist emerges as a beacon of determination, challenging conventional norms and redefining the limits imposed by external forces. Amid adversity, this tale urges readers to embrace the importance of liberating the mind from external limitations and prejudices. It's a call to arms for those who dare to dream beyond societal expectations, demonstrating that true freedom comes from within.

Embark on a transformative journey, where the echoes of Kumasi's Garden City form the backdrop to a narrative that goes beyond cultural borders. Join us in exploring the refreshing perspective that emerges when the human spirit, fueled by love and perseverance, defies the odds.

In 2025, the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD saw participation from journalists, well established authors, and small, medium and large publishers across the globe, including those residing in Australia, Canada, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Winners were chosen from publishers such as Amplify Publishing Group, Black Rose Writing, Blackstone Publishing, BookBaby, Calumet Editions, Globe Pequot, Finishing Line Press, Gatekeepers Press, Hachette Go (Blanco of Grand Central Publishing), HarperCollins Leadership, Ideapress Publishing, IVP Kids, Koehler Books, Mad Cave Studios, North Dakota State University Press, Oceanview, Publishing Old Stone Press, Pegasus Books, Post Hill Press, Red T Kid's Media, Rowman & Littlefield, She Writes Press, University of California Press, and University of Georgia Press.

“The 2025 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD awardees included the excellence and diversity of global independent publishing,” said Gabrielle Olczak, IPA President and Award Sponsor. "There is no stopping independent publishing. It provides unparalleled content and quality to consumers worldwide and we are excited to showcase this year's honorees to the world.”

Dr. Emelia Timpo, Ph.D will be recognized, along with other award-winning authors from four different continents, at the Awards Dinner & Ceremony, https://www.independentpressaward.com/awardsdinner, held on May 2, 2025.

About the Author
Having dedicated 17 years to leadership roles within the United Nations, including positions at UNAIDS and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Dr. Timpo has made a significant impact. Her focus on gender issues spans women's economic and political empowerment, capacity building of women's organizations, and the seamless integration of gender concerns in technical programming.

Born and raised in Ghana, Dr. Timpo holds a Ph.D. in Botany and Plant Physiology from Rutgers University, a Master of Science in Agronomy from Cornell University, and a Post-Graduate professional certification in Non-Profit Institutions Management from New York University. Her journey began with a bachelor's degree in agricultural science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. A former member of the President’s Council of Cornell Women, she has excelled in her academic and professional pursuits. To find out more more, please visit: https://www.emeliatimpo.com/

First African American to walk in space, Dr. Bernard Harris, joins U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame

Dr. Bernard Harris, the first African American to walk in space, is set to be inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame on May 31 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

“Being inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor, made even more special by the fact that it comes from my peers,” Harris said. “This recognition isn’t just about my accomplishments. It is also a testament to the teamwork and dedication of everyone who shared this amazing journey with me along the way.”Hailing from Texas, Harris earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Houston in 1978 before pursuing medical school. After completing his residency at the Mayo Clinic and a fellowship at NASA’s Ames Research Center, he joined NASA as a clinical scientist and flight surgeon, entering the astronaut training program in 1990.

In 1993, Harris flew on Space Shuttle Columbia during mission STS-55, where he conducted significant research and experiments. His groundbreaking second mission, STS-63, on Space Shuttle Discovery in 1995, marked a historic milestone as he became the first African American to walk in space.

Throughout his career, Harris logged 437 hours in space and traveled over 7 million miles.

[SOURCE: ROCKETCITY]

Online Museum of African Americans Doctors: A New Museum For a New Era

The Tardieu Museum, an online Museum of African Americans with a focus on Black medical professionals proudly announces its official launch, offering a virtual space dedicated to preserving and celebrating the profound contributions of Blacks and their medical professionals throughout history. From ancient African healers to modern-day pioneers in medicine, this groundbreaking museum highlights the resilience, innovation, and excellence of Blacks, their doctors and other professionals across centuries.

“The history of Black doctors is deeply intertwined with the fight for justice, education, and healthcare equity,” said Dr. Marie-Ange D. Tardieu, the medical director of Skin Longevity Clinic and Curator of the Online Museum of African Americans. “This museum is more than just a collection of stories—it’s a tribute to those who paved the way and an inspiration for future generations.”

A Journey Through History

The Online Museum of African Americans and of the Black Doctors among them offers a rich, interactive experience that explores:

✅ Ancient Healers – The roots of Black medical knowledge, from African herbalists to early American healers.

✅ The Fight for Education – The struggle for Black students to enter medical schools and achieve professional recognition.

✅ Medical Pioneers – Trailblazers who broke barriers, founded institutions, and advanced medical science.

✅ Civil Rights & Medicine – The role of Black doctors in advocating for healthcare rights and racial justice.

✅ Modern-Day Achievements – The ongoing impact of Black medical professionals shaping the future of healthcare.

Why This Museum Matters

For centuries, Black healers and doctors have not only healed individuals but also empowered communities, challenged discrimination, and redefined medical excellence. Understanding this history is essential in recognizing progress while addressing the ongoing fight for healthcare equity.

The virtual museum is accessible worldwide, making it an invaluable educational resource for students, researchers, and anyone passionate about history, medicine, and social justice.

Join Us in Celebrating This Legacy

The Online Museum of African Americans with a focus on Black Doctors invites the public to explore, learn, and honor the enduring contributions of Blacks and Black medical professionals. Visit us at www.MuseumofAfricanAmericans.org to experience the journey firsthand.

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact Dr. Marie-Ange D. Tardieu at info@MuseumofafricanAmericans.org

About the Online Museum of African Americans

The Online Museum of African Americans is a virtual institution dedicated to preserving and sharing African Americans through history and in medicine. Through interactive exhibits, historical narratives, and educational resources, the museum highlights the struggles, triumphs, and impact of Blacks and their medical professionals throughout history.

📍 Website: www.MuseumofAfricanAmericans.org