Greenwood Project Announces Strategic Board Expansion With Four Renowned Leaders

Greenwood Project, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering career pathways in financial services for Black and Latino college students, proudly welcomes four esteemed business professionals to its Board of Directors: Nick Cherney, Head of Innovation, Janus Henderson Investors, JJ Kinahan, CEO IG North America, Joe Lawler, Managing Director, Wind Point Partners, and Fred Martin, Executive Vice President and CFO, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

• As Head of Innovation at Janus Henderson Investors, Nick Cherney helps the firm and its clients identify, understand, and execute on longer horizon developments that have potentially disruptive impact to the way business is managed, and how clients manage their investments. Nick is also responsible for the firm's ETF business and is a member of the firm's Strategic Leadership Team. Previously, Nick was CIO and co-founder at VelocityShares until Janus' acquisition of the company in 2014.
  
  
• As CEO of IG North America, JJ Kinahan, helps scale the firm's primary businesses, tastylive, tastytrade and its tastyfx business. He was formerly Chief Market Strategist and Managing Director of market structure strategy and client advocacy as well as Managing Director of Active Trading Services for TD Ameritrade. He is a 30-year trading veteran and a regular CNBC guest.
  
  
• As Managing Director at Wind Point Partners, Joe Lawler has played a significant role in Wind Point's investments and value creation within the food and consumer products industries, including several Latino foods businesses. Beyond his work as an investment professional, Joe has been acknowledged for his leadership and remarkable impact on the firm's overall success and ongoing growth.
  
  
• As CFO at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Fred Martin oversees Corporate Accounting and Financial Planning, with additional responsibilities for the bank's Facility Management and Law Enforcement functions. Fred is also a member of the bank's Executive Committee and the Federal Reserve System's Advisory Group on Financial Management.

• "We are thrilled to welcome Nick Cherney, JJ Kinahan, Joe Lawler, and Fred Martin to Greenwood Project's Board of Directors," said Kwesi Smith, CEO of Greenwood Project. "Their wealth of experience and deep commitment to providing opportunities for our Scholars will allow Greenwood Project to expand its scale and impact."

  "The addition of these accomplished leaders to our board underscores their dedication to creating pathways of success for students who possess immense talent but lack traditional access to the financial services sector," said Kwesi Smith.

  Greenwood Project is a non-profit organization that envisions a finance industry without barriers to entry or advancement. The organization is on a mission to introduce Black and Latino college students to careers in finance through rigorous training and internships. With over 70 percent of Greenwood Project Scholars entering the field, the organization seeks industry partners to open their doors for internships and donations. For more information, please visit www.greenwoodproject.org.

ColorComm's 9th Annual Conference Will Convene July 24-July 26, 2024 at The Beverly Hilton

ColorComm, Inc., the nation's leading women's platform addressing diversity & inclusion across the communications, marketing, advertising, and media industries, will convene nearly 400 executive leaders during the 9th Annual ColorComm Conference at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, July 24-26, 2024.

The exclusive three-day business retreat begins Wednesday, July 24 with afternoon programming followed by the prestigious 9th Annual ColorComm Circle Awards, emceed by Media Personality Star Jones. The week will follow with a variety of programming to educate, entertain, and foster new business partnerships.

The conference will conclude on Friday, July 26 with ColorComm's Signature Luncheon, where Award-winning filmmaker Tonya Lewis Lee will serve as the Keynote Speaker.

The theme for this year's conference, "Reaching for More," is a call to action for attendees to continue career pursuits that lead to advancement in the workplace.

ColorComm's 9th Annual Conference marks the first time the event will be held in Los, Angeles, California.

"We are thrilled to welcome the ColorComm Community to Los Angeles for ColorComm's 9th Annual Conference. Now more than ever, ColorComm's Conference has become vital to making significant economic and community impact in our industry" said Lauren Wesley Wilson, Founder and CEO, ColorComm, Inc.

Sponsors of ColorComm's 9th Annual Conference include - AARP, JPMorgan Chase, Comcast, Victoria's Secret, Estee Lauder, NBC Universal, McDonald's, Johnson & Johnson, Pernod Ricard, Adtalem Global Education, Nielsen, Black Rock + many more.

Registration and additional information are available online at www.c2conference.com.

ColorComm Conference:
www.c2conference.com 

ALLEN MEDIA GROUP’S HBCU GO ANNOUNCES 26-GAME FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR THE 2024 SEASON

The Allen Media Group (AMG) free-streaming digital platform HBCU GO – the leading media provider for the nation’s 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – has announced the 2024 football season schedule. A total of 26 football matchups (see schedule below) highlight the 2024 season including 8 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), 9 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and 14 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) match-ups including the Southern Heritage Classic, 6 homecoming games, and the CIAA Football Championship.

"As we enter HBCU GO’s third football season, we are proud to showcase the very best HBCU match-ups,” said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of HBCU GO parent company, Allen Media Group. “Now is the time for HBCUs, and HBCU GO is the true destination for coverage of Black college sports and culture.”

“HBCU GO is poised to deliver the most comprehensive HBCU football game coverage ever to our audience,” said Curtis Symonds, President of HBCU GO. “We have 26 exciting match-ups on our slate this season, including the Southern Heritage Classic, six homecoming games, and the CIAA Football Championship.”

This year, viewers can watch HBCU GO games in a variety of ways – broadcast syndication in major television markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, Memphis, Detroit, Sacramento, Miami, Tampa, and Pittsburgh – and nationally on theGrio Television Network. Select games will also air across various digital platforms, including the HBCU GO mobile app and FAST channel that is available on AMG’s free-streaming platforms theGrio Gold and Local Now.

SYNDICATION GAMES + HBCU GO DIGITAL PLATFORM

Saturday August 31 - Game Time (EST) 3:00 pm
Virginia Union vs. Kentucky State @ Frankfort, KY
CIAA-SIAC

Saturday September 7 - Game Time (EST) 7:00 pm
Tuskegee vs. Grambling State @ Grambling, LA
SIAC-SWAC

Saturday September 14 - Game Time (EST) 3:00 pm
Southern Heritage Classic
Tennessee State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff @ Memphis, TN
OVC-SWAC

Saturday September 28 - Game Time (EST) 3:00 pm
Alabama State vs. Bethune-Cookman @ Daytona Beach, FL
SWAC

Saturday October 5 - Game Time (EST) 3:00 pm
Homecoming Game Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Alcorn State @ Lorman, MS
SWAC

Saturday October 12 - Game Time (EST) 3:00 pm
Homecoming Game Bethune-Cookman vs Alabama A&M @ Huntsville, AL
SWAC

Saturday October 19 - Game Time (EST) 3:00 pm
Homecoming Game
Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. Grambling State @ Grambling, LA
SWAC

Saturday October 26 - Game Time (EST) 3:00 pm
Homecoming Game
Jackson State vs. Bethune-Cookman @ Daytona Beach, FL
SWAC

Saturday November 2 - Game Time (EST) 3:00 pm
Southern vs. Alabama A&M @ Huntsville, AL
SWAC

Saturday November 9 - Game Time (EST) 3:00 pm
Mississippi Valley State vs. Jackson State @ Jackson, MS
SWAC

Saturday November 16 - Game Time (EST) 3:00 pm
CIAA Championship Game @ Salem, VA
CIAA

Saturday November 23 - Game Time (EST) 3:00 pm
Texas Southern vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff @ Pine Bluff, AR
SWAC

CABLE GAMES - THE GRIO TELEVISION NETWORK & THE GRIO GOLD

Saturday August 31 - Game Time (EST) 1:00 pm
Clark Atlanta vs.Fort Valley State @ Fort Valley, GA
SIAC

Saturday September 7 - Game Time (EST) 7:00 pm
Savannah State vs. Southern @ Baton Rouge, LA
SIAC-SWAC

Saturday September 14 - Game Time (EST) 1:00 pm
Kentucky State vs. Fort Valley State @ Fort Valley, GA
SIAC

Saturday September 21 - Game Time (EST) 1:00 pm
Winston-Salem vs. Virginia State @ Petersburg, VA
CIAA

Saturday September 28 - Game Time (EST) 1:00 pm
Miles College vs. Allen University @ Columbia, SC
SIAC

Saturday October 5 - Game Time (EST) 1:00 pm
Bowie State vs. Fayetteville State @ Fayetteville, NC
CIAA

Saturday October 12 - Game Time (EST) 1:00 pm
Homecoming Game
Clark Atlanta vs. Central State @ Wilberforce, OH
SIAC

Saturday October 19 - Game Time (EST) 1:00 pm
Homecoming Game
Bluefield State vs. Bowie State @ Bowie, MD
CIAA

Saturday October 26 - Game Time (EST) 1:00 pm
Johnson C. Smith vs. Winston-Salem State @ Winston-Salem, NC
CIAA

Saturday November 2 - Game Time (EST) 1:00 pm
Benedict vs. Fort Valley @ Fort Valley, GA
SIAC

Saturday November 9 - Game Time (EST) 1:00 pm
Virginia Union vs. Virginia State @ Petersburg, VA
CIAA

Saturday November 16 - Game Time (EST) 1:00 pm
Mississippi Valley State vs. Florida A&M @ Tallahassee, FL
SWAC

Saturday November 23 - Game Time (EST) 1:00 pm
Alabama A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State @ Itta Bena, MS
SWAC

For more information about HBCU GO, visit HBCUGO.tv or follow the streaming network on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

Find out where to watch and download the FREE app at: How to Watch | HBCU GO

Radio host who interviewed Pres. Biden and then resigned from radio station issues statement

Former WURD radio host, Andrea Lawful-Sanders issued the following statement after resigning from the station after her interview with President Joe Biden in which she asked questions provided by the Biden campaign.

Good morning, here is my statement in regards to my departure from

WURD

Integrity, Transparency, and Authenticity: Statement by Andrea Lawful-Sanders

When I was first asked to come to WURD Radio, it was not because I am a journalist. I am not. It was not because I was a seasoned radio show host. I was not. The call came because my work and reputation as a trusted educational consultant, leadership empowerment coach (for youth, families, and teachers), student advocate, author, and public speaker described me. I arrived at WURD with one intention: Serve the Greater Philadelphia region truthfully, transparently, and most importantly, with love. Listeners saw and felt this, and as a result, opportunities at and beyond WURD expanded.

Since I arrived at WURD Radio in October 2019, I have hosted and moderated countless events, including community broadcasts, industry events, and a debate for our most recent mayoral election which saw Philadelphia welcome its first Black and woman mayor. In this role, I have had the great honor of amplifying the voices and concerns of the Black community (including Black journalists) while centering our challenges and successes. This is why Black media matters: You don’t have to be a journalist to tell or amplify the stories of your people. You must, however, be transparent, empowered, and of pure heart to serve your community.

On July 2, 2024, I received a call from the White House communications team inviting me to speak with President Biden. As an independent contractor for WURD, it has been a standard practice to book my interviews and develop questions for my guests without knowledge, consultation, or collaboration from station management. Upon accepting the invitation, I began working with the team regarding suggested topics to be discussed. Throughout my communications with the White House communications team, there was never any guarantee that the interview would be aired on WURD as they contacted me directly and, to my knowledge, not the station. Regarding the suggested questions selected for the interview, I was clear with the White House communications team about the topics most important to our listeners, rejecting any that did not address them. They respected my notes, question edits, and license to change, add or ignore their suggested questions. I cannot stress enough that it is not uncommon for high-profile people to submit suggested questions. We can choose to reject or use them - or to be inspired to include relevant questions based on an intimate understanding of our audience. However, I appreciate how this has allowed stakeholders in the media to revisit this industry-wide practice.

The station manager learned of the interview from the White House briefing room shortly before it was conducted. Once the interview was completed via a Zoom audio call, the station was provided the recording for WURD’s review. They decided to run my conversation with President Biden, marketing and promoting across their social media platforms on July 4th. The station also did the same for my appearances on CNN.

There is no world where l would attempt to deceive my community, marginalize the lived experiences of listeners, or minimize the profound respect I have for Black journalists and Black media. Not simply because of WURD’s reputation, but because that is not what I represent at my core. It is not who I am. This is precisely why I was transparent in my appearances on CNN about the interview process and our conversation.

As someone deeply committed to integrity, fairness, and empowering Black voices, I believe it is essential to uphold these values consistently and rigorously. My commitment to these principles remains unwavering.

The decision to resign from WURD was not easy. I appreciate that my resignation was accepted and I am excited to continue serving my community however God would allow. My gifts made room for me to be at WURD, I can only imagine where and how they’ll enable me to serve next.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to my WURD Radio colleagues, listeners, and supporters who have been on this journey with me. Together we have celebrated milestones, tackled important issues, and uplifted our community.

Moving forward, I will continue advocating for equitable representation, empowering our current and future community leaders, and using my platform to amplify the voices of others with authenticity and transparency. I recognize that the media landscape is vast and dynamic. Remaining informed about emerging trends, technologies, professional development opportunities, and ethical practices is essential to my growth as a responsible and impactful storyteller. Therefore my evolution as a community storyteller who values solutions-focused journalism will continue.

The Black vote matters and the United States of America knows this. Black voices matter. And therefore we must prioritize the support and funding of Black-owned platforms that center us. I encourage everyone to continue supporting platforms that prioritize our community and its needs.

As we prepare to determine our country’s future, I sincerely hope that this experience ultimately serves the greater good.

I am not a journalist. I was once a radio show host. Every single day, though, I am a Black woman in America. And because of that and that alone, I will rise to every occasion to serve and advocate for my community with integrity, transparency, and a pure heart.

Thank you for your attention and understanding, and for the outpouring of love and support given to me during this time. I look forward to the next steps in service to my community.

Sincerely,

Andrea Lawful-Sanders

Statement from WURD Radio about resignation of host who interviewed President Biden

WURD CEO SARA M. LOMAX

Accountability, Access and A Path Forward: Why Black Media Matters

By Sara M. Lomax, President and CEO, WURD Radio

UPDATED 7.8.24: WURD Management would like to clarify that Andrea Lawful-Sanders voluntarily resigned from her role as a host on WURD Radio and her resignation was accepted. She made significant contributions to the station and we wish her well.

 

Original Statement: 

On July 3, the first post-debate interview with President Joe Biden was arranged and negotiated independently by WURD Radio host Andrea Lawful-Sanders without knowledge, consultation or collaboration with WURD management. The interview featured pre-determined questions provided by the White House, which violates our practice of remaining an independent media outlet accountable to our listeners. As a result, Ms. Lawful-Sanders and WURD Radio have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately.

WURD Radio remains an independent voice that our audience can trust will hold elected officials accountable. As Pennsylvania’s only independent Black-owned talk radio station, WURD Radio has cultivated that trust with our audience over our 20-year history. This is something we take very seriously. Agreeing to a pre-determined set of questions jeopardizes that trust and is not a practice that WURD Radio engages in or endorses as a matter of practice or official policy.

Earlier this year when WURD Radio was invited to the White House on February 26 to host a day-long live broadcast featuring interviews with cabinet secretaries and other high-ranking officials, we agreed with the explicit understanding that we were not constrained to their suggested topics or talking points. We were clear that our hosts would ask difficult and provocative questions of their own determination based on the needs and interests of WURD’s listening audience — Black Philadelphians. This is a hallmark of WURD Radio’s local, state and national coverage, day in and day out.

Black media has a long history of advocating for the interests of the Black community dating back to 1827 when the first Black newspaper, Freedom’s Journal, was founded. Our outlets deserve to have a seat at the table especially because mainstream media has historically ignored, marginalized and stereotyped Black people in their coverage. A recent Pew Research Report examining Black Americans’ experiences with the news found “almost two-thirds of Black adults (63%) say news about Black people is often more negative than news about other racial and ethnic groups.”

This practice of de-legitimizing Black voices continues today. WURD Radio is not a mouthpiece for the Biden or any other Administration. Internally, we will commit to reviewing our policies, procedures, and practices to reinforce WURD’s independence and trust with our listeners. But mainstream media should do its own introspection to explore how they have lost the trust of so many Americans, Black Americans chief among them.

This experience will strengthen WURD as we seek to grow from this incident. We will continue to be the unique platform that provides Black people a place where we can speak and be heard in our own voice – on our own terms. We follow in the footsteps of Frederick Douglass who aptly wrote in the first edition of his North Star Newspaper in 1847: “It has long been our anxious wish to see, in this slave-holding, slave-trading, and negro-hating land, a printing-press and paper, permanently established, under the complete control and direction of the immediate victims of slavery and oppression.”

Black media matters. As always, we will listen, dialogue and engage with our community, bringing credible information, experts and insights to address the needs, concerns and interests of our people. This is essential as Black Philadelphians gear up to be a pivotal player in one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime.