Missy Elliott & Queen Latifah Make History as First Rappers to Receive National Medal of Arts
We couldn’t think of two more deserving artists! Last week, President Joe Biden awarded 39 artists with the National Medals of Arts and Humanities, Rolling Stone reports. An annual celebration of the best and brightest artists, this year was historic, with Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah becoming the first rappers ever to receive the prestigious […]
Dwyane Wade Becomes First NBA Player in Miami Heat History to Have a Statue Outside the Arena
Wade was involved every step of the way! This past weekend, the Miami Heat honored Dwyane Wade with an eight-foot statue in his honor, CNN reports. The three-time NBA champion now makes history as the first NBA player in the franchise’s 37-year history to have a statue outside of the Kaseya Center in Biscayne Bay. […]
Civil War Era Politician Robert Smalls Becomes First African American to Receive Monument in South Carolina
An honor for a true hero! Robert Smalls was born enslaved in 1839 in Beaufort, South Carolina, AP News reports. A freedom fighter, Smalls is best known for disguising himself in Confederate clothes during the war to steal a slaveholder’s ship and sail his family and at least a dozen others to freedom during the […]
Remembering Ed Vaughn, Politician & Owner of Detroit’s First Black-Owned Bookstore
He was a pillar in the Black community! Edward “Ed” Vaughn, a former Michigan state representative and the owner of Detroit’s first Black bookstore, has joined the ancestors at 90 years old, Black Enterprise reports. Vaughn’s influence extended far beyond his business ventures; he was a community leader, an activist, and a champion for social […]
Keke Palmer Named First Ever Chief Brand Officer for ‘Creme of Nature’
She’s taking her talents back home to The Chi! Renowned entertainer Keke Palmer has just been named the first-ever Chief Brand Officer for Black-owned hair care brand, “Creme of Nature,” PR Newswire reports. A legacy company first launched in Palmer’s hometown of Chicago in 1976, Creme of Nature has been providing high-quality hair products for […]
Tuskegee University Launches First HBCU Aviation Program in Alabama to Train Black Pilots
It’s a full-circle moment! Tuskegee University has just announced its newly accredited aviation program, making history as the first and only historically Black college or university (HBCU) in Alabama to offer an aviation program for students, Black Enterprise reports. The program is an extension of the university’s mission to contribute to training the next generation […]
LeBron James & Son Bronny Officially Make History as First Father-Son Duo to Play as NBA Teammates
Legacy, legacy, legacy, legacy! LeBron James and his son Bronny officially made history this past weekend as the first father-son duo to play as teammates in the NBA, ESPN reports. The two suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers preseason game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, Bronny celebrating his 20th birthday on the court […]
Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Becomes Biggest Country Hit of the Decade Globally
There’s a new cowboy in town! Shaboozey is a country artist who credits his love for the genre to his Nigerian father. “You know, not only does he listen to, you know, traditional, like, Nigerian music, but he was playing me people like Kenny Rogers and Willie Nelson and showing me all this stuff. You […]
Christopher Johnson Makes History as First Black & Deaf Assistant Dean at University of Cincinnati
He’s championing inclusivity in education! Christopher Johnson was just named the first Black and deaf assistant dean at the University of Cincinnati (UC), Black Enterprise reports. A historic appointment, Johnson will be the first to hold the title in the University’s 200+ year existence. In his new role as Assistant Dean of Inclusive Excellence at […]
Manika Gamble Set to Become First African American to Complete Most Difficult Marathon Challenge in the World
She’s back at it again! In May, 34-year-old Manika Gamble made history by becoming the first African American woman to complete the 155-mile Namib Race through the Namib Desert in Namibia, Africa. This seven-day, self-supported trek through the world’s oldest desert was a monumental achievement. Now, Gamble is setting her sights even higher, aiming to […]