Black Elites

Founders. Startups. The making of enduring companies.

Playbooks, teardowns and interviews from the operators building the next generation of category-defining brands.

In Entrepreneurship

How Clarence Carter Used Love, Loss, and Humor to Create Timeless Music

Clarence Carter, a major figure in Southern soul who was known for his powerful voice filled with raw emotion, has died at the age of 90. His death on May 13, 2026, marks the end of an extraordinary...

Who is Marsai Martin: A Young Star Dominating Hollywood and Empowering Black Voices

At just 21 years old, Caila Marsai Martin has changed the rules of success in Hollywood. She has transformed from a cherished child actor into a powerful producer, cultural advocate, and role model...

Who Is Benjamin Crump? The Lawyer Behind America’s Biggest Justice Cases

Benjamin Crump is an American civil rights lawyer best known for representing families in significant racial justice cases over the last decade. These include Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, Breonna...

Black Business Owner Ameka Coleman Wins SBA Small Business Person of the Year for Mississippi

Mississippi entrepreneur Ameka Coleman, founder of the beauty and wellness brand Strands of Faith, has been named the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Person of the Year for...

Who Is Brett Cowart? Meet the Founder Behind Length & Locs

In the beauty industry, many brands start with trend forecasting or backing from investors. The story of Brett Cowart, however, seems to have begun with something more personal. These include...

Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa Dies at 68

The global music community is mourning the loss of Afrika Bambaataa, a key figure in hip-hop culture, who died at 68. Reports confirm that he passed away in Pennsylvania due to complications from...

Inside the Economic Shift Driving Black Wealth Growth in America

The story of Black wealth in America is no longer defined only by the gap. It is increasingly shaped by resilience, reinvention, and a new generation of economic builders. However, beneath the growth...

Dr. Ben Carson: Pioneering Black Excellence in Medicine and Beyond

Dr. Ben Carson stands out as a symbol of perseverance, innovation, and inspiration. Born in Detroit in 1951 to a single mother, Carson faced poverty and limited resources. However, he became one of...

How Teyana Taylor Shapes Culture Through Her Jordan Brand Collaboration

In March 2026, American artist Teyana Taylor will release her latest collaboration with Jordan Brand, the Air Jordan 3 “Concrete Rose.” This sneaker combines innovative design with a personal story...