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

Meet Toni Townes-Whitley, the First Black Woman to Head a U.S. Defense Industry Giant

Toni Townes-Whitley has carved her name into history as one of the few Black women to lead a Fortune 500 company and the first to head a corporation in the U.S. defense industry. In 2023, she was...

From Prison to Purpose: Topeka K. Sam Helps Incarcerated Women Reentering Society

Topeka Kimberly Sam, an American advocate for criminal justice reform, has transformed her life from one marked by incarceration to one defined by activism and impact. Once sentenced to over 10 years...

How David P. Bozeman Went from Factory Floor to CEO of C.H. Robinson

When David P. Bozeman stepped into the role of President and Chief Executive Officer at C.H. Robinson in June 2023, he brought more than three decades of leadership experience, he brought a reputation...

Rachel Moré-Oshodi: The Woman Behind Africa’s $7 Billion Infrastructure Revolution

Growing up between the structured suburbs of Europe and the strained cities of Nigeria, Rachel Moré-Oshodi developed a dual awareness of the world, one of abundance and one of absence. “In Europe...

How Michael Eric Dyson Turned Struggles into a Fight for Racial Justice

Michael Eric Dyson’s journey to becoming one of America’s most influential intellectuals was not without its struggles. Behind the accolades and the media appearances lies a story of personal and...

Meet Kimberly Dowdell: The Black Queen of Architecture Shaping the Future of Design

Kimberly Dowdell has made history in a field traditionally dominated by men, especially those from non-diverse backgrounds. In December 2023, she became the 100th president of the American Institute...

Katherine Jackson: The Matriarch Behind the King of Pop and a Music Dynasty

Katherine Jackson is more than just the mother of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. She is the heart and soul of the Jackson family, the quiet yet powerful matriarch whose strength, faith, and...

Why Robert Golden Left the NFL to Build a School in His Hometown

For seven seasons, Robert Golden made his name in the NFL as a defensive back, suiting up for the Pittsburgh Steelers and later the Kansas City Chiefs. But these days, the retired athlete is focused...

How Kelly Rowland Built Her Own Legacy Beyond Destiny’s Child

In an industry that too often asks Black women to shrink, Kelly Rowland has always stood tall. Whether she’s commanding the stage, producing heartfelt films, or mentoring young talent, Kelly Rowland...