THE THREE GEORGES: A New Lens on the Revolutionary War — And the Black Patriot Who Represents Thousands Coming Into the Light

THE THREE GEORGES: A New Lens on the Revolutionary War — And the Black Patriot Who Represents Thousands Coming Into the Light

United States — National Freedom Day Foundation (501(c)(3)) — The Revolutionary War’s 250th anniversary has already passed, yet one of its most powerful truths is only now being restored.  Author Venita Maria Benitez releases The Three Georges: “3GS” 1776–1783 Revolutionary War (Commemorative Edition) — a warm, hopeful, and deeply human retelling of America’s founding years that finally brings George Key, a free Black Patriot, into the light where he always belonged.

For generations, America taught us about two Georges: George Washington and King George III.

But the story was never meant to be told in twos.

In this commemorative edition, all three Georges stand together — Washington, King George III, and George Key, the Black Patriot whose courage and presence shaped the Revolutionary War era but was left out of the nation’s memory.

And George Key is not standing alone. He represents thousands of Black Patriots whose names, stories, and sacrifices are finally coming into the light.

Two-Thirds of Black Consumers Pay More Attention to Ads That Reflect Their Culture

Nielsen: Two-Thirds of Black Consumers Pay More Attention to Ads That Reflect Their Culture

The Majority of Those Surveyed Prefer to Buy Brands Who Advertise in Content That Reflect Their Culture

A new, exclusive study from Nielsen reveals that the majority of Black audiences (67%) surveyed pay more attention to ads in media that reflect their culture. In addition, Black audiences demonstrate loyalty and trust to the brands and influencers they believe in compared to other segments.

52% of Black audiences agreed they’re more likely to purchase when a brand partners with creators connected to their fandoms and interests compared to 45% overall. The “The Black Influence: How Black Culture & Identity Drive the Market” leverages Nielsen insights to underscore the profound cultural and commercial power of Black audiences.

This marks the 15th year Nielsen has released its Diverse Intelligence Series reports, as Nielsen’s nationwide panel of more than 100,000 people representative of the US population gives it the unique ability to produce nuanced insights on a range of demographics and identities.

Alabama’s First Black Woman-Founded College Expands

Alabama’s First Black Woman-Founded College Expands With New High School Division for Neurodiverse and Non-Traditional Students

Shakea Miller, the first African American woman to found a privately owned, degree-granting college in the state of Alabama, 1 on 1 Technical & Theological College, has announced a major institutional expansion with the launch of a high school division specifically designed to serve students with learning differences and those underserved by traditional education models.

The new high school division will host its first day of classes on January 5, addressing a long-standing gap Miller identified while operating the college.

“Over the years, we had to turn away far too many people who wanted to enroll in our trade and degree programs but did not have a GED or high school diploma,” Miller explained. “I knew there had to be a better solution.”

That solution became the creation of a high school pathway housed within the college itself, one that serves students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences, as well as students who struggle with the traditional seven-hour school day.

Black-Owned Payroll Company Celebrates 9 Years in Business

HBCU Grad Marks 9-Year Milestone as Owner of a Black-Owned Payroll Company

Bryon Jennings, Founder and CEO of Next Generation Payroll, is celebrating nine years of sustained growth while expanding his national footprint in the PEO services industry. His company provides comprehensive payroll, HR outsourcing, and business insurance solutions, and has expanded its capabilities to include full PEO services through its Employer of Record (EOR) model. Serving clients coast to coast, the expansion into PEO services places the company on a trajectory toward multi-million-dollar growth as demand for comprehensive workforce solutions continues to rise.

Jennings, a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, says his company reflects the discipline and leadership principles instilled through HBCU excellence. Over the past nine years, Next Generation Payroll has evolved from a traditional payroll provider into a comprehensive workforce infrastructure partner.

In addition to payroll processing, the company now delivers HR outsourcing, workers’ compensation administration, benefits management, and business insurance solutions through its partnership with E-Comp Insurance. Through its Employer of Record (EOR) platform, Next Generation Payroll competes directly in the PEO services space, helping businesses eliminate operational land mines, minimize multi-state tax exposure, and reduce turnover. The company also provides leadership training and organizational development strategies designed to strengthen workplace continuity and long-term scalability.

Get The Scoop On The 2026 Minority Enterprise Development Month for the New York Metropolitan Area

ICYMI: LIAACC Nassau County Director Announces 2026 Minority Enterprise Development Month for the New York Metropolitan Area

Month-Long Initiative Will Celebrate Minority-Owned Businesses, Economic Empowerment, Innovation, Leadership, and Regional Opportunity

GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK — In case you missed it, Ann Dumay, Nassau County Director of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC), has announced the chamber’s 2026 Minority Enterprise Development Month initiative for minority entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, corporations, government agencies, and business-support organizations throughout the New York metropolitan area.

The 2026 celebration will recognize the accomplishments, resilience, innovation, and economic contributions of minority-owned businesses across Nassau County, Suffolk County, New York City, and the surrounding region.

This year’s theme is: “Building Legacy, Expanding Opportunity, and Advancing Minority Enterprise”

Minority Enterprise Development Month will feature business education, networking, recognition programs, access-to-capital discussions, procurement information, leadership development, technical assistance, and opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with corporate, government, nonprofit, and community partners.

Black Americans Must Take Control of Their Self-Care Journey, Urges Darrell “Coach D” Andrews

A Call to Action: Black Americans Must Take Control of Their Self-Care Journey, Urges Darrell “Coach D” Andrews

Darrell “Coach D” Andrews, nationally acclaimed author of The Self-Care Movement and graduate of the nation’s first HBCU, Cheyney University, is issuing a bold and urgent call: Black Americans must take full ownership of their self-care journey — or risk further health crises that disproportionately impact the community.

“Waiting for systems to prioritize our health has cost us dearly,” says Coach D, a veteran leadership coach, consultant, and speaker with over 25 years of experience empowering individuals and organizations. “We cannot afford to wait any longer. It’s time for us to take charge of our well-being—mentally, physically, and spiritually.”

Statistics continue to reveal devastating disparities—higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental health struggles within Black communities. Coach D argues that systemic challenges are real, but they cannot be an excuse for inaction. His message is clear: Self-care is a revolutionary act.

Get The Scoop On How Caribbean Influencer Extraordinaire MSS. Francois Wins The Prestigious Wow! Factor Award!

The Woman Audiences Can’t Forget: Why Mss Francois Just Won BRIC’s WOW! Factor Award

Some people host shows. Others create moments. And then there are the rare few who transform every appearance into an experience. That is exactly why Mss Francois has been named the recipient of the WOW! Factor Award at the 2026 B Free Awards presented by BRIC Arts & Media.

The WOW! Factor Award recognizes an on-air personality whose presence captivates audiences, commands attention, and leaves viewers wanting more. In a world overflowing with content, the award celebrates something increasingly rare: authentic connection.

For those who know Mss Francois, the honor feels less like a surprise and more like confirmation. Whether she is making audiences laugh, helping people heal, or sharing stories that inspire action, she has built a career around one simple philosophy: people may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago and now based in New York, Mss Francois has become one of the most recognizable voices in community media. As the creator and host of The Mss Francois Show, she has entertained and empowered audiences with candid conversations, humor, and real-life lessons that resonate far beyond the television screen.

Her impact extends even further through Caribbean Brilliance: Conversations with Mss Francois, a platform dedicated to highlighting the achievements and contributions of Caribbean Americans. Through meaningful interviews with leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, authors, and community changemakers, she provides a platform where stories of perseverance, leadership, and excellence can inspire future generations.

The WOW! Factor Award is not simply about popularity. It recognizes authenticity, energy, connection, and impact. Mss Francois brings a unique blend of humor, vulnerability, wisdom, and Caribbean warmth that instantly makes guests comfortable and viewers feel included. Her interviews do not feel scripted; they feel personal. Her conversations do not feel transactional; they feel transformational.

Hosted by BRIC Arts & Media, the B Free Awards celebrate excellence in community-driven storytelling and honor creators who use media to educate, inform, inspire, and amplify underrepresented voices. Winning within this distinguished field is more than an individual achievement—it is recognition that meaningful storytelling still matters.