Influential People

Immigrant Stories: Lisa Gwaikolo, Liberian American Essential Worker, Shares her COVID-19 Experience

Ama AddoNovember 10, 2020May 20, 2025011 mins

Lisa Gwaikolo, Respiratory Specialist, stands strong while facing challenges during COVID-19.

Careda’s Caribbean Cuisine Soars Despite COVID-19 Turbulence

Ama AddoSeptember 29, 2020May 22, 202506 mins

Founded by Jamaican native Careda Brown, this newly opened small business faced difficulty during COVID-19 but persevered and triumphed through hardship.

Rising Star Lavonne Nichols on her Journey to Purpose

Ama AddoSeptember 16, 2020May 28, 202509 mins

Singer. Actress. Multimedia Host. Mentor. Community Organizer. Influencer. These are some of the words that describe the artist known as Lavonne Nichols. She truly embodies the term ‘Renaissance Woman.’

HBCU Discourse

Ama AddoSeptember 4, 2020May 28, 2025014 mins

HBCUs are a safe haven for Black students, but financial challenges prevent a lot of people from attending. How can the community support these programs and potential students?

Dorothy Dandrige

FunTimes MagazineJuly 30, 2020June 4, 202505 mins

In 1954, Dorothy got the biggest role of her career, Carmen Jones. Her performance scored her an Academy Award nomination, making her the first African American to do so, and to become the first African American to grace the cover of the Life Magazine.

Japanese-Ghanaian Artist Toshiko Tanaka Shares How a Multicultural Identity Has Shaped her Work

Ama AddoJuly 29, 2020June 4, 2025012 mins

We speak to Japanese-Ghanaian artist Toshiko Tanaka to learn about her journey, insight and inspiration as biracial artist in Ghana and America.

Taraji P. Henson

FunTimes MagazineJuly 29, 2020June 4, 202504 mins

Taraji P. Henson was born in Washington DC on September 11, 1970. She grew up in a very supportive home and often credits her parents for making her into the strong woman she is today.