Influential People

Honoring Leadership And Vision: Dr. Kenneth Scott At The Moelis Scholars Event

Oluwadamilola AkindolireDecember 10, 2024December 18, 202408 mins

The Moelis Scholars Event at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design recently celebrated Dr. Kenneth Scott, President of the Beech Companies. In conversation with Dr. Wendell Pritchett, former Interim President of Penn, and James A. Rapp, Professor of Law and Education, Dr. Scott shared his extensive experiences and perspectives on equitable community development, drawing on more than two decades at the helm of Beech Companies.

Black Photographers Who Captured History: The Legacy Of Roy DeCarava And Moneta Sleet Jr.

Anand SubramanianDecember 7, 2024December 8, 202409 mins

At its most potent, photography becomes more than a captured image—it transforms into a language of resistance, storytelling, and identity. This medium became a revolutionary tool for Roy DeCarava and Moneta Sleet Jr..

The Recipe of Resilience

Ama AddoDecember 6, 2024December 6, 202409 mins

Kollie Gbassie, a Liberian entrepreneur in Philadelphia, brings style, vibrancy, and business expertise to the Philadelphian community with his well-seasoned dishes. Throughout his extensive entrepreneurial journey, he has carefully curated a recipe of resilience, which he shares with FunTimes Magazine.

The Hon. Chad Dion Lassiter on race, class, and bridging divides

Dr. Eric Nzeribe DBA MSDecember 5, 2024May 16, 2025012 mins

From his formative years in South Central Los Angeles to his academic achievements and leadership roles, Lassiter’s journey has shaped him into a voice of reason in a polarized world.

collage of five influential African people

The 5 Most Influential Africans In The World In 2024

Anand SubramanianNovember 10, 2024November 9, 2024011 mins

Africa is home to the world’s most inspiring leaders, activists, scholars, and artists who continue to impact the global stage. These individuals shape conversations, policies, and movements across human rights, politics, academia, social entrepreneurship, and entertainment. Here, we explore five African trailblazers whose influence in 2024 reaches far beyond their countries’ borders.

Honoring African Educators Making A Difference In The Continent

Okechukwu NzeribeNovember 7, 2024November 7, 202406 mins

Education has always remained a catalyst for growth and development for any nation or people. Whether it be to achieve upward social mobility, break the cycle of poverty, secure quality jobs that impact the standard of living, and generally improve the quality of life.

Rev. Dr. Marsha Brown Woodard’s Life Of Service And Leadership

Dr. Eric Nzeribe DBA MSNovember 4, 2024March 6, 2025010 mins

Dr. Marsha Brown Woodard’s life has been dedicated to service, education, and leadership. As the president of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and vicinity, Dr. Woodard is the first woman to hold this position. She also uses her platform to shape the future of faith leadership.

Author and bookstore owner Jeannine A. Cook,

‘You Either Meet The Challenge Or You Fold’ | Harriett’s Bookshop Owner Jeannine A. Cook Reflects On Buying Her Building

Reece CorenOctober 31, 2024October 30, 2024021 mins

Jeannine A. Cook said she honestly doesn’t know how she went from selling books as a second stream of income to buying her building for $700,000 in less than five years. She did attribute some of it to her curiosity, though, calling it a “gift.”

Yero Sy’s Journey From Mauritania To The U.S.

Reece CorenOctober 30, 2024March 4, 202507 mins

Yero’s path to the United States was fraught with risk. With just a backpack, he traveled through Turkey, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Mexico, often walking long stretches before reaching the U.S. border in Arizona.

Smiling African American man wearing suit in front of corporate building

Diaspora Narratives Celebrating Culture, Heritage, And Innovation Through Success Stories

Dr. Eric Nzeribe DBA MSOctober 18, 2024October 28, 2024010 mins

By amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs, artists, and advocates, FunTimes highlights how the Diaspora continues to influence key sectors like technology, media, and healthcare.