Mary Alice Jervay Thatch

Journalist Mary Alice Jervay Thatch was persistent, dedicated, and influential throughout her extensive career. Born on July 6, 1943, Thatch was a third-generation editor and publisher of The Wilmington Journal, closely following the steps of her father and grandfather. In 1927, Thatch’s grandfather, Mr. Robert … Read MoreMary Alice Jervay Thatch

Thomas Clarence Jervay, Sr. (1914-1993)

Thomas Clarence Jervay, Sr., former National Newspaper Publishers Association Chair and activist journalist, was born in Wilmington, North Carolina (NC), on November 30, 1914. He was one of eight children of Robert Smith Jervay from Charleston, South Carolina, and Mary Alice McNeil from Columbus County, … Read MoreThomas Clarence Jervay, Sr. (1914-1993)

Black Enterprise (1970- )

Black Enterprise (BE) is a bi-monthly publication that is now the premier source for investing, wealth-building, and business information for African Americans. In 1969, founder Earl Gilbert Graves Sr. recognized that the then major publications being targeted towards black audiences were focusing on fashion and … Read MoreBlack Enterprise (1970- )

Essence Magazine (1970- )

Essence magazine is a monthly publication whose target audience is African American women. It focuses on culture, beauty, fashion, and entertainment. Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) was founded in 1968 by Clarence O. Smith, Cecil Hollingsworth, Jonathan Blount, Denise M. Clark, and Edward Lewis. The original … Read MoreEssence Magazine (1970- )

Simeon S. Booker (1918-2017)

Simeon Saunders Booker Jr.’s innovative career in journalism transformed how African American readers engaged with news coverage of politics and social injustices. As the first African American reporter for the Washington Post, he provided insight into the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. On August … Read MoreSimeon S. Booker (1918-2017)

Frank Ocean (Christopher “Lonny” Francis William Ocean) (1987- )

Frank Ocean is a singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer and photographer. He was born Christopher Edwin Breaux on October 28, 1987 in Long Beach, California. His parents, Calvin Edward Cooksey and Katonya Breaux, moved the family to New Orleans, Louisiana when he was five years old. His father left the family … Read MoreFrank Ocean (Christopher “Lonny” Francis William Ocean) (1987- )