March 1 – Wanda Cooper-Jones: To honor the legacy of her son, Ahmaud Arbery, Ms. Wanda founded The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation to create safe spaces for Black boys and teens between the ages of 10 and 18 to run freely. It also educates them about mental and physical wellness.
- March 4th – Stephanie Smiley (“First Lady of the Drew League”) & Chaniel Smiley (Head Commissioner of the Drew League): For 50 years, the Drew League has been using the court to build camaraderie in the South Central LA neighborhood of Watts. And for 39 of those years, Stephanie Smiley, her husband (Dino) and their daughter Chaniel have been responsible for keeping the pro-am basketball organization running.
- March 7th – Dr. Nikole Roebuck: The first woman Director of Bands in the 97-year history of Grambling State University’s band, and has been leading the next generation of musicians and overseeing the Tiger Marching Band which was recognized globally after performing with Beyoncé. She will be working with the Grambling State Foundation to continue their efforts to provide a foundation in music education for the next generation with HBE.
- March 10th – Cheresse Thornhill-Goldson, Eliya Jackson, Ashley Comeaux, Precious Hannah-King, and Kimberly Shane: Hailing from Miami, are among the first Black women to design athletic sneakers for industry-leading brands and pioneering design representation for Black women in the footwear industry. In partnership with the Black Talent in Design & Fashion Fund they are creating access for the next generation of Black designers.
The full “Create with Purpose” documentary series premiered yesterday (Thurs, Feb 29) in New York City, where adidas in partnership with Tribeca Festival hosted a VIP screening event along with a panel discussion with the HBE honorees led by the series’ director and Tribeca alumni Vashni Korin. The event also featured a live performance by the Grambling State University’s band.
