
Louis Gossett Jr. was a versatile and dedicated performer known for his powerful and commanding presence. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gossett began his professional stage debut at the age of 17 in a school production of "You Can't Take It with You." His acting career spanned over five decades. The legendary actor is best known for his roles as Fiddler in the groundbreaking television miniseries "Roots" and Sgt. Emil Foley in the film "An Officer and a Gentleman." A dedicated activist, he founded the Eracism Foundation to support causes of equality and social change.

The Swan Dreams Project's goal is to convey the message that beauty and talent are not constrained by race or socio-economic status. I want our youth to know that they are not limited by stereotypes nor by their environment, but only by their dreams.

Marie Antoinette 929 is a fashion designer and lifestyle brand with a unique approach to addressing socio-economic issues through art. She's the developer of MELANIN; a documentary, book, and lifestyle brand that positively demystifies COLORISM (the biased or prejudicial treatment of people belonging to the same race, based on skin pigmentation).

The National Bail Out is a Black-led and Black-centered collective of abolitionist organizers, lawyers, and activists building a community-based movement to support our folks in abolishing pretrial detention systems and dismantling the prison industrial complex. We are people who have been impacted by cages — either by being in them ourselves or witnessing our families and loved ones be encaged. We are queer, trans, young, elder, and immigrant.

HERide is a new ride-sharing service focused on the safety and empowerment of women. Built with the needs of women in mind, we aim to improve the lives of women everywhere through safe transportation, job creation, and financial security.

Black Opry is home to Black artists, fans, and industry professionals working in country, Americana, blues, and folk music. Country and roots music has been made and loved by Black people since their conception. For just as long, we have been overlooked and disregarded in the genre. Black Opry is changing that.

At Hello Seven, we teach women how to build wealth. We provide business training, legal services, and money mindset coaching to help you achieve your financial goals. We want you to have so much money, you never have to worry about money again.