WayMaker Media

From 70 people in a room to 1,700 strong, Dr. Leonard N. Moore has spent the past decade ensuring Black student-athletes are prepared for life beyond the game. The founder of the Black Student-Athlete Summit, Inc.—which is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a game-changing move to Chicago—sat down with WayMaker Journal to discuss identity, opportunity, and the future of Black athletes. Don’t miss this exclusive conversation! Read the full interview here ???? https://bit.ly/4k8NcVg

500 New Orleans students now have laptops in their hands, thanks to Master P’s Team Hope NOLA, AT&T, and Compudopt. With an estimated 16% of Louisiana households without internet access, this initiative aims to close the digital divide for underserved communities. Rather than allowing technology to be a barrier to education, Master P and his partners are ensuring that it's a tool to enhance learning and open the door to vast opportunities. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4gZcJNO #WayMakerNews

A$AP Rocky is stepping into a new creative role—this time with Ray-Ban. As the brand’s first-ever Creative Director, he’s set to bring his unique aesthetic to Ray-Ban Studios, influencing everything from design to brand storytelling. His debut project, the Blacked Out Collection, drops in April 2025, marking the first of many bold collaborations. Beyond eyewear, Rocky will also lead campaigns, revamp store experiences, and merge his worlds of music, fashion, and art with the iconic brand. A new era for Ray-Ban is on the way! Read the full story now: https://bit.ly/3QrtHtB

As financial institutions pull back on DEI efforts, the need to keep our wealth in our community grows. Thinking about switching to a Black bank this year? We've got you covered. Check out our list of 10 Black-owned banks you should consider—click the link for the full list! https://bit.ly/4kbe0Eh

The NAACP is urging us to rethink our support for companies that are choosing to scale back on DEI, and in turn—the organization is launching its Black Consumer Advisory project to track corporate commitments. With $1.8 trillion in spending power, the Black community holds the leverage to demand accountability from companies that are benefiting from our dollars. Read the full article to learn more about the meaningful efforts we can make to tackle the DEI crisis head on: https://bit.ly/3EJStCB #WayMakerNews

Fresh off his Super Bowl victory, Jalen Hurts is turning his success into an opportunity to give back. Through his Carry the Difference Initiative, he’s launching exclusive merchandise to fund school supply closets in Philly’s most underserved schools. Get the full story here: https://bit.ly/4hC1Cf2

2025 is the year of elevation—what better way to achieve that than with other like-minded people? We’ve rounded up must-attend conferences for Black professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs in 2025. Whether you’re looking to network, level up your skills, or get inspired, there’s something for you. View the full list here: https://bit.ly/4aSuBIS

We remember and honor Harry Stewart Jr., one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, whose legacy soars beyond the skies. As a young boy, Harry dreamed of flying and went on to become a decorated WWII fighter pilot amid the Jim Crow era. During his time in the war, Harry shot down three German aircraft in a single battle, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, and later helped his squadron win the Air Force’s first-ever “Top Gun” competition. Despite being denied a commercial pilot career due to racism, he reinvented himself as an engineer and business leader. His story is one of resilience and triumph—read more here: https://bit.ly/4hriKns

Kennedy Ryan’s stories go beyond romance—they explore real-life struggles like mental health, autism, domestic violence, and divorce, all while celebrating the beauty of Black love. As the first Black author to win a RITA Award, she’s broken barriers and created space for more nuanced, emotional storytelling. Kennedy's work resonates with her audiences deeply, giving voice to their experiences that are often overlooked in mainstream fiction. Uncover why Kennedy Ryan is a WayMaker Top 50 honoree and explore the full list here ???? https://bit.ly/3CxBGBT #WayMakerTop50

Dr. Marcus Collins doesn’t just study culture—he deciphers it, shaping how brands authentically connect with their audiences. From working with Beyoncé to breaking down the power of identity in his bestselling book "For the Culture," he reveals how our beliefs and communities influence everything we do. His insights challenge businesses to go beyond trends and truly embed themselves in the cultures they seek to serve. Dive into his perspective and see why he’s a WayMaker Top 50 honoree—read the full article here: https://bit.ly/40ORoAy #WayMakerTop50