“Rosalynn and I are pleased to congratulate Ambassador Andrew Young and others to whom the 2006 edition of the Who's Who In Black Atlanta is paying tribute. It is an honor to be included in this prestigious publication, and we applaud all of those whose contributions are being recognized.
Each honoree provides a role model of excellence, whether in business, academia, religion, media, government, or public service. These individuals exemplify the wealth of talent and leadership with which Atlanta is blessed, and it is fitting that their accomplishments are being celebrated in this way."
Honorable President Jimmy Carter
“Who’s Who In Black Chicago will provide an opportunity to celebrate and recognize some of our city’s finest leaders and it is my privilege to acknowledge them for the fine work they have done to build Chicago into the cultural and economic force it is today. Each honoree serves as a living example of how hard work and strength of character leads to success.”
Honorable Barack Obama
United States Senator
"None of us is here on our own. We’re here by the blood and sacrifice of others. Who’s Who In Black Atlanta is a result of a century of prayer, sacrifice, courage and vision of those who went before us."
Honorable Ambassador Andrew Young
“This publication gives recognition to community leaders, including elected officials and cherished institutions that make Atlanta a unique experience for residents and visitors. An astute, but anonymous observer once said (facetiously, I think), ‘There are two groups of thoughtful people in this nation; those who live in Atlanta, and those who wish they did.’”
Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
Civil Rights Leader
“Who’s Who In Black Chicago celebrates and recognizes outstanding leaders whose contributions have made a significant impact in numerous communities. With that in mind, I extend my fondest congratulations and appreciation to each honoree in this publication. Your hard work has certainly made a lasting impact on the State of Illinois, and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the years to come. I am very proud to be part of this wonderful book.”
Honorable Rod R. Blagojevich
Governor of Illinois
"Who's Who In Black Columbus heralds the richness of our diversity by identifying and recording the achievements of Central Ohioans who have contributed so greatly to the growth and development of our state. Many of those featured in this publication will inspire our students - Ohio's 21st Century leaders - to strive to reach their full potential. This is an important work of reference."
Honorable Bob Taft
Governor of Ohio
“By honoring the diversity that brings strength to our community and our state, you pave the way for future generations of African-American leaders who will contribute in their own right.”
Honorable Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.
Governor of Indiana
"The publication is not only an important civic contribution but will no doubt serve as a tool to foster economic activity and opportunity for individuals and employers in the region. I appreciate your contribution to the St. Louis metropolitan area, and wish you continued success as you bring portraits of African American achievement and excellence into the public eye."
Honorable Matt Blunt
Governor of Missouri
“For the past two years, Who’s Who In Black Cincinnati highlights African-American entrepreneurs, educators, business professionals and leaders who have enhanced the Cincinnati community. Your publication not only features African-American men and women who have achieved significant accomplishments, it gives inspiration and hope to our youth. The leadership and vision of this project has planted seeds of motivation and excellence throughout the Cincinnati community and beyond.”
Honorable J. Kenneth Blackwell
Ohio Secretary of State
“From late heroes like Emmett Till and Lorraine Hansberry to living legends such as Koko Taylor and Bernie Mac, African American Chicagoans have a legacy of which everyone should be proud. In fact, one cannot talk about Black history without mentioning Chicagoans and one cannot talk about Chicago without mentioning Black Americans. I salute you for documenting the lives of a significant population in this magnificent city.”
Honorable Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.
Member of Congress
“This publication is a testament to the rich history of African American in our city, and will undoubtedly serve as a networking resource when searching for role models, potential contacts or a blueprint for success. While looking for inspiration, I am certain you will find valuable insight that will be instrumental in helping you to achieve your own personal and career goals.”
Honorable Bobby Rush
Member of Congress
“Chicago has been home to some of the most accomplished and celebrated African-Americans of our time. Bringing recognition to these individuals – the heroes and legends of our communities, is not only a great way to say “thanks for a job well done,” but serves to inspire future generations.”
Honorable Jessie White
Secretary of State
"Who's Who In Black Atlanta serves as a record of the accomplishments of the many men and women who are making a difference in the 'city too busy to hate.' We are proud of the names listed in this book. We are proud of the blood, sweat, and tears they have shed as they toil to make a difference each and every day for those who will come after them."
Honorable Kasim Reed
Georgia State Senator, District 35
"As we embark on a new century, I appreciate your official recognition as some of Atlanta's prime-time African-American players. This reference work of accomplished men and women in the Atlanta area is an excellent acknowledgement of their successes and positive achievements. Congratulations on the successful publishing of Who's Who In Black Atlanta. You have my best wishes for continued success."
Honorable Congressman John Lewis
5th District, Georgia
“Who’s Who not only acknowledges the successes of those who are often overlooked, but they also provide a place where others can find encouragement, inspiration, and hope for their future.”
Honorable Congresswoman
Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Eleventh District, Ohio
“As readers scan the pages of Who’s Who In Black Columbus, they will undoubtedly find inspiration, encouragement, hope, and genuine sense of pride. Our youth and young adults will see living examples that demonstrate no goal is beyond their reach.”
Honorable State Senator Ray Miller
15th District, State of Ohio
“Your identification of the contributions of so many African Americans to this process of improving the life of our city helps to communicate great accomplishments to all who share concern for the advancement of our civilization. And, in doing so, you add importantly to our appreciation of the broad range of civic commitment we enjoy.”
Honorable Congresswoman Julia Carson
Seventh District, Indiana
“Who’s Who In Black Chicago is a compilation of Chicago’s African American entrepreneurs, business and community leaders, legendary musicians and other individuals who have helped make Chicago a better place to live, work and raise families. The publication will recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans and provide a valuable networking tool for our residents.”
Honorable Mayor Richard M. Daley
Chicago, Illinois
“In its 14th year, this Columbus-based minority firm has received national recognition for celebrating the achievements of African-Americans. Black Mayors In America will be a historic and comprehensive collection of pictures and profiles of sitting African-American mayors in the United States.”
Honorable Mayor Michael B. Coleman
Columbus, Ohio
“This publication will be useful to a range of people, from those who are interested in ensuring that the history of blacks is fully documented, to those who want to use it as a guide of pride for students in need of inter-generational role models.”
Honorable Mayor Frank G. Jackson
Cleveland, Ohio
“Who’s Who In Black Cincinnati is important to our city as it identifies and highlights those individuals in our city who have distinguished themselves through hard work and successful careers. The accomplishments of these African-Americans continue to show the success and progress in the city of Cincinnati.”
Honorable Mayor Charlie Luken
Cincinnati, Ohio
“In a city that gave birth to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., nurtured Mayor Maynard H. Jackson, and rallied behind the leadership of women like Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, there is always an expectation for continued greatness. Who’s Who In Black Atlanta proves that the tree planted by these vanguards continues to bear fruit."
Honorable Mayor Shirley Franklin
Atlanta, Georgia
"On behalf of the city of Birmingham, it gives me great pleasure to extend greetings to Who's Whp Publishing Company, on the occasion of the new edition of your Who's Who In Black Birmingham publication. This is but one of the many ways your company recognizes the hard work and achievements of African Americans who are making a possitive difference in the lives of our citizens."
Honorable Mayor Bernard Kincaid
Birmingham, Alabama
“African Americans like those included in this publication make significant contributions to our region - by expanding on our diversity and by enhancing our economy as business owners, workers and civic leaders, and by being valuable members of the team that is striving to make the St. Louis region a great place to live, work and visit.”
Honorable Mayor Francis G. Slay
St. Louis, Missouri
“We extend our sincere thanks to the publishers, sponsors, and recipients of Who’s Who In Black Indianapolis for recognizing the superior talents and leadership of the best Indianapolis has to offer.”
Honorable Mayor Bart Peterson
Indianapolis, Indiana
“Cincinnati has a vibrant history rich with diversity and an even brighter future. The leaders included in this book have had a considerate role in making Cincinnati an exciting and thriving city in which to live, work, and visit. These individuals are marvelous role models for everyone in our community, and yet another example of how, together we can move Cincinnati from good to great.”
Alan H. Welch
President and CEO
Greater Cinti. Convention & Visitors Bureau
“I am honored to be a part of a publication that recognizes the diverse careers and achievements of our city’s influential African Americans. The leaders in this book make valuable contributions to our region and help to make metro Atlanta an attractive place to live, work, and visit.”
Sam A. Williams
President
Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
“Powerful and refreshing as we celebrate the leadership and integrity of some of the nation’s finest leaders.”
Vanessa R. Williams
Executive Director
Natlional Conference of Black Mayors, Inc.
“In this inaugural issue of Who’s Who In Black St. Louis, I am inspired by the men and women featured within the book’s pages. Each person featured is a leader in his or her own right; a role model for young people; and an individual who has achieved success, despite individual challenges. Reading their distinctivebiographies, it is also clear to me the vital role education has played in their success and that each strongly believes anything and everything is possible when you pursue excellence in every aspect of your life.”
Johnny Furr, Jr.
Vice President, Sales Development & Community Affairs
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
“It is a privilege to lend the support of the St. Louis Rams to an effort that recognizes individuals striving to make St. Louis a better place to live, work and raise families.”
Bob Wallace
Executive Vice President
St. Louis Rams