One aspect of celebrating Black History Month is supporting artists and entrepreneurs of color, especially when they have local ties.
George Porter Jr. and the Runnin’ Pardners
George Porter Jr. and the Runnin’ Pardners plan to play at Proud Larry’s on April 19 at 9 p.m. Porter is a skilled and storied bassist, having played since the 1960s in bands such as The Meters, Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste. Taking inspiration from the New Orleans music scene, he adopts a soulful and intricate style in his music. Porter and the Runnin’ Pardners play a fusion of R&B, rock and funk. Tickets are on sale now through the Proud Larry’s website.
Yanique Woodall
Yanique Woodall is the vice president of communications and customer experience for CVS Health in Atlanta. Woodall was also a senior director of corporate communications and external affairs at The Home Depot and the chief communications officer and vice president of public relations at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, showing a wide range of expertise and knowledge in the communications field. She will speak at IMC Connect, a conference hosted March 25-27 by the School of Journalism and New Media. All students are invited to attend the event.
Maurice Carlos Ruffin
Maurice Carlos Ruffin, a New Orleans local, will participate in a meet and greet at the Powerhouse, hosted by Square Books, on Feb. 29 at 6 p.m. for his new book, “The American Daughters.” The novel follows a mother and daughter enslaved to a businessman in the French Quarter. When they are separated, the daughter joins a secret society of spies called The Daughters. The story includes her expedition to freedom and how she learns to trust herself. Ruffin has received praise from The New York Times and Publishers Weekly. This is a ticketed event, with tickets including a copy of the book.
Délana R. A. Dameron
Author Délana R. A. Dameron will be at the Powerhouse on March 7 at 6 p.m. to sign her newly released book “Redwood Court.” The debut novel tells the story of a young girl and the tales she hears growing up in a Black working-class suburb of Columbia, S.C. She learns lessons from many generations, including her grandparents, who experienced the Jim Crow era, and her parents, who worked long hours to make their children’s lives the best they can. Dameron sharesthe incredible story of the journey a young Black woman takes trying to achieve the American dream.
Radina Russell
Radina Russell, corporate practice chair and general manager of Atlanta Southeast Market, Edelman, will speak at IMC Connect, sharing her experience in roles of leadership and communications. In her job, she oversees 400 employees, elevating the employee experience, social issues, sustainability and more. She is committed to helping grow diversity with directors on corporate boards. In 2021, Russell was named one of 25 “Influential Black Women in Business” by The Network Journal and Morgan Stanley.
Jazmine D. Kelley
Jazmine D. Kelley will speak at TedxUM’s upcoming “Illuminate” event. She is the diversity education and strategic initiatives director at the University of Mississippi. Kelley devotes her time to promoting diversity and equity in higher education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and a master’s degree in food science, nutrition and health promotion from Mississippi State University. She plans to receive her doctorate in higher education from UM later this year.
