CELEBRATIONS

Dr. Precious Jemison is a proud product of the Charleston County School District and a dedicated educational leader committed to student success and academic excellence. She began her career in education in 2019 as a teacher and coach at R.B. Stall High School, where she taught while coaching multiple sports. She later served as an educator at Buist Academy for two years before returning to R.B. Stall High School to continue her work with students and staff.

On June 13, 2026, a friend and I had the distinct pleasure of attending The Knights of Peter Claver Jazz Brunch 2026 Fundraiser, an event that brought together parishioners, community leaders, supporters, and music enthusiasts for an afternoon dedicated to preserving one of Charleston’s most treasured historic and spiritual landmarks, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, located at 134 St. Phillip Street, Charleston, SC 29403.

When the Obama Presidential Center opened its doors on Chicago's South Side, it became much more than a museum honoring the nation's first Black president. It opened as a reminder that America's story is still being written.

Dr. Washington was born and raised in Walterboro, SC. Bernie, as he is affectionately called, is the son of Fred and Shirley Stevens Washington. He is the proud father of two children, Katrina and James, Clemson graduates. Katrina majored in Civil Engineering, and James majored in Packaging Science.

After an extraordinary 32 years of Public Service, Chief Brent Simon retired in May 2026 from the South Carolina Ports Authority Police Department. Chief Simon began his law enforcement career with the City of Charleston Police Department before joining the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, and later spent his last 24 years at the South Carolina Ports Authority Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Chief of Police. Chief Simon held the distinction of being the fir

Donnie “Joe” Washington is the founder of Reform and Rebuilt Men, an organization based in Charleston, South Carolina, dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated Black men rebuild their lives. Donnie and his team work closely with approximately 20 men who have served 20 years or more in prison, aiming to assist them in “sustaining a decent life.” The program helps men find jobs, develop the social skills necessary to maintain employment, and encourages them to become more inv

Kenneth Riley is President of the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1422. He also serves as an International Vice President, District Vice President, Board Member for the ILA National Health Plan (MILA), East Coast Zone Coordinator for the International Dockworkers Council (covering the East Coast of the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas), Global Organizer for the International Longshoremen’s Association, and Board Member for Empire Diversified Energy, Inc

If you listen to some of today's political debates, you might think America has become tired of talking about race. Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are being dismantled. Books are challenged. School curricula are scrutinized. Discussions about race are increasingly portrayed as divisive. In some circles, simply acknowledging that race has shaped American history is treated as a form of racism itself.

Robert P. Pickering Jr. is the Director of the Student Success Center and Chief Civility and Engagement Officer at The Citadel, where he has served for over 30 years. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, he has dedicated his career to supporting student development within his home community. Throughout his tenure, he has held a range of leadership roles, including Associate Director of Admission, Ombudsman, and Director of Multicultural Student Services & International Stu

This year, the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Across the country, Americans are celebrating the nation's founding with parades, ceremonies, speeches, exhibitions, and reflections on the meaning of freedom. Yet as we commemorate this milestone, it is worth asking a question that often goes unexamined: Which founding are we celebrating?

s part of our 2nd Anniversary Celebration, The Black Voice Honored Local Heroes Who Make a Difference Without Seeking the Spotlight. Congressman Jonathan Jackson helped present the awards to Solomon Dukes, Robert P. Pickering, Kenneth Riley, Pastor Latocia and Elder Cedric Shamley and Donnie ‘Joe’ Washington

Posted Monday, June 15, 2026 6:53 pm Mayor Reginald L. Burgess and the City of North Charleston congratulated The Black Voice Newspaper on its second anniversary, recognizing its impact as a trusted community voice. The Mayor praised the publication's commitment to informing, uplifting, and empowering residents while strengthening civic engagement, supporting local businesses, and promoting community awareness throughout the region.

Solomon Dukes grew up in the Accabee community, North Charleston, SC. Seeing a need to give back to the community he grew up in, Solomon Dukes became a lifelong advocate for service and opportunity. He is employed with the International Longshoremen Association (ILA 1422-A). He has remained deeply committed to uplifting others and creating pathways for success.

Posted Monday, June 15, 2026 7:00 pm We are overjoyed to announce our 25th wedding anniversary on July 7! Twenty-five years ago, we chose a lifetime of love and partnership together. Today, we look back on a quarter century of beautiful memories, shared laughter, and a wonderful life built side by side. Cheers to 25 years, and to many more ahead with God on our side.

Joshua Tolbert, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, is the son of Barrett and Min. Dr. Nathalina Rogers-Tolbert. Joshua’s journey in technology began in elementary school, where joining the robotics team sparked a fascination with how things work. This passion eventually led him to The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, where he became the first African American cadet to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering.