Terresa Hardaway says her favorite part of being a business owner is the chance to intentionally build community. In 2017, she co-founded Blackbird Revolt, a design studio focused on social justice, anti-racism and abolition. In 2024, she acquired Black Garnet Books.

Blackbird Revolt helps government agencies, nonprofits and grassroots organizations with branding, animation, video and audio production, fabrication and other creative work. At Black Garnet Books, Hardaway uses storytelling to show what Black liberation looks like, curating Black and Brown authors and hosting events that center community.

She also shares how she adapted her bookstore during Operation Metro Surge, how her network gave her the confidence to become an entrepreneur, and her advice for anyone starting a business: have a plan, know who you are, and surround yourself with people who will remind you when you forget.

Hardaway is an associate professor of graphic design and director of design justice at the University of Minnesota’s College of Design.

Black History Fun Fact: Dr. Patricia Bath invented a laser device that helped improve cataract

📺 THIS WEEK ON LET’S TALK ON WIN-TV!

Join Managing Editor Micha Green for a special episode of Let’s Talk on Friday, October 9, at noon!

We’re talking financial wellness with Aja Clark of Chase Bank, exploring strategies for building better credit and strengthening your financial future as featured in The Washington Informer’s Financial Literacy Supplement.

Then, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’ll speak with Lisa Baynes of the American Cancer Society about the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement, community support, and the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of DC event on October 17 at the Tidal Basin.

Plus, we’re celebrating the legacy of the Black Press with special prerecorded conversations featuring Jacquie Gales Webb, one of six women being honored at the upcoming High Tea hosted by The Washington Informer and The Afro, and a conversation between the publishers of these historic media institutions.

We’ll also share details about two upcoming celebrations: The Washington Informer’s 62nd Anniversary Photogallery Exhibit and Reception, honoring legendary photographer Roy Lewis on October 16, and the Washington Informer and Afro High Tea on October 24!

🗓️ Tune in Friday, October 9, at 12 noon.

📺 Watch Let’s Talk on WIN-TV for conversations that inform, inspire, and connect our community.

#LetsTalk #WINTV #TheWashingtonInformer #FinancialLiteracy #BreastCancerAwareness #MakingStrides #BlackPress #CommunityConversations

✨ Style is taking center stage at Salute 39.

From classic silhouettes and jewel tones to statement accessories, the 39th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education will celebrate Black excellence with glamour to match. This year’s fashion editorial proves elegance has no price, size or age.

🖊️ Kenya Vaughn
📷 Lawrence Bryant

Read more: https://www.stlamerican.com/salute-to-excellence/style-will-take-center-stage-at-39th-annual-education-salute/ 

#Salute39 #StLouisAmerican #stlamerican #BlackExcellence #StLouis

For 30 years, Dr. Earleen Patterson has helped students at SIUE find their path, build confidence and create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Her dedication to education and service will be honored at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 39th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala on Oct. 17. 🎓👏🏾

Read her story: https://www.stlamerican.com/salute-to-excellence/earleen-pattersons-legacy-rooted-in-education-service/

✒️ Na’Porsha Williams
📷 Lawrence Bryant

#STLAmerican #Salute39 #Education #BlackExcellence #SIUE

In an exclusive interview with The Defender, Texas Congressman Christian Menefee sits down to reflect on his first 250 days serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Congressman Menefee shares key insights into his legislative priorities, introducing new bills, and navigating the day-to-day challenges of serving in the house minority. He breaks down why every vote matters in shaping our communities and offers a preview of the urgent legislative issues he plans to tackle next.

In this video, you’ll hear about: • Reflections on his first 250 days in Congress • Key legislation introduced and priority bills • Navigating the realities and strategy of serving in the house minority • Why civic engagement and voter participation remain critical • What lies ahead on his legislative agenda

Subscribe to The Defender for more exclusive political coverage, interviews, and community insights!

Sign-up for the Top 5 newsletter

Defender Newsletters

Donate/ Support Our Work

Contribute to the Defender Network

#ChristianMenefee #USCongress #TexasPolitics #TheDefender #CommunityNews #CivicEngagement #houseofrepresentativeselection2026

Chapters
0:00 Introduction and the Importance of Voting
1:12 First 250 Days and Improving Constituent Services
2:40 Oversight Committee and Environmental Justice
4:05 Rebuilding an Empty Congressional Office
6:10 The SET Act: Ending Vacancies in Representation
8:25 Life in the Minority and Playing Defense
10:45 Foreign Policy, Inflation, and Gas Prices
12:50 Economic Goals: Child Care and Housing
14:20 Redistricting and Respecting Leadership
16:15 The Rotisserie Chicken Vote and SNAP Benefits
18:20 Congressional Black Caucus Highlights
19:45 Final Call to Action for Texas Voters

Make sure to check your voter registration status and head to the polls to make your voice heard in the upcoming election. If you found this update helpful, please like this video and subscribe to stay informed on the issues that matter most to your community. 📢

#TexasPolitics #Congress #Houston #VotingRights #ChristianMenefee

Visit Our Website

Home – updated

Read more stories by our team
https://defendernetwork.com/category/news/opinion/