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These Powerhouse Female Execs Are Two of The Most Important Players in The Music Industry Today

ABOVE: Baroline Diaz, Founder and Chairwoman of Great Day Records Where would the music industry be without Black women? Thankfully, that’s a question we’ll never have to answer, because Black women, both in front of the mic and in the C-suites, have made—and continue to make—significant creative contributions to the culture. Yet like Black women […]
The post These Powerhouse Female Execs Are Two of The Most Important Players in The Music Industry Today first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

September 20, 2023

Forward Times Staff

ABOVE: Baroline Diaz, Founder and Chairwoman of Great Day Records

Where would the music industry be without Black women? Thankfully, that’s a question we’ll never have to answer, because Black women, both in front of the mic and in the C-suites, have made—and continue to make—significant creative contributions to the culture.

Yet like Black women in so many professions, these power players are often subject to harsh criticism, forcing them to work twice as hard to achieve the same degree of recognition and respect as their male counterparts in the industry at large. But as we celebrate 50 years of hip-hop, their influence is undeniable. As they carry forward the torch originally lit by the Black women who pushed open doors before them, they make the wins look almost easy. Meet two music execs who are the masterminds and marketers behind some of the biggest artists of our generation.

Baroline Diaz is a living testament to the phrase, “The dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately.” If there’s one thing Diaz is going to do, it’s hustle—and the 28-year-old has a résumé to prove it. As the founder and chairwoman of the newly launched Great Day Records, Diaz has cemented her place in history by creating an empowering space for the next generation of musical talent. Prior to Great Day, she served as vice president of A&R at Interscope Records and as manager to rising star Babyface Ray. She also oversaw the promotional careers of DaBaby and Moneybagg Yo.

“I’ve been passionate about music since I can remember,” says Diaz. “I’ve always been in love with hip-hop and how it makes people feel. Not just hip-hop, but music in general. I love operating behind the scenes, seeing what’s coming next from an artist. Artists are pushing the culture forward and creating the soundtracks of people’s lives. I want my company, and the artists I sign, to make people feel good. My ultimate goal is to help find and guide the next generation of superstars.”

Jenifer Smith, Head of Urban Tour Marketing, U.S. Concerts at Live Nation Entertainment

Diaz has come a long way from where she started out in the business, serving coffee and taking phone calls. These days the New York native is calling the shots and embracing everything that the future has to offer. “I feel like amazing things are coming my way,” she says. “I’m not in a rush to get ‘the hottest thing’ right now. I’m cool with taking my time and building a company that’s going to have the superstars moving forward—which means getting back to real artist development, and teaching and guiding artists to find their true selves in their music, to create the best music possible.”

This year, we saw some of our favorite artists headlining massive stadium events that broke the Internet. We can thank Jenifer Smith for that. She works with the top-tier of talent in hip-hop, rap and R&B, helping artists connect with their growing global fan base. Smith also helped launch tours for Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, H.E.R., Snoh Aalegra, Lil Baby, Jazmine Sullivan, Alicia Keys, Jack Harlow and many other artists.

“Music is the universal currency we all use,” Smith says. “It can shine a light on your darkest moment and magnify your brightest one. We have so many hard times nowadays. If I can contribute to some group therapy, I’m gonna do it! Mass shootings, racism, the attack on women’s rights—there are so many mediums and messages that divide us. But music, specifically good music, brings us together. Putting together some of this year’s biggest tours, I get to soothe everyone’s hardships for a few hours. A great festival, tour or concert helps you focus on those bright moments and curate those special memories.”

Motivated by an unwavering desire to create a safe space for artists to connect with their fans, Smith spent over a decade doing tour marketing for ICM Partners, AEG Presents and Goldenvoice prior to joining Live Nation. Her best advice for Black women trying to make their way up in the industry? “Be resourceful, be humble and be a good person overall, with tenacity and a good work ethic.”

The post These Powerhouse Female Execs Are Two of The Most Important Players in The Music Industry Today appeared first on Forward Times.

The post These Powerhouse Female Execs Are Two of The Most Important Players in The Music Industry Today first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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#NNPA BlackPress

LIHEAP Funds Released After Weeks of Delay as States and the District Rush to Protect Households from the Cold

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The federal government has released $3.6 billion in home heating assistance after a delay that left states preparing for the start of winter without the program’s annual funding.

Published

2 weeks ago

December 1, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal government has released $3.6 billion in home heating assistance after a delay that left states preparing for the start of winter without the program’s annual funding. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. The release follows a shutdown that stretched 43 days and pushed agencies across the country to warn families of possible disruptions.

State officials in Minnesota, Kansas, New York, and Pennsylvania had already issued alerts that the delay could slow the processing of applications or force families to wait until December for help. In Pennsylvania, more than 300,000 households depend on the program each year. Minnesota officials noted that older adults, young children, and people with disabilities face the highest risk as temperatures fall.

The delay also raised concerns among advocates who track household debt tied to rising utility costs. National Energy Assistance Directors Association Executive Director Mark Wolfe said the funds were “essential and long overdue” and added that high arrearages and increased energy prices have strained families seeking help.

Some states faced additional pressure when other services were affected by the shutdown. According to data reviewed by national energy advocates, roughly 68 percent of LIHEAP households also receive nutrition assistance, and the freeze in multiple programs increased the financial burden on low-income residents. Wolfe said families were placed in “an even more precarious situation than usual” as the shutdown stretched into November.

In Maryland, lawmakers urged the Trump administration to release funds after the state recorded its first cold-related death of the season. The Maryland Department of Health reported that a man in his 30s was found outdoors in Frederick County when temperatures dropped. Last winter, the state documented 75 cold-related deaths, the highest number in five years. Rep Kweisi Mfume joined more than 100 House members calling for immediate federal action and said LIHEAP “is not a luxury” for the 100,000 Maryland households that rely on it. He added that seniors and veterans would be placed at risk if the program remained stalled.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore used $10.1 million in state funds to keep benefits moving, but noted that states cannot routinely replace federal dollars. His administration said families that rely on medical equipment requiring electricity are particularly vulnerable.

The District of Columbia has already mapped out its FY26 LIHEAP structure in documents filed with the federal government. The District’s plan shows that heating assistance, cooling assistance, weatherization, and year-round crisis assistance operate from October 1 through September 30. The District allocates 50 percent of its LIHEAP funds to heating assistance, 10 percent to cooling, 13 percent to year-round crisis assistance, 15 percent to weatherization, and 10 percent to administrative costs. Two percent is used for services that help residents reduce energy needs, including education on reading utility bills and identifying energy waste.

The District’s plan lists a minimum LIHEAP benefit of $200 and a maximum of $1,800 for both heating and cooling assistance. Crisis benefits are provided separately and may reach up to $500 when needed to resolve an emergency. The plan states that a household is considered in crisis if it has been disconnected from energy service, if heating oil is at 5 percent or less of capacity, or if the household has at least $200 owed after the regular benefit is applied.

The District’s filing notes that LIHEAP staff conduct outreach through community meetings, senior housing sites, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, social media, posters, and mass mailings. The plan confirms that LIHEAP applicants can apply in person, by mail, by email, or through a mobile-friendly online application and that physically disabled residents may request in-home visits.

As agencies nationwide begin distributing the newly released funds, states continue working through large volumes of applications. Wolfe said LIHEAP administrators “have been notified that the award letters have gone out and the states can begin to draw down the funds.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

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Seven Steps to Help Your Child Build Meaningful Connections

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Swinging side by side with a friend on the playground. Sharing chalk over bright, colorful sidewalk drawings. Hiding behind a tree during a spirited game of hide-and-seek. These simple moments between children may seem small, but they matter more than we think

Published

2 weeks ago

December 1, 2025

Oakland Post

By Niyoka McCoy, Ed.D., Chief Learning Officer, Stride/K12

Swinging side by side with a friend on the playground. Sharing chalk over bright, colorful sidewalk drawings. Hiding behind a tree during a spirited game of hide-and-seek. These simple moments between children may seem small, but they matter more than we think: They lay the foundation for some of life’s most important skills.

Through everyday play, young children begin learning essential social and emotional skills like sharing, resolving conflicts, showing empathy, and managing their emotions. These social skills help shape emotional growth and set kids up for long-term success. Socialization in early childhood isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for development.

Yet today, many young children who haven’t yet started school aren’t getting enough consistent, meaningful interaction with peers. Research shows that there’s a decline in active free play and peer socialization when compared to previous generations.

There are many reasons for this. Children who are home with a parent during the day may spend most of their time with adults, limiting opportunities for peer play. Those in daycare or preschool may have restricted free play, and large classrooms can reduce supervision and social coaching. Some children live in rural areas, are homebound due to illness, have full schedules, or rely on screens to fill their playtime. And for some families, finding other families with young children to connect with isn’t easy.

While these challenges can feel significant, opportunities for connection still exist in every community. Families can take simple steps to help children build friendships, create a sense of belonging, and strengthen social skills. Here are some ideas to get started:

Storytime sessions at libraries or local bookstores
Community offerings such as parent-child workshops, art, music, gymnastics, swimming, or sports programs
Weekly events at children’s museums, which may include art projects, music workshops, or science experiments
Outdoor exploration, where kids can play with peers
Local parenting groups that organize playdates and group activities
Volunteer opportunities where children can participate, such as pet adoption events or packing meals at a food bank
Classes for kids at local businesses, including hardware, grocery, or craft stores

Some of these community activities are free or low-cost and give kids the chance to build friendships and practice social skills. Parents can also model positive social behavior by interacting with other parents and encouraging their children to play with their peers.

These may seem like small moments of connection, but they can have a powerful impact. Every time your child shares a toy, plays make-believe with peers, or races a friend down the slide, they’re not just playing—they’re learning the skills that build confidence, empathy, and lasting friendships. And it’s good for you, too. Creating intentional opportunities for play also helps you strengthen your own network of parents who can support one another as your children grow together.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Seven Steps to Help Your Child Build Meaningful Connections

Published

2 weeks ago

December 1, 2025

Oakland Post

By Niyoka McCoy, Ed.D., Chief Learning Officer, Stride/K12

Storytime sessions at libraries or local bookstores
Community offerings such as parent-child workshops, art, music, gymnastics, swimming, or sports programs
Weekly events at children’s museums, which may include art projects, music workshops, or science experiments
Outdoor exploration, where kids can play with peers
Local parenting groups that organize playdates and group activities
Volunteer opportunities where children can participate, such as pet adoption events or packing meals at a food bank
Classes for kids at local businesses, including hardware, grocery, or craft stores