As the founder and publisher ofBlack Business Ink, it has been my pleasure to produce a publication intentional about uplifting the African American community. Since the first edition rolled off the press in May 2003,Black Business Inkhas not wavered in its mission of promoting African American business and African African businesspersons. Also true its mission, the publication since 2018 has taken this sacrosanct mission next level with its POWER 100 and 40 Under 40 initiatives. The past two years -- in 2023 and 2024 -- we were pleased to recognize hundreds ofBlack Business Ink POWER 100honorees from across the Tar Heel state in front of an audience of hundreds at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in Greensboro, North Carolina. This year, we're holding our firstBlack Business Ink 40 Under 40 Most Influential African Americans In The Triad Awards Galasince 2022 and our first40 Under 40gala since 2020 at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. We hope to see you there!$60