Haven Light

Happy 62nd Birthday to Terry Weeks 🎂

The construction firm was founded in 1952 by H.J. Russell and is now led by his son, Michael B. Russell Sr. 💼 Today, the company generates around $300 million in revenue—and they’ve set their sights on hitting $1 BILLION by 2029 👏🏽🔥 A true legacy of Black excellence in business!

Edward Bouchet — Physicist Education: Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Bouchet attended segregated schools before excelling at the private Hopkins Grammar School, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1870. He then attended Yale College, graduating in 1874 as one of its first Black graduates and ranking sixth in his class of 124 students. Doctorate in Physics: In 1876, Bouchet earned his doctorate in physics from Yale University with a dissertation titled "On Measuring Refractive Indices". This accomplishment made him the sixth person of any race to receive a Ph.D. in physics from an American university. Career: Despite his superior qualifications, racial discrimination and segregation prevented Bouchet from securing a research or faculty position at a white college. He dedicated his career to education, primarily teaching chemistry and physics for 26 years at the Institute for Colored Youth (now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania) in Philadelphia. He later held other teaching and administrative positions at high schools and colleges for African Americans. Legacy Bouchet's life and academic contributions are honored today through several initiatives: Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society: Established in 2005 by Yale and Howard Universities, this society recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity, excellence, and leadership in doctoral education and the professoriate. Edward A. Bouchet Award: The American Physical Society confers this award on outstanding minority physicists who have made significant contributions to physics research and the advancement of underrepresented minority scientists. Undergraduate Fellows Program: Yale College sponsors the Edward A. Bouchet Undergraduate Fellows Program to honor his legacy. You can learn more about his impact on the academic world on the Yale Graduate School's official page dedicated to his honor society Edward Bouchet was the first Black American to get a Ph. D. in Physics and the sixth person ever to earn that doctorate from any American university. According to the American Physical Society, he was also the first Black student to graduate from Yale.

At 71, Yvonne Spann Sowers fulfilled her dream by graduating from W.L. Bonner College as Valedictorian with a degree in Biblical Studies. Just a month later, her daughter Eyamba also graduated Cum Laude with a Master’s in Homeland Security. Their story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Together, mother and daughter proved determination knows no age limit, inspiring others to keep pursuing education, faith, and lifelong dreams.

Never too late! At 83, Marie Fowler became Howard’s oldest graduate, starting her degree at 71 after a career in government. Two weeks ago, she completed a 12-year journey, earning a Doctor of Divinity degree, recognized for her courage. Fowler worked at Howard in the 1960s but doubted her abilities. Now, she graduates with the highest honors.

Happy 71st birthday to Denzel Washington 🎂

🌟 Meet Tiffany C. Hainesworth 🌟 Breaking barriers and raising a glass, Tiffany is the first Black woman to solely own a tequila brand. Her passion, vision, and dedication are not just changing the spirits industry—they’re inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to chase their dreams fearlessly. 🍹✨

Legacy isn’t just remembered — it’s continued. Meet the Black siblings who are still running the very same plumbing business their grandfather started more than 40 years ago. What began as one man’s dream, built with hard work, integrity, and determination, has grown into a family legacy rooted in excellence and pride. In an industry where small businesses often struggle to survive, this family didn’t just hold on — they honored the foundation laid before them. By passing down skills, values, and responsibility, they turned a trade into a generational mission. This story isn’t only about plumbing. It’s about perseverance. Ownership. And the power of building something that lasts beyond a lifetime. Black-owned businesses are more than services — they are stories of resilience, vision, and legacy. Now that is how you honor your ancestors. 🛠️✨

Awtalin Lee Tate Jr. of Georgia has made history as his high school’s first Black male valedictorian—and his accomplishments don’t stop there. 🎓✨ Graduating with an impressive 4.7 GPA and completing 21 Advanced Placement courses, Tate earned more than $1.3 million in college scholarship offers. After weighing his options, he chose to attend North Carolina A&T State University, where he will study mechanical engineering on a full scholarship. Tate’s achievement is not only a testament to his academic excellence but also a powerful moment of representation and inspiration for future students. His success highlights the importance of determination, discipline, and vision in breaking barriers and opening doors for others to follow.

Thoughts? 🤔

Champale Anderson, a mother of six from North St. Louis, has spent the last five years handing out free lunches and snacks to any child who asks. Every school day, she prepares around 100 bags filled with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, juice, fruit, cookies, and other treats. Outside her home, a handwritten sign reads: “Champ Tears Drops, free snacks anytime. Donations welcome.” Her mission is simple—to make sure no child goes hungry after school. What began with her own money has now grown with the help of donations. Kids rush to her door after school, sometimes with their parents by their side, knowing there will always be a bag waiting for them. Her dream? To expand into a mobile operation and reach even more children in need. ❤️ As Champale says: “I’m just doing my part—one sandwich at a time.”

Westport, Connecticut. Wedding and reception photos of Geoffrey Holder and Carmen de Lavallade (1955).

Photos by Saul Mauriber via the Beinecke digital collection / Yale University