Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, has been inducted into the American Marketing Association New York’s Marketing Hall of Fame for 2025, marking a historic milestone as only the third African American woman ever to receive the honor.

      Weaver, often dubbed “The People’s CEO,” was recognized in the category of Marketing for a Challenger Brand, highlighting her transformative leadership in building Uncle Nearest into the fastest growing and most awarded independent spirits brand in history. The honor acknowledges her pioneering role in reshaping both the marketing and spirits industries through a blend of cultural storytelling, purpose-driven strategy, and bold innovation.

      Uncle Nearest honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green. Launched in 2017, Uncle Nearest has collected more than 1,450 awards, including 953 Gold medals or higher and 155 Best in Class honors. It has been named the Most Awarded Straight Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey for six consecutive years. Today, the brand is sold in all 50 states and 26 countries, with a presence in over 45,000 locations, including its flagship 458-acre distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee—the seventh most visited in the world.

Gabrielle Union Launches Baby Clothing Line with JCPenney

      Award-winning actress Gabrielle Union and her husband, NBA legend Dwyane Wade, are bringing their signature style to the nursery with the launch of PROUDLY Baby Apparel—a new, exclusive line debuting at JCPenney.

      Known for their inclusive baby care brand PROUDLY, the couple is expanding into fashion with a thoughtfully crafted collection that blends practicality, comfort, and joyful design. The apparel line includes everyday essentials like breathable onesies, cozy footed sleepers, soft hooded towels, two-piece sets, rompers, and playful beanie sets—all made from baby-safe fabrics in soft color palettes and whimsical safari prints.

      “For too long, parents have had to choose between affordability and style,” Union said. “We created PROUDLY to change that—for all families.”

      The collection is designed to embrace the real (and often messy) magic of parenthood with details like tiny real pockets, inclusive sizing, and curated baby care gift sets perfect for showers or everyday use.