EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS EARNS DOCTORAL DEGREE
Russell Motley, editor-in-chief emeritus for M•I•A Media Group, has recently earned a doctoral degree in applied learning sciences from the University of Miami.
In addition, he was honored with the Department of Teaching and Learning’s Outstanding Capstone Project Award, the program’s highest academic distinction for a graduating student.
Motley, whose career spans both print and broadcast journalism, is currently a broadcast journalism professor at Florida Memorial University.
He holds a master’s degree in communication from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a bachelor’s in broadcast journalism from the University of Miami .
MDCC PRESIDENT NAMED SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
The U.S. Small Business Administration South Florida District Office has named
G. Eric Knowles as the 2026 Florida Small Business Advocate of the Year. The award was presented as part of SBA’s National Small Business Week honors.
The statewide recognition celebrates Knowles’ leadership, advocacy and long-standing commitment to strengthening small businesses, expanding economic opportunity and supporting entrepreneurs throughout Miami-Dade County and across Florida.
Knowles is president and CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce.
FORMER LEGACY HONOREE RECEIVES PROMOTION
Ronnell Robinzine was recently promoted from senior counsel to head of legal at DLP Capital, a St. Augustine-based private real estate investment firm.
Duties for the new role include leading the portfolio management and special assets division of the company.
Prior to this, Robinzine was vice president and corporate counsel for Waypoint Residential.
Robinzine received a law degree from Fredric G. Levin College of Law at the University of Florida and a bachelor of science and finance from Illinois State University.
RODRICK MILLER PRESENTED WITH BE STRONG INTERNATIONAL AWARD
Miami-Dade Beacon Council President and CEO Rodrick Miller was recently recognized by Be Strong International at their annual Hearts in Rhythm event.
The Be Stronger Together Award honors local leaders empowering youth and families through community impact, support, and lasting positive change.
Be Strong International is a nonprofit that offers educational workshops and resources that strengthens relationships and foster meaningful connections among family members, friends, co-workers, and community members.
NABJ SOUTH FLORIDA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM NOW OPEN
The South Florida chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists is now offering more than $67,000 in scholarships. Available funding includes their new $25,000 NABJ Garth C. Reeves, Sr. Scholarship.
The chapter is encouraging high school and college students who are pursuing careers in journalism, media, and communications to apply.
Visit nabjsouthflorida.com for eligibility requirements and application details. The deadline to apply is July 31.
Scholarship winners will be honored during NABJ South Florida’s scholarship gala on Sept. 19.
Did you recently get a promotion? Are you a new hire at a South Florida company? Does your firm have a major announcement to make?
Let us know by sharing your good news in Legacy Briefs. Send a press release and your professional headshot to sergy@miamediagrp.com with the subject line
Legacy Briefs.
