About this issue.

For every major league title won, we are reminded of the tremendous accomplishments of black men in professional sports. There--on the field and on the court--a ball player's talent, natural ability, sportsmanship, and record-breaking feats are solidified. This month, however, in our cover story, Business Editor Alan Hughes profiles the achievements of two exceptional men who make their plays in the front offices of the NBA. Steve Mills: president of sports team operations at Madison Square Garden (home to the New York Knicks, Rangers and Liberty), and Terdema Ussery, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and head of Dallas' HDNet, the country's first high-definition television network, are the two highest-ranking, front office decision makers in the league. We have chosen them as BLACK ENTERPRISE 2003 Corporate Executives of the Year.

Presently in a league with the most progressive diversity-hiring practices of all major league sports, both men have successfully made significant strides and demonstrated exemplary leadership, which make them not only standout business execs but, as we acknowledge, potential history makers. Their dynamic moves within the corporate world poise either one to easily run the entire league--succeeding David Stern as NBA commissioner.

Professional style is another focal point of our editorial coverage this month. In our stories on executive style, we examine how the subtle influences of fashion contribute to success. Among the chic executives featured are real estate executive Janice Corley-Blaney, who heads the No. 1 gemax office in the state of Illinois; Max Siegel, president of Verity Records and vice president of Jive Records; and Janet Armstrong, senior technical director for Polo Jeans Co. Along with noted fashion editor Constance C. R. White, who serves as stylist and consultant in "The Dress Code" (see Powerplay, this issue), they embrace their wardrobes as an extension of their business approach and contributing to their career objectives. We further expound on the style principles with the expansion of our Lifestyle section.

"Moving into the upper echelons of business requires more than just hard work," explains Careers Editor Sonia Alleyne. "Expertise is a given. You have to produce, but today, the successful executive is a well-rounded professional, sophisticated in style and worldly in nature, whose tastes and appetites are growing and expanding in direct correlation with their incomes."

We recognize that today's business construct is much broader than working in an office from 9 to 5. Here in our new Lifestyle section, where we speak to the passions and interests of the seasoned executive, we provide an entree to all the elements that enhance life--professionally and socially--particularly because in today's society, the lines are often blurred.

--The Editors