Texas Teen Earned 6.9 GPA, Becomes First Black Valedictorian in School’s 125 Year History
Tobechukwu “Tobi” Phillips just broke a barrier as the first Black valedictorian in Alvin High School’s 125 year history. The Texas high school was first established in 1894 and integrated with African-American students in 1965. Phillips earned a 6.9 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, placing her at the top of her class. She only […]
College Athlete Surprised on Senior Day by Army Brother She Hadn’t Seen in Three Years
As a college athlete, senior day represents an opportunity for family and friends to cheer you on at your last home game. As Texas Longhorns outfielder Ki’Audra Hayter walked the field with both of her parents by her side, she was surprised by another family member she didn’t expect to see. What she didn’t expect was […]
Watch: Teacher Remixes Old Town Road to Prepare Students for End of Year Test
As a first-year teacher with Teach For America at Sun Valley Elementary School in Birmingham, Alabama, Jasmine Merlette is determined to find unique ways to transfer information to her third grade students. After one of her students shared how nervous she was over the class’ end of year assessments, she came up with a creative […]
His Late Father Was a Janitor at Rutgers, Now He’s Graduating from the University in Honor of His Sacrifice
Growing up in a competitive academic household, college was always a part of Anthony Brown’s plan. Thanks to his father, he was able to bypass the burden and barrier that prevents so many from pursuing higher education — the cost of tuition. Brown’s father took a job as a janitor at Rutgers University that allowed […]
Toniqua Mikell Becomes First Black Person to Earn PhD from USC in Criminology and Criminal Justice
When the University of South Carolina holds its 2019 Spring Commencement exercises, Toniqua Mikell will make history as the first Black person in the school’s history to earn a PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice. After deciding against law school, Mikell determined pursuing a PhD was the best way to fulfill her purpose. Not only […]
Mom Surprised With Degree at Son’s Commencement After Attending His Graduation Instead of Her Own
Queue the tissues. Sharonda Wilson’s graduation from Ferris State University was held on the same day as her son’s graduation from Central Michigan University. In true mommy fashion, Sharonda decided to forego her commencement exercises so she could be present when her son, Stephan’s, name was called. In a video shared on Central Michigan University’s […]
WWII Veteran Missed Her College Graduation, Now for Her 99th Birthday She’ll Finally Get to Walk Across the Stage
For her 99th birthday, Elizabeth Barker Johnson was surprised with a party and an opportunity she has longed for since 1949. The World War II veteran found out she would finally be able to put on her cap and gown and walk across the stage at Winston-Salem State University’s graduation. Johnson successfully completed her teaching […]
For the First Time in History, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss America Are All Black Women
We already know that Black is beautiful, but for the first time in history the top beauty pageants in the country have simultaneously elevated this truth. Three Black women are currently wearing crowns as the 2019 Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss America. When Cheslie Kryst’s name was announced as Miss USA on Thursday […]
Houston Senior Becomes First Black Valedictorian in School’s 119 Year History
Some traditions are worth disrupting, and that’s exactly what Kellin McGowan just did. The high school senior just became the first Black valedictorian in the 119 year history of St. Thomas High School in Houston, Texas. The school is an all boys Catholic college prep school for students grades 9th through 12th. His English teacher Darrell […]
Viola Davis Releases New Children’s Book, ‘Corduroy Takes A Bow’
Academy Award-winning Actress, Viola Davis, has released a new children’s book in the ‘Corduroy’ series of adventures. The story chronicles Corduroy and his friend Lisa’s trip to the theater as the precocious and adventurous bear embarks on yet another quest to search for the missing button from his overalls. What many may not realize is […]