Dr. Opal Lee, ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth,’ Honored With Presidential Medal of Freedom
The activist, social worker, and educator made national headlines for her decades-long advocacy to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. On Friday, May 3, President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Opal Lee, also known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, for her efforts in establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday. Dr. Lee was […]
Model Anok Yai, Who Was First Discovered at Howard’s Homecoming, Shined Brightly at the MET Gala
On fashion’s biggest night, the MET Gala was packed with a star-studded lineup of actresses, models, and celebrities. Among them, one name sparkled brighter than the rest: Anok Yai. Her journey from a memorable moment at an HBCU homecoming to the illustrious MET Gala is truly inspiring. In 2017, Yai, then a sophomore at Plymouth […]
Candace Parker Named President of Women’s Basketball at Adidas
She may be hanging up her sneakers, but she will remain deeply rooted in the sport. WNBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and all-around hoops icon Candace Parker is taking her talents off the court and into the boardroom, Andscape Reports. Fresh off her retirement announcement, Parker has landed a groundbreaking new role as the president […]
Tennessee State University Student Turns Dorm Room Into His Own Personal ‘Tiny Desk’
Talk about following your dreams! David Nyenwe is a student at Tennessee State University (TSU) in Nashville. Like many HBCU students, Nyenwe is laser-focused on his academic studies while also using his time in school to carve out a unique career path. However, he’s not just waiting around the career center to make his dreams […]
Artist Pheelz Recreates Song ‘Finesse’ for Young Fan with Autism
“Alexa, play Appy Pen!” In February, LewisEmpire, a popular social media family, shared a video regarding their autistic daughter, Presley. Presley wanted to hear a specific song, but when she asked Alexa to play “Appy Pen,” the digital assistant couldn’t decipher her request. LewisEmpire turned to their followers for help, sparking a month-long online hunt […]
Two Mother-Daughter Duos Launch Upscale HBCU Accessory Line, TruBlu Legacy
There’s a new way to represent your HBCU with pride and sophistication. TruBlu Legacy, a new online retailer launched in 2022, is offering a stylish twist on HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) paraphernalia. Founded by Kai Waller and her mother Rhonda Waller, along with Joslyn Jackson and her daughter Lauren Jackson–all Spelman College graduates–the […]
Artist William H. Johnson’s ‘Fighters for Freedom’ Collection on Display for the First Time in 75 Years
The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is currently showcasing William H. Johnson’s “Fighters for Freedom” Collection, a series of portraits and vignettes painted in the 1940s as a tribute to African American activists, scientists, teachers, and performers as well as international leaders working to bring peace to the world. For the first time since 1946, […]
Xavier University Makes History as First HBCU to Launch a Medical School in the Gulf South
Xavier joins Howard, Morehouse, Meharry, Charles R. Drew, and Morgan State as only the fifth HBCU in the U.S. to offer a medical school. According to HBCU Buzz, Xavier University of Louisiana has joined forces with Ochsner Health to launch the new groundbreaking Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM). This historic partnership aims to tackle […]
Shonda Rhimes’ ‘Black Barbie’ Documentary Set to Premiere This Juneteenth on Netflix
The premiere will follow Rhimes’ heavily anticipated third season of Bridgerton. Shonda Rhimes, the powerhouse behind hit shows like Scandal and Bridgerton, is teaming up with Netflix to bring you a documentary celebrating an iconic doll: Black Barbie. Black Barbie: A Documentary is set to premiere on Juneteenth. View this post on Instagram A post […]
University of South Carolina Unveils Monument Honoring First 3 Black Students to Integrate University
They are paying tribute! The University of South Carolina (USC) commemorated a pivotal moment in its history last month with the unveiling of a new monument honoring the courage and legacy of three Black students. Robert Anderson, Henrie Monteith Treadwell, and James Solomon Jr. were the first Black students admitted to USC since Reconstruction, and […]