Written by Lexx Thornton What began as a senior capstone project at Virginia Union University has grown into atransformative movement now gaining national attention. Rodney Manning Jr., a May 2025graduate of Virginia Union University (VUU), launched FOCUS (FinanciallyOptimistic CollegeMen Uplifting Society)—with a mission to equip young Black men with financial knowledge,leadership skills, and a commitment
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Written By Lexx Thornton Paris is reviving the spirit of U.S.-French entertainer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker with a new mural. Fifty years after her death, Baker now gazes out over a diverse neighborhood of northeast Paris, thanks to urban artist FKDL and a street art festival aimed at promoting community spirit. Born in
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By Monica Alba, Vaughn Hillyard, Dareh Gregorian and Zoë Richards Former President Barack Obama’s office issued a rare rebuke of President Donald Trump on Tuesday after the president accused his predecessor of having committed “treason” and rigging the 2016 and 2020 elections. “Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense
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The world of music is mourning the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic frontman of Black Sabbath whose singular voice and flamboyant persona helped launch heavy metal into the stratosphere. Osbourne died Tuesday at age 76, his family announced. He was surrounded by loved ones in his final moments. His boundary-breaking career—which spanned sold-out arenas,
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By Bridget Bowman and Adam Edelman President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax cut and spending law known as the “big beautiful bill” is expected to be a major issue in the 2026 midterm elections. But first, candidates for governor this year in Virginia and New Jersey are already testing how the measure plays on the campaign trail. Rep. Mikie Sherrill
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By Stephen Groves House Speaker Mike Johnson is rebuffing pressure to act on the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, instead sending members home early for a month-long break from Washington after the week’s legislative agenda was upended by Republican members who are clamoring for a vote. Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, said Tuesday morning that he wants
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Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have long been pillars of higher education for Black Americans, producing a significant portion of Black professionals in various fields. Despite their contributions, many HBCUs continue to grapple with chronic underfunding, particularly in states where they are designated as land-grant institutions. These financial disparities have hindered their ability to expand
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At Monday’s UNITE: Together We Lead conference in Atlanta, two visionary leaders sat down to discuss a revolutionary approach to building wealth at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)—one that starts in the classroom and ends with transformational giving. UNCF President Dr. Michael Lomax hosts a fireside chat with Spelman College Interim President Rosalind Brewer and Phil
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Did you know there are at least two historically Black colleges in America (West Virginia to be specific) that are predominantly white? Now, you probably read the above sentence and said to yourself: “Nah, that can’t be right. How are they HBCUs if their student body isn’t Black? What do you think the “B” stands for?
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Delaware State University (DSU) is entering a new era of growth and excitement. With fall football around the corner and the presence of former NFL star DeSean Jackson, momentum is building at Alumni Stadium. The HBCU is investing in a major facilities upgrade, hiring a star head coach, and transforming its athletic future. DSU Launches Athletics
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