July 06, 2026

First Black Woman to Launch a Drone Academy in Texas Announces National HBCU Aviation and Drone Leadership Initiative

First Black Woman to Launch a Drone Academy in Texas Announces National HBCU Aviation and Drone Leadership Initiative Tennessee State University Graduate Expands Mission to Increase Black and Minority Representation in Aviation and Drone Technology As demand for FAA-certified drone pilots continues to grow across the United States, Steffanie Rivers, founder of TCB Drones Academy and the first

More

The Growing Culture of Digital Savviness on HBCU Campuses

Something is shifting on HBCU campuses across the country, and it goes beyond hashtags and campus Wi-Fi upgrades. A genuine culture of digital fluency is taking root — one where students aren’t just consuming technology but actively building their financial and technical literacy around it. Crypto wallets, DeFi protocols, and fintech apps are becoming as

More

Memphis HBCU hires new AD with history of success

LeMoyne-Owen College has named Roderick Smothers Jr. its new Director of Athletics, effective July 1, as the Memphis HBCU looks to build momentum across its Division II athletics program. Smothers will lead LOC athletics with a focus on recruitment, operations, staffing, athletic performance, and improving the overall student-athlete experience. The move gives LeMoyne-Owen an administrator

More

Coppin State University Lowers Costs for Residential Students as Higher Education Expenses Climb Nationwide

While colleges across the country keep raising prices, Coppin State University is doing the opposite. Coppin State University announced on June 29, 2026, that residential students will see lower costs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. Coppin State University lowers costs through a newly negotiated food service agreement that cuts board plan rates by approximately 12%.

More

Dr. Joycelyn Hill Wins Alabama State Dissertation of the Year — Then Builds a Pipeline Between Two HBCUs

Dr. Joycelyn Hill Alabama State dissertation dissertation win is more than an academic honor — it is the foundation of a new educational pathway connecting two historically Black institutions. Hill, a Valley, Alabama native and double Alabama State University alumna, won the 2026 Dissertation of the Year award in the Qualitative-Based Method track at Alabama State for

More

Naomi Osaka overpowers Aryna Sabalenka to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals

By The Associated Press LONDON — In a matchup of two of the hardest hitters on tour, Naomi Osaka outslugged top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 7-6 (2) to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the first time on Sunday. Sabalenka had beaten Osaka in all three of her previous matches with Osaka this year — including at the same stage of the French Open

More

U.S. star Folarin Balogun eligible to play vs. Belgium after FIFA suspends red card ban

By Rohan Nadkarni, Greg Rosenstein and Monica Alba U.S. striker Folarin Balogun has been reinstated for the team’s round-of-16 match against Belgium on Monday after he earned a red card in the previous round, FIFA announced Sunday. Balogun was shown a controversial red card Wednesday during the U.S.’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina to start the knockout stage. The card

More

Deadly Fourth of July: At least 6 killed in shootings, explosions that wound dozens across the country

By Marlene Lenthang Fourth of July celebrations across the country were marred by violence that left at least six people dead and scores injured in multiple cities. In Brooklyn, New York’s Coney Island neighborhood, a man in a black ski mask opened fire on a family barbecue late Saturday night, wounding at least eight people, including four children.

More

Never Miss A Story

Covering HBCUS
and The African American Community