Community

HBCU Energy Education Prize Returns With Second Round of Its Inspire Track

/

By Emily Mercer Meeting the demand for tomorrow’s energy workforce begins with the development of STEM programs that inspire and prepare today’s youth. The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Clean Energy Education Prize—first launched in March 2023—empowers HBCUs to lead this effort. The prize’s Inspire Track was designed to support the development and expansion of HBCU-hosted clean energy summer or academic-break programs for K–12 and community-college students. Last year, 10 finalists of the first round of the Inspire Track used their prize funds to host summer programs on clean energy topics ranging from renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies to environmental

Black Girls Code: Committed to increasing representation in tech fields

By Ariayana Griffin Black Girls Code (BGC) is an organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Black women and girls ages seven to 25 years old. The organization’s work is essential due to the low numbers of Black women partaking in fields related to technology. A research report conducted by Accenture showed that “27 percent of computing roles in the U.S. market are held by women,” however alarmingly “just 3 percent and 2 oercent are held by African-American and Hispanic American/Latina women.” Since 2011, Black Girls Code has been on a mission

Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development Broadens Reach Across the United States

Courtesy of Morehouse School of Medicine Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development (EQBMED), a collaborative partnership dedicated to expanding clinical trial participation among communities of color and rural populations, today announced the selection of the final four clinical trial sites of the learning phase: Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina Health 360x bringing in 35 additional sites across 14 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia) Southside Medical Center, in collaboration with Ocean Management Services, in Atlanta, Georgia University of Alabama at Birmingham Minority Health & Health

Spelman College Student Receives the Inaugural Secoriea Turner Social Justice Scholarship

/

Courtesy of Spelman College Spelman College student Blair Moore, C’2027, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Secoriea Turner Social Justice Scholarship, named in honor of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner who was shot and killed during protests in 2020. Turner’s parents, their lawyers and the Black Woman’s Lab and Black Man’s Lab raised thousands to fund the scholarship to help support a college student with a passion for social justice and equity. Moore, an English major and dance choreography minor from San Francisco, Cali., is civically engaged as a member of Spelman’s Social Justice Fellows Program and Spelman’s NAACP Social Committee. She prides herself on being

Coppin State University Launches Homeownership Initiative to Boost West Baltimore Communities

/

Courtesy of Coppin State University Coppin State University has unveiled an exciting new initiative to foster homeownership among its employees while contributing to the revitalization of West Baltimore neighborhoods. The “Live Near Your Work” program, developed in partnership with the City of Baltimore, offers generous financial incentives for Coppin State staff who choose to buy homes close to their place of employment. Eligible employees can benefit from grants starting at $50,000 to help cover down payments and closing costs associated with purchasing a home. Remarkably, these grants can be increased to as much as $90,000 when combined with additional assistance

HBCU Launches Early College Program with Alabama School District

/

By Ashley Brown In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance high school students’ educational opportunities, Birmingham City Schools has announced an exciting new partnership with Lawson State Community College. This collaboration will introduce the BCS Early College-Wenonah program, set to launch in early 2025. The program will allow students to earn college credits while completing their high school education at Wenonah High School. Located adjacent to Lawson State, Wenonah High School will be the hub for this innovative program. Qualified students from all Birmingham City School campuses can enroll. This initiative will give young scholars unique opportunities to pursue a college degree or

HBCU Grad Launches Unique Bookstore and Wellness Boutique in Atlanta

/

By Ashley Brown In a remarkable fusion of literature and wellness, Dr. Viola Lanier, a distinguished Morehouse School of Medicine graduate, has opened A Better Today Books & Boutique in Marietta, a suburb of Atlanta. Officially opened on Nov. 30, this innovative establishment stands out for its commitment to promoting reading and holistic well-being. A Better Today is more than just a bookstore; it serves as a “literary sanctuary” that integrates a carefully curated selection of books with an array of wellness products designed to foster personal growth and mindfulness. “I’ve loved reading anything I could get my hands on

Howard University Hosts Panel to Address Black Maternal Health Crisis

/

By Amber Dodd In partnership with Walmart and the PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, Howard University hosted a Maternal Health Panel at the University’s College of Medicine.  The panel coincided with the Congressional Black Caucus’ 53rd legislative session as congressional affiliates drafted and advocated for bills to address the Black maternal crisis. Black women are currently dying at three times the rate of white women during childbirth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 80% of those deaths are preventable. Connecting Black Maternal Advocates Before the panel, Jazmin Long, CEO and founder of Birthing Beautiful Communities in

Meharry Medical College Partners With Oracle Health to Advance Health Care Access and Education

/

Courtesy of Meharry Medical College Meharry Medical College in Nashville, one of four historically Black medical schools in the country, has announced a new partnership with Oracle Health to advance healthcare in communities across Tennessee and beyond. As part of their recently signed agreement, the two institutional partners will collaborate on research, education, and community care initiatives. Alongside local health care providers, public officials, and community organizations, Meharry and Oracle plan to establish a health innovation hub and community wellness center in Nashville. Additionally, Meharry will have access to Oracle’s AI and clinical application software, which will enhance the medical

N.Y.C. Housing Plan Moves Forward With an Unexpected $5 Billion Boost

/

By Emma G. Fitzsimmons A major plan seeking to address New York City’s housing crisis won approval from a City Council committee in a key vote on Thursday, bolstered by an unexpected pledge of $5 billion in city and state funds for affordable housing and infrastructure projects. The plan, known as City of Yes, is designed to ease restrictions that have made large-scale housing growth difficult, and represents the most significant overhaul of New York’s zoning regulations in decades. City officials estimate the changes could make way for 80,000 additional homes. The plan was passed by the Council’s Land Use Committee

1 2 3 8