Community

NAHB’s HBCU Cohort Learns From Mentors, Leaders at Black Builder Mixer

NAHB’s Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Student and Faculty Leadership program hosted the second annual Black Builder and Mentor Mixer at the 2025 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. The event at The New American Home 2025 welcomed 110 students and mentors, including 18 HBCU students who participated in the leadership program’s second cohort. Students toured the prestigious 9,047-square-foot home, which features five bedrooms, five and one-half bathrooms, and an 800-square-foot subterranean wine cellar and lounge. Mark Schlachter from Sun West Custom Homes, who served as superintendent of the build, spoke to the students about his tips, hardships, and how his team

ActivismDr. Kimberly Mayfield Working to Bring a ‘Black-Affirming University’ (HBCU) to Oakland

By Ken Epstein Dr. Kimberly Mayfield, who, until recently served as deputy mayor of Oakland, has been working for several years with educators and community groups to create a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) or other Black-serving institution of higher education in Oakland — potentially on the fully operational campus of Holy Names University in East Oakland, which went out of business in 2023. The goal, according to Mayfield, is to “create a Black-serving institution in Oakland, which means that 50% or more of the student body would be African American.” The Oakland program could either be an HBCU,

HBCU Green Fund Hosts Women’s Economic Development Trade Mission to Senegal

“We are honored to bring this extraordinary group of women leaders to Senegal, strengthening the Sister City relationship between our communities and establishing real opportunities for collaboration,” said Davis, who established HBCU Green Fund offices Forest Park and Yene. “We are here to open doors for business partnerships, innovation, and sharing sustainable solutions that uplift communities. Together, we can drive economic growth and prove that when women join forces, they create unstoppable momentum for a better future.” During the festivities Mayor Butler presented Mayor Mbengue with a proclamation reaffirming their commitment to a Sister City relationship that fosters cultural, economic, and educational exchange. The

New historical marker cements legacy of St. Paul’s Industrial College in Mexia

By Ryan Fite The City of Mexia is filled with rich history, and right now the community is celebrating an influential institution that will be cemented in Texas history. In the early 1900s, Rev. L. W. Thomas and The Primitive Baptist Church worked together to establish a college for Central Texas’ Black students. That idea ultimately gave birth to St. Paul Industrial College. In 1912, Rev. Thomas found oil on his land, which allowed him to fund the school. Later in 1929, St. Paul Normal and Industrial College opened its doors to around 30 students. Over time, the school grew and allowed

The 15 WHITE COATS® Brings HBCU Tethered Tour To Dillard University

Courtesy of Dillard University The Louisiana-based 15 White Coats®, a Black physician-led nonprofit dedicated to promoting cultural imagery in learning spaces, providing economic support to minority groups aspiring to be physicians, and promoting culturally appropriate literature access in learning spaces, visits Dillard University with HBCU Tethered Tour. The HBCU Tethered Tour is an 18-month program during which 15 White Coats will host or participate in events at HBCUs nationwide to support, uplift, and inspire the next generation of underrepresented physicians. The tour will provide valuable resources, facilitate important conversations, and highlight mentors in the medical space for Black and Brown

UNCF to host 2025 “A Mind Is…”® New England Gala

UNCF will host its annual 2025 “A Mind Is…”® New England Gala on March 13, 2025 at the Seaport Hotel Boston. More than 300 guests are expected to attend, including UNCF leadership, corporate partners, educators, community leaders and alumni and scholars from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU). For more than 80 years, UNCF has strived to change the HBCU narrative across the nation by equipping more HBCU students with the resources necessary to transition into college, graduate and ultimately expand and diversify America’s highly educated workforce. The “A Mind Is…”® New England Gala helps UNCF achieve the needed resources to do just that.

Abyssinian Baptist Church celebrates transformative legacy of HBCUs and Divine Nine organizations

By Amsterdam News Located in Harlem and long known for faith-based advocacy and an enduring history, the Abyssinian Baptist Church held a two-day event during Black History Month to highlight the transformative legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities. “For over two centuries, the Abyssinian Baptist Church has advocated for progress, justice and uplift,” said Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, senior pastor of the church and an alumnus of Morehouse College. “The Divine Nine and our nation’s HBCUs have stood in that same spirit, speaking truth to power, proudly uplifting Black communities

Tennessee State University Launches Black History Month Tour in Nashville

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Courtesy of Tennessee State University Tennessee State University kicked off its inaugural Black History Month tour this month. This project aims to recognize the significant cultural contributions made by African Americans to Nashville. The tour included stops at the Fisk University Galleries, the National Museum of African American Music, and the Jefferson Street Sound Museum. TSU faculty, staff, and students traveled on TSU’s charter bus with expert guides who illustrated African Americans’ artistic, musical, and historical significance. Tonya Turner, senior assistant and training coordinator for TSU’s business and finance department, played a pivotal role in organizing the tour. Inspired by an

HBCU Green Fund Hosts Women’s Economic Development Trade Mission to Senegal

By HBCU Green Fund The HBCU Green Fund, led by founder Felicia Davis, marked Black History Month with a week-long women’s economic development trade mission to Senegal, bringing together 22 elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and businesswomen to strengthen commercial, cultural, and humanitarian ties with the region. The delegation — which included GA State Rep. Rhonda Burnough (District 77, Clayton County), Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler, and Palmetto Mayor Teresa Thomas-Smith — received a warm welcome from Yene Mayor Massamba Mbengue, featuring a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and an ocean boat race, showcasing the strengthening Sister City bond between Forest Park and Yene. “We are honored to bring this extraordinary group of women leaders to Senegal, strengthening the Sister

Young students bring historic African American figures to life

By Maddie Sexton  Students dressed up as some of the most significant African Americans in history for a living “wax museum” at the Jonesboro Leadership Magnet School. Sixth graders took the hardwood standing tall and strong as some of history’s most influential African Americans including music industry legends, world-class athletes, and civil rights leaders on Monday, Feb. 24. Students conducted their own research on their chosen person of interest. Social Studies teacher Latoya Davis said it is important for today’s generation to know how they got here. “To understand that there were people before you who may not have had

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