Community - Page 6

UNCF Empowers Black Parents to Advocate for Black Teachers

By Walter Hudson The United Negro College Fund announced a comprehensive initiative Tuesday designed to empower Black parents as advocates for increasing the number of Black teachers in America’s classrooms, addressing a critical shortage that has far-reaching implications for student success and educational equity. The initiative, launched in partnership with the Center for Black Educator Development, includes a detailed toolkit titled “Hear Us, Believe Us, Invest In Us: Helping Parents Advocate for Black Teachers,” which provides parents with concrete strategies for engaging with school boards, elected officials, and educational institutions to drive systemic change. “The stakes are high for our Black students,”

Franklin High Students Complete Powerful HBCU Mural

By Aaron Allen, At Franklin High School, students are helping preserve and celebrate the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the face of what many view as a national cultural assault on Black history. Through a powerful mural now stretching across two walls of the school’s second floor, Franklin’s Black Student Union and student body are honoring the institutions that have historically supported Black academic achievement and cultural identity. The mural, which began eight years ago under the guidance of former teacher and BSU mentor Judy Griffin, originally featured 20 HBCU emblems. Today, it includes all 107

Alaska Hosts HBCU Band Camp with AAMU’s Carlton Wright

Held June 11–13 at Dr. Etheldra Davis Fairview Elementary School, the camp welcomed students from grades 6 through 10 and offered fundamentals in musicianship, marching techniques, and the vibrant traditions that define HBCU bands. The program culminated with a spirited student performance during the Citywide Juneteenth Celebration on June 14. “This was my first time in Alaska,” said Wright. “It’s a beautiful state and very breathtaking. The mountains, the North Pacific Ocean and the endless summer days are something to behold. Seeing daylight the entire time takes getting used, especially when the sun still is shining at midnight.” Wright joined a

HBCyoU Kidz Series Teaches Kids About HBCU Legacy

Brooke Hart Jones — a Hampton University alum and creator of the first-ever HBCU-themed doll line — is continuing her mission to uplift and educate through her latest venture, an animated children’s series titled “HBCyoU Kidz.” The new series, which debuted month, combines music, storytelling, and animation to introduce young viewers to the history and cultural impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).a “We have a YouTube channel that features animation with song and dance that fuses classic HBCU music with fun educational animation,” Jones explained. “Really, it’s just educational entertainment for kids.” The animated show centers on six

Morgan State Debuts at Venice Biennale with Drum Pavilion

By Nadia Addezio and Sylvie Bello Special to the AFRO Professor Coleman A. Jordan teaches architecture at Morgan State University. For over two years, he has worked closely with students and alumni from the Baltimore HBCU, as well as from Tuskegee and Clemson Universities, to realize “ReCall & Response,” a wooden pavilion whose form evokes African instruments, the djembe and the dundun—the latter often referred to as the “talking drum.” This striking work, blending architecture and sound, is now on view at the Marinaressa Gardens in the captivating lagoon city of Venice. “The drum has always been the heartbeat of

MOSS Hosts First HBCU Send-Off for Central Texas Students

The Making Our Society Stronger (MOSS) Foundation hosted its first HBCU Send-Off Celebration recently at the E-Center, 809 N. Gray St., in downtown Killeen. This inaugural event held June 8 honored local high school graduates who will be attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the fall. The celebration will featured networking opportunities, fun interactive activities, and engagement with HBCU alumni representatives. “We have so many talented youth leaving this area going to historic institutions, and they deserve our recognition and support,” said Scedric Moss, president and founder of The MOSS Foundation. “This is only the beginning.” This event

HBCU Green Fund Builds Eco Hub in Atlanta for Juneteenth

The HBCU Green Fund celebrated Juneteenth with a groundbreaking on an eco-friendly container hub for Atlanta’s English Avenue community. The HBCU hub along Joseph E. Boone Boulevard will provide healthy options for people living in the area. It will consist of a container used as a smoothie bar and a container used as a farmer’s market, with fresh, affordable produce. The goal is to also provide a space for sustainability, education and training. “The main thing is to be able to educate our community about what can make them sustainable, because sustainability of the grass is great, but what about

JSU Students Boost Safety for Seniors with Free Ring Cameras

Students at Jackson State University are stepping up to make a difference in the community that surrounds their HBCU. Through a special project, they are helping senior citizens feel safer in their homes. A Partnership with Purpose The initiative was led by JSU’s Office of Community Engagement in partnership with the Pecan Tree Park Neighborhood Association. Together, they installed 150 Ring video doorbells for residents in Jackson—completely free of charge. This effort was made possible by a $50,000 grant from the Home Depot Retool Your School Community Project. Supporting Senior Residents The free doorbells were installed for residents aged 65 and older who live

Juneteenth in Minneapolis Parks: Events, Art & Family Fun

By Cynthia Yi The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has kicked off a series of events and activities to honor Juneteenth, reflecting on African American history and culture, according to an announcement on their website. This week-long celebration has something for everyone, offering a rich tapestry of experiences from live performances and arts to competitive sports and culinary delights. On Saturday, June 14, from 12-6 pm, Bethune Park will come alive with the “Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom Day” event, as reported by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Featuring musical acts like Known MPLS and Ashley DuBose, among others, this day promises a

HBCU on the Lawn Celebrates Culture in Clayton County

The “HBCU on the Lawn” event, presented by Commissioner DeMont Davis and the Clayton County Parks and Recreation, is set to bring alumni, students, and families together to celebrate historically black colleges and universities in a community gathering filled with entertainment and camaraderie. Scheduled for Saturday, June 21, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., the free event will unfold at the Lake Spivey Recreation Center, located at 2300 Walt Stephens Rd., Jonesboro, GA 30236. According to the official Clayton County announcement, guests can expect to fully immerse themselves in the festivities set to feature music that promises to keep the atmosphere

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