HBCUs Driving STEM Success for African-American Students
Written by Felecia M. Nave, Fred A. Bonner and Chance Lewis Numerous reports assert that the United States must increase its production of highly educated workers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in order to maintain its competitive edge in the global marketplace (Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering 2004; National Science Foundation (NSF) 2006a, b; Southern Education Foundation, 2005). Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have an established and commendable record graduating African-American students in STEM fields. They are best suited to assist the United States in meeting its STEM workforce needs. According to the Thurgood
Mississippi Black Voters Poised to Shape Governor Race
Written by Nick Corasaniti Just three years ago, Mississippi had an election law on its books from an 1890 constitutional convention that was designed to uphold “white supremacy” in the state. The law created a system for electing statewide officials that was similar to the Electoral College — and that drastically reduced the political power of Black voters. Voters overturned the Jim Crow-era law in 2020. This summer, a federal court threw out another law, also from 1890, that had permanently stripped voting rights from people convicted of a range of felonies. (The case is currently tied up on appeal, with
Bowie State’s Joshua Pryor Joins Washington Commanders
By Nyah Peebles The Washington Commanders have signed former Bowie State University defensive lineman, Joshua Pryor to its practice squad. The team signed him as a free agent following the draft and invited him to a minicamp but he was released at roster cutdowns before the season started. According to HBCU Gameday, Pryor played in 49 games during his four seasons and recorded 34 solo tackles (55 total) and 9.5 sacks in his debut season at Bowie State. “At the end of his illustrious career with the Bulldogs Pryor compiled 245 total stops, 77 tackles for loss, 32 sacks, three pass breakups, five
Black Voter Frustration Grows Ahead of 2024 Election
By Curtis Bunn R. John Thomas, of Cincinnati, said he did not participate in a new NBC News poll indicating 20% of Black voters would consider voting for Donald Trump if the presidential election were held today. But if he had been polled, Thomas said, he is not sure what his response would have been. This alarmed him. “It should be a no-brainer,” he said. “I’m not a Trump supporter — let’s make that clear,” he said. “But I was concerned about President Biden. What has he done for Black people, who were a big reason for him winning? You hear that noise
LA County Settles for $700K With Reporter Josie Huang
A radio reporter taken into custody while covering a demonstration the night two sheriff’s deputies were shot three years ago reached a $700,000 settlement on Tuesday with Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the payout to Josie Huang, a journalist for NPR affiliate LAist. “Journalists in Los Angeles County should be able to record police activity in public without fear of unlawful arrest,” Huang said in a statement after the supervisors’ vote. “My arrest was traumatic, but I hope that some good can still come of this experience.” Deputies slammed Huang to the ground Sept. 12, 2020, and
Sen. Tim Scott Ends 2024 GOP Presidential Campaign
By Jeongyoon Han Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., is ending his bid for the presidential nomination on the GOP ticket. He announced his move on the Fox News program, “Sunday Night in America,” surprising host Trey Gowdy, who was not expecting it. Scott announced his run in May and his candidacy centered on his Christian faith and experience as a Black man growing up with a single mom in the South. Scott’s candidacy also highlighted the lonesome position he took on more than a decade ago in GOP leadership: he is one of just three Black members of the Senate, and
Kamala Harris Files for Biden in Key SC 2024 Primary Bid
Vice President Kamala Harris flew to South Carolina on Friday to file paperwork putting President Joe Biden on the 2024 presidential ballot of the state, which will lead off the Democratic presidential primary thanks to a White House-led schedule overhaul meant to better empower Black voters. Harris was joined in the state capital by South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, one of the leading Black voices in Congress. Then-candidate Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign was floundering after big losses in Iowa and New Hampshire, but rebounded with a decisive South Carolina win that was solidified by Clyburn’s late endorsement. That 2020 boost gave Biden enough momentum to romp through Super Tuesday, clinch his party’s
Stacey Abrams Defends VP Harris Against Racist, Sexist Attacks
By Savannah Kutcher Stacey Abrams, the voting rights activist and two-time Democratic nominee for governor in Georgia, denounced some criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris, saying in an interview Sunday that although politicians should expect questions, Harris has received a racist and sexist share of the scrutiny. “We will always question the person behind the person,” Abrams told MSNBC’s Jen Psaki, emphasizing that not all criticism of Harris is fueled by discrimination. “But we cannot ignore that misogyny and racism remain very prevalent in our politics.” Harris has faced approval ratings below 50% since taking office alongside President Joe Biden nearly three years ago. In a CBS News
VSU Demands Apology After Racist Abuse at Soccer Match
Written By Virginia State University Virginia State University has requested an apology and an investigation after the VSU women’s soccer team experienced racial slurs and inappropriate sounds during a match against Guilford College on September 26. During the game, the opposing team’s fans reportedly yelled the N-word and made monkey noises aimed at our student-athletes. While there have been direct apologies to our administration, VSU says that our student-athletes also deserve a personal apology. The President of Guilford College, Dr. Kyle Farmbry, has apologized to VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. In a website statement, Dr. Farmbry said they have discussed
TSU Alumna Aris Singleton Leads Natural Haircare Empire
Courtesy of Texas Southern University Aris Singleton graduated from Texas Southern University in 2017. Six years later, she is the youngest CEO of a textured hair care brand. In September, she graced the cover of the Collector’s Issue of JET Magazine. “I am filled with so much pride and great joy,” Singleton said. “I am a Black woman, 30 years old and running a multi-million-dollar business. When people ask me ‘what school did you graduate from?’ I proudly tell them Texas Southern University.” JET showcased her professional and personal journey of success that started at TSU and has taken her