1+ hour, 10+ min ago (124+ words) By Patricia McDougall The 3rd Annual HBCU Honors, presented by BET, brought an unforgettable celebration of culture, legacy and achievement to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts as the 2025 production taped in Washington, D.C." This year's ceremony paid tribute to three towering figures whose influence spans generations: Pastor Shirley Caesar (Lifetime Achievement Award), [] The post HBCU Honors celebrate Black excellence" appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers. The 3rd Annual HBCU Honors, presented by BET, brought an unforgettable celebration of culture, legacy and achievement to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts as the 2025 production taped in Washington, D.C." HBCU Honors premieres Sunday, November 30 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her....

3+ day, 3+ hour ago (410+ words) Amid rising censorship of school curricula nationwide, Black Education Station (BES) is ensuring young people have access to safe, culturally-relevant educational content. The streaming platform curates shows created by Black educators and experts that cover fundamental topics, like addition and subtraction; animals; colors; entrepreneurship; nutrition and African and Black history. Through its programming, BES strives to create a space where Black children can take pride in their identities and realize their potential." "Black Education Station is a streaming service dedicated to the education and the empowerment of young Black children ages 0 to 10," said Hotep Benzo, CEO of BES. "Imagine if "PBS KIDS" and Martin Luther King Jr. had a baby, that"s Black Education Station." Benzo said he was initially hesitant to take over as CEO. He worried about stepping into a leadership role at a time when public media…...

3+ day, 6+ hour ago (287+ words) By Louis J. King II "Uncertain" doesn't even begin to describe the times we're living through right now. There are shifting alliances and allegiances. Rules and regulations are here today but gone tomorrow'and then back a few days later. Tariffs implemented and then postponed and then reinstated'all in a matter of hours. Anyone could be forgiven for feeling a bit of whiplash these days. At times like these, we crave stability, consistency and a plan for the way forward. At Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America (OIC of America), a nonprofit founded by Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan 61 years ago, we are moving his established and future-proof formula forward: In more than 20 states around the country, our nearly 50 partners and affiliates take different approaches to this mission, but every strategy ultimately boils down to those three elements. By following our founder's model, we…...

4+ day, 14+ min ago (354+ words) By United Negro College Fund United Nergo College Fund (UNCF) hosted its third annual Baltimore Masked Ball on Nov. 1 at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, drawing over 200 guests and raising $200,000 to support scholarships for students attending Maryland's historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The evening celebration was attended by a diverse group of corporate leaders, local businesses and professional organizations. Civic leaders, entertainers, HBCU alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF also attended to support UNCF's mission of investing in better futures for HBCU students. The funds raised provide critical financial assistance to students pursuing higher education at HBCUs in Maryland, aligning with UNCF's mission to increase educational access and success for all students attending HBCUs. According to UNCF's 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report, HBCUs in Maryland produce $1.2 billion in total economic impact, more than 10,000 jobs and $10.5 billion in lifetime earnings…...

5+ day, 5+ hour ago (806+ words) In the heart of West Baltimore sits Coppin State University, with its hidden jewel of a theatre program tucked inside. The program has become an engine of creativity and community, teaching students about their craft and themselves by integrating them into the neighborhood surrounding the university. "We try to marry what we do to the needs of the community," said Dr. Garey Hyatt, who has worked at Coppin State University for 20 years and serves as the program coordinator for the visual and performing arts division in the Department of Humanities. Many of Coppin's productions touch on themes that directly impact Baltimore, including homelessness, organ donation, incarceration and police brutality. After each show, the university hosts "talkbacks" to help audiences discuss these topics and connect with resources." Their most recent production, "She a Gem," follows the story of a competitive young…...

5+ day, 8+ hour ago (195+ words) Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha hosted its Annual Fall Concert at the historic Baltimore Basilica, uniting more than 150 singers and musicians for a powerful celebration of sacred music and cultural heritage. The event honored the legacy of the late Dr. Kirk P. Gaddy Sr. and showcased the chapter's commitment to uplifting future leaders through its Beautillion Scholars Program. The post A legacy remembered; a future inspired: Delta Lambda's Annual Fall Concert at the Basilica appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers. This year's theme, "True to Our Native Land," honored the profound cultural and spiritual heritage embodied in the music and in those who serve our community with distinction. The concert featured extraordinary solo performances and choral works such as "Go Down Moses" and "We Shall Overcome," offering a deeply moving reflection on faith, resilience and hope. In keeping with…...

1+ week, 29+ min ago (311+ words) Bowie State University received notification of a $50 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott" on Nov. 14. The unrestricted grant represents the largest philanthropic gift in"Bowie State's history and doubles the size of a $25 million gift Scott granted to Bowie in 2020." "Her generosity arrives at a pivotal moment in our 160-year story," said Dr. Aminta Breaux, Bowie State University's president in a statement announcing the gift. "It empowers us to expand access, elevate our research and academic excellence, and uplift generations of students who will lead, serve and innovate." University administrators have stated the newest gift from MacKenzie Scott will build on the momentum leveraged from Scott's initial 2020 investment in Bowie State University." Brent Swinton, vice president for philanthropic engagement said that the first gift from MacKenzie Scott inspired other philanthropists" to take notice of this storied institution." University officials have…...

1+ week, 59+ min ago (367+ words) It's just a short walk across the street to our new building at 311 Compton Avenue, but it's been a very long journey getting here," said Cowan, who opened MEC in 2002. At that time, MEC had just four families on their roster. Doubling their space with4,800 square feet, the new facility housesfourclassrooms, a secured, safety-equipped playground and a capacity to care for 90 children. MEC is licensed to care for children from ages six weeks to 12 years old. Congressman Ivey congratulated the owners saying that he was glad to actually hear the Milestones success story. It's important to understand the vision that you had," he said to Cowan. You know they say without a vision, the people perish. And it's especially important right now because we have so many challenges going on." At a time when waiting lists are long and families in…...

1+ week, 1+ day ago (168+ words) By Special Press Release (Black PR Wire) The HBCU Oratorical Challenge, a national competition that showcases the voices of students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), is open for submissions. The deadline to register is Dec. 15, 2025. The HBCU Oratorical Challenge provides HBCU students with a platform to showcase their eloquence, intellect, passion and deep understanding of issues through four distinct categories: Contestants may deliver a polished speech, respond on the spot to a current event or social issue, compose spoken word poetry or participate in structured debate. View the Participant's Guidebook and Ambassador's Operating Manual for more information. The national finals will be held on April 18-19, 2026, in Atlanta, Ga. Scholarships and prizes will be awarded to national winners in each category. UNCF encourages students attending our member institutions to participate in this competition, hone their public speaking skills and…...

1+ week, 1+ day ago (474+ words) Howard University held their homecoming activities from October 19-26, 2025, with the HU Bison defeating the Morgan State Bears 33-27 in the football game, and the weekend filled with unity and pride. The post 2025 Homecoming Howard University appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers. Howard University (HU) held their homecoming activities Oct. 19-26, 2025, with the football game taking place on Oct. 25. The HU Bison and Morgan State Bears met on the field in a game that ended with the Bison taking the lead, 33-27. This year's homecoming theme, "One of One," was selected to showcase HU's uniqueness. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends enjoyed the activities, including the Yard Fest and a parade that featured the HU "Showtime" Marching Band, dancers and beauty queens. People lined Georgia Avenue to watch and wave as the parade participants rode by in fancy cars. The schools opened their doors…...