College Board Revamps Controversial 2024 AP Black History Course

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On Wednesday, College Board announced their revised framework for the AP African American Studies course set to launch in 2024. The course was updated amid intense public controversy in February 2023, when the course was initially announced.

The testing company received widespread backlash for engaging with conservatives, like Gov. Ron DeSantis regarding criticism of the course. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis blocked the course in Florida earlier this year, citing the course “pushing a political agenda.”

“In the state of Florida, our education standards not only don’t prevent, but they require teaching Black history, all the important things. We want education and not indoctrination.”

In response, College Board extended an invitation to experienced AP professionals and subject-matter experts to revisit the course.

“This course is a vibrant introduction to a dynamic field that offers a broader perspective. It invites students to develop analytical skills while examining African Americans’ wide-ranging experiences, contributions, and creativity, and the impact of the broader African diaspora on the world we live in,” said Dr. Brandi Waters, Senior Director for College Board AP Studies Program.

According to a 2022 report from The Pew Research Center, nearly nine-in-ten African Americans say they’re “less likely to be informed about Black history” from school or college. Many Black Americans cite “family and friends” as their primary source of knowledge.

This notable reality speaks to the growing concern of how well informed America in general should be regarding Black history.

The revamped course framework will represent more than 3 years of diligent development by nearly 300 African American scholars, teachers, and experts in the Advanced Placement program.

The revisions to the course framework will expand to include discourse on topics such as:

  • Tulsa Race Massacre
  • Housing discriminatory practices
  • Feminism and Intersectionality
  • African American impact on film, culture, and sports

The AP course will be available to all schools in the U.S. starting next year in 2024.

To learn more on the course framework, please visit The College Board Newsroom.

Benedict’s Chennis Berry Named New Head Football Coach For South Carolina State University

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Chennis Berry, who led Benedict to back-to-back 11-1 seasons, has reached an agreement with SCSU as their new head football coach.

SCSU President, Alexander Conyers announced Thursday during a board meeting that Berry would lead the Bulldogs football program. Berry is succeeding longtime coach Buddy Pough, who announced his departure ahead of the season.

Berry has held the head coaching position at Benedict since 2020. He was previously the associate head coach at Southern University, and also held offensive coordinator positions at Morgan State, North Carolina A&T, and Howard. 

Clark Artis, President of Benedict College congratulated her former head football coach on his new position in a Facebook post.

“It is with a mixture of sadness and pride, that I congratulate Chennis Berry on his decision to become the Head Coach of our D1 Sister-HBCU, SCSU,” Artis said.

“Chennis Berry built a winning football program at Benedict College. He made history and broke records on and off the field. I am proud of what was accomplished during his tenure. And I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his impact on the young men he coached, the staff he mentored, and the institution he served with pride and integrity.”

“While I HATE to see him go, I celebrate with, and for, him and his beautiful wife. They will remain valued friends and I wish them all the BEST. Chennis Berry will always be #TheBESTofBC!”

The announcement comes a day after Berry was announced as the consecutive recipient of the Region 2 Coach of the Year Award.

Ahead of the announcement, news broke that Berry had been offered the head coaching job at South Carolina State University. According to a report from Steven Gaither at HBCU Gameday, Berry had been sent an offer from SCSU last week.

Berry has yet to release any comments or statements at this time.

Shaw University’s Inaugural HBCU Triumph Gala Generates Record Scholarship Fundraising Achievement

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Shaw University held their Inaugural HBCU Triumph Gala last Friday on December 1, supported by community leaders and alumni. The sold-out inaugural gala generated over $600,000 in scholarships for SU students. 

“The funds raised during the gala will help provide scholarships for Shaw University students. The contributions were generous and given by those who understand the necessity of the continued existence of HBCUs,” said Dr. Paulette Dillard, Shaw University President and CEO.

The inaugural HBCU themed gala was the first of its kind from Shaw University and marked the signature event of the December 1st Triumph Project. The December 1 gala date was also in salute to the 158th anniversary founding of SU.

Additionally, the event was accompanied by events such as, the kickoff of the James A. Forbes, Sr. Lecture Series and an exhibition featuring commissioned portrayals of Estey Hall, the iconic Shaw University first built in the country to house Black female college students.

The Shaw University-led gala honored Congresswoman Alma Adams, the A.J. Fletcher Foundation and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) for supporting HBCUs over the years.

“I was thrilled to attend Shaw University’s historic Triumph Gala and to accept a special award on behalf of UNCF. Congratulations to President Dillard and the entire Shaw University community for orchestrating an awesome event,” UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax said.

Congresswoman Adams thanked the gala for her honor and the future of SU under President Dillard’s leadership.

“Shaw University, the mother of African-American colleges in North Carolina, has a long and proud history. Under the great leadership of President Paulette Dillard, its best days are still ahead of it. With Shaw will rise the hopes and dreams of every young boy and girl in North Carolina seeking a better future,” Adams said.

The A.J. Fletcher Foundation also expressed their gratitude to the gala and the university.

“The A.J. Fletcher Foundation has been a stalwart supporter of Shaw University, and we’re humbled to receive the HBCU Triumph Legacy Award. Moreover, we’re excited about the future Shaw University’s past has poised us to undertake together,” A.J. Fletcher Foundation Executive Director and Vice President Damon Circosta said.

Shaw University is the first HBCU in North Carolina and among the oldest in the country.  

JSU Student-Athletes Leads Again With Highest HBCU Graduation Success Rate

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Student-Athletes at Jackson State continue to graduate at record rates, according to the NCAA 22-23 GSR report released Wednesday. The report data provides that the JSU Tigers’ overall GSR was 89 percent, the highest among all Division I HBCU’s in the country. JSU Tigers also ranked the third highest GSR in the state of Mississippi.

“Our student-athletes continue to make impressive achievements in the classroom,” said Ashley Robinson, VP and Director of Athletics. “Our student-athletes continue to show an incredible commitment to academic success while also excelling in their different sports. We are proud of the work that our academic team is doing to aid our student-athletes in graduating and setting them on a course for long-term success.”

The record increased the overall Division I GSR to 91%, from 74% last year, —marking the highest rate to date. Specifically, African American student-athletes excelled in academics with a record 82% GSR compared to 56% in 2022.

“These record graduation rates illustrate the tremendous academic accomplishments of NCAA student-athletes and further emphasize the importance of the national office working with members to create outstanding educational experiences and opportunities for these remarkable young men and women,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement.

JSU Department of Athletics will honor 20 student-athletes earning their degrees this Friday with an Athlete stole ceremony taking place today, December 7th at 4 p.m.

President Biden Forgives $5 Billion More In Student Loans For Over 80,000 Borrowers

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President Biden announced Wednesday that his administration approved $4.8 billion in student loan debt relief for more than 80K borrowers.

“Before President Biden took office, it was virtually impossible for eligible borrowers to access the student debt relief they rightfully earned,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “This level of debt relief is unparalleled and we have no intention of slowing down.”

The debt cancellation was approved under changes to the DOE’s income-repayment plans and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which considers loans repaid after a particular amount of time.

The latest announcement comes nearly fives months after Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan took a heavy strike from the Supreme Court this past June. The SCOTUS decision denied about 40 million borrowers who accounted for nearly a half a trillion of student loan debt.

“I believe that the court’s decision to strike down our student debt relief plan is wrong. But I will stop at nothing to find other ways to deliver relief to hard-working middle-class families. My administration will continue to work to bring the promise of higher education to every American. The fight is not over.” – Statement from President Biden on June 30th.

Federal loan payments resumed this fall after being paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though Biden’s campaign promise to forgive student loan debt was upended by the Supreme Court, the administration has made smaller, but significant strides in providing relief to millions of borrowers.

The DOE plans to meet next week to discuss the final round of policy negotiations regarding borrowers with “hardships”, such as bankruptcy or chronic illnesses eligible for special relief.

Benedict College’s, Chennis Berry Wins Consecutive Region 2 Coach Of The Year

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Chennis Berry, Benedict College‘s Head Football Coach scores another Region 2 Coach award for the second year in a row as announced by the Football Coaches Association today.

“Benedict College Head football Coach Chennis Berry has once again been named as the SIAC Coach of the Year. Berry led the Tigers to an undefeated regular season and a second straight appearance in the SIAC Championship game, while the team is ranked No. 5 in the American Football Coaches Association D2 poll. This is the Tigers second undefeated year with Coach Berry at the helm.” – Statement from Benedict College

The AFCA nationally recognizes five regional Coach winners annually in each of the Association’s five divisions: Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III, and NAIA. These winners are selected by Active members of the Association in their respective regions and divisions.

Berry is recognized for leading the Tigers to their second consecutive undefeated regular season, the SIAC Championship, NCAA playoff berth, and No. 1 seeding in Super Region 2.

The announcement comes shortly after news recently broke that Berry had been offered a head coaching job at South Carolina State University. According to a report from Steven Gaither at HBCU Gameday, Berry was sent an offer from SCSU last week.

Berry who is widely known as a hot commodity in the HBCU Community has yet to respond to the report.

The AFCA winners will be honored on Tuesday, January 9th, during the 2024 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

Beyoncé’s Latest Single ‘My House’ Is Giving All The HBCU Vibes 

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Queen Bey surprisingly releases a new single in time for her highly anticipated concert film, Renaissance.

Beyoncé stopped the world…again this past Thursday after dropping her new single “My House”, during the release of Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé. 

The track, which marks Beyoncé’s first solo release since Renaissance in July 2022, begins with a chant: 

“Ooh, who they came to see? Me

Who rep like me? Don’t make me get up out my seat

Uh, oh

Who let my goons out that house? Uh, huh, who?

Who let my goons out that house? Uh, uh, who?

Oh, oh”

Queen Bey is then heard going into full rap mode driven by dynamic horns and an infectious trap beat. 

“It fits right in with the dance/house tracks she delivered on her hit album Renaissance.” — Stephanie Holland from The Root

Shortly after, fans noticed that the single was reminiscent of the HBCU tribute energy of Beyoncé’s 2019 Homecoming performance at Coachella in 2018. 

Beyoncé has been candid in recent years regarding the cultural influence and impact of HBCU’s in her life. In her 2019 concert film, Homecoming, she shares how she took inspiration from HBCU’s like Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University.

“I always dreamed of going to an HBCU. My college was Destiny’s Child. My college was traveling around the world, and life was my teacher. When I decided to do Coachella…it was more important that I brought our culture to Coachella.”

“I wanted all of these different characters, and I wanted it to feel the way I felt when I went to battle of the bands.” she explained. So I studied my history, I studied my past, and I put every mistake, all of my triumphs, and my 22-year career into my two-hour Homecoming performance.”

What do you think of Beyoncé’s latest single? Is it giving HBCU vibes? 

‘My House’ is now available on YouTube, Tidal, and Apple Music. 

Top HBCU Homecomings 2023

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Chime in on this year’s long awaited HBCU homecoming season poll!

‘Twas the most wonderful time of the HBCU year! This homecoming season students and alumni nationwide united to celebrate their pride and adoration for their esteemed alma maters; — proving that there is no place quite like their HBCU home.

This homecoming season even called on celebrity alumni to express their appreciation for HBCUs and their vital impact. 

“An HBCU took a chance on me. [An] HBCU gave me the opportunity and so that’s something that’s something very near and dear to my heart. The experience I had was an incredible one.” Actor and reporter Terrence J said of his time at North Carolina A&T State University. 

Though the homecoming season has come to an end, we’re all still reeling and reflecting on the many celebrations and traditions that continue to uplift and deliver on the promise of Black educational excellence. 

It’s always the annual celebrations of Black pride and joy for us!

With so many moments to choose from, we want to know which HBCU do you think took the homecoming crown this year?

MTM Foundation To Bring 800 Students to HBCU College Fair at Morgan State University

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MTM Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing interactive college readiness initiatives to underserved youth and communities will be hosting an HBCU College Fair at Morgan State University this Saturday, December 2nd, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will be held inside the Student Center Ballroom and will feature a college tour of the university, where students will have the opportunity to enjoy step competitions, a Battle of the Bands program, and a financial literacy seminar. High school seniors are encouraged to bring their transcripts as many college recruiters can offer on-the-spot admissions.

“The logistics of doing such a tour are very challenging yet rewarding. “One reward is seeing how the tour gives the students a glimpse of what it is like to be a first-time college student.” – James Henderson, Executive Director of MTM Foundation

Mr. Henderson, a Morgan State University alumni, says he founded MTM Foundation after taking his son on college visits. Realizing there was a great need to provide these services in the Baltimore community, he invited his fraternity brothers from the Beta Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to join him in his quest.

 “We have a large group of kids from diverse backgrounds that don’t know each other, similar to what they will encounter when they go to college, and they’re given the opportunity to build relationships and learn how to navigate in a new setting.”

He has built MTM Foundation from an organization that took 17 Baltimore students on its first HBCU tour in the year 2015 to a thriving organization that impacts 1,700 students each year. The organization now accepts students from across the country and guides them through visits to 13 HBCUs and 7 Ivy League schools across the country.

Currently, the organization offers free SAT prep courses, a financial literacy program called The CEO Club, virtual business training, a college readiness day, scholarship boot camps, FAFSA workshops, and of course the College Fair.

“From the beginning, MTM Foundation has done our best to spotlight our HBCUs, especially Morgan State University. We have seen increases in the numbers of students that have participated in all of our programs, and our foundation has played an integral role in ensuring that HBCUs like Morgan State University, get spotlighted.”

To learn more about the College Fair and the MTM Foundation, please visit: https://www.mtmcollegetours.org/

NFL to Host 4th Annual Madden NFL X HBCU Tournament

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The NFL is set to host the fourth annual Madden NFL x HBCU Tournament taking place at the NFL Pro Bowl Games in Orlando on February 4, 2024.

The event is designed for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are passionate about gaming and football. 

The program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students attending an HBCU.

Students will have three paths to qualify for the HBCU Championship during the NFL Pro Bowl Games: open qualifiers, women’s qualifiers, and HBCU video applications. 

The top eight players selected from the qualifiers and video applications will be able to explore the business side of sports through practical learning and job shadowing NFL executives. They will tour Camping World Stadium, interact with NFL players, and receive a media pass for field access to the game. There will also be chances to win cash and prizes throughout the tournament.

The qualifiers will be held from October through December, and students can compete in Madden NFL 24 on PC, Xbox Series X or S, or PlayStation 5 systems. The top three players from both the open and women’s qualifiers will advance to the HBCU Championship. ​

HBCU students can also participate by submitting a video application explaining why they should attend the HBCU Championship. Submissions are now open until December 1, with the top two winners selected based on NFL criteria. ​

For more information about the Madden NFL 24 x HBCU Tournament, visit https://hbcutournament.nfl.com/

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Howard University Makes History With First HBCU Skating Team

Howard University is making history as the first HBCU in history to have an intercollegiate figure skating team.

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Howard University is making history as the first HBCU in history to have an intercollegiate figure skating team.

The team was founded by two Howard University students who have been skating since childhood, Maya James and Cheyenne Walker.

According to U.S. Figure Skating, the process to get the club registered through their university and U.S. Figure Skating took a full semester, but by the summer of 2023, the Howard University Figure Skating Team was official, becoming the first intercollegiate figure skating team in history at an HBCU.

Diversity Ice founder Joel Savary (right) takes a selfie with the Howard University Figure Skating Club during their first official practice. (Credit: U.S. Figure Skating)

James, a junior studying psychology, and Walker, a senior studying political science and Afro-American studies both grew up skating and longed to get back on the ice, U.S. Figure Skating reports.

“I just missed the sport honestly,” James said. “I didn’t really skate that much during the pandemic; I stopped skating for like two years. As I was coming to college, I also saw a lot of the U.S. collegiate Instagram pages and how they went to competitions and how the competitions look so fun and welcoming.”

During their winter break in 2022, James read an article about Walker and reached out to her through Instagram to ask if she would be interested in working together to officially form a figure skating club. From there, Walker developed the team’s constitution, and they collaborated on the schedule and budget.

“When Maya reached out to me, I was so excited because I was speaking to other girls from Figure Skating in Harlem who go to Howard and we would always speak about how we wish there was skating, but we didn’t know how to go about it,” Walker said. “So, when Maya was like, ‘Yeah, I want to start this,’ I was on board for sure because it’s definitely something that I wanted to see on our campus community.”

With James serving as president and Walker serving as vice president, the club began recruiting student skaters, some experienced in the sport and others wanting to give the sport a try for the first time. After months of recruitment and planning, the team held its first practice on Oct. 7.

Ariel Clarke, a member of the history-making Howard Figure Skating Team said that the team is aware of the impact they are making in the HBCU community.

“Being the first of anything is a really big responsibility because you’re trying to set the precedent for everyone else,” Clarke said. “[Another member of the team, Gabrielle Francis], thought she was the only skater at Howard University and so did I, but the whole time we were in the same space with each other, and we didn’t even know. So, if there is another HBCU that feels like they should create a figure skating team or is inspired by our story, I think that would bring a lot of the current skaters on those campuses together to create a powerhouse of HBCU skaters.”

The team is set to compete for the first time in February 2024 at the University of Delaware.

Walmart Empowers HBCU Students With New Black & Unlimited HBCU Tour

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This fall, Walmart is working to empower young Black students with the Walmart Black & Unlimited HBCU Tour. 

This can’t-miss tour is the latest in Walmart’s outreach efforts to support Black communities. 

From Oct. 10-21, Walmart visited four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The goal of the tour was to give students more access and tools to write their own legacies while spotlighting their schools using their special interests. 

Walmart recognizes the importance and impact of all HBCUs and selected the following institutions for the tour: Central State University (Oct.10), Virginia State University (Oct. 12), North Carolina Central University (Oct. 18), and Mississippi Valley State University (Oct. 21).

Each HBCU was visited by a mobile creator studio where student entrepreneurs were able to demonstrate their craft, learn how to turn their passion into profit, and more. 

The tour highlighted the creativity of side hustles, including beauty, photography, videography, design, and artisanship.

To learn more about Walmart’s Black and Unlimited platform, please visit Walmart.com/BlackandUnlimited.

JSU Kicker Leilani Armenta Becomes First Woman to Score in HBCU Football Game

After becoming the first woman to ever play in a D1 HBCU football game last month, Jackson State University kicker Leilana Armenta is making history again as the first woman in HBCU football history to score points in a competitive game.

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After becoming the first woman to ever play in a D1 HBCU football game last month, Jackson State University kicker Leilana Armenta is making history again as the first woman in HBCU football history to score points in a competitive game.

On Saturday, Armenta kicked three extra points in the Tigers’ 40-14 victory over Arkanasas-Pine Bluff. 

Armenta, who also plays soccer player at Jackson State, made history in the second quarter, “capping a touchdown drive that included a 25-yard Jacobian Morgan scoring pass to DJ Stevens with 5:35 remaining before halftime,” ESPN reports. 

“We did not know it was going to happen, and we are super excited. We all started yelling because we had no idea,” Brandy Armenta, Leilani’s mother, told The Clarion-Ledger. “My daughter had no idea she would be kicking in the game today. We are beyond ecstatic.”

Award-Winning Journalist and Howard Alumna Sidnee Michelle Launches New Show with Black Enterprise

Howard Alumna and Senior Digital Editor at Black Enterprise, Sidnee Michelle is launching her new interview talk show series with Black Enterprise, titled  “Lights, Camera, Business with Sidnee Michelle.” 

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Howard University alumna Sidnee Michelle has had an impressive career in media — from being the first Black woman to report on camera for Forbes Magazine, to serving as the lead anchor for Complex’s finance, culture, and business channel, to being the Deputy Editor for Travel Noire, the largest Black travel outlet in the world.

Now as the Senior Digital Editor at Black Enterprise, she is launching her new interview talk show series with Black Enterprise, titled  “Lights, Camera, Business with Sidnee Michelle.” 

“As the senior digital editor at Black Enterprise and host of my new show “Lights, Camera, Business” I sit down with today’s biggest figures to talk about the intersection of business and entertainment. I also edit, write, and manage a team of writers, making sure our online content is up to par,” Michelle said of her duties at Black Enterprise. 

“Lights, Camera, Business with Sidnee Michelle” is set to premiere on Wednesday, November 1 on all Black Enterprise socials with Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Rico Love as the first guest. 

As a celebrity journalist, Michelle has had the opportunity to interview some of today’s most noted figures in entertainment, sports, and politics including Eddie Murphy, Salma Hayek, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tracy Ellis Ross, Samuel L. Jackson, Michelle Obama, Cardi B, Oprah Winfrey and more.

Michelle said her career blossomed at her alma mater, Howard University where she reported for many of the media outlets and newspapers on campus.  

“Attending my HBCU really brought me out of my shell,” Michelle said about her experience at Howard. “When I got on campus the amount of confidence and encouragement that I received from my Howard community really allowed me to blossom not only immediate, but personally.”

The Los Angeles-based journalist continues her passion for mentorship and giving back, as one of the youngest Howard University’s Entertainment Group’s Industry Mentors, an initiative backed and funded by Amazon Studios as well as serving as a speaker, moderator, and mentor for many events surrounding Black lifestyle, business and culture. 

As for what’s next for Michelle, she plans to continue building her media empire, traveling the world, and storytelling with amazing people.

What’s Happening in Israel and Gaza?

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On October 7, the Palestinian militant group Hamas from the Gaza Strip launched a surprise attack in Israel, killing more than 1,400 people, including civilians and soldiers, and took more than 200 hostages. 

According to USA Today, as Hamas infiltrated the country by land, air, and sea, the nation’s Iron Dome missile defense system failed to deflect some of the rocket attacks.

In response, Israel declared war and launched a military attack on Gaza, bombarding the Gaza Strip with air strikes.

Israeli airstrikes have already devastated many civilian areas, and the death toll in Gaza is growing amid a spiraling humanitarian crisis

Israel also imposed a “total” blockade on Gaza — blocking access to fuel, water, electricity, food, medical supplies, and other goods.

PBS reports that the Israel-Hamas war has become the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. As of day 20 of the war, more than 7,000 Palestinians have been killed so far — which is more than three times the number killed in the six-week-long Gaza war in 2014, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly in the initial attack.

To understand the Israel-Hamas war, it’s important to know the long-standing history and relationship between Israel and Palestine. 

1967: Six-Day War

In 1967, during what is known as the Six-Day War, Israel conquered Gaza, the West Bank, the Sinai Peninsula, parts of East Jerusalem, and the Golan Height

The Six-Day War began a decades-long Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory and the  Palestinians living there.

Beginning in 1970, Israel established settlements and military installations in the occupied Palestinian territories West Bank and Gaza. Palestinians were also treated as a cheap source of largely manual labour inside Israel. 

1987–1993: The First Intifada

In 1987, Palestinians responded to the treatment of the Israelis by staging an intifada, or an uprising against Israeli oppression. The Palestinians engaged in a series of demonstrations and nonviolent actions like mass boycotts, civil disobedience, Palestinians refusing to work jobs in Israel, and attacks (using rocks, Molotov cocktails, and occasionally firearms) on Israelis, according to PBS. The protesters were met with violence from Israeli security forces

The First Intifada went on until 1993 when Israeli and Palestinian leaders began negotiating a peaceful end to the conflict. This eventually led to the signing of the Oslo Accords, which allowed Palestinians to self-govern in the West Bank and Gaza.  Israel agreed to withdraw its security forces from those areas and in exchange the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which was declared a representative of the Palestinian people as a result of the Accords,  recognized Israel’s “right to exist in peace,” according to the United States Department of State.

2000 – 2003: The Second Intifada

In 2000, there was a  Second Intifada that resulted in the deaths of more than 3,000 Palestinians and 1,000 Israelis. Israel disengaged from the Gaza Strip and withdrew its settlements and military forces from the region in 2005, but the territory has still remained effectively under Israeli occupation.  Israel ceded control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, and vacated four Israeli settlements in the West Bank. 

2006: The Hamas takeover of Gaza

The following year, in 2006, Palestinian militant group Hamas won an election to control the Gaza Strip. “Amid a violent split with the Fatah-run Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank, the Islamist movement assumed control of the territory the next year,” the news source Vox recounted. 

2007 – Now: Israel Imposes Blockade

Hamas led an armed takeover of Gaza in 2007, prompting Israel to impose a blockade on Gaza which the Palestinians have lived under for the last 16 years. 

The blockade greatly restricts the people of Gaza, so much so that human rights groups have called the territory an “open-air prison.” 

According to the United Nations, 81% of the population in Gaza lives in poverty with food insecurity plaguing 63% of Gaza citizens. The unemployment rate is 46.6%, and access to clean water and electricity remains inaccessible at “crisis” levels, the agency said. 

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) states that “blockade is enforced through violence. Israeli military incursions into Gaza occur weekly, Israeli forces fire into Gaza daily, and bombings of Gaza occur regularly.”

Throughout the years, Hamas and Israel have continued to engage in combat. The UN reports that roughly 6,400 Palestinians and 300 Israelis have been killed in the ongoing violence since 2008, not counting the recent fatalities.

Israel and Hamas are now involved in their worst outbreak of violence in decades with the death toll continuing to rise on both sides. 

The Israel-Hamas war has brought renewed attention to the region’s conflict resulting in nationwide protests.

HBCU Alumni File Lawsuit Over Underfunding of Georgia’s Three Public HBCUs

Three HBCU alumni have filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Georgia Board of Regents for allegedly failing to equally fund the state’s public historically Black universities.

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On Tuesday, three HBCU alumni filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Georgia Board of Regents for allegedly failing to equally fund the state’s public historically Black universities.

The lawsuit cites “unequal treatment” at Albany State University, Fort Valley State University, and Savannah State University, according to The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

According to Blavity, the lawsuit alleges that the Georgia Board of Regents took resources away from HBCUs and directed them toward predominately white institutions. It also says that Georgia’s three public HBCUs rely on state funding more than other institutions and that there are currently no alumni serving on the board.

“There should not be two systems of education in Georgia,” said Carlos Moore, one of the attorneys on the case.

According to State Representative Sandra Scott, Fort Valley State would have received an “additional $603 million over the last 30 years if funded at the same level as the University of Georgia.”

Recent Fort Valley State graduate Matrice Herring is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. She said that she hopes the lawsuit will help students planning to attend the Georgia HBCUs.

“It means a lot. It could help them, help them financially, help them go to a better, beautiful school than it is now, help them grow as a person, help them get a better experience in college,” said Herrington. “Sometimes you have to speak up for what you want.”

Herring said her experience at Fort Valley State was affected due to the lack of funding in that more housing was needed, the buildings were old and the elevators frequently broke during her time as a student.

According to NBC affiliate, WXIA-TV, the suit cites several legal precedents like Brown vs. Board of Education. 

“Separate but equal is not constitutional in the field of education. We’re also suing under the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin,” said John Moore, one of the attorneys on the case.

Dr. James Beverley, the minority leader of the Georgia General Assembly is calling on state officials to make things right with the underfunding of the three Georgia HBCUs.

“To Gov. Kemp, to the Chancellor of the Board of Regents, ‘Have you… ever held back resources from those who need it most?'” asked Dr. Beverly.