Author: Carma Henry

       Howard University alumnus Harold Wheeler, the Tony-winning Broadway orchestrator, composer, and longtime musical director of “Dancing With the Stars,” died June 24, 2026, at his home in Los Angeles following a lengthy illness. He was 82. His death was announced by longtime family friend and Broadway producer Lamar Richardson. Harold Wheeler’s Howard University roots shaped not only his career but his entire life. He met his future wife on that campus, alongside future legends who would go on to change American music forever.

       In a Democratic primary already packed with well-known names and seasoned elected officials, Kendrick Meek Jr. continues to build momentum with another major endorsement this time from former U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, one of Florida’s most respected Democratic leaders.

AFRO-AMERICAN – WASHINGTON — THE AFRO — “The white artists in the first generations of rock and roll would acknowledge where their music was coming from. They would talk about the fact that they were being influenced by Black American music,” said Maureen Mahon, professor of music at New York University (NYU). “But the people who were writing about it or retelling the story didn’t make that the focus. The emphasis was on the white artists.”

     Florida A&M men’s basketball has secured a historic recruit commitment.

     The nonprofit think tank Drake Group last week released a report in support of the SAFE Act. President Kassandra Ramsey outlined “four significant recommendations.” Resolve the athlete compensation, employee status and collective bargaining issue; replace the NCAA Board of Governors and the Power Four’s control of Division I sports with a new enforcement system; the House settlement should not be codified into federal law; and Congress should set program standards applicable to all college athletic programs.

– Broward Health was recognized by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Lauderhill for its Stay Healthy Together program and its commitment to expanding access to preventive and primary care throughout Broward County.

Logan Wells, a rising senior from Columbia, South Carolina, has been crowned Miss South Carolina’s Teen, becoming just the second African American woman to earn the title in the past 24 years. Her historic victory follows the groundbreaking achievement of Danielle Wilson, who was crowned in 2002 and remained the only African American titleholder until Wells’ recent win.

Please Stop This Insanity, Save Our Nation

       Education has always been the ultimate bridge to opportunity. Across South Florida’s vibrant Caribbean community, families share a commitment to hard work, determination, and building a stronger legacy for the next generation. At Broward College, we honor that drive by providing a high-quality education that opens doors for our students and prepares them to seamlessly enter the workforce.

       As I watch today’s political climate, I’m troubled by efforts that seem to divide rather than unite. Too often, rhetoric fuels hostility, deepens distrust, and pits neighbor against neighbor. At a time when leadership should calm fears and inspire confidence, many Americans instead question motives and priorities.